19th August 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,571

FRIDAY, 19 AUGUST, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

S/West APC advocates restructuring, free education —P3

•Benefits of current govt policies will be reaped soon —Osinbajo

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

TribuneOnline

Nigerian Tribune

N150

Lagos, Edo, Delta, 12 others at risk of losing 2 million hectares to flood —NASRDA —P6

PDP crisis, a very big challenge —INEC chairman —P3

"Within three months, we received 11 court judgments and orders, almost all of them conflicting. All of them were from courts of coordinate jurisdiction; all of them from the High Court."

•Speaks on INEC's approach to Edo poll •Explains why Ogah was given Certificate of Return Appeal Court quashes Ikpeazu's sack, blasts Justice Abang —P6

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Mr Edward Dickson (right) with the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the INEC chairman's visit to the Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: D'TOYIN. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 4

Faceless groups after my reputation —Jonathan —P29

Oyo govt seals off Shoprite, 38 other companies over tax debts —P30

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

PDP crisis, a very big challenge —INEC chairman

•Speaks on INEC’s approach to Edo poll •Explains why Ogah was given Certificate of Return

By Abiodun Awolaja

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ATIONAL Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday, said the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) poses a very big challenge to the commission.

Yakubu, who was on a familiarisation visit to the Tribune headquarters, at Imalefalafia, Ibadan, Oyo State, said the commission received a total of 11 conflicting judgments and orders within the last three months.

Professor Yakubu, who came in company with other top functionaries of INEC, noted that the commission was particularly worried about judgments emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction across the country.

The PDP is currently divided into two factions, which are not only entangled in a litany of court cases, but are also separately laying claim to the leadership of the party.

Just like it happened on May 21, the national convention of the party slated for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, was again aborted principally by conflicting court judgments.

Professor Yakubu identified one of the core challenges confronting the commission as the issue of conflicting court judgments, stressing that within two days this month (August) alone, the commission received one judgment and three court orders relating to the PDP crisis.

He slammed politicians for wanting to exploit the courts, hence “they all operate at the level of the high courts,” as none of them had gone to the Court of Appeal.

“Courts of law and their judgments must be obeyed.

Within three months, we received as of yesterday (Wednesday), 11 court judgments and orders, almost all of them conflicting. All of them were from courts of coordinate jurisdiction; all of them from the High Court.

“In fact, in two days, 15th and 16th of this month, we received one judgment and three court orders, from courts of coordinate jurisdiction from different parts of the country, two from Port Harcourt, two from Abuja.

“As we closed from work yesterday (Wednesday), a Federal High Court in Abuja came with another judgment. So, it is really a very

big challenge. The politicians want to exploit the courts; that is why they all operate at the level of the High Court, none of them has gone to the Court of Appeal,” the INEC boss said.

He expressed concern that the crisis in the PDP was a setback to the mileage achieved by the nation in having strong political parties as a way of consolidating democracy in the country.

Yakubu said since the nation had yearned for two critical ingredients of democracy for a long time, namely strong political parties and strong candidates, it was in the nation’s interest for the parties to sort out whatever internal problems they might have.

“For the commission, strong political parties are very good for the country and nobody can be happy when you have these kinds of factions in political parties,” he said.

The INEC boss used the opportunity of his visit to reveal the level of preparations by the commission for the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, assuring that INEC was fully prepared and armed with the lessons it learnt in previous elections.

Giving a breakdown of statistics on the election, he said “the whole approach to Edo election, learning from the experience in Rivers, has actually considerably changed.

There are 18 local governments, 192 wards, 2,627 polling units and 4,011 voting points.

“Total number of registered voters as we speak today is 1.9 million, specifically 1,925,105. In Edo, 48 per cent of registered voters are of the female gender, 52 per cent men.

“What we have been doing is to analyse the risk per local government. We are conscious of the possibility of infiltration from neighbouring states and we are also aware of all the antics of the politicians,” he said.

On the recent crisis in Abia State over the certificate of return issued by the commission to Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, while Dr Okezie Ikpeazu was still the incumbent governor, Professor Yakubu said the commission was bound to obey valid court orders.

“The case with Abia State was a pre-election matter and the judge said that we should issue certificate of return immediately.

“If the court has not granted a stay of execution, there is no cause for INEC to stay action on a court ruling. Two weeks before, there was a similar situation in a federal constituency in Enugu State, we went ahead and complied. As we speak today, the Court of Appeal has upheld the election of Ikpeazu. For as long as there are valid court judgments, we have to comply,” he said.

Yakubu also commented on the phenomenon of inconclusive elections, stating that the commission was not ready to declare winners in the face of gross violations of the Electoral Act.

The commission under his stewardship, he said, would never conclude any election for conclusion sake, but would ensure that the Electoral Act was followed to the letter.

This was just as he revealed that he was already in consultations with the Presidency on the constitution of national commissioners.

He identified violence by politicians as the major cause of inconclusive elections, restating his promise to consolidate the gains of his predecessor in office, Professor Attahiru Jega.

“I said at the Senate screening before confirmation as INEC chairman that my principal responsibility and duty is to consolidate on the gains of 2015. I don’t think we have time for needless experimentation; if something worked in 2015, it is our responsibility to deepen it. And to do so, we have to continue to use and deploy technology.

“For our democracy to work, every ballot must count; every polling unit is important. The new commission has made that commitment and that is why we will never, ever conclude any election for its own sake. If we are going to be called an inconclusive commission till the end of time, I think we should be called an inconclusive commission, but the truth is that our votes in this country must count.

“The most difficult elections are those conducted offseason. We need informed analysis and informed analy-

sis can only come about with information, which we are always ready to provide for the media and Nigerians.

“The waters of politics in Nigeria are always murky.

The major problem that INEC faces is the spectre of violence. For instance, in Southern Ijaw during the governorship election in Bayelsa State, as we were mobilising for election, the politicians were mobilising for war. That is why if the politicians decide today that there will be free and fair elections, there will be,” he said.

As part of moves to curb election violence, Professor Yakubu said INEC was already collaborating with the National Assembly to pass a bill establishing a National Electoral Offences Commission soon.

“Again, successful prosecution of electoral offenders begins with arrest. INEC has no power of arrest and cannot conduct investigations, but it is expected to prosecute electoral offenders.

“The last time we went to a summit on electoral reform, the Senate President assured us that before the end of the year, the Electoral Act will be amended to set up the Electoral Offences Commission,” he said.

The Bauchi-born professor of History, who lamented that the commission had become the “whipping boy” of commentators based on ignorance, urged the media to educate Nigerians on the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He explained that, as the commission strives hard to ensure credible elections, politicians were always trying to cheat the system by mobilising for war and unleashing violence on election day.

This, he said, had caused INEC to either cancel or postpone election in many parts of the country.

He said whenever the commission held briefings with political parties ahead of elections, the politicians would attend the briefing and listen attentively, but only with the purpose of finding ways to circumvent the electoral process.

He said in particular cases, INEC had engaged gunboats to secure election materials in riverine communities.

Yakubu added that the commission had conducted 137 elections since November last year, adding that 680 litigations arose out of the 2015 general election, while 80 of the elections had been nullified by the courts.

He lamented that despite over 1,000 souls lost to the 2011 general election in Kaduna State, not one arrest was made.

Responding, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Tribune titles, Mr Edward Dickson, said the management was excited by Yakubu’s visit because of his commitment to the cause of free and fair elections and his long-standing relationship with the paper.

(Read full interview in Sunday Tribune)

S/West APC advocates restructuring, free education Benefits of govt policies will be reaped soon —Osinbajo

By Tunde Ogunesan and W ale A kinselure POLITICAL leaders and party stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West have reechoed the need for a restructuring of the current geopolitical arrangement if the country is to witness meaningful progress and socio-economic development.

This is just as they said that primary and secondary education should be made compulsory and free in the South-West zone.

The leaders made these observations at the South West Conference of the APC, held in Ibadan, on Thursday.

While also emphasising the need for diversification of the nation’s economy for successful enthronement of true political and fiscal federalism, they pledged commitment towards ensuring

that the party claimed Ondo and Ekiti states.

The communiqué at the end of the conference partly read: “Considering the totality of circumstances, meaningful progress and socioeconomic development of the Nigerian state is unattainable without restructuring the extant largely unitarian geopolitical arrangement.

“It is by such re-arrangement leading to genuine and true political and fiscal federalism that the innate energies of the people of Nigeria can be released and new vistas of human development opened up.

“The need for diversification of the economy has become mandatory for the successful enthronement of true political and fiscal federalism, with each political zone exploiting its resources for maximum development.

“The primary role of quality education in the progress

and development of a people was acknowledged. However, it is most disturbing that the present South-West zone that used to commit as much as 30 per cent of its budget to education is no longer able to achieve such levels of support. The conference then agreed that for starters, primary and secondary education should be made compulsory and free in the zone.”

Some guests at the event were Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; national chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, represented by deputy national chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni; Ministers, Kayode Fayemi (Solid Minerals) and Bayo Shittu (Communications); Governors, Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); deputy governor of Ogun State,

Yetunde Onanuga; former governors, Dr Olunloyo Omololu and Bamidele Olumilua and the APC national vice chairman (South-West), Pius Akinyelure.

Earlier, in his remarks, Vice-President Osinbajo said Nigerians were bound to reap the benefits of the current policies of government aimed at improving the lot of Nigerians in no distant time.

Osinbajo, who was represented by Ojudu, premised this optimism on the repositioning strides of the Federal Government across the oil and gas, power, health, agricultural, transport and education sectors of the nation’s economy.

Speaking on the oil and gas sector, he said the government was committed to ensuring that the nation no more spend foreign exchange on refined products, while warning pipeline vandals to desist or be prosecuted.

“Though things may appear difficult at the moment, it will not be long before Nigerians start deriving the full benefits of the current policies of government, which are designed to reposition the country and improve on the prevailing economic situation.

“Sector by sector, we have begun the process of introducing lasting and beneficial changes in the country,” he said.

“In the oil and gas industries, for instance, many investors are showing tremendous interest in building petroleum refineries. In no distant time, the issues of fuel scarcity will become a thing of the past and we shall stop expending scarce foreign exchange on refined products. In the power sector, the gradual improvement in power supply that is being experienced around the country is the result of the efforts of the government. continues pg29

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Friday, 19 August, 2016 PHOTOS: D’TOYIN

INEC CHAIRMAN VISITS TRIBUNE

Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu (middle), presenting a copy of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the electoral process to the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Mr Edward Dickson, during the visit of the INEC chairman to Tribune House, on Thursday. With them is Mr Soyebi Adedeji Solomon, National Commissioner in charge of South-West and chairman, INEC Committee on Media and Publicity.

Nigerian Tribune

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

APC SOUTH WEST CONFERENCE

From right, representative of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West conference held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, on Thursday.

From left, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua; Minister for Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Governor Ajimobi and Governor Aregbesola.

From left, Editor, Nigerian Tribune, Mr Debo Abdulai; Editor, Saturday Tribune, Mr Lasisi Olagunju; Chief Accountant, Oluremi Olufisayo, Deputy Editor, Politics, Mr Kunle Oderemi and the Editor, Sunday Tribune, Mr Sina Oladeinde.

INEC boss, Professor Yakubu the chairman, Editorial Board, Nigerian Tribune, Professor Wale Are Olaitan (right) and a member of the board, Mr Sina Kawonise.

From left, guest lecturer, Professor Ropo Sekoni; Minister of Communication, Alhaji Bayo Shittu; deputy governor of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga; APC national deputy chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni and the national vice chairman (South-West) Chief Pius Akinyelure.

Cross section of INEC staff during the visit.

From right, Basorun Doja Adewolu, the Agoro of Egba, Alhaji Elias Folorunso and Senator Titus Olupitan.

Another section of INEC officials.

From left, Senator Gbenga Obadara, former Ogun State deputy governor, Alhaji Gbenga Kaka; Osun State SSG, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and Oyo State SSG, Alhaji Olalekan Alli.

Friday, 19 August, 2016 5 news Niger Delta crisis: Buhari knows what he needs to do —UNDEDSS

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uhammadu Buhari knows what exactly he needs to do to put an end to the crisis today.

"He probably has not, because he has allowed his administration to be beset with too many petty rivalries, too many individuals jockeying for putative relevance, and too many party chieftains of Niger Delta origin who don't have the interests of the region at heart.

This was the position of the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS) as contained in a statement made available to newsmen, in Warri, Delta State, on Thursday, signed

by Mr Tony I. Uranta, UNDEDSS' Secretary General.

Uranta revealed that himself and other wellmeaning Niger Delta citizens, interfacing with patriotic members of the president's inner cabinet and intelligence chieftains, have drawn up a proposal that should be 'win-win' for all parties concerned.

He further revealed that this dynamically-tweaked proposal was before the president, the armed agitators in the creeks, the international community (including the UK and the USA) and other

relevantly-interested Nigerians like Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

The proposal is hinged on four vital prerequisites, viz., the affirmation by Mr President that there is no change in policy regarding the need to commence matriculation of students this year in the National Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State; the

rebirth of the Niger Delta Council (with its five relevant sub-committees) of President Yar’adua's 2009 template; the guarantee of safe passage for delegates to any dialogue locations, after all armed parties publicly agree to a 60-day Armistice to be proposed by the Federal Government; and the attendance of foreign observers (including diplo-

mats from the EU, UK and USA!), to be invited by the Federal Government, to any such dialogue.

UNDEDSS claimed that this proposal had been presented to President Buhari over four weeks ago, after many meetings between the Federal Government (represented at different points by the Chief of Staff to the Mr President,

the Director-General, Directorate of State Security (DSS), the EFCC chairman, the D-G, NIA, the Minister of State for Petroleum... etc.) on the one hand, and credible Niger Deltans (including past Special Advisers to Nigerian Presidents on the Niger Delta, United Nations(UN) consultants and former Apex 'Creeks Generals' of the three zones

Soldiers kill 27 Boko Haram terrorists in Cameroon

President Muhammadu Buhari, receiving former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

Abubakar meets Buhari, counsels parties to work together Leon Usigbe-Abuja

FORMER Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Thursday, to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari over some undisclosed issues.

The chairman of the National Peace Committee, met alone with the president after which he told State House correspondents that the committee was working quietly to ensure that there was peace in the country.

He stressed the need for the Buhari-led administration, with the assistance of all Nigerians, to resolve the various crises in the country.

Abubakar, who said he was in the villa to discuss some undisclosed issues with the president, stressed the need for political parties to work together.

Asked about the impact of the peace committee, Abubakar said: “We are still working, although quietly. We are working to make sure that there is peace in the country and all the political parties work amicably because each one has got a role to play.”

of the Niger Delta) plus prominent members of the 2009 Aaron Team that negotiated with President Yar’adua in 2009.

Ultimately, UNDEDSS calls on President Buhari to exhibit the patriotic and objective decisiveness necessary to put an end to the ongoing crisis in the Niger Delta, by announcing his adoption of the said proposal now.

He added: “So, I hope the current administration,

through the assistance of all Nigerians, will give a

helping hand to make sure that these crises that are

unnecessary and uncalled for are overcome.”

FG to commence construction of 370 new dams •Unveils 14-year water sector road map Adetola Bademosi-Abuja

THE Federal Government has unfolded plans to commence construction of about 10 new dams in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The construction of the projects, known as PROJECT 10/37, it said, would begin in 2017.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, stated this on Thursday, at a public presentation of the water road map themed: “Immediate and Long Term Strategies for the Water Sector 2016-2030,” organised by the Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja.

“We hope in the next few years to join hands with them in creating new dams, 10 dams in each state. We have a project coming up next year called PROJECT 10/37, we are looking at a minimum of 10 dams in each state, including the FCT,” he said.

He noted that the agriculture sector was in dire need of water, even as he added

that the country could no longer rely solely on rainfall to sustain its agriculture.

His words: “It is said that if the world is unfortunate to witness another world war, the cause of that war will be either food or water. Agriculture is in desperate need of water, particularly because we know that we can no longer continue to rely on rainfall to sustain our agriculture.

“We need the Ministry of Water Resources more desperately than the ministry needs itself, we need to irrigate the land; we need to keep the animals; we need water for other reasons. We are looking at a future where, whether it rains or it does not rain, we can continue to produce food, because if we don't, as our population is blowing up to 450 million by 2050, we may face serious problems with food production.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has also unveiled a 14-year water sector road map which is expected to promote development in the sector from 2016 to 2030.

This is coming nine months after the appointment and resumption of

the Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, to office.

The minister said the road map encompassed eight major projects which included: “the establishment of a policy and regulatory framework for the sector; organisation and manpower review of the ministry for enhanced service delivery; prioritisation and implementation of the ministry’s projects, development and implementation of a National Irrigation Development Programme (2016-2030) to boost food production.”

Others are: “The identification of dams with hydro electric power potential for development, development and implementation of a national water supply and sanitation programme to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.), development of a blueprint to strengthen the River Basin Development Authorities as enablers for food security and socio-economic development, identification of alternative sources for funding the delivery of wa-

ter supply and sanitation through enhanced collaboration with development partners, state and local government authorities, communities and the private sector.”

Soldiers killed 27 Boko Haram insurgents and arrested 10 others in Northern Cameroon, the Commander of a Regional Army Force said on Thursday.

“A Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) set up

by Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Benin and Cameroon to fight Boko Haram across borders, ambushed a group of the terrorists on Wednesday, near the town of Fotokol.

“It is located close to the border with Nigeria.

“No soldiers were killed during the clashes, according to Dobekreo,’’ the MJTF Commander, Bouba Dobekreo said.

Boko Haram poses a steady threat to communities in the North-East and has also launched offensives in neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

The group's goal is to enforce a strict interpretation of Islamic law, known as Sharia.

Since 2009, at least 14,000 people have died at the hands of the Sunni fundamentalists.

FIRS seals off hotels, eatery over non-payment of tax in Benue Johnson BabajideMakurdi

FEDERAL Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on Thursday, stormed Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and sealed off two hotels and popular eatery among them the hotel belonging to the wife of former governor of the state and now serving senator, Mrs Regina Akume, over non payment of tax, all totaling N69.5million.

The hotels sealed off included HAF HAVEN hotel located on Atiku Abubakar way, Gwalima Suites at high level and Treaties Bukka (an eatery) at same high level, all in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

The team, led by Chinazor

Edeh, said the affected organisations had refused to remit the required taxes since 2011 as required by law to government, a development, he said, was unpatriotic.

According to the team leader, HAF HAVEN hotel owed N13.5million, Gwalima Suites, N4million, while Treaties Bukka owed N52million, they are the unremittted liabilities in terms of Company Income Tax, Education Tax, Withholding Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT).

All efforts by the former Benue First Lady and wife of former senate minority leader, senator Geaorge Akume, to speak through her hotel manager, Mrs Margaret Hinger, to the team leader, was rebuffed.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

Lagos, Edo, Delta, 12 others at risk of losing 2 million hectares to flood —NASRDA

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HE National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), on Thursday, said 15 states in parts of the country may lose two million hectares to flood.

Head, Media and Corporate Communications of the agency, Mr Felix Ale, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Ale said the areas were identified following a preliminary research and analysis conducted by the agency on flood-prone areas.

“Based on satellite imagery from Nigeriasat-2,

Nigeriasat-X and the shuttle radar topography mission, over two million hectares of land are at risk of flood, with potential impact on agriculture and settlements’ displacement.

“In the investigation, the space agency developed a geospatial information system depicting areas that are at risk of flooding across the nation.

“The affected states, after a critical analysis and scientific research through space applications are Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Edo, Delta and Anambra.

“Others are Rivers, Bayelsa, Lagos, Sokoto, Kano and Niger.

“Against this background, NASRDA, hereby, appeals to the affected state governments to urgently put adequate measures in place for the relocation of communi-

ties in the flood plain areas in their respective states to high grounds.

“This is in order to mitigate the colossal loss of lives and to prevent a repeat of the 2012 experience.

“NARSDA reassures the general public of its close

collaboration with relevant stakeholders for the dissemination of space-based solutions to any flood challenge in the country,’’ he said.

Ale also said the agency had developed a digital terrain model to identify areas of high grounds for poten-

tial relocation of affected communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the agency recently made public its findings on the recent earth tremor in some parts of Rivers and Bayelsa states.

FG targets 50% expansion of renewable energy by 2020 —Osinbajo Leon Usigbe - Abuja THE Federal Government hopes to expand the nation’s utilisation of renewable energy by 50 per cent by 2020, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said.

Speaking while receiving a delegation led by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr B. Nagabhushana Reddy, Professor Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, he declared: “We are doing some expandable work in solar energy, adding about 1000MW of solar. We are looking at 50 per cent reliance on renewable energy sources by 2020.”

Observing that the Presidency was determined to improve access to electricity “for our people,” the vicepresident added that solar was one of the options being actively considered.

He noted that the envoy, who had recently reported, had resumed work in Nigeria at a time of “incredible opportunity.”

He welcomed the $100 million credit facility from India to be injected into the Nigerian economy, especially in the power sector, calling for more active engagement between both countries.

Osinbajo pointed out that opportunities existed in agriculture and technology for Nigeria and India to cooperate, adding that diplomatic and economic relationship between both countries had been “extremely good.”

Earlier, the Indian High Commisioner had said his country supported the plan of the Federal Government to “make the Nigerian economy strong.”

He also welcomed the re-

cently launched “Green Alternative,” the agricultural roadmap of the Federal Government, saying India had keen interest in expanding domestic agriculture production in Nigeria and also in making quality agricultural products for exportation.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo exchanging pleasantries with Kaisar-Alam, India Deputy High Commissioner, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday. With them is the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr B. Nagabhushana Reddy.

Appeal Court quashes Ikpeazu’s sack, blasts Justice Abang From Sunday Ejike and Celestone Ihejirika THE Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, upturned the judgment by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which sacked the Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu from office.

The court, in an unanimous decisionn vacated the June 27 judgment of Justice Abang and held that the trial court erred in law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice against Ikpeazu.

Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, who delivered the lead judgment, held that Justice Abang “committed a grave violence against one of the pillars of Justice” relating to fair hearing.

The court said Justice Abang placed the law on its head when it directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue fresh Certificate of Return to Samson Ogah.

While upholding Ikpeazu’s appeal, the court awarded N100, 000 cost against Ogah and resolved all the five issues raised in the appeal in favour of Ikpeazu.

The appellate court held that Justice Abang raped democracy in his order that the electoral body should

issue a certificate of return to Ogah when there was no evidence of forgery of criminality against Ikpeazu.

According to the court, the judgment of Justice Abang was grossly erroneous, because it was based on inadequacy of tax receipts that cannot be visited on the appellant (Ikpeazu) and added that “after reading through the judgment several times, I was amazed at how the trial judge arrived at his conclusion of perjury against the appellant, when there was no evidence of forgery against him.

“To say the least, his findings are ridiculous. The judge must have sat in his chamber, unilaterally assessed and computed the tax of the appellant and came to the conclusion that he did not pay the required tax.

“But let me say that courts are not allowed to speculate as the trial judge had done in the instant case. The trail judge spoke from both sides of his mouth when on one hand, he claimed that he based his findings on supply of false information and on the other, he came to the conclusion that the appellant in this matter committed perjury, even when there was no allegation of forgery

and no allegation that he did not pay tax,” Justice Ogunwumiju stated.

She also held that the trial judge turned the head of the law upside down by his conclusion that it was the appellant that should bear the burden of proof on the allegation made by Ogah, adding that “we disagree with him in this conclusion, because it is the person that makes allegation of falsehood that must prove it.”

The Appeal Court also held that Justice Abang erred when he imported the phrase ‘as at when due’ into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 2014 guidelines.

“The judge would not have imported the phrase into his findings if he had seen the copy of the PDP guideline.

In this case, as he violated the PDP guideline.

“From whatever angle one looks at the judgment of the trial judge, the decision of his court was grossly erroneous. The inadequacies of the tax receipt cannot be visited on Ikpeazu, who scored the highest votes in the 2015 governorship elections, as doing so will amount to rape of democracy,” she held.

Besides, the court held that the suit was wrongly com-

menced by way of originating summons in view of the fact that the subject matter of the case was contentious.

The court held that the case should have commenced by a way of writ of summons to enable parties invite witnesses to prove their cases, particularly when the allegation on valid tax certificate was criminal in nature.

The court also dismissed all the other appeals that emanated from the June 27 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and awarded a cost of N100, 000 each against the respondents.

Justice Abang had, in his judgments delivered on June 27, sacked Ikpeazu for allegedly disclosing false information in relation to his tax clearance details to INEC in his form nominating him as the candidate of the PDP for the last year’s governorship election in the state.

The judge, also in the said judgment, ordered the governor’s rival, who was the first runner-up in the primaries that produced Ikpeazu as the candidate of the PDP, Ogah, to take over.

The judge held that Ikpeazu was not qualified to be PDP’s candidate, having

disclosed false information to INEC in violation of his party’s Article 14(a) of the PDP Electoral Guidelines and Section 31 of the Electoral Act. Dissatisfied with the judgment, Governor Ikpeazu approached the Court of Appeal, praying it to set aside Justice Abang’s judgment which sacked him from the Abia State Government House.

Meanwhile, Governor Ikpeazu has said his victory at the Appeal Court will reinvigorate him to render more service to Abians.

Reacting to the judgmnt in his favour at the Government House, Umuahia, the governor described the judgment as victory for the common man who voted him into power, thanking God and the judiciary for affirming his victory.

“We are grateful to the judiciary that has stood as the last hope for the common man. Without the judiciary, what would have been the hope of the son of a poor teacher, who became governor by the mercy of God and Abia people? It would have been difficult,” he said.

