17th December 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,394

THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER, 2015

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Nigerian Tribune

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Wike loses appeal, heads for Supreme Court —P5

From left, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; his wife, Florence; Miss Ajijola Ajimobi, Abimbola Ajimobi, Mrs Abisola Kola-Daisi, her husband, Mr Kolapo Kola-Daisi and Mr Bolaji Ajimobi, during the 66th birthday celebration of Governor Ajimobi, at the Government House chapel, Agodi, Ibadan. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 15.

DSS withdraws suit against Biafra leader, Kanu •Pro-Biafra agitators protest in Lagos

—P6

Shiites killing: Senate, Reps begin probe —P4

•US, UK express concern Dokpesi perfects bail condition, out of detention —P6

Kogi Assembly crisis:

Thugs attack lawmakers, destroy vehicles —P42

Don't increase fuel price, NLC warns Buhari —P10

Women in purdah barred from voting in Ekiti LG election —P10

Presidents and Heads of State at the 48th ordinary session and 40th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Security challenges in W/Africa worry Buhari •As he hosts ECOWAS leaders

—P2

news Oyo not in debt —Ajimobi 2

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

•Commissions 50-unit housing estate •Leave lasting legacies, Bishop Wale Oke urges him By Wale Akinselure

YO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Wednesday, said the current financial crisis in the nation tested the managerial ability of

its leaders, pointing out that the state government, in the last four years, embarked on several projects without being in debt. He, however, hinted that the state was technically bankrupt at the moment, because the monthly in-

ternally generated revenue and allocation from the Federal Government could not cover its entire expenditure. Ajimobi, speaking on the occasion of his 66th birthday celebration held at Government House,

Ibadan, on Wednesday, however, assured that the government’s financial prudence and strategic focus on economic development, agriculture, education, social and physical infrastructure would enable his administration to

From left, chairman, D. C. Okika Nigeria Ltd, Mrs Beatrice Okika; Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dangote Group, Oare Ojeikere; chairman, Chinedu & Sons Ltd, Mr Chinedu Ezenyili; Managing Director, Nwa Ado Resources, Mr Igwebuike Ikwueme and the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Onne van dar Weijde, during the cutting of the tape for presentation of fleet of trucks to empower distributors in Lagos.

Security challenges in W/Africa worry Buhari

As he hosts ECOWAS leaders Christian Okeke -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, expressed worry that security challenges persist in West Africa sub-region as it continues to be confronted with daunting scourge of transnational-organised crime, including arms trafficking, drug trafficking, as well as piracy and criminality at sea. He said equally worrisome is the rising scourge of violent extremism and terrorism, stating that all this constituted serious threats to peace and security in the region and required urgent and concerted actions. Speaking at the 48th ordinary session of the summit of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, the president noted that regional and, indeed, global solidarity was vital in the efforts to counter the threats. He stated that leaders in the sub-region must continue to enhance system of governance and, working with partners, accelerate implementation of joint initiatives and mechanisms created to address the daunting but not insurmountable risks. “As we do so, we should not relent in our effort to

engage with member states coming out of crises, in order to help them to consolidate on the achievements made,” Buhari told his counterparts. He expressed worry that while some of the challenges faced by the community militated against the integration drive, others, he said, continued to pose risks to peace and security, as well as political stability in the region. He observed that there were also structural and administrative challenges in running the Commission that equally required serious attention. “The catastrophic consequences of climate change are manifest in our region. A number of fragilities, conflicts and environmental degradation that affect our countries today with serious negative impact on peace, security, economy and livelihoods are either directly or indirectly triggered by climate change. “Alone, we will not be able to reverse or stop some of these consequences, as it requires huge investment of resources far beyond our capabilities. “We should, therefore, continue to press for international assistance and to

work with the rest of the world to protect the environment. We should do so without losing focus on our industrial development objectives. “Our efforts to fast-track regional integration should also be informed by the requirement for clean source of energy. In this regard, I welcome the agreed outcome of the just concluded COP21 in Paris, which aims at reducing global warming and providing for financial support to developing nations. “We must also continue to cooperate with our development partners and take ad-

vantage of their willingness to support our initiatives to address all these challenges in the most appropriate and beneficial ways to our region and to global peace and security. “Nigeria would like to see that ongoing reforms in ECOWAS institutions are concluded and firmly entrenched to ensure greater effectiveness in leading the integration process. “We would like to see that the resources of the Community are devoted to the implementation of economic programs that would enable us build a prosperous region,” he said.

leave lasting legacies in the annals of the state. Specifically, Ajimobi, accompanied by his wife, Florence, asserted his readiness to unleash the state potential in agriculture and to increase the monthly IGR to N3.5 billion by December 2016 and N5 billion by 2017. “In the management of the economy of this state, we are second to none. Our financial prudence is lauded by many other states. Our state is not in debt, yet we embarked on several projects. We also have peace in the state. “We will concentrate on the economy of the state. By all definition, Oyo State is technically bankrupt. As long as income cannot cover expenditure, one is bankrupt. In fact, I am glad at the current financial crisis in the nation, including the fall in oil prices, because we are too dependent on oil. This is the time to distinguish men from boys. This is when one’s managerial ability will be put to test. “Oyo State has potentials. Nigeria, as a whole, also has latent potentials that we need to unleash. In Oyo State, our monthly IGR is about N1.2 billion. By December 2016, our IGR would have increased to N3.5 billion. By 2017, the state will be able to generate N5 billion. We have plans, strategies and these targets will be realised,” he said. In his sermon at the commemorative service held at the Government House Chapel, Presiding Pastor of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, urged Ajimobi to be as productive as he was during his first term, in order to leave a lasting legacy. He decried that many governors were renowned to rest on their oars once they emerged for a second term in office. Wale Oke charged Aji-

mobi to choose people who would deliver the goods as members of his cabinet, and be more purposeful in the allocation of state funds. “As soon as they get their second term in office, politicians go into the cooler. Just like you broke the second term jinx, we want you to break the jinx. We want you to communicate to everybody that your second term can be as productive as your first term. We want you to communicate that in your second term, you can leave a lasting legacy. We pray you leave a permanent mark behind,” he said. While acknowledging the current economic crisis as a plague that had hit the nation, he charged Ajimobi to be determined to succeed and manage resources to the benefit of the people of the state. Some guests who accompanied the governor were family members, Speaker, Oyo House of Assembly, Honourable Micheal Adeyemo, state Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade; state chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke; lawmakers of the state assembly, politicians and clerics. In line with his commitment to Public Private Partnership, Ajimobi also inaugurated a housing estate located on two hectares of land at Agodi Government Reserve Area, Ibadan, comprising 50 houses of different typologies, semi detached houses and terraces. Ajimobi noted that the estate was an evidence of the state commitment to social and physical infrastructural development. Managing Director, UACN Property Development Plc, Mr Hakeem Ogunniran, added that each unit costs between N50 million and N70 million.

Appeal Court rules on Ajimobi/Ladoja today By Tunde Ogunesan THE Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, will today deliver its ruling on a governorship appeal case between the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi of the All Propgressives Congress (APC) and Senator Rashidi Ladoja of the Accord Party. Senator Ladoja and Accord Party, in suit nos CA/ IB/EPT/GOV/31/2015 and CA/IB/EPT/

GOV/31A/2015, through their counsel, Chief Clark and Prince Aderemi Olatubora, had challenged the judgment delivered on October 27, 2015 by a threeman election petition tribunal headed by Justice Muhammed Maiyaki. On Wednesday, December 9, during the two-session sittings which lasted over five hours, the panel of judges, headed by Justice H. M. Ogunjimiju, with Justices H.S. Tsammani, Uche-

chukwu Oyemenam, J.O.K Oyewole and M.L. Shuaibu as members, adopted the briefs of all the counsel. Lead counsel for Ladoja in CA/IB/GOV/31/2015, Chief Clark, prayed the court to dismiss the judgment of the tribunal against its clients, on the basis that the lower court excluded the evidence of its clients’ principal witness while the lead counsel for Accord Party, Prince Olatubora, in the second brief, CA/

IB/EPT/GOV/31A/2015, prayed the court to declare Senator Ladoja as the governor of Oyo State. Counsel for Ajimobi, Chief Wole Olanipekun, however, urged the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the judgment of the tribunal. His submission was also adopted by counsel for APC and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rotimi Akeredolu and Yusuf Ali, respectively.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

news

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Senate, Reps begin probe of Army/Shiites clash

• US, UK express concern •el-Rufai visits destroyed sites •Nigeria sliding into police state —PDP From ’Laolu Afolabi, Muhammad Sabiu, Adetola Bademosi, Leon Usigbe And Jacob Segun Olatunji

he Senate, on Wednesday, set up an ad hoc committee to investigate last weekend’s bloody clash between the army and the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Zaria,Kaduna State during which many lives were lost while several others were wounded. The House of Representatives also directed its relevant committees in charge of defence and security to meet with the top brass of all the nation’s security agencies to find out the cause of the clash. This is just as the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) expressed concerns over reports of the violent clashes. The ad hoc committee will include chairmen and vice-chairmen of Senate’s standing committees on Defence; National Security and Intelligence, Internal Affairs; Army; Police; Foreign Affairs; Judiciary and Human Rights respectively, and will be chaired by the chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan. The decision, according to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, was taken during a closed door executive session of the Senate that lasted for about two hours before the plenary session. Saraki, however, appealed to all parties involved in the clash to allow peace to reign while the Senate looks into the matter with a view to resolving it amicably. The Senate spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi, told newsman that “the senate, in a closed session, exhaustively discussed the incidence involving the Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement Group, aka Shi’ite and all subsequent events”. He disclosed that the Senate regretted the loss of lives and properties, and appealed for calm by all affected parties and the general public, while the investigation is carried out. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, on wednesday, by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Honourable Abdulrasak Namdas, the House, however, did not specifically mention the two relevant committees the matter was referred to. The statement reads, “Following a clash between Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ite and security operatives in Zaria, Kaduna State, over

the weekend, the House of Representatives has directed two of its relevant committees to meet with top echelon of security agencies in the country so as to unearth the cause of the clash with a view to finding lasting solutions.” He stated that the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, had told the committees to do a thorough job considering the sensitive nature of the matter and the security situation in the country at the moment. While suing for peace, following the crisis trailing the incident, Namdas further said Dogara urged Nigerians to be calm and peaceful, stressing that the House of Representatives would always be alive to its responsibilities. The Speaker assured that Nigerians would be fully briefed in due course when the committees must have concluded their assignments and have reported back to the House. Also speaking to reporters at the American Corner in Calabar, Cross River State, the United States (US) Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, on Wednesday, said the situation was worrisome. “While many details of the incidents that reportedly began on December 12 remain unclear, we are dismayed to learn of multiple civilian deaths. “It is essential that all sides refrain from actions that further destabilise the situation,” he said. Noting the trip of the Interior Minister, General Abdulrahman Dambazzau, to Zaria, on Wednesday, Ambassador Entwistle said “speaking as a friend of Nigeria, I’m sure Minister Dambazzau’s trip to Zaria was the first step in the timely, transparent investigation to which I’m sure Mr President and his administration are committed.” The United States called on the government of Nigeria to investigate these events and hold to account any individuals found to have committed the crimes. The British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright, in his own statement, admonished the security agencies to conduct their operations within the ambit of the rule of law. He also urged demonstrators to ensure that their protests were peaceful and within the law. Arkwright said: “Like many across Nigeria, I am following with concern the reports of violence in Zaria over the weekend between the Nigerian security forces and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. I am further concerned at reports

that protests in Kaduna have turned violent. “Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity adds a great deal to this country’s rich culture. It is important, therefore, that Nigerians of all faiths are allowed to assemble and worship freely. “In addition, I call on the security forces to conduct their operations within the rule of law, and for demonstrators to ensure that any protest is peaceful and equally acts within the law.” Meanwhile, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has again visited the city of Zaria to assess the destroyed sites, following the recent clash between the military and Shiite last Saturday, which reportedly claimed many lives. El-rufai, who was accompanied by top government functionaries during his second assessment visit since the clash occurred, visited the sect’s leader residence, Sheik Ibraheem El Zakzaky at Gyellesu, Co-Hussainiya, as well as a resource centre and cemetry at Dambo village, a suburb of Zaria. Nigerian Tribune observed that normalcy had returned, as business activities had commenced in the ancient city. It further observed that soldiers had taken over the three Shiite’s sites pulled down in the fracas. Findings also revealed that neighbouring houses surrounding the affected areas were deserted. In the same vein, Governor el-Rufai has called on traditional rulers and other stakeholders to continue preaching peace in their respective communities. He made the call at a meeting with traditional rulers and 23 Interim council chairmen. “The meeting is to rob minds together in view of the current security situation in the state and country at large. ‘‘We will continue to partner with traditional rulers in preaching peace in our communities. Our government will act promptly in any security issues. ‘‘We commiserate with the emir of Zazzau over the unfortunate incident in Zaria. I am in touch with the Federal Government over the clash in Zaria,’’ the governor said. Responding, the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris, commended the governor and security agencies for maintaining peace in the state, saying the traditional institution would continue to assist government in bringing permanent peace to state. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto State, Most Reverend Matthew Kukah, in

his reaction on Wednesday, also called for calm over the recent clash between the Nigerian Army and Shiite members which happened in Zaria. He said aggrieved members should rather, embrace dialogue and negotiation so as to douse the tension the crisis seemed to be generating. Kukah made the call in Abuja, at an inaugural forum on religion and social transformation in sun-saharan Africa. He said agitations against the government should be made responsibly to avoid its escalation into crisis. “I think what we can do is to condole with the bereaved and let Nigerians know that we are in a democracy. People have the right to make their claims, but they must make them responsibly,’’ Kukah noted. Speaking on the importance of the forum, the cleric said this was aimed at providing a blueprint for Policy makers and other political stakeholders to help address the challenges posed by religion differences in Africa. He said the panelists, who were drawn from different countries and institutions of higher learning, were scholars drawn from both the Christian and Muslim communities. ‘‘Religion is gradually being held responsible for most of the crises that going on in the continent. Our idea is to see whether we can help provide a blueprint that can help policy makers to figure out the kind of things that can help us very coherently to use religion for the growth and development and peace of the country,’’ he added. In a related development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that the nation is sliding into a police state judging by the way security operatives were mowing down Nigerians, particularly members of the Islamic religious sect in Zaria and other places. It also cited the recent killing of some unarmed protesters under the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Onitsha. In a statement issued in Abuja, on Wednesday, the opposition party observed that security forces, under President Muhammadu Buhari, were exhibiting “bloodthirsty’ tendencies causing the citizens to live in fear, contrary to the atmosphere created by the 16 years of the PDP. Signed by its National Publicity, Olisa Metuh, it said: “We are very worried that our country, now under the command of President Buhari, is gradually sliding into a police state

with observed bloodthirsty tendencies by obviously compromised security operatives for which the citizens now live in fear. “For instance, how can this government explain its indifference to the recent senseless bloodletting in Zaria, Kaduna State, where the military clashed with an Islamic group resulting in loss of lives, as well as the mindless attack and killing of some unarmed protesters in Onitsha, Anambra State, by security agents? “We, therefore, caution this government to come to terms with the fact that this nation cannot afford to contain, at this time, undue and avoidable pressure coming ceaselessly from its totalitarian tendencies and actions.” The PDP also noted that the denial by President Buhari of being a beneficiary of funds relating to the arms deal scandal and the consequent controversy trailing it underscored the need for a more neutral and transparent body like an independent National Truth Commission to examine all issues relating to handling of security votes and campaign funding without interferences from the government. The PDP added: “We challenge this administration to a no-holds-barred public inquisition on all issues of security votes and

campaign expenses.’’ Meanwhile, the Jama’atul Nasirul Islam (JNI), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also called on the Federal Government to institute a committee of enquiry to investigate the recent upheavals. The JNI, in a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna, on Wednesday, and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr Khalid Abubakar, maintained that the probe was necessary in order to unravel its remote and immediate causes, so as to forestall future occurrence. Shiite rejects investigative panel The Shite Movement in Nigeria has said the sect has reservations and thus, rejected the Federal Government’s high-powered delegation under the Interior Minister, General Dambazau, to assess the atrocities committed by the army in Zaria. The sect made this known in a press statement issued to newsmen through its spokesperson, Mallam Ibrahim Musa, on Wednesday. The statement contended that ‘‘after his visit to the state chief security officer, he visited Sheikh Zakzaky’s residence which was demolished by the army and Husainiyya Islamic centre.’’

news Wike loses appeal, heads for Supreme Court 5

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

•Peterside commends judiciary, congratulates Rivers people Sunday Ejike - Abuja

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday sacked Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of Rivers State. The three-member panel of the appellate court, headed by Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensen, upheld the judgment of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and ordered for a re-run of the governorship election in the state within 90 days. The court resolved the seven issues raised by Governor Wike against him and in favour of Dakuku Peterside, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Dongban-Mensen had, in the 110-page judgment, held that Wike’s election did not conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act and added that the tribunal’s judgement do not occasion miscarriage of justice as claimed by the appellant. According to the presiding justice, “Having resolved all the seven issues raised by the appellant against him, I have no option left than to strike out the appeal. “The appeal is hereby struck out for lacking in merit and I uphold the decision of the tribunal which held that Nyesom Wikle was not validly elected and cannot be returned as the winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship election held in Rivers State,” Justice Dongban-Mensen held. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the court held, should conduct a fresh election within 90 days. The court also struck out the appeals brought before it by the PDP and INEC, challenging the decision of the tribunal for lacking in merit. It will be recalled that the state governorship election petition tribunal headed by Justice Suleiman Ambrosa had, in a judgment on October 24, 2015, nullified Wike’s election and ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election within 90 days. Wike had challenged the verdict of the tribunal at the court of appeal, asking the court to set aside the judgment of the Rivers State governorship election tribunal which voided his election.

Meanwhile, Dr Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has hailed the verdict of the Appeal Court endorsing the earlier judgement of the elections tribunal that nullified Rivers State governorship election. Reacting to the judgement, Peterside praised the Nigerian judiciary for its courage and efforts towards deepening the nation’s democracy and political process. According to him, the judiciary will be remembered for standing tall even in the face of unwarranted provocation and vilification by those who brazenly stole the peoples’ mandate during the March and April elections in the state. He also congratulated the people of Rivers State for their patience and understanding especially in view of the painful process of reclaiming their mandate. “I am happy that the Nigerian judiciary is rekindling hope in our electoral process and in our country generally. This is so because the judiciary is sending the right signal, particularly to those who perpetrate violence and fraud during elections. “Never again will a peoples’ mandate be subverted so viciously by a violent and self-seeking few, all in the name of political contest. Members of our party and supporters were

murdered in cold blood in their homes and campaign grounds for their political beliefs. We are happy that this injustice is currently being addressed by a credible institution like the judiciary. “We pray never to experience the level of persecution, violence and deaths that characterised both the March and April elections in our state. Democracy is about freedom, equality and justice; so everybody must join hands to defend it at all times. “I therefore wish to dedicate our victories in the legislative and executive arms to our fallen brothers and sisters, our supporters and the entire Rivers people for believing in us and for keeping faith. “Our state will be great again if and only when we vote into public office, our sons and daughters who will not bring shame to us by their words and actions. “We, members of the APC, know the needs of our people as we fully appreciate the leadership crisis rocking our state today. You have sacrificed and waited all these agonizing months for justice. Now, justice has come. I commend you and urge you to hold on a little more as we all march collectively towards entrenching the kind of leadership that would serve our overall interest irrespective of our political persuasions.” Reacting, the Rivers State chapter of APC said the judgment was a befit-

ting gift for the state chairman of the PDP, Mr Felix Obuah, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday. The party, in a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Finebone, said it was satisfied with the judgment, which it said confirmed its stand that INEC did not comply with the Elector Law in conducting the April 11 election in the state. “We believe that the decision today (Wednesday) by the Appeal Court is a confirmation that evil can triumph over good but only temporarily... “APC is happy to recognise that today is the birthday of Bro Felix Amaechi Obuah, the state chairman of PDP in Rivers State. We are glad to offer him this Appeal Court judgment as a perfect birthday gift,” the statement read. However, the state PDP chairman, Mr Felix Obuah, urged the people to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of an alleged gangup by the APC-led Federal Government against Governor Wike and PDP. He alleged that the Federal Government was using some justices of the Court of Appeal as willing tools to invalidate the elections of the PDP candidates in the state. “Governor Nyesom Wike remains the governor of Rivers State and PDP would challenge the decision of the Appeal Court in the Supreme Court. “We still hold the judi-

Reps ask NERC to suspend planned increase in electricity tariff Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

THE House of Representatives, on Wednesday, directed the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend the planned increase in electricity tariff until investigation is concluded into the activities of players in the sector. The House ad-hoc committee investigating the activities of Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCO) in Nigeria as it relates to infrastructure and billing, in a letter dated December 15 and addressed to NERC, reminded the commission of previous communications in which it was agreed that further actions be suspended regarding review of electricity tariff in the country.

The committee, in the letter signed by its chairman, Honourable Babajimi Benson, referred NERC to all previous correspondence in respect of the above subject. The letter reads: “In paragraph 3 (three) of our letter dated 29th October, 2015 under the same subject heading, we requested you to suspend the implementation of any increase in electricity tariff until the committee concludes its investigations. “Further recall that at the joint investigative hearing with the Committee on Power, it was agreed that any tariff increase should be suspended until all stakeholders are carried along. “Our attention has been drawn to various news items published in many

Newspapers of yesterday (Tuesday) 13 December, 2015 to the effect that your commission has concluded plans to announce the new electricity tariff to Nigerians this week. “It is our opinion that any plan by your commission to announce new electricity tariff will run contrary to the spirit of the letter under reference and undermines the outcome of the investigative hearing by this Committee as it relates to infrastructure and billing by Electricity Distribution Companies. “Consequently, we hereby once again, demand that you suspend the announcement and/or implementation of any increase in electricity tariff until above stated issues are concluded,” the letter read.

ciary in high esteemed and strongly believe that not all judicial officers can be compromised. Therefore, PDP is heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgement of the Appeal Court today,” he said. In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party said the APC had been coercing judicial officers in a desperate bid to take over some of its states. “This current orchestrated and selective war against corruption should not be an excuse to justify the onslaught by the government against democratic institutions, especially the judiciary, wherein judicial officers are now being hounded and coerced in the desperation to take over key PDP states of Akwa-Ibom, Taraba and Rivers.” On the Appeal Court ruling on Rivers State gubernatorial and National Assembly elections, the opposition party maintained that it was fallout of the Federal Government’s muzzling of a section of the judiciary, warning that it signalled great danger for the country. “Today’s Court of Appeal rulings against Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and our federal legislators are clear fall-out of President Buhari-led government’s muzzling of a section of the judiciary, a development that portends grave danger to our democracy and the much desired peace and stabil-

ity in the volatile region of the Niger Delta, especially coming on the heels of APC induced violence that led to the inconclusiveness of the Bayelsa State governorship election,” the PDP noted. Meanwhile, Wike has instructed his lawyers to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal which ordered fresh governorship election in the state. In a statement issued by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Wike stated that he disagrees with the judgment, hence his decision to exhaust his constitutional right by challenging the Appeal Court judgment at the Supreme Court. Governor Wike called on all his supporters and the people of Rivers State to remain calm as justice will be done at the end of day. He assured the people of the state that he will use all constitutional processes to protect the mandate they freely bestowed on him, hence his decision to approach the Supreme Court for further adjudication. The governor said that he still remains the duly elected governor of Rivers State pending the determination of his appeal by the Supreme Court. Governor Wike assured the people that all ongoing development projects will continue while his administration will continue to promote the security of lives and property across the state.

news Kanu: DSS drops charges, heads for high court 6

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Biafra protesters storm Alaba, cause gridlock By Olalekan Olabulo and Naza Okoli

Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, on Wednesday struck out the case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the DSS had asked the court to discontinue the case. The DSS had told the court after the arraignment of the accused that it had stumbled on some facts which took the matter out of the jurisdiction of the court. According to the DSS, it was discovered that the accused was involved in terrorism and has been financing it. The DSS also obtained an order from the Federal High Court, Abuja, dated November 10, to detain the accused in its custody for 90 days. The complainant, therefore, applied to discontinue

the matter under Section 108 (1) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Kanu is standing trial on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, intimidation and belonging to unlawful society, to which he pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Usman Shuibu, in his ruling struck out the case. Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the defendant, Vincent Obetta, said he was happy with the ruling given by the magistrate. In a related development, Biafran agitators on Wednesday stormed Alaba International Market, Iba, Lagos State, causing heavy gridlock which lasted more than two hours along the busy market road. Wielding the Biafran flag, the protesters chanted songs like: “All we are saying: Give us Biafra.” One of the agitators who did not wish to be named said the protest would continue at the market on Thursday (today).

“We are here to let the whole world know that it is time for Biafra to become an independent country,” he said. “We are all calling on the Federal Government to immediately release Mr Nnamdi Kanu, because he hasn’t done anything wrong. Many things are not going on well in this country, and our politicians are not listening to us at all. We have fought the war; we are not planning to fight anoth-

er war. Tomorrow (today) will be the main protest. All we want is for the government to hear our cry, and give us our Biafra. We want to go. We are Biafrans.” The protest continued even after the arrival of policemen led by a senior officer who identified himself simply as the Area Commander. “We are not permitted to speak with the press,” he said. The officers, who even-

tually helped to maintain order and control traffic, monitored the protest until it ended at about 1:20p.m. at the entrance of the Electrical Dealers Section of the market. The President-General of Alaba International Market, Mr Chijioke Paul Okenwa, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune after the protest, said his members would not support any action that would disrupt the peace they enjoyed at the market.

“People are free to hold peaceful protests,” he said. “We are all law-abiding citizens of this country. However, we would not condone a situation where people would begin to destroy property or break the law all in the name of protest.” Meanwhile, protesters under the auspices of the Indigenous People of Biafra defied the police in Lagos State to hold a protest at the popular Alaba International Market.

Dokpesi perfects bail condition, out of detention FORMER chairman of Daar Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who is standing trial for N2.1 billion arms scam, was, on Wednesday, released from Kuje Prison in Abuja, after meeting the bail conditions. He spent three days in the prison custody. His lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, on Wednesday night, said “High Chief Ray-

mond Aleogho Dokpesi was released from Kuje Prisons to him, his son, Taymond (Jnr) and his wife, Tosin?, after fulfilling the bail conditions.” Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had, on Monday, granted him bail in the sum of N400 million with two persons who must stand as sureties for him.

Blair pledges help to states Leon Usigbe -Abuja

FORMER British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, met with state governors in Abuja, on Wednesday, promising to assist them to deliver change in the areas of their choice. Coming under the Tony Blair Foundation, he met the governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at the Presidential Villa, where he briefed them on what his charity organisation had to offer to help the states to deliver on their promises. He said he already had people in Nigeria working for the foundation and ready to provide the necessary assistance to state governments whenever required. Blair admonished the governors that the hardest thing about governance was being able to deliver on the promises to the people. “Politics is real tough business and the most tough challenge is how you get

things done and you need great ideas with great reality. “What we do, therefore, is work with countries. We work in different countries in Africa where we help leaders either at the national or state level to make a change. “Our purpose is whenever the leader desires that the country faces key priorities, we have put people into support at leadership delivering change. “It could be change around places like electricity and power, it could be about bringing core investments, basic education, healthcare, or it could be specific areas like agriculture. “Whenever there is a challenge, what we try to do is bring in people who can help in decision making,” he said. Speaking after the meeting, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said Blair came to share his experience in government with the states and not necessarily to teach them what to do.

Biafran agitators protesting on Wednesday, at the Alaba International Market, Iba, Lagos State. PHOTO: NAZA OKOLI.

Aregbesola pays N302m compensation to owners of houses affected by road construction Ouwole Ige - Osogbo

GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, on Wednesday, paid compensation worth over N302 million to people whose property will be separated due to the ongoing road construction of Olaiya/ Ita Olokan in Osogbo, the state capital. Aregbesola, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, distributed cheques worth N302,966,974.02 to the affected families. He maintained that his administration will leave no stone unturned at making life more pleasant, comfortable, meaningful and prosperous for the citizenry in spite of the current dwindling allocation to the state from the Federation Account. Aregbesola disclosed that his administration had expended over N2billion so far as compensation to people whose property and belongings were separated from the main roads since

his inception. According to him, “our administrative policies and programmes are aimed at promoting the general wellbeing of the citizenry,”

stating that all the ongoing projects would be completed before the expiration of his administration. Aregbesola stressed that the only panacea to the

negative effects of current economic hardship was for government at all levels to see the need to improve their Internally Generated Revenue through tax payment.

I am committed to Kogi development —Wada CNPP advises him against tribunal Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

KOGI State governor, Idris Wada, on Wednesday, said he would continue to work for the development of the state even after the January 27, 2016 hand-over date. The governor said this in Lokoja, the state capital, after the inspection of the N1.6 billion ultra modern park located at Felele area of the town. According to him, despite the circumstances prevailing in the state, the zeal to continue to ensure a better Kogi was still driving him to do more for the state. He said, “The vigour is because this project came out of a vision, so whether I’m here or not, the vision drives me to complete this

project to derive the necessary benefits. So, it is important to do the best I can since it is my last days in office.” He said the project was part of those embarked upon by his administration to end congestion in the state. He said the mega park project was designed purposely to generate revenues for the state and also address challenge of indiscriminate parking of vehicles. The governor also said the project had added to the aesthetics of the state as it had changed the landscape of the state capital. Wada commended the contractor for doing a quality job and meeting up with the required specifications

even when government bit behind in its payments to the contractors. Wada said efforts would be made to ensure the inauguration of the project before the expiration of the tenure of his administration. Meanwhile, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Kogi State, on Wednesday, urged the state governor, Idris Wada, to jettison his plan to drag the governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to the Election Petition Tribunal over the conduct of the last governorship poll in the state. The conference said not going to court over the election would enable Bello enjoy a smooth take-off of his administration.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

news

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Southern Ijaw: 12 traditional rulers sue INEC, AGF over alleged disenfranchisement •As group warns Nigerian military to keep off Ijawland Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

raditional rulers in Southern Ijaw Area of Bayelsa State have dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over alleged disenfranchisement during the December 5 and 6 governorship elections in the area. Also joined in the suit is the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. In a motion on notice filed at the Yenagoa High Court, the plaintiff, on behalf of twelve royal fa-

thers, described their exclusion as unconstitutional and a breach of right. The plaintiff prayed the court to declare as follows; a declaration that he, as a duly registered voter in Ward 12, polling unit 11 Tamakunu (Alegbebiri, Primary school) in Eniwari community, Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state has a right to vote in the state gubernatorial elections, initially slated for 5th December and later rescheduled for December 6th. Buttressing his argument with relevant sections of the constitution as related

to the suit, the plaintiff posited that the legal action was instituted to seek redress over the respondents failure to provide an environment devoid of violence and insecurity in line with Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enticement) Act Cap. A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Article 21 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). Fielding questions from newsmen in Yenagoa on the development, Counsel to the Applicant, Mr Nicholas

Obhiseh, said his client has met the necessary requirements as regards filing processes and was awaiting a date for hearing. Meanwhile, a foremost Niger Delta Group, Non Violent Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, has urged the Nigerian military to keep off Ijawland ahead of the re-run election in Southern Ijaw Council, on the ground that Ijaw people no longer have confidence in the military. The group also called on the Nigeria Police Force, armed with the constitutional responsibility of dealing with the civilians

to supervise the forthcoming re run, than the military. Leader of the Non Violent Agitators, Charles Omusuku, stated this to newsmen in Yenagoa while reacting to the perceived shortfalls of the December 5th and 6th governorship elections in the state. He accused the military of aiding and abetting the rigging of the last governorship elections, saying that, one yet-to-be identified soldier, Major Sani was responsible for issuing fake military uniforms to political thugs to rig the election. “There is no need to deploy the military to monitor the election in the state, because their presence could bring troubles, we don’t have confidence in them any longer,” Omusuku said.

