7th October, 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,606 FRIDAY, 7 OCTOBER, 2016

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Suspected militants kidnap VP, teacher, 4 students in Lagos —P4

•Captives taken away in speed boat —Police Recession

NASS invites Buhari —P8

Senate rejects MTN's bid to sack workers —P38

Some worried parents discussing with officers of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), after the kidnap of students and teachers of Lagos Model College, Igbonla-Epe, Lagos State, by suspected militants, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

FG withdraws forgery case against Saraki, Ekweremadu —P31

From left, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, who represented the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice M. L. Abimbola; Justice M. O. Ishola and Justice M. A. Adegbola, at the 2016/2017 legal year service held at Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja'ba, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

I wasn't desperate to win 2015 presidential election —Buhari —P10

Ekiti Assembly suspends member for 180 days —P29

Friday, 7 October, 2016 2 news Germany, Ensure fair, objective reportage of national issues, Nigeria to Ambode tasks editors launch book on Bola Badmus, Kasali Qudus and Akin Adewakun-Lagos

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agos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has urged the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) to continue to ensure fair and objective reportage of national issues that would promote socio-economic development and national cohesion.

This was just as the governor assured that his administration would continue to partner with the Guild in line with its determination to make positive difference in the lives of all Lagosians.

Governor Ambode made the call on Thursday, at the commissioning of Editors’ House, located at 24, Mojidi Street, Ikeja, saying the NGE, just like other professional and trade union bodies, held strategic stakes in the healthy development of the nation.

The governor, therefore, tasked the Guild to ensure that more attention was devoted to issues that would assist government to ease the current hardship being experienced by the people and also ensure protection of lives and property.

“It is no longer news that our nation’s economy is in recession amidst other

challenges that demand the patriotism and nationalistic spirit of all of us.

Specifically for members of the Guild, as gatekeepers and moulders of opinion in our nation, you owe it as a national duty to ensure fair and objective reportage of issues with eyes on the promotion of socio-economic development and national cohesion.

“The practice of journalism and mass communication in this present time should be anchored on the best global journalistic ethos and must be moderated by local realities and national interest,” Governor Ambode said.

Governor Ambode, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule said, “We would appreciate your continued reportage of our activities accurately and objectively for the education, enlightenment and mobilisation of support of our people, especially as they relate to our policies and programmes in the

years ahead,” he said.

The governor, who described the Editors’ House as a new chapter that would ultimately earn the Guild respect and due recognition in the comity of professional bodies in the nation, urged members to make good use of the facility to protect and promote national unity.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated that since the Guild represented a unique authority in the media industry, it had become imperative for members to play significant role in the process of nation-building.

The minister, who was represented by the Director-General, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga, advised the members of the Guild to play an active role in the ongoing reforms in the country, especially with the widening space the media had continued to enjoy, of late.

He advised the Guild to

find a way of accommodating the different genres of journalism, being practised in the country, into the profession, noting that such would go a long way in boosting the profession, while at the same time bringing order into the industry.

‘Never before have we seen the media space taken over by all kinds of people, interlopers, charlatans, bloggers and Cyber Hyenas. I think there is that need to find a way of making them to be part of us,’ he stated.

He also advised members of the Guild on the need to go full throttle and play their watchdog role; since they now have a secretariat where such activities could be co-ordinated.

Earlier, President of the NGE, Mrs Funke Egbemode, in her welcome address, paid tribute to the founding fathers and past presidents of the Guild, who contributed largely to the realisation of the project, saying that a dream of

55 years had become a reality.

She also thanked both the Federal and state governments and other institutions that contributed immensely to see the project to reality, saying that the House would serve as not only a secretariat for the Guild, but a rallying point for its members.

Dignitaries present at the event include, former Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan, Peter Obi, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Deputy Governor of Adamawa, Mr Martins Babale; Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga, who represented the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina; representatives of Governors of Delta, Osun and Akwa Ibom, distinguished editors and chief executives of various media organisations, among others.

MR Ingo Herbert, ConsulGeneral of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, on Thursday, said that Nigeria and Germany would soon launch a historical book on their 158 years of relations.

Herbert, who made the disclosure at the celebration of the Day of German Unity in Lagos, said the book would chronicle the long-existing different areas of cooperation between the two countries.

“Our countries have come a long way and have engaged ourselves in different areas of relations,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“Let me announce that Nigeria and Germany will soon launch a book on business relations in the last 158 years,’’ he added.

The envoy, who congratulated Nigeria on her 56th Independence Anniversary, said that Nigeria would continue to be Germany’s important partner in Africa.

Lagos State begins enforcement of transportation rules

Judge’s absence stalls trial of Fintiri, exAdamawa gov Sunday Ejike-Abuja

The absence of Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, stalled the trial of former Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who is standing trial over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the former governor on a five count charge bordering on money laundering to a tune of about N2 billion.

The court had in July adjourned till yesterday (Thursday) to commence the trial of the former governor, the matter however did not go on, owing to the ill-health of the trial Judge, Justice Mohammed.

Sources at the court said they expressed the hope that the trial Judge would be better before the next adjourned date of November 22, 2016, that the matter was slated for hearing.

158 years of relations

From left, former governor of Anambra State, Dr Peter Obi; President of Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs Funke Egbemode; deputy governor, Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former governor of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and the deputy governor of Adamawa State, Mr Martins Babale, during the inauguration of Editors’

Appeal Court reserves judgment in Saraki’s appeal against CCT’s decision Sunday Ejike-Abuja

Justice Abdul Aboki of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, on Thurs-

day, reserved judgement in the appeal filed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, challenging his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal

(CCT), over allegations of false and anticipatory declaration of assets preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Troops intercept, neutralise suicide bomber Chris Agbambu-Abuja

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on Thursday, at about 6.30a.m. intercepted and neutralised a male suicide bomber at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State.

The terrorist, who attempted to infiltrate through the troops forward

defences at Jidari Polo general area, came in through Alidawari village, about four kilometres ahead of Jidari, strapped with heavy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vest.

Army spokesman, Colonel S.K. Usman, said that the vigilant troops on sighting him laid in wait for the intruder, who vehemently re-

fused to stop despite several warnings and challenges.

A marksman subsequently neutralised the suicide bomber.

He said that the combined team of Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) safely detonated the IED laden vest on the suicide bomber.

The Senate President is contending in the appeal that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) did not give him the opportunity to react to the alleged discrepancies in his assets declaration form he submitted to the bureau before charges were filed against him.

Saraki is also challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to try him on charges bordering on false and anticipatory assets declaration, operating foreign accounts and receiving the salary of a governor after his tenure elapsed.

Lagos State government said on Thursday, in Lagos that it had started to enforce the laws regulating public transport service in the state.

Mr Bunmi Odukoya, the Director, Public Transport and Commuter Service, Lagos State Ministry of Transport, made this disclosure at a forum with members of the Bus Conductor Association of Nigeria (BCAN).

“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved this before the holidays and that enforcement should begin, even as all transport associations are expected to comply with the regulations.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), “The full scale enforcement affects vehicle body tax, need for drivers to obtain driver’s badge, the conductor’s badge and sanctions provided, if not complied with.’’

The director said that vehicles for public transportation must be registered by the Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), whose duty is to ensure that such vehicles are roadworthy.

“Bus drivers must go to the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) office to acquire basic training on how to drive on the road for which a certification card will be issued.

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Nigerian Tribune

4 news Suspected militants kidnap VP, teacher, 4 students in Lagos Friday, 7 October, 2016

Captives taken away in speed boat —Police

Lagos State deputy governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (right), consoling parents of some of the kidnapped students of Lagos Model College, Igbonla-Epe, during her visit to the School, on Thursday. With her are member, Lagos House of Assembly representing Epe constituency II, Honourable Olusegun Olulade (second right); State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni (right behind) and the Principal, Lagos Senior Model College, Igbonla-Epe, Mr Olukorede Osidero (third right).

Bola Badmus and Olalekan Olabulo -Lagos

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IX suspected kidnappers, including a lady, early Thursday morning, abducted a vice principal, a teacher and four students of Lagos State Junior/Secondary Model School, Igbonla, Epe. According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Habib Aruna, the students were kidnapped by suspected militants.

The abducted persons were identified as A. O. Oyesola, the vice principal; Lateef Oyerinde, a teacher and one of the students, Adebisi Isaac Okonkwo.

The abducted Oyerinde is the elder brother to Olaitan Oyerinde, former private secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who was murdered.

The abducted teachers and students were as, of Thursday evening, yet to be rescued, as they were taken away from the school vicinity by the kidnappers.

The state-owned security helicopter was deployed to search for the missing teachers and their students.

The abductors were said to have stormed the school in speedboats and took advantage of the porous security arrangement and the bushy nature of the school to strike.

Six of the students were initially abducted alongside the vice principal and the teacher, but two of them were later abandoned by the kidnappers in the bush path.

The abducted students were in Junior Secondary School One and had just resumed for the academic session last Tuesday.

The kidnappers reportedly stormed the assembly hall of the junior students around 8.00 a.m., shot into different directions to scare away the students and their teachers, before

carrying out their act.

One of the students (names withheld) told the Nigerian Tribune that “we were praying in the assembly hall when they came. There were six of them, including a lady.”

“They came through the bush near the boys’ hostel.

They covered their faces and started shooting. All of us ran in different directions, some hid under the desks, while others ran outside into the bush. The gunmen then abducted the vice principal and the English and Civic Education teacher.”

Another student, a senior secondary school student (names withheld) also said “we had finished our assembly session and had gone into our classes when we heard the gunshots.

“Many of us ran out but the teachers quickly locked the doors on others. We saw the gunmen and a lady taking the junior school’s vice principal, a teacher and some students.”

The deputy governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, visited the school, while assuring that government would work assiduously to ensure prompt rescue of the victims.

Adebule, who was accompanied by top government functionaries and head of security agencies, condemned the act, but pleaded with parents and families of the victims to cooperate with government and security agencies in ensuring prompt rescue of the victims.

While addressing hundreds of parents who had come to the school to take away their children, she said such would not help the situation, as panicking would further compound the situation.

“It is true that in the last 29 years that this school was established, we have never experienced such a thing like this, but now that it has happened and it is confronting us, we must come together to find a

Parents who besieged the school to withdraw their children, after the incident.

Men of the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS), led by its commander, Tunji Disu, at the school, on Thursday.

lasting solution to it. We, as government, parents, the school and security agencies, must remain united to solve this problem.

“I know you are angry, I know you are worried and I know you are agitated, but we must look for solution.

But I plead for the understanding of parents in this matter. I know how traumatic it could be, I know how emotional the issue we are discussing could be, but the best we can do is to handle it with care and with utmost wisdom that God can give us.

“It is God who secures, it is God who protects and even in other climes where you have everything, you still have this type of incursion once in a while, but what we should be talking about is how we can collectively solve this problem,” Adebule said.

She assured that the state government would do everything humanly possible to ensure the rescue of the victims, while assuring that a team of security operatives would stay behind in the school to secure the students and teachers.

She also revealed that all security agencies, the police, Air Force, Navy, the Army and others, had been fully mobilised to ensure rescue of the victims, just as she expressed confidence in the success of the ongoing rescue operation.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on his part,

assured the parents and families of the victims that the rescue operation already launched would be the shortest in the history of the command.

While soliciting for the support of the parents, Owoseni said security agencies were already in custody of useful leads, adding that there was a strong hope of rescuing the victims.

“All I just want to say for now is that you have to work with us. What we also need from you is your prayers. We will seek your understanding and for now, I will not reveal much because as we speak, there are agents of the kidnappers here and they will reveal whatever we say here to them.

“We have a government in Lagos State that is ready to go all out and I can assure you that this will be the shortest rescue operation that we will carry out.

We will do everything we need to do to secure the release of the victims,” the CP said.

I had premonition of this incident –Parent Parents were, early Thursday, prevented from taking away their children from the school.

Scores of parents had besieged the school, some with the intention to take their children home, before they were prevailed upon by the state government and the school man-

agement not to do so.

The parents and the school authority held a meeting where the parents were assured that adequate security measures would be put in place to prevent a recurrence.

One of the parents, whose son was among the abducted children, Adebisi Okufemi: said “I was told that my son, Isaac, was one of them.”

He said he had a premonition that something was going to happen to the boy when he was bringing him to school on Tuesday.

“I had that feelings when we were coming on Tuesday. My car had a small problem and the spirit told me something about kidnappers. I have heard a lot of robbery operation on this road. My son even said this place is a bush,” he said.

Another parent, who pleaded anonymity, decried the security arrangement in the school and urged the state government to intervene.

He added that the gunmen hid under the thick bush around the school to perpetrate the act.

The parent asked: “Look at that place for instance, if we are chasing somebody and he runs into that place, who will follow him?

Reps call for early rescue of victims The House of Representatives, on Thursday, directed the police to ensure prompt release of students

abducted at Igbonla.

This followed a motion under matters of urgent public importance, sponsored by Honourable Olawale Raji, representing Epe federal constituency, Lagos.

Moving the motion, Raji stressed the need to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the act.

The lawmaker said the college was attacked by suspected gunmen during the morning assembly in early hours of Thursday.

The House condemned the action of the abductors under whatever guise, adding that it was against the tenet of seeking qualitative education, while members urged the police and other security agencies to intensify surveillance in Epe and other schools in the state, to avoid similar occurrence.

Ashafa appeals to parents, others Senator Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos East in the Senate appealed to parents, teachers and residents of the area to remain calm, while assuring that the state government would stop at nothing to ensure the safe return of all the victims of the crime and apprehend the perpetrators.

Ashafa, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, also expressed sympathy with the affected parents of the students and all the loved ones of the teachers.

“I urge the parents, teachers and residents of Igbonla in Epe to remain calm and be rest assured that the government of Lagos State, ably led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, will stop at nothing to ensure the safe return of all the victims of this heinous crime. The perpetrators will also be apprehended and brought to book,” he said.

He said representatives from his constituency office would pay an on-thespot assessment to the school immediately, to see how he could be of help.

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Nigerian Tribune

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

Metro...

crime, security, court

Police rescue 2 kidnapped female students in Niger Adelowo Oladipo Minna

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near tragedy occurred in Niger State, in the early hours of Wednesday, as some gunmen numbering about 10 forced their ways into a school compound in Rijau Local Government Area of the state and abducted two of the female students.

And no sooner than the incident occurred that the vice principal of the school, ‘Rijau Vocational School’ made a distress call to the authorities of the state police command, that some armed men had stormed the school premises through a broken fence and kidnapped two of the female students.

Metro gathered that on the receipt of the complaint, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Suberu Muazu, quickly called the command’s anti-kidnapping team and other police personnel stationed at other identified troubled spots in the local government area and its environs to race to the school to rescue the kidnapped students.

It was further learnt that the police anti-kidnapping team and their colleagues

gave the fleeing hoodlums a hot chase and caught up with them.

Further checks revealed that after a long gun battle between the police and the unidentified gunmen, the police were able to rescue the two girls, while the hoodlums abandoned their operational vehicle and escaped into the bush with bullet injuries.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Bala Elkana has confirmed the incident.

He made the confirmation in a brief interview with Metro on Thursday, in Minna, adding that the command had stationed some of its personnel in the area, with a view to combing the bush in order to recover some of the corpses of the hoodlums who were believed to have received fatal gunshot injuries during the exchange of gunfire.

Elkana enjoined members of the public and school operators at Rijau Local Government Area of the state

and its environs to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses without fear.

He also identified the rescued young school girls as Sarah and Martha (surnames withheld).

“Our patrol teams are around the school environment and the spot where the police engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and they are still patrolling the school premises and its immediate environment,” added Elkana.

Cadet inspectors cry over delayed promotion Biola Azeez - Ilorin

ABOUT 400 cadet inspectors from Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Cross River states that are yet to be promoted after their 2009/2010 promotional examination have cried to the Inspector-General of Police and the chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC) to look into their matter.

Speaking with the Metro in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, a spokesperson for some of the affected police officers, who visited the

Oyo State Special Adviser on Security and Special Duties, Mr Segun Bolarinwa (middle), presenting the security gadgets donated by the Oyo State Security Trust Fund Committee to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Sam Adegbuyi (right), at Mapo Police Station, on Thursday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

We’re close to arresting Bamiro’s kidnap suspects —Oyo CP

By Ayodele Adesanmi and Wale Akinselure

•UI alumni association condemns attack

COMMISSIONER of Police, Oyo State command, Sam Adegbuyi, has assured that security agencies were closing in on arresting the suspects of Tuesday night’s attempted kidnap of a former vice chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro.

Adegbuyi gave this assurance in Ibadan, on Thursday, while receiving communication house and gadgets donated to the police force by the State Security Trust Fund.

He, however, said more detailed information on the police’s efforts in the incident would be divulged as soon as investigation was concluded.

“We are very much close to the arrest of the suspects,

but information has to be properly managed. We are not leaving any stone unturned and we will keep the members of the public posted when investigation is concluded,” Adegbuyi said.

Handing over the communication house located at Mapo hall, Ibadan, to the police, Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Security, Mr Segun Bolarinwa, urged the police to make use of the gadgets to enhance effective communication in preventing and combating crime in the state.

“For effective policing, communication is very essential. This communication house and gadgets, including walkie-talkies and repeater station, being handed over to the police force, will en-

hance security in the state,” Bolarinwa said.

Lauding the donation by the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Adegbuyi reiterated the importance of communication, especially communication gadgets, in preventing and combating crime.

“The success of anything we do relies on communication. The effective use of this communication edifice will go a long way in combating crime in Oyo State.

The usefulness will not be limited to Oyo State as our counterparts in other neighbouring states do come for our assistance.

“I pledge to ensure the effective use this facility to the best use of God and humanity. This is just one of the

Nigerian Tribune

security assistance rendered by the state government for the use of the men of the state police command,” Adegbuyi said.

Meanwhile, following the kidnap attempt which eventually resulted in the shooting of the former vice chancellor of the University of lbadan, Professor Olufemi Adebisi Bamiro by unknown gunmen, the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Abuja chapter, on Thursday, condemned the attack in its entirety.

The alumni, in a statement entitled: “This barbarism must stop now,” described the incident as barbaric, crude and heinous, insisting that it must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The statement, which was signed by Barrister lsmail Alasa and Dr Chinasa Okechukwu, the chairman and secretary, respectively, stated that the Alumni was deeply saddened by the attack and strongly affirmed that “this continuous acts of violent attack on innocent Nigerians, no matter the motives behind them, are completely unacceptable if we must make progress as a country.”

The statement added that “Professor Bamiro is a renowned Nigerian academic, who has served this country meritoriously in several capacities and has continued to do so. His attack is, therefore, unfounded and an attempt to cut short the life of a budding academic, who has continued to contribute to the development of Nigeria.

Ilorin office of the Tribune newspapers, Mr Samuel Oladeji, said one of the affected policemen died of hypertension recently, adding that four others were ill in hospitals.

“Regrettably, most recently we have lost a seasoned promising young officer whom was diagnosed of hypertension. Until he died, he kept mentioning the name of a former Inspector General of Police repeatedly before he finally gave up the ghost. The late officer served last at Kaduna State Command.

“As we write, four others are lying on their sick beds.

We do not want to lose them, because hypertension is a silent killer. And what shall it profit PSC not to promote us after being duly recommended?” he said.

The people, who appealed for urgent action on the promotion process, said a signal should be sent to the affected officers stating when they would be promoted to alleviate their pain.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. Sir, if it takes the Nigeria Police Force months just to investigate matters related to promotion within the NPF, how many years will it take the organisation to conclude an investigation on a heinous crime.

“This act that someone will be recommended for promotion and yet will not be promoted must stop in NPF. It is a form of corrupt practice.

We have written severally but what we get in return is dejection,” he added.

The people also called on Nigerians to come to their aid, saying “the Senate, the National House of Representatives, all Nigerians home and abroad, please help us add your voices and beg the almighty PSC on our behalf to release our promotion.

“We welcome and appreciate the decision by the Inspector General of Police to set up the committee to investigate lopsidedness in the promotion of inspectors and other irregularities in the Nigeria Police Force.

“We are also glad that the new IGP made a public statement via the dailies that under his watch, welfare of policemen and women will be a priority for effective and efficient policing.”

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Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Oluwatoyin Malik

08116954633, 08078891950 e-mail: tribunecrimedesk@gmail.com Police arrest driver, receivers for alleged diversion of stolen goods

By Oluwatoyin Malik

The suspects involved in truck diversion

Village head docked for alleged rape, abduction in Ogun Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

THE Baale of Jangede village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Adenekan Olanrewaju, has been arraigned before the state Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abeokuta, on a nine-count charge of stealing, abduction, rape, among others.

Olanrewaju, in a charge sheet presented before the court by Inspector Sunday Ehiagbejiale, police prosecutor in the case before Chief Magistrate O.A. Sofowora, was said to have abducted 15-year-old, Abosede Adenekan and attempted to rape her.

Also, the High Chief was accused of stealing the sum of N.3 million belonging to one Soleye Sotande under the pretence of selling two plots of land to him at Jangede village.

Ehiagbejiale, in the charge sheet, said Olanrewaju forcefully entered into two plots of land in the village belonging to one Oluremi Okanlawon, as well as another half plot of land belonging to one Adeoye Gbemisola, thereby committed offence punishable under the laws of the state.

Olarenwaju was also alleged to have conspired with others now at large, to conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause breach

of peace by threatening to kill Okanlawon, Gbemisola and four other persons who bought land from him should they enter the village again.

The police prosecutor told the court that the offences were punishable under Sections 86, 249, 359, 361, 390(sub. sec. 9), 419, 451 among others of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria 2006.

However, counsel for Olanrewaju, Mr Bunmi Adelabu, prayed the court to grant the accused person bail on the ground that none of the nine-count charge carried death penalty, if at all the he was eventually found guilty of any of them.

He said the accused person was still innocent until proven guilty, citing rele-

vant cases which included Dokubo Asari vs FGN 2007, as well as Abacha vs State 2002, Section 7 SC Part 1.

Adelabu further argued that his client did not have any criminal record prior to the incident and that he had been cooperating with the police since the commencement of investigation.

“As a respectable Baale, appointed by the Alake of Egbaland, with at least 15 villages under him, my client will not jump bail, he is not a miscreant. Aside from this, the bail will also afford him the opportunity to prepare for this matter very well,” he said.

Ruling on the bail application, Chief Magistrate Sofowora granted the accused a bail to the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in the

like sum.

The case was adjourned till October 24 for further hearing.

A driver, Ibrahim and one Mohammed (surnames withheld) have been apprehended by the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos State, for allegedly stealing and diverting a truck with a 20-feet container of High Density Polythene products on August 23.

This, Metro learnt, was sequel to a petition written by the owner of the stolen products and Managing Director of I.G Acoman Limited of No 13, Commercial Road, Apapa, to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police to report the diversion.

The AIG reportedly referred the matter to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the zone to track down the said driver and his accomplices.

The zonal Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement signed by him, said the operatives arrested Ibrahim and Musa in Kat-

Police arrest mother, 19 others for allegedly killing child NASARAWA State Police Command, on Thursday, said it had arrested a lady in Gunduma, Karu Local Government Area of the state for allegedly strangulating her daughter.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Bello, while addressing newsmen, said the woman and 19 other suspects allegedly dumped the body of the baby in a river in

the area.

“As you can see, many suspects and exhibits are lined up here for you to see and inform members of the public.

“One Asabe Bawa Andrew (25) from Gunduma was arrested for strangulating her daughter, Esther Andrew, one year 3 months old, whose body she threw into a river in Gunduma.”

He said another 20-yearold man in Wuse town was arrested for the murder of his friend, who allegedly

Suspected gay couple nabbed, arraigned Ayomide Owonibi-Odekanyin - Lagos

A teenager and his alleged lover, on Thursday denied having sex through the anus, when they were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court.

Eighteen-year-old Ebere Nwankwo, who is a cleaner at a shopping mall in Lagos and Job Martins (20), a housekeeper, both male, were allegedly caught having anal sex at Goshen Estate Ikate Lekki, sometimes

in August 2016.

It was alleged that Nwankwo stole a Zenith Bank Plc Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card belonging to Martins and then used it to withdraw the sum of N22,000 from his account.

“The defendants were caught having sex through the anus and when asked why they engaged in such an act, Nwankwo said Martins, whom he described as his boyfriend, forced him to have sex with him through

sina State, adding that they confessed to the crime and gave the identities of the receivers of the stolen items at Mile 2, Lagos.

Adejobi said the suspects also revealed that the Fiat truck with registration number LAGOS BDG 672 XK and container with number No IPXU 3851370 AND FCIU 2589517 were abandoned at Mowe in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State from where they were recovered by the police.

He further stated that one Tunde (surname withheld) allegedly conspired with the driver, Ibrahim and the receivers, namely Fatima, Iyabo and Iyabo (other names withheld) who had all been arrested and charged to court on Wednesday, October 5.

The zonal PPRO said the AIG in charge of Zone 2, Abdulmajid Ali, assured the general public of his commitment to tackling violent crimes and social vices within the zone.

the anus because he took his ATM to withdraw N22,000 from his account.

“Nwakwo said he had promised to pay him back the money when he collects his salary, but that Martins replied that he didn’t want the money, but gave him a condition which was to allow him to have sex with him (Nwakwo) through the anus,” a police prosecutor told the court.

Nwankwo allegedly agreed to the act, on the condition that it would be the last that

he would have with Martins, as he did not like the act since he was not a girl.

But they were caught in the act by some people who reported the matter to the police.

They both pleaded not guilty, but were denied bail, as the court said it was only the high court they could approach for bail.

The magistrate adjourned the case till November 11 for legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

made him impotent through the administration of a native concoction on him.

According to him, “the command also arrested one other man in Angwan Ninzo, Keffi, for the murder of his girlfriend, who was pregnant for him by pushing her into the river, where she drowned.

“Since then, he had been on the run until his arrest on September 16.”

He said two Toyota Carina ll cars were recovered from suspects and a man who specialised in making fake vehicle particulars for them was also arrested.

He said 20 suspects were arrested for various offences, including robberyand car snatching in September.

The commissioner assured the public that the police in the state would not relent on their efforts to rid the state of criminals.

He, however, appealed to the public to work with the police to tackle crime in the state “so that law-abiding citizens can sleep with their two eyes closed.”

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news

Friday, 7 October, 2016

Recession: NASS invites Buhari to joint sitting Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

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HE Senate, on Thursday, adopted a motion earlier passed by the House of Representatives, seeking to invite President Muhammadu Buhari to a joint sitting of the Assembly to brief lawmakers on his anti-recession plans.

The lawmakers at the Thursday sitting concurred with the motion of the lower chamber which was moved on September 22.

The Senators agreed with their colleagues in the green chamber that President Muhammadu Buhari should appear before a joint session of the National Assembly to brief it on his plans to end recession.

At the Thursday sitting, Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Naállah, moved a motion asking his

colleagues to adopt a motion of the House on the matter of joint sitting.

He said that the motion was adopted on September 22.

The Deputy Senate Leader said: “Senate do concur with the House of Representa-

tives’ resolution passed on Thursday, September 22, 2016 to wit: invite the pres-

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, admiring food items presented to him by the Market Traders Union of Nigeria (MTUN) through their president, Comrade Oludayo Akinte (second left). With them is the Secretary General of the union, Fafoluyi Emmanuel Ade (right) and other members of the association, when they visited the Senate President in Abuja, on Thursday.

Saraki assures traders’ union, says 8th Senate pro-business A yodele A desanmi - A buja THE President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, assured traders in the various markets across the country not to panic as a result of the present harsh economic conditions as the Senate will always take decisions that will protect the interests of business and ensure the stability of the economy.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, stated this when the leadership and members of the Market Traders Union of Nigeria (MTUN) visited him in Abuja, where he also urged the traders to give priority to buying and selling locally produced goods so as to help reduce foreign exchange demands for imported goods.

He said the Red Chamber is working assiduously to restore confidence in the economy and get it back on the

path of stability and growth once more.

