2nd October 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 16,340 FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER, 2015

HID Awolowo larger in death than life —Bishop Fape —P35

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From left, Senator Ayo Fasanmi; Chairman, Elizade Group of Companies, Chief Michael Ade Ojo; Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, on Thursday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

Immigration arrests ISIS supporters in Kano

—P16

At Independence Anniversary

Buhari, Saraki reunite •Senate President holds closed-door talks with Osinbajo •Nigeria no longer business as usual –Saraki —P6,7 •As peacemakers targets OBJ, Tinubu for permanent political solution Another Boko Haram fuel dump uncovered in Borno —P6

From left, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai; Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Abayomi Olonisakin; Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, cutting the 55th Independence anniversary cake, in Abuja, on Thursday.

JP Morgan: Nigeria can't plan with portfolio investors' funds —FG

•As DMO plans to raise N270bn —P10 bonds

Friday, 2 October, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: Tommy Adegbite

9 1. From left, Honourable Ladi Adebutu, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and Barrister Segun Awolowo. 2. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi. 3. Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran receiving a letter of condolence from the representative of the Owa of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran. 4. From left, Honourable Wale Okediran, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran. 5. From left, Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran, Chief James Adebayo Shogo and Mrs Ruth Mope Olawoyin.

6. Special Apostle Prophet Pastor (Dr) S.O. Aiyegbusi of C&S Amazing Grace District (left) presenting letter of condolence to Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 7. From left, Mrs Buky Tunde-Oshunrinde, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Mrs Oluremi Onasanya. 8. A cross section of Greenland Choral Inc, UNILAG, with them from left, Professor Femi Otubanjo, Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Mr Lemuele Iyalla. 9. A cross section of C&S Amazing Grace District members with Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran. 10. Representatives of the Oniru of Iruland, Lagos, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu.

Friday, 2 October, 2015

6 news Nigeria@55: Buhari, Saraki reunite Clement Idoko - Abuja

s Senate President holds closed-door talks with Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, exchanged banters at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the celebration of the 55th Independence anniversary of the country. Both men sat next to each other at the ceremonial change of guards, which held at the forecourt of the Villa, on Thursday. The last time, Buhari and Saraki were seen in public was during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July. At that time, tension was still high in the party over the emergence of the leadership of the eighth assembly. Buhari had insisted that the party’s wish must be respected, indirectly telling Saraki and Dogara to heed the instruction of APC while naming the remaining principal officers of the house. While Dogara adhered, Saraki went on to pick his allies, disregarding the party for the second time in a row, thus the president and Saraki began their cold war since then. Buhari had distanced himself from the ongoing trial of Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), but in a recent interview with SaharaTv, he said the outcome of the investigation would determine whether or not he would have confidence in the Senate President. Meanwhile, on Thursday, President Buhari led former heads of government, leadership of the National Assembly, the judiciary, top government officials and friends of Nigeria, to the grand finale of the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who arrived the venue at 9.45 a.m witnessed the colourful event that was marked with the commemorative Presidential Change of Guards Parade at the forecourt of the Villa. The Federal Government had announced that the anniversary would be marked in a low-key, in view of the current harsh economic climate and as such, no activity took place at the Eagle Square, the usual venue, where national ceremonies were mostly held. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, had disclosed that President

Buhari approved only N70 million for all the activities lined up for the 55th Independence anniversary celebration. However, since 2011, after the nation’s 50th independence anniversary on October 1, 2010, when there were two car bomb

explosions near the Eagle Square, almost marred the celebration in the last five years, the anniversary celebrations had been shifted to the Villa. The ceremony was basically a military event, conducted by two battalions of the Presidential Guards

Brigade—the 177 Battalion based in Keffi and the Seventh Guards Battalion, Abuja. The 177 Guards Battalion provided the new guards that would be saddled with the responsibility of protecting the president, his family and other residents

Friday, 2 October, 2015

of the Villa. The event featured the inspection of new guards and quarter guards, silent drill carried out by inaudible order, posting of sentries, colour patrol and echelon reporting of parade, among others. The presidential change

President Muhammadu Buhari (second left), speaking with the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (second right), at the 55th Independence Anniversary held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday. With them are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left) and a former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon.

Nigeria no longer business as usual —Saraki Clement Idoko - Abuja Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that the process of lawmaking in Nigeria will no longer be business as usual, pledging that the National Assembly will make laws that will impact on the people. The embattled Senate President was one of the dignitaries who joined President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, to mark the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. Saraki was seen openly inside the Presidential Villa for the first time since he emerged Senate President, contrary to the choice of the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He arrived the venue at about 9.35 a.m. with fanfare. He took the salute and proceeded to join dignitaries who he exchanged pleasantries with before taking his seat beside a former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) Saraki, who engaged Gowon in a long discussion during the Presidential Change of Guards and Parade at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, said he would ensure that the National Assembly under his leadership would be people-oriented. Saraki spoke in an interview with State House correspondents shortly after the 55th Independence anniversary inside the Presi-

dential Villa. He said: “I am hopeful and confident that the future is very bright. In the next few years, things will be even better. “It will not be business as

usual. We will ensure that the National Assembly will be people-oriented and will make laws that will make impact on Nigerians.” Also speaking in a separate interview, the Chief

Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said the nation was progressing on the right path. “We will make it by the grace of God. We are on the right path,” he said.

Military raids another Boko Haram fuel dump in Maiduguri As 80 insurgents surrender to troops Chris Agbambu - Abuja The military involved in the battle against Boko Haram in the North-East have discovered and raided yet another fuel dump at Abbaganaram in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, used to stockpile petroleum, oil and lubricants for onward movement to the terrorists’ camps in Sambisa forest. During the operation, one Musa Abba was arrested with various items discovered and confiscated from him. They included 11 drums of AGO, an empty drum, 192 of 25 litres jerrycans, (out of which 70 were loaded with AGO, PMS and DPK), a Toyota bus and a Peugeot car, a motorcycle and an air conditioner. A statement from the Army, on Thursday, which confirmed the incident, recalled that the military had told the public, especially the residents of the North-

Eastern part of the country, who had been mostly affected by the actions of the Boko Haram terrorists, to cooperate fully with the military and the security agencies. According to the statement, it was gratifying to note that such call was being heeded to by overwhelming majority of people, as exemplified by the courageous and patriotic efforts of the good citizens who exposed the fuel dump in their midst. “It is important people should see the fight against Boko Haram as collective responsibility,” the statement noted. It further said: “The public are kindly requested to be more vigilant and assist with useful information that would assist in preventing Boko Haram insurgents from carrying out their nefarious acts.” Meanwhile, in a landmark event on Thursday, 80 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered to troops of

‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ in Bama, Borno State. The terrorists, among whom were commanders, suppliers and foot soldiers, confirmed to have partook in several terrorists attacks, especially on Bama town, Borno State, surrendered as a result of the intense heat and continuous offensive action embarked upon by troops. It will be recalled that we have repeatedly stated that surrender was the only option available to insurgents, as the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, in conjunction with other security agencies, were totally committed to the achievement of the three months presidential deadline for the eradication of terrorism in Nigeria. Other terrorists were encouraged to also surrender or face total annihilation. As the new name of the operation states ‘achievement of total peace is a must’.

of guards also involved foot and arms drill, rhythmic and calculated steps and checking of weapons to ensure rounds of arms were not left in them. President Buhari arrived at about 10.50 a.m, when the brief ceremony started with opening prayers by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Deputy Chief Imam of National Mosque, Dr Mohammed Kabir. The ceremonial 21 gun salutes was held in honour of President Buhari, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces and all other citizens. There was, however, confusion on the number of gun salutes, as it was believed that it was extended to 22 by individual counting. At the end of the parade, President Buhari, who was flanked by Vice President Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; service chiefs, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, signed the Independence anniversary register and released pigeons to signify peace. Buhari also led dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake and thereafter, joined them in a brief reception. Saraki later held private meeting with the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, for about two hours at the latter’s office. He was seen off to his car by the Vice President at about 3.40 p.m. Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Right Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who was accompanied by a delegation of House members, including Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, was among the dignitaries at the event. Other dignitaries included a former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (retd); head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; former Chief of General Staff, General Oladipo Diya (retd.); members of the National Assembly and members of the Diplomatic Corps. National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr John OdigieOyegun, who spoke with State House correspondents shortly after the ceremony, said Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary was worth celebrating, because the country had remained indivisible. He added that the country had come to realisation that it was on the wrong road several years ago and that the nation had finally moved to the road that would lead to progress, hope and prosperity.

news

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Saraki: Peacemakers target OBJ, Tinubu for permanent political solution Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

HE push to ensure a political solution to the travails of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, heightened on Thursday, following moves by some influential members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reach out to stakeholders on the matter. Sources in Abuja told the Nigerian Tribune that a team of stakeholders was already working on how to bring a solution to the rift. The move, which coincided with the mandate given by members of the House of Representatives to the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, to intervene and bring the two leaders together, was said to be aimed at resolving the imbroglio in the Senate. It was, however, gathered that the resolution would not happen without some casualties. Some of the sources were proposing a change in the leadership configuration of the Senate, as well as a consolidation of hold of APC on the upper chamber

as one of the ways out. Notwithstanding the claims by the Presidency that President Buhari had no hands in the travails of Saraki; sources said those knowledgeable about the workings of government knew that so much was wrong between the duo. Sources said the failure of President Buhari to invite Saraki to the Presidential Villa in the last four months was a clear show that the president was not working with the Senate President. A source in the know said some leaders had decided to reach out to former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, for a lasting solution to the crisis. “There is a two-way arrangement aimed at saving Saraki on the table. One is the move from the House in search of political solution. The second is an initiative of some leaders who have decided to involve Obasanjo and Tinubu. “The second group also plans to ensure the duo of Obasanjo and Tinubu

reach out to President Buhari for his proposal on the lasting solution,” a source said. It was gathered that some options were already being put forward, including a possible reconfiguration of the leadership structure of the Senate in a way that would accommodate the party’s interest. It was learnt that the political solution might work in the case of Saraki, in view of the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in the case of Tinubu, which nullified the suit for failure of the Code of Conduct Bureau to intimate the former governor of any complaints to his CCB forms before instituting the trial. “The CCB trial is being threatened due to its earlier ruling on Tinubu, which fits the Saraki case. But the system is still angry and the alternative out there is to get Saraki to the negotiating table to give one thing for his safety,” another source said. A source, however, said one source of Buhari’s problem with Saraki was Continues pg16

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Lagosmetro LUTH doctors lament poor security at residents’ lodge •Hospital is safe —Management Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

Traffic caused by an accident which occured at Ketu in Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

I operate only in daytime — Burglar Lanre Adewole

suspected burglar, Amos Joshua has confessed to breaking into homes, only during the daytime and not in the dread of the night. The 27-year-old was caught while breaking into and stealing from a medical doctor’s house, Dr Afolarin Otesanya, confessed to stealing at daytime and denied being a midnight robber. He was charged before a Magistrates’ court sitting in Ejigbo with burglary and felony under the criminal code. Joshua, who pleaded guilty, said he was not a violent thief. He said he has no fixed address and sleeps anywhere in the night to wake up in the morning to steal. He was caught at Oladipe Otesanya Street, Fagbile Estate in Ijegun area, where he

broke into the medical doctor’s flat. It was said that Joshua had already broken the key to the entrance and had gone in to steal when luck ran out on him and the owner of the house returned to meet him inside the flat. This was when the doctor locked him in the apartment and raised the alarm.

With the help of the residents, Joshua was caught and handed over to the police at Isheri Oshun Division. At the station, Joshua confessed that he was a petty thief and he broke into the apartment because he had hoped the owner had gone to work. He told the police that

though he intended to steal from the apartment, he had not taken anything away before he was caught. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs J. O. E. Adeyemi ordered him to be remanded in prison custody at kirikiri. The matter was further adjourned for fact-checking and sentencing.

Dr Sekunmade Adebayo, a resident doctor and secretary of Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has lament the poor state of security measures at the residence lodge. Adebayo told Lagos Metro of how hoodlums allegedly invaded the residence lounge of the teaching hospital months ago and carted away the personal belongings of the doctors, at gun point. According to him, “We have sent several appeals to the management to improve security measures at the hospital, asking them to employ more security personnel. The security personnel have no walkie-talkie; they have no means of intra-communication. You can freely walk from one gate to another and no one will stop you,” he lamented. Other challenges enumerated by the doctor include poor medical facilities, non-availability of basic medical tools and poor power supply. Meanwhile the management headed by the Chief Medical Officer (CMD), Professor Chris ‘Bode, in a press statement dismissed reports of security breaches at the hospital, insisting that the hospital is safe and secure for staff and patients. “We want to reassure the public that LUTH is safe. No

13-year-old raped by neighbour Gbemi Solaja The Police Command Itire Division, Surulere is currently investigating the defilement of a 13-yearold girl, who was allegedly raped by a 34-year-old neighbor, who lives just three houses away from her. The suspect, identified as Yinka Abdulsalam was said to have allegedly sent the victim on an errand to buy food which required her to

meet him at his house, this was when he had carnal knowledge of the girl. The landlady, Mrs Bukky, who had first contact with the victim, immediately after the incidence, lamented that Abdulsalam’s wife is a very close friend of the victim’s mother and that had given room for much familiarity among the two families. She narrated how the minor explained to her that she was sent to buy food for her older sister when Abdulsalam

called her to also to buy food for him. When she got back with the food, Abdulsalam had gone upstairs. The victim therefore went upstairs to give him the food but he suddenly pushed her on the bed. She tried to scream for help but Abdulsalam tied her mouth with a cloth and descended on her “When we learnt of this, I rushed down with some people to his house, at first he kept on denying the act until the Police came by and

intervened. The evidence was clear. The mattress and the blanket were full of her blood.” Lagos Metro gathered that the victim who is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital at Isolo has been bleeding, uncontrollably. “I was asleep when I heard her shouting Aunty Bukky, my life is finished and I just jumped up and asked why she was shouting. Then she narrated how Abdulsalam forcefully raped her.”

one is hurt. The case of the doctor that was assaulted is being investigated by the police. We are awaiting reports from the panel of investigators,” he said Professor Bode also used the opportunity to address the call for his sack by the National Medical Association (NMA) Lagos Chapter on reaching the mandatory 60 years for retirement, positing that it was “mischievous” and “ignorant” as he is an appointee, not an employee of the federal government.

330,000 litres of recovered Olalekan Olabulo No fewer than 33 suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested by the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism. The police unit has also recovered 330,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), siphoned from pipelines belonging to Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) loaded in 10 trucks. The arrest and recoveries were made in different operations in different parts of the country, particularly in Lagos State . Commander of the task force, CSP Valentine Olumese, while speaking during the handing over of the stolen petroleum products to officials of the NNPC reiterated the task force readiness to combat pipeline vandalism. Olumese also stated that the IGP unit is adopting advanced and effective techniques in ensuring that pipeline vandalism is brought under control, without loss of life. The IGP task force commander said, “this strategy is paying off immensely and it is aimed at discouraging the vandals. With the number of arrest and recoveries made so far, with no bloody confrontation with the vandals, it has shown that we are winning the war.” He also added that, “I want to assure members of the

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

wunmi Ambode had approved that the bursary

interviews should hold in specific zones across the country and also at the five divisions of the state. Jegede said the interview is expected to hold in Kaduna on October 5th and 6th 2015 at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, while that of Rivers State is scheduled to hold on October 6th and 7th 2015, at University of Port-Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State. “The interview will also hold in Kwara State at the University of Ilorin from October 12th to 13th. Similarly, the interview will hold in Abuja from 17th to 18th of November at Nigerian Law School, Abuja as well as in Akure, Ondo State at the Federal University of Technology, Akure on December 1st and 2nd,” she said. According to her, the interview for the Lagos Zone has been fixed for 14th and 15th October at St. Georges’ Primary School, Falomo, Lagos Island (for Lagos Division) and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija, Epe (for Epe Division). “The interview for Badagry Division will hold on 20th and 21st October at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, while that of Ikeja and Ikorodu divisions will hold on 26th and 27th October, 2015 at Government College, Agege beside NYSC Orientation Camp, Agege (for Ikeja Division) and Oriwu College, Ikorodu (for Ikorodu Division), she said. Jegede further enjoined all applicants to attend the interview in zones closer to them, adding that any applicant who wished to attend the interview in Lagos Zone should go to their respective divisions for the exercise. It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government annually conducts the bursary interviews to determine the indigeneship claim of applicants who must be full time students in various tertiary institutions before awards were given. The bursary award ranges from N20,000, N30,000 to N50,000 depending on the course of study.

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

Bursary interview for indigenes to hold at Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja divisions Bola Badmus Lagos State government through the State’s Scholarship Board said it has concluded plans to organize the 2015/2016 session bursary interviews for students of state indigene in tertiary institutions across the country who have obtained the application forms. According to the government, the gesture is part of efforts at reducing parent’s financial burden. The Director, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs Omauton Yetunde Jegede,

made the announcement, in a statement made available

to newsmen by the Board’s Public Relations Officer

(PRO), Sesan Awobadejo. He said Governor Akin-

stolen petrol public that we are not going to relent in our efforts, and we also ensure that those arrested face the full wrought of the law.” Olumese also continued that, “As I speak, all the suspects have been arraigned in the court and they are currently being remanded in prison custody.”

An accident involving a trailer with container, at Ojuelegba, on Thursday.

We know killers of MC Oluomo’s aide —Police Olalekan Olabulo The police in Lagos State have claimed to have identified the perpetrators of the late Wednesday murder of an aide of transport unionist in Oshodi area of the state. The state Police Public Relation Officer, Joe Offor, while speaking with Lagos Metro on the killings of the deceased, simply identified as Mamora, assured that the police would arrest the killers. The late Mamora was on Wednesday night killed at a barbing saloon, very close to his house in Oshodi area of the state. Lagos Metro gathered that the renewed gang war in Oshodi might not be unconnected with the death of Esi Oluwo, who was allegedly killed by a rival group. A source at Oshodi told Lagos Metro that “they have started again. We thought that the end of the last general election had put a stop to the gang war.” The source, who pleaded anonymity, continued that “there was serious tension

last night. There would have been a serious break down of law and order as some of the colleagues of Mamok , (as Mamora was fondly

called) threatened to avenge his death. The source continued that “the death might be a reprisal attack from some mem-

bers of Esi Oluwo , who was killed during the last election. They have threatened to avenge his death. Joe Offor confirmed the

killing and added that “We have identified the killers but we have not arrested anybody in connection with the killing.

Contractors screened for repair of dilapidated Oshodi road Chukwuma Okparaocha Brown Street, Osodi will soon have a contractor appointed to undertake the reconstruction of the road which has been in a state of disrepair for a while. Indications to this effect were given on Wednesday with the opening of bids submitted by seven constructions companies who responded to the advertisement calling for bids for the project. Companies which bidded include Wetland Construction Nigeria Limited, RCF Nigeria Limited, Jallis Construction Coy Limited, LUBRICK Construction Limited, Strabic Construction Limited and Consultek Resources Nigeria Limited. Speaking at the bid opening ceremony, the Perma-

nent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ajibade Bade-Adebowale, said the process was the transparent procedure introduced as part of the public procurement law adopted by the State Government. The road project, he said was one of the strategic

roads identified by the state Government for construction and had been visited by the Governor Mr Akinwumi Ambode in August 2015. “The road is a rigid concrete road covering the 690 meter of the road. It also has adequate provision

for drains, culverts, outfall drains, service ducts and street lighting. “The project, when awarded envisages a completion period of 12 months. It is also the second rigid pavement road to be undertaken by the state Government,” he said.

Another container falls at Ojuelegba Olalekan Olabulo It was an incident of another fallen container early Thursday around Ojuelegba area of Lagos State , less than three weeks, after three people were crushed to death. The container fell from a trailer, which was trying to ascend the bridge from the Diamond Bank end of the

bridge towards stadium . No life was lost in the Thursday container incident but there was serious traffic gridlock that spread to many parts of Ojuelegba and Surulere. An eye witness told Lagos Metro that the driver of the truck apparently lost control of the vehicle, while trying to ascend the bridge. The eye witness, who

identified himself as Taiwo said that the fallen container created serious panic around the Area C police station. When contacted , the South-West image maker of the National Emergency Management Agency , Ibrahim Farinloye confirmed the incident but claimed not to have the details of the accident.

businessnews

Friday, 2 October, 2015

JP Morgan: Nigeria can’t plan with portfolio

investors’ funds —Vice President Chima Nwokoji - Lagos

ice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has described the JP Morgan index as an index for portfolio investors, whose money cannot be relied upon for economic planing. According to him, for the fact that portfolio investors’ funds are usually short term and easily pulled out of a country at the slightest sign of risk, a country cannot rely on it for long term planning; adding that the federal government is not unduly worried about the delisting of Nigeria because a lot of that money had moved out already. This is even as Nigeria plans to re-issue its five- and 10-year bonds in the last quarter of the year to raise up to N270 billion after JP Morgan’s index on Wednesday delisted half of the maturities belonging to the country. It will be recalled that half of the Nigerian bonds listed on JP Morgan’s emerging markets bond index (GBI-EM) was removed on Wednesday and the rest to be removed next month. JP Morgan had earlier warned that it would completely drop Nigeria from its index, citing a lack of liquidity and currency restrictions. In a television program monitored in Lagos, Osinbajo said the removal from JP Morgan index is only for a year. So if the country is anxious to get back on the index, it has a whole year to prepare and get back. “But it is important to bear in mind that a country does not necessarily change its policies, so as to satisfy portfolio investors. Especially when your policies are to address systemic issues,” the Vice President stated. He explained further that because of sharp drop in oil prices, the Nigerian economy experienced a shock which it has to deal with and the Central Bank’s way of dealing with it is to introduce exchange controls. He said Nigeria have tough

choices on whether to open up the exchange regime as it used to be or continue with the control measures despite depleting revenues and foreign exchange reserves. “I think the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), made the right choice by saying; ‘let us take our time on this issue. We need a short term exchange controls even at the risk of being delisted from JP Morgan index.’ Those exchange controls have being reasonably successful. Our

foreign exchange reserves have stabilized and our current account deficit has narrowed, which is good in the short term,” he observed. According to the Vice President, the Federal Government is in regular consultation with the CBN to know what the longterm solution would be, “because you can’t have exchange controls as a long term measure.” Meanwhile, the 10-year bond, among those to be delisted on the influential

Arik Air has concluded a new deal with the German Lufthansa Technik to henceforth maintain its fleet of 28 airplanes until 2019. In addition, the airline is taking delivery of additional two brand new Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft this winter season to further expand its domestic services and launch new services within Africa to cities such

were flat on Wednesday as foreign buyers had cut their exposure to 0.69 percent ahead of the index expulsion. The 2024 bond to be issued from October will pay a coupon of 14.20 percent while the 2020 paper will pay 15.54 percent. The central bank on Wednesday said the banking system had enough liquidity to take up what foreign investors might sell after JP Morgan removed Nigeria from its bond index.