The governor enjoined the press to rise to the occasion in defense of the country’s democracy.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Vandals who offered police N500,000 to escape justice, arrested Olalekan Olabulo

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WO suspected cable vandals, who attempted to bribe the police with N500,000 have been arrested by the police in Lagos State.

The two suspects, Taofeek and Ibraheem, were reportedly vandalising cables belonging to the Nigeria Telecommunication Limited ( NITEL) in Ikeja area of the state.

It was gathered that Taofeek and Ibraheem tempted the policemen from anti-crime patrol of the Ikeja divisional police station with N500 000 to release them.

The state police commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the arrest of the two vandals, stated that efforts were on to arrest another member of the gang, simply identified as Wasiu.

The Lagos police boss said: “They were caught

vandalising, cutting, stealing and loading the NITEL cables into a truck along Works Road junction besides the Lagos State High Court.

“When these suspects were accosted, they offered the police bribe to cover up the crime. They had offered N500,000 and of course the policemen played along with them and collected the money offered.

“They went ahead to arrest them after collecting the money which you can see right here. It was discovered that it amounted to N493,500 and the policemen, in furtherance to the call of responsible and effective policing by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), turned down the gratification.

“The N493,500 offered as bribe, the Volvo truck with which they were about to use to cart away the cables, the sword blades used as tools for cutting those underground cables and of

course the cables that had been loaded in to the truck were all recovered and would be used as exhibit.

“Efforts are on to arrest the third suspect, one Wasiu who is on the run.

The two suspects we have

would be arraigned in court on Tuesday.”

Ibraheem, however, denied being a vandal, insisting that he had only come to buy metal scraps from his customers when he was arrested by the police.

He stated that the vandals had invited him to the scene of the arrest after they had promised him a “big business” which eventually turned out to be vandalised cables.

Taofeek also denied being

a vandal, insisting that he was just a driver and that he was lured to the scene by the vandals with N30,000.

He also said that the vandals had assured him that some policemen were part of the deal.

38 nabbed for violating street trading law Bola Badmus OPERATIVES of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade, on Tuesday, arrested a total of 38 street hawkers for flouting the street trading law in Lagos State.

The traders were arrested at different locations in the state, including Maryland, Ikeja, Nitel and Mobolaji Bank- Anthony Way between the hour of 4:00p.m. and 6:00p.m.

This is just as the KAI Marshal General (KMG), CSP Jimoh Amusat (retd), vowed that the agency would not tolerate

a situation where illegal street traders and hawkers defied the order of the state government, promising that tough actions would be taken against offenders in the renewed efforts at combating the menace in the metropolis.

KAI said the arrests were carried out in furtherance of the campaign against street trading as directed by the state government led

by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Officer of the Agency, Mrs Alabi Rahmat, the KAI

operatives enforced the arrests as the affected illegal street traders and hawkers were found “obstructing free flow of vehicular movement along major roads and highways, despite renewed launching of the ongoing campaign against such illegal act in the state.”

The offenders have been arraigned for prosecution at the Samuel Ilori Court at Ogba as at the time of filling this report.

It will be recalled that riot broke out recently in Maryland Area of the state following death of one of the hawkers.

The victim had on sighting KAI Operational Vehicles

and Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) with security back-up coming from a joint operation at Ojuelegba, instantly jumped to the other side of the road with the belief that they were after them.

In the process, he fell in front of an oncoming truck that killed him.

The ensued pandemonium caused by the rest of the hawkers, who in their erroneous insinuation thought it was one of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses that killed their colleague, resulted in the attack and destruction of a total of 49 BRT buses, with the repair cost put at N139 million.

Drunk man stabs friend to death over N30 gin

Parts of illegal tents and jerry cans left behind by pipeline vandals after they were dislodged by security agents at Konu-Isawo creeks in Ikorodu.

PHOTO: NAN.

Govt begins demolition of illegal structures in Ikorodu Olalekan Olabulo LAGOS State government and the military have commenced the clearing of Isawo and Yewa creeks, with demolition of illegal buildings reportedly serving as hideouts to militants in the area.

The demolition is a followup to the air raid carried out by the air force, which led to the arrest of more than 15 militants with many of them feared killed.

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had, during an on-the-spot assessment of Isawo area, hinted that the buildings would be demolished.

The police boss, on assessing the area, complained about the structures, which, according to him, constituted a threat to the security arrangement of the area.

Residents of Isawo also raised the alarm that van-

dals used to hide in some of the demolished buildings to terrorise residents.

They also called on the government to identify some of the buildings that belonged to vandals, while such buildings should be demolished.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, bulldozers had moved into the creeks, pulling down trees and illegal structures used as camps by suspected

pipeline vandals.

The operation, jointly supervised by the state government and the joint military task force, also involved the clearing of heaps of jerry cans of petroleum products abandoned by the vandals.

The traditional ruler of Oke-Oko/Oke-Tapa communities, Chief Muse Ibrahim, said the clearing of the creeks was a great relief to residents of the area.

Opeyemi Owoaseye THE police have arrested an unemployed man for allegedly stabbing his friend, Gbenga Olorunsola, to death for refusing to buy him gin.

The incident, according to the police, took place around 10.00 p.m. on July 23, at a bar in K Farm Estate gate, Iju. Lagos Metro learnt that the suspect and the deceased were popular residents of the area and arrived at the bar at separate time, but sat near each other at different tables.

A police source further told Lagos Metro that the suspect, who arrived first, bought and consumed five bottles of beer, while the deceased arrived later and also bought drinks.

‘After consuming his drinks, the suspect asked his friend to buy him N30 gin in small sachets, but his friend refused," the police source said.

He further stated that as the deceased stood up to leave, the suspect held his

arm and pulled him back, insisting that he must buy the gin.

"The friend tried to get his hand off but the suspect grabbed him again and they began to struggle," the source said.

He explained that the friend later freed himself but the suspect stormed into the bar kitchen and brought out a ceramic plate and a kitchen knife.

"As he was chasing the deceased around the bar, threatening to injure him, the plate slipped off his hand and broke on the floor.

"The deceased later stepped on a piece of the broken plate as he was running around and was injured.

"As he lay on the floor holding his feet, the suspect went to him and stabbed him on the chest," the police source added.

The State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos had since arraigned the suspect before the Ebute-Metta magistrates' court.

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news

Friday, 19 August, 2016

We’ll fast-track IDPs’ home return —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his administration will hasten the voluntary home return, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in order to restore

their confidence.

He made the declaration on Thursday, in Abuja, while receiving the outgoing Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Asharaf Abdelkader Salama, at the State House, Abuja.

President Buhari commended Egypt for identifying with challenges confront-

ing the country, especially the plight of IDPs, which had remained topmost priority of the Nigerian government.

He said: “The displaced persons want to go back to their homes. They want to resume their normal lives.

They want to go back to the land they have not cultivated for over three years now.

EU tasks FG to generate database on Labour migration

Says Nigerians abroad now remit $25 bn home annually Soji-Eze Fagbemi - Abuja THE European Union (EU), on Thursday, tasked the Nigerian government to generate and provide reliable data on Labour migration, saying database on Labour migration in Nigeria was still scanty and could barely be used for any strategic planning.

Head of delegation, EU, Richard Young, who gave the position of the EU in Abuja, on Thursday, said Nigerians abroad were now remitting between $20 billion and $25 billion back home annually.

He gave this position, as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, lamented the report-

ed death of many Nigerians, who lost their lives while attempting to cross into Europe through Mediterranean Sea in boats and desert routes in the Sahara.

Ngige told the EU delegation that most migration from Nigeria in the past decade had taken place because of high unemployment rate and the inability of the economy to generate adequate number of decent work to absorb the rapid new entrants into the Labour force.

The EU head of delegation and the minister were speaking at the unveiling of national policy on labour migration and inauguration of the Labour Migration Technical Working Committee

(TWC) and Social Partner Advisory Committee (SPAC) at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja, on Thursday.

The National Policy on Labour Migration, which has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is produced with the joint technical support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) with funding from the EU. Mr Young said Nigeria was both an emigration and immigration country, as it attracted migrants from neigbouring countries and high volumes of remittances from nationals living abroad.

“We will work to restore their confidence and also work on infrastructure, so that they can quickly resettle.”

The president noted that the bond of friendship between Nigeria and Egypt was very strong, as demonstrated in their growing cooperation on regional and international issues.

In his remarks, Mr Salama, who spent four years in Nigeria, said he was the first foreign diplomat to travel by road from Maiduguri to Yobe State, North-Eastern Nigeria, last month.

He told the president that he was proud to have made

the journey through an area once considered a stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists, following the successes recorded by the Nigerian military fighting insurgents in the region.

He described the people of Nigeria as “friendly and generous,” saying he hoped to be back in the country again.

President Buhari also received the outgoing Ambassadors of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Tanzania.

During the audience with Ambassador Oubi Bachir of SADR, President Buhari reiterated Nigeria’s support for

Sahrawi people’s self-determination and independence.

Ambassador Bachir’s duty tour of Nigeria spanned eight years, during which he served as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

On Tanzania, President Buhari told the High Commissioner Daniel Ole Njoolay, that the East African country was fortunate to have a leader, who cared so much for the underprivileged in the society.

The president said Tanzania was blessed with good land and gas, which could be used for the good people of the country.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

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businessnews

Friday, 19 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Nigeria’s oil production deficit now 1.1 mbpd —Kachikwu

OPEC lacks capacity to prompt price rise Olatunde Dodondawa -Lagos

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inister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has stated that oil production deficit has dropped by 1.1 million barrels per day (mbpd) due to militancy in the Niger Delta region.

Kachikwu also said that declining price of oil in the international market has negatively impacted the country’s revenue leading to economic recession.

Speaking at the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) annual conference in Lagos on Thursday, Kachikwu said while vandals wreack havoc on oil facilities crippling local production, over supply of product in the market is impeding on prices and thus creating shock to the economy.

Kachikwu said time has therefore come for the country to face the reality of the time as there are no assurances that the prices of oil will pick up as being speculated.

He hinged his argument on the fact that OPEC merely controls 30 per cent of the market, while 70 per cent is in the hands of major producers like, the United States, Russia and Mexico who are non OPEC members.

On the impact of militancy on the industry, Kachikwu said the attacks have led to 60 per cent decline of gas production, revealing that between 2010 and 2015, the industry recorded 3,000 incidents.

According to him, 643 million litres of petroleum products amounting to N51,28 billion was lost in 2015, between January and June 2016, 1,600 incidents recorded resulting in a loss of 109 million litres of petroleum products and 560,000

barrels of crude oil to refineries.

Furthermore, he said about 850 million standard cubic feet of gas production has been shut in due to impact of crises and power

outage exposure of 2,700 Mega Watts to 3,000 Mega Watts.

Going forward, the minister said government is stepping up efforts to make robust policies that will fi-

The naira on Thursday weakened further against the United States dollar at the interbank market as it closed at a spot rate of N321.50 compared to Wednesday’s close of N314.14 to the dollar.

This was after attaining an all-time low of N365.25 to the dollar in an initial single interbank market trade of $1 million.

Traders said interbank trading started two hours after the market opened and offered the currency sharply lower against the dollar, and trading a total of $13 million before the close of market.

industrial sectors.

He said the policy would also help to transit from gas flare penalty regime to gas commercialisation and shift focus from government-built to investor

Capital adequacy: Moody’s, Augusto rate Heritage Bank high Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

From left, Chairman, National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC), Yinusa Yusuf; Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr Babs Omotowa; Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Ibe kachikwu and Acting Managing Director, Nigeria Delta, Power Holding Company Limited, Mr Chiedu Ugbo, who represented the Minister for Power, Housing and Works, during the 2016 NAEC August Conference held at Eko Hotel on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Nigeria to synchronise fiscal, monetary policies —Buhari Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday underscored the need for the harmonisation of monetary and fiscal policies to enhance inclusive economic growth.

Buhari, who spoke while declaring open a symposium for Association of African Central Banks (AACB) governors in Abuja, said “we fully understand that monetary policy alone is not sufficient to bring about desired economic growth. We must carefully balance monetary and fiscal policy measures.

“For us in Nigeria, while recognising the challenges we are confronted with and the need to surmount them, we are determined to diversify the economy away from excessive reliance on oil and

other primary products.”

The president noted that the theme of the symposium: ‘Unwinding Unconventional Monetary Policies: Implications for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability in Africa,’ covers contemporary issues and is of special relevance to us in Africa and corresponds with a period when African economies are confronted with a number of growing and sometimes extraneous challenges that constitute threats to growth and the stability of our financial systems.

He expressed confidence that the governors will come up with practical ways by which Africa can chart a way forward for the growth and development of Africa.

“The region is confronted

Naira settles at N321.50 against dollar at interbank market Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

nalise and gazette a comprehensive gas policy, unlock gas potential, ensure effective development of Nigerian gas market with adequate and sustainable gas supply to the power and

built-infrastructure.

Kachikwu said for the industry to rebound, efforts should hinge on developing national oil, gas, downstream, fiscal reform policies as well as Petroleum Industry Regime Bill.

Traders said the fall comes amidst tight dollar supply.

The CBN rose from its bankers committee meeting on Tuesday and announced the increase in weekly forex sales to Bureau De Change (BDCs) from N30, 000 to N50, 000 dollars.

In the same vein, the Nigerian currency was relatively stable as it exchanged for N394 to the dollar at the parallel market; while it traded at N505 and N440 against the Pound Sterling and the Euro, respectively.

At the BDC segment of the market, the naira exchanged at N393, N504 and N437 to the dollar, Pound Sterling

and the Euro respectively.

Nigeria ditched its 16-month-old peg of N197 to the dollar to also lure back foreign investors who fled both the equities and bond markets in the wake of the plunge in crude prices.

Investors have welcomed the removal of currency controls but many are still steering clear until Africa’s biggest economy shows signs of a concrete recovery.

CBN has also been mopping up naira liquidity to shore up debt yields.

But the lack of dollar liquidity has curbed interbank activity, leaving the central bank as the main supplier of dollars.

with several global and domestic economic challenges.

Most worrisome is the slowdown in growth; weakening global demand; rising inflation; restrictions in capital flows; rising debt levels; increased exchange rate volatility and depleting external reserves.

“Those of us who rely on only natural resources such as Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, and Mozambique have been hit the hardest.

“We have also had to contend with the effect of the Ebola Virus Disease, which struck some countries in the West-African Sub-region.

“Furthermore, China, a major trade and business partner to a number of African countries is currently slowing down as it remodels its economy, sparking fears

of further weakening.

“Faced with these challenges, African Central Banks have been at their best in keeping African economies afloat through proactive and effective combination of conventional and innovative monetary policies,” Buhari stated while urging the conferees to continue to look for original home-grown solutions, not to rely on “fit for all purposes” prescriptions handed down from abroad.”

Also speaking earlier, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, underpinned the theme of the symposium considering the prominent space it has occupied in the discourse among the central banks with escalation of financial crisis in 2008.

Two foremost rating agencies, Moody’s and Augusto & Co. jointly affirmed that Heritage Bank’s capitalization remains sound in relation to its low asset risk model and has capacity to generate income from its core business and settle its obligation as at when due.

According to Moody, under the new methodology, the bank’s credit metrics’ ratings remain consistent with an a3 BCA when measured against Australia’s macro profile.

Meanwhile, a statement from Heritage Bank explained that this was part of efforts to furnish investors with objective analyses and independent assessments of its securities, bonds and credit assets, thereby engaging the services of Moody and Augusto & Co. to provide superior information on credit risk and other investment instruments.

The bank said, “The international and local ratings investment metrics is a welcome development to the bank and, in light of this sterling achievement, we swiftly need to improve on our performances in order to boost our subsequent ratings.”

According to the rating agency, the a3 BCA takes into account the bank’s low asset risk model that supports its very strong asset quality.

Subsidy removal: FG saves over N1.4trn in 3 months Olatunde Dodondawa -Lagos

The Federal Government has stated that the country has successfully saved over N1.4 trillion since subsidy was removed from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol.

Speaking at the National Association of Energy Correspondent 2016 annual conference in Lagos on Thursday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated that the removal of subsidy, though difficult was a necessary decision the government had to take.

Removal of fuel subsidy in May 2016 resulted in price increase of the product from N97 per litre to N145 per

litre.

Kachikwu explained that the removal of subsidy had resulted in increase supply and availability of the product across the country.

“For the first time in 30 years, we have been able to deal with the pricing issue of petrol. We work with all stakeholders and we have been able to save N1.4 trillion.

“More importantly is for us to achieve self sufficiency and ensure that queues disappear from our filling stations,” Kachikwu said.

Commenting on pipeline vandalism, the minister said Nigeria had experienced 1600 cases of pipeline vandalism between January 2016 till date.

He explained that the

pipeline vandalism cases the country had witnessed in 2016 alone, are worse than those experienced between 2010-2015 which he estimated to be 3000 cases.

“You will be shocked that in 2016 alone, Nigeria has recorded 1600 cases of pipeline vandalism, while between 2010 - 2015, there were 3000 cases. That means 2016 has been the worst,” he said.

Kachikwu therefore appealed to militants in Niger Delta to halt all forms of pipeline vandalism, noting that their activities do not only pose economic challenges to the country, but also pollute the environment and threaten aquatic life.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

Adeosun pleads with private sector on policy review

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he Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on Thursday, sought the understanding of members of the private sector in the ongoing policy review by the current administration.

The minister, who spoke during a visit of the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to her office in Abuja, challenged the private sector body to come up with policies which are implementable in view of the current economic situation in the country.

Extending her hand of fellowship to the NESG, the minister said the Ministry of Finance is ready to work with them and therefore, challenged the private sector group to keep track of some of the recommendations to the Federal Government.

“I want to challenge you by asking you to keep track of how many of your policies are implemented and those that are not. You also need to find out why those policies were not implemented.

They may be great policies at wrong times, or they may be wrong policies. They may even be un-implementable policies.

“I’m giving you the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Finance to assist you.

You are invited to the Federal Ministry of Finance and spend a day and sit with our people and see how government affairs are being run.”

The minister also stressed the need to prioritise in the face of the revenue challenge in the country.

“Yes, the economy is chal-

lenged and people are extremely frustrated and we need to rebuild fundamentally, we need to prioritise.

We have to rebuild this country and it has to be data driven.

“We are already overhauling our tax policy. We want to have a realistic picture of tax.

We need to realise that with the collapse of com-

Grant, the minister stated that although her predecessor in office halted the implementation of the policy, she believed the decision was in order, going by harvests of startling revelations on the abuse of export grant.

She stated that “On paper, why will you cancel Export Grant? The EG is set up to encourage export business.

However, in a situation,

where we do not have control, we open up doors for the kind of abuse, which are only imaginable. We have people exporting stones, describing them as high valued goods, collecting an import credit and using that to import fish.

“We do need to look for how to support export, but we have to be very realistic in the recommendations we are coming up with.”

President Muhammadu Buhari being conducted round CBN exhibition stand of old currencies by the CBN Governor and Vice Chairman of AACB, Mr Godwin Emefiele, during the Assembly of Governors Association of African Central Banks 2016 Symposium held at the Apex Bank in Abuja.

FG seeks enforcement of PPPRA retail pricing policy on petroleum Ademola Adegbite-Abuja

THE Federal Government, on Thursday, called on the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to enforce the Petro-

FCMB produces more millionaires at second draws of ‘Millionaire Promo Season 3’ First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded another set of 644 customers at the second draw of the bank’s ongoing promotion tagged ‘FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 3.’ The winners emerged at the electronic selection exercise which took place across the four regions and 25 zones of the bank nationwide recently.

While four customers of the bank were rewarded with the sum of N1 million each at the regional draws in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Ilorin (Kwara State), a total of 640 others smiled home with LED television sets, power generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart phones and other consolation prizes at the Zonal draws held in different parts of the country.

At the Lagos Regional draw, Franca Ehighale Hilary emerged as the lucky winner of N1 million, while

modity prices we don’t have enough foreign exchange to buy as many imported goods as we like to, so when there is import substitution, we must embrace it.”

She justified the stoppage of the policy on Export Grant, which according to her, has been seriously abused.

Responding to the explanation sought by NESG on the current status of Export

at the Abuja/North Regional draw held in Kano, Meller Lois Benjamin was rewarded with the same amount. Abigail Onwugbuta emerged the proud winner of N1 million at the SouthEast/South-South Regional draw that took place in Port Harcourt, just as Adewole Adams Kolawole also won N1 million at the SouthWest Regional draw in Ilorin.

The ‘FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 3’ commenced in April this year and will run till November.

The current season follows the successful conclusion of the Millionaire Promo Season 2, which held from August 2015 to January 2016 and produced 12 millionaires. The promotion which targets all segments of the society is part of the various initiatives put in place by FCMB to reward customers for their loyalty and patronage.

leum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA)`s retail price band for all petroleum products across all its retail outlets.

It then solicited the support of the association towards ensuring efficient distribution of petroleum products throughout Nigeria before, during and after the ember months.

The government `s position was made known by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, while receiving the enlarged National Executive Committee of IPMAN at the NNPC Towers, Abuja.

He implored the associa-

tion to take advantage of the liberalization policy of the downstream sector by the Federal Government to import petroleum products so as to keep the country wet with petroleum products.

The GMD then admonished IPMAN to use its vast network of distribution outlets in the downstream sector across Nigeria to deliver petroleum products to the people without engaging in diversion of products.

Earlier, the IPMAN President, Chief Obasi Lawson said peace has returned to the leadership of the association, noting that it was prepared to use its various filling stations to ensure effective supply and distribu-

tion of petroleum products for the benefit of Nigerians.

On his part, IPMAN Board of Trustee Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir congratulated the GMD on his well-deserved appointment, stressing that the omen of his appointment brought unity to the lingering crises in the association, while further extolling his transparent virtues which he said would rub on the nation’s oil and gas industry.

He expressed the readiness of IPMAN to support the GMD and his management team to succeed in their task of ensuring seamless supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

Nigerian Tribune

Red Star Express Plc earns N6.6bn A leading logistics company, Red Star Express Plc, has announced a total sum of N6.6 billion turnover for the financial year ended March 31, 2016 and a profit after tax of N334.4 million.

This was stated at the 23rdAnnual General Meeting (AGM) of the company.

Speaking at the AGM, the Chairman, Dr. Mohammed H. Koguna, noted that in spite of the challenges of decline in oil prices, immense pressure on the naira, rising inflation, volatility and uncertainty in the foreign exchange market, regular flight cancellations and upsurge in general cost of living, the staff and management worked assiduously to ensure that the company achieved a satisfactory result.

“In spite of the challenges outlined, our company posted a turnover of N6.6 billion in the year under review. Our company has maintained its commitment in the creation of wealth for shareholders.

“To this end, the Board of Directors is recommending a gross cash dividend of 35kobo for every 50 kobo share translating to N206.3million.

We demonstrated our commitment during the financial year to the Red Star Foundation policy by awarding 20 additional scholarship to secondary school students from the Eastern, Western and Northern part of Nigeria,” he reiterated.

With a view to optimising emerging opportunities in the domestic and international business environment, there have also been changes in the company’s management structure. The former Executive Director, Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun, and Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Sule Umar Bichi, both had their contracts expired on August 31st 2015.

Nigeria needs $3tr for infrastructure —Udoma Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

About $3.05 trillion will be required over the next 30 years to implement the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma disclosed in Abuja on Thursday.

The plan which will be executed in collaboration with Federal and State governments as well as the private sector will see the public sector taking 52 per cent of the load with the private sector underwriting

the balance in the first five years of the plan.

The minister who received the report of a three-day pre-summit workshop from the Infrastructure Private Public Partnership Summit Group (PPPSG) said the NIIMP is a blueprint for accelerated infrastructure development in the country over the next 30 years (2014 -2043); which seeks to raise the stock of infrastructure from the current level of 20-25 per cent of the GDP to at least 70 per cent by 2043.

The PPP Summit Group has a responsibility to chart

a course for the PPP funding in some critical sectors as well as establish a private sector led Community of Practice to work in collaboration with government across all levels to ensure the successful implementation of infrastructure roadmaps.

Investments in the NIIMP are geared towards meeting infrastructure requirements of the major sectors of the economy including energy, transport, ICT, agriculture, water and mining, housing, social infrastructure and security and vital registration.

The plan outlines a financing plan for the public sector component of the investment requirement with four major options – public budgets, loans, pension funds and sovereign wealth fund as well as public private partnership (PPP) He reiterated the importance of infrastructure in turning the economy of the country around and pointed out that in his resolve to revamp the economy, President Mohammadu Buhari is determined to attract as much private sector investment as possible to enable a quick turnaround.

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editorial

Friday, 19 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

WAI again?

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari seems poised to awaken the ghost of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) outfit which heralded his days in the saddle as a military Head of State over 32 years ago. The move has been received with disbelief and shock. Not being part of his campaign manifesto, Buhari’s recourse to rescucitating the moribund WAI is perceived by many critics as a gambit to save his waning popularity. The move is especially baffling against the backdrop of the insistence by the government that its operations are being hampered by the shortfall in oil earnings. What is more, the outfit, under military rule, had only succeeded only in dehumanising the civil populace.

To be sure, there are sufficient examples in the polity to suggest that indiscipline still rules in the country’s sociopolitical and economic space, like in the civil service where sloth and malingering hold sway. But this may not even be the most pressing problem given the salary arrears owed workers, for instance. Thirty two years ago when WAI featured prominently in the agenda of an ostensibly redemptive military intervention headed by Buhari, the effort failed due to the lack of supportive structures. Not a few individuals spoke at the time in favour of tackling indiscipline at the roots. Without an efficient sanitary infrastructure like public toilets for instance, how could anybody be sanctioned for breaking the rule of public sanitation? And has the situation improved now to warrant WAI’s resuscitation? The move may just end up increasing the hit list of offences, even criminalising otherwise tepid infractions or misdemeanours without giving the citizenry ample room for contrition, conversion and compliance.

