20th May 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,505

FRIDAY, 20 MAY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Govs shift attention to World Bank's $3.2bn loan to pay salaries —P4

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Cash crunch: NYSC postpones orientation indefinitely —P33

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2 judges kidnapped in Kogi —P10

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Metuh vomits in court, rushed to hospital —P38

Another Chibok girl rescued

•As Buhari meets Amina Ali in Abuja

—P2

A second schoolgirl kidnanapped in Chibok, Borno State, two years ago has been rescued.

Army spokesman, Colonel Usman Sani, who gave the information late last night, said more details about the operation would be provided later.

This comes two days after the rescue of the first girl, Amina Ali Nkekiand her four-month-old baby.

Continued on pg2

Egbeda killing: Lekan Shonde has case to answer —Police •To be arraigned in court today —P38

66 die in EgyptAir crash •Terror attack possible —Minister —P38

APC threatens President Muhammadu Buhari flanked by Chief of Staff to Governor of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman; Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima; the rescued to suspend Chibok girl, Amina Ali Nkeki and her four-month-old baby, at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

Senator Sani over attacks on —P4,38 Buhari

Strike to continue until... —NLC

•As leaders meet Saraki, Dogara •Ending fuel subsidy hard but inevitable —Tinubu

—P10

2 Chibok girl’s rescue raises hope on others —Buhari

Friday, 20 May, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Opening Service of the 3rd Session of the 11th Synod of Diocese of Remo PHOTO: D’ TOYIN

Receives Amina and her baby in Aso Rock Leon Usigbe -Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, received Amina Ali Nkeki, the girl from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, abducted with hundreds of other by Boko Haram terrorists from their dormitory in 2014.

She was driven into the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with her mother at about 2.45p.m. in a convoy of cars accompanied by the Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima; Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, National Security Adviser, Babagana Mongunu and co-founder of Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG), Aisha Yesufu, among others.

Security around her was tight, as attempts were made to shield her face from being captured by camera.

She was taken upstairs into the president’s office with most State House correspondents denied access into the venue of the meeting.

However, all the foreign news media crew that came for the occasion were allowed entry to cover the proceeding.

State governors who had been meeting at the National Economic Council (NEC) were also at the meeting with the Chibok girl.

In a short remark on the occasion, the president said her rescue brought hopes that the rest of her mates still in captivity would be found alive.

He promised Amina the best care in life with priority for the continuation of her

education.

Buhari said he was delighted at her release, but was sad at the same time because of the fate of the rest of the Chibok girls that were yet to be rescued.

“Like all Nigerians and many others around the world, I am delighted at the news that Amina Ali Nkeki, one of the missing Chibok girls, has regained her freedom.

“But my feelings are tinged with deep sadness at the horrors the young girl has had to go through at such an early stage in her life.

“Although we cannot do anything to reverse the horrors of her past, the Federal Government can and will do everything possible to ensure that the rest of her life takes a completely different course.

“Amina will receive the best care that the Nigerian government can afford. We will ensure that she gets the best medical, psychological, emotional and whatever other care she requires to make a full recovery and be reintegrated fully into society.

“Yesterday, medical personnel from government and other NGOs examined her for a total of about five hours. Trauma experts from the UNICEF also met her.

“The Federal Government will assist Murtala Muhammed Foundation, which has already been providing support to the families of the missing Chibok girls and which runs a trauma and counselling centre in Kano and will also be involved in ongoing work with Amina, monitoring her progress and highlighting any addi-

Bayelsa: Dickson’s election free, fair —INEC Sunday Ejike -Abuja THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, told the Bayelsa State governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja that the election that produced Governor Seriake Dickson was free, fair and held in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act. The electoral body opened its defence in the petition brought against the election by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, INEC lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, called two witnesses who testified to the credibility of the election.

In the testimony of Justine Adie, a civil servant who was the electoral officer in Ekeremor Local Gov-

ernment Area of Bayelsa State, the January 9, 2016 was free, fair and in conformity with the Electoral law.

He told the tribunal under cross examination by counsel for Governor Dickson, Tayo Oyetibo and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Wole Olanipekun, that no report of violence was recorded during the election.

However, under cross examination by counsel for the petitioners, Chief Sabastine Hon, the witness said he did not visit all the 198 polling units in the council.

He also admitted that the entries and signatories in the results sheets were not done in his presence.

Another witness, Alex Okorie, an electoral officer for Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, also testified to the credibility of the election.

tional support she requires.

“The continuation of Amina’s education, so abruptly disrupted, will definitely be a priority of the Federal Government. Amina must be enabled to go back to school.

“No girl in Nigeria should be put through the brutality of forced marriage. Every girl has the right to an education and a life choice.

“Rest assured that this administration will continue to do all it can to rescue the remaining Chibok girls who are still in Boko Haram captivity.

“Amina’s rescue gives us new hope, and offers a unique opportunity for vital information,” he said In his address, Governor ?Shettima said the abduction of the Chibok girls was wake up call in war against insurgency which he said had little success until the emergence of Buhari as president.

He said Boko Haram, which had virtually taken over Maiduguri, the Borno State, had been pushed back, saying, however, that the rescue of Amina was a single step in the effort to free the 219 girls abdicated by the insurgents. ”Boko Haram are now on the defensive and on the run and I am pleased to tell the whole world that not a single local government ?in Borno or in Yobe or Adamawa are under the control of the Boko Haram.

“They have been sufficiently degraded and now they have resorted to suicide bombing which is a sign of weakness,” he said.

Also speaking, ?Defence Minister, Mansur Dan Ali, announced that seven soldiers were killed in the last 22 days in the war against Boko Haram, in which 150 persons were also rescued.

He said 69 insurgents were also killed and many villages cleared of terrorist in the operation Lafiya Dole, which started in April 28, 2016.

“We have been able to clear a lot of villages. So far, 20 villages have been cleared in the last 22 days of this operation.

“We have also rescued over 150 in this operation since it started, among which we separated our Chibok girl, Amina Ali. “In this 22 days, we have lost about seven soldiers; three due to enemy action and IEDs, one accidental during clearing of IEDs, and three as a result of road traffic accidents. We have also had some troops injured and they are responding to treatment,” he added.

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5 1. The host and Diocesan Bishop of Remo, Right Reverend (Dr) M. Olusina Fape (right) and the guest speaker and Bishop of Remo Methodist Diocese, Right Reverend Michael O. Akinwale, at the 2016 Synod opening service for the Third Session of the 11th Synod, held at St. James Anglican Church, Iperu Remo, Ogun State, on Thursday.

2. From right, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Chief (Mrs) Ronke Salako and Chief O. O. Otewole.

3. Mrs Toyin Fape (left) and other Bishops’ wives.

5. The Ebi of Idena Remo, Oba Omosanya Akinyemi (left) and the wife of the Alaperu of IperuRemo, Olori Ajoke Idowu.

4. Cross section of delegates at the synod.

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Govs shift attention to World Bank’s $3.2bn loan to pay salaries Leon Usigbe - Abuja

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NABLE to pay workers’ salaries, state governments of the federation are now desperate to access a World Bank grant of $4.25 billion.

The governors, meeting under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in the early hours of Thursday, invited officials of the World Bank, led by its Director, Rachid Benmessaoud, to make a formal presentation on how to access the funds.

Speaking after the meeting, Governor Nasir elRufai of Kaduna State told State House correspondents at old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that a few states had already been able to access about $1 billion out of the amount.

He said states were expected to provide counterpart funds before the World Bank could release the money to aid infrastructural development in areas such as health, education, rural access roads, agriculture, revival of livestock, water supply, among others.

He said: “The world bank portfolio for the state for this year is $4.25 billion and out of that, $3.25 billion is lying there undisbursed, which means the states are not meeting their conditions or not moving fast enough to draw this $3.25 billion.

“You know $3.25 billion can do a lot to improve the lives and livelihood of our citizens in the state and the World Bank has expressed its flexibility to look into the challenges we are facing, as well as the procedure or bottleneck to ease the access of these monies.”

Also speaking, chairman of the NGF and governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, explained that states were less interested in ac-

cessing the grants because of the bottlenecks associated with getting it.

He said the commitment to develop their states and

meet recurrent expenditures in the face of shrinking resources necessitated their renewed vigor to access the grants.

According to him, “we, the NGF, had a meeting, where we invited the Country Director of World Bank, Rachid Benmessaoud, to brief

the forum on the money lying down in the World Bank, which largely belongs to state governments, but has not been accessed.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (right), receiving the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, when the leadership of the Senate met with the Labour leaders to resolve the ongoing industrial action by the unions, in Abuja, on Thursday.

Strike to continue until... —NLC

•As leaders meet Senate, Reps Taiwo Adisa, Ayodele Adesanmi, Soji-Eze Fagbemi, Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its Civil Society allies over the petrol price hike recorded success on Thursday, in Abuja, as it witnessed a huge crowd.

More industrial unions affiliated to the congress and many other civil society groups joined the protest which commenced as early as 9.00 a.m. at the Berger roundabout and ended in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.

Satisfied by the success of the rally, the congress vowed to sustain the protest for more weeks, but declared that it was open to

dialogue anytime government deems it fit to negotiate with them.

Addressing workers and the crowd, the NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, stated that the strike was about obnoxious policies that was detrimental to the generality of Nigerians.

The NLC president vowed that the congress would continue to resist the N145 per litre price of petrol, because it would further exploit Nigerians.

On the court injunction, Comrade Wabba said: “We have not been put on notice, but when we were meeting with government, they tried to bring that issue, but as of today, I want to say clearly, we have not actually been served.”

Also, the deputy presi-

dent of NLC, Comrade Peters Adeyemi; the NULGE President, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel and the chairman of Labour and Civil Society group, Jaiye Gaskiya, said the strike would continue until the demands of labour were met.

NLC meeting with Senate leadership later in the day, Wabba reiterated his stand that the strike would continue.

Wabba, who led a team of NLC officials to a parley with Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the strike, which entered its second day on Thursday, would continue until the Federal Government resumed talks with them on the way out of the crisis.

He said, however, that the organised Labour was ready to resume negotia-

tions with the Federal Government over the fuel impasse any time it received invitation to that effect.

The Senate President, however, told newsmen that the meeting had already provided the needed green light for an end to the strike, with the acceptance of its leaders to go back to the negotiation table with the Federal Government.

Saraki said the Senate would see to the resumption of the negotiations between Labour and the Federal Government, adding that the red chamber would collaborate with the stakeholders for speedy resolution of the current impasse.

Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Thursday, pleaded

Rivers assembly approves N10bn bailout fund for Wike

As gov calls for diversification of Nigeria’s economy Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt RIVERS State governor, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, got approval from the state House of Assembly to source for N10 billion bailout fund from the Federal Government.

The approval was given during plenary following a notification letter written by the governor to the Speaker, Honourable Dabotoru Adams, informing him of his administration’s intention to apply for the bailout fund.

Governor Wike was said to

“Because of the cumbersome procedure in accessing these funds, most of the governors did not even know they had such funds there.

“It was the initiative of the Kaduna State governor that the bank should come and make this presentation, so that they can educate us to know that these monies are there for us to access, especially with this kind of precarious situation we are in.

“The presentation from the World Bank gave us opportunity to agree on terms. The governors made their own contributions, especially on the issue of counterpart funding, which the World Bank accepted they are going to look into.

“Also, they agreed that they will give us the details, state by state, how much is lying down for each state and how we are going to access it.”

have stated in the letter that the fund would be specifically used for the payment of salary and pension.

He further stated in the letter that the monthly N3.5 billion received from the federal allocation could not meet its obligations on the monthly wage bill of workers and pensioners.

According to the governor, the N10 billion bailout fund would be collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Before the debate on the matter, the Speaker told his colleagues to approve the

governor’s request, so as to enable his administration fulfill its obligations to Rivers people.

He said the state government had initially not gone for the bailout fund, but the need for it became imperative due to drop in the monthly federal allocation.

Leader of the House, Martin Amaewhule; Whip, Evans Bipi and other lawmakers who contributed during the debate, agreed that there was need for the governor to go for the N10 billion bailout fund due to the dwindling economy.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State governor, Wike has called for sustained efforts to diversify the country’s economy, following dwindling earnings from oil.

Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, during a visit by the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo, the governor said the country could no longer depend solely on oil earnings.

He said that Rivers State government would partner the NEPC to develop alter-

native sources of foreign exchange earnings for the state.

According to him: “There is a need to urgently diversify the economy, because with oil, the country cannot progress under the present dispensation.”

Earlier, Mr Awolowo had called on the Rivers State government to develop its agriculture and petrochemicals sectors to generate revenue for the state.

He said the country was facing difficult times, hence the NEPC was collaborating with states to develop export-based products.

with the Labour union leaders to shelve strike and allow dialogue to continue over the recent increase in the price of petrol.

Dogara, who stated this after a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the NLC, led by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said: “We need to appreciate that our national wealth has shrunk. We were making $110 per barrel (of crude oil), but it is $43 now. On the part of the House, we believe that our workers should be paid a living wage, not even a minimum wage.”

According to him, “We have appealed to labour to look into these issues again.

Our appeal to them is that they should bring something to table to have a conducive environment for further discussion and the only thing to achieve that is by calling off the strike”.

On his part, Comrade Wabba, said that before labour can call off the strike it had to consult with its enlarge members.

He noted that “we have had an open discussion which centred around issues of national interest.

We have assured him that we are going to consider it and talk to our people and we are open to dialogue and negotiation.

“We hope by his intervention, we hope to resolve it amicably. The commitment is that we are going to consult and interface and continue interfacing with the speaker,” he said.

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‘It’s Akoko’s turn to produce next Ondo gov’

By Saheed Salawu

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RADITIONAL rulers in Akoko in Ondo State have called on the southern and central senatorial districts of the state to concede the governorship position to the northern senatorial district through this year’s election in order to honour an “unwritten agreement” among the three senatorial districts.

The traditional rulers made the call at a meeting of all traditional rulers in Akoko, comprising Akoko North-West, Akoko NorthEast, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West local government areas of the state, held on Tuesday, at Isua Akoko.

In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, signed by the Olisua of Isua Akoko, Oba Akinyele Adesunloye Oyolola III; the Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh IV; the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba (Dr) Yisa Olanipekun, the traditional rulers urged the other senatorial districts to support the Akoko people in this request.

According to the docu-

ment, between 1999 and 2003, the northern senatorial district produced the governor, while the candidate of the southern senatorial district occupied the position between 2003 and 2010.

From 2010 to date, the communiqué said further, the central senatorial district candidate is occupying the state House in Alagbaka.

In view of the foregoing, the Akoko obas argued that “it is only fair, equitable and just that the rotational system continues and the southern and central senatorial districts

concede the governorship position to the northern senatorial district again.”

“In all these rotations of the governorship position, the Ondo North Senatorial district has always given its unflinching support to both South and Central Senatorial districts in the election of the governor.

“It is only fair and just this time around that the Ondo South and Central Senatorial districts should reciprocate the brotherly gesture of the Ondo North Senatorial district by supporting the latter for the 2016 governorship election.

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Lagosmetro Convicted Omo Oniles to be jailed 10 yrs Olalekan Olabulo

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AGOS State government has on Thursday said hard times await land grabbers popularly known as Ajagungbale or Omo-onile as the bill to prohibit and criminalise their activities becomes law in the third quarter of this year, with the maximum jail term fixed at 10 years for a convict.

Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr Bode Agoro, gave this warning on Thursday, at a ministerial briefing, which he addressed at the Bagauda Kalto Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, even as he disclosed that the Agency raked in approximately a sum of N3.148 billion as revenue on land sales between January and April 2016.

Agoro, who lamented the number of violent attacks that the Ajagungbale had unleashed on a number of government allottees within government scheme, pointed out that such incessant complaints and constant agony being felt by people of the state necessi-

tated the Lagos State House of Assembly embarking on the bill.

According to him, the bill, titled, “Bill for a Law to prohibit Forcible Entry and Occupation of Landed Properties, violent and fraudulent Conducts in Relation to

Landed Properties in Lagos State and for Connected Purposes,” when signed into law by the governor, would criminalise the activities of the said land grabbers with prison terms ranging from two years to 10 years upon conviction.

“This law will definitely go a long way in stopping this terrible menace in our society. Tell the Ajagungbales, we are determined to win the battle against them.

We are coming for them and we are facing them,” Agoro said.