From left, Chairman, University Press Plc, Dr Lekan Are; Managing Director, University Press Plc, Samuel Kolawole and Executive Director, Finance, UP Press, Ganiyu A. Adebayo during the 2015 Annual General Meeting held at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, Oyo State. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

BVN, liquidity issues to dominate discussion as bankers committee meet today The Bankers Committee comprising managing directors of all the commercial banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would be meeting today in Lagos to deliberate on recent developments in the financial system. Industry sources disclosed to Nigerian Tribune that the committee would deliberate on impending deadline for Bank Verification Number (BVN), liquidity issues aris-

ing from Treasury Single Account (TSA) and on reactions trailing this week’s removal of half of Nigeria’s bonds from JP Morgan’s bond index. “ You are equally aware that Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN, recently raised concerns over the continued slow down of the country’s economic growth.The central bank on Wednesday also said the banking system had enough liquidity to take up what foreign investors might sell

after JP Morgan removed Nigeria from its bond index. “The CBN plans to retain foreign currency controls because of concerns about slowing growth. These are issues that will dominate discussion as the committee meets on Friday, October 2,” a senior bank official told Nigerian Tribune. At the end of the meeting, the committee he noted, will clarify certain issues in the economy and take other decisions that will ensure stability in the financial sys-

as Libreville. The airline has equally insisted that it is not under any financial pressure as it is presently being insinuated. According to a statement issued by Chigozie Okereke, a communications officer in the airline, Arik Air in view of its position as the largest carrier in terms of its fleet and revenue generation, is contributing greatly to the economic growth of Nigeria

and West Africa as a whole. “ We are Nigeria’s and West Africa’s largest carrier in terms of aircraft fleet, revenue generation, passenger numbers, as well as offering the highest number of weekly flights out of Lagos, Abuja, and Accra airports. Thus, we are also contributing to the economic growth of Nigeria, and our neighbouring countries like Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Cameroon, Benin, and other West Afri-

can Countries.” The airline while responding to an earlier allegation that the airline was in financial trouble and may be going bankrupt, described those behind the rumour as mischievous and malicious. “This false and malicious news is the handiwork of fly -by-night social media sites trying to ride on the popularity and huge followership of Arik Air, to attract attention or relevance to their sites.”

Chima Nwokoji - Lagos

‘Arik Air is not under financial pressure’ Shola Adekola - Lagos

index, edged higher to yield 15.09 percent after the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Wednesday released its calendar showing it will re-introduce the benchmark paper, which was not issued in the third quarter. The DMO said it will sell between N60 billion and N90 billion each in five- and 10-year bonds in each of the remaining three months of the year as reopenings of outstanding maturities. Traders said bond yields

tem. The CBN on Wednesday said its decision to impose foreign currency controls in the economy was largely due to concerns about slowing growth in the economy, fol-lowing over four months of non appointment of cabinet ministers by President Mo-hammadu Buhari. Although the President had submitted the list of his nominees for cabinet posts to the Senate for approval on Wednesday, foreign investors have criticised Buhari for failing to appoint ministers since he took office on May 29, leaving the central bank to deal alone with monetary policy controls in the heavily oil-dependent economy. But speaking in defence of the measures so far taken by the apex bank to contain some adverse fallouts of the fall in crude oil prices, Di¬rector of Monetary Policy at the CBN, Mr. Moses Tule, said “We are concerned that we are having declining growth.”

Nigerian Tribune

Over-billing: We are complying with FG’s refund order — Abuja DISCO The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) says it has complied with a Federal Government’s directive to refund money to its consumers in the Federal Capital Territory for overbilling them. The Managing Director of AEDC, Mr Neil Croucher, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday. Croucher, who could not immediately tell how much had been refunded so far or the number of customers affected, said the process was ongoing. NAN recalls that the Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi, recently told the Senate that the commission ordered the refund after series of complaints from AEDC customers. Croucher noted that the issue of over-billing was a legacy problem, which the company was currently working hard to address. “On the issue of bills not reflecting the amount of electricity consumed or customers pay and is not reflecting, this is one of the problems we inherited with the old billing system. “That is why we have spent a lot of time and money in installing a new billing system that is centralised. It will soon be a thing of the past. “But if any customer has a complaint he can come to us. We have teams in the field that will go and investigate. “If in that process we identify that we have been overcharging, we will correct it,” he said. The AEDC boss said in the course of the ongoing adjustments in the company’s billing system, many customers had also been found to be undercharged. He cited the case of a customer who was being billed for 60 kilowatts per hour when he was actually consuming 100 kilowatts per hour. He said all the anomalies were being corrected in the ongoing clean up of the company’s customer data base. Croucher said the issue of communities providing transformers and other power distribution facilities was abnormal, adding that it was part of the under-investment problems in the sector. “In a normal situation it should not be so, but we have not normalised the sector. I have told you about the decades of under-investment in the sector,” he said.

Friday, 2 October, 2015 11 businessnews UBA Foundation announces over N2m educational grants for essay competition winners Akin Adewakun - Lagos

he Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the UBA Foundation, has announced a N2.250 million educational grants for the first three winners in this year’s National Essay Competition being organised by the Foundation. The annual essay competition, which is a product of the Foundation’s Read Africa Initiative, is designed to develop the intellectual and writing abilities of the nation’s senior secondary schools’ students. Flagging off the competition at the bank’s Corporate Headquarters in Lagos recently, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Ijeoma Aso, stated that while the overall winner

would get an educational grant of N1million, the first and second runnersup will get N750,000 and N500,000 respectively. Besides showing the Foundation’s commitment to the educational aspirations of the Nigerian children, Aso believes the competition, which is in its fifth edition, would also provide the opportunity for UBA, through the Foundation, to give back to its operating environments, in tune with

its corporate visions and commitment of enhancing the lives of people in its business environments. While calling on the nation’s Senior Secondary School students to avail themselves of the opportunity, the Foundation’s chief executive added that any of the winners would be given the opportunity of the financial support, not only in the nation’s higher institution, but any higher institutions of their choice

in Africa. “Being a truly Nigerian and African brand, we are committed to developing talents in Nigeria and Africa and exploring available opportunities within the shores of the continent. That is why we are calling on every Nigerian secondary school students to begin to send in their handwritten essays which should not be more than 750 words, since the Foundation will not extend

the submission date once it closes on November 13, 2015,” she stated. In his remarks, the bank’s Executive Director/ Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emeke Iweriebor charged some of the students present at the event on the need to always strive for knowledge, describing the essay competition as providing them the opportunity to prove their academic mettle and better their lots.

CBN concerned over slow economy The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that it is concerned that the economy is slowing, while confirming that there is sufficient liquidity in the nation’s banking system. Moses Tule, the CBN’s monetary policy director, said that the decision taken by the apex bank to cut the Cash Reserve Ratio to 25 percent from 31 percent last week, had injected N300 billion (about $1.51 billion) into the financial system. Media reports had it that before the CRR was reduced to 25 per cent, liquidity on the interbank market had dried up after commercial banks were given a deadline of September 15 to move government revenue to a single account at the central bank, as part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption drive. “There’s sufficient liquidity in the Nigerian banking system to take up whatever foreign investors may dump, so we are not disturbed,” said Tule. “By cutting the cash reserve ratio we introduced back more than 300 billion naira,” he said, adding, however, that the bank was “concerned that the economy is slowing”.

From left: Abidemi Soladoye, Regional Manager, Wuse Region, Diamond Bank Plc; Chidinma Lawanson, Divisional Head, MSME Propositions & Agency Banking, Diamond Bank Plc; Alhaji Oladele Isiaka, MD/CEO, Oladele Construction Company Nig. Ltd; John Ekpikhe, MD, CLM Consulting; and Abubakar Suleiman, Regional Manager, Garki region, Diamond Bank Plc at the 60th Diamond BusinessXpress Seminar, held in Abuja, recently.

Nigerians urged to embrace renewable energy system By Bode Adewumi

A call has gone to Nigerians to cultivate the usage of renewable energy in order to save the world from global warming and as an alternative to electricity, where the country has been unable to provide enough electricity to its vast population. This was the fulcrum of the discussions at the 5th Oyo State ICTs and Renewable Energy in National Summit and Exhibition, with the theme, Celebrate Nigeria @55! Go Green; Go Solar, Get Power, with the rider, Save Money, Save Earth, which took place at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan on Wednesday. Professor Adenike Osofisan, the Director, University of Ibadan Business School and Chairman, Information Technology and Media Services Board, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Adewole , submitted that it was time Nigerians turned to renewable ener-

gy since its advantages are mouthwatering. According to her, solar energy is cheaper, renewable and clean with fewer hassles when compared to orthodox system of electricity and other sources of electricity. She added that one major advantage with the use of renewable ener-

gy is that as it is renewable it is therefore sustainable and so will never run out. She pointed out that renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional generators, saying fuel being derived from natural and available resources reduces the costs of operation.

Earlier, the convener of the summit and the Chief Executive Officer of Amazing Grace Computers, Mr Tunji Agboola, in welcoming guests and participants to the event said the summit has come to stay despite the fact that it did not hold in the last two years owing to some converging factors.

Lenovo launches smartphone business Lenovo has officially launched its smartphone business in the East African region. The multinational is banking on the success of its smartphone business in Europe and Asia to propel the East African operation. During the launch held at its headquarters in Nairobi, Lenovo cited the growing internet usage as a growth opportunity for the company. According to the latest Communication Authority of Kenya fourth quarter sector report for the year 2014/15, there are an esti-

mated 29.6 million internet users. Mobile data subscriptions contribute to 99 per cent of the total subscriptions. To boost its smartphone market in the region, Lenovo is partnering with telecommunications and major distributors in the various EA countries. The technology manufacturer has already signed a partnership with Safaricom and is currently pursuing Airtel. “We moved into the market with the understanding that the consumer is spoilt for choice on their quest to

acquire a smartphone. Our preposition to the consumer is the emphasis we have placed on style, productivity, privacy, power and entertainment in the manufacture of our devices,” says Danish Oyugi, Lenovo’s regional manager. Kenya is a fertile ground for growth because it provides 50 per cent of the smartphone business in the region. The company has already sold 10,000 units of its recent ‘Vibe Series’ range of phones. Lenovo rolls out at a time Chinese manufacturers Tecno and Infinix are getting a grip of the market.

interview

Friday, 2 October 2015

At 90, I still supervise my companies —High Chief Akingbule

en in various trades in Ondo Kingdom, apart from the normal yearly assistance rendered to them. My priority is to constitute a policy that will enrich the community.

High Chief (Sir) Dr Olabanji Akingbule MFR, is the Odunwo of Ondo Kingdom and a renowned philanthropist. In this interview with TUNDE ADEGBOLA, he speaks on his 90th birthday anniversary, experiences, state of the nation, among other issues. Excerpts:

Where did you get money to do all these programmes? I learnt all these from my teacher who taught me stock and shares in 1942 when I was in standard five. Also, when the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Minister of Finance under General Gowon administration in 1973, he initiated the indigenisation scheme whereby companies were forced to sell shares to individuals. When I set up my construction company, I invested all my profits on shares. So, it is the dividends I got from shares that I use for some of my philanthropic projects. My company finances most of my charity programmes in the name of a foundation I set up. You see, the kind of leaders that we have in the olden days, Awolowo was the one that introduced the indigenisation scheme in the country which has made many Nigerians to become millionaires without labouring. He was a leader Nigerians can never forget. He did wonders in the educational sector, including commerce.

OW do you feel attaining the age of 90? I am very happy that God has given me the grace to witness today. Even at 90, I still wake up at seven 0’clock to go and supervise my projects. God has been so wonderful to me. He has confirmed in me the word of King David in the bible, that 70 years is the outmost, but in my own case, He sees me beyond. Can you give us an insight into your background? I was born at Oreretu bye Banpaye Quarters on October 2, 1925. Sadly, my father died when I was six years old. But my mother was able to shoulder all the responsibilities. To her credit, she was able to do everything possible to train me up to primary six. From that on, I got Ondo Native Authority Bursary Award to attend Ondo Boys High School in January 1946. The bursary was made possible by the late Chief M.C. Adeyemi who contacted the traditional leaders that there were many brilliant pupils who could have been admitted into the Ondo Boys High School but could not, due to financial inability. Then, the Osemawe-in-council decided to award bursary to brilliant students every year, two for Ondo area, one for IleOluji and one for Oke-Igbo area, because those were the main town constituting the Ondo Division then. As you can see, we have been practicing the Ondo Native Authority Character as far back as 1940s; the Federal Government started it in the 70s. In those days, we have leaders who put public interest above their own personal interest. In my final year at the Ondo Boy’s High School, I had a teacher who understood the value of education, he coached me extra lessons everyday free of charge after school hours. As a result of this, I got 92 per cent during the promotion examination. I and five others were given double promotions, and when we got there, we were still leading the class. In 1947, I sat for Cambridge exams in which I had credits and distinctions in eight subjects. During that period, only four people had cars in Ondo, among them was the engineering assistant posted to Ondo by government to carry out engineering works. Around December that year, the leaders of our community came to me that they wanted to send me out to be trained as an engineering assistant. In other words, they also wanted me to be using a car as well, you can imagine the mentality of our leaders then. I accepted the offer and that was how I was trained as an engineering assistant. After the training, I got a good job in Ondo and was doing excellently. But in 1952, I told the native authority that I wanted to go to England to complete my engineering course, they agreed with me and continued to pay my salary which was nine pounds (£9) throughout my stay in England. When I finished the course, I wrote them when I finish and would like to come back home. Unfortunately, the native authority told me they could not employ someone of my calibre

that I should contact the western region government. Coincidentally, during my 10 years stay in England, I was able to supervise a lot of engineering works in London such as London Hilton Hotels which was 25 storey high and five storey below the ground. I was the site engineer then, the BBC interviewed me on how the work was carried out. In 1962, Dr Kofo Abayomi came to London, he saw when I was doing my work, and he called me for a chat and eventually offered me an appointment to work with Lagos Executive Development Board. I was in Lagos between 1962 and 1976, I supervised so many projects. In 1976, I decided to set up my own construction company, BANA Construction Company Limited, and I was in Lagos as a contractor for about 10 years. In 1986, I returned to Ondo to settle permanently. My In-law, High Chief Adaja Olaniyan, advised me to take a chieftaincy title which I took and I was installed as Saruwo of Ondo Kingdom. As God would have it, within two years I was promoted to become a High Chief, since the stool was vacant and people rallied around me those times. This is my 28th year as High Chief, Odunwo of Ondo Kingdom, the record which nobody had in the past. When I was installed as Saruwo, the King, Oba Itiade Adekolurejo was my senior in the Primary School. When he passed on in 1991, our tradition here is that the most senior High Chief should be the reagent until a substantive king will be crowned. But in my own case, the most senior high chief (Joomu) which was supposed to be reagent was seriously ill, so I was made reagent of Ondo Kingdom in 1991 to 1992. And I took a very active role in the selection of the next Osemawe then, Oba Ibidapo Adesanoye who happened to be my par at the Ondo Boys High School. As one of the high chiefs, what role did you play to bring development to the town? The development of this town was virtually initiated by me, especially during the reign of Oba Adesanoye and that of Oba Adekolurejo, things were moving quite al-

right. During the time of Oba Adesanoye, he asked me to set up a committee for the construction of a new palace. The palace was built successfully, we were the ones who financed the construction of the modern multi-million naira Osemawe palace, which was inuagurated for the betterment of Ondo community in 1993. Many other important projects were carried out during his reign as the Osemawe of the Ondo Kingdom. Unfortunately, his opponent in kingship race continued a court case against him but thank God he eventually won the court case, which lasted till after his death. Recently, through one of my companies, the Federal Government gave me license to establish a radio station, Sun City FM, (101.9MHz) which is near completion. On scholarships, about 17 years ago, my nephew donated N100, 000 to the church for youth empowerment; I added N900, 000 to make it 1,000,000. I handed it over to the church to fix it in a bank, so that every year, the church will be collecting the interest to organise scholarship for the indigent youth of the church. Till today, the scholarship scheme is still running, the interest has even become too much to spend and my company also continues to supplement the account with N200, 000 every year. Also, since 2002, I have been organising an award for 100 brilliant Ondo State indigene students yearly. This year’s award will hold on Saturday, September 26, 2015. Over N50 million had been spent on student’s scholarship since inception 13 years ago. Again, this year, N1,000,000 will be awarded to 90 distinguished wom-

I doubt it if there is any Idiagbon now. All those who surrounded him now were trained and nurtured in the bribery school.

How did you meet your wife? My wife is the only daughter of her father, the then Oludoko of Udoko. I met her through her elder brother who was my classmate at the Ondo Boys High School. She was one of the few educated fellows in Ondo then, she was a teacher. I love her so much and she loves me too. Everybody admired her. I could remember when I was in England, she once wrote me that a man wanted to woo her away from me, but she resisted. That made me laugh then, she was a trustworthy woman. She waited for me throughout my stay in England and we eventually got married in London in 1956. We courted for eight years before our wedding. Her mother gave birth to six boys and her; when she came to me she has six girls and a boy. Today, I thank God because all the girls are now successful in their respectful endeavours. What is your take on the anti-corruption campaign of Buhari, is he on the right track? When we were young, corruption was not as bad as this because people resisted it. In the 1980s when Buhari attempted to fight corruption, he had General Tunde Idi-Agbon, but I doubt if there is any IdiAgbon now. All those who surrounded him now were trained and nurtured in the bribery school. And the look of things Buhari is about to make a very big mistake, he wants to make a roaring lion to become a dumb lamb. When somebody has been shouting against corruption and you are now thinking of making him a Minister, it means you want to keep him quiet. In this country, we need people with real principle; I agreed with people saying Awolowo is the best president in this country which we never had. God helps those that help themselves. Nigerians need to start helping themselves by rising to the challenges and tackling it properly without any sentiment. Our politicians should start putting the interest of the nation above their own personal interest. Now, they were saying they are cutting their salaries without talking about the allowances, how much is the salary compared to their allowances. Let them leave the salary alone and cut the allowances. You can see nobody talks about the allowances because it is the gimmicks they are using to deceive people.

Friday, 2 October, 2015

news

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Ondo workers suspend strike Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure

ORKERS under the auspices of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) in Ondo State, on Thursday evening, rose from a meeting to suspend its two-day strike, after a meeting with government officials in the state. The meeting, which lasted for about four hours and ran into late evening, was attended by the leadership of the labour union. The union called off the strike after the government had assured that all the salary outstanding and allowances would be paid by next week Wednesday. It, however, directed the government to pay all outstanding salaries and allowances on or before Wednesday, October 7, threatening to down tools completely until their demands were met Speaking while addressing newsmen, the state JNC chairman, Sunday Adeleye, said the strike embarked upon by the

workers was temporarily suspended through the intervention of the national leaders of the union and Forum of Secretaries in the state. He specifically pointed out that the strike was not politically motivated as being speculated in some quarters, but to press home the workers’ legitimate demand. “You will recall that we have been agitating for the payment of our salaries

and the way and manner the exercises was conducted is not acceptable to the union,” he said. He explained that names of some workers of the state were removed from the voucher, even after appearing before the screening committee. Adeleye said no fewer that 160 workers were affected by the exercise, while about 200 staff were also removed from various departments.

NIS arrests ISIS supporters in Kano THE Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest in Kano of two men linked to the planned issuance of Nigerian visa to a wanted ISIS chief, Ahmed Al Assir. This was as the service denied playing any part in the process that led to the issuance of the visa to Al Assir in Lebanon. According to the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Martin Abeshi, both men were immediately handed over to the National Secur-

ity Adviser (NSA), General Babagana Monguno (retd). Abeshi, speaking at a news conference in Abuja, said “from the record available, the Immigration Service did not issue that visa. It might be the officials of the Foreign Affairs ministry, because they also issue visa on our behalf.” He, however, said the NIS went into action to arrest those connected to Al Assir immediately it gathered an intelligence that he was coming to Nigeria.

Ikeja, Ijebu Ode host Glo Slide & Bounce, Laffta Fest This weekend, it is the turn of Ikeja in Lagos State and Ijebu Ode in Ogun State to experience fun and excitement sweeping across major Nigerian cities, courtesy of Globacom’s mega shows, Laffta Fest comedy show and Slide n Bounce musical concert While Slide and Bounce will happen at De Prime Hotel, Ijebu Ode, tomorrow, Laffta Fest will take place at the Water Parks Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja on the same day.

The musical concert in Ijebu-Ode, Slide & Bounce, will feature top-rated artistes and Glo ambassadors, including Supreme Mavin Dynasty protégé, Korede Bello; Bumper to Bumper Crooner, Wande Coal; Ego and Burna Boy. There will be a cameo appearance by two top Glo ambassadors, Funke Akindele and Adekola Odunlade. On the other hand, Glo Laffta Fest will feature Nigeria’s funniest

Peacemakers target OBJ, Tinubu for permanent political solution Continued from pg7

the involvement of Senator Ike Ekweremadu in the leadership structure. Though some leaders were said to have explained to the president that the involvement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the running of the Senate could engender stability, it was gathered that the APC hierarchy and Buhari were particularly unhappy with the choice of Ekweremadu. It was said on Thursday that if Saraki could not come up with how to handle the Ekweremadu angle, the APC

might have to device a means of dealing with the man, as he was said to have played leading roles in undermining the party in the build-up to the 2015 election. “I can tell you that the barrage of issues might be raised against Ekweremadu shortly if the relevant stakeholders cannot provide the way out in a number of days. “The APC wants Ekweremadu out of office if Saraki will not go and the job has been left for Saraki to handle. It is either the two of them or the PDP man is sacrificed,” a source said.

comedians, including AY, Okey Bakassi, Gordons, Funny Bone, Bash, Buchi, Acapella, Senator and Gandoki. One of Nigeria's best rappers, M.I and one of the country’s best female musicians, Di’ja of Mavin Records, will thrill the crowd with exciting musical performances. The statement added that “Glo subscribers who wish to attend the Laffta Fest show should use up to N3,000 worth of airtime before the show and send ‘LOL IKEJA’ to 33001. Also, subscribers wishing to attend Slide & Bounce are advised to use up to N2,000 worth of airtime before the show and send ‘YES IJEBU ODE’ to 30018.” The company sponsored Glo Laffta Fest and Glo Slide & Bounce to bring fun to millions of subscribers on the Glo network across the country. The shows which commenced about one month ago had been successfully held in various locations across the country, including Benin, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Victoria Island, Surulere, Ikorodu and Abeokuta.

