2nd March 2016 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,448

WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2016

OBJ, Yar'Adua, Jonathan, Buhari's govts must account for recovered loot —Court —P6

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Absence of parents stalls Ese's handover

•Bayelsa gov pledges rehabilitation —P5

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N150

No legal impediment to Olubadan coronation —Olubadan-in-Council •Ajimobi installs Adetunji as 41st Olubadan Friday —P14

Ambode, CP lead search for 3 abducted female students •How gunmen invaded boarding school Monday night •Parents besiege school •Bishops hold marathon prayer

—P8

Dangote now 51st world richest, Adenuga 103rd —P10

Again, Falae escapes death as policeman fires at his car —P4

3 1. Policemen, parents and concerned individuals on the premises of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Tuesday. 2. The hole which the abductors made in the fence before gaining entrance into the school hostel. 3. Entrance to the school.

Uzoka succeeds Oduoza as UBA GMD —P10

Campaign promises: Buhari, APC duped Nigerians —Fayose —P42

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

4 news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Soldiers clear remnants of Boko Haram in North East Chris Agbambu -Abuja

Professor Olu Akinkugbe presenting a copy of agenda for health to President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday. With them is the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole.

Again, Falae escapes death as policeman fires gunshot at his car Oluwole Ige -Osogbo

ORMER Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a leader of Afenifere, Chief Olu Falae, on Tuesday, escaped death by whiskers when a policeman allegedly fired a gunshot at his car on AkureIlesa Expressway. Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that Falae was on his way to Ile-Ife, where he wanted to join other leaders of Afenifere on a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, when the incident occurred. Narrating the incident to journalists in Ile-Ife, before the Afenifere’s meeting with Oba Ogunwusi on Tuesday, he said his car was shot at, at Ile-Oluji junction. While expressing shock over the shooting of his car by the police, Falae said “I was initially kidnapped, now they want to kill me. “I was coming from Akure, approaching Ilesa. I saw some vehicles ahead of me. There was a bullion van in front. The vehicles ahead us were overtaking the bullion van and we too followed. “I nearly passed them when I heard a shot and I heard a bang on my car. We stopped and we saw that they had fired at our car. “They didn’t stop. We

stopped at Erin-Ijesa and complained to the police at the checkpoint that we were fired at by some policemen following a bullion van at Ile-Oluji juction. “I am entertaining fear over continuous attack on me. I don’t know why I was kidnapped recently, why I was arrested in 1997 and locked up for two years.” It will be recalled that Falae was recently kidnapped

by Fulani herdsmen on his farm in Akure before he was rescued by security agents. Speaking on the development, personal assistant to Chief Falae, Captain Moshood Raji, said “it’s true. They shot at the car as we pass them between Ikeji Arakeji and Ipetu in Osun State as others did. There were three vehicles, first is the Hilux van inside which were the policemen, the

bullion van and the pilot vehicle. Chief Falae’s Jeep drove pass the pilot and immediately, one of the policemen fired shot at the Jeep. Nobody was injured, Chief Falae and everybody is fine.” When contacted, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Folashade Odoro, said the command had not received any report from Chief Falae over the incident.

A new political party, named Peoples Mega Party (PMP), has been formed. Members of the new party’s National Executive Council met in Abuja, on Tuesday, for its meeting and national retreat, with the national coordinator, Chief

Local production of essential drugs our goal —Buhari Leon Usigbe -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assured pharmaceutical companies in the country of government support, to enable them to produce essential drugs locally, instead of relying on wholesale importation. He gave the assurance at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a team, led by Professor Olu Akinkugbe and constituted by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presi-

Nigeria uses 80% of revenues to service debts —IDB Total debts stand at $60bn —Senator Sani Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja THE Islamic Development Bank (IDB), on Tuesday, said Nigeria ranked among the countries using the largest percentage of its revenue to service foreign debts. Country Representative of the IDB in Nigeria, Mumammed Kiliaki, who stated this during an interaction with the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, headed by Senator Shehu Sani, said the development was responsible for the attendant bleeding of the economy. Also on Tuesday, Senator Sani said Nigeria’s total debts stood at $60 billion. The debts are owed by the federal and state governments.

The IDB Resident Representative said though Nigeria’s debts to GDP ratio is low at 17 per cent, the resources being used to pay the debts were enormous. He stated that for Nigeria not to get itself suffocated by such huge debt servicing profile, there was the urgent need for the country to expand the scope of its resources through diversification of the economy. “My visit is very crucial because we need to look at the debt profile of a country before we give it new contractual sort of financing. “We also work closely with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to ensure that our financing has the required threshold of grant financing, which is nor-

mally 35 per cent but, at the same time, there were financing that is not a burden to a country to the extent that the debt may not be sustainable. “When you look at the debt/ GDP ratio of Nigeria, it is very low. It is 17 per cent compared to Italy and other countries which is about 150 per cent, while that of the United States is about 100 per cent. “But there is a caveat, it is true that debt to GDP ratio is low, but when you look at the amount, the revenue to debt servicing ratio, the amount of money that the government is collecting, the revenue of the government vis a vis the ratio to the total debt, I think Nigeria pays about 75 to 80 per cent of its revenue to service debt. This is very, very high compared to other

Aggrieved PDP members form new political party Leon Usigbe -Abuja

THE Nigerian Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF), on Tuesday, cleared the remnants of recalcitrant members of Boko Haram terrorists in the various nooks and crannies in the north-eastern part of the country. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, disclosed this in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja. According to him, “in continuation of the clearance of the remnants of recalcitrant members of

Perry Okpara, telling participants that the new political platform would provide a focused and patriotic body devoid of negative traits of impunity and confusion. The party is thought to be the brainchild of disgruntled members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Okpara, “the majority in the party are former members of the PDP who are disenchanted by the high level of corruption, impunity and highhandedness in the party. “They have decided to form something new and they are of the opinion that they should hand over the

party to younger elements, who are less corrupt and who can be able to fight for the interest of the people.” Okpara did not give the names of politicians behind the party formation, but stressed that its membership were drawn from across existing political parties in the country.

Boko Haram terrorists in the various nooks and crannies of the North-East, the Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF) carried out successful clearance of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in Gudumbali general area.” He then appreciated the spirited efforts of good Nigerians for their steadfastness in ensuring that the terrorists were wiped out completely in the zone, urging them to continue in that manner to ensure that peace reign supreme, not only in the northern part, but in the entire nation.

countries where they use just 10 per cent,” he said. He also clarified that the recent visit of the 19 northern state governors to the head office of the Bank in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for rehabilitation assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in north-eastern states had no financing envelope agreement yet, being a sensitisation move. According to him, even if the governors had approached the bank for definite financial assistance, there was no way the Federal Government would not be carried along. Senator Sani, in his remarks, asked the IDB and other multilateral financial institutions to stop propping the country into taking more loans on account of its low ratio of debts servicing to GDP, adding that what is 17 per cent today, if needed control measures are not applied, may go up to 77 per cent and invariably return the country to the pre-2006 era. He told the IDB representative to be practically involved in Nigeria’s effort at economic diversification, adding that henceforth, his committee would monitor every cent, dollar and even kobo the government borrows.

dential Library to develop an agenda for the health sector in the country. He recalled that the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which he headed in the 1990s, had developed what it called “institutional strengthening,” in which PTF supported pharmaceutical companies with resources to encourage local production of drugs. “We can revisit the experience. We can strengthen pharmaceutical companies to produce essential drugs needed in the country locally. We can then be sure of the quality of such medications,” the president said. On privatisation of healthcare institutions as canvassed in some quarters, President Buhari stressed the need to be careful and take a look at the state of development of the country before considering the option. “Privatisation aims at maximum profit. It then excludes the poor and the vulnerable from accessing healthcare. But we have to look after the poor,” President Buhari said. The team had earlier given insights into its agenda for the health sector to include proposals on healthcare financing, developing health intelligence/observatory to preempt epidemics, simultaneous focus on primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, preventing labour unrests in the health sector, facilitating access to essential drugs through local production and the drug distribution system among others. Professor Akinkugbe commended President Buhari for keeping faith with the change doctrine in the country, adding that the current buffeting economic storms were global and not peculiar to Nigeria.

5 news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Absence of parents stalls Ese’s handover Dickson pledges rehabilitation From Chris Agbambu, Collins Nnabuife, Adetola Bademosi and Kola Oyelere

HE much-publicised handover of Ese Oruru, who was reportedly abducted from Bayelsa State to be married off in Kano, was stalled on Tuesday, following the late arrival of her parents. The Force Police Public Relations Officer, Bisi Kolawole, disclosed this to journalists who were waiting at the force headquarters for the handover of the girl to her parents. According to her, “they are still on the way, they are coming. They are in Abaji now.” It will be recalled that Ese was reportedly abducted

from Bayelsa in August last year was said that have been converted to Islam and married to her abductor. Around 7.20 p.m., after the journalists had spent over five hours at the Force Headquarters, that it was revealed to them that the handover would no longer hold as scheduled. Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State governor, Mr Seriake Dickson, has expressed regret over the abduction of 14-year-old Ese and forceful marriage in Kano. A statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, condemned the entire action, but also expressed satisfaction with the various individuals, non-gov-

ernmental and civil society groups for bringing the matter to national and international focus. Dickson pledged the government’s preparedness to support every effort at not only re-uniting Ese Oruru with her family back in Yenagoa, but also ensure her proper rehabilitation and reintegration into the society, to resume her normal life. While commending the Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, for the role he played in ensuring the release of the victim, Dickson also applauded security agencies for the swiftness and professionalism with which the matter was handled. He thanked the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi, for ensuring the

Why we lost 2015 Lagos guber election —Bode George •I’m now in debt after last election —Agbaje Bola Badmus - Abuja FORMER deputy national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, on Tuesday, said the defeat of the party in last general election in the state can be laid squarely at the doorstep of those he described as the agent provocateurs within its ranks. George said this while addressing a gathering of party chieftains and members at the party secretariat in Ikeja, including the PDP state chairman, Captain Tunji Selleh; the party’s governorship candidate in the last poll, Mr Jimi Agbaje; former ministers, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and Chief Abimbola Ogunkelu, among others. It will be recalled that a faction of the party, led by Honourable Kamaldeen Olorunoje, on Monday, addressed a press conference at the PDP secretariat, declaring that the party was in crisis and divided, urging the new national chairman of PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, to intervene and resolve the matter. Olorunoje, who recalled that the PDP in the state had run and failed four elections since 1999, declared that the problem confronting PDP had to do with leadership, even as he challenged Chief George to a popularity contest within the same local government area where they both hailed from. Addressing the crowd of party faithful at the General Assembly parley called to strategise ahead of the forth-

coming party congresses and national convention, George said “we were defeated by the agent provocateurs within our ranks. We were defeated by political renegades who merely invested in their own greedy and selfish interests. “Our victory was scuttled by evil characters who preferred the narrow position than the collective esteem and honour of winning Lagos State gubernatorial election.” The PDP chieftain, however, stated that notwithstanding “all these desperate game of back-stabbing and deliberate treachery,” the party still scored the best result ever since 1999, adding it remained the best performance that was recorded in South-West in both the gubernatorial and presidential elections. Chief George, while paying tribute to the party faithful for their loyalty and resilience, insisted that the greatest challenge of the party had always been indiscipline, saying people did not obey the rules of the game but like to invent their own rules. This was just as he said the PDP had always frowned on groupings, caucuses, provincial alliances, village clubbing, hamlet association or whatever name called, declaring that all such groupings within the PDP must cease to exist. In his address, the PDP governorship candidate in the last election, Mr Agbaje, who spoke in pidgin English, counselled that the party remained supreme and members should not work against its interest but work for its

progress, no matter the level of anger or provocation. Agbaje, who admitted that some members were annoyed for reasons that monies meant for elections were not extended to them to prosecute the last polls, said he was, on his own, angry because the PDP won the last election in the state but was denied victory. Besides, he complained that he finished the elections and now found himself in debt, adding in pidgin that “I finish election, na gbese I carry for head.” He, however, enjoined party faithful to continue to work to build the PDP and not to destroy it when involved in any dispute, saying that he always counselled those who came across him that “the way to fight is to address the mistakes and that we have learnt our lessons.” Speaking at the event, former minister of works, Senator Ogunlewe, reiterated that the forthcoming party congresses would ensure that members voted the candidate of their choice without any imposition from any leader, vowing that any elder that engaged in imposition would be beaten and disgraced. Ogunlewe, while charging members to go back to their various wards to start rebuilding the party, assured that PDP belonged to everybody with no exclusion.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Nicolas Omorowa Calefa now MR OMOROWA NICOLAS ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

safety of Ese and her eventual handover to the police in Kano. “The government and people of Bayelsa State will remain eternally grateful to all those who contributed in one way or the other in giving the issue the desired attention,” the statement read. In another development, the Kano State government has blamed the incident, saying it was virtually unware until it was made public by the media. The state Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mallam Muhammad Garba, in a statement made available to the pressmen in Kano, condemned the abductor and some statements by any person, group or organisation linking Kano government with the alleged adoption, forced marriage and conversion to Islam of the girl. He said the statements were unfounded, untrue, misguided and mischievous. “The issue was never at any point in time brought to the attention of the state

government by any authority, group or person involved in any capacity in the issue, but only knew of it in the media. “The state government condemned in its entirety the actions of the alleged abductor as it is against the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and teachings of Islam which abhor abduc-

tion, forced marriage, even with the consent of parents of a girl and forced conversion to Islam as the Quran categorically states that ‘there is no compulsion in religion’. “Security and other relevant agencies should expedite action to bring the suspect(s) to book and be dealt with according to the law,” the statement read.

Ese, at the Police Headquarters, Abuja.

6 news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Court orders OBJ, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari’s govts to give account of recovered loot Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos

HE Federal High court sitting in Lagos has ordered the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that his government and governments of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan make public and also fully account for all recovered loot. Justice Mohammed Idris delivered the judgement, following a Freedom of Information suit no:FHC/ IKJ/CS/248/2011 brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The court ordered that all information on the total amount of recovered stolen public assets by each government, the amount of recovered stolen public assets spent by each government, as well as the objects of such spending and the projects on which such funds were spent, should be disclosed. Justice Idris dismissed all the objections raised by the Federal Government and upheld SERAP’s arguments. Consequently, the court entered judgment in favour of SERAP against the Federal Government The court ordered that the Federal Governmnet should collectively disclose detailed information about the spending of recovered stolen public funds since the return of civil rule in 1999 and to publish widely such information, including on a dedicated website. The court also ordered that the first defendant was under a binding legal obligation to provide the Plaintiff/ Applicant with up to date information on the spending of recovered stolen funds, including detailed information on the total amount of recovered stolen public assets that had so far been recovered by Nigeria The court also made an order directing compelling the Defendants/Respondents to provide the Plaintiff/Applicant with up to date information on recovered stolen funds since the return of civilian rule in 1999, including detailed information on the total amount of recovered stolen public assets that had so far been recovered. Speaking on the landmark judgment, SERAP’s Deputy Executive Director, Olukayode Majekodunmi, said “this judgment confirms the persistent failure of successive governments, starting

from the Obasanjo government, to respect Nigerians’ right to a corruption-free society and to uphold constitutional and international commitments on transparency and accountability. “The judgment is an important step towards reversing a culture of secrecy and corruption that has meant that high-ranking govern-

ment officials continue to look after themselves at the expense of the well-being of majority of Nigerians, and development of the country. “This is a crucial precedence that vindicates the right to a transparent and accountable government, and affirms the human rights of the Nigerian people to live a life free of

want and fear. We are in the process of obtaining a certified copy of the around 60 pages judgment. SERAP will do everything within its power to secure the full and effective enforcement of this judgment. The Federal Government had filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, dated on the grounds that SERAP lacked

the locus standi to institute the action, that the action was statute barred and that SERAP’s affidavit evidence offended the provisions of the Evidence Act. The Federal Government also filed additional written address in support of its preliminary objection, arguing against the retroactive nature of SERAP’s request,

From left, Mr Jim Ovia; Dr Christopher Kolade and the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, during Giving Tuesday centurions luncheon, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Tuesday.

saying since the Freedom of Information Act was enacted in 2011, citizens cannot be demanding disclosure of government spending since 1999. In response, SERAP argued that the FOI Act was a special specie of legislation to liberalise and expand access to information for all Nigerians; that the FOI Act does not impose any requirement of locus standi on applicants; that the only relevant limitation period in the case is that which requires filing of suit within 30 days if information is not given; that the right which the FOI Act seeks to protect is the right of the public to have access to information which is in custody of a public official or institution; and that the information sought by SERAP was not caught by the law against retroactivity, noting that the right in question is expropriatory in nature, which justifies the granting of access to the requested information on the ground of overriding public interest. According to the organisation, the information requested did not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act.

Reps to FG: Replace 23,000 ghost workers with unemployed youths Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE House of Representatives, on Tuesday, asked the Federal Government to replace the 23,000 ghost workers recently discovered in the civil service payroll with unemployed youths. The House’s resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Honourable Dickson Tarkighir, where he said that government should be able to engage 23,000 unemployed youths to mitigate

the challenge of unemployment facing the country. According to him, “I am not in doubt of the many curriculum vitae my colleagues have continue to collect from schooled, but jobless constituents, stressing that we will therefore, be living the essence of our stewardship if we once again show them that we care about their welfare and progress.” Speaking further, he said “there is no task more honouring than when ghost workers were discovered,

we spoke out vehemently asking that Nigerian youths, eager and willing to work are made to replace ghost workers.” To this end, he reminded the House of the promise of President Muhammadu Buhari to create three million jobs. He then urged the House to do everything possible to come to the aid of unemployed Nigerians. In another development, the House has resolved to investigate the number of Nigerians currently holding

CCT accedes to Saraki’s request to shift his trial to March 11 CHAIRMAN, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, has acceded to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki’s request, that his trial be rescheduled from March 10 to March 11. This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the tribunal, Mr Ibraheem Al-hassan, in Abuja, on Tuesday. Al-hassan said the request was signed by Saraki`s lead

counsel, Kanu Agabi and forwarded to the tribunal on February 26. It was entitled: “Re: Charge No. CCT/ABJ/01/2015FRN Vs Dr Bukola Saraki and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the CCT.” The letter read: “I write, as lead counsel to the above defendant to apply that the matter, which is scheduled to come up on March 10, be taken on March 11, subject to the convenience of the

tribunal and the prosecution.’’ The letter stated that the request was because of “my earlier and urgent commitments in other courts on March 10. “I will sincerely appreciate the indulgence of the tribunal to accommodate me in this way.’’ He apologised for the inconvenience caused the tribunal and other counsels in the matter.

more than one public office and receiving benefits from such offices in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs). The House then urged the Committee on Public Services Matters to conduct investigation to determine the number of Nigerians currently holding more than one public office. The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Honourable Abdulahi Faruk, who said too much money was being spent to maintain public officials, to

an extent that about 70 per cent yearly budget was allocated for recurrent expenditure. According to him, “there is a need to put an end to the illegal and unjust enrichment of such individuals, with public funds to the detriment of millions of other Nigerians, especially at this period of fall in oil price.” The two motions were unanimously supported when it was put to vote by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the session.

APOLOGY RE: Osun, Ekiti gov appeals: Staggering sums found in the judges bank accounts

THE above story which was published in the Nigerian Tribune of Wednesday, 16th March, 2011 and the advertorial emanating from that story and published in the Nigerian Tribune of Tuesday, 15th March, 2011 refers. We hereby retract and apologise for the alleged offensive publication. The misrepresentation which the publication of the above caption caused is deeply regretted. We tender an unreserved apology to Engineer (Chief) Tunji Ijaiya for whatever embarrassment the two publications may have caused. —Management

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Lagosmetro Gunmen abduct 3 females students from hostel in Lagos Olalekan Olabulo and Sylvester Okoruwa

HE Anglican community in Lagos State and schools around Ikorodu have been thrown into confusion following the abduction of three female students by yet-to-be identified gunmen. Preliminary investigations are linking the abduction of the students to suspected pipeline vandals, who have been having challenges with the joint task force on pipeline protection. The three students: Olisa Oluwatimilehin, Popo Olaniyan Tofunmi and Akinayo Deborah are all in Senior Secondary School (SSS) 2 and are between the ages of 14 and 15. The students were in their hostel at the Babinton Macaulay Junior Seminary School, at Agufoye Lugbusi area of Ikorodu, when the incident happened. The abduction of the students came barely less than two weeks after a similar incident was foiled at the Government Model School in Owutu area of Ikorodu. The police led by the commissioner of police in the state, Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday combed the bush around the school in search of the abducted students. Lagos Metro gathered that the gunmen, who were about 10 in number, stormed the school around 8:30 p.m. on Monday. The heavily-armed men reportedly threatened the students and the security man on guard, before selecting three out of the children. A version of the abduction had it that the gunmen came in a pickup van, which was parked at a far distance. Another version also had it that the abductors led the children through the swampy bushy path at the back of the school. The helicopter, belonging to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was seen hovering over the bush at the back of the school for most part of Tuesday. Certain members of the school leadership were reportedly quizzed by the res-

Police working on their speedy release —Govt

cue team and the security man was also said to have been questioned on the circumstances leading to their abduction. No arrest had been made. The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmus confirmed the abduction to Lagos Metro and added that the police had begun investigations into how the whole incident took place. The school is owned by the four Diocese in Lagos, namely Badagry, Lagos West, Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island. Five bishops of the church were on ground in the school today to pray for the quick return of the abducted girls. When contacted for more updates on the abduction, the school principal, Venerable Olaoluwa Adeyemi didn’t pick calls to his mobile line nor replied the text messages sent. The Lagos State commissioner for information, Steve Ayorinde in a statement made available to Lagos Metro said, “The students have not been released yet but the Commissioner of Police is coordinating the joint effort

with the security agencies to ensure their safe and speedy release. Governor Akinwumi Ambode is giving them every needed support and the parents of the affected pupils have been

reassured on these coordinated efforts. “The Lagos state government and the good people of Lagos state are solidly behind the police and security operatives not only to

track down the perpetrators and bring back the girls in one piece but to also root out every form of kidnapping, armed banditry and cultism from the state.”

By Olalekan Olabulo

THREE people, suspected to be pipeline vandals were early Tuesday burnt to death as a bus exploded in Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The bus, which was said to be fully loaded with jerry cans filled with petroleum product, suspected to be petrol, sourced illegally. The director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe confirmed the incident to Lagos Metro and

Motorists and vehicles wading through the flood after a downpour, in Lagos, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

I was not drunk: Says cocaine suspect who broke through airport glass wall By Shola Adekola

THE suspected drug trafficker who broke through a glass wall at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja has told officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that he was not under any influence of drugs and that he was only trying to evade arrest. Michael Nwobodo made a scene by breaking through a glass wall all in a bid to escape arrest. The 31-yearold technician, who was immediately apprehended,

concealed 81 wraps of cocaine in Parker Whisky packs along with boxes of chocolates inside a duty free bag. The hard drugs tested positive for cocaine with a total weight of 1.350kgs. The seizure was made during screening of passengers on an Emirates airline flight from Dubai and the NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Mr Hamisu Lawan said that the suspect was taken to the hospital for further medical test on Tuesday. According to Hamisu: “Though the suspect was treated for the injuries he sustained while attempting

to escape on Monday, we had to take him for medical examination again. This is to ensure that he is strong and medically fit to undergo trial. Investigation has commenced into the case.” The suspect told investigators that he ran away because he was afraid of arrest. “I am not under the influence of drugs. I was only scared of arrest. I live and work in Dubai. I came to Nigeria for my father’s burial but decided to bring the drugs because I needed money for the burial rite. When the drug was discovered, I felt so disappointed and confused. I

was ashamed of myself and never wanted to be associated with drug trafficking that was why I had to run.” Commenting, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah said: “The Agency will continue to work very hard in ensuring that drug traffickers are arrested and prosecuted. We are prepared to adopt new and sophisticated strategies in winning this important fight. I am pleased with this arrest and I thank the officers and members of the airport community for their support.”

This is the second case of a suspect creating a scene at the Abuja airport in less than four weeks. The first was a 48-year-old woman, Saidat Hassan that allegedly vomited 15 wraps of white powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine. The mother of three was arrested at the central screening section of the departure hall during outward screening of passengers on an Egypt Airline flight to Jedda, Saudi Arabia, enroute Cairo. She also ingested 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 904 grammes.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole

08037863902 | olanreade@yahoo.com

3 die as fuel laden bus explodes added that operatives of the agency responded swiftly to the fire call. The incident was said to have occurred as a result of the brake failure from the vehicle, which was overloaded. A source at the Lagos State Fire Service said, “the vehicle was already burning seriously, when our men got there. You could see that the driver struggled with the bus from James Street, before the vehicle finally crashed at Mistura

Lasisi Street. “As a result of the crash, there was a serious explosion and the three occupants of the vehicle were

burnt.” Fadipe confirmed the death of the occupants of the vehicle, who were seriously burnt in the explosion

and stated that the timely arrival of operatives of the state fire service prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring houses.

Siblings in detention over missing jewellry box AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

TWO sisters and an alleged accomplice have been remanded in prison for alleg-

Dangote driver, others steal N7.2m sugar AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin A 50-year-old driver Kolawole Odetunde and six others have been accused of stealing 900 bags of Dangote sugar worth N7.2 million. The other accused persons are: Mogaji Huseini, 37; Sefianu Musa, 25; Alhassan Mohammed, 52; Usman Idris, 35 and Mohammed Lawal, 65. According to the police, the incident happened on January 29, between Lagos enroute Kano when Kolawole, Mogaji and Sefianu stole 900 bags of Dangote Sugar property of Dangote Company valued at N7.2 million, which was meant to be delivered to one Alhaji Salisu Sambajo in Jigawa State. Mohammed, Huseini, Musa, Idris and Lawal, allegedly received the stolen goods from Odetunde, who was the driver in charge of the truck with Registration Number LSR 37 YC, which was conveying the product to Jigawa state. They were further accused of stealing one spare tyre and a rim of the same truck which is valued at N66, 000, property of Dangote Sugar Refinery Company. They are standing trial on a four count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, preferred against them by the police. The defendants, who pleaded not guilty, were docked before Magistrate Mrs S.K Matepo of an Igbosere Magistare Court. Magistrate Matepo granted them bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the matter till March 23, for mention.

Scene of the explosion with remains of the victims laid on the road, on Tuesday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

edly stealing gold jewelleries valued N15 million. The sisters, Gloria and Naomi Joshua, 28 and 20 years respectively, and Gift Etim, 28, were arrested for the alleged theft of the jewellery. The police accused them of stealing a box of gold valued at N15 million, property of one Vivian Chilogy, at Lekki phase 1, an offence which is contrary to section 285(1) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The suspects pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge when they were arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court. The presiding Magistrate O.A Olayinka admitted each of the them to bail in the sum of N1 million and two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter till April 21, 2016.

Fraudster jailed 28 years for duping American family, other foreigners AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

fraudster has been sentenced to a total of 28 and half years in prison for tricking an American family to pay $3,000 for a fake kidnap of their daughter. 27-year-old Mfon Obot Essien, who has two aliases David Morris and Femi James, was arrested in 2013

following a petition written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the United States (US) Department of Homeland Security, urging the commission to investigate a criminal organisation involved in drug smuggling, money laundering and fraud. The petition stated that a US family whose daughter

travelled to Argentina got a call from her boyfriend claiming that they had both been kidnapped and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $7,000, which should be sent through money transfer to their associates in Nigeria with the details “David Morris, 302, Apapa Expressway, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.” Investigation in the US

Fire men and LASTMA officials trying to pull down the collapsed Telecom Mast at Ereko, Idumota area, on Tuesday.

however revealed that the girl was not kidnapped but was arrested in Argentina for attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country after being cajoled by her boyfriend to do so. The US authorities set bait, contacting MoneyGram to issue a false money order for $3,000 to enable the arrest of Morris whenever he showed up to receive the money in Lagos. Not suspect anything, the suspect attempted to withdraw the $3,000 on August 2, 2013 at Chevron Lekki Drive branch of Access Bank but failed. He tried the following day at the Ikota Branch of the same bank and then returned again on August 5, not knowing that a query had been lodged concerning his transaction. He made another attempt on September 5, 2013 at the same branch unaware that a trap had been set. He was then arrested by EFCC operatives when he identified himself as David Morris and asked for his $3,000. Items recovered from him during the arrest included a forged drivers’ license with No. KSF08417AA2 bearing

the name ‘James Femi’ but with Essien’s picture. EFCC investigation also showed that on July 28, 2013, Essien fraudulently received N237, 537.68 from another American, one Mark Mentor, using forged drivers’ license with No. FFF14411AB6 bearing the name David Morris but with his picture. He was found to have represented himself to Mentor as David Morris. Essien had also received, on different occasions, $460 and $900 from another US Citizen, Dylan Johnson, through MoneyGram. During his arraignment in 2013, Essien pleaded not guilty to the charges, but when trial began he asked to change his plea and was re-arraigned. Justice Raliat Adebiyi sentenced Essien to the minimum seven years each on the first three counts, and one and a half years on count four and was also sentenced to three years each on two counts of forgery, bringing the total to 28 and half years. Essien’s jail terms will run concurrently.

businessnews

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Vandalism affects power supply —NERC Adetola Bademosi-Abuja

he Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Anthony Akah, on Tuesday said the incidences of vandalism is negatively impacting on power supply in the country. The Chairman said this has led to the reduction in peak power supply through the national grid from over 5,000megawatts (mw) attained two weeks ago to less than 2,800mw. Speaking at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in Abuja, Akah solicited support of members of the public and the council to collaborate with the service providers and security agencies in ensuring security of electrical installations. He said the Commission will soon compel electricity distribution companies to publish their meter deployment schedules so as to ensure adherence to the meter roll out plan contained in the performance agreement signed with government by the utility firms.

Akah, who led other members of management of the Commission to CPC headquarters for the signing of the MOU., said, “such publication will make unmetered customers to be aware of the estimated period they have to wait before they can be

metered. “The commission has issued a non-tolerance statement on wrongful estimated bills, compelling customers to buy, install and repair transformers, poles, unsafe electrical connections and other unsafe practices by the elec-

tricity distribution companies.” He reiterated the commission’s commitment to monitor the strict compliance of NERC’s regulations by operators in the sector. He said that the collaboration between NERC and

CPC was part of “concerted efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of estimated billing and eliminate them completely,” Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of CPC, Mrs Modupe Atoki, commended the long standing relationship between the

Akin Adewakun-Lagos

From left, Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, (3rd from left) Olusegun Awolowo, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC & Mr Tola Feseru, President of National Cashew Association of Nigeria (1st right) at the National Cashew Festival and Awards event in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday.