According “The issue of finance and credit is very important. We have said it in one of our 20 points recommendation to the President that the interest rate need to come down. Borrowing at between 20 and 30 per cent interest rate is very difficult to make any money for those of you who are into trading and we must do what we can to bring the rates down.

“This is an area that we are all working very hard to ensure it happens and also for the Central Bank to provide windows of special funds to support you. Today, in the Senate, we passed a law for the first time that will truly help small scale farmers because in the past all, the loans for agriculture have always gone to the big farmers.

“But today, we passed a law to increase the amount

available and we put a cap on it that no single person can take more than N10million because we know that majority of the big farmers cannot go and access that money. What we need is for the small farmers to get loans and credit. If we can improve agricultural production then there would be more Nigerian products in the market.

“I want to assure you that we are working tirelessly to address the economy, that is why meeting with market

traders unions and anybody that has anything to do with the economy is our focus now.

“I want to assure you that a lot of things are being done.

Definitely the most important thing is just for us to restore confidence in our economy. Investors have doubts.

If you have an environment where people are either afraid or people are not sure that this is what you will get.

“We want to try and restore confidence back in the market and when we restore

Security is everybody’s job —NSCDC

By Ronke Jaiyeola THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC), Akinyele Division, held a oneday security summit themed “Grassroots security challenges: The role of stakeholders” on Thursday, at the Award Hall, Akinyele Local Govern-

ment Area Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State.

In his welcome address on the occasion, the Divisional Officer of Akinyele Division of NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Moses Ebikwo, appreciated all attendees, pointing out that the summit was needful for curbing vari-

Lagos special status bill will help economy —Ambode Don’t play politics with Lagos status, group warns Senate Bola Badmus - Lagos with Agency Report GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State insists that the state deserves a special status, saying a Yes for the bill seeking such recognition would have provided an opportunity to reflate the economy.

Ambode’s position was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, in Lagos.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN), the governor was reacting to the Senate’s rejection of a bill sponsored

by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central Constituency, for the state to be recognised and rewarded with a special status and grant.

Ambode said: “In spite of the setback the bill suffered on Wednesday, the fact remains that Lagos State has always played a special role to Nigerians as individuals and to the country as a whole.

“Nigeria needs Lagos in order for other parts of the

confidence the prices that are fluctuating right now will be stabilised. We are also ensuring that workers salaries are paid. I know that traders depend on salary earners who make purchases because it is when salaries are paid that your businesses would boom, but when salaries are not paid there will be no business. We must ensure that salaries of teachers and other workers are paid on time because this would help stimulate the economy.”

country to continue to benefit from it.

Ambode commended Tinubu for her thoughtfulness and courage in promoting the bill that sought a special recognition for the state.

The governor said that Lagos, in spite of the rejection of the bill, would continue to be special.

According to him, the state will not be deterred in continuing to play the important role of serving as a conducive and secure home for Lagosians as well as local and international visitors.

He said it would continue

to be a home where opportunities are limitless and lives and property are safe.

Meanwhile, a socio-political group, the Lagos Future Group (LFG), on Thursday, called on senators at the National Assembly to put sectarian politics aside and treat the bill seeking special status for Lagos State with all the merits it deserves.

The group said this in a statement signed by its president, Mr Seyi Bamigbade, while reacting to the decision of the senate to drop the bill during their plenary session on Wednesday.

ous security challenges vis-avis vandalism, thuggery, robbery, kidnapping, raping and other vices, especially at the grassroots.

Delivering his speech at the event, the Oyo State Commandant, Mr John O. Adewoye, reiterated the fact that security was everybody’s job, though the Federal Government had given the role to security agencies.

Adewoye said “we all are government and whatever everyone is doing in whatever capacity will help to secure the community.

“I will like to assure you that any information given to security agencies these days is secure; that is a promise.

“Please, work in collaboration with us by providing us useful and timely information of any form of criminal activities around you, in order for us to have secured environment. Do not hesitate to report criminal activities to security agencies so as to rid this local government and Oyo State of criminals.”

ident-commander-in-chief to address a joint session of the National Assembly to intimate it with plans to get the country out of recession to enable the House take further legislative action.”

Senate President Bukola Saraki, who presided over the session, did not waste time in putting up the question and with a voice vote; the motion was carried without any dissenting voice.

Though the motion had no immediate force of law, it is left to the President to deal with the matter.

Lawmakers who spoke on the matter however, stated that a joint sitting of the Assembly, addressed by the president would give the nation a clear view of what the government is doing to address the ongoing economic crisis.

Agra innovate exhibition holds Nov 23 Gbemisola Solaja - Lagos NIGERIAN and international agricultural policy makers, agribusiness leaders, farmers, technologists and investors will gather to discuss the latest in agriculture in Nigeria and the whole of West Africa between November 23 and 25.

Programme Director, Agra Innovate West Africa, Folusho Olaniyan said that “we are ensuring that the upcoming exhibition will again have the great ambience all attendees have previously experienced.”

The conference has consistently been the best in terms of layout, facilities and hospitality. It will be the one place this year where the whole agriculture industry will come together to learn and do business.”

The event, now in its third edition, scheduled to hold at the Landmark Centre, Lagos will welcome over 50 exhibitors and 50 speakers at the conference, with a free practical ‘Farmers Training Day,’ where farmers would learn best agronomy practice to enhance farm productivity.

The conference and exhibition is supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG).

The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, OFR will open the ceremony as the guest of honour on Nov 24.

Other confirmed speakers are Dr Harold Roy-Macauley, Fatima Ali Mohammed, Dr ’Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Irede Ajala and Ade Adefeko.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

10 news I wasn’t desperate to win 2015 election —Buhari

Friday, 7 October, 2016

•Says it was Nigeria’s political watershed •Akwa Ibom gov cautions him on politics of identity Clement Idoko -Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, expressed his commitment to ideals of democracy, disclosing that he did not run for the 2015 election with desperation to win as people were made to believe.

This came as the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Emmanuel Udom, told President Buhari to discourage politics of identity and ethnic cleavages, in order to promote national cohesion, peace and development.

Both spoke in Abuja, on Thursday, at Leadership Newspaper Awards, where Buhari, former President Goodluck Jonathan and Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were conferred with Leadership Person of the Year 2015 awards.

Buhari, while describing the 2015 presidential election as a watershed in the political history of Nigeria, said collectively, the prophets of doom, who had predicted the disintegration of the country after the election, were disappointed.

He said himself and other actors in the election were led by the higher ideal of the future of the country and the well-being of the people, rather than mere desire of politicians to win elections.

“It is, therefore, our commitment to this ideal, the patriotic zeal of President Jonathan, the impartiality of the electoral umpire, INEC and exemplary conduct of the political parties, foreign pressure and other actors that we collectively disappointed the prophets of doom, who had predicted the disintegration of the country after the 2015 general election.

“Our democracy has been strengthened by the outcome of the 2015 elections, as our people now have more faith in the electoral system in the sense that their votes would count when choosing political leaders at various levels.

“We, the political class, should build on the experience of the 2015 elections to nurture our democracy,” he said.

He congratulated his joint award winners, ex-President Jonathan and Professor Jega, as well as other awardees.

His comments contradicted views held by the opposition then, which criticised Buhari as “being too power thirsty” and one who would

stop at nothing to reclaim power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Jonathan was represented at the event by former Minister of Special Duties,Tanimu Turaki.

Buhari recalled the invaluable contribution of the media in the events that played out in the political journey of Nigeria, adding that it behooved the political class to build on the experience of the 2015 elections to nurture the country’s democracy.

“The events of 2015, which the Leadership Newspaper has chosen to bring to the fore today, marked a watershed in the political history of our country.

“It is my fervent hope that the awards will encourage all those recognised today to remain committed to good

behaviour in their various endeavours to justify this recognition and serve as inspiration to others,” he said.

Speaking further, he said “on our part, our doors are wide open to media inquiries in line with the transparency and anti-corruption stance of our administration.”

While delivering his paper at the event, entitled: “Democracy, Political Transition and the Challenge of Leadership in Africa,” Governor Emmanuel said the daunting economic and political problems bedevilling Nigeria placed it at a crossroad, even as the nation marked its 56th independence anniversary.

While taking a cursory look into Nigeria’s political history and how it had evolved over the years, Em-

manuel said democracy had its biggest effect in Africa’s most populous nation and its economic engine room, Nigeria, in 1999.

According to the Akwa Ibom governor, four previous attempts at introducing government based on the rule of law and democratic principles suffered huge reversals, due mainly to lack of elite consensus on the workability of democracy.

He said from 1999 to the present, Nigerian democracy had withstood all internal fissures, with its culture being internalised by Nigerians and a process of consolidation achieved.

Quoting late Harvard University political scientist, Professor Samuel Huntington, who had posited that “if elections took place in two cycles and the process was

seen to have been transparent and free, then a consolidation may have taken place,” the governor said the crowning glory of the nation’s democracy was when former President Jonathan, putting the interest of the nation above his personal interest, conceded defeat to the current president.

“If the Huntingtonian model were to be applied, Nigerian democracy has not only consolidated but is growing and deepening in a profound manner,” he said.

According to him, “the margin of defeat was not extraordinary and most people had expected the then incumbent President Jonathan to use the instrument of power at his disposal to influence the outcome of the election or challenge the outcome in the law court.

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving his award as Leadership 2015 Man of the Year from former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on Thursday. With them are, from left, Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel; representative of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Tanimu Turaki and the chairman, Leadership Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Arbitrary tariff: Electricity providers face N500,000 fines NASS amends Utility Charges Commission Act, passes 11 other bills Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

ELECTRICITY providers in the country face a fine of up to N500,000 for any arbitrary increment in electricity fees, following the decision of the National Assembly to jerk up the fine from N10,000 to the current cost.

The development was sequel to the passage of the amendment to Utility Charges Commission Act, 2004, which was passed in the Senate on Thursday.

The House of Representatives had earlier passed the amendment, which was concurred to in the Senate on Thursday.

Deputy Senate leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who led the debate on the

amendment in the Senate, told his colleagues that it was in line with current realities, adding that electricity regulatory agency must be informed before any hike in tariff by the service providers.

The lawmakers amended different sections of the law, including sections 7(2), 11(5) and 13(2), which paved the way for the 4,900 per cent increment in fine.

Besides the amendment of the utilities bill, the Senate also concurred to 11 other bills already passed by the House of Representatives, including the Defence Space Agency Bill; Agricultural Credit Scheme Act (Amendment) Bill; University of Abuja

(Amendment) Bill; Chattered Institute of Stock Brokers Act (Amendment) Bill.

Others Bills concurred with by the Senate included the Treaty to Establish African Economic Community Relating to Pan African Parliament Bill; Utilities Charges Commission Act (Amendment) Bill; National Judicial Institute Act (Amendment) Bill; Endangered Species Act (Amendment) Bill; Quantity Surveyors Act (Amendment) Bill; Advertising Practitioners Act (Amendment) Bill; Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act (Amendment) Bill and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Devel-

opment Agency (Amendment) Bill.

Also on Thursday, the Senate referred the nominees to the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to its committee on communications.

The nominees included Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chairman; Sunday Dare, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management; Aliyu Abubakar, Non-Executive Commissioner; Clement Baiye, Non-Executive Commissioner; Okoi Obia, Non-Executive Commissioner; Ezekiel Yissa, NonExecutive Commissioner and Ifeanyi Ararume, also a Non-Executive Commissioner.

“In a moment that stands out as the crowning glory of our democracy, then President Jonathan, putting the interest of the nation above his personal or group interest, conceded defeat to the current President Buhari, then of the opposition and now ruling party - the APC even before the final figures were tallied,” he said.

“Our democracy has definitely come to stay and we should all be very proud, but there are still lots of job to be done,” he added.

The governor said there was, however, the need to constantly engage the people on what government was doing to address their issues and problems, adding that “an engaged electorate is an informed electorate and this will eliminate apathy and a feeling of isolation.”

He also described Nigeria as a country with deep cleavages where the main allegiance and interest goes first to individual ethnic blocs over the larger national interest.

Emmanuel said the political class would do well not to promote identity politics, but rather promote those tendencies that would unify Nigerians as a people of common destiny and growth.

Former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was the chairman of the occasion, in his remark, sought peace and unity of the country for real development to take place.

He said Nigeria had cause to celebrate because the 17 years of uninterrupted democracy had put the country on the world record as a democratic nation.

Chairman, Leadership Group, Nda-Isaiah, said the three persons selected by the management of the company for “Leadership Person of the Year 2015” all did something extra-ordinary to keep Nigeria one, in spite of predictions that Nigeria was going to break.

He disclosed that Jonathan stood out above all for conceding defeat to President Buhari, after he was told that over 10,000 Nigerians would have died that day the result of the 2015 presidential election was announced.

He said the essence of the occasion was to celebrate Nigeria’s democratic experience.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara; Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo; Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, were among other categories of awardees at the event.

Friday, 7 October, 2016 11 businessnews 2017 budget: Experts say N290 to dollar not realistic

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ome financial experts on Thursday faulted the exchange rate of N290 to a dollar proposed for the nation’s 2017 budget.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the exchange rate was not realistic with the developments at the forex market.

According to them, the proposed budget will be derailed if government failed to get a realistic exchange rate.

Mallam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., Lagos, said that the government needed to come up with strategies that would address exchange rate disparities in the country.

He said that N290 was not in tandem with what was obtainable in the parallel market.

According to Kurfi, more companies may close down in 2017 if government fails to address the foreign exchange gap in the country.

“The government needs to increase the amount of funds allotted to capital expenditure to boost economic activities for growth and development.

“Government needs to bring in more money into the capital expenditure to achieve growth by reducing the cost of governance,” Kurfi added.

Alhaji Rasheed Yussuf, the Managing Director, Trust Yield Investment Ltd., Lagos, said that the government should go beyond budget outline and think of ways to ensure effective implementation.

Yussuf said that outstanding issues that marred 2016 budget implementation should be sorted out before present-

ing the 2017 budget.

He stated that the government needed to sort out the Niger Delta Avengers’ issue and circumstances surrounding 2016 budget padding before presenting the budget.

Yussuf urged the government to intervene in the ongoing faceoff in the House of Representatives to avoid unnecessary budget delay.

“Budget outline is not the answer to the nation’s

Mr Harrison Owoh, the Managing Director, HJ Trust & Investment Ltd., Lagos, said that the government should boost internally generated revenue to achieve the budget target.

Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun at the Commonwealth Ministers of Finance meeting in Washington D.C., on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

S/West: Stakeholders channel way for agro-powered regional economy

By Doyin Adeoye

AS part of efforts to put words into action on embracing agriculture as a way of diversifying the economy, stakeholders from across the South West region on Thursday gathered in Ibadan to chat a way forward.

The effort seeks to provide platform for agricultural stakeholders both from the private and public sector to review and reflect various efforts adopted in time past, as well as pre-

view strategies on how to achieve optimal result in the sector.

Tagged South West Agricultural Summit (SWAS) 2016, the event which had the theme “Achieving an Agro-Powered Regional Economy,” was facilitated by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and AgroNigeria, a leading private sector agricultural organisation.

Welcoming participants, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi said

Heritage Bank sponsors African fashion and design week expo IN line with its strategic plan of identifying and supporting Micro, Small and Medium scale Enterprises (MSMEs), Heritage Bank Plc is proudly sponsoring the 5th edition of the African Fashion and Design Week (AFDW) 2016, themed “Be Inspired.”

AFDW 2016 which will take place from Friday October 7 to Sunday October 9, 2016 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos is a total fashion package that will include a 2-Day Runway Show and a Fashion of Business Seminar.

The runway, according to a statement from the bank, shows will feature eclectic collections from established and emerging African designers such as Weiz Dhurum Franklyn (Nigeria), Sunny Rose (Nigeria), Nallem Cloth-

challenges but implementation details,” Yussuf said.

He urged Nigerians to patronise locally made goods and services to reduce foreign exchange pressure in line with Nigeria’s economic realities.

ing (Ghana), Gavin Rajah (South Africa), Kahindo (Congo/USA), Mustafa Hassanali (Tanzania) and many more.

The Divisional Head, Corporate Communications of the bank, Olusola Longe-Okenimkpe said in a statement that the Business of Fashion Seminar is designed to provide a platform for young aspiring fashion designers and allied interests like hair and make-up artists, stylists and wardrobe managers, casting managers fashion photographers, set designers, backstage managers, entertainment managers among others to learn the basic foundation of building a fashion brand and make a fulfilling career out of it.

According to LongeOkenimkpe, the seminar which comes up at 2.00p.m. on Friday will

feature such emerging and celebrated fashion names in Africa as designers Jamil Walji from Kenya Africaine Nana from Ghana , make-up artist Marco of New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.

the event is not only timely and auspicious, but also of critical essence that the stakeholders come together to discuss the matter of regional survival and growth.

While acknowledging that the purpose is to develop a broad regional integration agenda for the promotion and exploitation of the agricultural potentials of the Yoruba region within the context of the Nigeria federation, Governor Ajimobi who spoke through his Commissioner of Finance, stressed that now is the time to go back and reconnect with the glorious heritage.

“This is the first regionbased dialogue on agricultural development in Nigeria. It is not only timely and auspicious, but of critical essence that we come together to discuss this matter of regional survival and growth.

“Now is the time to go back and reconnect with the glorious heritage. Now is the time to let go for our seeming dependence of the unsustainable path of oil and gas, two commodities with expiry date. “ In his own remarks, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, noted that it is now obvious that the era of free petrol dollars has gone, and the summit would afford states in the region the opportunity to go back to basis.

Governor Aregbesola, represented by Dr. Charles Akinola, the Director General, Office of Economic Development and Partnership, described the summit as a welcome development, adding that it is now obvious that the region is ready to face reality that agriculture is the only way out of the present economic situation which the country is facing.

Teachers Day: Skye Bank CEO lauds teachers contribution to knowledge economy Skye Bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, has lauded Nigerian teachers for their invaluable contributions, not only to the Nigerian economy, but also the global economy.

The World Teachers’ Day is an event observed around the world on October 5th every year. The theme for this year’s edition is: “Valuing teachers, Improving

their Status”.

In a goodwill message to mark this year’s World Teachers Day, Mr. Abiru stated that “education is one of the building blocks of society and most educated individuals are happier and healthier” stating that “an educated citizenry is the foundation for a strong and virile economy, fostered by teachers whose contributions are impossible to ignore.”

“We are all products of teachers, who are torch bearers that sacrificed their all and toiled relentlessly for us to succeed.

The Skye Bank boss called on governments and Institutions at all levels – including corporations and organisations to do more, in concrete terms, to elevate the status of teachers for the good of our communities, nation and the world at large.

Nigerian Tribune

ICAN to address accountability, good governance at 46th annual conference IN its bid to proffer solutions to the current economic recession and lack of accountability in the nation’s financial system, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has assembled a team of technocrats, professionals and key government functionaries to discuss the current economic condition of Nigeria.

The platform for this discussion is the 46th Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute with the theme “Accountability.Now.Nigeria” which holds in Abuja from Monday, October 10 to Friday, October 14, 2016.

President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR will declare the conference open while the President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Ms Olivia Kirtley will deliver the lead paper entitled “Accountability and Good Governance”.

The theme of the Conference which is the global Accountability campaign of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) titled “Accountability.Now.” is an initiative to encourage higher standards of public sector information around the world. It challenges governments to recognize the importance of working toward financial reporting that meets international standards known as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) ICAN therefore, seeks to encourage the Nigerian government in the spirit of change, to imbibe the culture of good financial reporting in government spending and public sector financial reporting.

Other speakers billed to speak on the various topics associated with the conference are: Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA Executive Governor of Ogun State; Executive Governor of Lagos, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita; Minister for Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema and the Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibikun Awosika, among others.

Friday, 7 October, 2016 12 businessnews Naira appreciates two straight days at interbank market Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

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he Naira on Thursday recorded 1.14 per cent gain to exchange at N306.71 to the dollar compared with N310.24 which it closed at on Wednesday.

The Naira on Wednesday appreciated against the dollar at the interbank market. The currency gained 9.97 points to exchange at N310.24 from N320.21 it recorded on Tuesday representing an appreciation of 3.1 per cent.

Traders at the market said that the entry of travelex and increases sale of foreign exchange to Bureau De Changes (BDCs) was already easing the liquidity challenges at the market.

Industry watchers b believe that since the resumption of sale of the currencies to BDCs was restored, the naira had been on a steady path to recovery, and that if the new arrangement continued, the Nigerian currency would regain its lost glory.

The local currency held steady at the black market as its value remained unchanged since it dropped 1 point from N475 to the green back on Tuesday to N476 to the dollar, while it closed against the Pound Sterling and the Euro at N590 and N510, respectively.

At the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market, the naira traded at N354 against the dollar, and at N580 to the Pound Sterling and N510 to the Euro.

However, the exchange rate at the interbank has remained broadly stable as a result of frequent interventions by the Apex Bank. The Naira/Dollar spot rate opened last week at N308.50/US$1.00 on Monday but depreciated to N312.99/US$1.00 by

midweek before appreciating to N305.31/US$1.00

by Thursday as the CBN intervened with dollar supply. The interbank spot rate closed the week at

N311.62/US$1.00.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives which set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate how the foreign exchange released to Bu-

reau de change operators is utilised, is demanding the removal of the CBN governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele he committee was set up after some members of

AN insurance company, Anchor Insurance Company Limited, has announced an increase of 23 per cent in its Gross Premium Income for the financial year ended December 31, 2015.

The company made the announcement at its preannual general meeting media parley held in Lagos, on Wednesday.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Mayowa Adeduro, said the company’s total assets showed a growth of 7 percent with

NDIC warns against patronising ‘wonder banks’ Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe attending to a customer of the Bank in commemoration of 2016 Customer Service Week at the Bank’s Branch on Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.

Travelex sells $15,000 to 3,000 BDCs today Chima Nwokoji-lagos

Travelex, a global foreign exchange (forex) dealer, will today be disbursing $15,000 to each of the 3,000 registered Bureaux De Change (BDC) operators.

President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, who disclosed this Thursday, said with each of the 3,000 BDCs getting $15,000 each, there is hope that Naira will strengthen as $45 million will likely flow into the system today.

He praised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for authorising Travelex to take responsibility of disbursing huge dollar inflows from the Diaspora estimat-

ed at $21 billion annually to BDCs. Gwadabe said the development, which was an improvement from the initially approved $10,000 weekly, would deepen dollar liquidity in the system and strengthen the naira against the dollar.

Gwadabe, said the experience and integrity of Travelex will be key in getting the dollars down to BDCs. He urged all ABCON members and BDC operators, as a matter of urgency, to visit their Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branches in their respective zones to update or validate their en-cashers and signatories mandate card for Travelex biometric data capturing.

Gwadabe said the Trav-

elex biometric data capturing would enable the BDCs access the International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs)/Travelex dollars window starting soon.

He said remittances have direct positive and significant impact on consumption, investment, and demand in the country as it can be used to address short-run output shocks, and even long run growth.

He said that remittances tend to be stable and to increase during periods of economic downturns and natural disasters.

He commended the CBN for reaffirming the country’s commitment to building an enabling environment and level-playing field for international money transfer

Anchor Insurance posts 23% increase in revenue Chukwuma Okparaocha and Kasali Qudus-Lagos

the House, through a motion, further demanded for Emefiele’s sack following the naira’s free fall against the dollar.

Nigerian Tribune

N5.4 billion recorded in 2015 compared to N5.0 billion for the year 2014.

He also added that average gross premium growth for five years was 21.4 per cent while the company’s total claim for the year increased by 85 percent from N273 million to N505 million in 2015, while also noting that the company had paid N1.43 billion in claims for five years.

“The company managed its level of activity during the year as its net premium income increased from N1.63 billion in 2014 to

N1.84 in 2015 representing an increase of 13 percent,” he stated Adeduro also announced the retirement of three of the company’s directors, who he said had served the stipulated time as regulated by National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Those were Dr Michael Ntuk, Bassey Anwanane and Dr Ime Enerson Udom.

The MD revealed that the company was set to launch her newest product, the Anchor Loss of Employment Insurance Scheme

(LoIES), which he said would redefine the business of giving adequate insurance to the public, especially, to protect against job loss.

“The Anchor Loss of Employment Insurance Scheme is a product designed and approved by NAICOM to meet the yearnings of insuring public to address contemporary challenges of the working class in the event of loss of job. This product guarantees a maximum 24-month salary payment after job loss,” he said.

services to Nigeria.

He said that by increasing the number of IMTOs from three to 14, the CBN under its Governor, Godwin Emefiele, would set the economy on the path of development in the medium- to long-term and also, restore integrity in the international money transfer business.

Gwadabe also commended the CBN’s efforts to strengthen the BDCs to meet the forex demand at the retail end of the market so that they can continue to enhance employment generation in the country.

The ABCON boss believes that despite the challenges facing the economy, the CBN and BDCs would continue to work together and find sustainable solutions that can help the country wriggle out of the ongoing forex crisis and achieve full economic recovery.

He pledged that ABCON under his leadership would continue to ensure that purchased funds are sold to end users and for eligible transactions only and shall render weekly returns on purchases from the banks to Trade and Exchange Department of the CBN. He further promised to ensure strict compliance to the provisions of the anti-money laundering laws observance of appropriate KYC principles in the handling of forex transactions.

Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has warned members of the public against patronising dubious fund managers in view of mouthwatering interest rates and unattainable returns they offered their victims.

And in its bid to ensure the success of financial inclusion campaign, has so far trained over 27,000 national youth corps members on principles of financial literacy.

Managing director of the corporation, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim who spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the NDIC Special Day at the Abuja International Trade Fair also disclosed that with the increase of deposit insured limit to N500,000, 90 percent of all ban depositors have been covered.

The NDIC boss noted that despite repeated warnings, many unsuspecting and financially naïve members of the public have continued to patronise these dubious fund managers in view of mouthwatering interest rates and unattainable returns they offered their victims.

“Members of the public are therefore, advised to patronise only banking institutions be it DMBs, PMBs, MMOs and MFBs with a display of the NDIC stickers carrying the words: ‘Insured by NDIC’ in their banking halls or entrances and various branches across the country”, he stated.

“Without any doubt, these wonder banks or illegal fund managers are neither licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria nor are they under the NDIC deposit insurance scheme On financial literacy, Ibrahim disclosed that “to date, over 27,000 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across 17 states of the country have benefitted from NDIC’s financial literacy campaign on the roles of the corporation in the banking system.

“Efforts are on-going to cover the remaining states on continuous basis for the purpose of enlarging the scope of financial inclusion and financial education towards consumer protection in the country.”

He said under the purview of Financial System Strategy 2020 (FSS2020), which is a collaboration with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the corporation has continued to partner with all stakeholders to propagate the objectives of National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) to reduce the percentage of Nigerians excluded from formal financial services.

13

editorial Changing the national orientation

Friday, 7 October, 2016

T

HE recently inaugurated Change Begins with Me campaign by the Federal Government underscores the fact that every system undergoes changes from time to time in order to make meaningful progress.

But in carrying out such appraisal and rebranding, the leadership must engage in serious thinking, providing answers to some fundamental questions such as why and how the society must rebrand. Is the rebranding project a veritable launch pad to higher heights or is it mere sloganeering?

As Minister of Information, the late Professor Dora Akunyili introduced the slogan Good People, Great Nation in the quest to restore Nigeria’s lost values as a country. It was premised on attitudinal change, re-orientation, revival of the nation’s revered cultural values and instilling a renewed spirit of patriotism and hope in all Nigerians. Before then, similar interventions like Ethical Revolution and Heart of Africa were made by different administrations. And 32 years after its introduction, the present administration resuscitated the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), with the slogan ‘Change Must Begin with You.’ Commendable as the latest initiative might look, however, we believe that sloganeering, which has become the fad over the years, only led to failure because of the pursuit of the shadow rather than the substance of national challenges.