It has been said that the latest move would create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country. We commend the government’s resolve to create jobs. However, the already bloated civil service will haemorrhage further with the proposed massive employment via the WAI brigade. It will therefore be counterproductive. What the government should do is to create the right atmosphere for the private sector to thrive and create jobs.

Moreover, the indiscipline that hinders the country’s growth and development has not gone beyond what the National Orientation Agency (NOA) can handle, and setting up an entirely new structure comprising an army of youths to combat it is clearly an overkill. In any case, the country is

already saturated with uniformed agencies and departments performing similar functions, and the Federal Government has not explained where it will source the funds to run the new outfit.

Besides, the suggestion that the WAI brigade will be deployed in intelligence gathering, a thoroughly professional aspect of the security brief, may hint at certain furtive but sinister motives. Beyond compliance, what intelligence gathering would the WAI brigade embark upon without adequate training? What then is the job of the Department of State Services (DSS)? Or is Nigeria now a police state where all kinds of repressive state apparatuses must be continually unleashed on the awfully governed and long-suffering populace? What ‘local intelligence’ would the WAI brigade gather that is not already being gathered by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)? It would seem that there is more to the rescucitation of WAI than meets the eye.

We believe that many of the acts of indiscipline that the government harps so much on are no more than structural defaults in which the establishment itself is implicated, having failed to provide either adequate facilities or the appropriate orientation. If the return of the WAI brigade is just to continue from where its forebears left it about 32 years ago and boost the waning mystique of a desultory social crusader, then its resuscitation is definitely misbegotten.

The way to start a disciplined lifestyle for the citizens is to provide facilities for them and watch their response.

If the people are treated with civility, they will act accordingly. On the other hand, if they are treated like animals, they will respond as such, revelling in social disorder and mayhem. What specific acts of social indiscipline have been articulated and what research went into rescucitating WAI brigade, to bring about the desired changes in the society? In the order of prominence, we think the Federal Government’s priority should be to get the real sector of the economy back on track.

It is a lot of hard work to mount surveillance to monitor compliance alone in Nigeria let alone apprehend those who break the rules, and nothing gives more room for impunity than a society’s inability to enforce its rules. Nigeria already has institutions to tackle all forms of indiscipline. Therefore, rather than unleash the WAI brigade on a democratic society, government should focus on reviving the economy and tackling indiscipline through the extant institutions.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

LETTERS TO THE

editor

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

Grass importation for cattle: What a contradiction!

W

HAT came to mind on hearing about the decision or plan to import grass for feeding of cattle in Nigeria was that, if given the choice, imported air for breathing would have been preferred to the natural.

No doubt, Nigeria is endowed with a comparative advantage in grass production, only that there is the

need to make use of necessary scientific information for it to fully materialise. All that are required for this to happen are the mandate for the relevant institutions to produce the resource, and the financial incentive for its commercialisation (in large quantity). The gestation period for meeting the target and the demand would be about equal for both

sources of supply of the resource, that is, from within and outside the country.

Legumes, which are, or may be lacking in the grass importation scheme, could, of course, cause nutritional imbalance. Cost effectiveness may also not be achieved if importation does not meet the demand, or it is in excess.

Poor storage of any excess could cause a loss of taste,

or of nutrients and consequently, a loss of foreign exchange and the mortality or poor performance of the animals.

Grass importation implies zero grazing, which curtails outside grazing by the animals, even in a grazing zone. Whether necessary facilities for this scheme and its management system are in place, what is certain is that the

imported grass cannot be super-imposed on the cattle that are always on the move, that is, those managed on the existing nomadic system.

Incidentally, grass importation scheme is a camouflage considering the contravention of the ban on the importation of meat in as much as grass is the mainstay for cattle’s survival. For all animals meat

and field, swimming, and judo. This initiative, which is in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles, is indeed highly commendable and is clearly a welcomed development. It definitely serves to give hope and motivate other refugees from conflict zones and internally displaced persons

in various camps to continue believing that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

However, there is still a long way to go before durable stability and eventually, peace can be restored in our troubled world.

•Barrister Ogunjobi Michael, Lagos.

Lessons of love from the Olympics The spate of terrorism, mass killings, growing crisis, and humanitarian situation across the globe definitely requires a state of emergency to be declared on planet earth. The impact of the crisis on vulnerable women and children is even more alarming with rape and sexual violence used to terrorise crisis zones. It is estimated that some 20 million people are displaced internationally and an additional 40 million people displaced within their own countries.

Various quick measures are required from the international community with a definite stance taken and not the current questionable quibbling posture among super powers. Of note, the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 was due to the resolution of member nations to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, as aptly captured in the preamble of the United Nations Charter.

Precisely, Article 39 of the UN Charter allows the Security Council of the United Nations to determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of peace or acts of aggression and to take necessary measures in accordance with Articles 41 and 42 to maintain or restore international peace and security. Hence, urgent steps are required to respond to the medical, psychological, social and economic consequences resulting from displacement of civilians due to outbreak of war.

As the cliché goes- ‘action

speaks louder than words’.

In a historic step, respite came the way of conflict zones such as South Sudan, Syria, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia at 2016 Olympic Games – the pinnacle of sporting activities, with ten athletes from these zones accorded the newly introduced status of ‘Refugee

Olympic Team’, portraying an amazing tale of triumph over adversity. This ‘Super Special’ team comprises athletes that come from different countries who had to leave their homes due to security concerns in search of succour.

Remarkably, they are competing at the Rio games this year: in track

and milk production, including the cattle, like other ruminants, depends, to a great extent, on feeds, the bulk of the feeds is pasture.

Grass importation, however, negates the policy of increasing the nation’s foreign exchange or reserve through agriculture.

Finally, it is expected that, on matters of this nature, experts in tertiary institutions in the nation should have been consulted whether they (the experts) had acted their part dutifully as their own form of social responsibility.

•Professor J.A. Oluyemi, Ibadan.

Online fraud: Bank customers, beware FOR some time now, internet fraudsters have been on the rise, targeting bank customers through email and short messages, telling them that their Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards had been blocked and they needed to supply details of their cards in order of them to be reactivated.

Also, some fraudsters send emails informing bank customers that certain amount had been deducted from their accounts for the subscription for the bank’s in-house magazine.

The amount claimed to have been deducted in my case was N15,500, and I was later informed to supply my bank details if I didn’t authorise the deductions.

While I didn’t fall for this trick was because I am not using the banks mentioned.

The essence of this letter is, therefore, in two parts.

First, to inform bank customers not to share their bank details online. If they are not sure of anything, they should go to their bank branches to confirm.

Secondly, bank officials need to go after these criminals, as they leave traces in their bid to look credible to unsuspecting bank customers.

•Mary Onyinye, mayonyen@gmail. com

opinion Enhancing Nigeria’s capacity for climate risk response 15

Friday, 19 August, 2016

By Chinedu Moghalu

T

HE financial cost of the 2012 flooding across Nigeria was officially put at N2.6 trillion by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). With housing and agriculture being the two highest affected sectors, the crisis dealt very hard blows on the affected communities and food production.

On the one hand, the huge financial loss highlights the scale of the natural disaster and the humanitarian needs that attended it. On the other hand, the financial cost is so huge that, given the fiscal constraints to meeting these needs, the affected communities will bear the brunt of the disaster for many years. This is quite unfortunate.

In Africa, drought, flood and cyclones have been wrecking havoc on livelihoods in communities and across countries. For example, a severe drought between 2011 and 2012 affected the whole of East Africa. As a result, over 9.5 million people experienced crushing food shortages; and the disaster also brought about a refugee crisis. The prospects of extreme weather shocks show that African populations are increasingly susceptible to climate risks.

The grim reality is that some people would be traumatised again and again by repeat experiences, going by the large size of the areas that are prone to these risks, and the harrowing experience of displacement.

Climate disasters are likely to occur more frequently in light of the rise in global temperatures and the rise in sea levels. Precisely because of very limited capacity for crisis response, Africa is especially vulnerable to climate disasters. With the certainty of natural disasters, the challenge to surmount them is how to build resilience in vulnerable communities and deliver timely assistance when the risks crystallise. These are no mean challenges at all, given my affinity to Nigeria’s 2012 experience.

Many of us often dismiss the capability of Africa to rise to this and many other daunting challenges on the continent, citing the lack of political will and effective policymaking to unlock the required resources; not the least, financing.

But this is not always the case. African policymakers came together in 2012, under the aegis of the African Union (AU), and founded the African Risk Capacity

(ARC) as a specialised agency for financing climate resilience and crisis response.

The initial returnable fund of $90 million was provided to the Agency by the governments of Germany, through BMZ and KfW Development Bank; and the United Kingdom, through DfID. The objective is to provide African countries with early funds, linked to pre-defined national climate contingency plans, and for leading response in the event of climate disasters. This initial assistance is hoped to reduce Africa’s reliance on external funding to address climate risks.

The ARC is a weather insurance mechanism for the member-countries of AU with the combination of a climate risk analytic, the Africa RiskView; and a financial arm, ARC Insurance Company Limited. Africa RiskView is a risk modelling platform, which provides early warning and parametric insurance tools that trigger the need for an insurance payout when the risk that is covered crystallises. This automated process aids the objective of delivering timely response.

The ARC is already off the ground. No less than 37 countries have signed up to the initiative, including Nigeria. The initial risk pool, which covered the 2014/2015 rainfall seasons, consisted of Kenya, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. The drought insurance policies issued to the countries totalled nearly $130 million in coverage for a total premium cost of $17 million.

The first set of insurance payouts, totalling over $26 million, has been made under this initiative in January 2015, with Mauritania, Niger and Senegal benefiting as a result of drought conditions in these countries in 2014.

Five other countries have since joined the pool. This has increased the drought coverage for the 2015/2016 rainfall seasons to over $190 million.

However, the ARC aims to do much more. It targets up to 30 countries for coverage of its drought, flood and cyclone policies, totalling approximately $1.5 billion by 2020. An estimated 150 million Africans will benefit from the risk covers. For this, however, only $300 million in premium payments is required.

This underscores the cost-benefit of early intervention through the African Risk Capacity which guarantees that every dollar spent on its insurance saves nearly four and a half dollars that would be spent after a crisis is allowed to crystallise. The potent question therefore is, how do Africans push towards the target coverage of the scheme?

This question has engaged my thought as we need to ensure that Africa does not continue to be a graveyard for good initiative, due to lack of awareness, cynicism and inability to put our money where our mouth is.

Irrespective of the cost-benefit of this risk insurance, it potentially faces the general apathy towards insurance in Africa, which makes the continent the least insuranceprotected region of the world. This challenge can be surmounted, in part because of the governmental stakeholding of the ARC and because it can be a basis of peer review by the NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) with regard to citizen protection from natural disasters. But there is also a need to leverage local advocacy. Sufficient awareness needs to be raised at national level about this scheme.

Civil society actors can take this further by intimating local representatives, especially legislators, on the need to provide covers for the vulnerable communities they represent rather than having to face the challenges of responding to the humanitarian crises that often follow such disasters.

•Moghalu lives in Abuja.

Of politics and good governance

By John Ntim

SINCE 1999 when Nigeria returned to democracy, the same political party has always been the one controlling both the legislature and the executive arms at the Federal level.

And for want of further evidence of the inadequacies of our democratic practice, the governors have been the worst of the emperor posture, threatening the survival of the nascent democracy, but for the federal level; the legislature exists only in name at the state level. It is at best an arm of the governor’s office.

For the first 16 years of the current democratic experiment, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled both the executive and legislative arms at the Federal level. The situation became dramatic in 2011 when, against the wish of the ruling party, Honourable Aminu Bello Tambuwal emerged as the Speaker of the green chambers, as against Honourable. Mulikat Adeola-Akande, who was regarded as the ruling party’s choice.

Tambuwal’s emergence, though caused a lot of ripples within the ruling party, never degenerated beyond manageable point. And Tambuwal was never declared persona non granta by the Sokoto State government for moving against the tide of the party’s wish. He remained the Speaker and a member of the ruling party till the very end, though, it was clear to all where his ideals were.

However, since the All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed power at the centre, the party has not been able to manage its affairs as a united political party.

In his inauguration speech, President Muhammadu Buhari was explicit that he was not going to intervene in the appointment of the leadership of the National Assembly,

promising to work with whoever emerged as the leaders of the two chambers.

However, the ruling party hierarchy could not wait for the president to finish his speech when names of preferred candidates of the party for the National Assembly leadership began to fly in the air. Members of the two chambers, Senate and House of Representatives, were considered inconsequential as to have a say in the affairs of the Chambers, at least in the choice of its leadership.

Unfortunately, the ruling party has since been at daggers drawn with the leadership that emerged at the two chambers because its preferred candidates could not make it in the open election that produced these set of current leaders.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has known no peace since he emerged, going from one battle to the other with some political commentators speculating that his own political party is the unseen hand behind his travails. From the Code of Conduct tribunal, he’s now facing another charge of criminal conspiracy before a regular court for allegedly forging the Senate rule.

Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, is having a taste of the bile of his own party.

It is high time the ruling party resolved its internal wranglings and focus on tackling the economic challenges facing the country. Given the fact that the party met a bad economic situation, the expectations of Nigerians is for the government to swing into action and look at ways towards ameliorating the people’s problems.

The quantum of time devoted to working for the people through coordinated efforts of all the arms of government as compared to what is being dissipated on fighting and bringing down the National Assembly cannot be justified.

At a time when Nigerians are looking for solutions to the poor power supply, poor state of roads across the country, unpaid salaries of civil servants, the party in power is only busy with unnecessary in-fightings.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which the regime inherited, is not yet over, but today, Niger Delta militants are making crude oil production a problem with the frequent bombing of oil pipelines. Kidnapping has virtually become a part of us; these are issues the party should be looking towards addressing.

The South West geo-political zone, which used to be the most peaceful region in the country, is now having its share of militancy and kidnapping.

Having said this, it is important that the ruling party should have a rethink, thereby focusing on how to fulfill the promises that brought it to power. Anything short of this, is great disservice to the country.

If the PDP, the official opposition party, is not creating much problem for the APC, then it leaves much to be desired that the ruling party has now turned itself to an opposition against it own government.

•Ntim is a public affairs analyst.

16

Friday, 19 August, 2016

F

ROM that period up till now, the Onafowokans and other members of the Osugbo, have been fighting against anything that the Awolowos are associated with, both in local and national politics. They supported the Nnamdi Azikiwe-led National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (later National Council of Nigeria Citizens, NCNC) against Awolowo’s Action Group (AG) in the First Republic; and in the Second Republic, they supported the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) against Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

When Awomuti died on August 20, 1984, the Onafowokans and their supporters again tried to insert the Moko family into the succession order against the Ikenne Chieftaincy Declaration, which recognizes only three families. However, two candidates emerged from the Obara ruling house, whose turn it was to produce the Alakenne. Not being able to insert themselves in the succession lines, the Moko supported one of the parties in the Obara family, Ademolu Odeneye, a retired photographer and trader, in opposition to David Efunnuga, a retired court clerk, the choice of the majority of the Obara family, including the Awolowos.

While Efunnuga’s section of the family controlled the disputed Ikenne-Sagamu road land, Odeneye lived in the Moko quarters and had relations with the Moko through his father’s maternal side. A vote by the kingmakers which led to the selection of Odeneye in July 1985 was voided by the Ogun State High Court in Sagamu on November 28, 1986. The court declared his selection as inconsistent with the 1958 Alakenne of Ikenne Chieftaincy Declaration. The declaration stipulates that the Obara family must initially vote before presenting a candidate to the kingmakers. An appeal by Odeneye led by Chief Kehinde Onafowokan, SAN, the son of Gabriel Onafowokan, was dismissed on April 18, 1988 by the Appeal Court in Ibadan, while the Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal on December 14, 1990 in a lead judgement by Justice Karibi-Whyte.

Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, an associate of Awolowo, represented the candidate supported by the Awolowos – Efunnuga.

Despite the judgement, for 27 years, Ikenne never had a king-Governor Gbenga Daniel of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), eventually approved the installation of the current Alakenne, Oba Onakade, in May 2011, only a few days before he left office. Such was the opposition from the successors of Gabriel Onafowokan, particularly his children and their supporters, that the governor avoided the matter for almost eight years. But in the end, he did right by Onakade and the Awolowos.

In spite of this, when Governor Ibikunle Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria (which later merged into the all Progressives Congress, (APC) succeeded Daniel, the battle resumed. The Amosun-led administration started a battle to dethrone Oba Onakade. However, in April 2013, the State High Court sitting in Sagamu struck out an application by the government to list the stool as “vacant”. Since he returned for a second term, the Alakenne believes that Governor Amusun has given up on trying to remove him….

The case of the traditional stool in Sagamu which Hannah’s family can also access is less acrimonious, but no less significant. Contrary to what happened in Ikenne in the late 1940s and early 1950s – even though the contest was also acrimonious – the Awolowos’ backing of Moses

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Wale Adebanwi on Mama HID (11)

•Mama HID Awolowo

Awolesi in 1952 for the throne of Akarigbo in Sagamu, produced unity in the end. It eventually led to the unification of Remo towns with the acceptance of Ofin’s paramount status – and the added benefit of the support of the Remo towns for the Action Group. Even Adeleke Adedoyin who initially opposed Awolesi for the position of Akarigbo, joined the AG in 1953.

The success of Awolowo’s support for Akarigbo Awolesi and the rallying of most of Remo towns behind Ofin (Sagamu) also meant that his home base was solidly in support of his political leadership and ambitions. Thus, with Hannah’s critical heritage and support, Obafemi Awolowo was able to create a new Remo community by the mid-20th century. This became the

Hannah Awolowo fondly remembers the day the first edition of the newspaper rolled out.

basis of his creation of a modern Yoruba nation founded on the ideals of enlightenment, development and progress that his people called olaju….

GIVEN HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE press as a journalist and the use of the newspaper press at every stage of the social, cultural and ideological struggles which he had witnessed or in which he was a participant, Awolowo was convinced that he would have little chance of succeeding in all his social, cultural, and political battles without a newspaper press to back him up. Perhaps the greatest evidence of this were the battles between the West African Pilot and Daily Service over the NYM crisis, and, later, over the status of Lagos in a federal Nigeria. Azikiwe used the Pilot, which he established in 1937, effectively as an ideological apparatus of his political ambitions. In most of his ideological and political battles against Azikiwe and the NCNC, Awolowo had to rely on the organ of the NYM, the Daily Service, which was edited at the different points by Ernest Ikoli and Samuel Ladoke Akintola, both eminent journalists with vitriolic pens. When the NYM became engulfed in crisis, it was clear to Awolowo that the Service may not last long.

After he returned from the UK in 1947, in view of the money he was making from his legal practice, Obafemi Awolowo discussed with H.I.D on the need to start a

newspaper that would stand up for the common man and his vision of an egalitarian society, project and defend his political career, while also constituting the ideological voice of the political party he was hoping to form. They both agreed to invite some of their friends to invest in the proposed African Press Limited which was incorporated on May 10, 1949 under the Companies Ordinance of 1948. The five directors were Mr. Obafemi Awolowo, Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, Mr. Rabiu Jagun, a produce merchant, and Mr. Johnson Omisore. Oba Aderemi was made the Chairman of the Board, with Obafemi Awolowo as Managing Director.

Hannah later became the Chairman when the Ooni passed.

The first edition of the Nigerian Tribune, which was originally planned for October 1, 1949, was published on November 16, 1949.

Hannah Awolowo fondly remembers the day the first edition of the newspaper rolled out of the press on the night of November 16, 1949. She, her husband and first son, Olusegun, who was then ten years old, were present inside the press hall to watch the historic event. The paper, which later described itself as “the voice of the voiceless”, became such a torn in the side of those who betrayed the progressive cause in Western Nigeria that one of them nicknamed the paper onomatopoeically as “Tete bu’yan”.

Indeed, Tribune’s lead writers and leading columnists of the first three decades did not take hostages. The paper had an array of partisan pugilists raging against the system; these partisans attempted to box their political enemies into stupor with words. The newspaper’s intense political reporting in the years of political turmoil in Western Nigeria, even though partisan, won the paper popularity among the Action Group devotees and sympathizers. The paper was also feared by the political adversaries of its founder who were convinced that the paper’s incessant attacks was capable of provoking their defeat. Tribune therefore faced constant harassment by the Akintola administration in the Western Region. For instance, the newspaper office on 98, Shittu Street, (old) Adeoyo, Ibadan, was “invaded” by the police on Thursday, April 16, 1964, because of an editorial entitled “Where do we go from here?” When the newspaper’s premises was again “invaded” by the police in August of the same year for the purpose of conducting a search regarding the “manuscripts of editorials written against the excesses of a governing party which has not the mandate of voters”, Tribune published a front-page editorial in which it declared: “The ‘Nigerian Tribune’ will NOT be intimidated by this provocative harassment by the Executive.”

TO BE CONTINUED EBINO TOPSY: 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE).

17

Friday, 19 August, 2016

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Pilgrims from Zamfara State on queue ahead of their departure to Saudi Arabia at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, last week.

Universal lessons of Hajj M ILLIONS of pilgrims from all over the world will be converging on Mecca in the coming days. They will retrace the footsteps of millions who have made the spiritual journey to the valley of Mecca since the time of Adam.

Hajj literally means “to continuously strive to reach one’s goal.” It is the last of the five pillars of Islam (the others include a declaration of faith in one God, five daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan). Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.

The Hajj is essentially a re-enactment of the rituals of the great prophets and teachers of faith. Pilgrims symbolically relive the experience of exile and atonement undergone

by Adam and Eve after they were expelled from Heaven, wandered the earth, met again and sought forgiveness in the valley of Mecca. They also retrace the frantic footsteps of the wife of Ibrahim, Hajar, as she ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water for her thirsty baby (which according to Muslim tradition, God answered with the well of Zam Zam). Lastly, the pilgrims also commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son for the sake of God. God later substituted a ram in place of his son.

Yet, the Hajj is more than these elaborate rituals. The faithful hopes that it will bring about a deep spiritual transformation, one that will make him or her a better person.

If such a change within does not occur, then the Hajj was merely a physical and material exercise devoid of any spiritual significance.

As all great religions teach, we are more than mere physical creatures in that we possess an essence beyond the material world. Indeed, this is why all great religions have a tradition of pilgrimage. In the Islamic tradition, Hajj encapsulates this spiritual journey toward this essence.

The current state of affairs — both within and outside the Muslim world — greatly increases the relevance of some of the spiritual and universal messages inherent in the Hajj.

As Islamic scholar, Ebrahim Moosa, asks rhetorically: “after paying homage to the two women Eve and Hajar in the rites of pilgrimage, how can some Muslims still violate the rights and dignity of women in the name of Islam? Is this not a contradiction?”

Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: “I shall not lose sight of the

labour of any of you who labours in my way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other.” (Qur’an 3:195) Clearly, the white sea of men and women side by side performing tawaf (circling) around the Kaaba (the stone building Muslims believe was originally built by Adam and rebuilt by Ibrahim and his son Ismail) should lay to rest any claim that Islam — as opposed to some Muslims — degrades women.

The fact that millions of Muslims transcending geographical, linguistic, level of practice, cultural, ethnic, colour, economic and social barriers converge in unison on Mecca, attests to the universality of the Hajj. It plants the seed to celebrate the diversity of our common humanity.

Pilgrims return home enriched by this more pluralistic and holistic outlook and with a new appreciation for their own origins.

One of the most celebrated Western Hajjis (one who has completed the Hajj) is none other than African-American civil rights leader El-Hajj Malik El Shabbaz, more commonly known as Malcolm X. The man, who was renowned for preaching that whites were “devils” — especially the blond, blue-eyed ones — profoundly reassessed these views during the Hajj. This transformation, of course, sealed his break with the Black nationalist movement of the Nation of Islam.

Contrary to the teachings of the Nation, he concluded

The faithful hopes that it will bring about a deep spiritual transformation, one that will make him or her a better person. If such a change within does not occur, then the Hajj was merely a physical and material exercise devoid of any spiritual significance.

that Islam encompassed all of humanity and transcended race and culture. Malcolm X later said, “In my 39 years on this Earth, the holy city of Mecca had been the first time I had ever stood before the Creator of all and felt like a complete human.”

In Mecca, he discovered himself mixing with, “fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was whitest of white.” Malcolm X was so inspired by what he witnessed, that, in letters to friends and relatives, he wrote, “America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.”

Upon returning to America, he embarked on a mission to enlighten both blacks and whites with his new views.

Malcolm X understood that in order to truly learn from the Hajj, its inherent spiritual lessons must extend beyond the fraternal ties of Muslims to forging a common humanity with others.

In fact, as part of the spiritual experience, the pilgrimage links people across religions through a past shared by several Ibrahimic traditions. This combined with the Islamic teaching of the common origin of humanity holds out much hope. Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: “We created you from a single pair of a male and female (Adam and Eve), and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other and not that you might despise each other. The most honoured of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you” (Qur’an 49:13). This is a great celebration of the differences and at the same time unity of all of humanity.

Another essential spiritual message of the Hajj is one of humility to God and His supremacy and control over all that we know. The multitude of people and their inner beliefs and practices are all to be judged by God and God alone in His infinite wisdom and full knowledge. Indeed, as the Qur’an insists, “Let there be no compulsion in matters of faith, truth stands out clear from error.” (Quran 2:256) The result of a successful Hajj is a rich inner peace, which is manifested outwardly in the values of justice, honesty, respect, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy. And it is these values – all attributes of God almighty — that are indispensable to us all if we are just to get along in this world.