•As Adenuga makes list NigeriaN business magnate, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is now the 51st richest man in the world and first in Africa in Forbes latest ranking for 2016. Dangote, who has diverse investment in sugar, cement, flour and beverage among others who is valued by Forbes to be worth $15.4billion. Another Nigerian on the list is chairman, Globacom Group, Mike Adenuga who is 103rd, with wealth valued at about $10 billion. Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, whose estimated net worth was $75 billion in mid-February, again tops the list of billionaires. Spanish clothing retailer and founder of the Zara brand of stores, Amancio Ortega, came second with a net worth of $67 billion and American investment guru, Warren Buffet with a net worth of $60.8 billion completed the top three richest people. Real-estate investor and Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, is ranked 324th. Forbes estimated his net worth at $4.5 billion. The world billionaire list also had a feel of the global economy crisis as the

two agencies even as she encouraged other agencies to emulate collaboration between CPC and NERC. “It could be debilitating whenever any agency of government refuses to collaborate with the CPC on consumer issue. It is the consumers that suffer at the end of the day,” she said. She expressed the Council’s commendation on renewed effort of NERC to protect electricity consumers from abuse of their rights.

TGI group pledges support for FG’s foreign investment’s drive

Forbes: Dangote now world’s 51st richest man By Victor Ogunyinka

Nigerian Tribune

number of billionaires is said to have reduced by 16 from record 1,826 in 2015 to 1,810. Forbes also revealed that the aggregate net worth was $6.48 trillion, $570 billion less than that of last year. It was also the first time since 2010 that the average net worth of

a billionaire dropped – it is now $3.6 billion, $300 million less than last year. Thirty-one years old founder of social media network, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, had the best year of all billionaires, adding a whopping $11.2 billion to his fortune and moved up to sixth from

16th position in 2015. The youngest billionaire in the world is a 19-yearold Norwegain heiress, Alexandra Andresen, who has a 42 per cent stake in her family’s business. Her sister Katharina is second youngest, just 20. The United States has

540 billionaires, more than any other country in the world. It’s followed by mainland China with 251 (Hong Kong has another 69) and Germany with 120. Russia has 77, tenfigure fortunes, 11 fewer than last year, while Brazil is down to 23 from 31.

Uzoka succeeds Oduoza as UBA GMD By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

The board of UBA Group, on Tuesday, announced the appointment of Mr Kennedy Uzoka as the new Group Managing Director of the group. He is to take over from the incumbent, Mr Phillips Oduoza, who goes on retirement on July 31, 2016. The board also announced the appointment of Mr Victor Osadolor as the Deputy Managing Director, UBA Group. The appointments are subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Speaking on the appointments, board chairman, Mr Tony Elumelu, said “Kennedy brings an extremely strong skill set and is ideally positioned to lead UBA in its next phase of growth. His most recent experience of managing the Group’s in-

creasingly important African business is particularly relevant, as we all work to build one of the leading financial services franchises in Africa. I have no doubt that both he and Victor with their expertise and depth of business experience will ensure that the Bank is best positioned to deliver on its strategic ambition.” The chairman thanked the outgoing GMD “for all that he has done for the bank in guiding UBA through a particularly challenging period. The board feels that the strong foundations created during Mr Oduoza’s term provide an excellent basis for our further success.” Before his new appointment, Mr Uzoka was in charge of the transformation agenda of the bank, after his completion of the Advanced Management

Programme of Harvard Business School. Uzoka has over two and a half decades of experience in commercial banking, strategy and business transformation. Prior to his sabbatical at Harvard, he served as Deputy Managing Director, UBA group and was also the CEO of UBA Africa, responsible for the Group’s operations in 18 countries across Africa. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from University of Benin, he also holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from University of Lagos. Mr Osadolor previously served as the Executive Director, Risk and Finance at UBA. He was also previously the Chief Strategy Officer at Ecobank Transnational Incorporation. A holder of Bachelor of Science degree in Ac-

counting and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria, Osadolor also holds the Advanced Management Programme Certificate from the Harvard Business School.

Uzoka

Tropical General Investments Group (TGI Group), the holding company of Chi Limited (drinks and snacks), WACOT Ltd. (agriculture), Cormart (chemicals) and others, has commenced an initiative aimed at supporting federal government’s efforts at bringing more international investors to country. Addressing over 200 German business leaders, at the German-African Business Forum, held in Dortmund, Germany, recently, the Group’s Head of New Business Development, Dr Johannes Flosbach, highlighted the great business opportunities that abound in Nigeria and the need for those leaders to avail themselves of such. “Many import-based business models are coming to an end, but those companies that are committed to local manufacturing are the market leaders of tomorrow. As TGI Group, we invite the German business community to form joint ventures with TGI Group to invest into local manufacturing,” he stated. As part of a new initiative, TGI Group seeks to attract German companies to come to Nigeria and form joint ventures with the TGI Group. With the prowess of German companies acknowledged all over the globe, Deputy Group Managing Director of the Group, Christian Wessels is convinced that such partnerships will be beneficiary to German and Nigerian businesses alike. “German companies bring globally leading technology and efficient processes. TGI Group provides a platform for their operations in Nigeria. Together we want to create ‘German Quality, Made in Nigeria,” Wessels stated.

businessnews No Banking Day: LCCI lauds sensitisation of Nigerians on excessive bank charges 11

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

400, 000 Nigerians kick against banks’ arbitrary charges, says CAFON

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday lauded the efforts of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) in sensitising Nigerians on the numerous charges by commercial banks. The Director-General of LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said that the ‘No Banking Day’ boycott was a reflection of the awakening of banks’ customers to their rights.

Yusuf told NAN that the protest would put the banking institutions on their toes. According to him, let them (banks) know that they cannot be taking customers for granted. CAFON is a non-profit group dedicated to advocacy for consumer rights and protection.

The group led a nationwide boycott of “No Banking Day” on March 1. The protest is aimed at boycotting bank transactions nationwide in order to protest excessive charges by commercial banks. Yusuf said “The impact might not be significant in terms of compliance but the important thing is that

the message from the customers to the bank has been passed.’’ The LCCI chief said that the prevailing situation demanded that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should strengthen its oversight functions on the activities of commercial banks to their customers. According to him, banks

that are found culpable should be sanctioned and publicised to serve as a deterrent to others. He urged the apex bank to sensitise the public about the existence of the Department of Consumer Protection in the bank. Meanwhile, the President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria

Customers in FCT shun protest BANK customers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday shunned the “No Banking Day” protest called by the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) and the Coalition of Nigerian Consumer Protection Association. Some of the banks visited were Zenith, Eco Bank, Fidelity Bank, First City Monument Bank, United Bank for Africa, Guarantee Trust Bank, Diamond Bank and Stanbic IBTC bank. A customer at the Zenith Bank in Garki Area 8, Mr Joseph Agu, told NAN that he was not aware of the protest by the civil society groups. Agu said that even if he was aware, it would not have stopped him from coming to the bank because he had a very important transaction to perform at the bank.

From left: Station dealer, Mr Akinyemi Omoyeni; Group Executive Director, Oyindamola Mike-Adenuga and the Executive Director, Mr Yinka Adebiyi, at the official commissioning of Conoil ultra modern station, Chevron Roundabout, Lekki - Epe Expressway, Lagos.

We may embark on another consumer action —Sola Salako Akin Adewakun-Lagos

THE end to the passive consumer protests, carried out yesterday, Tuesday, by Nigerians to protest the nation’s banks’ excessive charges, may not be in sight yet, as organisers of the

protest have signified their intention to escalate the action if the Tuesday protest failed to elicit the necessary response from operators in the country’s financial sector. Speaking with Nigerian Tribune on the level of

compliance with yesterday’s protest, on Tuesday, the Convener of the action and Managing Director of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Ms Sola Salako, expressed satisfaction that the campaign had been able to gen-

Normal activities in banking halls despite ‘No Banking Day’ As Lagos residents jostle for new month purchases Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

AS Lagos residents jostle to carry out banking transactions to effect new month purchases, banking halls remained full of customers despite the well publicised ‘No Banking day’ directive declared on Tuesday. When Nigerian Tribune visited some deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Mushin, Oshodi, Murtala Muhammed Airport Road, Abule Egba and Agege areas in the Lagos Metropolis, commercial activities were seen going on smoothly in all the banks. Some customers who spoke to Nigerian Tribune said they were not

aware of the no banking directive. They, however, condemned the excessive charges but advised the advocacy foundation to consider the option of influencing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to check the banks’ excesses, noting that the ‘No Banking’ option cannot work as people cannot survive without their money; adding that those who got salary alert could not help but rush to the bank to make withdrawals so as to buy things for use in the new month. They were of the opinion that only CBN can effectively protect the custom-

ers against exploitation by the banks. A customer who said he is a signatory to a corporate account domiciled in one of the oldest banks in Nigeria, revealed that he received notice from the bank on the same Tuesday, debiting his account with N14.75 for “VAT on Account Maintenance Charge,and N32.00 for SMS Alert,” despite CBN’s directives. A top banker who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that his branch was unaware of plans to shun banking activities. He also pointed out the peaceful working and busi-

ness environment across the state capital; stressing that there are some banks who still charge customers arbitrarily while others no longer do so. However, he believes that the banking industry is already having difficult times as “so many avenues for making money have been blocked either by regulatory authorities or the economic conditions that we face today.” It should be remembered that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has indirectly reintroduced Commission on Turnover (CoT) fee as Current Account Maintenance (CAM) Fee.

erate some discussions and actions among Nigerians, especially the banking public. While insisting that the action was hugely successful, going by reports available to her from all over the country, the CAFON boss stated that the Group would soon hold a ‘Town Hall Meeting’ with stakeholders in the nation’s financial sector to enable every party vent their views on the contentious issue. She expressed her gratitude to Nigerians for the ‘overwhelming support’ given to the campaign since it was flagged off few days ago. “Honestly, we are surprised at the level of support and compliance. For instance, situation reports from all over the country, actually revealed that a sizable number of Nigerians participated in the protest,” she added. The ‘No Banking Day’ protest was called by CAFON, in collaboration with some other consumer rights groups, to protest infractions being suffered by Nigerians in the hands of the nation’s financial institutions.

(CAFON), Ms Sola Salako, on Tuesday said 400,000 bank users lodged complaints against arbitrary charges by Nigerian banks between June 2016 and December 2016. Speaking with NAN, Salako on Tuesday in Lagos, gave reasons for the “No Banking Day” protest organised by the organisation nationwide. According to the CAFON president, the rate at which bank users are complaining about excessive charges is becoming alarming. “The protest has become expedient due to constant complain by banks’ customers over excessive charges. “Nigerians are known to be very tolerant. They will not complain about anything until it gets to an unbearable level. “When it gets to a crescendo and you go online, you see people posting their complaints over excessive bank charges “It (bank charge) has become more alarming and it is because the customers are complaining to us as an NGO that looks at the right things that we thought it time to urge Nigerians to defend their rights.”

Customers shun protest in Ogun Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta

CUSTOMERS of commercial banks in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and other areas of the state shunned the ‘No Banking Day’ directive by the consortium of consumer rights groups. All the banks visited by the Nigerian Tribune were opened for businesses as early as 8.00 a.m. Some of the customers wondered why they would not transact business with their banks because some banks engaged in excessive charges. When the Nigerian Tribune sought the opinion of Mr Wemimo Anifowose, he described the directive as ‘baseless.’ He said he was not aware that a directive was given that bank customers should go on ‘bank fast.’ The surge of customers at Guaranty Trust Bank, along Presidential Boulevard, was endless and it was the same situation at Skye Bank and Zenith Banks along Lalubu area of Abeokuta.

12 news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Arms deal: Court orders EFCC to release Jonathan’s ex-ADC on bail Sunday Ejike - Abuja

HE High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Tuesday, ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release Colonel Ojogbane Adegbe, Aide De Camp (ADC) to former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. The anti-graft agency is accusing Colonel Adegbe of delivering a brief case containing N10 billion from Jonathan to a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to the former president, Waripamowe Dudafa. At the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, the trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, ordered EFCC the EFCC to release Adegbe on bail. Justice Halilu ruled that Adegbe be released on bail on very liberal terms, pending his arraignment for any offence, which he may be alleged to have committed, adding that the law must be handled evenly between an individual and the government. The judge condemned EFCC for reducing the antigraft agency to a police station, which now operates outside the ambit of law. Prior to the ruing of the court, Adegbe, through his counsel, Ogwu Onoja, told the court that he had been moved from the EFCC custody to a military facility, an action, he said violated Articles 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rghts. While Onoja’s allegation received no objection from the EFCC’s counsel, Musu Benda, the judge said his ruling on Adegbe’s release was not binding on EFCC alone, but on any government agency currently detaining the applicant. Adegbe was detained by the EFCC on Thursday, February 11, after he was called back from a military course in the United Kingdom. Upon his return to Nigeria, he was released to the EFCC by the Army Provost Marshal for interrogation on his involvement in delivering a concealed parcel from Jonathan. Following a prolonged detention by the EFCC, Adegbe filed an enforcement of fundamental rights suit against the commission, claiming a total sum of N100 million as damages for his continued and unlawful detention. A few days after he filed the fundamental rights enforcement suit against

the EFCC, the commission released him back to the Army. According to a motion on notice, dated February 16, the former ADC to Jonathan was praying for

a declaration that his arrest and continued detention by the EFCC since February 11 was unconstitutional, as it offended his right to personal liberty, as guaranteed by Section 35 of the 1999

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, Colonel Adegbe wants the respondent to write a letter of apology to him. A supporting affidavit

deposed to by one Michael David Adegbe, younger brother to the ADC, claimed that the case against the applicant, as seen from interrogation and questions put to him, relateed to his

military official duties in receiving concealed messages from the office of the National Security Adviser and delivering them to persons on the instructions of former President Jonathan.

...Dasuki’s aide drags EFCC, army to court over unlawful detention

Claims N500m as damages Chris Agbambu and Sunday Ejike - Abuja SPECIAL Assistant to former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), currently detained in an Army facility, in connection with the ongoing investigation of the arms’ purchase scandal, Colonel Nicholas Ashinze, has slammed a N500 million suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army. In the suit filed through his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, the Army Officer is contesting his continued unlawful detention for about 12 weeks without any charge preferred against him. Colonel Ashinze was first detained by the EFCC for eight weeks and released to

the Army, which subsequently detained him, without any charge after another four weeks in a military facility. In the Notice of Application for an order enforcing his fundamental rights, which also has the Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral Tukur Buratai, was filed pursuant to Order 2 Rules (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Colonel Ashinze is praying the court to order EFCC and the authorities of the Nigerian Army to release forthwith, his personal effects, documents and properties, which were illegally, wrongfully and unlawfully seized from him without any war-

rant, during his arrest and continued detention since December 23, last year. Alternatively, he urged the court for an order granting him bail on self recognition or in the most liberal terms, as well as an order directing the respondents to tender a public apology and pay him adequate compensation for the blatant violation of his fundamental rights without following due process. Colonel Ashinze also prayed the court to restrain the anti-graft agency and the Nigerian Army from further inviting, arresting or detaining him in their custody in relation to same frivolous allegations, which he knew nothing about. The Army Officer, who had worked at a time in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)

and was temporarily attached to the Defence Intelligence Agency (NIA) wants the court to declare that his arrest, detention and continued detention from December 23, last year till date by the respondents, without reasons and granting him administrative bail within 24 hours of his arrest and detention were illegal, wrongful, unlawful and constitute a blatant violation of his fundamental rights. A statement in support of the application alleged that Ashinze had been held incommunicado since December last year, at an underground cell of the EFCC under torturous, inhuman and degrading conditions. He was not told of his offence until February 5 (after 44 days), when he was handed over to the Nigerian

Army. While in detention, searches were conducted at his home, with several of his documents, properties and personal effects carted away. “Since February 5, when he was transferred from the custody of the EFCC to that of the Nigerian Army, he had been detained at the Officers’ Mess, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, with fully armed soldiers on 24 hours guard over him,” the statement added. It will be recalled that several human rights groups queried Colonel Ashinze’s continued detention and petitioned the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, the EFCC and even the Nigerian Army. There is no date for the hearing of the suit which was filed on Monday.

FG bows to ASUU, inaugurates governing councils of 12 federal varsities Clement Idoko - Abuja AS controversy continues to trail the removal of vice chancellors of the 12 new federal universities and appointment of new vice chancellors to replace them, the Federal Government, on Tuesday, inaugurated governing councils of the universities. Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who inaugurated the councils in Abuja, charged them to provide the kind of leadership that would make the institutions globally competitive. President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Nasir Fagge, had last week, called on the Federal Government to ensure immediate reconstitution of the governing councils of the 12 new federal universities, describing the action of the government as clear gross violation of University Autonomy Act 2003. He threatened the government that ASUU would not hesitate to return to trenches if urgent steps were not taken to correct the anomaly. The minister said the rights and responsibilities of governing councils, as

provided for in the laws governing universities, remain paramount and the onus was on the councils to promote their interests and ensure the success of the universities to which they have been assigned. According to Adamu, universities’ councils had a special role to play in guiding and setting examples for management on how to train students in character and learning. Senator Gbemisola Saraki was appointed chairman, Governing Council of Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, among other appointees. Adamu said the inauguration of the councils marked another milestone in the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s effort to turn round the fortunes of Nigeria’s

tertiary education institutions by appointing credible men and women into their councils. He added that the current administration believed universities were critical in the effort to achieve national economic prosperity through the provision of relevant skilled human capital and policy research outcomes. He urged the councils to supervise and monitor the effective entrenchment of the committee system and ensure plurality in decision-making process. “As governing councils, you must be bold, courageous and responsive in ways that provide the kind of leadership that supports the growth and development of universities and make them globally competitive and attractive. “In doing all these, you

must ensure that the universities’ planning and growth are in consonance with all National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines, especially with regards to the issues of academic briefs and the development of appropriate master plans. “I would like to remind you that governance and management are two distinct responsibilities in the university system. “On the other hand, councils will set the policies that define the direction and then support the managements in their implementation of the policies,” he said. He urged the councils to supervise and monitor the effective entrenchment of the committee system and ensure plurality in decision-making process. In her comments, chair-

man, Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Hajia Binta Garba, said concerted efforts must be made to reposition Nigeria’s education sector. Binta urged the councils to work with other stakeholders in restoring the lost glory of Nigeria’s education, adding that the ranking of Nigerian universities had started improving. She said Nigeria lost over $2 billion through capital flight in education yearly. Responding on behalf of the members of newly inaugurated councils, Ms Saraki said they were delighted to be part of history. She assured that the councils would discharge their duties diligently and justify the confidence reposed in them.

Poor leadership underdeveloping Africa —Dogara Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja SPEAKER of the House of the Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, has lamented that poor leadership by African leaders have left the continent underdeveloped for decades.

The Speaker, who stated this on Tuesday, in Abuja when he received in audience with the Ambassador of Sudan iin Nigeria, Ambassador Ibrahim Busha, who paid him a courtesy call, also declared that the overdependent on aids from the Western world had

left Africans more impoverished than before. Dogara pointed out that unless African leaders “begin to practise governance that really puts Africans first and the development the continent needs, it will continue to be regarded as a dark continent.”

According to him, “it is unacceptable that our continent is still being referred to as a dark continent. I sincerely believe that for us to make progress, leadership in Africa must be really for the people, certainly. If we do that, there is no limit to potentials of an African.”

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

south-westnews No legal impediment against Olubadan coronation —Olubadan-in-Council 14

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Ajimobi to install Adetunji as 41st Olubadan Friday By Tunde Ogunesan

HE Olubadan-inCouncil has insisted that there is no legal impediment against the coronation of the Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Friday. The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Dr Lekan Balogun, dropped the hint at a joint press conference by the Olubadan-in-Council and top officials of the state government, led by a former Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ismael Olalekan Alli. Balogun declared that ar-

rangements were in top gear for the coronation of the new Olubadan and presentation of staff of office by the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday. Adetunji was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Alhaji Olayiwola and Alhaja Suwebatu Adetunji of Adetunji compound, Popo Yemoja, in the South-East axis of Ibadan metropolis. The high chief explained that the ceremony would be attended by dignitaries, foremost traditional rulers and top musicians across the country, some of whose works were produced by the Olubadan-designate on his Omo Aje record label

years back. He said, “The kingmakers for the Olubadan of Ibadanland chieftaincy are empowered by the extant 1957 Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration to propose as candidate, the most senior chief in the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the stool of Olubadan. “Having satisfied all the conditions precedent according to the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, High Chief Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has been appointed the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. “The Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Sa-

liu Akanmu Adetunji, will be presented with the instruments and the Staff of Office on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the traditional Mapo Hall Arcade, marking his official recognition, acceptance and endorsement as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland.” Going down the memory lane, he said that the incoming Oba became a Mogaji in 1976 and Jagun Balogun in 1978 and rose through the ranks, climbing 23 steps in the Balogun line, until 2015 when he became the Balogun of Ibadanland. Commending the efforts of the state government towards the installation of the new Olubadan, Balo-

Chairman, Olubadan Coronation Ceremony, High Chief Lekan Balogun (middle); former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Alhaji Lekan Alli (left) and High Chief Femi Olaifa, during a press conference organised by the committee, held at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Fayose gives banks deadline for payment of teachers’ allowance Denies rift with judiciary, swears in Ekiti JSC members Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday, gave some banks 48 hours to pay some teachers in the state their core subjects and rural allowances or risk losing the accounts of the state government. Addressing the teachers at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, Fayose noted that the government had directed the banks to pay the money over four weeks ago. He frowned on the administrative lapses shown by the banks, which had denied the teachers their money for weeks. Out of over 3,000 affected teachers, 702 are yet to be paid by their banks. “The second day that the money got to us, we directed the banks to pay and that was about five weeks ago. If the money was not there,

that would have been a different thing, but since the money had been received, there is no need for the banks to delay payment. “With the number of text messages coming to my phone, it was evident that the banks did not do their own part well. I want you to appreciate the fact that I go the extra mile to serve you. I work night and day to ensure that your welfare is not compromised. For instance, I said they should amend the law to get teachers to be members of JAAC,” he said. The governor, who said this month’s statutory allocation to the state was the worst, urged the teachers to appreciate the dire financial situation the state is passing through. Meanwhile, Governor Fayose has denied the speculation in parts of the state that he was engaged

in a cold war with the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola. Governor Fayose said at the swearing-in of members of the state’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC), that “those hoping to reap from such a situation would be very disappointed.” Governor Fayose said his top priority in governance was Ekiti, saying “Ekiti State is my project and its interest comes first. There is no illfeeling between me and the Chief Judge. We are both passionate about Ekiti as our project. “Those going round town with the rumour that there is a cold war between us are only mischievous. Let them know that they are disappointed already.” He described Justice Daramola as “a judicial officer who knows his onions and whose priority was the dis-

pensation of justice without fear or favour.” On the commission, he said: “Members of the commission were carefully chosen and they are men of integrity. That was why it took me some time to select them. These are people who will not pervert justice because whoever perverts justice perverts eternity for self. “The judiciary and those working there are managing a critical aspect of life. Our administration will also not relent in making their working condition conducive. One thing I will surely do before leaving office is to provide a befitting office accommodation for the judiciary in terms of court rooms and offices. By God’s grace, before the end of the second quarter of this year the foundation will be laid.”

gun disclosed that citizens of Ibadan across the 11 local governments in the land were being mobilised to grace the occasion. Balogun added, “It is delightful to note that the incoming Olubadan is a doyen of the entertainment industry, having used his business acumen, organisation, exposure and experience to promote successful artistes. So, these musicians and dignitaries from all walks of life will grace the occasion. “Over 200 indigenous clubs under the aegis of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), all sociocultural organisations are participating fully in the events, which will surely include all the traditional rites and steps typical of the installation.” He added that “it is pertinent to stress the unrivalled uniqueness of the succession system and ascension lines to the Olubadan stool which recognised two main succession lines -Otun Olubadan and Balogun with all the logical and sequential steps. “It is also statutory and common knowledge that contenders to this royal stool invariably are rooted essentially in the two approved lines: Otun Olubadan and Balogun lines, with each line having 22 and 23 steps respectively on its ladder in a promotional system that cannot be circumvented. The two lines are marked with genealogical significance. While the Olubadan line is known as the civil line, the Balogun line is the military line. The Kingmakers for the Olubadan of Olubadan chieftaincy are empowered by the extant 1957 Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration to propose as candidate the most senior chief in the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the stool of Olubadan. “For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the aforementioned declaration states that “the line whose turn it is to present a candidate shall nominate a candidate for the chieftaincy at a meeting of the kingmakers to be summoned by the most senior chief of the chieftaincy line not presenting the candidate. “Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1 ascended the throne from the Otun Olubadan line. Since the ascension is ‘strictly rotational’ between ‘the two major chieftaincy lines’ according to the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, the next, that is, the 41st Olubadan of

Ibadanland must ascend the royal stool from the Balogun line. Having satisfied all the conditions precedent, the Olubadan-in-Council has appointed the Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji as the new and the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Chief Balogun said. Balogun revealed that the a Olubadan-designate, famous business magnate, who became Mogaji in 1967 and became Jagun Balogun in 1978, was promoted through these years along until 2015 when he became the Balogun of Ibadaland. Meanwhile, speaking on the application to stall the installation by Chief Adebayo Oyediji of the Seriki line, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola informed that the issue could not stop the installation. He said late High Chief Adisa Akinloye was the last Seriki and there was none existing now. He said that the Iyalode of Ibadanland and Seriki are members of the 11 member Olubadan-in-Council, adding that the Seriki position was vacant. Ajibola said even if there was a Seriki, he would have to go through the two existing lines, Otun Olubadan and Balogun. “If anyone must attain the position of Olubadan as a Seriki, the procedure must be followed but now there is no Seriki,” Ajibola stated. In attendance at the conference are officers from the government quarters, which included the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs Hannah Olawumi Ogunesan; Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka. Also at the occasion were High Chief Femi Olaifa, High Chief Biodun KolaDaisi, Chief (Mrs) Yewande Durosaro who represented the Iyalode of Ibadan, President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and his predecessor; Chief Wole Akinwande and Chief Adebayo Oyero. A visit to the palace of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland at Popo-Yemoja indicated that preparations were in top gear to ensure a befitting ceremony, with the place being given a facelift. The interior of the historic Mapo Hall, which will play host to visitors during the installation ceremony, is also being given a new look.

south-westnews

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigeria’s federalism hampers growth —Mimiko

NDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has again faulted the present structure of Nigeria, saying the only positive effect of the country’s federalism is that governors frequently visit the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He also called for devolution of more power and responsibilities from the central to the components units of the federation, which will give states control over their resources. Governor Mimiko disclosed this while featuring on a live programme tagged “Mr Governor Speaks” on Ondo State Radio vision Corporation (OSRC), on Tuesday. He said that real development takes place at the sub centre, adding that the Federal Government has no land, except in the Federal Capital Territory while the states have more land, but has no control over it. “The only positive effect of the present federal structure is that I pay frequent visit to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Apart from that, there is nothing positive about the present system. I can’t think of any. Everything in the air and under

No epidemic in OAU —PRO CONTRARY to the widespread rumour that students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are falling sick as a result of a strange virus, the authorities of the institution have denied the existence of such. A release by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that what is happening in the university’s health centre is nothing extraordinary, especially when students are stressed out as a result of preparation for examination. “Thus far, the general complaints from the students who come to the health centre have been symptoms of malaria fever which our doctors, pharmacists and nurses have been treating with dispatch. “As at now, there is no single student on admission neither do we have any serious case that could warrant a referral to a bigger or teaching hospital. It should be noted that our university has a teaching hospital, OAUTHC, and we have competent medical professionals, majority of whom are researchers who will have alerted the relevant health ministry or agency in case of an emergency.”

the earth is controlled by the Federal Government. The Federal Government should concentrate on defence and currency and leave the states to work.” He submitted that it is by devolving power to the states that real development can take place, lamenting

that the current system allows the Federal Government to access 60 per cent of the total federal allocation with the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the 774 local governments sharing about 40 per cent. He further declared that

he has served the people of Ondo State to the best of his ability though he might not be an absolutely perfect person. He said that over 3,000 professionals have been employed by his administration. “I am not a perfect being,

but I can say with all sincerity that I have served in the people’s interest in the last seven years. “We have employed more than 3,000 professionals. “We have more than 80 consultants. Over 300 people are employed by the Akure Shopping Mall.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, with the delegation of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, at his palace in Ile-Ife, on Tuesday.

Abeokuta in festive mood as 2016 Glo-sponsored Lisabi Festival takes off ABEOKUTA, capital of Ogun State, is already swinging in festivity as the 2016 Glo-sponsored Lisabi Festival formally kicked-off in the ancient city. Activities marking this year’s Lisabi Festival commenced on Monday with public mobilisation by women and ‘woro’ dance complemented by sectional horse riding amongst men and booming of guns on Olumo Rock by hunters. These were followed by the finals of the Secondary School debate and children social programmes as well as traditional Ayo Game competition which held at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland on Tuesday. The Inter School Quiz competition and the finals of the Lisabi Football Competition will come up today at the Centenary Hall, Ake and M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, respectively. On Thursday, the 2016 Lisabi Festival seminar on the theme “Creating wealth through Small and Medium Scale Enterprises” will hold at the Centenary Hall, Abeokuta. Speakers at the Seminar include Professor Olufunlayo Adebambo, Professor Adewale Dipeolu and Dr Olusegun Obadina, all of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) while the Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service, Chief (Mrs)

Ronke Folarin, will serve as Chairman of the seminar. In the evening of Thursday, the annual visit to the homestead of the Hero of the Year would hold. The Hero of the 2016 Lisabi is Chief Osundare, the Nlado of Kemta who was one of the six powerful persons in Egbaland during the time of Lisabi. Friday, 4th March, will witness Jumat thanksgiving service which will be held at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, in addition to an

exclusive royal banquet in honour of the Alake of Egbaland, sponsored by Globacom, which will hold at OK Centre, Abeokuta. On Saturday, the grand finale of the festival will take place at the Ake Palace grounds while the festival will be rounded off on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta. Sponsor of the festival, Globacom, stated that the need to immortalise the legacies

of Lisabi Agbongboakala and inculcate the values of courage, hard work, valour and honesty in the contemporary youths spurred the company to sponsor Lisabi for the sixth consecutive year. The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, while addressing the press last week, thanked Globacom for uplifting the Lisabi Festival to the extent that the festival is now listed on the world map of festivals.