Shola Adekola A mother of two, Obudike Faith, arrested with banned drug, has revealed how she got into the deal, claiming that a social media (What-

Members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos branch, Joint Action Fronts (JAF), and Civil Society Organisations, in a protest against petrol price hike, at the state secretariat, Alausa, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

• As police bar labour demonstrators from Ambode, lawmakers SOME workers of Lagos State government on Thursday angrily picked quarrel with members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) when they picketed the office of the state Head of service while protesting the hike in the price of petrol by the Federal Government.

Amechi Asugwuni, NLC National Vice President, had led scores of Union members through the secretariat to the office of Head of Service at about 1:00 p.m. chanting different solidarity songs.

Asugwuni, who addressed the workers outside the HOS office, urged the protesters to be calm, saying the purpose of the rally was not to disrupt but protect the interest of workers. He charged the protesters not to be intimidated by the heavy presence of security

personnel, saying that police were around to protect the workers.

“Police is our friend and are not here to stop us.

An average Nigerian police needs its salary to be reviewed, this is a struggle for all Nigeria workers and the police is also one of us. We are here because Nigerian workers are on strike and we have come to enforce that decision.” he said.

Meanwhile scores of NLC protesters were on Thursday blocked from gaining access to the section of the Sate Secretariat where the Lagos State House of Assembly as well as the governor’s office was located.

The protesting unionists, who had apparently decided to take their case to the governor’s office, were dealt a heavy blow when a team of heavily armed police officers promptly cordoned them off, thus restricting their activities

largely to the main secretariat complex where the bulk of the state’s civil servants could be found.

After seeing their mission of reaching the gates of the Lagos Assembly and governor’s office abruptly cut short by fierce look-

ing security personnel, the protesters who had stormed the secretariat in about 10 buses, shifted focus to the office of the Head of Service, where they congregated and sang various solidarity songs.

A few of them were seen

engaging in heated arguments with members of the public and passersby, especially as their activities had led to gridlocks on the roads leading in and out of the Alausa Secretariat, including the ever busy Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja.

Suspicion, controversy as 21-year-old hangs self at workplace Shola Adekola THE police in Lagos State are investigating the veracity of the claims that a 21-yearold boy, Tope Diya, committed suicide in Agege area of the state.

An elder brother to the deceased, Sule Wasiu, who felt suspicious of the claims by his younger brother’s employers that he committed suicide at his place of work, reported the incident to

the police.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos confirmed the incident to Lagos Metro and added that investigations had started on the incident.

Badmos said, “the command is investigating a case of suicide of one Tope Diya of 5, Ademolu Street, Oko-Oba, aged 21 years.

“It was reported by his brother, S. Wasiu that

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

My WhatsApp friend contracted me for drug deal — Mother of two

Lagos workers kick as NLC pickets office of Head of Service Bola Badmus and Chukwuma Okparaocha

Nigerian Tribune

he committed suicide by using a cloth to hang himself to an aluminium frame at his working place at Olayiwola Street, Oko-Oba. “He was found dead at about 7:00 a.m. The command operatives from Oko-Oba visited the scene and photographs were taken and the corpse removed to mortuary for autopsy and the case is still under discreet investigation.”

sApp) friend sealed the deal with her, to move cannabis to China.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which arrested her in Lagos, said it prevented the 38-year-old mother of two children from execution in China, where drug trafficking attracts capital punishment.

She was arrested by anti-narcotic officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos during outward screening of passengers on Kenyan Airways flight to China.

She was found with 1.155kgs of cannabis hidden in melon.

Chairman and Chief Executive of the Agency, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, who condemned her action said, “it is sad that while government is worried over the number of Nigerians on death row in other nations, a mother of two children is still smuggling drugs to China where drug trafficking is punishable by death. Her arrest here has saved the country from embarrassment. It has equally prevented her family from the pain of losing a loved one under the circumstance. The NDLEA will not relent in saving lives and promoting the image of Nigeria.”

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba said that the suspect concealed the drugs in melon and food stuff. “She was caught while travelling to China with 1.155kg of compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. Investigation into the case is in progress and she will soon be charged to court.”

The suspect who lives in Onitsha, while confessing said, “I am a trader. I used to travel to China to buy my goods since 2014. My WhatsApp friend asked me to buy the drug and take to China. He promised to give me a handsome reward when I get to China. Unfortunately, the drug was detected during search at the Lagos airport.”

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Kogi assembly crisis: Court reinstates Lawal as Speaker Sunday Ejike - Abuja

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HE Federal High Court, in Abuja, on Thursday, ordered the reinstatement of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Honourable Momoh Jimoh Lawal, who was removed from office.

Lawal and nine other principal members of the assembly had challenged their purported removal from office by the Honourable Umar Imam-led group on February 16, on the ground that due process of the law was not followed.

Other plaintiffs in the suit were Honourables Aliyu Akuh (Deputy Speaker), Kolawole Matthew, Osiyi Godwin, Sunday Shigaba, Ndako Idris, Oluwatoyin Lawal, Musa Jimoh, Victor Omofaye and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The defendants in the suit were Honourables Umar Imam, Friday Sani, Lawal Ahmed, Bello Abdullahi and John Abah (first to fifth, respectively).

Others included the Inspector-General of Police

(IGP), Director-General, DSS, Commandant Civil Defence Corps and the Kogi State House of Assembly.

The litigation revolves around the transition of leadership of the assembly between the two contending parties.

The plaintiffs specifically approached the court, challenging their replacement on the ground that it was unlawfully and unconstitutionally done and, therefore, urged the court to set it aside and restore their position.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba ordered the first to fifth defendants to “immediately vacate the different offices they now purportedly occupy by reason of the purported impeachment and removal of the speaker and other principal officers.”

Consequently, Justice Dimgba directed the speaker (Lawal) and the other principal officers (second to ninth plaintiffs) to immediately resume their duties in their different offices, as they were never impeached

2 judges abducted in Kogi Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja TWO judges of the Kogi State judiciary were, on Thursday, abducted by gunmen at different locations in the state.

The two judges, who were identified as Justices Aliu Okeme and Timothy Ali, were said to have been kidnapped same day, in the Eastern senatorial district of the state.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that while Justice Okeme was abducted at Ojuocha, in Ofu Local Government Area of the state during an inspection of his farm, Ali was kidnapped

while on his way to the court in Ayingba, in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

Details of the abductions were still being awaited as of press time, but the state police command was said to have been informed of the development.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Willy Aya, confirmed the abduction and assured that men of the command were already combing the areas where the incidents happened.

He said the abductors were yet to make any contact with the families of the victims, adding that the command was determined to track down the abductors.

FRSC launches 6-day monitoring of tyres’ safety checks Clement Idoko - Abuja CORPS Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, has ordered a six-day monitoring and surveillance exercise on the ongoing nationwide free vehicle safety checks in field commands.

The exercise to be led by nine topmost management staff and all zonal commanding officers of the corps, is aimed at sustaining the free safety checks of vehicle tyres across the

country.

FRSC Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Mr Bisi Kazeem, in a statement on Thursday, in Abuja, said this was in compliance with some of the resolutions at the just concluded stakeholders’ forum on tyres, held in Abuja.

He said the exercise, which would commence on Monday, May 23, was borne out of the corps’ desire to stem the tide of road traffic crashes caused by substandard and expired tyres.

and/or removed.

The judge also ordered the DSS, Civil Defence Corps and assembly “to immediately restore the security details of the first

plaintiff (Lawal) and other principal officers purportedly impeached or removed by the illegal acts of the first to fifth defendants.”

He further restrained the

seventh to ninth defendants from further barricading the complex of the House of Assembly and preventing the plaintiffs from accessing the hal-

lowed chambers of the Kogi assembly to conduct their legal and legitimate duties as legislators validly elected to represent their various constituencies.

APC threatens to expel Senator Sani over attacks on Buhari Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna THE Kaduna State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned the senator representing Kaduna Central district, Shehu Sani, to desist from attacking President Muhammadu Buhari or face expulsion.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, on Thursday, the state APC acting

publicity secretary, Salisu Tanko Wusono, declared that the state chapter of the party supported the Federal Government’s decisive policy decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy racket, which the party said milked the country dry and brought untold hardship to Nigerians.

Wusono wondered why Sani, among those senators who passed 2016 budget

that had no provision for subsidy, turned around to attack President Buhari for removing subsidy.

The party noted that Sani’s attacks against Buhari began last year, when the senator formed alliance with senators who defied APC and foisted the current leadership on the Senate.

In his reaction, the senator said he would never change

from speaking his mind.

Speaking through his political adviser, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed, he said “it was the habit of speaking out his mind that got him to prison many times.”

Sani insisted that his recent outburst on subsidy was based on the premise that he was speaking the minds of millions of Nigerians over the unpopular policy.

We met over 400 bank accounts when we came in —Kaduna govt Akin Adewakun - Lagos KADUNA State government has explained that the need to be transparent and be able to track financial dealings in government quarters in the state informed the administration’s decision to collapse the over 400 government bank accounts it met into one.

Speaking on Thursday,

at the presentation of Sam Omotseye’s new book, ‘A Chronicle Foretold’, the state governor, Alhaji Nasir elRufai, expressed dismay that some of the accounts, including domiciliary ones, were existing without the knowledge of the state government.

He argued that further that it was the state that started the the Single Treasury Account, because it was

apparent that a lot of underhand dealings were going on in the state’s public sector and it had become imperative to block these wastages.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Barnabas Bala Bantex, stated since the introduction of a single account, which now domiciles with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the state government had been

able to plug a huge waste pipe in the public sector.

He explained that the state government also went further to reduce the size of the public service, by cutting down on the number of ministries it met on assumption of office to 14, in tune with the economic realities of the time and making governance in the state cost-effective.

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Friday, 20 May, 2016

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news

Friday, 20 May, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

2 policemen feared dead as hoodlums attack police station Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

A

T least two police officers attached to the Osara police station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State were feared killed when suspected hoodlums invaded the station located on the Okene-Lokoja highway.

Nigerian Tribune gathered, on Thursday, that the hoodlums, numbering about 12, had at about 2.30 a.m on Tuesday, invaded the station, following the arrest of some of their colleagues a day earlier.

An eyewitness said the officers, who were of the rank of constable, shot at close range while trying to prevent the invaders from carrying out the operation.

It was learnt that the hoodlums, who started shooting sporadically and throwing the community into confusion, forcefully gained entry into the armoury and carted away arms and ammunition.

The people were also said

to have thereafter shot at the lock of the cell and released detainees in police custody.

The hoodlums were said to have set ablaze a vehicle parked at the station dur-

ing the invasion, as they reportedly operated for more than two hours without any challenge from any quarter.

Sources close to the police station, said the inva-

CHIEF Magistrate A.A. Adebisi of Oyo State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ibadan, has awarded the sum of one million, four

THE Federal Government has said Nigeria is ready to commence the production of nuclear energy.

The Minster of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, made this

known at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum, in Abuja.

Fashola said Nigeria had secured the necessary certification from the International Atomic Energy Agen-

cy (IAEA).

‘This thing has protocols and standards; we are already in it; we are not venturing into it; we started a nuclear programme 17 years ago.

“We have gone through

the training level; we have produced 25 graduates of Masters level under certification by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“We have found the sites; the sites have been ap-

2016 budget agenda for national development —Acting NDDC MD Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

ACTING Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Ibim Semenitari, has described the 2016 budget as a people-oriented document with an agenda that would fast-track national development.

She said this when members of the Non-Indigene Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers

hundred and fifty five thousand, two hundred naira (N1, 455, 200.00) against Transformation Housing Development, a construction company situated at Elenusonso and Idi Ishin areas of Ibadan.

Summit on national security holds in Abuja THE Council on African Security and Development, University of Wisconsin Research Park, USA and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will from May 25 to 26, in Abuja, hold a summit on national security with the theme: “Confronting and Containing Threats From Terrorism and Sectarian Insurgency.” The two-day summit will bring together globally-acclaimed resource persons as principal speakers.

The summit is designed, among others, to serve as a forum for substantive and impactful exchange of information and how the private sector can assist government in intelligence gathering and deterrence.

Professor John Ifediora, director and editor-in-chief of the Council on African Security and Development (CASADE), co-organiser of the summit explained that: “The summit will foster discussion on how to change the educational outlook and how to incorporate

of the National Assembly.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Willy Eya,who confirmed the incident, however, said none of the officers was killed in

the shoot-out.

The police image maker, however, said two cops, who were fatally injured, were responding to treatment in the hospital.

Nigeria ready for nuclear energy —Fashola

State paid her a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

According to a statement issued by the Head, NDDC Corporate Affairs, Mr Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, on Thursday, the group was led on the visit by its coordinator, Chief Uchenna Okokoba.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer said the budget was grounded on policies and programmes meant to help the people of Nigeria,

Court awards N1.4m against Transformation Housing Development Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

sion might not be unconnected with the arrest of some hoodlums on Monday, who confessed to be working for an ex-council boss who is now a member

younger students into apprenticeship programmes that facilitate the acquisition of marketable skills.

"Focus will also be on the need to develop cyber-security as a multi-disciplinary body of knowledge with academic curriculum," he added.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Secretary-General of the NATO, who also served as Prime Minister of Denmark, and President of the European Union; Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister; Dr James Stavridis, a retired fourstar Admiral of the United States Navy, who served as the 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO; and Dr John Campbell, former US Ambassador to Nigeria will headline the summit.

Notable experts from the allied fields of national security and development who will provide depth to the summit as panelists and discussants are; General T.Y. Danjuma (retd), former Nigeria’s Defence Minister; Lt. Gen. Greame Lamb (retd).

The court further ordered that the awarded sum would attract a 10 per cent interest per annum until the judgment sum was paid.

The awarded sum is the cost of claim filed before the court against the construction company by Gie-Ho-Va International Development as the cost of 4849 units of nine inches hollow concrete blocks and 5200 units of six inches blocks supplied to Transformation Housing Development Gie-Ho-Va International Limited had filed a suit against Transformation Housing Limited, asking for the sum awarded for some materials it supplied that the company refused to pay for, while the company refused to defend itself.

While giving judgment on the matter, Magistrate Adebisi stated that, “there is evidence of the service of the particulars of claim on the defendant, also on my record is the service of two hearing notices on the defendant, who failed, refused or neglected to attend to defend the claim.

“On the 21st of October, 2015 that the matter was adjourned to, the defendant did not appear in court, the court acceded to the prayer of the plaintiff counsel to call evidence in proof of the claim in default of the defendant appearance and defense,” Magistrate Adebisi stated.

noting that it was tailored to ensure a better life for the people.

She stated that the Federal Government had, through the budget, demonstrated its passion for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

The NDDC acting managing director described President Muhammadu Buhari as a man with foresight and progressive ideals.

Secretary-General of the Non-Indigene Chapter of the APC, Alhaji Yusuf Tanko, said the APC family would remain grateful to President Buhari for appointing

Mrs Semenitari as the acting managing director of the NDDC. He said her achievements since taking over the reins of leadership in the commission had shown that “what a man can do, a women can do better.”

Spokesman of group, Chief Calistus Nwachukwu, said “our group has always been intact and we are not inclined to defections because we practice an enlightened brand of politics that does not have room for political prostitution. We take our stand based on ideology,” he said.

proved, two sites have been approved by International Atomic Energy Agency.

“We have started the design for the financing; that is the stage we are now; once we conclude that, we move to the design for the construction.

“If all things go well, by quarter four of next year that is the schedule that I met - we should have started construction, so that is what I met.”

The minister said it was important for Nigeria to focus on the gains and safety of nuclear energy as obtained in other developed countries.

He said since the whole world was moving toward a cleaner fuel and the use of more sustainable form of energy, Nigeria could not be an exception.

He, however, said the developed countries could only share the technology with countries ready to keep to the standards in the utilisation of the technology.

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editorial

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Friday, 20 May, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Chief Reuben Fasoranti at 90

N May 11, a hero of democracy in Nigeria, Chief Reuben Fasoranti clocked 90 years.

While wishing him longer life and sound health, it is imperative to underscore the virtues of this distinguished elder statesman, who could best be described as an exemplar of nobility and integrity in an oasis of selfless leadership in contemporary Nigeria.