Jehovah Witness Convention The series of Jehovah Witnesses regional convention for the year 2015 will hold December 18-20 at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses, Ifatumo Village along Ibadan/Iwo Road, Oyo State. The convention, which is with the theme “Imitate Jesus”, will take place Friday and Saturday by 8:20 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. and on Saturday by 8:20 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. The media officer, Mr Paul Ukpe in a press release signed and made available to Nigerian Tribune said, “People of all ages, particularly those versed in American Sign Language (ASL) are invited to attend this convention.” He added that “Imitate Jesus” Convention will examine Jesus’ life as outlined in the Bible and will emphasise how everyone can benefit in practical ways from his example and teachings.

Police ban bangers, street carnivals in Oyo Oyo Trade By Oluwatoyin Malik

From left, Senior Manager, Events, Globacom, Sola Mogaji; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mrs Olufunmilayo Balogun; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Folarin Coker and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Adebimpe Akinsola, at the formal unveiling of One Lagos Fiesta sponsored by Globacom, at Freedom Park, in Lagos, on Tuesday.

Troops intercept female suicide bombers in Borno Chris Agbambu-Abuja Four female suicide bombers were intercepted by troops and Civilian JTF in Borno, ahead of a checkpoint which is about 25 km outskirts of the city of Maiduguri. A statement from Army headquarters which confirmed this said the preliminary investigation revealed that suicide bombers were earlier observed trying to bypass a military checkpoint through a village close by, before they were ordered to take the right road. It said, however, few metres short of the checkpoint, one of the bombers swiftly detonated her vest. According to the statement, the vigilant troops gunned down the other three suicide bombers before they carry out their

nefarious acts. “Sadly, one of the Civilian JTF lost his live and four other persons sustained various degrees of

injuries. The Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device team in the area safely detonated the unexploded Improvised Explosive De-

vice carried by the other suicide bombers. “The security situation in the area is now cool and calm,” the statement said.

Police begin investigation into death of family of 5 in Ogun OlayinkaOlukoya-Abeokuta

THE Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the command has commenced investigation to unravel the mystery behind the death of family of five in the state. Adejobi said the fire incident which occurred on Sunday night claimed the lives of the whole family. The victims were Mr Michael Oloruku (45), his wife, Elizabeth (40), and

three children; Rachael, Victoria and Esther. Adejobi said, “The incident happened around 11:30 pm on Sunday and we have commenced investigation into the matter. The Commissioner of Police is particularly not happy about the incident and has commiserated with the affected family. “We are yet to know the source of the fire but the Commissioner has advised residents not to keep inflammable material in their houses especially in

this dry season.” However, a source close to the family told the Nigerian Tribune that Oloruku had been having a perpetual quarrel with his wife which led to his action. The source said the aggrieved man sprayed the building been occupied by his wife and children with petroleum product and set the building ablaze. The suspect was said to be very unlucky as he was caught up in the inferno which burnt all of them into ashes.

THE police in Oyo State have warned members of the public against the use of fireworks, otherwise known as bangers, and all other forms of explosives in the state during the festive period. They also warned against organisation of unauthorised street carnivals in the state during the Yuletide. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeleye Oyebade, who gave the warnings in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, therefore, told merchants of fireworks and organisers of street carnivals to desist forthwith or be made to face the law. The commissioner said the warnings became imperative as part of measures to stop crime and criminality which, he said, usually characterise the Yuletide and New Year celebrations. He enjoined parents and guardians to prevail on their chidren/wards to desist from using fireworks and do away with any activity relating to street carnival. “Oyo State Police Command will not condone any disobedience as the Commissioner of Police has directed policemen in uniform and plain clothes to bring perpetrators to book. To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” the statement added.

Association constitutes new executive The Association of Tradesmen and Artisans of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter has constituted its new executive officers that will run the affairs of the association for three years in accordance with the constitution of the association. This was made known in a press release signed by the Chairman Electoral Commission of the Association, Mr I. A. Saliu and made available to the Nigerian Tribune by the secretary of the association’s electoral commission Elder Z.A Aderibigbe. Those elected include AIhaji Hamzat Kola President; Alhaji Abiodun Lawal first Vice-President and Alhaji Raji Bello, second vicepresident. Other executives also constituted are Pastor B.O Toriola (Secretary); Alhaji Olaibi Mutiu (Treasurer); Alhaji Kamardeen Salaudeen (Financial Secretary); Alhaji Sikiru Agboluaje (Organising Secretary); Mr Sunday Olawale (PRO); Alhaji Olalekan Mufutau (Welfare Oficer); Alhaji Sabitu (Assistant Secretary); Mr Salaudeen Laide (Assistant PRO); Mr Segun Adeniyi (Chief whip); Lola Adegbite (Social Secretary); Morakinyo David (Assistant Chief whip); Mr E. O. Oni (Assisitant Financial Secretary), Yemisi Oladokun (Assistant Organising Secretary) and Honorable Oyedunni O. (Auditor).

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Lagosmetro Security fund: Ambode reassures on judicious

use of tax payers’ money

Bola Badmus

agos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has assured Lagosians of his determination to judiciously utilise the resources garnered from the people for the overall well-being of the state, even as he restated his commitment to ensure the security and safety of lives and property as well as sustain a friendly investment climate. Ambode gave the assurance while speaking at the 9th Town Hall Meeting on Security put together by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). The governor said his commitment to the safety of the people was unwavering and non-negotiable, while stating that the town hall meeting was put together as part of efforts to continually create a platform for generation of ideas and solutions to confront security challenges facing the state, and to reassure the security agencies of the commitment of government to ensure their success. Ambode, while explain-

ing that the N4.8billion recently used to equip the police came from tax payers, assured that under his administration, such funds generated from the public would be accounted for and utilised to safeguard

the lives of those who had chosen the state as home. “Those of us who have been contributing our taxes and paying our fees, we have apportioned part of the money that you paid as IGR of Lagos State to

purchase those equipment donated to the police. So we say to you, it is not our money, it is your money and it is only being used judiciously to protect ourselves,” he said. Governor Ambode said

that if one million people could contribute as low as N1,000 each to the fund, such would go a long way in providing modern gadgets to the security agencies, urging the people to donate generously.

Biafran agitators on Wednesday stormed Alaba International Market, Iba, causing traffic gridlock which lasted more than two hours along the busy market road. Wielding the Biafran flag, the protesters chanted songs like: “All we are saying: Give us Biafra”. One of the agitators who did not wish to be named said the protest would continue at the market on Thursday (today) . “We are here to let the whole world know that it is time for Biafra to become an independent country,” he said. “We are all calling on the Federal Government to immediately release Mr Nnamdi Kanu, because he hasn’t done anything wrong. Many things are not going

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Panic at shopping mall over fire incident Olalekan Olabulo There was confusion on Wednesday afternoon at the popular SPAR Shopping Mall in Lekki area of Lagos State as a fire incident disrupted commercial and other activities at the market. The fire was noticed around the store of the popular shopping mall, forcing the operators to suspend trading operations. The shopping mall was later reopened for operation ,after the fire had been completely put under control by firefighters and the store’s operation team. A source around the shopping mall however stated that the fire started from a residential building at the back of the store at the shopping mall . The management of the shopping mall quickly evacuate the store and switched off the power supply to the mall, while the fire lasted.

Teenage pickpocket sentenced to 4 years imprisonment AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin The Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, arresting persons driving against traffic at Ijora, on Wednesday.

Biafra protesters storm Alaba, cause gridlock Naza Okoli

Nigerian Tribune

on well in this country, and our politicians are not listening to us at all. We have fought the war; we are not planning to fight another war. Tomorrow (today) will be the main protest. All we want is for the government to hear our cry, and give us our Biafra. We want to go. We are Biafrans.”

The protest continued even after the arrival of policemen led by a senior officer who identified himself simply as the Area Commander. “We are not permitted to speak with the press,” he said. The officers who eventually helped to maintain order and

control traffic monitored the protest until it ended at about 1:20 pm at the entrance of the Electrical Dealers Section of the market. The president-general of Alaba International Market, Chijioke Paul Okenwa, who spoke with Lagos Metro after the protest said his members would not support any action

that would disrupt the peace they enjoyed at the market. “People are free to hold peaceful protests,” he said. “We are all law-abiding citizens of this country. However, we would not condone a situation where people would begin to destroy property or break the law all in the name of protest.”

Environmental infractions: We are enforcing measures — Lawmakers Chukwuma Okparaocha

As part of ways of curbing nefarious activities of hoodlums, the Lagos State House of Assembly is set to enforce stringent measures on environmental infractions in Somolu area of the state. This was disclosed by the chairman of a three-man House ad-hoc Committee on Health, Hon. Segun Olulade (Epe Constituency 2), during a fact-finding tour of

the area. The committee members which included Hon. Segun Olulade, Hon. Desmond Elliot and Hon. Solaja-Saka Nurudeen were all on ground to carry out the investigation over the state of affairs in the area. Speaking to the media, chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Olulade, said “We have been able to advocate environmental laws so that residents can under-

stand the essence of the laws. “We have given them 48-72 hours to clear whatever they have on the drains because it is unhealthy,” he said. The chairman also said that the Assembly would also ensure that the issue of truck pushers who collect refuse became a thing of the past in Lagos because. According to him, many of them had been found to be fond of dumping the refuse inside canals. “It shows there is a lot to be done

in terms of enforcement,” he added. He called for all-encompassing security awareness, which he described as a collective responsibility of every resident of Somolu. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Somolu Local Government, Biodun Orekoya, explained that efforts by the council to ensure strict compliance to environmental laws had been rebuffed by the residents.

A teenager, Ugbodu Joshua, 18, has ben sentenced to four years imprisonment for stealing N28,000 from one Nwosu Amaka. It was gathered that Joshua, a pick-pocket, was always loitering around Ojota area before he was apprehended. Joshua was convicted after he had pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him to serve as a deterrent to others. The convict who resides at Ikotun, is standing trial on a charge of stealing. He, however, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that he would never commit the offence again. The presiding magistrate, Sule Amzat, after the conviction, advised the convict to learn a trade in one of the training centres in the prisons to be self-reliant and contribute to the development of the society. Earlier, the prosecutor, Ihiehie Lucky, had told the court that the convict committed the offence on December 14, at No. 406, Ikorodu Road, Ojota.

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Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Don’t increase fuel price, NLC warns Buhari Meets with civil society organisations, others Soji-Eze Fagbemi- Abuja

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday, warned President Muhammadu Buhari not to contemplate an increase in the prices of petroleum products, as being advocated by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Ibe Kachikwu. The congress warned the president to be wary of the likes of the minister, “whose sweet tongues on the issue of subsidy removal had derailed former presidents from achieving their lofty goals.” The NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, gave the warning at the occasion of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the death of Comrade Chima Ubani, held at the Labour House, Abuja. Comrade Wabba said since the minister had already given Nigerians the path the government of President Buhari wanted to go, the congress would meet and hold consultation with the civil society groups and other professional bodies, to respond adequately to the development. The NLC president said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to state without equivocation that Kachikwu represents the forces that have misled past governments on the issue of removal of subsidy and deregulation of the downstream operations of the petroleum industry. “Now that the Buhari government may have, through

Mr Kachikwu, sent the message to Nigerians on the path it wishes to take on the issue of petroleum subsidy, congress will meet in its

relevant organs, hold consultations with civil society and other organisations and professional bodies and carry out the instructions as we

will be mandated.” He pointed out that with the figures being disclosed as amount being stolen in the name of security, but

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose signing the 2016 appropriation bill into law while the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Pastor Kola Oluwawole (left) and the deputy speaker, Honourable Segun Adewumi (right) watch, during a brief ceremony held at the main chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday.

Make accounts of foreign reserves public, Reps tell CBN Jacob Segun OLatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE House of Representatives on Wednesday, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make public, the particulars of accounts in which foreign reserves of the federation were being held and declare all interests accruable to the foreign accounts held on behalf of the Federation in the last

four years. In addition, it also directed the nation’s Apex bank to state the criteria for engaging all foreign managers of the accounts to ensure transparency and to report annually on the performance and compliance of these managers with any set guidelines issued to them. The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion at the plenary on Wednesday, calling the CBN to declare

interests accruable to the foreign reserve accounts of the federation, which was sponsored by Honourable Abdul-samad Dasuki. While moving the motion, Honourable Dasuki pointed out that, “Reasonable interests accrue from the surplus of funds held by the CBN on behalf of the Federation which have not been monetised into Naira and received by the Federation from the CBN from the

LG poll: Women in purdah barred from voting in Ekiti 5 parties to contest poll Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti THE Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) has announced that five political parties would contest Saturday’s local government elections in the state, and also said that women in veil would be barred from participating in the voting. Chairman of EKSIEC, Justice Kayode Bamisile (rtd), who addressed newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, also said the commission had engaged 7,000 ad hoc staff, comprising of youth corps members and unemployed graduates, and added that they would be deployed as presiding officers in all the 2,195 polling units where

used to consult spiritualists, “one thought that Nigerians have had enough shock to contend with for a long time.”

elections would take place. Justice Bamisile also said there would be restriction of movement in the state on the election day, saying Governor Ayo Fayose and government officials in the state were also expected to obey the restriction of movement between the hours of 8a.m. and 4p.m. Meanwhile, the umbrella body of all political parties in Ekiti State, the InterParty Advisory Council (IPAC), has welcomed the judgment of an Ado-Ekiti High Court that gave the nod for the conduct of the local government election in the state. In a statement in AdoEkiti, on Wednesday, by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Ifedayo Iyaniwura, the

group said the judgment was a victory for democracy. IPAC said local government election had not taken

place in the state in the last eight years and wondered why some people would still want to frustrate moves to conduct the poll.

foreign accounts.” According to him, “Foreign fund managers are contracted by the CBN to manage the funds on contractual terms which are not subjected to public scrutiny or open competitive and transparent processes.” He noted that the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) was established to undertake the management of the excess crude account funds on behalf of the Federation, adding that the domestic capacity is being developed in order that large state funds can be managed by Nigerians. The accruals to the Federation from foreign reserve accounts have not been openly declared by the CBN and remains indiscernible in public records,” he said.

Join hands in securing Enugu, Ugwuanyi asks corporate organisations GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on all corporate organisations in the state to support the initiative of his administration to boost security, to sustain the current status of the state as one of the safest in Nigeria. The governor, in a speech, when he took delivery of a Hilux Van on behalf of the state government from the chief executive of Innosons Industries Limited, Chief

Innocent Chukwuma at Government House, Enugu. He thanked him for the monumental roles he had been playing in the economic development of the state. He added that the many high profile business ventures he has established and operates have helped to boost the socio-economic profile of the state; saying that his company has created employment opportunities for many people of

the state and provided vital goods and services to the people of the state and the entire country. In his words, “I must indeed emphasise that the presence and the success of Innosons Industries in Enugu has not only helped to put the state on the economic map of the world but is also helping to inspire more local and foreign investors to bring their businesses to Enugu.”

Masari appoints principal secretary, others THE Governor of Katsina State, Honourable Aminu Bello Masari, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Buhari Aliyu as the Principal Secretary to the Governor. Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Dr. Kabir Mustafa and Dr. AbdulJalil Ummaru AbdulLahi as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and the General Manager, Health Services Management Board, respectively. Dr Kabir replaced Dr. Qabasiyu at the health ministry, whereas Dr. AbdulJalil replaced Dr. Kabir Dara at the Health Services Management Board.

‘Stop using Awo’s name to deceive masses’ A don has cautioned politicians in the country to stop using the principle and ideology of Pa Obafemi Awolowo to deceive the masses, saying that if they do not stop, the sword of God will dangle upon them. Professor Bode Sowande made this remark while presenting a paper entitle “ the Militant Hopes of Nigerian Pensioners,” at the 2015 Pensioners Day celebration, which took place at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. He appealed to government at all levels to avoid reckless spending but to prioritise the payment of workers’ salary as well as pensioners’ gratuities and arrears as at when due. The deputy chairman, Nigeria union of pensioners (NUP), Oyo State chapter, Pa Gbadegesin Akande, urged the state government to bail our primary school teachers and local government retires because their gratuities has not been paid since 2011. He enjoined Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led administration to maintain cordial relationship and understanding existing between the government and the union adding that the retires do not support any cut in the salaries of workers or any attempt to retrench them as it has been proposed by the Governor’s forum.

businessnews Non-oil export sector remains Nigeria’s economic strength —NEPC 11

Akin Adewakun-Lagos

he Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said it is resolute in its commitment to further strengthen the nation’s non-oil export sector, saying it remains the only sustainable strength of the economy. Speaking at a one-day capacity building workshop on customs documentation for ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA), recently in Lagos, the DirectorGeneral of the agency, Mr Oluwole Awolowo, stated that such support had become imperative since the nation’s non-oil export sectors remain crucial to the growth of the nation’s economy, following the decline of oil price on the global market. Awolowo, who was represented by a Director in the agency, Mr Abdulahi Sidi-Aliyu, explained that the one-day capacity workshop programme was designed to address the gap created as a result of the lack of understanding of the documentation requirements for the AGOA and ETLS schemes. He explained that in spite of the numerous benefits inherent in the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), its implementation still remained uneven across West Africa; since companies still faced many challenges with export documentation. “Nigeria and a lot of other African nations are yet to get optimal benefits from the scheme as expected due to the lack of understanding of the scheme,” he stated. The NEPC boos, howev-

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

er, added that the workshop was in tune with the resolution reached at the 14th AGOA Forum,

held at Libreville, Gabon, where beneficiary countries were charged on the need to sensitise all stake-

holders on the new legislation, especially those in the business sector, on the implications of the re-

From left, Founder/ Director, One Stop Celebration Limited, Mrs Olusola Babatunde; Deputy Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Babatunde Faleke; Lagos Fashion and Design Style House, Mrs Omoyemi Akerele and Chief Executive Officer, Morin Leatherworks, Mrs Morin Obaweyo at a NEPC debriefing exercise on Magic Fair Las Vegas promotion of Nigeria apparels, at Protea Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Airtel rewards first batch of winners in RedHot promo 3 Airtel Nigeria has fulfilled its pledge to consumers as it rewards the first batch of winners in its ongoing RedHot promo with all-expense paid family trip to Dubai and cash prizes of N1million each at a colourful ceremony in Lagos. Through the consumer reward initiative which kicked off this December, Mrs Obi Victoria, a business woman based in Lagos and Mr. Nnamdi Oji, a web developer and entrepreneur, emerged the first lucky winners of tickets for the all-expense paid family

trip to Dubai. Mr. Eze Sonlove, a driver with a hospital in Lagos; Mr. Nwankwo Ferdinand, a trader at Iyana-Iba market; Mr. Fashola Peter, a civil servant in Lagos and Mr. Habeeb Adepoju, a student in Ijebu, Ogun State won cash prize of N1million each. The visibly excited winners expressed appreciation to Airtel Nigeria for being consistent with rewards for customers through the Red Hot Promo over the years. Mrs. Victoria, winner of an all-expense paid trip

to Dubai said: “I am very happy to become one of the winners in the promo. I look forward to great fun in Dubai with my family. I thank Airtel for this initiative.” On his part, Mr. Habeeb Adepoju who won N1million remarked: “This is fantastic; I appreciate the company for making me a proud customer on the network. I commend Airtel for enriching customers experience with the RedHot promo.” Speaking at the event, the Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmed

RMRDC, NACGRAB partner on fruit planting materials, juice production By Emmanuel George

Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has projected its overall involvement and collaboration with National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) and World Bank Step B programme to enable the country produce 10 per cent of the world’s fruit juice and to put industry on the path of sustainable development. According to Dr Hussain Doko Ibrahim, DirectorGeneral/CEO, RMRDC, Abuja, in his address at the sensitisation workshop on ‘Nigeria Fruit and Crops

authorised AGOA, with a view to identifying the opportunities and challenges involved.

for National Development’ held in Ibadan, stated that to achieve these goals and objectives as a nation, “it has been estimated that over 1.8 billion of planting materials (seedlings and suckers) of mango, citrus, avocado, papaya, banana and plantain and 180 MT of tomato seeds will be required to cultivate a total of 1.2 million hectares of land nationwide.” “This collaboration with NACGRAB is a step towards the fulfillment of this goal. And also plans are on the way by mandated organisations to train about 200,000 people including producers, processors, technicians, nursery-

men and entrepreneurs on best practices for fruit juice production and processing, including the various investment opportunities available in the sector,” he said. He further stated that the workshop signaled efforts of the council in exploring the vast potential of Nigerian fruits in order to solve multifaceted problems associated with fruit juice concentration in Nigeria. National Horticulture Research Institute, Ibadan, also calls the nation’s attention to the potential for fruit farming and export business as being very is high.

“As millions of people around the world imbibe healthier living habits and look for healthier foods, fruits are growing in demand both locally and globally,” S.O Babalola said.

Mokhles, noted that Airtel passionately connects its customers to their dreams and provides credible platforms and spring boards for them to achieve greatness. “The Airtel Red Hot Promo is a demonstration of our resolve to reward, excite and uplift our customers for their patronage and loyalty while also welcoming new users to our network,” he said. According to Mokhles, everyone – customers and telecoms consumers stand a chance to win big as the promo offers lots of amazing rewards and prizes, including millions in airtime, smartphones and other mouth-watering prizes. Customers can accumulate points in the promo by recharging their lines, buying any TalkMore bundle, buying any of the data bundles, registering for Access Money or even calling 141 (MAMO).

Nigerian Tribune

Ajasin varsity honours Adesina over agric transformation The management of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, will, on Friday, honour former Minister of Agriculture, and now President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, with honorary doctorate degree for his contribution towards the development of agro-allied industry in the country. Three other prominent Nigerians from all walks of life are also billed for honours as no fewer than 18 graduates of the university will receive first-class degrees at the 6thconvocation ceremony of the institution slated for tomorrow and Friday at the university Multipurpose Hall, Vice Chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, has disclosed. The other awardees are the Olugbo and Paramount Ruler of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, who will be honoured with the Doctor of Letters; Chief Bisi Ogunjobi, who will receive the Doctor of Science and a world-class Professor of History, Professor Bolanle Awe, who was conferred with the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) at the 2014 convocation ceremony but could not receive it that year, would now have the award conferred on her. Professor Ajibefun said: “A total of 4,310 graduates of the 2013/2014 Session will receive first and higher degrees and diplomas at the 6th convocation ceremony on December 18 and 19 this year.” He also revealed that honorary degrees would be conferred on four distinguished Nigerians whose lifestyle and achievements tally with the University’s tradition of excellence and integrity in recognition of their contributions to the development of the society.

Finance ministry explains delay in payment of GIS stipends The Federal Ministry of Finance, on Wednesday, assured participants of the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of payment of their outstanding monthly and training allowance. GIS is a Federal Government programme aimed

at preparing unemployed graduates to become either self-employed or better equipped for the labour market after undergoing a 12-month training. Mr Lassa Ptilapari, GIS Head of ICT, gave the assurance while speaking at

the closing ceremony of a Career Development and Entrepreneurship Training for about 100 interns in Maiduguri. He attributed the delay in the payment of the monthly stipends to non-submission of Time Sheet by employers of the interns.

businessnews Nigeria to raise N67.45bn in Treasury Bills 12

Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

IGERIA plans to raise N67.45 billion ($338.94 million) by selling Treasury Bills with maturities of three and six months on December 24, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said on Wednesday. The bank said it would issue N28.12 billion worth of three-month paper and N39.33 billion of sixmonth, using the Dutch Auction System. The result of the auction according to the bank is expected the following day. Meanwhile, the Debt Management Office (DMO) reopened the FEB 2020 and MAR 2024 instruments at an aggregate offer of N50.0billion on Wednesday. The result from the auction however indicated that N86.8billion was subscribed for from the N30.0billion available offer for the FEB 2020 while N59.0billion was subscribed for from the N20.0billion available for the MAR 2024. Quoted rates ranged between 9.0 per cent and 15.5 per cent for the FEB 2020 instrument which was allotted at a marginal rate of 10.95 per cent while the MAR 2024 instrument was allotted at 11.0 per cent with a range of bids between 9.0 per cent and 4.5 per cent. “We believe the level of participation in the last bond auction for the year was driven by the high

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

liquidity in the market given that the amount subscribed were only 34.6 per cent and 33.9 per cent of amount allotted for the FEB 2020 and MAR 2024

respectively,” dealers said. However, at 9.3 per cent average yields fell 0.8 per cent W-o-W, prompting expectations that yield would trend within the

INSUFFICIENT dollar supply from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has brought the naira exchange rate N265 to a dollar at the unofficial market. The local currency fell 1.5 per cent to the new low on Wednesday after the Central Bank rationed dollar supplies this week, traders said. Reuters quoted Aminu Gwadabe, the head of Nigeria’s bureaux de change (BDCs) association as having said that the apex bank cut the amount it sold to each of the 2,270 Bureau De Change that participated in Wednesday’s weekly sale to $10,000, down from the $30,000 each it sold last week. It offered $84.5 million at a similar sale two weeks ago. “There is dollar scarcity right now ... the central bank has shrunk supplies despite increasing the number of BDCs at its win-

ors. To start off the week, there was a general rise in price of all bond instruments save for the AUG 2016 bond whose price fell 1kobo on Monday. Thus,

after closing at 10.1per cent on Friday, average yields dropped 46bps on Monday to 9.6 per cent. Dealers at Afrinvest said while performance was mixed on Tuesday and Wednesday, average yields moderated further on both days to close at 9.4 per cent on Wednesday. Nevertheless, longer tenored instruments from the JAN 2022 to JULY 2034 bonds suffered price depreciations with the NOV 2028 bond declining the most, down 76 kobo to N125.86.

Stanbic IBTC challenges judgment on FRC

From left, Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Keystone Bank, Mrs Omobolanle Osotule; Mrs Titi Bashorun; Mrs Shola Adeogun; Mrs Oluwatoyin Odusanya of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre; Deputy General Manager, Construction & Infrastructure, Keystone Bank, Mr Jose Abubakar; Mrs Folashade Adebayo and Mrs Bukola Idowu-Koya of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre at a courtesy visit to Keystone Bank by members of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre, on Wednesday.

Unclaimed dividends hit N78bn Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

THE Director-General of the Security Exchange Commision (SEC), Munir Gwarzo, disclosed on Wednesday that the total unclaimed dividends at Nigeria Stock market is over N78 billion. However the Chairman, Senate Committee on

Capital Market, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, has raised concern over persistence downward movement of market capitalization within a short period of time from N11 trillion to its present position of N9 trillion. Speaking during an interactive session with Senate Committee on Capital

Naira exchanges for N265 to a dollar at parallel market Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

same range this week. There were increased activities in the Nigerian bond market last week as a general drop in yields was noticed across ten-

dow,” Gwadabe said. On the official interbank market, the currency has been pegged since February and closed at N196.97 on Wednesday. The central bank this month asked all bureaux de change operators to submit accounts showing their dollar usage at the start of each week before they could access future sales; a move traders said was aimed at curbing speculation. On Friday, the bank issued a circular which, among other things, invited retail money exchange agents to also consider obtaining dollars from private sources to fund personal and business travel, its latest attempt to conserve its dwindling reserves. But it added that individuals wishing to sell more than $10,000 will be required to disclose the source of the funds, tightening the rules around bureau de change

operations in an economy already suffering from a sharp fall in oil prices since mid-2014.

Market, Gwarzo explained that the companies and Allied Matters Act(CAMA) 1990 stipulates that dividends which remain unclaimed after 15 months of being declared should be returned to the firm. He added that the investors may make a claim if found in such circumstance not later than 12 years after, then such unclaimed dividends would be considered statue barred. The chairman of the Committee in his opening speech, said “ it gives me a serious concern to inform you of the persistence downward movement of

the Market Capitalization, within a short period of time the market lost more than N2 trillion, as it moved from N11 trillion to its present position of N9 trillion.” He implored regulators most, especially Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to apply drastic measures in order to arrest the trend. The lawmaker assured the agencies of the committee’s support by providing an enabling environment that would stimulate strong domestic market which would enhance the economic growth.

Ecobank partners EDC, awards grants to SME operators ECOBANK Nigeria, in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the PanAtlantic University, has trained and extended financial grants worth millions of naira to five budding Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) operators in the country under the ‘Ecobank New Venture Initiative’ (ENVI). The ENVI, an innovative business training education programme, is collaboration between Ecobank SME Club and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University. The five selected SME entrepreneurs otherwise known as ENVI Fellows in-

clude Olufemi Adenekan, Daily Fresh Farms; James Onyebuchi, Ojames Footwears; Winifred Obazeh, Asa Organics; Ifeoluwa Olatayo, Soupah Kitchen Limited and Adegboyega Adesida, Charms Horizon International Farms Ltd. The beneficiaries were enrolled for a one year training and mentorship with EDC leading to the award of the highly sought Certificate Entrepreneurial Management at EDC, the premier SME focused training Centre of the PanAfrica University. The grant was awarded midway into the training so as to monitor a real life growth in their businesses over the one year mentorship with

EDC. Speaking at the presentation of grants to the recipients in Lagos, Business Executive, Business Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Kingsley Umadia, said the massive support for SMEs is in line with the bank’s philosophy which recognises the SME sub-sector as the engine room of the nation’s economic growth. According to Umadia, “the EMVI initiative is part of our plans to help grow small businesses. Apart from capacity building, we want to see these businesses grow hence the financial support. I believe this will further deepen Ecobank brand in the SME sector in Nigeria.”

STANBIC IBTC Holdings Plc has appealed the judgement of the federal high court which ruled in favour of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). In October, the FRC requested that the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) investigate Stanbic IBTC and KPMG Professional Services for “financial misstatements”. The bank in its response said the FRC had ignored the laid down process of handling the alleged misstatements, and resorted to seeking publicity. “Our attention has been drawn to the media statements by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) in which several inaccurate and unseemly allegations were made against Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC (“Stanbic IBTC”),” the bank had said. “Although the matter is in court, we are constrained to respond to certain aspects of the report for the benefit of our stakeholders and the general public. “FRC’s allegations are inaccurate and unfortunate, and the manner in which it has chosen to make them is procedurally defective. FRC has ignored this laid down process in preference for self-help and media publicity.” Ibrahim Buba, who presided over the case filed by Stanbic IBTC, dismissed the case, ruling that the questions raised by Stanbic IBTC regarding FRC were “hypothetical and academic”. He held that section 7 of the NOTAP act 1979 expresses important national public policy of Nigeria, to avoid the dumping of obsolete and inappropriate technology in the country and to raise revenue for the federal government.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

15 news

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Climate change: US to assist C/River in preservation of eco-system

Expresses concern over wildlife trafficking through Nigerian borders From Anthony Ubong and Christian Okeke

HE United States of America has promised to assist in the preservation of Cross River State ecosystem, saying the state has 50 per cent of Nigeria’s forest cover. American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James F.

Mimiko reshuffles cabinet, drops 3 commissioners

Entwistle gave the assurance on Thursday, in Calabar, at the end of his tour of the forest reserves in the state. He said the visit had open up to him the nexus of issues regarding the protection of the forests in Cross River, which he said, play an important role in climate change. “We also plan to explore ways to help your government and NGO partners to further promote conserva-

tion and stop the illicit trade in wildlife. Doing so in collaboration with government officials, park rangers and NGOs like the Wildlife Conservation Society and Pandrillus, will help strengthen the bilateral relationship,” the Ambassador said. Ambassador Entwistle said the United States recognises the importance and urgency of combating wildlife trafficking, adding that it was committed to taking

positive measures to address the global challenge. “As part of these efforts, we hope to expand our cooperation in joint training, technical exchanges, information sharing and the public education on promoting conservation, while combating poaching and wildlife trafficking here in Nigeria,” he said. He noted, however, that issues involving wildlife and forest conservation should

not be left to government alone, and therefore appealed to communities to play a role. In related development, the United States government expressed worry over the growing trend in trafficking and poaching in wildlife which it said, is a source for wildlife products like ivory, animal parts, exotic pets, through Nigeria en route to other destinations around the globe.

Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Wednesday, charged newly appointed commissioners in the state, to always observe the principle of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties. Mimiko made this call in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during the inauguration of the new commissioners in a minor cabinet reshuffle in the state executive Mr Dayo Awude is now the Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Mr Ayo Abiola takes charge of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry while Pastor Segun Ayerin was posted to the Ministry of Agriculture. Others are Yetunde Adeyanju Ministry of community Development and Cooperative Services, Femi Adekanbi is the Commissioner for Special Duties, Culture and Tourism while Mrs Olasimi Odunmbaku was moved from the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperative Services to Wemon Affairs.

From left, Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr Mayne David-West; the celebrant, Reverend Ette Etteh; his wife, Elizabeth; guest lecturer, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, QuickLink International Network, Mr Dele Agekameh, at a book launch and first Distinguished Annual Lecture held in honour of Reverend Ette Etteh, under the auspices of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Wednesday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Fire razes Kuto market, destroys millions of naira goods Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta GOODS worth millions of naira were destroyed in a late night inferno, on Tuesday, at the popular Kuto Market, in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Nigerian Tribune learnt that the incident which started at about 10.00p.m affected about 14

shops in the market. It was gathered that no life was lost to the inferno which was put out by officials of the State Fire Service. An eyewitness account told the Nigerian Tribune that the shops affected by the fire incident would have been few if the fire fighters had had enough water to quench the fire. When the Nigerian Tri-

bune visited the market, traders and sympathisers were seen mourning over the incident, just as one of the affected traders who simply identified himself as Sola said: ”I received a call around 10.58p.m on Tuesday, that the market is burning and that our shops are among those affected. “I left my house at Ilogbo immediately in singlet and

Transport minister kicks off mass transit train service in Port Harcourt Uduakabasi Patrick - Port Harcourt MINISTER of Transport, Mr Chibuke Rotimi Amaechi, has kicked-off the AbaPort Harcourt Mass Transit Train Service, stating that it will enhance commercial activities and foster integration among the two states. The Minister, who stated this in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, December 16, said the train would run

from Port Harcourt to Aba, adding that the current administration’s aim is to revive the railway sub-sector, with a view to achieving a system that is modern, safe and affordable. “This administration’s aim is to revive the railway sub-sector and achieve a Nigerian system that is modern, safe and affordable and would serve as a vehicle for the delivery of sustainable public road, social harmo-

ny and political stability,” Amaechi said. He stressed that the government, through the Public -Private- Partnership initiative, is planning the modeling and redevelopment of major railway stations within the country, so as to open new railway lines in order to achieve an efficient new railway network. He also called on the Federal Government to open the door for effective private

sector participation in the transport sector, noting that to aid this some bills would be sent to the national assembly to be pass into law. “It is in this regard that the following bills will be placed before the national assembly to be passed into law. ‘The Nigeria raillway alternative bill’, ‘National transport commission bill’, ‘Nigeria port and harbour authority bill’, ‘National inland water authority bill’.

pants I was wearing and when I got to the market, I became helpless as I could not do anything to salvage the situation. “Many people were around to assist us. It is a sad experience. The shops belong to Mama Azeez, a.k.a. Omojoyibo. We delivered about 400 bags of rice to the shop on Sunday and another 150 bags were delivered on Monday. “Now, we have lost all the 550 bags of rice. Owners of the shops beside us also went to buy goods yesterday (Monday) for the Christmas festival. Like the plastic seller, she loaded two shops and another woman beside her who is selling pots, stoves and other household utensils had a full stock of goods in her shops. “As I’m speaking with you, three of the shop owners here have been taken to various hospitals over the shock and right now, we don’t know their condition.”

INEC to partner NITDA on e-Nigeria conference

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to partner with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in organising the e-Nigeria conference, an annual event that focuses on trends and developments in the global Information, Communication Technology industry (ICT). Acting chairman of the Commission, Mrs Amina Bala Zakari, disclosed this on Wednesday, when she received the Director General/CEO of NITDA, Mr Olu Peter Jack. The DG was accompanied by a team of the organisation’s directors. While accepting the invitation to partner NITDA on this year’s edition of the conference tagged: “Towards an Effective Electoral Process in Nigeria, “The Role of ICT Local Content and Information Security”, Mrs Amina Zakari enthused that the partnership would be beneficial not only to both organisations, but would also appeal to: a “cross section of discerning and relevant Information Technology experts, as well as other stakeholders in the Nigerian democratic project.”

Abandoned babies

A tw0-day-old baby girl was abandoned at Abanishe Area, Moniya, Ibadan on November 29, 2015.

A year-old baby boy was rescued at Iyaganku Police Station, Ibadan, on December 7, 2015. Anybody with useful information that could lead to the discovery of the babies’ parents or relatives, should please, contact the Principal, Social Welfare Officer, Ibadan/Ibarapa Zonal Social Welfare Office, Iyaganku, Ibadan or the nearest police station.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

GOVERNOR ABIOLA AJIMOBI @ 66

Nigerian Tribune PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

From left, Archbishop Alaba Job, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Bishop Victor T. Adelakun and Apostle Sunday Popoola.

Archbishop Alaba Job praying for the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, during his 66th birthday celebration held at Government House Chapel.

From left, Special Adviser, Media and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka; Head of Service, Mr Soji Eyinade and former SSG, Alhaji Olalekan Alli.

Baale Ekotedo, Chief Taye Ayorinde (right) and Chief Bayo Oyero.

From left, Mr Bolaji Ajimobi, Senator Ajimobi, his wife, Florence and the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo.

From left, Mr Eyinade, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeyemo and the Oyo APC chairman, Chief Akin Oke.

Former Commisioner for Works and his wife, Mr and Mrs Bimbo Kolade.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

A cross section of delegates of Poultry Association of Nigeria, led by its president, Dr Ayoola Oduntan, with officials of Indian government at a three-day Indian Poultry Show 2015, held at HITEX International Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, India, recently.

From left, bride’s father, Mr Babatunde Olusanya; groom’s mother, Mrs Folakemi Samuel; Mrs Ronke Brown, Mr Henry Silva Brown, bride’s mother, Mrs Toyin Olusanya and the groom’s father, Reverend Leslie Brown, during the wedding of Mr and Mrs Brown at Somolu, Lagos, recently.

Chairman, CAC Oke Ayo Agugu Zonal Headquarters, Pastor S.A. Omosanya (middle); Evangelist N.O. Babalola (fourth right), Pastor J.K. Omosanya (fifth right), Mrs Bunmi Obafunso and other members of the church during 16th anniversary of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Ibukun Omitowoju, Ekotedo, Ibadan, recently. PHTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Former Zonal Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, with her daughters, Tope and Bisi Kayode-Adedejo during their graduation ceremony at Tai Solarin University of Education(TASUED), Ijebu-Ode

From left, Ms Olufunke Olunloyo, Mr Olumuyiwa Omitowoju, the graduand, Miss Toluwalase Omitowoju and Mrs Omolayo Omitowoju, during the convocation at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, last week.

Chief Quasim Adeyinka was installed as the new Baale of Foworogun in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana. With him is his wife, Alimot.

From left, bride’s father, Chief Olafisoye Olabisi; groom’s mother, Mrs Majekodunmi Folashade; the couple, Mr and Mrs Majekodunmi Samson Olamide; groom’s father, Mr Majekodunmi Olalekan and the bride’s mother, Mrs Olafisoye Kate, during a wedding held at Alubarika Primary School, Shomolu Bariga, Lagos.

From left, Assistant Brand Manager, Eagle Schnapps, Gbemileke Lawal; Asiwaju Oloosa of Ekiti State, Awofemi Alameku and the Senior Brand Manager, Squadron Dark Rum, Zekeri Dokpesi, at the installation of the new Ooni of Ife, in Osun State, recently.

The new couple, Mr and Mrs Odunayo Akintade, during their engagement ceremony at Alawaye, Akanran Road, Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, recently.

For bookings, contact ’Laolu Afolabi on 08054681741 or Tommy Adegbite on 08116954631

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

yournews

SEND YOUR SHORT MESSAGES TO: 08054005323, 08055001746

•Trapped under a cement truck. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Governor Mimiko, come to our aid in Ile-Oluji I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, to complete the abandoned Ile-Oluji Township Road and the Sports Stadium. It was a thing of joy when the governor approved the rehabilitation of the road, and the construction of the stadium about seven years ago, but work has stopped on both projects. I, therefore, hope this message will get to the governor so that Ile-Oluji people can benefit from this current administration in the state. Apart from these two projects, we also want more social amenities in the town. It is with this that we can say we are enjoying the current government. •Toyin Ijoge, 08068911531

Low crude prices: Opportunity for Nigeria? THE ongoing fuel scarcity in the country is really giving Nigerians sleepless nights. People are now paying more for transport fare, rents, among other things just because a litre of petroleum now sells for more than N120. Some people have said that this is the best time for the government to remove the subsidy since the global price of petroleum is at an all-time low, but what will happen to Nigerians if the prices go up again? Fuel subsidy is the only benefit Nigerians think they derive from the government, and they are prepared to resist its removal. However, we will continue to experience acute fuel shortages at intervals before the subsidy payments is made. The solution now is for President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on how to revive our refineries. The current low prices of crude oil may be an opportunity for President Buhari to implement new changes in the oil sector.

If the subsidy is removed now, we may not buy a litre of petroleum for more than N100, so in the next couple of years, the government can quickly fix the refineries, while also building

new ones. The government should set a target for a period in which we will stop importing fuel. If our refinieries can work at their optimum capacities, then we will

have no reason to import fuel. As a result, the price of fuel will go down drastically. We just need to bear with government. Therefore, we should look at the fall in the global

prices of crude oil as an opportunity to make changes in our oil sector. •Kassim Alamu, 08136449554

PDP should keep playing vibrant opposition I am really happy that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is keeping democracy alive by playing the role of a strong opposition party. This country needs just two parties, which will give Nigerians an alternative when one fails to perform. The PDP was in power for 16 years, but when we came up with a strong opposition in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the umbrella party was swept away. Now, Nigerians are waiting to see if the APC will perform or not. It is only a strong opposition party that can keep the ruling party on its toes. I am happy with the performance of the PDP so far. Having said this, I want

to say that it is a shame that some former PDP politicians are decamping

to the APC. Those who decamped after the PDP lost the federal power are only

after what they will ‘eat’. Tayo Isola, 08062086668

Still on the Boko Haram war The recurrent bomb attacks by the Boko Haram terrorists show that the war against the sect is not yet over; what I am happy about, however, is that President Muhammadu Buhari used to be in the military, and he knows the challenges facing our soldiers in this war. I hope President Buhari will end the insurgency as soon as possible. The military under President Goodluck Jonathan seriously weakened the terrorists, and I hope the military will continue to do more to bring

this senseless war to an end as soon as possible. The service chiefs should, therefore, keep working hard until the whole country is safe, particularly

the North East, which has been the hotbed of the insurgency. •Festus Idoko, 08097324106

Attention, Oyo police PERMIT me to use this opportunity to call on the Oyo State Police Commissioner to save us from incessant armed robbery attacks in Oke Ogun area of the state. The robbers, for long, have been operating on the Igboho-Saki-Igbeti Road, Igboho-Kisi Road, Ilorin-

Igbeti Road and Igeti-KisiKaoma Road. Most of the robberies occur during the market days of communities in OkeOgun area. I hope the police command will come to our rescue. Lasun Omosanya, 08063496721.

editorial

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

IDPs and the 2016 target

HILE addressing an audience made up of a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), led by former British Foreign Minister Mr David Millband, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, president Muhammadu Buhari declared that the return of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the North East is to begin next year. This certainly is a tall order considering the vast devastation suffered by the region from the insurgency occasioned by Boko Haram. It is even salutary that the President appeared acutely aware of the tremendous dimensions of the devastation when he said inter alia: “they will return to their communities to meet destroyed schools and other infrastructure which have to be rebuilt. With agriculture being moribund in the region in the last two years, hunger is already manifest. We will welcome all the help we can get to assist the returnees.” President Buhari , obviously calling the attention of the IRC to the areas of the country’s immediate needs with regard to resettling the IDPs as quickly as possible, displayed an infectious optimism that bordered on the politician’s. However, if there is any desperation for help or intervention from the international bodies with enough funds to assist the Federal Government in tackling its onerous challenges on the IDPs, it should not be confused with playing up the IDPs’ expectations with unrealistic promises. Incidentally, when the IRC’s President, Mr Millband and his entourage visited some of the IDPs in Maiduguri recently, what was critical in their minds was their return to their homes, after peace must have been restored there. So, even the IDPs know that the restoration begins with the return of peace. In other words, the return and rehabilitation of the IDPs must take off with an assurance of peace and security in their indigenous communities from where they were displaced. The return of peace and security to the traumatised regions also means the pacification of the insurgents without which the efforts to rehabilitate the IDPs would be wasted. It is even scary to contemplate the implication of resettling the IDPs only for the Boko Haram to resume hostilities. The engagement with the insurgents who have been rad-

icalised is anything but conventional like all terrorists’ campaign all over the world. It would be unfortunate if, as President Buhari remarked, the IDPs will have to return to meet destroyed schools but before the schools are rebuilt and other infrastructure resuscitated, there must be ample evidence of peace and security. It is interesting to note the resilience of the IDPs, indeed mankind, as they have adapted to the drastic changes brought about in their camps as many of them have married and reproduced since they were displaced. A few of these IDPs who have come to know a better life-style in their new setting may not be bothered to look back for any respite from their original abode if they have found comfort and meaning from their new places. Those IDPs who have found a new lease of life should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights to remain in situ where they have found comfort while the government should find it expedient to return the rest to a more comfortable environment. In this regard, a lot depends on the local governments to be specific on the various requirements of these IDPs and how to resettle them to comfortable lives, different from, and better than what obtained before they were displaced. We think that the government should be more concerned with returning peace and security to the troubled regions before the rehabilitation of the IDPs so that the financial assistance received from the international donors can be put to good and fruitful use. We are aware of the pressure which the IDPs constitute to their host communities and therefore the need to return them to their original places as quickly as possible but we still counsel a gradual and cautious implementation of the procedure so that they are not hurried into some kind of tragedy eventually. Their displacement was hurried and disruptive, but their return and restoration will have to be gradual and cautious for the procedure to be meaningful and enduring. After all, the reason for the successful campaign of the Boko Haram was the dreary and meaningless lives foisted on the people of this geopolitical region. It would be tragic to hurriedly recycle this experience.

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opinion

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Not on the same page By Eric Teniola

ETWEEN 1979 and 1983 there were 449 members of the House of Representatives. The speaker of the House then was Chief Edwin Ume Ezeoke from Nnewi, while his deputy Alhaji Idris Ibrahim was from Minna. The Leader of the House then was Alhaji Yinusa Kaltungo from Tangale-Waja South, a complete gentleman. The following members were recognized as the Chief Whips of their parties: Prince J.S. Sangha-NPN, Mr. Tom U.B. Egbuwoku-UPN, Mr. D.D. Dafuan- NPP, Dr. Junaid S. Muhammed-PRP and Dr. Gordon J. Idang- GNPP. Apart from the committee of selection, the House had 26 standing committees. The committees are House committee, business, public petitions, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and animal science, public service matters, communications, defence, judiciary, education, health, labour, finance, external affairs, public works, aviation and transport, Petroleum and energy conservation, mines and power, commerce, science and technology, appropriation, internal affairs, banking and currency, housing, community development and environment, veteran affairs and social welfare, water resources, Federal Capital development and public account committee. Within the same period there were 95 Senators. The President of the Senate by then was Dr. Joseph Wayas from Ogoja while the Deputy Senate President was Senator John wash Pam from Jos. The leader of the Senate was Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki from Ilorin/Asa, my friend. The other leaders of the various parties were Senator Jonathan Akinremi Olawale Odebiyi-UPN, Senator Jaja Anucha Wachukwu-NPP, Senator Idrisa Kadi- GNPP and Senator Ibrahim Barau-PRP. There were 17 standing committees in the Senate. These were Transport and Aviation, Communications, Education, Science and technology, Defence, Public Works, Appropriation and Finance, Health and Social Services, Judiciary and Public Service, Banking and Currency, Petroleum and Energy, Foreign, Labour and Internal Affairs, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Water and Min-

eral Resources, Trade and Industries, Federal Capital, Housing, Urban Development and Local Government. Pardon me for remembering with nostalgia too, some senators of that era. I remember Senators Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, Uba Ahmed, Mahmud Waziri, F.O.M. Atake, Ibrahim Dimis, David Omueye Dafinone, Abayomi Adeyosola Durosimi, Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya, Ameh Ebute, Emeka Patrick Echeruo, Jaja Anucha Wachukwu, Nosike Ikpo, Daniel Adetola Ladega, Isa Obaro, Onyeabor Obi,David Olatunbosun Oke, Stephen Adebanji Akintoye, Muhammed Girigiri Lawan, Cyrus Nunieh, Kunle Oyero, Michael Emmannuel Onunkun, Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Obi Wali, John Osiomele Umolu, Joseph Sauwan Tarka, Samuel Olu Sogbehin, Jubrin Salihu, Buka Sanda, Sikiru Ayodeji Shitta Bay, Mubashir Akanbi Abiru, Ayoola Adeleke, Adeyiga Omopenu Ajayi, Ahmadu Ali, Nathaniel N. Anah, Obafemi Ayantuga, Ibrahim Barau, Bello, Bakorri, Oyibosiya Eberewariye, Francis John Ellah, Donald Dick Etiebet, Ayo Fasanmi, Adamu Gaya, Gayus Gilama, George Baba Hoomkwap among others. At that time there were no Vice Chairmen for the committees. In parliamentary terms, committees deal with assigned ministries. The Chairman of any committee in the National Assembly has almost the same responsibility with that of a minister and almost the same parapher-

nalia of office—official vehicles, offices and personnel,etc. At that time we had 19 states, now we have 36 states with 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dugara has constituted 96 committees. He also named deputy chairpersons for such committees. According to media report, the APC got 54 chairpersons while the PDP cornered 38. A breakdown of the committees shows that three or four committees will deal with one ministry. In short, 192 members of the House of Representative out of the 360 members are either chairpersons or deputy chairpersons of the 96 committees. Likewise the Senate has sixty-four standing committees with one hundred and eight Senators. President Muhammadu Buhari has reduced the ministries to only twentyfive. If we are to go with the calculation of the National Assembly, ninety-six committees will deal with twenty-five ministries in the House of Representatives while sixtyfour committees will deal with twenty-five ministries and some of their Parastatals. It is ridiculous. Imagine a minister who has three portfolios. By calculation he will attend to almost eighteen committees. What time has such a minister got in supervising his ministries. The current rhythm in government is the reduction of the cost of governance. And I guess that is why President Muhammadu Buhari has reduced the number of ministries. But in the National Assembly instead of a reduction in the cost of governance, they are increasing it. What will ninety-six committees achieve in the House of Representatives and what will sixty-four committees achieve in the Senate? In some instances it will lead to duplication of efforts by the various committees. Definitely it looks as if the National Assembly and the rest of the country are not on the same page. •Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, writes from Lagos.

Pope Francis: A beacon of hope and peace for humanity By Yahaya Balogun

THE beacon of hope of our time is Pope Francis, our beatitude! He is a quintessential individual shaping a confused world for posterity, good governance and revival of souls for the good of mankind. Pope Francis is our icon of inspiration. A peaceful man who understands the language of peace and defines peace as a panacea to world’s upheavals. I love and adore the Pope for his venerability. Pope Francis is my man of the year because he is all encompassing. I have been following this holy man from the inception of his papacy. His decorum and disposition to the vulnerable people around the world is worth mirroring. His Holiness, Pope Francis epitomises the hope of humanity. He is well read, intelligent, astute and all-inclusive in his papacy and sacred assignments to humanity. Pope Francis is a man you will love with passion if you have instinctive muse. Pope Francis is changing the face of religion in the world, just like President Obama, Pope Francis is redefining war as ineffective tool or solution to retractable religious and political differences in the world. One cannot but agree with this gentleman’s messages of hope and peace to the warring factions in some troubled regions in the world. He preaches peace in time of war; displays tolerance in time of divisiveness; and blazes a trail in diplomacy in time of political argy-bargy. He is making history and history is on his side. His Holiness is equipped with a compendium of knowledge of the odd world. Pope Francis possesses so many characteristics in common with some leaders who have shaped the world positively. These characteristics include humility, respect and candor. All these attributes are the true litmus test of a great leader. The moral persona of Pope Francis is another milestone in the history of Christendom and an example to other world religions. Pope Francis speaks regularly to the conscience of the world. He is a great optimist who believes there is much hope for humanity. His messages of hope,

compassion, moral and good governance cut across religious and political lines. He has an unquenchable passion and desire for everyone to live in a more peaceful world. Some people were moved to tears with Pope Francis’s ex-cathedral message to all Christians, and to the strong-minded people to have respect and compassion for repented sinners; to stop excommunication and seek forgiveness for those who had abortions and love to the same sex couple who are fighting for equality with others in the society. Pope Francis sees humanity in us before our religious nuances and drawbacks. Pope Francis seeks for forgiveness of all, just like Jesus Christ did to sinners. With tolerant people like the new Pope, who has tolerance and understanding of the misunderstood people, the world will be a better place for all. As a Muslim, with my observance of Pope Francis’s spiritual persona and humane dispositions since his ordination, his extemporaneous pronouncements and speeches are resonating in the minds of people across the world. His courteous background defines his personality. Pope Francis moonlighted as a nightclub bouncer before he became God’s enforcer. He is a compassionate human being who understands sinners more than the sinners. He also understands the poor more than they understand themselves.

The refreshing revelations about Pope Francis’s humble beginnings and past added to his reputation as an everyman’s Pope who has turned down many of the luxuries and symbolic ephemerals, traditionally entitled to pontiffs. He is the antithesis of our ostentatious everyday lives. He believes his security rests squarely in the sacred hands of God and the poor. His Holiness, Pope Francis’s messages of peace should rekindle hope to the troubled world in this period of human adversity. We are witnessing the human catastrophe in the Middle East, the dehumanised exodus of innocent children and hapless men and women fleeing a war-torn Syria to neighbouring countries; the North Korean threats to her neighbours and the Iranian government’s recalcitrance to nuclear disarmament. Under the Treaty on Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Pope and President Obama’s candor to reach amicable but crucial agreement on the deals on Iran’s enrichment is commendable. Through the deals, enrichment has been limited to the development of research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without threats to Iran’s neighbours, member states and the world. Obama’s Iranian deals should be accommodated but with the stance warning to Iran against developing nuclear weapons. Pope Francis and President Obama should be encouraged to maintain their historic peaceful messages to a world in turmoil. Pope Francis was a buffer, mediator and very instrumental to the revamped and historic diplomatic relations of the United States and Cuba. A relationship that has been in bedlam for more than five decades. The new relationship will surely be mutually beneficial to the two countries. In a world where war is lorded and violence is romanticised, Pope Francis epitomises a godsend as elixir to a disquieting world. President Obama and Pope Francis, the unscathed personae are avoiding the burdens of history. •Balogun lives in Arizona, United States.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

maka nd’igbo

A cross section of graduates that participated in the workshop

Succour for unemployed graduates in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu

HAT there is massive graduate unemployment, economic downturn, coupled with thousands of graduates being churned out by various tertiary institutions every year in the country, is no doubt a challenge as

Don calls for diversification of economy Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri VICE Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Hilary Odo Edoga, has appealed for an urgent diversification of the nation’s economy, stating that this would enable the citizenry enjoy the benefits of multicultural economy. Professor Edoga observed that although the country relied on the production and export of crude oil as her main economic mainstay, she could still diversify to agricultural productions and industrial manufacturing, thereby creating a tripod stand in her economic base. He gave the clarification in a paper entitled “Diversifying Nigeria’s Economy: The Role of Media in Agricultural Revolution and Food Security” which he delivered at the 2015 Special Media Forum organised by the Correspondents Chapel, NUJ, Imo State in Owerri. continues pg22

industries, private firms close shop as a result of the poor economy. To this end, frustration and desperation for jobs have characterised Nigerian youths who are largely affected by this ugly trend. A school of thought feels that Nigerian youths lack the capacity for employment to put in another words; this school of thought assumes that most Nigerian graduates are unemployable. It is the afore-mentioned backdrop that moved Tochian Consulting Nigeria Limited to partner the Federal Ministry of Finance to train young unemployed graduates who roam the streets and equip them with skills to become employable. The event, which was orientation and employability workshop, had more than 100 unemployed graduates in attendance. Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony of the Graduate Internship scheme (GIS) held at Nondon Hotel, Enugu, the Project Director, Tochian Consulting Limited, Mr Peter Papka, said: “We believe that the skills and experience you have acquired through graduate internship programme have placed you in a position to contribute meaningfully to

Police widows cry out over hardship in Enugu —pg22

national development. You must ensure your internship adds value not just for immediate employers, but to the nation as a whole”. He noted that some of the interns had gained employment, while others had started their own businesses and many others had established co-operative associations to start up businesses after their exit from the programme. Represented at the occasion by Miss Julianne Adegbe, Programme Implementation Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Papka said that 25,186 graduates had been redeployed, 68 per cent males, 31 per cent females and 1 per cent vulnerable. He disclosed that 9,387 had exited the scheme, while 1000 had secured employment or started their own businesses. According to Papka, some of the graduates have won YouWin grants to expand businesses they set up using GIS stipends while many have set up and saved through cooperative associations with potential to secure funding from

Desire to make quick money landed me in trouble —Suspect —pg22

the Central Bank of Nigeria rather than looking for work." They are now becoming employers", he said. The GIS boss pointed out that in order to consolidate on the successes recorded so far and in line with Federal Government's resolve to diversify economic base of the country, the GIS had keyed into non-oil sectors with a view to developing capacity and skills required to complement the oil and gas sector of the economy. Housney Nig. Ltd is the facilitating firm handling the Orientation and Employability Skills training for the GIS interns at the Ascot Resort Hotel venue, Enugu. In her speech, the Business Development Officer of Tochian Consulting limited, Mrs Rita Orajiuka, explained that the programme was designed to bridge the gap between unemployed graduates and the labour market. Graduate Internship scheme, (GIS), she said, was a Federal Government’s intervention programme aimed at making continues pg22

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

22 makand’igbo

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Desire to make quick money landed me in trouble —Suspect

Suspected kidnappers from Oji River, Enugu identified as Idris and Ejike Chibuko

Jude Ossai - Enugu IN its renewed war against crime, the Police detectives in Enugu have arrested two suspected kidnappers at their various hideouts in Lagos and 9th mile near Enugu. Maka Ndigbo gathered that the suspects had conspired with others namely, Ekene Nwankwo from Okposi in Ebonyi, Emeka Igwe from Awka Etiti as well as Chidi Agu, Ebuka from Ameke Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State to kidnap one Ekene Okonkwo. It was learnt that the victim, Okonkwo (now deceased), from Affa in Udi Local Government Area of the state was, November 11 this year, returning from a traditional marriage with his vehicle when he was ambushed and taken to a nearby bush by old Nsukka Abor Road 9th, Mile Corner, Enugu where they tied his hands and legs with rope and demanded the sum of N10 million naira ransom from the victim/deceased relations.

Policed source said that the alleged kidnappers also denied their victim food and water for seven days after beating him while in captivity. It was further gathered that this, however, made him to be weak and, as a result, died inside the bush. The suspects, who were said to have been with the victim in the bush, on observing that their victim had died, abandoned the corpse and fled to an unknown destination.

Succour for unemployed graduates in Enugu continued from pg21

university graduates employable after they had undergone skills development and acquired experience from the one year internship programme. According to her, to participate in the programme, young unemployed graduates who were within the ages of 18 and 40 years are required to register for the programme and will be registered by Tochian who places them on internship with the private

Police widows cry out over hardship in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu THE leadership of Nigeria Police Widows Association (NPWA), Enugu Chapter, last week, raised the alarm that some of their members were finding life unbearable because they had nothing doing to sustain themselves since they lost their husbands and bread winners. Chair Person of the organization, Lolo Kelechukwu Kalu, disclosed this in an address at the launch of their 2016 Calendar at Officers Mess, Enugu. Kalu, who was represented by the Secretary, Dr Florence Ochigbo, pointed out that because some of them had nothing tangible doing, it was now difficult for their children to go to school. "Some widows do not have anything doing for a living, thereby finding things hard. "Some of our children have finished school, but they have no work and some have no money to go to secondary schools or universities," the chairperson laments. Kalu, therefore, pleaded with the

Operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the State Police Command, on hearing the story, were said to have moved into tracking the suspects at their hideout in 9th Mile and Lagos respectively. Confirming the story, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu, said that the suspects were seriously injured during a shootout that ensued. Amarizu said that one of the suspects, Ekene Nwakwo, revealed that it was their

burning search to make quick money that landed them into the trouble. "We visited a native doctor for money making and was told by the doctor to get some money to buy things for rituals. It was our efforts to get money for the rituals that led us to this trouble", he said. The police image maker said that the suspect further revealed that their victim was coming back from traditional marriage around 7 pm at Affa Road near 9th Mile when their colleague, Ebuka, told them through a telephone that the victim was approaching before they blocked the road and picked him up with their gun to the bush, abandoning his Tundra jeep. The suspect stated that the victim later died after few days of holding him captive. Chidi Agu, another suspect, confirmed that their victims would not have died if not that Ekene tied him seriously to avoid overpowering them. He attributed his membership of the gang to frustrations and pleaded for forgiveness even as he regretted that their victim died. To one of the suspects, Emeka Igwe, he did not waste time to disclose that they were four in numbers that planned the kidnapping in order to raise money. He mentioned himself, Ekene Nwankwo, the gang leader, Chidi Agu and Ebuka now at large. He, however, regretted their action and prayed for forgiveness while attributing the circumstance that led them into the mess as unfortunate. Meanwhile, full scale investigations have been intensified into the incident just as the dead body of the victim has been recovered inside the bush by the operatives and deposited at the nearby hospital for necessary action.

police authorities to pay them their late husbands’ entitlements without delay and undue stress. She also pleaded with the authorities to give employment to some of their members both within and outside the Nigeria Police to enable them raise their families.

sector organisations. “The interns are paid stipends during the period of one year. People here are people exiting from the programme and are undergoing exiting training programme called Career Development and Entrepreneurship training to remind them of career development to make them marketable”. “We have started this programme since 2012 in several states across Nigeria like other consulting firms with the Federal Government. Our target was 100 interns, and today they are exiting the programme and I am sure they have learnt so much and are now employable”. Some of the interns expressed happiness for the opportunity provided by the scheme, noting that they had learnt so much from the programme since the past 12 months. Hillary Eze, a graduate of Computer Science and Statistics, said he learnt so much from

the Graduate Internship Scheme. “The lessons I have learnt will help me to become self employed. I did not believe that I could be self- employed before this programme, but today, I can assure you I will become self- employed in the next few weeks and will not wish to wait for government employment anymore”, Emeka Eze said. For Mrs Winifred Okoye, she has learnt to rebrand herself from what she was before. I studied Computer Science in the university. “During the internship, I was posted to a school where I did the internship. I have learnt to manage and run a private school. I will establish a school and run the school myself. Indeed, with the Enugu event, many residents in Enugu believe that succour has come to the way of unemployed graduates in the Coal City State.