Work for Yoruba unity, progress, Ooni tasks Afenifere leaders Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja 11), on Tuesday, tasked leaders of the Pan Yoruba group, Afenifere, to work assiduously for the progress and unity of the race, irrespective of individual’s political difference. He gave the charge during the group’s courtesy visit to his palace at Oduduwa House, in Ile-Ife. Oba Ogunwusi, who lamented over what he termed needless disunity among Yoruba people, urged the group to give priority to the collective interest of Yoruba people in their activities. According to him, “despite how powerful and influen-

tial we are in Yorubaland, we have allowed politicians to cause disunity among us. I am happy to meet you today and I want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to leave politics and love each other for the sake of progress of Yorubaland. “I want you to go and meet those that offended you and settle the dispute. I am very sure that Yorubaland will progress if we can love one another,” Oba Ogunwusi remarked. Earlier in his address, the leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, assured the monarch of the group’s readiness to support any course that could further promote unity in Yorubaland. He said “in the last few

weeks, you have stepped out of your throne to pay epochmaking visits to your brother Obas and in the process put an end to historical animosities, age-long rivalries, petty disputes and perennial conflicts. “You have practically torn the walls and rekindle a ray of hope for the long-sought unity of our people. You have challenged us as a people to summon the Aro and Odofin in our bellies as Yoruba people in order to rebuild our civilisation as a people. “Rest assured of the cooperation of Afenifere in your royal request to forge a new spirit of understanding, especially at this period when the Yoruba nation appears seriously endangered,” he stated.

Nigerian Tribune

Foremost educationist, Dotun Oyewole, dies at 94

Amosun commiserates with family Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

THE survivor of the popular Oyewole twins of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Pa Dotun Oyewole, is dead. He died at the age of 94. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the nonagenarian died in Lagos State at about 11.00p.m. Sunday night. The deceased twin brother, Femi Oyewole, died at the age of 84 in 2006. In his condolence message, the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described his death as painful. Governor Amosun urged the family to take solace in the fact that the late educationist and his twin brother “lived an impactful and fulfilling life.” He added that as foremost educationists, the Oyewole twins contributed immensely to the education sector in Ogun State and indeed Nigeria as a whole.

South-West states can be economically viable if. . . . —DAWN By Tunde Ogunesan

ALL the six states in SouthWest Nigeria can be economically viable if they create the momentum and opportunities by working together as bloc to access various solid minerals deposited within their geographical entity. This was disclosed on Tuesday by the DirectorGeneral, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dipo Famakinwa, while addressing participants from all the states, during a roundtable session tagged “Optimisation roundtable on solid minerals in SouthWest Nigeria,” held at the commission’s office, in Ibadan. According to Famakinwa, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, is fully briefed about the meeting, and has promised to align the policies of his ministry with the aspirations of the region as a bloc. In his presentation entitled “Strategic document for repositioning the solid minerals sector in South-West Nigeria” Professor Gbenga Okunlola chronicled various mineral resources domiciled in each of the states in the South-West.

16 news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Apkobolokemi didn’t give me any money, witness tells court Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin -Lagos

N Assistant Director of Nigerian Maritime Safety and Administration Agency (NIMASA), Mrs Olamide Odusanya, on Tuesday, specifically said she is not a beneficiary of the money allegedly stolen by former NIMASA Director-General, Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi. Odusanya, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Akpolobokemi and six others, maintained before a Federal High Court in Lagos that she did not get anything from the alleged theft. Akpobolokemi and five others are standing trial before the court on 22 counts bordering on allegations of conversion and theft in the tune of N2.6

billion levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Charged alongside Akpobolokemi were Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, and three companies, namely Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and AlKenzo Logistic Limited. At the resumed trial on Tuesday, Odusanya informed the court that none of the official allegedly involved in the scam came to her department for the submission of vouchers. She also informed the court that all monies withdrew from the agency’s revenues and operational accounts and transferred to the committee on implementation of International Shipping and Ports Securi-

ty (ISPSS) Code accounts, which were with Skye Bank: Zenith Bank and Access Bank, were done at the approval and order of the former Director General. She stated that the sum of N318 million paid to Extreme Bethel Nigeria Limited on November 6, 2014,

was under the threshold of FEC, in the anticipatory of Mr President’s approval. Odusanya, however, stated that she did not see any approval from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), because she was not a member of the committee of ISPS, adding that

she may not know where the committee got the approval for the payment. When asked if the National Assembly passed the budgetary allocation for NIMASA, the witness insisted that she could only answer the question if she could see a copy of 2013

budget. Counsel for the first accused person, Dr Nwobike, sought for an adjournment to enable the parties to produce copies of 2013, 2014 and 2015 budgets. Consequently, Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned the matter till today.

Drug abuse: Senate calls for restructuring of NDLEA Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja THE Senate, on Tuesday, asked the Federal Government to restructure the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in order to enable it to meet the challenges of evasive drug traffickers. The red chamber also called on the Nigerian Policee, NDLEA, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria and other relevant agencies to be part of collaborative efforts towards curbing incidence of drug abuse in the country. The lawmakers, however, mandated the Senate committee on drugs and narcotics to consider an urgent amendment to Section 23 of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria Act, to include the sale of prescription pills over the counter as an offence punishable by the Act. These decisions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Gbenga Ashafa and 21 others, entitled: “Nigerians’ involvement in illicit global drugs trade and increase in domestic drug abuse by Nigerian youths.” Ashafa, in his motion, noted that Malaysian authorities had again issued a strong statement that 40 per cent of the foreigners being arrested for drug offences were from Nigeria, adding that 30 out of 80 foreign students arrested in

2015 were Nigerians. He observed that in their desperation, “these Nigerians are disguising as ‘university students’ colluding with drug syndicates (predominantly outside Nigeria) to undermine the visa system and gain entrance into Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other drug traffic routes.” On getting there, according to him, such ‘students’ abandoned the education agenda and got busy with illicit and illegal drug business activities; trading in opiates, cocaine, heroin, cannabis and amphetamines, adding that colleges and universities in the country had been told to keep a lookout for those who signed up for courses and did not turn up.

From right, Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo (right); acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Waheed Olagunju and the Project Manager, Ifeanyi Orajaka, during the commissioning of the BoI-funded 24kw solar electrification project at Kolwa community, Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, on Tuesday.

Buhari assures ECOWAS of support Leon Usigbe -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria will continue to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to realise the noble objectives of regional integration and peaceful co-existence that inspired its creation in May 28, 1975. He gave the assurance

while receiving the outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, saying that the pursuit of the laudable goals of the regional economic bloc would always remain a top priority for Nigeria. “Nigeria, by its size and resources, has no alternative than to back ECOWAS

to the hilt. We are part of ECOWAS. Indeed, we are at the very heart of it, so we will continue to play our role,” the president said. President Buhari said the gains recorded so far in collectively providing peace in the sub-region and curtailing health challenges were major achievements of ECOWAS that must be sustained.

Niger gov was never held hostage —Aide CHIEF Secretary to Niger State Governor, Mr Jibrin Baba Ndace, on Tuesday, debunked the assertion that Governor Abubakar Sani Bello was held hostage by some aggrieved youths in Minna, on Monday. He said the purported story claiming that the governor was held hostage by some irate youths was not only untrue but a blatant misrepresentation of what happened. In a press statement made available to newsmen in Minna, on Tuesday,

he said at no time since the inauguration of Governor Bello that his person or convoy was held hostage. Rather, Ndace noted, the governor had continued to enjoy the support and commendation of his people across the state, saying that “it was so pathetic that a sincere and genuine act of informally interacting with the people by the governor can be misconstrued.” Accordingly the Ndace, “to set the record straight, it is pertinent to note that the alleged ‘hostage’ was a figment of the imagination

of the authors and sponsors of the story. “Nno such incident ever happened. In line with the strict adherence to traffic law, despite the immunity accorded his office, Governor Sani Bello, on Monday, on his way to kick off the Immunization Plus Days at Kafin Tella area of Minna, the state capital. He stopped to observe the traffic light at Lagos Street junction, on Bosso Road, Minna.” He further explained that in the process, some youths in the neighbour-

hood, who spotted the governor, rushed to his vehicle to exchange pleasantries with him, adding that in his usual characteristic manner, the governor lowered the side glasses of his car to interact with them. He stressed that unlike what was reported in some national dailies, “the brief interaction that lasted for less than 70 seconds could not have been taken for hostage, as the governor willingly stopped to obey the traffic light and drove off when passed without any let or hindrance.”

“Now, we have to get more reliable intelligence and support from the international community, and utilise the gains for the development of our countries,” he added. The president commended the outgoing president of the ECOWAS Commission for his diligence and visionary leadership, while wishing him well in his future engagements. In his remark, the outgoing president of the ECOWAS Commission recounted some of his achievements over the four-year period of serving to include peace and stability in the region, resolution of crises in Mali, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso and the tackling of the Ebola scourge. “We signed trade agreements with China, United States (US) and Japan. The biometric identity card has been approved and is due for launch this year, while a single currency by 2020 is on course. On behalf of all ECOWAS institutions, I express my sincere thanks to Nigeria forall its support,” he said.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

tribune cartoons

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA

Mbonu Ojike FUNOLOGY

(Boycott King) • Born in 1914. He was a prominent Igbo politician, a Nigerian nationalist and a renowned freedom fighter.

CHURCH BOY

• He was in the class of Dr. Kingsley Mbadiwe, Chief H.O. Davies, Dr. Michael Okpara, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Chief Bode Thomas, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, Alhaji Mohammadu Ribadu and Alhaji Zana Rima Dipcharima.

SEGELUULU

• He was an orator, a wordsmith, a man of high intellect and understanding. On the podium, he was at his best when attacking the colonial masters and their anti-African policies, urging his people to “boycott the boycottables”. • He coined the now famous phrase “Boycott the Boycottables”, which earned him the title the “Boycott King”. • Mazi Mbonu Ojike died in 1959 at the age of 44 years in an auto crash.

THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE CARTOONS BELOW. THE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE MARKED IN B

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

18 LETTERS TO THE

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08078891826. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Osun govt, medical doctors, settle your differences

HE ongoing face-off between the Osun State government and medical doctors in the employ of the government is really affecting the poor in the state. It has reached a situation whereby the state government claimed it has sacked all the doctors in its employ, but the in-

volvement of the national body of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), stating that no doctor should apply for employment into the Osun State civil service, has put a ‘gentleman’ settlement into jeopardy. While citizens of the state are waiting to see who blinks first between the government and the doctors, the poor are suf-

Buhari, revisit Jonathan’s confab resolutions THE administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan had a National Conference where members came out with resolutions on the steps to take if we truly want a united and developed country. Dr Jonathan could not implement the resolutions before the left office. However, since the coming of the Muhammadu Buhariled administration, nothing has been said about the confab, or its resolutions. I understand that the Confab was organised by a different political party, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not under any obligation to implement its submissions, we must, however, not forget that the Confab

fering from the continued face-off. Citizens who don’t have the resources to patronise private healthcare services, now resort to traditional healing homes, while some now travel as far as Ibadan or Akure to access public healthcare services. I don’t want to put the blame on any of the parties, but the doctors should realise that the government is facing a lot of challenges since the drop in its

monthly allocation from the Federal Government. While no one wants to be in the situation we currently find ourselves, everybody must persevere until the tough situation eases. It is as a result of this that I am calling on the medical doctors to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign. Everybody knows that the state government is not financially buoyant at this period in time, and I know

that the government will fulfill its agreement once the situation improves. I recently watched a documentary about a Syrian medical doctor who refused to leave the country because of the number of injured people he is attending to on a daily basis. This doctor is being paid by grateful patients, so the situation of the Osun doctors is not as bad as that of the Syrian doctor. Now, the most important thing

is for the doctors to look at saving lives, and not ‘fighting’ for money. The state government should call the doctors together and explain the situation of things to them. However, if the face-off continues, then it will mean both parties don’t really care about the poor people. •Janet Olatunji, Osogbo, Osun State.

cost the country billions of naira to put together, and if this government doesn’t trust the idea behind it, we should look at the fact that some of the submissions will be useful for the country. We shouldn’t just jettison the whole process because it was organised by another administration, which was under a different political party. I, therefore, hope that President Buhari would establish a committee that will look at the findings of the Confab, while implementing portions that will be beneficial to the development of the country. •Felix Udoh, Port Harcourt.

Make pre-paid meters available to all Nigerians THE Federal Government should order all power distribution companies (DISCOs) to make the pre-paid meter available to all Nigerians, as this will mean we will only pay for the electricity we use. For some time now, the distribution of electricity to Nigerians has become worse, but this has not reflected in the monthly bills sent to the customers. It is so unfortunate that some households even enjoy electricity for less than 20 hours a month, but they still get billed for electricity not used. The distributing companies know that their revenues will nosedive once every household is given

the pre-paid meter. As a result of this, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, should order the DISCOs to provide Nigerians with prepaid meters. Having said this, it is important that the government works towards providing uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians. This is the only way the country can truly develop. The government should look at other sources of power generation instead of generating power through dams only. •Nelson Ekwale, Benin, Edo State.

Appeal to Oyo govt on provision of borehole IT seems this year’s dry season is different from the ones we have experienced in the past. Apart from the heat, which is making people feel very uncomfortable, water wells have also dried up. In Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the situation is just so terrible that people now find it difficult to get water.

This problem is more visible around Oja-Oba, Olunloyo, Olorunsogo, ItaBaale, Eleta, among other places. Although there are tap waters in some communities, these are not enough to serve the hundreds of thousands of people whose wells have dried up. Some people now travel

several miles before being able to get water. It is also so terrible to the extent that some now use sachet water to do their cookings, and even bathing. I am, therefore, using this opportunity to call on the Oyo State governor, under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, to work towards providing

more bore hole facilities in our communities. This will go a long way in easing the suffering of the people. It will also help in reducing diseases and sicknesses in the state, as many people now resort to dirty water for survival. •Aramide Shanu, oriyomiganiyat79@ gmail.com

editorial

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

The Ikirun robbery and police gallantry

HE incursion of a band of ruthless armed robbers into Ikirun in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State on Friday, February 16,2016 resulted in a serious disturbance of the peace in the otherwise sedate community. The robbers were reported to have raided three banks and carted away a huge amount of money. They, however, did not escape with the loot because the police rose to the occasion. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kola Sodipo, four of the armed robbers were shot dead while four others were arrested. Two policemen and two bank officials also lost their lives in the incident. The Nigeria Police have often mounted campaigns that are targeted at the minds of the Nigerian public. The campaigns are aimed at winning the confidence of the people and portraying the police as friends that should be trusted. If the police authorities have been commissioning surveys to measure subsequent improvement in public perception, they would have long discovered that acceptance rating is determined by deeds and not by words. The widespread belief is that the response of the police to distress calls is, most of the time, lethargic. Not a few hold the view that the men of the underworld operate in cahoots with some bad eggs in the police force. There are people who see the police as more of a problem than a solution to the problem of crime in the society. There have, however, been situations in which the police have lived up to expectation and where their performance has greatly inspired confidence.The promptness with which they responded to the ferocious onslaught of the hoodlums who raided banks in Ikirun was impressive and professional.They gave a good account of themselves as law enforcement agents on whom the people can rely for their individual and collective security. It was a case in which the police acquitted themselves creditably. Although the policemen lost two of their colleagues, the various reports of the incident showed that they outwitted the undesirable elements in the bloody encounter. They seized the vehicles the robbers had positioned for a quick get-away and recovered more than seven million naira looted from the banks. Assorted rifles and ammunition which were used during the operation by the armed robbers were also captured by the gallant policemen. It is hoped that the diligent investigation promised by the state Commissioner of Police

will be carried out to ensure the arrest of other members of the robbery gang who were able to escape. In another report, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Oyo State was said to have recovered a total of 27 vehicles from members of a syndicate that had been receiving and selling vehicles snatched from their owners by armed robbers. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, stated that the vehicles were recovered from the suspects in Kaduna, Abuja, Kogi, Kwara, Ondo and Oyo states. He said the recovery of the vehicles and the arrest of two of the syndicate members resulted from extensive investigation carried out by members of the SARS. The two cases cited above provide good illustrations of what the police can and should always do. The expectation of the public is that such impressive performances should not be flashes in the pan. It is not a hidden fact that the Nigeria Police Force is confronted by a myriad of problems. A substantial number of its personnel is assigned to individuals who constitute an insignificant number of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population. This substantial number is being used to do demeaning jobs that are unrelated to police duties, while the primary duty of law enforcement for the rest of the population suffers. It is also common knowledge that the police force that is under the control of the Federal Government is grossly underfunded. The various state police commands depend to an appreciable extent on the assistance of the state governments to perform their functions. The Nigeria Police Force, however, has its own institutional inadequacies which must be addressed before its image can be enhanced in the eyes of the public. The training programme for new intakes should place considerable emphasis on dignifying conduct. The frequency at which policemen have been pulling the trigger for unjustifiable reasons diminishes the integrity of the police as an institution. Sufficient emphasis should be placed on responsible behaviour. In spite of their various inadequacies, the police have, at different times, given a good account of themselves. It is our hope that the force will strive to sustain the type of gallantry displayed in Ikirun. It is by so doing that it can earn the respect and win the confidence of the public it serves. The Nigeria Police whose stellar performance on foreign missions has always earned it accolades should not be a complete contrast at home.

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opinion

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Saving Nigerians with traditional medicine By Sunday Ogunkuade

T the moment, there is growing interest in many parts of Nigeria in what is called traditional medicine, which refers to the use of plants and roots to treat diseases by local practitioners not trained in modern medicine. The importance of traditional medical practices in meeting the health needs of the Nigerian population has been stressed in many studies. For instance, it has been found that traditional medicine enjoys a wider acceptability among the people than modern medicine. This could be due partly to inaccessibility of modern medicine, which does not blend readily into the socio-cultural life of the people in whose culture it is deeply rooted. Again, it was the only form of healthcare available to the people before the advent of modern medicine. However, despite its importance, traditional medicine has incredibly suffered neglect and non-recognition by the nation’s development planning agencies. This attitude has been considered unrealistic especially when viewed against the enormous health problems of the Nigerian population. The present status of healthcare delivery in Nigeria is far from being capable of meeting the basic needs of Nigerians. The existing healthcare delivery system does not meet the ever-increasing health need of the Nigerian population due to the high cost of modern healthcare, especially with its advanced technology and a high illiterate population. In addition, traditional medicine constitutes an important source of medical cure for many people in the developing nations of the world, especially among those living in the rural areas where modern medical services seldom penetrate. An exposition of the relevance of traditional system is therefore considered very important in the light of the above, especially as the bulk of the population resides in areas where they make frequent use of indigenous health functioners. The importance of traditional medical practices to healthcare delivery system in Nigeria needs no emphasis. In the first place, traditional medicine possesses certain

characteristics that make it increasingly relevant in the dispensation of healthcare in Nigeria. For example, it is cheaper than modern medicine. The high cost of health is attributable to its high technological base, which in many instances, may be inappropriate or irrelevant to the immediate needs of Nigerians. Again, the cost of training modern medical practitioners is much higher than for traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is more readily accessible to a large proportion of the population. For example, it is reported that 60-85per cent of the population in every country of the developing world relies on traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine appears to be the only source of healthcare for many.

This situation is largely brought about by the shortages of hospitals and modern health services as well as medical and paramedical staff needed to man a modern healthcare delivery system. The wider acceptability which traditional medicine enjoys universally, especially among the people of developing nations, is also attributable to the favourable healing environment of the traditional practitioners. Until very recently, many people feel more comfortable in traditional healing environment whereas many consider the hospital environment as strange. Traditional medicine appears to be the only source of healthcare for many people in rural and urban communities in Nigeria; for them “primary health” is synonymous with traditional medicine. Traditional healers play important roles in their communities, especially with regard to common ailments and mental disorders. Despite the unquestionable clinical and social relevance of traditional medicine, it nevertheless has been viewed with a degree of skepticism aggravated by the factors that World Health Organisation (WHO) pointed out, namely; (a) the vagueness of traditional practitioners’ diagnosis (b) the laxity of their dosage (c) the undue explosion of non-mental aspects (d) the practice of withcraft and charlatanism (e) their failure to acknowledge limits to their competence. However, the above mentioned factors should not obscure the evidences that on the whole, traditional medicine has been and continues to be a very valuable human resource system, and if restructured as part of a carefully planned strategy of self-reliance and national development, could contribute appreciably towards meeting the nation’s health requirements by 2020. It seems that the problem to be tackled at this juncture is to determine how to make traditional medicine rapidly self-reliant and fully efficient, upgrade the quality of services provided by the practitioners of this system, give them due recognition as respected member of society and lastly, facilitate their participation in national health programmes. •Ogunkuade, a public affairs analyst, sent this article via ogunkunadeakanjisunday@yahoo. com

HIV/AIDS: US/Nigeria partnership still on track By James F. Entwistle

THERE have been several inaccurate media reports lately concerning the U.S. government’s support to Persons Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) in Nigeria. In particular, claims made in some February 25, 2016 articles that the United States is reducing HIV/AIDS funding due to Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act are flatly untrue. This is what is true: U.S. funding decisions on international HIV/AIDS programs are not linked to other governments’ views on same sex marriage or other LGBTI issues. Since 2004, the American people have provided $4.2 billion in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care for millions of Nigerians through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), clearly a massive U.S. commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Contrary to what is often reported, PEPFAR is committed to maintaining support for the more than 600,000 Nigerians it has placed on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Last year alone, more than 8.5 million Nigerians were tested and counseled for HIV, and 55,000 women were provided drugs to prevent transmission of the virus to their unborn children with PEPFAR support. The patients on ART are receiving care in 490 local government areas (LGAs) located throughout Nigeria. Country-wide, approximately 750,000 Nigerians receive ART. The burden of HIV is not spread evenly throughout the country. Surveillance data show that some parts of the country have higher rates of infection than others. Approximately 3.4 million Nigerians are infected with the virus. More than one million of those are located in seven states where PEPFAR, in consultation with the Nigerian government, has chosen to scale up services. According to the latest National AIDS Spending Assess-

ment, 75 percent of the national HIV response programme is funded by donors, predominantly PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. As contributions from these sources are finite and have not increased in recent years, the only way HIV treatment has continued to be increased is by finding efficiencies and reducing costs. We are learning how to do more with the same amount of money or even less. In 2017, the PEPFAR budget will shrink, but the U.S. government is committed to maintaining all PLHIV placed on treatment and to scaling up services in the highest burden, highest HIV prevalent areas. We have selected those areas, 32 LGAs in seven states, because we can reach the greatest number of PLHIV in the areas of highest concentration with the fewest dollars. That means our limited budget can place more people on life-saving treatment by concentrating our efforts in a limited geographical area. By having the right mix of resources and services, we can gain control of the HIV epidemic and halt the transmission of the virus. Decisions concerning the PEPFAR programme are based on the latest science, international standards, and best

practices. PEPFAR is increasing support for countries with the highest burden of disease and in which the host government is shouldering increased responsibility for responding to the epidemic. The United States seeks to engage and encourage the Nigerian government to mobilise greater resources for the HIV response in a new era of accountability, transparency, and impact. In no country, including Nigeria, are PEPFAR funding decisions related to a government’s position on issues related to gay and lesbian populations, as recently (and erroneously) reported in the press here in Nigeria. Epidemic control is defined as the point at which the number of new HIV infections has decreased and falls below the number of AIDS-related deaths. PEPFAR is committed to supporting the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS’ (UNAIDS) “90-90-90” goal of having 90 percent of people living with HIV diagnosed, 90 percent of those diagnosed on ART, and 90 percent of those on ART virally suppressed. Doing so, in a small number of prioritised geographic areas, will provide proof of concept which we hope will encourage the Nigerian government to invest more significantly—and in a more focused manner—in the domestic HIV response. The articles I cited above do make a request that the U.S. government fully supports—that the Nigerian government put more resources into the HIV response. But we also advocate that any new resources brought to the table be spent in the geographic areas of greatest need and where they can have the most impact—that is, where the HIV burden is greatest and HIV prevalence is highest. Continuing our historically strong bilateral partnership, we can look forward to reaching these goals together. •Entwistle is the US Ambassador to Nigeria.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

by Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

Emmanuel Park: Redeemed church’s comfort for children By ayodeji ayodele

AVE you ever been in a luxury of enjoyment before or perhaps, lingering for a world class place to gather for fun during the festive period especially this coming Easter? Why not visit Emmanuel Park as it offers you great pleasure for you and your loved ones. I bet you, you wont be able to resist the fun. Located at the Redemption camp besides the children’s auditorium, Ogun State, is a multi-million naira children’s amusement park called ‘Emmanuel Park’. The park, which is being built by the children’s department of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), serves as a place for the teens and children to relax and have fun in a godly environment and under maximum security. It will be recalled that the wife of the General Overseer, Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, during a short documentary on the project at the November Holy Ghost Service, last year, noted that the purpose of the park is to enable children within and outside the camp to have a balanced life; spiritually and physically, stating further that the facilities would be made available for schools and families who wished to visit the place for relaxation. According to her, there would not be need for parents to take their children outside the country for sight seeing as the park will be fully equipped with modern accessories that will be of great benefits for the younger generations. During the dedication ceremony of the park in December 2015, the General Overseer, Pastor E. A. Adeboye described the park as ‘divine vision’, explaining further that “the name implies God will be present in the park to heal the sick, make barren fruitful and bless everyone that comes and makes it a wonder garden.” Meanwhile, speaking with Tribune Tourism, the manager of Emmanuel Park, Mr Ayotunde Olumide stated that the purpose of the park “is to bring families together”. “This is a family park, where children and their parents can come together and have a nice time. It is meant for fun and learning. “Aside from praying and reading the bible, Mummy G.O. requested that families have time to relax together so that the things they used to see around can also be enjoyed here in the church too,”

he stated. While speaking on the facilities available at the park, Mr Olumide affirmed that there were world class playgrounds for children and parents, among which are bumper cars, merry go round, choco cups, circus train, airborne shot, family coaster ride, family swing, ferry wheel, kiddies wheel, kiddies playground, bouncers, sliders, rollercoaster ride, serene atmosphere, secured environment and adequate parking space, among others. Other facilities, according to him, are the water world, which include the swimming pool facility, water splash, water fountain

The manager also disclosed that the park had a museum where families can learn things. He also said: “Presently, we are constructing an amphi theater and here at this park, we have a sport arena, football pitch, long tennis and basket court and very soon, we will start a peg zoo.

However, he noted that the park could compete favourably with any other around the world as it would be expanded to have a resort so families would have where to stay and sleep in the next five years. Fun seekers at the park also spoke with Tribune Tourism on their experiences. A 13-year old, Funke Oladele stated that the park is a unique one as it has many facilities for both children and their parents to catch fun and enjoy themselves at the same time. “I enjoyed the facilities especially the bumper cars and family coaster ride. I will come here soon again especially the forthcoming Easter,” she said. According to Mr Samuel Ajibade, the park offers a great excitement in a godly manner. “I brought my family here to enjoy themselves as it is always good for families to relax together and have time with each other. I didn’t regret coming here today,” he stated.

tourism

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

At declaration of Ile-Ife as tourism zone

Ooni designates Sally Mbanefo —Moremi of Ife

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, congratulating Dr (Mrs) Sally Mbanefo, Director-General, NTDC as the new ‘Moremi of Ile-Ife.

By Wale Ojo–Lanre

monumental tourism history was enacted on Saturday 28 February 2016 in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, when he, in the presence of members of the diplomatic circle, traditional rulers, government officials and tourism buffs regally declared and consecrated Ile-Ife as a tourism zone . The impressive ceremony, which was a series of events including an intercontinental symposium held at the prestigious and touristic Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Friday where tourism scholars, hospitality experts, international organisations and investors analysed and synthesised the tourism endowments and cultural heritage lurking within Ile-Ife and a tour of selected tourism sites by the diplomats and guests which proved to be one of the finest moments of the Ooni Ojaja and the people of Ile-Ife, nay the Yoruba within the spate of six months of ascension to the throne of his forefathers , The Ooni who metaphorically employed the word ‘Ile-Ife as a tourism zone said that “It is not about the Ife town alone but a brand symbolization which is an effort at directing focus and attention of all

Yoruba to the notion that Ile ife is not only the cradle of all nations but also the incontestable fact that everything about the Yoruba emanated from Ile-Ife. The declaration of Ile-Ife as a tourism zone is also to direct the world’s attention and the tourism traffic to Ile-Ife to authenticate and view the hidden treasures of traditional relevance as acclaimed by the historical accounts of great historians and archaeologist like Leo Frobenius and those supplied and reinforced by the holy books . According to the Ooni, “Ile-Ife is indeed the cradle of all nations. It is an enigmatic origin of the Yoruba race where most of the recorded events in the Bible before the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ happened. It will interest you to know that the Tower of Babel is in Ile-Ife as well as the ark of Noah. This is to prove to all that Ile-Ife is the centre of dispersal of all the races in the world.” He revealed that “Ile-Ife is a place where the land expands to the world and being the motherland, is traditionally and officially beckoning to all her products and siblings to come back home, re integrate with the land, refresh their memories and reunite in cultural brotherhood and vision. This is the real essence and the message of Ile-Ife being declared today as a tourism zone for all.”