Fasoranti’s decision to make his birthday low key was no surprise as it further attests to his lifestyle as a conscientious and frugal servant leader. Though not without his own fair share of human foibles, Fasonrati has held his head high in turbulent situations by not compromising on the core principles and values about life and living. As leader of Afenifere, the foremost pan-Yoruba socio-cutural group and political cum ideological movement, this astute teacher stepped into the shoes of late Senator Abraham Adesanya on November 21, 2008. At the time, other leaders of the body had enthused that his choice would avail the body his wealth of wisdom and experience to buoy “efforts to re-unite us and see that all of us come under one platform.”

Fasoranti was Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State during the Second Republic under the administration of Chief Adekunle Ajasin. Because of he saw himself as a servant leader, he had preferred the private residence he built while a school principal, to an official quarter as commissioner. His rich profile include being principal of the famous Olivet Baptist Boys’ High School, Oyo and one of the leaders of that successfully championed the carving out of Ondo State in 1976 from the defunct Western Region. Like most disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Fasoranti was clamped into detention after the collapse of the Second Republic.

He thus inhabits a rich chapter in Nigeria’s turbulent political history.

Fasoranti became the leader of Afenifere at a very difficult time in the life of the nation and the body but he was able to weather the storm, especially when he and other like minds were captured and labelled as ‘prisoners of war’ for leading pro-democracy struggles against the monstrous military oligarchy.

Yet, he refused to succumb to pressure in the face of the dehumanizing actions of the military authorities.

No doubt, this octogenarian deserves to be celebrated having survived the blighted era of Machiavellian antics that pitched Nigeria against the rest of the world. With his politics that is transparently devoid of savagery, avarice and betrayal, contemporary and future political actors have much to imbibe and emulate in Fasoranti.

Indeed, Fasoranti’s leadership has consistently shown the potency and efficacy in painstaking pursuit of constructive engagement, as opposed to violent confrontation in tackling difficult issues. Thus, his doggedness in espousing genuine reconciliation and mutuality among Nigerians ensures a vital balance between the old and new generations of Nigerians. A great leader is a book, and we believe firmly that this urbane, visionary and principled leader falls into that category of such citizens of this country. His Spartan lifestyle and initiatives distinguish him as a rare breed in a land afflicted by the morass of ineptitude and profligacy by a band of gluttonous elite ignobly blurred by self-interest.

It is high time Nigerians discarded the tradition of deferred appreciation and adulation for its true heroes, while advocating a gradual, generational power shift. And the most enduring birthday gift Fasoranti truly deserves is for all Nigerian leaders to promote those virtues that exalt a nation and unite the people. Fasoranti’s capacity and ability to sustain such values recommend him as a book that should be studied by all patriots.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 20 May, 2016

editor

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

David Cameron and a ‘fantastically-corrupt’ country

T

HE recent description of Nigeria as a “fantastically-corrupt” country by the British prime minister, David Cameron, has become the subject of contemptuous criticism by Nigerians. I don’t know why Nigerians are taking umbrage over the off-the-cuff statement of the British prime minister about Nigeria being fantastically-corrupt.

I still can’t get my head around the reason Nigerians are taking such comment too personal on so-

cial, print and electronic media. What is wrong with the prime minister’s statement? Is Nigeria not fantastically-corrupt? In as much as the present All Progressives Congress (APC) led government is doing everything practically possible to eradicate corruption in our democracy, we shouldn’t be fast in condemning the British prime minister’s comment.

This present progressive government was elected on the premise of change, the major reason Nigerians voted out

Refugee crisis: UN, call Europe to order MOST European countries have started constructing barriers to prevent refugees from entering into the continent.

Most countries bordering Greece have put up electric fences to prevent the migrants, who are mostly Syrians and Afghanistan, from coming into mainland Europe.

This is definitely not fair, and it is high time the United Nations (UN) called Europe to order.

This current refugee crisis is the largest since the World War 11, and millions of people have been displaced, but watching refugees, who have been prevented from entering Europe in order to start new lives, camped outside

electric fences, unable to travel further, is a fundamental breach of basic human rights.

The European Union (EU), which prides itself as a region that respects the rule of law, is now not moved by the sight of young children, women and physically-challenged people camped outside the borders of Macedonia, Czech, Hungary, in extreme weather conditions.

I hope the UN can let these EU countries know that the electric fences spring up on their borders constitute human rights abuses.

•Idayat Kassim, Ilorin, Kwara State.

NFF, announce foreign coach now WHAT is preventing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from annoucing a foreign coach for the Super Eagles now? I hope the Federation is not buying time because of the salary of the coach.

After mismanaging Nigeria’s qualifiers for the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the NFF ought to have swung into action immediately by appointing an experienced coach who will work with the players in our quest to qualify for the World Cup

in Russia in two years time.

If the NFF is finding it difficult to pay the coach, then it should seek the help of the Federal Government, or even the team’s sponsors.

We don’t want a situation whereby the team won’t have enough time to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers. In fact, I would have loved the Super Eagles to be in camp with the new coach during this end of season in Europe, where most of them play.

•Femi Ilori, Lagos.

the past government, not forgetting Mr. President’s perceived sincerity of purpose in the fight against corruption and

so far, he has lived up to expectations in the antigraft war.

The series of mind blowing revelations of how bil-

lions of dollars were stolen and the daily confessions of some persons of interest of the old political order held by our anti-graft

Greed is destroying Nigeria NIGERIA is a peculiar country; despite being a rich and blessed country, we have used our greediness to ruin the nation.

Here is a country where people will make money, but they will ‘ferry’ such to developed countries to buy properties. Politicians will steal public funds meant for the people and stash them in foreign bank accounts, thereby helping the economy of these countries. Are we surprised that the British prime minister, Mr David Cameron, referred to us as a fantastically-corrupt country recently, when in actual fact, the majority of the monies stolen from Nigeria are kept in his

country?

Why can’t our politicians provide modern amenities in our country so that they wouldn’t need to be running abroad every time to assess healthcare, education, uninterrupted power supply, among many other things?

It is so unfortunate that citizens of countries that are not as rich and blessed as Nigeria are living more conducive lives than Nigerians.

All the economic policies that have worked elsewhere have not worked in Nigeria because of sabotage. It is because of this that I will not support the deregulation of the oil sector. I know that once Nigerians accept government’s

N145 per litre proposal, then in a matter of months, the price of fuel will increase further.

One thing about this new fuel price is that the government said N145 is the ceiling, while hoping that marketers can even sell fuel for less as well, but since the price was announced, all the marketers have been selling fuel for that N145.

The Federal Government should continue with the subsidy policy as oil importers will form a cabal to rip Nigerians off. However, I hope we can be less greedy when it comes to money; this is the problem we are having as a country.

•Simon Peter, Jos, Plateau State.

agencies for their complicity in the mindless looting of our economy is enough for nations like Britain to refer to us as “fantastically-corrupt.”

It is our effort in combating this ugly monster called corruption that will change other peoples’ perception about us; so far, I think we have not done badly in that regard.

Whilst the British prime minister may need to be educated in the school of decorum, I couldn’t agree more on President Muhammadu Buhari’s remark on the issue. He said: “I would not demand apology from Cameron for describing Nigeria as a fantastically-corrupt country, rather, all I demand from Cameron is the return of Nigeria’s stolen assets.”

•Joe Onwukeme, unjoeratedjoe@ gmail.com

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opinion

Friday, 20 May, 2016

Private universities: Education isn’t cheap

By Akintokunbo Adejumo

I

N Nigeria and many other African countries, higher education is recognised as a public good and is, therefore, expectedly and understandably highly-subsidised by the state. However, increases in student fees have had adverse consequences on students’ ability to access higher education.

While Nigerians find higher education in the country expensive, the cost of university education is comparatively low compared with international institutions. Viewed in dollar terms and the fallen naira value, Nigeria’s degrees will be perceived as much cheaper in comparison.

There is no doubt that universities are very expensive to run, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. In most cases, close to 65 per cent of costs are associated with highly qualified and experienced staff, while a further major cost is the provision and maintenance of the university’s domain. Costs also include a wide range of support services such as libraries, laboratories, transport, security, counselling and healthcare services, in addition to the cross-subsidisation of financially disadvantaged students, that is, university-funded scholarships.

I grew up in the 60s and 70s. I went to four secondary schools in the old Western Nigeria where the standard of education was so high, no matter where the location of the school, urban or rural. I ended up with a good school leaving certificate result that enabled me to, and got an opportunity to go to the University of Ibadan, through passing the entrance “Preliminary” examination, thereby bypassing the old Advanced Level certificate, where I got both an undergraduate degree, and many other unquantifiable skills, experience, abilities and most importantly, a very sophisticated outlook in life, dignity in labour and an expansive view of the world. On the way, I received students’ loans, grants and state bursaries, and now I can hardly say I was disenfranchised, but I used what freedom this great country gave me: an opportunity.

I have always been one of those who criticise the high fees charged by private universities in Nigeria, especially the ones owned by the Pentecostal and other religious organisations. But another look at this convinced me they are not entirely wrong.

Most of the criticism directed at them had been that the mem-

bers of the congregation, who actually funded the universities through tithes, contributions, Sunday collections, etc., are usually the ones who cannot afford to send their own children to these schools, supposedly owned by them. Another is that the heads of those churches are exploiting the congregation in the process, diverting funds to themselves.

While I agree with the two evidences above, the fact remains that establishing and maintaining those universities were always not going to be cheap. When I attended university in Nigeria, there were only about six universities, all owned and 100 per cent funded by the Federal Government (University of Ibadan; University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Benin; these were later joined by converting University of Ibadan, Jos campus to University of Jos; Universities of Ilorin, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and Calabar and Ado Bayero University). These universities were established and built when Nigeria was still “good”, most of them immediately after Independence and during the oil boom era; the people who established them were committed and sincere Nigerians; money was available and international cooperation and collaboration was easily sought and available; and Nigeria was not as corrupt and degenerate as we have now.

Then with the creation of more states in Nigeria, come the proliferation of state-owned universities, which, because of our innate political immaturity, often fall victim of discontinuity of government, even during the military tenures. A new governor comes in, jealous of his predecessor, and refuses to continue funding of the state-owned universities and other institutions.

So, when the Federal Government decided to liberalise the education sector (and with some entirely selfish reasons, because those in government who were supposed to facilitate our

educational progress, were in fact the ones, who after looting the treasury, now started establishing their own private universities. What an irony!), the churches and other religious organisations started their own venture into the education, or rather, tertiary education sector.

Ordinarily, this would have been greatly commendable. In fact, it is still commendable, as they are complementing the efforts of the federal and state governments in the education sector; but, being Nigerians, their motives have not been entirely holistic or altruistic. It has been full of hypocrisy and selfpromotion. However, as I mentioned above, I have now tended to be a bit sympathetic to their situation.

Establishing and maintaining an institution of higher learning (and in fact even primary and secondary schools – ask the mushrooming private operators who have capitalised on government indifference, neglect and lack of focus and vision) in Nigeria is not cheap, and is no mean task. Even the conditions they have to meet before they are granted the licence to establish are usually very daunting. This is evidenced by empty acquired lands going nowhere, university buildings that look more like secondary school classrooms, lack of teaching and library resources, infrastructural problems, lack of IT facilities, and inability to maintain standards for some of them, resulting in the Nigeria Universities Commission coming down hard on several of them and refusing to accredit courses, departments and faculties, thereby leaving many students in limbo.

The Federal Government universities are still highly subsidised to the point that it is ridiculous, and with the downturn in the economy without recourse to oil income, the government might soon have to reconsider its level of subsidisation of tertiary university in Nigeria. The same goes for state universities and other tertiary institutions; these are even finding it difficult to pay staff salaries, so how do they want to equip classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other services they are expected to provide as institutions of higher learning, which must be of world standard? So university education is not cheap, and these Pentecostal and other religious operators must be spared some criticism and flagellation.

•Adejumo lives in the United Kingdom.

Ebun Olabisi Kalejaiye (1939-2016): An angel was here

By Ademola Adegoke IN a world generally believed to have become so degenerated, debauched and perverted, it is usually gratifying to see people whose thoughts, deeds and lifestyle daily exhibit nobility and strength of character. They may not necessarily be the usual newsmakers whose every action attracts the headlines of major newspapers and the bulk of airtime of electronic media. Their tribe may be in the minority. They may not be laurelled with countless wreathes and garlands of honour. For all they do, they may remain unsung and unseen for the better part of their lives. But they remain unfazed, doing what they believe in-serving humanity and doggedly pursuing their avowed intent to leave the world a better place than they met it. They are the oasis of hope in the desert of fear and despair that our world is fast turning to. An island of integrity and rectitude in the world’s sea of filth and lucre. They live by the golden rule, doing unto others what they want others do unto them; and even more.

I will be eternally grateful to the divine hands that connected me to one such person, Ebun Olabisi Kalejaiye, a physician with bias for surgery, who exited our world on the April 13, 2016. I came to know him within the last two years of his stay on earth but those two years of friendship with a sweetscented personality like him has really had a life-long positive impact on my life. Though our friendship was relatively short-lived as it was cruelly aborted and denied longevity by death, it was one experience which blissful reminiscences will remain with me for the rest of my life. The wide generational gap between us notwithstanding (he was old enough to be my father) our thoughts and views on so many issues of national and global importance synced and meshed so well and in no time we bonded and became what in Yoruba is referred to as korikosun(friends who could not go to bed without seeing each other).

His was a heart so large for all to have a place-the high, the lowly, the young, the old, the sophisticated and even the rustic. Like the poet, Sam Walter Foss, Ebun refused to be a hermit living in a place of self-content. He refused to be a star

dwelling in a fellowless firmament. Rather, he chose to build his house by the side of the road where the race of men goes by and he became a friend to all; rejoicing with travellers that rejoiced and weeping with strangers that moaned. He exemplified John Ruskin’s dictum that the true reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it but what he becomes of it. Ebun Kalejaiye’s choice to serve humanity might not have brought him into stupendous wealth, but he surely became fulfilled in it.

A product of Igbobi College, Lagos and Oxford University, UK, Ebun Kalejaiye’s passion and pursuit of knowledge was legendary. He read and researched into diverse fields of human endeavour; including Yoruba corpus of knowledge and divination, odu ifa as well as the Muslim holy book of Quran.

Little wonder he was always at home discussing any topic under the sun with an uncommon intellectual depth. He would analyse and critique the works of most social and political philosophers of global renown, whether ancient or contemporary, with enthralling eclecticism.

Though a medical scientist, he nursed an undying love for the arts. A story he told me will obviate the point better. As told by him, as a young man, he loved listening to poem recitation especially by the masters of the art themselves. He was, therefore, so elated when in a bookshop in England, he came across a collection of old LP records (which was then in vogue) having the great Irish playwright and poet, George Bernard Shaw, reading his own poems. He bought the records and kept them as a treasured collection. At his leisure, he would listen to the recitation with gusto. But the unexpected happened one day. He came back from work and entering the living room, he saw the records scattered on the floor.

Sitting by them on the floor was his crawling nipper (now a full grown man) ‘dutifully’ scratching them with a stone in his hand. As he beheld the despoilment of what he had kept as a lifelong treasure, an unnerved Ebun Kalejaye simply broke down and cried like a baby. Such was his love for the arts. But thanks to advanced technology of latter years, he was to discover much later that what he thought was gone for good when the LP records were destroyed, he would later enjoy online with the tap of a button on his electronic device.

He would sometimes wonder why he was not some decades younger so he could fully explore limitless opportunity for learning and research that modern technology has provided.

But Ebun Kalejaiye was not all about scholarship and intellectualism. He was as sociable as he was scholarly. One big vacuum thrown up for his friends by his unexpected demise is finding a new venue and host for their weekly ritual of gathering at his house in Ogudu GRA for the main purpose of disporting themselves over food and drinks while they discussed national issues and relived experiences and escapades of their youthful past. The big question now is who hosts and finances the ‘Wednesday fellowship’ with the exit of Ebun?

And perhaps another one! When a new host and financier is found, will he be as genial, affable and equally hail-fellowwell-met as Ebun Kalejaiye? Talk about trending music, he never missed out on any; his favourite before his death being Olamide’s melo, melo and Adekunle Gold’s orente. He was also for many years the chairman of the choir committee of his Lagos church, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ogudu.