Source: IslamiCity – Faisal Kutty.

18 islamicnews

Friday, 19 August, 2016

Don’t take drugs, kola nuts to Saudi Arabia, Buhari warns pilgrims

S

ENIOR Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Honourable Abike DabiriErewa, has reiterated her warning to intending Muslim pilgrims yet to depart for 2016 Hajj exercise to resist any temptation to take hard drugs to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Dabiri-Erewa said that despite repeated warnings and workshops for intending pilgrims, it was disheartening that some Nigerians still ran broke Saudi Arabia’ law.

Noting that some Nigerians caught with hard drugs in Saudi Arabia in the last few years remain on death row, she pleaded with pilgrims to shun the shameful act.

Dabiri-Erewa also reminded the pilgrims that kola nuts and prescription painkillers have been banned in Saudi Arabia and their possession attracts severe penalties, according to new Saudi Arabia regulations.

She said the Federal Government, through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and various state pilgrims boards, had made adequate arrangements to attend to the medical needs of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Similarly, she said Saudi Arabia has free medical centres in all the nooks and crannies of the Kingdom equipped with all drugs for their medical needs.

She urged the security agencies and other paramilitary bodies stationed at the various departure centres in Nigeria to screen the pilgrims before their departure for the holy land.

Dabiri-Erewa advised Nigerian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country by portraying Nigeria in good image and pray for peace, unity and progress of the country in the Holy land.

Since the beginning of transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on August 15, more than five Nigerians have been arrested for alleged possession of substance suspected to be hard drugs as well as kola nuts.

It will be recalled that the Saudi Arabian authorities have asked Nigerian pilgrims not to bring kola nuts during the 2016 Hajj.

“All those who intend to perform Hajj are, therefore, advised to adhere strictly to the Saudi rules and regulations on prohibited items,” NAHCON said in a statement.

The commission also urged Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards (MPWB) and licensed tour operators to properly educate pilgrims to avoid penal actions on those found in

violation of the instruction on smuggling kola nut.

Kola nut, a caffeinebased edible seed, is usually known as ‘goro’ and ‘oji’ and is often used ceremonially by Nigerians to show

a gesture of friendship and warmth. It is also used in the production of beverage and energy drinks.

More than 70,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected to perform 2016 Hajj.

Ex-nomadic education commission boss, Aderinoye, honoured

A public reception was held, on Wednesday, in Ibadan, Oyo State, in honour of the immediate past Executive Secretary, National Commission for Nomadic Education, Professor Rashid Aderinoye.

The event, organised by the Muslim Community of Oyo State, the state branch of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) and the University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates’ Association (UIMGA), was designed to acknowledge Professor Aderinoye’s contributions to the advancement of nomadic education and the cause of humanity while he held sway at the commission.

In a remark, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, described Aderinoye as an accomplished public servant and devout Muslim with immense love for family and country.

Akinola commended Aderinoye for the standard he set for the comFrom left, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola; the Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, Alhaji Fatai Alaga; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul mission and urged his Ganiyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere and the honouree, Professor Rashid Aderinoye, the immediate past Executive Secretary, National Commission for Nomadic successor to take a leaf Education, during a reception organised for him by the Muslim Community of Oyo State and the National Council for Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), at the from honouree’s sense of Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, on Wednesday. duty and patriotism and use the existing template to take the commission to the next level.

He urged elected and apreasons pilgrims flying the more planes to fortify our has taken away a lot of pointed public office holdBola Badmus—Lagos airline for this year’s Hajj fleet,” the Med-View boss stress from the pilgrims,” ers to emulate Aderinoye were bound to enjoy better said. he said. and use their positions to THE Chief Executive Officer services than before.

According to him, airlift Bankole enjoined the pil- serve God and humanity. of Med-View Airline, Alhaji He described this year’s of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia grims to be good ambassaAlso, president of UIMuneer Bankole, has de- operation as different with this year would be complet- dors of Nigeria in the holy MGA, Dr Sakariyau Adscribed sourcing of aviation the celebration of the air- ed in two weeks. land and be sure to make ewumi, described Profesfuel presently in the country line’s 10th anniversary.

“The airlift of the pil- the most of the opportu- sor Aderinoye as a unique as a general problem.

“This year’s airlift is differ- grims will take two weeks. nity to perform the spiritual He advised the Federal ent because we are marking I can tell you that the crew duty, which is the last pillar Muslim with eagerness to assist other people to get to Government to resuscitate the 10th anniversary of air- is eager and all our flights of Islam. the peak. the country’s four refineries lifting of pilgrims for Hajj. are to Medina. We prayed He also urged them to Speaking on behalf of to change the situation.

As part of the anniversary, Almighty Allah to assist us seek Allah’s favour for Ni- the Federation of Muslim “We believe that if the we have brought in three and He hasn’t failed. That geria.

Women’s Associations in refineries are working, it Nigeria (FOMWAN), Dr will save cost. The fuels are Dairo said the imported and marketers –Noibi Lateefat large heart and public need foreign currency to get the products. We cannot THE Executive Secretary, the society must experience so that they would be able to spirit of the honouree were speak freely to them about underlined by his contriblame the marketers who Muslim Ummah of South peace and development.

He called on parents to their personal feelings and butions to the successful claim they will be selling West Nigeria (MUSWEN), construction of the assotheir products at N180 per Professor Dawud Noibi, prioritise their children’s experiences. ciation’s orphanage.

The director of the school, training, saying no amount has expressed the need for litre. They will blame this She called on influential on unavailability of forex,” teachers to prioritise impar- of money was too much to Mr Akinwale Akinlabi, said Muslims to make the most tation of sound academic educate them and make that the awards, meant to Bankole said. of their fortunes by becomguide the pupils in their worthy in knowledge and knowledge and fear of God The Med-View boss, choices of personalities they ing candidates of Paradise character. speaking to journalists in in their students.

He expressed appreciation could emulate, started in through service to God The don described acahis office, in Lagos, also grounded in compassion expressed worry about the demic success or any kind of for his award, describing it 2010.

Akinlabi said that the toward fellow humans, unfavourable foreign ex- knowledge acquired without as unexpected. awards were for individuals especially the underpriviThe chairman on the octhe fear of God as a waste. change rate.

Noibi made the plea in casion, Alhaji Sharafadeen who have contributed posi- leged.

According to him, 10 In his response, Profesyears ago when he started Ibadan, Oyo State, at gradu- Alli, urged the school to keep tively to the development sor Aderinoye said he felt of the society, using knowlthe standard with which it ation/Walimatul Qur’an the airline business, N20 fulfilled with what he was exchanged for one Saudi Ri- ceremony and fourth bien- was already known, in spite edge, faith and leadership as able to achieve during his criteria for the selection of yal, “but today, it is N105 to nial Role Model Awards of of any circumstances. tenure as the head of the Earlier, the chairman of the awardees. one Riyal and that is why we Mimbar Children School.

Highlights of the event commission.

Professor Noibi, who was the school’s Parent-Teachmust pray.”

According to him, it is a were presentation of gifts to er Association (PTA), Mr an award recipient at the Meanwhile, Alhaji challenge for his successor Bankole has described the event, said that both knowl- Taofeek Odukoya, advised outstanding pupils and staff to match his record and fortification of the fleet of edge and fear of God must parents to forge a good rela- members, a play perfor- even surpass it.

Med-View as one of the be instilled in students if tionship with their children mance and cultural dance.

Hajj: Med-View boss advises FG on aviation fuel

Knowledge without fear of God a waste

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

fridaytreat eek Artiste of the w

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

Friday gist

CDQ unveils ‘Quality’ album

93 Days to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2016 The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which has an outstanding reputation for showing the best films from around the world, announced yesterday its selection of the captivating movie 93 Days for this year’s screening.

The highly anticipated premiere of 93 Days will take place at the TIFF on Friday, September 9th, 2016 at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

93 Days has been labelled as one of the most important movies to come out of Nigeria. The true-life movie details the Ebola epidemic in Nigeria, which had the entire nation at a standstill.

The movie gives a true account of how Nigeria was faced with the first case of the Ebola Virus and the victory the country achieved when the disease was eradicated after 93 Days.

Ebola found its way to Nigeria when American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer (Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey) collapsed at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and was rushed to First Consultant Hospital for exhibiting symptoms of fever. After careful observation, the team at First Consultant Hospital led by Dr Ameyo Adadevoh (Bimbo Akintola) believed Mr Sawyer’s illness was more severe than fever and not long enough; he was diagnosed with the Ebola Virus Disease. Then, the journey began on how to control the spread of the life-threatening virus that could result into a national outbreak.

“93 Days is a masterfully crafted incredible story of bravery and sacrifice and is definitely a must see. It showcases the best of Nigeria, it’s powerful, gripping and an emotive piece. I am proud. “ – Bolanle Austen Peters, Producer, 93 Days The Movie The suspense filled thriller directed by award-winning movie director, Steve Gukas features the best of international and African movie acts such as TIFF rising star, Somkele Iyamah Idhalama, Danny Glover, Tim Reid, Alastair Mackenzie, Bimbo Akintola, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Bimbo Manuel, Charles Okafor, Tina Mba, Gideon Okeke, Paul Adams, Francis Onwochei amongst others.

93 Days is a powerful movie that details defeat, triumph, heroism and a country’s determination to protect its people. With the expertise of talented producers, cast and crew, Nigeria tells its own story through film.

The film was produced by Steve Gukas, Pemon Rami, Bolanle Austen-Peters and Dotun Olakunri.

I

ndigenous rapper, CDQ, real names are Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, recently held a press conference for his forthcoming album titled ‘Quality’, unveiled the official album cover, expressing gratitude to fans. Alongside dropping the artwork the rapper expressed on his Instagram page gratitude to his fans saying, “A dude from the ghetto, slum, floor, project resting on the shoulder of success all because you gave me chance and believe in me...I can’t thank you all enough my fans and well wishers God bless you”.

The rapper on Monday, August 15, 2016 held a media press conference, under Masterkraft’s General Records, to announce the official release date for the album slated for August 22, 2016.

The rapper’s well known for singles ‘Salaro’ and ‘Oobi’ with his unique indigenous style, featured in a Reminisce cypher session that had rapper Vector on it. Acts associated with CDQ include Reminisce, Vector, Olamide, amongst others.

PEFTI Film institute announces film festival

Pencils Film and Television Institute, PEFTI, has announced the inaugural edition of its PEFTI Arts Festival; scheduled to hold from 22nd – 27th August, 2016.

The week-long fiesta will showcase the amazing talents of PEFTI Students and Graduates in different areas including Acting for Screen & Stage, Singing, Cinematography, Music Production,Directing, Presentation and other

Nigerian Tribune

fields. The event would be attended by several celebrities and notable giants of the film and music industries.

According to Biola Adenuga, MD of PEFTI, “The PEFTI Arts Festival kicks off with the screening of diverse Student Films centered on ecological concerns from Monday 22nd to Tuesday 23rd.A workshop for film enthusiasts comes up the next day. On Friday 26th, the electrifying

Obaseki’s play - IDIA, will be performed.The climax of the festival is on Saturday 27thAugust; witha music concert and awards night, which includes the launch of PEFTI Band”.

PEFTI Arts Festival holds at PEFTI Campus; 5 Joy Avenue, Ajao Estate, off Airport Road, Lagos. The event is free and open to the general public.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

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

fridaytreat

By Rotimi Ige

P

hysical bullying or abuse has always been a part of societal evolutions and over the years, has been the topic of many campaigns by various individuals and organisations with calls for legislation against it. While in many parts of the world, progress has been made, especially as regards awareness and which has lead to a marked reduction in incidences of bullying and violence especially among youths, much still remains to be done. However, one latest trend which has surfaced in the 21st century is a form of bullying in a faceless form called Cyber-bullying.

This is a form of assault that takes place using electronic technology.

Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyber-bullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. With billions of people with access to the internet across the planet earth, the world has, indeed become a global village and it has become easier to reach a large number of people with just one sentence online. And so with apps like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc, one can, from the convenience of one’s room in any part of the word, reach any number of people as long as one is connected.

And so, Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach anyone. Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience.

It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.

Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent. other, cyberbullied. Bullying through the internet platform can include, posting negative comments on someone’s pictures, posting abusive posts on a user’s wall, using pictures or videos to make fun of another user, among others.

Celebrities and influential people across the world have today, become victims of cyberbullies who attack them on their social media accounts for their actions or inaction. Fans and followers are not the only ones who do this, sometimes artistes or entertainers take on one another on social media whenever they have issues.

Recent examples are the cyber feuds between American rapper, 50 cent and colleague, Meek Mill, Jhene Aiko and her Nigerian ex, Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift,

Cyber-bullying:

Celebrities as endangered species

Toyin Aimakhu has been constantly harassed by fans over her relationships and recently, her effort to raise funds for a sick fan.

Celebrities and influential people across the world have today, become victims of cyberbullies who attack them on their social media accounts for their actions or inaction.

Skibii was attacked over an alleged ‘death stunt’.

Harrysong was attacked by followers over his ‘pink lips’.

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris, Kanye West and Amber Rose/Wiz Khalifa, Freeze and Basket Mouth, among many others.

So bad is this trend that Comedians, Okey Bakassi and Ali Baba, at various times spoke out against the rising trend. Okey Bakassi, in a TV interview had fired a warning to his fellow celebrities vowing to physically confront anyone who attacks him on social media. While speaking on the recent episode of a Hip TV talk show ‘The Gist’, hosted

by Emma Ugolee. The Nollywood comic actor, who is known to shield his family from public scrutiny, said: “We live in an organized society, just that sometimes, people are

lazy to follow due process.

“For example, where I am now, if you come after me, there are legal processes to follow because if you attack me to hurt me on social media, it is a declaration of war.

Since you’ve chosen your platform (social media), I will choose a more ‘civilized’ platform”, Bakassi added.

“Don’t touch my family (wife and children). If you face Okey as a person, no problem with that, I can handle that because it is about me.

But when you begin to touch my wife on social media; one, I would not engage you because one thing I look at is the calibre of the person that said such.

“If you are not above me, even if

Okey Bakassi has warned all cyber bullies to stay off his fan page. you are my mate, I will not answer you. But if you are above, that means I have a bigger surface to punch. For me, those are the two rules of engagement. If you decide to touch family and you are smaller, if you engage a smaller person on social media, which means you are playing into the arena where he wants you. I am not going to go into that, I am going to wait for you face-to-face. I wouldn’t know the dimension he would take when we finally meet but I would rather sort it out one on one with you.”

Ali Baba had also said during an interaction at a seminar recently that he ‘blocked’ a follower on instagram who posted annoying

comments on his (Ali’s) instagram page.

Basket Mouth was also a victim of cyberbullies last week over comments on his social media pages on the current economic crises facing the nation. In a matter of hours, despite issuing an apology after a torrent of abuses and hate mail had piled up on his pages, he was the subject of discussion on most blogs and on twitter. These days, it is common sight to see negative comments, abuses and even curses or threats issued by unknown people to celebrities or average individuals on their private accounts.

According to social media analysts and entertainment critics, while social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment, these same tools can also be used to hurt other people.

Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar this trend can lead to problems for affected people either health wise or career wise.

Last year, a pop artiste, Skibii, allegedly faked his own death on the heels on his new single, a publicity stunt which he is yet to recover from. His musical career had been negatively affected as most fans and followers vented their frustrations on social media at the badly managed efforts. Shocking, especially, was the fact that some fans were so angry that they wished him ‘dead’ in real life.

Toyin Aimakhu was also a victim recently when her ‘supposed’ support towards raising funds for a sick fan hit the fan. It was alleged at some point that some person (s) were trying to scam the family and Nigerians. The police were called in to investigate and eventually cleared the family of fraud, but by then, much harm had

been done. After torrents of hate messages and abuses to the actress and bloggers, who ‘broke’ news, became a topic on cyberspace, with some taking sides to defend or castigate, an obviously distraught Aimakhu had to take time off social media and public life to regain her usually amiable composure.

Countless other entertainers have been victims of cyberbullying. In fact, a responder, Christopher Anyawu said that no celebrity is worth his or her weight if they have not been, at one time or the Many of the acts of bullying on social media are similar to what they would be in a real-life situation, only in digital form. The impact of the problem is also similar.

Facts Online statistics have shown that vast majority of social media bullying takes places on Facebook because of its open platform and the ability to make open posts or send individuals private messages.

In fact, according to a report by the Washington Post, nine out of 10 teen Facebook users have reported they have witnessed bullying on this social media site. A report by Ditch the Label also showed that 54 percent of those surveyed claimed to experience bullying on this same site.

Other social media sites are also becoming the breeding ground for bullying behavior. Twitter doesn’t have as big of a problem as many of the other sites due to the way it is set up. However, Ask.FM has caused serious problems among teenagers, resulting in bullying behavior that has been difficult to stop. SnapChat can also contribute to the bullying problem by creating pictures that make fun of other individuals.

According to Cox. (2014) “Cox 2014 Internet Safety Survey, cyber attacks and feuds occur as 39% on Facebook, 29% on YouTube, 22% on Twitter, 22% on Instagram.

Also, teens who report being bullied say it was because of their: 61% appearance, 25% academic achievement/intelligence, 17% race, 15% sexuality, 15% financial status, 11% religion, 20% others.

Another major issue with social media bullying is that it is a constant in the lives of teenagers in particular. Today, you will find just about every teenager is walking around with a smart phone or some form of mobile device, texting friends and enjoying their youth.

This constant connection to the world through electronic media creates the platform for constant bullying. Also, if they are constantly connected to the Internet, it can be difficult to get away from social

media. This opens the door to a steady stream of negative comments.

The consequences of bullying are many and varied. Even though they are often the same for all types of bullying, it can be useful to understand what could happen if this type of bullying is allowed to continue. One of the most serious consequences is teen suicide. The increase in bullying on social media and other online platforms has caused the instances of teen suicide to rise dramatically because many teens don’t have the emotional capacity to deal with severe bullying. This is the primary reason why it is so important to put a stop to

this behaviour.

While suicide is the most serious consequence of these actions, it isn’t the only one. It isn’t even the most common issue. Many teens who are bullied through social media sites exhibit many negative effects. Some of these individuals suffer from self-esteem issues that can last the rest of their lives. They can also experience depression and other mental illnesses. Some of these students may even begin causing physical harm to their bodies. Analysts say that cyber-bullying has serious consequences and must be stopped to protect as many as possible either via legislations or increased awareness.

Dr Kayode Olayode, a clinical psychologist, in his submission said that cyber bullying is a process that usually starts from teen years. Parents allow it to go unpunished because with technology, it is easier to vent out anger or frustrations. He stressed that unless a law is legislated agaist social media abusers, it would continue unabated. He said, ‘while you can be sued for slander you can be sued over social media.

Also worthy of note is the actions by most social media tech owners who have introduced avenues to report abusers or bullies so as to shut down or suspend their accounts.

Nigerian Musicologists harp on importance of indigenous music THE need to focus more on indigenous music in the country came to the front burner at the 14th International conference of Association of Nigerian Musicologists held at the University of Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos, Steve Ayorinde submitted that, “If care is not taken our indigenous

music will go into extinction just as our language is doing presently. He advised music schools and colleges to look at their curriculum again, re-gig it to reflect more of indigenous music”.

Also, the National President of the association, Professor Femi Adedeji canvassed for unity among all music associations in the country.

This, he said will bring a good collaboration among artistes

in the country.

The event which was witnessed by top musicologists in the country, including Professor Laz Ekwueme, Vidal, Adeolu Okunade, Loko and the Head of music department of University of Lagos, Dr Soji Stephen among others expected to come up with critical conclusion on how to move indigenous music to the next level.

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

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

Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of its second airbus A350 XWB

One of the South African Team members in a session with participants.

South Africa Tourism honours SA Specialists in Lagos As Essence Festival debuts in Durban, November Stories By ’Wale Olapade

A

S part of its three city road show in Nigeria, where Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja were slated to feel the impact of the rainbow nation, the South Africa Tourism board were at hand for the Lagos edition which rallied travel and tourism trade buyers to a day trade session.

The session which lasted for hours displayed a broad spectrum of packages and offers for business and leisure seekers in and around the nine provinces in South Africa.

Taking turn to visit each table at the event, the South African team displayed a range of spectacular and sophisticated products and services that make one see things in a new way.

The team took time out to give a person to person presentation of different offers which include hotel brands, destinations’ products and services as it appeals to and inspires individual, group or family.

SAT also used the road show in Lagos to honour SA Specialists graduates with certificates for their successful completion of online specialist modules.

As part of the programme, five lucky SA Specialists graduates, in a raffle draw won an all-expense-paid trip to experience the sight and sound of the hospitality of the rainbow nation.

For the best dressed tradition attire catego-

ry, a female and a male participant emerged winners and both will be joining other SA Specialists on an all-expense-paid trip to South Africa.

However, the session also avail participants the privilege to be informed of the debut of Essence Festival in Durban in November 2016.

For well over two decades the Essence Festival has established itself as a must-attend event that draws more than 450,000 attendees from across the globe to New Orleans, LA year after year. The multi-day entertainment, empowerment and cultural event has an economic impact of more than $200 million on the local economy and now Essence is expanding the franchise internationally.

Signing a three-year partnership with eThekwini Municipality, Essence Festival will not only take place in New Orleans over Fourth of July weekend (June 30- July 4) but also in its sister city of Durban, South Africa in 2016 and 2017.

Essence Festival Durban will follow a similar format of the annual New Orleans event, presenting international performers and speakers to entertain and inspire, as well as a host of local artists and experts.

The multi-day event will bring exciting and informative ideas to equip small businesses through empowerment seminars across various sectors, including career guidance workshops and other empowerment initiatives

South African Specialists and team of South African Toursim Board.

aimed at the youth.

A number of women-owned businesses will also be selected to trade at the Durban edition of Essence Festival, which will boost their profile and drive sales for the company.

ETHIOPIAN Airlines, the fastest growing and the largest African airline, has taken another leap forward by receiving its second Airbus A350 XWB, which arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday, August 16, 2016.

Since June 30, 2016, Africa’s first Ethiopian A350 dubbed “Simien Mountains”, has been flying to various African destinations, the Middle East, and recently to London, adding a new level of comfort to its valued customers.

Passengers can now enjoy the ultimate travel experience on-board the Ethiopian second A350 XWB; amazing cabin interior features with the latest high-definition touch screen personal monitors with a higher selection of movies, television series and audio channels.

They will also enjoy the wider seats and wide windows, the lowest twin engine noise level, advanced air conditioning technology and full LED mood lighting, which enhance comfort and reduce jet lag after a long flight.

Ethiopian Airlines has 12 remaining orders of the A350, which are expected to be delivered within this fiscal year.

The latest addition of A350 increases Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet to 80.

Cheery Bay Hotel opens in Lagos IN its resolve to leverage on international models, exposure and knowledge of hospitality style, flavour and taste, the management of Cheery Bay Hotel, a new entrant into the hotel business in Lagos, is out to create contemporary comfort zone for leisure seekers.

Though Cheery Bay is a small service accommodation which is not fighting for the stars in terms of ratings, its cosy ambience and settings, speak volume as it is out to offer a budget-friendly service to customers.

Less than two months in the hotel business in Lagos, the management is up-on-task to make service delivery an incentive to drive and sustain patronage.

The Chairman of the hotel, Dr Celestine Izunobi, said his inspiration was from his international exposure and desire to give ultimate satisfaction to leisure lovers as well as creating an opportunity for employment for Nigerians.

“Nigeria is a mono-product economy and for us out there who think and want to make a difference in terms of diversification, we feel the hotel business is a sector that will not only create jobs but also build capacity in the service industry and that is one the major aims of Cheery Bay. “At Cheery Bay, security is paramount in our daily routine and we work by all standards to keep a close circuit on all our customers’ valuables without interDr Celestine Izunobi rupting with their privacy.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

Wike

Makarfi

Bode George

Fayose

Sheriff

Adeniran

PDP’s convention of confusion

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) practically passed through the eye of the needle to hold a one-legged convention in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. But, the convention appears to have opened up new chapters, writes Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA.

T

he stage for the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt on August 17 was set in confusion and at the end of the day, it did not come as a surprise that the convention proper landed in a confluence of crisis.

Apprehension, suspense and tension had gripped delegates and participants at the Convention from Monday.

As more and more party faithful poured into the Garden City, the gloomy atmosphere lingered.

The gloomy atmosphere appeared lifted a bit on

Where there are conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, what is expected of the government is to await the ruling of a higher court and not to elect to obey one ruling at the expense of the other.

Monday when Justice Ibrahim Watila of the Federal High Court Port Harcourt ruled that the convention should go on without hindrance. But the joy was tenuous as a ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Okon Abang was still awaited.

In two successive days, Justice Okon Abang delivered salvos that eventually pull the convention down. The Judge on Monday gave an order stopping the convention and late on Tuesday, he delivered a final blow, asking the Police, the electoral Commission and other security agencies to ensure the convention did not hold. It was a direct affront on the earlier ruling by Justice Watila but the Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had found a convenient alibi to block the continues on pg 24

24

politics&policy

Friday, 19 August, 2016

The dilemma of a party continued from pg 23

An Agbaje corronation aborted?