The desired change must begin with the leadership through a paradigm shift from impunity and elitism. Nigerian leaders need to do things differently. For instance, President Muhammadu Buhari is known for his advocacy against corruption in the polity. Therefore, part of the change that Nigerians want to see in government is for political leaders to emulate his example.

It is leadership that inspires and gives direction to the people, as universally exemplified by many statesmen. Julius Nyerere of Tanzania; Mahatma Ghandi and Jawaharlal Nehru of India, among others, inspired change in their time by force of personal. Their lives amply showcased and profiled the values they espoused for their individual countries and indeed the entire human race. And their ideologies remain cornerstones of progressive societies.

Therefore, change can never begin with the people. It must begin with leaders.

Mahatma Gandhi personified the philosophy of passive resistance. He effectively combined spiritual inclination

with political idealism to secure independence for India from the British. He etched the twin core philosophies of truth (Satya) and non-violence. His philosophy of Satyagraya, meaning an endeavour for truth, has become a basis for genuine struggle globally, while his Ahimsa (nonviolence) constitutes the pillar of all Indian spiritual life. His compatriot, Jawaharlal Nehru, etched his name in history by taking the Gandhi principles and precepts to the next level as a quintessential apostle of passive resistance.

As prime minister, he reinforced the core values of the Indian nation as a secular nation. He entrenched religious harmony and tolerance and improved representation of all segments of the society to ensure a sense of belonging of the minorities in a country unarguably the largest democracy today.

In North Korea, the political ideology of Juche (selfreliance) propagated by Kim Sung has become a national creed. In Africa, the late Tanzanian president, Julius Kambaraje Nyerere, encapsulated his vision in Ujamaa, which inculcated and promoted human dignity and service.

It underscored his policies and life as a statesman, and he led a successful war against poverty, ignorance and diseases, fostered by colonialism. In Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo stood out with his regime of mental magnitude, an ideal for all political leaders desirous of attaining moral excellence and impacting generations. The signatures of these and many other world leaders underscore the words of an eminent historian, Dr J. Rufus Fears, about the four qualities of a true statesman, namely a bedrock of principles; a moral compass; a vision, and the ability to build a consensus to achieve that vision of what his country and his people can become. The leader knows where he wants to take them and what it will take to get there.

People take a cue from the leadership, but we have not seen any paradigm shift so far in the lifestyle of the Nigerian political leadership. The cost of governance remains extremely high simply because the political leadership is yet to do away with the unrealistic perks of office. The culture of seamless wastage is underlined by the huge number of cars in the convoys of elected officials, and the rest of the 170 million human population are consistently asked to make sacrifices while suffocating in economic miasma. The authorities must have a rethink on the Change Begins from Me campaign.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 7 October, 2016

editor

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

Economic crisis and national honours awards

T

HE striking headlines and the news items in several Nigerian newspapers of late have been on the economic recession affecting the nation.

Also, among the populace, the radio and television commentators, public analysts, even on social media, the current topic of discussion nationwide is on the economic recession.

The grip-hold of the economic downturn on Nigerians has been overwhelming; it has overstretched and has also weighed down the strength of the citizenry.

Even, the social psyche of Nigerians, including the governments — the Federal, states and local governments — has been affected by these tales of economic woes. But this economic meltdown that has hit Nigeria is not limited to our country alone.

The economic recession is a global phenomenon, but what made that of Ni-

geria so pronounced is not far-fetched. I can describe it as a self-inflicted pain due to our over-reliance on the oil economy. In the period of oil boom, Nigeria failed woefully to diversify her economy and build it solidly on agrarian economics.

During the oil boom years, the country’s policy makers did not save for the rainy days. Instead, Nigeria became the consumer of all the consumable goods, including all sorts of food items which were imported into the country indiscriminately, and not a producing country of goods and services.

The reality struck our faces when suddenly, the global oil price plunged and nose-dived. And its negative impacts have affected, if not nearly paralysed all government activities. Several states and local governments in the country are now finding it difficult to pay the salaries and allowances of their

workers, which are now in arrears of several months.

Today, many Nigerians are wearing hard faces all about, with no correspondent happiness moods of the oil-booming years when Nigerians were adjudged as the happiest people on earth. Even governments, in their various levels, especially, the Federal Government, have nearly forsaken part of their social and constitutional responsibilities to her citizens, especially the annual National Honours Awards to the merited Nigerians and nationalised citizens of the country.

My candid advise to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is that it should not succumb to the hands of the current economic recession and abandon its constitutional obligation. This is very important because, in spite of the blue sky, there is still also a white and shinning sky. Therefore, fulfilling the constitutionally-

imposed obligation of the National Honours Awards, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is ironically telling the economic recession point plank that it will soon be defeated and that it cannot hold down the government in fulfilling one of its constitutional responsibilities to Nigeria and her citizens.

The National Honour Awards is another means of putting smiles on the faces of the people in the midst of this recession.

The beneficiaries of the previous National Honours Awards have become good ambassadors and useful agents whose pieces of advice and supports have contributed immensely to the economic development

of the country. And they are still wooing their foreign partners to invest in the country.

President Buhari is, therefore, implored to see the advantages of giving out National Honours Awards in its right perspective.

•Elder Tunde Babatunde, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

Re: Lagos: State of shimmering lights AFTER reading through an article in The Nigerian Tribune features page of August 26, 2016, I was thrilled with the above captioned heading, when the author chronicled from Idimu-Ejigbo-Isolo-Okota-Ikotun, among other areas in the length and breath of Lagos State, where the ecstatic nature of the city has been in focus as a result of the ‘Light Up Lagos’ project, which I understand is being undertaken to usher in a 24-

hour economy, as well as to rid the state of security menace, among other good intentions.

I was beginning to nurse a glimmer of hope a few days la ter, after going through another captivating headline: “Ambode begins inauguration of 114 roads.”

The hope was almost immediately dashed after perusing through the list of roads, I discovered that none of them was in the closest proximity to Ijagemo Community in the Iba/Ojo LCDA, let alone awarding any road contract there. Not a passing comment was made about any of the communities on the Ijegun-Ijagemo-Ijedodo corridor, even among those outlined for future attention. This, therefore, raises a big question: Are those in the aforementioned communities not part of Lagos State? It may

be interesting that after shuttling with delight and enthusiasm in the night from Epe, Ajah, Apapa, Badagry, Ikorodu, Yaba, Ikeja, Oshodi, Agege, Surulere to Okota, Ejigbo, Isheri-Oshun, one will be in high spirit until you get to the Ijegun-Ijagemo axis when such enthusiasm and hope would be dimmed as a result of fate of a neglected people.

If the state government belongs to all and not to a particular group, something urgently should be done to raise the optimism of the inhabitants of Ijegun-Ijagemo and Ijedodo areas. At least, if there is no possibility of erecting the street lights, something should be done on drainage and road situations, which are the twin problems plaguing the communities in the above mentioned environ.

•Tony Anaele,

Ooni, extend your gesture beyond Osun IT is with great patriotism that I write to call on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to extend his good gesture towards the law graduates whose parents cannot afford to pay for their law school fees in other parts of the South West.

For some time now, Oba Ogunwusi has been giving financial assistance to Osun State law graduates whose parents cannot afford to pay their law school tuition.

The Ooni’s gesture is highly commendable, but he is not the Ooni of Osun State alone, but the father of the whole of Yorubaland.

I must really commend

Oba Ogunwusi for touching the lives of many people, particularly in Ife and Osun State in general.

However, as a father to the whole of Yorubaland, I want him to extend his gesture to other states, and if possible, all countries where there are Yoruba sons and daughters, like Brazil, Cuba, and even the United States.

I hope our father, Oba Ogunwusi, will continue with his good works, thereby liberating his people from the shackles of poverty.

Jimoh Mumin jimohmumin@yahoo.com

opinion Nuisance, Fulani herdsmen and the law 15

Friday, 7 October, 2016

By Olunlade Olusegun

T

HE THE word ‘nuisance’ in law is perhaps the most frequently used in the legal parlance. Due to its antique nature and wide scope, numerous cases and various academic pieces just to fit in the nuisance puzzle. I vividly recollect how long tort law classes became when the topic was taught; of course not due to indolence or laziness, but for the lengthy notes and the different questions coming from all corners of the class; even from the back seats.

In fact, even the domestic use of the word by lay-men is ambiguous. Let me indulge you; when the class is rowdy, the comment is “you people are a nuisance.” When you don’t enter your halls of residence early also, it is “you are just a nuisance to this great school.” When parents wake up to the noise of the kids … well you know what the comment is.

I do not intend to chart the waters of the gamut of nuisance, but the recent actions of the Fulani herdsmen trying to turn every patch of green into a grazing space for their cattle, with no regard for occupiers of such lands across the country, has moved my thinking to the tort of nuisance.

Basically, the acts of these Fulani herdsmen as cause of nuisance is the main view of this write up, as well as the swift and commendable action of a famous governor, but before I delve into the crux of the matter, allow me to elucidate the word nuisance with a few definitions.

Generally, English language defines nuisance as something or someone that annoys another or causes trouble for another. It can also be defined as an obnoxious or annoying, person, thing, condition or practice. In the legal parlance, it is defined by the Black’s Law Dictionary as “that class of wrongs that arise from the unreasonable, unwarrantable, or unlawful use by a person of his own property, either real or personal in a manner that substantially interferes with the enjoyment or use of another individual’s property”.

Nuisance can be classed into private and public. The issue here is an aspect of private nuisance; this is because a

public nuisance does not exactly affect an individual personally, but, however, the whole community whereas, a private nuisance is an interference with a person’s enjoyment and use of his land.

Clearly, these Fulani herdsmen are guilty of these tort and while the humour part of me is saying “how can they possibly know what that means, they are Fulani herdsmen,” the white and black side of me is of this opinion: “ignorantia legis neminem excusat,” that is, ignorance of the law excuses no man.

Let us, however, put the law aside for a minute and evaluate this situation. It is common sense, moral, right thinking, humanly to know that feeding the crops of another to your animals so they would not starve at the expense of the farmer is bad; I mean, can they even spot the irony of that? Like it is not enough that the deadly horns of some these animals might cause harm and injuries to the farmers, the herdsmen carry guns, adding the offence of murder.

This cruelty, has been, for some time, the fate of the residents of Enugu, Benue and Ekiti states. Hundreds of people killed in cold blood, even more have been put in debts and a lot more battle starvation.

Reading the popular classicus on private nuisance case of St. Helen’s Smelting Co v Tripping (1965) 11 E.R 1483) where the trees and shrubs of the plaintiff were damaged by the fumes from the defendant’s industry, I felt sorry because the plaintiff must have spent a great deal of time and money on the trees and shrubs.

Sadly, however, seeing and reading about the actions of these Fulani herdsmen devastates me beyond expression

due to the loss of not just time and money, but of lives, properties and food.

In the wake of these events, various moves, talks, forums, conferences, bills and threats have been issued by the government and concerned stakeholders as well as the security operatives. While the weight of the response is not exactly adequate to answer the problem, it has been steady and almost commendable, after all, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a step.

However, as much as I would want to do more brain and literary engagement to pressurise the government, today, I would rather engage myself with commending the Ekiti State House of Assembly and, of course, one of my favorite governors, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, on the giant, promising step of signing the Ekiti State Open Grazing Prohibition Bill into law on Monday, August 29, 2016. Under this new legislation, herdsmen are prohibited from grazing their cattle in areas that are not designated for grazing and forbidden from carrying arms.

The law prescribes six months imprisonment without option of fine for any herdsman who violates the grazing prohibition while any herdsman found with arms will be charged with terrorism.

With the knowledge of this new legislation in one of the tagged “backward” states in Nigeria, I have been wearing a smile that is definitely bigger than any laughter of the Ekiti farmers, and rightly so, because I was part of the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Law students who had a session with the Ekiti farmers. Consequently, I know what they have been through. I hope other state governors would learn from this giant stride Ekiti State has taken. While happy with this new law, I also share the opinion of Mr. Femi-Fani Kayode, a man whose literary ability I admire, that the six months imprisonment is small. I would say these herdsmen deserve more than that, yes! Dare call me wicked? The popular law phrase, “sue the bastard,” has never been so sweet, although in this case, I would rightly say “charge the bastards.”

•Oluwasegun is a law student of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

Nigeria at 56: Crawling to good governance

By Michael Ogundana EVERY Independence Day affords us the opportunity to remember the struggles of our founders, their devotion and sacrifices for an independent nation. On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation.

What follows was Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s speech, delivered at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, at the Independence Day ceremony. In his speech, he said: “All too soon, it has become evident that for us, independence implies a great deal more than self-government.” Unfortunately, 56 years on, we are yet to experience “The Great Deal” Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa talked about in his speech.

No doubt, it is a good thing to be independent- it means a lot more than just not being under the control of a colonial master. It is more than the desire and passion for self-governance — it is a journey towards good governance. Unfortunately, at 56, Nigeria is still crawling towards attaining this.

I do not mean to recount our woes and problems, but it is my intention to draw our attention to the fact that we have, by ourselves, refused to transcend from the state of self-governance to a height of good governance.

Most often in our leadership elections and selections processes, we allow religion, ethnicity and partisanship to be our judge, rather than competence, integrity and selflessness. We have given room for mediocrity to reign over our affairs. We so much cherish incompetent leaders so long our sheered greed is satisfied. We prefer to have folks remain in a leadership position at the expense of good governance in as much as members and friends of our households are happy and duly compensated.

We are people of fewer concerns for what becomes the situation of the country and the generation unborn, in as much as we have the present moment to ourselves.

We glory so much in our self-governance and care less about good governance because that is the only way we keep the cabals in power and make them idols of our so-

ciety.

Fifty-six years on, we still debate on trivial issues that should not have transcended the first republic, had we moved to the state of good governance. Issues like epileptic power supplies, substandard and inadequate healthcare facilities, failing educational system and facilities, bad roads, among others.

Now, the question is, what do we celebrate? Self-governance or good governance? Unfortunately, what we have consistently celebrated in the last 56 years is self- governance but good governance should be the ultimate.

The irony is, self-governance by default provides the opportunity for a better government where our resources are well-managed and distributed without having to pay homage to our colonial master, but 56 years on, our selfgovernance is yet to transform into good governance.

The problem about us as a people is that we refuse to move from the state of self-governance to a state of good governance, which is the ultimate. From one republic to another, until the fourth republic, it has been an accusation of bad governance and corruption for the coup.

It is quite pathetic that at 56 years of independence, and after 17 years in the fourth republic with a relatively stable democracy, we are yet to transcend into a state of good governance because we have ignored doing what is

right. We failed to teach our children the best way to make a difference in life. It is difficult teaching the older generation new ways of doing things as they are accustomed to the old ways. We blatantly refuse to hold our leaders accountable, and our political leaders show no regard for transparency and accountability, which will inspire a new wave of belief and hard work that will bring about a total transformation of our society.

Fifty-six-year-old Nigeria has a lot to boast of, in which providence has placed under its care, yet has little to be proud of regarding accomplishments. Our human power is one of our greatest assets, but we have consistently undervalued it and has failed to capitalise on it; the reason for this is not far-fetched, it is because we have not changed our mind-set from the state of selfgovernance towards achieving good governance.

We have numerous opportunities as a nation and should not be hungry and poverty-stricken, yet we harbour more hungry and displaced persons than any other country with equal potentials.

In the past 56 years, we have painfully witnessed leakages and corruption in our systems that have made individuals richer than the State. We have individuals that have become stronger than our institutions, breaking them down, bit by bit, to get away with their many atrocities. For good governance, accountability and transparency are important, but for us, these are virtues that are almost entirely alien to our society.

There are no doubts that at 56, we have made some modest gains, but the truth is, we could have done more had we moved to the state of good governance. At the moment, it is even fearful that if we remain in this state of self-governance and not strive more to attain good governance, these gains may be eroded.

Therefore, accountability, transparency and efficiency are the hallmark of good governance, which we must imbibe into our national lives.

•Ogundana is a socio-economic and political commentator.

16

Friday, 7 October, 2016

C

OMRADE Bari Adedeji Salau whose Muslim parents hailed from Okun-Owa (very near Ijebu-Ode and Odogbolu) will turn 70 on October 10, 2016. Bari’s history is, indeed, fascinating. When you start reading it, you will never want to be tired of such a beautiful literature.

Bari’s parents (who are now of blessed memory) were musicians in their early lives, while Bari’s father, Salau Rabiu, popularly known as Aiyelabowo, was an ‘Apala’ music exponent, his mother, Sarat Olawunmi Alebiosu Salau, was one of the pioneers of ‘Waka’ music in Ijebuland in those days. Bari’s parents were heavily political. Papa Aiyelabowo was a bricklayer in Lagos in the early 50s. He was fond of attending political meetings at the residence of the late Akanni Doherty in Lagos. It was at these meetings that Papa Salau met the Papa (Chief) Obafemi Awolowo, who at that time, was the pioneer secretary of the Action Group, then called Afenifere.

Bari’s father struck a relationship with Papa Awolowo that lasted till he transited It was quite easy for Papa Salau to embrace the leadership of the late Papa S. Onasanya of Aiyepe. They were both of the same constituency in Ijebuland.

Both Papa Onasanya and Papa Aiyelabowo contested the first local government elections after the formal announcement of Action Group as a political party. Papa Aiyelabowo remained on Action Group Councillor representing Okun-Owu until the Chief S.L. Akintola rebellion put paid to the Action Group politics of the time.

Papa Salau a.k.a “Aiyelabowo” never severed political association with Papa Onasaya of Aiyepe till both of them returned to the bosom of their Creator.

The two remained loyal to the politics and ideals of Papa Awolowo. Comrade Bari Adedeji Salau never gate-crashed into Awo’s politics. He met it at home and has remained consistently loyal up till today.

Bari Salau is a man of outstanding qualities. He is bold, courageous and strong. All who know him can attest to the fact that in whatever he believes in, he has always wanted to remain tenaciously committed. Just like his father Papa Aiyelabowo, Bari can never bend his principles because of any tyranny unleashed by his opponent. Despite all that the late Chief S.L. Akintola’s party (the NNDP) did to oppress Papa Aiyelabowo, including arbitrary imprisonment, he (Papa Aiyelabowo) remained committed to Papa Awolowo and the Action Group (AG) to the very end. As far as Bari is concerned, any compromise over principle is total abandonment of that principle.

I equally remember that Comrade Bari Salau was disqualified from contesting an election in the post 1983 military years for using Papa Awolowo’s picture to accompany his campaign leaflets. The disqualification never bothered Bari. He believes till this day that he could never surrender to the whims and caprices of the military electoral umpire by bowing down to instructions that would smear the name of his political hero – Awo. Comrade Bari Salau has always been a rebel with a cause.

He attended Odogbolu Grammar School, from Odogbolu, he, with his

With

Ebenezer Babatope 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

As Comrade Bari Salau turns 70

friends, now embarked on a long journey to America to complete his education. He was admitted to the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus, U.S.A, where he did a degree in Political Science. Bari still remembers with warmth and gratitude people who assisted him to traverse successfully his Odogbolu and Minnesota years.

They include Oladimeji Okesanya, Oladimeji Onabanjo, Adebola Siwoniku, Tella Christopher Olusanya, Jackson Cole, Yemi Odumesu, Wemimo Sanyaolu, Christopher Umeadi, Leteef Saka, Dotun Osunkoya aka Janjala (now of blessed memory) Fatai Bakare a retired Major, Abayomi Amure, Kehinde Sonowo, Segun Aina, Bola Ayankoya, Olawewaju Sokoya, Kehinde Sulu, Olu Osibodu), Kehinde Oluwole, Tunji Awobadejo, Cyril Egbuniwe, Fatai Arobieke (now the Bashorun of Odogbolu, Olusola Travy, and Afolabi Ojabowale. Those senior to him at Odogbolu, include the late Yemi Osindero, Ademola Adenuga (a retired Federal Civil Servant), General Oladipo Diya, a former Nigeria’s Chief of General Staff and the number two man to the late General Sani Abacha and Aremu Odedina.

On his return from America, Bari joined the John West Publishing Company, owned by a veteran journalist and foremost Associate of Papa Awolowo, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande. Bari later rose to become an editor of the publishing company. It was from John West that Bari joined the Unity Party of Nigeria, which dic-

tated the politics of the Second Republic from Papa Awolowo’s political stable. Though Bari was an official of the Publicity and Research Department of the party, led by the late veteran journalist, Chief M.C.K. Ajuluchukwu, he served the UPN meritoriously in nearly all the departments of the party.

Bari was a result-oriented staff of the Directorate of Organisation of the party, then headed by me. Bari Salau performed many difficult assignments of my Directorate without receiving any kobo for such services. I simply cannot forget the combination of Bari and the late Comrade Yomi Olusanya, alongside the late Comrade Suru Apata in the activities of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Bari Salau co-ordinated the delegates of the Lagos State wing of the UPN to the first National Congress of the party, held at the Mainland Hotel, Ebute-Metta, Lagos in 1978. Bari was assisted in that task by his close friend, Debo Olasoji, now the Baale of Owena in Ijesaland.

Bari Salau, late Comrade Olusanya and the late Comrade Apata will always be remembered for the formation of the Awo Concerned Corps that assisted us with the organisation of the UPN of the Second Republic.

Comrade Apata from Igarra, Akoko Edo in Edo State, was reported missing from his Akoko-Edo base one morning a few years ago by his family and his body has never been found till this day.

When the military once again disrupted the activities of the civilian regime with the Buhari coup of December 31, 1983, many politicians were sent to

prison and political activities were reorganised, alongside the formation by the Ibrahim Babangida regime of two political parties – the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Comrade Bari Salau later emerged the Director of Organisation of the SDP, then led by Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe. Baba Gana Kingibe and Bari Salau still remain very close till today.

Volumes and volumes of political literature can be written on the political activities of our comrade, Bari Salau. He later became the Presidential candidate of the SDP for Somolu Local Government. Bari later withdrew for Alhaji Kareem Giwa in the national contest that eventually led to the June 12, 1983 election of Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola.

Bari Salau became the Chairman of Somolu Local Government. Bari Salau was the last chairman of Somolu Local Government before Kosofe was severed from the council to stand as a new local government of its own.

In 2001, Comrade Salau returned to America, where he worked as security operative with the City of New York.

He worked briefly as a staff of Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, when the famous woman was about to contest the New York Senatorial seat.

He later obtained a Master of Public Administration (MPA).

He worked with me as my Personal Assistant between 1994 and 1995, when I served as the Minister of Transport and Aviation. He travelled to Mecca during that time and never regretted his services to Nigeria.

Bari keeps his friends. Though today, his close friends, Adedolun Osunkoya, Lateef Saka, and Shansudeen Ojuroye aka ”Shamo” are now of blessed memory, Comrade Adetola Oseni remains very loyal to Bari. Comrade Oseni is from Ijebu Ife in Ogun State.

Comrade Salau is currently a top leader and official of the resuscitated UPN. On October 10, 2016, Bari, his dear wife, children and friends will gather at the Staten Island residence of the Salaus in New York to celebrate the 70th birthday of an Awoist who believes in Awo religiously and who believes that for Nigeria to succeed, it must permit her operations to be governed by Awoist ideals and aspirations.

Congratulations on your birthday our dear Comrade! May you for ever remain blessed!! Honestly, we all love Bari Adedeji Salau!!!!

•EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK: MAMA AKANDE OF IBADAN – EXIT OF A TITAN (BOOK YOUR COPY IN ADVANCE).

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Significance of Hijrah

A

religion contains within itself entirely all that it needs for its later growth and development. The ‘Hijrah’ migration of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and those of his Sahaaba (radhiyallaahu nhum) who were ‘the first to lead the way’ from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah in order to settle down there was not only an important event but a turning point in the history of Islam which evidently contributed to the progress and generation of Islamic heritage.

Undoubtedly the Hijrah took place according to Allah Almighty’s Will; since the Prophet of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) would take no such step except under Allah’s instructions in Whose Knowledge migration must have been the required course. In the eyes of the Muslims, the birth of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and 40 years later, the beginning of the revelation of the Noble Qur’an were two events of singular importance but the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) signified neither of the events as the commencing epochs of a calendar reckoning. Before the Hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah, a number of companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) had migrated to Abyssinia and were there when the Hijrah took place. But the migration to Abyssinia too was not made the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

Thus, after the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), having signified the beginning of the calendrical reckoning from Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah), the second Khalifah, Hazrath Umar (radhiyallaahu nhu) made it compulsory for the dates to be inscribed on all official correspondence.

Basically, the Hijrah institutionalised three important aspects of life: social, economic and political. In the social aspect when the first revelation was made to Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) a period of 12 years was devoted by him to inculcate religion in the minds of individuals while no pattern of a collective life based on true religious concepts could be presented to the world. The situation in Makkah Mukarramah during the earlier part of the Prophet’s (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) career was that in a household while the father was a believer, the son was an infidel, or the wife a believer and the husband an infidel. There were only a few houses where the entire family were Muslims. The status of the Muslim individuals in Makkah Mukarramah gave rise to the misconception that Islam, or believing in the Noble and in the prophet was one’s personal affair; it pertained only to the hereafter and had nothing to do with collective life. It was only after Hijrah that people began to see clearly that Islam is a way of life which pays attention to and reforms every facet of human existence, giving directions regarding almost every moment of one’s conscious time. The Hijrah also made the Arabs in particular to see as to what was a Muslim household and a Muslim society. Hence, only after this event could the world see the aspect of social decency and decorum under Islam.

A second reason for the importance of Hijrah is in view of its economic aspect. The economic effects were due to the permanent migration to Madinah Munawwarah by the Muslims. The matchless hospitality of the people of Madinah Munawwarah to the migrating Muslims not only provided a shelter and a new peaceful home for the newcomers

Quba Mosque in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara, built by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) after he migrated from Makkah. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to visit Quba Mosque every Saturday sometimes riding and sometimes on foot to offer there two Rak’ats. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said: ‘Whoever goes out to offer prayers in this mosque will have reward equal to that of Umrah (the non-mandatory lesser pilgrimage made by Muslims to Makkah, which may be performed at any time of the year).’ PHOTO: SAHEED SALAWU. but the Ansars (of Madinah) with a noteworthy passion of self-sacrifice accepted the incoming Muslims with great zeal and love.

When, after Hijrah, the companions and the followers of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) shifted from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, trade came into contact with agriculture and artisanship, resulting in an economic revolution for the place. The migrants from Makkah having been taught and reformed by Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) himself for nearly 13 years, were not carefree and irresponsible men; they were God-fearing and righteous. The Ansars helped the migrants to the extent of being ready to divide all their belonging between themselves and the Muhaajirs. But the latter were not prepared to accept a status of mere idle dependants; so every one of them adopted ways and means to earn righteously for their own selves and did not like to be permanent burden on others. Initially, the Muhaajirs worked as labourers in the fields and gar-

dens and construction works. Later they, being traders, started small trading activities which brought them into an economic competition with the Jews of Madinah Munawwarah.

One aspect of the economic revolution was that the Muhaajir traders paid the right price to the growers for their produce since Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) had forbidden the practice of acquiring products on reduced prices in return of loans given to the artisans or to the cultivators. Thus, it was only after Hijrah that agriculture, industry and trade freely helped one another to bring about an integrated, balanced and unfettered economy for the Muslims.

The third reason which made the Hijrah a very important event is the political freedom for the Muslims. Before Hijrah, the Muslims had no say in any matter, internal or external. They were a minority, against whom the hearts of the majority were full of enmity – the Muslims were an insignificant part of a set of dominating unbelievers

in Makkah Mukarramah. The Hijrah made the Muslims masters of their internal affairs, external relations and matters relating to war and peace. There was great understanding among the Muslims. For instance, in case a difference occurred between the Muslims and non-Muslims, the final decision was to be made by the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam). This showed that an autonomous Muslim set up was coming into existence. This was a beginning of a city-state which, within the lifetime of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) or within a period of 10 years, expanded so as to encompass the entire Arabian Peninsula.

It is thus evident that the event of Hijrah turned a few hundred persons into a highly successful society. The expansion of Muslim dominations during the following centuries is a historical record. All this was possible due to the shaping of events as the result of Hijrah.