Friday, 2 October, 2015

T Calabar Mr. M.A. Ifijeh the Superintendent, and Mr. Ewohunmi his Assistant, met me at the airport in their ceremonial uniforms. They stood to attention and gave a salute. I stretched my hand out to them. They smiled benignly at me and gave me a hearty handshake as if we had been friends for years. I thought this was a comforting and reassuring reception for a C.P., and a foretaste of an With enjoyable stay at Calabar. benezer abatope But before I tell the story of my twenty-five months’ 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) sojourn at Calabar Prison, the bizarre background to my transfer from Ikoyi must be related. Shortly after my imprisonment, there was rumour that my adversaries in the N.P.C, and some in the N.C.N.C were making active plans to poison me. As time went on, the rumour became widespread and persistent. When I heard the rumour, I was indifferent. I did not put the intended villainy beyond my foes, but there was The rumor started and gained currency when Mr. nothing I personally could do to prevent the act. As Ogundahunsi was on leave. Mr. J.S. Ebili, a Superinit was, I was completely at the mercy of my foes who tendent, who took charge in Ogundahunsi’s absence, were in power, and who would not scruple to procure a carried out the instructions faithfully without breathprison officer or warder to inject poison into my food. ing a word to me. When Mr. Ogundahunsi returned, Besides, there was at that stage, no substance in the Messrs Sasore, Akinsanya, and Umoren constantly rumour. Even if there was, I was still powerless. My accused him of being inconsiderate in changing our only armour was God. I, therefore, refused to discuss cooks and stewards ever so often. With the result that, the rumour at any length with my visitors. But, in due with regard to our food, the style of cooking was always course, an indirect substantiation of the rumour came changing. We could not anticipate what was coming for from two sources. lunch or dinner. I did not complain. However, one day The first was a very good and loyal friend of mine. He Ogundahunsi had to disclose to me in confidence the was Chief Akinyele, the Otun of Itoku in Abeokuta (of reason why constant changes had to be made. After blessed meomory). He was also an intimate friend of some time a permanent arrangement was made, and Chief M.A. Majekodunmi, who was the Administrator my colleagues were satisfied. of the Western Region from 29 May to 31 December I am still on this poison episode. Exactly a fortnight I 1962, when the Region was administered under a State had arrived in Calabar, Chief Osagie ostensibly paid an of Emergency. He it was, who ordered my restriction official visit. He had actually paid the visit to explain and lastly my house arrest from 29 May to 2 November to me why he had to transfer me from Ikoyi, and, to 1962. Chief Akinyele paid me a visit at Ikoyi around ensure that I was as comfortable as prison regulations February 1964. It was his first since my incarceration. and a liberal interpretation of them permitted. He was accompanied by Chief Toye Coker who also, at With regard to my transfer, he had acted swiftly in that time, was a good and loyal friend of mine. order to forestall the Federal Government. There had Chief Akinyele was an ebullient character. When we been a powerful move to transfer me to somewhere in met and embraced each other, I was jovial but he was the Northern Region. But on reflection, it had been melancholy. After he had been seated, he burst into thought more prudent to postpone the transfer until tears. •President Muhammadu Buhari my Appeal was disposed of. About one minute or so passed before he was able After judgment in the Appeal, he had feared that one to speak. He had been very much disturbed by the ru- Prophet was, therefore, questioned by a Drum Magaday he might be instructed by the Minister of Internal mour that I was going to be poisoned. At first he had zine correspondent. His reply was as follows. Affairs, who was a rabid enemy, to transfer me to one “I am very certain that another important political discounted it, but when it persisted and gained wide of the Northern prisons which, at that time, were all currency, he had spoken frankly to Chief M.A. Majeko- prisoner will die before the end of this year. His death under the Native Authorities, and badly run. I would dunmi about it. To his dismay and utter depression, the will lead to very serious political unrest and rioting. be most uncomfortable in any of them. latter neither confirmed nor denied the rumour. All he (Drum Magazine, October 1964, Ghana Edition). There had been complaints in official circles that The prophet was now more direct. All lingering said, by way of advice, was that it would be in Chief I was holding political meetings at Ikoyi to plan the Awolowo’s interest if his admirers and fanatical sup- doubts disappeared. I was the only ‘important politioverthrow of the Federal Government, and that it was porters desisted from shouting his name and singing cal prisoner’ in Nigeria at that time. Consequently, I necessary to transfer me out of the easy reach of my pohis praise all over the place. The Otun burst into tears was satisfied that the prophecy had been induced by a litical associates. There was no iota of truth in this alcabal within the N.C.N.C to excuse my eventual death again. legation. He had not doubt that it was just a pretext for I was moved. But I had to tell him, quite bluntly, that as natural; and as an act of God, already foreseen by what looked to him like an ulterior motive. He therethere was nothing he or I or anyone could do to prevent one of His prophets. The cabal was, of course, acting in fore decided to forestall the Minister before the latter the act, if my foes were determined to carry out their pursuance of the common design of the N.P.C/N.C.N.C gave him an order which he would have to carry out evil intention. For instance, he could not take me with coalition”. whether he liked it or not. He said nothing about the When the rumour persisted the Director of Prisons, him, on his departure, to put me out of danger. I pointpoison episode. However, his action was clearly and ed to the high walls surrounding the prison with barbed unknown to me, gave imperative instructions to the unerringly suggestive. wires on top of them, and remarked that I could not Superintendent at Ikoyi as follows. Much later, an authentic and direct substantiation of 1. Only trusted first-timer prisoners from areas climb the walls to escape. Even if I could, it would be an the attempt to poison me came. It was from no less a extremely cowardly act which I should not contemplate known to be loyal to me in the country should prepare person than Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who was the Presior attempt. And even if I did, and escaped to the other and serve my food. dent of Nigeria at the time the rumour was rampant 2. Such prisoners should be put into individual side, I would soon be recaptured with the unsolicited and loud. aid of young persons and others who would shout ‘Awo, cells and should not be allowed to mix with other prisThe Punch of Thursday, 26 April, 1979, carried a reoners whether first-timer or habitual. Awo, Awo!’ on my trail. port on Dr. Azikiwe in the following words. 3. Food and water intended for me should be However, I gave him a positive and categorical assur“Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Presidential Candidate of ance. Whilst no human being could help, there is al- tasted not by a junior warder but by an Officer not lowNigeria People’s Party (NPP) has described his colways a Providential Intervention in times of dire need er in rank than a Cadet Officer. league in the Unity Party of Nigeria, Chief Obafemi which never fails. Therefore, what he and others and Awolowo, as an ungrateful person. He said but for him, all us should do was to pray fervently for that Divine Chief Awolowo would not be alive today. Dr. Azikiwe Intervention. told newsmen in Lagos yesterday of a time when Chief The second source of indirect substantiation was Awolowo was to be detained during the treasonable Prophet B.A. Otubogunwa. When the rumour was at its felony trials at a place where he would have been killed. peak, he made a prediction which was published in the He said but he insisted that Chief Awolowo should be Drum Magazine of March 1964, stating that ‘Towards detained at Calabar where Chief Awolowo was later rethe end of the year the death of a prisoner will cause leased in 1966 by Mr. Yakubu Gowon. unrest and rioting in Nigeria.’ Though no name was ‘The tragedy of the situation is that it is the same mentioned, yet it was generally believed that I was that Chief Awolowo who was reported to have accused me prisoner. To enhance the stature of the prophet and of being a tax dodger, unfit to lead’ he declared.” add credibility to his prophecy, there was a full-page colour portrait of the prophet in the Drum Magazine. TO BE CONTINUED Unfortunately, after this prophecy, one of my colEBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 leagues, Mr. Sunbo Jibowu, who was serving his jail (SMS ONLY PLEASE) term at Kirikiri prison, died. There was no rioting. The

Behind the bars, by Papa Awo (7)

There had been complaints in official circles that I was holding political meetings at Ikoyi to plan the overthrow of the Federal Government.

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 2 October, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo. com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Tribute to Mama HID Awolowo

HE transition of our great mother, Mama HID Awolowo, the wife of Nigeria’s greatest political leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is sad news to all of us, all over the world. We shall miss her remarkable political comments on our country’s national politics and her subtle politicking style. What Nigerian journalism practitioners will miss most is her astuteness in newspaper organisation and good handling of the Tribune’s affairs and its staff management and

welfare. Her careful entrepreneurial handling of Nigerian Tribune since her husband departed, in spite of the heavy political tidal waves which Nigeria Tribune passed through, are commendable. The newspaper has not broken its daily appearances since 1949, the year of its birth. When African Press, publisher of the TRIBUNE, was registered as a newspaper publishing enterprise on the 10th May,1949, Chief (MRS) HID Awolowo paid one thousand pounds (£1000) as her own share of the business in business

Nigerians, let’s trust Buhari For any government to function effectively, it needs the support and trust of its citizens. As a result, if really the Buhari’s administration must carry out its promise of wiping out corruption as promised from the face of Nigeria, its people must support and trust in him. I know that the people might be having doubt in their mind as to if this present administration will still fulfill its promise of change considering the present delay in naming his ministers but I believe that it is better to delay and get the right people than to be in a haste and end up appointing the wrong set of people into government positions. One thing Nigerians have to sacrifice for this change to see the light of day is patience and trust. Government in the past have made lots of mistakes all because they want to be timely in delivery but such does not always produce good results. A close look at the present administration will convince uS that change is bound to happen. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the people of Nigeria to accept the president’s choice of ministers. I believe that the president havING stayed longer than the constitution demands to appoint his ministers must have given him opportunity to look critically before electing those making the ministerial list. I still believe

that Buhari is the man this country has long been waiting for and as result should trust be patient with him. •Chinwe Ugwuanyi, UNN, Enugu State.

cooperation and participation with her husband. Papa Awolowo’s share was £3,500 (Three Thousand Five Hundred Pounds) while other 12 shareholders,including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi contributed the remaining over £3,000. Papa and Mama had the majority shares of the newspaper business. In 1967, when African Newspapers of Nigeria Ltd., was again incorporated as publisher of the Nigerian Tribune, Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo was elected Chairman and Alhaji Lateef Jakande became Managing Director. The history of the Nigerian Tribune has been told by many press historians like Mr. Increase Coker, Prof. Alfred Omu and Dayo Duyile but the parts played in the annals of the history of the press by Mama HID Awolowo still need to be revisited and re-emphasised

by the writers and her role in the affairs of Nigerian Tribune, in politics and her motherhood qualities, all these need to be written into a book of history for the education of our generation and those generations coming behind us. Under Mama HID Awolowo’s chairmanship, Nigerian Tribune grew in status to become one of the strongest and highly influential authoritative newspapers in Nigeria. Nigerian Tribune has been judged by Nigerian media researchers as one private newspaper that has never deviated from its editorial policy. Its consistency in its service to society has brought media scholars to rank it with Dr. Azikiwe’s “West African Pilot” (1937) and John Payne Jackson’s “Lagos Weekly Records” (1891). Mama HID Awolowo played a leading role in 2009 when the newspaper

celebrated its 60 years of daily appearance with her sister weekly newspaper, Sunday Tribune. We shall miss her greatly when the newspaper celebrates its 80th anniversary in future. It may be necessary to compliment this tribute to the great mother of the African press, by recalling her 1950 statement on Nigerian Tribune, during its brief production crisis. “No matter what may at present confront the establishment of Nigerian Tribune, the fact remains that the foundation has been well laid and in the near fu-

ture success is ours. (HID Awolowo, 1950). Mama HID Awolowo’s vision of Nigerian Tribune has been realised while she was alive and when Papa Awolowo (founder) was also alive. I wish our departed great leader of motherhood and press baroness of Nigerian Tribune, a peaceful rest. Rest in perfect peace, Mama. •Dayo Duyile, journalist and varsity lecture, Lagos.

HID was my Mama too The eldest child of Mama H.I.D and Papa Obafemi Awolowo, Segun (of blessed memory) had his best longest lasting friend in me from when we entered Agbeni Methodist School, Ibadan in 1943,

spanning our years at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos in the 50s; our months in London in 1962, our night together at Osumarena restaurant Gbagi, Ibadan in the evening of July 9, 1963, till his untimely death by car accident at Abanla village near Ibadan on the old Ibadan/Lagos road in the following morning of July 10, 1963, such that I can confidently claim, without any hesitation and fear of contradiction, that Mama H.I.D Awolowo was also my mother. Segun and I were like twin brothers and by extension, Wole and Ayo (God rest their souls), Tola and Tokunbo were and are like my biological siblings. It is a pity the after effects of a ghastly car accident six years ago will not make it possible for me to be physically present at Ikenne for Mama’s funeral rites. Nevertheless, I am and will continue to be, heart and soul, with Tola, Tokunbo, the grand and great grand children in all the events. Mama and Papa showed and taught us the noblest of partnerships in marriage and of a great exemplary Christian home, not forgetting faithful, committed service to God and mankind. May we be worthy of their model examples and may our lives and times be as blessed as theirs. •Otunba (Dr) Kunle Olasope, Ekiti State.

editorial

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

On the call for dialogue with looters

NE of the issues that have dogged the avowed interest of the present government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to wage a decisive war against corruption in Nigeria is the best and appropriate way to approach the crusade, given the reality of the war in Nigeria. Against the background that nearly all the past governments in Nigeria did express interest in fighting corruption, without Nigerians seeing any significant step in that direction, the desire for a more concrete fight against corruption was uppermost in the minds of Nigerian voters when they chose to elect President Buhari into office on the strength of his personal character and perceived disposition against corruption. Nigerians were therefore not expecting anything less than the publicly stated position of the new government to make the fight against corruption one of the cornerstones of its strategies to change Nigeria for the better. Yet, there have been disagreements about the best approach to adopt in the war against corruption, especially after the visit of the National Peace Committee to President Buhari and the position of the Committee as stated by one of its prominent members, Reverend Father Matthew Kukah. The committee had advised the president to tread softly, now that he is presiding over a civilian government and as such should ensure that the processes of fighting corruption do not jeopardise the existing legal framework in Nigeria, noting that everybody is considered innocent until proven guilty. The position of the Committee has been further expanded by others like Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie who recommended a dialogue between the government and the looters to get them to part with their loots instead of recourse to long-winding court cases that could end up not effecting the necessary convictions. We appreciate the concern of the National Peace Committee with the need to follow the due process in prosecuting the war against corruption. This is particularly important, as the only way to institutionalise the fight against corruption is to ensure that nobody is treated unjustly and that all processes are handled fairly and in conformity with laid down rules and regulations. The prosecution of the war against corruption in the past was faulted not only because it was not comprehensive and did not address all facets of the problem, but also significantly because it was selectively carried out and sometimes saw the use of high-handed tactics to drag in perceived

opponents. The implication was that many did not buy into such discriminatory and selective prosecution and the fight against corruption did not take off in any real sense. The current fight, already enjoying the support of the mass of the people, should not be subjected to the debilitating course of the past by not following and observing due process. It would also be important for the government to show that it is serious about this fight by ensuring that all cases of corruption are handled without fear or favour and this has to be demonstrated in such a way that the people do not perceive any form of discrimination and selective treatment. This is an instance where justice would not just be done, but has to be seen to have been done. Yet, the concern with justice would also dictate that the processes do not just see to the rights of perceived looters, but must also ensure that the right of the society to recoup looted funds and resources and to impose punishment is respected and effected. Whereas unnecessary court cases could be counterproductive and not achieve its ultimate aim of recouping looted resources, it should also be recognised that corruption is a crime that should not be pampered, but adequately punished in order to set and send the right message that corruption is evil and would always be meted with punishment. The goal of an effective war against corruption, therefore, should include appropriate punishment for looters even while being concerned with fair processes. The aim should not just be to have dialogue with looters and miss the essence of showing that corruption is a crime that should always be punished. What is important is to emphasise the element of the wrongness of corruption in any process devised for combating it. That should be the irreducible minimum concern of the current war against corruption without dissipating energy on show of force or unnecessary court cases. We believe that those canvassing the process of dialogue and plea bargain are not opposed to a regime of punishment for the crime of corruption. And the element of punishment could still be achieved through plea bargain and having dialogue with the perceived looters to work out how to return looted resources and receive punishment without much fuzz, with this being the goal of the current fight against corruption in order to make it enduring, sustainable and effective.

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opinion Buhari: Converted or convoluted democrat? 20

Friday, 2 October, 2015

By Bola Bolawole

Y President Muhammadu Buhari’s own admission, he is a “converted” democrat. That statement itself is a direct admission that there was a time when the man was something else other than a democrat. What, then, was Buhari before his selfconfessed conversion? He did not say but he need not because we all knew he was a military dictator. Buhari shot his way into the office of military Head of state; he seized power from a democratically-elected civilian government by the force of arms. He overthrew the Alhaji Shehu Shagari government thereby bringing to an end the Second Republic. That date was December 31st, 1983. Therefore, in the history (or “Black Book”) of the travails of democratic governance in Nigeria, Buhari’s name features prominently, albeit ingloriously, as one of those who truncated civil rule and stunted the growth of democracy in Nigeria. It must be said, though, that the Shagari government was through and through despicable; so, few folks voiced opposition to the military putsch or regretted the demise of a government that stank to high heavens of corruption and innumerable acts of impunity. Moreover, the Buhari military government was business-like, no-nonsense, and dealt firmly, even if harshly, with corrupt politicians and this was saluted by many Nigerians. It sought to instil discipline; its “queue culture” especially was noble. In those days, no one dare to drop refuse anyhow. It is therefore not surprising that there are many Nigerians who still hold the short period of Buhari’s rule as the golden age of military rule in Nigeria; and who still feel that had that regime continued much long in office and not been overthrown by a deceitful regime that wasted no time in rolling back its achievements, Nigeria would have been a better country today. Nevertheless, the Buhari regime had its drawbacks – so many of them! To start with, the way it treated the politicians it toppled was not even-handed. While the head of the ship, Shagari, was put under house arrest, his vice, Alex Ekwueme, was hauled into prison. And that was the general pattern of how politicians from the North were treated with kid gloves – or with respect – while their counterparts from the South were harshly and discour-

teously treated. To make matters worse, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, acclaimed political leader of the Yoruba people of the South-west, had his home subjected to a demeaning search in what was seen as a deliberate attempt to humiliate the Chief and, possibly, the people and political tendency he represented. Another of Buhari’s decisions seen to be anti-Yoruba was the cancellation of the Lagos metro-line project of then Governor Lateef Jakande. Till date, Buhari has not offered any plausible explanation for this action that, in retrospect, has cost the entire country dearly. The regime also initiated many unpopular policies, such as the retroactive decree on drug peddling that got three citizens executed for cocaine-pushing in what came to be regarded as “judicial murder”; the currency trafficking decree that controversially sent Afro-beat king Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to jail; the omnibus Decree 4 of 1984 which criminalised the publishing of the truth by journalists, as a result of which two editors in the stable of The Guardian newspapers, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, were sent to prison for publications “embarrassing” to a public official! Whereas the Buhari regime banned underage citizens from making the pilgrimage to Mecca, his second-in-command, never-smiling Tunde Idiagbon, took his 14-year-old son on the same pilgrimage. He was on this pilgrimage when their regime was toppled by gaptoothed Ibrahim Babangida. That is not all. Buhari served as Chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Task Force under the most despicable dictator the country ever had, Sani Abacha. That, in itself, was unpardonable to many. But although there were question marks here and there over Buhari’s steward-

ship as PTF chairman, it was generally accepted that he performed better than many other public office-holders of his time. There were, and still are, many PTF projects from the Buhari days as PTF chairman that Nigerians can still remember or point to. Nevertheless, he was accused of favouring the North to the chagrin of the South in the allocation of resources\development projects. Buhari is one man not afraid to express himself; no matter how unpopular or incendiary his views may be, he always musters the courage and has the temerity to express them. In this wise, he has made statements supporting – to some, inciting - one faith against another. So has he come to bag the appellation of a religious fundamentalist bigot! He has made statements that have been interpreted to mean support for Boko Haram. When the insurgents thereafter chose the same Buhari to represent their interests as the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan fiddled with the idea of entering into negotiations with Boko Haram, many immediately concluded that, truly, Buhari was Boko Haram! That Buhari eventually spurned the Boko Haram offer did little to assuage the anti-Buhari feelings already engendered in some quarters. This was the unenviable past that returned to haunt Buhari again and again – in 2003, 2007, and 2011 – when he sought to be president via the ballot box, until luck smiled on him the last time around. Does it then mean that Nigerians have forgotten Buhari’s past? Or have they forgiven him? Not really! Buhari won because his opponent, the then President Goodluck Jonathan, had to lose. Voters found themselves caught between the Devil and the deep blue sea. It was a choice between two evils. And the people, disappointed in Jonathan because they believed he badly let them down even after they had invested so much faith and efforts in him, broke ranks with the Otuoke indigine. The resolve to punish Jonathan was sterner than the urge to put Buhari at bay. Thus, protest votes were the major undoing of Jonathan. It was Jonathan who, by and large, dashed Buhari the presidency on a platter. This, however, is not to say that Buhari did not have certain factors of his own also running in his favour. •Bolawole, a former newspaper editor, writes via turnpot@gmail.com. (To be continued on Monday).

To get the change we need, we must first grow By Rotimi Ayanbeku

Lately, pundits have been writing a lot about the changes that Nigeria needs and how President Muhammadu Buhari is just the perfect person to bring about those changes. Bravo to PMB and Nigerians because there are signs of those changes happening at the highest levels of government. For the first time in Nigeria’s history high ranking officials in the previous administrations are being investigated for misappropriation of funds, the President is refusing to nominate corrupt citizens to serve as ministers, he refused new cars, agreed to reduce the number of aircrafts in the presidential fleet and astonishingly agreed to cut his own salary in half. These are all great charnes but Nigerians need more than just change, we Nigerians need growth. There are fundamental differences between change and growth. Change is an an effect. It depends on something or someone outside of oneself to make a difference. Growth, on the other hand occurs, from within. It is the conscious effort or labour on ones part that produces a transformation that is seen on the outside. Nigerians must grow in order to for this nation to be chnaged and for us to grow, we must transcend our previously held points of view and be willing to shift our cherished habits, beliefs and opinions. We must begin to respect and believe that our lives and the lives of everyone around us are sacred. How many Nigerians are willing to drive safely for the sake of making Nigerian roads safer for everyone. PMB can give us better roads but he cannot make them safer. That remains the onus of every Nigerian. Second, we must stop letting money be the greatest motivator in our lives. For most Nigerians that I know, their problems begin and end with money. If we would cultivate our God

given gifts and talents we would have more money than we know what to do with it. The Japanese, American and European societies are affluent because they are not money chasers. They dream and take actions by making things that the rest of the world wants and needs. Bill Gates invented Microsoft before he became that rich. Oprah Winfrey had something to share with the world before the universe rewarded her with billions of dollars. Barrack Obama shared his gifts before he saw his first million dollars. We must stop putting the cart before the horse. I have observed how lately nothing has brought so much joy to Nigerians as seeing former corrupt officials brought forward to account for their misdeeds. This is good change that will benefit society. However, it will be an illusion to think that corruption will suddenly vanish from the society. Who and what allowed these politicians to pillage, plunder and stay in power for so long? Growth requires Nigerians to not sit idly while corrupt politicians steal and rape the country. How many Nigerians are willing to put their lives on the line for their brothers and sisters? PMB is not going

to be there forever. Would you fight to demand justice for Nigerians? To grow we must shift our opinions and beliefs about health. It is sad that educated and affluent Nigerians still treat obesity as a sign of opulence. A healthy country is a vibrant country and a vibrant countiy is a prosperous country. Growth requires us to change our beliefs and attitudes about our healths To grow we must question our unexamined beliefs about God. We simply believe that God will come down and solve Nigeria’s problems but that will never happen. Nigerians must be the way for the development of Nigeria by serving their brothers and sisters. When you grow and transform yourself, the world will replicate the change in you. Nigeria gained her independence from Britain in 1960 but we have not genuinely exercised that freedom. We have placed ourselves in boxes for too long, boxes of old beliefs and cherished habits. Box of accepting every injustice heaped on Nigerians without marching in protest, box of patiently waiting for God to come down and affect or effect changes in our lives without rolling up our sleeves. Life is not a soccer match where only the members of the super Eagles are charged with winning the match for Nigeria. PMB and his ministers cannot do it alone. Every Nigerian has a role to play. President Obama recently encouraged world leaders to change their attitudes about Africa. I would add, Africans, let’s change our attitudes about ourselves, let’s transform ourselves and see the quality of that transformation being reflected. Peace and blessing Nigeria! •Ayanbeku is a practiing attorney in California, USA.

Friday, 2 October, 2015

fridaytreat

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

Kevin Bond spurs gospel artistes, worship leaders to support music industry in Nigeria

(L-R) Assistant Coordinator Lagos ‘Catalysis 2015’, Debola Lewis, convener of the conference, Kunle Soriyan, Project Coordinator Lagos Catalysis 2015, Yetunde Bankole-Bernnard and American award winning gospel music producer, Kevin Bond at the Trucework Limited Worship Conference held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. Kevin Bond, an established keyboardist, music director, multiple Grammy award winner and one of the finest producers in the gospel music industry has

charged Nigerian gospel music artistes, worship leaders and concerned stakeholders in the nonsecular sector to brace up in their capacity and

contribute to fast growing music industry in Nigeria. The charge came recently, at the Lagos session of the worship conference themed ‘Catalysis 2015’ organized by Trucework Limited, a faith based organization. The conference, which was designed to empower the leadership of the present day church and others held in three major cities in Nigeria: Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja with worship leaders from different churches, notable gospel music artistes and aspiring talents in attendance at the

different cities. Speaking at the Lagos conference, Kevin Bond opened the day with deep x-ray on understanding the root of worship and how God created angels for the purpose of worship. He took the participants through the word of God and how Lucifer fell as a music minister. He added that as worship leaders and stakeholders in the non-secular sector of the music industry in Nigeria, there was need to for participants to use their God given power, popularity and positions to

contribute to the development of the industry and the glory of God. Kevin expressed his appreciation for being invited to Nigeria for Catalysis 2015 which he believed, achieved more than the set goals since it was also an avenue to worship and encourage Nigerians to understand what it means to truly submit to God in worship. “There is immense power when we worship God through music because music is also a key part of the Scripture.” In his comments, the convener, Kunle Soriyan, CEO of Trucework disclosed that he firmly believes that churches should professionalize

the business of ministry and utilize their talents and skills to drive the ultimate goal of reaching people and saving souls. “Catalysis 2015 is aimed at driving the cardinal focus of organizations and our partnership with Kevin Bond is to further give participants that inspiring experience that will reshape worship in a way that will glorify God. We also work to shape culture and change the course of history with the integrity of the gospel of Jesus Christ by reaching, inspiring and empowering thinkers, decision makers and influencers at all levels within and outside the church.”