As the party faithful were converging in Port Harcourt, it was obvious that the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos state in the 2015 election, Mr Jimi Agbaje was headed for coronation. The South East caucus as well as the South-South and the Governors forum had adopted him as the man that should be put forward for election as national chairman. The thinking among the party’s leaders according to insiders was that the party needed someone who could not be indicted for past misdeeds in government. The leaders, according to sources were of the view that those engineering crisis from outside the party will easily harass any other candidate to submission since all the other contenders except Agbaje had served in government at one time or the other.

convention.

The conspiracy theories As soon as INEC and the Police started expressing views which indicated that they were going to reckon with the ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Abang, the trigger of conspiracy theories went off.

Many members of the PDP were quick to indicate that the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had found a convenient point to secretly intervene in the crisis and keep the opposition party in limbo. Many had reasoned that with the factional National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff being an in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari, it should not be difficult to see the essence of Sheriff’s intransigence. Many had also opined that the statements credited to two chieftains of the APC, the Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Ganduje and the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, which indicated that Sheriff would work for the APC ahead of 2019, were instructive enough but that the governors of the PDP who foisted him on the party were oblivious of the danger.

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, who served as Chairman of the Convention planning Committee and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayodele Fayose who were the arrowheads of Sheriff’s chairmanship of the party have had to apologise to members of the party for the role they played in bringing him on. Wike said in a television interview on Wednesday that he and his colleagues made mistakes in bringing Sheriff on. Many members of the PDP believed that the APC-led government only chose to cherry-pick the judgments to obey and that it would have been okay if the government had left the Police and INEC to decide on their own.

Where there are conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, what is expected of the government is to await the ruling of a higher court and not to elect to obey one ruling at the expense of the other,” said the chairman of Edo state chapter of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih.

He however stated that all the attempts at foisting an inconclusive convention on the PDP was resisted and thwarted by party loyalists who he said remained dedicated and loyal to their decisions to exercise their rights.

“All the efforts to truncate the convention and make it inconclusive were frustrated. They wanted to plant on the PDP and Nigerians another inconclusive exercise but the determination of party stalwarts to exercise their rights ensured we had a concluded exercise,” Orbih said adding that the extension of tenure for the National Caretaker Committee would enable the party resolve all the legal tango and move forward.

The convention day drama Though Justice Okon Abang in Abuja had given a late night order stopping the convention, the PDP Hierarchy had announced the readiness to proceed with the convention. That provided some succor for the determined members who continued to troop into the Garden City.

All flights heading for the Rivers state capital were fully booked, with airlines having a field day charging fares as they deemed fit. The city of Port Harcourt was bubbling in different colours. While some states chose to turn up in brand new uniforms, others dry-cleaned uniforms they had used in the run up to the 2015 election and previous conventions and state congresses.

As the party faithful oscillate between convention glee and gloom, the Police delivered a big blow unto the chin early on Wednesday. Police authorities deployed armoured cars and personnel carriers to block all points leading to the convention ground at the Sharks Stadium.

Delegates and hangers on were left in a quandary and the leaders scampered to the Rivers state Government House for emergency meetings.

From consultative meetings, the leaders resolved to hold the statutory National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which prepared the way out of the quagmire. The PDP was in straight dilemma, threatening to dovetail into trilemma. The National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi would cease to operate from August 21 if nothing was done in form of a convention. And then Ali Modu Sheriff had continued to parade himself as factional chairman.

Adedoja

Agbaje Which way to go?

That was the question on the lips of PDP leaders as he headed into meetings at the Government House Port Harcourt. At the end of series of consultations, it was obvious that the Police had blocked the convention. But the leaders resolved to hold the convention anyhow.

That was the only way they believe they could rescue the party from Sheriff. Thus, the decision was taken to the effect that the convention be moved to the state party Secretariat, which is blessed with an expansive compound.

That done, it emerged that the expanded NEC meeting had resolved to extend the tenure of the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee by one year, while also mandating the committee to ensure the resolution of all internal wrangling before the next national convention.

A party that has no fewer than 15 court cases instituted against it by its own members looks more like one sitting on a keg of gun powder.

A breather for the troubled umbrella?

But the party had to do a quick one by ensuring that the Makarfi-led committee is given further oxygen such that the party is not handed over to Sheriff through the back door.

In aborting the elective convention, the PDP posited that it was a law abiding party and that it would seek to vacate all negative court orders but in the interim empower Makarfi to carry on the mantle for another 12 months.

A statement by the Publicity secretary of the National Convention Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, read in part: “The public is aware that our Party is law abiding and it’s acting in compliance with the judgment of Justice Liman of the Federal High Court Seating here in Port Harcourt, which is in favour of all actions taken by the Party’s highest decision making Organ, the National Convention of May 21, 2016 held here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. So far, there is no judgment upturning it which of course, such must come from the Court of Appeal. In addition, there is another existing Order from a Court of competent jurisdiction directing all concerned not to tamper with the Convention.

“Notwithstanding, the powers that be at the Federal level in conspiracy with the former national chairman, Senator Sheriff and his co travelers carried out their act of legal and political disobedience with flagrant disregard to the tenets of democracy.

“In view of these and other developments, the Party convened an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) at the Government House, Port Harcourt which was inaugurated by the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, H.E. Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON and the Meeting took several decisions to reposition the Party.

“Following the above, the National Convention held at the PDP State Secretariat on Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

The Convention was presided over by the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Sen Ahmed Makarfi, CON with all delegates in attendance which includes: PDP Governors, National Assembly members, the BOT members, other members of the Party nationwide and invited guests.

“The Convention adopted the following resolutions: “Postponed election of officers to various national offices of the Party.

“Extended the tenure of the National Caretaker Committee till anotherNational Convention which is to be convened within the next 12 months.

“Approved the expansion of membership of the National Caretaker Committee from 7 to 13 members; “Finally, the Repeat National Convention affirmed that all members of the National Caretaker Committee shall not contest or aspire for any national office in the next National Convention of the Party.

“The Party wishes all delegates and other members journey mercies to their various destinations and urged members to continue working together with the National Caretaker Committee till a new National Convention holds in the next one year.”

Makarfi inaugurates new PDP NEC to set the tone for the extension of the tenure of his Committee; Senator Ahmed Makarfi had at the Rivers Government House inaugurated the party’s new National Executive Committee (NEC).

The extended NEC later took the decision to allow continues on pg 25

25

politics&policy

Friday, 19 August, 2016

M

R Justin Onuorah Abuah died at the weekend in Abuja after a brief illness. He was until that time the Director of Information in the State House and therefore was at the heart of the media machinery of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency. He was a regular topic of discussion among State House corespondents, yet not many knew the full names of a workaholic simply referred to as O.J. A native of Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, he was born on January 29, 1959.

O.J is survived by his wife, Loretta and three children (Chinedum, Chike and Amaechi). While his burial arrangements are yet to be announced, President Buhari has already condoled with the family he left behind.

Joining the presidency from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in 1986, in his long years of service at the presidency, O.J worked with seven Nigerian leaders and was an encyclopedia of presidential media intrigues. As the Director of Information, he was the most senior civil servant in the media division of the presidential villa and essentially, its technical head. He reported directly to the political head, the Special Adviser (media and publicity) to the president and was responsible for many presidential statements and speeches. His news releases were exquisite and tailor-made for publication. They were flawless and gave no trouble at all to reporters always in a hurry to beat deadlines.

He was a stickler for performance. In essence, he had no regard for lazy and unproductive reporters and was never shy to voice it. Because of this, he tended not to be very popular with many State House corespondents who have the wrong notion that their deployment to the presidency was to enable their bread to be buttered even while lacking in commensurate competence. But he was quick to recognize those who knew their onions and could get results. He would want to involve them for the overall goal of creating a positive image for the president.

inside

aso rock WITH LEON USIGBE

08078891838 leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk

O.J. Abuah, a reporter’s tribute s In a previous dispensation, I witnessed him overruling his boss, the Special Adviser (media and publicity), on a reporter to take on a trip with the president. As the Director of Media, he would normally nominate media-related persons to accompany the president on trips outside Abuja, whether local or foreign, for the approval by the Special Adviser. On this occasion, he forwarded some names and the Special Adviser at the time thought somebody else should be on the list. That person had apparently lobbied to be included even when he had not much value to add to the assignment. O.J’s response was short and definite: “what for?” The list stayed the way he planned it. I learnt that he was able to do that frequently and stuck to his guns because he did not believe presidential trips should necessarily be a means for dispensing patronage.

I was particularly very impressed with him because I saw him as not being the overzealous media manager who would want to gag independent-minded reporters for the sake of protecting his principals. O.J read most publications on the presidency and if there was any one he found uncomplimentary to the president, rather than chastise the author, when he met him/her, he would simply say “I read that your report” and would laugh it off rancorously.

That would be the end of the matter.

As an experienced reporter himself, he was constantly trying to mould reporters working with him, to be better professionals and I believe that was why he would never interfere with how08078891838 reports out of the presidency WITH LEON yahoo. co.uknever given to idle were shaped.

He was not leonusigbe@ frivolous and talks. In fact, many people including those who worked closely with him were unable to fully understand his personality. He was the type that spent only a brief period exchanging pleasantries with friends and associates before moving ahead to face his official assignments. As a result of this, many believed he was not easily accessible.

Despite that, nobody could fault his efficiency and his organizational ability. Outside Abuja, he made things easy for presidential reporters, making sure they secured comfortable accommodation and all relevant documents to enhance their reports.

O.J would have loved to be alive today, but like all mere mortals, there was nothing he could do to stop his journey to the great beyond. No wonder Friedrich Nietzsche observed: “We can take precautions against all sorts of things, but so far as death is concerned, we, all of us, live like inhabitants of a defenceless citadel.” O.J is gone. He would be sorely missed.

aso rock

Which way to go?

He told newsmen about his failure to show up at the convention ground that he was blocked by the police who stopped all exit from his end of the Rivers government House where he lodged. He lamented that he was not at the national convention as he was placed under ‘house arrest’ at the Old Presidential Lodge, Rivers State Government House when the Police blocked his exit with an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). He said that his convoy was prevented from leaving for the state secretariat of the party after security agencies had sealed off the initial venue, was prevented from moving out as the gate to the Old Presidential Lodge.

Special Adviser to the governor on Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who spoke on behalf of Fayose, said that all entreaties to allow Fayose to step out to attend the convention were rebuffed by the security personnel.

continued from pg 24

Makarfi continue in office for another 12 months. He said that in the absence of the elected national officers, the National Caretaker Committee members would be part of the NEC, adding that the caretaker committee members would cease to be NEC members once national officers were elected.

The former Kaduna state governor said that the new PDP NEC, in line with the demands of many stakeholders would include the PDP governors, National Assembly Caucus, members of the PDP Board of Trustees, National Caucus, the 36 state PDP chairmen and national officers of the party.

Police and the double speak?

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Odesanya, said on Wednesday that the Force did not seal off the Sharks Stadium venue of the national convention of the PDP but acted only to protect lives and property.

Odesanya, who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt, said that the action taken by the Police was in view of the conflicting court orders from the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Port Harcourt. The Police Chief said: “We are only obeying a court order. It is not my duty to interpret court orders. You people are journalists and you got the court orders too. You are in a position to interpret the orders.”

He also refused to reveal when the police got the order to seal off the venue of the convention, as the police authority had disclosed earlier that it was yet to get the order, as at 11pm on Tuesday night.

“Our actions are in line with the court order. It is not relevant when we got to the venue. The police have been there; we are always everywhere. We are always providing security everywhere. That is our primary assignment; to make sure that everywhere within the state is secured. Police did not seal off anywhere. We are merely providing security and ensuring that there is peace, security and order.”

He also said journalists were not in any position to speak for and on behalf of PDP delegates who could not gain entrance into the venue of the convention, noting, “Journalists are not delegates and you cannot speak for delegates. You are journalists and you are not accredited.”

Kashamu Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose triggered another controversy on Wednesday when he lamented that he was practically under ‘house arrest’ during the convention.

Police did not seal off anywhere. We are merely providing security and ensuring that there is peace, security and order.

Will the PDP survive?

That is the question that would remain on the lips for long. Many party leaders at the convention in Port Harcourt were already expressing the feeling that the stakeholders could abandon Sheriff with the name “PDP” while they move enmasse to another party platform. Those in this school of thought were of the view that with Sheriff having seized the soul of the party via subtle official backing from the APC, the troubles of the PDP might not end so soon.

They also reason that the plot might be to keep the PDP in the courts through conflicting rulings, which would be enforced as the government deemed fit.

That notwithstanding, some leaders were said to still nurture the hope that the party could survive the current travails if the cases are taken through the Court of Appeal and the apex court. Besides, a section of those in this school believe that there is nothing that stops the PDP from retaining the Caretaker Committee for as long as possible.

One of such sources claimed that the ruling APC only had a National Caretaker Committee in place even when the heat of the 2015 election was on. Another school of thought among the party’s leadership is however of the view that the survival of the PDP would largely depend on the action of its members henceforth. According to this group, a party that has no fewer than 15 court cases instituted against it by its own members looks more like one sitting on a keg of gun powder.

26 politics&policy In this interview with WALE AKINSELURE, member representing Iseyin/ Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, speaks on the budget padding controversy, why Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin was removed as Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and other issues. Excerpts:

Friday, 19 August, 2016

No NASS member is on Jibrin’s side —Reps

men of some committees. Jibrin offered the new members 50 per cent of chairmanship of those standing committees. But, we were warned that Jibrin would not stand by his words. I was deputy State Coordinator for Honourable Gbajabiamila for Speaker and I voted for him. I was in Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where Jibrin offered to step down for Gbajabiamila, urging Gbajabiamila to be with him in a press conference, where he (Jibrin) will formally step down. But some people warned Gbajabiamila against sitting with Jibrin. Gbajabiamila was told that if Jibrin intended to step down, he should go to the press stating that he had stepped down and join the Gbajabiamila group. But because of the precarious situation Honourable Dogara practically found himself in, then, and because of the uncertainty, Jibrin joined Dogara’s camp, a day before the election. It was not as if he (Jibrin) was a heavyweight in Dogara’s emergence as Speaker.

With all certainty, we don’t have anybody on Jibrin’s side. However, the election of Dogara divided the House, almost equally into two, such that anything could shift the delicate balance. So, the noise made by Jibrin and some other people is to tilt the balance towards their side. Even the Transparency group that is asking the Speaker to step down have never said that they support Jibrin. There is nobody lining up behind Jibrin; everyone is just trying to take advantage of the situation.

Y

OU were recently reported as saying part of the functions of the members of the National Assembly were elected to do is to pad budget. Why this assertion?

There is nothing like padding in legislative parlance but what Abdulmumin Jibrin referred to as padding was that, in the Appropriation bill brought to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, some things were increased, changed entirely and inserted. Section 80 and 81 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the National Assembly to change, insert, add or subtract estimates brought by Mr President.

He only brings estimates; it is our duty to look through the estimates, pass the bill and the President signs, before it becomes a law.

So, I said if the action we took by changing some of the estimates brought by Mr President is what Jibrin referred to as padding, that means we are performing our constitutional duties.

You also mentioned that members pad the budget to ensure that constituency projects tilt towards their constituencies. But, there are concerns that these constituency projects you crave for are usually abandoned?

In budgeting, we don’t have constituency project; rather, we have zonal intervention and it is an agreement between the executive and the legislature. In the 2016 budget, Mr President graciously granted both chambers of the National Assembly the sum of N100 billion. We share this amount such that principal officers across the two chambers get 40 per cent, then the remaining 60 percent across the six geo political zones.

Then, whatever comes to each zone will be divided by the number of states in that zone.

At the state level, 40 per cent is given to the Senatorial districts in each state and 60 per cent to federal constituencies. Once we now get a clear amount that accrues to your constituency, you can now nominate, based on the knowledge of what a constituency needs.

And we have documents which indicate the cost of a kilometre of road, boreholes, classrooms, ICT centre, among other projects.

We, as National Assembly members, then examine the cost of the project to be done through agencies. So, it is the agencies that execute projects.

I am not saying that zonal intervention projects, referred to as constituency projects, are not prone to corruption, but that corruption cannot be singlehandedly perpetrated by a member of the National Assembly. It takes more than two to tango, one of which is the Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) in which the project is domiciled and then the honourable member. The fund does not directly come to the honourable member; it goes to the concerned MDA. And for the agency to award that contract, it has to observe the Public Procurement Act, where you advertise for about six weeks, then open the tender, and award, which are public knowledge. So, if some constituency projects are not done, it could be that the budget was not funded as our budget usually does not record 100 per cent performance, as contained in the Appropriation Bill. Also, the process

Olasupo is open to corruption but the corrupt aspect can easily be tracked by the media and you invite the concerned honourable member for explanation.

Do you mean allocation of zonal intervention project is the major avenue for corruption in the budgeting process?

In the time past, we may have heard of stories of shady deals in the budgeting process. But in this time, we, honourable members are being careful, because we know that President Muhammadu Buhari has zero tolerance for corruption. It is not only through constituency projects that corruption can be perpetrated. Every capital project to be executed is approved by the National Assembly and it is easy for anyone who has certain interest to influence the MDAs to inflate certain projects. So, for corruption to happen in the budgeting process, several parties must be involved. But, I can sincerely tell you that one would have to think twice to perpetrate corruption in the 2016 budget.

But your fellow member, Abdulmumin Jibrin has alleged that the budget was padded. He claimed that appropriation bill signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari was corrupted. Are you standing with Jibrin

or Dogara?

My brother, in that House of Representatives, I won’t mince words to tell you that there is nobody on the side of Abdulmumin Jibrin. Let me give you a bit of history into the situation. The House is a chamber such that when we want to elect leaders, especially the presiding officers, returning members take calculated risk on where to pitch their tent out of the candidates. If the camp you belong to wins, it is winners take all. And, if a returning member does not belong to the winning camp, it is a big loss for such member. There are some privileges that accrue to a returning member, as a result of his or her experience, for example being Chairman of committees, partake in sensitive ad hoc committees and head of some delegations.

In fact, once a returning member is on the losing side, a new lawmaker can be considered more important than such returning member. We all know Abdulmumin Jibrin.

You would recall that he also showed interest in becoming the Speaker of the House. The interested persons were Femi Gbajabiamila, Yakubu Dogara and Jibrin. At that time, Jibrin sent series of text messages to members, especially the returning members, because we had a high turnover of returning members. In the text messages, he said if we supported him, he would break the tradition of new members not becoming chair-

For corruption to happen in the budgeting process, several parties must be involved. But, I can sincerely tell you that one would have to think twice to perpetrate corruption in the 2016 budget.

You seem to say that Jibrin is aggrieved with the Dogara led leadership.

Does that mean that Nigerians should discountenance all that Jibrin says?

Jibrin is not aggrieved with the Speaker.

Some persons erroneously believe that Dogara removed Jibrin as chairman, House Committee on Appropriation Committee.

It was the House that removed him. The budget presided over by Jibrin as Chairman, Appropriation Committee, was rejected by Mr President. The President, the Vice President and the Minister for Budget and Planning, pointed out 280 abnormalities. The Presidency then consulted with the National Assembly to set up a committee that included Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, Jibrin, Senator Udo Udoma, other members of the National Assembly, headed by the deputy Speaker, Honourable Lasun Yusuf. These persons corrected these abnormalities. So, the first budget rejected by Mr President was where Jibrin began to have problems with the House. The first was that the House recommended that Jibrin should be removed even before the budget was corrected. But, the Speaker, in an executive session, begged us that this should not be done for the unity of the House, and we agreed.

Then, 37 members of the House Committee on Appropriation signed a petition that Jibrn should be removed as chairman as a result of the way he handled the budget.

Also, on three occasions, Jibrin while trying to make his contributions on the floor of the House was shouted down until he walked out of the chambers. We insisted and there was no peace in the House until Mr Speaker succumbed to the pressure coming from the entire members of the House of Representatives that Jibrin should be removed as Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation. You need to see the jubilation in the House the day the Speaker announced Jibrin’s removal. We were in jubilant mood and immediately ended the session for that day. Majority of us rejected Jibrin.

27 hersay

Friday, 19 August, 2016

S

OLVING behavioural problems and encouraging confidence – meeting children where they are strategies for dealing with parenting difficulties, facing a new situation and a unique set of ‘operating’ principles Recalibrating, re-aligning and reorienting your life and that of your new unit family is what this single parenting cycle and journey is all about. You can see it as a chore, mountain to overcome or a wonderful journey.

“That is up to you. There is attitude and aptitude, persistence required for this role. It will take an inner strength, commitment and deeply rooted love for your children to make the most of this unfortunate hand you are dealt. You can be a victim of fate or you can be a magician for the future of both you and your kids!

As a single parent you enable and empower this family!

It is of utmost importance that you sort out yourself what your situation exactly is, be realistic and plan for success, NOT FAILURE! Compromise is not an option.

Results matter and you will get you and

Parenting The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

cryonmenow@yahoo.com

The value of a parent your family through this.

Having realistic expectations is part of the answer and solution. Lots would say it is part of a ‘get your ducks in a row’, getting your house in order is another phase of this process. It requires that you and your kids set out to rebuild and strengthen your life, your family, your future…

You will be shaping it together!

Communicating clearly during this time, addressing expectations, fears and establishing some form of security, platform and certainty is essential.

Breaking with the old situation, circumstance and context, might bring with it some unpredictability, loss, insecurity, confusion…

The new situation may bring with it anxiety, excitement, possibilities, anticipation and a fixed routine, security and clear messages, open communication channels and nurturing support will see you and your family through this transitional phase of your life I spoke about expectations earlier.

There are THREE elements present here in dealing heads-on and hands-on with

this transition: What you believe will happen – how you predict your life, family and future will be from here on moving forward.

What you want, desire to happen – which reflects your ambitions for you and your family.

What should happen – dealing with your expectations of what needs to/can/ might occur.

As an example, some teenage moms opt not to give their babies up for adoption. They choose to be mothers and the sole parent and custodian of this little life.

It takes lots of understanding and loving care to raise a child/family.

For them predictions, ambitions, expectations, might take somewhat of a back seat for/to other pressing priorities.

Finishing school, getting educated, while raising a baby/child on their own is a big responsibility and task to take on. Yet, it is done and quite possible with support networks and a clear - cut plan to succeed! Putting you and your family first, is a priority, regardless of your single parent situation.

With Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

thekitchen Easy ways to cook corn on the cob

By Monica Taiwo

W

E all know this is the season to enjoy corn. We all love to eat it. Most people enjoy eating it boiled or roasted while others add it to meals like beans. It is seasonal, so why not take a step further to cook and enjoy your corn.

Why not try corn on the cob? There is something special about this, served steaming hot and slathered in butter. Here are few ways to cook corn perfectly every time.

Remember, sweet and fresh corn waits for no one and it is best served the same day it is picked. With every subsequent day, the sugars in the kernels get more starchy and that mouthwatering flavour starts to fade.

Boil it up Boiling is the classic way to prepare sweet corn. You can either use a wide, flat pan and lay the corn on its side, or use a taller stockpot to boil a big batch at once. Either way, fill the pan with enough water to cover the corn and bring it to a boil.

Shuck off the outer husk and silk from the corn. Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in the water and add the corn. If your corn is very fresh, cook it for three to five minutes. For corn that’s a few days old, go for six to eight minutes.

Microwave it If you are just cooking a few ears of corn for dinner and you don’t want to go through the trouble of boiling with a big pot of water, leave the corn in their husks and microwave them two at a time on high for four to six minutes, depending on the age of your corn. Let them cool enough to handle and then strip off the husks and silk.

Grill it Roasting on the grill gives the corn a smoky flavour that is absolutely lovely. Peel back the husks, but leave them attached to the stem. Remove all the silk and then brush the corn with olive oil because butter can sometimes burn. Cover the corn back up with the husks and secure them closed with a piece of string or aluminum foil.

Roast the ears of corn over a medium-hot grill, turning occasionally, until the outer husks are charred and toasted.

This usually takes about 15 minutes. Let the corn cool enough to handle, then remove the husks and eat.

Health benefits of corn Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is also rich in phytochemicals, and it provides protection against a number of chronic diseases.

Rich source of calories: Corn is a rich source of calories and is a staple among dietary habits in many populations. The calorific content of corn is 342 calories per 100 grammes, which is among the highest for cereals Reduces risk of hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer: The fibre content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4 per cent of the daily recommended amount. This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole-grain.

Rich source of vitamins: Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function.

Provides necessary minerals: Corn contains abundant minerals which positively benefit the bodies in a number of ways. phosphorous, along with

magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper are found in all varieties of corn. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most normal diets..

Antioxidant properties: Corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight cancer-causing free radicals.

In fact, unlike many other foods, cooking actually increases the amount of usable antioxidants in sweet corn.

Protecting your heart: Corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Corn oil, particularly, is the best way to increase heart health, and this is derived from the fact that corn is close to an optimal fatty acid combination.

Prevents anemia: Corn helps to prevent anemia caused by deficiency of these vitamins. Corn also has a significant level of iron, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency in iron is one of the main causes of anemia.

Vitamin-A content: Yellow corn is a rich source of betacarotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin.

28

occasions

Friday, 19 August, 2016

At AGM, IMFB commissions new branch, honours customers

I

T was a glamorous event at Oje-Owode and Sepeteri in SakiEast Local Government Area of Oyo State as Ifesowapo Microfinance Bank (IMFB), Sepeteri, held its 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and as well commissioned a new branch of the bank in OjeOwode, a nearby town in the council area.

Speaking, the chairman, Board of Directors 1 of the bank, Alhaji Tunde Popoola, said the secret of the sustainability and the growth of the bank which has been in existence over the last 21 years was good governance and also God’s special favour.