Source: Al-Jamiat Publications Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net.

The 12 lunar months The Islamic year has 12 months that are based on a lunar cycle.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “The number of months in the sight of Allah is 12 (in a year) - so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth....” (9:36).

“It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light of beauty, and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He explains His signs in detail for those who under-

stand” (10:5).

And in his final sermon before his death, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, among other things, “With Allah the months are 12; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jamada and Sha’ban.”

Islamic months begin at sunset of the first day, the day when the lunar crescent is visually sighted. The lunar year is approximately 354 days long, so the months rotate backward through the seasons and are not fixed to the Gregorian calendar.

The months of the Islamic year are: 1. Muharram (“Forbidden” - it is one of the four months during which it is forbidden to wage war or fight) 2. Safar (“Empty” or “Yellow”) 3. Rabia Awal (“First spring”) 4. Rabia Thani (“Second spring”) 5. Jumaada Awal (“First freeze”) 6. Jumaada Thani (“Second freeze”) 7. Rajab (“To respect” - this is another holy month when

fighting is prohibited) 8. Sha’ban (“To spread and distribute”) 9. Ramadan (“Parched thirst” - this is the month of daytime fasting) 10. Shawwal (“To be light and vigorous”) 11. Dhul-Qi’dah (“The month of rest” - another month when no warfare or fighting is allowed) 12. Dhul-Hijjah (“The month of Hajj” - this is the month of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, again when no warfare or fighting is allowed). www.irfi.org.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

Recession, wars: Let’s go back to Allah for solution —Afolabi, Oyo NACOMYO coordinator

The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola (right) and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul Ganiyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, during the inauguration of a charity home donated to the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) by Chief Bayo Sarumi, in memory of his mother, Awawu Sarumi, in Ibadan, last week.

THE Coordinator of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) in Oyo State, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, has underscored the need for Nigerians to turn to Allah for relief and an end to the current economic downturn in the country.

Afolabi stated this on Sunday in Ibadan at the 1438 Hijrah grand rally, organised by NACOMYO. At the event, attended by the state governor, Senator

Ex-LG boss tasks Muslims on faith in Allah

The governor of Oyo State, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi, with the state coordinator of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Alhaji Dawood Afolabi; the Balogun Mumini of Yorubaland, Omooba Rasheed Adesokan, and other participants at the a grand rally organised by NACOMYO to mark Hijrah 1438, in Ibadan, last Sunday.

MUSLIMS have been enjoined to imbibe the virtues of honesty, humility, sacrifice and total submission to the will of Allah in accordance to the spirit of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

A former chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, Honourable Abideen Salami, made the call while speaking after the Eid el Kabir prayer held at Olomi-Olunde prayer ground in Ibadan.

According to him, “it is

Hijab: NACOMYO expresses confidence in Supreme Court THE National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Lagos State chapter, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Supreme Court to do justice in the case in which the state government is challenging the judgment of the Appeal Court which affirmed the right of Muslim students to put on hijab in public schools.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos recently, the state coordinator of the organisation, Mr Abdfattah Olanrewaju Muheeb, charged Muslims to exercise patience while awaiting the judgment of the apex court.

“It is our belief and that of all Muslims that Allah who spoke through the mind of justices of the Court of Appeal remains alive and still has the ability to speak through the minds of the eminent justices of the Supreme Court who are to sit on the matter,” NACOMYO stated.

The Court of Appeal had on July 21 given a judgment unanimously affirming the rights of female Muslim students to wear Hijab.

The Lagos state government subsequently filed an appeal at the Supreme Court with an application for stay

of execution of the Court of Appeal’s judgement.

The Lagos NACOMYO, however, commended the state government for the passage of the Property Protection Law (land grabber’ law) which criminalised the excesses of land grabbers, popularly known as Omo Onile, who “harass” property owners in the state.

It charged the government to ensure effective implementation of the law without showing partiality.

“We advise the state government not to allow poli-

ticians and some highly placed individuals to disrupt or hijack the implementation of the laudable objectives of the law.”

The organisation also advised the members of the public to obtain valid documents for their lands and acquaint themselves with the provisions of the law to take maximum advantage.

“We advise property owners to obtain and validate their land documents in order to have something for the law to protect from the nefarious activities of

land grabbers”, NACOMYO added.

The umbrella body of Muslim youth organisations in the country also tasked Lagosians to take proper care of their environment, while condemning the attitude of some citizens who block drainage channels with plastic bottles, disposable packs and other forms of refuse heaps.

It also charged the state government to provide necessary equipment and human resources for maintaining the environment.

important to keep promises made either to God or man. If Prophet Ibrahim had not made a promise and fulfilled same, we would not be having Eidel-Kabir celebration today.”

He urged the political class to learn lessons from the celebration. “Our leaders should keep their electoral promises and rule with the fear of Allah. The followers too are enjoined to cooperate with their leaders to enable them fulfil their promises.”

Honourable Salami also felicitated with the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiy Agbotomokekere; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola and the entire Muslim ummah for witnessing this year’s celebration.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Olomi community central mosque, Alhaji Mudashiru Sulaimon, enjoined Muslims to embrace the fear of Allah in all their undertakings.

He equally admonished them to imbibe the virtues of tolerance, patience and obedience to the commands of Allah.

Islamic New Year: Muslim groups demand holiday SOME Islamic groups have called on the federal and state governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijrah calendar, as a public holiday.

The groups, in separate messages, said such a declaration would be in line with the rule of law, fairness and justice to Muslims in Nigeria.

The demand came from the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) and the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUS-

COYS), National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

MMPN, in its statement signed by its president, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, urged the Federal Government to give recognition to the Muslims’ New Year in the interest of fairness.

Balogun said that declaring Muharram 1 a public holiday would give Muslims a sense of belonging.

In the same vein, UNIFEMGA, in its message signed by Abdulwaheed

Odeyimka, its National President, called on the government at various levels to recognise the Hijrah calendar and use it side by side with the Gregorian calendar.

Odeyimka also called for an end to the prolonged strikes in the education sector in the interest of the students and educational advancement in Nigeria.

In his message, the chairman of MUSCOYS, Alhaji Ishaq Sanni, said the declaration and recognition of Hijrah was long overdue and called for its immediate implementation.

Sanni equally called for stringent measures against rape in the country, saying the crime was getting too rampant because the culprits always get away with it.

On its part, NACOMYO implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society and join hands with other Nigerians in moving the nation forward.

The Oyo State coordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, reminded Nigerians that the task of making the country a virile nation was a collective responsibility.

Abiola Ajimobi and a host of other Muslim personalities from across the state, Afolabi also called for prayers for the cessation of wars in Islamic nations of the world.

He described the theme of the event, “Recession or Depression: Islam Holds the Hope,” as timely.

“At a time like this when the nation is faced with economic recession, and the Islamic nations have been turned to theatres of war, we need to resort to prayers like the Holy Prophet did for Saudi-Arabia.’’

On the issue of hijab, he advised antagonists of the mode of Islamic dressing to back down as it is only meant for the Muslims and is guaranteed by the constitution of the country.

“Elsewhere, in the developed world, Muslims are granted their fundamental rights and Nigeria and, indeed, the South-West cannot be an exception,” he said.

He, however, expressed joy that many important non-Muslims were embracing Islam on a daily basis.

“Simon Collis, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has accepted Islam and performed hajj this year with his wife.

“I appeal to those who are still sitting on the fence to get on the Noah’s Ark of the time – Islam,’’ he said.

Afolabi said as the state government’s position on the report of the committee on education reform was being awaited, there was the need for Muslims to brace up for public/private partnership in the management of schools.

“The era of complacency is gone. We should be fully involved in the intellectual empowerment of the leaders of the ummah,” he added.

He commended the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola; the senator for Oyo North District, Dr Fatai Buhari; the immediate past Executive Secretary, National Commission for Nomadic Education, Professor Rashid Aderinoye; the senator for Oyo South District, Rilwan Akanbi and other individuals for their contributions to the progress of NACOMYO. Earlier, Afolabi appealed to Governor Ajimobi to declare the first day of Muharram as public holiday in the state, a request which the governor promptly granted by declaring the next day, Monday, 3 October, a public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year.

The event featured match past by Islamic schools across the state.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

fridaytreat

Nigerian Tribune Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 Instagram: @roy_ige

Temitayo Eyitayo is a fashion entrepreneur whose brand, 24, has become a popular one in Nigeria. With plans to expand to other parts of Africa and the USA, he spoke to ROTIMI IGE about his passion for fashion, craft and plans for the future.

H

OW did your journey into making fashion accessories begin?

The journey into fashion accessories began as a trial. Our focus was on Polo tops and T-shirts at first, which remain largely popular, but in 2014, we decided to try out snapbacks (fez caps), and they were an instant hit with the customers. From thinking we would try them out to see if they would be accepted, they instantly became a fixed part of our product portfolio.

Your inspiration?

Design inspirations come from many things. The focus is usually around a theme or subject matter, and that theme is them built upon to create a collection. An example is a collection we released called ‘Postive Thinking’.

This had embroidered words like Hope, Focus, Excel, Loyal, Imagine, and so on. The theme was Positivity, but the collection was communicated through a range of positive words.

Challenges The major hindrance for most businesses today is the economic uncertainty. Even for companies producing merchandise locally, they are still hit with increasing costs of raw materials, since they are mostly imported. This makes cost of production go up, and as incomes aren't increasing, products can't be priced reflecting the current production costs. This translates to lower profits in a market where the value of the local currency is decreasing by the day. It's quite tough.

How have you been able to surmount them?

A problem can be seen as a hindrance or an opportunity to excel and beat the task set. In this case, the task is staying relevant and remaining profitable. We have constantly churned out series of creative, innovative and captivating designs, made with the best workmanship, and communicated effectively to our target market, what these collections are about. With innovation as our main objective, we are constantly tapping into our creativity, giving people what they want, with an element of the 24 personality.

What other fashion accessories do you do?

With the 24 brand, it is a round the clock effort. We have a range of product lines including Polo Tops, T-Shirts, Sweatpants, Snapbacks, Summer and Maxi Dresses, and so on. All these are products we need to ensure we are strategising for adequately, and communicating properly.

What other projects are you into?

Apart from 24, I still have a position as a Director and the Chief Marketing officer for Boltop Enterprises Limited, a West African distribution company of Baby products. Also, I consult for SMEs, helping them start up and keeping them in business when in crisis.

Snapbacks are believed to be for the youth population made popular by music and sport people. Which demographic are snapbacks exactly tailored for?

Snapbacks are for every and any one. We find there is a predominant age group that patronise us, but frankly, there is no restriction. Let's take a look at jeans, for example. We know that it is most common for younger

‘There’s no age restriction

to wearing snapbacks’ people to wear jeans, but it is not out of place to see elderly people wearing jeans. As a matter of fact, it is quite refreshing seeing older people wearing jeans. As I always say, its not about the age of who is wearing an item, it is about how the person wearing the item presents it, the carriage and poise the person possesses, while enjoying their outfit. All within reason, of course.

Are people taught to be fashionable or born with it...

Can you learn how to dress well, combine colours, fabrics, textures, put looks together, and repeat this process again? Yes. Are some people born with a natural flare of how to dress well, combine colours, fabrics, textures, putting looks together, and without any formal training, repeat this process over and again? Yes. The idea of fashion is multidimensional. In order to appreciate fashion in its entirety, one needs to open their mind to the endless possibilities of creativity, and accept diverse cultures for what they are. The safer fashion trends are easy to assess, but what's more challenging and fulfilling, is the ability to embrace different fashion waves, respecting them for what they are, understanding their contexts and being able to judge if they work, based on the contexts they exist in. Its only when one reaches this level of actualisation, can they refer to themselves as 'knowing fashion'.

Tell us a bit about yourself and early childhood memories...

My memories of earlier life bring a wide smile to my face. Things race through my mind right now, and I must say, I am highly blessed. From dressing up on Sunday mornings and going to church with my family, all waiting till late in the evening and playing with friends. My outfit to my Aunt's wedding, where I was the ring bearer, and I was dressed as an Army General with badges. The memories are endless, but what is most prevalent is the overriding conclusion that little experiences, interactions with the outside world and external stimuli, have all come together to make who I am today. It’s a massive cocktail of diversity.

Any plans to take your fashion line outside Nigeria?

24 is a lifestyle brand, and it will continually evolve into various product lines, so expect new product lines. Also, we are very passionate about giving back to society and our customers. So please look out for those. We will be relaunching all our product lines, ensuring our valued customers are well taken care of, and as fashionable as we possibly can make them. As for expansion, we are currently in Nigeria, Kenya and The United States of America. Let's just say we are increasing our footprint gradually, but trying to keep the growth as organic as possible.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 IG: @roy_ige twitter: @fridaytreat

fridaytreat

son, once I am not engaged in this creative enterprise; I would be in the kitchen cooking some healthy delicacies as medical experts currently advocate.

Assessment of the Nigerian music industry Nigerian music is growing so fast but I will like to introduce the Motherland soulful art into the Nigerian music industry.

Olaniran Abiodun Olalekan, stage name Hareesto is a South African based Nigerian musician. In this interview, the award winning musician in this interview with TAYO GESINDE speaks about the similarities between Nigerian and South African music, his favourite pastime and how to stop piracy.

Excerpts:

Nigerian artistes I wish to collaborate with The delectable Asa has always been my favourite musician to collaborate with and I look forward to doing a duet with her either on her project or on my personal project.

I miss my mum’s Egusi soup

How to stop piracy Piracy is an age-long challenge for the creative industry; every musical album that succeeds fall victim. Unfortunately, the pirates feed well on the sweat of others. However, we would keep appealing to the lovers of good music to support us (the musicians) by purchasing the original disks. I believe that is the only thing way to stop piracy in Nigeria.

On whether I prefer singing with a life band or to be cued with a DJ. The test of a musician is his ability to play with a live band. A live band needs a lot of rehearsals so that it can also synchronize. That’s the hallmark of a professional.

—Hareesto, South African-based Nigerian musician

F

ORAY into music I started music early in life because I discovered my talent for music when I was five years old. However, the drive of my parents to ensure that I completed my education made me start practicing music late. With all sense of appreciation, I also consider their desire as one of the best for me because my education is an advantage to my music career. I have been in the music industry for 12 years; I started by learning how to play guitar to complement.

Mentors I have a number of mentors and they impacted on my style of music despite not having physical contact with some of them. People like Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, Phil Collins, and

LoukaKanza are the music dons that I really adore.

Work done so far At the moment, I have two singles and one album. I also have collaborated with K Zinger, Leigh Harmony: they are Nigerian musicians who are also based in South Africa. I am also working on some projects and I am hopeful that all these will see the light of the day very soon.

On how my music was accepted by Nigerians in South Africa It is general knowledge that Nigerians are everywhere doing well in all the industries that they have found themselves in. In South Africa, Nigerians; especially those of Yoruba descent have embraced my music. I really appreciate their support because if you

are not accepted by your people in a foreign land; who will celebrate your efforts?

The similarities and differences between the South African Music and the Nigerian Music Industry Nigerian music is going international as fast as it can and South African music is also doing the same. However, I love South African music a lot because most of their music are based on African roots beats.

about home Home will always be home. I have missed a lot of things about home. I grew up in a family of seven boys and seven girls. I miss the companionship and the relationship between my brothers and I. I am sure this will make you laugh, I also mis the special Egusi soup that my mom cooks every weekend. In all, the dream to always make them proud of my attainment at home is what I strive for daily.

Awards won so far My Single; I’ll wait, won Pretoria music award in 2012. The award spurred me to continue to make good music and I am all out to delight my teeming fans with quality tracks and videos.

What I will be doing if I am not a musician Like I mentioned earlier, Bob Marley, one of my mentors and he was an activist. I would have taken that same path if I am not into music.

What I miss most

Favorite pastimes I am a very homely per-

What I intend to do next Hareesto has been in the music industry for a while and he intends to go into the movie industry too.

These are both creative crafts and they work hand in hand and that is the beauty of the creative industry.

To my fans Shout out to all my fans.

I want to appreciate you for the support that I have received till date. All the efforts that have been invested in my career would have been a waste without your support. Please keep on supporting me and I won’t let them down.

Advice for upcoming artistes I am giving this advice which is a simple phrase, “Thou shall not give up!”

Saturated Hip-Hop genre, reason for neglect of Rock music A popular Nigerian Rock Star, Zainab Sule has adduced the neglect of Rock music in the country to the intense widespread of of hip hop songs.

The Rock Star said that Nigerians are not looking towards the path of rock music because of the intense widespread and saturation of Hip Hop songs in the country.

“Nigerians are neglecting Rock music because they love to dance tu-tu-ke-tu which is HiP Hop oriented, and hence there is need for me to diversify the music industry by taking Nigerians on a different genre of music”.

Zainab expressed optimism that the diversification process would be effective by organizing events where precisely rock music dictates the tune.

“I hope that shows like Zainab Sule Show will bring exposure because people come out and check it out and get to chill in to buy and listen to the music”.

She also said that her album was supposed to be released this year but changed due to timing.

Rahama Sadau, Kannywood actress moves on after MOPPAN ban, unveiled in Nollywood cast of ‘Ajuwaya’

Salam Salam drops new album SENSATIONAL female fuji musician, Alhaja Shakirat Ololade and her Fuji legendary band are set to drop her debut album titled ‘Ore’ (favour) under Lekbat films and music.

The Ibadan based fuji artiste album launch party will be featuring top artistes in the country ranging from fuji, juju to hip-hop music.

Speaking to Friday Treat, Salam hinted that her fans are in for a treat like no other stressing that she will be bringing her A game at the album launch. The event is slated for Sunday October 23, 2016 at the Mauve 21 event centre, Ibadan.

The event packaged by Highflyers Events.

Mayorkun, Dremo to support D’banj on biggest UK headline tour FOLLOWING the announcement last month that the Koko Master, D’Banj will be returning to the UK this November for his biggest UK nationwide headline tour, and what will be the most explosive and star-studded Afrobeats event of the year, rising stars and Davido protégés Mayorkun and Dremo have also been confirmed to be joining D’Banj on his UK tour.

Alongside the previously announced Tekno who will be supporting D’Banj on tour, Mayorkun and Dremo lead the line-up of newly confirmed support artistes for the D’Banj UK tour, which also include UK guest artistes Paigey

Cakey and Ms Banks, as well as Afrobeats sibling trio Shiikane and UKbased Afrobeats newcomer, KC Pozzy, organised by Afrobeat Artistry.

As previously announced, D’Banj’s forthcoming UK tour will see the multiple MTV European Music Award, BET Award, World Music Award, and MOBO Award winner headlining at the Manchester Academy on November 11, Birmingham’s Tower Ballroom on November 12, and the Indigo at The 02 in London on November 13, after a four year hiatus from the UK. Easily one of the best and most revered African

live performers, D’Banj promises to not only leave it all on stage every night, but also to deliver a live performance experience that will go down as his best ever, and one of the best live concerts the UK has ever seen.

The 2016 D’Banj UK tour is powered by Afrobeat Artistry, and will be hosted

by Capital Xtra’s veteran broadcaster Abrantee, with support from Tekno, who will be performing a slew of his recent hits including ‘Duro’ and ‘Pana’, as well as rising stars Mayorkun and Dremo, and the UK’s Paigey Cakey and Ms Banks, among a host of guest stars to be announced.

WHILE Nigerians are still surprised and speaking about the recent ban of popular Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, as regards her feature on Classiq’s ‘I love you’, the actress recently spoke about her expulsion from the Hausa film industry.

The actress had taken to her Instagram page on October 4, 2016 to share a statement about her ban from the industry by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria. In the letter, Sadau apologized to whoever she offended, thanked her fans and admitted MOPPAN’s decision came as a surprise to her.

“Following the events of the last few days and MOPPAN’s unilateral decision to exclude me from the Hausa indigenous film industry, known as Kannywood, I would like to use this medium to address my fans, friends, those who have been affected and all who have shown concern.

To those who I have offended in any way, shape or form and who I have caused any anxiety by featuring in the said music video, I sincerely apologise. It was a job and I was carrying out my role in my profession, as I would in any other production, be it a Hausa language film or a Nollywood production.

However, innocuous touching with other people in my line of work is inevitable.

I have lines that I would never cross and indeed I live and stand by the tenets, “actions are judged according to intentions”.

The outcome of the events that have taken place has come as a surprise to us all. I may have fallen short of some people’s expectations, but it was never my intention. I make no excuses for my actions and I take full responsibility...

I implore us all to be more tolerant and forgiving towards one another and to cease

all the senseless abuse, name-calling and backbiting. This achieves nothing other than to cause a huge divide amongst us. May we all continue to benefit from the Almighty’s mercy and may He protect and guide us all as we go about our daily lives”.

Sadau’s expulsion was made public in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Salisu Mohammed on October 3, 2016.

Mohammed also warned other actors to adhere to the rules binding their participation in the Kannywood film industry else face similar punishment.

Jos-born artiste, Classiq, responding to the development said he was shocked by the decision of MOPPAN. “I actually asked and begged Rahama Sadau to be part of the video because she is a popular figure in the entertainment industry. I wanted a popular face in the video”, he said.

Meanwhile, people have taken to social media to air their views on the issue. Isioma Osagie, Actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, and many other influencial entertainers had spoken against the decision, stressing that the ban was an improper decision. Okanlawon wrote, “Dear fellow actors isn’t Kannywood a part of Nollywood. Shouldn’t we support our own?

I have some amazing Muslims in my family, spent time up North and I’m very conscious of the tenets of Islam... seen the music video yet I still don’t understand the ban... Di’ja you’ve said it all. Allah ya tamake mu duka”, he posted alongside the image of the actress.

Osagie had also extended a hand of fellowship, requesting that the actress relocate to Nollywood.

Sadua is now set to star in a new Nollywood movie ‘Ajuwaya’, from the directors of ‘Couple of Days’.

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communitynews

Friday, 7 October, 2016

Again, Glo celebrates 2016 Ofala festival with Onitsha people

B

IGGEST corporate sponsor of culture in Nigeria, Globacom, will again identify with the people of Onitsha beginning from this weekend to celebrate the yearly Ofala festival.

This edition will be the fourth to be sponsored by Globacom. The company said in a press statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday that, “the first Ofala Day as announced by the Obi of Onitsha will be Saturday, October 8 at the Ime Obi, adding that the Azu Ofala will take place on Sunday October 9.”

The festival kicked off on October 3 with an International Arts Exhibition, tagged Ora Eze (the king’s crowd) with over 40 professional visual artists drawn from Ghana, Togo, Republic of Benin and the Diaspora displaying their works at the exhibition gallery located within the Ime Obi. Renowned artist, George Edozie, who co-authored the seminal book “101 Contemporary Artists: A Celebration of Modern Nigerian Art,” is serving as Curator, Globacom stated. The art exhibition will end on October 10.

Similarly, the Obi of Onitsha has approved that the youth Carnival which normally runs on the first day of Ofala should be held on October 7, a day before the main Ofala begins.

Globacom explained further that “as it has been our tradition in the last five years, Globacom will be honouring the Obi of Onitsha and his guests with a commemorative Ofala Royal Banquet at the Dolly Hills Hotels, Onitsha, on Tuesday, October 11.

The banquet is in honour of the Royal Father, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe and Onitsha Kingdom.”

According to the company, there will also be a music carnival, Glo Music Concert, during which delectable young ladies from Onitsha kingdom will contest for the much coveted Miss Ofala beauty crown on October 9 at the Justice Chuba Ikpeazu

Stadium, Onitsha.

“Both the music concert and the banquet will be memorable as we have engaged A-list artists such as Ikem Mazeli, Reekado Banks and Flavour to per-

form at the concert. Comedy will be provided by Okey Bakassi at the banquet, “the network said and enthused that “for the past five years, we have partnered with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred

bacom sponsors across the country. The company last month celebrated the Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode during which the sons and daughters of Ijebu land paid homage in a colourful style

to their King, according to their age groups.

Irepodun inaugurates primary healthcare committee biola azeez-ilorin

IREPODUN Local Government Area of Kwara State has inaugurated an 8-member Primary Healthcare Development Authority Committee to boost healthcare delivery service in the area.

Inaugurating the committee in Omu-Aran, Dr Abimbola Folorunso, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, charged members to live above board and ensure that people enjoy prompt and quality healthcare.

The News Agency of NigeFrom left, Special Assistant, Media to Senate Minority Leader, Mr Jackson Udom; President, Akwa Ibom Community, Ibadan, Pastor Godspower Umana; ria (NAN) recalled that the Director, DSS, Oyo State Command, Madam Inemesit Emmanuel; Mrs Ime Umanah and Mr Utibeabasi Umoren, during a courtesy visit to Madam Em- law establishing the agency manuel by members of Akwa Ibom State Community in Ibadan, on Tuesday. was enacted by the administration of former Governor Bukola Saraki in 2010.

Smauel Buoye and Mrs Felicia Ogundeyi are to serve as chairman and secretary of the committee, reof Edo State, Dr. Julius and in the diaspora. which had almost gone spectively. alphonsus agborh-asaba Chukwuyem Isitor, statOther members of the According to him, Afri- into extinction before his THE rejection of Afri- ed this in his palace dur- can culture is is rich and ascension on the throne committee are Onijan of can culture, norms and ing activities marking should be considered four years ago, due to his Otun-Ijan, Oba Aaron values in preference for the grand finale of the sacrosanct, adding that belief in the preservation Aransiola; Chief Stephen western culture has been seven-day Osor Ezi/Ag- relevant authorities, par- of the cultural heritage of Adewumi; Chief Sunday Gbakanladow; Dr Tajudeen the major catalyst for the bala Festival which was ticularly traditional insti- the people. growing violence in the attended by traditional tutions, should rise to the “African culture is very Adeyemo, Mrs Lucia Aforulers from within and task of ensuring the holis- rich and we should not layan and Mrs Mary Afocountry.

The Enogie and tradi- outside the state as well tic preservation of African allow it to go into extinc- layan.

Folorunso said the estabtional ruler of Ottah Com- as prominent sons and culture. tion. It is regrettable that munity in Orhionmwon daughters of the comHe said he decided to Africans, particularly Ni- lishment of the agency as a Local Government Area munity both at home rejuvenate the festival gerians are beginning to result of the policy thrust of jettison their culture in the government aimed at preference for western cul- bringing healthcare serture which, to me, is not vices closer to the people, especially at the grass better than ours.

“African culture is so rich roots.

She noted that the inausuch that even westernture, mining and manufac- sive. guration of the committee ers whose culture we are biola azeez-ilorin turing sectors.

The community leader, across the 16 councils of Speaking with the Nige- who said that the majority trying to imbibe are even A community leader in Offa rian Tribune in Offa, on of the populace were against envious of it. To me, it is the state was delayed due community leader and two- Thursday, the community the proposed sale of the as- an aberration for us to be- to some unforeseen cirterm member of Kwara leader said if his advice is sets, added that the proposal gin to abandon our hith- cumstances.

She said the inauguraState House of Assembly, heeded, it would help pre- if implemented would not be erto highly revered culture Honourable Dele Shittu, serve the nation’s foreign in the nation’s interest in the for the foreign one. That tion of the committee in has advised the Federal reserves, adding that the long term. again, is why I’m calling Irepodun was the fifth.

Folorunso said governGovernment to look inward proposed sale of the naHonourable Shittu, who on all relevant authorities, by improving the agricul- tion’s assets is retrogres- said every nation had expe- particularly traditional in- ment through the agency had been working tirelessrienced economic downturn stitutions to begin to do ly and had put in place adeverything within their one time or the other, added equate infrastructure and powers to preserve our that a quick fix solution was personnel to achieve effecculture,” the Enogie never the solution. tive healthcare delivery. stated He called on all NigeShe also enjoined the Underscoring the imwould curb the habit of polHe called for continuous rians irrespective of po- portance of the festival, committee members to reluting the environment by and comprehensive enlight- litical, ethnic and religious the monarch stated that main committed and dedidefecating in open places. enment of the people about affiliation to make love, the biennial event does cated in their responsibiliAccording to him, open the dangers inherent in the peace, unity and mu- not only afford indigenes ties in order to improve on tual understanding their defecation exposes human habit. of the community the op- the state low performance population to dangerous “Enlightenment and sen- watchwords, saying that portunity for reunion, it in the areas of primary bacteria which can threaten sitisation should be all-in- they should think of how to principally serves as a healthcare nationwide. contribute to the nation’s the lives of the people in the clusive to curtail such act.