(L-R) Convener of the Worship Conference, Kunle Soriyan and American Award Winning Gospel Music Producer, Kevin Bond at the Trucework Limited Worship Conference.

AY excites Port Harcourt ahead of annual comedy concert

opular malt drink, Maltina and Comedian, Ayo Makun otherwise known as AY have kicked off activities ahead of AY Live Port Harcourt as residents of the Garden city were given a treat this holiday courtesy Maltina. The two-day event which

held at the SPAR super market on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24, 2015 had lovers of comedy and Maltina enjoy a special one on one session with AY as well as win several exciting prizes including branded gifts, packs of Maltina and free tickets to the AY Live

concert which holds on October 4th. Senior brand manager, Maltina, Wole Adedeji commented, “In the spirit of sharing happiness, we are giving Port Harcourt residents an opportunity to meet and connect with AY before the AY Live show on October 4th. The response we have

received during this activation has been overwhelming and we are happy that we have been able to give lovers of Maltina and comedy a complete experience this holiday.” The Port Harcourt leg of the annual comedy show, AY Live is sponsored by Maltina.

234Radio marks second anniversary 234Radio, an online platform that promised to be a one-stop shop for entertainment is celebrating its second year of transmission in Nigeria and across the world. The online radio, which has since grown in leaps and bounds with transmission points in Nigeria, United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and Jamaica, is indeed living the dreams of its promoters. 234Radio has successfully reinvented online radio broadcasting, thereby making the unfamiliar terrain the toast of many with a mix of DJs touch and quality radio programming, bringing unparalleled entertainment on the go, beyond geographical barrier.

Speaking on the success of the radio in its two years of operations, the General Manager of the radio, Kayode Olowoyeye, popularly known as DJ O’kay Megamixer, said that 234Radio is a product of several years of in-depth research in online radio programming, hard work and dedication. “234Radio is blessed with dedicated and hardworking team that toils day and night to ensure that listeners are entertained. We have been applauded for not recording a minute of downtime since we started transmission two years ago. This wouldn’t have been possible but for our resolve to be a leading radio station in not just Africa but the rest of the world” says DJ O’kay Megamixer.

fridaytreat

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

The connection between the artiste’s character development and music business success By Toyin Adeniji

enerally speaking, the entertainment industry is often regarded as a place where it is ‘good’ to be bad. In fact, it is common practice for entertainment celebrities to indulge in scandalous acts all in a bid to get publicity; or in twitter parlance – to trend. Entertainment celebrities in the past got away with scandals because the traditional media used to be the sole custodian of the privilege of both releasing and analysing the news; while the public played a passive role in which their opinions were at best limited to their circle of friends within the immediate vicinity. But in the age of social media proliferation where the public has become very influential in determining the course of social discuss and exercising control in steering public opinion in whatever direction that is deemed necessary, beyond the hold of traditional media; it is becoming very difficult for erring celebrities or public figures to escape the scrutiny and judgement of public opinion court. It is important for every artiste/musician to know that in building a successful artiste brand, the artiste’s reputation and public perception is greatly invaluable. You will either rise or fall based on the public’s perception of your art and character. As social media empowers the public, the issue of social responsibility especially as it concerns public figures and celebrities as assumed a new dimension. The public now demand accountability from those who wields influence over the populace in terms of their character and conduct. Once powerful and mighty personalities and careers that violated social norms and ethics have been publicly ridiculed and fired out of social relevance by the people. For artistes/musicians who nurture the dream of building successful and sustainable careers in the music business, the status of their character and conduct can make or mar

Artiste to watch

that dream. It takes more than talent to become a great artiste/musician; it takes talent with character to attain the true heights of success. So many talents without character in the music and entertainment industries have crashed and cut short an otherwise enviable career due to the lack of character. The excessive promotion of explicit lyrics and lewd videos are not the only way to succeed in the music and entertainment industries; there are ethically viable ways of succeeding in the music business without misleading the society into chaos. The abuse of substances, promiscuous proclivities and pursuit of materialism are not exactly the kind of examples required from celebrities or public figures who by proxy are role models for the public. In other words, public success can quickly become a private nightmare for the one who succeeds without character. I believe it is useless for an artiste/musician to sacrifice so much for success in the music business only to lose his/her social reputation and respect due to character deficiency. Character development has everything to do with success in the music business as it will ultimately shape the perception of the public about the artiste/musician’s brand image. Many artistes are spending so much to build a desirable brand image while the public easily perceive them as the opposite of desirable. Character is the ultimate test of what you and your talent are made of. The strength of your character material will over the long term determine your success in the music business and in life. Architects, design and building engineers etc, are always particular and meticulous about the structural integrity of the kind of materials they use in executing construction projects. It is of utmost concern and importance to ensure that their project meets the purpose for which it has been designed without failing and falling under the stress and impact of environmental exposure. Therefore, the

Maxwell

Who is Maxwell? I am a student of Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo and also a recording artiste. I hail from Imo State from a family of seven. I am third of five children. I love so many things and I hate the less of them. Basically I love to do music.

When did you start singing? Music has been a part of me from when I was born, but officially, I got into music industry in 2013. What inspired you to do music? My family. How? They make up the passion I have for it. So your parents didn’t disapprove? No they didn’t, I had the choice to make. How many singles do you have? Two for now. What genre of music do you do? Hip hop. Why music? I just love music, it is part of me. Is there any other thing you want to do aside music? Music is a part of me, I am always up for it and other things follow. So the only thing you want to do is music? There are other things to do, but music is not

structural integrity or “character” of the materials chosen for construction is always non-negotiable. A lot of factors such as safety, reputation, livelihood etc, are at stake and dependent on the integrity of the materials used in executing any construction project. The structural integrity and dependability of a material determines its value and demand. Character determines how far you will go in your career, it determines the height you will rise to and how high you will fly. Character deficiency is at the root of all failed careers, brands and lives. Like weak materials that fail and folds under pressure or when exposed to environmental stress, many once-a-shining and promising individual and corporate destinies have crashed out as a result of character failure. A multi-billion dollar brand that took years to build can be destroyed overnight due to character failure, corporate example includes the global energy giant Enron, and individual examples are Tiger Woods, Neil Armstrong etc. You cannot develop true competence without character. It takes character to build a successful and sustainable career in the music and entertainment industry. Character forms the structural details and support that are a constituent part of any successful career. The development and nurturing of talent in the music and entertainment industry requires discipline; discipline is a fundamental part and parcel of character development. Every shining talent in the music, entertainment and sport industries are products of discipline borne out of character. For those artistes/musicians who truly desire long term success and relevance in the music business, it is time to re-evaluate their value system and reassess their character, not only as entertainers but as socially responsible role models with their music and conduct; and to ask themselves who am I and what do I stand for with my music as an artiste/musician?

an option for me. Other things like? Becoming a public relations practitioner as it is my educational field. In the music industry today, who do you look up to? I look up to Phyno, he is good and I appreciate his efforts. He is my mentor. Are you under any record label? Yes I am: Buga nation What is your motive for doing music? To keep up the good work no matter what, do what is right and trust in God The music industry is very competitive now, what unique thing are you bringing to the table? I am an indigenous rapper, I offer Igbo mixed with English and a little bit of Yoruba. I guess that is something people have not seen yet Is there any musician you will love to work with? Of course, I would really love to work with musicians like P-square, Olamide,Wizkid, Chidinma,S imi and Phyno. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? By the grace of God, I will be a super star then. I see myself at the top.

The ‘Noise’ concert quakes Lagos By Blessing Obuaku The ‘Noise’ concert held last Thursday at the Waterparks event centre in Lagos. The gospel concert, which is an annual event, was organized by the Household of God Church and was a night of high praise, heartfelt worship and life changing encounters which featured top gospel artistes like Kenny Kore, Midnight crew, B.GB, Jonathan Kome, DJ Klem, C.O Love, Dolapo and the host choir, the Rivers of Life choir. Different artistes took turns to serenade the crowd, but the concert came to its climax when the multiple award winning gospel group, Midnight Crew sang their debut track, ‘Igwe’. Jerry Sax also ministered in praise and worship songs as shouts of joy and praises filled the air. The night took another direction when the Spirit of David dance group, from Ibadan, performed. They kept the audience in an exciting mood . Popular comedian, Mc.Sako also got the audience reeling with laughter with his funny and creative jokes.

society

Friday, 2 October, 2015

...celebrating the people

Nigerian Tribune

For Booking, contact Alaba Igbaroola alabaadewale01@gmail.com 0803 329 8294

...When Lagos NUJ honoured distinguished journalists

Mr Femi Adesina, receiving a potrait from Chairman of the occasion, Mr Ray Ekpu, while the Chairman, Lagos NUJ, Comrade Deji Gbolahan Elumoye, watches with keen interest.

Special Adviser on Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Femi Adesina, presenting a potrait to the Lagos State Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Haruna.

Treasurer, Mrs Kehinde Ajayi and Queen Ugeh.

General Manager, Radio Lagos and Eko FM , Mrs Funke Moore, receiving her potrait from the CPS of the Kwara State governor, Alhaji Wahab Alabi Oba.

From left, Mr Raymond Tedunjaye, Ekene Okoro and Mr Kayode Olopade.

From left, GM, Lagos Traffic Radio, Mr Yinka Adagun, GM, Lagos Television, Mr Deji Balogun and CPS, Lagos, Mr Habib Haruna.

From left, Mr Edem Vinda and Mr Femi Adesina

Friday, 2 October, 2015

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

BA Boeing 747 starts flight to New York, Lagos, other destinations

Wheat Baker Hotel

Intercontinental Hotel Lagos

Eko Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, Wheat Baker rank best hotels in Lagos Storis By ’Wale Olapade

INNERS for the Top 100 Hotels in Lagos organised by Travellers Magazine, West African’s foremost travel journal have emerged after a two-month long survey of travellers and travel trade practitioners in Nigeria. Eko Hotel emerged as the best ranked hotel in Lagos, while Intercontinental and Wheat Baker emerged second and third best ranked hotels respectively. The survey for the top 100 hotels was done over two months through personal questionaire survey of hotel managers and secret vote by travel journalists in Lagos and online voting.The online voting was done via the largest travel news website in Africa www.atqnews. com. Questionnaires were delivered as newsletters to over 25000 people globally and the votes were collated using the Survey Monkey software. Each voter was asked to rank the top 15 hotels out of all the leading ones in Lagos giving reasons for the ranking. At the end of the survey, the hotels were now arranged according to the number of high ranks they had garnered. Eko Hotel had the highest number of votes in all the collated votes while other hotels on the top 25 list did well as number two and number three ranked hotels. Other hotels that did very well in the ranking include Oriental Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, Southern Sun Hotel, Sheraton Ikeja Hotel, Federal Palace Hotel, Radisson Blu,Bogobori Hotel Westwood, The Protea Hotels and Golde Tulip Festac. The ranking for these hospitality providers were based on the perceived service rendered, location, facilities, and capacity of the hotels. The not so popular new players on the Top 25 list include The George, Ikoyi, Genesis Sojourner Ikeja, Fahrenheit Maison Victoria Island, Ibis Hotel Toyin Street, The Best Western Hotels, Welcome Centre and Admiralty Hotel Lekki. The Full results for the top 100 hotels in Lagos will be published in the next edition of Travellers Magazine, and aired on www.atqnews.com, It will also be shared on different social media platforms.

Travellers Magazine will be presenting certificates to the Top 100 Hotels on the Hospitality Day stated for November 24, 2015 at the 11th AKWAABA Travel Market at Eko Hotel. The presentation of certificate is a mark of recognition and to encourage the hotels to maintain their standards and also to encourage other hotels not so chosen to up their games in the hospitality business and improve on their appeal to the public. Travellers Magazine started the Top 100 Hotels survey in 2001 and stopped the annual survey in 2006 when the then Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation(NTDC) Dr Eborieme set up the National Hotel Classification committee to grade hotels in Nigeria. Because the Publisher of Travellers Magazine Mr Ikechi Uko was co-opted as a member of the committee it suspended its annual survey in order not to confuse the public. Considering the reality and the need to guide travellers and hotel guests aright Travellers decided to reintroduce its annual survey. It carried out the survey as part of its social services to travellers in Nigeria.

THE first of 18 of British Airways’ much-loved Boeing 747s with a refreshed interior and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system is taking to the skies from Heathrow to New York JFK this week. The revamped jumbos will now operate on selected flights to New York JFK, Chicago, Lagos, Dubai, Boston, Riyadh and Kuwait, with further routes added in summer 2016. The aircraft will be fitted with Panasonic’s next generation eX3 entertainment system, which will give customers a choice of over 1,300 hours of entertainment including more than 130 movies and 400 TV programmes on larger, hi-resolution screens, capable of touch and swipe gestures, giving the system the familiar feel of using a tablet. Lightweight in design, the system from Panasonic Avionics Corporation also helps to reduce the amount of fuel used by the aircraft. As part of the upgrade, customers in World Traveller Plus will now have access to a universal power socket at every seat, capable of accepting plugs from the UK, US and Europe. In addition, World Traveller customers will have their own personal USB socket to power phones and tablets. Richard D’Cruze, British Airways’ in-flight entertainment and technology manager, said: “We know that inflight entertainment is really important to our customers – being able to relax and watch a film or listen to music helps customers to pass the time enjoyably - so by installing this state-of-the-art equipment we will be able to deliver even more programming on board.” The refit, which has been carried out by British Airways’ engineers in Cardiff, will include a cabin interior refresh bringing these 747s more in line with the airline’s newest aircraft. New seat foams will be installed in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus to increase customer comfort and new style seat covers fitted to match those on the A380 and 787. Carpets and curtains throughout the plane will also be replaced to mirror the new aircraft colour pallet. Kathryn Doyle, British Airways’ aircraft cabin interiors manager, said: “Our customers love our new aircraft, but the 747s hold a special place in their heart, so we’re delighted to have been able to revamp these aircraft. They’ll look and feel like new now, with enhanced comfort, technology and design.”

Nigeria at 55: Virgin Atlantic offers special discount

VIRGIN Airways has launched a five-day sales fare from Lagos to London from $US255 excluding taxes. The special fares, which are aimed at celebrating Nigeria‘s 55th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2015, are available for sale from September 24 to 28, 2015, while the travel period span from September 24 to December 10,

2015. The London-based airline urged intending and loyal passengers to book now to enjoy the Economy Cabin experience, from the latest, greatest movies and entertainment to explore over complimentary drinks and a choice of tasty food, all summing up to passenger adventure that begins onboard. Speaking on the rationale behind the special fare, Kudirat Igbene, marketing manager, Virgin Atlantic said, “Virgin Atlantic is delighted to be celebrating this year’s Independence Anniversary. Launching a special fare is our way of giving our passengers an opportunity to rediscover London this autumn, as well as, experience the economy cabin for as little as $US255. Virgin Atlantic wishes Nigerians a Happy Independence celebration.”

Friday, 2 October, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Saraki: Again, the drama of confidence vote The Senate, on Tuesday, averted a rowdy session upon its resumption from a six-week recess. But just as it was on July 28, following its resumption from a four-week recess, Senator Kabiru Marafa stirred the hornet’s nest. On each occasion, a vote of confidence was passed on the Senate leadership by a majority of the Senators. Does this signify the end of the war for Saraki? Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, attempts some answers.

WICE in two months, Senate President Bukola Saraki secured a vote of confidence from his colleagues in the Red chamber. First was on July 28, after the Senate had resumed from a four-week recess. It was also in the heat of a crisis over the leadership of the chamber and Saraki’s emergence. That was also the day Saraki’s wife; Toyin was interrogated at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial impropriety. Despite the brouhaha on the floor, Saraki got a confidence vote from 81 Senators. That was a Tuesday. On another Tuesday, two months down the line and precisely September 29, 2015, Saraki was again in the news and another Vote of Confidence was afoot. This time, 84 Senators from the two dominant political parties on the floor, adopted to pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the leadership of the Senate. The motion also called on “Nigerians, groups and political associations not to allow themselves to be used by any person or persons to harass, intimidate or blackmail the Senate, Senators and its leadership.” The motion of September 29, moved by Senator David Umaru (APC Niger East), which rested on Senate Standing Orders 42 and 52, indicated a two-point agenda, including a call for the vote of confidence on Senate Saraki, his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the entire Senate leadership, as well as a call to Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used by any group or persons to disrupt the peace of the country. In moving the motion, Senator Umaru said that the Senate should not allow itself to be distracted and deterred or succumb to cheap blackmail in the course of carrying out its constitutional responsibilities as a result of political interests. When the Senate President put the question to his colleagues, an overwhelming

Saraki voice vote accepted the motion and it was passed without a dissent. While laying the foundation for the motion, Senator Umaru noted that the 1999 Constitution guaranteed separation of powers and the independence of the legislative arm of government. He also stated that the legislature remained the mainstay of democratic governance, which harbours liberty, freedom, fair hearing, checks and balances, as well as the protection of human rights as its key components. He said that the Senate was determined to continuously focus on matters of national interest that would enhance safety of lives and political wellbeing as well as utilise the rule of law to enhance the betterment of life and development. The Senator also said that the Senate was worried about ongoing “unwarranted embarrassment and aspersions being cast on the Senate and its leadership, and was determined not to allow itself to be distracted in the performance of its constitutional

roles.” There was however uproar as Senator Kabiru Marafa moved a point of Order, to rubbish the popularly adopted motion. Senator Marafa cited a point of Order under Order 53(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, indicating that the motion was a negation of the rules which barred the Senate from discussing matters that were already before the courts, especially if the Senate President agreed that by debating the issue, the Senate would jeopardise the case in court. An agitated Marafa drew the attention of the Senate to himself, as he struggled to make his point. He was initially ruled out of Order by the Senate President, who was of the view that the matter had been concluded. But Marafa seized the floor and an altercation ensued between him and the Senate President. Saraki was insistent that Marafa should read Rule 53(6) of the Standing Orders in conjunction with what he raised 53(3). Section 53(6) of the Senate Standing Orders forbids the Senate from re opening

We want to assure Nigerians that this will be the last time that the Senate will condone such misbehaviour.

any issue upon which the Senate President had ruled upon. An unusual argument ensued between the Senate President and Marafa. This was seen as unusual because the Senate Rules provides that the Senate President must be heard in silence. Besides, the microphones in the chamber are also configured in a way that gives preeminence to the Senate President. But somehow, Saraki failed to press the button that should have cut off Marafa. The Zamfara Senator had accused the Senate President of ruling him out of order prematurely and only yielding the floor to his loyalists. He threatened to beat up Senator Issah Misau, who intervened and at a stage, Saraki had to beckon on the Sergeant-At-Arms to remove him. The intervention of his colleagues from the Senate Unity Forum, who moved closer to calm him down, however stopped the Senate Security from forcing Marafa out of the chamber. Marafa was later taken out of the chamber to the office of Senator Olusola Adeyeye (Osun Central) and barred him from speaking to journalists. He however returned to the chamber later to meet the deputy Senate President, Ekweremadu apologising on his (Marafa’s) behalf for his misconduct at the plenary. Though 84 names were listed on the order paper that contained the vote of confidence, one Senator, Babajide Omoworare (APC, Osun East), dissociated himself from continues pg28

28 politics&policy

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Is the battle over? continued from pg27

the motion on the grounds that he was not consulted. A breakdown however showed that 48 Senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 35 senators of the APC endorsed the confidence vote. Just as it was on September 29, so it was on July 28. Similar scenarios, same characters! Marafa was again in the thick of events as 81 Senators passed a vote of confidence on Saraki in July. The spokesman of Senator Ahmad Lawan-led Senate Unity Forum (SUF) had moved several points of order to truncate the sitting of the day and ensure that activities of the Senate prior to that day amounted to a nullity. The Zamfara Senator, had moved a series of Points of Order including Order 1, 2 and 13 of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 as amended to justify his argument, adding that since the Standing orders 2015 indicated that the Senate should sit between the hours of 2pm and 6pm, all activities of the Senate from June 10, 2015 were in contravention of that Order. He said the Senate had on June 24 adopted the 2015 Rule Book as its Orders for the 8th Senate; adding that all actions of the chamber must comply with order 13 and order 101 of the Standing orders. According to him, all other actions, except the inauguration of the Senate on June 9 amounted to nullity. The Senate President however ruled Marafa out of Order, saying that what Marafa referred to as Order 13 of the Standing Orders 2015 was a “Printer’s devil,” which was being referred to the Clerk to the Senate for immediate correction. It was after Marafa’s barrage of Points of Order that the Senate settled down to receive a motion moved by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP Imo East) and 80 other Senators calling for a vote of no confidence on Saraki. The motion was unanimously adopted. Besides, Ekweremadu’s apology on Marafa’s behalf, the Senate has however sounded a note of warning to those who may want to disrupt its proceedings in the future. On Tuesday, Senate spokesman, Dino Melaye also lamented “the unruly behaviour of Marafa” and warned that the Senate would take necessary disciplinary actions against him if he put up such attitude in future. Melaye said: “The deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, in session, apologised to Nigerians for the unbecoming attitude of Senator Marafa. That act is disgraceful, unacceptable, condemnable and that the senate regrets that. “We want to assure Nigerians that this will be the last time that the Senate will condone such misbehaviour. His action contravenes Section 56 of the Standing Rule of the senate but his misbehaviour is regrettable. “The Senate will do everything within its powers to ensure that the situation does not repeat itself again and where it is repeated, it would be met with stiff adherence to the rules of the Senate.” What is the Power of vote of confidence? Strictly, the practice is a product of the Parliamentary system of government, carried over to the Presidential system. It should be a soothing balm to see colleagues express confidence on the holder of an office as delicate as that of the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives. Those knowledgeable about the workings of the National Assembly say that the two jobs are not four years assignments but a job

Ekweremadu

Adeyeye

The laws of Nigeria do not give any consideration to any other forces outside the Senate in the election of its President. To yield the ground on this note, is to be complicit in the subversion of democracy and its core principles of separation of powers as enshrined in our constitution. that is renewable on a daily basis. The Senate President and the Speaker are only first among equals, thus making their seats quite vulnerable. It is understandable therefore that the idea of Vote of Confidence would come in. Since the start of this Republic, the idea has been readily used by Senate Presidents in trouble. At every stage leading to the removal of Senate Presidents of the 4th and 5th Senates, the Vote of Confidence came in handy. The number of supporters only got diminished through the intervention of the unseen external hands, largely known to have had the backings of the Presidency of then President Olusegun Obasanjo. Senate President David Mark, who held sway in the 6th and 7th Senates, also applied the method at intervals, even though his tenures were not that contentious. But there is the thinking that the frequency of the Vote of Confidence in the Senate was a signal that things are not settled. There have been two of such motions in two months. But the signal sends an immediate message of solidarity in the Senate and a sign that more work has to be done by the traducers of the Senate President in getting at him. In the current circumstances, the vote of confidence is a further confirmation that to get Saraki, the opponents might have to look outside the chamber for help. The fact that he has 49 PDP Senators who have adopted him ahead of the June 9 election, is a huge plus for him. He also has a sizeable number of supporters from the ruling APC, making the situation of instigating an impeachment a difficult task. The law provides that Saraki and his deputy can only be removed from

the Senate through a vote supported by two thirds majority of senators. There are only 59 Senators of the APC on the floor, with Saraki accounting for 38 of them. The idea of securing 73 senators needed to remove the Senate President looks more like a pipe-dream as far as Senate’s configuration stands. Does vote of confidence settles all things? The Senate President cannot be under any illusion that his ordeals are ordinary. In his speech to welcome his colleagues to the Senate on Tuesday, he declared that external forces are behind his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. He said: “I wish to reiterate my remarks before the Tribunal, that I have no iota of doubt that I am on trial today because I am the president of the Nigerian Senate, against the wishes of some powerful individuals outside this Chambers. “But what is clear to me also, is that the laws of Nigeria, and the rules of the National Assembly give consideration only to the wishes and desires of those of you who are here today as members of the Senate, to elect as you wish, one of your peers as President of the Senate. “This, in your wisdom, is what you have done by electing me to be the first among all of you who are my equals. The laws of Nigeria do not give any consideration to any other forces outside the Senate in the election of its President. “To yield the ground on this note, is to be complicit in the subversion of democracy and its core principles of separation of powers as enshrined in our constitution.”