The Managing Director/ CEO of the bank, Mr Yomi Adeoti, explained that despite the current economic recession in the country, 3 IMFB still gave dividends of 70k to its shareholders and honoured some of its best customers as a way of appreciating their partnership. He called on people of the communities to partner with the bank.

The event was attended by the crème de la crème in the area which include the chairman, Caretaker Committee of Saki-East Local Government, Mr Moruf Salau; the Ajoriwin of Irawo-land, Oba Musliudeen Ademola; Oloje of Oje-Owode, Oba Abdulrasheed Oyinloye; Onigbope of Igbope, Oba Matthew Atoyebi; Onitede of Tede, Oba Abdulrauf Adebimpe, among other dignitaries.

2

4

1. From right, chairman, Caretaker Committee of Saki-West Local Government, Mr Moruf Salau; chairman, Board of Directors of Ifesowapo Microfinance Bank, Alhaji Tunde Popoola; Onitede of Tede, Oba Abdulrauf Adebimpe; Ajoriwin of Irawo, Oba Musliudeen Ademola and Oloje of Oje-Owode, Oba Abdulrasheed Oyinloye at official commissioning of the bank’s branch at Oje-Owode.

2. From left, the chairman, Caretaker Committee of Saki-West Lga, Mr Moruf Salau; Alhaji Tunde Popoola and Managing Director/CEO of IMFB, Mr Yomi Adeoti.

3. From right, Alhaji Siju Lawal presenting gifts to one of the best customers of the bank for the year 2015, Chief Okegbemi Ojekalo at the 2015 annual general meeting of the bank.

4. From right, Mr Kunle Egbeleke; Professor Poju Adeleke; Alhaji Tunde Popoola; Alhaji Siju Lawal; Mr E. B Oyinlola and Dr Junaid Ogundiran at the AGM meeting.

When AfricaRice trained NASC officers on improved rice production AFRICA Rice Centre, Ibadan has trained 58 National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) officers on rice seed quality assurance and varietal recognition at Ibadan station on August 3, 2016.

The training workshop was informed by the continuously record of low yield in the quality of rice production in Nigeria whcih has become worrisome among farmers and research Institute across the country.

This low yield which was attributed to adulterated seeds in the market has contributed to the unprecedented low rice production experienced by farmers In its quick intervention to save the situation, the Africa Rice Centre, Ibadan, commenced an implementation of a three-year project (2015 – 2018) with an international agency, USAID to drastically eradicate adulterated rice seeds from the channels of production through training of rice seeds producers and monitoring and inspection officers.

The Rice Seed Scaling project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is not a regular project but a technical assistance to add value to the urgent need for quality breeder and foundation seed – lacking in Nigeria. Over the years, the problem has been that rice seeds are recycled and adulterated leading to poor yield.

Speaking at the training, the Regional Representative of Africa Rice Centre, Nigeria station, Ibadan, Dr Francis Nwilene said “It was an informed decision by the separate stakeholders in the seed sector of Nigeria and the issue is adulterated in our system; can you call Faro 45 in Ibadan as the same things with Faro 45 in Kano? The answer is no.

“This is because of mixture of seeds and there are lot of adulteration, so, with this project, what we did was to go back to the basis, went back to our chambers where we have seeds stored for over 100, 60, 40 and 20 years and so, on under a control temperature of -20.”

We went back to the drawing board, went back to different institutions that deals on rice, we went to the Phil-

2 1 ippines, Colombia, NCRI and all other institutions that deal on rice to collect samples of different varieties. We also took from our chamber and we took them to the field, we invited different stakeholders, seed council was involve, ICAS among others The workshop which was on the capacity building of certification officers from the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), also ensured that rice seed producers nationwide conform to quality standards.

During the workshop, Dr Francis Nwilene who is the Regional Representative & Coordinator of Africa Rice Center mentioned that in order for Nigeria to attain selfsufficiency in rice production within three years, the use of quality rice seed as planting material is a factor in achieving the desired results.

He commended USAID for providing support to AfricaRice to ensure that farmers only plant quality rice seeds.

According to Dr Nwilene “the Centre had previously trained about thirty seed technicians from 10 seed companies in addition to about twelve youth Agripreneurs of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), this training was organised in May, 2016.

3 He added that NASC are also stakeholders in achieving the goal of the USAID-sponsored project which was the essence of organising a workshop for NASC officers. Dr Abraham Shaibu and members of his team: Mr Olumoye Oyetunji, Mr Olajide Oladejo and Mr Afeez Shittu took turns to enlighten participants on key areas of quality control and how to recognise different varieties released by the institute.

In attendance was the Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbeh represented by Mrs. C. A. Awe who is the SouthWest Regional Director of NASC. 1. The participants at the rice farm 2. The participants during the workshop 3. From left, Dr. Francis Nwilene, Regional coordinator, Africa Rice, Nigeria station; Mrs C.A. Awe, South-West Regional Director of NASC; Ademola Efuntoye, Director of National Agricultural Seed Council and a guest at the workshop.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

Faceless groups after my reputation —Jonathan Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

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ORMER president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, said some faceless individuals are targeting him for selfish reasons.

Jonathan, in a statement made available to the media, lambasted media reports contained in two newspapers on Thursday, which carried insinuations that some intelligence reports had linked him to activities of the Niger Delta Avengers.

The former president said he would have ignored the claim because it was an obvious fabrication but added that he needed to put the records straight because of the reference to intelligence agencies in the said news stories.

He expressed worries that some persons would be targeting his reputation despite his often expressed passion to work for the good of the society.

Jonathan stated further that he was certain that no intelligence agency based its findings on nebulous claims of some faceless groups, adding that the claim in the newspaper reports followed the pattern of such similar claim made recently by some acclaimed reformed Niger Delta Avengers.

“We obviously would have ignored the allegation, hav-

ing responded recently to the exact same fabrication peddled by a shady militant group, but for the new dimension of bringing in the authorities, while hiding under the often-abused journalism latitude of quoting nebulous ‘sources.’

“Firstly, we note that there were similarities in the two stories published the same day by the two newspapers, that are too striking to pass the test of the normal newsroom process of diligent reporting and independent investigation.

“We are convinced that such clear coincidences are only permissible in situa-

tions where general statements are issued, but not on matters of intelligence/ security reports which do not fly into newsrooms as press releases.

“We are also concerned that the stories did not differ in content and substance from the trite allegations earlier made by the so-called Reformed Niger Delta Avengers over the same lies of linking Jonathan to the militants.

“It is sad that the two publications wore the cloak of the deceit from the same misguided characters that are hell-bent on pulling down the former president,

despite his clear record of diligent service to his country and long standing commitment to the good of society.

“There is no doubt that there exist such people who

may have scores to settle with the former president but are now feeling frustrated by the fact that his national and international profile has continued to rise, despite their recourse

Avengers vow to declare Niger Delta independence October 1 NIGER Delta Avengers have vowed to declare the Niger Delta region an independent entity on October 1.

On Wednesday, Ballantyne Agiri, “spokesman” for the dialogue group of the Avengers, had indicated the

readiness of the group to engage the Federal Government in dialogue, in order to resolve the lingering crisis.

However, Mudoch Agbinibo, spokesman of the Avengers, denied the report, while saying that “Ballan-

From left, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senator Muhammad Shittu and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Rabi Jimeta, at the official presentation of water sector road map, in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

S/West APC advocates restructuring, free education continued from pg3

“We are committed to the implementation of the health insurance scheme that our great party promised the people during the electioneering. The diversification of the Nigerian economy is an area that the government is paying close attention to.

To achieve this purpose, we have begun to invest heavily in the agricultural sector. It is our hope and aspiration that Nigeria will once again be able to achieve sustainability and self-reliance in food production to the benefit of our people and also for export, in order that the food we produce will be readily available to our people in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

“The government has revived the comatose railway systems to transport people and goods round the country. The reconstruction of the death traps that pass for highways across the country is being given top priority by the government.

“The teeming population of youth and women undoubtedly has continued to bear the brunt of the failed

economic policies of the past. We are unwavering in our commitment to alleviate their sufferings through job creation which has already begun in earnest.

“The education sector, in dire need of rejuvenation, has begun receiving the attention of the government.

The N500 billion social protection fund, which has been created by the government, is geared to caring for our less privileged and institutionalise our social security scheme,” Osinbajo said.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun remarked that the policies of the President Muhammadu Buhari government were geared towards diversification from oil towards agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing as alternative means of foreign exchange for the country.

Harping on the need for Nigerians to be patient for the seeds of the current policies to germinate, Oyegun, represented by Chief Oni, beckoned on supporters of the APC to focus on ensuring that the party became bigger before the next general election.

“I know that our people are impatient for things to improve in the country, but 16 years of mismanagement cannot be put right in 15 months. We all know it is much harder to build than to destroy. We know that the economy is in bad shape due to years of dependence on oil as the mainstay of our economy.

“The administration of President Buhari has, however, set in motion an enabling environment for diversify of our economy.

Policies are being put in place to promote agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing sectors as alternative means to generate foreign exchange for our country,” Oyegun said.

Guest lecturer, Professor Sekoni, speaking on “The South West and the Challenges of Change in Nigeria,” called for unity of purpose among Nigerian leaders, noting that the APC meant well for Nigeria.

Furthermore, he urged South West APC leaders to constantly negotiate with the Federal Government on ways to improve the nation’s

to endless muck-raking character assassination.

Such people will stop at nothing to continue to throw obstacles, albeit futilely, on his path,” the statement read.

economy.

He said the nation’s leaders should regularly meet to deliberate on ways to attend to the nation’s faulty political and economic system.

Sekoni, a professor of Comparative Literature, decried the relapse of the education sector in the South-West, while advising that primary and secondary education in the zone should be compulsory and free.

“Our region cannot afford to be complacent with the good words of the APC manifesto. APC in our region must mobilise our people to work hard for transformation of the promises of the manifesto into concrete programmes. Leaving the electorate alone after election can be counter-productive.

“Such neglect has the tendency to push citizens to whine and complain about the government, instead of seeing themselves as partners in the business of moving from the page of manifesto to the stage of implementation,” he said.

Former APC national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, described as ignorant and

greedy, the claim that the Buhari’s government was not living up to its change agenda.

Encapsulating the party’s change agenda as creation of jobs, security and eradicating corruption, Akande, represented by Dr Wale Oshun, said the Buhari’s government was attending to these three promises.

Osun State governor, Aregbesola, observed that restructuring had become mandatory, as many states could no more attend to its affairs.

According to him, the executive, presidential system was corrupt and wasteful, calling for an all-inclusive government.

Governor Ajimobi called for the deregulation of the oil sector, while he emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation among party leaders in the zone so that they could come up with positions that would help President Buhari lead the country aright.

The event was also attended by members of the National Assembly, state houses of assembly and party stalwarts from the region.

tyne Agiri” was not authorised to speak for the militant group.

In a statement released on the website of the Avengers on Thursday, Agbinibo maintained that the Niger Delta no longer wanted to be part of Nigeria.

“Our prayer for Buhari and the northern governors is that oil should be found in commercial quantity in the North, so they can let the Niger Delta go.

“The October 1 declaration of independence is still sacrosanct,” the statement read.

A similar statement released by the Avengers in May 2016 had said that “by October 2016, we will display our currency, flag, passport, our ruling council and our territory to the world.

“To the United Nations, we are not asking for much but to free the people of the Niger Delta from environmental pollution, slavery, and oppression. We want a country that will turn the creeks of the Niger delta to a tourism heaven, a country that will achieve its full potentials, a country that will make health care system accessible by everyone.”

We have completely degraded Boko Haram inside Sambisa —CAS CHIEF Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has said Boko Haram terrorist group has been completely degraded inside Sambisa forest, adding that presently, the sect lacked the capacity to move around the forest.

Speaking during an interview programme on NTA, on Thursday, he said “the only problem we are having is that of the terrain. It is a big challenge because the place has been mined and troops cannot just move freely.”

The air chief stated however that the terrorists had being fleeing the forest because of air force bombardment, adding that the air force would continue to bombard the terrorists until they had left Nigerian soil.

south-westnews FUNNAB students in violent protest 30

Friday, 19 August, 2016

One injured, 4 vehicles burnt

Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

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undreds of students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), on Thursday, went on rampage over issue of insecurity that has become a recurring decimal in recent times, in the institution’s host communities.

The aggrieved students, the Nigerian Tribune gathered, had in the early hours of the day, staged a peaceful protest at the school gate as early as 6:00am. They blocked the main entrance to the institution.

The protest caused heavy gridlock on the road leading to the school, as staff members were prevented from entering the school.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the students’ action followed an armed robbery attack on one of the private student hostels in the school area, Adejoke Hostel, Isolu Community, in the early hours of Wednesday.

It was further gathered that students living off campus had been experiencing incessant invasion of their hostels by armed men.

The development, it was gathered, led to disruption of academic and administrative activities in the institution.

However, the peaceful protest went awry, as the students engaged the police team who were trying to maintain peace and orderliness.

The students, despite plea by policemen led by the Divisional Police Officers of Obantoko and Odeda, Mrs Veronica Osakwe and Mr Ojogo Olorunlana, refused to vacate the highway.

They threw stones at the policemen. They also attacked an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a police officer.

A student, identified as Taiwo, 100 Level student of the faculty of Forestry and Wildlife, was hit by a canister fired by a policeman.

The policemen retreated from the scene of the incident because they were few in number.

The students, angered by the development, went on rampage and set four vehicles on fire while a church building was equally badly managed.

Vehicular movements were halted for several hours due to the incident, as commercial places were hurriedly locked up.

The entire camp area to Obantoko became tensed,

but the deployment of more policemen, men of the Mobile Police Force and men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), brought the situation under control.

The students also set a police post ablaze at Osiele area and injured the Divisional Officer, on duty.

The injured student was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, for treatment and was later re-

portedly transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Oyeyemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the protest was probably hijacked by hoodlums.

He said that the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Olalade Enikuomehin and himself, had earlier addressed the students that the university and security agencies would fashion out ways to solve the problem

raised by the students.

The PPRO said that no fewer than 34 people have been arrested in connection with the incident and that investigation into it would commence in earnest.

Meanwhile, the university management has directed that students should embark on a seven-day midsemester break for the Second Semester, 2015/2016 Academic Session with effect from Thursday, August

18, 2016.

This was contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Emi Alawode.

She said the break was declared to enable the university put additional welfare and security arrangements in place, to further support the initiatives of the federal and state governments, towards the protection of lives and property.

Shoprite store in Dugbe area of Ibadan sealed off by the Oyo State tax enforcement team over tax evasion, on Thursday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

Tax evasion: Oyo govt seals off Shoprite, 38 other firms in Ibadan

By Tunde Ogunesan The Oyo State Inter-ministerial Tax Enforcement team on Wednesday and Thursday sealed Shoprite store and 38 other firms including banks, private hospitals, companies, filling stations within Ibadan metropolis over tax default.

The action, according to a press statement

made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism, Toye Arulogun, was sequel to the announcement made by the government to embark on enforcement of payment of taxes, levies duties and other rates by corporate organisations and individuals.

However, a mild drama

ensued when the tax enforcement team arrived the Heritage Mall, on Thursday morning.

The team came with security officers in two vehicles; a white Toyota Hiace bus belonging to the Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue with registration number OYO RB 045-OY and a Toyota Hilux van with registration number OYO 201-A09.

Court turns down Ekiti govt’s motion to stop probe of accounts by EFCC AN Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti on Thursday declined to grant an exparte order sought by the Ekiti State government to restrain Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating the finances of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Justice Cornelius Akintayo refused to grant the order on the grounds that all the defendants in the case must first be put on notice to enable them prepare for their defence at

the court.

The judge consequently adjourned the suit to August 23 and ordered all parties in the suit to appear before him when the motion on notice would be heard.

The suit was filed by Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, to stop the impending investigation of the accounts of the state government by the anti graft agency.

Another relief sought by the plaintiffs was an order stopping the arrest of the

Commissioner for Finance, Accountant General and the managers of the banks in which the state has commitments.

Defendants in the suit include the Speaker of the House of Assembly, EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), Commissioner for Finance, Accountant General and five banks doing business with the state government and the managers of those banks.

The officers of the store made frantic effort to convince the team that the management of the store had paid up to date the firm’s tax, but the officers insisted on seeing the document to that effect.

At first, the officers locked up the main entrance to the main store with some customers inside, but later allowed the customers to exit, and thereafter waited for some deposits to be made.

It will be recalled that the state government had embarked on the sensitisation and engagement programme for citizens, traders, artisans and business owners in the state on the need to pay their taxes in order to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

In a statement by the commissioner, the move became necessary because many of the companies failed to pay government’s rates, taxes, development levy and renewal of business premises fees despite all the notices served on them.

Nigerian Tribune

We’ve not slashed doctors’ salaries —FETHI CMD Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti The management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI) has denied the allegation that it has slashed salaries of its consultants and doctors.

The acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Raymond Okere, who stated this on Thursday, said the consultants and other workers in the institution were being paid their full salaries.

Dr Okere said the medical practitioners, who had declared a warning strike last week, distorted issues by claiming the former CMD, Dr Lawrence Ayodele, reduced their salaries.

According to Okere, who addressed newsmen in Ido-Ekiti following the threat by the consultants to embark on strike, said what the medical practitioners were agitating for was “skipping of grades and not reduction of salaries,” saying it was a general concern in the healthcare sector.

He said: “No one has slashed the salary of any staff of this hospital.

Whatever any medical staff of this hospital has been earning since January this year is what they still earn.”

Ondo APC gov aspirant tasks market men, women on peaceful primaries Bola Badmus - Lagos AN aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship poll in Ondo State, Honourable Omowunmi Olatunji, has called on market men and women to support and ensure a violence-free party primaries.

The APC governorship primaries is slated to hold on August 27, 2016.

Olatunji gave the appeal when she met with leaders of market women from the 18 local government areas of the state at Market Women Head Office, Oba Adeshida Road in Akure, the state capital.

The aspirant, who donated half a million naira to support the market women in their respective businesses, said “The long awaited hope of Ondo State is around the corner, but we need peace, orderliness, perseverance and love to have a free and fair primaries.”

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

Ondo 2016: Gunmen invade Ondo APC office Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

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uspected gunmen alleged to be loyal to a faction of the All Progres-

sives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, on Thursday morning, invaded the state secretariat of the

party in Oyemekun Road, Akure, the state capital.

It was a free-for-all between members loyal to

the chairman, Honourable Isaac Kekemeke and the acting chairman, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye,

From left, Director, Regional Office for Africa, UN-HABITAT, Nairobi, Kenya, Professor Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka; Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo; Deputy Director, Ministry of Education, Mrs Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu and the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adebiyi Daramola, at the presentation of the 2016 World Cities Report, held in FUTA, on Thursday.

UI can only admit 3,000 from 29,000 JAMB candidates —VC

By Tunde Ogunesan The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, has declared that only 3,000 candidates out of the over 29,000 who scored 200 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and chose the premier university would be offered admission.

The vice chancellor stated this while speaking on the topic “Challenges of building a world-class university” at the 68th Interdisciplinary Research Discourse of the Postgraduate School of the institution.

Professor Olayinka noted that Nigeria remains the catchment area of the University of Ibadan.

He lamented that poor funding, infrastructure deficit, student-lecturer ratio and accommodation challenges would not allow the university to go beyond its present carrying capacity.

The professor of Geology listed inadequate teaching and research facilities, poor funding, overstretched infrastructure, inconsistent policy on education, inadequate staff and government attitude to education as some of the factors affecting the global competitiveness of the university.

“Funding is needed to make UI a world-class university. A globally competitive university is that which

can boast of top-class scholars with sound funding of research because without research, a university is a glorified secondary school.

While our goal is to train new generation of leaders, we have challenges towards achieving this.

“The mark of a truly worldclass institution is measured by what her graduates do after leaving the institution.

Oxford will boast that they have produced more Prime Ministers so is Harvard on world leaders. Of course, UI graduates are doing well all over Nigeria but we must do

more so that our graduates can be blessings to Nigeria and the global community.

“Nigerian leaders should go beyond feeling bad at the ranking of our universities.

If UI is presently ranked 19 in Africa and the top four varsities are in South Africa, then Nigeria government should understudy what they do in South Africa for their universities including research grants, learning environment and infrastructure.

“We cannot be globally competitive without electricity. We will be more

productive if power is available. We should be playing leading role in research and innovation, contribute to local and regional economies and this will drive our global competitiveness.”

In his speech, chairman of the occasion and former Vice Chancellor, Professor Bankole Oyediran, noted that universities are the power house of knowledge, designed to contribute to development through the production of innovative works, ground-breaking research and high quality personnel.

Oyo by-election: Labour Party leader, LG chairman trade words

By Moses Alao Ahead of the Saturday’s by-election to fill the vacant seat of Oorelope state constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, one of the leaders of the Labour Party in the local government, Alhaji Sarafadeen Alani Yusuff, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state of plans to cause violence in the local government in order to win the poll “at all costs.”

But the caretaker chairman of the local government, Honourable Samuel Okunlade, said the accusation was baseless and untrue, noting that “APC and

our governor have always been known for peace and we cannot be linked to violence over a by-election in a local government that has since become fully APC.” It will be recalled that the former occupant of the seat, Dr Gideon Aremu, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, was murdered early July.

Yusuff, popularly known as Al Wajud, in a chat with the Nigerian Tribune, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call his party and Governor Abiola Ajimobi to order, noting that Labour Party members “want peace and we want our votes to count. We want one man, one vote, but the

APC has been threatening us with power of incumbency and state might.”

He further noted that since Buhari and the APC got to power based on a free and fair election, the party in the state should allow same in Oorelope.

Yusuff boasted that “Labour Party is in control of the local government” and would win any election in the council area.

However, Okunlade maintained that Labour Party members were jittery because they knew they would lose the poll; noting that the state government had not meddled with the politics of the local government in any way.

who invaded the party secretariat to dislodge Kekemeke’s supporters in a reprisal.

Supporters of the chairman, on Wednesday, had chased away the supporters of Ogunleye-led group from the secretariat and took over the affairs of the party.

However, the aggrieved supporters who invaded the secretarial at around noon in a 18-seater bus, numbering 20 and armed with bottles, cutlass, cudgel and gun, shot sporadically into the air to scare party members at the secretariat who defied the threat and chased them away.

It took the intervention of the state police command led by Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Operations, Edward Ajogun and men of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) to restore normalcy at the party secretariat.

Kekemeke also pointed the finger at some new defectors, accusing them of fuelling the crisis to weaken APC. He said “their conduct was beginning to constitute an embarrassment to the leadership and a great number of party members. Their activities have become an uninteresting joke.”

He reiterated the commitment of the party to conduct credible primaries, saying that the national headquarters of the party has the exclusive right to conduct the election.

He denied the allegation of doctoring the party’s delegate list for the primaries, saying “I am to assure aspirants, members of the party and delegates to the primaries that the list of delegates will be produced by the Femi Pedro Congress Committee and as had been amended by the Chief Aro Lambo Congress Appeal Committee of the National Executive Committee.”

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on members of the APC to sheath their sword in the interest of peace in the state.

IPAC stated this in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Fagboro Oluwole, and advised all stakeholders to come together to sustain democracy.

Nigerian Tribune

Ajimobi’s food bank train moves to 6 LGs in Oke-Ogun, Oyo

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare In line with her vision of making life better for the poor and eradicate extreme hunger among the people, the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, continued the distribution of food items to people in six local government areas of the state under the Ajumose Food Bank initiative.

The distribution train spent two days in six local government areas in Oke Ogun and Oyo town. The local government areas that benefitted from the project this week include Oorelope, Olorunsogo, Afijio, Oyo East, Atiba and Oyo West.

Since its reintroduction in July, 5,500 women have benefitted in 11 local government areas of the state.

While speaking at the event, Mrs Ajimobi said that Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led government is committed to easing out all forms of hardships posed by the current economic situation in the country.

She reassured the people that the Food Bank initiative will be executed quarterly as opposed to the annual occurrence so that more people will be reached in short intervals.

Power of Resurrection Christian Church celebrates eighth anniversary The eighth anniversary of Power of Resurrection Christian Church holds on Monday, August 15 to Tuesday, August 16, 2016 between 5:00p.m and 7:00p.m at the church auditorium, at No. 71/73 Olaleye Ogunsola Villa, off Agbamu Road, Power City, Sanyo, Ibadan.

The theme of the anniversary is “Who is like our God?” Praise night will take place on August 17, at 10:00p.m till dawn while the grand finale comes up on August 21, 2016, at 8:00a.m.

Ministering at the event are Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale and other anointed men of God, with songs inspiration, deliverance and breakthrough.

Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale

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Friday, 19 August, 2016

FG releases 2016/17 admission list for unity colleges Schools resume September 19 Clement Idoko -Abuja

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HE Federal Government has approved the release of the admission list of successful candidates into the Federal Unity Colleges for the 2016/2017 academic year.

According to the results of the National Common Entrance Examination conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO), only 24,422 candidates were offered admission into the 102 Unity Schools across the country.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, who announced the release of the admissions on Thursday, in Abuja, said the list had been posted online via www.fmeinterviewtest.com, and so advised candidates who took part in the National Common Entrance Examination to check their names on the website using their registration numbers.

This was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Bem Goong.

The Minister also announced that the resumption date for all Unity Schools is September 19, 2016 A breakdown of the results indicated that a total of 89,231 candidates took part in the examination out of which 46,869 met the required cut off mark.

Adamu, however, explained that 24,422 candidates were offered ad-

mission for the 2016/2017 academic year, based on the carrying capacity of each college and the approved cut off mark.