Don calls for diversification of economy continued from pg21

Speaking extensively on the importance of agricultural revolution and food security, the vice chancellor noted that a number of policies and programmes such as ‘Operation feed the nation', ‘Food for all by the year 2000’, ‘7-point agenda’, ‘Vision 2020’ put in place by previous administrations in the country to achieve food security eventually crumbled as a result of poor implementation, insufficiency and unreliable data, institutional weakness as well as lack of political will. Edoga argued that the mass

communication could play a vital role in promoting human capacity development for agricultural revolution and food security in the country. The vice chancellor described mass media or communication technologies as powerful tools for informing people and providing them with knowledge and skills they required to put agricultural science and production input to best use. Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Athan Agbakwuru, in his address earlier, said that the occasion was meant to bring the members and some distinguished

Nigerians together for a broad-based discourse on current state and national issues as it affected the nation. Agbakwuru disclosed that a flagship project for the chapel next year was to establish an ultra modern newsroom which had been estimated at N20 million. According to him, the proposed newsroom, when established, would promote cohesion among members, stating that the chapel had continued to play pioneering role in sanitising the practice of journalism in the state by promoting professional excellence.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

education

Editor: Laolu Harolds 08111845016 tribune.education@yahoo.com

ASUU splits over alleged mismanagment at MOUA

Anthony Ubong, Calabar; Jude Ossai, Enugu and Dapo Falade, Port Harcourt

CADEMIC Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) appears to have been polarised over alleged mismanagement by the authorities of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture. The Calabar Zone of the union had recently called on President Mohammadu Buhari to set up a visitation panel to investigate alleged maladministration at the university, accusing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Hilary Edeoga, of promoting academic staff without requisite qualifications or post-PhD teaching experience to the rank of professors, among others. In a statement jointly signed by Dr Nsing Ogar, (Calabar Zonal Co-coordinator of the union); Dr Tony Eyang (Chairman, University of Calabar); Dr Aniekan Brown (Chairman, University of Uyo); Dr Stephen Ochang (Chairman, Cross River University of Technology); Ochi Ejimofor (Chairman, Abia State University); Professor Idenyi (Chairman, Ebonyi State University) and Dr Imeh Okop (Chairman, AKSU), the union had accused Professor Edeoga of violating laid down procedures in the appointment and promotion of staff. They also accused the vice chancellor of mismanaging TETFund grants, and other infractions, expressing displeasure with the institution’s governing council which has stood “idly by in culpable silence in the face of the fraud and orchestrated attempt to destroy the university.” ASUU had alleged that the institution, under Edeoga, had been running some unapproved programmes. “The implication of the maladministration, abuse of office and recklessness are

enormous. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture is now a shadow of itself and a bad example in our country,” they said, noting that “this ugly situation can even become worse if the administration, particularly the vice chancellor, is not called to order.” The ASUU officials called on President Buhari, Visitor to the University ‘to expeditiously send a visitation panel to investigate the gross indiscipline and corruption in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and recover the university from the path of perdition.” But it appears the union is not speaking for the academic staff of the university, as its lecturers have risen up in defence of their vice chancellor. Describing the union as a “biased umpire,” the MOUA academic staff, who had pulled out of ASUU in September, alleged that the union was only out to denigrate the personality of the vice chancellor. In a statement signed by their leader, Dr Joseph Adama, and made available to Tribune Education, they said the claims by ASUU were baseless and unauthenticated. Citing three newspaper publications by one Peter Agbo and Professor Suleiman Muhammed, calling for the investigation of the MOUAU vice chancellor for alleged unapproved programmes, the lecturers said the publications by ASUU and the petition

were aimed at casting aspersions on the university’s academic staff, the students of the institution and its academic programmes. They challenged any group or individual who are interested to visit the university and organise a general plebiscite to ascertain the authenticity of its programmes. Alleging a gang up, the statement reads: “These baseless and unauthenticated claims are coming from someone in the rank of a professor in a Nigerian university, like Suleiman claims he is. One would have expected that, as a first step, he should have investigated into the facts of the matter before going to the press. “In another gang-up on the same issue, one Dr Lawali Alkali Argungu, who claimed to be representing the Sokoto Zone of ASUU, raised the same issues similar to those raised by Professor Suleiman Mohammed. “It is now very clear that there was a gangup initiated by ASUU, using the zones to fight MOUA, the vice chancellor, the governing council, the Senate, distinguished professors, academic and non-academic staff and the students in general. “What are these accusations of unapproved academic programmes? When did ASUU take over the responsibility of accrediting academic programmes from the National Universities Commission? “What are these accusations of bed space

It is now very clear that there was a gang-up initiated by ASUU, using the zones to fight MOUA, the vice chancellor, distinguished professors and the students in general

purchase without allocations? What are these accusations of collecting monies from applicants? Are these the real facts of the matter?” The statement further read: “The vituperations are understandable but pitiable and totally uncalled for. If ASUU must regain her lost glory, the time has come where we must begin to call people of the ivory tower to order. “It all started like child’s play. We had a very vibrant branch of ASUU in MOUA sometime in the past, until the branch chairman was indicted by the university’s Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee at different times respectively. “The indictment was around academic fraud, extortion from students, immorality, indecency and disrespect for constituted authority, among several others. Rather than allow due process to be completed, the branch chairman went to court to truncate the process and since then there has been no peace in the newspapers from ASUU... “We cannot preach one thing and be seen to be doing another. It is disgusting, humiliating and totally uncivil in the way and manner we run down our colleagues.” The man at the centre of the storm, Professor Edeoga, has however dismissed all the allegations leveled against him, saying that he never employed any staff through the back door. Addressing newsmen on the matter, Professor Edoga denied being involved in maladministration and financial recklessness as alleged, insisting that he had repositioned the university for good, and that only very few staff in the institution are against his administration, for selfish reasons. “I am happy to have put the university’s name into world map, from an obscure institution it was before I became the vice chancellor in 2010,” he stated.

education

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Why faith-based varsities’ fees are high —Ajayi Crowther University VC Rt. Revd Professor Dapo Asaju is the Vice Chancellor and Bishop Theologian, Samuel Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. He shares with LAOLU HAROLDS his vision for the 10-year-old institution, as well as his perspective on some other issues in the Nigerian education sector. Excerpts

lot has been said about the apparent disconnect between what is taught in our tertiary institutions and what is required of graduates in the work place. Employers of labour appear to prefer graduates of foreign institutions or retrain the Nigerian graduates. Where do you locate this problem and what solutions do you proffer? Fundamentally, we have eroded the appreciation of value for education. We need to understand that basis. A professor walks along the street, nobody knows him; he retires, he has no car or house of his own; but a small boy who plays nothing but football all over the place finds his way to Europe and is being paid, in one week, what a professor will earn in five years! Our values have changed; entertainment and sports have taken over. People have dehumanised those who are supposed to teach and inculcate the standard you are expecting. But it’s not true that the quality of education here is not marketable. The quality of education here is comparable to anywhere in the world; what is missing is the resources. A mechanic is useless on the road beside a broken down car if he has no tools. Yes, we lack tools; but that does not make us incompetent. All we need to do is to refocus on education; provide the enabling environment. What you don’t have, you can’t give. These days, there are calls for universities to specialise. What area of knowledge would Ajayi Crowther University like to be known for? I do not agree that we should over-specialise. There are so many universities here in this country, and there is no need to call on any one to specialise, for two reasons: one, we already have specialised universities. We have universities of technology, universities of agriculture, and universities of petroleum. Those ones are specialised enough. A university must be free to provide knowledge to everyone that seeks knowledge. To be an educated man is to know a little bit about everything. Let the faculties and departments that are in place do their jobs very well. We may over-specialise and a fool may rule the country and ruin everything. All these new fads from overseas must not be brought in here. I want to stand for excellence in every area of endeavour. Could you give us a peek into the current accreditation status of this university? All our programmes have earned full accreditation. The newest programme is the Faculty of Law, and that one has just received a visit by the Council of Legal Education. That visit was for facility resource assessment, so that they can approve us to start a Law faculty. All other programmes have been accredited. Accreditation lasts for a particular period; after five years you have to bring the NUC back to re-accredit; to look at the situation whether things have improved or deteriorated. And by next one

month, we are expecting a re-accreditation of three programmes: Economics, Business Administration and Mass Communications. As a professor in the system, are you bothered that there seems to be a paucity of outstanding research breakthroughs from our universities? Academics is a funny discipline. Unless you advertise inventions and publicise research outputs, you may not be able to know what people are doing. But within the means and resources that are available to them, Nigerian professors are doing a lot. We don’t have up-to-date equipment, but people are working. One thing about research in this country is that 98 per cent of researches done in Nigeria end up on the shelves of the departments where those researches are domiciled. The job of the researcher is done when he completes the research. What is the way out? The way out is for us to expose our researchers to better facilities, better equipment and more current journals. Two, certain amount of money should be dedicated to research. Let prizes be given to those who are able to make inventions; who are able to discover important things for society. Let government have a centre where they will collate and harness all the projects and theses that have been produced by every educational institution, decipher them and extract those things that are important and begin to formulate policies that will be good for the people. Then we should have a unit where every thesis is published and sold in the bookshops. People will then be able to learn from what has been done. Faith-based universities in Nigeria today all run the on-campus students’ accommodation model. Is there a particular reason for this? It’s because we have seen a missing link in education provision which is not usually provided for in secular universities. I told a story when I was addressing the new matriculants about a particular professor at Oxford University who was in Senate when the result of graduating students were being presented. The best student that year at Oxford University had a First Class in Nuclear

I’m not happy myself that the church is running an institution that is beyond the reach of the poor people. But we are looking at ways to make it easier.

Physics – the best they had produced in many years. Everybody clapped, and they were about to pronounce him a graduate when the professor raised his hand and said ‘no, he can’t go’. They said why, the boy has passed, he is the best? (The professor) said “show me the certificate of this university; what does it say? It says ‘This candidate, having been found worthy in learning and character, is hereby awarded this degree…’ I know this boy; he is very irresponsible, very proud, and discourteous. He has excelled in learning, but as far as character is concerned, no.” Proper education is a combination of learning (50 per cent), character/integrity (50 per cent). That is why our motto here is ‘Scientia probitia’; it is knowledge and integrity. In faith-based universities, we want to remember that education was brought first and foremost by the churches. We have to recover that heritage. In the days of old, discipline was very much emphasized. People worshipped together; they read their Bibles; they were responsible citizens. Things are not the same now because we have allowed liberty and secularism from the West to take that away from us. So, in faith-based universities, for us to be able to form students who will go back again to be disciplined, cultured and shut out the world and concentrate on their studies and to really have the fear of God in addition to their knowledge, they have to be residential. It is when you do that that you can call them to worship together. That is the cutting edge over and above the state universities where there is so much unbridled liberty. The most repeated criticism of faith-based universities today is that children of church members cannot afford to attend owing to the exorbitant fees. What do you do here to reduce the burden for members? Our members and parents who cannot afford to pay the fee in lump sum are given opportunity to make payments in three installments. If your school fee is N400,000 for example, when you pay N100,000, your child will come in. But in addition to that, there is a Josephus Foundation which is put in place by our member, Chief Tunde Afo-

labi, for indigent students. He gives scholarship to students, pays their fees and gives them feeding and book allowances every year. There are other schemes too that will be put in place very soon. Yes, the fees are high; but then, what are these fees used for? Federal and state universities get funds from government; faithbased universities have no government to give them anything. TETFund money is there for public universities; they build for them, sponsor research; but this is not extended to faith-based universities, yet all of us contribute money, through tax, to that fund. And we have to run. We just started Law last year, and the NUC said we must have 12 lecturers – including professors and doctors. How do you pay 12 lecturers for a programme just starting? In this university, we have no grant from anywhere, but the wage bill every month is more than N50 million. And Ajayi Crowther University pays salary scale of federal universities, because we have to compete with others to get staff. That is why the cost is high. It’s an economic reality at this time. But we are looking at ways to make it easier. I am not happy myself that the church is running an institution that is beyond the reach of the poor people. You are barely two months here as VC. What would you love to have achieved at the end of your tenure? By the grace of God, at the end of my fiveyear tenure, I would love to have been able to turn this to a world class university. I would want it to be the most comfortable university for any student to study in. I also look forward to a situation where more courses will be introduced. I would like to leave behind a university that is self-sufficient financially; that has a good compliment of education both in terms of academics and spirituality. I would want a university whose products are good professionals who are spiritually sound. I would also like to see a university that has moved substantially to its permanent site (along Ogbomoso road). It is my intention that as from next year, development will commence on that site. I want a university where the system works; where students and staff are happy. These are my expectations.

education

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

FG warns Unity School principals against corruption, mismanagement Clement Idoko - abuja

HE Federal Government has warned all principals of the 104 Federal Unity Colleges against corruption and mismanagement of the institutions established to serve as models in the country. Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, who gave the warning at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of Principals of the Unity Colleges, said government would sanction anyone who deviates from the current efforts to stamp out corrupt practices in all government business. He said, “I must remind you of the premium the current administration places on prudent management of funds, transparency in the

utilisation of public funds and zero tolerance for corruption and impunity. “As managers of public funds, I enjoin you to imbibe the afore-mentioned virtues both in your action and body language. You must abide by the guidelines issued by the ministry at all times and ensure that your actions do not bring the colleges to disrepute.” The minister, urged the principals to return the colleges to the models they were envisioned by the founding fathers, and also ensure that the children are taught and nurtured to achieve the kind of results the nation can be proud of. Anwukah said the Federal Government remained committed to the attainment of Education for All

and creation of an education system capable of producing world class citizens with globally relevant competences.

He noted that the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had taken note of the various agitations, comments and

arguments in the sector and would address them. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, said the meeting

was crucial as it provided opportunity to discuss critical issues hampering delivery of quality education in schools in Nigeria.

UNILORIN targets 100 per cent digitisation Biola Azeez - Ilorin The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, says the university will not rest on its laurels until it achieves its grand plan of 100 per cent digitization in all ramifications. Speaking at an event tagged, ‘Unilorin @40 Verve Card Raffle Draw’, Professor Ambali said the university belongs to the group of institutions of higher learning that pay utmost attention to

Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Represented on the occasion by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Profe0ssor Gabriel Olatunji, the vice chancellor said UNILORIN’s due recognition ICT informed the introduction of the one-student-one-iPad scheme three years ago. According to him, this also informed the introduction of the multipurpose Identification Card (Combo Card) for both staff and students of the

institution. Ambali disclosed that the feedback had been very encouraging as the iPad had really gone a long way in enhancing students’ academic performance. “Gone were the days when students were limited to outdated materials in the library. With the introduction of the iPad and e-library, students and staff have golden opportunities to access current materials as they unfold around the globe,” he said. He commended the man-

agement of Verve for rewarding the students of the institution with such monumental gifts and described the gesture as morale booster for recipients of the prize and potential winners in the coming Verve Card raffle draw. No fewer than 12 students of the university received prizes ranging from 32-inch television sets, laptops, cash prizes and air time from Verve Company as compensation for activating and using their UNILORIN Verve cards for transactions.

Mass failure in public examinations not synonymous with falling standard —NAPPS chief Chief Abidemi Olagoke, the proprietor, Atorise Comprehensive College, Olorunda Abaa, is the new Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ibadan Zone. In this interview with KEHINDE ADIO, he shares his thoughts on the state of education in Nigeria. He also talks about his school and how he has been able to reduce mass failure of students in WAEC and NECO examinations. Excerpts: CAN you share your experience in education investment? I joined the education sector as an investor from primary school level about 20 years ago. The secondary school arm of education took off in 2003. What really brought you into education investment? In the first place, I had passion for education of needy children in the rural areas. I wanted them to enjoy the kind of quality education the rich enjoy in the urban areas. This vision gave birth to Atorise Nursery and Primary School. When the need to establish the college in the community arose, then the college came into being. Today, we have produced graduates who are indigenes of the community with several others outside the community. My mission into education was not to make money. One can imagine the financial strength of the people in the community. The fee was just to cover the staff salary when the school started, especially the secondary school. I did a lot of sensitisation to persuade the parents to allow their children to attend the school. Many parents prefer public schools. What can you refer to as your achievements? The achievement was enor-

mous not only in terms of financial gains, but that I was able to meet the vision and mission of setting up the school and sustain it. God gave us the wisdom to manage the school with the token fees. The school is endowed with dedicated and experienced teachers who are not money-minded and they provide students the kind of quality education anybody can get in any first class private secondary school in the state, with the small fee that we charge. Today, many of our students are in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Russia and some other foreign countries studying medicine, engineering and other related courses. These are children of the poor studying abroad. Initially, they did not sub-

scribe to the idea because of the money that is involved, but I still encouraged them. With the little money being charged as school fees, how do you provide qualitative education? Provision of quality education is a function of availability of experienced, trained dedicated teachers, teaching facilities, conducive learning environment and supportive parents. So, I was able to put all these factors in place and I’m always around to supervise both the administrative and academic work in the school without looking for immediate profit. Do you share the opinion that education standard is falling in this country? No. I have a different opin-

ion about this. I want people to use their children as an example. Have people ever thought that they did not have the kind of Information Technology and creativity skill development knowledge that these generation children have? So, I hold the opinion that quality and standard of education have really improved. Our problem is that we want every student that sit the West African School Certificate Examination to pass the examination and then proceed to tertiary institution immediately. No. some of them have to repeat; some have to go to remedial school, while some of them have to go and learn trade. Everybody cannot go to university. No. But that does not mean that education standard has falling. Why then do we have mass failure in WASSE examination, especially in public schools? Mass failure is not an indication of falling standard of education; there are many factors responsible for it. If government would motivate teachers, provide teaching facilities and monitor the academic activities adequately, the story of mass failure in public school will change, especially if parents would support the government in its bid to reform educational system. I cannot believe that some parents can refuse to pay N1,000 as school fee per term. For your information, public schools have the best teachers. Lack of teaching aids, monitoring and incentives rubbish the effort of the gov-

ernment schools. It is not the standard. How do you want the government to support your association? In the first place, I want to commend the effort of Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, in ensuring peace in the state. This is a great achievement. Now, everybody can move freely in

the state, even the students. However, the association would want to see the state government as partners in progress in Oyo State education management. Within our capacity we want to discourage substandard schools in the state. Government should not overtax us. There are some countries in the world that give grants to some functional private

ATORISE COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE Olorunda Abaa, P.O. Box 25723, Mapo Ibadan, E-mail: atorise_edu@yahho.com

2014 WAEC NO OF CANDIDATE BETWEEN A1 - C6 IN PERCENTAGE MATH 100% ENGLISH 77.78% PHYSICS 100% CHEMISTRY 100% BIOLOGY 96.51% AGRIC-SC 55.56% GOVT 72.09% LIT-IN-ENG 76.32% ECONS 78.57% GEO 84.47% CIVIC EDU 100%

2015 NECO NO OF CANDIDATES WITH A1 - C6 IN PERCENTAGE MATH 97% ENGLISH 97% BIOLOGY 100% CHEMISTRY 100% PHYSICS 100% AGRIC-SC 96% C.R.S 75% GEO 100% GOVT 76% ECONS 80% LIT-IN-ENG 90% YORUBA 95% FIN. ACCOUNT 80%

Our achievements: We have produced over 50 graduates who are indigenes of the community drawn from 400 villages. We have over 500 students in various tertiary institutions in the country. We have over 12 students studying in UK, USA, CANADA, RUSSIA and other foreign countries through our foreign universities admission process programme.

Admission into Jss 1 &2 and SS 1&2 in progress For more information contact us on: 08034994782, 080728885510, 08109335496, 08062369281, 07036975326, 08062452691.

education

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Shun cultism, other vices, ACE provost warns new students Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

HERE will be no room for cultrelated activities on the campus of the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo, and there will be no hiding place for an student of the institution that indulges in other any form of antisocial activities. Professor Olukoya Ogen, the provost of the college, gave the warning recently while addressing new students of the college during the orientation programme organised for them for 2015/2016 academic session. He charged the newly admitted students to comport themselves appropriately and act in line with the school’s vision. ACE, he stressed, has been known for its high academic standard and excellence since it was established in 1964, and the college has produced great leaders of the country over the years. He congratulated the new students and urged them to establish good relationship with their lecturers and the people of the immediate environment. Ogen also assured the students of adequate facilities within the school premises, which he said would aid their learning, and advised them to make good use of these facilities. On the second day of the orientation programme, the new students were introduced to ‘Students and Financial Transactions in the College’ by the college bursar, Mr Ganiyu Abdul. Earlier, the Dean, Students Affairs, Mr Olaniyi Olaluwoye, admonished

the students to jealously protect the good image of the institution and shun vices that could soil the name of the college and jeopardize their career. “I will enjoin you to shun

acts that will put you in trouble. Such acts, among others, are cultism, drug addiction, examination malpractice, prostitution and other societal vices,” he said.

Olaluwoye informed them that “prominent Nigerians like Professor Dibu Ojerinde, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); Senator Oluremi

Tinubu, and the current provost were all once students of the college. “Adeyemi College of Education in general and the Alumni Association in particular are proud of

Osinbajo, Ambode hail Corona at 60th anniversary gala By Joan Omionawele

Teachers and pupils of Yemi Ogunbiyi Anglican School, Sagamu, Ogun State during their excursion to Tribune House Imalefalafia Ibadan on Tuesday.

Teachers and pupils of Yemi Ogunbiyi Anglican School, Sagamu, Ogun State during their excursion to Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan on Tuesday.

Okowa inaugurates governing councils of six higher institutions Alphonsus Agborh-Asaba GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has charged chairmen and members of governing councils of institutions of higher learning in the state to work harmoniously with their managements. Senator Okowa gave the charge in Asaba while inaugurating governing councils of Delta State College of Physical Education, Mosogar; Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku; Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; Delta State College of Education, Agbor; Delta State College of Education, Warri, and the

him (Ogen) being the first alumnus to be the provost of this great college. I am appealing to you to emulate these ones so that you can also become a good reference point in the nearest future,” he said.

Institute of Continuing Education, Asaba. Okowa noted that “the government and the people who are elected or appointed to serve stand to benefit when the relationship between councils, boards and management is devoid of tension, competition and turf battles.” While stating that the wisdom required is to know how to draw the lines of authority and work for the synergy essential for the stability of the organisation, emphasising that appointees should be concerned about long term socio-economic development and the general well

being of the people. “Members must learn to operate within the limits of their authority, recognising and accepting the difference between oversight and management. The principle of mutual submission is, therefore, imperative and must be embraced by all.” He said. Dr Amos Ighorodje was appointed chairman governing council of the Delta State College of Physical Education, Mosogar; Dr Festus Okubor (Delta State Polytechnic, OgwashiUku); Chief Andrew Asawota (Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara); Chief Emmanuel Onyeu-

kwu (Delta State College of Education, Agbor); Prof. Samuel Aghalino (Delta State College of Education, Warri) and Chief Champion Kpateghe (Institute of Continuing Education, Asaba). The governor congratulated the new governing council chairmen, and urged them to provide exemplary leadership, offer insight on the organisations’ budgetary priorities and demand compliance with legal and government policy requirements at state and federal levels. He specifically urged the governing council of Colleges of Education, Agbor

and Warri to speed up the process of appointing substantive provosts for the institutions as stipulated by law. Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr Festus Okubor commended the policy direction of Governor Okowa’s administration, stating, “we feel honoured to share in your dreams and vision for our state. We will do everything possible within our capacity to ensure that your SMART agenda is pursued vigorously to achieve success and we will not do anything to bring embarrassment to your government.”

CORONA Schools celebrated its 60th anniversary gala with the launch of its commemorative edition of the Monopoly Game. The event, which held at the MUSON Centre, had past and present students of the school in attendance. Dignitaries at the event include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (who was the special guest of honour); his wife, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, and the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh. Others included Mr. Teju Oyelakin and Nollywood actress, Mrs. Dakore Akande, who are both Corona alumni. Speaking at the event, Vice President Osinbajo recalled when he was a student of Corona in the 6os, and highlighted the core values of the school, which according to him include to deliver world class education to children, inculcate high moral and ethical values and prepare students to be good leaders and global citizens. Also speaking at the event, the chairman governing board, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, listed the achievements of the school in the past 60 years. The high point of the gala was the unveiling of the first ever African Monopoly school edition. The Corona Schools edition of the game was unveiled by the vice president also an alumnus; the governing board chairman, Adedotun Sulaiman, and the Chairman, Corona Trust, Mrs. Olufunto Igun. The vice president and his wife rolled the dice, while the CEO of Bestman Games spoke of the values and benefits embedded in the board game, including financial literacy, ethical values, family bonding, learning how to invest and money matters. The event was concluded with an award presentation to outstanding work and announcement of a Corona Alumni Association.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

aviation

anchor Shola Adekola

m:0803 365 4818 e:sholanig@yahoo.com

Prospects in Nigerian travel market huge —CEO, TICO

Irene Uti-Egbeogu is the Chief Executive Officer of Travel Investment Company Limited (TICO), a company that birthed a consortium of travel agencies, the first in Nigeria. In this interview, she speaks on issues ranging from how TICO has fared since inception and the future of the travel industry. Excerpts:

OUCHDOWN, Quantum, Finchglow and Dees Travels are the firms that came together to form the first ever consolidated travel agency in Nigeria. Today, are these companies seeing one another as rivals or partners in the industry? They purely see one another as partners. There is a common goal here, which is to enhance the efficiency of the Nigerian travel industry. This cannot be achieved by a singular body or agency, but by a cohesive action by a league of extraordinary travel agencies with a single vision of transforming the industry’s standards of operations and customer service. There are too many quacks in the industry. How best could sanity be maintained there? The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) is the umbrella body of all travel agencies operating in Nigeria. The association, which was founded in 1973 by travel agents, was born out of a need to harmonise the needs of travel agents and present them to the airlines and governing bodies. One of its mandates, I believe, is to ensure that they comply with local and international regulations and standards. The consolidation in the travel industry was a welcome development. How has it been since you came up with the idea? We have recorded some milestones, particularly in areas where we have explored wider segments and product initiatives into which our partners can tap into for more feasibility and higher profitability. The partners at the press briefing to launch this consolidation disclosed that the four agencies raked in N36 billion in 2014. What is the true size of the country’ travel industry? Industry trend reports reveal that the Nigerian travel market generates close to $2 billion annually. So clearly, N36 billion, which is about $200 million, is just scraping the surface. While we are mak-

ing progress in leaps and bounds, we are identifying new areas to foray into and thereby widen our market share aggressively. TICO gave birth to this project. Are you open to assisting more travel management companies that want to take part in consolidation? Indeed, we are open to more travel management companies interested in partnering with us in our quest for best practices. Interests within our scope include training and networking opportunities. We like to believe that travel agencies that have indicated interest in joining us are equally motivated by the same passion that informed this consortium, which is the overall advancement of the industry. This is a money-spinning industry; how could it be made attractive to contribute more to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Our first impulse would be to say, if anything, the government can aid this industry’s growth by providing better infrastructure in terms of good roads, power and removing the red tape in getting through regulatory bodies. This would be with a view to making Nigeria a prime destination for travellers and tourists; even beyond recreating Nigeria as a tourist attraction to the international business community, we need to build an enabling environment for investors in the hospitality business. It takes funds to build hotels and refurbish or repack-

Nigerian Tribune

Irene Uti-Egbeogu age tourist centres and facilitate electronic platforms that enable smooth logistics or accessible hospitality. What is the future for the industry, considering the poor state of the economy and the increasingly low purchasing power of Nigerians? The prospects in the industry is

huge, the reason is that Nigeria has a unique history and character that somehow seems to defy the norm. Even during the economic downturn, people were still travelling as high traffic in travel transactions was recorded. With better standards of operations and customer service, we can indeed defy any circumstance of “shrinking resources” as you put it.

Aviation expert projects $30bn for industry in 2045 Stories By Shola Adekola Lagos THE Vice President, Revenue Management of Porter Airline, Canada, Chris Amenechi, has projected $30 billion for Nigerian aviation in 2045 to revitalise the sector. He explained that aviation in 2045 is focused on six pillars underpinned with a $30 billion fund to deliver a world class industry and fuel the nation’s economic growth. The vice president said this while a presenting a paper entitled: ‘Nigeria 2045: Transforming Nigeria to Be an Aviation Global Leader,’ at the Nigeria Travel Mart (NTM) 1st Anniversary Colloquium with the theme: “Leapfrogging Nigerian Aviation To Match Her Potential” held in Lagos. He stated that the ultimate objective is to deliver 200 plus million passengers a year air transport complex, provide World class airports that are intermodal hubs, makes Nigeria a global player in both military and civil aviation, create robust general and recreational aviation industry and make Nigeria as a preferred aviation investment destination. Other objectives of the projected fund is to make Nigeria a top 10 source of world class aviation talent, makes Nigeria one of the top 10 global aviation gateway, makes Nigeria a top 10 globally safe aviation market and turned Nigeria a champion of smart “open skies” regimes. On leadership, Amenechi posited that Nigerian aviation requires the appropriate leadership like what was experienced in the mobile communications industry after the advent of democracy in the country.

NAHCO secures Ra3 validation for its P/Harcourt operations THE dominance of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) in the ground handling landscape was again been affirmed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) when it awarded the Regulated Agent (Ra3) Validation on NAHCO for its operations in Port Harcourt Airport. The Regulated Agent Third Country Validation Process (Ra3 Validation) for Port Harcourt brings to three the number of airports where NAHCO Aviance had secured the

all-important validation. NAHCO Aviance was the first ground handling company in the country to pass and receive the Ra3 Validation in compliance with the European Union regulatory requirements had previously received the first for the Lagos operations in 2013, followed by Abuja and now Port Harcourt. These three stations are vital to the operations and efforts of the handling company which are also in top gear towards securing same for other equally important sta-

tions where it operates. Meanwhile, with this validation, NAHCO Aviance has reaffirmed its position as the ground handler of choice for major airlines operating aircraft from Nigeria to the European Union just as it further means that shipments emanating from its facility would be directly accepted in all EU Countries. Like other licenses, the Ra3 Validation which is a critical requirement for EU bound flights will aid in drastically reducing the cost of acquiring ACC3 validation for the

airline’s operations. Announcing the feat, the Chief Commercial Officer, NAHCO, Seyi Adewale, said the import of these licenses for the client airlines would be a reduction in the cost of doing business. According to Adewale, “Notwithstanding the negative and unpleasant attention generated by the ‘worst airport’ toga on the Port Harcourt Airport, we were undeterred, as we deployed all our resources and compliance capabilities to reverse the impression.”

aviation

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

crucial moment

Arik Air increases frequency on Lagos-AccraMonrovia route

With Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

Recent airport security breach is a wake-up call

RECENTLY, a middle-aged man succeeded in breaching the security at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos, by not only accessing the number one gateway, but threatened the take off of a Med-View Airlines aircraft and passengers onboard the Abuja bound plane. According to information gathered then, the B737 aircraft belonging to Med-View Airline had on board over 100 passengers already seated waiting for clearance to take off when the incident occurred. The intruder who was described as a ‘mad man’ gained access to the security area of the airport courtesy through the porous route along the Shasha axis of the airport. According to information obtained; “The Maiduguri bound aircraft via Abuja was taxing to the threshold for take-off when the pilot sited the man on the active runway and alerted the control tower on his observation and requested for aviation security personnel. “While still taxiing, the pilot noticed that the same man has crossed to the threshold, and was moving towards the aircraft, and had to alert the control tower again for security. The man however got entangled with the engine thrust while the pilot increased the speed of the engine which subsequently paved the way for his arrest by security agents.” According to the version given by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) through its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Dati, “the Vigilant Aviation Security (AVSEC) staff of FAAN on December 2, 2015, apprehended a man, Mr Alabibu Olushola, who according to him was attempting to stow away in a taxing aircraft on the tarmac of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA),Lagos. “The culprit was arrested as soon as he scaled the perimeter fence near the moving aircraft and after interrogation by the AVSEC staff, he was immediately handed over to the police for further interrogation,” Dati added. The recent incident was not the first of its kind as the airport like many other airports across the country had recorded similar incidents at different times. In other words, the issue of dangerous people having access to the air side of the Lagos airport has become a recurrent decimal. The good thing is that despite this, no major incident has been recorded. Prior to now, key players in the sector had raised the alarm over the porosity of the Lagos airport which makes it easy for anyone to comfortably enter the restricted part of the airport unnoticed. This has only attested to the fact that most Nigerian airports do not have the recommended security fence (perimeter fence) which makes the airports unsafe. It is also on record that for several years people living along Shasha, Ejigbo and Akowonjo areas of Lagos have built houses very close to the runway while there are many other loose routes leading to the airport. Such routes include: the Mile Two/Oshodi axis, the Mafoluku/Beesam axis and the Ikeja axis which have all been found to be too porous. The recent incident should therefore serve as a wakeup call for FAAN and other relevant authorities to take action as the country may not be that lucky next time. The need to take action becomes pertinent in view of the security challenges confronting the country presently through the illegal activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect. Terrorists are known to always look for area of lapses to unleash havoc on any society as witnessed in the ability of the Taliban gunmen to penetrate the Kandahar airport and opened fire leading to the subsequent killing of over 50 people last week. It is therefore, necessary for government to fortify its airports particularly the international airports in view of their sensitive positions.