“I want you to avail yourmedium to foster unity, long run.

“Government at all levels development. self a copy of the agency’s and peace among other He applauded President Akinolu said the World should make building withthings which according constitution and note esHealth Organisation’s out toilet a criminal act for Mohammadu Buhari for his to him, are necessary for pecially sections 131-133 (WHO) report on the menace the purpose of making the efforts against insurgency, the socio-economic de- which has to do with the of open defecation in sub-Sa- environment habitable for corruption and other chal- velopment of the commu- functions, and workload of lenges in the country. hara Africa was alarming. all,” he said. the committee. nity.

Ottah community celebrates Osor Ezi/Agbala festival

Recession: Community leader proffers solution

Environmentalist wants sanctions for open defecation AN environmentalist, Dr Deji Akinolu, has called for penalty against those who defecate in open places thereby polluting the environment, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.

Akinolu said defecation in open places in sub-Sahara Africa remained a great threat to the environment and healthy habitation.

He said such penalty

Nnaemeka Achebe, and the entire good people of Onitsha in the celebration of the revered Ofala Festival.”

The Ofala Festival of Onitsha is one of the cultural festivals sponsored by Glo-

23

Friday, 7 October, 2016

Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 081 118 450 48

features

Death traps at NPA bypass, Warri

Will end to bad roads come?

Warri residents groan

The present state of major roads in Warri and environs leaves much to be desired as residents groan without any foreseeable sight of respite. EBENEZER ADUROKIYA recounts the daily ugly experiences of the suffering lot amid aristocratic opulence.

A

PPROACHING Warri from the Sapele axis, particularly to a first timer, creates an impression of a neglected oil-rich city. The experience on the road is nightmarish.

Not even the hurried effort of the Delta State government exerted some months ago to ameliorate the sufferings of road users by fixing a few terrible portions of the Federal road could bring a lasting respite.

The yawning ditches while approaching the army checkpoint in front of Mercyland camp ground are reasons for perpetual traffic gridlock that delays motorists for hours.

Some people would insinuate that wherever army checkpoints are mounted, it takes only a few weeks to find that portion of the road riddled with potholes! Could it be connivance between ubiquitous road hawkers and the khaki boys to carry out their duties?

If the Federal road linking Benin and Warri and Effurun-Warri-Sapele roads are gradually becoming impassable and are subsequently neglected because its custodians are far away in Abuja, how about major and minor roads within Warri and satellite communities which belong to the state government?

The bypass at the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) axis towards Ugbuwangwe has assumed the status of a failed road. Ditto NPA expressway and Ekpan bypass under the bridge.

Yet, year in, year out, after much hue and cry, perfunctory jobs are carried out, but that has not happened since the inception of the present government.

The road to Ubeji, now ludicrously tagged: “the Ubeji nightmare” is another troubled road. Other bad roads annoyingly hindering good life and commerce in metropolis include

the one at Shaguolor by Warri Refinery, Jakpa Road by Sokoh Estate Road, NNPC Housing Complex Road through to Edjeba by College of Education to Airport Road as well as OkereOgborikoko Road spanning through Warri to Effurun, among others.

Today, the poor state of roads within Warri metropolis has subjected commuters, motorists and students to hard times.

The roads are characterized by large pot holes, stagnant water, gridlock, and in some extreme cases, damaging objects that keep motorists perpetually on the trail of their mechanics.

Speaking on the need for the state government to act fast particularly on the Warri - Effurun - Sapele road, a tricycle (keke) operator, Ohis, who has been on the occupation for three years said in pidgin: “The road you see here is bad because maintenance was not done by government. This BRT lane is in bad shape.

“The government said it has plans to repair the road and make it good for all of us, yet we have not seen anything up till now. It has been long since they put the slabs to divide the road, but these slabs are now part of the problems of the road.

“We hear that Governor Okowa has commissioned roads everywhere, why haven’t they done this one? Here is a busy road in the whole town; everyday people travel on this road. If they repair this road, everyone will benefit.”

A trader, Madam Afoke, said: “Last week, early in the morning, there was heavy rainfall, and the road was completely flooded and the road became congested. I took ‘keke’ from Enerhen junction to Effurun market, but the ‘go-slow’ delayed me for almost 30 minutes because all motorists had to use just one of

the road. Let the authorities repair the road and make it good for us.”

Also speaking, a keke operator, who preferred not to disclose his identity, said “This road is supposed to concern everybody!

“I am from this Uvwei LGA; all these boys who collect ticket money in the name of ‘taskforce,’ what do they use the money for?

“If they are government taskforce, why don’t they maintain the road for government?”

Motorists have also abandoned the deplorable Apala Road in Warri. Apala Road at Okumagba Estate is host to many shopping malls. But owners of shops are beginning to shy away from the area as a result of the deplorable state of roads.

A resident of Osiobe Street, Alex Nwose who also spoke on the state of roads, stated that the road which is now impassable has been abandoned because the Delta State government pays

The government said it has plans to repair the road and make it good for all of us, yet we have not seen anything up till now

less attention to the roads in Warri including Apala Road.

Nwose noted that the state of Apala road has forced dirty waters into the compounds and houses of some residents in Apala and Osiobe streets.

Nwose also appealed to the Delta State governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa to urgently approve the construction of the road and save the residents and motorists from the hardship they are passing through.

Meanwhile, the state government, at inception last year, fixed Jeddo Road to the admiration of residents of the area.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, while acknowledging the pains residents of Warri are going through, appreciated them for voting for the PDP and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2015.

“As a government, we welcome people who asked for what they actually deserve; we are aware that a number of communities across the state needed attention, but because of the paucity of funds available, we have not been able to reach out to them.

“If you access properly, we have done a lot of things for communities across the state, even in Ughelli, the handwork of government is there.

“They should bear with us and continue to support the government until the revenue improves.

“Once the revenue improves, governor Okowa will continue to bring prosperity to all part of Delta State,” Aniagwu noted.

Another official of the government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the state is broke, just as the IGR and federal allocation are so paltry that it cannot be channelled to arrest the situation at present.

24 features

s ing of the crisi The re-surfac ownership of over the jointf la University o Ladoke Akinto TECH) shows AU Technology (L and between Oyo all is not well ESAN UNDE OGUN T s. te ta S n su O nt actions and g x-rays the rece ndin r the understa e v o s n o ti c a re ement of the on the manag institution.

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PPARENTLY, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, established on April 23, 1990 by the military administrator of the old Oyo state, Colonel Sasaenia Adedeji Oresanya is the only known university with joint ownership structure today in Nigeria.

It was founded on the exemplary visionary ideals by the founding fathers, led by the former military governor of the Old Oyo state, with 42 local government councils then, that now make up Oyo and Osun states.

However, today, permanent peace seems eluding the institution once known for tranquillity.

It all started during the last administration of two former governors of the states; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, before resurfacing few months ago. The current governors of the two states, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have also failed to find solution to the crisis rocking the institution.

The genesis of the problem allegedly arose from the establishment of a state-owned university by Osun State, thus affecting its financial obligation to the now troubled university.

Feelers from Oyo State are that with the establishment of Osun State University, it would be technically difficult for Osun State to fulfil its financial obligation to LAUTECH. In their reasoning, Osun has never come out that its new institution of learning is a problem, hence its dedication to hold onto its stake in LAUTECH. Despite the fact that the matter has gone to the Supreme Court, the matter is still up for resolution in the public courts.

At the moment, the school is not in session due to arrears of salary being owed its staffers.

The institution has been grounded by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) LAUTECH chapter following five months salaries and 23 months subvention being owed by the management of the institution.

The union president, Dr Biodun Olaniran revealed that both states owed subventions, with Oyo State owing eight months while Osun owed 15 months.

He lamented the conditions his members had been working in the last few months, adding that the solution to the institution’s

Friday, 7 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

When joint-ownership goes awry in LAUTECH

crisis was for the two states to live up to their “social responsibilities by properly funding the institution as required.”

Recently, the host community, Ogbomoso, which hosts most structures of the university, took up the matter and came out publicly to declare their stance on the imbroglio which political affiliation has failed to resolve.

First was the Soun of Ogbomoso, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, in a letter to the two governors and other concerned stakeholders urged a quick resolution of the crisis and making a case for sole ownership by the Oyo State government.

According to him, “From the foregoing, I find it difficult to fold my arms. The edict that established the university has never been ambiguous as it emphatically entrusted the ownership to Oyo State.

“Furthermore, the joint ownership has become synonymous with incessant closure, underfunding and growth retardation, the two owner states now short-change each other with reckless impunity. These then have raised fundamental issues that need to be quickly addressed.

“It is also instructive that though Osun State has stopped funding the university, its people are still dominant in the management cadre of the school which Oyo State indigenes however overlook. This is reflected in the breakdown of Principal Office holders and other

Furthermore, the joint ownership has become synonymous with incessant closure, underfunding and growth retardation, the two owner states now short-change each other with reckless impunity.

appointments in the institution...

“The slide must be checkmated. And as such, the most convincing resolution I can proffer to this (gratuitous) menace represented by the knotty issues above, lies in the immediate process of handing over of the university to Oyo State, which has no other state-owned university.

“Since it is palpable that co-ownership is not working, I appeal to the two governors to quickly take a bold step towards a peaceful parting of ways regarding the institution.

I call on well-meaning Nigerians to rise and rescue LAUTECH from imminent collapse.”

As the royal father fired this salvo, several others made their positions known to the public.

Few days after Soun’s letter, Osun State Education committee visited the school to allay the fears of their indigenes of their support and calm their nerves of any impending threat to their life and job security.

On the same day, one of their indigenes, a bursar of the institution, was alleged to have escaped being lynched.

The situation, at the moment, is becoming more daunting. From government face-off, it has fallen to personal and individual attack.

Last week’s attack was alleged to have been sponsored and aided by a socio-cultural group in Ogbomoso, Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye, but its National General Secretary, Honourable Michael Abioye denied the claim.

Abioye said the issue was blown out of proportion, but was quick to condemn the attempt by Osun State Education committee to schedule a meeting at the institution at a time when the issue was really pressing.

Abioye declared that “LAUTECH belongs to Oyo State. We (Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye) are speaking for the entire people of Oyo State. Osun State should disengage from LAUTECH.” In a swift reaction to the traditional ruler’s letter, the Osun State House of Assembly berated the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III on the crisis following the alleged attack on Osun workers in the institution allegedly led by prominent Ogbomoso leaders.

Addressing pressmen and staff of LAUTECH at the state House of Assembly session last Wednesday, the Osun law-

makers insisted that the joint ownership of LAUTECH, by Osun and Oyo States must continue.

The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Honourable Folorunso Bamisayemi, described the action of “Oyo State to disengage from the joint ownership of LAUTECH as a betrayal of decency.”

In his speech reported in the media after the conference entitled “The LAUTECH Saga: A Betrayal of the Yoruba (OMOLUABI) Spirit of Oneness and Decency by Ogbomoso Community,” denied allegation that Osun State has been funding its own university at the expense of LAUTECH. Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi while speaking with journalists at the commissioning of an ultra modern vice-chancellor’s lodge donated by the legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun and his wife, Princess Lara, promised that the matter will be resolved amicably soonest.

Ajimobi stated that “Before we came in 2010, the former governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and his Osun State counterpart then, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, had an agreement to transfer LAUTECH to Oyo State. But Governor Rauf Aregbesola went to court, and the case got to the Supreme Court.

In 2012, the court gave a judgment that co-ownership of LAUTECH by both states remained unbroken. The judgment held that unless both owners sit down and agree, no party can singlehandedly decide to severe the relationship.

“Agreed that Osun State is not paying as it should be paying, Oyo State has paid substantially more than Osun has paid. What we are saying now is for us to sit down and see the need for co-owners to fulfill our obligations.”

The National Executive Council, National Executive Committee and the entire members of the LAUTECH Alumni Association, in a letter signed by its national President and Financial Secretary, Babajide Bewaji and Babalola O.J, respectively, titled “We remain committed to a united LAUTECH” condemned the action of Ogbomoso Parapo.

It stated that the joint-ownership has remained productive over the years, calling on all stakeholders to eschew violence and work for the progress of the institution.

25 features

Friday, 7 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Stakeholders prioritise ADR over litigation

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

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OR a long period of time, the use of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been consistently introduced and encouraged in the judiciary. Stakeholders are constantly reminded to embrace the ADR as a viable tool of arbitration that yields quick results.

In Oyo State, the procedure is not a new occurrence, having been introduced for over a decade though few people have embraced it. But last week, the ADR Society in Ibadan, convened by Barrister David Kole Ojo, went all out to preach its gospel; that ADR is better than litigation in resolving disputes.

The Ibadan ADR society, a not-for-profit organisation promotes resolution of disputes by means of appropriate dispute resolution methods including arbitration, mediation, adjudication and reconciliation and it is a body that aims to educate and inform its members on the law, ethics and opportunities open to them in ADR. The main message of the ADR is that most civil and business cases need not go to litigation as there are other means that are faster and more cost effective The ADR Society in a bid to move the principle of ADR from mere theory to a practical and procedural technique that is a first option in resolution of dispute, held its first public lecture and symposium to further reiterate the importance of ADR

and enlighten lawyers and other stakeholders on the need to embrace it.

The symposium with the theme: ‘A New Dawn in Dispute Resolution; Opportunities and Challenges’ that was convened on behalf of the ADR Society Ibadan, by a seasoned arbitrator and chairman of the body, Kole Ojo, had in attendance, the Chief Judge of Oyo State represented by Justice A. L Akintola, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Oyo state, Seun Abimbola, who is also an arbitrator, senior advocates, lawyers and professionals from different walks of life.

The event held at the premises of the state High Court at Ring Road, had a panel of discussion on the theme and was chaired by Justice Akintola, with the state Attorney-General, Seun Abimbola; the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveying chairman, Kayode Obiwale; the chairman, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Bode Gbolade and the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch as discussants.

The second panel treated the topic: ‘Jurisdictional and Enforcement conundrum. What jurisdiction applies to ADR?’ It was chaired by Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN) and had as discussants, David Kole Ojo, chairman of the ADR Society, Attorney-General, Mr Seun Abimbola, Kolawole Fadayomi and Dr. Mrs. Alero Akeredolu.

The panels discussed whether the global shift of referring more and more disputes to ADR an opportunity to achieve a

Chairman of the ADR Society, Ibadan,Barrister Kole Ojo (second left) and other discussants at the symposium.

broader access to justice and quicker resolution of disputes, the opportunities, challenges and the meaning of ADR, how effective the award of settlement obtained under the various models of dispute resolution is, the willingness of parties to agree and attitude of arbitrators.

And after 13 years of being introduced into the judicial system in Oyo State and various efforts of propagating the gospel across the state by the society, the ADR procedure finally took root as the best practice in dispute resolution that day, with stakeholders; the ADR Society, Ibadan, the Ministry of Justice, Oyo State judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association, calling for more engagement of people especially lawyers in the process.

Speaking, the Attorney-General, Mr. Abimbola, stated that the reality that should be embraced by lawyers and even litigants is that ADR is the way to go and anyone that fails to join the train will be left in the loop. According to him, since 2003 when it was introduced in Oyo State, the process was yet to fully pick momentum as lawyers were still being engaged and those that had started only engaged in arbitration, leaving mediation and negotiation.

According to him, “ADR has come to stay in terms of processes, regulation and judicial pronouncements,” adding that lawyers need to know that rather than take away their jobs as feared, it will only make it easier and help resolve more cases in a little time thereby increasing income, explaining that nothing can stop ADR now.

He reiterated that the state mediation centre has proved the efficacy of ADR in the number of cases that it has resolved without litigation, adding that the judiciary through litigation cannot meet up with such an output.

He stated that in 2011, the centre got 281 cases and successfully mediated in 261; in 2012, it got 936 and concluded 751; in 2013, it got 572 and concluded 423; in 2014, they got 609 and dispensed 459; in 2015, there were 340 cases filed and 288 concluded while this year, 344 cases had already been filed and 277 had been concluded. He further explained that they had recovered the sum of N23, 467, 562, 70k for people through mediation.

The panelists concluded that ADR had been part of the culture in Nigeria even before the advent of judiciary and had been effective in our culture and religious organizations and called on people to open their minds and stop wasting funds and time in taking cases for litigation when they could be resolved through mediation.

Joy as NGO gives free medical treatment

By Segun Adebayo FOR the people of Apata Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and its environs, the message brought to them by Faithful Stewards Medical and Educational Foundation Team otherwise known as FASTMED Team, an international medical personnel team and a non-profit organisation based in the United States of America was one that would remain close to their hearts for a long time.

When the team of medical experts drawn from different health institutions across the state arrived at Faithful Stewards Christian Centre, Apata, venue of the free medical consultation and treatment, no fewer than 500 people were on ground to receive free medical treatment. The excitement on their faces could be felt as they interacted with the experts, sharing their medical challenges and getting instant response and treatment.

Market women, traders, aged men and children, who have battled with one ailment or the other, came in droves to the venue with enthusiasm for the three-day exercise, which started on Wednesday, September 28 and ended on Friday, September 30.

Each day started with a health talk that focused majorly on the right diet for the body and avoidance of self-prescription.

The free treatment included eye checks and free eye glasses, blood pressure, sugar level and general medical screening.

With five doctors and 10 nurses, some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Nigerian Tribune were full of praises for the FASTMED team. According to them, the exercise could not have come at a better time, especially for the aged who said their health had been deteriorating because they could not afford hospital bills.

One Mr Ariyo, who has almost lost his sight due to self prescription of drugs occasioned by lack of financial assistance, said he had been battling with poor sight for three years.

“I am happy about this exercise because with what I have been told in the last three days and the kind of attention I have

received, I believe my eyes will get better. I have seen a tremendous change in the last three days and I have FASTMED to thank for this,” he said.

Speaking with Nigerian Tribune on their vision, President of FASTMED Chaplain, Dr Stephen Olujimi, said he received the vision to go into humanitarian services from God. “I am a pastor and in 1990, the Lord called me out of regular church pastoring and gave me a vision of caring and helping the needy. This is not about something that you just wake up and do, it is a vision from God and we have to follow God’s instructions. We used to be known as Refuse Temple and this has been going on about 20 years in Nigeria. We launched the Ibadan branch in 1998 and since then,

we have been involved in different programmes. We have done micro-financing in the past and some few trainings and empowerment. We came in with the capacity to handle as many people that turn up.”

Asked how the organisation has been sourcing for funds to keep the mission going, Dr Olujimi said it has been hard getting to source for funds, adding that “It has been hard raising funds but God has been faithful. My wife and I are based in the US, so we have our little business and draw from our resources to cater for these people. That’s our own way of giving back to our community, but we believe that as we continue to let people see what we are doing, helpers would join the cause, so that we can do more.

Chaplain Stephen Olujinmi, President, Faithful Stewards Foundation (FASTMED), addressing participants and beneficiaries of the medical mission exercise at Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, recently.

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occasions

featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0811 184 5048

Scout association decorates LG boss as president

One of the leaders of Scout Association in Saki District congratulating the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr Sunday Adeyemo.

The Chairman, caretaker committee of Saki West LGA, Mr Kareem Adegoke congratulated by his wife, Abimbola and Mr Adeyemo.

By Tunde Adegbola

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HE Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Kareem Adegoke, has been decorated as the new president of Saki West District of Scout Association of Nigeria.

The decoration and presentation of the staff of office ceremony held at the Council’s Legislative Chamber, Saki was attended by notable leaders in the area.

Speaking, the Oyo State acting Commissioner of the association, Mr Segun Fatope, described the coun-

The Acting Oyo State Commissioner of Scout Association, Mr Segun Fatope, decorating the Caretaker Chairman of Saki West Local Government, Mr Kareem Adegoke. cil boss as a good leader who can use his wealth of experience to take the scout association to the next level, add-

ing that he is truly deserves the position.

In his remarks, the council boss thanked group for

Mr Kareem Adegoke posed with his instrument of office, saluting the scouters at the event.

counting him whorthy of the honour, promised his support for the development of the group in the area.

At the event, the group also decorated the Head of Local Government Administration of the council area, Mr

Sunday Adeyemo as Chairman District Executive Committee of the association.

Ruling house holds prayer session

By Bayo Alade THE ruling house set to produce the next Akarigbo of Remoland, the Torungbuwa Akarigbo ruling house has

held prayers for the souls of all the departed Kabiyesis in the land.

The spokesman of the Torungbuwa Akarigbo ruling house, Otunba (Bar-

rister) Adesoga Tikare, the Otunba Oloore Torungbuwa Akarigbo, said by virtue of his position in the family and as a member of Akarigbo-incouncil, with the lifting of the

three-month ban on all activities in Sagamu as a result of the demise of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, Erinjugbo II, Akarigbo of Remoland, the family decided to hold the prayer session.

He said the family decided to organise prayers for whoever would be chosen as the in-coming ruler, all family members and to mark the end of all traditional rites.

Otunba Tikare added that as a result of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Declaration Gazette which identifies the Torungbuwa family as the

Members of the family during the prayer session.

Family spokesman, Otunba Adesoga Tikure.

League of imams at the ceremony.

ruling house to produce the next Akarigbo, “the family decided to put everything into the hands of God by calling for prayers with the approval of the entire family, for God to guide us in this period of transition.

“Torungbuwa Akarigbo ruling house has so much belief in traditional process of producing the next monarch. We have started the selection process and the all the princes from Torungbuwa Akarigbo ruling house are entitled to contest and whoever emerges will

be our king and the process will be fair, equitable and transparent.

“The family’s responsibility is to screen the potential obas before presentation to the kingmakers who would be looking out for royal affinities and other qualities.”

The prayer session was witnessed by the Olootu of the ruling house, Otunba (Barrister) Tikare, Alhaji Nurudeen Kassim, Otunba Onibudo Kayode Adebayo, Ashipa Musa Kassim, Alhaji Yahaya Kassim and Otunba Folarin Solarin among others.

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Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

Army launches motorbike patrol unit in Plateau Isaac Shobayo-Jos

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S part of the efforts to consolidate on the prevailing peace in Barakin Ladi and Riyom Local Government areas of Plateau State, Operation Safe Haven in charge of security in the state, has launched a motorcycles patrol unit to enable it penetrate the hinterlands and comb the difficult terrains used by gunmen as hideouts to launch attacks on innocent citizens.

It will be recalled that the two local government areas had been under the siege of Fulani herdsmen for the past three years.

The gunmen often take advantage of the mountainous terrains which are not accessible by vehicles to launch deadly attacks on the inhabitants.

Speaking during the inauguration in Riyom, General Rogers said the motorcycles were given to the command by the Army Headquarters for special operations in case of emergency, adding that the motorcycles were needed especially in the two local governments to penetrate areas that were not accessible to Hilux and other operational vehicles.

“These motorcycles are for special operations, they are meant to get to where our Hi-

lux vehicles cannot get to; it is for emergency operations. So, you must protect them, you must protect and maintain them as your personal property. If you damage them willfully, you will pay for them.

“If you damage them, you will be held responsible. If there is any mechanical problem, we understand that, we would cater for the repair. You must not ride the motorcycles alone; you must always go in pairs at the same time; no single motorcycle must leave the base station alone” he warned.

General Rogers said the motorbikes had the capacity to move faster into the interior areas to meet up with the challenges

of insecurity in the hinterlands where vehicular movements are restricted, adding that trekking into such areas by soldiers would not give the command time advantage to catch up with the insurgents anytime they struck.

He said apart from Barakin Ladi and Riyom Local Government areas, some of the bikes would be deployed to Wase and Mangu Local Governments and other areas considered as flash points with terrible terrains in the state, adding that the command would step up his operations and intelligent gatherings as dry season approached and charged people of the state to cooperate with OPSH in consolidating on the prevailing peace.

On the choice of Riyom Local Government as the launch pad for the motorcycle, General Rogers said in recent time, there had been persistent cases of armed robbery, cow rustling and clashes between various communities in the area, adding that the bikes would enable his men to move into action and get to any spot of crisis in the local government.

Zamfara to stop sale of beer at mammy market, officers mess Muhammadu Sabiu-Kaduna

Army officials launching Operation Safe Haven motorbike patrol in Plateau.

Herdsmen attacks: Agatu people demand N100bn compensation Johnson Babajide-Makurdi SMARTING from the grieve of attacks

by Fulani herdsmen, people of Agatu in Benue State are demanding N100billion as compensation for the destruction of their communities by herdsmen early this year.

The people, who spoke through their

representative at the state House of Assembly, Honourable Sule Audu ,said that, though no amount of money could either quantify the losses recorded during the attacks or bring back the 500 lives lost to the invasion.

Audu, the minority leader of Benue State House of Assembly said that the compensation was to rebuild all the towns

Lubricants producers lament losses to illegal operations Biola Azeez-Ilorin MEMBERS of the Major Oil Marketers Association (MOMA) and Lubricants Producers Association in Nigeria (LPAN) have lost over 25 per cent of their earnings to illegal operation of fake lubricants producers in Kwara State.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, a spokesperson of one of the two associations, Engineer Kolade Habeeb of MOMA, appealed to three tiers of government and security agencies to do

more at fishing out unlicensed and illegal lubricants manufacturers in the state.

Engineer Habeeb, who said that activities of the illegal lubricants plants had caused negative economic and environmental effects to people and society, added that the associations were against such economic sabotage.

The associations said they appreciated efforts made so far by security agencies at apprehending illegal lubricants plants, while it denied allegation of connivance with such people.

destroyed by the invading herdsmen and rehabilitate the people of Agatu.

He also decried the total neglect of Agatu by the present administration, calling on the Federal Government to extend the rehabilitation process being carried out in North east to Agatu.

The lawmaker said that only four communities were spared in the entire local government and about 500 persons were killed during the carnage.

“What we lost cannot be quantified, is it primary or secondary school buildings, health centres, electric poles, market and other infrastructural projects in the affected areas. We are talking of a whole local government with more than twenty urban centres, all except four towns reduced to rubles. This amount is nothing to what we lost, though lives can never be replaced”.

Audu said adequate data of destruction had been collated and called on the Federal Government to rebuild the troubled area and also send powerful delegation to visit the council area to assess the loss which he said was more that amount demanded.

GOVERNOR Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has said his government would soon stop the sale of beer at mammy markets and officers’ mess in accordance with the Sharia law being implemented in the state.

He made this known at a preaching session in Gusau to mark the 20th anniversary of the creation of the state.

He said God had given him the mandate to rule the state and when God would ask him how he had discharged his mandate, nobody would be there to speak for him.

He said the Sharia law introduced and implemented by his predecessor, Senator Ahmed Sani, had come to stay.

Yari maintained that since he assumed the mantle of leadership, he had studied the law and also studied the progress made so far in its implementation, saying “the only area I am not still comfortable with is the sale of beer in mammy markets and officers’ mess which is still going on in the state.

“I cannot pretend that all is well since Sharia law was enacted in 2000. I wonder why beer is still sold at these places.

“I am going to meet Buratai (referring to the Chief of Army Staff) to ask him to show me where the law that says military should sell beer at mammy markets and officers’ mess is.

“I want to assure you the good people of Zamfara State that once I am convinced that there is no such law, sale of beer in these places will stop just like in other places.

“I am ready to enforce the law even if this is the last thing I will do as governor. This is the legacy I envisage to leave behind”, the governor said.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

Sultan tasks Northern states on farming Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna SULTAN Saad Abubakar has urged the Northern states, particularly Zamfara State, to put more efforts on farming and mining as the only option to end the present economic predicament facing the region.