Kalejaiye’s humaneness was writ large in all he did. In his 76-year sojourn on earth, he nursed in his heart the thought and concern for the welfare and comfort of others. Looking at the expansive nature of the gate house and private workers’ apartment respectfully located by the front and back of his house, one could not fail to see the innate altruistic nature of the man who truly lived out the spirit and letter of his name, Ebun (gift). He was truly an uncommon gift to allimmediate family, extended family, friends, colleagues and countless others.

•Adegoke, a public relations practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

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Friday, 20 May, 2016

D

ARE Babarinsa is a popular name in Nigerian journalism. He is one of the prominent editors of the credible TELL magazine, which appeared in Nigeria’s reading public for many years. Nigerians will surely remember Nosa Igiedor, Ademola Oyinlola and Dare Babarinsa, whose writings inside the TELL magazine were a must and compelling read.

Dare Babarinsa is an in-law of mine. His late uncle, Jire Olanlokun, was married to my first cousin, Mrs. Tolani Olanlokun. Jire Olanlokun was a first grade librarian at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba. I was one year ahead of him as undergraduates of the University of Lagos. Jire’s death was dramatic as well as baffling.

He had woken up one morning in his Shangisha, University of Lagos residence and had waved goodbye to his wife and some of his children. He entered his car and was never to be seen again alive.

His driver suddenly discovered before they entered the campus of the University of Lagos on that eventful day that his boss (Jire, the librarian) was no longer communicating with him. When he stopped the car to find out what was happening, he discovered that Jire Olanlokun was dead. Jire Olanlokun’s death was very intriguing. Dare Babarinsa took his uncle’s death with equal minds.

During the Second Republic, Dare Babarinsa wrote an authoritative book on the crisis within the old Ondo State chapter of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). The book was titled “THE HOUSE OF WAR.” It was a well informed book that detailed out the crisis within the UPN. The book was able to bring out facts surrounding the UPN crisis which involved the party being broken into the Pa Adekunle Ajasin Group (The Governor) and Akin Omoboriowo group, (the then Deputy Governor).

It was a crisis that eventually led to the mass resignation of the members of the Akin Omoboriowo UPN group decamping to the then NPN led by Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Dare Babarinsa’s book “HOUSE OF WAR” presented everyone the facts of the crisis.

Few months ago, Dare Babarinsa presented to the Nigerian public a book titled “THE NIGERIAN CENTURY.” This is what we have titled on this page “DARE BABARINSA’S CENTENARY PUBLICATION.” This book is a documentary source book of Nigeria’s history within the last 100 years. Any information one wants to read about Nigeria is in this book.

The “NIGERIAN CENTURY” is edited by Dare Babarinsa. It is well produced, well edited and very well put together. Dare assembled a beautiful team of journalists to produce this book. The book is laced with intellectual comments of the editors, and readers are very well introduced to the contents of the book.

Perhaps it is important to mention that the book is dedicated to the three titans of Nigeria’s history — Dr. Nnamadi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The introduction to the book was written by President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari titled his introduction “WE HAVE NO REASON TO FAIL.” We will at this stage publish the letter from the EditorIn-Chief, Dare Babarinsa, which adequately explains why the book “THE NIGERIAN CENTURY” is written:“LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Nigerian Century has been the most assignment we have ever embarked upon at Gaskia Media Limited.

It involved the entire country and digging into the archives to get materials about our interesting and great country has been quiet challenging. In the end, it has been a rewarding effort, making us to appreciate the complexity and diversity of Nigeria, its enchanting and challenging political, cultural and historical landscape and sometimes unsteady topography. This is a great country that defines the African continent and holds within its destiny, the future of the Black Race.

This is the definitive publication on Nigeria at 100.

We have tried to capture in one document the colour and majesty of our great country and present for posterity the footprint and landmarks of past generations.

We are also presenting to our readers the vast spectrum of great men and women who give Nigeria its character and populate its dynamic spirit and sheer strength of her peculiar identity. From Luguard to Buhari, many leaders have struggled to grapple with the turbulent

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Dare Babarinsa and his centenary publication

personality of this country and mediate its unconquerable and dynamic spirit. We try to engage that spirit in this great publication.

I discussed this idea with Anyim Pius Anyim, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SFG, who was the chairman of the Nigeria @ 100 Anniversary Committee. I first met Anyim when he was the President of the Nigerian Senate during the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was introduced to me by my elderly friend, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, lawyer, banker, public servant and former prisoner of war during the Sani Abacha dictatorship.

Anyim, a lawyer of considerable standing and politician, warmed up to our idea of doing a reference book that would engage Nigerian contemporary history for the benefit of the younger generations.

Therefore, this book is specially meant for students of senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions. It is written in accessible prose and illustrated with pictures and graphics to allow them understand the sheer dynamics of Nigerian history. The book would allow them to appreciate and understand the greatness and power of their country and ironically too why it is mighty and weak, rich and poor, a dream and a nightmare. In truth, Nigeria is an oxymoron.

We were helped in our assignment by the timely cooperation of Sam Nwaobasi, our colleague who served as the Chief Press Secretary to the SGF. We also received cooperation from Dr. Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser on information to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Many of our colleagues who served as press secretaries, directors of information, advisers and consultants, were also very helpful. This is a national assignment and many of them were more than enthusiastic to be part of it.

The assignment also exposed us to the blight in our

This is the definitive publication on Nigeria at 100.

public space. Many national institutions do not see any reason why past records should be kept. In many ministries, they could not come up with the pictures of past ministers and permanent secretaries. The states are worse. Some of them hardly could account for all past governors and commissioners not to talk of permanent secretaries. It shows we have a challenge of keeping public record in Nigeria. It is this laxity that encourages the ever increasing population of ghost workers.

Keeping the records of public space has been the main assignment of Gaskia Media since 2011. This has led us to do series of publications on notable national leaders, including President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

We have also done publications on many states including Niger, Delta, Bayelsa, Osun and Ondo. We have done on institutions like the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and the National Universities Commission, NUC. We have done an exciting biographical work on Otunba Olasubomi Balogun, the founder of the FCMB group of companies. We intend to continue to record for posterity the landmarks of the present era and make our history available to the coming generations………

We took liberty to use the work of two outstanding Nigerians. One is the opinion of Chief Bola Ige, first elected Governor of old Oyo State and former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. There is nothing more to add on his views on the three titans who dominated Nigeria’s First Republic for Ige was witness to their exploits. Nkiru Asika’s poem, I am a Nigerian, is used as the epilogue for this book.

Asika, poet, essayist and cultural ambassador, is the creative and artistic daughter of Chief Ukpabi Asika, first administrator (Governor) of the defunct East Central State (now divided into Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu) who was in power from 1967 to 1975. Asika has remained a leading figure in Nigerian literary scene.

The labour has been worth it as you can see with the final product. This is a gift for members of the younger generation, especially those below age 40.

The Nigerian Century would allow them to appreciate the men and women who have given meaning to the greatness of Nigeria and who for more than 100 years have been managing its uneven temper. It is such temper and quick of events that has brought changes to the landscape and put Muhammadu Buhari, soldier, politician, born-again democrat and exponent of change to the center-stage. It is fortuitous that a man of such steely character and peculiar pedigree has been chosen by history to lead Nigeria to her 2nd Century.

When Nigeria would be marking her 200th birthday, I hope it would have learnt to keep better record then.

If you are around then, tell them we were here.

Dare Babarinsa Editor-in-Chief” This is a book every patriotic Nigerian must read. We will follow it up next week with “THE THREE MUSKETEERS.” EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK: “THE RISE OF THE THREE MUSKETEERS”

19

Friday, 20 May, 2016

fridaytreat

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

Adekunle Gold too leaves YBNL? With the exit of Lil Kesh from the label on the expiration of his deal in April 2016, rumours have been rife that talented singer, Adekunle Gold may be the next in line to leave the label.

Critics say that with the revelation of the signing of a new artiste, Temmie Ovwasa, who has since dropped a new single ‘Jabole’, under the YBNL imprint, she may just be Adekunle Gold’s replacement, especially as sources allege that Gold may leave, after his much touted album is released next month.

YBNL leader, Olamide has proven to be a man of his word especially with his relationship and deals with his signed artists. He’s repeatedly said he only signs a two-year deal with all his artistes after which they are free to go.

It was rumoured that his new label will be called ‘Gold’ records. Adekunle’s debut album is also titled ‘Gold’ which may very well become the name of his own record label too.

Adekunle Gold’s Temmie Ovwasa’s Biography Biography

Adekunle Kosoko, popularly known by his stage name Adekunle Gold, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and graphic designer.

He describes his genre of music as urban highlife. His 2014 single ‘Sade’ received massive airplays on various Nigerian radio stations.

His follow-up single, titled ‘Orente’, also received positive reviews from music critics and consumers. In 2015, he was nominated in the Most Promising Act of the Year category at the 2015 City People Entertainment Awards, and was also nominated in the “Best Alternative Song” category at The Headies 2015 for his song titled “Sade”.

He is currently signed to YBNL Nation.

Full Name: Temmie Ovwasa Occupation: Singer Year Active: 2016 – Present Label: YBNL Associated Act: Olamide, Pheelz, Young John Songs: Jabole Temmie Ovwasa is a Nigerian recording artist, songwriter. In 2016, she signed a record deal with Olamide‘s imprint YBNL Record.

She rose to prominence in 2016 when she was Signed into YBNL Record following Lil Kesh’s exit.

Temmie Ovwasa will be The First Female artist in YBNL, Thus she earned the title “YBNL First Lady”.

Re: Ibadan’s Hip Hop artistes may be going on strike

By Wale Ozolua Music is a powerful tool…

Music can be a healing tool…

Music can be used to pass a message…

Music can help unite a family, a community, a nation and the world!

But then…that’s just Music As An Art! There’s music as a business.

Both are connected and can never

be separated: Music as an art and Music as a business! If you try to separate the two…you would be making a mistake.

Several times and on several platforms, atistes have been told to not just understand their crafts and sharpen their skills. They have also been told to ensure that they study the business angle of their hustle.

It’s not just about turning on the microphone and yelling at it while the producer struggles to create a

balance between the beats and your voice.

If you are an artiste and you do not understand these things: YOU NO GO BLOW O! My name is Wale Ozolua and I am an OAP with The Beat97.9FM Ibadan and I am addicted to good music; music of all genres as long as it’s good…I jump on it.

Recently, music talents in Ibadan have been putting down their thoughts on social media following

an article on Nigerian Tribune with the headline “Ibadan Hip Hop artistes are going on strike!”

Everyone has gone back and forth on the matter, so many comments, so many disclaimers. I must confess, this is an interesting development for the entertainment circle in Ibadan.

Now, for the music talents who live in Ibadan. What do you want? Yeah, I know, you wan blow! So do I. But do you even have a plan to get

to that level that you desire? What kind of songs do you release, before you even release these songs, do you have a plan for the release? Shout out to all the artists and producers who labour everyday to churn out good music. God bless una hustle.

Music talents in Ibadan are complaining about not getting paid adequately for shows.

Continues on pg20

20

21

Friday, 20 May, 2016

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

fridaytreat Re: Ibadan’s Hip Hop artistes may be going on strike Continues from pg19

I sympathise with you on that level 100 per cent, but be honest with yourselves; what exactly makes you different that you can command payment from any promoter for a show in Ibadan or even in a city I love, Kaduna?

Yes, I know you work hard, but do you work smart? Hard work pays, but you must work hard in a smart way.

You complain of not having enough funds to promote your songs or even record songs. I can relate to that very well.

What I find hard to understand is how you as a music talent cannot create a good relationship with a producer and have a written agreement and you can both collaborate and churn out hit after hit.

The entertainment industry is built on relationships, then you push it to the business level. Create relationships with radio stations, DJs, and bloggers, there would be someone who would listen and support you without even collecting a dime from you. It works, trust me. The entertainment scene in Ibadan is one large cooking pot of beans and it will take a long time before it would be ready for consumption. If you are an artist and you do not have your plate, fork/spoon and bowl of Ijebu garri and cold water ready…you would only be dancing naked near the fire.

Concerning artists supporting each other…I can only say this: “no matter how fast a fan spins, the blades won’t touch.”

Create a team of people who share the same passion and dreams as you do. Start a project and run with it! God bless you!

This piece was written by Wale Ozolua, an air personality with Beat FM 97.9

Femi Branch brings ‘Shalanga’ to stage

ector Femi right and dir stage yw la p D E N RENOW his latest t to showcase ition Branch is se langa at the eighth ed a h d S n g on Su ay play titled event holdin Convention al u n an ’s otel of Yaw at the Eko H May 29, 2016 a Island, Lagos. ri Centre, Victo e of Femi Branch’s new on is y la p The 25th Anniver bration of his dustry and it le ce in ks oo b in ” tertainment sary in the en ting talents of Steve “Yaw ac e l th ca s ri ti re u sa feat is a sent . Shalanga Onu and AY mirrors the past and pre at sh th fa y k la ee in-ch stagep y in a tongue- of stage coltr n u co e th of ries nch latest in a se ion. It is the ween Yaw and Femi Bra at et th b s ow n io sh e at of th labor vious edition following pre in a stage play ‘PO’. fi ticipated featured Kof the much-an ature perto n io it d ad In so fe e night will al mide, Korede stageplay, th la O om Phyno, formances fr Banks, Burna Boy, Solo d E, Bello, Reeka ay, Adekunle Gold, YCE s, h h S i it m ey S S umble idstar, eminisce, H ns of the R , ac M i m Nao edia tor and com Lil Kesh, Vec c. bli federal repu

2Baba, Blackface, TerryG, Bongos, others unite in concert for Agatu FRONTLINE entertainers from the Idoma enclave would on Sunday, May 22 lead other celebrities in the country to Abuja for an epoch-making event tagged: Agatu Peace Concert.

The event is aimed at drawing the attention of the relevant authorities as well as the international community to Agatu and other villages ravaged by Fulani herdsmen.

A statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Idoma Initiative, orgainisers of the event, noted that the peace concert would be used to raise funds to rehabilitate the Internally Displaced Persons across the communities.

The statement signed by secretary general of the group, Mr John Wayne said the event is slated for Sunday, May 22 , 2016 at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

According to him, “We want to use the concert to further draw the attention of the international community to the sufferings of our people back home in Agatu and, other villages razed by alleged Fulani Herdsmen.

“After the protest which shook the nation, we felt there was a need for us to organise a concert to create further awareness.

“Our people have been rendered

homeless. Our crops have been destroyed by these cattle breeders. Our children are dying. Agatu is a ghost of itself.

“The Peace Concert would be used to generate funds for the victims of Agatu crisis,” he said.

He added that leading the long list of entertainers to the concert is living legend and Idoma first son, Innocent Ujah Idibia, otherwise known as 2baba.

2baba will thrill the audience alongside his estranged bandmate and Agatu native, Austine Garuba Ahmedu, better known as Blackface, TerryG, Bongos Ikwue as well as Imelda J. Others are, gospel music crooners, Chris Morgan, Steve Crown, KingJames, MadMo, Noella, SixfootPlus, Naomee Da Diva, Oche.com, Favour Johnson, Tony Treasure and many more.

Nollywood super stars such as Desmond Elliot, Uti Nwachukwu, Adah Ameh, Idoma duchess, Susan Peters and several others would also grace the event.

Other invited guests include: Apostle of the Most High and Senior Pastor of Dunamis Int’l Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche; former Senate President, David Mark; Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh and other prominent Idoma citizens.

Enenche Enenche will along others anchor the event, which is proudly supported by Idoma Initiative, Agatu Network Forum etc.

Tee A, Ayeni Adekunle, Victor Aghahowa, others join Chris Ihidero for Storystory Workshop

New media conference:

Olajumoke Okikiolu, Chude Jideonwo, Audu Maikori, Iyin Aboyeji, others to speak

T

HE New Media Conference 2016 which is set to hold on May 27, at Four Points

by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, will feature keynote speakers, Mrs. Lola Masha, Country Manager for OLX Nigeria, Ms. Olajumoke Okikolu, Senior Manager, Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA)and industry experts like: Chude Jideonwo, Adaora Mbelu, Ono Bello, AuduMaikori, SubomiPlumptre, Femi Falodun, Chinedu Abili-Mordi, Joy Isi Bewaji, Oluseun Onigbinde, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Bankole Femi and more.

This second edition of the conference will bring together key new media practitioners, corporate brands and digital media agencies for a comprehensive overview of the rapidly expanding Digital Media space, application and technology.