Nigerian Tribune

Nigeria lacks strong airlines, good airports —Bi-Courtney boss Stories By Shola Adekola - Lagos

HE Managing Director of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, Mr Christophe Penninck, has declared that Nigeria lacked both strong airlines and good airports. Penninck stated this while presenting a paper entitled: ‘Airports of the Future: The Model for Nigeria,’ at the Nigeria Travel Mart (NTM) first anniversary colloquium with the theme, “Leapfrogging Nigerian Aviation to Match Her Potential” recently. According to Penninck, there are many challenges facing the Nigerian aviation, which he said have hindered the growth of the industry, adding that the country lacked both a strong airline that can compete with its foreign counterparts and a good airport. The BASL boss listed the factors militating against the growth of aviation in Nigeria to include lack of constant electricity, numerous legal is-

sues tampering with development, high taxes on importation of equipment and spares and unavailability of foreign currency. Other challenges identified by Penninck include too many airport ‘authorities’ regulating activities at airports; too many airports, most of which are not viable; poor road infrastructure and that it was too early for the government to approve multiple gateways for foreign airlines. He wondered why some international airlines would be operating into multiple gateways which he said also contribute to the challenges the country’s aviation is facing. Speaking on what Nigeria model is, the Chief Executive Officer, stated that of all the 22 airports in the country, only

Sesby’s Travel partners global travel firm, ATG Global IN its bid to customise travel needs, ensure quality service and redefine the overall travel experience of it clients, Nigeria’s leading giant in travels

Dana Air records high patronage on maiden flight to Accra DANA Air last Saturday embarked on its first regional operations arriving at the Kotoka International Airport, Ghana with an almost full capacity on its McDonnell Douglas 83 aircraft. This is just as the airline has set an introductory online fare of N22,000 to boost leisure and business trips from Lagos to Accra. The airline airlifted over 80 passengers to Accra in its 150-seater aircraft, which according to a passenger is encouraging given that this was the airline’s first operation to Ghana. With the commencement of Accra route, the airline which is gradually expanding its route network, has five destinations: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Accra.

four airports are profitable and they are Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. He said that decision must be taken on other airports either to close them or subsidised by largest in the region, adding that If closed they could be handed over to state for socio-economic reasons or closed completely. He added that if subsidised the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) could be divided into three namely; Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and that Kano is too small to sustain. FAAN, he posited should become Federal Airports of Nigeria(FAN) or Federal Airports Company of Nigeria(FACN) and not an authority anymore as presently constituted.

Speaking on the occasion, the Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo noted that “business and leisure travellers to the beautiful city of Accra in Ghana, will experience the Dana Air -hospitality as we extend our operations to the cosmopolitan city of Accra. We are working with the objective of integrating other cities from Accra into our route network and making air transport accessible by developing new routes and linking same to our existing routes.” He stressed that with Dana Air’s far-reaching domestic route network in Nigeria, guests arriving Lagos from Accra will also benefit from a choice of onward connections from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Uyo.

and tours, Sesby’s Travels and Tours Limited has entered into a partnership with a multibillion dollar travel management firm, ATG Travel; a firm having a global affiliate network that provides bespoke and unparalleled services to travellers anywhere around the world. After several months of deliberations, the contract was sealed at the ATG Global HQ in New Albany, Ohio, USA. ATG is the FIRST and only Travel Management Company in the world that is ISO Certified. ISO 9001 is the ultimate global benchmark for quality management. Sesby’s Travels & Tours Limited is a full service travel shop offering all year round services, as it works with all airlines across the globe: book flights, great value hotels, car rentals as well as online check-in. They plan and provide custom-built premium travel services to suit travellers’ needs.

ARIK Air has increased its frequency on the LagosMonrovia route from three weekly to four weekly flights effective Sunday, December 13, 2015. The additional flight according to the airline will be operated on Sunday to add to the existing Monday, Wednesday and Friday operations. According to the airline, the flight will also operate via Accra, Ghana as of the former schedule. The airline said “that outbound flight departs Lagos at 7:20 am (local time) and arrives in Accra at 7:20 am (local time) and the flight thereafter departs Accra at 8:05 am and arrives in Monrovia at 10:05am ;local time. “While the inbound flight departs Monrovia at 10:50 am and arrives in Accra at 12:50 pm; local time and the flight then leaves Accra at 1:35pm to arrive in Lagos at 3:35pm.”

African airlines’ traffic increases by 6.7% in October — IATA THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced global passenger traffic results for October showing continued strong demand growth for both domestic and international traffic compared to the year-ago period with African airlines’ traffic climbing 6.7 per cent in October. Total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 7.5 per cent, which was in line with the 7.4 per cent yearover-year expansion seen in September. While October capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.7 per cent, and load factor rose 1.4 percentage points to 80.5 per cent, growth in air travel has been stimulated by lower fares, particularly for leisure travel. Data for the first 8 months of the year showed a 5 per cent fall in average fares in currency-adjusted terms even as it is estimated that the fall in fares has supported approximately 3 percentage points of the rise in traffic year-to-date. African airlines’ traffic climbed 6.7 per cent in October, marking a fourth consecutive month of improvement compared to the year-ago period.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

anchor

maritime

Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

CET: Why sub-regional economic integration remains a pipedream The Common External Tariff (CET) was an initiative aimed at integrating the economies of countries in the West African sub-region. In this report, TOLA ADENUBI examines why the lofty idea has remained a pipe dream.

he adoption of the Common External Tariff (CET), one of the major components of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) customs union, was decided upon as part of the integration process of ECOWAS by the sub-regions heads of state in the 1975 treaty and again in the 1993 revised ECOWAS treaty. To reinvigorate the process, the ECOWAS heads of state and government agreed in December 2000 that the CET of the West African Economic and Monetary union (WAEMU) would form the basis for the ECOWAS Common External Tariff. CET implies that all goods entering into the customs territory of any ECOWAS county will be assessed the same rate of Customs duty. The ECOWAS CET and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) constitute the two main components of the ECOWAS customs union, which is an important step towards the establishment of the ECOWAS common market and subsequently an ECOWAS economic and monetary union. Benefits Larget market: The CET provides an enlarged market with a total population of about 234 million people. This will enhance industrial growth by making it possible for business minded individuals to widen the scope of their businesses and to benefit from the economies of scale. It will also create increase competition with the region and therefore bring about increase efficiency and productivity.

Anti smuggling: The CET also provides reasonable and uniform tariff levels, thus eliminating the incentive for smuggling and fraud. This will bring about increased Customs revenue for investment in infrastructural development and social projects. This wholesomeness of imports protects the health and well-being of the population. Uniform Tarrif: The CET is a cost certainty for traders, in view of the uniform tariff levels across

They are usually established for transitional or temporary periods, but then often remain in force beyond the established period. Exemptions have the tendency to undermine the uniformity of the CET and therefore need to be harmonised. Agreements: Some ECOWAS member states have signed bilateral trade agreements with non-ECOWAS states, that provide for tariff concessions and other preferential arrangements. Such agreements, if allowed to continue, have the tendency to distort the uniform application of the ECOWAS CET. There is therefore the need for the ECOWAS Secretariat and the Member states to work towards harmonizing such bilateral agreements and thus eliminate any incompatibilities with the CET.

Rotimi Amaechi, Transport Minister the region, thus making it possible for business people to undertake effective business forecasting and planning. Custom process modernisation: Modernisation of customs procedures and revenue collection system, thereby making customs operations increasingly transparent and business-friendly, thus facilitating business transaction and removing the bottlenecks often experienced by business people. Port Efficiency: The CET brings about efficiency in port administration and procedures. Importers world over prefer to import through ports that are less expensive and take less time to process imports. This will provide an incentive for ports within the sub-region to improve their efficiency, thereby significantly reducing the cost of doing business, and consequently the prices of imported goods.

Challenges Exemption: Notable among challenges confronting the CET is exemptions granted some particular type of imports. Exemptions offer concessionary of duty-free access under special import regimes, such as an investment code.

The CET also provides reasonable and uniform tariff levels, thus eliminating the incentive for smuggling and fraud.

FTZs/EPZs: Some ECOWAS member states have established Free Trade Zones (FTZ) or Export Processing Zone (EPZ), under which producers enjoy import duty waivers, tax breaks and other concessions, on condition that a certain percentage of the finished products are exported. This places enterprises operating outside of the free trade zone at a disadvantage if their products have to compete on the local market with those produced by EPZ enterprises. Consequently, the principles governing export processing zones must be harmonized in such a way that the re-export of goods produced in such zones. Lack of competitiveness: Beyond the issue of tariffs and other protective measures, there are broader issues that affect the agricultural, manufacturing and industrial sectors, and therefore the sustainable development of the ECOWAS region. The key challenge facing these very important sectors is that of being competitive. No matter the amount of protection that is provided to the industrial and manufacturing sectors, sustainable development can only be achieved if these sectors are competitive in the global sense. Infrasturactural decay: An-

other major challenge has to do with the nature of the physical infrastructure in the ECOWAS region, particularly energy, road, water for industrial purposes and telecommunications. Inadequate infrastructural development in most of the countries has affected industrial growth significantly and push cost of production to very high levels. A strong infrastructural base is therefore needed in order to provide the necessary foundation for sustainable industrial growth and development in the ECOWAS region. Research and Development: Research and development (R&D) is another area that continues to pose enormous challenges to industrial concerns within the ECOWAS region. Most businesses do not see the need to invest in research and development, and so fail to benefit from the industrial and technological advancements, and consequently the competitive urge, that R & D can generate. There is therefore the need for more priority attention to research and development at both the corporate and national levels. ICT: Maximizing the benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) also continues to serves as a source of challenges to most industrial concerns. A lot of businesses in the ECOWAS region have not adequately developed the ability to take advantage of ICT as an instrument for undertaking strategic management and for gaining competitive advantage, and have thus continued to operate according to old-fashioned principles and practices. All the factors outline above have contributed significantly to low capacity utilization among a majority of West African business ventures, and this poses a serious threat to industrial growth and development of the ECOWAS sub-region. Also, there is the need for the creation of an enabling environment for achieving higher capacity utilization and industrial output towards the realization of the dream of full economic integration and sustainable economic development in the West African sub-region.

maritime

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Panic in customs as NAGAFF blow lid on corrupt officials

here is palpable panic among the rank and file of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) working at the seaports following the planned organisation of a public hearing on corruption at the seaports by the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF). This is even as the public mentioning of names by NAGAFF has left many customs officials rattled. Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune, a senior customs official stationed at the Lagos port expressed worries over the public mentioning of names of alleged corrupt customs officials by NAGAFF. According to him, “this is unprecedented; a situation where an association comes out public with names of customs officers allegedly involved in sharp practises at the ports. It is really a sign that even an innocent custom official could be portrayed corrupt if this trend is allowed to persist.

“There is the need to be cautious with the way someone deals with this freight forwarders from now on because in this re-

gime of anti-corruption mentality, anybody could be robed and dubbed corrupt by these agents. “Going public with names

is not the best attitude on the part of these associations. What is their motive? Do they intend to destroy the career of officers who

have earned their professional status over the years? This is unfair and I need to be careful with the way I deal with these agents be-

From right: Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Funke Egbemode; Acting Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Haruna Baba Jauro; Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Colonel John Agim Commandant and Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Hajia Lami Tumaka, at a media workshop organised by NASPRI, in Lagos.

APM Terminals earns ISO 28000:2007 certification APM Terminals Apapa Limited has achieved ISO 28000:2007 Security Certification, issued by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited. The ISO Certification is a security management system including those aspects critical to the security assurance of the supply chain, specifically the handling of containerized cargo. APM Terminals Apapa Limited, which operates the busiest container terminal in West Africa, is the only company in Nigeria which has earned the ISO 28000:2007 certification. This distinction reflects the commitment of the company, part of the APM Terminals Global Terminal Network, to perform at the highest international standards, and recognised best practices in theft prevention, cargo security, and supply chain integrity. The Head of Security APM Terminals Apapa, Ayo Olatubosun observed that: “Eventhough the United States Coast Guard and the Nigeria Maritime and Security Agency (NIMASA) had approved and commended the security measure for cargo handling at the terminal, we were determined to achieve even higher security levels in the interests of the country, and of our customers.

“While global trade poses security risks ranging from theft to terrorism, this ISO certification shows that we have identified the critical aspects of the security of the cargo within APM Terminals Apapa, and have set into

place the security policies, procedures and controls required to manage secure and safe terminal operations” said Andrew Dawes, the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa Limited. APM Terminals Apapa is

the largest of the three container terminals serving the Apapa/Lagosport complex, handling about 700,000 TEUs in 2014, including more than half of all containerized imports into Lagos. APM Terminals Apapa is

LADOL inaugurates advisory board A three-member advisory board has been raised by the management of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL). Speaking in Lagos during the inauguration of the board, Managing Director of LADOL, Dr Amy Jadesimi, said the company is adequately positioned to take advantage of business opportunities in 2016 and beyond. Members of the board are former Chief Economic Adviser to former President Umaru Yar’adua, Tanimu Yakubu, prominent lawyer, Prof Fidelis Oditah, (QC, SAN) and former Deputy Secretary-General and Chief of Staff of United Nations (UN); Rt Hon Lord Mark Mallock-Brown. Malloch-Brown, who is Chairman of SGO, served as Deputy Secretary-General and Chief of Staff of the United Nations (UN)

under Kofi Annan. A Queen’s Counsel since 2003, Oditah practices at the English and Nigerian Bars in a broad range of areas. Yakubu is also a former Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Federal Mortgage Bank from 2003 –2007. Meanwhile, Jadesimi said LADOL has all it takes to contribute its

quota to the development of the nation’s economy on a sustainable basis. Speaking recently, Jadesimi said the advent of local content law in Nigeria has reversed the long lost hope of indigenous participation in the country’s energy sector, noting that the development is capable of generating numerous jobs for Nigerians.

the largest container facility by capacity of the three serving Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and business center. With a container throughput of about 700,000 TEUs in 2014, APM Terminals Apapa is the busiest container terminal in the West African Region, handling 50% of Lagos inbound containers. A 350 million USD investment and expansion programme since 2006 by APM Terminals Apapa has resulted in container volumes more than doubling and productivity increasing significantly, with waiting time for vessel berthing eliminated. Regular rail service, running weekly to Kano, 960 km (600 miles) from Lagos was also established in August 2013.

Varsity: Host community backs EFCC over Tompolo’s probe The leaders and people of Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri SouthWest Local Government Area, Delta State, have given their support to the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its probe of Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, over the alleged N13 billion paid by Federal Government for the acquisition of the Maritime University

land in the community. The leaders, who spoke through Chief Micheal Johnny in Warri said now that Tompolo had admitted that the alleged N13 billion was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Federal Ministry of Lands and Survey, Federal Ministry of Transport and NIMASA; the EFCC should ask Tom-

polo why Okerenkoko was paid only N360 million for the land. They said Tompolo was not above the law and he should tell Nigerians the whereabouts of the balance of over N12 billion, urging the EFCC to invite Tompolo and also “the immediate former ministers of the aforementioned ministries and agency to explain their respective roles in the transaction”.

Nigerian Tribune

cause they could just robe anybody as being corrupt.” It will be recalled that NAGAFF, on Wednesday, commenced a public hearing on activities of corrupt customs officers at the nations seaports. The public hearing saw the mentioning of the names of the head of the Customs Processing Center (CPC) of the Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos, Deputy Controller Saidu Aliu and his assistant, Assistant Controller Zarma. The association stated that “it is in the public notice that since 2013 till date, freight forwarding agents have been complaining of systemic corruption at the CPC under the leadership of DC Saidu Aliu. We have received allegation of corrupt practises at the CPC inside the Tin-Can Island Ports. “Allegations like un-receipted expenses for re-routing of risk channels to physical examination, and/or scanning-related operations; inherent extortion in local alerting of declaration for customs purposes; stoppage of duly released and exited containers at the gates; blockage of passwords of examiners unjustly and benchmarking of imported goods for additional duty assessment. “Towards establishing the veracity of the entire allegations above, the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of NAGAFF is organizing a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday December 16th, 2015 at the NAGAFF headquarters. “Freight forwarders who have information with documentary evidence are enjoined to attend the public hearing. “The corruption practices and other related offences Act 2000 is very clear on the subject matter which under Section 19 states that, ‘Any public officer who uses his office or position to gratify or confer any corrupt or unfair advantage upon himself or any relation or associate of the public officer shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment of five years without option of fine. “We have reports of allegations that DC Saidu Aliu collects bribe of N500,000 and N250,000 for a 20-feet container of aluminum coil entered as five per cent instead of 35 per cent rate and aluminum profile of 35 per cent entered as five per cent rate.”

Thursday, 17 December, 2015 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

‘I target a global audience with my writings’ E .C. Osondu won the 2009 Caine Prize for African Writing for his story, Waiting, and since then, he has won numerous literary awards. In this interview, he speaks on his writings, as well as the writers who influence him. Excerpts:

global audience, Alice Munroe continues to write about the politics of domestic life in small Canadian towns and most, if not all, of William Trevor’s stories are set in Ireland and yet they have found global resonance. Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying I am not an African writer—I am unashamedly an African writer—and I find it weird that some people who have been decorated and garlanded for the simple reason that they are African writers are the ones who want to distance themselves from that tag, for the most part. I find that this is not new- I find that it is mostly marginalised people that try to avoid the tag—back in the day, certain African-American writers did not want to be labelled as Negro writers. I have never met an American writer who baulked at being called an American writer, neither have I met a Greek philosopher who said just call me philosopher even the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek is called a Slovenian philosopher. Provenance is important for us as humans whether in identifying our wines, cheese or writers.

ow did you discover you are talented literarily? I think it is a somewhat inevitable progression — when you read you’d probably try your hand at writing at some point. I started writing poetry and short stories and published a few in newspapers and in an anthology even before I got into college.

In 2009, you won the Caine Prize for African Writing. Would you say this was the big break that transformed your fortunes as a writer? The Caine Prize is a great prize and quite transformative for the winners, including me. Having said that, let me also add that before I won the Caine Prize I already had an agent and representation. I was already publishing my work in a few journals. I should also add that you win the prize on the strength of a single short story but to be a writer you need to write books. This is not to say that the Caine Prize has not continued to help make and boost the fortunes of African writers. You live in America, and you’ve written quite a bit on the immigrant experience; was this a reflection of your own experiences moving from Nigeria to the United States? We write in response to or as a way of apprehending strangeness—a way of comprehending the ‘intrusion of the real’ to borrow a phrase from Lacan. However, your latest book, This House is Not For Sale, follows a different path. What is the new book about? The new book is about a house referred to colloquially as the Family House and its somewhat outsized residents and the man who oversees the affairs of the house, a man called Grandpa. It traces the rise of the house and how it eventually crumbles very much like the fall of the House of Usher in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story. However, I was inspired to write it in part by an abandoned house overlooking the sea on the way from the mainland to Lagos Island in Nigeria’s former capital city. As an African writer writing for a global audience, do you feel constrained in any way in terms of the

Which writers inspire you and why? Certain books that have stayed with me tend to read like parables or fables. The Pearl by Steinbeck, The Old Man and the Sea by Hemingway, Blindness by Saramago and quite a few others.

•EC Osondu subjects and themes that you can write about? Those are not the thoughts that exercise my mind when I set out to write. I want

to tell the best story that I can tell and in the most compelling way that it can be told. Faulkner wrote about his own small patch of the American south and found a

How would you describe your writing style? That is not for me to describe.

Artist showcases African values at Alliance Francaise exhibition Director of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Mr Alain Croguennec, has pledged the French cultural institute’s continued commitment to the promotion of arts in the country, with a view to discovering more artistically-gifted youths. Mr Croguennec stated this during the opening of a one-week art exhibition at the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, last week. Speaking, Mr Croguennec said Nigeria is blessed with many talented people, and the Alliance Francaise will continue to give them the opportunity to showcase their talents. “We have been promoting artists at the Alliance Francaise for some time now, and we will continue to do that. “The reason is that we are providing a platform for these youths to exhibit their talents, and we are always happy when we bring out real talents,” Mr Croguennec said. While also speaking, the Deputy Director, Mr Nicholas Michelland, admitted that the opportunities the Alliance Francaise is giving to artists is part of its key

•From left, the Director of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Mr Alain Croguennec; the exhibitor, Dagunduro Adeniyi and Deputy Director, Alliance Francaise, Mr Nicholas Michelland, during the opening of the exhibition. PHOTO: ADEMOLA BAMIGBELU.

objectives of promoting the culture of the host country. “We believe appreciating the culture of our host country will also make people appreciate the French culture better,” Mr Michelland said. While thanking the Alliance Francaise for the opportunity, the artist, Dagunduro Adeniyi, said the exhibition would add to

his exposure as a visual artist. “I really want to appreciate the Alliance Francaise for this opportunity, as it will boost my profile as an artist, having exhibited at a globally-recognised organisation,” Adeniyi said. Adeniyi’s works featured Africa’s cultural heritage like mothering values, communal bonding, love, among others.

arts&review New book fictionalises Nigeria’s complex religious landscape

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

LNATHAN John’s debut novel, Born on a Tuesday, has been generating excitement among book lovers since its release by Cassava Republic Press last month. The title is still trending on social media, since the official launch reading in Abuja. Born on a Tuesday has already been praised by Taiye Selasi, the celebrated author of best-seller, Ghana Must Go, noting that “anyone seeking to peer beyond the media’s portrayals of Boko Haram must read this book, not because it offers a hopeful account but because it offers a human one.” Uzodinma Iweala, whose book, Beasts of No Nation, has just been released as a major Hollywood movie, commented: “Elnathan John’s first novel is an ambitious book that tackles modern Nigeria’s extremely complex religious landscape with great insight, passion and humour by taking us deep into the mental and emotional space of the country’s most neglected.”

of the young boy. We’re incredibly excited to be publishing this unique and refreshing tale, which provides a fascinating perspective on life in the northwest of Nigeria, giving voice to an often disregarded aspect of Nigerian society. I hope this will open up writing from the North to other Nigerians and to the world.” The author, Elnathan John stated that: “My hope in writing this novel has always been that it that it will add colour to the monochrome that northern Nigeria seems to be in the media, to start a conversation and open a door to spaces, some dark, some uncomfortable. And it means a lot to me that this book will first be available in Nigeria.”

•Elnathan John Publisher, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, admitted that, “Born on a Tuesday is the beguiling story of a young almajiri boy, Dantala, who runs away from home and takes up residence in a mosque. Dantala slowly

embraces the Salafism preached by his new benefactor, and become increasingly involved in the extremist politics of the northwest. It is a stunning read, told from the deceptively simple perspective

Amy Winehouse documentary wins European film award

Retracing the evolution of bronze works in Ile-Ife By Owolola A.O ILE-IFE, the acclaimed ancestral homeland of Yoruba people and the cradle of Yoruba civilisation is located in Osun State at about 80km East of Ibadan, 32km South of Ilesa and 64km North West of Ondo town. It is about 288km from Lagos and 671km from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Ile-Ife lies between latitude 4040 east of the equator and longitude 0 and 70 30 North of the equator. Makinde, M.A. (1970:10-11). Ile-Ife is situated on an elevation of about 275 meters above the sea level in the topical Zone, the climatic condition of Ile-Ife alternates between dry and raining seasons. Dry season begins in late October and ends in March. However, from

November until February, Ile-Ife witnesses the cold wind from the Sahara desert otherwise called harmattan. The art of bronze casting is the product of tin and copper bronze according to Encyclopedia American Vol4 (1968) was the first alloy made by Man. It was probably discovered as a result of smelting copper ore that contains tin as an impurity. Bronze is believed to have been made first in the Middle East prior to 2500B.C. It was however not in common use until a thousand years later. The Encyclopedia pointed out further that the origin of bronze casting in West African is unknown. The earlier identified centre is the Yoruba town of Ife, but that the art of bronze casting reached its peak

Star Wars fans set for world premiere

THE premiere of the latest in the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, is taking place in Los Angeles. The film, the seventh in the series, has reunited original stars including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. British actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Gwendoline Christie are all expected on the red carpet on Hollywood Boulevard. Fans have gathered outside three cinemas since last week. The film is due to be shown at the three venues - the TCL Chinese Theatre, the

Dolby Theatre - home of the Oscars - and the El Capitan Theatre. The TCL Chinese Theatre - formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre - hosted the premiere for the first Star Wars movie in 1977. Fans camping have been told they must spend at least 24 hours in the queue to be eligible to buy a pair of tickets, with an additional 24 hours giving the option to buy another ticket. Invitations sent to members of the press have asked journalists not to reveal spoilers in their reviews.

of development in the city Benin. However Ife oral tradition claims that bronze casting technology originated from Ife, where it probably spread to other parts of the world. According to the oral tradition, bronze casting technology was the brainchild of Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, who had been a bronze caster before he became the Ooni. Besides Obalufon till now, five distinct families were known with bronze casting in Ife. Through Ife has been regarded as famous for its rich artistic culture especially bronze casting, it appears nothing was known of this civilisation by the outside world until 1910 when Leo Frobenus, a German Ethnographer visited Ife, he reported his findings after an excavation he carried out at Olokun grove. There he discovered the famous “Ori Olokun” (Olokun Bronze head). Leo Frobenus report about Ife art no doubt brought Ife artistic culture and civilisation to the knowledge of the world. Bronze work is very prominent in the lives of the following people: Ife, Benin and Owo. Bronze work has been resilient in the face of political, economic, social and religious change. Traditional forms continue to be made today and new forms are emerging to become part of contemporary cultures. Idubar (2002). The functions of Ife Bronzes can be classified into the following categories:- Political, religious, economic, social, educational and documentation. Although bronze casting brought fame and prosperity of Ife kingdom in the time past, it is unfortunate that today the art has declined as there are few or no bronze caster engaged in the art, thus, according to oral tradition, might be as a result of the ban placed on the art and castors. When Ooni Aworosakin died, Lajuwa one of the palace courtiers replicated his bronze image to usurp the throne. OoniEkun who becomes the king later outlawed the art of bronze casting in Ife. •Owolola is of the National Museum, Ile-Ife.

A controversial documentary about the life and death of British singer Amy Winehouse has been honoured by the European Film Academy. Amy, directed by Asif Kapadia, was named best documentary at the European Film Awards. The film was condemned by her father Mitch Winehouse for painting the singer’s family in a negative light. Best European film went to Yoth, while British actress Charlotte Rampling was given a lifetime achievement. Rampling also won best actress for her role in the British drama 45 Years at the event in Berlin on Saturday night. Veteran actor Michael Caine received two trophies - he was presented with an honorary award and was also named best actor for Youth. He said: “It’s been 50 years and I’ve never won an award in Europe. And now I’ve won two in one evening. It’s so strange because I (usually) sit in these audiences and just clap someone else.” The film, which co-starred American actors Paul Dano and Harvey Keitel, earned Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino the award for best director. Greek director and writer, Yorgos Lanthimos picked up the screenwwriting award for his surreal drama The Lobster, which starred Irish actor Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz. The Irish film Song of the Sea was given the animation award. German-Austrian star, Christoph Waltz, currently on screens in the latest Bond adventure Spectre was presented with the award for European achievement in world cinema. The European Film Academy was founded in 1988 and aims to promote films from across the continent.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015 Editor:

health YOU&EYE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

SEX,SEXUALITY&YOU

NATURALHEALTH

What you don’t know about premature births

INSIDE

By Victor Ogunyinka

Nigerian business environment hostile to drug manufactures

—Oluwalade, Miraflash’s MD

Page 36

Malaria, malnutrition inflict brain damage in children —Expert Page 35

NATURAL HEALTH

4 great benefits of fermented foods Page 37

Regaining your sexual confidence after childbirth HEALTH QUOTE

Page 37

ES, all babies are born equal but some babies are borne out of some unpleasant conditions that one wonders if all babies are really born equal. Premature birth is an unfortunate incident that sums up nonchalant attitude of a pregnant woman before and during pregnancy. The appropriate time that a baby is termed to be delivered is between 37 to 40 weeks, according to experts. Dr Moses Rotimi, a fellow of the West African College of Surgeon, a consultant of Obstetrics and gynaecology and the Medical Director of Delight Hospital and Fertility Centre, Challenge, Ibadan, defined premature or preterm birth as delivery of the baby before 37 completed weeks of gestation, which is approximately about 259 days of conception. “The appropriate time that a baby is termed to be delivered is between 37 and 40 weeks. If a baby is delivered before then, we call it a preterm delivery and we try as much as possible to prevent this because of the complications associated with it. “A baby could also be delivered after 40 weeks of gestation; we call those ones post term. 40 weeks is the expected date of delivery, but a term pregnancy is actually between 37 and 42 weeks because those two weeks extra is still acceptable giving the time the implantation actually took place. On no condition should a baby stay beyond four weeks in the mother because when complication begins to set in, the placenta wouldn’t

be able to feed the baby again,” he said. In a preterm birth, there are some organs that are badly affected in the baby, chief of which are the liver and lungs. The efficiency of these organs in the body is capable of defining the life of the baby. Experts have noted that if a baby is delivered before 37 completed weeks, the lungs, liver and sucking reflexes of the baby may be impaired due to their immaturity. In the same vein, if the liver is not mature, the baby may end up with jaundice because the liver is responsible for metabolism and detoxification of waste products in the body. Sepsis could also come up and eventually, the baby may die. That is not to say only preterm babies are predisposed to jaundice. Term babies could also have jaundice depending on what they are exposed to. Dr Rotimi highlighted the incidence, problems, complications and prevention of the unsuspecting incident that statistics have plagued at 20 per cent of survival rate. Causes/incidence Dr Rotimi revealed that the incidence of preterm birth is based on the environment, stating that the risk factor in a rural community is bound to be different from what obtained in urban area. He highlighted some of the causes to include poor socio-economic status of which

he hinted that women who are unkempt and malnourished have miscarriage more than others. “We’ve a condition of intrauterine infection like chorioamnionitis, which can also lead to preterm birth that is an infection of the membrane covering the fetus, it results from the infection of the genital tract. A woman can have vaginal discharge, malodorous vaginal discharge before pregnancy. If those things are not treated they can migrate upward and affect the membrane that actually covers the baby, they can lead to infection, or we have a male partner that is having multiple sexual partners that are having infection and still mating with the pregnant woman now causing inflammation and then leading to infection. “Another cause, which is the commonest, is called preterm premature rupture of membrane; it is defined as the rupture of membrane before 37 weeks of gestation that means that the water surrounding the baby is already leaking because of that rupture and when that happens, there is increased incidence of infection. When this occurs, the best thing to do is to abort that pregnancy.” Abdominal trauma and multiple pregnancies are other factors bound to cause preterm birth. Complications “When a baby is born prematurely, the

chances of survival are placed at 50-50, if the delivery is before 30 weeks, it is almost certain that 80 per cent are going to die. In Nigeria, the average survival rates us from 28 weeks upwards. The risk is so high because the lung is not mature and we don’t have too much supportive measure for lungs maturity. The baby has a problem with sucking, which eventually makes him malnourished. Hypopnoea could also be an issue. Some of the complications developed include: neurological problem, which could lead to mental retardation and speech disorder, the baby could look so small and the issue of self esteem could arise, though they tend to gain weight overtime, the cost of bringing up such baby up is also more,” he said. Prevention The main problems attached to premature birth are ignorance, poverty and the disease itself. While educating the public would go a long way to reduce ignorance, Dr Rotimi explained that improving the socio-economic status would go a long way in reducing poverty rate. He added in general, “a woman should have a very good personal hygiene; this could prevent infections like chorioamnionitis. A pregnant woman should also not engage in strenuous physical activities as that can provoke labour and lead to preterm delivery. The issue of domestic violence is something that also has to be taken care of. When there is a sign of infection, it should be treated as soon as possible and pregnant women need to register for antenatal care in a good centre,” he advised.