The Sultan spoke in Gusau at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the creation of the state.

He said going by its slogan, “farming is our pride”, Zamfara was capable of feeding not only the state, but the entire country, considering its vast Fertile land.

According to him, if the state is really serious about its slogan of “farming is our pride” and concentrated more on agricultural activities, it could properly feed not only its people, but the entire nation.

“If at all farming is our pride, let people see this in reality and be buying food from us” said the Sultan.

Another area that needs serious attention and utilisation, according to the Sultan, is the abandoned mineral resources which abound in the state waiting to be properly harnessed and put to use in order to develop both the state and the country.

“So many people have been killed due to illegal mining. They go on to mine without taking measures on their health. How do you now legalise the illegal mining as a state?

He called on the state government to do all it could to stop illegal mining due to the danger involved in the exercise and urged the Federal Government to partner with the states endowed with these resources in order to find ways of generating revenue for the country as according to him, depending on fuel alone could not take us anywhere.

“The situation we are in today due to over dependence on fuel is very challenging, people are complaining of lack of food, money, etc, but this is a global trend.

Economic meltdown started all over the world due to total dependence on fuel”.

The Sultan also used the occasion to remind the people of the state to always remember their history, commending the Federal Government for reintroducing History subject into the curriculum which was removed by previous administration.

He stressed that states and local government creation was done for the rapid development of the people, but not targeted at dividing them, adding that “no matter

Alhaji Saad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto

how much we are divided, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zafara are still one family”.

He advised the leaders of the state to continue with the good work they had started, calling on them to always rate the state with others created at the same time.

“As a state created 20 years ago, I don’t want you to look at what you have

achieved, but at the other five states created with Zamfara to see how they fare.

Are you better than them?

He further stated: “I have seen some states among the six states created with Zamfara and I can say that Zamfara is much better than some of them”.

“So, if you want to evaluate yourself,

don’t look at some states older than you, but the ones below you and see what you can do to progress, because if you look at the person above you, you will start blaming yourself or even your God. He concluded: “I believe history would judge the leaders of this state for what they have done in the last 20 years.”

A corn farm affected by stem borer.

Disease threatens corn supply in Benue Johnson Babajide-Makurdi

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HERE are strong indications that Nigeria’s staple food, corn, may be in short supply to Nigerians following the stem borer (disease that destroys maize) that has ravaged maize in Benue State.

Benue has a comparative advantage in production of maize in the country, but recorded low production this year farming season due to stem borer attacks.

State Commissioner for Agriculture, Honourable James Anbuain, in a chat with newsmen in his office, explained that the in-

fection had ravaged most of maize farms in the state resulting in low production.

He added that the state had lost chunk of money to the disease and said that the ministry had intimated the Federal Ministry of Agriculture about the development.

The commissioner, however, said that the state would have bomper harvest in rice, yam, cassava and soybeans this year.

According to him, “while we lost chunk of our maize to stem borer this farming season, we are expecting bomper harvest in rice, cassava, yam and soyabeans’.

“In order to improve these produce, we have acquired 3.750 hectares of land for dry season farming. Benue is poised to flood Nigerian markets with rice, yam, cassava and soyabeans.”, he said.

Dismissing the purported diversion of fertilizer in the state, the commissioner said that over 165 trucks of fertilizer were distributed to farmers through appropriate channels that could hinder diversion.

He admitted that the state was set to partner with foreign firms to complete the abandoned fertilizer blending plant started ten years ago so as to meet the demands of farmers.

We’ve removed obstacles retarding Plateau’s growth —Lalong Isaac Shobayo - Jos GOVERNOR Simon Lalong of Plateau State says his administration has been able to remove the obstacles hitherto seen as mysteries that are responsible for halting the progress of the state over the years.

The governor, in a statement issued recently in Johannesburg, South Africa, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mark Longyen, said since his assumption of office, he deliberately took some measures in line with his Five-Point Policy Thrust, which had demystified the said mysteries, thus paving the way for him to reposition the state for genuine economic growth and progress.

He said, “In the area of education, for instance, we took the bull by the horns and did the needful for Plateau State University, Bokkos, which was rendered comatose for 10 years since its establishment without graduating students, and now the university’s first convocation ceremony will take place in November this year.”

Addressing the business community, investors, policy makers and some Nigerians residing in South Africa, Lalong explained: “We reinstated a former vice chancellor of the state university, who was wrongly sacked by the last adminis-

tration; we reconstituted the university’s Governing Board, now chaired by former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega; right now, 17 courses of the university have been accredited, more courses are being considered for further accreditation; while other institutions of higher learning are being funded and catered for within the confines of our limited recession resources,’ the governor said.

He noted that Plateau State and South Africa had a lot of things in common, such as tourism, mining and agriculture and urged his audience to take advantage of these opportunities to come and invest in the state.

“The mysteries retarding the state’s progress have been or are being removed.

We have signed an MoU with the Chinese for power generation under Public Private Partnership (PPP), in addition to the Panyam Solar Power Project, while we have also engaged NESCO in negotiations to boost power supply,” he said.

Lalong called on investors to come and invest massively in the state’s tourism sector, which will have a positive massive multiplier effect on Plateau State’s economy, stressing that “we need 5-Star hotels in Jos; investors should come and build them.”

The governor said that he had already

created the enabling environment that would turn the state into a haven of peace, tourism, agriculture, solid minerals and foreign investment through the provision of peace, security, coupled with a flexible process of acquiring land in the state through the Plateau State Geographical Information System (PLAGIS).

Plateau State gov, Simeon Lalong

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Sheriff ready for PDP reconciliation —Oladipo

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HE Senator Ali Modu Sheriffled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday said it was ready to reconcile with the National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

The national secretary of the faction, Professor Wale Oladipo, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

Oladipo said that some eminent and committed Nigerians,

who were apolitical, had been meeting with the feuding parties with a view to resolving the lingering crisis.

He said that Sheriff and Makarfi attended a peace meeting initiated by the troubleshooters, where an agreement was reached for an amicable

resolution of the crisis.

“The two leaders have agreed that a 24-member committee of committed PDP leaders and members from all over the country will be formed to chart the way forward for our party. This is with a view to bringing this unnecessary crisis to a stop

and making sure that our party comes out of it stronger.

“Sheriff is out of the country; as soon as he comes back, he and Makarfi will put this committee together. This committee will be mandated to quickly come up with a template and make

PDP what it used to be, with restored vision of its founding fathers. “?We are working to selecting the 12 members that will join the other 12 to form the committee to resolve the crisis,” Oladipo said.

He stated that Sheriff was in touch with the

Lalong begins probe of Jang’s eight-year tenure Isaac Shobayo-Jos THE six-man Judiciary Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State to investigate the eight-year tenure of his predecessor, Senator Jonah Jang, commenced sitting on Thursday.

The chairman of the commission is Justice Stephen Jonah Adah and has three months to carry out the assignment, which the state government said in the spirit of accountability.

At the inaugural sitting in jos, the state capital, Justice Adah confirmed that the commission had received 105 memoranda, which, according to him, was handy enough to start the business.

He said in addressing the inherent critical issues contained in the memoranda, the commission would be guided by the provision of inquiry law as applicable to in Plateau.

Justice Adah, who announced Mr Nanfat Daniel Naleng and Mr. Sunday Obende as counsel to the panel respectively, said the commission would be sit every day except Sunday and urged all those who have submitted memoranda to be prepare to appear at the public hearing.

Speaking with Nigerian Tribune shortly after the inauguration, the Special Adviser to Governor Lalong on Media, Mr Dan Manjang, dismissed the insinuation that the probe was a waste of public resources.

Manjang, who said the government was acting within the ambit of the law, said insinuation was a ploy by the opposition to portray the government in bad light.

From left, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State, Chief Enock Kolapomoye Ajiboso; All Progressives Congress (APC) Orile-Agege Ccairman, Chief Sunday Ajayi; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the Sole Administrator, Agege Local Government, Comrade Gbenga Abiola during constituency stakeholders’ meeting in Agege, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Ekiti crisis: House sacks committee chairman •Bars him from 1km radius to assembly •I will seek redress —Aribisogan Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti THE Ekiti State House of Assembly has formally suspended its chairman on Information, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, for what they said was “a minimum of 180 sitting days in the first instance.”

Aribisogan was also barred by the Assembly from the assembly complex, saying “he is not to be seen within one kilometre radius of the House of Assembly complex while the punishment lasts.”

Aribisogan was also barred from holding any position of responsibility on behalf of the House of Assembly for the period of his suspension, while all benefits associated with his

office were also suspended.

According to the house, “the punishment is to serve as a deterrent to any member who might be harbouring thoughts of of misbehaviour and to Honourable Aribisogan himself.”

It also said his conduct would be watched while the punishment of the ex-chairman of the house committee lasted, after a committee set up to probe allegations of misconduct submitted its report.

At a plenary on Thursday, the Speaker of the Assembly, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, announced the decision of the house, which, after a debate.

The house had adopted the report of a seven-man ad hoc committee by the

House Committee on Ethics and Privileges which investigated allegations they alleged was “bordering on gross misconduct and acts capable of destabilising the House made against Aribisogan by the Leader of House Business, Olatunji Akinyele.”

After the sitting, the new Chairman, House Committee on Information, Dr Samuel Omotoso, flanked by the rest of his colleagues, fielded questions from journalists, and reiterated the allegations of misconduct against Aribisogan.

Dr Omotoso, however, added that pardon could not be ruled out “once he (Aribisogan) can show penitence and accept the

Amosun urges voters to troop out for Ogun LG poll Olayinka OlukoyaAbeokuta THE Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday, urged the electorate participate in the election into the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas tomorrow.

He also assured that

his administration would fulfill all promises made during campaign towards rebuilding the state.

He spoke at Ijebu -Ode Local Government while on a tour of all the senatorial districts in the state.

“The creation of LCDAs will bring proximity of government to the grass-

root people and it will also bring more employment opportunities, progress and development. I am aware of all the challenges we are facing and we have been taken care of it but we know it’s not enough, we will continue to do the best.

“Come out on Saturday and vote, he urged.”

sanctions meted to him in good faith. That is the spirit of a responsible man.”

However, Aribisogan insisted that he was not guilty of any of the offences hope was said to have committed and announced that he would seek redress.

According to him, “I see it as travesty of justice.

The committee has compromised itself. The report is not a representation of what transpired at the Committee’s hearing.”

He said he saw it coming because “it has been prearranged and therefore I am not surprised.”

Aribisogan added: “I am going to seek redress because the mandate I hold is that of Ikole people. The entire process is to undermine Ikole people. I will not confess to what I did not do, even at the risk of death.

“Whatever might have happened today at the Assembly had been concocted and executed by the same people who want to undermine Ikole people. I will consult my constituents to know what my next line of action will be.”

faction’s National Working Committee on the peace move from his base abroad.

“He is speaking with us and the names are being compiled; we will talk with the other side before we make anything public.

I can assure you that we are ready,” he said.

Oladipo said that the party would ensure that there would be timeline for the peace move and ensure that it would be flexible and realistic.

“It will be realistic and flexible because we want a holistic solution that can withstand the test of time,” he said.

On the date for inauguration of the committee, he said that both Sheriff and Makarfi would meet and decide on it.

On outcome of governorship election in Edo, the faction’s secretary said that the party would engage legal means to contest the result as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC presents certificates of return to Obaseki THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday in Benin, presented certificates of return to Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, winners of Edo gubernatorial election.

Dr Mustafa Muhammed, INEC National Commissioner in-charge of SouthSouth zone, presented the certificates to the governor-elect and his deputy.

In a brief remark, Obaseki said he dedicated his victory to God Almighty, adding that one of the reasons he contested the poll was to expand and attract resources into state.

He thanked Edo people for their support during and after the election and vowed to put their interest first before his.

He lauded INEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Sam Olumekun, thanked the people of Edo and the security agencies for conducting a peaceful election.

INEC National Commissioner, Dr Mustafa Muhammed, promised that INEC would improve the electoral system in conduct of future elections.

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Fresh crisis rocks APGA •NWC members suspend national chairman, 2 other officers Christian Okeke-Abuja

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fresh crisis has hit the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, on Wednesday night, passed a vote-of-no confidence on the national chairman, Ike Oye. Conseuently, they announced his suspension alongside two other national officers, the deputy national chairman (North), Alhaji Abubakar Adamu and the deputy national chairman (South), Uchenna Okogbuo.

They were accused of gross misconducts, including giving the party’s candidature tickets to non-APGA members without recourse to the constitutional provisions on applying for waiver through the NWC, in violation of Article 24 (8) (a) (b), running the party without an approved budget against Article 12 (1) (9) and suspension of Edo State exco without approval or ratification by the NWC, outside seven other offences.

The national vice chairman (South East), Ozo Nwabueze Okafor, was appointed by the disaffected NWC members as an interim chairman, pending when a seven-man disciplinary committee would have concluded its assignment of looking into the alleged infractions levelled against the suspended officers.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Tribune observed that a police van with some armed policemen were stationed opposite the party’s Secretariate on Thursday.

Some were equally deployed on Wednesday when the NWC meeting held.

Briefing journalists outside the party’s national secretariat in Abuja at the end of the tension-soaked meeting, the deputy national secretary, Jerry Obasi alleged that Oye chairman violated several sections of the party’s constitution ranging from gross misconduct to running the party like his personal empire and donating tickets to aspirants and candidates.

He alleged that there was no transparency in the manner Oye piloted the affairs of the party, after which a statement signed by 13 members of the NWC titled, ‘Constitutional Provisions Breached by Victor Ike Oye,’ was distributed to journalists.

He said: “Victor Ike Oye, immediately we were

sworn in as officers, was supposed to run the party in uniformity but decisions as it concerns APGA have been taken by him unilaterally and very incongruous with the value that the party had put in place. There is template that has been set by the party, but the emergence of Ike Oye as national chairman has wasted all these tenents and principles.

“In fact, the image of the party under Ike Oye is near zero; the only thing going for APGA is its good name as left by leaders of the party like late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, but Ike Oye has abandoned

the party.

“Under Sir Victor Umeh’s leadership, there was a better APGA; there was more transparent APGA. There was a more viable APGA. There was APGA that had a good image; there were checks and balances. There were reasonable level of consultation within the rank and file of the party, the party’s constitution was respected.

In fact, as at that time, we did not know what we were losing in the person of Victor Umeh until the leadership of Ike Oye came into place.

“Having X-rayed APGA under Ike Oye, we said, ‘no, we cannot continue to

•There’s no crisis —Oye

watch our party gasping for breath.’ We are in conformity with the leader of the party and chairman BOT, Governor Willie Obiano, for his good work and for the manner he has steered the party so far and we want to use this opportunity to make a clarion call on him to know that APGA is in the worst of times,” he alleged.

However addressing journalists at the party’s secretariate, Oye, said the party was crisis-free with ideology and focus on developing to package that would bring succour to Nigerians.

Oye, who initially declined to entertain ques-

tions on the crisis, said that the NWC meeting ended successfully, stressing, “there was nothing, everything went fine.”

According to him, the meeting took decisions that would bring about development of the party across the country.

Oye lamented that the country was passing through a critical moment, which he attributed to lack of proper planning and defined vision.

He, however, expressed the determination of the party to work for good and development of the country through constructive criticism.

Edo State governor-elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki (left) receiving the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) for South-South, Dr Mustapha Lecky, at the INEC office, in Benin, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

Ogun LG polls: AIG vows to deal decisively with electoral offenders •Stay away, Immigration warns foreigners Olayinka OlukoyaAbeokuta THE Assistant Inspector General Police, in charge of Lagos and Ogun, Abdulmajid Ali, on Thursday warned that security agencies would not condone any breach of peace during the local government taking place, on Saturday, in Ogun State.

He also said the agencies would deal decisively with any individual or group that might want to perpetrate electoral offences.

He was addressing an extended security meeting with chiefs, representatives of political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Ali appealed to the parties to abide by the rules of the election, as provided in the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, warning that

any attempt to disrupt the election would be handled appropriately.

The AIG further said that the Police and other security agencies were fully prepared to ensure that the election was hitch-free, warning the police officers that would be on duty during the poll against compromise.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned all for-

eigners residing in the state to steer clear of the Local Government.

The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Felix Kuti, said the warning by Comptroller of Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, Yusuf Ganiyu Mumeen, was to remind foreigners that they are not permitted to participate in any electoral process.

He gave the warning that a meeting with leaders of the

various foreign communities, held at the Command’s headquarters at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The Comptroller also used the opportunity to wan foreigners resident in the state to remain law abiding, while assuring the entire people of state of the command’s readiness to partner with other security agencies in ensuring peace, security and orderliness throughout the period of the elections.

PDP national caucus endorses move to reconcile members

THE extended national caucus of PDP has endorsed the peace move by the Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee to reconcile with the disputed national chairman of the party, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff and his faction.

The national publicity secretary, Prince Dayo

Adeyeye, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen after the party’s caucus meeting.

Adeyeye said that the purpose of the meeting was to brief the caucus on the move and get its endorsement.

The caucus is made up of

PDP governors, National Assembly caucus, Board of Trustees and other stakeholders.

“Members of the caretaker committee are not there on their own, they were appointed by the party and they have to carry the party along in all they are doing,” Adeyeye said.”

On the just-concluded Edo governorship election, he reaffirmed that the APGA condemned the outcome where it was allocated 876 votes. He said, “We will do what is proper at the appropriate time to see that the injustice is redressed.”

‘Influx of new members, good omen for Oyo APC’

By Saheed Salawu

THE teeming number of members of opposition parties into the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has been described as a good omen for the future of politics in the state and the country as a whole.

Making remarks to this effect were APC stalwarts in the state at a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held on Thursday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

All the speakers at the meeting expressed delight over the influx of new members from the Accord, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, among others.

The meeting attracted all the members of the Chief Akin Oke-led state executive committee and scores of old and new members, particularly from all the nine local government areas in Oyo South Senatorial District.

Addressing the leaders and members of the party at the meeting, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the action taken so far on the amendment and implementation of the law establishing additional local government councils in the state which paved the way for the ratification of creation local council development areas (LCDAs) by the state legislature.

The state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, in his address, implored members and supporters of the party in general to sustain their cooperation and support for the APC administration at all levels to facilitate the quick realisation of all the party’s programmes.

H reiterated the position of the state APC leadership to prohibit executive members at all levels from sponsoring, endorsing or supporting prospective aspirants ahead of the 2019 general election.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

FG withdraws forgery case against Saraki, Ekweremadu

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HE Federal Government has filed a motion to withdraw the charge of criminal conspiracy against the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

An affidavit in support of the motion, sighted by an online media, Premium Times, was filed before the High Court of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by a litigation officer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Odubu Loveme, on Thursday.

Saraki and Ekweremadu, as well as a former clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa and a former deputy clerk, Ben Efeturi, were first arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu on June 10, 2016 via charge No. CR/219/16.

They all pleaded not guilty on July 27, 2016.

In the motion filed on Thursday, Loveme said counsel for the Federal Government on the matter, Aliyu Umar, on September 30, in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), told him that he had studied the case diary and “had decided to amend the charge in the manner stated on the face of the motion paper.”

Loveme added that he had, consequently, filed an amended charge.

“That I depose to this affidavit in good faith, believing same to be correct to the best of my knowledge and information and in accordance with the Oaths Act Cap 01 laws of the Federation of Nigeria,” he said.

Based on the amended charge, only Maikasuwa and Efeturi would now face prosecution.

Count one of the charge against the two civil servants was that of Criminal Conspiracy punishable under section 97 (1) Penal Code Act (Northern States) Federation Provisions Act, 1960, Cap 345, laws of the Federation 1990, as amended.

“Salisu Maikasuwa and

Benedict Efeturi, on or about June 9, 2015 at the National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, agreed to do an illegal act, to wit to make the Senate Standing Orders 2015 as amended without the authority of the seventh Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria which act was committed by yourselves and that you thereby committed the offence of criminal conspiracy,” the charge read.

The two officials were accused of fraudulently amending the 2015 Senate Standing Orders without the authority of the seventh Senate, “with intention that the senators-elect of the eighth Senate would believe that the said Senate Standing Orders 2015 (as amended) was made by the authority of the seventh Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

They were also accused of forging a document punishable under Section 366 of

the Penal Code Act (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act, 1960, Cap 345, Laws of the Federation 1990 ( as amended).

The government also ac-

cused them of giving false information with the intention to mislead the public.

The court had, on September 28, adjourned the matter till Friday, October 7, for

Bayelsa guber: APC, Sylva take case to S’Court Sunday Ejike - Abuja THE All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate in the 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Chief Ti-

mipre Sylva, have asked the Supreme Court to sack Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, on the ground that the election that brought him to office was fraudulent and in violation of electoral laws.

From left, Chief (Mrs) Esther Omoboade Olukotun; Mrs Grace Omotayo Apampa; Mrs Comfort Ayodele Owoyemi; Dr Lawrence Adebusoye, (Director of Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, UCH, Ibadan); representative of Oyo State governor, Dr Gbade Ojo; representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi; Zonal Director, FRCN, Ibadan, Mr Tunji Ogunwale; Dr Oludare Okusanya (Deputy Director, Programme); Ms Bolatito Joseph and Professor S. A. Olagoke at the World Elders Day 2016, organised by the Radio Nigeria South-West Zone, at the Fun Factory, Bodija, Ibadan, on Monday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Reps wade into $458m looted funds forfeited in US THE House of Representatives, on Thursday, resolved to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure that repatriation of the country’s looted funds that had been forfeited to the United States government.

The house also resolved to interface with office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to meet the US Congress men and women to push for the return of the funds, put at about 458 million dollars.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by Honourable.

Johnson Agbonayinma (PDP-Edo).

Leading the debate on the motion, Agbonayinma recalled that in 2013, the US Department of Justice traced some assets that were later discovered to be proceeds from corruption in Nigeria.

“It is noteworthy to say that the US Department of

Justice has confiscated and returned over 168 million dollars to victim-nations of corruption,’’ he said.

He disclosed that a portion of the looted funds belonging to Nigeria, was forfeited to the US via a judgment of the district court. ”Assets recovery is a fundamental principle of United Nations Convention against corruption where high-level corruption has plundered the national wealth and where resources are badly needed for recon-

struction and rehabilitation of societies.

“Whereas in the case of embezzlement of public funds, one of the manners in which the confiscated assets could be disposed of is as compensation to the victims affected by the underlying crime,’’ he said.

In her contribution, Honourable Beni Lar (PDP-Plateau), described the allegation as serious and called for proper investigation as part of efforts to repatriate the money.

NLC blames greed, wasteful spending for cash crunch, warns indebted states Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said governments at all levels in Nigeria must work to ensure the cutting down of wasteful spending, to save money to pay their workers who were owed monthly salaries.

Deputy President of NLC, Peters Adeyemi, who stated this in Ado-Ekiti, also accused governors of extravagant spending and appointment of too many aides

which, he said, had left their states impoverished.

Adeyemi said he led a delegation from the national secretariat of the NLC to Ekiti State on “fact-finding” and to hold talks with labour leaders in the state on the arrears of salaries owed workers and pensions and gratuities owed retirees.

According to him, the delegation had discovered that the state government had paid workers’ salaries up to April, while pensioners had been paid up to March with

gratuities last paid in 2012.

Adeyemi regretted a situation where about 27 states in Nigeria were owing their workers arrears of salaries and charged the governments concerned to do something urgent about the situation and pay them without further delay.

He announced that the NLC would soon convoke a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to take decision against state governments still owing workers

commencement of hearing.

When contacted on the new development, the Special Adviser to the Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu, declined comments.

and pensioners arrears of legitimate benefits he saw as “unacceptable.”

Adeyemi said: “Buhari has started it with the plan to sell off some presidential jets; we have seen some world leaders travelling on commercial airlines and this is a lesson to our leaders to live within the available resources.

“Our leaders are too wasteful, our leaders are too ostentatious and they are very greedy and they don’t even care that the nation is going

through a period of economic recession. I don’t know why our leaders cannot fly commercial planes rather than cruising on presidential jets.

“I also want to ask, why do our political leaders need large retinue of political aides and political almajiris and political hangers-on?

They need to cut down on these overbloated aides and make use of professionals in the ministries like permanent secretaries and directors, in order to save costs.”

The apex court was also asked to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, which dismissed their appeal seeking to overturn the decision of the state governorship election petition tribunal that upheld Dickson’s election.

In the appeal, filed by their lawyer, Sebastine Hon, they raised 27 grounds upon which they asked the apex court to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal and to annul the election and the return of Dickson by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the governor of the state.

Sylva and APC argued that elections had taken place in Southern Ijaw before INEC cancelled it on the ground of alleged but unproven irregularities.

They accused the Court of Appeal justices who heard the appeal of misdirecting themselves by relying on hearsay evidence to come to the conclusion that election did not take place in Southern Ijaw.

They also said that the justices shut their eyes to documentary evidence tendered by them, which showed that election actually took place in the area in question and that INEC went beyond its powers when it decided to cancel the election.

Rivers assembly screens 20 LG caretaker committee chairmen RIVERS State House of Assembly has charged local government caretaker committee nominees to collaborate with traditional rulers to tackle security and sanitation challenges in the councils.

Speaker of the assembly, Honourable Daboturudima Adams, gave the charge during the screening of 20 nominees in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.

He expressed satisfaction in the confidence of some of the nominees during screening and enjoined them to work with the traditional rulers to achieve positive results.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

AGF issues fiat to state Attorneys-General to prosecute criminal matters Sunday Ejike - Abuja

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HE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Abubakar Malami, on Thursday, issued a fiat to the 36 states Attorneys- General and commissioners of justice, to prosecute criminal cases within their respective jurisdictions.

Malami, who is the chief law officer of the federa-

tion, said the essence of the fiat is to enhance quick dispensation of criminal cases and to reduce the increasing number of Awaiting Trial Inmates (AWT), in the country’s detention centres.

The AGF announced the issuance of the fiat on Thursday, in Abuja, at a meeting with the Body of AttorneysGeneral of the 36 states of the federation, organised to adopt the proposed national

policy on prosecution, code of conduct and guidelines for prosecutors in the country.

During the first meeting between the AGF and the Body of Attorneys -General of the states, two months ago, in Abuja, a draft national policy on prosecution, code of conduct for prosecutors and the national guidelines on prosecution ,was presented to them for consideration and adoption.

But due to some concerns raised by some AGs, with respect to the implementation of the policy, a committee was then set up to consider all the issues raised and make recommendations that will be received and considered at the meeting.

The meeting of Thursday, was to formally present the committee report for adoption to enable work on the policy to be finalised but the

AGF, in his address, said that the adoption of the policy documents and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 by states of the federation, will among others; promote effective and efficient criminal justice administration, remove impediments to speedy dispensation of justice, protect the society from crime and protect the rights and interest of defendants, victim and

the society at large.

Malami, who noted that the fear that a national and uniform adoption of the policy documents will infringe on the autonomy of the states, is misplaced, said that the policy only seeks to provide framework to which all prosecutors and prosecuting agencies are expected to subject themselves in achieving higher prosecution standards.

Judge counsels colleagues over monetary inducement Yinka Oladoyinbo Lokoja

From left, Justices Eni Esan, Aderonke A. Aderemi, Iyabo S. Yerima, and Boyede R. Akintola of Oyo State High Court, during the 2016/2017 legal year, held at Cathedral of St. James The Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN.

Legal Year: Ajimobi calls for collaboration for quick dispensation of justice •As Bishop Akinfenwa advocates use of ADR

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare and Wale Akinselure

OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Thursday, called for collaboration by stakeholders for quick dispensation of justice as the state judiciary commenced its new legal year.

Just as the Bishop of Ibadan province, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, called for the embracement of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques.

Ajimobi, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Seun Abimbola, at the church service held at the Cathedral of Saint James, Oke Bola and at the Central Mosque, Oja Oba by the Secretary to the State Government, Olalekan Alli, stated that for the judiciary to perform creditably well, it needed funds.