The Ooni pointed out that the declaration was not exclusive to Ile-Ife, bearing in mind that all Yoruba race are Ife in origin. “What we are actually doing today is to officially register and formally kick start a positive and productive cultural – tourism deployment and engagement of the inestimable heritage in the course of economic empowerment, wealth creation and employment generation ‘ He also revealed that, “in the process of exposing and enhancing the cultural values, historical sites and monuments, we shall endeavour to create a chain of economic activities that will be beneficial to all and grow both personal, community and national economies.” Drawing allusion from the exciting performance put up by Atunda group, anchored by Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye who is the consultant, Ife tourism zone initiative, the Ooni revealed that “We have commenced the recruitment of youths who are talented in the creative arts for horning and sharpening of their creative energy at the Atunda Creative Institute, which is being promoted by Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye, President, La campagne Tropicana Beach Resort.” He disclosed that “Apart from the Ile – Ife grand resort which will create employment for thousands and stoke wealth, we

are going to open up heritage centres and monuments for the benefit of the people. The era of keeping things in the archives of the ancestors or for the few privileged order with no impressive proof of sociocultural tourism economic benefits to the people is gone forever.” The Ooni also with the approval of Ooni -in-Council, publicly declared Dr (Mrs) Sally Mbanefo, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, as the Moremi of ile Ife. The Ooni described Mrs Mbanefo as a special gift to the cultural – tourism sector that has proved to all once tribe had nothing to do with performance at national postion. The Ooni noted that though Mrs Mbanefo is not Yoruba but “she has contributed immensely to the promotion of Yoruba cultural tourism than any of her predecessors, adding that she was the first Director-General of NTDC who did not only declare her interest in promotion of domestic tourism but has been consistent in attending and identifying with major cultural-tourism festivals in Yoruba land as well as in other parts of the country.” The Imperial Majesty revealed that “the Imperial Palace of Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race has a conspicuous record of Mrs Sally Mbanefo’s passionate cultural relationship with Ife not only by attending its cultural festivals but also participating actively well as done by Moremi of old.” Expressing the approval of the Ife people, a former Honourable member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Makinde, who is a popular Nollywood act and who formally gave the vote of thanks on behalf of Ile-Ife said “I consider the declaration of Ile-Ife as a tourism zone by Ooni Ojaja as one of the best declaration of vision and purpose for the Yoruba race. It is a trans-generational declaration which calls our attention to the cultural assets waiting to be explored, which tasks our sensibilities to values and heritage that can transform our race and which wil sustain the pride of the race in comity of races. I am not only keying into this but I am offering myself as an instrument of progress and advancement of this vision.” Makinde also described the declaration of Mrs Mbanefo as Moremi of the source by the Ooni as most apt, commendable and eminently deserved. Characterising the declaration, Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye said “it is epochal. It is a call to action. A call to activate the cultural – tourism businesses embedded in our endowments of Yoruba race. A call to the growth of a glorious tourism race of the Yoruba, it is a declaration that a new tourism race has emerged. Welcome Yoruba tourism nation. Thanks to the visionary, Ooni Ojaja II.”

tourism Climb 23rd floor, Cocoa House and meet Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sapara William, MKO Abiola, Wole Soyinka, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, others 23

By Wale Ojo–Lanre he Cocoa House, the first 25-storey building in Africa built in Ibadan, Oyo State, was reputed to be once the tallest building in Africa. The magnificent edifice was planted by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and served and is still serving as an attractive tourism site. The building now hosts a mall, a mall, a restaurant, a night club, as well as the office accommodations and a radio station. Beyond the afore mentioned, it will interest many to know that the Cocoa House serves as historical and memorial bank of the Yoruba culture housing Odu’a Museum and Hall of Fame . The Oduá Museum and Hall of Fame is located on the 23rd Floor of the Cocoa House and is stocked with artefacts, objects and articles of pride. The museum is not only rich in history but preserves the testimonies of the past glory of the Yoruba race. Anybody searching for what made the Yoruba who they are as people of having glorious past must visit the 23rd floor where the evidences are displayed. This include objects such as foundry, textiles, pot making, music and weaponry. The museum is compartmentalised into two viz, the artefacts section and the Hall of Fame. The artefacts section harbours the articles, money, cloth, and others while the Hall of Fame is decked with pictures, stories and histories of men and women of Oduduwa scions who have are pathfinders in many field of endeavour. Here you will see memories of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the Premier

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

you will be stunned with the best view of Ibadan as a city. “This is part of the tour of the museum. It is a value added for visitors to appreciate the city of Ibadan and get the most fascinating panoramic view of this great city which recorded several firsts in Africa,” Jide Famurewa, the museum curator said. The visit to the 23rd floor of Cocoa House is not only historically rewarding but it also passes through decades of history and allows a better insight to why the Yoruba occupy a central point of discussion in the committee of nations.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Cocoa House, Ibadan. of Western Region; Late Chief SLA Akintola, you will also watch Professor Wole Soyinka using songs to teach his students at the Obafemi Awolowo University, then University of Ife. You can watch late MKO Abiola performing as a musi-

cian while his household dance. You will see and read and read the Yoruba was the first in Africa like the first African to become a lawyer, late Sapara William and many others . The visit will also afford you to get to the 24th floor of Cocoa House where

Ogun to host Drum Festival, unveils logo Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta Worried by the dying cultural tourism heritage in the country, the Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will be hosting the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drums Festival, in April. The festival, according to the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun,which is first of its kind, would further foster unity in the country. Amosun, represented by his deputy, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, noted that the event which is slated to hold from April 19 to 21,in Abeokuta, will draw participants from all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory. Amosun said the event would avail the participants the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in drum beats, drum dance, performance,and exhibition with different types of drums peculiar to their locality. The governor also said that the festival would boost tourism opportunities in the state, which in turn would provide opportunities for youths. The event witnessed the unveiling of the

Nigerian Tribune

logo and launch of the raffle draw. In his remarks, the state commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Muyiwa Oladipo, described “Drum” as a factor that binds tribes and ethnic groups with different cultures in Nigeria. Oladipo said the festival would promote and increase tourism migration in the state. He said, “I want to assure you that the Nigerian Drums Festival, 2016, being the maiden edition, will turn around the face

of Culture and Tourism not only in Ogun State, but in Nigeria and Africa because the beats of the Drums Festival will be heard throughout the country, continent and extend to the world in general. He said the logo was unveiled to set the ball rolling and placed an official stamp on the planning and organisation of the festival, while the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism was perfecting plans towards the successful staging of the event. “This is purely an initiative of the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism supported by the State Government and some stakeholders, but more stakeholders and sponsors are welcome on board, the more the merrier,’’ Oladipo said. The Commissioner added that the raffle draw was launched to create awareness and promote the festival amongst the grassroots, saying that it would be an opportunity for buyers to win fascinating prizes to commemorate the Nigerian Drums Festival, 2016. The commissioner said, “This is part of the side attraction of the festival, there are other side attractions and they will be unveiled as time goes on.”

Speaker commends NCPC at second pilgrimage summit The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) successfully organised its second Christian Pilgrimage stakeholders Summit in Abuja with the theme: “The role of the Church in the sustainability of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.” Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, the Speaker House of Representatives, RT Hon. Yakubu Dogara, commended the leadership style of the Executive Secretary of NCPC, John Kennedy Opara. He described the 2015 Youth Pilgrimage to Israel as well as “A Day with Jesus in Israel” held last year, which he led other Christian leaders to Israel, as impactful. The Speaker also commended the Commission for establishing a mini clinic in Israel jointly established by the Commission and stakeholders in Israel at no cost to the government. He further commended the Commission’s skills acquisition programme in Israel which he was opportune to inspect during his visit to Israel last year and has been able to sponsor some youths from his constituency under the platform to acquire skills in agriculture that would make them self reliant. In the words of the Speaker: “the achievements of NCPC and the impact of its skill acquisition programme make me proud as a Christian”. RT. Hon. Dogara described the NCPC “win a trip to Israel” as very inspiring. He prayed that God will give the stakeholders ideas on how to move Christian Pilgrimage forward. According to him, “as Christians, we are bound to look up to God and not Government for the survival of pilgrimage in Nigeria. He added, “God will not fail us, let God be true and all men be liars”. He called for unity in the body of Christ. He enjoined Christians who would be going for different elective positions in Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to put God first so they could emerge from the election stronger than ever before. In his remarks, the Chairman CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, explained that Christians from every denomination have participated in pilgrimage whether through NCPC or any other platform. Consequently, he affirmed that it was time for the church to come with open mind to take ownership of pilgrimage. According to him: “we are here because we believe that pilgrimage is important and it must be sustained.”

ecoscope

Provision of water to communities is one of NEST’s core values. How do you think Nigeria can tackle the issue of water scarcity? First we must be aware that water is a valuable resource and therefore, conserving it as much as possible, using it in a more efficient way than the way we are using it now is essential. People have to be aware of water conservation; they need to start collecting it where possible; storing and using it only when they need it. We can increase supply a bit by building dams and so on, but those are long term strategies and a bit more expensive, but in terms of our immediate day-to-day living, more efficient utilisation of water is essential.

Climate change is a matter of life and death — Okali

Professor David Okali is a retired professor of Forest Ecology from the University of Ibadan (UI), and the Chairman, Nigeria Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST). He speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE on climate change issues, as well as other global environmental concerns.

economic activities in a very bad way. So we must be very concerned and we should be doing something about it. Many people still believe that global warming is not an imminent threat and would probably take a century or so before its real effect is felt. What is your take on this? The threat is now; we are beginning to feel the impact. It is not a question of hundred years. The impacts are being felt now and they are increasing. So unless we do something about it, things will get worse and become more severe. A survey recently revealed that 60 per cent of Nigerians will be affected by climate change. How would you react to that? I’d say 100 per cent of Nigerians will be affected by climate change;

What are the biggest challenges of grassroots environmental work? In terms of the response of people at the grassroots, poverty is a major challenge. As a result of poverty, they have no alternative to what they are used to, so if damaging the environment would provide resources for their survival, they don’t have a choice. So that is the biggest problem for those at the grassroots. And for those of us trying to create awareness to those at the grassroots, providing these required alternatives takes a lot of resources, which most times we are not able to do on a scale that will have effect on the people. We do small projects, but to do it on a larger scale, we need a massive intervention, starting from policy at government level. Many cases, the technology, knowledge and manpower are available, but the implementation of this knowledge is the crux of the matter. Talking about technology, do you think modern technology, population density and a healthy environment can coexist? Population is an important factor in the environment, because the population depends on the resources of the environment. So, we can’t continue using the environment without regulating the population, as resources are not limitless. However, traditionally, it is not attractive to do anything about population, so you don’t find that being a major policy for any government, and it is a very serious matter. We cannot continue using the environment without regulating the population that is using it. In terms of technology, we don’t need rocket science to be able to start handling our environment in a sustainable way. It is not a really high level technology that is needed, it is a simple thing that can be done in a matter of management, being conscious of the environment and then managing it. How do you think Nigeria can key

Leonardo DiCaprio talks climate change at Oscar Awards

up for endangered species

m:08058130577 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink

everybody will be affected. If it is just about those that will be directly affected in terms of their livelihood, probably those who are into agriculture, maybe the 60 per cent report would have been right. But as it is, everyone depends on agriculture, so whatever happens to the environment affects everybody. So I’d say 100 per cent, and not just 60 per cent.

So Nigeria, like many other developing parts of the world should be very concerned about the changing climate. Our livelihood, the way we get our resources, depends almost 80 per cent on the environment, which includes the land on which we farm and the rainfall on which we depend on for farming. So if we don’t have an environment that allows agriculture, food insecurity will arise. Also we don’t have the technology yet to be able to react when the environment is changing beyond the natural form. And even if the technology is available, we don’t have the money and economic power. So we are very vulnerable to climate change. Climate change is also causing the sea to rise, which is affecting our coastline. Taking the Nigerian coastline for instance, all our economic activities is from the coastline, so if the coastline is affected, that would affect our

World Wildlife Day: Stepping

with Doyin Adeoye

Okali

hy should Nigerians be concerned about climate change? It is not just about Nigerians, anybody who lives on planet earth should be concerned about climate change because it is a change that is affecting the whole planet. Climate change is a matter of life and death, a matter of survival and non-survival. Taking Ibadan’s temperature for instance, by now, we should have had rainfall so that the high temperature would go down. All of this is happening because of climate change; the climate is not behaving as it is supposed to. The things that we have adapted to are changing and we have not been able to change fast enough to keep up with it. The consequence of that would be termination of existence in the environment and Nigeria is a part of the planet earth.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those that have to do with the environment? I believe that Nigeria, especially at the government level is aware of the entire programme, being a party to the agreement. But down the populace, apart from technical people, many people don’t know what the SDGs are all about. So that is the beginning point. People have to be conscious now and the onus is on civil society organisations that have to increase the awareness amongst people and educate them on the programme, which is trying to get us to develop sustainably and make us understand the certain goals it intends to achieve. So that is the very first take. Also the goals that have to do with the environment are about trying to use the environment sustainably, which is what NEST has been doing since it was founded. So the focus is about intensifying the full course of using the environment sustainably.

To put your hands in a river is to feel the chords that bind the earth together

—Barry Lopez, Author, whose work is known for its environmental concerns

By Doyin Adeoye THE international community is geared up to celebrate wildlife tomorrow, as well as channel a way forward, especially in the area of eradicating wildlife crimes. With the theme: ‘The Future of Wildlife is in Our Hands” and African and Asian elephants being the main focus of the 2016 global campaigns, the World Wildlife Day (WWD) is an annual event marked every 3 March, and aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. Speaking with Ecoscope, the Director, University of Ibadan (UI) Zoological Garden, Dr Olajumoke Morenikeji, noted that Nigeria has a very rich wildlife resource, but unfortunately we are not wildlife conscious. “It is unfortunate that the country is not really interested in boosting the wildlife sector, wildlife management, wildlife consciousness and wildlife tourism. These are areas where we have not fully developed as a country and it is something we should look into. “There are lots of animals that are indigenous to Nigeria; they will not be found in any other place in the planet. If we can build tourism around our indigenous animals, we will make a lot of money,” she said. The WWD was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013 and the theme of this year’s edition is a call to people around the world to play their roles in protecting the wild animals and plants who share the planet with us. Illegal international trade of ivory and poaching has remained a major threat to African elephants. As at 1979, the population of African elephant was estimated to be around 1.3 million in 37 range states, but by 1989 only 600,000 remained. Around 100,000 African elephants are estimated to be slaughtered in three years to feed the demand for ivory.

HOLLYWOOD star, Leonardo DiCaprio, for the first time, won in the Best Actor category at the Oscars on Sunday. The United Nations (UN) Messenger of Peace seized the moment to talk about climate change, urging the audience to support leaders around the world who speak for all of humanity. “Climate change is real. It is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating. We need to support leaders around the world who do not speak for the big polluters, the big corporations, but who speak for all of humanity, for the indigenous people of the world. “Let us not take this planet for granted,” he said. Leonardo is one of the many celebrity environmentalists, advocating for a greener planet. The likes of Woody Harrelson, Julia Roberts, James Cameron, Arianna Huffington, George Clooney, Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt, among others, are actively involved in one environmental project or the other.

In his message for the 2016 WWD, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said that global efforts to protect wildlife are gathering force. “Last year, United Nations Member States adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include specific targets to end poaching. The General Assembly also unanimously agreed a resolution to limit illicit trafficking in wildlife. These powerful expressions of political determination to end these highly destructive crimes are now being translated into actions on the ground through collective efforts by countries around the world. “Time is running out to end the poaching crisis that threatens some of the world’s most iconic species. To combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, it is essential to address both the demand and supply of illegal wildlife products through agreed goals and targets and international instruments, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),” he said. Secretary-General, CITES, John E. Scanlon also noted that the current wildlife crisis is not a natural phenomenon unlike a drought, a flood or a cyclone. “It is the direct result of people’s actions. People are the cause of this serious threat to wildlife and people must be the solution, which also requires us to tackle human greed, ignorance and indifference. Wildlife loss threatens our own personal well being, the livelihoods of local communities and in some cases, even national economies and security. And today we are seeing a global collective effort to end wildlife.” African footballer and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador, Yaya Toure, also noted that this year’s theme reminds us of the power and privilege we have as humans to care for the special and unique wildlife that inhabits our planet.

Poor rains, El Nino leave 28 million people in Southern Africa vulnerable THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) said on Friday that 28 million people in the region were rendered vulnerable and in urgent need of “food and non-food” relief after last year’s poor rains were followed by an El Nino-triggered drought. According to Reuters, that is double the 14 million people whom the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) said faced hunger in late January. “The numbers are likely to increase in view of the current El Nino,” SADC said in a statement after a regional food security

By Doyin Adeoye

meeting in Johannesburg. El Nino is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a global impact on weather patterns. It is associated with a band of warm ocean water that develops in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific, including off the Pacific coast of South America. Developing countries dependent upon agriculture and fishing, particularly those bordering the Pacific Ocean are the most affected. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the most dominant perturbation responsible for interannual climate variability over eastern and southern Africa.

DiCaprio

Bill Gates charges teenagers on climate change By Doyin Adeoye ANNUALLY, Bill and Melinda Gates publish a letter where they outline the goals of their philanthropic organisation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In its recent letter released online last week, the billionaire urged high school

Bill Gates

students, who are the next generation of world leaders, to think about how they can be a force for good in the world. The letter outlines the environmental and economic quandary that the world faces: a growing population, growing demand for services and increased energy use, with each of these factors contributing to the rising carbon dioxide emissions, a major driver behind climate change. “In short, we need an energy miracle. When I say ‘miracle,’ I don’t mean something that’s impossible. I’ve seen miracles happen before. The personal computer; the Internet; the polio vaccine, none of them happened by chance. They are the result of research and development and the human capacity to innovate. “In this case, however, time is not on our side. Every day we are releasing more and more CO2 into our atmosphere and making our climate change problem even worse. We need a massive amount of research into thousands of new ideas, even

ones that might sound a little crazy if we want to get to zero emissions by the end of this century,” he said. In an interview, Gates expounds on his energy ideas and faith in the world’s youth, noting why the year’s edition of the annual letter is targeted at the teenage audience. “I think this younger group has a lot of advantages. They will tend to take a long-term view of things. They’re more scientific oriented and more interested in opportunities they can dream about where our generation hasn’t solved the problem, and therefore, they can take up and surprise everybody by what they are able to do. “With scientific innovation, you see that people in their 20s get a depth of knowledge and a willingness to look at things in a different way. So, I would say it’s likely that if an energy miracle comes in the next 15 years, key participants will be the teenagers of today.”

tribunebusiness

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

energy Following recent attacks on pipelines by Arepo vandals, there have been calls from stakeholders on the Federal Government to consider amnesty for the vandals. However, considering the harsh economic climate in Nigeria, many have asked how realistic and sustainable is the amnesty programme, OLATUNDE DODONDAWA writes.

anchor Tunde Dodondawa

m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

‘Accommodating fresh militants into amnesty programme may never happen’

HE call by some activists for the federal government to grant amnesty to Arepo vandals may have yielded some fruits when it was announced that about 1500 militants who specialised in attacking Arepo pipelines and unleash terror on the residents of Arepo community have been considered for amnesty. Recently, the Coalition of Nigerian Civil Rights Activists appealed to the National Assembly to initiate a motion aimed at securing amnesty for some militants who had relocated to the Arepo and Ikorodu areas of Ogun and Lagos states respectively to carry out criminal activities. The convener of the group, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, explained that the activities of the Ijaw militants, who migrated from Ondo and Bayelsa States to the affected areas, were alarming. The group noted that Arepo community had been living under fear arising from the activities of the militants for some time. Odili explained that residents of Arepo had been complaining bitterly that their people were disappearing mysteriously, while some others, including security operatives had been killed by the militants. “To us in the CNCRA, this is uncalled for and unacceptable. Therefore, the government should put these ungodly activities to a halt by entering into dialogue with the militants. At the stage Nigerians have found themselves today, we must resist any attempt to further shed the blood of any citizen in this country because we have wasted more than enough blood in Nigeria and our leaders are guilty of the bloodletting. “We therefore call on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the activities of these militants by extending the amnesty programme to them as we reliably gathered that the militants are fully prepared to lay down their arms,” he said. Last week, some vandals were arrested by a private security firm, Topline Leighton Ltd, at Ogere end of System 2B pipeline which passes through Arepo community from Atlas Cove. The Coordinator of the firm, Adetona Adigun, his company is monitoring system 2B products pipelines from Atlas cove to Mosimi and South West region. “We arrested vandals with over 2,000 gallons filled with premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol. This is our commonwealth with the collaboration of other security agencies, police, Navy and the civil defence corps. It is not going to be business as usual,” he warned. “We hope that those apprehended will soon be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others to desist from these nefarious activities. It has sent big signals in terms of the battles we are facing. The more programme and model brought to curb pipelines vandals, the better technology often deployed by vandals,” he said. He described the criminal activities in the community as massive, “the products being siphoned from the network ranged between 300 to 400 trucks daily,” he concluded. It would be recalled that recently, another explosion rocked one of the pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the Arepo area of Ogun State and reportedly killed several pipeline vandals. The incident occurred after a clash of rival groups and the vandals exchanged gunfire. The vandals, who were said to be from opposing camps, had engaged in a gun duel in a show of supremacy over who should control the pipeline and siphon petrol illegally. Sources within Arepo community told Nigerian Tri-

bune that one of the camps had first stormed the pipeline in order to tamper with the valves and then siphon fuel into their waiting jerry cans. In the process of siphoning the product, the other camp got to the scene to perpetuate the same act, but ran into the first group. A supremacy tussle over who should steal petrol from the pipeline area then ensued and when dialogue could

PENGASSAN denies taking side with PPPRA leaders Pg28

not solve the problem, they resorted to violence. It was during the gun duel that a bullet reportedly hit the pipeline, resulting in the explosion. However, the Presidential Amnesty Office (PAO) says it is seeking presidential approval to disarm interested pipeline vandals in Arepo area of Lagos and other affected Niger

FG to promote waste-topower initiatives through research Pg27

Continues on pg28

NNPC, marketers strategise to end scarcity Pg28

energy

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

PENGASSAN denies taking side with PPPRA leaders THE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has denied supporting any of the two parties currently occupying the position of the acting Executive Secretary at the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). The denial came on the heel of a publication in one of the national dailies alleging that the national body of PENGASSAN called on the Federal Government to recognise Mr Moses Mbaba as the acting Executive Secretary. The National body of the union stated there was no time it supported any of the two personalities who are currently occupying the position as reported in the daily, saying that it just demanded for a

strong structure without confusion in the agency. According to a statement signed by the Acting General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, “PENGASSAN does not have any interest in who is appointed the acting Executive Secretary of PPPRA but what we are concerned about is having a single authority in the agency. The former Executive Secretary handed over to Mr Mbaba as the acting Executive Secretary being the most senior officer in the Agency, while Mrs Sotonye Iyoyo was also introduced as the acting Executive Secretary; thereby making two Executive Secretaries in acting capacity. “There was no time we preferred

any of them as the acting executive secretary. We do not mind wherever the acting Executive Secretary comes from; we are only concerned that there should be a single point of authority as our members and other staffs is confused on their reporting

line. “We have written a letter to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Dr Ibe Kachikwu, seeking his intervention on a resolution to this and appealed that a clear pronouncement be made on who

the acting executive secretary is or name a substantive Executive Secretary for PPPRA due to the sensitive nature of the Agency’s functions and activities which are crucial to the socio-economy of Nigeria.”

Tanzania discovers more gas on Ruvu Basin TANZANIA has made yet another discovery of natural gas reserves totalling 2.17 trillion cubic feet (tcf) along Ruvu Basin in Coast Region. The discovery has been made at a block operated by Dodsal Hydrocarbons and Power Tanzania Limited owned and chaired by UAE-based billionaire, Dr Rejan Kilachand. It brings the sum of proven natu-

ral gas reserves to 57.27 tcf in both offshore and onshore wells. Officials of the company estimate that the reserve is worth 6 billion US dollars (about 12 trillion). Dodsal Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr P.K Surendran made the announcement during a meeting bringing together investors in the gas and oil industry, which was

convened by the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Professor Sospeter Muhongo. Prof Muhongo confirmed the discovery, which he said was made in July last year, but was quick to add that the government delayed to make the announcement due to new requirements of the Petroleum Act 2015.

‘Amnesty programme may not be extended’ Continues from pg26

Delta region. The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator of the amnesty programme, Brig. Gen. Paul Boro (rtd), revealed in Abuja by reaffirming his earlier position that the amnesty programme would be terminated in two years. Brig. Boro said the planned disarmament was conceived as part of ongoing efforts by the amnesty office to actualise its objective of sustainable peace in the oil region and Nigeria as a whole, adding that it would only be restricted to those youths willing to lay down their arms in the interest of peace in the country. “We hear of some persons wanting to disarm at Arepo, and we have written to the appropriate author-

ity to allow us disarms them. There are also some elements that want to do same in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. They are some of those persons that were left and displaced in Bakkasi and are willing to disarm as well. “It is moreso, because the amnesty programme is succeeding. It is a good thing for Nigeria that some people want to disarm. Nigeria cannot be a country where arms litter everywhere especially UN does not want to associate with such nations,’’ Boro said. According to him, “about 1,500 persons have so far expressed interest to disarm in Arepo, while in Bakassi and other Niger Delta areas; the number of those to disarm is yet to be ascertained as verification is still ongoing.”

However, the challenge of granting amnesty to another set of vandals and militants is that the country is broke to accommodate such financial burden considering the massive decline in country’s revenue. Decline in crude price from over $100 per barrel to about $30 per barrel has dealt a big blow to the country’s economy. The revelation at the hearing by the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs last week by the officials handling the Amnesty Programme that they do not know how much the country has expended in financing Amnesty programme since 2007 is another challenge that calls for concerns. The Chairman, Senator Peter Nwoboshi representing Delta North Senatorial District asked for

disclosure on the amount appropriated for the programme including those of development partners since the programme was established when the officials appeared before the Committee. “Mr Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator, Amnesty Programme, can you tell us the amount that was committed to this programme since 2007?, he asked. In his response, Brigadier General Paul Boro referred the question to the Director of Finance, Mr Reuben Lamay in anticipation that he would answer. But Lamay could only explain that they got N50 billion for 2015. At this point Senators, while expressing disappointment, interjected and insisted that they need to know how much was appropri-

ated by the federal government, development partners and donors agencies since 2007. But Lamay could not provide answers and this raised the question on the transparency of the entire programme. The government of late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua granted amnesty to militants in 2007 at the peak of Niger Delta militancy which resulted into inability to meet its daily OPEC quota of 2.2 million barrels per day. With the level of lack of transparency in the Amnesty Programme, admitting additional 1500 militants into the programme which the federal government planned to end in few years’ time due to paucity of fund and declined foreign reserves which currently stands at $27.8 billion, may be challenging and may not see the light of the day.

energy

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

FG to promote waste-to-power initiatives through research

Kachikwu

NAPIMS terminates Bristow contracts Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa with Agency Reports - Lagos NATIONAL Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary corporate services unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has called for the termination of Bristow Helicopters contracts in the country following the emergency landing of a Bristow-operated Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter on February 3, 2016. NAPIMS contends that the fatal accident and recent incident have called into question Bristow’s maintenance and inspection programs, prompting the call by NAPIMS for its joint partners to terminate all Bristow helicopter services contracts. Bristow issued the following statement in response to the NAPIMS action, “We are aware that a number of our clients have received a letter from the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) requesting termination of Bristow’s services and have engaged the authority and other government officials on the matter. “Safety is Bristow’s number one core value and we remain focused on safety in all aspects of our operation. We are in full compliance of all Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulatory requirements and Sikorsky operating directives, and continue to fully cooperate with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in their investigation into the event of February 3, 2016.” According to the statement, “We remain committed to continuing our safety work with all members of the aviation community, including other operators, to share best practices and support other initiatives that will help improve safety, and to honouring the contractual obligations with our customers. The company said “A com-

prehensive audit of our operation has been performed by the NCAA, and the NCAA has authorised that Bristow start test flights of the S-76 C++. “We are also conducting series of additional safety assurance checks on the Sikorsky S-76 fleet as a precautionary measure prior to returning the aircraft to service. We are engaging an independent third party to conduct an additional review of Bristow’s operations in Nigeria, with the expectation that such initiative will also extend to include the review of other similar entities across the Nigerian oil and gas industry, so that best practices can be shared laterally across all operators to further enhance safety.” It will be recalled that NAPIMS, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has decided to terminate all Bristow helicopter services contracts with its joint partners. This followed the accident involving Sikorsky helicopter with registration 5B-BJQ owned and operated by Bristow Helicopters Limited on February 3, 2016, which led to the suspension of the aircraft type in the fleet of the company by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). In a letter written to the Managing Director, Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, dated February 14, 2016, NAPIMS wrote: “Barely six months after a helicopter belonging to Bristow Helicopter crashed in August 12, 2015 killing a number of persons, another Bristow helicopter, a Sikorsky S76C++ with registration 5N-BOJ that departed Erha Platform enroute Lagos ditched into the Atlantic Ocean on February 3, 2016 with eleven 11 persons including two (2) crew members narrowly escaped death.” The letter, which was signed by Group General Manager, Dafe S.

Sejebor said NAPIMS noted that these accidents bring to question Bristow’s safety standards, “inspection programmes and frequency of maintenance, which has culminated in Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority suspending indefinitely Bristow’s Sikorsky S76++ from further operations in Nigeria.” NAPIMS therefore declared: “Accordingly, all JV/PSC companies are hereby directed to terminate all aviation contracts awarded to Bristow Helicopters in accordance with the provisions of the aviation contracts. Bristow Helicopters may be allowed to participate in bids and operate in Nigeria upstream oil and gas only after a thorough and satisfactory safety audit has been carried out and all observed lapses adequately addressed,” the letter with reference number, NAP/GGM/02.04 said. “You are hereby requested to invite the next lowest bidders in all tenders that Bristow won for price negotiations and facilities inspection with full NAPIMS participation in order to take the remaining scopes of the contracts presently being run by Bristow, the company told Total. On February 21, 2016, NCAA issued a statement giving further directives and ordered all airlines operating the Sikorsky S76C ++ series to carry out a safety inspection on this helicopter type with immediate effect. “The authority must immediately be provided with evidence of accomplishment of this directive. This action is in addition to the suspension of Bristow Helicopters operations of S-76 C ++ series and the on-going audit. It is pertinent to point out that this directive is without prejudice to the on-going investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB)‎ which the Authority is fully supporting,” NCAA said.

THE Federal Government has called for more research to be carried out on the best way to convert waste materials to improve power supply. The Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, who made the call recently while receiving the Vice Chancellor and members of the governing council of the University of Maiduguri, disclosed that the waste-to-wealth programme can greatly improve power supply in the country if properly implemented. Shehuri stated that the programme will, in addition to balancing the energy mix, also address environmental issues, adding that the initiative is also capable of “boosting the economic activities of Nigerians through the eradication of waste dump sites and landfills that usually pollute the air and water, especially in low-income and high density populated areas where waste generation is traditionally high.” The minister called on the university and other academic institutions in the country to “guide stu-

dents through training, research, and practical demonstrations on how recycling, composting and zero waste initiatives can improve power generation, thereby reducing the need for disposal facilities and, most importantly, enhancing economic activities.” Speaking earlier, the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, informed the minister about the institutions forthcoming 22nd Convocation and 40th Anniversary ceremonies scheduled for April, 2016. He stated that the university has not had any convocation ceremony since 2010 due to the insurgency in the state, in particular, and the North East region, in general. Njodi further hinted that this year’s convocation ceremony will showcase the university’s developmental strides in both human capital and infrastructure despite the prevailing security challenges. In a related development, the minister has called on relevant Danish companies to come and invest in the construction and power sectors of the Nigerian economy, assuring them of the government’s cooperation.