The programme line up will also include well moderated sessions, brand exhibitions and key takeaways. The 2016 Conference will attract over 300 participants.

The year’s theme is: “Business Unusual: Nurturing a more Vibrant New Media industry in Nigeria”, and will cover topics relevant such as Corporate branding, Digital Agency, Social Media Influence, tech blogging and New Media.

“This year’s conference is particularly important,” said conference organiser, Ms. Tosin Ajibade “we are converging to articulate interests and inputs from stakeholders in the Nigerian online/digital media space and seeking to turn the results of that conversation to real-world uses.”

Following the success of the maiden edition in 2015, we will

be broadening and deepening the conversation in 2016. With the support and partnership of leading brands and experts, we are committed to empowering and enlightening individuals and corporate organisations with useful information and exposure towards a more rewarding new media practice in Nigeria.

“We would be having NMC Showcase, where selected participants are allowed to showcase and exhibit ideas. The winner will get a scholarship worth N300,000 from Orange Academy.”

Moderators include: Tolu Balogun, Bolanle Olukanni, Princess Irede Abumere, Sanusi Ismaila and Abolade Owoeye.

7 finalists emerge in the season 4 of Bull Fuji Talent Hunt

AFTER two months of rigorous and painstaking search, for the new talent in Fuji music, within six states namely; Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Kwara and Oyo states, for the annual Bull Fuji Talent Hunt, from the stable of Intercontinental Distillers Ltd., makers of Bull Dry Gin and Bull Dark Rum, seven up coming and talented fuji acts, has been discovered.

Bull Fuji Talent Hunt Season 4, which zonal auditions and competitions took place in Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode, Ikorodu, Oshodi,

Osogbo, Akure and Ilorin cities respectively, gave ample opportunity and platform for unknown, but aspiring fuji artistes, to showcase their GOD-given talent and musical skill, to outclass each other, within aforementioned cities, via creativity, composition and lyrics, stagemanship & control, dressing and audience appeal etc; they were delighted on stage!

Season 1, 2 and 3, have produced Nurudeen Atanda “Antenna”, Idriss Akanbi “Aloma” and Muftau Alabi “Snr Prefect”, all are doing

well in fuji music scene, and are not push over among their peers, more importantly, Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) both National and state chapters not only endorsed Bull Fuji Talent Hunt, in Nigeria, well packaged and promoting Yoruba indigenous popular music, fuji!.

Wasiu, a.k.a. “Mr Lemon”, will represent Oshodi zone, Saheed Okiki, will represent Ikorodu zone, Waheed Oropo, will represent Osogbo zone, Ishola Ade, will represent Ilorin zone, Ashafa Martins,

will represent Ibadan zone, Iyanda Olubori, will represent Ijebu-Ode, and Afolabi Ibrahim, will represent Akure zone. “it’s an experience and adventurous two months search, Nigerians are blessed with bundle of talents, especially young and upcoming fuji artistes in entire South-West part of the country, as Bull brands gave them lifetime opportunity to showcase their music poweress, courtesy annual Bull Fuji Talent Hunt, the household name among all fuji musicians in Nigeria, old

and young ones,” said Lanre Alabi, Chief Operating Officer of Kingsize Entertainment, the company that packaged the talent hunt.

Meanwhile, the grand finale will come up in Ibadan at Mauve 21 Events Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday 3rd of June, 2016 beginning from 12noon, with Abass Obesere, Rasheed Ayinde, Taye Currency, Yoruba ace comedian, Taiwo Obama as guest artistes and lots of side attractions, to spice up the events.

RESPECTED writer-director, Victor ‘Sanchez’ Aghahowa, comedian Tee-A, media entrepreneur Ayeni Adekunle, Screen writer Nkiru Njoku, screen director Emmanuel Uduma, and experienced Film / TV Director, Olufemi Ogunsanwo have joined the list of facilitators for the second edition of Chris Ihidero’s StoryStory Master Class.

With years of experience in creating, writing, directing and producing content for TV and online platforms among them, the moguls have established themselves as authorities in telling compelling stories. Victor Aghahowa has worked as writer/director of M-Net Tinsel as well as being writer/director on recently rested Africa Magic hit TV drama, Hotel Majestic. He was also the brain behind the first web series from Nigeria to run a full season, How She Left My Brother, which gathered widespread acclaim in 2012.

After more than a decade of involvement in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian and broadcast entrepreneur Tee-A has joined the masterclass to share his wealth of knowledge and storytelling tips. Nkiru Njoku on her part is the head writer of Tinsel, the longest-running TV series in Nigeria. She is also the content producer of MTN Project Fame Africa. Joining her on the panel is Expert Director Femi Ogunsanwo, who specializes in Film and TV directing, producing and writing.

Emmanuel Uduma also comes in with more than 50 television, movie and music video production credits under his belt. Completing the lineup is media entrepreneur Ayeni Adekunle, who has over 12 years of experience in media, entertainment and public relations.

Like last year, the 2016 edition will empower a class of thirty-five participants selected via a rigorous selection process. The free three-day workshop holds from the 30th May – 1st June 2016 at the British Council, Ikoyi. Giving an insight into the purpose of the event, Chris Ihidero commented, “The workshop is aimed at assisting creative practitioners who are already telling stories through their various platforms to be better storytellers and it is also an effort to help young and established writers, producers and directors improve on a skill that is essential in a lot of ways.”

22

Friday, 20 May, 2016

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

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

Team Africa increases membership in 15 countries TEAM Africa, a new organisation saddled with the responsibility of marketing Africa to Africans, visà-vis promoting the beauty and richness of tourism in the continent has continued to expand its memberships.

The proudly African platform, which is strategically garnering members across Africa with the sole aim of launching and championing projects that will spout Africans to visit Africa now has professional and ardent tourism promoters and enthusiasts as members in 15 countries.

According to a founding member, and the national coordinator of the Naija Seven Wonders, Mr Ikechi Uko, “Team Africa launches out with members from over 15 nations, representing core travel and tourism stakeholders and professionals with track record in their different countries.

“These selected Africans are people that are ready to not only left Africa but also position it for the benefit of Africans in a way that it will create job and generate revenue for the continent.

“In this regards, we are set the ball rolling for our 21 wonders of Africa project from June after the African calendar of events.”

“Already, we have launchedlist of events for 2016 and we have also started the processes for the launch of the 21 wonders of Africa” On the mode of activation of the project, Uko said “TA members will activate in their different countries through a press event.”

However, one of the social platforms activated by the Team Africa Administrator, which has recorded list of members from the four cardinal points of Africa as well as Africans in Diaspora is a strong indication of commitment to practically give Africa a boost in the comity of nations.

The platform also display the essence of African culture, language and territorial unity expressed at the social village tagged The Team Africa members.

From left; Area Manager, South West Africa, IATA and Bernard Bankole, National President, National Associations of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) , during a courtesy visit by NANTA to IATA office, Lagos on Tuesday.

NANTA, IATA meet to strengthen travel business in Nigeria Stories By ’Wale Olapade

I

N a bid to proffer solutions to current crisis in the Nigeria travel sector, The new executive members of National Associations of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has met with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to strengthen business operations of members.

This was disclosed at a meeting between the NANTA and IATA, when the former paid a courtesy visit on the latter’s office at the Murtala International Airport, Lagos on Tuesday, were in attendance at the meeting from NANATA; the National President, Mr Bernard Bankole and executive secretary, Olobor Osaro Sylvester, from IATA; area manager, South West Africa, Samson Fatokun and Aviation Industry Analyst, South West Africa, Ifeyinwa Ukpaka, respectively.

Speaking at the meeting, the NANTA president said the focus of the visit was to establish better relationship with the management of IATA and to also work out ways of giving NANTA’s members the rights they deserve when it comes to business.

“We also want to tell you that we are interested in visiting the regional office of IATA at Amman because there are certain things

we have seen that we believe the people at the head office will be at a better position to explain to us.”

He complained about the current crisis between the travel agents and the airlines, which he said drastic decision taken by the airlines is detrimental to the travel agents, which he described as unhealthy for the travel business.

Bankole explained that there is solution to every challenge and if such arises, the next point of action is a roundtable discussion to put things at the right perspective, than the airlines take a unilateral decision.

NANTA as a an organised body for the travel agencies needs to be given a sense of belonging and

in a time of crisis, others allied in the industry should see NANTA as partners in progress not enemies.

In his response, the IATA, Area Manager, South West Africa, Mr Fatokun lauded the step taken by NANTA to visit IATA. According to him, ”NANTA’s visit falls within the IATA’s human touch move to give the best services to our partners in business.

“What IATA is concentrating on at present is cooperating with our partners in business, by creating a cordial business environment with agents to foster good relationships, which we call working with human touch.

“We assured our partners of prompt services and tried by all

standards to fight for them at all times.

“We want the new NANTA to minimise conflict which can be achieved by close meetings with parties at any time there is crisis in the sector.”

Fatokun explained that in the travel business, IATA can be said to be at the middle, between the airlines and the travel agencies, adding that their role is to make sure that every partner in the sector have a level playing ground for a win-win deal.

Fatokun promised IATA’s absolute support for NANTA in seeing that their new vision is successful, addings that it is when NANTA succeed that they also benefit from the sector.

ICAO certifies Ethiopian Aviation Academy as regional training centre THE largest and most modern aviation academy in Africa, Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA), has been recognised as Regional Training Centre of Excellence at the just concluded ICAO’s Global Aviation Training and Trainair Plus symposium held at Conrad hotel in Seoul, Korea.

The Ethiopian Airlines’ aviation academy was announced following a rigorous assessment of its training and procedures manuals, facilities, training processes, quali-

fication of staff and quality system.

By its certification, it authorised Ethiopian to develop and host ICAO Training Packages (ITPs) in addition to ICAO Standardised Training Packages (STPs). Moreover, besides improving the quality of training by making it more of material than instructor dependent, the ITPs and STPs can also be exchanged with all ICAO Trainair Plus members and generate revenue.

According to Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, “We believe education is the greatest equaliser in the 21st century and our aviation academy has strategically positioned itself to train the African youth in the latest aviation technology and skills, to own, manage and operate their own indigenous home grown African Airlines to lead safe, economical and reliable aviation industry with global standards.”

Calabar ICC set to host Obasanjo, Dangote, Ayade, Mwencha, others at APRA 2016 THE African Public Relations Association (APRA) Annual Conference scheduled to hold at the Calabar International Convention Centre, Calabar will host an array of speakers, including the Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Erastus Mwencha, Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko

Dangote, and the Governor of Cross Rivers State, Professor Ben Ayade.

Other personalities expected are Bart de Vries, the President of International Public Relations Association (IPRA), Maxim Behar, President International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) and five major PR networks namely; Web er Shandwick, Fleishman Hilliard, Hill

& Knowton, Grayling and Burson Marsteller.

Other speakers include Robyn de Villiers, Chairman and CEO of Burson Marsteller Africa who has well over 25 years of strategic communications experience advising clients across multiple sectors including privately-owned companies to multinationals, Non governmental Organisation and government bodies.

kassie Yimam, head Training Solution, Ethiopian Aviation Academy (left) recieving certificate at the ICAO Global Aviation Training and Trainair Plus Symposium in Seoul, Korea, recently.

23

Friday, 20 May, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor tai_adis@yahoo.com

Modu-Sheriff

Gana

Wike

Emmanuel

Issues as PDP goes to convention

LEON USIGBE highlights the daunting issues confronting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as it heads into its national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, tomorrow.

B

ARRING further unforeseen circumstances, Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, will be agog tomorrow, hosting politicians that will arrive from all parts of the country for the make or mar national convention of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The stage is set and the state is rolling out the red carpet as the governor, Nyesom Wike, has undertaken to produce a national event like no other that will truly put the former ruling party on the path to rebound from the disappointment of the 2015 election loss.

But there have been obstacles towards the realisation of that lofty dream. The PDP has been a house divided and at war with itself ever since it was shown the way out of power last year. First, there was the question of whether the deputy national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, could occupy the position of acting national chairman of the party indefinitely following the resignation of the former national chairman, Dr Adamu Mu’azu. The position had been zoned to the North-East, yet Secondus

from the South South showed no inclination towards vacating the seat, until a court order obtained by Dr Ahmed Gulak, threw spanner in the works.

The former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters is from the North East and justifiably laid claim to the post.

He convinced the court and got the order to push out Secondus from the position of the acting national chairman in order to clear the way for a North-East politician to fill to slot. He did not stop there. When Secondus procrastinated, Gulak moved into the

Wadata Plaza, Abuja national secretariat of the party and sought to seize the national chairmanship seat by force, believing that as a PDP politician from the North-East who dragged the party before the court over the issue, he should be the man for the top job. This set the party organs into overdrive.

The National Caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the highest decision-making body of the party, the National Executive Committee (NEC), hurriedly summoned meetings to tackle what seemed like the lat-

Sheriff has faced stiff opposition from the word go and some observers believe that it was not an internal opposition but something engineered from outside.

est existential threat to the survival of the party. They all agreed to call for the nomination of candidates from the states of the North-East. A lot of people showed interest and many went through elections at the zonal level but were all ignored on the ground that there was no consensus among the North-East politicians and instead, the party went for the choice of the state governors elected under the PDP. Sheriff as an outsider The governors went for an outsider, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, against core party men like Senator Sa’idu Kumo, Wilberforce Juta, Mohammed Wakil, Bala Mohammed, Lawan Gigir, Shehu Musa Gabam, as well as Nuhu Ribadu, who all vied for the post.

NEC ratified the choice of Sheriff but ever since that occurred, the PDP has known no peace. The BoT in particular, resisted the choice of Sheriff but the advisory body soon caved in.

In order to assuage the feelings of those against the emergence of the former Borno Continues on pg24

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politics&policy

Friday, 20 May, 2016

The conspiracy theory Continued from pg 23

State governor as the new party boss, its organs had decided that he should only serve out the North-East tenure by last March. But they soon turned around to extend it to the May 21 national convention. Sheriff consequently set up a zoning committee led by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.

The committee got mired in controversy, as a section of the party suspected that it was working according to the dictates of special interests that wanted the post retained in the North and, by extension, keeping Sheriff in office until the next general election in 2019.

The skeptics were right. Not only did the committee zoneed the post of the national chairman to the north, it made sure that it is the North-East geo-political zone where Sheriff belongs that should have it. This essentially gave him the right of first refusal whenever it is time to select the candidate for the post from the zone. The North-East zonal congress has since endorsed him as the sole candidate for the zone. Unless he declines to present himself for the post at the national convention in Port Harcourt, he will become automatically re-elected as the party boss.

Factions But this has turned out to be a bitter pill for many important persons in the party, including some of its founding fathers who have found it a bitter pill to swallow. They are spoiling for a long fight. Former Minister of Information and one-time secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Professor Jerry Gana, has made himself the arrowhead of the internal party opposition to Sheriff’s perceived desire to remain in office beyond the May 21 national convention.

The Concerned PDP Stakeholders have constituted themselves into a faction of the party. They raised and inaugurated a large steering committee and purportedly handed the running of the party affairs to it. Former deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, heads it, which translates into him being the national chairman of the party if the group gets its wish. This will be reminiscent of the attempt by Gulak to wrest control of the party from Secondus before the coming of Sheriff. The Concerned PDP Stakeholders have also inaugurated contact persons for all the states of the federation and Abuja and have announced that they would be having a parallel national convention in the Federal Capital simultaneously with the Port Harcourt exercise. They did not conduct ward, local government, state and zonal congresses as the Sheriff faction did. So, how they picked their delegates for the Abuja convention is not known.

Separate front The national secretary of the PDP, Professor Olawale Oladipo and the national auditor, Alhaji Adewale Adeyanju, have opened up a separate front in the party crisis. They attempted to stop the South-West zonal congress of the PDP by taking delivery of a purported court order stopping the exercise. Sheriff had already directed that the congress should hold and had dispatched the necessary officials and materials to the zone before the arrival of the court order.

While he insisted that the congress should hold because he had not seen the court order stopping it, both Oladipo and Adeyanju wanted it aborted. It went ahead anyway with the support of Governors Ayo Fayose and Olusegun Mimiko of Ekiti and Ondo states, respectively.