The governor further urged the bench and the bar to hold dear the creed of nobility associated with lawyers and ethical codes in the discharge of their duties.

“Let the practice codes of ethics and professional conducts guide us in our daily endeavours this legal year, recognising that these ethical codes take their roots from the Holy Books of God which demand righteousness from all of us,” Senator Ajimobi urged.

Bishop Akinfenwa, in his sermon, called on the people, especially the gov-

ernment, the bar and the bench, to employ the techniques of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), especially in minor offences, to decongest the prisons.

According to him, people that commit minor and petty offences should be given other punishment aside

prison terms, adding that people that have no criminal tendency may become hardened criminals when remanded in prison.

“You send a man to prison for stealing a phone and he comes out and starts robbing with gun. If a man commits minor offence,

send him to the government farm to do farm work, let him make heaps and plant for the state as punishment.

This will curb the menace of over congestion and also stop such person from being unduly influenced by hardened criminals,” the bishop said.

Oyo govt reiterates commitment to clearing outstanding salaries

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare and Wale Akinselure

OYO State government, on Thursday, stated that it is putting machinery in place to offset outstanding salaries and further ensure prompt payment of workers thereafter.

The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, made this known in a statement in Ibadan, adding that the government is concerned with the economic situation in the society.

According to him, Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration is resolute in making life easier and meaningful for the entire citizenry by meeting its obligations promptly and meets regularly with leadership of the workers’ unions in order to keep them abreast of the finances of the state.

“At one of our meetings with the labour leaders, the government was commended and appreciated for its efforts at adhering to the terms reached during the last agreement despite the financial challenges. They

(labour leaders) emphasised that payment before the last Eid celebration was a good gesture.

“Our government is very passionate about the welfare of workers and the people of the state in general. We are not comfortable with the situation of things in the state and we are already putting machineries in motion to resolve the non-payment of

salaries.

“We know there is a lull in the economy but the situation is changing gradually and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive is yielding positive results. Without adequate resources for prompt payment of salaries, developmental projects will naturally suffer.”

AMIDST criticism over allegation of corruption in the judiciary, a judge in the Kogi State judiciary, Justice A .B. Akogun, on Thursday, told judges in the country to be wary of temptations as their profession is not for money making.

He also tasked the judges to have firm control of their court by instilling discipline and abiding strictly by the oath of their office in order to avoid anarchy.

Akogun said this while delivering a lecture tagged “Corruption and administration of justice”, organised: by the Okene branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as part of

Patronise made-in-Nigeria products, Ooni urges leaders Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, said the nation’s leaders should desist from complaining on the biting effects of economic recession, but patronise madein-Nigeria products to boost local economy.

He said it was incumbent for all and sundry to stop complaining about the country’s social and economic challenges by exploring potentials inherent in agricultural and other sectors to tackle the recession.

Oba Ogunwusi stated this in Ile Ife during the launching of Ife Youth Agropre-

Mrs Fayose presents cheques to indigent patients AS part of activities marking the second year in office, wife of the Ekiti State governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, presented cheques worth millions of naira to indigent patients who could not afford to pay their medical bills.

Mrs Fayose equally used the opportunity to distribute ‘Mama kit’ to over 3,200 pregnant women in both south and central senatorial districts of the state yesterday ‘Mama kit’ is a bag containing all materials needed for safe delivery of preg-

nant women.

According to a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the governor’s wife, Gbenga Ariyibi, Mrs Fayose presented the cheques and the materials at the state specialist hospital, IkereEkiti and Ekiti State Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti.

She thanked God for the prevailing peace being witnessed in the state, urging pregnant women to always access qualitative health care services from government approved institutions.

The Chief Medical Direc-

activities to mark 2016 edition of the association’s Law Week.

According to him, judges shoild be agents of morality, adding that they should always be conscious of their actions that always attract moral consequences.

The guest lecturer, Justice Saidu Hussaini, of the Appeal Court, also said it was high time Nigerians joined hands to fight corruption .

Hussaini, who was represented by Justice Moses Gwatana, noted that to effectively tackle the menace, government should address the problem of poor remuneration as well as arm anticorruption agencies to enable them bark and bite.

tor of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Dr Kolawole Ogundipe and his counterpart at the Ikere Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Sunday Omoya, commended the Fayose-led administration for its relentless effort at reaching out to the less privileged members of the society.

Among the beneficiaries were the blinded couple Obafemi Sunday Bamidele and his wife, Bosede and a physically challenged person, Ogunsakin Olasunkanmi.

neurship Summit 2016, which he co-sponsored with Bank of Industry (BoI), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Bank of Agriculture (BoA).

According to him, the high patronage of imported products by Nigerian leaders and other categories of wealthy individuals led to scarcity of dollars, which the local manufacturing sector depends on for the procurement of materials and machineries.

Oba Ogunwusi asserted, “We should stop complaining about economic recession. Blame game should stop because God blessed Nigeria as a country with abundant natural resources and there is no justification for us to be languishing in poverty and deprivation.

“We should all embrace agriculture with massive investment in the sector.

Through this approach, we can generate foreign exchange needed. This will go a long way in reinvigorating our ailing economy.

“Apart from paving way for the emergence of successful young entrepreneurs, the scheme would serve as a catalyst for the healthy growth of Nigeria economy. We have to look inward and explore opportunities that abound in this country,” Oba Ogunwusi remarked.

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Friday, 7 October, 2016

Army sues for peace ahead Ondo election

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HE Nigerian Army has cautioned against any form of disturbance ahead of the Ondo State governorship election on

November 26.

The Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-General Charles Ofoche, gave the warning when he visited

the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) office in Akure, on Thursday.

Ofoche noted that Ondo was one of the most peaceful states in the country,

and cautioned anyone planning to destabilise the peace before, during and after the election to go elsewhere.

“The state government has done a lot in making

the state one of the most peaceful states in the country. I am sure Ondo election will be peaceful like that of Edo State.

“In the last 16 months, no pipeline has been vandalised in the state. Ondo State is not a place for trouble makers,” he said.

Ofoche promised to work with all stakeholders to create conducive atmosphere for journalists to effectively

Nigerian Tribune

cover the election.

The commander reiterated that the military would remain apolitical, and thanked journalists in the state for their cooperation.

Earlier, James Sowole, Chairman of NUJ in the state, thanked the Brigade Commander for the visit and promised that the union would maintain cordial relationship with the military.

Ekiti govt re-introduces oath of secrecy to workers

From right, former president of Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Dr Abiola Oshodi; Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; President of SOGON, Professor Joseph Brian-D Adinma and the representative of the Minister of Health and former Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Abiodun Ilesanmi, at the opening ceremony of the 50th Annual General Meeting and induction of new members of SOGON, at the International Events Centre, Akure, on Thursday.

Former INEC commissioner seeks zero-tolerance for invalid votes A former INEC Commissioner, Professor Lai Olorode, has called for zero tolerance for void votes in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Olorode told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Thursday, that the electorates’ confidence would be restored in the system, once zero-tolerance for void votes was achieved.

“In the last record that I have, Ondo State recorded just about 2.5 per cent wasted votes and I think they should try this time around, during the gubernatorial election, to go to zero-tolerance for wasted votes.

“That is the only way you will be restoring confidence because there is no point queuing up to do accreditation and voting and at the end of the day, your votes will not count.

“Void votes generally are a reflection of high level of illiteracy and the failure of political parties to reach out to their members and to give them some voter educational information.’’

Olorode, therefore, called on political stakeholders in the state to work closely with INEC to adequately educate voters on how to correctly cast votes.

“The point really is that INEC alone cannot undertake voter education.

“In order to avoid or to

minimise wasted votes, INEC needs partnership with civil society organisations, international de-

velopment agencies, community leaders, political parties and the media,” Professor Olorode said.

Jegede promises mega schools, mother and child hospitals THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, has promised to ensure that the mother and child hospital and mega school projects, identified as some of the people-oriented programmes of the Dr Olusegun Mimiko-led administration, extended to senatorial districts that are yet to partake in the initiatives.

Speaking with newsmen in Akure yesterday, the PDP candidate said, if elected, he would ensure that the popular mother and child hospital, initiated by the incumbent government, is built in all the senatorial districts in the state, in line with the focus of the government while initiating the programme.

He said schools that are yet to meet the standard of the Mimiko-led government’s initiated millennium compliant mega schools will be upgraded to mega status.

According to the former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, his position as an integral part of the current government in the state has given him insight into what could be done to further raise the bar of governance beyond the high level the Mimiko-led government has driven it.

He said the challenges of the time demand that best hand is engaged to address them, adding that he will rely on his understanding of the state and its people as well as his experience as part of the administration for over seven years to identify targets and drive same.

Insisting that legacies of previous governments in the state will be protected, the PDP candidate submitted that he will use the experience acquired in government to pilot well the affairs of the state.

He said he had perfected a blueprint for job creation and the growth of the state’s economy to the desired po-

sition.

“There is a very clear idea of what I want to do. I have a clear policy of what I want to do especially in the areas of job creation and the economy,” he maintained.

EKITI State government has begun administering oath of secrecy to its workers as part of efforts to check indiscriminate divulging of information to the public.

The State Head of Service, Dr Gbenga Faseluka, who, administered the oath in Ado-Ekiti said the revival of the oath was a way of returning to the rudiments and the foundation of the civil service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the event took place at a two-day workshop organised for members of staff of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development.

Faseluka stated that the oath of secrecy does not contradict the provisions of the Freedom of Information law which grants the public access to government information.

He said most of the workers were ignorant of the provisions of Public Service Rules until the introduction of competitive promotion examination which its syllabus included the knowledge of the rules.

“Ekiti is one of the states in Nigeria to have domesticated the Freedom of In-

formation law. The essence of that law is to let members of the public have access to the workings of government.

“What we are doing by reviving the oath of secrecy is to tell people that our civil service is not a rudderless one.

“When information is to be given out, there is a channel. It is only the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry that can authorise the release of information,” Faseluka said.

The Head of Service commended Governor Ayo Fayose for regularly releasing running grants to each of the ministries.

He said that had enabled some of the ministries to train their staff.

He urged the participants to put all they would learn into use for the development of the state as well as upgrading their own career.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget, Mr Sesan Alabi, said that the training would properly equip members of staff of the ministry to effectively perform their roles for the progress of the state.

Protesters invade police station over burial of corporal Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure PROTESTERS, on Thursday, invaded the Area Command Office of the Ondo State Police Command, in Akure, over the death of a Corporal, Taiwo Agboola, who was killed by a reckless driver, while controlling traffic three weeks ago.

The family and friends of the corporal, who expected the police authorities in the state to take over the burial, were disappointed with the disposition of the police authorities in the state.

Irked by this development, the friends of the

deceased policeman took his remains and coffin to the Area Commander’s office and dropped it at the gate leading to the premises.

The protesters, however, barricaded the popular Oyemekun road causing a gridlock.

Speaking on the development, the State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, said the command had concluded arrangement to bury the deceased in his hometown.

He explained that there was a slight disagreement over the hiring of ambulance by the Police for the

burial, saying the family of the slain policeman insisted on the use of Police ambulance instead of a hired ambulance by the command.

Joseph said the state Police Command had made necessary arrangements including the purchase of coffin, hiring of the ambulance and the provision of vehicles to take family and command’s delegation to Osun State.

He, however, explained that the command decided to hire an ambulance because it has no serviceable one, and condemned the blocking of the road by the protesters.

news NDLEA alerts to new drug in Nigeria 34

Shola Adekola, Lagos

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HE chairman/chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, has promised to tackle drug trafficking syndicates

over the introduction of a new drug into the country, known as Khat.

Abdallah, while calling on members of the public to be aware of the development, said that the agency is prepared to stop illegal importation, production and exportation of illicit drugs.

El- Zakzaky: Groups protest in Lagos, UK Ask FG to end relationship with Iran From Bola Badmus And Collins nnabuife

A group, Sovereign Rights Coalition (SRC), which is an amalgamation of over 20 civil society groups

Convention

JEHOVAH’S Witnesses will begin a three-day convention, at Ifatumo Assembly Hall, along Lalupon Ejioku Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, today ( Friday).

The convention is tagged: ‘Remain loyal to Jehovah’.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believed that loyalty is critical to healthy relationship.

The 2016 convention will feature contents that will help people develop strong bonds with friends, family members as well as loyalty to God. This was contained in a press release issued and signed by the media officer, Mr Olayinka Dada, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Thursday.

The programme sessions will begin at 8:20am on each day of the convention and admission is free.

Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are supported by voluntary donations.

Salawu: CAC Revival Centre thanks Nigerians CHRIST Apostolic Church (CAC) Revival Centre, Agbara Jesu Wa Sibe, Apata Ganga, Ibadan, Oyo State has expressed its appreciation to all well-meaning Nigerians, who contributed to the successful burial activities of its founder and famous preacher, Prophet Michael Olutayo Salawu, recently.

Specifically, the revival centre appreciated the authorities of the General CAC worldwide; representatives of Oyo-State government; Ekiti State government; Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala; Mrs Feyisara Fayose as well as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who was represented by Senator Lekan Balogun, among others.

The revival centre also commended the efforts of famous gospel singers: Evangelist Bola Are, Funmi Aragbaye; Evangelist Ojo Ade as well as gospel artists and choirs of various churches; clerics; traditional rulers, among others.

(CSGs), on Thursday, staged a peaceful protest at the Embassy of Iran, in Lagos, demanding an end to the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Iran.

The group, equally called for a swift prosecution of the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, over the 2015 attack on the Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneralTukur Buratai.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the coordinator of the groups, Aaron Aaron, while making the demand, berated the role played by the Republic of Iran, during the attack on the army chief, even as he expressed concern over what he termed, “unceremonious relocation of the Embassy of the Republic of Syria to Lagos.”

“Our concern is based on the violent acts that have trailed the Iranians, who have been known sponsors of terror and particularly, IMN. “This suspicious relocation is viewed in prism of a new recruitment drive to generate recruits for intended terrorist cells believed to be domiciled in the North.

“As a group we have severally observed with awe acts by persons supported by foreign nations, including the Republic of Iran, aimed at disparaging the honour of Nigeria as a nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigerians in the United Kingdom, have stormed the Commonwealth Office, in London, over the delay in the prosecution of leader of IMN in Nigeria, The IMN leader was accused of instigating his supporters to attack the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff ,in December 2015.

CHANGE OF NAME AND CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly Nwaham Felicia now NWAHAM FELICIA OLURINTI. My correct date of birth is 23/01/1970 and not 01/10/1961. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sulemon Adebola now SULEMAN MARIAM ARIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Jamiu Abdullahi Olayemi now MUHAMMADJAMIU ABDULAHI OLAYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

The agency made a seizure of 65.7kg of Khat between January and June 2016.

Khat is a stimulant flowering shrub growing mainly in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

The plant, which is known

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Rashidat Oyinboade Tajudeen now RASHIDAT OYINBOADE OLALERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Agbo Nkechinyere Joy now EGBO NKECHINYERE JOY. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Salawu Mufuliat Temilade now MRS SALAUDEEN MUFULIAT TEMILADE. All former documents remain valid.

Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Badmus Rabiu Alao now GBADAMOSI RABIU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Alimi Adebayo Sulaiman now SULAIMAN ALIMI ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Olanrewaju Bola now MRS AYENI GLADYS BOLATITO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Nwoye Somebi Adaeze now MRS EZE SOMEBI ADAEZE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EJIMA: I, formerly Miss Jumai Caroline Ejima now MRS JUMAI CAROLINE EJIMA-PATRICK. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ajani Jacob Adegbiji now AJAYI JACOB ADEGBIJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adamo Azeez now AZEEZ ADAM AKANJI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Munirudeen Ademola Abdulhameed and Munirudeen Abdul Hameed now HAMEED MUNIRU ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Onyebueze Ijeoma Edith now MRS ANENIH IJEOMA EDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

as Catha edulis, contains two alkaloids, namely, cathinone and cathine, that act as stimulants.

When Khat leaf is chewed like tobacco, it produces a mild euphoria similar to cocaine and amphetamine.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunbiyi Oluwatoyin Ayoyinka now MRS AKINSANMI OLUWATOYIN AYOYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abegunde Gabriel Temitope now ABOLADEPROSPER GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid. Kwara State University, Malete and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Gasali Shakirat Oluwakemi now MRS NAFIU SHAKIRAT OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abdulrahman Amope now ABDULRAHMAN MISIRAT AMOPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajedokun Adigun now ADIGUN AJEDOKUN AKANNI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Gbadamosi Olusola Atinuke now MRS SOMOSU OLUSOLA ATINUKE. All former documents remain valid. CRIN, Skye Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

Friday, 7 October, 2016

“Drug trafficking cartels are gradually introducing a new stimulant drug into the country but we are prepared to stop them.

In the first half of the 2016, the agency successfully seized 65.7kg of Khat. We

are taking counter narcotic measures calculated at frustrating the activities of drug trafficking organisations.

Officers at all border points, airports and seaports, are being sensitised on new trends.

35

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 7 October, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adepoju Grace Abiodun now MRS. ADEJUMOBI GRACE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Osun State Polytechnic and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Azeez Racheal Jumoke now MRS. OYEYIGA RACHEAL JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. Grooming and general public take note.

I, Oladosu Isiaka Afolabi am the same person as Oladosu Isiaka.

Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as OLADOSU ISIAKA AFOLABI. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aliyu Sikirat Aina now MRS. SANNIAREWA SIKIRAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Babatunde Mary Mojisola am the same person as Dada Mary.

Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as BABATUNDE MARY MOJISOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Yusufu Peter now YUSUFU PETER BABA. All former documents remain valid. Kogi State SUBEB, Dekina LGA and general public take note.

I, formerly MHD Yusuff Bashir Akeula now YUSUFF BASHIR AKEULA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Florence Abegunde Deacone now ABEGUNDE FLORENCE OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fasina Alirat Ajoke now MRS. IBRAHEEM ALIRAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Olalekan Kafilat am the same person bearing Olaide Ademola.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEMOLA OLAIDE GANIYAT and my correct date of birth is 23/12/1967. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Iyiola Folashade Mary now AKANNI FOLASHADE MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bello Rianat Titilola and Mrs. Akanji Rianat Titilola now MRS AKANJI TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ganiyu Sakirat Romoke now MRS BABALOLA SAKIRAT ROMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyerinde Oluwakemi Abejide now MRS. OLALERE-OJO OLUWAKEMI ABEJIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Lawal Lasisi Osuolale am the same person bearing Lasisi Ajadi.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL LASISI OSUOLALE. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Wema Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Mudashir Moruff Adebare now MUDASHIR MORUFF KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Awe Jolaade am the same person bearing Akinwande Jolaade Oladayo.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AKINWANDE JOLAADE OLADAYO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, Aderemi Rasheed Saka am the same person bearing Rasheed Saka Kafidiya. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEREMI RASHEED SAKA KAFIDIYA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Olabamiji Iskilu now MR. BELLO ISKILU. All former documents remain valid. Authorities of Wema Bank Plc., Other Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly Ayinde Kolawole Hammed now OYEDEJI HAMMED AYINDE. My correct date of birth is 08/02/1995 and not 03/02/1994.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Edibo Balkisu now MRS ADUKU BALKISU JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Oyebamiji A. Oyekunle now OYEBAMIJI YUSUFF OYEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adebimpe Anike Deborah now MRS SAMUEL ADEBIMPE DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. CBN, Wema Bank Plc., First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly John Luka now JOHN LUKA MAIDAWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyekan Grace Ibukun now MRS ODENIYI GRACE IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Aderemi James am the same person bearing Aderemi James Okunola. All documents bearing former name remains valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Yetunde Akinwekomi now MRS. YETUNDE ODETAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adeleke Apetu Lateef now ADELEKE LATEEF OMOKUNMI. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeleye Tolulope Racheal now MRS OLATUNDE TOLULOPE RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, Orogbemi Ayejuyole Justinah my name was mistakenly written as Justinah Semudara. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OROGBEMI AYEJUYOLE JUSTINAH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. FCMB Plc., First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Osuolale Sakirat Toyin now MISS OMILEYE SAKIRAT TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Emegwara Onyekwere Chika and Emegwara Chika Onyekwere now EMEGWARA CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Zakari Idris Moralafia and Idris Zakari now ZAKARI IDRIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adiat Latifat Adeola now MRS. IBRAHIM LATIFAT ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. Prospective Employers and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Wahab Barakat now MRS FIDUDUSOLA TUNRAYO IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Adeleke Taiwo Dorcas am the same person as Adeleke Taiwo. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADELEKE TAIWO DORCAS. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

I, formerly Musbaudeen O, Alao Adebayo now OLALERE MUSBAUDEEN ALIBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Lawal Lukuman Olasunkanmi now AKEE LUKUMAN OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Aluko Titus Oladele now ALUKO TITUS IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, Babaranti Waheed Omolayo am the same person as Babaranti Waheed.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as BABARANTI WAHEED OMOLAYO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

I, Sobowale Adeyinka Abdul-Lateef am the same person as Sobowale Adeyinka and Abdul-Latifu Adeyinka Sobowale.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SOBOWALE ADEYINKA ABDUL-LATEEF. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

I, formerly Adijat Adebola Bashir now BASHIR KHADIJAT OLUDEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Salaudeen Mariam Yetunde now MUSTAPHA MARIAM IYABO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Alhaji Belerebe Saheed Adisa formerly bear Saheed Belerebe Adisa and Saheed M. Belerebe. That henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ALHAJI BELEREBE SAHEED ADISA. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

First Bank Plc., UBA Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adereti Banke Saidat now MRS. AJUMOBI TAIWO FUNKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adewole Mary Ayanbola now ADENIRAN MARY AYANBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Kehinde Mary Oluwadolapo now MRS. MARY OLUWADOLAPO KEHINDE-ADEGBOYE. All former documents remain valid. OAU, Ile-Ife and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Patience Ndidi Enuma now MRS. PATIENCE NDIDIAMAKA AYENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinrinade Oluwatosin Eunice now MRS OGINNI OLUWATOSIN EUNICE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Efekoha Ovokeronye Grace, I was mistakenly written my name as Efekoha Grace instead of EFEKOHA OVOKERONYE GRACE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. UBA Plc., and general public take note.

I, Okeola Comfort Idayat am the same person bearing Aranfajo I. D. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OKEOLA COMFORT IDAYAT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Esther Mejebi Funmilayo now MADAM ESTHER EREANBULE OKOTUROH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Okonkwo Uchechukwu now UCHE OKONKWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Moyebi Oluwafemi John now MOYEBI OLUWAFEMI DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Folasade Oluwaseyi Adedoyin now ADEDOYIN FOLASADE OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. Iree Poly and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Joy Ighoyivwi now MRS ONOSAKPONOME JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ifarajimi Stella Opeyemi now MRS. OKESOLA STELLA OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ishaiq Taruwere Ayuba and Ishiaku Taruwere Ayuba now ISHAIQ AYUBA TARUWERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Al-Jamiu Odunola Idowu am the same person bearing Al-Jamiu Odunola Kabirat. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as AL-JAMIU ODUNOLA IDOWU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Azeez Rukayat Arike now MUHANMED RUKAYAT ARIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olubusayo Olayemi Pelemo now MRS. OLUBUSAYO TEJU-OJO. All former documents remain valid. Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and general public take note.

I, formerly Hassan Idris Oluwaseun now HASSAN SUNDAY OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Sakariyau Salami and Abdl Salami Sakariyau now ABDULSALAM SAKARIYA ADETORO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adedoyin Olabisi Sherifat now MRS ADEDOYIN OLABISI SH E R I FAT- A B DU L SE M I U. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Emosoga Felicia Blacky now MRS. ADIGBO FELICIA BLACKY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

I formerly Godson Chukwunonso Maduka now GODSON CHIBUIKEM OBIAPUNA. My correct date of birth was 28/03/1972 and not 28/02/1972. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

I, formerly Edun Esanye now EDUN ESANYE MOSES. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Iwaluwa Olaniyi Daniel am the same person bearing Olaniyi Daniel.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as IWALUWA OLANIYI DANIEL. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

This is to confirm that I, Faje Oluwayemisi Precious am the same person as Emmanuel Oluwayemisi Precious. Henceforth, I wish to be addressed as FAJE OLUWAYEMISI PRECIOUS. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Keystone Bank Plc and general take note.

I, formerly Soremi Esther Olawumi now MRS. OLUJIMI ESTHER OLAWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ojakovo Vivian Mercy now OKPARAODI VIVIAN MERCY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Hannah Adejoh now ABUTU HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Lubabatu Nuhu Jubril now LUBABATU SALISU GARBA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayanlade Janet Ayole now ADEMOLA JANET AYOLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Dada Oluwafunke now MRS MUSTAPHA OLUWAFUNKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr. Agboola Alani Bamiduro now MR. AGBOOLA ALANI BURAIMOH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdulraheem Surajudeen Oyetunji now SURAJUDEEN A B D U L R A H E E M OYETUNJI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Kehinde Olufunmilayo now MRS ADEGBITE OLUFUNMILAYO.

All former documents remain valid. EACOED, Oyo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Aluko Florence Bolanle now MRS TAWOSE FLORENCE BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Ajewole Oluwasina Abiodun am the same person as Ajewole Sina.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AJEWOLE OLUWASINA ABIODUN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Eyaunu Onome Blessing now MRS MINNET ONOME BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Adekunle Precious am the same person bearing Gbuwa Bamigbemi John. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE PRECIOUS. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bukky Olayinka Adenuga now BUKOLA OLAYINKA ADEGOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogidi, Oluwalosola Yetunde now MRS. ADEWUMI O L U WA L O S O L A YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and general public take note.

36 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Blessing Irulo now BLESSING OMOROGBE. All documents bearing former name remains valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Friday, 7 October, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Peter John Johnathan now UBONG JOHN JONATHAN. All documents bearing former name remains valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Tiamiyu Tawa am the same person bearing Tiamiyu Tawakalitu. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as TIAMIYU TAWA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, Alfa Yunusa Tapa am the same person bearing YNS Abdulahi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as YNS ABDULAHI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olisa Morufat Abiodun now MRS. EGUNJOBI MORUFAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Agaza Sunday now AZAKA SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Olubukola Adedayo Komolafe now OLUBUKOLA ADEDAYO SEBIOMO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Biliaminu Ola Adua am the same person bearing Ola-Adura Biliaminu Esq, Bilaiminu Ola Adua Yisau, Ola Adua Biliaminu Esq and Buliyaminu Ola Adua. Now, I want to be known and addressed as BILIAMINU OLA ADUA . All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Yusuf Olamide/ Oredegbe Olamide Maruf now OREDEGBE MARUF OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Muritala Adedayo Fatimat now MRS. ADEYEMO ADEDAYO FATIMAT. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, Ariyo Mary Ileola but my name was mistakenly written as Ariyo Mary Iyiola.

Henceforth, my correct name is ARIYO MARY ILEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Adebayo Oluwayinka Oluwabunmi but was wrongly stated as Adebayo Adeyinka Oluwabunmi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO OLUWAYINKA OLUWABUNMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Odebunmi Olajumoke Mercy now MRS ALO OLAJUMOKE MERCY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Saliu Kehinde Hassanat now MRS OLOWO KEHINDE HASSANAT. All former documents remain valid. Authority concerned and general public take note.

I formerly Miss Egunlusi Rosemary Modupe now MRS ADEYEMI ROSEMARY MODUPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Meeberibari Friday Gboro am the same person as Friday M. Gboro as they appear in seperate documents.