US shale to dominate market at $40 pb

As OPEC basket price stood at $30.40 pb THE United States (U.S) shale oil which dominated the crude market when crude price was above $100 per barrel is set to dominate the market when crude prices rise to an average of $40 per barrel. As at Monday, the price of OPEC basket of 13 crudes stood at $30.74 a barrel compared with $29.19 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). Less than a year ago major shale firms were saying they needed oil above $60 a barrel to produce more; now some say they will settle for far less in deciding whether to crank up output after the worst oil price crash in a generation. Their latest comments highlight the industry’s remarkable resilience, but also serve as a warning to rivals and traders: a retreat in US oil production that would help ease global oversupply and let prices recover may prove shorter than some may have expected. Continental Resources Inc, led by billionaire wildcatter Harold Hamm, is prepared to increase capital spending if US crude reaches the low to the mid of $40s range, allowing it to boost 2017 production by more than 10 percent, chief financial official John Hart said last week. Rival Whiting Petroleum Corp,

the biggest producer in North Dakota’s Bakken formation, will stop fracking new wells by the end of March, but would “consider completing some of these wells” if oil reached $40 to $45 a barrel, Chairman and CEO Jim Volker told analysts. Less than a year ago, when the company was still in spending mode, Volker said it might deploy more rigs if U.S. crude hit $70. While the comments were couched with caution, they serve as a reminder of how a dramatic decline in costs and rapid efficiency gains have turned US shale, initially seen by rivals as a marginal, high-cost sector, into a major player and a thorn in the side of big OPEC producers. Nimble shale drillers are now helping mitigate the nearly 70 per cent slide crude price rout by cutting back output, but may also limit any rally by quickly turning up the spigots once prices start recovering from current levels just above $30. The threat of ashale rebound is “putting a cap on oil prices,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC. “If there’s some bullish outlook for demand or the economy, they will try to get ahead of the curve and increase production even sooner.” Some producers have already begun hedging future production, with prices for 2017 oil trading at near $45 a barrel, which could put a floor on any future production cuts. While the worst oil downturn since the 1980s sounds the death knell for scores of debt-laden shale producers, it has also hastened the decline in costs of hydraulic fracturing and improvements of the still-developing technology.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016 Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0811 184 5048

features Sections of the demolished Mosafejo community in Oshodi.

Alhaja Simbiat Alao

Mosafejo demolition:

We have lost our livelihoods, homes of 72 years — Residents Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

T was past noon and the heat from the scotching sun had forced a lot of people to take shelter under the shade of anything they could find. Nigerian Tribune took a quick scan of the entire area, and it finally spotted a woman sitting under the shade of a medium sized umbrella. Sitting in front of her was a cooler which had a few bottles of soft drinks and water and a couple of packaged sausages. This was at Mosafejo area of Oshodi where a number of shops and residential properties were recently demolished by the state government. The middle-aged woman identified simply as Iya Bolu was one of those whose shops were destroyed in the demolition exercise, which was about the third in the series of such to be meted on traders and residents of Oshodi in the past two months. Iya Bolu’s countenance appeared to lighten up as Nigerian Tribune’s correspondent approached her makeshift stall, apparently she felt an opportunity had come for her to make a little sale. After momentarily looking sad again after she learnt the correspondent had only come to get some information about the demolition, she beamed up again and reeled out some information which made her to express the belief that a great injustice had been meted out on her and her fellow traders.

“Look at what I have been reduced to. I used to have a wellstocked shop where I sold things and I was making money to make ends meet. But now, I, a widow of four years, have been reduced to the seller of just a few soft drinks and sausages by the roadside,” she said with a sigh. While attempting to buttress her point about the “great injustice” she insisted they had been subjected to, Iya Bolu said that only a seven-day notice was given traders of the small community to vacate their stalls which also served as homes for some traders. “We had barely comprehended what was going on, as our leaders in the community were just getting set to get to the bottom of what was going on when taskforce officers from the state government came with bulldozers to demolish our stalls,” she said. “To make matters worse, they came around 11pm when many people had gone home, and as a result a lot of goods were destroyed in the demolition. Only those who slept in the market were able to save any of their goods and valuables as the bulldozers rolled in, for the rest of the people, like me, everything was lost,” she added. The woman, who, as earlier mentioned, now sells a few items under an umbrella, said currently, she and other traders like her were always living in fear of taskforce officers, who she said were known to often capitalise on such situa-

tion to come after traders selling in makeshift stalls with a view to milking money off them. In his remarks earlier, a youth leader in the area, Mr. Yemi Babatunde, had stated that the State Ministry brought the notice on 11th January only to come back with a notice on 14th January before the houses were eventually demolished on Friday 6th February, 2016. “We had been seeking approval for the 72-year-old area since 2008. Former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was in the place in January, 2014 and he said that we should see the then leader of the state taskforce brigade, Mr. Bayo Suleiman, but we could not settle the matter then,” he said. He stated that the land in the area was acquired in 1937 and that people have been living in the area since 1944. Also lamenting his loss, another trader, who simply gave his identity as Chidi, said it was saddening that the government could be indirectly discouraging resourcefulness of its youths who had decided to shun social vices and instead engage in fruitful ventures. “As a young man, I have never been lazy in my life neither have I have ever embraced any social vice. But when the legitimate source of livelihood of a young man is abruptly brought to an end in this manner, is this not an invitation to a life of crime?” he asked. One of the market leaders, Al-

haja Simbiat Alao, also bemoaned the fact that not even the slightest hope of any possible compensation by the government had been given to them. “This is totally unfair. We all got our shops at the market without having any knowledge that we were moving into a troubled spot. Why are we always treated like a group of nobodies by the governments we vote into power?” she remarked. “They carried out the demolition at night thus denying some of us the privilege of salvaging anything. The demolition exercise lasted for just a few hours but the effects, for some people, may last a life time,” she said. But the affected residents and traders are not ready to go down without a fight, as they have sent a protest letter addressed to the Lagos State House of Assembly with the title: “Invasion/Demolition of Mosafejo Village, Oshodi By Lagos State Government: A Call For Justice.” Speaking through the letter, a group championing the rights of the affected traders, the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), said, “Our attention has been drawn to the invasion and demolition exercise on-going at Mosafejo Village by the Lagos State Government.” In the letter, which was signed by a certain Comrade Buna Olaitan, the group confirmed that the entire community was given a 7-day

How can people build in unapproved places and expect the government not to react? When the state’s plan is being violated the government has to react.

Chidi notice to vacate the entire area, adding that before the expiration of the notice, some task force officials came with hoodlums and chased people away. “Though the place was visited by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, he only directed us to meet with the Commissioner for Physical Planning, who later insisted that we vacate within stipulated time. “While the community was trying to seek the attention of the Lagos State Government to have proper understanding, bulldozers were moved to the area and before the arrival of HURMA, the entire village had been brought into extinction,” Olaitan said. Govt did no wrong—Lagos lawmaker But in his remarks, a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Tunde Braimoh, said that the government had not done anything wrong in demolishing the place, saying anyone who had any proof that the government had wrongfully demolished his shop or house should come out with his proof and such an individual would be defended. Braimoh, who is the chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, said, “How can people build in unapproved places and expect the government not to react? When the state’s plan is being violated the government has to react. We need to keep on informing our people so as to banish ignorance in things that relate to the state’s original plans. But if anyone believes he has been wrongfully treated in this regard he should petition the House, and as lawmakers elected to see to the welfare of common people, we will do the right thing.” The lawmaker’s view seems to be in line with that of his counterpart in the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s cabinet, Mr Steve Ayorinde, who has always maintained that the demolition exercise in the state was done in accordance with the law, and not to witch-hunt or get rid of any group of people, as rumoured in some quarters. Ayorinde, who is the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said it was important for people to note that the first set of demolition carried out in Oshodi, was to restore the city’s original plan as well as restore security in the area.

features

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Meet Ibaiba, Wole Soyinka’s co-hunter When Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, agreed to visit the Ebedi International Writers’ Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, last week, he saw it as an opportunity to reunite with his friend and hunting partner, Asunmo Ibaiba, whom he had not seen in the last 30 years. It was, therefore, a happy reunion when the two friends met, relieving past hunting expeditions. ADEWALE OSHODI, who was at Ebedi for Soyinka’s visit, speaks with Pa Ibaiba on their relationship. Excerpts:

Whenever he was with us, he did everything we did; you wouldn’t even believe he could speak a word of English. That was how much he related with us.

He would take them back to his base. Despite your age, do you still hunt? I still hunt full-time; it is my profession, and I can’t leave it. Hunting is what I do for a living, and it is a life-long profession for me. However, hunters are no longer making money today as they used to in the years gone by. The wild animals that used to fetch good pay have all gone, and what we have left are just small animals like grasscutters and so on. To see an antelope these days is even very difficult.

OW did you meet Professor Wole Soyinka? We actually met about 40 years ago; I can’t really remember how we met exactly, but I think he came to Iseyin and he met some hunters, and he told them he was a hunter too and would like to join the team. He was later introduced to me as the head of a team of hunters, and we struck friendship almost immediately. This was 40 years ago, so I can’t really be specific. So when he came, you willingly accepted him? Definitely! We were even surprised that such a well-educated person could be interested in hunting. He was a university teacher then, and we were all happy to have him in our midst. He was also very lively and he respected everybody on the team. He didn’t behave as if he was different from the rest of us because of his level of education. He brought himself to our level. Whenever he was with us, he did everything we did; you wouldn’t even believe he could speak a word of English. That was how much he related with us. When he joined the hunting team, did you teach him how to shoot or what? He was a master shooter before he joined us. We learnt hunting was his pas-

You said you last saw Professor Soyinka about 30 years ago; did he lose interest in hunting or what? He didn’t lose interest in hunting, but he got more busy; he became a very popular person all over the world, and he had less time to be coming for hunting expeditions. He didn’t just stop coming, but the frequency started reducing until he could no longer come again. I understood that he was travelling all over the world because of his new status as an international person.

Pa Asunmo Ibaiba sion, and he had a double-barrel gun he used on hunting expeditions then, while the rest of us used dane guns. You would see the passion in him whenever we were hunting. Which forests did you perform your hunting expeditions? We focused mainly on all the forests in Ikere at that time; there were wild animals in the forests then, and we hunted both during the day and at night. However, we killed more games at night.

Which games did you kill during these expeditions? We killed antelopes, grasscutters, giraffes, buffalos, monkeys, sparrows, among others; it was a period when we had many wild animals in the forests, so it was an interesting period. Today, due to development, the majority of the animals have gone deeper into the forests. What was Professor Soyinka always doing with the games he killed?

How did you know he would be coming to Iseyin again? Somebody came to inform me that Professor Soyinka would be visiting Iseyin, and he had requested to see me again after so many years. This shows the type of person he is. He didn’t forget our time together, and I am so happy that he didn’t forget me. I was not even feeling too well, but when I was told that he would be coming and he had requested that I come for a get-together, I became so happy. So what did you discuss when you met? We discussed our past hunting expeditions; I was so happy when I saw him hale and hearty, and he was so happy to see me again. He asked after some of those who were on our hunting team in those days. He initially thought he could join me in hunting soon, but he changed his mind. The most important thing with this reunion is that despite not seeing him in the last 30 years, he still remembers our relationship. I think I am just so fortunate to have a friend in such a popular person.

Professor Wole Soyinka, right, with Pa Asunmo Ibaiba, during the reunion.

So are you planning to hunt together anytime soon? You know he is a very busy man; he told me he still hunts where he lives, but not on the level we used to. He said he would really love us to come together and hunt again, but that will be determined by many factors. The most important thing to me, however, is that he is hale and hearty, and people will respect me more for seeing that Professor Soyinka is my friend. You can see how popular he is; even the king, the Aseyin of Iseyin, requested he be brought to the palace for an audience with him. So I am just so lucky.

politics&policy

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016 Group Politics Editor Taiwo adisa 08072000046 taiadis@yahoo.com

Nigeria:

Centrifugal forces as the feet of clay?

The Ondo State government, last Wednesday, organised a summit on the challenges of Nigerian nationhood, entitled ‘Curtailing Nigeria’s centrifugal forces.’ ABIODUN AWOLAJA highlights some of the key issues presented by discussants at the summit.

HE summit organised by the Ondo State government at the International Cultural and Events Centre (Dome), Akure, in commemoration of the state’s 40th anniversary, signposts the dilemma of Nigerian nationhood in many significant ways. Among other issues, it brought out the continued resonance of ethnic cleavages that have dogged Nigerian nationhood since the First Republic. Discussants at the summit were Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; immediate past Information Minister, Mr Labaran Maku, Senator Ben Bruce, Senator Shehu Sani; Afenifere spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin; former Labour Party national chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu and a public policy analyst , Miss Nda Kato. The key issues: Boko Haram In his keynote address on the occasion, Anyaoku noted that Nigeria was plagued by extremely violent groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, and not so violent groups such as the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra and its splinter movement, the Indigenous People of Biafra (MASSOB), because government over the years had failed to restructure the nation along the path of federalism. “Restructuring the present government by adopting a true federalism will go a long way in enabling us to achieve speedy development and the political stability which would reduce the enablement of centrifugal forces in Nigeria,” he counselled. However, Senator Shehu Sani, while agreeing with Anyaoku’s analysis of the Nigerian condition, objected to the categorisation of Fulani herdsmen with Boko Haram, saying that it amounted to criminalizing an entire ethnic group. In his view, “It is wrong to say an Igbo hard drug pusher or an Igbo armed robber or a Yoruba yahoo yahoo or an Ijaw oil thief.” The rights activist recalled that he had tried to find an alternative means of addressing the insurgency and took the risk of reaching out to the insurgents and initiating a process of dialogue about three to four times, but it was sabotaged by those who were benefiting from the bloodshed. Senator Bruce, while highlighting the inequalities in the country, said it could not develop when the leaders made promises they could not fulfill. “The problem of Nigeria is the leadership, except Governor Mimiko. We are the problem. After we have rigged election, we go on TV and say that power belongs to God; don’t challenge this election. The leaders of Nigeria do not live in Nigeria; they live in Dubai. Their children don’t go to school in Nigeria. As long as our leaders make promises they cannot keep, Nigeria can never develop. As long as our leaders don’t understand our population explosion problem, we cannot develop. By the

turn o f the century, Nigeria will be more populous than China, India and America. If you cannot feed the people in Nigeria today, how are you going to feed 1.5 billion people in less than 100 years? We must change federal system to reflect commonsense.”

states that make up Nigeria, The situation has so degenerated that, given the option, the majority of ethnic groups will opt for an exit Nigeria. ” To the former LP boss, Nigerian military’s tinkering with Nigeria’s quasifederal structure inherited at Independence worsened the country’s problems. “We must go back to the report of the 2014 National Conference,” he said. On Governor Mimiko’s stewardship, he said: “I have visited virtually all the 36 states of the federation and I stand to be corrected: there is no state in Nigeria that has what we have here. Don’t bring in a stranger in 2017. You may throw me away but don’t throw this advice away. the

whole

Economic crisis Odumakin, in his own contribution, aligned with Anyaoku’s comments by pointing out that the menace of Fulani herdsmen had become intolerable, although he felt that refusing to devalue the naira amounted to playing the ostrich. He called for the implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference, saying “Nigeria should either devolve or it will dissolve.” Labaran Maku, in his own contribution, joined the earlier speakers in celebrating the programmes of the Mimiko administration in various sectors, pointing out that they exemplified the true spirit of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who he said lifted the Yoruba above any other ethnic nationality on the African continent. He however observed that Nigerians needed to debate the basis of the country’s unity, saying that the problem of Nigeria was not all about poverty. Maku noted that politicians continue to invest in centrifugal issues to undermine development and recalled the sacrifice of former President Jonathan, who he said told him personally that his choice of Professor Attahiru Jega as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was motivated by the need to avoid any form of influence from his government. The former Information Minister however alleged that the gains recorded by the electoral commission under Jega were fast being eroded. Maku stated: “Mobutu Sese Seko said he could not fail in an election that he organised. Today, we are seeing a different electoral scale. What Buhari needs to do is to unite the nation behind him. If we engage in recrimination, then that moment of glory is lost.” Dan Nwanyanwu, in his contribution, pointed out that the struggle for power at the centre is like life and death. This is so, he said, because there is so much concentration of power at the centre. He added: “At Independence, Nigeria had a quasi-federal system and revenue allocation at that time was 50 per cent. This enabled the various regions to explore and exploit their comparative advantages to the benefits of the component parts of Nigeria.” It was at this period, he recalled, that Eastern Nigeria was recorded as the fastest growing economy in Africa. He added that with the advent of the military, however, the states became virtual beggars, running to the Federal Government for allocations. Hear him:“The general discontent of those who have been short-changed has contributed significantly to the inability to build a nation out of the numerous nation

Nda Kato, who spoke on the devaluation of Nigerian life, bemoaned what she called the country’s criminal silence in the face of the ceaseless pogrom in the North Central, allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen and men of the Armed Forces. She said: “In a place like Nasarawa, people from six local governments have been shifted to only two; that shifting is not that they were moved there. The rest no longer exist. Right now Kaduna State is the foster child for the abuse of human rights. On December 12 last year, over 1000 Nigerians were killed including women and children. “Now, while we want to call them terrorists and people with abstract religious beliefs, there is one person in that gathering that I would like to speak for: Bukhari Jega, who worked with the United Nations and civil society. He was killed, his wife was killed and his daughter was killed. She was not up to two years’ old. “What is the value of Nigerian life? See how difficult it is for us to devalue the naira. If the naira is at N400 unofficially to a dollar, the Nigerian life right now should be at a million to a dollar. We don’t matter. While we are here talking about the price of oil should rise, the people of the Niger Delta are dying of cancer. ” Kato’s conclusion: “The only way Nigeria can be held together is for everyone to matter.” Summing up Speaking on the occasion, Governor Mimiko bemoaned the menace of the nomadic herdsmen, and called on Senator Sani to apply his mind more diligently to the menace. “The menace is a big one. Three years ago, hardly did I have any complaints. Today, on a daily basis, our Kabiyesis from the northern fringe of this state would tell me harrowing experiences. Last Sunday, as I was coming out of church, they brought me pictures of farmers that had their hands cut, their head macheted. I had to call specialists to attend to them. “The young ones were mobilising to retaliate and we had to do a lot of preventive measures. I want you to take it as a challenge because at the rate this is going, there would be a conflagration one day. Farmers are even thinking arming themselves to protect their farmlands. I’m sure three mega ranches in the North would take care of all the cattle.” Dismissing the notion that restructuring the country would be to the detriment of some parts of the country, he said: “Restructuring is not a ploy to give advantage to any part of the country.” On his part, Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Dr Kunle Olajide, supported those who called for a return to the 2014 report.

politicscommentary

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Can Supreme Court judgments end electoral frauds? By Ahuraka Isah

N Italian engineer and economist, Vilfredo Pareto (1848–1923) seems to have had the Judiciary in mind when he posited that the optimal efficiency of resource allocation is attained only when a distribution strategy exists where one party’s situation cannot be improved without making another party’s situation worse. Pareto Optimality or Efficiency as it is known in Economics, though devoid of fairness or equality, but can be likened to justice delivery in the courts; because a law court must always resolve a dispute in favour of a party or parties and not all the parties before it in a particular matter. It is human for the person(s) favoured by a court’s pronouncement to jubilate, while those it went against to lament. However, the way and manner one expresses either of the two is significant. There have been divergent views on the propriety or otherwise of the Supreme Court’s judgments in the appeals entered in respect of some 2015 gubernatorial elections, especially where the Tribunals and/or the Court of Appeal concurrently or separately resolved to void the elections. The high expectations over whether the Supreme Court would uphold or not the judgments of the lower courts in the Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Abia states governorship appeals, precipitated high political tension generally. The seven-man panel upheld the elections, which to some people in the true sense of the words, never happened, but rather was allegedly marked by bloodletting, killing and maiming; and at best held amid all manners of brigandage and fraudulent practices. Those who lost at the apex court cried blue murder, describing the decisions as outrageous and vexatious to good conscience and natural justice; while at the same time insisting that the apex court had endorsed or legalised electoral fraud, malpractices or rigging. ‘’One can now win elections at all cost and approach the court for confirmation,” some people argued. In all honesty, these positions are reflective of our freedoms as citizens in a democracy, as well as the lack of understanding of the principles underpinning governance. The principle of separation of power among the three arms of government, i.e., Legislature, Judiciary and the Executive, confers specific roles and functions on each one. These are spelt out in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). For instance, Section 233 (2) (b) states that an appeal shall lie from decisions of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court as of right in the following cases - (b) decisions in any civil or criminal proceedings on questions as to the interpretation or application of this Constitution. Irrespective of the political winds that are blowing, emotional dispositions on the land or the bounty of evil unleashed on, before or after the day of elections by the politicians, posterity won’t spare the Supreme Court if its Panel ventures outside the letters of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and other relevant laws of the land to make pronouncements. If substantial evidence of the brigandage, bloodletting and all forms of electoral malpractices that occurred during the elections were not placed before a judge or proved beyond reasonable doubt; what does one expect the judge to do? Surely he cannot

Mahmud Mohammed

turn into Father Christmas or act outside his statutory mandate. Supreme Courts all over the world are there to dot ‘’I,’’ cross ‘’t’’ and thus correct any errors arising from the judgment of the lower courts, so as to avoid a miscarriage of justice or a cannibalisation of the Constitution. This was aptly demonstrated in the United States of America in the year 2000. The issue at stake was a controversial recount in the 2000 U.S. presidential election and, ultimately, who between Vice President Al Gore, a Democrat, and Texas Governor George W. Bush, a Republican would become President of the United States. As the election results were counted, it became clear that the vote would be very

close, and that the results of ballots cast in the state of Florida would decide the election. Bush was initially declared the winner by just a few hundred votes—a tiny margin in a state with millions of voters. However, reports of widespread problems with ballots (for instance, conflicting ballots that were designed so that people who thought they were voting for Gore ended up casting votes for another candidate) soon called the results into question. Gore’s supporters sued the state of Florida for a recount. Bush’s supporters sued to prevent it. To make matters more complicated, Florida’s election laws set an unchangeable deadline for announcing the final results, so the recount had to be begun quickly if it was to be done at all.

If substantial evidence of the brigandage, bloodletting and all forms of electoral malpractices that occurred during the elections were not placed before a judge or proved beyond reasonable doubt; what does one expect the judge to do? Surely he cannot turn into Father Christmas or act outside his statutory mandate.

When the Florida Supreme Court decided in favour of Gore, and ordered the recount to be completed, Bush appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5–4 decision, stated that the Supreme Court of Florida had violated the U.S. Constitution when it ordered the recount only in certain districts, and that the recount had already been tainted by shifting methods of vote-counting. Both of these, it said, violated the equal-protection guarantees of the Fourteenth Amendment. The court then said that there was no way to hold an acceptable recount by the final election deadline. As a result, it ordered the recounts abandoned, effectively naming Bush the winner of the national election. Back home, we have a plethora of the Supreme Court of Nigeria judgments upturning concurrent decisions of the lower courts at least to protect and preserve the sanctity of the Constitution. Against the backdrop of the 2011 gubernatorial election in Delta State, the Supreme Court on 02 March 2012 in the SC 18/2012 and SC18 A/2012 between CHIEF GREAT OVEDJE OGBORU & DPP (APPELLANTS) AND DR EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN, PDP& INEC (RESPONDENTS), dismissed the appeal by the appellants and declared the judgment of the Court of Appeal, delivered on 06 January 2012, including its reasoning delivered on January 27, 2012, as null and void. The apex court held that it amounts to nullity in view of section 285 (7) of the constitution that makes it mandatory for the appeal court to deliver its judgment within 60 days after the tribunal have delivered its judgment in the governorship election petition. The appeal court gave its judgment and delivered its reason for judgment after the 60 days. Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, had in the Ebonyi governorship matter with the appeal number SC 30/2012, between SENATOR JULIUS ALIUCHA & ANPP (APPELLANTS) AND CHIEF MARTINS NWANACHO ELECHI, PDP &INEC (RESPONDENTS) delivered on March 6, 2012 held that “In the instant case there are 1785 polling units and elections were conducted in all of them .The appellants alleged non-compliance in about 531 polling units. The fact that election were not found wanting in 1254 polling units prima facie shows there was substantial compliance. The burden was on the appellant to show that the non-compliance which he alleged occurred in 531 polling units was substantial to affect the conduct of the election. That burden was not discharged by the petitioners/appellants. There is no merit in this appeal. It is hereby dismissed.” The Electronic Card Reader Machine for accreditation of voters was provided for in the Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the conduct of the 2015 General Elections. Prior to the authorisation of its use by the Guidelines, Sections 49 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) had adopted analogue procedure for the accreditation process. The National Assembly perhaps went to sleep by not amending the Electoral Act in order to replace the Voters Register (analogue procedure) with the Card Reader Machine, in order to serve as the sole determinant of valid accreditation process. •Ahuraka writes in from Abuja.

politics&policy

N Monday February 22, former Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff took over the reins of power at the Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. His inaugural statement, which he concluded by issuing threats of lawsuits were not unexpected. Before the handing over ceremony, Modu Sheriff had come under intense attacks from members of the PDP, who opposed his nomination for the party’s top job. The groundswell of opposition against him forced the powerful caucus of PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) to rise and defend their decision to field the former Borno governor as replacement for the former chairman, Adamu Muazu. But the chairman appears particularly touched by comments credited to a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi FaniKayode, who wrote an article and granted interviews, in which he linked Sheriff to the dreaded Boko Haram sect. Thus, at the handing over ceremony, Sheriff declared his readiness to tackle his party men who had made uncomplimentary remarks about him and singled out Fani-Kayode’s attacks. He started by defending himself, insisting that he had nothing to do with the sect which he said had also killed members of his family. He said: “Boko Haram killed my own brother. They killed members of my family. So, why should I sponsor people to kill my own brother, my own family? I am not a fanatic. I love to enjoy my life. Boko Haram are criminals who live in the bush and eat once a day. I believe their sponsors will be caught at the end of the day. I have nothing to do with Boko Haram.” Speaking specifically on Fani-Kayode, Sheriff declared: “This time around, people like Fani-Kayode will not go scot-free.” Besides the open animosity against Sheriff by Fani Kayode, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP equally declared that the former governor was not the leader the party was waiting for, while the former ministers, who are still members of the party, also came out strongly to announce their opposition. Incidentally, Fani-Kayode is also a member of the Ex-Ministers’ Forum. A statement issued on behalf of the Forum last week, which was signed by Chief FaniKayode indicated that the former ministers would converge in Abuja to dissect issues affecting the PDP and reach agreements on how to move the party forward. At their meeting, the ex-ministers objected to the leadership of Senator Modu Sheriff, but they did not raise direct issues on his character. It did not come as a surprise thereafter, when Sheriff’s lawyers advertised a letter asking Fani-Kayode to retract all he had said about the former Governor or risk a law suit. Not to be easily cowed, Fani-Kayode immediately responded, insisting that he was ready to face Sheriff in court. A statement on Sunday by the former minister declared Fani-Kayode’s readiness to shock the PDP national chairman in court. The statement signed by his spokesman, Jude Ndukwe, confirmed that the former Minister had received letters from Sheriffs lawyers, indicating his readiness to file a suit in respect of Fani Kayode’s comments about his person. The statement by the former Minister read in part: “Though we have not received a formal letter from his lawyers to that effect, we wish to inform him and members of the public that we stand by everything that we have said about Sheriff, we have briefed our lawyers, we welcome the suit and we shall gladly meet him in court. “The days of silencing people with arrogant threats and frivolous litigation are long over. We cannot be silenced by Sheriff’s threat to sue and we are not losing any sleep over it. Such a course of action will prove not only to be counter-productive

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

What future for PDP?

Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, writes on the possible implications of the looming legal battle between the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

Fani-Kayode for him but by the time it is all over he will get the shocker of his life.” While Fani-Kayode, a lawyer by profession, cannot be a stranger to the courts, issues are however being raised as to whether a legal tango between the national chairman and a member of his party would do the PDP any good. Besides, some forces are already dabbling into the Sheriff/Fani-Kayode tango, making it look like an issue that could potentially put the PDP in disarray. Last week, the battle shifted to Osun State where different groups either supported the chairman or Fani-Kayode. Thus, instead of PDP members joining hands to play the role of opposition that now rests on its shoulders, stakeholders of the party are combating themselves in what many will call a needless war. Ahead of the ex-ministers’ meeting last week, an elder statesman had called on stakeholders of the party to get their acts together and play the role of opposition. The statesman, who claimed he was not a sympathiser of any particular political party right now, was said to have insisted that the PDP needed to realise that no democracy could grow without a credible opposition. But it appears the PDP members are not yielding to that advice, as the internal wrangling is about to blow out in open courts. More like a party set on a self-destructive mission, PDP members continued to banter arguments on the Sheriff/Fani Kayode ban-

Sheriff ter. It thus appears that the impending legal tango would not only divide the party at the national level, but also create a gulf down the hierarchy. Last week, two Osun based groups which spoke in support of one of their own, FaniKayode, were opposed by the state chapter of the party, in what confirms that the matter between the two chieftains is already tearing PDP down the ladder. The development is fast showcasing the crack that would eventually crystalise if the Sheriff/Fani-Kayode matter eventually lands in court. A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Osun Ibile Forum, was the first to hit the airwaves with a warning that nothing must happen to the former minister, in view of the threat by Sheriff. The group said it was not taking the threat from the PDP National Chairman lightly. In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Prince Adeoluwa Adesegun, the group said that comments by Chief Fani-Kayode on Boko Haram were already in public domain, wondering why Senator Sheriff singled out the former minister and warned that he ‘would not go scot free this time.’ The group said: “We are using this opportunity to warn that nothing untoward should happen to one of our leaders, Chief Oluwafemi Fani-Kayode. The former minister is a committed party man and he has every right to defend the credibility of his party. There is nothing on earth that should warrant a direct personal threat to a pub-

The days of silencing people with arrogant threats and frivolous litigation are long over.

lic figure like Fani-Kayode. If truly Senator Sheriff is a statesman, why should he issue a threat as strong as that against a party man? At a time he should be pursuing reconciliation, is it right for the chairman to engage in open brawl?” The second group, the PDP Solidarity Group (PSG), said on Friday that it was in firm in solidarity with the PDP Ex-Ministers’ Forum and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on their rejection of Senator Modu Sheriff. The group, in a statement signed by its chairman, Chief Taiwo Olaiya, said: “We believe that the tremendous support that Chief Fani-Kayode has given the PDP in Osun State and indeed the South-West over the last 15 years is exemplary and outstanding. Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff would be wise to embrace peace and leave Fani-Kayode alone if he wants the party to gain support and new members. We also advise him to go and clear his image and settle his differences with all party stakeholders including the Ministers’ Forum. As long as he rejects the path of peace and he is intolerant of criticism we will oppose him.” On Saturday, the PDP in Osun however issued a statement which ran contrary to that of its members who belong to the solidarity groups. The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, said that the leadership of Sheriff “will, indeed, take the party to the promise land.” “The Osun PDP is confident that the emergence of Senator Sheriff is a good omen for the party at this crucial period when all hands are on deck to ensure that the party gets its footing,” he said, adding that the party in the state would remain solidly behind the leadership of Sheriff. If the tango stretches further, certainly some other chapters of the party could join the frail on different fronts and create for the PDP, the internal commotion it doesn’t need right now.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

maka nd’igbo Jude Ossai - Enugu

NUGU, even before formally becoming the capital of the defunct Eastern Region in 1939, had always been noted for its cultural diversity and beautiful serenity. Little wonder, the Coal City, as it is often referred to by many people because of the large presence of coal deposit in the area, has been playing host to many international and local economic, cultural and socio-political gatherings. Maka Ndigbo learnt that between April 12 and 14 this year, the Enugu State Government, through its Economic Advisory Committee, would be holding an investment summit christened; “Oganiru”. Already, the state government has begun aggressive rehabilitation of road network in Enugu metropolis and its environs. For instance, Abakpa-Nike and New market roads are under serious rehabilitation and reconstruction apparently in line with the campaign promise of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. It was further gathered that the summit is expected to provide business men and women from all parts of the country and beyond a fascinating haven for leisure and economic activities. During the summit, visitors are expected to be touched by some of these fascinating features of city’s tourist spots, art, craft and ancient historical relics. Briefing newsmen in Enugu last week ahead of the summit, the DirectorGeneral of the State Investment Summit Committee, Mr Iyke Chioke, explained that the investment, “Oganiru Summit”, would be used to set the state on a speedy path of development. Chioke said that amidst the dwindling national economy, the summit would work with the government "to come up with best economic policies and to facilitate economic growth". He stated that the summit would attract investment into Enugu State, adding that it would focus on solid minerals and mining, power generation and distribution as well as agriculture and agric processing. While harping on health tourism, he stated that "the state will try and develop diagnostic centres to stop medical tourism by Nigerians. "We are looking forward to a time when people from other states will now come to Enugu for medicare instead of going abroad.

Udi Hills, 240m above sea level, is located in Enugu town, the state's capital. Inset: From Left, Director General, Oganiru Enugu State Investment Summit (Oesis), Chief Ike Chioke; Enugu State Commissioner For Commerce, Mr Ogbu Nwobodo; Chief Press Secretary, Enugu State, Mr Uwakwe Abugu and Commissioner for Special Duties, Ms Irta Mba, during Oesis news conference on the forthcoming summit in Enugu.

Tourism, arts for show as Enugu prepares for investment summit Among the 10 sectors on which to be focused during the summit, he said, included tourism and hospitality,

transportation, aviation, ICT, media and entertainment, free trade zone and industrial park, real estate and tertiary

Group embarks on protest over increase in electricity tariff Suzy Oruya -Onitsha THE Campaign for Democracy (CD) has embarked on peaceful protest demanding the sack of Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, over alleged increase of electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and gave a seven-day ultimatum for its immediate reversal. Speaking during the protest in Onitsha, Anambra State, the South-East chairman of the group, Comrade Dede Uzor A Uzor, described the increase as the height of injustice against the citizenry. Addressing journalists during the protest, he said: “Today, we join the Nigeria continued pg35

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Awhum Water fall and cave.

Rotary Club targets N26m charity projects in Enugu communities —pg22

education park. The director-general equally hinted that the summit would also provide ample opportunities for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs ) to thrive, stressing that "Enugu has one of the most robust SMEs development; we have done over 80 per cent repayment of our counterpart funding. "It is verifiable from both the CBN and the Bank of Industry. No other state has matched Enugu's records in this regards". He, however, dismissed insinuations that the summit would drain government's finances, clarifying that "it is going to be private sector driven. What the government will do is to provide the enabling environment."

Imo has not benefitted from NDDC —Okorocha

—pg22

Jude Ossai-Enugu-South East Bureau Chief 08052817955 Joe Nwachukwu- Owerri 08033271227 Suzy Oruya- Onitsha 08063653735

35 makand’igbo

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Rotary Club targets N26m charity projects in Enugu communities Jude Ossai - Enugu

TUDENTS of post-primary and pupils of primary schools in rural areas of Enugu State will soon smile as the Charter President of the Rotary club of Enugu City Centre, Dr Eddy Ndibuagu, has said that the club would target projects in communities with over N26.3million. Apart from massive immunisation, youth development and educational programmes within its immediate communalities, Dr Ndibuagu stated that the construction of toilet facilities and provision of borehole for a secondary school in the rural area were among the club’s priority projects. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rotary Teen Peer Ambassadors Projects for secondary schools, (ROTEPA) at the weekend in Enugu, Dr Ndibuagu explained that the club planned to embark on the provision of toilet facilities in a rural based institutions to save the students from the risks of going to the bush for defecation and providing the school with potable water.

He, however, noted that the club could not do much to raise the funds and solicited the support of corporate Nigerians to actualise their dream of improving the quality of lives of students. The national coordinator, Human Rights Volunteer Corps, Larry Oguego, explained that the Rotary Teen Peer Project, (ROTEPA) was the club’s innovation, designed to harvest young talents from the essay competitions, train and mentor them and shoot them to the world to excel. The event was organised as part of activities to mark 111 years of Rotary International, 1905 to 2016. According to Oguego, “part of our mandate is to identify these new breeds, equip them with professional skills, give them the orientation to grow with the right value. We want to build a new future and if we fail to invest and show good examples, then we will have ourselves to blame”. Mr Oguego said the essay competition was primarily organised in honour of the club’s outstanding citizen of the world, Prince Arthur Eze, who later gave university scholarships to all the ten best

Obi of Onitsha engages 400 youths in entrepreneurial programme Suzy Oruya - Onitsha OBI of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), has made good the promise he made to empower Onitsha youths, during his coronation a few years ago by engaging about 400 youths of the town in entrepreneurial skills. At the outset of the programme, which took-off at the Obi’s palace, Awka Road, Onitsha, an initial batch of seventy participants are expected to benefit from the entrepreneurial training after which they will be empowered with soft loans to start businesses in their various areas of specialisation, including small-scale businesses. Addressing participants at the programme at Ime Obi palace recently, a facilitator to the programme and Onitsha indigene, Chief Chuma Agbakoba, enumerated some of the benefits of skills acquisition and urged Onitsha youths to make adequate use of the opportunity by dedicating their time and energy to acquire professional skills that would enhance their well-being. In a remark, a retired Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Chief Ikechukwu Ayodele Aduba, charged Onitsha youths to redress their steps by involving themselves

in skills acquisition programme offered by the community monarch, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe. He stated that Onitsha had lost much of her farmland due to speedy urbanisation and advised that the youth of the town should embrace the wind of change by learning new trade even after their academic pursuit. The retired police boss warned that potential beneficiaries of the soft loan should avoid using such funds to engage in unnecessary pursuit of comfort as the management of the entrepreneurial programme would always have a way of identifying and punishing offenders. In an interview, the President-General, Onitsha Ado Youth Council, Honourable Patrick Agha Mba, who is a major facilitator of the programme and member representing Onitsha North 1 constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Chugbo Enwezor, thanked the participants for attending the programme and urged them to remain disciplined and focused throughout the duration of the training. They charged the youths to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship as it was the latest trend of survival across the globe.

Group embarks on protest over increase in electricity tariff Continued from pg34

Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigerians to say no to electricity tariff increment. We commend the National Assembly for halting the implementation. To effect the increase would worsen the plights of Nigerians who are paying abysmally estimated billings across the country. “The focus for now should be on how to increase power supply and ensure free distribution of prepaid meters across the country,” Uzor stated. The chairman also urged the Federal Government to cease allocation of states

that have refused to conduct local government elections. “People should be allowed to enjoy the benefit of democracy even at the grassroots. We are totally against joint account; we want local government autonomy.The sanctity of the Constitution must be respected,” he argued. Also speaking, the state chairman of the group, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, said leaders should be sympathetic to the plights of the masses. Ezekwueme wondered why Governor Willie Obiano would cite lack of funds as the major reason for not conducting local council polls in the state.

students who featured in the essay. An SSII student, Okolie Goodness, from Girls High School, Uwani, Enugu, won the club’s maiden Essay Competition among 20 secondary schools in Enugu State. Students from Federal Government College Enugu, Holy Rosary College, Enugu, Queen’s School Enugu and Girls High School featured at the occasion. Earlier, in a lecture entitled “Peace on Earth”, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in Enugu State, Dr Emma Nwankpa, disclosed that Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary in Chicago, USA, on 23rd February, 1905, recognised and encouraged fellowship as a basis of turning acquaintanceship into friendship. Dr Nwankpa, who won Rotary’s Global

Quest Prize for leadership in Barcelona, Spain as governor of Rotary International district 9140, in 2002, said that Paul Harris also believed in vocational excellence as a basis for one’s continued relevance in the community as well as in the principle of “common good” in the community. On poverty, the former managing director of Enugu State Transport Company, (ENTRACO) noted that Rotary, through its Rotary Foundation, had been fighting material poverty from inception, eradicating diseases and promoting preventive measures, provision of potable water, eradication of guinea warm, and poliomyelitis, with the rest of child–killer diseases.

Charter President of the Rotary Club of Enugu, Enugu City Centre, Dr Eddy Ndibuagu (second left) with select students and teachers from Holy Rosary College, Idaw River Girls' Secondary School, Queens School, and University of Nigeria Secondary School, all in Enugu.

Imo has not benefitted from NDDC —Okorocha Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri GOVERNOR Rochas Anayo Okorocha of Imo State has accused the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of shortchanging the Imo people by claiming that billions of money had been spent on 272 projects in the state, which are nowhere to be found. He made this known when the new managing director of the commission, Mrs Ibim Semetitari, paid him a courtesy call at Government House Owerri, Imo State while on a two-day working visit to the state. Said he: “I am shocked to hear that the NDDC has over 272 projects in the state for which billions of naira were also said to have been spent. I will like to have the list of the projects, the contractors handling them and where they are sited because Imo people would also be shocked to hear this. Let us know the projects, their sites and the amounts paid on each of them”. He stated further: “The truth is that these projects could exist only on papers because the popular impression here is that the NDDC abandoned the state and

its people. The NDDC has remained a nightmare to Imo people. With the new MD, the state can now partner NDDC with the hope that things would begin to work with time. And in the commission’s budget, the management should look at the areas of power and rail lines linking the NDDC state. The commission should not be constructing boreholes, renovating schools and health centre, and let there be light at the NDDC now”. Earlier in her speech, Mrs Sememitari informed the governor that she was in the state to brief him on the activities of the commission in the state. Pointing out that the state was the first state she would be making such a visit, and explained that the commission has executed 272 projects in the state since its inception going by the record available to her. She hinted that the commission would partner with the state government, more especially on the issue of identifying areas where the state is in dire need of certain projects to avoid duplication, commending the governor for his giant strides in the state.

Governor Rochas Okorocha welcoming the new Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Ibim Semetitari, when she paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

inside

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

nigerdelta

Asaba comes alive again with clean streets, light at night Night crawlers in Asaba having fun Alphonsus Agborh -Asaba

INE months into the administration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, the capital city, Asaba, on the Niger, has started to wear a different look. The streets have come alive again after they had, for too long, slumped into environmental degradation, stinking gutters, sand-filled roads and garbage dotting walkways, medians and kerbs. Electricity supply to the major streets was stalled due to inability of the state government to power them, thus making night life unattractive and boring . From the Cabinet Road, the gateway to government house through Okpanam, Nnebisi, Illah, Ibusa, etc roads, the story was that of eye sores and despite complaints by the city dwellers of indiscriminate refuse disposal, government seemed not to be perturbed as it were. Officials of the state Ministry of Environment, Waste Management Board and other Agencies charged with the responsibility of the keeping the city clean shied away from reality apparently due to paucity of fund. Well, in keeping with his urban renewal policy, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa initiated a bill to create the Asaba Capital Development Authority whose sole aim is to change the face of the former capital of Southern Nigeria protectorate and make it second to none in environmental values. With the bill passed and the board of the authority constituted, a new lease

of life is beginning to emerged. Again with the 2016 budget of N267 billion, the Asaba capital development authority has truly begun to function. For the past few weeks, residents in the town are relieved of the odour oozing from wastes on the roads. Scores of adhoc street sweepers were engaged to remove sands on the major streets. Wastes are no longer dumped indiscriminately on the road. There is decorum on

the part of waste generators to use bags provided by the government, which are kept neatly on the road side or medians for the aurthorities concerned to remove. It has now become an offence for any person to dump refuse on the road without registering with the relevant environmental authorities. An offender of any environmental law is by the new application heavily punished. A drive around Asaba city centre shows a clean environment. The direct labour

agency charged with road maintenance has fixed all failed roads in the urban centre. Street lights, which went off months before the new administration came on board, have been restored partially and now night life has bounced back. Unlike in the past when all the streets were either powered by generating sets or solar system, few streets are now connected to the national grid at a time at minimised costs. The administration spends N10 million monthly to power the streets in a special arrangement with Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), compared to the previous administration that spent over N70million a month to do same with the use of generators. The state Commissioner for Power and Energy, Mr Newworld Safugha, was Continues pg37

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Dapo Falade -Rivers 08078891924 lasep09@gmail.com

The beautiful outlook of an Asaba street at night

Pipeline bombing:

Reps urge FG to engage locals —pg36 in surveillance

Ebenezer Adurokiya -Delta 08060113609 ebenezeradurokiya@gmail.com

Bayelsa workers groan over unpaid salaries

—pg36

Banji Aluko - Edo 08067030572 adebanjialuko@yahoo.com Austin Ebipade - Bayelsa 08065400743 austinebipade@gmail.com Alphonsus Agborh 08035838703

37 insidenigerdelta

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Pipeline bombing: Reps urge FG to

engage locals in surveillance Ebenezer Adurokiya— Warri

surest way of preventing oil and pipelines vandalism in the Niger Delta is the conscious engagement of the security services of members of the host communities, the Chairman, House Committee on Gas Resources, Mr Fredrick Agbedi, has advocated. With this, the locals so engaged will be held responsible when there is a security breach or bombings of any of the pipelines in their locality. Agbedi made the recommendation on Saturday when the committee, as one of its oversight functions, visited the site of the pipeline bombing at Eqwa community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta. It will be recalled that the Egwa pipeline belonging to the NGC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was bombed on January 14 by yet-tobe-identified miscreants. Agbedi is a House of Representatives members representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State. He described the destruction as a colossal damage to the environment and deliberate sabotage to the economic progress of the country. The chairman, who had earlier led members of the committee to the office of the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) before proceeding to the site of the blast, said

that security agents should be allowed to play supervisory role rather than surveillance. He added that the operatives had other duties to perform amid prevailing inadequate manpower in the security agencies. According to him, the “Federal Government needs to take a quick action in ensuring that we restore security to oil and gas pipelines so that we will not experience this kind of damage again. “Security operatives cannot be in all the major installations because they have other works, besides, I don’t think we have the adequate manpower. Therefore, involving the locals and host communities will help a lot in salvaging this kind of situation.” The chairman said that the committee would collaborate with other relevant agencies to end pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, just as he urged people in the region to always avail the management of the NGC, NNPC and the National Assembly of useful information that could end pipeline vandalism. “Whatever information you have that could stem this kind of illegally, please pass it across to the NGC, NNPC and the National Assembly, particularly the committee on Gas Resources,’’ he said. On his part, Mr Daniel Reneyeju, who is representing Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, said miscreants involved

Members, House of Representatives Committee on Gas Resources at the site of pipeline bombing at Eqwa community in Delta State. in pipeline bombing and its variants should be adequately punished. Reneyeju urged the security agencies to be more proactive in their approach to issues of surveillance, noting that prevention is better than cure. The Itsekiri-born reps member also joined forces with Agbedi to call for community involvement, saying that the little amount of money from the amount to be spent in fixing the pipeline could have been enough to secure the pipelines. According to him, “as a com-

Bayelsa workers groan over unpaid salaries Austin Ebipade, Yenagoa WORKERS across the globe still hold the notion that “the labourers are worthy of their wages”. The situation is not different in Bayelsa State as workers see their salaries as trophies given to the winning teams in football tournaments to enable them fend for their families. Interestingly, civil servants in the state have become conscious of the monthly text message alerts to their mobile phones which indicate that their salaries have been paid to their various banks for onward collection. It is also pertinent to know that most civil servants at the state and local government levels depend largely on their salaries to make ends meet. For some, it’s from the same salaries that they pay their children school fees in private schools and fend for their families. That Bayelsa State is a predominantly civil servants state is no longer news, because the government is the only productive sector that can absorb the teeming unemployed poor of the state, as other Bayelsans working in the private sector are very few. Sadly, as at November 2015 till

date, civil servants have lost confidence reposed in government as salary alerts that usually came into their mobile phones latest by the end of the third week now come in on the 15th of the following month. The situation is even worse for some civil servants in the local governments as they have not got salary alerts for more than four months. The situation is also pathetic for lecturers of the state owned Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, as some of them are yet to get November/ December salary in February 2016, which means that their families were thrown into hardship and hunger during the yuletide season last year. However, the people of the state have continued to groan over backlog of unpaid salaries, and it was for this reason that angry workers shut down the Yenagoa Local Government Council Secretariat to press home their demand and express displeasure over the unusual delay in getting their monthly salary alerts. The angry workers barricaded the entrance of the secretariat, bearing placards and chanting anti-government songs, prevent-

ing movements of vehicles or persons to the premises. The situation was not different in Sagbama, Nembe, Brass and other local government areas as all councils’ secretariats were under lock and key over unpaid workers salaries having reportedly been owed between nine and ten months’ salaries.

mittee, we will do our report and try and liaise with the appropriate quarters to ensure that such acts are mitigated if not completely but drastically reduced. “It is painful we are losing so much revenue whenever this kind of things occur. I will recommend the involvement of the community people in the pipeline surveillance. “It has happened thrice in the same area and what lesson have we learnt and what solutions have we proffered so that it does not happen again? “Only little amount would have been enough to actually secure the pipelines so that it doesn’t happen; so the point is a case of penny wise, pound foolish. So, the security agents and the community need to work together, synergize effort to effectively stem criminals from coming to our national asset.” On his part, the Managing Director of NGC, Mr Babatunde Bakare, said that NGC was a strategic company particularly in

its role in the economic development of the country. According to Bakare, NGC purchases gas from producers, thereafter transports, markets and distributes same to its customers within Nigeria and West Africa subregion. He also said that NGC marketed gas directly to 33 and indirectly to 280 customers, adding that its constraints were insecurity of the pipelines and indebtedness by the power sector. “NGC has about 500 communities where its pipelines transverse and the vandalism has been occurring in the same place, that is between the Escravos Gas Plant and the Warri Gas Treatment Plant,’’ he said. Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Lt Col. Patrick Omoke, who led his men to provide security for the committee members and staff of the NGC to the site of the blast, expressed satisfaction at the current surveillance around facilities in the region at present.

Asaba comes alive again with clean streets, light at night Continued from pg36

right when he said the restoration of street lights to Asaba would soon be total to connect the Asaba –Benin Expressway of the town, Warri and other big cities where the “commodity” has become a dead issue. Night life, which was dead, has partially returned as food vendors have increased in numbers especially along Nnebisi road due to the return of street lights. Life is pleasurable along the streets with light as attested to by motorists and night crawlers However, the harmattan has taken its toll on the beautification of the city. Grasses and flowers on the median were not spared. There is no doubt that a first

time visitor to Asaba will appreciate the clean streets, free walkways and the environmental consciousness of the people. But for those who were there ear-

Asaba street lights at night.

lier and seen the decay, it will also be a sweet story that the present administration is maximizing its resources towards making the environment safe and beautiful.

news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016 Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Wike harbours known criminals in Govt House —Rivers APC chairman

I don’t react to unsigned document —Attorney-General Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

ivers State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Davies Ikanya, on Tuesday, alleged that Governor Nyesom Wike, harbours in the state Government House known criminal suspects, who have been declared wanted by security agencies in the state. He said this while addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, where he alleged that what was happening in the state were state-sponsored increasing insecurity, impunity and arm-twisting of the judiciary, all in a bid, he said, to truncate the legislative rerun in the state. The APC chairman also alleged that the governor,

in connivance with the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Emmanuel Aguma, were mounting pressure on the state judiciary to scuttle the legislative rerun , scheduled to take place in the state on March 19.

However, the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, said he would not react to the press statement issued by the APC chairman because it was not duly signed by the APC chieftain. “I have seen the document; it is not signed and

EFCC, relations deny me access to my husband’s property —Senator’s widow •She’s has been declared wanted —EFCC source

Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt Mrs Kari Sekibo, widow of the late Senator James Sekibo, from Rivers State, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is acting in conniving with some relations of her husband to deny her access to the deceased property.

She made the allegation in a petition she wrote to the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, in Port Harcourt. Mrs Sekibo, claimed that she was the only wife of the late senator (though traditionally married to him) and asked why EFCC was after

5 injured as Ibadan Poly students protest health insurance, ICT fees

Management sends students home for 2 weeks By Wale Akinselure FIVE students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan sustained various degrees of injuries in a protest against the mandatory payment of health insurance and ICT access fees. The students of the institution had on Tuesday restricted vehicular movement to and fro the main entrance blocking a lane of the road with tyres, in protest of what they called an imposition of the payment of health insurance of N2,600 and ICT access fee of N1,600, inclusive of bank charges, by the management. Resolved to drive home their request, the students, at about 7:00a.m. commenced the protest, ensuring that the two main entry and exit gates were locked. A free for all had also ensued between the Students’ Union Executive council led by Eso Oluwatosin and the students who alleged that the union had continued to do the bidding of the management rather than that of the students. The students also held that the institution’s portal had been designed to disallow continuation of registration for the session without payment of the health insurance and ICT access fees. The students had further alleged that the institution had continued to introduce similar charges without commensurate improvement in accommodation and learning facilities. Meanwhile, management has tagged the protest as a misunderstanding between the followership and lead-

I will not react to an unsigned document. If Davies Ikanya is courageous enough, let him put his name and signature to the document he issued in support of the press conference he reportedly made today (Tuesday)”, he said.

ership of the students over Student Union’s policy. To this end, the management, in a release signed by the Registrar, Hezekiah Fehintola, directed the students to proceed on a mid-semester break effective Tuesday and asked to resume on March 14. The statement read, “The management noted that the misunderstanding between the leadership and the followership of the students over Student Union policy hurts the activities of the institution and consequently the management has to appraise the situa-

tion. Halls of residence will be opened on Sunday, 13th March, 2016 while academic activities will resume on Monday, 14th March, 2016. Parents and guardians are consequently urged to monitor their wards during the break.” Furthermore, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Soladoye Adewole, speaking with the Nigerian Tribune said that the management only approved the implementation of the Student Union’s proposal to introduce a health insurance scheme but was not involved in the collection of the said funds.

her, even when the same antigraft body had earlier advised her to toe the path of peace when trouble strated brewing over her husband’s estate. She said it was one of her husband’s lawyers who, having vowed to make life miserable for her, that compromised some family members and were using EFCC to make life unbearable for her. The Nigerian Tribune could not get an official response, but a source in the EFCC South-South zonal office, Port Harcourt, said Mrs Sekibo was only proving troublesome, saying the woman had already been declared wanted, based on a court order. The source said she and some of her step-children were on the EFCC wanted list, adding that a bench warrant was also issued about two weeks ago for her to appear in court but she had refused to comply. The source also said one of the biological children of the senator reported a case of conspiracy and forgery of a document from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), allegedly originating from the woman to EFCC.

Ibadan: Punch lands NURTW ticketing official in morgue By Oluwatoyin Malik The rivalry among commercial motorcycle operators in Ibadan, Oyo State, over membership of different unions in charge of Okada riders, resulted in tragedy on Tuesday, as a deadly punch was allegedly thrown at a ticketing official of the motorcycle arm of the National Union of Road Transport Union (NURTW), Sodiq (surname unknown), by an Okada rider, at NNPC area of Ibadan. The Benue State-born Okada rider, who gave his name as Igor Jabless, allegedly dealt Sodiq the deadly punch at about 7.30a.m. over payment for a ticket issued by the deceased. The Nigerian Tribune learnt that Jabless told Sodiq that he was not ready to pay because he belonged to

the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders’ Association of Nigeria (ACOMMORAN). But there were different versions of the incident that led to Sodiq’s death, as some eyewitnesses said that Jabless did not return any of the jabs thrown at him by the deceased, because of the way NURTW officials were dreaded by drivers and Okada operators. “In the process of throwing punches at the Okada rider, the NURTW official’s cap fell off. As he bent to pick it, he just slumped,” a witness said. However, another version of the story had it that the refusal of the Okada rider to pay for the ticket given to him led to an argument which made the deceased to hit him severally.

According to the witness, “when the fight between Sodiq and Jabless ,started, Sodiq had an upper hand, as he dealt the okada rider several blows. Jabless succeeded in returning a punch, but Sodiq slumped immediately it landed on him.” The Nigerian Tribune further gathered that Sodiq was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),in Oyo State, Adekunle Ajisebutu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the story, saying that the suspect had been arrested while the remains of the deceased had been deposited in the mortuary at State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan.

Ikanya alleged that the recent killings in six local government areas in the state, including Abua/ Odual, Ahoada East, Andoni, Khana and Ikwerre, were planned and executed by the governor to stop APC candidates from contesting and winning the rerun. He particularly accused Governor Wike of harbouring ex-militant leader, Mr Solomon Ndigbara, who had been declared wanted and whose houses were invaded twice within

a month by the military for his alleged involvement in gun-running.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olushokan Abimbola Suliat now MRS AJIBOLA ABIMBOLA SULIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Onu Chikodi Adeola now MRS CHIKODI ADEOLA OLASODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

39 CHANGE OF NAME

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Yakubu Yidi Kwia now YAKUBU YIDI GOBBIYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Baba Otache am the same person as Michael Otache Gabriel. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL OTACHE GABRIEL and my correct date of birth is 11/07/1985. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Isiaka Korede Akanbi now AKANBI KOREDE DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunmola Adebola Christianah now MRS AJADI ADEBOLA CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adisa Oluremi Hannah now MRS AKINSULIRE OLUREMI HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Fatoye Toyin Emmanuel am the same person bearing Fatoye Toyin Isreal. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as FATOYE TOYIN EMMANUEL. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note. PUBLIC NOTICE/CHANGE OF NAME

I am Mrs Ganiyat Akintunde who has been sometime erroneously referred to as Mrs Suliat Okunola. I want my banks and the public to know that my name remains MRS GANIYAT AKINTUNDE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Taiwo Musiliat Omolara now AGBEDEYI CHRISTIANAH OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajibade Toyin Julianah now MRS ADEWALE TOYIN JULIANAH ADEFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, GTB Plc, Nigeria Police Force and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Ahmed Umoru am the same person bearing Aminu Modi. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as AHMED UMORU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. UBA Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Oladoyin Olawale Sunday am the same person as Oladoyin Olawale Peter. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLADOYIN OLAWALE PETER. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ayodele Modupeola Funmilayo now MRS OJO MODUPEOLA FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adedayo Adebunmi now MRS AGUNBIADE ADEBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Olayemi Oluyinka Onasanya now MISS OLAYEMI OLUYINKA OLADEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Olorunsola Saka Mustapha am the same person bearing Olorunsola David Paul, Shola Paul David. Now, I want to be known and addressed as SOLA DAVID. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Afeez Oketope Amuda now AMUDA AFEEZ BODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adetuyi Adeola Adetomi now MRS ADENIRAN ADEOLA ADETOMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Siyanbola Adenike Fausat now MRS JOHNSON ADENIKE FAUSAT. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Hospital Management Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Fatunmibi Fiyin Samuel now JESUTUNMIBI FIYIN SAMUEL . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Oladiti Kemi now MRS ABIOYE ELIZABETH OLUKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adedoyin Elizabeth Aderonke now MRS ADEDOYIN OLAREWAJU ELIZABETH ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Government and general public take note.