He further said: “I invite all of you to stand with me to defend this Senate and preserve its sanctity. Ultimately, our legacies would not be defined by how long we stay here and in whatever position; but by what we did with this great opportunity that our people have given us by the grace of Almighty God.” With the solid votes of confidence he has received so far, there could be thinking that Saraki has become untouchable. But that would amount to a dangerous dream. The workings of the National Assembly this far have shown that a thin line actually separates votes of confidence and votes of no confidence. In the case of former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, it was a matter of weeks before the vote of confidence was turned upside down by the administration of President Obasanjo. The government threatened the senators as many of them were said to have been bombarded with anonymous calls warning them of the danger of continuously backing the then Senate President. That was after Obasanjo had made an unprecedented national broadcast on the alleged bribe-for-budget scandal of 2005, which claimed Wabara’s Senate Presidency. But the immediate past Senate President Mark was able to weather the storms and the votes of confidence he received actually stood all through. What the Senate President therefore needs to do to sustain the confidence vote is to ensure he does not lose any of his loyalists either through overconfidence or undue oversight. The Law vs the Law As far as Saraki’s issue is concerned, a scenario of the law versus the law is fast emerging. There is the thinking that the government of the day intends to utilise the weapon in Section 18 of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to remove any indicted public officer from office or a legislative seat in dealing with him summarily. Some lawmakers have however argued that the provisions of Section 18 of the Fifth Schedule cannot stand against Section 50 (2a, b, c) of the 1999 Constitution, which spells out the procedure for the removal of a Senate President, his deputy as well as Speaker of the House of Representatives and his deputy from office.

29 politicscommentary

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Mimiko at 61: A veteran of many wars By Kayode Akinmade

S he turns 61 tomorrow, 3 October, 2015, a book on Governor OlusegunMimiko’s life so far would read like the memoirs of a gallant General. It is replete with victories attained on political war fronts. Perhaps a vision of uncommon challenges ahead of him informed his being armed at birth with the names Olusegun and Abayomi, Yoruba names signifying “Godgiven victory to shame ill will”. And true to his ‘Iroko’ sobriquet, Mimiko’s political profile has grown steadily, reaching sturdy proportions in the Nigerian political context. The physician- turned-politician has seen it all, courtesy of political tutelage through experiences garnered over 30 years with a beginning that can be traced back to his days at the University of Ife, his earliest launching pad in the 1970s. Back then, he was a member of the PanAfrican and Socialist Student Organisation, the “WantuWazuri” and the Nigerian Young Socialist Movement, holding sway as the Public Relations Officer. Emerging from the university a medical doctor with ideological leanings imbued with strong socialist tenets, Mimiko’s appetite for attending to people’s welfare had been sharpened. This informed the establishment of his MONA MEDICLINIC in Ondo town in 1985 where treatment attracted charges so minimal that the young physician could barely sustain operations. It was not in his nature to take advantage of the sick and underprivileged that thronged his hospital while his practice lasted. Besides, he comes from a lineage of selfless, respectable men. His great grandfather, Chief Akinmeji was the distinguished Runsawe of Ondo, while his grandfather, Pa Famimikomi was also an accomplished man, who passed his gallantry down to AtikuBamidele Mimiko, the governor’s father. From a duty post of the Publicity Secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1983, Mimiko proceeded to render service twice as Commissioner for Health, initiating the Health Rangers Scheme which delivered health services to hundreds whose means could never have supported the cost of decent healthcare. His revolutionary approach to healthcare delivery as commissioner during the administration of the then governor BamideleOlumilua and late former governor Adebayo Adefarati set him on a path towards higher responsibilities in politics. The political intrigues that played out in the early 1990s informed his stepping down for a more senior candidate, aborting his quest to become chairman of the then Ondo Local Government Council (now Ondo West and East). When the stage was not clear in 1999 for the pursuit of his gubernatorial ambition, Mimiko, no longer willing to be a victim of an unfavourable political equation, left his party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) for the more promising Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a way, the move paid off, as he was compensated with the post of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the late governor with whom he incidentally shares a first name, Olusegun. However, Mimiko’s fairly exalted seat did not result in complacency. He was not one to lose sight of his prior but still burning gubernatorial ambition. He maximised the leverage accorded him by his position as SSG to advance his political cause and influence. His efforts to break into national political prominence eventually yielded a solid result when he was catapulted to national limelight as Minister of Housing and

Mimiko

Mimiko is constantly aware of the burden that his being tagged the people’s governor carries, driving him to eradicate poverty while making Ondo a model state in the country.

Urban Development, holding the post from the year 2005 to 2007. That particular flight marked his emergence as the man to watch as a most formidable candidate in the next governorship election in Ondo State. Within and outside the PDP, Mimiko got an overwhelming public endorsement in the build up to the PDP governorship ticket in 2006. His astute political sense informed his choice of the Labour Party (LP) platform, tossing his hat in the ring through the party considered at best a minnow at the period in a contest against the PDP, notorious for its intimidating war chest. With absolute confidence in his mandate, despite the results skewed in favour of the incumbent Agagu, Mimiko, the gallant warrior headed for the tribunal to claim his victory in the April 14, 2007 governorship elections in the state. He eventually took over his position as the rightful occupant of the Alagbaka Government House in 2009. On recovering his mandate, the ‘Iroko’ hit the ground running, implementing projects and working tirelessly on people-oriented projects. And his sterling performance paved the way for yet another victory at the polls in the October 2012 governorship elections, making mincemeat of all opposition. Despite Mimiko’s obvious political sagacity, he is still humbled by taking cognisance of the positive role of fate that seemingly pivots him through a trajectory of victories.

This informed his party’s programme being aptly tagged “A Caring Heart”. For Governor Mimiko, it was a matter of fulfilment in his political life not just to run for the office of governor of the state but to truly deliver the dividends of democracy to his people in full measure through accelerated development. Mimiko is constantly aware of the burden that his being tagged the people’s governor carries, driving him to eradicate poverty while making Ondo a model state in the country. He developed the Caring Heart “12 point” urban development agenda to make Ondo towns and cities conducive dwelling places to work and ideal for recreation, following a roadmap of physical improvement of the environment, bringing about economic empowerment and social transformation. Thus far, the Mimiko administration has remained true to its earlier pledge in the maiden broadcast in 2009, when he vowed to provide first grade leadership. “Your struggle will be my struggle, your joy will be my joy and your aspirations will be my aspirations. I will strive at all times to take decisions that will benefit the greatest number of our people. In all seasons, we will work for you” the governor pledged. Evidently, he is yet to go back on his vows. Key healthcare programmes embarked upon by the administration have been targeted at the vulnerable groups in the society, espe-

cially pregnant women and infants through the Abiye -safe motherhood- programme and others. According to Mimiko: “We have targeted these segments and the result has been such that has been recognised,even beyond the shores of Nigeria as a template. We are creating an emergency medical system that would be like no other on the continent of Africa. So again, we can show that we promised that we would work for you, that your concerns would be ours, that we would make choices on behalf of the people. In terms of urban renewal, the administration has also remained on track. A 30-year urban renewal programme, starting from the capital, Akure is ongoing. This is being carried out in line with the party’s mantra.” We don’t just destroy shanties and send people to the streets and deepen poverty. We have taken people off the streets; but we have taken them into a more commercially conducive world-class environment, especially the downtrodden” Mimiko attests. The government has also built three agro cities. The one in Ore covers about 800 hectares of land, with cassava on 80 hectares and maize on 47 hectares. The place boasts of oil palm seedlings, 300 fish ponds and mushroom demonstration farms. There is also an extensive and massive poultry farm section which has over 15,000 birds producing tonnes of eggs daily. The farm in Auga, in Akoko area, covers about 4,000 hectares, providing youths the opportunity for trainings in animal husbandry and fish farming. Such farms are also in Epe, near Owo and in Isua Ada. Mega schools have also been built to ensure learning for those unable to afford private education. In fact, private sector elites have also been taking advantage of the schools. And an “Incentivisation” package has been provided for the teaching staff of the schools. They are paid relativity allowance, and have also received 27.5 per cent salary increment. The teachers are also being trained and re-trained. As expected, these special incentives have started yielding positive results. The only Quality Education Assurance Agency in the country, established by the state government, is involved in maintaining standards and setting parameters in all the agencies and departments of government in the state. This is where he has made the greatest impact. The governor has, to date, built close to 50 neighbourhood markets. The markets were described by a tourism magazine’s editor as Ondo’s 5-star market. The facilities include 24hrs solar light, crèche, clinic, toilets, police post, a bank, boreholes and a mosque. The market is divided into two phases, each with its own manager who sits in a truly executive office. The manager is no other than one of those women who used to display their wares, mostly foodstuff, under the sun and in the rain. On June 12, 2012, he rolled out the free shuttle scheme whereby students in primary and secondary schools in the state ride to school in luxury buses dedicated solely to that purpose, a deliberate effort aimed at highlighting the essence of social justice and good governance in the collective quest for a just and egalitarian society. The scheme, meant to immortalise the memory of Nigeria’s departed Icon, the late Chief MKO Abiola who paid the supreme price in his efforts to claim the mandate freely given to him by Nigerians, started with 39 buses in 2012 and, by 2013, the fleet increased to 90. Akinmade is the Ondo State Commissioner for Information.

30 politicscommentary By Terver Akase

HAT is today regarded as a success story in the quest to restore peace and security to Benue and neighbouring states began on May 29, 2015 at IBB Square, Makurdi with a pronouncement by Governor Samuel Ortom, when he declared in his inaugural address: “We will move decisively against our youths and their patrons who have chosen a living out of unbridled acts of terror and thuggery. Government will no longer be a shield for these youths and those who patronise them. Whoever they may be and no matter how powerful they are, they will be brought to account. We call on all unlawfully armed persons who have been terrorising innocent citizens to immediately surrender their arms, be free and get integrated into our reform programme, or we shall pursue them down to their holes.” That statement by the governor marked the official declaration of the three-month amnesty granted armed persons in the state, which was to expire at the end of August, 2015. To demonstrate his commitment to the amnesty proclamation, a few days later, Governor Ortom set up a committee to oversee the amnesty programme. But one valid question to be asked is; why did the amnesty become necessary at that point in time in the life of Benue State? The answer to this question is well known to the people of the state – home and abroad. Before the governor took over the mantle of leadership, many parts of Benue were turned into theatres of violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, political killings, thuggery and cultism. Some youths of the state were given deadly weapons by their sponsors, which they used to cause mayhem. Political thugs could walk into innocent people’s offices and homes to demand what they called ‘settle the boys.’ Anyone who dared refuse to part with large sums of money was either beaten into a pulp or even injured, if not killed. The situation was fast-dragging the economy of Benue to a halt, as investors refused to come to the state while those already on ground were leaving in droves. More worrisome was the fact that the then state government appeared to look the other way, while violence caused by thugs and cultists reigned supreme. That was the scenario when Governor Ortom took the oath of office on May 29, 2015. So, it was a matter of emergency that Benue needed to think fast outside the box to bring the ugly trend under control. Return fire for fire with the criminals and other perpetrators of violence? The governor and his team decided that the option of force might usher in a temporary reprieve but not yield a long-term solution to the problem, hence his decision to adopt the ‘carrot and stick’ approach through the offer of amnesty to all those who had carried arms to commit any form of crime. The thinking of the governor and his team was based on the fact that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. The amnesty was therefore considered as a veritable tool which would serve as foundation upon which security could be provided in order to facilitate the desired enabling environment for investment, which will in turn lead to massive job creation. That was the birth of the amnesty programme. Governor Ortom used every event he attended to remind armed youths in the state that his administration would employ the carrot and stick approach in prosecuting the war against insecurity. He also assured those keeping arms that if they embraced the amnesty programme, they would be rehabilitated, integrated and encouraged in various ways to earn a descent living. The governor ceased every opportunity to tell youths in the

Friday, 2 October, 2015

The need, success of Ortom’s amnesty programme

Ortom

Before the governor took over the mantle of leadership, many parts of Benue were turned into theatres of violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, political killings, thuggery and cultism. state that until peace and security were allowed to prevail, their dreams to have a welldeveloped state would remain unfulfilled. He said on one occasion: “If we can secure lives and property in the state, our plans to industrialise the State, create job opportunities through micro small and medium scale enterprises will come to pass.” The amnesty programme of the Benue State Government received a major boost a day before its expiration when a notorious gang leader named Terwase Agwaza (aka Ghana) said to be terrorising parts of Benue and Taraba States surrendered a huge amount of arms and ammunition – 84 assorted riffles and 770 rounds of ammunition. ‘Ghana’ pleaded with Governor Ortom to extend the grace period for the handover or arms, promising that he would make contact with fellow armed persons to also surrender their weapons. Governor Ortom magnanimously granted the amnesty extension to the end of September. The amnesty extension led to the recovery of more arms from different gangs while the rate of crime and killings reduced drastically. The feat recorded with the surrender of arms by ‘Ghana’ and his gang led to more successes for the amnesty programme. A few days into the extension of the grace

period, six young men from Ushongo local government area of the State, came to the Benue People’s House to surrender a number of weapons to the amnesty committee. That feat was facilitated by the Ter Ushongo, Chief Ambrose Iortyer and the Reverend Father Theophilus Osugh of Saint Stephens Catholic Church, Lessel, as well as the Assistant Pastor of NKST Lessel, Reverend Terna Agber. Among the arms surrendered by the youths were AK47 riffles, pistols and assorted ammunition. Less than a week later, another group, this time from Kwande local government area of the state handed over their weapons to the amnesty committee at the Benue People’s House. It was another harvest of assorted automatic rifles and a large number of ammunition. While receiving the group from Kwande, Governor Ortom reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies to perform their duties maximally. He also recently assured those who have surrendered arms that the state government would soon roll out a comprehensive programme to rehabilitate and reintegrate them in the society and prevent them from returning to their old ways. What must not be allowed to go unnoticed

is the role played by the church and traditional rulers in the state for the success of the amnesty programme. The overwhelming support given the programme by religious and traditional leaders has sent a clear signal for the restoration of peace and security to all parts of Benue. This also goes to confirm the fact that the present state administration is truly anchored on the fear of God and has the backing of all key players in the state. Little wonder that the amnesty initiative has received commendations from individuals and groups, local and international organizations, who described the Benue State Governor as a man of peace leading the State with the fear of God. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHRC, took the lead in the series of commendations poured on Governor Ortom when the agency’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Angelle Atangana visited the Governor. Atangana said on the occasion that if the amnesty programme of the Benue State Government succeeded, it would curb incidents of communal violence and reduce cases of internally displaced persons and refugees. Similarly, during the 70th Session of United Nations General Assembly, Nigerian envoys lauded the amnesty initiative of Governor Ortom. The envoys took time to commend him when he visited Nigeria House in New York. Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria, Ambassador Usman Sarki, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the African Union Usman Baraya, as well as the Minister Councillor at the Nigerian Mission Dr. Cyprian Heen, who spoke separately said the programme was the way to go in achieving global peace and security. As the amnesty period expired on September 30, 2015, the state government is aware that the people of the state will be expecting, and rightly too, that the gains and lessons drawn from the process are brought to bear on the development of Benue. Determined to tackle insecurity on all fronts, Governor Ortom recently met with his Taraba State counterpart, Darius Ishaku to fashion out ways of tackling trans-border clashes between the two states. That meeting culminated in the establishment of a Joint Peace Committee followed by the Joint Military and Police Patrol team. Besides, both states agreed to establish joint agro-allied industries to absolve the teeming unemployed youths. Developments analysts believe that this move by the states is a sure way of ending armed robbery, cultism, thuggery and other negative acts among young people. Another step Governor Ortom plans to take in the next couple of days is to send a bill to the Benue State House of Assembly for the establishment of ranches for cattle rearing. When passed by the legislature, the law would help in curbing frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the area. For anyone who lives in Benue or has visited the state in the last three months, there is clear evidence of change from the way things were done in the past and now. A sense of direction, orderliness and due process are fast returning to the polity. In less than five months in office, Benue people are already seeing the signs of accountability and transparency in governance. •Akase is Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Benue State governor.

Friday, 2 October, 2015

35 news Mama HID larger in death than life —Fape Olayinka Olukoya, Tunde Ogunesan and Banji Aluko

HE Diocesan Bishop of Remo Diocese (Anglican Communion), The Right Reverend Olusina Fape, has said the late Matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, is larger in death than her lifetime. He said this shortly after a daily devotion in honour of Mama, held at the Family Chapel, Efunyela Hall, organised by the Diocese and conducted by the Sagamu Archdeaconry, on Thursday. The cleric noted that the Diocesan Mother and Asiwaju Obinrin Onigbagbo of Remoland was greater in death, considering the outpouring of accolades and praises on her since her departure on Saturday, September 19, saying “the duo of Papa and Mama Awolowo are inseparable in life, as well as in death, but they are larger in death than in life, especially Mama.” Earlier, Reverend Canon Samuel Ifemosu, in his message, submitted that no mortal had a permanent stay in life, adding that no one could be exempted from death. Ifemosu, who based his message on 1Corinthians 15 vs 22, said Yeye Oodua lived a life worthy of emulation and equally impacted positively on the lives of others, adding that “we don’t have a permanent stay here in this world; it is impossible for anyone to remain on earth forever. No one can be exempted from death. “Mama has completed her own assignment. She has done creditably well to the church and humanity and her purpose in life has been fulfilled.” Other dignitaries who visited the Awolowo family were the children of the late Pa Emmanuel Alayande; members of the Iyeru Okin African Church, Offa, Kwara State, which included Mrs Ruth Mopelola Olawoyin; Egbe Akomolade ati Asa Yoruba; members of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Amazing Grace District, Lagos. Also in attendance were the Christian Unity Gospel Church; Remo Market Men and Women; members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ikenne Local Government Area; Association of Guild of Stewards and the Almagamated Commercial Motorcyclists and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) and the Artriculated Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN).

She was one with rare humility— Onipede A former Editor of the Nigerian Tribune, Mr Akin Onipede, described the late Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo as one with rare humility. Onipede, who edited the newspaper during the Abacha era, stated this in his condolence message at the Tribune House, on Thursday. “Mama, you have done well both at home and to the people outside your home. When I was editor, you did not impose your will on us. “I recall an incident when you surprisingly, with humility, asked me to help find a space for a poem in the newspaper for the little daughter of your cousin. Your request was with rare humility. “You gave us a freehand, even during the terror reign of Abacha, though some people erroneously said we were doing the bidding of the military junta, you only cautioned us to be pro-people, in line with the philosophy of the founder, your husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo,” Onipede said. She was the first lady Nigeria never had —Senator Fasanmi Elder statesman, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, in his tribute, described the Chief

Friday, 2 October, 2015

(Mrs) HID Awolowo as the first lady the country never had. Fasanmi, in his condolence message, said all the legacies left behind by her would remain imperishable, adding that the history of the country would not be complete without the name of Mama Awolowo. He said: “Mama will be dearly missed. Goodbye to a mother of the nation; goodbye to the first lady Nigeria never had. Mama is not dead, you have only transited from mortality to immortality. We can never forget you. There is no way we will write the history of Nigeria’s without mentioning her name.”

an—Ade Ojo Chairman of Elizade Motors, Chief Ade Ojo, was also one of the eminent Nigerians who paid a condolence visit to the Awolowos. Chief Ojo said Mama contributed immensely to ensure that the Yoruba nation remained united, advising Yorubas to uphold the legacy of love and oneness preached by Mama in her lifetime. He said: “Papa was the best president Nigeria never had. Both Papa and Mama lived great lives. Their contributions to national unity, oneness of Yoruba nation would forever be part of us for life.”

example for all of us to emulate.”

She was a true nationalist —Oba Aromolaran The Owa Obokun and the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr) Adekunle Aromolaran, described Mama as a virtuous woman of substance and a true nationalist. The monarch, in a condolence letter to the family, said “I wish to commiserate with you on the irreparable loss of a great mother of Nigeria, a true nationalist and a virtuous woman of substance.”

She left indelible mark—Oniru family The family of Oba Abiodun Oniru, Lagos, also paid glowing tributes to the memory of Mama Awolowo. The monarch, represented by a delegation led by Chief Alaba Oniru, said the family had a long-standing relationship with the Awolowo family, adding that Mama played the role of a bridge-builder and a peacemaker. He said: “She lived a good life. Mama has left an indelible mark as a shining

HID Awolowo, fountain of wisdom —Mohammed Fawehinmi Scion of the Gani Fawehinmi family, Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, said the late Asiwaju Obinrin of Remoland, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, was an example of what every Nigerian wife and mother should be. “She was a woman who maintained political spectrum with dignity and respect, a fountain of wisdom. She was an example of what every Nigerian wife, mother should be. I learnt a lot from her and I

She was a worthy wom-

She was a great woman —Professor Otubanjo A professor of Political Science, Professor Femi Otubanjo, in his condolence message, described Mama as a woman like no other. Otubanjo, who led the Heritage for Life Foundation which rendered songs to the admiration of hundreds of symphatisers who thronged the Awolowo home, said “Mama was a very unique woman. She was an epitome of kindness and love. We have lost a very great woman; a woman like no other.”