It was indicated that Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Bwari, Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Owerri and

Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu topped the list with a total of 400 students each, while Federal Science and Techni-

Dr Toluwalase Olukunle flanked by her parents, Mr Femi Olukunle, Associate Editor of Nigerian Tribune and Mrs Oluwatoyin Olukunle, during her induction ceremony into the medical profession, at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Medical College, Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

NABTEB releases 2016 NBC/NTC results Banji Aluko -Benin City The National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) has released the 2016 May/ June National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC) examinations’ results held nationwide between May 2 and June 3,

2016.

Registrar and chief executive officer of NABTEB, Professor Ifeoma Mercy Isuigo-Abanihe, who announced the release of the results at a media briefing at NABTEB’s headquarters in Benin, said 38,280 out of 69,472 candidates who enrolled for the examinations made five credits in-

cluding English Language and Mathematics.

According to her, a breakdown of the examinations showed that candidates enrolled for 15 engineering trades, seven construction trades, nine miscellaneous trades and 16 general education trades.

Professor Isuigo-Abanihe also disclosed that 54,485

‘Poor preparation, fear, cause of mass failure in Maths’ Clement Idoko -Abuja POOR preparation of students and the fear of Mathematics have been identified as major cause of mass failure in the subject in schools and public examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), among others.

Deputy Director, Office of the Auditor General for the Federation, Mr Dolamu Akindele stated this on Thursday, in Abuja, at the public launch of his book titled: “Rapid Success in Mathematics”.

He noted that because of inadequate preparations, most students dread the subject, adding that the outcome has been persistent mass failure in Mathematics in WASCE, NECO,

cal College (FSTC) Otukpo and Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Tam buwal had the least number of 120 candidates each.

UTME, among other national examinations.

Akindele said it is a general knowledge that the nation lacks adequate qualified teachers to teach the subject, saying the trend was further compounded by lack of attention paid by most parents to academic activities of their children.

The author said the book was written in a simple and self-explanatory manner to fill in the gaps that would enable candidates come out successfully in Mathematics.

“The lapses that we have in most families are the fact that everybody is running after money other than taking care of their children at home.

“Like my children, I wake them up around 4.a.m when their examinations are coming, and I will sit down with them, give them

a question and wait until they solve the problem.

But if they didn’t get it, I will put them through.

“None of my children has written Mathematics at any level twice and I tell you if parents could imbibe that kind of culture of helping their children before running after money, you can

be sure that we will have a better tomorrow.”

The book reviewer, Mr Olusola Kayode, said the author had realised that Mathematics is one of the subjects students recorded much failure in WAEC, NECO, JAMB, among others, and had offered solution in the compendium.

of the candidates, representing 79.61 per cent of those examined, recorded five credits and above with or without English language and Mathematics.

She noted that 2,273 representing 3.32 per cent were involved in cases of examination malpractices, noting that NABTEB was looking at prosecuting those involved apart from withholding their results.

The NABTEB registrar, however, noted with dismay the continued drop in the enrolment of NABTEB examinations, remarking that NABTEB was working with relevant institutions in order to come up with a policy on technical education, with a view to improving enrolment of students

4,536 PDP members defect to APC in Edo Banji Aluko -Benin City A total of 4,536 aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, on Thursday, decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Leader of the defectors, Mr Promise Igbinevbo, who spoke on behalf of the others, said the PDP had deceived them over the years, adding that the party was

yet to shed its old ways in spite of attempts to rebrand it.

“We are here to bury PDP today. We were deceived by some political leaders of the PDP all these years. Today, they call them new PDP, but I realised that old PDP remains. I later realised that they are like the leopard which doesn’t change its skin.

“PDP leaders are conservatives. PDP leaders cry for their parochial interest

alone to the detriment of their followers,” he said.

According to him, “I have wiped off my tears because of the belief that I have in democracy. In democracy, it is said that the minority will have their say while the majority will have their way.

Receiving the defectors, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, said he was impressed by the large number and quality of those who decided to join the APC fold.

Ogun assembly approves N5bn credit facility for farmers Determined to promote agricultural enterprises in the state to ensure massive food production and earn more foreign exchange, the Ogun State Assembly has granted an approval to the state government’s request to access the sum of N5 biliion under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme facility from Sterling Bank.

The approval followed a letter from the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, dated August 2, 2016, titled: “Request for approval to access N5 billion credit facility under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS)”.

The letter partly reads: “The State Government wishes to take advantage of the window availed to it by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for promoting commercial agricultural enterprises in the state by utilising part of the funds approved in the 2016 approved estimates on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Commercial Credit Scheme (CACS) as approved by the State Executive Council, in its resolution of 16th May, 2016,” the letter stated.

Clergy charges politicians on service to people Political office holders in the country have been charged to see their positions as a call to service, and as a means to ameliorate the sufferings of the mass of the people.

The supreme head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria Worldwide, His Eminence Baba Aladura, Prophet Solomon Adegboyega Alao gave the advice in Ibadan, at the installation and robing of the spiritual head of the Solution Cherubim and Seraphim Ministry, His Eminence, Prophet Gideon Adebare Owoseni.

Prophet Alao at the event, urged political office holders to always have the fear of God, and to fulfill the promises made during their campaigns.

He charged politicians and religious leaders to shun the love of money and to tell the truth always, while praying that the Almighty God who answered the Israelites, would lead our politicians right, so they could take us to the promised land.

In his speech, the newly ordained Baba Aladura, Prophet Gideon Owoseni prayed to God for forgiveness of our sins bordering on blood-shedding of innocent souls, corruption, looting and disobedience to God.

news Bello threatens legal action over N11b fraud allegation

33

Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

K

ogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has denied the allegations of misappropriating over N11 billion belonging to the state, threatening legal action against the originators of the allegations.

The governor noted that the unfounded allegations were only meant to tarnish his image and that of his government that had been working to liberate the state.

Governor Bello, who spoke through his special adviser on media and strategy, Abdul-

Friday, 19 August, 2016

makik Abdulkareem, said the allegations were baseless and unsubstantiated.

“It is farcical and preposterously derogatory for a national daily to write such a tempestuous streak of indefensible innuendos aimed at damaging the integrity of the government of the state.

“The administration of Governor Bello has remained the first in the history of the state to publicly declare the income and expenditure of government with copious references to state government accounts

at different banks. This is the opium of transparency.

“We have no reason to respond to the allegations as we have set the record straight on many occasions.

But, the public must begin to see the character of those who aspired to lead them. It has become crystal clear that they do not love the state.

“Today, Governor Bello has mobilised contractors to rehabilitate our roads in all the senatorial districts.Today, over 200 utility vehicles have been procured for delivery to security agencies to

make Kogi people safe.

“The achievements of Governor Bello and their own failure, has formed a chemistry of hate and a delicate determination of the enemies of the Kogi people to wage a relentless war against the people. Since they are so detached from the people, “Aside the political desperation to intimidate the judiciary, it is also instructive to note that the decision of the Kogi State government to look into why high-class contracts failed in the state, has no doubt jolted the in-

curably corrupt accusers.

“We make bold to say that every contract awarded by the current administration in the state went through due process. The selling point of our dear party is transparency.

There can’t be development when resources are siphoned by people who are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding those resources for the common good.

“The ongoing projects in the state are speaking for the government. We are silencing our detractors with solid performance. A number of approvals have been given by the state executive council for more projects to be executed .

“With improved security across the state, those who celebrated our security challenge are now shifting ground to peddling falseBello hood. Governor should be judged by his achievements.”

Plateau CAN dissociates self from NNCA Isaac Shobayo, Jos

Board member, National Institute of Estate and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria, Mr Victor Alonge (right), exchanging pleasantries with the new chairman, National Institute of Estate and Valuers (NIESV), Adamu Kasimu, during a dinner organised for new executive members, in Abuja on Wednesday. With them is the vice chairman of NIESV, Mr Saibu Adisa. Photo: Sunday Osunrayi

Kwara govt loses over N400m to illegal recruitment Biola Azeez - Ilorin

Kwara State government has lost over N400 million since 2014 due to illegal recruitment of 516 employees by the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission(KSTSC).

This was part of the findings of an administrative

panel of inquiry instituted

by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, on illegal recruitment into KSTSC. The chairman of the panel, Alhaji Yusuf Kawu Daibu, while presenting the panel’s report to Governor Ahmed, said the panel discovered that KSTSC illegally employed 965 employees, in-

stead of the 449 approved by the state governor in 2014.

Alhaji Daibu said the selection and recruitment were “haphazardly done as there were no records of shortlisted candidates or record of an interview panel that should have formed the basis of the final list of those recruited”.

Arrest of pilgrims in S/Arabia: NDLEA deploys investigators to camps nationwide Shola Adekola - Lagos

Following the arrest of three Nigerian Muslim pilgrims by the Saudi Arabian authorities for carrying drugs suspected to be cocaine, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has deployed more investigators to all the screening camps nationwide.

This is just as the chairman of the anti -narcotic agency, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd), has ordered investigation into the arrest of three pilgrims in connection with the substances suspected to be cocaine.

Abdallah, who assured members of the public that NDLEA would get to the root of the matter , listed terms of reference for the

panel of inquiry to include; ascertaining the circumstances behind the nondetection of the pilgrims before takeoff, identification of possible sponsors and source of drug supply as well as make recommendations on effective screening of pilgrims.

The chairman of NDLEA, who expressed disappointment over the incident, has constituted a panel of inquiry headed by the Director of Operations and General Investigation in the agency, Mr Olugbenga Mabo ,to investigate the incident, adding that the agency would address the situation with urgency.

“Narcotic smuggling is criminal and the involvement of pilgrims is utterly reprehensible. This

is unfortunate and we are working very hard to get to the root of it. The agency is handling this case with every sense of seriousness and urgency because this action has negatively affected the image of Nigeria. We have also taken measures to intensify the ongoing screening of pilgrims, who are yet to depart to Saudi Arabia to prevent a re-occurrence of the incident”.

The NDLEA boss also called on pilgrims to uphold the principle of probity, patriotism and eschew any act capable of bringing the image of the country to disrepute and vowed to take necessary steps aimed at bringing any person or group of persons, involved in the criminal act to justice.

The panel recommended, among other things, that the recruitments should be reviewed and limited to the 449 by considering “the genuine needs of the commission for additional hands, especially, in Mathematics, the core sciences and English Language”.

On how to prevent future occurrence, the panel recommended that the enabling law establishing KSTSC should be reviewed to take care of some structural defects and that the oversight function of the state Ministry of Education and human capital development on the commission, should be enforced.

It also recommended that an effective database should be established for monitoring of entries and exits from the employment of KSTSC. The governor said the panel was part of his administration’s efforts in boosting the quality of education in the state through judicious use of resources.

He underscored the critical role of teachers to functional education and human capital development, adding that his administration will continue to ensure that due process is followed in the recruitment of teachers.

Following the move by some groups within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to form a parallel body in the northern part of Nigeria, Plateau State chapter of CAN has dissociated itself from the groups.

It will be recalled that some stakeholders of CAN from the North formed a parallel association, tagged Northern Nigeria Christian Association (NNCA), to express their grievances over the emergence of the new CAN president, Reverend Supo Ayokunle.

The spokesman of the aggrieved CAN members in the North, Reverend Luka Shehu, told the Nigerian Tribune, in Jos, that they decided to adopt NNCA due to the injustice against northern members in the scheme of things in CAN. Speaking, however, with newsmen in Jos, the state chairman of CAN, Reverend Soja Bewarang, said there was nothing like northern and southern Christians.

“The name they reverted to, had been there before the formation of CAN. If the name is strong enough, there wouldn’t have been CAN. Plateau State chapter of CAN is embarrassed and therefore, dissociates itself from such.

“I have made wider consultations and asked the leadership of various groups within CAN about those behind the parallel association in the North, but they are unknown. They are pulling out without any justification.”

Nasarawa CP inaugurates forum to tackle communal clashes Godwin Agwam- Lafia

THE Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Abubakar Bello, has inaugurated “ eminent persons forum” to tackle communal clashes in the state.

The commissioner, who inaugurated the forum, on Thursday, in Lafia, the state capital, said the initiative was one of the blueprints of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to boost community policing.

He said that the policy is one of the modern- day strategies employed to tackle security threats by encouraging members of the public to complement the efforts of the police at securing the society.

“It is worthy to note that the IGP has placed high premium on this programme because if Nigerians are carried along in securing their environment, it will go a long way in resolving issues such as communal clashes”, he said.

The commissioner said that the forum was made up of traditional rulers, retired public servants, religious leaders, market women association as well as other relevant stakeholders, who will assist the police in mediation and social control.

Accident claims 5 in Kano Kola Oyelere - Kano

About five workers of the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Kano State, lost their lives in a road accident on Kaduna Expressway ,on Wednesday, The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso, confirmed this at a dinner party organised by the state chapter of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), on Wednesday night.

According to the commissioner, the victims were travelling to Kaduna State to condole with one of their members who recently lost his mother when the accident occurred.

The commissioner, however, said that the accident claimed the lives of all the five occupants in the vehicle, adding that they have been buried according to Islamic rites.

34

news

Friday, 19 August, 2016

Resident doctors’ strike has not paralysed neuropsychiatric hospital —JOHESU

T

he Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro unit, has denied the report in a national newspaper that doctors’ strike had paralysed activities at the hospital The union, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune and signed by its chairman, Mr Falana Oluyemisi and secretary, Mr Oladejo Olayode, said, “It is im-

portant to let the general public know that the only group of persons on strike in the hospital are resident doctors.

“It is also pertinent to inform the general public that the status of resident doctors in any teaching hospital/specialist hospital is studentship.

“There are other qualified healthcare professionals on ground working in the hospital and as such, if any activity has been dis-

By-election: Oyo nscdc to deploy 300 officers The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will deploy 300 officers to Oorelope Local Government Area for tomorrow’s by-election.

The state commandant, Jao Adewoye, said this while addressing NSCDC officials at the command headquarters, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Noting that the success

of the election depended on the conduct of the electorate and security personnel, he urged the electorate to conduct themselves in a manner that would guarantee a free and fair election.

He also charged the officers to conduct themselves as good ambassadors of NSCDC, during the election.

Education experts condemn suspension of post-UTME Naza Okoli - Lagos

Experts in education sector, on Thursday, condemned the suspension of the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by universities and other institutions, urging the Federal Government to regularise the examination instead.

This position was taken at a summit organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), a body of journalists who report education in the print, broadcast and online media, held at the University of Lagos.

Delivering a keynote address on the occasion, the former executive secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, said the most logical step is to restructure the post-UTME, and not to

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Atunshe Mujidat Aramide now OKUNOLA MUJI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

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scrap it.

Also, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the former Minister of Education, Professor Chinwe Obaji, in their separate presentations, described the cancellation as unnecessary.

The summit, tagged: “Integrity of public examinations and admission in Nigeria,” was presided over by the secretary of the Association of ViceChancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), Professor Michael Faborode and also attended by the vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Rahamon Bello.

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rupted, it is only teaching/ learning activities of these set of students (resident doctors) that is affected.

“Other activities includ-

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ing clinical, non-clinical, research, administrative and teaching of other healthcare professionals have neither been disrupt-

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ed nor paralysed.”

The union further stressed that “there are qualified professionals and other cadre of work-

ers available to attend to the pressing needs of the general public as they are committed to the well-being of fellow Nigerians.”

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NYSC and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Folasade Celina Oke now MRS FOLASADE ALIMOT ABDULFATAISOBANDE. All former documents remain valid. Yewa North Local Government, Ayetoro and general public take note.

I, Asimiyu Hammed Ajibade am the same person bearing Ashim Ahmod. All documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Stanbic Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adepoju Adewumi Ajike now MRS AKINSEYE ADEWUMI AJIKE. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Hospital Management Board, Osogbo and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olorunlana Temitayo Omoyemisi now MRS JOHNSON TEMITAYO OMOYEMISI. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Ede and general public take note.

I, Fatai Taiwo Jelili am the same person as Fatai Gbolahan Taiwo.

Now, I wish to be known as FATAI GBOLAHAN TAIWO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

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My name, Emuariah Mesiri Fortune was wrongly spelt as Muajeriah instead of the correct name EMUARIAH. Now, I wish to be known as EMUARIAH MESIRI FORTUNE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

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Skye Bank Plc, FCMB Plc and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Orelusi Elizabeth Funmito Bukola now to be called and addressed as ORELUSI ELIZABETH OLUWAFUNMITO BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, hereby declared that my full name is Ismail Akinkunmi Fatai and not Ismaila Akinkunmi now, I wish to be known as ISMAIL AKINKUNMI FATAI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

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I, formerly Omobonike Iyiola Azeez now AZEEZ AMINAT ADUNNI. My correct date of birth is 1st January, 1965 and not 15th May, 1950. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

35 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Friday, 19 August, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, Mr. Lateef Taofeek Adesina am the same person bearing Lateef Taofeek and Lateef Adesina. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MR. LATEEF TAOFEEK ADESINA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

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Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Banks and general public take note.

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I Suberu Fatai that my name was wrongly written as Subiaru Fatai Oguniyi. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as SUBERU FATAI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, Salawu Lasisi at time of BVN my name was wrongly written as Salau Azeez Adeniran instead of Salawu Lasisi that the bank should remove Adeniran and modify my first name “AZEEZ” to LASISI also on my account number 1761291123 to correct my names from Salau Azeez to SALAWU LASISI with Skye Bank Plc. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SALAWU LASISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, Oludare Ololade Adeniyi am the same person bearing Oludare Ololade Sunday and Oluwadamilare Ololade Sunday. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AKINOSUN OLUDARE SUNDAY OLOLADE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Fakulujo Joseph Olajire whose name appears as Olajire Joseph in one of my bank account wish to correct it and henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as FAKULUJO JOSEPH OLAJIRE. All former documents remain valid.

Wema Bank Plc., Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

This is to certify that my correct name is Abdulsallam Abdul Sallam Akorede and not Ajibola Akorede Abdul Sallam as wrongly written on my bank verification number slip. Henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as ABDULSALLAM ABDUL SALLAM AKOREDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adedeji Funmilayo Caroline now MRS. DANIELS FUNMILAYO CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Ezenwa Ayas Bright am the same person bearing Ezenwa Athinatius Chukwuakunye. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as EZENWA AYAS BRIGHT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Edeifo Gift Ruth now MRS. OLAYIWOLA GIFT RUTH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Miss Seriki Adebisi Basirat am the same person bearing Ogunjobi Adebisi Basirat. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNJOBI ADEBISI BASIRAT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Dosunmu Kazeem now MR. ELEGBEDE FOLORUNSHO FEMI. All former documents remain valid. IBESE Cement Plant and general public take note.

I hereby declared that the correct spelling of my name are Ibrahim Aliyu Ahmed and not Hammed Aliyu Ibrahim. Henceforth, I wish to be known as IBRAHIM ALIYU AHMED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Ololanimi Oluwatoyin Durodola am the same person bearing Durodola Ololanimi Oluwatoyin, Ololanimi Oluwatoyin Fausatu Durodola.

Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as OLOLANIMI OLUWATOYIN DURODOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, Kugberenu Peters Gbenga am the same person as OLUGBENGA JOSEPH PETERS and KUGBERENU ONUNAYAN GBENGA. All former documents remain valid.

Zenith Bank Plc., FCMB Plc., and general public take note.

I, Akinola Mujidat Eniola but was mistakenly written as Akinola Mutidat Eniola. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AKIOLA MUJIDAT ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank Plc., and general public take not

I, formerly Miss Osunniran Funmilayo Muibat now MRS. ABIOLA FUNMILAYO MUIBAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Isah Aliu Ojo now ALIU YISAU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Foluke Adeyemo Wuraola now MRS. FOLUKE ADEDEJI WURAOLA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Amao Williams/ Mc Williams Omorinsola Kikelomo Maureen now MRS. FARAYOLA KIKELOMO OMORINSOLA MAUREEN. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

I, formerly Sahura Muhammed Wuraola now SAHURA MUHAMMED SULEIMAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ebade Lawretta Uche now MRS. IGE LAWRETTA UCHE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Babalola Oluwashola Kudirat now B A B A L O L A- O K U NA D E SHOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdulganiyu Dada Afuyee now EMMANUEL AFUYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Apeh Blessing Eleojo now MRS. SHOYEMI BLESSING ELEOJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Akinpelu Evelyn Bukola now OBASUN EVELYN BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adewale Rasaki now ABDUL RASAQ KOWIYU ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Rahaman Abdullateef Aremu now RUFAI ABDULLATEEF AREMU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oguntunmbi Taiwo Rebecca now MRS. SANUSI TAIWO REBECCA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss OketunjiOjo Christianah Tobiloba now MISS OKETUNJI CHRISTIANA TOBI. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service, UKBA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinremi Modinat Faderera now MRS. ADEJARE MODINAT BISOLA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adejoke Aminat Mopelola Idowu now MRS. ADEJOKE MOPELOLA ALADESAWE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Nageem Alaba Oluyemi now ALABA NAJIMDEEN OLUYEMI. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc., Eco Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Afolabi Ifedolapo Suzanne now MRS. BADEMOSI IFEDOLAPO SUZANNE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Adeyemo Adebunmi Oluwaseun am the same person bearing Tijani Ashiat Adebunmi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI ASHIAT ADEBUNMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc., FCMB Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oladipupo Olatunde Julius now ODUMOSU OLATUNDE JULIUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Najib Isma’il now NAJIB ISMA’IL S.G. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Yemi Juliet Lawal now YEMI JULIET BADMUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Igbalaye Taibat Bolanle now MRS. AKOREDE TAIBAT BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Asein Iguinohi Augustina now MRS. AGBOIDE AUGUSTINA IGUINOHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Omoloye Margaret Bamidele now MRS ALABI MARGARET BAMIDELE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Obisesan Kayode Funsho now OBISESAN QUADRIC KAYODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Obembe Oluwaseyi Tolulope now MRS. ABE OLUWASEYI TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid.

Osun State Government and general public take note.

I, formerly Adegbite Idowu Ade now OMOTAJO IDOWU JONATHAN. All former documents remain valid.

GTB Plc., First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Aleem Tijani Adegoke am also the same person bearing Mr Olatunji Adegoke. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MR. ALIMI TIJANI OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and TESCOM, Secretariat, Ibadan and general public take note.

I hereby declare that my correct names are Fasesin Oluwadamilare James and not Faseesin Oludare Adeyemi.

I, therefore, wish to be known as FASESIN OLUWADAMILARE JAMES. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Shadiat Oyebisi Akinremi now MRS. KUSANU SHADIAT OYEBISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Amoo Funmilola am the same person as Nafisat Shalewa Adisa. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AMOO FUNMILOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Stanbic Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, Paul Temitope Bukola am the same person as Paul Adenike Temitope. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as PAUL TEMITOPE BUKOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Titus Smauel now TITUS SAMUEL EKENEDILICHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Salami Idowu Abiodun now ABDULSALAM IDOWU ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Oladipupo Idayat Ayoni am the same person as Oladipupo Ayoni and Oladipupo Idayat.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO IDAYAT AYONI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Idowu Alaba now TAIWO KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogundeji Olumide Anthony now KOLADE OLUMIDE ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Nweka Tinah now NWAKA TINAH. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Owodunni Tajudeen now KAREEM TAJUDEEN and that my date of birth is 18th of October, 1961 and not 19th of October, 1970. All former documents remain valid.

EcoBank Plc., Neolife Intl and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Soneye Oluwakemi Abidemi now MRS. ADEDEJI OLUWAKEMI ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

I hereby declared that my correct name are ABDULAZEEZ MUIDEEN AYOBAMI and not AZEEZ MUIDEEN AYOBAMI. All former documents remain valid.

Corporate Affairs Commission, WASC, NYSC, OSCOTECH and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Sanuth Rasheedat Adesola now MRS. SANUTH-OMIKUNLE RASHEEDAT ADESOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Hammed Saidat Abiodun now MRS. ABDULAZEEZ SAIDAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniji Adekemi Dorcas now MRS. ADEOSUN ADEKEMI DORCAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajileye Faith Bolanle now ADETILOYE FAITH BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Opatola Olayemi Daniel now OLAYEMI SUNDAY DANIEL and was born on 19th of September, 1993, All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc., GTB Plc., other Financial Institution and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Saidat Adejoju Adeniji now MRS. SAIDAT ADEJOJU ADESANYATIAMIYU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oyerinde Olaolu Emmanuel now OYERINDE OLAOLU YINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajao Halimah Emiola now BELLO HALIMAH EMIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adepoju Debo Lukman now ADEPOJU DEBO GEORGE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

communitynews Kokodiagbene decries lopsided distribution of MDGs projects 36

Ebenezer AdurokiyaWarri

K

OKODIAGBENE community in Gbaramatu kingdom of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has raised the alarm over the lopsided distribution of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects in the state by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The community, which falls under Delta South Senatorial District, accused successive governments in the state of concentrating projects executed under the scheme, in Delta North Senatorial District.

The chairman of the community, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, said the project distribution was characterised by such imbalance that saw 28 of the projects sited in Delta North, 15 in Delta Central and only four projects in Delta South Senatorial District.

He said the recent commissioning of some projects to mark the one year anniversary of the current state government took the same

Friday, 19 August, 2016

pattern.

“It will shock the public to note that successive governments in the state neglected, deprived and marginalised core riverside communities in the distribution of MDGs projects in spite of its contributions to the development of the state.

“The fact that the deputy governor comes from Delta South is not an excuse to alienate the

senatorial district from development projects as if having a deputy gover-

nor from the area is the same as developing the area.