I, Adeniran Dare Isola am the same person bearing Adeniran Dare Akingbade. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as ADENIRAN DARE AKINGBADE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, Tunde Fajimi am the same person bearing Dapo Babatunde Fajinmi. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as DAPO BABATUNDE FAJINMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Eghonghon Ogbeide, and I wish to be known and addressed as EGHONGHON PHILIPS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adebayo Segun Edward now ADEBAYO SEGUN MUYIWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fabode Oluwatoyin Oluwabukola now MRS YUSUF OLUWATOYIN OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Umar Radiah Ohunene now MRS AHMADRUFAI RADIAH OHUNENE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olaibi Adeola Suliyat now MRS ADEDOYIN ADEOLA SULIYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Eneji Mary Agbo now MRS ACHODA MARY AGBO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), GTB, EcoBank, Union Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Adeniran Bidemi now ADENIRAN BIDEMI COMFORT. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Samson Sunday Ndidi now SAMSON KAYODE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Okpeku Adewunmi Linda now MRS OMOGBAI ADEWUNMI LINDA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lamidi Afisi Oluwaseun now BAKARE OLUWASEUN AFISI. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mozuya Anthonia Uche now MRS UBEHEFE ANTHONIA UCHE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr. Faturiyele Ayodeji Akinola now MR RIYELE AYODEJI AKINOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed Sanni now MR ABDULRAHMAN HASSAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Yaovi Gloria Ojuolape now BALOGUN GLORIA OJUOLAPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeyemi Sunday Adewale now IDOWU ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. Sumal Food Ltd and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly James Promise now EKPO INYENEOBONG JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Jacob Akande Olawoore now JACOB ADEAGBO AKANDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oladipo Damilola Tosin now MRS OJO DAMILOLA TOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Saka Olawale now SAKARIYAH SALAMI OLAWALE. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeyemi Bamidele now ADEYEMI ARIMIYAU OLORIRE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Irewunmi Oluwakemi Titilayo now MRS JOLAOSHO OLUWAKEMI TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ipade Adeyemi Oluokun now OLUOKUN STEPHEN ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH I, Miss Aniedi Clement Valentina am the same person bearing Miss Etuk Aniedi Clement Valentina. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as MISS ETUK ANIEDI CLEMENT VALENTINA and my correct date of birth is 14/02/1996 . All documents bearing these names remain valid. MAPOLY and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akiije Mary Adebukola now MRS ADEDARA MARY ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Coker Anuoluwapo Oluwafemi now MRS OYENUGA A N U O L U WA P O OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Emmanuel Celestina Oluwafunmilayo now ADESEGUN CELESTINA OLUWAFUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to notify the general public that I, MRS OLADIPUPO TAIWO ANUOLUWA am the same person bearing MRS TAIWO OLADIPUPO OYELADE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Awokoya Fasilat Biola now MRS AWOSIGA FASILAT BIOLA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Akinbode Alifat Taiwo now WASIU ODUNAYO TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Sodiq Latifat Anuoluwapo now MRS ADEGBITE LATIFAT ANUOLUWAPO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Onifade Lateefat Olasumbo now MRS OYERINDE LATEEFAT OLASUMBO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Zaid Ademola Olabode now SAHEED ADEMOLA OLABODE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Uduanebo Ikpeshi Anthony now UDUANEBO ANTHONY AGBAI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Hammed Ronke Temilade now MRS HAMMED MUTIAT RONKE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Pension Board and general public take note.

I, formerly Adeyinka Adeyemo Olayomi now ADEYINKA ADEYEMO AUGUSTINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sule Ajisafe Ishola now AJISAFE SULIMON AKANMU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, Ajayi Yusuf Akolawole am the same person bearing Oyeniyi Joel Akolawole. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as AJAYI YUSUF AKOLAWOLE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Miss Nwankwo Franca Uchenna am the same person bearing Miss Nwankwo Francisca Uchenna. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MISS NWANKWO FRANCA UCHENNA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Wema Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oyinlola Oluwaseun Mary now MRS ADENIRAN OLUWASEUN MARY. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Eniola Fatimo Adenike now OLADEJO BOLANLE ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oyewusi Deborah Olabisi now MRS OLUWAFEMI DEBORAH OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly David Bato Adeshina now DAVID ADEBAYO SHINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adedeji Adedayo Ademola now ADEBAJO ADEMOLA ADEDAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Odukoya Adeyemi Bilikisu Bridget now MRS IDOWU ADEYEMI BRIDGET. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sule Muibat now MRS SORUNGBE ABOSEDE MUIBAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Odeniran Oluwaseun Valentina now MRS OYEDOKUN OLUWASEUN VALENTINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adebanjo Adedoyin Oluwafunmilola now MRS CHRISTOPHER ADEDOYIN OLUWAFUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Fajobi Oluwabusola A.V. am the same person as Fajobi Oluwabusola V. and Fajobi Bunsola Ayoka. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as FAJOBI OLUWABUSOLA A.V.. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Funmilayo Justina Mathew now MRS FUNMILAYO JUSTINA SOLESI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Uwadia Deborah Aiyawosa now IBIE DEBORAH IYIHOSA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Emmanuel Akpan now STEPHEN AUGUSTINE. All former documents remain valid. Sumal Food Limited and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Owoyemi Modupeola Abosede now MRS OJO MODUPEOLA ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Amuza Abass now ADEROJU ABASS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Hope Samuel now AGBARA PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adelakun Sekinat Bolanle now MRS AFOLARIN SEKINAT BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adesokan Dasola Basirat now MRS OGUNWOLE DASOLA BASIRAT. All former documents remain valid. Stanbic IBTC, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, Tunde Osunrinde am the same person bearing Tirimisiyu Babatunde Osunrinde. Now, I want to be known and addressed as TUNDE OSUNRINDE. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Eco Bank Plc, Stanbic Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Kolawole Ayorinde David now KOLAWOLE AYORINDE OWOEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Raheem Racheal Jadesola now AFOLABI RACHEAL JADESOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Babalola Babatunde Demola now LASISI SARAFADEEN BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Inyang James Friday now INYANG JAMES AKPAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

40 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Titilayo Esther Oyekanmi now MRS TITILAYO ESTHER OGUNTOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adebayo Samson Ogunleye now ADEBAYO TELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lukman Adeniji Oladimeji now LUKMAN ADENIJI RASAK. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc, Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olaniyi Eniola Feyishekemi now MRS SANUSI ENIOLA FEYISHEKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, MRS ISIRAMEN JENNIFER AMURETU OSHIOKE am the same person as MRS JENNIFER OR JENNY AMURETU OSHIOKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, Bello Bolanle Comfort am the same person bearing Bello Bola Adenike. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as BELLO BOLANLE COMFORT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mary Oluwagbemi Korode now MRS MARY OLUWAGBEMI OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Muili Kabiru Olayide now KOLA MUKABIRU. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Cyprian Onyemechi Uwagba now CYPRIAN MADUMERE. All former documents remain valid. Sumal Foods Limited, Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Kehinde Olumide Micheal now MR ODUTOLA OLUMIDE MICHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunsola Olunike Christiana now MRS AYENI OLUNIKE CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Paul Johnson Oshike now PAUL JOSEPH OSHIKE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Olatunji Olayinka Sunday now ALABI BABATUNDE OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Tejumade Abike now OLUWATUYI AYOYINKA TEJUMADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Manasseh Neph Ubandoma now RABO DAUDA UBANDOMA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Sumal Food Limited and general public take note.

I, formerly James Odunola Ayomide am the same person as MUKAILA TAWA ROMOKE. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MUKAILA TAWA ROMOKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mr Olusola Akinfenwa Akintunde now MR AKINFENWA SOLOMON AKINTUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olawuni Jumoke now MRS IBIKUNLE JUMOKE JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Olugboye Omolewa Titilayo Omoshola now OMOLEWA TITILAYO OMOSHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Aminat Muhammed now AMINAT ALIYU. All former documents remain valid. Micro Finance Bank Okwgwen and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olarewaju Olayinka Ayo now MRS FAGUNWA OLAYINKA AYO. All former documents remain valid. Canadian Embassy, Federal University of Technology, Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adebayo Kuburatu Yetunde am the same person as AKINBODE KUBURATU YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Favour Okwudiri Udensi-Lawal now MRS FAVOUR ADAEZE FELIX-UZOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Awolaja Adebisi Olubunmi now MRS SISAN ADEBISI OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Jinadu Omolola Toyin now MRS OMONIYI OMOLOLA TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. U.I, UCH, Ibadan and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Emmanuel Ananiyas Markus am the same person as Emmanuel Kufai Markus. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL ANANIYAS MARKUS. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinyemi Olubisi Aderonke now MRS AKINADE OLUBISI ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Okunola Taiwo Buniyaminu now OKUNOLA TAIWO TOHEEB. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adeyemo Romoke Zynab now MRS BELLO ROMOKE ZYNAB. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Unyime Francis am the same person as Unyime Francis Nnah. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as UNYIME FRANCIS NNAH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ibrahim Mariam Atinuke now MUIBI MARIAM ATINUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Akinpelu Olusegun Tunde now MR ADEOGUN BABATUNDE ADENIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Okere Ojo Sunday now OLOWOOKERE OJO SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Bridget Ijeoma Umeh now MRS BRIDGET IJEOMA OLUSOLAAKINNIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Jimoh Risikatu Ayobami now MRS AFOLABI AYOBAMI RISIKATU. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Hospital Management Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Khadijat Sadiq now SALAWU RAMAT. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abegunde Raman now ABEGUNRIN RAMAN AKANJI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Abraham Joel Bunu am the same person as Ibrahim Joel Gwamis. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ABRAHAM JOEL BUNU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Opeyemi Oluwasola now OYELANA SUNDAY OYEWOLE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Awotunbo Olaide Abiodun now MRS OGUNSOLA OLAIDE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Salawu Abdul now YAHAYA MUHAMMED TAHIRU. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Vivian Chima Ezeoke am the same person as VIVIAN SOCHIMA (SOCHIMALUIJE) EZEOKE DUNU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Udedike Victor now MR EZE VICTOR SUNDAY EBUBECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Imam Dauda Bamikole am the same person bearing Tolly Omotosho Bankole, Tolawo Bankole, Tolly Bankole and Oriolowo Bankole. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as TOLAWO OMOTOSHO BANKOLE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Babafemi Ogunwa Olamide now ADEBAYO OLAMIDE IDAYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abiodun Ruth Yetunde now SIYANBOLA RUTH YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Salaudeen Mubarak O. now SALAUDEEN MUBARAK LOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Azeez Mutiu Jeje now AZEEZ MUTIU ATANDA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Mrs Salami Khadijat Olayemi am the same person as Mrs. Abdul Salami Adijat Olayemi. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABDULSALAM ADIJAT OLAYEMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Eze Doris Onyinye now MRS NWOKORO DORIS ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Lucy Attah Awu now LUCY BITRUS ALLU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Aluya Godspower now BENSON GODSPOWER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ramota Abeni Muftau now MUFTAU RAMOTA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olaogun Victoria Ogunfunke now MRS ONI VICTORIA OLUWAFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Bolarinwa Biliaminu Muhammed now BOLARINWA BILIAMINU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. I, formerly Miss Oladunke Alice Sobowale now MRS IBRAHIM OLADUNKE ALICE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Taiwo Oluwatobiloba Opeyemi now MRS OLADIRAN O L U WAT O B I L O B A OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Oyedeji Akeem Akindele now OYEDEJI TOYIN AKINDELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Rasheed Ajao now AKANDE RASHEED AJAO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ojeremi Idowu Oluwakemi now MRS OLATUNJI IDOWU OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Bilikisu Asifa Akanbi Asake now BABALOLA BILIKISU ASAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Balogun Ramot Iyabode Arike am the same person as Tomilola Famurewa Balogun Ramot Iyabode. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN RAMOT IYABODE ARIKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs. Ajao Adijat Joy now MISS FASHOLA ADIJAT JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Alao Sefiu Isa now YISAU SEFIU ALAO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Ikire Microfinance Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Samuel Blessing Isreal now URAKPA BLESSING ISREAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Asoga Idowu Oluwatoyin now MRS EFUWAPE IDOWU OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adedigba Hannah Wuraola now MRS IDOWU HANNAH WURAOLA. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Musa Tawakalitu Adenike now OLUWAKEMI TAWAKALITU ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mr Arowolo Kabiru Olaide now MR AKIBU KABIRU OLAIDE AROWOLO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Azeez Amudalat Adeseun now SALAUDEEN AMUDALAT ARIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ajani Oluwatosin Temilade now MRS OLUWATOSIN TEMILADE ADU. All former documents remain valid. IAR&T and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ajibade Adejoke Fadekemi now MRS ADEROGBA ADEJOKE FADEKE. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Yusau Waliullahi Iyanda that I am the same person bearing Yusau Waliullahi Ajibike. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as YUSAU WALIULLAHI IYANDA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Maxwell Cole Pariola now MR AKANBI TEMITOPE MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Williams Funke Elizabeth now MRS AKINTAYO FUNKE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ejiro Aluya now LUYA LESTER OGHENEKPAROBO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Salmanu Mustapha now IDRIS ABDULLAHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Oviri Ese now OVIRI HONOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Tijani Rasheed Akanni now RASHEED AKANJI TIJANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Modupe Abigael Ojo now MRS MODUPE ABIGAEL AKINSANMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Sadia Ganiyu Ishola now MRS OLAWALE SADIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Audu Ayisat Elizabeth now MRS OGUNDARE AYISAT ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ebimone Famous now ASA FAMES ASA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Orhuakpor Ighogboja Solomon am the same person bearing Edure Solomon. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as ORHUAKPOR IGHOGBOJA SOLOMON. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

41 news UTME: FG may consider re-introduction of paper-pencil test

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

•As JAMB says over 200,000 candidates’ results released 2 hours after exmas Clement Idoko-Abuja

HE Federal Government may consider re-introduction of paperpencil mode of Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination (UTME) to take care of the interest of vast number of Nigerians who have been excluded by the use of ComputerBased Test (CBT). Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, gave this indication on Tuesday, in Abuja, during the ongoing UTME being conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matricula-

tions Board (JAMB). This was even as the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, Professor ‘Dibu Ojerinde, disclosed that over 200, 000 results of candidates who sat for the ongoing UTME have so far been released. The results released were for the candidates who sat for the Computer-Based Test on Saturday and Monday across the country and seven foreign centres. The minister, who expressed concern about thousands of Nigerians who were not computer

literate to be able to take the examination, said the paper-pencil test could be re-introduced until such a time more Nigerians, especially those in rural communities, become computer literate. Adamu, however, said he was satisfied with the conduct of the CBT mode of the examination so far, adding that he was glad the Board has addressed most of his concerns and other Nigerians. He said: “I seem to be very comfortable and happy with what they are doing. But my question has not been answered; that

there are many people who are not computer literate, so, what do you do with them. I do not have reservation about CBT but sympathy for those who are not computer literate and there are many of them. When asked if he suggested that the Board reintroduce paper-pencil mode of examination alongside CBT, the Minister said, “I think so; for some time. But certainly the future is for computer.” When further prodded on the relevance of the paper-pencil mode of examination, two years after it was phased out, Adamu

asked the journalist back, “how long do you think is a reasonable period?” Prof Ojerinde, had disclosed that results of over 68,000 candidates were released within 2 hours on Saturday, the first day of the examination in which a total of 72, 000 candidates sat for the CBT. According to him, the Board recorded about 2000 absentees on Saturday while over 100, 000 results were released on Monday within 2 hours after the conclusion of the examination on Monday. Ojerinde, also disclosed that the National Communication Commission (NCC) has been mandated to construct at least four CBT Centres annually for JAMB. He added that the first four were on and that the next four would soon be on. It would be recalled that JAMB in the quest to deal with the issue of examination malpractices as well as reduce the cost of conduct of the UTME, introduced the Computer-Based Test and was tested for some years before going 100 per cent CBT in 2015.

87km road for inauguration April —Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole flanked by Mr Osarodion Ogie, Commissioner for Works (left) and Mr Victor Enobakhare, Chairman, Egor Local Government Area, during the governor’s inspection of the completed bridge at Uromehe, in Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State, on Tuesday.

UNILAG best graduate goes home with N1.1m Naza Okoli-Lagos

THE best graduating student from the University of Lagos in the 2014/15 session, Mr Daniel Ayodele Dada, who made history by becoming the first person ever to graduate with a CGPA of 5.00 from the 54-year-old university, on Tuesday, went home with over one million naira. Dada won the Vice Chancellor’s Prize of N100, 000, the Dean’s Prize (Social Science) of N50, 000, and the HOD’s Prize (Psychology) of N25, 000. In addition, Dada received Tony O. Elumelu Prize of N250, 000 and University of Lagos Parents Forum Prize of N50, 000. The University of Lagos Alumni Association Prize of N100 000, (awarded to the best graduate each year) was, this year, increased to N500, 000 to reflect Dada’s special achievement. “Our association decided

to award him N100, 000 for each of the five perfect grade points,” explained Dr Sunny Kuku, President of the association. The valedictorian also won three prizes instituted in honour of three former vice chancellors of the university: the late Professor Eni Njoku (N75, 000), the late Professor

Adetokunbo Sofoluwe (N50, 000), and Professor Tolu Odugbemi (N25, 000). While delivering his speech, on behalf of all the 2014/15 First Degree graduates, Dada said he had never seen himself as a genius. “I have been labelled a genius in the media,” he said. “But it is not neces-

sary to be a genius to do the work of genius.” Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Rahamon Bello, commended President Buhari for “the giant strides his government has taken and the results achieved” in the areas of terrorism and corruption.

Padding of 2016 budget unfortunate —Rep Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Adesegun Adekoya, has described the padding of the 2016 budget, before the National Assembly, as unfortunate. Adekoya, who spoke shortly after an empowerment programme held at his constituency office in Ago-Iwoye, on Sunday, said that the lower chamber would not reduce the

N6trillion budget. The lawmaker representing Ijebu East, Ijebu North and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, said the executive arm of government “goofed” on the budget. He faulted President Muhammadu Buhari for not monitoring the assignments given to his aides, but commended him for promising to sanction anyone found guilty in padding the budget.

He said, “Somebody has been removed as a result of the padding. So, that conclusively affirmed that the executive agreed they goofed. They have forgotten that lawmakers have been there since 1999 and therefore have mastered the art of budgeting. “Glaringly, there are differences between Buhari’s budget and the ones presented by the MDAs. But we are not reducing; the figures remain in spite of the padding.”

GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says ongoing construction of the 87kilometre road in Orhionmwon Local Government Area will be completed and ready for inauguration in April, 2016, saying the road will open up several communities in the local government for rapid development. Speaking during the inspection of the EvboeghaeUgo-Urhonigbe road with a bridge at Uromehe, linking about 80 communities in the Local Government Area, on Tuesday, Governor Oshiomhole said, “the important thing about this road is that before now, our people in Orhionmwon who had to pass through Delta State before accessing their communities now have direct road to their communities. Due to the old conditions, we were beginning to lose some of our communities to Delta State. People coming from Benin City had to go through Delta to come to their communities in Edo State. One implication of that is that Delta people were beginning to claim some of our communities by reason of the fact that you had to go through Delta.

Rivers: Foundation empowers 100 youths in business Uduakabasi Patrick-Port Harcourt

PORT Harcourt branch of FATE Foundation has said it has trained and empowered over 100 youths under the Niger/Delta Amnesty Empowerment Programme in various business areas. FATE Foundation is a non profit making organisation situated in Lagos and Port Harcourt which was created in March 2000 in response to the challenges of young people, job creation and the development of small and medium-scale enterprise (SMEs) within the Nigerian environment. The Foundation maintained that it has trained and empowered these youths in the area of fashion designs, commodity shops, sales of building materials, among others. The organisation disclosed in a Press Briefing in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, that it trained the youths with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and the BrigadierGeneral Paul Boroh who is also the new coordinator of the Amnesty Programme.

Judge quits sacked Edo council chair’s case Banji Aluko-Benin City

AN Edo State High Court judge, Esohe Ikponmwen, has declared that she could no longer continue a case of illegal removal from office brought before it by sacked chairman of Oredo Local Government Area of the state, Osaro Obazee. Mr Obazee had in September last year approached the court to challenge his removal from office by the Edo State House of Assembly and Governor Adams Oshiomhole after he was removed from office over alleged financial impropriety amongst other charges. Judgement in the case had been fixed for February 23rd but was deferred after counsel to the claimant; Kingsley Obamogie, brought a new application before the court. At the hearing on Tuesday, Justice Ikponmwen said the case file would be sent to the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, to re-assign to another judge at a later date that would be communicated to the parties involved.

42 news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Gunmen kidnap former SSS boss in Taraba Sylvanus Viashima-Jalingo

unmen on T u e s d a y , kidnapped a retired Senior operative of the State Security Service (SSS) in Taraba State, Mr Hosea Danjuma, at his residence at Baisa town of Kurmi Local Government Area of Taraba State. The kidnap of Danjuma, who retired from the service last year, took place at his residence in the early hours of Tuesday while the residents were asleep. A family member Miss Adama Danjuma, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune on the ordeal, stated that the gunmen, who arrived on motorcycles, invaded the family house of Mr Hosea Danjuma, at about 1.47 a.m in their numbers with sophisticated weapons. She said the gunmen gained entrance into the compound through the back gate of the house, adding that they threatened to gun down anyone who showed any sign of resistance. Confirming the incident, the local government chairman, Mr Steven Agya, informed the Nigerian Tribune that he had already mobilised the youth of the area to complement the efforts of security operatives, by combing the area thoroughly for his whereabouts. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Taraba

State command, ASP Joseph Kwaji confirmed the incident, and assured that the command had moved in to ensure that Danjuma is

safely returned to his family. He stated that no contact had been established with the kidnappers yet. Nigerian Tribune

The Niger State government has condemned in strong terms, publications in some national dailies (not the NigerianTribune) alleging that five permanent secretaries in the state civil service are collecting double salaries amounting to N1.3 million every month. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Shehu Umar Danyaya, in a statement in Minna, described the publications as false and malicious, saying though the state government has made efforts at ensuring that all financial linkages were identified and blocked, by setting up a staff verification exercise within the civil service, the outcome is yet to be made public. According to the SSG, “government is surprised at the publications because the Staff Verification Exercise is yet to be concluded and the consulting firm handling the

released to the family, amidst other kidnapping activities in the state, particularly in the southern and central zones of state.

Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Chief Bassey Albert Akpan (left), with the Senate minority leader, Godswill Akpabio (right) and Senator Sam Egwu, at the plenary in the Senate chambers, on Tuesday.

Buhari, APC duped on Nigerians —Fayose Sam Nwaoko- Ado Ekiti

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) duped Nigerians “by obtaining their votes by trick.” Governor Fayose said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, that “everything Buhari and his party promised Nigerians when they were looking for votes, they have denied and it won’t be

a surprise if one day, Buhari comes out to even deny that he was elected on the platform of APC.” The governor, in the statement by his special assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, described Buhari’s declaration that he would not pay the N5,000 stipend he promised to unemployed youths in the country, and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Moham-

Niger debunks allegations of double salaries against some perm secs Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

recalled that this is coming barely two weeks, after the mother of the state deputy governor of was kidnapped for hours, before she was

exercise has not submitted any formal report in that regard.” He pointed out that “the essence of the verification exercise is to block leakages associated with salaries and emoluments of civil servants in the state and the money that might be saved as a result of the exercise will pave way for job creations and other development projects.” Danyaya disclosed that government would not succumb to any blackmail from some elements who were working round the clock to subvert the good intentions of the present administration to deliver the state from stagnation and underdevelopment. He, therefore, reminded journalists of the need to abide by the ethics of their profession and shun sensational reporting in all its ramifications, adding that it would not augur well for the development of the society.

It will be recalled that Nigeria Medical the Association(NMA) Niger State branch had earlier condemned the publications which alleged that five members of the association serving in the state civil service were involved in salary scam, following the ongoing civil service verification exercise.

med’s claim that creation of three million jobs per year was not promised by the APC, as “the peak of political 419 that the president and his party represent.” “They have not fulfilled any of the promises they made to Nigerians. In fact, they have even told us that they never made any promise. It is close to one year that Buhari assumed office; no single job has been created. Instead of the three million jobs per year that they promised, what we have been witnessing is job losses, economic hardship and budget padding, he said.” Governor Fayose said it was “more worrisome that President Buhari always choose foreign lands to make major policy pronouncements,” adding that Buhari had “turned himself to Nigeria’s diaspora or online President.” Governor Fayose described President Buhari’s declaration of support for

Palestine and description of Palestinians as his brothers and sisters that must achieve their desired objectives, as a confirmation of the growing suspicion that the President was interested in Nigeria becoming a full Islamic State. “Even though I am a lover of Muslims, I relate with them as I do with Christians in the state and across the country, but Nigeria must remain secular and a free nation where its citizens proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) freely,” he said. The governor said the moment President Buhari disowned his own campaign document entitled: “My Covenant with Nigerians,” that was circulated to Nigerians during the electioneering and also published in national newspapers and posted online on March 16 and 17, 2015, he knew that Nigerians had been that duped.

Delta assembly workers protest over unpaid allowance Alphonsus Agborh –Asaba

Legislative and other administrative duties were held up for hours at the Delta State House of Assembly in Asaba, on Tuesday, following the action of parliamentary staff to bar the Speaker, Chief Monday Igbuya and members of the Assembly from sitting, over alleged insensitivity of the leadership of the House towards the workers. Under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), the

workers, who locked up the Chambers of the House, at about 10. a.m, lamented that all attempts to meet with the Speaker on the issues agitating their minds, since he assumed office over eight months ago, failed. They vowed that the House would not sit until they were given due attention. Chairman of PASAN in the state, Mr McCarthy Oburutu, while speaking on behalf of the workers, said what triggered their action was the stoppage of their Special Duty Allowance, SDA, which

according to him, had been paid before now. Oburutu said it would be unfair for the state government to stop it since their colleagues in others states were being paid. Addressing the workers, Chief Igbuya who was visibly angry, told the workers that he was not answerable to them. He urged them to channel their grievances to the State Head of Service, adding that the stoppage was not limited to the Assembly workers.

Nigerian Tribune

Senate extends implementation of N114bn FCT capital budget to March 31 Ayodele Adesanmi- Abuja

The Senate on Tuesday, approved a request from President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking the extension of implementation of N114 billion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) budget to March 31, 2016. The request, which came as a bill, was accorded an accelerated hearing as the bill was considered for Second Reading, Third Reading and eventually passed. The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki in his remark, directed the Senate Committee on FCT to harmonise its figures with the House of Representatives. The Senate Leader, Ali Ndume while presenting the Bill for Second Reading, noted that the 2015 FCT budget was approved on May 28, 2015, allowing only seven months of implementation. He said in order to meet the obligations of the FCT and as requested by President Buhari, the Senate should give accelerated passage to the request for extension. He said in view of the seven months period, the FCT budget implementation only stood at 40 per cent, hence, the need for the extension.

NEMA gives medication to Benishek Camp In continuation of efforts to provide relief to residents of Liberated communities in Borno State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the North-East has delivered food and essential basic needs to Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS) Benishek Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Borno State. The Commanding Officer 29 Brigade Task Force of Nigerian Army, who also oversees satellite IDP camp, Brigadier-General BA Raji commended the agency’s efforts in addressing the plights of IDPs, especially through its Mobile Medical Team (MMT) that is providing medications at the camp. The camp is hosting people from recently liberated communities around Benishek which included Galangi, Zakurari, Shettimari ,Burma, Jalori, shettimanuri and Walari. The team also conducted a need assessment to identify the medical supplies needed at the clinic set up by UNICEF to cater for women and children.

news

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

No plan to probe Adesina’s tenure as agric minister —Ogbeh Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, on Tuesday, said that the ministry has no plan to probe the administration of the former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina. This is just as the minister said that the only thing

the ministry will do is to carry out a verification exercise for the payment of contractors, who supplied various farm inputs during Adesina-led administration. Ogbeh made this known while reacting to recent publications in the national dailies which probing of Adesina-led administration was credited to him. The minister said that the reason for the verification

was as a result of some outrageous payments the contractors were requesting to be paid for supplying seeds during the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme. “There is no probe of Adesina-led administration here, absolutely non, if there was reason to probe, we would have said that long ago,” he said “Verification goes on all the time in government

and even when Adesina was here, he verified bills before he paid because some of the bills submitted by people are sometimes a little on the high side and we don’t have all the money to pay and even if we did, this is public money, you don’t just pay because somebody gave you a bill,” he said Ogbeh further said that the ministry is proud of the work Dr Adesina left be-

hind and will not engage in policies that will truncate the work, “Let’s put this matter to rest, this ministry is not probing Dr Adesina, indeed, we are proud of the work he left behind and that is why I said that we intend not to engage in any policy somersault but will continue to deepen and widen the programmes he left behind. “We are proud of his achievements and we want to support him all the way to succeed in what he is doing, so, once again, let it be clear, we never at anytime said we are probing his administration but verification goes on, it went on under him, it will go on now and it will go on forever when it comes to the issues of paying contractors for services rendered,” he added.

Ede students hold 3rd Adewumbi symposium Guest speaker, Major Isaac Benjamin (middle); Chairman, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State, Dr Tiamiyu Bello (fifth left); Special Assistant and Director of Media to Brigadier-General Abiodun Adewumbi, Mr Lere Amobi (fourth left); a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Mr agboola Mutiu (third left), with some students during Brigadier-General Adewunbi annual symposium, at Oke Gada, Ede, Osun State, recently.

Alleged extortion: Police redeploys DPO in Ogun Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta OGUN State Police Command has redeployed the embattled Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in Sagamu division, Mr John Mark, over allegation of extortion and unlawful arrest of residents of the area. This was contained in a statement by the command’s image maker, Olumuyiwa Adejobi,on Tuesday, that the order given by the Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, was with immediate effect. Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said Mark was directed to report at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta. The development was as a result of an allegation levelled against the DPO by the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Yinka Mafe. The Nigerian Tribune recalled that the lawmaker, during the plenary session of the assembly, under personal explanation matter, raised the allegation that the DPO was fond of arresting members of the Sagamu community unlawfully so as to extort money from them. Also, some aggrieved residents, on Monday, took to the streets to protest

against the DPO, calling for his redeployment. They asked the Commissioner of Police to investigate all allegations against him. The statement had it that the police boss had constituted a six-man committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration and 2i/c Command DCP Ce-

lestine Okoye, to investigate the allegations against the DPO by Mafe. While he ordered that report of the committee should be forwarded to him within the next one week. The committee is expected to carefully x-ray the remote and immediate causes of the problem vis-a-visa allegations and

counter allegations in the said matter so as to set the record straight. The Commissioner of Police, therefore, assured the general public that the command will not tolerate any act of corruption or unprofessionalism and inappropriate behaviour that can damage the image and reputation of the force.

Kashamu urges FG to investigate NNPC depots over fuel scarcity Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta THE senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has urged the Federal Government to investigate the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depots across the country. He said this during an empowerment programme of the Omo Ilu Foundation, at Ijebu-Igbo, on Sunday, that the current fuel scarcity is artificially induced. The lawmaker, who is the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, explained that many of the NNPC depots sell above the the official price to marketers. Kashamu alleged that some officials of the cor-

poration asked independent marketers to pay the pegged price by government into a designated account and pay another difference of N30 to N35 per litre into private account or collect cash. He said: “I wish to implore the Federal Government to investigate the activities of NNPC depots across the country. I believe that the current scarcity is artificially induced. “There are allegations that even though, the Federal Government has pegged the official rate fuel should be lifted; many of the depots sell above the amount. “They ask the independent marketers to pay the government approved rate into the officially designated account and another difference of between N30

to N35 per litre into other private accounts or they simply collect cash. “That is why the marketers sell above the official rate and when they are being pressurised to do so, they shut down their filling stations, saying they do not have fuel and of course, at the detriment of the masses. “I believe that if the relevant agencies of government question some of the marketers or trace the movement of funds from their accounts, they will get to the bottom of this issue and Nigeria will be the better for it.” On the state of the nation’s economy, the lawmaker, admonished Nigerians to exercise patience with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in improving the economy.