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” —John F. Kennedy

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

Joy’s Christmas wish

HE sat down in one corner of the room, totally oblivious to what was going on around her. There were many children of her age, younger and older, shouting, jumping here and there, having great fun, eating, drinking, laughing and sharing. But this little girl, about six years old, possibly a little older, was ignored. No one seemed to take notice of her presence. From the distance, I could see her clothes were out of place – ill-fitting, a bit worn-out and inappropriate for the festive mood of the Christmas season. My curiosity was aroused and I moved closer. I had expected to see her lids and eyes move in a way that would show recognition of my presence. There was none! Why? This was most unusual for a sixyear-old. Is she normal? She was thin. Her skin was a bit wrinkled and hadn’t the usual lustre expected a young well-nourished child. I decided to talk to her. “Hello,” I shouted over the din in the room, trying to catch her attention. Still there was no response. “Is she deaf?” I asked myself. I tapped her gently on the shoulder and asked, “Young lady, what is your name?” Again there was no reply. Intuitively, I repeated the question in Yoruba. To my relief, she answered in Yoruba,

“My name is Joy, sir.” She opened her eyes wide enough for me to see the white opacity in the central area of her pupils. Just then the voltage fluctuated and the lights became brighter. In response, her pupils constricted, reducing the size of the opacity and helping me to conclude that this must be cataract. Congenital cataracts! I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God she probably can be helped with simple cataract surgery,” I exclaimed silently to myself. There was no point asking her why she was so distant from the activities around her. The answer was already staring me in the face. I could even guess, almost accurately, how she got there and why she was aloof. Instead, I decided to ask her, “Joy, what would you like to have for Christmas.” Hardly expecting any coherent response because of her reticent nature, she surprised me when she shouted, “Please give me sight for Christmas.” Her shout and eagerness tickled me and struck me deeply that despite her seeming indifference, she must be missing all that was happening around her. It drew tears from my eyes and reminded me of the Biblical story of the blind man, Bartimeus (Mark 10, 51). “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus had

asked. Bartimeus replied, “Master, I want to regain my sight!” My confidence and enthusiasm were short-lived when I remembered that we had many others like her who could be made to see by simple cataract surgery. Did I say simple? Cataract surgery isn’t simple in children. First, in several cases, the condition comes with some other congenital abnormalities such as heart disease. Secondly, examining a child is not easy and must be thorough otherwise there is danger of mistaking some other causes of a white pupil for cataract with disastrous consequences. Thirdly, for the same reason that it is difficult to examine a child without some sedation, there is need to put him to sleep before a successful surgery can be per-

Without early intervention for cataract blindness, children may go blind permanently

formed. Fourthly, the procedure is more elaborate than in adults, often requiring special instruments and equipment. Finally, without good post-operative care, the gains of surgery could be lost with resultant irreversible blindness. No wonder we have a long list of children on the waiting list for cataract surgery. And the list is growing! Every minute somewhere in the world, a child goes blind. Without early intervention for cataract blindness, children may go blind permanently. Most of the blind children in our society (up to 50 per cent) die within a few years because of lack of care. Just a few live to adulthood. As you celebrate this Christmas, remember Joy and other children who can be helped. It costs on the average about N75, 000 to take care of one child. You and your friends can do something special this Christmas by giving joy to these children. We have many children waiting for surgery. There are several more out there waiting for diagnosis. Would you like to help? Please send a text message to 0805 400 5447. Have a wonderful Christmas. May your joy never fade and may you keep your sight until you breathe your last. Amen.

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

info@nordicalagos.org

0700 6673422

Infertility beat me, but didn’t break me Continued from last week AS the weeks turned into months and the months became years, her endometriosis got worse and her pain magnified. Her life became a blur of pain and she was barely able to live through each day. Eventually, it got to a point conservative surgery was no longer effective, and radical surgery was suggested by the experts. One doctor told her point blank that total hysterectomy was the way to go. He said removal of her womb and cervix as well as both ovaries was the potentially best treatment. Hysterectomy is typically considered a last resort, especially for women still in their reproductive years. It is a permanent form of sterilisation. No woman can get pregnant after a hysterectomy. Bimpe was incredulous. Well, she understand having to lose her womb, but why her tubes and ovaries as well? Doctors explained further. The oestrogen produced by her ovaries could still stimulate any remaining endometriosis and cause pain to persist. A second opinion was no different. All of her options and the possible outcomes were down to one. She got more and more downcast and

depressed. Bimpe was heartbroken and felt really bad because just like her, Dare her husband, wanted so desperately to be a parent, but she was dragging him down with her “problem”. In the realisation that she was at fault and wasn’t enabling him live his dream, Bimpe sat him down one day and told him to leave her. “Dare, I cannot bear children, please, leave me, I beg you. Find someone that can bear children”. But Dare would not yield. He took her in his arms and looked into her eyes. I don’t care if we can’t have children. I love you and I want a life with you. That made her love him even more, but she had never felt so hopeless and helpless. Dare had been nothing but supportive, understanding and loving. He was the perfect husband. She knew what she had to do, if he wasn’t going to leave her, she was going to leave him. She had no other option. After months of struggling, pain and heartache, Bimpe learned her endometriosis had completely taken over her reproductive organs. Doctors couldn’t save her womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. They needed to perform that total hysterectomy. It was the final goodbye to her

dream of someday being a mother of her own naturally conceived children. On the day of the surgery, Bimpe walked into the hospital with her head high. She put on a brave face even though, deep down, she was very much afraid and sad. The tears welled up, but she fought them back and stubbornly refused to cry. The last time she shed a few tears was when she had to take what was to be her last ever pregnancy test. Her armour was thick, but deep down, under the fake smiles and reassurances, she was just a little girl, huddled in the corner crying over her broken dream of seeing her husband’s eyes shining back at her through their miracle was almost too much to bear. It took Bimpe weeks, months and years to recover. It’s been three years since she had the hysterectomy and she still has bad days. One point to note is that she managed to learn to overcome her sorrow by channeling her mothering tendencies to nieces and nephews and other children around and the help of a support group she joined. By learning to nurture other dreams she has been unable to realise or afford if she and Dare had children, she attempts to make the best of every day despite the loss

she will forever feel in the recesses of her heart. To the women struggling with infertility, Bimpe has an important message. Her thoughts are with you. She wants you to know that there will be days you think the world is fighting against you and that everyone else except you can get pregnant. There will be days you think the pain and loss will never lift and it will choke and break you. Please, don’t succumb. Have bad days. Sob in the corner and grieve. It is okay. We are only human and can only bear so much. But don’t let your sorrow live and fester in your heart and soul. Don’t let it weigh you down because you deserve happiness, in whatever form it may be. Believe in you, believe in miracles and always believe something better is out there waiting. She hopes every woman that wants to be a mother finds her happy ending. No story should end like her’s, but she’s okay. She wakes up each day excited about life and look for blessings around every corner. She is still patiently waiting for a miracle in any form. Her infertility beat her down, but by no means did it break her. She is and will always remain, a mother in her heart. (Concluded)

35 everydayhealth

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Malaria, malnutrition inflict brain damage on children —Expert By Sade Oguntola

HE Federal Government has been told to pay more attention to issues bordering on children welfare; diseases, feeding, social life and all other aspects of their growth to ensure that Nigerian children are smart. Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences at the University of Lagos, Professor Afolabi Lesi gave the charge in his inaugural lecture entitled, “The Quest for the Smart Child: Its Role in Nationbuilding” at the University of Lagos. He said that this was imperative to ensure that Nigeria achieves its truest potential as a nation. Lesi declared that these were actions and activities that Nigeria must actively seek to optimally stimulate the innate intelligence of

children to ultimately enhance nation building. The paediatrician, who remarked that Nigerian

children had not fared well considering the nation’s slow rate of reducing its child mortality rate, said

Nigerian children were faced with such challenges as malaria and malnutrition that impede many

having smart brains According to him, “Malaria is a common disease that can affect the brain

From left, Managing Director, Society for Family Health (SFH), Mr. Bright Ekweremadu; President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ahmed Yakasai; Board President, SFH, Professor Shima Gyoh and Maternal and Child Health Programme Manager, USAID, Dr. Gertrude Odezugo, during the launch of Waterguard Plus, recently in Lagos.

UHC Day: FG told to be proactive on health for all By Sade Oguntola AS Nigeria prepares to implement programmes and initiatives to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Federal Government has been told to proactively tackle all barriers to universal health coverage for all Nigerians. The charge was given by a non-government organisation, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HEFRON) at a press conference to make the 2015 World UHC in Ibadan. Oyo State chairman, HEFRON, Dr Gbolahan Abass flanked by other members of the organisation, including the Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Olatunji, speaking at the celebration said weak primary health care system, high out of pocket payments, inadequate and ill motivated health workforce remain some of the barriers to universal health coverage in the country. According to Abass, if these potential barriers and challenges are not addressed through strong political commitment by government and policy makers, achieving UHC, one of the goals of SDGs, may experience avoidable snags and delay. The snags and delays, he added, will further deny Nigerians the right to quality health care and protection from unnecessary financial risks. Abass, saying SDGs aspiration was “leaving no one behind”, said ensuring health for all was instructive against the backdrop of the

increasing health inequalities across the global and Nigeria’s worst health indices. He declared “this special occasion is to call for concerted efforts and deliberate actions by federal and state governments and partners within and outside the health sector to accelerate progress towards achieving UHC in Nigeria. “Although significant ef-

forts have been made in the last decade to reform the health sector by succeeding governments, Nigeria’s health indices have been among the poorest in sub-Saharan Africa, and the country has been of-track in achieving the targets for the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the end of 2015.” He, therefore, urged the government to provide the

necessary financial and technical resources for the full implementation of the key provisions of the 2014 National Health Act, and reorganise the Nigerian health system to become more patient-centred. In addition, he said government should guarantee the allocation and prompt release of the one per cent of the consolidated revenue of the federation account for the

smooth take-off of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in 2016. The need to support and encourage states to enact laws for the establishment of State Primary Health Care development Agencies as part of strategies for strengthening the governance and delivery of primary health care services in all stated of the country was also highlighted.

Ogun promotes access to qualitative health service By Gbenga Olumide THE Ogun State Ministry of Health has assured that more strategies would be put in place towards revitalising and strengthening the health sector in the

State to ensure improved health status for the citizenry through provision of qualitative public health service. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde

Ipaye gave the assurance while defending the ministry’s budget before the State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation chaired by Hon. Akanbi Bankole.

Scientists say unhappiness doesn’t make people ill A recent study made in United Kingdom and Australia revealed that unhappiness is not the reason for your health miseries. The study published in the Lancet magazine, a UK medical journal, founded that the unhappiness has no direct effect on the physical health. The study was conducted on one million middle aged women in Britain and Australia. Lead author Dr Bette Liu, of the University of New South Wales, Australia, said that illness makes a person unhappy but there is no evidence of vice versa. “Illness makes you unhappy, but unhappiness itself doesn’t make you ill. We found no direct effect of unhappiness or stress on mortality, even in a 10-year

study of a million women,” he said. However, experts argued that unhappiness in childhood may still have a lasting impact. A series of studies had shown that how happy people are, strongly predicts how long they are going to live. Ideas included detrimental changes in stress hormones or the immune system resulting in a higher risk of death. But the research team in the UK and Australia said those studies failed to deal with reverse causality namely, that people who are ill are not very happy. Participants in the Million Women Study were asked to regularly rate their health, happiness and levels

of stress. The 1 million women within the age group of 50 and 69 were asked how often they get happy, unhappy, stressed and relaxed and noted their health ailments increasing or decreasing rate like blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and so on. The results showed that whether people were ‘never’, ‘usually’ or ‘mostly’ happy had no impact on their odds of dying during the duration of the study once other factors such as health or whether they smoked were taken into account. The researchers are saying that the notions that are in the public that unhappiness cause diseases especially related to heart are wrong.

Ipaye gave the analysis of the budget to include N2.03bn for capital expenditure, while the sum of N1.175bn was set aside for recurrent expenditure out of which N1.135bn would take care of personnel with overhead cost put at N40m; revenue expected from the ministry was put at N114.9million. He noted that the ministry was saddled with the responsibility of putting in place integrated health care policy development and from primary, secondary to tertiary levels to further increase access to qualitative health care facilities, especially in the rural communities. According to him, the ministry would continue to promote public/private participation in health care delivery just as it would establish an alternative source of health care financing through participation in the National Health Insurance Scheme to continuously provide top-rate medical services across the state.

and subsequently the intelligence of children. Frequent infections from malaria cause the children to miss school. “Anaemia, which it causes, is associated with poor school performance; and its complications such as low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and cerebral malaria can in some instances be associated with brain impairment.” Lesi, further said that any child who misses school for whatever reason will not be as smart as the one, who diligently attends, adding that education, particularly early education, is the linchpin for technological advancement. The expert also said that a striking feature of malnutrition, which is estimated to affect about 40 per cent of children in subSaharan Africa, is apathy and subsequent poor cognition seen in the affected children. Although the body tries to ensure that the brain get preferential treatment even when there is nutrient-lack, he declared that where the lack is prolonged or severe, the brain will eventually suffer. “This will affect different parts of the brain differently thus the effect on the brain will depend on which part of the brain is growing rapidly at the time of the insult. “As far back as the 60s, studies among Ugandan and Indian children with malnutrition have shown that there is an almost 20 per cent reduction in the weight of the brain compared to those of wellnourished children.” The paediatrician, however, warned that increasingly more children are coming down with iron deficiency, a form of malnutrition, from consuming fast foods, adding that the more severe the malnutrition is, the worse its effect on the brain and intelligence of the child. “Studies have demonstrated that there is a causal relationship between iron deficiency anaemia in early childhood and intelligence in mid-childhood. “What remains clear is that malnutrition can lead to attention and mental health problems in childhood and its effects can be demonstrated right into adulthood,” he declared. Lesi, therefore, made a case for a quick passage of the National Health Policy, which he said must be an inclusive policy that takes care of the needs of all children and their families.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

healthpeople Nigerian business environment hostile to drug manufactures —Oluwalade, Miraflash’s MD

Mr Moses Oluwalade, the Managing Director, Miraflash Nigerian Limited, an indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturer in this interview with SADE OGUNTOLA talks about everybody’s right to live and as such the need for affordable medicines, among other issues. Excerpts:

EOPLE talk about fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, how has that affected Miraflash Limited, a pharmaceutical company? Faking and counterfeiting of drugs have been a major problem in the pharmaceutical industry, Miraflash Limited inclusive, like in other industrial sectors of the economy. This is an offshoot of corruption that is affecting everyone. The price fakers will sell their products as well below the cost price of manufacturing. But those that are producing genuine products will not be able to sell at such prices. To that extent, it has actually affected us. What business models will you prescribe to ensure prices of medicines are reduced to help ensure that the common man has access to health care, including good drugs, when they need them? Accessibility to health care is a right and not a privilege. Everybody has the right to live and if you cannot afford the drug that is prescribed for you when unwell, then that means you may not be able to live because eventually it may lead to death. So, everything should be done to bring the prices of drugs to a level that it will be affordable for all. Only the Federal government can make this happen through legislation. Legislation can be put in place to bring down the prices of medication in Nigeria in terms of taxes, providing an enabling environment for production, and patronising local manufacturers. In some instance, prices of commodities are controlled. Can the same be done for medicines to increase accessibility and affordability? To certain extent, ethics of the profession sets a limit margin for prices of medicines; it ensures that profit margin is not above certain percentage. However, price regulation for medicines may be difficult given the way the country is constituted. Even the writing pen do not come at same price in parts of the country, so to that extent having a fixed price for medicines may not work because we have not developed to that level. Will increased use of generic drugs rather than brand-name drugs help to increase accessibility and affordability? Putting emphasis on use of generic products definitely will certainly help. Usually, multinationals are the innovators that bring

out brand-name products. When their patency expires, other companies can come into it and produce it. Those are the ones called generic brands. Since these companies did not invest much into research and development; there is the tendency for the price to come down So long as the drug is registered by the regulatory authority, then they will do the same thing that the brand-name products will do and at an affordable price. Most of the time, the makers of brand name products sell their names. So encouraging our practitioners to prescribe generic ones, will be a good step in the right direction that will make good products affordable to the public. Mind you, I am not saying that brand name drugs should not be patronised. If you can afford it, you can go for brand-name products. There is no point prescribing a product, no matter how good a product is, if you cannot afford it, then it becomes bad. Doctors have always been encouraged to prescribe generic products for long so that patients would be able to have an option of going for whichever brand they can afford. In fact, the National essential drug list contains generic drugs. How does the job of a pharmacist help ensure that on presenting a prescription at the pharmacy, the patient can have an option of going for whichever brand they can afford? Basically, the goal of health workers, including pharmacists is do whatever they can to ensure that the patient gets cured. So peradventure the doctor prescribes a brand name, but the patient cannot afford that brand, the pharmacist can discuss with the medical practitioner. The pharmacist can then give its generic brand that the patient

Everything should be done to bring the prices of drugs to a level that it will be accessible to all

Oluwalade can afford. Of course, the job of a pharmacist is far more than mere dispensing of medicines. It includes taking time to know the patient’s drug history to rule out drug interactions and give appropriate drug information before dispensing those drugs. Back in August, pharmaceutical firms said that the introduction of the Common External Tariff (CET) and the New National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NNDG) was threatening to close down Nigeria’s 150 pharmaceutical firms and cripple N300 billion worth of investment made so far in the sector. Has this been reversed? This is yet to be reversed; in fact advocacy on it by PMG-MAN is still on. They have made so many presentations to the government, on the issue, but it is yet to be reversed. And that in itself is killing a lot of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Nigeria. What does that portend for the common man on Nigeria’s street in terms of drug accessibility and affordability? No doubt, unemployment rate is bound to increase because manufacturers that cannot produce optimally will be forced to sack some of its staff. This is exporting jobs to other countries. Now the zero tariffs on imported drugs ensure these drugs are cheaper than those locally manufactured. As such, people will tend to go for importation rather than manufacturing. Totally, I will not say that zero per cent tariff on imported drugs should be abolished. But there should also be zero per cent tariff for all pharmaceutical materials, including packaging materials, as well as an increase in the number of drugs on Nigeria’s import prohibition list. Let us ban the importation of products that we can manufacture locally to give opportunity to local manufacturers to go into manufacturing, thereby creating more jobs. This will give equal rights and create play field for everyone. That at the end of the day it will be a win-win situation for everybody; the

government, the industry and the patients. What edge do medicines manufactured at Miraflash Limited, including ethical ones, have over their contemporaries? Pharmaceutical products are not food. Ethical products are those that require a prescription from the doctor to buy at the pharmacy. It is different from the over-thecounter drugs (OTCs), which people have turned into a trade. So, to be able to put my professional touch, Miraflash Limited produces more of ethical drugs. What gives our products the edge over its contemporaries in the market is its quality. Our slogan is “Quality is our concern”. If there is anything sustaining Miraflash Limited, it is the quality of its products. Aside their high quality, our products are affordable. So, quality at an affordable price is what is keeping us. You are commissioning your factory building this week, why is this necessary? What was it set up to achieve? Miraflash Nigeria Limited started about nine years ago in a rented apartment at Akute in Ogun State. Now to the glory of God, because of our loyal customers and as a result of our dedicated and committed staff, we are moving to our permanent site, which was commissioned to give glory to God. When you look at the Nigerian business environment, it is so hostile to manufacturing. When you see 10 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies starting, by the end of 10 years, about three would have folded up. That God have kept us, all these while, we need give glory back to God. 10 years from now, where will Miraflash Industries be? By God’s grace, 10 years from now, I see Miraflash being listed on the stock exchange and professionals managing what it is doing. In 10 years time, I see the company being one of the top 10 companies in Nigeria, its products in every household in Nigeria, and a brand loved by everybody.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015 Editor:

health you&EYE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

sex,sexuality&You

naturalhealth

What you don’t know about premature births

INSIDE

By Victor Ogunyinka

Nigerian business environment hostile to drug manufactures

—Oluwalade, Miraflash’s MD

Page 36

Malaria, malnutrition inflict brain damage in children —Expert Page 35

natural health

4 great benefits of fermented foods Page 37

Regaining your sexual confidence after childbirth HEALTH QUOTE

Page 37

es, all babies are born equal but some babies are borne out of some unpleasant conditions that one wonders if all babies are really born equal. Premature birth is an unfortunate incident that sums up nonchalant attitude of a pregnant woman before and during pregnancy. The appropriate time that a baby is termed to be delivered is between 37 to 40 weeks, according to experts. Dr Moses Rotimi, a fellow of the West African College of Surgeon, a consultant of Obstetrics and gynaecology and the Medical Director of Delight Hospital and Fertility Centre, Challenge, Ibadan, defined premature or preterm birth as delivery of the baby before 37 completed weeks of gestation, which is approximately about 259 days of conception. “The appropriate time that a baby is termed to be delivered is between 37 and 40 weeks. If a baby is delivered before then, we call it a preterm delivery and we try as much as possible to prevent this because of the complications associated with it. “A baby could also be delivered after 40 weeks of gestation; we call those ones post term. 40 weeks is the expected date of delivery, but a term pregnancy is actually between 37 and 42 weeks because those two weeks extra is still acceptable giving the time the implantation actually took place. On no condition should a baby stay beyond four weeks in the mother because when complication begins to set in, the placenta wouldn’t

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” —John F. Kennedy

Thursday, 17 December, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

I am not afraid of anybody —Fayose Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, on Sunday, addressed newsmen in Lagos on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, war against corruption, governorship polls in Kogi and Bayelsa states, and other salient issues. BOLA BADMUS brings the excerpts:

N the election that brought him to power You would recall that after I won the Ekiti State governorship election, there was this effort to stop me from being sworn in. It generated a lot of controversy, even before and after the election. There was one story of photo-chromic military rigging and all that. You would equally recall that there were four elections after mine: the presidential, National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly elections. They all followed the same pattern even when military men were not enough for the whole country. It is good for anybody to complain about the elections but when you are not on ground, you cannot win an election. After Dr Kayode Fayemi conceded in the Ekiti poll, his party,. the All Progressives Congress (APC) still went ahead to challenge the outcome of the election up to the Supreme Court, and we still won. The Supreme Court dealt properly with the issue of impeachment and it did not raise issues of whether the election was won or not. It talked about the issue of academic certificate that was raised in 2002. It equally raised the issue of non qualification as a result of impeachment. The court dealt with it all the issues and it was a landmark judgment already reported in all law journals. So ordinarily, I think this should put paid to all these stories. An online newspaper generated a report of a conversation and I came out to say that I was part of the conversation. I was the complainant in that conversation. But, you now set up a military committee to look into the Ekiti and Osun elections that were adjudged to be free and fair. The Americans and international observers made it very clear that they recommend the Ekiti election for subsequent elections in the country. To my surprise, I heard they set up a panel to look into the activities of some military men during the elections in Ekiti and Osun. That is their choice. To fulfill all righteousness, I sent my Attorney-General and Commissioner for Information to give them information that they might not have. For instance, they might not be privy to the report of international observers on the election. If the international community says the election was free and fair; that the military did well, they (the military) will be on their own if they indict their personnel because of politics. Stand on the Buhari administration I have been very critical of the present government and I will continue to be critical of any government in Nigeria, because democracy is about opposition and the government in power. I have no regrets and I am not sorry for my actions. I did not start being critical of government after Buhari’s election. I started before the poll. I actually

in silence because when you promote a lion and you don’t remember to guide his claws and jaws, one day, you will end up in the lion’s stomach. Still on the Ekiti governorship poll We are living testimonies of (former President) Olusegun Obasanjo’s misrule. So, I am a clean person. But, what they are doing is to go to Kaduna. After all submissions, they now want to say the military rigged the Ekiti election. They are releasing their report very soon and knowing full well that the military report holds no water in law, the AttorneyGeneral (of the Federation)would want that report reviewed and approach the Supreme Court to review its position, which is not known in law. Andy Uba, Great Ogboru, and a number of other people did it and they were told it was not known to law. So, I want to remind them that they are on the verge of destroying democracy in Nigeria. Call it fighting corruption, but they are on the verge of destroying democracy in Nigeria!

Fayose told Nigerians not to vote for him (Buhari). I made advertorials and I am still not sorry for that. I still maintain my stand because I envisaged the current practice of disobedience to court orders and dictatorship. Forget about those who rule Nigeria, but we must insist to be ruled by the rule of law. We must appreciate that the hope of the common man is the Judiciary and every order issued by the court must be respected by every Nigerian. Forthcoming LG poll in Ekiti

For instance, we are expecting the judgment of the court this week concerning local government election. I said it earlier; I am going on with the election except the court says otherwise. I am going to obey the court; otherwise, anarchy is going to kill this nation. Promoters of Buhari Those who promoted Buhari to be president, at one time or the other later in the country will regret their action. Most of them are already regretting and suffering

This country belongs to all of us. Today, it is a Hausa man ruling; yesterday, it was an Ijaw man; years back, it was a Yoruba man. What goes round will one day come round.

The Kogi election The Kogi experience is still very fresh. It doesn’t matter which party I belong but the votes and views of Nigerians must be respected. When a man did not participate in an election and he is the beneficiary of that election! I don’t know whether they announced the winner on the basis of the supplementary election. At the point when the election was held, it was believed that all the procedures leading to it had been observed and there must be somebody declared winner at the end. If a man is dead, he doesn’t enjoy democracy and votes from an election. Automatically, the election came and the processes followed, and a winner must be announced. Incumbent governor of Kogi, Captain Idris Wada was supposed to be announced. Now that you have equally chosen not to announce Wada, I don’t know how you brought in somebody else who did not participate in the election. I must commend Honourable Abiodun Faleke. I am not saying he is the winner, but we must commend him for standing out in the midst of the current darkness. God uses a man for a purpose at a given time. Faleke is being used for a purpose in this period of our democracy. Bayelsa election In Bayelsa State, the military was seen engaging the electorate physically. It is all over the social media. We will continue to remind Buhari on his antecedents and his current attitude to undermine democracy in the land. There is no lion again in Nigeria. We own this country together. I am Ayo Fayose. I am from Ekiti State; I am popularly known as Osokomole. I am telling him again, the consequence of dictatorship is the fall of the dictator. It is either he threads softly, or to remember the same Nigerians, who gave him the opportunity to govern the country after several attempts. What Buhari should do on the fight against corruption continues pg39

politics&policy

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

‘We will soon open can of worms’ continued from pg38

President Buhari must be bold enough to go beyond fomer President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure. Let us look at all the NSAs in office in the last 16 years. He should go a little further. The Halliburton saga is there, why is he (Buhari) shying away from there? I am saying that corruption is even on a higher scale under Buhari ever than before. Warnings ahead of 2016 There are 16 things that will happen in the country in 2016. I am going to publish them. There will be so much of disobedience to court orders. There will be removal of oil subsidy within the first quarter of 2016. Corruption under Buhari will be on the increase. Poverty under the administration of Buhari will be like never before. I want to equally establish that power generation under Buhari will be at its lowest ebb in 2016. Our earnings will be critical and worse. I can’t remember others as I speak, but I will publish them later. We cannot continue with the current propaganda. I want to say that Buhari should make public, in the last 16 years, finances under all the NSAs. You would be amazed if you knew what has happened. Who is fooling who? When you look back, late General Sani Abacha stole all the wealth of this country, but none of his people have been jailed up till now. Let us look back, General Ibrahim Babangida was alleged to have issues over oil wind fall, but heaven did not fall till date. I am not promoting corruption, but I need to tell them what sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. They will divide this country beyond measure the way they are going. The agitation for the division of this country is building up, and we need to be careful and tread cautiously. If you look at the appointments being made; if you look at the way things are going, I am sure those who had promoted Buhari would have a rethink. This country belongs to all of us. Today, it is a Hausa man ruling; yesterday, it was an Ijaw man; years back, it was a Yoruba man. What goes round will one day come round. Buhari and his men I want to appreciate everyone of you and to tell you that they are after me and I am prepared for them. The Ekiti people gave me their mandate to govern them. I am the first Nigerian politician to defeat two incumbent governors at two different attempts. I have records. When they talk, they say I wear a particular type of cloth. What is their business? The people that I govern are very happy with me, whether I wear tattered clothes. They are hypocrites; they do something else in the cover and another in the open. I want to stand here and defend the interest of the common man without fear or favour. Any attempt to invade my state will not go down well with them. They made attempts to make my swearing in impossible, but the people rose against them. They made attempts to ensure I was impeached, but the people rose against them. They made attempts to the level of the Supreme Court to stop me, they were stopped. They are at it again; they want to use a military panel now. Would you say the role of the military, for example, in the Ekiti election, was perfect or otherwise? I want to make it very clear: I am not in

a position to judge the Ekiti election, but we have judgment and opinions about the Ekiti election. The international community and the Americans phoned to congratulate me personally and they wrote. It is on their website, where they recommended the Ekiti election for all subsequent elections in Nigeria in respect of the conduct and its handling by the military. They recommended it for the 2015 elections that we have just concluded. The international community said it went well; the Americans said it went well and advised Fayemi to accept the result of the election. That was why he accepted the result. If I don’t have the conviction, I won’t accept. We should be honourable for awhile, and I am saying it expressly that that election was the best. Most of the governors today are on a high horse to climb down. I am there on the ground with my people. I work in their midst; I live with them; I dine with them. I am telling others to take away their babaringas and come down. They should do policies that target the people directly. Fayemi and the APC have a total disconnect with the people. They should be honourable enough, it is not every election they must win. Can’t you see the way they are annulling PDP elections? The same template, different judgments! Have you seen such in our history, the kind of judgment concerning the governorship matter in Taraba State? We want to see if the APC will not destroy even the Judiciary. The judiciary needs to rise up. The day I spoke about that arm o government, they all condemned me, shouting and all that. At the end of the day, Buhari came and said the Judiciary is corrupt. Earlier on, that is, about two months ago, I said they should come clean and tell Nigerians about the situation of economy, Buhari came out and said Nigeria was broke. It was after I talk they will come back and confirm what I say to be true. Why would you do two elections and pronounce them inconclusive? It is an inconclusive government we are running now. Most things will be inconclusive very soon; the economy will be inconclusive. Buhari himself is tagged as Baba Go- slow. Nothing is working: small companies are dying due to policies that are not working well. Where are we going? Is it all about pursuing political opponents? Watch very well, he was on AIT; we have all the things said about him during the elections. Oh so, that man must go in for it; Raymond Dokpesi must go in for it. The National Security Adviser must go in for it! The facts will soon emerge. We are working gradually to open a can of worms between 1999 and now. We are going to release a lot of things. To cow everybody, including the press, that is why they are sponsoring that bill in the National Assembly. I am surprised too that the pressmen are keeping quiet. They can’t talk again; they are afraid. You have expressed your view about

Fayose what transpired at the military panel, a decision which you said was going to be pursued up to the Supreme Court and you tried to predict what is likely to happen to your victory at the poll. Tell us who are those people behind the plot? They are the APC and the Presidency. The military panel was selected for the hatchet job. The same military handled the election in Ekiti and Osun. The PDP won in Ekiti but the APC won in Osun, heavens did not fall. They have a target, but we are waiting for them. You can only start a thing; you cannot muscle or kill everybody. What happened during the poll in Bayelsa? Let us look at the role of the military in that state; it is all over the social media. Are we going back to 1984 under Buhari, where he will be beating us when we go to buy essential materials? That will never happen in this country. They can’t cow us. Are you not afraid of your life fighting this battle the way you are?

Those who are afraid of death should know that something will kill someone someday. I stood to fight all through the eight years and as God would have it, here I am today!