From left, Ambassador Jerry Gana; Senate minority leader, Godswill Akpabio and a former deputy Senate president, Ibrahim Mantu, at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Why PDP lawmakers are not against Buhari —Akpabio FORMER governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has shed light on the reason PDP lawmakers in the National Assembly are supporting the President Muhamadu Buhari-led government at the centre. Akpabio, who stated this while delivering his goodwill message to Nigerians on the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary during plenary said” we

want to assure you, Mr President, because you have spoken to me personally that you are very committed to the success of the administration of President Buhari, that , we, from the PDP extraction came to the Senate to ensure a robust debate and to ensure that whatever we do here is scrutinized for the overall interest of Nigerians.” According to the senate minority leader, “ we

did not come here to play destructive opposition. We want to place on record that we support this government and would do anything constitutional to ensure the success of the administration.” He stated further that” we also congratulate our President for presiding over the affairs of this country at 55, and want to use this opportunity to congratulate all Nigerians and appeal to

them that they should continue to support the current administration as it strives to make life meaningful for them even in the face of dwindling revenue,” he said. In his goodwill message Senator Akpabio said: “Nigeria is a nation guided by God and blessed with tremendous resources. The actions of our Leaders today shall determine the greatness or otherwise of our tomorrow,” he said.

believe that with the little I learnt from her, if I am going into politics, I am very sure I won’t have any problem,” he added. She stood for Nigeria’s unity —Adebutu The member representing Remo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, also in his tribute, said Mama was a pillar of support to the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying “Mama established herself as a devoted believer in her husband’s vision for a united Nigeria. “On Papa’s demise in 1987, she did not retire from public life, but rather took up the mantle and continued to demonstrate her great belief and commitment to the Nigerian State. She stood for unity and peace of the nation and a preacher of peace. “Mama also deftly upheld and practised her late husband’s philosophies and values; she was a renowned community builder and philantropist. She espoused democratic principles and was a source for political advice to public office holders from all over the country to us her kindred.” She lived a saintly life —Awoists in Edo, Delta states Followers of the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Edo and Delta states have eulogised Mama HID Awolowo, going down memory lane to single her out for the role she played during what they described as the turbulent days of politics in the old Western Region. The Awoists, in a condolence letter to the Awolowo family, said Mama Awolowo lived a saintly life and provided strength and support for her husband. Those who signed the condolence letter included the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri; Barrister Eddy Osifo, the Obi of Owa, HRH Obi Efeizomor II and the Obi of Ibusa, HRH Obi Nosike Ikpo. They urged the Awolowo family to be consoled by the fact that their matriarch lived a full and fulfilled life and died painlessly after praying for her children. The Awoists said: “Another source of joy is that there is a striking similarity between the death of both spouses. Papa and mama transited on a Saturday. “This similarity in their death is highly significant. Mama was always a source of strength and inspiration to Papa and all of us during the most turbulent days of politics in the Western Region.”

nigeria@55

Friday, 2 October, 2015

1. From left, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, with Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary card, at the Presidential change of guards celebration, in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN. 2. Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at the 55th Independence Day anniversary, at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Nigerian Tribune

ward Ubosi, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ikeje Asogwa and the state PDP women leader, Mrs Oby Nwofor, cutting cake to mark the 55th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, at the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday. 5. Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State inspecting the parade mounted by men of the Nigeria Police to mark Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary, in Benin City, on Thursday.

3. Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (third right); state Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro (second right); President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Stella Ogene (right); Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Monday Igbuya (fourth left); Honourable Peter Nwaoboshi (third left); Honourable Onyemeachi Mrakpor (second left) and the state PDP chairman. Mr Edwin Uzor, cutting the 55th Independence anniversary cake in Asaba.

6. Lagos State deputy governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, inspecting a guard of honour at the parade marking the 55th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, held at the Police College grounds, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday

4. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (second right) with the deputy governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo (right); Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Ed-

8. A cross section of paramilitary organisations at Nigeria’s 55th Independence day celebration in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

7. Soldiers marching during the presidential change of guards to mark Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary, in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

nigeria@55

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Christ Embassy launches ‘Reach out Nigeria’ campaigns By Laolu Harolds

S part of efforts at rekindling national spirit, the Believers Love World, Christ Embassy, has launched its annual ‘Reach out Nigeria Campaigns’ across all its branches around the country. The campaign this year, themed ‘Dawning a New Nation’, is targeted at celebrating Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary. At the formal launch of the campaign in Lagos yesterday, Pastor Chidi Ezemako, the committee chairman for this year’s project, said: “As a ministry, we have seized this special day as another opportunity to reach out to the lost through our messenger angel Rhapsody of Realities, and at the same time pro-

mote a patriotic spirit in Nigerians.” The ‘Reach out Nigeria Campaign’ was launched by Reverend Chris Oyakhilome nine years ago to

disseminate the words of hope, knowledge and wisdom to Nigerians through the Rhapsody of Realities, the daily devotional of the church.

el-Rufai declares state of emergency in education Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna GOVERNOR Nasiru elRufai of Kaduna State has declared a state of emergency in the education sector. el-Rufai, who spoke during the Independence Anniversary at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, took a sober reflection on the backwardness of education in the state. He said, “I wish to remind us that as we liberated our country, we must also free our people by quality education acces-

sible to all. “Education is emancipation! The provision of free basic education in decent schools with skilled teachers is one of the priorities this government will accomplish in its four-year term. “We have spent the past few months planning school repairs, the provision of school furniture and the training of teachers. “Today, we move to declare a state of emergency in education. We ask for

Pray for Buhari’s success, Obanikoro urges Nigerians Bola Badmus - Lagos FORMER Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has urged Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari

Nigerians call for better economy Residents of Abuja have called on the Federal Government to improve the economic fortunes of the country as the nation marks its 55th Independence Anniversary. They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday while speaking on the sideline of the country’s anniversary. Mr Victor Emmanuel, a civil servant, said the 55th independence worth celebrating, but that the economic environment of the country left very much to be desired.

It calls for sober reflection –Ambassador Ajulu-Okeke NIGERIA‘S Consul General to South Africa, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke, urged Nigerians to use the nation‘s 55th independence anniversary as a period for sober reflection on the country‘s future. Ajulu-Okeke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, that this year‘s Independence Day required low key celebration to enable Nigerians reflect on the current challenges facing the country.

Ezemako explained further that the church, through the campaign, aims to transform Nigeria by fostering hope and faith in the heart of Nigerians.

to be able to deliver on his promises. Obanikoro, who is also former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also tasked them to be hopeful for a greater future and having love and sincerity of purpose, even as he contended that purposeful leadership would put Nigeria in a vantage position and make her enviable among the comity of nations. The former minister said this in his message to Nige-

rians on the occasion of this year’s Independence Anniversary, adding that nationbuilding was a continuous exercise. The statement reads in parts: “I congratulate Nigerians as they celebrate 55 years of our independence from colonialism. “This occasion calls for renewed dedication and commitments to the service of our fatherland and this will be much easier if we allow love, truth and steadfastness to guide all our endeavours.”

your support as we begin to implement extraordinary measures in the sector. “Tomorrow by God’s Grace, the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology will announce the raft of measures that will be taken to ensure that our schools’ infrastructure, tools and teacher quality improved significantly within the next six weeks,” he declared.

Bola Badmus - Lagos

and the poor masses. The cleric gave this warning in his message which he sent to the Nigerian Tribune while felicitating with Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 55th independence anniversary.

Biola Azeez - Ilorin KWARA State government has cancelled the 55th independence celebration parade earlier scheduled to take place at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin. In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, Wednesday night, the state government said the cancellation followed security reports that certain individuals arrived the state overnight with intention to disrupt the independence celebration and

“My advice is that the leaders, both the past and the present, should return all they have stolen for the sake of God and the poor masses because God’s judgment will surely come upon the evil ones,” he said.

ECCIMA DG urges devolution of powers to states THE Director-General of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Dr Emeka Okereke, has called for the devolution of powers to states for effective development. Commenting on Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary in Enugu on Wednesday, Okereke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the

devolution of powers to states was long overdue. “Let the states activate the resources in their ar-

THE National Public Relations Officer, All Progressives Congress (APC),Youth Forum (AP-

Badaru appeals for maximum support Adamu Amadu - Dutse THE Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has called on all citizens to give maximum support to the present administration. This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Malam Muhammed Bello

eas. That is where people will make valued contributions to Nigeria as a nation.

APC youth forum canvasses collective efforts to move forward Kola Oyelere - Kano

Zaki and made available to newsmen. He said “for us in Jigawa State, we call for understanding and patience as our administration is committed to addressing all developmental challenges facing the state, in spite of the poor finance and declining revenues from the Federation Account.”

devotional were distributed last year, while 30 million copies are projected to be distributed this year. Through the ‘Reach out Nigeria Campaigns’, the church makes impact across the nation through community development projects. Pastor Lanre Alabi of Christ Embassy Zone 1, who was also at the event, said “It is our conviction as a church that the word of God, through the Rhapsody of Realities, will help (even) the new government with the requisite knowledge to enhance their capability for making sure that economic policies, legislative changes, fight against corruption and insurgency are won with the wisdom of God,” Alabi said.

Kwara cancels Independence parade over security

Looters should return their loots else… —Prophet Oyadara FOUNDER of Christ for All People’s Church, Ojo, Lagos, Prophet Samuel Oyadara, has called on Nigerian leaders, both past and present, who looted the country’s treasury to return it for the sake of God

“Nigeria is at the most crucial time of her history, and we must perform our role as a church by working for its welfare and praying its well-being, for if things go well with Nigeria, things will go well with us,” he said. “History has shown that policies, laws and wisdom of man have failed over time, and that if we would see the changes we crave for, the change must start from the inside. Each and every one of us must contribute our quota,” he added. The 15th edition of the Rhapsody of Realities, a devotional pamphlet of the church, was launched at the event. According to Ezemako, 24million copies of the

CYF), Mr Oluwole Onemola, has said that the new Nigeria can only be actualised by a collective and concerted efforts that cut across perceived ethnic, religious and political differences in the country. According to him, ‘’as we commemorate our nation’s 55 years independence, Nigerians all across the country should celebrate our remarkable history.’’ This was contained in a statement signed and made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Kano by Mr Onemola.

endanger lives. Gold, who said that the state government regretted any inconvenience that may be caused, added that the government considered public safety more paramount. Also, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a reaction over the cancellation, commended the state government on the decision.

In a statement issued by the s tate Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Sulyman Buhuri, the party said the greatest security threat to the prevailing peace in the state was the antics of some politicians in the state. The party therefore urged security agencies to start investigation from within the fold of some politicians in the state.

Daniel preaches unity NIGERIANS have been urged to use the occasion of the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the past and be united in the quest for security and growth. In his goodwill message, the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, said the overall development of any nation rests on visionary leadership rooted in honesty of purpose, focus and integrity. According to the former governor, “it is when these manifest in governance that people will have confidence in leaders at all levels, breeding unalloyed loyalty and altruistic followership. “The myriads of chal-

lenges facing the nation today especially in the areas of security, corruption and ineptitudes are reflections of failure of those in power to provide required infrastructure to alleviate the socio-economic problems of the masses. “As we progress in nationhood, we must uphold the principles of nationalism, patriotism and love as entrenched by the founding fathers of the country who fought for the freedom which we are celebrating today. “The general welfare of the people must be the prime focus of a responsible and responsive government for us to move forward and establish a strong foothold among comity of nations.”

A brighter future ahead of us —Hon Olulade Bola Badmus - Lagos A member representing Epe Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Olusegun Olulade, said there is cause for Nigerians to celebrate the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary, declaring that Nigeria had a brighter future ahead. The lawmaker said this in his Independence Anniversary message, explaining that Nigeria, as a country, had gone through bad gov-

ernance, especially in the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ruled her for 16 years. Olulade, however, explained that Nigerians have been witnessing positive changes and dividends of democracy since the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari took over in May. According to him, “with the All Progressives Congress (APC) now in government, Nigerians are testifying to the fact that things are working again in the country.”

nigeria@55

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Stakeholders express divergent views on economy

takeholders in the nation’s economy, including miners and economists, on Thursday in Abuja expressed divergent views on the performance of the sector since Nigeria gained independence from the colonial masters. Some of them, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), noted that the economic indicator over the years had shown that the country was gradually translating its potential into prosperity. A cross section of them, however, expressed the view that the enormous potentials in the country over the years had not translated into economic independence especially on economic empowerment of the people.

Assessing Nigeria from the mining sector, the President of Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Shehu, said mining had witnessed slow pace progress due to over dependence on oil. Shehu said that the pace

Oluwole Ige - Osogbo OSUN State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, on Thursday tasked the nation’s leaders on the need to render selfless service, saying this would go a long way in enhancing nation building. He said the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria were the task of nation-building and selfless leaders to lead in that direction. This is contained in a

ling the country to include ethnicity and nepotism; unemployment, poverty and hunger; widespread corruption; non-ideology based politics; insecurity, insurgency and kidnapping. He said that others were mismanaged economy and free-fall of the Naira; high taxation, increase electricity billing systems and casualisation of labour. He said countries that are advanced in their democracies also have their peculiar problems, “yet their citizens have not dismissed them or redrawn their maps.”

Virgin Atlantic gives preloaded oyster travel card to customers Shola Adekola - Lagos VIRGIN Atlantic offered all passengers who departed from Nigeria for London on VS652 on October 1, a 10 pound preloaded Oyster travel card. Passengers who travelled on October 1, irrespective of the cabin, received the travel card at the boarding gate.

The travel card was to take away the ground transport challenge passengers went through in Heathrow. Passengers that arrived Lagos from Heathrow on October 1 were not left out. They were treated to free trolleys service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on arrival.

statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon. Aregbesola commended

NATIONAL Orientation Agency (NOA), religious bodies and other stake-

holders across all sectors on Wednesday called on Nigerians to join hands with the Federal Government to ensure a great change in the

Abia gov commends founding fathers Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia GOVERNOR Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has commended the founding fathers of Nigeria. He noted that the country had witnessed many challenges as it had also witnessed remarkable triumphs. Ikpeazu gave the com-

mendation in his broadcast to mark the country’s 55 Independence Anniversary in Umuahia. The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the April general election in the state, Dr Alex Otti, also felicitated with the people of the state and entire Nigerians.

Nigerians on the efforts and sacrifices toward building a democratic, just and humane society and the sustenance of the current democratic process.

Ganduje salutes Nigeria at 55 Kola Oyelere - Kano KANO State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has congratulated the people of the state and Nigerians in general for the country’s attainment of 55 years of independence. According to a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Communications to the governor, quoted the Acting Governor, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, as saying that “even

though we have so much to celebrate at 55, the tragic incidence that occurred in Saudi Arabia which led to the death of hundreds of people including Nigerians will not allow for any celebration to take place.” He, therefore, called on the people of the state to use the period to pray for the repose of the deceased and for the country to achieve greater peace, prosperity and development.

Politicians must embrace fight against corruption —Senator Arise Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Senator Ayo Arise, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Nigeria on the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary and said that politicians must embrace fight against corruption. Arise, who represented Ekiti North District between 2007 and 2011 in the Senate, said in a statement on Thursday that, “it is never too late for every Nigerian to contribute his or her quota to nation-building.” In his message made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, entitled “It is not too late to chart a new beginning”, Arise urged politicians to embrace fight against corruption if the

NOA, religious bodies urge Nigerians to join hands with govt By Tunde Ogunesan

from the British colonial masters at independence. Alabi said the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity boosted the potential of Nigeria to become a great economy and leading nation in Africa.

Aregbesola tasks leaders on selfless service

Nigeria not a failed state —NLC, TUC THE organised labour in the country has said that “Nigeria is not a failed state irrespective of the myriad of challenges.” The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said this in separate massages to mark the country’s 55th Independence Day anniversary on Thursday in Lagos. The TUC President, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, said that there was no problem the nation was presently facing after 55 years of independence that it is not surmountable. Kaigama identified some of the challenges bedevil-

was occasioned by the civil war and the collapse of Tin market which discouraged mining investors, especially foreign investors. Mr Kayode Alabi, an economist, said Nigeria inherited a potentially good economy

country. They made the calls at a one day seminar organised by the NOA, Oyo State chapter, with the theme “stakeholders’ conference on national unity, peace and security consciousness awareness’’ to mark the 2015 Independence Day anniversary, held at NOA Conference Hall, Agodi, GRA, Ibadan. In her speech, state director, NOA, Oyo State, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu, urged Nigerians to always work on the unity of the country, respecting its diversity in the process.

nation must move forward. He said: “My message to the eighth Senate is simple: We have it within our powers to make Nigeria a great nation. Every individual is writing a history of achievements or failure. “If politicians fail to kill corruption, corruption will certainly kill politicians, it is not too late to chart a new beginning,” he stated.

For Mr Stanley Achonu, a financial expert and civil society activist, the lack of continuity in economic policies was one of the major factors that affected economic planning in Nigeria since independence. The Deputy ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Enforcement and Investigation, Mr Musa Tahir, said that over the years smuggling had been a bane of the nation’s economy. Mr Ayo Teriba, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, recalled that the rail transport system was more effective in the 60s.

Lifetree Community Care Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), through its chairperson, Mrs Afolake Adeoba, has said that it wants good governance in Nigeria. Adeoba, who is also a lawyer, said this at the Oyo State secretariat, the point of convergence of the prayer walk organised by the group to commemorate the 55th independence anniversary. In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, she noted that with good governance, poverty would be eradicated and Nigerians would know their rights. “What we want is good governance. Our aim as an NGO is to promote good governance in Nigeria, so that every Nigerian will know his/her rights and enjoy the benefit of education. “Because we are aware

Dr Latif Busari, the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), also said that the country’s sugar sector had witnessed remarkable positive changes since independence. The President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry limited (ABUCCI), Mr Tony Ejikonye, said Nigeria had recorded tremendous progress in its 55 years of economic struggle. Other stakeholders expressed the hope that the Federal Government would intensify its fight against corruption to restore international confidence.

APC women leader tasks women on nation-building Bola Badmus - Lagos NATIONAL Women Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, has called on Nigerian women to see the country’s 55th independence anniversary as an opportunity to embrace positive attitude for change being promoted by the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari. The APC women leader made the call in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, noting that this year’s anniversary was remarkable given the import of President Buhari’s victory at the last presidential election in the polity. Hajiya Aliyu, while remarking that Nigeria was a successful nation at 55 be-

We want good governance —Lifetree Community Care Foundation By Yomi Fashakin

Nigerian Tribune

that children are the future of Nigeria, we carry them along in making them to understand their rights and train them to be able to achieve their purpose. This we do every December,” she added.

cause of the hard work, creativity and enterprise of the country’s women, who came out to every frontline of the battle for change to lend their voices, declared that women had a divine sense of intuition and were the “true strength of our democratic change from hopelessness to hopefulness.”

NGF urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies Clement Idoko - Abuja THE Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has called on Nigerians to always give national interest priority in all their dealings and to shun divisive tendencies. Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State and chairman of the forum gave the charge in the 55th independence anniversary message to the nation. He also charged Nigerians to exhibit actions that will promote democratic ideals and peaceful co-existence at all levels of government in the country. Yari said the independence anniversary should remind Nigerians of their common root and destiny.

Unhappy birthday for victims of bomb blasts —SERAP Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos SOCIO-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has described the 55th independence anniversary as “unhappy birthday for hundreds of victims of Boko Haram who continue to suffer the consequences of the conflict in the NorthEast of the country.” SERAP, in a statement by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said that “Independence Day should ordinarily be an anniversary to cheer and celebrate but this is unfortunately not the case for hundreds of victims of bomb blasts and their fam-

ilies in Nigeria. The case of Hope Musa from Tabara State who recently died as a result of untreated injuries suffered from bomb blast is a sad reminder of the trauma and neglect that many victims continue to face.” The group called on “the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the spending of the over N80 billion under the Victims Support Funds to ensure transparency and accountability and adequate support, assistance, and care for families and victims of Boko Haram across the country.”

news

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Admission: Crisis looms in Osun polytechnics, colleges of education

...We have not placed embargo on admission —OSPOLY Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

HERE is seeming crisis in Osun State owned Polytechnics and Colleges of Education over alleged embargo placed on the admission of fresh students by the management of the institution. The development, which had already created confusion among admission seekers may jeopardise the 2015/2016 admission in the affected institutions. Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that some of the students, who arrived Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, on Tuesday, for the Post-UTME test, slated for Wednesday were disappointed when they were informed that the test had been postponed indefinitely. Credible sources informed our correspondent that the development may not be unconnected with the

marching order given to the management of the institutions by the state government to halt the admission of fresh students. Most of the students who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune lamented the indefinite postponement of the Post-UTME test in OSPOLY, maintaining that the action has shown incompetence on the part of the institution’s management. One of the intending students, who simply identified himself as Sunday, said “I came from Lagos State be-

cause of the post-UTME. They sent a message to us that the test would hold at 10.00a.m. on Wednesday and when we got here now, they said the test had been postponed without informing us. Reacting to the development, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement signed by its director of media and strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, accused the state government of ordering the retrenchment of 50 per cent

of the present workforce in its four tertiary institutions. The order for mass retrenchment, the party said had already been given by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to the governing councils of the institutions and will affect both academic and non academic workers in Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke. According to the statement, “we have also been informed that the administration of Mr Aregbesola has embargoed admission of all

categories of fresh students into all the listed institutions indefinitely preparatory to the merger of the schools for yet undisclosed reasons.” While the party condemned the move to retrench the tertiary institutions’ staffers, it said “such move will not only further destabilise the state’s education sector, just as the closure of all the four institutions to academic activities in the last nine months has been traumatic for both the students and their parents.”

Niger govt owes newspaper vendors over N500,000

Shola Adekola - Lagos About 390 staff of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) has been promoted in the last one week. This was made possible after several meetings between the NAHCO management and the industry unions. According to information gathered on Thursday, those who benefited in the promotion exercise were those who were due for elevation in the past eight years, but were denied due to bureaucratic hiccups in the system. Prior to now, the NAHCO management were alleged to have planned to sack almost 300 workers until the aviation unions, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) opposed the move. The unions prevailed on the management that rather than sack, should promote workers who they argued had served the ground handling company well over the years.

Abia gov warns civil servants against sabotage Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia

Adelowo Oladipo - Minna The immediate past administration in Niger State, led by Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu has left behind a total debt burden of over N500,000 for the supply of various national newspapers to the office of the former Governor Aliyu and his deputy, Honourable Ahmed Musa Ibeto. Investigations revealed that the past administration were unable to pay the accumulated debts owed the newspapers distributors which the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello is still hesitating to pay since it assumed power on Friday, May 29, 2015. Further checks by the Nigerian Tribune in Minna, on Thursday, also revealed that the Niger State Newspapers Distributors and Vendors had earlier made a formal complaint to the state government, shortly after assuming office, but the efforts had proved futile as the concerned government officials had exhibited lack of concern to the payment of the outstanding debt incurred by their predecessors in office.

NAHCO promotes over 300 staff

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (right), being presented with gifts by the president of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Mr Rotimi Edu, during a courtesy visit to the governor by the president and Board of Trustees of the club, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday.

Ambode targets job creation, tourism through sports Bola Badmus - Lagos Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that his administration’s commitment to use sports as a veritable tool, will not only take the youths off the street and provide them with a means of livelihood, but also boost tourism in the state. The governor gave the commitment when the Trustees and Management of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Alausa. Ambode, while commending the club for sustaining the competition in the last 16 years, expressed readiness to continue with the sponsorship of the Lagos Governor’s Cup Tennis Tournament and improve on the successes recorded in the past. The governor, who said he would love to have the competition as part of the tourism calendar in the state, noted, “Not a mistake that I

have a Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism here. You have my commitment and I would ensure it is put in the calendar so we invite more people and expand it to become something we can all be proud of.” Ambode also promised to use this year’s edition of the competition as a platform to celebrate the Club’s 120 years’ anniversary, add-

ing that his administration intended to latch on to the potentials of sports and recreation to promote growth and position Lagos as a choice destination for tourists. “The other part, we need not single it out, we have total commitment and support for this Governor’s Cup. Everything that has to do with logistics and

everything that has to do about increasing the brand called Lagos. “I know what sport stands to do in solving some of my challenges in job creation. I am committed to it. I am ready to combine this together with sports and recreation. At the end of it all, it increases our economic growth and our opportunities,” he said.