THE Federation of Ede Land Students Union, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, held the third edition of Brigadier-General Abiodun Adewumbi (retd) annual symposium, tagged: “Youth development in the current transformation and impact on national security,” and a debate competition among secondary schools tagged: “Youth as a tool for national empowerment, who is to be held liable, government or societies “at the institution, recently. The guest speaker on the occasion, Major Isaac Eboh, stressed the roles of the youth in human development as well as nation building. “All over the world, they are the vibrant young men and women who make the giant strides that put their nation prominent in the affairs that govern nations,” he said. He also listed some of the challenges facing the youth such as inadequate funding of education, moral decadence, inadequate employment opportunities and poverty among the people. He, however, urged government to set aside special intervention funds through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as a bail out for education sector and enact viable policies for tertiary institutions to incorporate vocational and entrepreneurship training.

Nigerian Tribune

Lack of funds delays LG election in Jigawa Adamu Amadu - Dutse

GOVERNOR Muhammadu Abubakar of Jigawa State, has said that lack of funds to conduct local election forced the state government to constitute caretaker committees in the 27 local government areas of the state. The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday, while swearing in care taker committee members to run the affairs of the 27 local government areas. Alhaji Abubakar appointed the caretaker committee members following the expiration of tenure of the elected local government council chairmen in the state on Febuary 22. Governor Abubakar, had last week, announced the appointment of senior civil servants on Grade level 14 in the state as chairmen of the care taker committees and appointed three politicians as members of each of the 27 local government According to him, his government had to constitute the caretaker committees so as not to create vaccuum in the administration of local government councils in the state. “The caretaker members were drawn from the state civil service. The committees will only be at the councils’ helm of affairs for for a short period,” he said.

Prayer meeting CHRIST Apostolic Church, Prayer Mountain of Mercy, (Ori-Oke Aanun), will hold its seven Fridays programme tagged, “God of prophets, I deserve mercy”, at Odusokun, Ojoo, Igbooloyin Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. The seven-day programme will hold on 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th March as well as 1st, 8th and 15th April. Morning session will take place between 9.00 a.m and 1.00 p.m while vigil will hold between 11.00 p.m and 4.00 a.m each day. Prophet Olusola David; Prophet ‘Segun Isedowo; Pastor Isaiah Alade (host) and Prophet Moses Aladeolu (Baba Ori-Oke).

Pastor Moses Alade

communitynews

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

Akarigbo tasks Ogun govt on even distribution of projects

he Akarigbo of Remo Kingdom, Oba Michael Sonariwo, has called on the Ogun State government to ensure equity in the distribution of infrastructure and other projects among local government areas in the state. The monarch made the call during the courtesy visit of Mrs Oluyemisi Somorin-Dawodu, the Ogun State Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission (PCC), to his palace in Remo, Sagamu. Sonariwo, while complaining to the commissioner, said Remo and Sagamu Local Government Areas, which were under his purview, were being marginalised in terms of infrastructure and contract allocations. Although he commended Governor Ibikunle Amosun for repositioning the state with his economic programmes, the Akarigbo said government must be seen to protect the interest of all, irrespective of affiliations. He also complained about disparity in the five per cent statutory stipend to local government traditional councils, saying it did not correlate with funds disbursed from the federation account. The monarch advised the PCC to make itself more readily accessible by creating awareness on its services. “If people are stubborn, there is nothing you can do than to refer such cases to higher authorities which is why your presence in the area of advocacy and mediation is very important. “If you indeed make yourselves seen, there are so many cases beyond our capability as monarchs that we can address to you for resolution,” Sonariwo said. Responding, the PCC commissioner assured the monarch that his complaints and concerns would be scrutinised and dealt with appropriately. “So far, your complaints fall under our mandate of tackling issues of administrative injustice. We will surely look at them and contact the parties involved for resolution. “It is pertinent to note that not every complainant who brings a case is right; we have to take our decisions based on informed facts surrounding every individual case,” she said. Somorin-Dawodu added that the commission was more concerned with brokering peace as a first option rather than giving sanctions or penalising of-

fenders. “Numerous people in the state can testify to how the commission has helped them to obtain redress where necessary.

“Let me also add that the commission’s services are not only enjoyed by the common man, but also by the well-to-do. “It is pertinent to say

that the commission has helped tremenduously in the promotion of genuine peace and stability in Ogun State,” she said. The commissioner said

the commission should be seen as complementing the efforts of traditional rulers in their role as mediators in their domains. Responding to a request by

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeshina Michael Adeyemo, presenting cash gift to one of the beneficiaries of Honourable Ademola Ige’s financial empowerment for women/widows at Christ Church Primary School, Odinjo, Ibadan recently while Honourable Ige and others look on.

the Akarigbo that the commission needed more publicity to make its services known to the people, she said efforts were being made to achieve the objective. “Part of my job since I assumed office last April is to publicise the commission as much as possible, especially through the social media. “The commission has already mapped out plans to begin enlightenment programmes in all parts of the state in order to create more awareness for our services. “The importance of the commission to Nigerians cannot be underestimated, especially when one considers the fact that many people cannot obtain redress for themselves or afford the cost of litigation.” In an earlier visit by the PCC commissioner to IperuRemo, the Alaperu of IperuRemo, Oba Adeleke Basibo, appealed to residents not to take laws into their hands but rather make their complaints known to relevant authorities. “The commission was established to help the common man and I believe the rendering of advocacy services free of charge should be enough to encourage patronage,” Basibo said.

1,000 persons benefit from N101m CBN fund in Delta Alphonsus Agborh-Asaba

One thousand persons drawn from the 25 local government areas of Delta State have benefited from the N101 million Central Bank of Nigeria micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund. The disbursement of the fund, which took place

recently in Government House, Asaba through cooperative societies, brings to 3,617 persons, mostly women, who have been assisted to navigate their way out of poverty. A total of N2,617 persons, had as of December 31, 2015 been empowered. In his remarks at the presentation of cheques to ben-

eficiaries, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the beneficiaries were without political godfathers before their selection, adding that the administration was irrevocably committed the principles of transparency, fairness and equity. While commending the state Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Develop-

ment Agency for its hard work in selecting the beneficiaries, Okowa urged beneficiaries to promptly repay the loans so that others could benefit. “The Central Bank of Nigeria has made it easy for you to do so with minimal interest rate (9 per cent per annum). “The least you can do is to

Gbagada residents laud lawmaker over transformer Bola Badmus-Lagos

Residents of Gbagada Estate, Phase 1 in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have commended their representative in Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Rotimi Abiru, for relieving them of 29 years of hardship by facilitating the supply of an electricity transformer in the community. The residents now have a transformer which was facilitated by the lawmaker, who represents Somolu Constituency II (Bariga) and doubles as the Chief Whip of the assembly. Secretary of Kajokopo Community Development Association which includes Gbagada Estate Phase 1, Mr. Adekunle Adebayo, gave the commendation while speaking on behalf of the residents.

Adebayo described the gesture as unprecedented, saying he never believed that such request could be granted within a short time when it was presented to the lawmaker. “After 29 years of being without a transformer,

Honourable Abiru presented our matter before the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode and within a short period of time, we got a new transformer,” he said. The CDA secretary noted that the community appre-

ciated the prompt response of Governor Ambode to the needs of the people and their representative for giving them quality representation. He, however, assured the state government of proper use and monitoring of the transformer.

NGO gives free medical treatment to Oke Ogun indigenes By Tunde Adegbola

More than 7,500 people from Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State have benefited from a one- day free medical test\ treatment organised by a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Divine Benevolence Medical Mission. The exercise was organised in collaboration with the management of the University College Hospital (UCH) and Otunba Bamidele Dada

Foundation at UCH Comprehensive Health Centre, Sepeteri, Saki East Local Government Area of the state. Speaking on the occasion, a member of the NGO’s Board of Trutees, Dr Steve Shoyebo, said the organisation started its charity work in 1990, as a way giving succour to the underprivileged across the world. The NGO has been to countries like Ghana and Haiti among others where free drugs and glasses were

given out. “We chose Sepeteri as our point of call as a sign of respect for one of our members and daughter of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Otunba Bamidele Dada, Mrs Ayodele Adeyemi, who hails from this communit,”he said. Also speaking, Chief Bamidele Dada, called on the people of the area to cooperate with the organisation for a successful exercise.

reciprocate the kind gesture of the Federal Government and repay the loan as at when due. “When you do that more money will be available to empower others,” he said. The governor said a similar exercise would be conducted within the next two or three months. One of the highlights of the ceremony was Governor Okowa personally presenting cheques of different amounts to the benefiting cooperative societies in the presence of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, represented by the Deputy Comptroller of CBN in the state, Dame Edith Agu; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Monday Igbuya; Deputy Speaker, Honourable Friday Osanebi and a host of other political office holders and members of the society. Also speaking, the CBN governor thanked Okowa for ensuring that active members of the society are employed. On his part, the Chairman of Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Chief Suru Salami, stated that the programme was designed to address poverty and the problem of unemployment.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

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Clinton, Sanders both top Trump in national poll

oth of the r e m a i n i n g Democratic c a n d i d a t e s for president easily top Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in hypothetical general election match-ups,according to a new CNN/ORC Poll. Hillary Clinton, But who is well ahead in the Democratic race for the presidency, would likely face a stronger challenge should Florida Sen. Marco Rubio or Texas Sen. Ted Cruz capture the Republican nomination for president. In the scenario that appears most likely to emerge from the primary contests, Clinton tops Trump 52 per cent to 44 per cent among registered voters. That result has tilted in Clinton’s favor since the last CNN/ORC Poll on the

Clinton

Trump

match-up in January. But when the former secretary of state faces off with either of the other two top Republicans, things are much tighter and roughly the same as they were in January. Clinton trails

against Rubio, with 50 per cent choosing the Florida senator compared to 47 per cent for Clinton, identical to the results in January. Against Cruz, Clinton holds 48 per cent to his 49 per cent a slight tightening from

Sanders. PHOTOS: CNN a 3-point race in January to a 1-point match-up now. Sanders -- who enjoys the most positive favorable rating of any presidential candidate in the field, according to the poll -tops all three Republicans

Forbes: Bill Gates tops list of world’s richest people Forbes magazine has published its 2016 list of the richest people in the world, a slightly shorter compilation than last year,

Bill Gates, PHOTO: AP

but still a roster of men and women with enormous wealth. Microsoft founder Bill Gates, whose estimated net worth was $75 billion in mid-February, again tops the list of billionaires. Spanish clothing retailer and founder of the Zara brand of stores, Amancio Ortega, came in second with a net worth of $67 billion. The American investment guru Warren Buffet ranked third with a net worth of

$60.8 billion. The richest woman on the list is cosmetics founder Liliane Bettencourt, worth an estimated $36.1 billion from the L’Oreal Company. Youngest on the list is Norwegian investor Alexandra Andresen, who at 19 is worth $1.2 billion. She ranked 1,476 out of 1,810 entries on the list. The oldest billionaire is David Rockefeller Sr., whose fortune comes from oil and banking. At 100 years old, he is estimated

to be worth $3 billion, ranking him at 569 on the list. The United States still leads the world in the billionaires’ list, with 540. China ranks second, with 251 billionaires, a gain of 70 in the past year. Real-estate investor Donald Trump, a dominant figure in American presidential politics this year, ranked 324th on the worldwide list. Forbes estimated his net worth at $4.5 billion.

otherNEWS

UN: Refugee crisis in Europe could explode into violence The United Nations refugee agency warns Europe is on the verge of an explosive self-induced humanitarian crisis, which could spiral out of control and result in widespread violence. VOA reported that the agency reports the number of refugees and

migrants in Greece in need of shelter has soared to 24,000. This, it says, includes around 8,500 people stranded near the border with Macedonia. It says the crowded conditions are leading to shortages of food, shelter, water and sanitation.

Vincent Cochetel is UNHCR’s refugee crisis in Europe coordinator. He says the congestion at border crossings along the Balkan migratory route is leading to frustration among the migrants and refugees. “They do not understand

that they can no longer move onward, that they have to queue; they have to go through the relocation process - for those eligible for relocation and it is not everybody. So, there is a lot of frustration building up, which may lead to acts of violence,” said Cochetel.

Bin Laden wanted $29m estate spent on jihad

Osama Bin Laden. PHOTO: AFP

Osama bin Laden, who ordered the 2001 al-Qaida attacks on the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people, claimed in his last will to have about $29 million in personal wealth, most of which he wanted spent “on jihad, for the sake of Allah.” The United States released the will Tuesday, part of a cache of 113 documents seized at bin Laden’s

compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, when U.S. commandos killed him in a raid nearly five years ago. The documents, written in Arabic and translated and declassified by U.S. intelligence agencies, were the second group of papers released that the U.S. Navy SEAL raiders grabbed from bin Laden’s hideaway, where he lived with his wife and other relatives. The U.S.

said it plans to disclose still more documents later this year. The documents, according to VOA, mostly dated from 2009 to 2011, show that bin Laden, 54 at the time he was killed, was increasingly worried that the United States would discover his whereabouts through spies in al-Qaida’s midst, drones in the air or secret tracking devices.

by wide margins: 57 per cent to 40 per cent against Cruz, 55 per cent to 43 per cent against Trump, and 53 per cent to 45 per cent against Rubio. Sanders fares better than Clinton in each match-up among men, younger voters and independents. The race for the presidency hits its primary season peak as 78 per cent of voters, including almost the same share among Democrats, Republicans and independents, who say that the nation is more deeply divided on major issues facing the country than it has been in the past. The survey asked voters to choose which of all the remaining top candidates, regardless of party; they trust most to handle seven top issues. Trump tops the list on the economy, terrorism and immigration, while Clinton is the top choice when it comes to health care, race relations and foreign policy. Voters are about evenly split between Trump and Clinton on gun policy. Adding up all the candidates from each party, Republicans have the edge on the economy, terrorism, immigration and gun policy, while more voters choose one of the Democrats’ candidates on race relations and health care, with about an even split between the two parties on foreign policy.

Killer nanny shows police site where she beheaded 4-years-old This is the moment a ‘killer babysitter’ took Russian police to the grisly scene where she beheaded a defenceless four-year-old girl in her care. Escorted by armed police, handcuffed Gyulchekhra Bobokulova - herself a mother of three - showed officers the Moscow flat where she apparently strangled Nastya Meshcheryakova, who had learning difficulties, before cutting off her head with a kitchen knife. The little girl’s remains were left in her cot. The 38-year-old nanny told police she was haunted by ‘voices’ on the day of the murder, and was driven mad with anger after discovering that her husband in Uzbekistan had started a new family while she was away working in Russia. She claimed she had refused his offer to become his second wife. In scenes that shocked the world yesterday, the hijab-wearing nanny was seen walking the streets of Moscow brandishing the head of the dead girl for an hour before she was detained by police.

Gyulchekhra Bobokulova. PHOTO: NTV-east2west news

Millions in China still dealing with aftermath of one-child policy Although China officially ended its decades-long one-child policy in January, millions of parents who had previously given birth to more than two children are still dealing with its aftermath. Many are still burdened with penalty fines, known as “social maintenance fees,” and their children remain un-registered as legal citizens, VOA reported. Fan Ziting, 36, is still dealing with the impact of the controversial policy and was among 30 couples who petitioned outside the health department of Guangdong province Tuesday, urging authorities to reconsider their situation. Fan had her first child in 2008, and three abortions

afterwards. When she became pregnant again in 2014, she was torn. Knowing that family policies were loosening, she and her husband decided to go ahead with the pregnancy. The delivery of their second child last April came eight months before China completely lifted its decades-old one-child policy, allowing all couples to now have two children.

Xi Jinping, China’s president

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

‘Okpodu will cause distraction in Ikorodu Utd’ Niyi Alebiosu

HE reported employment of the former Super Falcons coach, Sam Okpodu by the management of the Premier League side, Ikorodu United to head the coaching crew will serve as distraction to the club. Speculations were rife on Monday that the Okpodu will join the team as head coach, but no official statement has come from the management of the club or the chairman in respect of this. A source within the club who spoke with Tribunesport Tuesday by phone described the move as an avenue to cause distraction for the technical crew and the players whom he said have been living together as one big family saying that bringing a coach now to the team with just three matches into the league will not help the Ikorodu based team actualize it’s dream of doing well in the league. According to the source who pleaded not to be mentioned,’’ when the news filtered on Monday,the camp was in disar-

ray, we have to calm down the tension, the players were not happy because definitely it will affect them and we have a much tomorrow (Wednesday) against Enyimba in Aba. Though we are not yet been briefed but I think it’s too early to do that,” he said. The source added, “the owner and the management has right to do whatever they like with the team but with what the team has done so far, I do not think, it is in the best interest if the club to sack the coaching crew and bring another with just three matches into the league, bringing another coach, means we are starting all over from the scratch, this would have been done before the start of the league, but not just three matches unto the league when clubs are making progress,” said the source. Few of the players expressed similar view when contacted by Tribunesport in the speculation that a new coach will join them. However, the general manager of the club, Dele Gbajumo told Tribunesport that he is not aware of such move.

Tornadoes poor form is temporary — Biffo

Olabiyi (left)

Houston Dynamo release Rasheed Olabiyi MLS side, Houston Dynamo has parted ways with Nigeria midfielder, Rasheed Olabiyi. The club announced on their website that the midfielder has been put on waivers. The 25-year-old joined Houston Dynamo in July 2015, where he made four starts in seven appearances and notched an assist during the 2015 sea-

son. The former Enyimba and Shooting Stars midfielder committed 10 fouls in a total of 283 minutes played. Olabiyi’s release comes just under a week prior to the club’s season opener on March 6 against the New England Revolution at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

NIGER Tornadoes head coach, Abdullah Biffo has dismissed claims that his side will struggle in the elite division, despite failing to record a win in its first three fixtures of the season. Tornadoes are one of the four teams promoted from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the start of the season and have managed one draw at home and two defeats on the road thus far. Biffo in a chat with npfl.ng, shortly after his side’s loss to Rangers International at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, expressed optimism that Minna side would overcome the seeming early poor run of form and compete well. “The fact remains that we have dropped another three points and that is not what we bargained for. It was our third game of the season and we are yet to record a win and it gives all of us major concern. I believe we will get it right in the next few games. We will pick up from here and win games. We have had only three out of 38 matches; there are 35 more games to play before one can make any concrete statement as regards the season. We have not even gone halfway yet. No team can at the moment know where they will finish in the league. It is too early to make predictions. As the league progresses we hope to improve,”he said. Niger Tornadoes play Nasarawa United in a Match day 4 fixture at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja today.

Odita seeks end to Rangers title drought

From left, Super Falcons and Liverpool Ladies star, Azeezat Oshoala presenting her jersey to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa when she visited the Speaker in his office on Tuesday.

RANGERS Captain, Okey Odita is confident the Enugu side can end their title drought in the 2016 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season. After a painful surrender of a first half lead in Kano on Match Day 1 to lose 2-1, Rangers returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu to secure two back to back wins against Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes. Odita told npfl.ng, after his side’s 2-1 win at home to Niger Tornadoes, that, the focus of the six time league champions in the current campaign will be on the league title, which they last won

in 1984. “It has been more than three decades since we last won the league. We have waited so long; I have a strong feeling that this is our season. “We have started on a bright note, winning two of our three games. We narrowly lost out on the first game of the season away to Kano Pillars. It was a sad experience, but we are determined to put everything in place to ensure that does not repeat itself. “Rangers are a club with magnificent history and reputation, and we will capitalize on these to win the title this season.

‘‘Part of the challenge has always been starting the season on a poor note, but we will overturn that this season”. Odita remarked. Ahead of today’s match against Warri Wolves, the former Enyimba FC defender is optimistic his side can secure a good result when both sides clash at the Warri Township Stadium. “Our squad is formidable this season, and we can pick up points anywhere. We will approach the game on Wednesday (today) with full concentration and the focus will be to depart Warri on a positive note”, Odita said.

Wednesday, 2 March, 2016

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Road race has scaled up Okpekpe’s rating, says LGA secretary

The chairman, Lagos State Sport Commission and special assistant to Lagos State governor on sport, Deji Tinubu thrid left presnting certificate to the winner of the Winners Golden Bet Eko U-15 Tennis championship,Austin Stephen while Mr Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye; SSS to Ambode on sport (second right) and others looks on at the final of the championship in Lagos.

Stephen wins Winners Golden Bet Eko U15 tennis championship

USTIN Stephen has emerged the winner of the first edition of the Winners Golden Bets Eko U15 Secondary Schools Tennis Championship in the final held at the Centre Court of the National Stadium,Lagos with accolades for the Organisers and sponsors. Stephen emerged the champion with two straight sets over his opponnent Ayoola Micheal in the final watched by mammooth crowd which included the Eko white chief caps and top Lagos state governemnt officials. Both finalists ,who gave good accounts of themselves to the admiration of the crowds have been drafted to the Lagos State tennis team to the forthcoming National Sports Festival. Speaking at the closing ceremont, the Special guest of Honor, Oba Elegushi poured encomiums on Mr Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on sports for the initiatives on the championship aimed at discovering talents for the state and to promote sports among the youths. Speaking with Corporatesport at the event the Director General , Lagos State Sports Commission Mr

Ayo Agbesanwa called on other states in the country to emulate Lagos state especially in the area of youth empowerment stating that sports should be used as a veritable tool for keeping the youths of the country positively engaged. The final game was preceded by two exhibition matches between the Under 15 girls who will be part of the second edition, And the Adults were not left behind as the Chairman of the Lagos State Sport Writers Association (SWAN) Fred Edoreh also played an exhibition match

with a member of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club. The chief Organiser of the Tennis Championship, Mr Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye thanked the sponsors Winners Golden Bet for supporting the event while also calling on other Nigerian companies to come and join the Lagos state government in the development of sport across the state at the youth level. Adeboye promised to make the event an annual event, while revealing that his office would be organizing similar “Catch them young events”

in several other sports this year. The event had in attendance, The SA Sports and Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission Mr Deji Tinubu who represented the Governor Of Lagos State Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr Bolaji Yusuf SSA Sports To the Governor on Sports Facilities/Facility Manager, Chairman and Board members of the Lagos State Tennis Association, members of the Tennis and sports fraternity in Lagos, Top Lagos state politicians, white cap chiefs, Traditional Rulers.

THE hosting of the Okpekpe 10 kilometer Road Race that began in 2013 in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State has scaled up the positive rating and popularity of the community, it was learnt. According to the local government secretary, Hon. Benedicta Attoh, prior to the advent of the marathon race, the people from Okpekpe used to say they hailed from Auchi, the headquarter of the old Etsako Local Government Area- now Etsako West simply because of the remoteness of Okpekpe and lack of a tarred road. Corporatesport learnt from Attoh by telephone conversation that the indigenes now simply and proudly tell people within and outside the country that they are from Okpekpe. Their listeners, she said, now quickly get the gist because the road race has etched the community’s name in the memory of the majority. “I think there is a major change because even the

Okpekpe indigenes themselves those days when we didn’t have a road if you asked them where they were from they will tell you that they were from Auchi. Their belief was that Okpekpe was very remote and nobody knew where such a village was located. But because of the advent of the road race, Okpekpe indigenes are now very proud to tell you they are from Okpekpe. This is because they know that majority of Nigerians and even the international community now know where Okpekpe is. It is just because of the road race, “ said the council secretary. She also told Corporatesport that owing to the rising popularity of the community, so many people now think of it as a very large Nigeria’s city . Attoh submitted that Okpekpe is now a place to reckon with due to the road race with which the Edo State Government and the organizer-Pamodzi Sports Marketing (PSM) have placed the community on international sports map .

Oguntunde re-elected Osogbo Tennis club’s president MEMBERS of the Osogbo Tennis Club have elected new set of officers to pilot the affairs of club for the next two years. The election conducted by the Hon, Adejare Bello-led

Newly elected officers of the Osogbo Tennis Club after their inauguration. (L-R) Mr Tele Oyegoke(Social Secretary), Mr Gbenga Lawal(Vice Captain),Mr Kayode Oladeji(Secretary General),Engr Samuel Oguntunde(President), Mr Kunle Ogedengbe (Treasurer) and Mr Biola Oni, the Captain.

Electoral Committee,saw the reemergence of Engr Samuel Oguntunde as the President while Mr Biola Oni emerged as the new Captain, Mr Kayode Oladeji was elected as the club’s General Secretary. Others elected officers include Mr Gbenga Lawal as the Vice Captain, Mr Kunle Ogedengbe as the Treasurer while Mr Tele Oyegoke became the Social Secretary. Speaking on behalf of other newly elected members,the President,Engr Oguntunde assured that the new team would work assiduously towards realising the set target of raising the standard of the club. While appreciating members for their support in the past,he called for greater commitment with a view to raising the bar of the club’s developmental quest.

SIDELINES

NO 16,448

N150

WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2016

For driving against traffic, a commercial bus driver, Mr Kolawole Olumide, has been ordered by an Ogudu Magistrates’ court to sweep the Ogudu police station for five days. Let’s hope that the police will keep to their own part of the bargain and just monitor Olumide’s compliance, rather than ‘sweeping’ his head with cudgels while he sweeps their floor!

Oliseh’s resignation:

NFF to focus on AFCON qualifiers —Green

Prince Ali calls for suspension

Oliseh

IGERIA Football Federation technical committee head, Barrister Chris Green has said the body has outlived the Sunday Oliseh saga but is 100% focused on the 2016 AFCON double header against the Pharaohs of Egypt on March 25 and 29 respectively. Oliseh quit his job as Super Eagles manager in an unsavoury manner barely a month to the side’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ties against group’s leaders, Egypt. Although, NFF has filled the gap with the recall of former manager, Samson Siasia, Emmanuel Amuneke, Salisu Yusuf and Alloy Agu to take charge of the matches. Green said the committee will not allow itself to be distracted further from the fallout of Oliseh’s resignation but work assiduously hard to put every act right towards winning both matches. “Our focus right now is on the immediate two AFCON matches against Egypt as Sunday Oliseh is no more a distraction. “At least, the people in office can continue to take care of any issues concerning coach Sunday Oliseh. “The technical committee has put behind them the Oliseh’s case, ours is to put thing right to ensure we claim the desired results in the two matches. “I must tell you, we are wiser right now and I believe we have learnt our lesson from Oliseh’s tenure. “I’m not making excuses for myself though, I was not the chairman of technical committee then but we jointly agreed to hire him so we take responsibility. “I think it’s just fair and proper for people to allow the technical committee do what is right in their work. “First and foremost, Oliseh is

the coach of the federation and cannot afford to insult or paint the body in bad light. “Oliseh was praised to high heaven upon appointment in good fate and equally nicknamed the ‘Pep Guardiola’ of Africa to challenge him achieve the feat of the coach. “Like I said everything was done in good fate but we have work to do and we must work fast to ensure the work is well done,” said Green to supersport.com. Green said the insistence on the

committee to see coaches’ list of invited players is all done in good fate and to ensure that all parties are on same page. “The committee will not invite or impose any player(s) on a coach that’s not our term of reference. “Ours is to be 100% sure that players invited for a game are eligible and right without any inhibition whatsoever. “A coach can inadvertently invite a player with dual citizenship or ineligible due to cards offense, we have the statistics and it’s our

duty to point out the mix up so also the procurement of traveling documents for players. “That’s why we expect the list on time so that we can go to work, that’s the reason we ask to see the list but people seem to misinterpret it,” said Green. Eagles will host the North Africans on Friday, March 25 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna for the first fixture Afcon clash while the reverse clash holds on Tuesday, March 29 in Cairo, Egypt.

I am not a clown —Van Gaal LOUIS van Gaal has vowed to keep his emotions in check after taking a dive on the sidelines to make a point to the fourth official in Manchester United’s match against Arsenal. The Dutchman said that the display is likely to a be a one-off as he prefers to pull the tactical strings from the dugout rather than the technical area. “I am not a clown,” he told a

Van Gaal

press conference. “I am Louis van Gaal, I am a human being and a manager. “It is not part of my philosophy, I don’t think you can influence the game from that spot. “The players have to think on the pitch. Not the manager.” Van Gaal was handed another blow on Monday as defender Donald Love limped out of the Under21s’ match with Middlesbrough,

but the boss had some good news regarding recoveries on Tuesday. “Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia are the next ones to come back, I think. Fellaini is close and Valencia trained with the group today. So they’re coming back.” One update that will be less well recieved by fans, however, is the news that Wayne Rooney’s knee is still in a brace.

NPFL WEEK 4 FIXTURES

Giwa FC vs IfeanyiUbah vs MFM vs Enyimba vs Lobi Stars vs Akwa Utd vs Abia War vs Wikki vs Warri Wolves vs Tornadoes vs

Rivers Utd 3SC Sunshine Stars Ikorodu Utd El-Kanemi War Heartland Pillars Plateau Utd Rangers Nasarawa Utd

ITTF reappoints Oshodi into Nomination Committee FOR raising the bar of table tennis in Nigeria and Africa, the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi has been reappointed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) into one of its key committee, Nomination Committee. Oshodi’s reappointment was confirmed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ITTF held on Tuesday at the Dorset Hotel in Kuala Lumpur by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the world table tennis ruling body, Judit Farago. In the letter of appointment signed by Farago, it stated, “As per the constitution, the Executive Committee is empowered to appoint the members of the Nominations Committee and at its meeting on February 27 in Malaysia, the Executive Committee considered the nominations submitted and resolved to make the appointment. Oshodi as Africa’s representative in the Nomination Committee will be joined by Chan Foong Keong (Malaysia), Abdullah Al-Mulla (Qatar), Sandra Deaton (England), Andreas Georgiou (Cyprus), David Jackson (Canada), Ivam Passos (Brazil) while the Special Advisor to the committee is Walter Ronmark (Sweden). Former African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) President and now ITTF Executive Vice President, Cherif Hajem will also be part of the committee. The Nomination Committee will be chaired by Chan Foong Keong (Malaysia), while Abdullah AlMulla (Qatar) will be deputy chairman. In the constitution of the ITTF, the Nominations Committee shall be composed of at least six members determined and appointed by the Executive Committee including significant gender representation from nominations received from national associations in even numbered years with an Executive Vice-President and all Presidents of Continental Federations as exofficio members.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 2/3/2016.