Apparently working in tandem with self-styled SouthWest PDP leader, Senator Buruji Kashamu, the two national officers from the South-West approached a Lagos High Court and obtained another order restraining the party from conducting elections into the offices they occupy. They were motivated by the fact that having been elected in 2013, their four-year tenure would be cut short by a new election in May. But they listed the national chairman of the party as one of the plaintiffs in the case which went against the desire of Sheriff to be returned as chairman in the scheduled convention. Sheriff has since disowned the case. The convention will go a ahead. But what becomes of the two national south west officers is still unclear.

Conspiracy theory Sheriff has faced stiff opposition from the word go and some observers believe that it was not an internal opposi-

Ike Ekweremadu

Gov Hassan Dankwanbo

Godswill Akpabio

It will therefore be hoping that the exercise will open up a new era to make it a better and more formidable opposition as it begins the process of rebuilding towards the 2019

tion but something engineered from outside, perhaps by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in order to cripple the opposition. Some have seen tactics similar to the ones employed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to crush his political enemies and think that President Muhammadu Buhari may have bought into it. Judging by the travail of the party spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh and now, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, there may be reasonable grounds for such suspicion.

Metuh was a vocal critic of the administration who pulled all stunts to put it on its toes. Ditto, Fani-Kayode. But both vociferous voices have now been silenced. Sheriff himself was tarred with Boko Haram toga. He has apparently been able to shake off the sentiments but is now confronted with more daunting challenges, including that of division within the party.

Many party members are of the view that agents of the APC have infiltrated the party, having recognised the determination of the new national chairman to rebuild it into a formidable force that can reclaim power in 2019. He is wealthy, fearless and with vast contact in the North which is the trouble zone for the PDP. If Sheriff can regain the trust and confidence of the North for the party as he is trying to do, it may make the APC a one-term administration.

That is one thing the ruling party cannot stand. It is therefore believed to have dispatched agents of destabilisation into the PDP fold to prevent it from regaining its bearing.

However, there are those who allege that Sheriff himself is that agent of the opposition, an undertaker sent into finally bury the PDP. Except for a short period, he had been an opponent of the PDP from its inception. He was elected twice as governor of Borno State under the All Nigeria, Peoples Party (ANPP) which is one of the legacy parties that formed the APC. Having been unable to secure necessary accommodation within the APC, he decamped to the PDP. But many now say that even though he professes PDP’s ideals in the open, he is indeed in the party to press home the APC’s agenda. There is nothing as yet to back up this assertion.

The Port Harcourt convention He will lead the party delegates into the Sharks Stadium venue of the convention this Saturday with an eye on what will be happening at the parallel event in Abuja. In order to have a peaceful event, the party organs have been meeting in the last few days culminating in its NEC meeting which took place on Tuesday. The national caucus and the BoT worked overtime to resolve the contending issues that threatened the smooth conduct of the convention and the future of the party, including the proposed amendment to its constitution and the disputed congresses in parts of the country.

Agreement was reached on these, as well as the need to put to a resolution of the national convention on the zoning of the presidential candidate of the party to the North in 2019.

The ratification of the matter by the convention is needed to make it official. There was also an agreement on the need for Sheriff to step down in 2018 to allow for the emergence of the presidential candidate from the North as both the standard bearer and then national chairman cannot be from the same zone.

Trying to curry the favour of party henchmen, this was how Sheriff put it during the NEC meeting: “The issue of the Constitution amendment at the Convention has been dropped for now. Secondly, a resolution will be passed at the Convention that the presidency has been zoned to the north come 2019 and the issue of the congresses will be revisited based on complaints we have been receiving from members.

“The Appeal committees had met and had discovered some genuine cases. The leaders of the party will sit and find amicable solutions to the problems. The party is dynamic and you have to listen all shades of opinions. We must have a united family before going for the Convention proper.

The amendment of the party’s constitution will be put aside completely. In fact, when the issue was put forward, I was not the chairman. So, whatever it is agreed upon, I have no objection. I have not even seen a copy of the proposed amendment but as a leader, you have to take responsibility.”

Despite the division which Sheriff is confident would be overcome, as the PDP flags off its national convention in Port Harcourt, it will therefore be hoping that the exercise will open up a new era to make it a better and more formidable opposition as it begins the process of rebuilding towards the 2019 general elections.

25

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politics&politics

OR most members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spread across the country, the raging power tussle among the top shots is an unnecessary detraction. This is because of the leaders what ought to be uppermost in the minds of the leaders ought to be the need to achieve totatl reconciliation and healing of the wound occasioned by the not-too-impressive performance of the PDP in the 2015 general election.

But it seems the effort of the Senator Ike Ekweremadu-led Committee on Reconciliation set by the party only achieved a salutary impact and success. The fallout of the congresses conducted by the PDP at different levels in the last few weeks confirmed the apprehension among many party faithful that a lot still needs to be done to repair the umbrella. Almost all the six zonal chapters of the party had one or two issues at the end of all the congresses.

Suffice to say that the eminent crack manifested in the rainbow coalition formed by a number of Concerned Stakeholders that has scheduled a parallel national convention tomorrow in Abuja. Therefore, the one in Abuja and the one taking place in Port Harcourt will be parading eminent leaders of the party, who have separated by differences that bother on the quest to capture the soul of PDP. So, the unity of purpose among delegates to convention will be an issue, something that had bothered the leaders of the party across the zones before and after the zonal congresses held last Saturday.

For each of the zones, the stakes are high as far as the convention is concerned.

It is particularly so for some because of the discordant tunes among its frontline members. For instance, many had thought the the South West zonal congress held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, would be suspended, following an order of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, restraining the party and its officials from going ahead. The leadership of the party in the zone went ahead with the congress which had since produced officials who will represent the interest of the party for the next four years. This, some political analysts said, was like a a repeat of what happened in the zone where a former governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni - led executive was sacked because of executive lawlessness and disobedience to a valid court order.

Prior to last Saturday’s congress, the South-West Secretary of the party, Pegba Otemolu, who was said to have sympathy for another faction of the party in the zone, had filed a suit praying for the suspension of the congress, hinging his prayer on the need for the present executive in the zone to complete their tenure at the helms of affairs. Otemolu said it was wrong for the party and its national officers to contemplate organizing a zonal congress for the zone, explaining that the Zonal Executive Committee members elected on October 11, 2014 to steer the affairs of the party for four years were still in office while their tenure ends on October, 2018.

The national secretary of the party, Professor Wale Oladipo confirmed the receipt of an order from the Lagos Federal High Court which suspended the congress, pending the outcome of the suit instituted

by Otemolu.”As the National Secretary of the party, and Adewole Adeyanju, the National Auditor, who are the two representatives of the zone, want to tell you that the party has decided to abide by the order,” but said the order would not affect the party’s National Convention scheduled for May 21st.

That notwithstanding, leaders, chieftains and members of the PDP in the zone converged on Akure for the zonal congress

Friday, 20 May, 2016

...As Mimiko, Fayose lead S’West delegates Against the backdrop of the sharp division in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), HKEEM GBADAMOSI examines the preparedness of delegates from the South-West chapter of the party to its national convention taking place tomorrow.

Mimiko where Chief Eddy Olafeso emerged as the new South West national vice chairman. The state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko,used the occasion to prepare the minds of other party members for the national convention. He hammered on the need for unity in the party in the zone and

How far can the SouthWest PDP leaders go in rekindling hope that PDP will regain its glory as the main opposition party in the zone and create an upset in subsequent general election?

Fayose at the national. His words: “The PDP has a bright future in this country, but our actions and inactions will determine the future of our party in Nigeria. We must therefore stand for integrity as a party with history of integrity and progressivism.”

Mimiko, who doubles as the chairman of PDP Governors Forum, averred that “the truth which we stand for will vindicate us in PDP in the South-West region. Governor Ayo Fayose and I are working for the progress of the party in the South West and we shall continue to do that.” He however iterated that “the extent at which we stand up for the truth will determine the future of our party,” just Fayose also mentioned the need for unity, discipline and personal sacrifice for collective progress among members of the party in the South West, urging all members to work towards the victory of the party in the 2019 Presidential election.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti state governor has declared that he was not opposed to any set of leaders in the PDP from the zone.

In fact, he said there was iota of truth that he was working against the interest of PDP elders. He said: “I love our elderly people.

But the elders should play the roles of advisers and allow the young generation to

take over. This is in line with my stance against Buhari, who is too old to rule Nigeria.”

Fayose however, cautioned the judiciary to be wary of those politicians with propensity to win elections through the court and not through election. Also, the PDP chairman of Ogun State, Honourable Olawale Ogundele stressed the need for trhe delegates and indeed all PDP members from the zone to always work together as one big family.

The occasion was supervised by a team led by a former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Celestine Omehia as chairman and superintended the election of the former Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Olafeso as the new zonal chairman of the party. The other new officers are: Reverend Bunmi Jenyo (Osun) as Secretary, Hon Wasiu Bankere (Ogun) as Organizing Secretary, Hon. Femi Adetola (Oyo) as Youth Leader, Mrs Ajigbeda Oshunleke (Ogun) as Women Leader, Hon Abiola Makinde, (Ondo) as Publicity Secretary, Chief Aifoji (Lagos) as Financial Secretary, Hon. Aminu Gbenga Ogundele (Oyo) as Auditor and the Legal Adviser Mr Sunday Ojo-Williams (Osun). The new treasurer for the zone is Adeola Oguntinde.

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politicscommentary

Friday, 20 May, 2016

Time to pause on the petrol crisis

By Rotimi Akinbinu

O

‘N Wednesday 11th May, 2016, the authorities announced the removal of ‘subsidy’ and application of a price cap for PMS at N145/L. This has been painted in the light of deregulation and the advantages of this policy in the not-distant years have been brought to fore in support of this claim.

Inefficient monitoring, political indecision and leveraging on loopholes within the subsidy campaign made it a lucrative venture for individuals and corporations to claim subsidy for product not brought to the country and even to divert it for sale in other neighbouring countries after reception of subsidy money. Thus, in 2011, the daily consumption of PMS was 60.25 million litres and 39.79 million litres in 2012 when measures were put to check the loopholes. A whooping difference of over 20.5 million litres subsidised daily for 365 days and no one visibly got punished for that. So this brought the trust issues and sacred yam eaters position of some people who became opposed to removal of subsidy even when it became glaring that deregulation and subsidy proscription was the way to go.

By the mid-2014, the national revenue from sales of crude began to plummet to its ever low by late 2015 and early ’16. This meant reduced petrodollars to cater for the imbalance of international trade, with resultant massive tilt towards importation. This grossly affected the country’s balance of Forex ability and immensely depleted the foreign reserves, till the Central Bank of Nigeria pegged the exchange rate at average of N198 per dollar and also limited the availability of the CBN dollars to certain commodities.

We must be reminded that trade within the country is so dependent on availability of the dollar because most of our national consumption only reaches us after scaling through some form of foreign exchange deals. The major importers and businessmen then invaded the black-markets and Bureau De Change for Dollars. The invasion also reached a dimension unrivalled in history, demand overwhelming the supply and thence the upshot of prices of the dollar. Meanwhile, the dollar remained ‘happily stagnant’ for the government alone to transact its businesses.

Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum

This brought about a massive increase in commodityprices in response to the hiking black-market dollar prices. The local market became less affording of the imported commodities and then the effective demand crashed.

Many businessmen and importers, who could no longer continue in the business, had to withdraw from the dollar demand. With the reduced demands, the dollar prices again crashed to the present average level or N330 per dollar which we find it as at today, early May 2016.

How has this affected petroleum? As mentioned earlier, the country’s 40 million litres per day is completed by the half supply by the private importers, who sell to other marketers in the country and also at their own filling stations nationwide at expected price dictated by the NNPC (via the PPPRA). The Herculean nature of assessing the dollar made it less lucrative for the importers to buy PMS at very expensive prices due to black market dollar rates and still sell at compulsory fixed prices. Thus, many im-

porters withdrew from importation and the country fell at the knees of the 20M liters provided by the NNPC, and hence the low supply again heralded the scarcity, fuel hike and hardship that followed. This is just to summarize the befalling circumstances.

With the cessation of ‘subsidy’ and commencement of ‘deregulation’, the pump price is also at a ceiling of N145 and the Ministry of Petroleum promising a fall in prices within the next six months. The Minster of State also goes on to state that the NNPC would continue to provide her own quota of the oil demands and other ‘capable’ importers would be encouraged to import the remaining half. It is of note that the NNPC would assess its dollars at N198 per liter, while the other ‘capable’ importers would assess at the black-market fickle average of N330 per $. This already creates an imbalance and unfairness in the market. This means that while the NNPC might make all its profits (even at supernormal proportions) at N135/L, the other filling stations would definitely struggle to break even at N145/L if not now, in the nearest future due to the immense disparity in their assessable dollar rates. It is of note that with this stance of the CBN and NNPC, black-market forex trade which is not encouraged world-over, has now become the official respite of the major drivers of the economy.

As described earlier, the black-market dollar rates are dependent on the demands thereof. As it crashed when demands for dollar crashed out, it is imminent to rise when the importers bombard the blackmarket with their billions of dollar demands to purchase PMS. What would probably happen is the upsurge of parallel Fx rates to maybe N500 per dollar or more while the NNPC enjoys her insulated rates of $198 per dollar. This would also mean the filling stations in bid to break even would have to sell above N145 in the coming future while the NNPC sells for less than or at N145 per litre. Consumers would then prefer to queue at NNPC stations for hours to get PMS rather than at the other filling stations selling at higher to make marginal profits. In essence, the competition created would be between all the private filling stations and the NNPC. Dr Akinbinu wrote in via rotimiakinbinu@ gmail.com

Okonjo-Iweala and the media war

By Undung Pam THE Nigerian political environment is largely toxic and not many who have served as public officers, especially in positions of authority and influence, come out without a stain on their reputation. The institutional weaknesses, social and political pressures push many people with little or no integrity to abuse their offices, loot public funds and indulge in all manner of corrupt acts. The truth, however is, that there are exceptions. And it will be totally unfair to this scarce breed – which includes the internationally celebrated former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala—if Nigerians fail to acknowledge their exemplary conduct and celebrate them as national models of integrity. No country makes concrete ethical progress in the area of youth mentorship, building a culture of discipline and ethics when it fails to recognise and celebrate those who against all odds displayed a strong sense of principle, integrity and personal discipline.

Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance under the Jonathan administration, represents for me and many objective Nigerians a good example of someone who made such strategic impact on our polity, rode against the tide of supposedly ‘normal’ conduct and maintained an impregnable integrity in a very tough and challenging Nigerian political environment. Her choice as a point of reference for this rare breed of incorruptible Nigerians is apt because as Finance Minister for over ten years under the administration of Obasanjo Jonathan, Okonjo-Iweala occupied a very influential office but refused to corruptly enrich herself, while constantly battling those who wanted to compromise her and loot the treasury. This is a fact.

The governors who served during those periods whom she related with and assessed their loan requests; the National Assembly Finance Committee Members – in the House and Senate – know full well that she was a unique Minister of Finance. They may not come out to attest to this publicly, but in their hearts they know that OkonjoIweala was a straight shooter who did not tolerate any underhand dealings.

And this is why I consider as plain daylight evil, the attempts by some persons who cannot match her at the level of integrity, people whom she blocked from looting public funds but now have some kind of cover in the new government are leveraging on the general public perception of political appointees as corrupt, distorting facts to paint her as the complete opposite of who she truly is. Nigerians must never give into this blackmail and the President Muhammadu Buhari should know that beyond the media spin, the series of attacks being hurled at her by the likes of Oshiomhole are part of this grand scheme to get back at the former Minister for her tough stance against corruption. And the media war against her is not going to abate anytime soon. If anything, it will become even more strident. The speed, consistency and recurring arguments indicate that this is a well thought-out and funded campaign that is being strategically played out to diminish her rising international profile.

Before the price fall, the Nigerian economy was getting good ratings as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The country would have fared better in spite of the oil crisis if those same people who are attacking her had heeded her advice to save and not resorted to constitutional legality to frustrate her. Remember, we went through this type of situation 2008 without feeling the pinch simply because we had over $28bn in the ECA as a buffer to see us through. When Okonjo-Iweala came back again in 2011, she met less than $3bn in the ECA and built it up to $9bn. This figure was reduced to $3bn by the time the oil price fall set simply because the governors insisted through a case against the Federal Government that the monies be shared. Opportunistic political rhetoric should not replace historical facts.