We’ve gone to court over composition of EKSIEC —APC Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, on Thursday, said it has taken Governor Ayodele Fayose and the state Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) to court over composition of the electoral body. A statement by the publicity secretary of Ekiti APC, on Thursday, said the suit was “filed by its counsel, Abiodun Fasakin and Tajudeen Akingbolu,”

and added that “the party said the composition of the electoral body contradicted the constitutional requirement for a nonpartisan electoral body that could organise credible elections that would be acceptable to all contesting parties.” Olatunbosun said: “The party alleged that members of the electoral body as constituted by the governor is composed of cardcarrying members of the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that such action was illegal and invitation to chaos inherent in the electoral umpire providing support for a contesting party to the detriment of other parties.” The statement added: “In the originating summons before the state High Court, Ado-Ekiti, the defendants are to appear before the court within seven days after service of the summons on them.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, on Thursday, warned that his administration would not hesitate to prosecute any corrupt official or civil servant found sabotaging governments efforts in the state. According to him, the ongoing biometric exercise currently on process has blocked leakages in many quarters, just as he said, it has saved the state N270 million in government pay roll and pave way for proper economic planning of the state. Dr Ikpeazu, who stated this during his quarterly press briefing with journalists in the state as part of October 1st Independence message, noted during the period under review that his administration had embarked on 31 roads construction across the state, aimed at bringing succour to the people of Abia. While commending journalists for cooperation in the last 100 days in office, he noted that despite global economic crunch, his administration has geared towards mapping out plans to revive the economic potential of the state through provision of agriculture, commerce, power/energy, roads, security and general wellbeing of the people.

40 news

Friday, 230 October, 2015 2015 Wednesday, September, Wednesday, 30 September, 2015

Ogun assembly to screen commissioner nominees Oct 7 By Gbenga Olumide

N consonance with the provisions of Section 192(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Ogun State House of Assembly will, on Wednesday, October 7, screen the nominees for the post of commissioners on the list sent to the House by the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. A release signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Muyiwa Adenopo, indicated that the approval of the nominees by the assembly would assist the state

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governor to constitute the state executive council for the second term to consolidate on his rebuilding mission. The nominees were Mrs Ronke Sokefun, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, Mr Segun Abiodun, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, Honourable Jide Ojuko, Sunday Segun Bamiwola, Dr Babatunde Ipaye and Mr Bolaji Oyeleye. Others were Mr Leke Adewolu, Afolabi Afuwape, Gbenga Adenmosun, Chief Kolawole Wasiu Lawal, Chief Bimbo Asiru, Mrs Yewande Amusan and Mr Olumide Ayeni.

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I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Ibitayo Ibitayo Oluwatosin Margaret Oluwatosin Margaret now MRS ADEPOJU now MRS ADEPOJU OLUWATOSIN OLUWATOSIN MARGARET. MARGARET. All former documents All former documents remain remain valid. valid. NYSC NYSC and and general general public take note. public take note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Ojo Ojo Funmilayo Funmilayo Reginal Reginal now now MRS MRS ELIJAH ELIJAH FUNMILAYO FUNMILAYO REGINAL. All former REGINAL. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Ibukunoluwa Ibukunoluwa Morenike Morenike Ogunkanmi Ogunkanmi now now MRS MRS ABOLADE IBUKUNOLUWA ABOLADE IBUKUNOLUWA MORENIKE. All former MORENIKE. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. Oyo Oyo SUBEB SUBEB and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adebayo Adebayo Ololade Ololade Oluwaseun Oluwaseun now now MRS BALOGUN OLOLADE MRS BALOGUN OLOLADE OLUWASEUN. OLUWASEUN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. NYSC NYSC and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Akinbowale Akinbowale Felicia Felicia Olajumoke Olajumoke now now MRS MRS ADEFOLAJU ADEFOLAJU OLAJUMOKE OLAJUMOKE TREASURE. TREASURE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Bedu Bedu Opeyemi Opeyemi Orhekafore Orhekafore now now MRS MRS SANYAOLU SANYAOLU OPEYEMI OPEYEMI ORHEKAFORE. ORHEKAFORE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oyefusi Oyefusi Abimbola Abimbola Nurat Nurat now now MRS MRS ADESOJI ABIMBOLA ADESOJI ABIMBOLA NURAT. All former NURAT. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oluwatoyin Oluwatoyin Olayemi Olayemi Ogunfowodu Ogunfowodu now now MRS MRS ODEYEMI OLUWATOYIN ODEYEMI OLUWATOYIN OLAYEMI. OLAYEMI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. Lagos Lagos State State Health Health Service Service Commission Commission and and general general public publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Mrs Mrs Olatilewa Olatilewa Blessing Blessing Adedamola Adedamola now now MISS MISS FIJABI FIJABI BLESSING BLESSING ADEDAMOLA. ADEDAMOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Oguntade Oguntade Taiwo Taiwo Sikirat Sikirat now now OGUNYEMI OGUNYEMI TAIWO TAIWO SIKIRAT. SIKIRAT. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. NYSC NYSC and and general general public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME I,I,formerly formerlyMiss MissOlowookere Olowookere Yemisi Yemisi Mary Mary now now MRS MRS OMOSEBI OMOSEBI YEMISI YEMISI MARY. MARY. All All former former documents documents remain remainvalid. valid. General Generalpublic public take takenote. note. CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Ogunremi Ogunremi Abosede Abosede Pamilerin Pamilerin now now MRS MRS IDOWU IDOWU ABOSEDE ABOSEDE PAMILERIN. PAMILERIN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. NYSC NYSC and and general general public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oderinde Oderinde Tolulope TolulopeMotunrayo Motunrayonow nowMRS MRS AKINBULE TOLULOPE AKINBULE TOLULOPE MOTUNRAYO. MOTUNRAYO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oloyede Oloyede Idayat Idayat Iyabo Iyabo now now MRS MRS OLAJIDE OLAJIDE IDAYAT IDAYAT IYABO. IYABO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Iyanuoluwa Iyanuoluwa Adebowale Adebowale Sosanya Sosanya now now MRS MRS IYANUOLUWA IYANUOLUWA ADEBOWALE ADEBOWALE OLADAPO. All former OLADAPO. All former documents documentsremain remainvalid. valid.Peaklane Peaklane Schools Schools and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Akinmoyewa Akinmoyewa Tomike Tomike Favour Favour now now MRS MRS AKINRINWA TOMIKE AKINRINWA TOMIKE FAVOUR. All former FAVOUR. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Odeleye Odeleye Bukola Bukola Abiola Abiola now now MRS MRS ODENIYI ODENIYI BUKOLA ABIOLA. BUKOLA ABIOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. Local Govt. Service valid. Local Govt. Service Commission, Commission, Osun Osun State State and and general generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Olaniyan Olaniyan Bosede Bosede Elizabeth Elizabeth now now MRS MRS ADEWOLU BOSEDE ADEWOLU BOSEDE ELIZABETH. ELIZABETH. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Afusatu Afusatu Oladimeji Oladimeji Temitayo Temitayo now now AFUSATU AFUSATU AJANI AJANI TEMITAYO. TEMITAYO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. First First Bank BankPlc Plcand andgeneral generalpublic publictake take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adeola Adeola Abisola Abisola Adewunmi Adewunmi now now MRS MRS ADEOLA ADEOLA ABISOLA ABISOLA ALEJO. ALEJO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Aderibigbe Aderibigbe Elizabeth Elizabeth Ajibola Ajibola now now MRS MRS BAGBANSORO BAGBANSORO ELIZABETH ELIZABETH AJIBOLA. All former AJIBOLA. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Iroju Iroju Ronke Ronke Justinah Justinah now now MRS MRS ADESUBOKAN RONKE ADESUBOKAN RONKE JUSTINAH. JUSTINAH. All All former former documents remain documents remain valid. valid. NYSC NYSC and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Alabi Alabi Yemisi Yemisi Ibukun Ibukun now now MRS MRS ABIOLA ABIOLA YEMISI YEMISI IBUKUN. IBUKUN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. Osun Osun State State Basic Basic Education Education Board, Board, Atakunmosa Atakunmosa West West Local Local Govt., Govt., Osu Osuand andgeneral generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I,formerly formerlyMiss MissAneru AneruFaith FaithS.S. now now MRS MRS ADEGBESOKUN ADEGBESOKUN ADEGBOYE ADEGBOYE FAITH FAITH S.S. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Olaniyan Olaniyan Bunmi Bunmi now now MRS MRS IDRIS IDRIS BUNMI. BUNMI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oyelola Oyelola Taiwo Taiwo Alice Alice now now MRS MRS ADELEKE ADELEKETAIWO TAIWOALICE. ALICE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public publictake takenote. note. CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Omolabi Omolabi Ruth Ruth Yetunde Yetunde now now MRS MRS ILESANMI ILESANMI RUTH RUTH YETUNDE. YETUNDE. All All former former documents documentsremain remainvalid. valid.Obafemi Obafemi Awolowo Awolowo University, University, Ile-Ife, Ile-Ife, NYSC, NYSC, Atakumosa Atakumosa West West Local Local Govt. Govt.and andgeneral generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oderinde Oderinde Tolulope Tolulope Motunrayo Motunrayo now now MRS MRSAKINBULE AKINBULETOLULOPE TOLULOPE MOTUNRAYO. MOTUNRAYO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Deborah Deborah Odunola Odunola Olayinka Olayinka now now MRS MRS DEBORAH ODUNOLA DEBORAH ODUNOLA OYEBOADE. All former OYEBOADE. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. TESCOM, TESCOM, Oyo Oyo State State and and general generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Abiodun Abiodun Fisayo Ogunsina now Fisayo Ogunsina now MRS. MRS. ABIODUN ABIODUN FISAYO FISAYO OLUKITIBI. OLUKITIBI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I,formerly formerlyMiss MissIyiola IyiolaMufuliat Mufuliat Dasola Dasola now now MRS. MRS. ODESOLA ODESOLA MUFULIAT MUFULIAT DASOLA. DASOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Mrs. Mrs. Ibrahim Ibrahim Azeezat Azeezat Yetunde Yetunde now now MRS. MRS. AWOLEIRO AZEEZAT AWOLEIRO AZEEZAT YETUNDE. YETUNDE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Mr. Mr. JoshuaJoshuaAloso Aloso Rotimi Rotimi Emmanuel Emmanuel now now MR. MR. JOSHUA JOSHUA ROTIMI ROTIMI EMMANUEL. EMMANUEL. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Sylvia Sylvia Sabella Sabella Kolloh Kolloh now now MRS. MRS. SYLVIA SYLVIA SABELLA SABELLA CHURCHILL. CHURCHILL. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

ADVERTISE ADVERTISE IN IN NIGERIAN NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TRIBUNE

I,I,formerly formerlyMrs. Mrs.Babalola BabalolaFatima Fatima Ajoke Ajoke now now MRS. MRS. ADENIJIADENIJIADENIYI ADENIYIFATIMA FATIMAAJOKE. AJOKE.All All former formerdocuments documentsremain remainvalid. valid. Polytechnic Polytechnic Ibadan Ibadan and and general general public publictake takenote. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Bamidele Bamidele Alice Alice Oluwatobi Oluwatobi now now MRS. MRS. ALICE OLUWATOBI ALICE OLUWATOBI PHILIP-ADEBAYO. All PHILIP-ADEBAYO. All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Usman Usman Ufedo Ufedo Favour Favour now now MRS MRS OKWUTACHI UFEDO OKWUTACHI UFEDO FAVOUR. FAVOUR. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note. CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Abosede Abosede Olufowora now MRS Olufowora now MRS ABOSEDE ABOSEDE DAODU. DAODU. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Amufasaiye Amufasaiye Oluwaseun Angel now Oluwaseun Angel now MRS ADE-STEVENS MRS ADE-STEVENS OLUWASEUN ANGEL. OLUWASEUN ANGEL. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. General public take valid. General public take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Robert Robert Adeyinka AdeyinkaFlorence Florencenow nowMRS. MRS. OLADAPO ADEYINKA OLADAPO ADEYINKA FLORENCE. FLORENCE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note. CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Uche Uche Ifeoma Ifeoma Christianah now MRS. Christianah now MRS. OKORONKWO IFEOMA OKORONKWO IFEOMA CHRISTIANAH. CHRISTIANAH. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General Generalpublic publictake takenote. note.

CHANGE CHANGEOF OFNAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Iyabo Iyabo Arike Arike Aare Aare now now MRS. MRS. IYABO IYABO ARIKE ARIKE ABIDOYE. ABIDOYE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

Friday, 2 October, 2015

42 news Rivers guber: 4 witnesses confirm voting Sunday Ejike-Abuja

our witnesses subpoenaed to testify at the Rivers State governorship election petition tribunal, on Independence Day, declared that the election of the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, on April 11, 2015 followed due process and was not disrupted by violence. The witnesses urged the tribunal to disregard the statement by soldiers, mobile policemen and operatives of the State Security Services (SSS), that the governorship election in Rivers State was marred by violence and other forms of malpractices. They added that the security operatives merely lied as they were not seen at the respective polling units where they (witnesses) voted. The submissions of the witnesses who hailed from three different local government areas of the state, corroborated with the evidences given by witnesses from four local government areas who testified on Wednesday, that the governorship election which returned Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected governor of Rivers state, was peaceful. The witnesses that testified at the resumed hearing of the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Dr Peterside Dakuku, were a lawyer, Obubeleye Charles Briggs who voted at Unit 1 Ward 13 at Akuku Toru Local Gov-

ernment Area,Reverend Canon Smart Nwankwo who voted at Unit 7 Ward 12 of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Nkpang Nene Igonikon, a Public Health Worker who voted at Unit 6, Ward 5 of Akuku Toru Local Government Area and Peter Michael who voted at Unit 12 Ward 9 of Andoni Local Government Area. The witnesses told the tri-

bunal that they were duly accredited by polling officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voted and waited for the votes to be counted and results declared without any form of violence. They further declared that there were no cases of multiple thumb printing in their respective polling

AS Benue State workers eagerly await bailout to clear their outstanding salaries, Governor Samuel Ortom has said that he is yet to receive the much publicised bailout. Ortom, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and ICT, Mr Terver Akase, said that the state was yet to receive the bailout, adding that, ‘this administration has done the documentation, we are only expecting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to credit state’s account.’ The Governor assured that his administration would offset all outstanding arrears as soon as the state account was credited with the money, stating that he had not defaulted in payment of salaries since he assumed office. Akase condemned insinuations doing the rounds as as untrue, that the state inflated the bail-

in LGAs

Smart Nwankwo who voted at Unit 7 Ward 12 of Ikwerre LGA, said that the entire voting process was transparent and credible. Counsel to Governor Wike, Okey Wali told reporters that the witnesses so far had been called to debunk the false statements made by the few witnesses called by the Rivers State APC

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left), addressing the Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mallam Bature Masari (second left); the Zonal Coordinator, SMEDAN, Mr Ogundeji Gbenga (right) and the Oyo State Executive Secretary, Investments Promotion, Mr Yinka Fatoki, during a courtesy visit to him in his office, in Ibadan.

Ajimobi tasks Oyo citizens on IGR increase By Tunde Ogunesan Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has called on the citizens of the state to cooperate with the government in its drive to make meaningful effort at increasing internally gener-

ated revenue in the state. Senator Ajimobi made the call on Thursday, in a statewide broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary. According to Senator Ajimobi, “the fact that our state is largely dependent on the

Benue yet to receive bailout—Ortom Johnson Babajide-Makurdi

units or snatching of ballot boxes or manipulation of the election procedures. Barrister Obubeleye Charles Briggs who voted at Unit 1 Ward 13 at Akuku Toru LGA, described to the tribunal the election process which culminated in voting and declaration of the winner at his unit. A cleric from the Anglican Church, Reverend Canon

Friday, 2 October, 2015

out funds for the state, thus, resulting in delay in remittance of the money from source. The opposition had claimed that what should accrue to the state should be N19 billion and not N28 billion, adding that the nonreconcilable figure was constituting a stumbling block to accessment of the funds by the state. The media aide described such claim as ‘mischievous’, maintaining that the figure was already known to the CBN, saying it could not be inflated. “Benue has done all documentation, what is needed to be done now is for CBN to credit our account. As soon as this is done, it would be published. The opposition’s allegation amounts to nothing,”Akase said. Akase, who expressed the concern of the Governor over the non-payment of backlog of salary arrears owed civil servants, assured

that as soon the state recived the funds, it would be paid. “The opposition party should be responsible because our government is responsible and accountable to the people,” Ortom’s aide said.

Federal Government for our continued existence is a matter that calls for our urgent and collective attention.Our combined Federal allocation and our internally generated revenue are insufficient to pay our workers’ salary let alone fund the government’s essential services and its infrastructural development. “Government will therefore need the trust,cooperation and commitment of the people to make meaningful improvements in our income/ revenue generation.On our part we have in the last four and a half years promoted the doctrine of collective participation known as ‘Aju-

mose’ with focus on positive attitudinal and ethical changes that would in turn promote good governance. “Moving forward, we must imbibe and continue with this new orientation to enjoy the fruits of our democracy.This is a task that must be done in the interest of our dear state,” he stated. On his administration’s effort at making education the bedrock of development in the state, he stated that “it is pertinent to underscore the fact that rebuilding our nation requires the wholesome education of the citizenry. Education is afterall the bedrock of development.

Mrs Ajimobi fetes orphanage children By Olawale Olaniyan

Wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, on Thursday, wined and dined with children from different orphanage homes in the state, to celebrate Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day celebration, at the First Ladies Office, Secretariat, Ibadan. Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Ajimobi said there was the need to celebrate the nation’s anniversary so as to salute the courage of our visionary founding fathers that fought with their blood to earn us independence from the colonial masters.

She said it was necessary to show love to underpriviledged so as to carry them along with the anniversary of this great nation. The founder of Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation, disclosed that “Despite the mounting challenges that have confronted us, Nigeria remained stronger and more united as a nation. From overcoming and suppressing the prevalence of the military coups to the victories being recorded over Boko Haram insurgencies, and the recent defeat of the scourge of Ebola, Nigeria has demonstrated that so much can be

achieved with the unity of purpose. “I am aware of the enormous potential in all of you. In fact, our future as a nation depends on all of you here today (Thursday). As a mother, I know you have been created by the Almighty God for exploits and that is why I am here to celebrate this anniversary ceremony with you (Orphanage). On my part, I remain unwavering in providing support to charity homes and to ensure that we create an enabling environment where you will be able to actualise your potentials.”

Group calls for Saraki’s resignation as Senate president Bola Badmus- Lagos A group, Value and Integrity Group (VIG), has called for the resignation of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, declaring that it was already mobilising for protests to ensure that Saraki quits the exalted office he currently occupies. The group, while making the call, said Dr Saraki’s continuous occupation of the prestigeous seat, despite ongoing investigation into false declaration of assets, among others, by the Senate President, had put the entire Senate and the nation in bad light. While addressing a press conference in Lagos, the group said Saraki’s trial by the Code of Conduct tribunal had undermined the Senate’s integrity, adding that it “embarrassed its members and is making Nigeria a laughing stock in the face of discerning members of global community.” National coordinator of the group, Comrade Sina Odugbemi, who noted that the functionality of any system, particularly a democratic one, depended on the integrity and credibility of its component parts, contended that what was demanded of Saraki was to resign now so as not to drag the name and integrity of the institution he is occupying and nation in the mud.

Jigawa awards N733m water project Adamu Amadu-Dutse Jigawa State government has awarded water supply and rehiblitation project worth over N733 million in the state as part of efforts to provide potable water for residents in the state. The state Commissioner for Information, Sports and Culture, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim Mamser, drop the hint while briefing newsmen shortly after the council held a meeting at the Government House in Dutse. He said the rehabilitation project would be executed by RUWASA,Water Board and STOWER of the Ministry of Water Resources in the state, adding that the project would cover all 27 local government areas in the state. The commissioner also disclosed that the council at the meeting, ratified the executive approval for the purchase of 30 vehicles for members of the state Assembly at a cost of N199 million, adding that the vehicle were purchased from Costuaries Motors Company Limited at a cost of N6 million each.

Friday, 2 October, 2015

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Mecca stampede: ‘Hajj not a suicide mission’

writer has described the annual Hajj pilgrimate to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as one of spirituality and tragedy. And given the history of tragedies during the exercise, the writer also suggested that it could be that the danger of the performance of Hajj will be an inevitable characteristic of the experience. However, Saudi Arabia’s most senior religious leader, the grand mufti, has said that the stampede that killed more than 700 people last week, was “beyond human control.” Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin-Abdullah al-Sheikh, according to an online news agency, told the interior minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, that he was not to blame for the tragedy – which took place at the ritual known as “stoning the devil” in Mina, about two miles from the holy site in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. The crush occurred when the two million pilgrims were taking part in the Hajj’s last major rite by throwing seven stones at pillars called Jamarat, standing at the place where Satan is believed to have tempted Prophet Ibraheem. Two lines of pilgrims were said to have met at an intersection close to the five-storey Jamarat Bridge. In the meantime, a couple of Nigerian Islamic scholars have put the tragedy in perspective and disabused Muslims and non-Muslims alike, particularly prospective pilgrims, of adverse notions that have arisen from what has been cited as the deadliest incident to occur during the annual pilgrimage, which welcomes around two million Muslims, in 25 years. The following are their submissions:

Professor Afis Oladosu, Department of Islamic and Arabic Studies, University of Ibadan It would be an indulgence in sophistry or a display of acute ignorance of the whole essence of Hajj in Islamic Weltanschauung for anyone to describe Hajj as a pilgrimage of spirituality and tragedy because of the unfortunate events which happened in Makkah this year. It would equally be banal for anyone to suggest that Hajj is a recipe for suicide. First, Hajj is one of the pillars: thus, the fact that an accident occurred this year in the course of fulfilling its obligations does and would not render it nugatory. You do not stop riding cars just because one has been involved in an accident and has claimed a number of human lives. Second, those who died in Mina and the crane accident in Ka’aba already had an appointment with death. In other words, those who died in Makkah this year would

Pilgrims in Mina. have died anyway even if they had stayed back in their countries of citizenship. Readers should ponder Qur’an 3 verse 154. Third, one critical measure of our faith is our preparedness to embrace trial and tribulations when they occur. Put differently, Muslims have been told that mere expression of belief is not enough; that we shall be tested in four ways: with fear, hunger, loss in wealth and loss of life. In the reckoning of the Almighty, it is posture in times of trial that can mirror the exactitude of faithfulness or faithless news. When tragedy occurs and you say ‘why me,’ then you are saying you are wiser than He whose wisdom and knowledge of the unknown is unfathomable. I close on this last argument: to die while on hajj, so goes the tradition, is to die a martyr and be admitted into celestial bliss. Is it not true that some of those who died could have actually supplicated to the Almighty that they should expire in the course of service to their creator? Let those who can make use of their intellection. Professor Daud Noibi, Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) In the first place, people should try and understand what Hajj is all about. Secondly, they should actually understand that death that ends our life here on earth comes not at a time we choose. It comes at a time when God, in His wisdom, decide that we should leave this world and

the circumstances in which we leave it. Because we don’t know when death is destined to come and because we don’t know the circumstances in which it will come, we can only protect ourselves from danger. Allah directs that Muslims should not bring destruction to themselves; that they should not kill themselves. That is why what has happened is a lesson not only for the Saudi authorities but for the generality of the Muslim world - to learn from this error and find means of

Those who died in Mina and the crane accident in Ka’aba already had an appointment with death. In other words, those who died in Makkah this year would have died anyway even if they had stayed back in their countries of citizenship.

preventing a recurrence in the future. However, those who make adverse comments have only displayed their ignorance of what Muslims really believe about the fact that, ultimately, our destiny is not in our hands. Much as everybody tries to prevent themselves from being victims, yet, tragedies do happen across the world. For example, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is generally believed to be a death trap but does that prevent the people from using that road? We cannot avoid it. We can only call on the government and those who are in relevant positions to put the road in the right form, and do it as quickly as possible. Similarly, we do have air crashes all over the world, yet nobody says we should stop using aircraft when we travel. The suggestion that people should try and avoid going to Hajj has only come from the figment of the imagination of those who make it. Moreover, it is significant to us [Muslims] that the tragedy of the stampede happened just a day after the Arafat, the peak of Hajj, a time when those who performed the Hajj rite are assured of the fact that their sins have already been forgiven, by the mercy of God. Muslims should not condemn themselves and simply say that Hajj is no longer something that they should be doing. Hajj will always be something that attracts Muslims - those who have not performed it and even those that have performed it and would like to do so again whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Alhaji Kamal’ddin Akintunde, National President, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) Hajj is purely a spiritual exercise and a journey of a lifetime. It takes the form of an ordinary trip, yet the activities associated with it have made it interesting, unique and memorable. The tragic occurrences witnessed this year are capable of creating fear and misconceptions, especially in the minds of prospective pilgrims and Muslims, whose knowledge of Islam is insufficient. The fact is that Allah has full knowledge of everything, be it human or otherwise. The catastrophes recorded have been decreed and casualties have been destined to suffer that fate (Allah’s pardon for them), and there is nothing anybody can do about it. There have been other challenges during hajj which have passed unnoticed. Allah has the power to prevent them if He had not wanted them to happen. And so, prospective pilgrims should never be perturbed, rather, they should refocus and keep their niyyat/intention alive. Hajj, therefore, is a blissful spiritual exercise. Although certain discomfort may be experienced, it is not abnormal in a gathering like Hajj. The tragedies can never remove the sanctity of Hajj nor will they instil fear in the minds of prospective Albania. Several Muslims will be eager to go year in year out, in fulfilment of their obligation to their God.

communitynews

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Ogoga’s coronation: Ikere-Ekiti plans N2bn entrepreneurship institute

Sam Nwaoko-Ado-Ekiti

S part of efforts to check youth restiveness and increase human capital development in Ikere-Ekiti, the community is planning to build a N2 billion entrepreneurship institute to mark the formal coronation of the newly-installed Ogoga, Oba Adejimi Adu. The chairman of the Ogoga coronation committee, Mr. Olawumi Adeyemi, who announced this on Monday, while addressing newsmen on the coronation slated for October 2, said the endowment fund for commencement of the institute would be officially launched on the day of the ceremony. The new Ogoga received instrument of appointment and staff of office from Governor Ayodele Fayose on July 6, 2015, to replace the late Oba Samuel Adegboye, who died on August 22, 2014. According to Adeyemi, the institute would assist unemployed people in Ikere-Ekiti, adding that it would “help them to acquire training in any vocation of their interest after which they will get funds from the town’s endowment to set up a business that would make them financially independent.” He said the dream of the town was to nurture the

institute to university status, where youths could acquire higher certificates in the nearest future. Speaking against the backdrop of the University

of Education, Ikere-Ekiti that was established by ex Governor Segun Oni and scrapped by Dr Kayode Fayemi, Adeyemi refuted the allegation that the cri-

sis that dogged its establishment in the community was caused by indigenes of the community. Harping on the need to eschew acts that could

The deplorable Giwamu Road in Warri, Delta State. PHOTO: EBENEZER ADUROKIYA.