“We demand fair distribution of development projects in Delta State to

Okiama community condemns JTF’s invasion Our operation was targeted at militants—JTF Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

MEMBERS of Okiama community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are still brooding over the wanton destruction of

properties and missing persons, sequel to the invasion of the community by men of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Save (ODS) as reprisal in response to the killing of three soldiers by mili-

tants at the Nembe waterfront checkpoint.

However, in his reaction, the Commander of the JTF, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, said the operation was targeted at militants, who specialised in tak-

Founder and President of Initiative for Promotion of Research on Women and Gender Development (ROWAG), Dr Arinola Oluwo (fifth left) and her team. PHOTO: DOYIN ADEOYE

170 Sepeteri youths undergo training NO fewer than 170 indigenes of Sepeteri, who are also graduates of tertiary institutions, are attending a workshop on Youth Development and Empowerment Workshop/Seminar organised by Sepeteri Improvement Union (SIU) in collaboration with a nongovernment organisation, Tomeb Foundation and Ifesowapo Microfinance Bank (IMFB), Sepeteri, , Saki East Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The three-day workshop themed: “Build your own future” is taking place between July 18 and 20, 2016 at Sepeteri town hall, Sepeteri.

Declaring the workshop open, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Saki East Local Government Area, Mr Moruf Salau, urged participants not to misuse the opportunity.

Also speaking, the founder of Tomeb Foundation, Alhaji Tunde Popoola, in his paper entitled: “Self awareness and building your own future” took the participants through the ways by which they could discover

themselves, importance of impactful living and basic skills required to identify business opportunities, writing a business plan and starting a business.

He further explained what it takes to be an entrepreneur, importance of entrepreneurship, adding that the purpose of the workshop was not to train them as employees but to prepare them for the challenges of life, including starting their own businesses.

He said the working relationship between SIU,

Tomeb Foundation and IMFB had established “Sepeteri Youth Enterprise Fund” with the sum of N1 million, a platform through which loans would be given to participants who have acquired

knowledge through the workshop.

Other facilitators at the workshop include the Managing Partner/CEO of BKO citadel, Mr Luqman Obileye; Finance Director of Peugeot Au-

tomobile Nigeria (PAN), Alhaji J.B Alli-Oluwafuyi; Managing Director of Accenture Operation in Nigeria, Mr Niyi Yusuf and Managing Director of IMFB, Mr Yomi Adeoti.

FOUNDER and President of Initiative for Promotion of Research on Women and Gender Development (ROWAG), Dr. Arinola Oluwo, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment towards the development of education, especially in rural communities.

ing refuge in small communities after killing and destroying national assets even as he noted that the claims by members of the community should be substantiated with pictorial evidence.

In a statement signed by His Royal Highness, King Oki Francis and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the monarch, who decried the invasion, which, he said had been carried out twice in his community, called on the presidency, security agencies and the international community to come to their aid.

Francis, who had been condoled by paramount rulers of other communities, condemned the reprisal on innocent persons, stating that while the invasion lasted, many people who ran into the bush had been missing, while some children and pregnant women got drowned in the river.

He explained that over 15 buildings we reduced to rubbles and that many have been homeles.

He described as unprofessional, a situation where JTF members, who ought to save lives shoot directly at innocent folks and pointed out that several unused drums of diesel supplied

by Agip to power the community’s generation set was destroyed.

Ilese Day: Foundation awards scholarship to underprivileged students

By Gbenga Olumide

A voluntary organisation, Chief Rufus Olukayode Odusanya Foundation, has awarded scholarship to two pupils, Olufunmilayo Adenuga and Ifeoluwa David, who are indigenes of

Ilese-Ijebu in Ogun State.

The pupils, who had just gained admission into Junior Secondary School I (JSSI), will enjoy the scholarship throughout their secondary education.

The donor, Chief Olukay-

ode Odusanya, announced the award at Ilese Day 2016, held recently in the community.

A cheque of N100,000 was presented in advance to the pupils with each going away N50,000.

ROWAG committed to educational development in rural communities by doyin adeoye

reflect the composition and give a sense of belonging to all Deltans,” he said.

Dr. Oluwo made this known recently at the valedictory service of Government Junior College, Class of 2016, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, where she chaired the event.

ROWAG, a non-profit, non-government and nonpolitical organisation, collaborates with other NGOs to provide mentorship programmes for students in secondary and higher

institutions.

The organisation, last year, conducted leadership training for youths in Obalende community, Ikoyi, Lagos.

ROWAG also advocates for women’s rights and trains administrators and teachers to understand gender related issues.

Speaking further, Dr. Oluwo advised the graduands to focus on their aca-

demics while emphasising the need for them to develop interest in vocational skills such as photography, make-up artistry, tying of head gear, tailoring, hairdressing, among others, so as to earn extra income during holidays.

Also at the event was the President and Founder of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Mrs Aishat Oyebode, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Odusanya said he awarded the scholarship in order to appreciate what God had done for him and to give back to the society.

He disclosed that the foundation was founded specially to assist brilliant and underprivileged students in realising their dreams.

Chief Odusanya, a former Director of Communication in the federal Ministry of Education, added that such award would enhance the development of IleseIjebu community.

In a related development, Miss Imoleayo Ayeni, who came first at this year’s IleseIjebu Day beauty contest, was presented with a Nissan saloon car.

The car was presented to her by Ilese Development Council Planning Committee.

37

Friday, 19 August, 2016

foreig naffairs

Syria conflict:

with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

other NEWS

Image of injured boy in Aleppo draws outrage

S

YRIAN activists have released striking pictures of a young boy rescued from a destroyed building after an air strike in the divided second city of Aleppo.

Video and photos of the boy sitting dazed and bloodied in an ambulance were shared widely on social media, with many expressing shock and outrage.

He was identified as Omran Daqneesh, 5, who was treated for head wounds on Wednesday night, according to a doctor.

His parents and three siblings are believed to have survived the attack.

Fighting between government and rebel forces has escalated in recent weeks in Aleppo, once Syria’s commercial and industrial hub, leaving hundreds dead.

The victims include dozens of children, NGO Save the Children said.

On Thursday morning, United Nations special envoy Staffan de Mistura asked for a “gesture of humanity from both sides” and urged them to agree to a 48-hour pause in the hostilities in Aleppo to allow aid deliveries to the two million people trapped there.

He had earlier abandoned a meeting of the UN’s humanitarian task force for Syria after only eight minutes, because not a single aid convoy had been

allowed to reach besieged areas since the start of the month.

Russia said it was ready to stop military operations in the city for a 48-hour period as early as next week.

The pro-opposition Aleppo Media Centre said the pictures of Omran had been taken in the rebelheld Qaterji district of the city late on Wednesday, reportedly following Russian air strikes that killed at least three people and injured 12 others.

The video shows the

Turkey car bombs: Police station attacks kill 6, injure 219

Syrian boy, Omran Daqneesh, with bloodstained face. PHOTO: BBC

boy being carried out of a damaged building by a medic and then placed on a seat in the back of an ambulance, covered in dust and with a bloodcovered face.

The medic then leaves the vehicle and Omran is left sitting quietly, appearing stunned by the ordeal. He runs his hand over his face and looks at the blood before wiping it on the seat.

He is later joined by two other young children and a man injured in the air

Wildfire in US forces 82,000 to flee homes A wildfire in Southern California raged virtually unchecked in thick brush on Wednesday after destroying dozens of houses and forcing the evacuation of more than 80,000 people from their homes, officials said.

The so-called Blue Cut Fire ignited on Tuesday in the mountainous Cajon Pass, near a highway corridor between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and has since covered more than 100sq km.

Firefighters had carved containment lines around only four per cent of the blaze by Wednesday night, according to fire service officials, Al Jazeera revealed.

They described the blaze as unusually fierce, even in a year of intense wildfires in the west, where years of drought have put a heavy burden on firefighting resources.

“In my 40 years of fighting fire, I’ve never seen fire behaviour so extreme as it was yesterday,” Michael Wakoski, the incident commander, told a news conference on Wednesday.

As many as eight wildland fires were burning in California on Wednesday, three of them scorching thousands of hectares as firefighters sought help from emergency services in other states and the California National Guard.

Controversial tax return: Clinton begins on air campaign against Trump HILLARY Clinton’s campaign is putting money behind their new chosen attack on Donald Trump.

Clinton’s campaign will begin airing a new ad -titled “Absolutely” -- on Thursday that hits Trump for not releasing his tax returns despite saying in 2014 that he “absolutely” would

in a interview with an Irish television station.

Clinton and her top aides have tried to weaponise Trump’s lack of disclosure on taxes, repeatedly slamming the Republican nominee and speculating why he is declining to do what decades of presidential nominees have done.

“Under his plans, Donald Trump would pay lower tax rate than middle class families,” Clinton said Wednesday in Cleveland. “Of course, we have no idea what tax rate he pays because unlike everybody else who has run for president he refuses to release his tax returns so American people can’t really judge.”

strike.

“We were passing them from one balcony to the other,” Al Jazeera correspondent, who took the photo, told the Associated Press, adding that he had been handed three lifeless bodies before receiving the injured boy.

Ms Cafferkey will face a disciplinary hearing in Edinburgh next month. PHOTO: BBC

Scottish Ebola nurse faces disciplinary action over false claim SCOTTISH nurse, Pauline Cafferkey, faces disciplinary action over claims she concealed her temperature at an Ebola screening on her return to the United Kingdom.

The 40-year-old was infected with the virus while at a treatment centre in Sierra Leone in 2014.

She is alleged to have given dishonest answers to medical staff when she returned to Heathrow airport, BBC said.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has been investigating Ms Cafferkey’s conduct.

The council alleges that she “allowed an incorrect temperature to be recorded” on December 29, 2014 and intended to conceal from Public Health England staff that she had a temperature higher than 38C. Registered NHS nurse Ms Cafferkey travelled to the West African country at the height of the Ebola crisis to help the sick.

Two big car bombs have hit police stations in separate cities in Turkey, killing six people and wounding at least 219 others.

The first attack targeted a police station in the eastern city of Van, killing one police officer and two civilians. Some 73 people were hurt.

Hours later, a police station in Elazig was hit, killing at least three police officers and wounding 146 people.

Turkish officials blamed

the Kurdish militant group, the PKK. The PKK has carried a series of bombings targeting the police in the largely Kurdish south-east since a ceasefire with the government broke down last year.

Television footage showed plumes of smoke rising above the destroyed police building in Elazig.

The force of the blast blew out nearby cars, uprooted trees and left a large crater outside the building.

The blast in Elazig destroyed the police station and nearby vehicles.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Baby born on Cebu Pacific airplane gets one million air miles HERE’S one kid who’ll probably learn to fly before she can crawl.

After being born four hours into a flight from Dubai to Manila, baby girl Haven has been gifted one million air mile points.

CNN reported that Haven’s mom went into labor more than five weeks early while flying on an aircraft operated by Philippines carrier Cebu Pacific on August 14.

Two nurses among the plane’s passengers helped with the delivery alongside cabin crew as the pilot diverted to Hyderabad, India to seek further medical assistance.

The budget airline said it’s the first time a baby has been born on one of its aircraft.

Airline CEO Lance Gokongwei said Haven

The newborn, Haven, with her mother. PHOTO: CNN

would be awarded one million points on the airline’s GetGo rewards program to celebrate the birth. The points have no expiry date and can be shared with her family.

“We are happy that both mother and daughter are doing well, and would like to commend our flight and cabin crew for handling the situation with utmost professionalism and efficiency,” he said.

“We also express our sincerest gratitude to the two volunteer nurses who helped ensure the baby’s safe delivery.”

One fellow passenger described on Facebook how Haven’s mom returned to her seat after giving birth during “the most normal flight ever.”

“We only heard one semiloud screech, and a few seconds later, there were tinier, cute screeches, and it was when we knew the baby was born,” Missy Berberabe Umandal wrote.

“Luckily, she only had to push once. Moments later, the woman got up to go back to her seat, baby in arms (mighty strong, I might say).”

news Boko Haram: Military grants bail to 2 wanted persons

38

Chris Agbambu-Abuja

N

IGERIAN military, on Thursday, granted administrative bail to Ahmed Bolori and Aisha Wakil, the persons who made themselves available to the military authorities after being declared want-

ed.

The Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that the bail was granted after they met some conditions, including submission of their international passports.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune further showed that the military was still investigating the

Friday, 19 August, 2016

matter, while expecting the return of the third wanted person, Ahmed Salkida, who resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE).

The three Nigerians were declared wanted after the recent release of a video

by Boko Haram terrorists group purporting to show some of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.

The Ebonyi Controller of Prisons, Mrs Adaobi Oputa, on Thursday, confirmed that there was an attempted jailbreak at the Abakaliki Prisons.

Oputa, who disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, said the situation had been brought under control.

She explained that the incident, which occurred around 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, ensued when some inmates refused the early morning routine search in their cells.

"Yes, I can confirm that there was an incident at the Abakaliki prisons this

NPS foils attempted jail break at Abakaliki prisons morning. This was as a result of some inmates refusing the routine search in their cells.

"But I can assure you that everything has been brought under control without any inmate escaping from the prison,’’ she said.

She confirmed that some inmates actually tried to escape from the prison by trying to break one of the walls, but that the situation was brought under control by the combined efforts of the armed squad

Police arrest 3 suspected kidnappers of Reps member Chris Agbambu-Abuja

THE police, on Thursday, arrested three suspects, who kidnapped a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Sani Bello, on August 2, in his farm, on Kaduna-Abuja Road.

They will soon be arraigned in court for justice to take its due course.

The Force spokesman,

Don Awunah, paraded the suspects before newsmen at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Awunah, who assured that the police would soon apprehend the other three still at large, said they voluntarily confessed to the commission of the offence and roles they played individually during the interrogation.

Insecurity: FAAN cautions VIPs, govt officials against violating safety rules Shola Adekola-Lagos

THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a fresh directive to all airport users, including important dignitaries (VIPs) and top government officials. to henceforth abide by the rules that guide airport operations and services.

This is to prevent Boko Haram sect and other undesirable elements from unleashing havoc on any airport through the possible use of vehicles as mobile bombs.

FAAN attributed its position to the growing incidence of flagrant violation of traffic regulations by VIPs and top government officials at the nation’s airports, noting that the indiscriminate parking of vehicles by the aforementioned persons at the front of the terminal buildings consequentlyto precipitate long queues and congestions.

Confirming this, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr Saleh Dunoma, has, therefore, called on concerned organisations and individuals using the airport facilities to obey traffic rules, in order to sustain safety and security at the airports, especially the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, La-

gos.

According to the Managing Director: “To avert the undesirable phenomenon, which portends greater danger in the light of current security climate of the intensified concerns about possible use of vehicles as mobile bombs, all VIPs and top government officials are enjoined to comply with all civil aviation measures and procedures put in place by FAAN to ensure safety at all the airports."

Speaking on behalf of the managing director, the general manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Yakubu Dati, described the illegal parkings by the affected persons at the airports, particularly at the Lagos airport, as contrary to air transport operation regulations, as spelt out in Annexes 9 and 17 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) convention.

According to Dati, the incidents had deteriorated to the extent that personal aides of some of these highly-placed persons and top government officials manhandle FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials whose duty it was to ensure safety and protection of the terminal building, passengers and the general public.

He said the arrest followed a coordinated and painstaking investigation by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General’s monitoring unit, pointing out that the suspects were trailed and rounded up at Ungwan Kawu village, in DanDume Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The spokesman said items recovered from them included N250, 000 and a Gionee handset

used for their nefarious activities.

Awunah said one of the suspects led operatives to a nearby location in the village where he buried N250, 000 part of the ransom money in a polythene bag.

According to him, "the suspects are assisting the police to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang."

He said the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, had

reassured Nigerians that the police would not relent in its efforts to arrest and prosecute criminals in Nigeria.

Awunah advised members of the public to avail the police credible information and assistance as law enforcement was a collective responsibility.

Speaking in Hausa Language, the leader of the gang, Haruna said they got a total of N10 million, which they shared with their sponsors.

saturday, 20 august, 2016

of the prisons, the police and military personnel stationed at the prison.

The Controller said she had to call for reinforcement from the state police command to arrest the situation.

She said some inmates were injured in the process and were currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

She, however, denied that the riot was triggered by inmates protesting poor quality of food and welfare.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, who also confirmed the development, however, said information at his disposal was still sketchy.

"Yes, we got information about the riot, but I cannot make any categorical statement yet on the incident because we have very little information concerning the incident," Okafor said.

NAN reported that the Abakaliki prisons that was built by the British Colonial Government to accommodate 300 inmates presently houses no fewer than 1,000 inmates.

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Friday, 19 August, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Rio Olympics:

Brume misses medal

By Ganiyu Salman

T

he dream of Nigeria’s Ese Brume to win an olympic medal ended on Thursday as she failed to fly in the final of the Rio 2016 women’s long jump event.

Brume, reigning Commonwealth Games gold

medallist finished fifth with a leap of 6.81m.

The Delta State-born athlete with a personal best of 6.83m before Rio 2016 was the only African who made it to the final of the event and also one of the 11 athletes who for the first time had jumped 6.58m or farther in an Olympic final after the last time of 6.69m

was good enough for just eighth place at the Moscow 1980 Games.

Brume though missed the podium but her brilliance saw her finish ahead of top jumpers like Estonia’s Ksenija Balta who placed sixth with 6.79m; Australian Brooke Stratton (6.74m); and Britain’s Jazmin Sawyers who completed the top

Igali blames wrestlers for exit Daniel Igali, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, on Thursday said the three of the country’s women wrestlers who crashed out of the ongoing Rio Olympics performed below expectations.

Igali told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on telephone from Rio that the team’s focus was on the wrestlers who have yet to compete.

Three of the five Nigeria’s women wrestlers at Rio 2016 were on Thursday ousted from the competition.

“Today’s wrestling results did not go as expected. Mercy Genesis (48kg) Aminat Adeniyi (58kg) and Reuben Hannah (69kg) all lost in the round of 16.

“In wrestling, someone

who has lost a match before the categories finals only has a chance to wrestle for bronze if his/her conqueror qualifies to wrestle in the finals.

“None of the above mentioned persons qualified for the finals, so, none of our female wrestlers had the opportunity to advance to the bronze medal matches,” he said.

Igali said that Nigeria still had Blessing Oborududu (63kg) and Odunayo Adekuoroye (53kg) taking to the mats in the female category on Friday (today), while the males wrestle on August 21.

“Although the draws appear stiff, we keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best,” Igali said.

eight with a best of 6.69m.

Meanwhile, defending Olympic champion and a six-time world champion, Brittney Reese, was beaten this time to the gold by Tianna Bartoletta, who jumped a personal best of 7.17m in her fifth attempt.

Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic settled for the bronze with a leap of 7.08m, which serves The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), has concluded plans to follow the footsteps of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), to honour Nigeria legend, Segun Toriola who became the first African to attend seven Olympic Games.

President of NTTF, Wahid Oshodi made this known as he stated that it has become necessary to honour Toriola

Brume

as her country’s new record as Malaika Mihambo followed with 6.95m jump.

“I couldn’t really celebrate,” said Bartoletta, who won her first global title back in 2005. “I kept thinking that at any moment someone can jump something huge. Then, when I won, I realised that I have to be back in the morning

NTTF plans to honour Toriola for his giant strides in the sport, while there are plans to recommend the former African champion and others for national honours.

“The NTTF will definitely be celebrating the legend with a series of activities in Nigeria. His achievements are so inspiring that we must find a way to say thank you to this great talented patri-

Oduduru, Gatlin, crash out as Bolt set to retain 200m title Nigeria’s Divine Oduduru crashed out of the 200m at the ongoing Rio Olympics as he finished seventh in the second semi-final of the race.

Oduduru, who hit the headlines after coming second behind Bolt in the first heat this time returned in

a time of 20.59 seconds in another heat dominated by Usain Bolt.

The Delta State-born sprinter finished 21st overall among the 24 competitors on parade.

Bolt ran his fastest time of the season to win the race in a time of 19.78 seconds, as

Justin Gatlin missed out on a place in the final.

Jamaica’s Bolt has already won the 100m and is now aiming for an eighth Olympic gold by retaining his 200m title.

But American Gatlin, who won silver behind Bolt in the 100m final, only finished

for the relay.”

Reese, meanwhile, was gracious in defeat.

“I’m not disappointed at all,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot these past two years, emotionally and physically, battling back from surgery. Tianna just outjumped me this time.

She deserves it and I’m just glad to be on the podium

third in his semi-final.

Gatlin, 34, banned twice for doping offences, clocked 20.13 secs and failed to progress along with another big name - Yohan Blake.

Britain’s Adam Gemili, 22, reached the final scheduled to hold today (02:30 BST) as one of two fastest losers.

otic Nigerian. The IOC, the ITTF and the ATTF have led the way and we surely will ensure that we give him a befitting award.

“We are also hopeful that the Ministry of Youth and Sports will join us in this laudable quest. This will be done at a time to fit into his busy schedule,” Oshodi said.

He added: “We shall also be making a fervent case for athletes like Aruna Quadri, Funke Oshonaike Bose Kaffo and Babatunde Obisanya alongside other remarkable athletes outside football and athletics be recognised when national honours are being awarded.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian table tennis team to the Rio 2016, was scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Thursday, by 3:30pm aboard an Ethiopian Airlines from Brazil.

SIDELINES

Friday, 19 august, 2016

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As Lagos joins the community of oil-producing states with four oil wells, let us pray: May the leaders bubble with wisdom, and may the wells spring no sorrow, anguish and despair for a people pregnant with hope.

Rio Olympics:

The Nigeria women’s relay team in joyous mood after qualifying for the final.

Why Dream Team lost

—Germany coach

By Ganiyu Salman

Nigeria for women’s 4x100m relay final

N

igeria on Thursday qualified for the final of the women’s 4x100m at the ongoing Rio Olym-

pics.

The fourth-place finishers at the London 2012 Olympics, advanced to their seventh successive Olympic women’s 4x100m final after finishing second in a time of 42.55 seconds.

Trinidad and Tobago finished third in the heat after coming 0.07 seconds behind Nigeria who paraded Blessing Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu, Jennifer Madu and Agnes Osazuwa.

Hosts, Brazil and Kazakhstan were disqualified in the race.

Germany – who recorded a blis-

tering world-leading time of 41.62 in Mannheim last month – laid down a statement of their medal intentions by galloping to an impressive heat two win in 42.18 secs.

A second-exchange bungle between Allyson Felix and English Gardner in the heats nearly ended the USA’s hopes of a second successive Olympic 4x100m title.

The defending champions, who also stormed to the world record in this event at the preceding Olympics, were seeking a safe passage through the opening round heats.

However, Gardner – running leg three – who was awaiting the baton from Felix, the seven-time Olympic medallist, appeared to set off far too soon.

In a last-ditch act to make the baton stick in Gardner’s hand, Felix desperately reached out, but as she did so, the baton slipped out of her hand and fatally dropped to the track.

A protest was filed by the US

team, and the referee agreed that the US runner was obstructed at the second exchange. The US team will have a re-run alone this evening (Thursday) in an attempt to qualify by time. The mark they have to beat is 42.70 seconds.

COACH of Germany’s U-23 team, Horst Hrubesh has said the tactical supremacy of his men forced Nigeria’s Dream Team to lose 0-2 in the semi-final of the Rio Olympics on Wednesday night .

A nine-minute opener by Lukas Klostermann and 89th minute’s strike from substitute Nils Petersen forced the 1996 champions to go for the bronze battle with Honduras tomorrow at Belo Horizonte.

However, the German tactician speaking after the match however, acknowledged that the Samson Siasia-coached Nigerian side, was equally a good side.

“We know their full-backs love to join the attacks and their wingers are mostly out wide, we exploited the space behind to good effect.

“My players were properly drilled on how to make use of the space behind the Nigerian backline as we found out during our pre-match analysis.

“The Nigerians are a very good side, but we made them pay for giving us space to run behind,” Hrusbesh told rev DFB. Scorer of the first goal against Nigeria, Klostermann, said he was surprised to have scored in such an important game.

“It doesn’t happen very often!

It’s very rare. The moment that I scored the goal, I didn’t know how to celebrate! I’m very happy to score and that we won. It’s a great feeling, especially if you can help the team with your goal,” he told FIFA.com.

Meanwhile, Germany will face hosts, Brazil also tomorrow at the Maracana Stadium in the final in a game where the Neymar-inspired side will attempt to win the Olympic soccer gold for the first time.

Iheanacho extends Man City contract Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, has signed a twoyear contract extension with the club.

The Nigerian international forward scored 14 times last season even though 25 of his 36 appearances were as a substitute.

New manager, Pep Guardiola

Iheanacho

has rewarded him with a longterm deal on much improved terms.

“Kelechi is a natural goalscorer.

I knew about him before, but I’ve been really impressed with him since I arrived,” Guardiola said.

“I like his personality, his attitude, his ability - we hope to help him reach the highest level and to realise his full potential.”

Iheanacho was City’s thirdhighest scorer in all competitions, behind Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne.

The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Most Valuable Player, was a late substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland in the English Premier League season’s opener.

Kyrgyzstan

Rio 2016: Kyrgyzstan turns first

athlete to lose medal to doping

Kyrgyzstan weightlifter, Izzat Artykov has become the first Rio Olympics medallist to test positive for a banned substance and has been stripped of his bronze.

Artykov finished third in the men’s -69kg weightlifting compe-

tition.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), said the 22-year-old’s “medal is forfeited” and “he is excluded from the Games” after testing positive for strychnine.

The reallocation of the bronze

medal is the responsibility of the weightlifting federation and the IOC. Colombian Luis Javier Mosquera Lozano would be the weightlifter to move into the bronze medal position, having finished fourth.

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. 19/8/2016.