My brother, forget that one! This year, I am 55; I will be 56 next year. If I die today, I have five sons, they will do a big party. People will console them that your father lived an exemplary life; that he was governor twice. They will still move on and enjoy my wealth. Those things we fear most happen to us eventually. I am not a coward. Life is not about how many years you live, but what you stand to represent. Within or outside Ekiti, I don’t use siren. I don’t carry policemen or DSS about. I don’t need them. If you come, you are only wasting your time because I have nothing to hide. There is even no money for anybody to steal. You were in this country in 2006; the way they paraded me as an armed robber over the poultry project. Today, am not the one that has become a governor again? Could you ever say Fayose will come to town and start parading the streets of Nigeria again? But today, I am their master. I am going places. I said it in 2008 that I am coming back and I am here again. I am going higher and higher. I have a place in Nigeria that I am yet to get to. Those who are afraid of death should know that something will kill someone someday. I stood to fight all through the eight years and as God would have it, here I am today! Look at my pattern of history. I left on October 16, 2006, and I came back on October 16, 2014. That is instructive; that God is with me. The very day the Buhari-administration faces me, his government will come down, quote me; the very day Buhari singles me out. I am a child of destiny. Any government that confronts me will come down. It will not stand the test of time.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

news

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Senate passes MTEF, approves $38 benchmark despite dwindling oil price •As President Buhari informs NASS of 2016 Budget presentation Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

HE Senate on Wednesday approved the 2016 to 2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which lays the foundation for the 2016 budget. The lawmakers also retained the proposed $38 per barrel as the crude oil benchmark for the year. The MTEF was submitted to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari two weeks ago Also on Wednesday, President Mohammadu Buhari officially informed both the Senate and the House of Representatives of his readiness to present the 2016 budget estimates at their joint session on Tuesday next week through a letter written to that effect, which was read on the floor of the Senate

Don’t interfere with Benue South race, Tiv advised DEPUTY Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders’ Forum in Benue State, Chief Abu Shuluwa, has called on Tiv politicians not to interfere with the forthcoming re-run election between former senate president, Senator David Mark and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Daniel Onjeh. Shuluwa, who spoke with newsmen noted that the people of Benue south senatorial district have the exclusive right to decide on whom to represent them and wondered why Tiv politicians now scramble to interfere with the affair of Idoma people. According to him, ‘PDP will win Benue South not minding that people are jittery about David Mark particularly, my people of Tiv extraction who have no vote in the zone. My advice to them (the Tiv politicians) is that they should not poke nose to the affairs of that zone, let them leave the zone to decide who represents them at the senate.’ The Tiv born politician enjoined the Idoma people to shine their eyes and not mortgage their future to ‘a puppet who will be errand boy to another at the red chamber,’ adding, ‘senate is a place for matured, strong hearted, vibrant and experienced persons.’

President, Bukola Saraki. The Senate equally approved the exchange rate of N197 to $1 as proposed by the executive. The approval was sequel to the report of the Joint Senate Committee on Finance and National Planning presented by its Chairman, Senator John Enoh ( PDP Cross River Central). In line with the projection of the executive, the Senate also approved the daily oil production quota of 2.2million in 2016 while it also approved the N5.720 billion non-oil revenue projection in 2016. The approval however was subject to the submission of the report of the Joint Senate Committee on Finance and National Planning presented to the lawmakers. The Senate advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to initiate measures meant to close the gap between parallel market and the official exchange rate. It also advised the federal government to sustain the current tempo towards increasing the federal government independent revenue and diversification of the economy

adding that the implementation of TSA with e-collection platform be sustained. It also implored the Federal Government to establish a data base and simultaneously consider creating a single salary account for all it’s employees with a view to streamlining and reducing personnel cost. In his contribution, senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume alleged that “revelations on ground clearly show that much of the dollars

and other foreign currencies that should be in the kitty of government are in the private hands of PDP chieftains , which they have been sharing and sharing to whoever they want to corrupt”. He was however replied by Senate deputy minority whip, Senator Abiodun Olujinmi, who mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC), for failure to raise the value of the Naira as promised during the campaigns.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Siaka Hazdia now wish to be known, called and addressed as SIYAKA ADISETU. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Asiata Basiru now KEMI ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

42 news

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Kogi assembly crisis worsens as thugs attack factional speaker, others YinkaOladoyinbo-Lokoja

HE crisis rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly worsened on Wednesday, as suspected thugs attacked some members of the assembly and destroyed their vehicles. The vehicles of the factional speaker, Godwin Osiyi, the deputy speaker, John Abba and the majority leader, Matthew Kolawole were vandalised. The attack, which was carried out on the premises of a hotel in Lokoja, the state capital, was said to have seen the thugs invading the premises with dangerous weapons. It was gathered that when the thugs, numbering about 10, invaded the hotel, they jumped down from the Hilux vehicle that brought them and started shooting sporadically and destroyed two Prado jeeps and one Kia Sportage that belonged to the legislators. The invasion led to pandemonium within the premises of the hotel as staff and guests ran helter skelter for safety. Narrating their ordeal to newsmen after the invasion, Osiyi said they escaped by the whiskers from the attack. According to him, he had got a distress call from Kolawole that he had been attacked in town by some hoodlums. He said the lawmakers decided to drive down to the hotel to deliberate on the issue when the suspected thugs invaded the hotel. He said before they could call for help, the people had destroyed the cars and

threatened to kill the owners of the vehicles if they dare come out. He said apart from the vehicles that were destroyed, the attackers also carted away money and other valuables in the cars. Osiyi explained that many of the people in his camp had abandoned their homes since the impeachment of Jimoh Lawal last week because of threat to their lives.

He however blamed the “impeached” speaker and his supporters for the attack, regretting that people that wanted to lead the assembly could engage in such act. Osiyi specifically accused a junior brother to Jimoh as the person that led the thugs into the hotel with a Hilux van. He said it was unfortunate that the attack came a day after the state gover-

nor, Idris Wada, met with the two factions and sued for peace. Osiyi, however, said the security agencies in the state have been alerted over the development with a view to unveil those behind the act. However, reacting, Jimoh said he knew nothing about the alleged attack on the members. Speaking at his official residence in Lokoja, the

Vehicles of some of the members of the Kogi State House of Assembly vandalised by suspected thugs, on the premises of a hotel in Lokoja, onWednesday. Photo:Yinka Oladoyinbo

Kwara, Niger assembly lament state of Ilorin-Jebba Biola Azeez - Ilorin The Kwara and Niger State Houses of Assembly have called on the Federal Government to include the completion of the deplorable Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in the 2016 budget to address hardship being encountered by motorists plying the road. Speakers of both Kwara

and Niger State Houses of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad and the chairman of the Northern Nigeria Speakers’ Forum, Alhaji Ahmed Marafa, made the call in Jebba, when they led the legislators of the two Houses of Assembly on a tour to the deplorable expressway. The legislators, who said that the expressway link-

ing the North and southern parts of the country had claimed many lives and crippled socio-economic activities of the people of the area due to its current deplorable condition, added that no road was as bad as the expressway in the country. Dr Ali Ahmad, lamented that all federal roads in the state were in deplorable

Senate urges FG to set up performance indicators Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THe Senate, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to set up a project performance and monitoring task force to punish contractors who collect mobilisation funds and later abandoned the project. This followed a motion sponsored by Suleman Nazif (All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi North), tagged: “Abandonment of projects: A menace to development in Nigeria” which seeks to monitor abandoned projects as a way to develop the country. He noted that there are 11,866 abandoned projects across the country, adding that those projects are generally awarded based on considerations given to friends “ even when they do not possess any technical knowledge of the project.”

embattled speaker said he is a man of peace and could not have been involved in the dastardly act. According to him, none of his official vehicles was driven out of the compound throughout the day, saying he had nothing to gain from violence. He also said the accusation against his brother was only meant to smear his name and bring him into bad repute.

The lawmaker observed that practice in Nigeria is that when new people are in office, the policies of the previous administration are abandoned, insisting that “this unwillingness to ensure policy continuity is the root cause of abandonment of projects.” He also observed that public infrastructure account for most of the aban-

doned projects which are generally awarded based on considerations given to friends, even when they do not possess any technical experience. Senator Nazif observed that life transforming projects have been abandoned to the detriment of the teeming population Contributing, Senator Aliu Sabi, urged the Senate

to look at the abandoned projects critically, saying that the “question is when we look at our budget presentation after the MTEf, we should have a structural strategy plan to ensure there is sufficient funds to complete projects. Even if the projects have problems, there is a need for a review to continue with the projects.”

Stop parading yourself as Yoruba Oba FCT, Council of Obas tells Salau Collins Nnabuife - Abuja The Council of Yoruba Obas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has warned the Yoruba Oba of Kado, Oba Olusegun Salau, to desist from parading himself as the Yoruba Oba in FCT, saying that the title is absurd in the Yoruba setting. Addressing journalists on

Wednesday, in Abuja, the Yoruba Oba Sheda, Oba Odutola Odubanjo, who spoke on behalf of the Yoruba Obas in Abuja, said FCT cannot have an overall Oba, instead, it can have a chairman of Council of Obas. He said that Oba Salau, who is the Oba Yoruba Kado, had gone on the media to announce himself as

the Oba Yoruba FCT and described the incident as embarrassing. According to him, “we listen with dismay the reckless announcement on radio and read it in the newspapers. We were highly embarrassed and surprised that this came from somebody we looked to as our leader.”

condition, saying that the state had been cut off from other parts of the country due to bad roads linking the state. He also appealed to the Federal Government to fix the expressway and other federal roads in the state to fast track the socio-economic emancipation of the state. The Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, called on the Federal Government to take immediate action in dualising Ilorin-Jebba expressway in particular and rehabilitate other federal roads in Niger State. Earlier, the Controller of Federal Ministry of Works in Kwara State, Mr Omotayo Awosanya, while briefing the legislators on the expressway, said the 96 kilometres expressway asphalt overlay rehabilitation project was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited, at a cost of N14.5 billion in December 2013. Mr Awosanya, who said N1 billion was paid as part payment of N2 billion mobilisation fee, added that the contractor handling the project abandoned the project due to nonpayment of the remaining N1 billion mobilisation fee and additional N1.6 billion so far expended in the road’s rehabilitation by the Federal Government.

Nigerian Tribune

Kwara assembly exonerates LG boss over illegal recruitment Biola Azeez - Ilorin THE KWARA State House of Assembly has exonerated the chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, Alhaji Lukman Owolewa, from any wrong doing. The state House of Assembly had, about a fortnight ago, suspended Alhaji Owolewa and seven other council chairmen over alleged illegal recruitment, following a request from Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. However, a committee that was set up by the House to investigate the matter absolved Alhaji Owolewa and his counterparts from Moro and Baruten local government areas. The House in its resolution after the submission of the report of Jimoh Akanni (APC, Share-OkeOde constituency)-led committee exonerated the chairmen of Moro, lrepodun and Baruten. The House held that the three exonerated councils chairmen did not conduct any illegal recruitment exercise. Reacting to the development, Owolewa expressed satisfaction on the outcome of the House’s investigation into the matter.

HoS launches handbook on civil servants’ promotion exam in Kano Kola Oyelere - Kano KANO State Head of Service (HoS), Muhammad Awwal Na`iya, on Wednesday, launched a handbook on civil servants’ promotional examination guidelines and inaugurated the tutorial committee that will train all officers eligible for January 2016 promotional examination involving serving and retired civil servants. The examination involves all officers from Grade level 07-15, aspiring to higher levels in the civil service, while the academic staff of tertiary institutions are exempted from this policy based on their own peculiarities, regarding progression. He said the first phase for examination includes: office of the HoS, Ministry of Finance and the office of the Auditors-General (State and Local Government).

communitynews CDA chairman calls for increased security in Alagbado

he Chairman, Opaleye Community Development Association, Alagbado in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Sodiq, has called on the Alagbado Police Division to strengthen the presence of security personnel in the community. Sodiq made the call at the community’s first awards and get-together party held on Saturday. He said the community’s residents were concerned about recent security challenges being experienced in the state and had tried to beef up security within the LCDAs. The chairman disclosed that in a bid to enhance security, residents had contributed money to build a gate at the entrance of the Opaleye Estate. He added that they, however, hoped to be assisted by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Alagbado Police Station, to beef up security in the area. “We have contributed

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

our hard-earned money to build the protective gate; we want the Alagbado DPO to now assist us.

“I can see his representative here, who will help us deliver our message,’’ Sodiq said.

The DPO of Alagbado, who was represented by ASP Olufemi Ajisafe, advised residents of the com-

munity to acquire tyre rims. “These rims would be banged every two hours after midnight by the securi-

From left, Mrs Titilayo Oyelakin; principal, Islamic Day Secondary School, Basorun, Ibadan, Mr Gbolagade Olajire; celebrant, Mrs Kehinde Mojirayo Olaniran; chairman on the occasion, Professor I. A. Amao and Mrs Taiwo Durodola, during the retirement and send-off of Mrs Kehinde Olaniran, held at Islamic Day Secondary School, Basorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

IBEDC steps up robust community relations Olalekan Olabulo -Lagos

Officials of Ota Business Unit of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has stepped up community relations with the different communities under the unit . The company, as parts of its efforts to establish a relationship with residents of communities in the area, is giving free prepaid metres to customers. The IBEDC is also organising town hall meetings with community leaders and residents to listen to their problems and find long lasting solutions to them. The Business Manager of Ota business unit of IBEDC , Paul Peter, while speaking with Community News, stated

that the meeting with residents is vital to the operations of the power company. Peter stated that apart from the fact that the town hall meetings with the different communities provide a forum for robust community relationship between the power company and the residents. It is also helping IBEDC to enlighten residents on the role of the distribution company in the provision of electricity . He added that the company had been able to intimate the communities of the challenges facing IBEDC in their efforts to provide power supply. He also decried the habit of some residents in the area, who tamper

with their post paid meters, thereby shortchanging the company . This attitude, according to him, is affecting not just the power company , but other customers , particularly those who use post paid meters .

Meanwhile, residents have commended the new leadership of the power company in Sango Ota for the spirit of robust relationship with residents. The residents, particularly commended the pow-

Lawmaker trains 172 unemployed youths in ICT A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sani Yakubu, on Monday, inaugurated the training of 172 unemployed youths on the acquisition of knowledge in Information, Communications and Technology ( ICT). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Yakubu, who represents Gudu Constituency in-

augurated the three-day training at Balle, the headquarters of the local government area . According to him, “The knowledge of ICT has now become the vogue in the world and youths from my constituency should not be left behind. “These youths are the first batch of the beneficiaries from the 10 wards of the local government.”

‘Alisimie-Ozanogogo Road ‘ll be completed in March, 2016’ Ebenezer Adurokiya -Warri

The Delta State government has promised to complete the Alisimie- Ozanogogo Road in Ika South Local Government Area of the state latest March 2016. Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who gave this promise during an inspection of the road recently, expressed satisfaction at the pace of ongoing work. Okowa, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye and other

top government officials, expressed satisfaction at the speed of the ongoing construction work at the middle section of the road. He commended the contractors on the quality of work and for keeping to the project schedule and specifications. “What we have seen here today is quite exciting, looking through the drainage work that has been put in place and the level of construction being done, the work is very impressive and I must actually commend the contractors.

“I believe that if we continue to award major projects to companies such as CCECC, we are likely to have good delivery at the end of the day and nobody will have to complain that projects were not properly executed because there is a high level of perfection in this job,” he said. Senator Okowa, who addressed the people of the community, commended them for creating a conducive environment for the project to be executed. He said: “I must thank the community for their patience and their coop-

eration because, for the company to work at the pace at which they are working, it means that they have gotten cooperation from you. “Hopefully, this project will be completed in March and in the course of our campaigns, I did make a promise to the people of this community that the road will be constructed within the first few months of our administration and I thank God that we have kept our promise and be rest assured that we are on course to deliver prosperity for all.”

er company for abolishing the energisation fee for communities, before they are connected to power supply. They, however, urged the power company to strive to replace some of the outdated equipment in the area.

ty personnel employed on each street, to scare away armed robbers. “There are also some security tips which will only be disclosed privately, as it is not meant for the public,’’ Ajisafe said. He assured the community of constant security patrols and promised that policemen would also be at alert to pick hoodlums within the community. It was reported that awards were given to the best supporting community resident, Mr Chukwuka Udukwe, the pioneer chairman, Pastor Augustine Amire and the patron, Alhaji Abdulrazak Agemo. The other award recipients included the Most Valuable Street, Balogun Street, Most Outstanding Executive, Alhaji Rufai Lawal and the Most Valued Personality in the community, Mr Shefunmi Fagboyegun. Chief Kamorudeen Olaonipekun, a community leader, thanked the LCDA officials and urged other community residents to contribute to its development. Olaonipekun urged parents to bring along their wards, whenever such an events were organised to ensure that the community development culture was inculcated in the younger ones. The day’s event included a health talk, medical mission, security tips and games.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

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08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

Terrorism, immigration dominate last Republican debate of 2015

From left, the nine candidates, John Kasich, Carly Fiorina, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Rand Paul all took part in last night’s final Republican debate of the year. PHOTO: AP.

Nine leading Republican presidential contenders clashed over national security issues late on Tuesday in a debate highlighted by several feisty exchanges between top tier candidates, VOA reported. The debate in Las Vegas, Nevada, took place with less than two months before the Iowa caucuses - the crucial, first nominating event of the primary election season. The early part of the debate focused on frontrunner

Uganda facing HIV drugs shortage, govt seeks cash for imports

ganda is suffering a shortage of imported drugs to treat HIV victims due to a weak currency and insufficient foreign exchange but the government is raising funds to cover the shortfall, a senior finance ministry official said. According to Reuters, health activists said about 240,000 patients on publicly funded treatment programmes are at risk because of the shortage, forcing them to take lower dosages or none at all. Some activists said they were concerned the government was spending too much on measures designed to help

them win presidential and parliamentary elections in February rather than on medicines. Officials denied the charge. In Uganda about 1.5 million people, or about 4 per cent of the population, is living with the HIV virus, of which about 820,000 receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs that help prevent the infection turning into full-blown AIDS. “We’re preparing to secure a loan of $200 million and we hope that will be able to plug the funding gap,” Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Keith Muhakanizi told Reuters, denying the state was neglecting HIV victims. He said the depreciation of Uganda’s shilling currency,

which has lost almost 19 per cent of its value against the dollar so far this year, had caused problems with financing drug imports. Activists said the government had failed to release enough funds in the period October to December, leading to shortages. As well as affecting those on the drugs, others wanting to start treatment are being forced to wait, they said. Alice Kayongo Mutebi, a regional policy and advocacy manager at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said “drug holidays” - when a patient stops taking prescribed medication - could spur the development of drug-resis-

Libya warring factions to sign peace deal today — UN The signing of a long-delayed peace deal between Libya’s warring factions has been pushed back again to Thursday (today) because of logistical problems, a United Nations spokesman said on Wednesday. Representatives from Libya’s two rival factions were due to agree the U.N.backed accord on Wednesday after months of wrangling and opposition from

hardliners in both camps. The pact called for a unity government to bring together two rival administrations and parliaments that have emerged four years after revolt ousted Muammar Gaddafi. “It (the signing) will be delayed for logically reasons until tomorrow,” the U.N. spokesman said. Libya has one internationally-recognized administra-

tion in the east and a selfdeclared one that took over the capital after fighting erupted last year. Each is backed by competing armed factions. Western officials hope that even if the agreement faces opposition, that war fatigue, worries over Libya’s economy, promises of international aid and the common threat of Islamic State militants will help bring critics

otherNEWS

Salvation is free, pope says, warns against Holy Year fraudsters Pope Francis on Wednesday warned Catholics against fraudsters who would have them pay to pass through “Holy Doors” at cathedrals around the world, a ritual in the Church’s current Jubilee year, Reuters reported. “Be careful. Beware anyone who might be a little fast and very clever who tells you have to pay. No! You don’t pay for salvation.

It is free,” he said in unscripted remarks to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square for weekly audience. During the year-long celebrations that began last week and are one of the most important events in the 1.2 billion-member Church, the faithful will make pilgrimages to Rome and other religious sites around the world, mostly local cathedrals.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni

tant HIV strains. “Is government neglecting key priorities like health, education and procurement of life-saving commodities, splurging instead on (election) campaigns?” said Asia Russell, Uganda-based executive director at Health GAP, an HIV advocacy group. “These questions have to be answered,” she said. Activists called for a protest this week to highlight the problem but police banned it. One officer said it was not necessary “since government is aware of the problem”. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, in office for nearly 30 years, and his ruling party are expected to sweep the polls in February, although he faces tougher competition than before.

Donald Trump’s call to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States, following several recent terrorist attacks. The reality television star and real estate developer defended the proposal as common sense, insisting “we are not talking about religion, we are talking about security.” “People like what I say. People respect what I say. And we’ve opened up a very big discussion that needed to be opened up,” Trump said. Though many Republican leaders have criticised Trump’s Muslim ban, most candidates on Tuesday appeared reluctant to directly confront Trump on the issue. Despite widely being seen as a poor performer during the five Republican debates, Trump has opened up a massive lead in most national opinion polls. Trump’s success even as the primary elections draw closer has rattled many in the GOP establishment, who are concerned he may either win the nomination or mount a third party presidential bid. When asked by a debate moderator on Tuesday

Muslim ban proposal: Malala says Trump is full of hatred Nobel peace prize winner and Pakistani Muslim, Malala Yousafazi, has hit out at Donald Trump’s plan to ban followers of her religion from coming to America.

Malala Yousafazi

China’s president says internet users must be free to speak their minds Chinese citizens should have the right to speak their minds on the internet, president Xi Jinping has claimed, just two days after a prominent free speech advocate was put on trial for sending seven tweets. According to the Guardian, peaking at the start of a major Beijingorganised conference on the internet, Xi said it was crucial his nation’s 670 million internet users

whether he is ready to commit to not running as an independent if he does not win the Republican nomination, Trump replied: “I’ll be honest. I really am.” Trump in September held a press conference to rule out a third party run, but has since said he will reconsider if he feels he is not treated fairly by other Republicans. In recent weeks, Texas Senator Ted Cruz has emerged as one of Trump’s main challengers, especially in Iowa, where many polls even place him in the lead over Trump. Cruz has famously refused to publicly criticize his rival, and on Tuesday directed his ire against President Barack Obama and his military campaign against the Islamic State group. The Texas senator accused Obama of waging a “photo opp” war against Islamic State. He again repeated his threat to “carpet bomb” extremists in Iraq and Syria. “If elected, we will hunt down and kill the terrorists,” Cruz said. “We will utterly destroy ISIS. We will stop the terrorist attacks before they occur because we will not be politically correct.”

enjoyed online “freedom,” despite widespread censorship and the blocking of many foreign internet services including Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia and Instagram. “As in the real world, freedom and order are both necessary in cyberspace,” Xi told the opening of the so-called world internet conference, taking place over three days in Wuzhen, a town in eastern China.

Mail Online reported that Malala, 18, who was shot in the head on a school bus by Taliban fighters after advocating education for Muslim women, called the Republican frontrunner’s comments “tragic” and “full of hatred.” Speaking at an event to remember 141 people killed during a terror attack on a school in Peshawar last year, she said it would be “unfair” to ban all Muslims because of the actions of a few terrorists. Asked about Trump, Malala said: “Well, that’s really tragic that you hear these comments which are full of hatred, full of this ideology of being discriminative towards others. “It will be very unfair, very unjust that we associate 1.6 billion with a few terrorist organisations,” she added, quoting the number of people who follow Islam worldwide. Trump has been lambasted in Britain after claiming in subsequent interviews that parts of London are so radicalised that police fear to go there.

Thursday, 17 December, 2015

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Ruling on Lulu’s case shifted to Feb 16 Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice F.S. Chukwu, on Tuesday, failed to deliver its ruling on the no-case submission made by a former President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, with two of his executive members, Amanze Uchegbulam and Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and a former Secretary General of the Federation, Dr Bolaji Ojo-Oba. They were dragged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2010 over allegations bordering on corruption while they were at the helm at affairs of the NFF. On resumption of hearing on November 5, 2015, the defence counsel further reiterated their position, pleading with the court to dismiss the case and discharge and acquit their clients. Mr Ashaolu (SAN), the prosecution counsel, on his part prayed that the court rule in favour of the prosecution with a view to making the accused persons answer the charges proffered against them.

Lulu

Having listened to the submission of both the prosecution and defence, Justice Chukwu adjourned the matter to December 15 for ruling on the no-case submission. However, when the case resumed on Tuesday, Justice F.S. Chukwu stunned everyone, saying he was not in the position to give ruling on the no-case submission. According to the judge, the court registrar only gave

him the case file barely 10 minutes before the case was called, declaring that he needed time to study the case before he could rule on the matter. “I am not in the position to make any ruling on this case today (Wednesday) or give judgment on it because my registrar gave me the case file barely 10 minutes ago. I need enough time therefore to study it before I can give my ruling,” Justice Chukwu stated. He, therefore, fixed February 16, 2016 for ruling on the defence’ on the no-case submission after consultation with both parties in the case.

Siasia

Siasia can win Rio Olympics soccer gold —Bonfrere Jo

ORMER Nigeria coach, Johannes Bonfrere believes Samson Siasia can lead the Dream Team VI to win the 2016 Olympics men’s football gold. Siasia last weekend guided Nigeria’s Dream Team to win the 2015 African U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal. Nigeria failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics after crashing out in the group stage of the Africa U-23 championship in Morocco. According to the Dutch who led the Dream Team to win the gold at Atlanta ‘96 Olympics, Siasia has what it takes to lead the team to win the 2016

Olympics gold in Brazil with adequate preparation. “To be honest, I don’t know much about the team, but I believe Samson can help them win the gold medal in Rio,” Bonfrere said. “He has done well with the youth sides in the past and his experience will be vital for Nigeria in Brazil.

“But there are a lot of things that will still come into play, like getting a good draw and preparing well for the competition. “If they are lucky and get things right, they can win it again.” It will be recalled that Siasia led Nigeria to a silver medal finish at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Lagos Gov’s Cup Tennis: Nigerians bow out NO Nigerian player made it to the quarter-finals of the second leg (Futures 4) of the ongoing 15th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

In the second round games played on Wednesday, Sylvester Emmanuel lost to Fabio Reboul of France 6-2, 6-4 in the men’s singles, as Takanyi Garanganga of Zimbabwe stopped Nigerian Joseph Imeh Ubon 6-4, 6-2, while Umaru Balami could not survive the heat from

tournament number six seed, Antal Van Der Duim from The Netherlands as he lost 2-6, 1-6 to also crash out of the ITF-sanctioned $80,000 prize money tournament. Number two seed, South African Llyod Harris defeated Swiss player, Jessy

Kalambay 6-3, 6-3 to set up a quarter final clash with Reboul. Meanwhile, the only Nigerian lady in the second round, Blessing Samuel was also sent packing as she lost to Tessah Andrianjafitrimo of France in a one-sided match which ended in 6-0, 6-0.

FIFA agent signs 6 Amosun’s Uplift players By Doyin Adeoye

Wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun (front row, third from left) at the signing of the UPLIFT football players, in Slovenia.

SIX Uplift Football Team players that benefited from the UPLIFTing Under-15 Grassroots Football programme organised by the wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun in 2013 have been signed on by a FIFA authorised agent. The contract of mandate with the agent, Miljan Stevanovic, was signed in Miren, Slovenia, with the aim of placing them in top

European clubs that have been showing interests in them since 2013. Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Mrs Amosun, who is also the founder and president of Uplift Development Foundation, described the event as a “landmark,” adding that “the event marks the beginning of a journey of their desire to attain greater heights in their professional career. “It is a new beginning in their lives and their foot-

ball career. We have just authorised a FIFA agent to look for opportunities on behalf of the players. Beyond this, in the course of the week, the players would be playing for scouts from different clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan and others to watch them in action, with the aim of signing them on permanently. As a mother, it’s nice to see that two years down the line, it is requested that the players should come back,” she said.

tribunepools

DR. J.K POOLS – 07039275802

(24XX250 8 – 16 – 30 – 31 – 33 Last week again, I boasted in this my column and also text message into my enrolled – customers that they will smile to Christmas. Yes, Dr JK pools on coupon have done its best. Really more wonders are still coming as in did in the defunct sporting OBSERVER of the late 40s by scoring 3/3, 4/5 and 5/5. I enjoined all desired winning Stakers to watch out particularly those who are on my list of enrolment. New customer can still enroll with N5, 000. For your information my forecast through text message to my customers are different. Last week check Tribune and then my enrolled customers had. 31x 40x 46x 46. All drew also in my publication number 10 – 12 – 14 and 40 drew (4 games) now, enroll with N5, 000 before the registration fee is linked to N50, 000. Now pick two bankers from 8 – 16 – 30 – 31 – 33 and add to the above bracket games. Good luck says DR. JK POOLS.

THOMAS NAP – 08069759520

Week 22 – 05 + 10 = 15 x x x NAP Week 23 – 02 + ? = X x x x NAP Our Xmas gift to all stakers started last week on additional scheduled Naps. Win with us this week with only N20,000 = welcome and Good luck

LUCKYMAN 08054352685

19XBK A VALUABLE BEST PLUS 2 SURE DRAWS COST N2000 MTN CARD Seasons greetings celebrate Xmas in a big way grab our 3 sure draws and celebrate Xmas in a big way call now and win big fortune for Xmas celebrations 19xbk

6 MUST 7 THE –LILIES 08086944309

XMAS BONANZA ON SALE Now On Sale Our 3 Jackpot And A Pair For Xmas Celebrations Celebrate Xmas With Raw Cash At Hand Send N1500 Mtn Card For 3 Unfailing Jackpot For Xmas 6 Must 7

45XXX48 SIR BRAKA 08078052128

Win Ig Jackpot For Yuletide Season Send N1000 Glo Card For 3 Napable Draws

MISTER DRAW 08030415683

Bradford City To Hold Chesterfield Plus 2 Super Draws Cost N2000 Mtn Card Celebrate Xmas In A Big Way Call Now And Hit On Fortune Pools

NEW CURRENT INFORMATION KEY

09038633666=18XX 32XX Wk22 blue = stoke No 10x 12x 14x 15x with 30x 31x Wk 22 blue 2012 = stoke No 5x 23x 24x 39x with. 31x 32x Wk22 blue 2014 = stoke No 4x 17x 33x 36x with. 48f 49 Wk23 blue = 2015 = No Nap . Nap Nap with. 18. 32. Key every week 22 blue. Bank stoke to deaw wk 22 No 10.10.10 plus. 3. Others cost N6,000 to deaw every wk 23 RED bank no 18. 32. To draw Wk 32 No 18.32 plus 3. Others wk 23 No 18.32. plus. 3. Others cost N6,000 Wk 23 = 2012 No 10x 11x 23x 47x with 18x 32x Wk 23 = 2013 No 12x 25x 26x 38x with. 18x 32x wk 23 RED 2014 No 15x 25x 39x with. 18x 32x wk 23 RED = 2015 NO Nap Nap Nap Nap with. 18.32. Hurry up . to bet your copy to pay = 09038633666.

MID – WEEK GIVES 16/17 (08087176217)

Your Juicy Mid – Week was off target as we failed to separate the 7xx/8 pair correctly. We were sure No 8 was better than No 7xx but the result proved otherwise, not to worry. We shall not make that mistake again. Punters are advised to use 16/17 maximally this week and add them to our 1BK draw for unfailing 2/3. Our 1 BK cost only N1,500.00, 2Drws cost N3,000.00 and 3 sure draws this week sell for N10,000.00 on 08087176217 Be a winner!

OLOWO – 08153005200

5X NAP – NAP – NAP = 4/4 On Saturday. As we decided to open draws in week 22 blue you must win and become a millionaire before the end of this year. Last week 22, I commanded coupon Nos – 5x 7x 9f for 2 draws and it drew, to show that we are authentic. Week 23 clear draws are set and cost N50,000 cash. Call Olowo for the bank details. Good luck

Sir Michael Nap (3 pair 4) 08130011263

Congratulation, our last week release got 5xx, 10x, 46xx 3/3. Another 3/3 this week cost just N15,000.00 call for account no. or mode of payment.