First she left an economy that has been institutionally strengthened to grow in the most impactful and all inconclusive manner. Before now growth was largely driven by the oil & gas sector. This sort of growth was not inclusive and could not generate sufficient jobs. It is to her credit today that we have the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) to ignite growth of the housing sector and

Okonjo-Iweala

the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to also stimulate the growth of small businesses. While the NMRC – a public but private sector led company - is set to grow the mortgage/housing market by providing up to 20 year mortgages at affordable rates to Nigerians, the Development Bank of Nigeria, also a public but private sector led bank will stimulate the growth of small businesses by providing up to ten year loans at rates that are far below what currently obtains in the commercial lending market today. It is also to her credit that the country now has the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

Pam, a social commentator, is based in Jos, Plateau State.

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Friday, 20 May, 2016

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

Seyi Banigbe is the Chief Executive Officer of Brand2Glam, a jewellery collection which she runs in partnership with award -winning musician, Yemi-Alade. She is also the director of the Get Mented Initiative, a nongovernmental organisation, which mentors both young and old women on various life issues. In this interview

by JOAN OMIONAWELE, Seyi who is also a lawyer, talks about mentoring women, managing her career, among other issues.

Women are great multitaskers, being a mother has thought me that there is something God has put in women when it comes to multitasking, I will carry the baby and have a conversation on the phone, while I’m also cooking, but you find out that men will say ‘can I finish this thing first before you talk to me about issue?’

W

HAT inspired the Get Mented initiative?

These days, we find women who aspire to do things, but do not know how to move from where they are to where they want to be.

We also find a lot of women in Nigeria who don’t even know that they can dream and how far they can dream, they don’t know that they can be achievers and what we are looking to achieve is the ability to showcase what we have. We are not stopping there, we are giving them the ability to Get Mented by achievers and mentors who have made significant progress in their chosen fields and I am so sure there are so many Nigerian women out there that need this sort of platform, in order to connect to the next generation, or some other women who need to know that some other women have done it and learn how to achieve it.

Who are your sponsors and beneficiaries?

We make our money from proceeds from our jewellery collection, which we run with popular musician, Yemi Alade, as well as proceeds gotten from man-to-man who are supportive of the Get Mented Initiative.

We are not so interested in seeing their faces, but once they network with us, they communicate with us and we get to actually hear peoples’ hearts, and with their phones they can talk to us via chats and Emails and so, whatever kind of woman (liberated or in-bondage) one doesn’t have to leave her home.

Is this initiative borne out of a personal experience, where you wanted to take some steps but didn’t have the confidence to…..

Well, there were times in my life that I wanted to take significant steps and I actually sat back and asked if there was any woman I could read up on or give a phone call, because all the people I saw making waves, were men, then began to give a thousand reasons why he should do it because he is a man and why I wouldn’t be able to do it because I am a woman. But

k n i h t t ’ n o d I ‘

d l r o w e this partial to

’ n e m wo

there is so much power in seeing another woman reach a height. It is discouraging when you don’t have people who have gone ahead of you.

You are also the director of the Brand2glam jewellery line, how do you hope to balance these with your home.

Women are great multitaskers, being a mother has thought me that there is something God has put in women when it comes to multitasking, I will carry the baby and have a conversation on the phone, while I’m also cooking, but you find out that men will say “can I finish this thing first

before you talk to me on any issue? Don’t blame them, that’s how men are wired, but we women are able to do many things at the same time, but I must not undermine the power of the team I work with including the Brand2glam empoyees and the Getmented initiative team, we all work together to achieve the organisation’s purpose.

What’s your background?

I’m a lawyer.

educational

So why did you delve into this initiative, despite being a lawyer?

I think Get-Mented has always been

borne out of my experience and passion. I have met so many women, both below and at the top of the spectrum, there is so much potential in them, but they undermine themselves, but deep down you wish they can stop being lazy.

These women don’t believe in themselves but a lot of inspiration comes from seeing someone that comes from the same underwear that you wear, the same clothes that you wear has done it, so you don’t have an excuse not to do it.

It is believed that we live in a patriarchal society, as the gender issue comes up each time a woman is involved Yes and this is also one of the reasons we came up with this initiative, because we believe that if women can become outstanding at whatever field or career they choose, they will be. You do not go into a hospital and start trying to find out if the doctor who will treat you is a man or a woman. All you will want to find out is if you are being treated by the best doctor on ground. So this is about us telling women to get up and be the best they can be, society will reckon with you if you are the best and if you are doing your job well.

I don’t think the world is partial to women, I think sometimes, women need to go out there and be the best, then people will have no choice but to reckon with them.

There is this belief that women are their worst enemies, do you believe in this?

I understand what they mean, but I do not agree, if it was true, then we will not come up with the Get-Mented, I have been supported by so many women including the award winning musician, Yemi Alade and she has provided immense support to the company.

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Friday, 20 May, 2016

heartcopy

Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724

Help! Save my son from this bondage

D

EAR Taiwo, I implore you and your numerous readers who are mothers who will surely understand my plight to please help me. I don’t know what to do and I have never seen a woman as devilish as my daughter– in-law.

Her effrontery scares me and I don’t know how to save my son from her claws, even if I could, where would he go or how would he start his life again? He has been reduced to less man and I wonder if his dignity is still intact.

When they started their relationship, I complained about her, but my son would not listen. In fact, at a level, I was branded a witch even by my own son and he actually asked me not to come to his house again.

They both attended the same higher institution and she became pregnant for my son during her second year in school. I can say that year was the toughest year we had, because when her parents found out she was pregnant, they made life miserable for my son and his entire family.

Despite the fact that they are very comfortable, her father insisted that since my son had impregnated her, she had become our responsibility. They knew that we were only comfortable, but not rich, but to the glory of God, we were able to see her through school and even to youth service.

The fact that we had to train the two of them through the university was a little heavy on our finances, coupled with the fact that we also had to be responsible for the new born baby. This led to the fact that my other children had to learn different trades and could not further their education. They all did not get pass secondary school.

My son realised this and the sacrifice his siblings made for him and was ready to help them but his wife would not allow him.

After his Youth Service, he secured a very good job, and after working for about two years he felt it was time to marry Bunmi properly. At this time, I had seen some signs that she would not make a good wife, I raised this issue with my husband and son, but they said there was nothing that could be done about it and if she were to be my own daughter, how would I feel, if the father of her baby refused to marry her?

I consented and started praying for my son, as there was nothing else I could do. She however began to show her true colour when I was asked to come over and help take care of the child she had immediately after they got married.

Can you believe that Bunmi would leave me in the house and go to work without food? She would lock the kitchen and store and instruct her cousin who lives with her not to give me food. Several times, I have had to eat the food meant for her cousin as the little girl out of pity would give her food to me.

Apart from this, she would also instruct the little girl not to allow me carry the baby. I really do not know why she hated me this much. I raised this issue with my son, but he pleaded with me to be patient for his sake, he then resolved to bringing food home for me after he must have dropped her in the office.

This was how I stayed till I went back to my house. During the time I was with them, I fell ill and I needed to go to the hospital, she refused to allow my son take me to his office clinic. Her refusal led to a big fight between them and if Sam my son had not stood his ground, I wouldn’t have received treatment at the clinic.

Her argument was that the facility they had at the hospital was meant for Sam and his nuclear family alone.

Imagine that, this was not a hospital they had to pay cash and it was my son’s company that would pay the bills.

After I left, any of my children who went to see their brother was sent back. At a level, Sam told his siblings to see him at the office and if any one of them had to sleep over, he would lodge them in the hotel.

When Sam’s immediate sibling wanted to get married, Bunmi caused a lot of problems because she said that

Image: google.com Sam footed all the bills, which was a lie any way. Few weeks after his younger brother’s wedding, Sam lost his job. Nobody thought anything of this. It took him time before he could get another job. Fortunately, he got a job outside Lagos and this gave his siblings a degree of freedom to see him. It was at this time that Sam started construction of his own house, he did not tell us until the project was almost completed and he pleaded that we should not allow Bunmi know that he told us.

She had no choice but to know that we knew about the house when we (my husband and I) had to visit them after they had moved in. She instructed her children not to greet us or even take any of the things we gave to them.

The most painful thing; however was that we met her own mother and two other siblings there. We learnt her mother was sick and she had been around for a while.

Sam, lost another job that very week that we visited them. Even at this level, no one thought of anything until it became a trend that any time Bunmi learnt that Sam did anything for his siblings, or his parents he would lose his job or something would happen to him.

At the count of the fifth job, I raised an alarm and my husband and I sort spiritual aid. It was then we learnt that Bunmi was responsible for what had been happen-

share a

burden

With Monica Taiwo

08055001724(sms only) monicataiwo@yahoo.com

My mother hates me!

DEAR Taiwo, I love my mummy, but she doesn’t love me. I am 16, in SS3. I don’t know why she doesn’t like me. I try my best to do things that will please her, but I cannot seem to please her. Please, what can I do?

Mary.

ing. As at then, Sam had almost become a recluse, living from her hand out. He would do the household chores and school runs while she went to work. He couldn’t do anything without asking her for money.

The saddest thing however was that they had to sell my son’s building to settle a bank debt that her father incurred before he died to avoid the bank taking over her father’s house in their home town. Can you imagine that? Yet my son saw nothing wrong in this.

It got to a stage that I had to confront Bunmi about her evil deed. I was shocked that she did not even try to deny it. She was bold enough to tell me that my son would remain that way until he learnt to be obedient to her. His offence however, is the fact that he insisted on taking care of his family after she had warned him to stop.

She now has three female children for my son, she had a son who died at birth and typically, I was accused of killing the baby. I never even knew she was pregnant as at that time. Most of the things she does are to her mother’s knowledge because she practically leaves with them.

Please, help me. Anybody who knows how I can save my son, kindly contact me through Monica Taiwo.

Anonymous.

Dear Mary, I wish you had expatiated more on the things you do which makes your mummy angry with you, then I would have been able to give you a personal counsel.

But as it is, I want you to know that whatever is happening between you and your mother is very normal. This is because you are at an age where you feel you want to be left alone to take your decisions and do things your way.

Your mother being an older person and having passed through this stage in life too will want you to do the right thing.

Please, do not see her action as if she hates or does not like you. I will advise that you take her counsel as she knows what is best for you.

You are free to get back to me if you are not satisfied with this, then you have to be more specific. Be good.

29

Friday, 20 May, 2016

Celebration as Prince Owolabi gives out daughter in marriage

By Tolu Olamiriki

The bride’s father, Prince Owolabi Emmanuel Adeniran (right); bride’s mother, Mrs Owolabi Modupe Aduni (left), with the newly wedded couple, Mr Sunday Idowu Chinedu and his wife, former Miss Oluwatosin Sijuwade Rachael (middle), at the ceremony held at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Iseologo Headquarters, Multiplication Centre, Ganiyu Bello, Felele, Ibadan, Oyo State.

PHOTOS: D’TOYIN

The newly wedded couple (middle), Oba Sikiru Ibiloye (right), Oba Samuel Oladoye Idowu (second right), Oba Rufus Ogunwole (second left) and Oba Oladapo Olagunoye (left).

LAST Saturday was another milestone in the history of Atobatele royal dynasty of Ora Igbomina, Ifedayo Local Government Area, Osun State, as Prince Owolabi Emmanuel Adediran, gave his daughter, Princess Oluwatosin Sijuwade Racheal (nee Owolabi) out in marriage to Mr Sunday Idowu Chinedu.

The well-attended wedding, attracted people from all walks of life including notable traditional rulers across the country, captains of industry, relations friends, colleagues, clerics as well as the media.

Among the traditional rulers that stormed the 500-capacity church auditorium of the Christ Apostolic Chruch, Oke Iselogo headquarters, Ganiyu Belle, Felele, Ibadan, were: Oba Samuel Oladoye Idowu, Akesin of Ora Igbomina, Osun State; Oba Sikiru Ibiloye, the Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Rufus Ogunwole,

The newly wedded couple (right) with the bride’s father signing the marriage register while the bride’s mother looks.

the Alagba of Aagba as well as Oba Oladapo Olagunoye, the Alie of Ilie.

Prince Owolabi, while thanking God for allowing him to witness the historic event, described his daughter as a disciplined, humble, contented, tolerant as well as amiable, adding that she never disappointed him and prayed for more of such celebrations.

The mother, Mrs Owolabi Modupe Aduni, described her daughter as a very peaceful child, adding that she was an example of humility that she was proud of.

Meanwhile, Mr Sunday Idowu Chinedu, has said that the day was the happiest day for him. He stated that his wife was the best friend he ever had in life, adding that she was very respectful, decent and tolerant. Oluwatosin described her husband as gentle, loving and kind, adding that the day was the most memorable day in her life.

The newly wedded couple, Mr and Mrs Sunday Idowu Chinedu.

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news

Friday, 20 May, 2016

Dasuki's military guards intact when house was searched —DSS Sunday Ejike-Abuja

T

HE ECOWAS Court in Abuja was, on Thursday, told that the security detail, including soldiers, attached to the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, had not been withdrawn by the Federal Government when his Asokoro residence in Abuja was searched over allegations of unlawful possession of arms barely 48 hours after he left office.

An operative of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), Mr Williams Obiora, confirmed to the court that a retinue of security agents, mainly soldiers, was still in the house of the Ex-NSA guarding him when the DSS stormed the house in search of weapons.

Obiora said: “We got to the residence on the said date to discover that there were soldiers who guarded him in the house. Efforts to serve him a search warrant was resisted by the soldiers, as they claimed that they couldn't access him.

So, we contacted our office

which liaised with the military authority who advised the soldiers to allow us in, because we were there legally. Eventually, we had access to the house and we executed the search.”

Led in evidence by the Federal Government lawyer, Mr Damian Agbe, to justify Dasuki’s detention

since December 2015, Obiora told the regional court that Dasuki was arrested and kept in custody for two reasons.

On whether Dasuki requested DSS for protection, Obiora said he was not aware as to whether Dasuki made any such request. “He does not need

to make a request before we give him protection if his life is in danger, and we owe him a responsibility to ensure he suffers no harm.”

Pressed further, Obiora also agreed that Dasuki's detention was not pursuant to any judicial proceedings.

Dasuki’s lawyer, Roberts Emukperuo, however, said there was no need keeping Dasuki in protective custody because he never requested protection from the DSS or anybody.

Dasuki’s counsel, however, tendered an affidavit by the DSS confirming that as of August 24, 2015, the

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh (middle); Mission Director, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nigeria, Michael Harvey (left) and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources, ECOWAS Commission, Mr Tchambakou Ayassor, at the second annual West Africa fertiliser stakeholders' forum, held in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

Orubebe did not declare all his assets, witness tells CCT Sunday Ejike-Abuja

THE first prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, on Thursday, told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting Abuja that the former minister did not declare his assets fully while in office.

The Federal Government is prosecuting Orubebe on a one-count charge bordering on false assets declaration, a charge to which the former minister pleaded not guilty to.

At the resumed trial on Thursday, the prosecution witness, Samuel Madojemu, told the tribunal under cross examination by Orubebe's counsel, Larry Selekowei, that the former minister failed to declare his property located at Plot 2057, Asokoro District, in Abuja, while in office between 2007 and 2011.

The witness, who is head of investigation with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) said Orubebe was invited and promised to send his lawyer or come to the Bureau to clear himself which he never did.

He told the Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar-led twomember panel tribunal that he was not sure if the Bureau wrote to Orubebe, but that he called the former minister personally.

When asked if there was any print-out of the conversation between him and

the defendant, he said it was not necessary in the case.

Madojemu also said the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the said property was collected by one Engineer Rody, on behalf of Orubebe, and added, however that, there was no documentary evidence of application for land, letter of offer, acceptance letter or petition.

When asked if eventually Orubebe was cleared that the property was a gift

from the Federal Government, would he have still dragged him before the tribunal? He answered in affirmative.

After the cross examination, prosecution counsel and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mohammed Diri, urged the tribunal for a short adjournment which was granted.

The witness, had earlier in his evidence, said Orubebe submitted five asset declaration forms to CCB

between 2007 and 2011 within the period he served as minister, the first, as Minister of Special Duties under the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’adua, and later as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs up till 2011, under the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration.

Madojemu also said the C of O of the property obtained from the land registry of the Federal Capital Territory Administration

(FCTA) showed that it was issued to Orubebe on April 10, 2011 but that he failed to declare it as of the time of leaving office on May 29, 2011.