Now, I want to be known and addressed as MEEBERIBARI FRIDAY GBORO. All documents bearing former name remains valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Usuwa Michael Richard now USUWA MICHAEL ONYENDIKACHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Peter Johnny C. now ODEGA JOHNNY ACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeyemi Mary Bosede now MRS AROWOSEGBE MARY BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lordson Livinus Emmanuel now LORDSON LIVINUS EJIOFOR. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Gift Kufre Okon Akpatang now MRS GIFT KUFRE MORDI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Omiyera Seye Aanuoluwa now MRS. ADEYEMI SEYE AANUOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Chikelu Ifeoma Ogochukwu now MRS IZUCHUKWU IFEOMA OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajadi Olasunkanmi Wasiu now ALAMU IBRAHIM WASIU AJADI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oluokun Christianah Aderonke now MRS AJAYI CHRISTIANAH ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Lombe Ngome Enongene now OGUNJOBI ADEBUKOLA LANA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Aderinto Olaitan Deborah now ADERINTO OLAITAN MAYOKUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sulaimon Kehinde Olutumi now SULEIMAN KEHINDE ATOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ogunjide Olugbenga Lawrence am the same person bearing Ogunjide Olugbenga. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OGUNJIDE OLUGBENGA LAWRENCE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Obadare Temilade Elizabeth now MRS DAVIES TEMILADE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olawoye Quadri Oluwatobi now OLAWOYE UTHMAN OLADIPO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Yinka Tango now OLAYINKA BOLAJOKO ALLI TANGO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ayo Matthew am the same person bearing Ayo Matthew Babalola. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AYO MATTHEW. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdullahi Momoh Oluwambe/Momoh Abdullahi Alabi now MOMOH ABDULLAHI OLUWAMBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Hammed Oluwatomisin Shakira am the same person bearing Abiodun Oluwatomisin Arike. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as ABIODUN OLUWATOMISIN ARIKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aminat Abidemi Subair now MRS AMINAT ABIDEMI GIWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Olorungbon Oluwatoyin Hannah Abiodun now AMEDARI SHEKINAH OLUWATOYIN HANNAH ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. Authority concerned and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oyedele Ifeoluwa Oluwapelumi now OPARINDE IFEOLUWA OLUWAPELUMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Adeyemi Opeyemi Qudus am the same person as Adeyemi Opeyemi and Adeyemi Opeyemi O. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI OPEYEMI QUDUS. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

I am the same person bearing Olagoke Patience Okah but was quoted wrongly as Olagoke Patience Okahi instead of Olagoke Patience Okah. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OLAGOKE PATIENCE OKAH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Raheem Rahmat Olajumoke now MRS ADEYEMO RAMAT OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM Oyo State, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Idamie Olabisi Bridget now FOLORUNSO OLABISI BRIDGET. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Olaifa Damilola Iyanuoluwa now MRS ADEMOLA-OKERINDE DAMILOLA IYANUOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Jayeoba Temitope Mary now MRS. AYODELE TEMITOPE MARY. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB AdoEkiti and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ojo Olufunke Ajoke now MRS OKEYINKA OLUFUNKE AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Judiciary and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Kolade Mosebolatan Omowumi now MRS ADEGBOYEGA ABIMBOLA OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Laoye Lateef Ishola am the same person bearing Laoye Lateef. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adetunji Adeola Nafisat now MRS AJAYI ADEOLA NAFISAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akintola Abosede Titilayo now MRS QUADRI ABOSEDE TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oladimeji Titilola Kike now MRS FAMAKINWA TITILOLA KIKE. All former documents remain valid. Hospital Management Board, Ekiti State, N&MCN, OAU Ile-Ife and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Lawal Idowu Adeniyi now IDOWU OLAYIWOLA OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Owoseni Gbademu Folakemi now GBADEMU OMOYENI FOLAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ishola Mukaila now AKINOLA TOPE FEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Osakwe Peace Onyeka now MRS ILEN-OTUMA PEACE ONYEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniyi Opeyemi Idayat now MRS JIMOH IDAYAT OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abibullahi Lateef Olalere now ABIBU LATEEF OLALERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ojolowo Monsuru Eniola now LAMIDI MONSURU AKANDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Daniel Comfort Dupe now OWODOLU COMFORT DUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Ogunyemi Olakunle Peter now MR OLUWAYEMI KUNLE PETER. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Onasoga, Funmilayo Mujidat now MRS OYEYIPO, FUNMILAYO MUJIDAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Aridegbe Olumayowa Tosin now OGUNRONBI OLUMAYOWA TOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ramon Nafisat Adewumi now MRS DAUDA NAFISAT ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Yusuf Bidemi Oladepe now DEPO BIDEMI OLADEPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Njoku Okah Sunday now OKAH SUNDAY CHUKWUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adejumo Isiaq Idowu now ADEJUMO ISIAQ ADESINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adedapo Adeyemi now ADEDAPO SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Daud Hammed Oladipupo now OLAJIDE DAUDA OLADIPUPO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adamu Richard Kolade now OLANIYI RICHARD KOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Azeez Wahab Ajani now AZEEZ WAHAB AKINWALE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olukunle Iyabode Nafisat now MRS OLORUNSOGO IYABODE NAFISAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

The name on my bank account was written as Onah Odey John while the name on my national ID card bears John Daniel. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as JOHN DANIEL. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Odusina Gbemisola Adeyinka now MRS OLUROMBI GBEMISOLA ADEYINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Talabi Kemisola Oyinkansola now MRS MAFIMISESI KEMISOLA OYINKANSOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Oba Deborah Eniola now MRS Obafemi Deborah Eniola.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olapeju Iyabo Hamzat now MRS OLAPEJU THOMAS SHOBOLA. All former documents remain valid. Lead City University, Ibadan, University of Ibadan, Zartech Limited and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Ajibade Segun John now MR ADEJUWON OLUSEGUN JOHN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adekunle Toyin now MACAULAY OLABISI TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Cecilia Onuoha now MRS CECILIA AKOBONMA ONUOHA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Silver Richy Timaya Snow now SILVER SNOW RICHY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ayo-Alagbe Aduratomi Tijesuni now MRS OJEDELE ADURATOMI TIJESUNI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Gbademu Opeyemi Oluwafunmilayo now OGUNDEYI OPEYEMI OLUWAFUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ogunlade Yisau Adedeji now OGUNLADE YISAU OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Serifat Mosunmola Adegoke now MRS SERIFAT M O S U N M O L A POPOOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Aderibigbe Adenike Silifat am the same person bearing Aderibigbe Adenike Ajimati. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADERIBIGBE ADENIKE SILIFAT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

37

Friday, 7 October, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

Traffic was backed up for miles as residents make an evacuation route over 520 bridge heading west from Merritt Island, Florida.

PHOTO: CNN.

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

UK parliamentarian collapses after allegedly receiving punches from fellow MEP

Deadly Hurricane Matthew heads for US after killing 102 Death toll in Haiti hits 98

H

urricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, barreled toward the southeastern United States on Thursday after killing at least 102 people, the death toll in struggling Haiti alone rising to 98, local officials told Reuters.

In United States, the storm headed northward on Thursday battering the Bahamas en route to Florida.

As Matthew blew through the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday, it was predicted to strengthen from a Category 3 to 4 storm en route to Florida’s Atlantic coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm could either take direct aim at Florida or brush along the state’s coast on Thursday night.

Some 65 people were killed in Haiti

and thousands were displaced after the storm smashed homes and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week.

The National Hurricane Center extended its hurricane warning area farther north into Georgia and more than 12 million U.S. residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached, carrying with it strong storm surges, heavy rain and sustained winds that accelerated overnight to about 125 miles per hour (205 kph).

Matthew was 215 miles (346 km) southeast of West Palm Beach at about 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT).

United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) leadership favourite, Steven Woolfe, is recovering in hospital after collapsing following an alleged punchup with a fellow MEP. Mr Woolfe, according to Mail Online was embroiled in an ‘altercation’ with another Ukip politician said to be Mike Hookem, at a ‘clear the air’ meeting this morning.

The married father-of-one - who was marking his 49th birthday today - reportedly fell over at one point during the scuffle and banged his head.

Despite walking away from the fight, Mr Woolfe then collapsed and had a fit around two hours later - at around 11.20am UK time and was rushed to hospital.

At one point his injuries were thought to be life-threatening, but in a statement issued from his hospital bed this afternoon, Mr Woolfe said he was ‘feeling brighter’.

Sources claimed the row was over Mr Woolfe’s admission that he had considered defecting to the Tories after being ‘enthused’ by Theresa May’s new direction.

Aides to Mr Hookem could not be contacted for most of

UN envoy warns Syrian city faces total destruction The United Nation’s Syria justification by Moscow envoy, on Thursday, made and Damascus for the an impassioned appeal continued assault. to save eastern Aleppo, warning the city faced total destruction and urging hardline fighters to leave the rebel-held east so civilians can get aid.

“In maximum two months, two-and-half people were months, the city of eastern Eleven Aleppo may be totally killed in clashes in Central destroyed,” Staffan de African Republic’s capital Mistura told reporters in this week set off by the murder of an army officer, Geneva.

The rebel-held east of the country’s United Nation’s Aleppo has been hammered peacekeeping mission said on by a Russia-backed Thursday.

Reuters said fighting government offensive, including multiple air erupted in Bangui’s PK5 attacks on hospitals, with neighbourhood, a Muslim hundreds of civilians killed enclave in the majority Christian nation’s capital, and thousands wounded.

De Mistura noted the after Commander Marcel presence of Jabhat Fateh Mombeka, a former aide al-Sham fighters in the to ex-President Catherine city has been used as a Samba-Panza, was shot dead there in his car on Tuesday.

Central African Republic has been plagued by interreligious violence since 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters seized power, prompting reprisals from Christian militias, known as UN Syria Envoy anti-balaka.

Staffan de Mistura

11 killed, 14 missing in Central African Republic clashes

Security agents at the scene of the attack. PHOTO: REUTERS.

Al-Shabab kills Christians in Kenya’s Mandera town Militant Islamist group al-Shabab says it has killed six Christians in northeastern Kenya in an attack aimed at forcing them out of the region.

The grenade and gun attack was launched on a residential block in Mandera town when people were sleeping, police said.

It was the latest in a spate of deadly attacks targeting Christians in the mainly Muslim region.

In December 2014, alShabab killed 38 nonMuslims at a quarry after separating them from Muslim workers.

A few months earlier, 28 people were killed after Muslim passengers were split up from the other

passengers.

The attack happened as “planned” and was aimed at Christians in Mandera town, a radio station run by al-Shabab has reported.

The group wanted nonMuslims to leave what it regarded as Muslim areas, a spokesman told the BBC. Mandera County commissioner Fredrick Shiswa said the militants had also targeted a telecommunication site, but this was done to divert the attention of the security forces from the “actual attack.”

“This must have been planned over a long period...

It was executed with a lot efficiency,” Mr Shiswa said in a BBC interview.

the day, but a spokeswoman tonight denied that he had punched his colleague, insisting it had been a ‘verbal altercation.’

In his statement, Mr Woolfe said: “The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain.

“At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever.

“As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything is fine.

“I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the Ukip MEPs with me

and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional.

“I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face.”

After being told he was a “joke” during the meeting, Mr Woolfe apparently took off his jacket and challenged Mr Hookem to “settle this outside.”

A party source said: “Words were said, and suddenly the pair had taken their jackets off and went outside to have a fight.

Steven Woolfe, collapsed at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg after being punched by another MEP at a‘clear the air’meeting. PHOTO: itv NEWS

Brexit: PM faces backlash from EU leaders over plans to curb migration Theresa May is facing a backlash from European leaders over plans to curb migration after France threatened to retaliate against Britons working on the continent.

The Prime Minister and Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, used the conference speeches to announce an immigration crackdown which included plans to force companies to publish the number of foreign workers they employ.

According to Telegraph, Emmanuelle Cosse, France’s housing minister, said that the plans would be a “catastrophe” and said that the policy “raises the issue of reciprocity”, indicating that Britons living abroad could face similar curbs.

Mario Giro, Italy’s deputy foreign minister, appeared to accuse Ms Rudd of racism.

He tweeted a cartoon that appeared in an Italian

British PM Theresa May

newspaper in which one character said “it’s a soft start to Brexit”. The other responded: “They’ve starting with racial laws.

Mr Giro told the Financial Times: “This is not the UK that we have always known — it’s the crib of democracy.

“This may help for domestic political purposes, but it does not correspond to their tradition.

It’s paradoxical that to distance itself from Europe the UK is looking increasingly like Europe by taking on those tones that we see in eastern Europe.”

However Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, yesterday defended the plans. In an inteview with Bloomberg he said that the referendum decision had been partly driven by concerns about “pressure on wages from the lowest end of the large scale migration, largely from eastern Europe”.

news Senate rejects MTN’s bid to sack workers 38

Ayodele Adesanmi Abuja

T

HE senate has said that it cannot accept a situation where Nigerians working in the telecommunications industry would be indiscriminately relieved of their positions without recourse to the global labour rules and practices.

The chairman of Senate Committee on Communications, Gilbert Nnaji , said this during a chat with news men and confronted with media report that MTN Nigeria Limited, recently sacked over 500 workers “As the representatives of the people, we cannot fold our arms and watch our constituents being oppressed by employers of labour. We cannot in any way, tolerate such.

At the same time, we shall ensure that our foreign investors are not unduly threatened.

“When my attention was drawn to this development, I immediately contacted the

managing director of the company. Although, he said that facts were somehow misrepresented in the report, he still admitted that it was only the short-term contract staff

A Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, on Thursday, adjourned till November 3, the trial of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Taiwo Malumi, who was arraigned in court over an alleged fraud of N40 million.

Dr Malumi, who is the Ondo South senatorial leader of APC, in Ondo State, was on August 10, arraigned before the court by the Nigeria Police Force’s Special Fraud Unit (SFU).

Malumi, a medical doctor, who is also the Managing Director of Funtai Limited, in a one -count criminal charge number FHC/ L/302C/16, was alleged to have fraudulently obtained a sum of N40 million from one Nick Shaiyen, the Managing Director of Whitehall Management Limited, under false pretence that he wanted to sell to him a property known as Unit B9, situated at Funtai Court, 3, Ruxton Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he claimed to be free from all encumbrances.

The APC senatorial leader, had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the prosecutor, Mr Effiong Asuquo, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), informed the court that parties, (the accused and the complainat), are attempting to settle the matter out of court.

However, counsel to the accused person, Mr A. Salami, informed the court that he was not the person that

situation in the country. It is only when that option fails that the committee and by extension, the senate, would take a position to protect our people”.

However, MTN has since denied the report and this is the second time in one week that the South African telecoms giant would make public denial.

Recently, it denied an allegation that it had illegally repatriated 13.92 billion dollars from Nigeria, saying thatthe claim was without merit.

EFCC arrests ‘wonder bank’ MD over N4bn fraud Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arrested the managing director of a ‘Wonder Bank’, Lets Partner with you Limited, Chief Patrick Shanchi Nwokike, at his residence in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.

The arrest, according to a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, by EFCC’s Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, followed over 100 petitions from across the country on the activities of the wonder bank.

The statement informed that petitions were received

N40m alleged fraud: Court adjourns trial of APC chieftain Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Lagos

,who work in the call centres that were affected.

“I, then, let him know that it would be proper for him to review the action, especially, in view of the current economic

Friday, 7 October, 2016

initiated the settlement process. He, however, said that he was aware that the parties involved had made moves to settle out of court.

He added that the APC senatorial leader had already paid back a sum of N13 million to the complainant, adding that he is ready to abide by the terms of settlement.

from Nigerians across religious, gender, ethnic, economic and social strata indicatng that the company had over the past five years ,solicited and obtained deposits of more than N4 billion from the general public with promise of mouth-watering interest in return.

Uwujaren said that inves-

tigations conducted by the anti-corruption commission, revealed that the company had no license to solicit and manage funds for the public nor was it registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

He added that further in-

•••loses N80m land case against businesswoman, others Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, lost an N80 million land theft charge against a businesswoman, Mrs Moji Yakubu, as a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, struck out the case.

Mrs Yakubu, her company, Monan Trading Company Limited and eight others, were charged by the commission for allegedly stealing 10 hectares of land at Lekki,

which belonged to one Joko Trade Estate Resources Limited.

Those charged along with her are; Chief Muka Bajulaiye, Alhaja Ajimot Adisa, Alani Shirawu, Bajulaiye Hakeem, Akeem Giwa, Rachael Tokede, Adelaja Raji and Nuniru Mushafau.

The EFCC in an 11 -count charge, had alleged that the defendants forged several documents to facilitate the alleged theft.

In her ruling, the judge said that from the prove of evidence before her, the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against all the defendants.

Justice Ipaye said that while it was not in dispute that the 1st defendant and her company, purchased the said 10 hectares of land, the EFCC failed to provide prove that the transaction was an act of crime triable under the criminal law.

SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER, 2016

Nwokike, not only live very flamboyant lifestyles but also acquired several personal assets as well as using their deposits for philanthropic enterprises.

The wonder bank, the EFCC spokesman stated, was found to be operating over six accounts in about four banks with the chief executive of “Lets partner with you Limited” and his wife being the only signatories to the accounts.

In his statement, Nwokike, who acknowledged that depositors’ funds with his company was about N4 billion, denied operating both money lending and investment business as alleged by the petitioners.

He said that his company was into partnership business, which received money from interested partners, who desired interest over a period of time.

N150

interview

Edo gov poll:

NUT calls for reappraisal of teacher’s role in nation building

INEC failed a litmus test

Olayinka Olukoya

THE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the federal and state governments to reappraise the role of teachers in nation building.

This was the remark of the state chairman, Dare Ilekoya, during the 2016 World Teachers Day celebration, at NUT secretariat. Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Thursday He urged governments to estimate its value and accord teachers necessary recognition without struggle, so as to enable them partake in nation building “It is time to re-appraise the roles of teachers and accord them the necessary recognition without struggle.

“A situation where the teacher is not happy with his or her place of work and beams with job satisfaction, will elicit dedication to his duties and ignite resourcefulness in him or her for effective teaching delivery.

vestigations revealed that the company had, for some time, paid a 10 per cent interest on invested capital but suddenly, stopped and all efforts by depositors to have at least, their initial investments returned were futile.

Many of the complainants alleged that the operators of the scheme, especially, Chief

—PDP chairman

Weekend Lagos

‘We only see the sleeping faces of our children’

Working parents narrate challenges of living in Lagos

This is not the Lagos of our dreams

Plus

Most women are multifunctional and can multitask —Nikki Khiran, CEO, Khiran Coutoure

–Physically challenged users of pedestrian bridges entertainment

What I miss most about my mum

—Taiwo, late Henrietta Kosoko’s son

interview

What we need to do to save APC in Kogi

—Former Acting Gov

Book your copy today

39

Friday, 7 October, 2016 Editor: Wale Emosu tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08111813054, 08055444383

‘FC IfeanyiUbah will be role model’

BY NURUDEEN ALIMI

Iwobi

Iwobi in line for pay rise A rsenal starlet, Alex Iwobi is in line for a bumper pay rise following his rapid rise to prominence.

The Nigeria international only penned his current £25,000-perweek deal in April.

But having established himself as a vital part of Arsene Wenger’s starting XI, the 20-year-old is in line for another extension which will represent his new status in the club’s first-team plans.

Iwobi will double his current wage and can expect another deal if his rapid rise continues.

Having broken into the Gunners team midway through last season, Iwobi has taken his game to the next level over the past six months.

Wenger expected to use the youngster intermittently during this season, particularly with the likes of Alexis Sanchez,

Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alex OxladeChamberlain vying for the attacking midfield

roles.

But after a hugely impressive pre-season that left his team-

mates stunned, Wenger now views Iwobi as one of the key members of his first-choice starting XI.

Zambia coach defends selections ahead Eagles’ clash

By Dipo Ogunsola

ZAMBIA stand-in coach, Wedson Nyirenda, knows the consequences of losing to Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Sunday in an Africa Group 2 of Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Ndola and is ready to take the rap.

Nyirenda has invited some of Zambia’s controversial figures like Chisamba Lungu for the game.

Lungu had previously announced retirement from the national team but upon his announcement, Nyirenda extended invitation to the Russia-based midfielder.

“Lungu and the others in camp, I reckon, have the necessary qualities that can help us beat Nigeria on Sunday”, Nyirenda told The Post on Thursday.

‘They have to prove themselves otherwise, there will be questions after ques-

tions but we have to answer as a team. I have always said even if we are building the team, we have to qualify to the World Cup for the first time.’’

Lungu, the captain of FC Ural, quit Chipolopolo last January because he felt he was being under-rated after being left on the team’s substitutes’ bench.

16 teams for IDA/Bet9ja Ereke Football Cup Sixteen teams across Ogun State have registered for the inaugural Ikenne Development Associatio (IDA)/Bet9ja Ereke Cup which begins this weekend.

Speaking at the draws held at the Obafemi Awolowo Square, vicepresident, IDA, Alhaji Adedoyin Adesina, said the football competition which was aimed at encouraging the youth of the town and its environs, will come to a close on November 2 with eminent personalities

expected in attendance.

He also disclosed that huge amount of money had been earmarked as prize money for winners in various categories.

Speaking further on the occasion, Hon. Adedoyin, who also chairs the committee, commended the proprietor of Remo Stars of Ikenne, Hon. Kunle Soname, for his love and commitment to the growth of football in Nigeria as a whole, especially among aspiring talents at the grass roots and also for the sponsorship of the competitions.

PRESIDENT, FC IfeanyiUbah, Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, has said that the major aim of the management of the club is to make it a reference point for football clubs in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

Dr Ubah made this known while addressing journalists during a press conference to intimate the public about the partnership between the club and West Ham United FC of England at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday.

“Our number one priority is football development, We at FC IfeanyiUbah believe Nigeria as a country is endowed with football talents and should be able to produce 10 players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the next four years. And this is the reason we are establishing a world-class football academy in Nnewi, Anam-

bra State. We have also decided to enter into partnership with West Ham United FC, being the only professional football club that has the best football academy in the world.

“Also, as a businessman, I am looking at the business aspect of football. The transfer fee of a player to any major professional football club in Europe may amount to the monthly allocation of a local and state goverment combined in Nigeria. Therefore, we are thinking of exploring the business opportunities in the football circle.

“Hence, our resolve to engage football scouts from West Ham to come to Nigeria and see one or two players who can fit into the system outside the shores of the country, so the money from those transfers will definitely play a key role in the development of the Nigerian economy,” he said.

Infantino sad over Allardyce sack Fifa president Gianni Infantino has admitted to being “extremely surprised” and “very sad” at the affair that ended Sam Allardyce’s brief reign as England manager.

“Of course, I am extremely surprised. I am also very, very sad about what has happened, about what we are reading, that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that there might be other issues coming and other stories coming out,” Infantino said in an exclusive interview with AFP. “It is sad, it is sad for football, but of course I know that the English Football Association is looking into the matter and doing their own investigation, and will come to their own conclusions, so we should let those who do their job, do their job and then come with conclusions before commenting any further.”

Allardyce, 61, was sacked

last month after he made a series of embarrassing comments, notably in relation to loopholes in the banned practice of thirdparty ownership of players, to undercover reporters in a newspaper sting.

Appointed England manager on a £3 milliona-year contract ($3.9 million), Allardyce also agreed to travel to Singapore and Hong Kong as an ambassador for their fictitious firm for a fee of £400, 000.

Infantino

SIDELINES

n150

Friday, 7 OCTOBER, 2016

n0 16,606

A robbery suspect (name withheld) in whose possession a double barrel pistol was found, together with a friend, has claimed that he and his friend are not armed robbers. But he owned up that they are drug dealers. No problems, let the authorities drop the armed robbery charge against them and let them be prosecuted for dealing in drugs.

We are not scared —Zambia’s captain

Iheanacho Kalaba

Zambia vs Nigeria:

It’s 50/50 —Iheanacho Eagles jet out tomorrow Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

N

igeria striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, says nobody can predict the outcome of the Super Eagles’ opening World Cup 2018 qualifying tie against Zambia, but is confident of the country’s ability to pick a World Cup ticket.

As Nigeria tackles Zambia on Sunday, the Manchester City rookie reckons that the Super Eagles have all it takes to win in Ndola.

“It is going to be difficult, we don’t expect to have it easy on Zambia’s ground,” Iheanacho said on Thursday in Abuja.

“Nobody knows what is going to happen but we have great hope in ourselves because we have great players that will make the difference against Zambia. It is not going to be easy but we will keep fighting as a team .”

The 20-year-old then reiterated his commitment to the Super Eagles as he eyes qualification glory in what would be his first major tournament.

“I will work hard for my country as an individual; and we are going to put in all hard work collectively as a team,” he continued.

Team captain, Mikel Obi, said the Eagles were prepared for the difficult tasks.

“We know what lays ahead. The World Cup ticket is precious to Nigerians and to us as players, starting from Sunday, we shall give the qualifiers all attention they deserve.”

Another Super Eagle, Elderson Echiejile has played down talks of any pressure on Nigeria. “ I think it [the fixture] is a really good start for us. At least starting away is good because it takes off the pressure, so we will just go out there and get a good result. If we start very well with the away game that will be really good for us,” Echiejile said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF), on Thursday confirmed that the Eagles will tomorrow morning depart Abuja for

Ndola via a chartered flight which will also transport some stakeholders to Ndola “We have allocated slots to some stakeholders and a number of spaces are available after the players and team officials have taken their seats,’’ said the body’s second Vice-President, Shehu Dikko.

Captain of Zambia’s national team, Rainford Kalaba insists Chipolopolo are not scared of Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of Sunday’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier in Ndola.

The two sides will meet at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the opening game in Group B, keen to make a positive start to their respective Word Cup qualifying campaigns.

Kalaba says no one in the Zambia squad is scared at the prospect of facing the star-spangled Super Eagles on Sunday.

“Nigeria is a big side in African football. We respect them but we do not fear them.

“In the end, football is played on the pitch and we intend to beat them on ours,” Kalaba told the Zambia Daily Mail.

“We are both former African champions and it will be a tough game, but we expect a good result on Sunday,” he declared.

“We will all put 100% on Sunday and it will be a good thing to give the new coach a win in his first game.”

Ronaldo

Eagles ’ve been settled, Paralympians already rewarded —Dalung The Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, on Thursday said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the funds needed for the Super Eagles to face their Zambian counterparts on Sunday.

Dalung, who disclosed this during a visit to the APC national secretariat in Abuja, said the ministry and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were having financial challenges.

“This situation brought about the need to approach President Buhari for financial assistance,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian senior male national football team will face the Chipolopolo in Ndola.

He assured that all issues related to the match, especially in the area of players’ welfare, had been taken

care of.

“On Sunday, I could not go to church because I had to sit to draft a memo which was taken to the President on Sunday. He approved it for funds to be provided for the team to travel.

“That is how serious this government takes sports,’’ the minister said.

Speaking on reward for Nigeria’s Paralympians who excelled at the Rio Paralympic Games in September, Dalung said the athletes were “handsomely’’ rewarded.

“It is not correct for anybody to assert that they have not been rewarded when he has not done the job of verification very well. The reward for the Paralympians was automatic.

“I supervised the payment of bonuses of $5,000 (about N2.5 mil-

lion) for gold medallists, $3,000 (about N1.5 million) for silver medallists and $2,000 (about N1 million) for bronze medallists.

“So, those raising the issue that they’ve not been compensated may not be aware. It is not correct to say that they have not been compensated.

“After the reward from the ministry, there is a need to get presidential blessing. So, if Nigerians are talking about the presidential blessing, I have written to the President about this.

“As soon as we get his approval, a day to honour those who have made Nigeria proud will come.

“But let’s not lose touch of the fact that we as a country are undergoing certain challenges. So, we must do things based on the reality on the ground,’’ he said.

Ronaldo is Real’s problem—Capello Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has described Cristiano Ronaldo as a “problem” for the Spanish giants.

Capello, who managed at the Bernabeu from 2006 through 2007, believes the Portuguese forward is not at full fitness.

Despite three goals in six games for Real, Ronaldo returned to duty late in the Spanish capital after suffering an injury in Portugal’s victorious Euro 2016 final.

“The problem for Real Ma-

drid now is Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. “Because he is not well physically and is their best player.”

Real is on a four-match drawing streak, albeit still joint top of La Liga with Atletico Madrid, and Capello believes the stalling in form is due to the lack of match fitness of Ronaldo.

After the international break, Real will travel to Real Betis on October 15.

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