Thursday, December 17 - 23 2015

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE THE WINNERS CHOICE get a copy and win

MBA EXPERT – 08104694618 PAIR 42 XX 39

All that happened to week 22 release should be taken in good faith. Just one among the numerous callers last week now threatens fire and brimstone over inability to win as if pools compilers are liable where no bond of agreement was signed. That adage it is better than ever still hold. Abeokuta, Akure and other callers last week have another Grace this week 23 for compensation draws free to regain their losses pools bettings in for matured men. Good luck

SOLOMON RESORT (RESCUE TEAM) 09091111800

Week 22-10x 18x 46xx. 12x 13x free = 5/5 (25xx38 fresh served juicy nap on 2/2 years winning programme = (bi – annual fixed nap) blackpool – peterboro 2011 – 2013 and 2015 Week 4, 2011 - 05x 28x 39xxx – 11drs Week 35, 2013 – 12x 32x 43xxx - 9drs Week 23, 2015 – x x x – 25/38 – 10drs The 2 dates of play added together to play the game on top – wk 4 = 13 + 14 = 27F (26xx) Wk 35’ 2013 – 16 +17 = 33 to play 32x, wk. 23’ 2015 – 19+20 = 39 to play 38xx – but … Call the wise Solomon resort rescue team to add good taste & value to you Xmas celebrations (MILLIONAIRE ABODE) N50, 000 AGAIN. THE WISE MEN CHOICE. GOOD LUCK

OBINYAN DESTROYS PROMOTERS WITH REBEL GAMES

The doyen of pools forecast in Africa, Prince Willy Ehi Obinyan was in his element last week as he released Eight rebel games to destroy promoters completely and enhance the most enjoyable Xmas and New Year for stakers. In fulfilling his earlier promise for the week, the most celebrated compilers in Africa released 7x 12xx 13xx 14xx 15xx 21xx 40xx 46xx to stakers to close 2015 year on the happiest note. Speaking to our Pools Editor on the landmark performance, Prince Obinyan said that the best is yet to come, adding that what he did is just a tip of the iceberg. He therefore enjoined stakers to continue to patronize his fortune papers such as the New Dream, Pools Telegraph, Zetters Pools Guide, Murphy Sports, Shoot Pointers and Final Result. Prince Obinyan declared that his papers would made many stakers millionaires very soon.

GRACE & MERCY VENTURES 07019154754, 08092621593 (37 X 47)

WEEK 22 – 14X 15X 31XXX 3/3 – ALT 18X Winning is by choice not by force CONGRATULATION TO OUR TEN WISE MEN POOL BETTING IN WK 22 BUSSINESS IS NOT “ TERRA – NULLIUS” ( No man’s business) pool betting business owning by some people, before you can become successful in pool betting from Genue source our week 22 “ Bazoka bullet 3 draws that led the “money – bags” promoters to cough out millions of Naira to our ten wise men are 14 – 15 – 31xxx = pairs 18 / 19, these ten wise men need not to re-enroll again – just pay your dues into the AlC with you, and call on us for confirmation, the door of opportunity still open to Another Ten men to meet up our targeted people ( as first come first serve once will get the New Ten people will are going to stop. Enrolled. Remember that the day you stop tallen a ”risk “ because you are afraid of “risk taking “ you are at the greater risk of your life. According to Abraham Lincoln – it is not whether God is on our side, my greatest concern is to be on Gods side, for God is always right, it is not by might it is not by power, but it is by geniue is on information wk23, wk24, wk25 registration take a bold step and smile to your Xmass and New year. A word is enough for the wise good will An axiom in philosophy are no axioms until they are prove upon their purses, we have demonstrated that among the Black legs there are still few honest ones. We have prove ourself in wk22 beyond reasonable doubts wk the casers wife who live above the suspicions. Na lie, Na lie, Now turn to Na true, Na true, don’t be a promoter “goat” you are playing pool every week and you haven’t won 10 kobo, people are calling you “Baba pool” by your neighbours take need to my instructions join the winning team. God bless you.

BEST BARGAIN INTERNATIONAL - 08092621480

DR. SAN J – 07038878227

WITH LIVE DRAWS AT NOS. 24XX 25XX. (19 PAIR 20) (33 PAIR 35) = ‘X’ Call now for the 3 draws with keys for weeks 23, 24 and 25. Good luck

WK 22 = 10XX 26 46XX WK23 = 22CBK + OTHERS (No 26 which was removed in the last minute of the extra time saved many promoters last week as our game played 2/3 with 10xx, 26, 46xx. This was a repeat of what happened last year. During our annual week 22 to week 25 releases last year , we got 4/4 in week 23, 2/3 in week 24 and 4/4 in week 25. Now , with our 2015/2016 releases getting 2/3 in week 22, the road is clear for week 23 to week 25 releases to get 4/4 each week unfailingly. therefore, this week 23 , millwall must draw with Gillingham on coupon no 22, with other fixed draws as pointed out by the pools panel to ensure that stakers win millions in the next three weeks interested staker should get in touch with me on 08092621480 for us to discuss on the mode of payment . You just need to pay some money to your commitment for this week and the game will be sent to you after the confirmation of your payment. All categories of staker who need money for the Xmas and new year are invited to participate in this annual winning

DR. B4. DR. IS BACK – 08062748396

XMAS BONUS SOCCER SYSTEM - 08162705220 = NO 6XX BK

DOSA – 08072216644 12 PAIR 13

WK 23 RED NO KEY 6 NAP NAP NAP NAP = 4/4 N6,000 WK 09 BROWN NO KEY 6X 14X 22X 32X = 4/4 N6,000 WK 14 BLUE NO KEY 6X 13X 20X 37X = 4/4 N6,000 WK 19 RED NO KEY 6X 15X 29X 39X = 4/4 N6,000 WK 23 RED NO KEY 3 RED RED RED = 4/4 N6,000 Key: anytime letter c set at home No 20 bank Niger No 6.6.6. to draw plus 4 others cost N6,000 following wk 24 purple to control 4 special draws cost N10,000. Bank Wycombe to draw wk 24 No NAP NAP NAP. 42 KE N10,000 wk 10 Wycombe no 38x 19x 20x 43x wk 15 Wycombe No 39x 11x 12x 38x wk 20. Wycombe No 42x 14x 19x 36x wk 24. Wycombe No 42 NAP NAP NAP = 4/4 N10,000 send MTN card to 08162705220. The game will send to you by Text Message.

OLA – CITY WK 24 XMAS Bonanza

Sure of getting 3 draws connect Week 23 Pairs 11xxx 17xxx Phone 08140575314, 08085005634 The Compiler of Ola – City International and Sir Waddy Naps assures Stakers and all registered members of hid 3 Xmas Draws for week 24 cost N10, 000 cash which is already at hand to get 3 draws connect. All interested Stakers that pay for week 24 release will receive it on Monday 21/12/2015 because of Public Holiday. Pay your N10, 000 cash to First bank Plc. In the name of OLAFENWA R. OLA – CITY account No. 3033318854 and collect the draws on phone on Monday after confirmation of your payment.

ACHIEVER INTER 08034097902

NAP :- 16xx PLUS ‘2’ OTHERS (P – A - R) As we did in Wk ‘10’ Against Wk 11 & 12 In the current Year 2015/2016, our current setting key Weeks 22 Against Week 23 & 24 with authentic draws. We therefore Congratulation You in Advance as Your fortune is assured by the Great compiler of Achiever Inter, Investment LTD. The current key :- Heart VS Abeerden OR Abeerden VS Heart On no ‘47’ in blue colour :- HULL at Home xx, date Saturday plus 2 games under X Congratulation to all callers in Wk ‘22’ with nos 12xx, 13xx, 14xx, and 17xx score 3/4 . Away team no ‘25’ in blue to meet Wigan IN Red to draw plus 2 others. Check WK ‘10’ Against Wk ‘11’ & ‘12’ in Wk ‘11’, OLDHAM Vs Wigan no 22xx plus ‘2’ Others make 3/3 draws in WK ‘12’ again score 3/3 Any Wk 23 BARNSLEY Vs Wigan on nos :- 16xx plus 2 others on payment after result N1,000,000. Plus your voters card And your (I.D CARD) OR N20,000 cash. call 08034097902 (OR) 08057309501. Call for account details.

12X 13X 14X 15XXX – ANOTHER SHOW DOWN (37 X 38) Last week we add to promoters woes with 12x 13x 14x 15x as we did in week 11 of 11 draws. Infact we were expecting the same number of draws but the Sunday matches spoilt the odd in Lagos and Ibadan to half payment while other promoters in Abuja, Portharcourt, Enugu and Republic of Benin paid in full. Now, they don’t have any hidden place again as my men are out to unveiled draws for your Xmas celebration – N50,000

WEEK 22 = 18XX 30XX 31XX (29 PAIR 39) Christmas bonus draws continue this week 23 as Dosa present another 3 good nap draws and i hot pair. Those that bought my game last week are now in money because the 3 naps resulted in draws. Send to Dosa N5,000 MTN recharge card for week 23 draws and be in money during this Christmas period. Thanks.

NIDAS– 08033510149 (1X 5X)

Xmas gift to all fans. Nidas international is rolling out 3 secret draws with the above 2 games above for at least 4 or 5 draws cost N25,000 cash. Membership registration is still in progress with a deposit of N250,000. Pay cash to U.B.A a/c No 2023019865 for ADENIYI ADESIDA. Good luck

DR. JACKSON –

08156829811 (24XX25)

S. S. S. S on Numbers. 24 and 25 2015/2016 NEW WINNING GAZETT ON 3 SURE DRAWS FOR XMAS Scunthrope – Sheff. United Shrewsbury – Swindon Congrats the above current winning sequence is for all wise and winning desired Stakers choice. No 2 two ways, your winning is assured again with the most reliable Dr Jackson fixed gazette win N25,000.00 = now.

tribunepools

ZENITH NEW DREAM – 08146879314 (5 & 6)

10X30X39 – 10X30X40 Our last week Hamilton Home 49 had 10x 30x as bankers and 39 PAIR 40. Thanks to God and our Reliable Experts. Another WINNING WEEK AT ZENITH (Again) RED – RED – RED SOUTHAMPTON ON NUMBER = 05 Week 15 – 11x 24x 32xxx- 5x6x Week 19 - 15x 29x 34xxx 5xx6 Week 23 - X X X - 5xx6 We are now firing from all cylinders to assure your good win – Let’s go Zenith of wealth at Xmas. N50, 000 – fresh–clients.

SUNDERLAND SYSTEM (27. 36). 09038460009=

4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 22 NO 12X 13X 21X 30X WITH 14X 15X 4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 23 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP WITH 4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 24 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP= N6, 000 Two Bankers N3000 Wk 23 NO 10X 12X PAIR 14X 15X Two Bankers N3000 Wk 23 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Two Bankers N3000 Wk 24 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP Time to win pool this wk 23 Sunderland system 4 special draws this wk 23 play 4/4 correct hurry to get your copy today two Bankers cost N3000 wk 22 No 22 NO 10X 12X PAIR 14X 15X. 4 Bankers wk 23 CUP CUP CUP CUP Send MTN Card 09038460009.

MADAM – HILLARY

08163902230 05 SURE 02

Letter ‘W’ at home 49 as it was in week 21 of 14 draw that played – 18x 29x 43xx 6x is set again this week to play its 3 correct draws and pair on Southampton and Leicester = our new contact with the overseas trips we made is to enrich you to Xmas. Get celebrated to Xmas = N25,000 = Unregretable fee. (sure Investment)

THE CYRIL 08154836338. (WINNING DIRECTOR)

CONGRATULATION = ANNUAL PRE XMAS NAP— 38 MUST 39 WEEK23–2013–06X 18X 32XXX WEEK23–2014–01X 25X 30XXX WEEK23–2015–X X X–38 & 39 Records are kept by the wise. So our remindal annual PRE- XMAS NAP is a must= N25, 000= reduced.

The paymaster on the march again

08052207802 Hot 44 or 49.

Wk 22 = 18x, 31x, 40x. pair 12x, 13x. The paymaster and Nigeria’s foremost pools compiler, Dr. M.M. promise is on the march again with 3/3 and 5/5 guaranteed winning Nap on 18x, 31x, 40x. pair 12x, 13x, in week 22. The guaranteed unstoppable winning Naps will continue in weeks 23, and 24, cost N50,000 cash weekly payable at UBA, to Dr. Maxwell M. promise, accts No. 1003610591. Phone 08052207802. This is your chance, grab it and win now.

AUTHORITY NAP –

09030084552 (02 MUST 05)

EVERTON MUST SOUTHAMPTON the 2 premiership giants that form a lease pair and 3 other fixed draw for your Xmas. Call Authority for your sure Nap now. Good luck

JOSEPH RESUMPTION

( STAKERS CHOICE) 08167278061 = 20X38. COVENTRY – OLDHAM AND ALDERSHOT – GUISELEY. Week 23 – XXX – 20X38X Joseph resumption winning programme is scheduled for Xmas & New Year celebrations our trade mark is winning – that is why we remain stakers choice - where new millionaire emerges weekly.

KAMARK SUPER –

08186673842 (6x 7x 26x 35x)

Yes, my RED to RED Nap is set to play 3 over 3 with the KEY perfectly set on ROTHERHAM VS HULL. All interested winning desired stakers are to pay in favour of Mr. S. B. Odesola. account no 0001361916. At IBTC Bank. – Nap is N7500 while the permutation is N6500 = call for more details.

HERITAGE NAP -

08032428168 (24 MUST 26)

As the 2015/2016 U.K Football Season continue with winnings, the above pair must also supply this week with other gazette draws. Join the experts and stop losing your money. For your Xmas and New year celebration, we are the real compilers to give you the draws. The game costs N25,000.

WINNING GALORE – 08077887876

NAP – 01X 12X 34XXX Free to enable you buy our special week 24 release cost N25,000 after week 23 result for week 24 draws. Call 08077887876

EDITOR’S PLACE 2 6 x 38

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL – 09099968585. 24 – 25 – 26 – 27 = 37X 38X 39X =

Chelsea in another trouble with Sunderland visit this Saturday. Now, Morinho have no excuse for any defeat at Stanford bridge this week even if he will need the assistance of the English talisman all he has to do is an outright win against Sunderland. Last week was stakers week of bountify harrest of winnings – keep the winning spirit high visit De pleiad DE Maxwell draws clinic for another win for Xmas TOKEN MANAGER.

MR. SOLUTION – (SILENT ACHIEVER) - 08072974729

WEEK 22 FINAL NAP on WESTBROM and WEST HAM HOME 10 from weeks 20 to 22 Week 20 – 10 x 30 x 46xxx – Week 21 – 10 x 30 x 46xxx – Week 22 - 10 x 30 x 46xxx – Congratulations all our Esteem clients that made millions from our 3 weeks scheduled numbers as NAP (draws). Our week 23 Nap is to prepare all our new intending clients for another 3 weeks show down to NEW YEAR on ‘LEEDS and MILTON K.D on Nos. – 18 and 19. Now, your Xmas week 23 Nap is a MUST for all winning desired and destine Stakers. Merry Xmas and Prosperous New Year in advance – with to Xmas cost – N50, 000 (NEW) regulars – N250, 000 – Welcome & Good luck.

NAZAR MASTER HAPPY FOR STAKERS

Nazar Master Pools Company Limited, Ibadan, Oyo state has expressed its happiness over the winnings on its odds for Week 22, saying stakers would have enough money to celebrate the Xmas and the New Year. The Leading Pools company in Ibadan, Oyo State in general and environs expressed this in a statement made available to TRIBUNE POOLS during the week. According to NAZAR Master, “we are indeed happy for stakers for the over – winning on our odds for Week 22. We are also happy to declare that all winnings have been paid to the last kobo. We are not owing anybody. Stakers should continue to bet on our fixed odd and Treble chance”.

Triple Spice Again on The Proud with (12xx)

45 – 46xx in the IBK series ………. Now gives 5 – 6 (08035324990) Your indomitable Triple Spice international was again on the score sheet with No (12xx) and 45/46xx as pair, giving air customers 2/3 as promised. In week 21, we sold No (22xx) 9/10xx which also yielded 2/3. We advised that you stick with responsible, reliable and credible compilers who well guarantee you regular winning. Be sure you do now! Our IBK sells for only N1, 500.00, draws, all with pair cost N15,000.00 on 08035324990. You are a sure winner!

UNCLE J.J HOPE 2015 = (08103222635 = NO = 31XX BK

WEEK 22 BLUE NO. 10x 14x 30x 46x= N6,000 key – OPEN your current Record wk4 to wk 5 = wk6 to wk7. Wk15 to wk16 and wk21 to wk22. Opponent of mancity and NO4 to meet in wk5 to draw wk5 key No 9x 12x 13x 22x = 4/4 wk6. Opponent Mancity Yandaway tam No 4 to meet in wk7 to draw plus. 3. Others cost N6, 000 wk 15 Opponet of Mancity and away team No 4 to meet in wk16 to fraw plus.3. others cost N6,000 wk16 key No 2x 16x 17x 30x = 4/4 wk 21. Opponent of mancity and away team No 4 to meet in wk 22 blue plus 3 others cost N6,000 wk 22. Blue key 10x 14x 30x 46x 4/4 wk 23 Red key every week23 red. Bank Hartlepool fraw plus 3. Others cost N7,500 wk23 RED Mo 31. Nap Nap Nap = 4/4 cost N7,500 send M.T.N card = the game will send to your by Text message.AGENT. to handle Lagos bigwin office No 237, Agege motor Road Mushin Bus Stop. Mushin Lagos. AGENT Ibadan Mr. Biodun opposite Cocoa House. beside Dental clinic, Dugbe. Ibadan.

MADAM DE MADAM = 08023329191 = 39x38

WOMEN’S WORLD ON LET’S WIN TOGETHER 10X 30X 40XXX – CHARLTON = 13 X 15 = 5/5 NAP WEST HAM, STOKE, SHREWBURY, MANSFIELD = CHARLTON/15 Reference to week 22 – 2014/15 and week 22 2015/2916 as quoted last week. LET’S WIN TOGETHER WINNING CONTD. Week 23 2014/15 – x x x – YORK / 38 Week 23 2015/16 – x x x – YORK / 38 Good winning information or performance needed less talk. Our recent oversea trip was successful with our performances. Promoters once Media manager for your assured win this week. (Mr. Joshua) – N50, 000.

WISDOM WIN (AGAIN) – 07088103080

10X 30X 31XXX 40X PAIR 41X 2 WEEKS DIRECT SHOTS WOLVES ON WEEK OF PLAY in week 21 and 22. Week 21 – 10X 30X 31XXX – 41X - 14 draws Week 22 – 10X 30X 31XXX – 40X - 14 draws Thank God for the success of our 14 draws each week NAPS. Southampton on stoke at home confirmed our week 23 fixed Nap again. win with wisdom Naps - N25, 000

ADEOTI SYNDICATE OF NIGERIA. 07051327960

GIANT PAIR IN EVERY WK 23 ( If SET) BRADFORD cx30x I am sorry for second week of our release out of 3 weeks operation I promise fail to stakers and my syndicate that this week 23 will supply atleast 4 draws on Saturday by the name of god. We will celebrate Xmas with Happyness. Amen. In every week 23 of the season. COVENTRY at Home. BRADFORD c on top of COVENTRY Home or away. BRADFORD c and Nos 30 must play one with 3 others. Lasr year result is Nos. 15x 25x 37f pair = 17x 30x 4/5. For this week game pay your money to AHMED SHAFIRI A/C Nos. 2001788431. ZENITH BANK IBADAN. N10, 000 CASH. All members should Expect their New year Gift in wk 25 thanks. Merry Xmas in Advance.

AKIN MR. AKIN – 07067202291 - 24xx26

Week 22 CARDIFF ON DATE & WEEK OF PLAY 11 – 11 weeks minus one win – (NAP). Week 11 – 8x 22x 41x - 15x 4/4 Week 22 – 7x 21x 40x - 15x 4/4 Pools is no longer a child’s play or winning on mere forecast but strictly on Experts and Pools Panel decisions on draws fixing. Week 23 win is no 10 – 10 weeks gazette. Week 13 – 8draws – week 23 = 10draws. N25, 000 – free win. 2 Experts in one

3SYNDICATE= 08139714848= 5 NAP 6

3 Speciall Draws N6, 000 Wk 22 No 12x 13x 14x with 30x 31x 3 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 23 2015 No CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN with cup cup cup= 6/6 3 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 24 No CHAIN draws cost N6, 000= Wk 25 No CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN with CHAIN CHAIN Wk 21 No NAP NAP NAP= 3/3 with CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN Send MTN Card 08139714848

IKECHUKWU – (PROMOTERS ENEMY) 08168157259

(25 – 26) (38 – 39) (5 – 20) XMASS WIN from the stable of Ikechukwu (promoters Enemy) to all winning desired stakers. Absolutely free. Win now our NEW YEAR Nap cost N100, 000. Be prepared.

NJOROGE MR ASSURANCE - 38 MUST 39

08177474535 = 39XX38 ALDERSHOT MUST BRAINTREE. Congratulations to all our callers last week that we gave 13x 15x 21x as free pre xmas gift . now this wek xmas Nap is to enrich our steady fast clients and to appreciates their years patronage. Merry Xmas. Welcome to Assurance family - N25,000

WEEK 22 XRAY

Unlimited winnings from our compilers desk to their stakers that put many Promoters on toes. Many of them go Bankrupt. They’ve just started promised our Pool page compilers. Dr. J.K Pools fulfilled is promised on 4 draws , Leke internation did well on 3 draws, while Solomon resort, Sunderland , Madam De Madam, Shadow, The paymaster, 22 code, Olowo and Modupe excelled on 2 bankers series. Our pair managers for the week were Madam Hillay, Women compiler, Dr B4 Dr Mid week Zenith, Wisdom, Akin Mr Akin, Professor one Bk, Ikechukwu and the Grace & Mercy Venture Nap.

WEEK 23 STATUS LKO - 04 ‑ SUNDAY - 13 ‑ VOID - 39

Thursday, December 17 - 23 2015 MODUPE (08033566694) 12- 35- 36. 2drs Call for super winning now.

EMIRATES WIN

07088103080 (26 SURE 39)

Leeds, Leeds, Leeds on date of play. LEEDS ON DATE OF PLAY. Controls 3 fixed matches as draws with the above pair for a minimum win of 4/5. Our last week winners are now their Bank account managers friends. You too can board Emirate flight this week. Win with us – N25,000 (Xmas fee)

DR. JACKSON – 08156829811 (24XX25)

SHORT – GUN

08050614477/08168241920 30 HOT 43 We are set again to put smile on the faces of stakers with our most reliable pair above which must supply this week with other fixed draws. Don’t be one of the doubting Thomases who will always Lament after the result. Join us today to win millions. The game costs N25,000

Leke international Naps now set (09091798611) Bank No 47 plus 2 others wk 22 FREE KEY PLAYED 7x-14x-18x. Attention to all Nigerian staker .Winning pools is not by guess work , winning is by authentic correct key ! nos 7x, 14x, 18x, drew last week as the free key to my special releases in weeks 23 & 24 . oppurtunity comes but once . Week

23 releases of 3 direct nap cost N50,000 cash. Week 24 will cost N100,000 cash . All payment at GT Bank to funmilayo Sunday R. acct No : 0029299275. Call 09091798611. please do not ask for free Nap.

Women compilers forum releases 08052503889 (Sure pair 33,34)

Wk 22 = 5x, 7X, 13 x. pair 15x, 17f . this is to inform the general staking releases for weeks 23 and 24 cost N10,000 cash per week. the release for the week 22 played 5x, 7x,13x pair 15x,17f. congrats. pay cash at UBA , to Mrs Omoyeni Ibrahim accts no 2027165320, call 08052503889.

MADAM EMILIA – 08168523407

The winners CHOICE The winning line for week 23 — 7, 8, 24, 26, 35. Expectation, Disappointment, patience works together for better tomorrow, the year is not over yet until it is over you will not miss out, join us in week 24 and 25 3nd round of F.A. cup with 3 over 3 sure, cost N15, 000.00 each week good luck call for more information.

Again fortune Donor on Target with (No 14xx )

last week as we offer 46/47 .. (08099111828) The selfless and hardworking fortune Donor international was again on Target last week in the IBK group on No 14xx. This is just to maintain our preminence with in the IBK series. We are not in competition with anybody Don’t compare us with anybody. The taste justifies the mood and conversely, the mood justified the taste! Our IBK still sells for only N1,500.00, 2 des cost N3, 000.00 and 3 good draws sell for N10, 000.00 on 08099111828 lets continues the winning streaks!.

PETER NAP 19 pair 20, 19xxcbk 08076546261

The ever green odd week system that got 4xx, 10xx, 26xx 3/3 in week 21 must get it again this week 23, Another odd week, my weekly release cost just N25, 000. 00 pay to saving acct. no 3023114822 First bank in person of Mr. Onaolapo Peter a. And call on 08076546261. Meanwhile bank no. 19 to draw this week. Prepare for Xmas and New Year Now.

Mallam Bawa Musa scores again 08052506287. pair 26, 47

WK. 22 = 10x, 15x, 24F. pair 5x, 7x The free bonus Xmas Nap I gave to all my customers and other interested stakers scored 10x, 15x, 24F, and the published free pair drew 5x and 7x, last week. This Week 23, I am giving to dish out my final Xmas bonus Nap to all stakers cost only N5,000 cash to enable every staker to afford it. Nap it and Win, it must draw. No story. No excuse!! Payments are at Access Bank to Mallam Musa I. Bawa, acct No. 0042075587. Call 08052506287

SAM AYO – 08109152443

10, 11, 14, 15, 20. FREE Xmas win at Sam Ayo new sensational winning spree. Call for details. WIN – WIN – WIN.

SIDELINES

NO 16,394

N150

THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER, 2015

‘There is a powerful relationship between the level of trust in a community and its aggregate economic reform. Much of the economic backwardness in the world is traceable to the lack of mutual confidence. Without mutual trust, economic activity is bound to suffer.”

N recent times the state of the economy has become the topical issue of discussions across Nigeria. That this is so is really not surprising. Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by the drastic drop in the price of crude oil. While other countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia were able to build huge reserves in anticipation of such a crisis, Nigeria failed to do anything to reduce its dependency on oil revenue. This dependence coupled with the huge cost of running and maintaining our political structure was always a recipe for disaster. Thus issues such as inflation, falling wages, inability of governments to pay salaries, rising taxes, rising cost of petrol are prime topics of discussions at bus stops and beer parlours as much as they are at board rooms and elite sports and country clubs. Whilst some may state that there is nothing new in the obvious negative public perception of the economy, I am of the view that given the scale of the recent discussions, it is a development that must urgently be addressed by government. As Economists world over have noted, there is a real connection between public trust in the economy and those that manage it and economic growth itself. Economy shortly after independence At independence Nigeria operated a regional structure. Each of the Regions developed at their own pace by utilising resources available to them. I have in past editions discussed the merit of this system and how it brought about economic prosperity to the regions and the populace. What it also endeared was public confidence and trust in the economy. This was easily achievable as the Nigerian currency exchanged favourably with the British Pound and the American Dollar. This prevailed even up to the introduction of the Naira. Such was the level of economic prosperity that in the earlier 70s it was stated that the problem of Nigeria was not money but how to spend it.

OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D.Litt

A healing centre in South Korea in its bid to discourage suicide resolved to lock interested people dressed in funeral regalia in caskets for 10 minutes, for them to experience death before the lid of each casket is open. Interesting. But, it is hoped this trial will not lead to error.

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

Public trust and economic consequences: Lesson from South Sea Bubbles Economic downturn and devaluation of naira Things, however, came to a head when the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida devalued the Naira in fulfilment of conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the grant of a loan facility to the country. The devaluation done by the Babangida administration irreversibly put Nigeria on a course of economic regression the effects of which are still being felt today. Measures by government A conglomeration of the facts stated above account for the drastic measures introduced by the government through the Central Bank of Nigeria. One of the measures introduced by the Central Bank was to deny some sectors of the economy access to foreign exchange. It was argued that such a measure would ensure that foreign exchange is limited and directed only to the importation of key goods and services and not items which could be produced locally such as toothpicks. The problem, however, is that several of these measures have adversely affected small businesses which should propel economic growth. The situation is such that many businesses are at the brink of collapse leading to widespread agitation and discussion about where the economy of the country is headed. As I stated earlier, public confidence in the economy is most crucial. In an article entitled “Public Trust has Economic Consequences” an economist, Howard Davies stated as follows: “Public trust in financial institutions, and in the authorities that are supposed to regulate them, was an early casualty of the

financial crisis…As Ralph Waldo Emerson remarked, “Our distrust is very expensive.” The Nobel laureate, Kenneth Arrow, made the point in economic terms almost 40 years ago: “It can be plausibly argued that much of the economic backwardness in the world can be explained by the lack of mutual confidence.”..Indeed, much economic research has demonstrated a powerful relationship between the level of trust in a community and its aggregate economic performance. Without mutual trust, economic activity is severely constrained. ...So, if it is true that trust in financial institutions – and in the governments that oversee them – has been damaged by the crisis, we should care a lot, and we should be devising responses which seek to rebuild that trust. .... if your trust in the market and in the way it is regulated fell sharply, you were less likely to deposit money in banks or invest in stocks. South sea bubbles The point made by Mr Davies is best captured by an event in history commonly referred to as the South Sea Bubbles. In Medieval England, the King owned the land and in turn gave parcels of land to Manorial Lords. The Lords in turn divided the land given to them amongst their serfs. For the use of the land, the serfs kept their money and other valuables with the Manorial Lords who owned the castles and the castles were generally regarded as the safest buildings in the Manor. The system was thus operated in which the serfs were allowed to withdraw from the money saved with the Manorial Lords but such withdrawals were normally less than the total money kept with the

Lords. This allowed the Lords to invest part of the money whilst at the same time ensuring that they always had enough money at hand to meet the withdrawal needs of the serfs. However, a time arose when some serfs attempted to withdraw money from their Lord who unfortunately had miscalculated and failed to keep enough fund sufficient to meet the needs of his serfs. When he could not again on the following day meet the withdrawal request of the serfs, a rumour spread that the Manorial Lord was broke. In no time news of this event spread round England leading to a run on the Castles. In Nigeria there had been instances in the past in which depositors hurriedly withdrew their deposits leading to serious strain on the banking sector. Government must act to restore public confidence in economy It is therefore imperative that government takes proactive measures to instil public confidence in the economy. A situation in which Nigerians, nay the business men and investors, lose confidence in the economy does not augur well for the development of the country in the long run. In such a situation, even foreign investors will stay away. It is my humble view that those in charge of the economic policies of the country should at all times instil confidence and trust in their actions and policies. The fear or mere thought of over-hanging danger to the economy may spell disaster for the economy of the country. AARE AFE BABALOLA, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D.

Dalung orders NFF to pay Oliseh, Siasia, others before Christmas Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja YOUTH and Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, on Wednesday directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay the outstanding salaries and match bonuses owed the Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, his U-23 team counterpart, Samson Siasia and their respective assistants as well as the players of the various national teams before Christmas. Oliseh a few days ago revealed that he was being owed three months salary arrears, while his assistants, Jean Louiscuito, Salisu

Yusuf and Alloy Agu were yet to get their salaries of the past six months. Dalung while declaring the 2015 Annual General Assembly (AGA) of NFF held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja open, stated that the direcive came on the heels of the Save Our Soul (SOS) messages he received from the coaches and players. “Nigerians will accuse your board of corruption anytime our team loses. If you don’t pay them their allowances and bonuses, Nigerians will blame you,” he said, just as he urged the NFF to approach the ministry for bailout if it encounters any challenges in the process of payment. Dalung, urged football stakehold-

ers to close ranks and work together with a view to urgently finding an amicable end to the various crises rocking the football house in order to move football forward in the country. According to the Plateau Stateborn minister, if the crises were not resolved, corporate sponsors and investors would be driven away. “Nigeria and the various national teams will be the losers,” he said adding “football is the only thing that unite us as Nigerians and as such everything must be done to keep Nigerians united and happy.”

Coach Sunday Oliseh (right) with Bature Yaro during a recent game.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 17/12/2015.