The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, has said that there is no rivalry among members of the union in the state, not evenat Oshodi chapter. Reacting to the killing of Mr Olayinka Mamowora otherwise known as Mamok, an aide to Alhaji

Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

Residents of Etevie, Iyeriri and Urhuamudhu communities in Ozoro, Ozoro North Local Government Area of Delta State have called on the state governor, Ifeanyi

Okowa, to come to their rescue. The communities were recently ravaged by flood after a downpour that lasted for about three hours. The cause of the flood besides the downpour, was attributed to blocked

drainages and waterways in the area. A student of the Department of Accounting at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Ogheneovo Simeon, who lost some personal effects to the flood, said rooms of many of his col-

Musiliu Akinsanya, the union’s state treasurer and Chairman, Oshodi chapter, Agbede said the deceased was not a member of the union. He noted that members of the NURTW in the state relate with one another as brothers, adding that there was no crisis within the union that could warrant the killing of any member, let alone

someone who is not a member of the union. While sympathising with the deceased’s family, Agbede charged security agents, particularly the police to do a thorough investigation and bring those behind the killing to book. Agbede further said that members of the union would assist security agents where necessary

in the course of their invstigation. The NURTW boss, while addressing members of the union, also advised them to remain calm and maintain peace and order, saying: “I want you to be law-abiding and steer clear of acts inimical to the good of the society. Please, always maintain peace and order.”

leagues were also flooded. “I have been hearing of flood, but this is the first time I’m experiencing it. The reason the whole place is flooded with water is that, the drains and water channels are being blocked with refuse. Since I moved into this house, the drains. have not been cleared. Even environmental sanitation days. You won’t see anyone clearing the drains,” the student lamented. Another resident of one of the communities, 70-year-old retired teacher, Mrs Grace Enajega, described the flood as unprecedented. “The reason we experience flood in this area whenever it rains is that, there are no drains or water channels. As you can see, there is no way for water to flow down to the stream or to the drains on

NDLEA, FRSC sensitise drivers on effects of alcohol Alphonsus Agborh-Asaba

The Delta State command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has partnered the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state to educate drivers on the effects of drug and alcohol intake while driving. The event, which took

and library in the town, to increase modern facilities that would give Ikere its befitting status. ”We did not reject the education university. The government then only politicised the whole thing and created serious tension before it was later scrapped. We only fought against the relocation of the existing College of Education. We believed the two could coexist . “But our dream now is to establish this institute and nurture it to university status, so that our youths can have a place to acquire training and higher degrees,” he said. The committee chairman praised Oba Adu for putting machinery in place for the building of an ultra-modern palace in the town, which, he said, had reached advanced stage. Adeyemi pleaded with the warring factions and those opposed to the installation of Oba Adu to embrace peace and support the ongoing development strides to take the town out of darkness.

Ozoro residents seek govt’s intervention over flooding

Lagos NURTW boss denies rivalry among members by gbenga olumide

stall development in the town, Adeyemi added that Oba Adu had commenced the process of building a museum, hall of fame , mini indoor sports centre

place in Asaba, recently, attracted 20 drivers from Kwale Motor Park in Asaba and the public. In his lecture at the event, an official of NDLEA, Mr Christopher Adabo, enumerated the risks involved in driving under the influence of drug or alcohol to include speeding and dan-

gerous overtaking. While admonishing them that the substances could be avoided at the wheels, Adabo said people, including motorists, could live a more secure and enjoyable life as addiction creates problems for consumers and their families. According to him, driving

with clear eyes reduces road crashes, adding that 10 per cent of 85 per cent road accidents which are caused by human errors are attributable to drugs/alcohol. Earlier, the sector commander, Mr. Rindom Kumven, had spoken of the dangers in making calls while driving, adding that offend-

ers were liable to heavy sanctions just as driving against the traffic constituted a serious offence. Mr. Kumven told Community News that the command’s next line of action was to patner with the state government to ban the sale of alcohol in motor parks in the state.

the next street. We lost a lot of our belongings to this flood. My gaari and other foods are wet. Me and my children can’t sleep in my house tonight until the place is dry. “We are appealing to the state and local government to come to our aids by constructing drains and water channels in this street down to Alaka College. You can see that from the beginning of this street to Alaka College, there is no single drain or water channel. If we have drains and water channels, we will always clear them,” the septuagenarian said. Other areas affected by the flood in Ozoro include Ogbor Lane, Uruole Street, Hospital Road, Azagba Road by Winners Chapel. It will, however, be recalled that the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Mr Emmanuel Egbabor and the HOD of Environment Department in the council, Mr Gabriel Efekodo, had earlier ordered residents of Ozoro to clear and evacuate all blocked drainages and water channels within Ozoro in order to avert impending flood aspredicted by the Nigerian Metrological Services (NIMET).

news Ogun PDP blasts APC over commotion at tribunal venue 45

he Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he termed barbaric behaviour, saying that the conduct of certain people at the venue of the election tribunal was nothing short of unleashing terror on members of the public. In a press statement released on Wednesday and made avilable to the Nigerian Tribune signed by the party’s chairman, Chief Bayo Dayo, the PDP

Friday, 2 October, 2015

alleged that thugs from the APC camp besieged the venue of the tribunal hearing the gubernatorial petition of its candidate in the governorship election in the state, prince Gbarega Isiaka to foment trouble. The statement read in part: “The All Progressive Congress (APC) led government in Ogun State yesterday(Tuesday) demonstrated a high level show of shame and gubernatorial petition of PDP and Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and unleashed terror on the un-

suspecting member of the public. “The thugs from Ijebu Ode and Sagamu and supported by their counterparts from Abeokuta came in trucks and descended on the PDP members who came to witness the tribunal proceeding. “Yesterday(Tuesday) was not the judgment day but assigned for the adoption of oral and written submission by the petitioners and the defense counsels. “The state chairman of PDP Engr. Bayo Dayo in company of state secre-

tary ,Alhaji Semiu Sodipo and other party executives were humiliated and subjected to severe torture by the hoodlums. “But for the security operatives, the National Auditor, Alhaji Wole Adeyanju and the state Vice Chairman, Hon. Boye Adesina would have probably been sent to an untimely death. They have to be whisked away amidst tight security by men of the police and the DSS. “In fact the attitude of this APC members and their thugs clearly show

Eschew propangandist governance—PDP tells Ambode Bola Badmus- Lagos Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has counselled Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to eschew propagandists governance and be wary of groups and individuals who now assume sycophant’s roles in his administration. The party said Governor Ambode could only make meaningful progress if he upheld the tenet of delivering tangible service to the state and not “mirage service” as presently being felt. The PDP gave the advice in a statement issued by its publicity secretary, Mr Taofik Gani, saying its counselling was coming on the heels of a recent rating attributed to a group within

the All Progressives Congress (APC) called Asiwaju National Forum (ANF), which praised Governor Ambode for improving the economy of the state, while berating former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s administration. The PDP said Fashola could not have scored above 35 per cent mark under an objective and factual rating of his administration, “particularly considering the monumental IGR and Federal allocations that were at his disposal.” “Yet, he went borrowing and consequently plunged the state into local and foreign debts of near a trillion Naira while leaving all his overambitious

projects as uncompleted or beyond the reach of the ordinary Lagosians. “Fashola rather adopted corporate and private investors projects and interventions to flaunt his achievements in the areas of security; modern markets; schools; parks; roads, to mention a few. “Fashola did not leave behind any legacy of lowcost housing; qualitative

No fewer than100 villages in parts of Niger State have been submerged in flood following resultant effects of water from three hydroelectric Dower Dams of Shiroro, Jebba and Kainji power stations. The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the flood disaster had so far spread across Lapai, Lavun, Mokwa and Shiroro local governments of the state, among others, leaving the residents in the coastal communities of these four councils abandoning their homes and moving to the upper land for safety. The state coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Lugard Bijimi confirmed this to our reporter in an interview in Minna, on Thursday, stating that 70 villages were affected in Lavun Local Government Area, as 10 villages

were affected in Lapai, even as additional 10 villages fell victims in Mokwa and over 20 villages in Shiroro local governments, respectively. He further explained that the family home of the state’s deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, in Ketso village, was among the several villages ravaged by the flood. He stated further that the NEMA officials in the state had visited the affected villages for on the spot assessment while palliative measures had been provided to reduce the sufferings of the victims. “We are in touch with the state Niger State government and we are consulting on the best way to come to the assistance of the affected people. However, we are of the opinion that relocating the people from the flood disaster prone areas would be the permanent solution to the problem,” he said.

Gboyega Nasir Isiaka is challenging the purported victory at the tribunal.’’

I will surely reclaim my stolen mandate — Maku Ademola Adegbite- Lafia

IMMEDIATE-past Minister of Information and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nasarawa State, Mr Labaran Maku, on Thursday, vowed to reclaim his stolen mandate at the higher court, from the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Maku made this known to newsmen in Akwanga, Akwanga Local Government Area of the state, while reacting to the verdict of the state governorship election petition tribunal on Wednesday, which upheld the victory of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of the APC. According to him, “every effort was made by the tribunal to ensure that the respondents emerged vic-

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SATURDAY, 3 OCTOBER, 2015

torious at the court and this, I must say is very shocking, especially in this period of change.” “Everywhere in the state, people are weeping because this was not the judgment they expected from the tribunal, they are tired of the bloodshed and they are tired of unpaid salaries. Al-Makura goes around in the state with soldiers because he is not popular amongst his people, and that shows the posture of an impostor. “We will continue to pursue the robbers station to station until they drop this mandate. You can see there is no celebration because they know it is not yet over,” he lamented He called on his supporters to remain calm and peaceful as the journey through the process of reclaiming their mandate was ongoing.

N150

politics

entertainment

I support protests against Okowa over DESOPADEC

Flood disaster ravages 5 Lgas in Niger Adelowo Oladip-Minna

education; youth empowerment; well paid civil servants; affordable health care service; to mention a few,” PDP said. The party, however, said it disagreed with the group’s submission that Governor Ambode had improved the economy, stating that the state economy had continued to nosedive without clear-cut bailout policy.

that it never won the last elections in Ogun State which is the more reason the PDP and Prince

—Frank Kokori

senior citizen

No president can short-change the Yoruba and go scot-free —Senator Adefuye

interview

APC’s national profile won’t help it in Kogi in November —Kogi deputy governor

food&drink

‘In Okija, nsala soup is king’

Book your copy today

artistes are polygamous —Saheed Osupa

Friday, 2 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Nigeria’s Osarenoma Igbinovia (left) struggles for ball possession with an opponent during the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

World Cup: Congo can’t stop Falconets —Dedevbo Falconets head coach, Peter Dedevbo has said DR Congo can’t stop Nigeria from featuring in the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Chile. The Nigerian campaigners pulled a 2-1 win against the Central African side in Sunday’s first leg qualifying fixture in Kinshasa. The reverse fixture will hold next week at the National Stadium, Abuja. Dedevbo said the Congolese opponents would have been pummeled with more goals if not the tedious trip to Kinshasa. “The clash in Kinshasa was not really tough, the Congolese opponents were largely a fair side.

NFF unveils youth football development plan By Niyi Alebiosu The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in its quest to lay a solid foundation for the country’s football on Tuesday, in Lagos unveiled plan and policy for Youth Football Development. Unveiling the plan during the public presentation of ‘NFF Youth Football Development Plan; Procedures and Implementation

The Golden Eaglets players celebrate after scoring during their African U-17 championship.

Guide’, the NFF’s first vice president, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi disclosed that the ficus will be catching the youth at the early stage from age 6-10, and U-13 to U-18 up to the Super Eagles. According to Akinwunmi who also doubles as the Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, the NFF is determined to sustain the development of the youth and create a collective

platform for football academy managers and as well maintain the existing facilities. Akinwunmi who is also the NFF’s youth football development committee chairman informed that there will be U-13 and U-15 competitions in each state of the federation where the best scouted players would be picked to represent their states at the zonal level from where the best will also be discovered to feature at the national level. He added that the best among the teenage footballers at the national stage will then be taken to Abuja Goal Project camp for grooming. Akinwunmi who commended Zenith Bank plc for its support for the programme called on more corporate bodies for support so as to give Nigerian football a better future. In his remarks at the ceremony which had Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the League Management Company and other top NFF executive members in attendance, Mr Marcel Okeke, Chief Economist, Zenith Bank plc pledged the company’s commitment to the programme.

“Fatigue as a result of the tedious trip affected us badly, I still commend the players for rising up to the occasion to achieve the heartwarming result. “However, I believe they have come to the end of their campaign in the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. “Of course, we will beat them on our home ground next week in Abuja, I do not know what the scoreline will be but they will be thoroughly beaten, “the Delta Queens coach told supersport.com The winners of both fixtures will confront the aggregate winners of the clash between South Africa and Zambia for a spot at the World Cup.

National para-soccer tourney holds Oct 19 Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja THIS year’s edition of the National Para-soccer Tournament being organised by the Para-Soccer Federation of Nigeria (PFN), in collaboration with the Association of Polio Survivors in Nigeria is expected to feature 16 para-soccer clubs across the country. The tournament, according to PFN President, Misbahu Lawan-Didi, was scheduled to hold at the National Stadium, Abuja from October 19 to 24. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Lawan-Didi stated that this year’s event was significant as it was going to be used to cel-

ebrate the end of polio in Nigeria. According to him, the Federation would use the para-soccer tournament to mark the 2015 World Polio Day, adding that it would be preceded by a celebratory one-km walk to mark the end of polio in the country. Lawan-Didi informed that the tournament was a platform to rehabilitate and empower polio survivors using sport, particularly para-soccer, which was invented in Nigeria, as a medium. “The tournament is a platform to meaningfully rehabilitate and empower polio survivors through

sports and to promote para-soccer, which is the only disabled sport invented in Nigeria,” Lawan-Didi said. He further disclosed that during the six-day tournament, 20 children would be vaccinated by athletes who were polio survivors, saying this was aimed at raising public awareness on efforts being made to completely eradicate polio in Nigeria. “He added that state like Borno participated in the 2014 edition when the insecurity situation was at its peak in the region.” Katsina State won the 2014 edition of the tournament, while Nasarawa finished as runner-up.

Bewarang happy over Plateau Utd’s promotion Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja PLATEAU United’s return to the Globacom Premier League, after some seasons in the lower cadre of the Nigerian league is a worthy compensation for the people on the Plateau for their long sufferings in Nigerian football. This was the assertion of the club’s General Manager, Bitrus Bewarang, who described the promotion of the Jos-based club side from the professional league at the just-ended season an act of God. Plateau United defeated Spotlite FC of Katsina 2-1 in Katsina to seal its promotion to the elite cadre of the Nigerian league. Barring any last minute changes, Plateau United

alongside Niger Tornadoes, which both got promoted from the group A of the Professional League, will be playing in the Glo Premier League next season. Mountain of Fire FC and Ikorodu United FC, both from group B of the league, will be joining them in the elite cadre. Speaking on Plateau United’s feat, Bewarang expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for the club to return to the premier league and dedicated the feat to the state’s helmsman, Governor Solomon Lalong. “First and foremost, I want to return all glory to God who has made it possible for us to achieve this feat. I want to dedicate this

feat to the state governor, who is celebrating his first 100 days in office. There is no better way to celebrate than this,” he said.

Bewarang

Friday, 2 October, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: Tommy Adegbite

9 1. The Oba of Ketu Kosofe, Lagos, Oba (Dr) Isiaka Balogun Oyero (left), greeting Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran (right) and Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. 2. Remo Market men/women presenting letter of condolence to Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu.

6. Mr Akin Onipede, a former editor of the Nigerian Tribune, signing the condolence register at the Tribune House, Ibadan, on Thursday. 7. A cross section of Remo PDP members with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu.

3. From left, Honourable (Mrs) Elizabeth Olayinka Sonubi, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Princess Olsuoal Awonuga.

8. A cross section of the Iyeru Okin African Church, Offa members.

4. A cross section of Remo Anglican Guild of Stewards (Dragos) members.

9. A cross section of Egbe Akomolede Ati Asa Yoruba Ile Naijiria.

5. A cross section fo Ikenne ACOMORAN members.

10. Mr Lasabi Adebayo (left), Mr Akinmoladun Ayodele (middle) and Mr Adeyemo Moses (right), representing HLB Z.O. Ososanya & Company.

SIDELINES

NO 16,340

Only 7,800 of the 65,000 candidates who sat for the just-concluded UTME examinations will be admitted into the University of Ilorin according to its vice chancellor. Even in the area of university admission, the biblical saying is being fulfilled before our very eyes: “many are called, but only a few are chosen.”

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FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER, 2015

Eva Carneiro (left) with Mourinho

Women in football condemn FA’s decision to clear Mourinho Nigeria’s Sarah Ogoke (left) in a spectacular display against Mozambique on Thursday in Cameroon. THE Football Association’s decision to clear Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho of making discriminatory comments to former club doctor Eva Carneiro has “appalled” a campaign group. Women in Football said its language expert is certain Mourinho used abusive language towards a woman, contrary to the verdict of the FA’s chosen expert. “It’s another example of the FA failing to tackle discrimination,” it said. “We are concerned by the serious flaws in the process of such investigations.” The FA studied footage from the 2-2 draw with Swansea on August 8 after a member of the public made a complaint. It said it was “satisfied the words used do not constitute discriminatory language under FA rules”. Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn were criticised by Mourinho for treating Eden Hazard with the side a man down. The club doctor had her role downgraded before she decided to leave the club. The Women in Football statement said: “Our own language expert made it abundantly clear that the abusive words used by Mr Mourinho on the touchline that day were specifically directed towards a woman, as indicated by the grammar of his sentence. “Other Portuguese speakers we contacted in gathering evidence also emphasised this point. We therefore find it extraordinary that any expert or Portuguese speaker would report otherwise.” The FA said it had appointed an

independent academic expert in Portuguese linguistics to analyse the footage of the incident, which included the audio recording. It said in its statement: “Both the words used, as translated and analysed by the independent expert, and the video evidence, do not support the conclusion that the words were directed at any person in particular.”

2015 AfroBasket: D’Tigers land in semis By Ganiyu Salman NIGERIA women’s senior national basketball team, D’Tigress on Thursday qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing 2015 AfroBasket Women championship in Yaounde, Cameroon, following their hard fought victory over Mozambique.

The 11th All Africa Games silver medallists this time, only managed a five-point margin, 71-66 over the Mozambiqans in what turned out to be their toughest game in the competition after the loss to the defending champions, Angola in a group opener. Nigeria handled by the Scott

I’m impressed by Eagles attitude —Oliseh

IGERIA head coach, Sunday Oliseh, says he has been impressed by the mental strength of the players he has worked with since he took over the Super Eagles. Oliseh’s first game in charge was a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania and with the score tied at 0-0 during the break and the Taifa Stars clearly on top in the first half, the former Borussia Dortmund said he was stunned to meet his players. “What impressed me the most about my team was the unity and the way they stayed calm in the dressing room at half time. “They were the first that realised that things were not going right. They were all trying to find solutions among themselves.

“That is something you usually require the services of a psychologist for,” Oliseh said. Oliseh then revealed his coaching philosophy and what he intends to bring to the three-time African champions as coach, as regards their playing style. “For us to go further, we must have a (definite) style of play. “The philosophy is simple. When we don’t have the ball, we must behave and act in a particular manner and there should also be a way we behave when we have possession of the ball. “The problem we have however, is that Nigerians just don’t want us to win. “They want us to win playing good football but that will require time. “I cannot tell Nigerians how long I will need to achieve that, but we have a clear objective at

this moment. “That objective is qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon,” he said. Oliseh is yet to taste defeat after overseeing his first two matches, as the Eagles face Congo DR and Cameroon in international friendlies later this month.

Oliseh

Nnaji-led technical crew, will now meet the winner between the hosts, Cameroon and Egypt in the semifinal today. Joyce Ekworomadu with her heroics aided the victory of D’Tigress as she finished with a game-best 20 points, while Odelia Mafanela and Deolinda Ngulela combined to amass 34 points for the Mozambiqans. The turning point of the match was when Adaora Elonu hit a layup with 5:45 minutes left, to earn the twotime African champions a 60-58 lead, and they never trailed again. Helen Ogunjimi emerged the heroine of the game, as she not only played aggressive defence, but the 30-year-old guard provided two crucial three-pointers to keep Nigeria alive in the game. It was a sweet revenge for the Nigerians who were humiliated by Mozambique two years ago in the quarter-final of the AfroBasket. Speaking on the victory, Ndidi Madu, who finished with a gamehigh 13 rebounds said their opponents gave them a match. “It was a tough game for us. Mozambique is a great team. We didn’t do a good of job rebounding. We definitely need to able to rebound in order to win ball games. It does not matter who we face tomorrow (Friday in the semi-final), we just need to be ready for the fight,” Ndidi told fiba.com. Meanwhile, 10-time champions, Senegal are also through to the semi-final with a 57-38 win over the reigning All Africa Games champions, Mali.

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. Ag. EDITOR: TINU AYANNIYI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 2/10/2015.