The witness, who was led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Federation, Mohammed Diri, said Orubebe refused to honour invitation by the Bureau during the investigation of an intelligence report obtained concerning him.

Cash crunch: NYSC postpones orientation indefinitely Adetoal Bademosi-Abuja

THE 2016 Batch 'A' Stream II orientation course for prospective corps members has been postponed indefinitely by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

It said the postponement was due to logistic reasons.

Speaking in a telephone interview with the Nigerian Tribune, in Abuja, on Thursday, the Head of Press Unit, Mrs Abosede Aderibigbe, confirmed the development.

Aderibigbe, who did not give a likely date for the commencement of the orientation, said this would be communicated on a later date.

She said: “It has been postponed tentatively for logistic reasons indefinitely. But the new date will be communicated to you later.”

The orientation course was supposed to commence on May 21 and end

by June 6, 2016.

The NYSC DirectorGeneral, Brigadier General Zakari Kazaure, had on Monday, before the Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development, stated that unless the Fed-

eral Government provided immediate intervention, it might not be able to mobilise the next set of prospective corps members.

He said this was due to lack of funds, as the scheme witnessed shortfalls in its allocation in the 2016 Budget.

According to him, sev-

eral letters were written to the Minister of Youths and Development, Mr Solomon Dalung, and the Presidency for a bailout without results.

He said: “We cannot mobilise them to camp this week because of inadequate funding to meet our request.”

Oba of Kabba not dead —Council member PRINCE Johnson Arokoyo, a legal practitioner and member of the Obaro Traditional Council in Kogi, has dismissed rumours of the death of the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olobayo.

Arokoyo, who spoke on behalf of the council, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday, in Lokoja, that the Obaro ``is hale and

hearty.’’

He, however, acknowledged that the Obaro was “a little bit ill” but not dead.

Arokoyo described those spreading the rumour as malicious and mischievous, who did not want the peace and prosperity of Kabba kingdom.

According to him, he had met and discussed with the Oba on Wednesday, May

18, over issues affecting the community.

“If the Obaro was really dead, won't we, the council of chiefs and families, have notified the state and local government?’’

Arokoyo assured that the Oba would soon return after his treatment, adding that the date for the return would be communicated to the entire community soon.

DSS had completed the investigation, querying that “if it had been concluded, there was no need re-arresting him?”

However, Emukperuo said the oral evidence given by the defence were mostly at variance with the documents filed before the court.

Emukperuo further averred that the evidence of Obiora alluded to only two reasons the applicant was detained. “He did not mention national security.

He said for his own safety and so that he won't escape. He didn't cite national security concerns. So, the evidence of Obiora did not support the statement of defence, because they are at variance,” he added.

Having listened to submissions by both parties, the presiding judge, Justice Friday Nwoke, fixed judgment for June 29, 2016.

Dasuki had dragged the Federal Government before the regional court claiming that his fundamental right to freedom of liberty was being trampled upon by his detention since December 2015 without trial.

The Ex-NSA prayed the ECOWAS court to order his immediate release and also a payment of N500million as compensatory damages for his unlawful detention and seizure of property.

Dasukigate: 'No plan to implicate Jonathan' Ayomide Owonibi OdekanyinLagos

FOLLOWING claims of unlawful arrest, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, faulted claims of the cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Azibaola Robert, that he is being pressurised by the agency to implicate the ex-president in the alleged diversion of $40 million.

The agency, in a counter affidavit opposing the suit filed by Robert before the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking for an order of the court to release him from the custody of the commission, revealed why the suspect was still in their detention.

The anti-graft agency also denied any plot to implicate Jonathan in the alleged fraud that his cousin is being investigated for.

Robert is currently under investigation over an alleged diversion of $40 million through One-Plus Holdings and a sister company, Kakatar Con­ struction Limited.

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CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 20 May, 2016 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Racheal Akanni Aduke now FAGBOHUN RACHEAL ADUKE. All former documents remain valid. Orire L.G., Ikoyi Ile, Union Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, OMOLAYOLE OLUWADAMILOLA

I, formerly Adebayo Iyabo now FALEYE BOSEDE CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Ishadare Oluwagbenga, Osadare Kayode Gbenga and Osadare Gbenga Segun now KAYODE GBENGA VICTOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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RICHARD am the same person as OMOLAYOLE documents

DAMILOLA.

bearing

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All names

remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Bamidele Victoria Olubunmi now MRS. GBADAMOSI VICTORIA OLUBUNMI. Not Mrs Gbadamosi Olubunmi Victoria. All former documents remain valid.

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I, Ayansoga Kehinde Ige Olayemi am same person as Ayansoga Kehinde Olayemi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AYANSOGA KEHINDE IGE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc., UBA Plc., and general public take note.

I, Mrs. Sakirat Olaide Oyelade am the same person bearing Mrs. Adenike Ajike Oyelade. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as MRS. ADENIKE AJIKE OYELADE. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., Access Bank Plc., and general public take note.

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Authorities concerned and general public take note

This is to confirm that Izuakor Daniel Onyebuchi and Izuakor Ejike Onyebuchi refer to one and same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as IZUAKOR EJIKE ONYEBUCHI. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Banks and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Elegbede Shakirat Ajoke now MRS KENNETH SHAKIRAT ELEGBEDE. All former documents remain valid.

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I, Toyin Adeosun am the same person bearing Toyin Adeola Ogundeji. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as TOYIN ADEOLA OGUNDEJI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Access Bank Plc, and general public take note.

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Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEPOJU ISIAKA BABATUNDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

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I, Salawu Abdulrazaq Adeniyi, my name was erroneously written as Salaudeen Abdulrazaq Adeniyi instead of Salawu Abdulrazaq Adeniyi. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as SALAWU ABDULRAZAQ ADENIYI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Babatunde Modupeola now MRS. OYELAYO MODUPEOLA APEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, MOHAMMED AJIJOLA am the same person bearing AJIJOLA MUSIBAU MOHAMMED. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, Mrs Daramola Funmilola Abosede am the same person as Mrs Daramola Funmilola Florence. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS DARAMOLA FUNMILOLA ABOSEDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Babalola Jamiu Muhammed now ADEBAYO JAMIU OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Mr Sheu Adigun now MR OJO EMMANUEL ADEWOLE. All former documents remain valid.

Surulere Local Government, Iresa Adu and general public take note.

This is to notify the public that I, Duke Leslee Aye Ockiya am the same person as OCKIYA DUKE OBIRIANGO. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. UBA Plc, EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinade Omobolanle Kafayat now MRS SANUSI OMOBOLANLE KAFAYAT. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayantunji Fadeyi Elizabeth Banke now MRS FALADE ELIZABETH BANKE. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc and general public take note.

37

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sule Adijat Temitope now MRS. ALUKO ADIJAT TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Babalola Oluwabukola Jumoke now MRS. BABALOLA OLUWABUKOLA JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Azeez Kehinde Bola now MRS. LAWAL KEHINDE JELILAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Shittu Modinat Adenike now MRS. OGUNLOLA SHITTU MODINAT ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Samuel Olusesan Lasisi now GISANRIN LASISI MOIBI(HRH). All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Omolola Aderonke Ayilara now AYILARA OMOLOLA RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Buhari Lateef Sekinat Ajike now OLUWATOYOSI SEKINAT AJIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Raji Rasaki Akinpelu now RAJI RICHARD. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., Federal School of Surveying, Oyo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Fakolade Busayo Joseph now OLUWAKOLADE OLUWABUSAYO JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Hawwa Bolanle Ademolake now MS. HAWWA BOLANLE ALABA AKANBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Mr. Muibudeen Ismail Alabi am the same person bearing Odunola Ismeala. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MR. MUIBUDEEN ISMAIL ALABI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Friday, 20 May, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Azeez Gafar Abiodun now MR. ABDULAZEEZ ABDUL-GAFAR ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State TESCOM, First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Jegede Jumoke Josephine Tosin now MRS. KOLAWOLE JUMOKE JOSEPHINE TOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Adeniran Lateefat Aderonke now MISS ADELERE LATEEFAT ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Rufus Olukunmi Jaiyeola now RUFUS OLUKUNMI OYEWALE. All former documents remain valid. Pension Board, Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Medamo Buhari now MAIDAMMA BUHARI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Azeez Arinlade Taibat now MRS. TAIBAT ARINLADE GASALI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sabitat Folasade Oladunni Sabitiyu Kelani now MRS. FOLASADE OLADUNNI AJIA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayedun Maryam Olanike now ISHOLAAYEDUN MARYAM OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Goernment and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Titilola Rafiyat Taiwo now MRS. YEQEEN RAFIYA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abiola Ashiat Oluwanisola now MRS. AKANBI ASHIAT OLUWANISOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Ataoja Palace, Osogbo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Wasiu Mosobalaje Adebayo am the same person bearing Sodiq Akeem. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as WASIU MOSOBALAJE ADEBAYO. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Adesoji Adesina now AWOKOYA NIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ojetunde Ayomide Christiana now MRS. OTALUGBA AYOMIDE CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oduwaiye Feyisayo Olutayo now MRS. AKINSUROJU FEYISAYO OLUTAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Busari Adebayo Shittu am the same person as Busari Shittu. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO OLANIYI OLAOTI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Oyo State Local Government Pension Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Ganiyu Kazeem Timothy now MR. GANIYU AKINKUNMI TIMOTHY ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Secretariat, Ibadan and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Moses Philips am the same person bearing Moses Philips Gbeja. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, MESHACH LEVI OTOVO am the same person bearing MESHACH AJIRI OTOVO. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Adekunle Abdulwaheed Olakunle am the same person bearing Abdulwaheed Adekunle. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE ABDULWAHEED OLAKUNLE. My correct date of birth is 10-12-1973. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. GTB Plc., First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Eze Lilian Ogechukwu now PINAWEI LILIAN OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Idowu Mariam Olanike now MRS. SALAWU MARIAM OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Koko Ruona I. now KOKOAGUA OGHENERUONA ISAIAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adekunle Moses A. now WAHEED AFEEZ ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Wosilatu Adunni Sanusi am the same person as Wosilatu Adunni. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as WOSILATU ADUNNI SANUSI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I, formerly Miss Adesope Shukurat Moyosade now MRS. SALAM SHUKURAT MOYOSADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Akinola Margret Esther state that my correct date of birth is 10th March, 1948 and not December 4th, 1946 as stated in my bank account.

Henceforth, my correct date of birth is 10th March, 1948. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc., Heritage Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Yekeen Popoola Adebayo now YEKINI POPOOLA ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Abdulrasheed Audu am the same person bearing Abdulrasheed James Gift. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRASHEED JAMES GIFT. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Waya Samira Muhktar now MRS WAYA SAMIRA JAAFARU MUHKTAR. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniji Omolade Mary also known as Adeniji ‘Lade Mary now MRS. EROZA LADE MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Udohi Prince now INI UDOH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Aliyu Babatunde now ALIYU BABATUNDE AHMED. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adebiyi Saidi now ADEBIYI SAIDI ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Jimho Haolat now ALLIU HAOLAT ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs. Agboola Oluseun Ajoke now MRS. AGBOOLA OLUJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

NOTIFICATION OF NAME

This is to notify the general public and Post Primary Schools Service Commission (TESCOM, Ibadan) that I, ALAWODE O.S. GBADEJO am one and the same as ALAWODE OLUWOLE SUNDAY and that the two names are correct and valid. All documents remain valid.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Okeowo Temmy Kunbi now OKEOWO MARIA ADEDAYO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Kodjo Sewanu Justin now OJO JOSEPH SEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adigun Emmanuel Dada now OLADELE EMMANUEL DAMILARE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Sunday Temitope now ABE TEMITOPE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Alaba Olutoyin Ogunrinde now MR. ALABA OLUTOYIN DANIELS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Odueyungbo Adetunji Solomon now ODUEYUNGBO OLATUNJI SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Aluko Abimbola Janet now ALUKO ABIMBOLA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certify that, I, RAIMI YUNUS ADEKUNLE am the same person as ADEPOJU YINUSA ADEKUNLE. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

First Bank Plc., Wema Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Adewole Amoke Grace now AFOLABI AMOKE GRACE. All former documents remain valid.

Obajoko Compound, Oke-Ila Orangun, Ifedayo LG., State of Osun and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Faokunla Odunola Precious now MRS. BABATUNDE ODUNOLA PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Ibrahim Iyaoyemi Muiliyu am the same person bearing Ibrahim Sodiq.

Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM IYAOYEMI MUILIYU. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Folorunso Aremu now FOLORUNSO AREMU OLANIYI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Obileku Gift Deborah now MRS. FATUNLA GIFT DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abdulsalaam Hamdat Olayemi now MRS. OYEGOKE HAMDAT OLAYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Zainab Omotolani Uthman now MRS. ZAINAB OMOTOLANI TOMORI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Amudat Ajike Odufuwa now MRS. AMUDAT AJIKE MURITALA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oghenemaro Mercy Okpozo now MRS. OGHENEMARO MERCY PETER MODJOTA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeeyo Oluwaseun Motolani now MRS. MUSTAPHA OLUWASEUN MOTOLANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oyenuga Florence Ayotola now MRS. OSHIN FLORENCE AYOTOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adeosun Suebat Temitope now MURAINA SUEBAT TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. FBN and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, AKPI PAULINUS am the same person as ORUNANI AKPI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc., FCMB Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, EMORUWA EMMANUEL OLUWAFEMI am the same person as EMORUWA EMMANUEL FEMI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ebibofa Awini Vero now SAIBAKUMO AWINI VERO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogbemure Lucy now OVIE OGBEMURE LUCY OROTAKAWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogheneyoma Favour Odogba now MRS. OGHENEYOMA FAVOUR OVUCHA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adigun Sariat Ololade now MRS. HUSSEIN-ABIODUN SARIAT OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM and eneral public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Friday Uwazuruike Okpara now WEALTH UWAZURUIKE OKPARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adigun Rasida now KAZEEM MUTIAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ademoye Taofikat Adejoke and Miss Joke Ademoye now MRS. BOGUNMBE ADEJOKE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

I, Shiittu Ademola S. am the same person as Shittu Ademola Shamsudeen. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SHITTU ADEMOLA SHAMSUDEEN. My correct date of birth is 19th June, 1989 and not 19th June, 1986. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Onifade Olubukola Dorcas now MRS. OSUNRINADE OLUBUKOLA DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Kakaro Ehu now BENJAMIN GILLOW. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Egbon Chukwuehike Augusta now GABRIEL CHUKWUEHIKE AUGUSTA. All former documents remain valid.

AAU, Bankers Warehouse Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Fun Endi now OMOTETE EDIKONOWEI PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adesola Seun now ADESOLA SAMUEL ADEYINKA. My correct date of birth is 28th March, 1991 and not 14th July, 1983. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ayoola Nafisat Olayinka now MRS. OJO NAFISAT OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Government, The Polytechnic, Ibadan and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Simiyu Lawal now SIMIYU ALABI LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Friday, 20 May, 2016 38 news Arms deal: Metuh’s illness stalls trial, rushed to hospital from court Sunday Ejike-Abuja

A

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned the trial of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, to May 24, 2016, due to his ill health.

According to Metuh’s counsel, Emeka Etiaba, the PDP spokesman’s health challenge worsened on Wednesday night and he was rushed to the hospital by his brother in-law, Andy Aghaji, adding that, on ar-

rival at the hospital, they found out that nurses were on strike, but they were attended to by a doctor who administered some drugs on him.

The doctor said due to the fact that the nurses were on strike, there was nobody to take care of him that night.

Etiaba said the doctor told Metuh that the drugs administered on him would make him drowsy and that he should be taken home and brought back to the hospital the following morning.

Not knowing the gravity of the problem, he told

Metuh to see how he could manage himself and come to court on Thursday morning, and upon arrival at the court, Metuh started vomiting and had to be assisted to the court room.

Etiaba told the court that it was obvious that Metuh could not stand the trial in his state of health and that he needed to be taken back to the hospital and he then prayed the court to grant an adjournment to enable Metuh to go back to the hospital for treatment.

The counsel said the medical officer they met at the hospital advised that since

he had been given medical attention, he should go home because the injection he had been given would make him sleep.

He also said Metuh was also informed that because of the strike, the only available room in the hospital was not dressed and was infested with mosquitoes.

According to Etiaba, Metuh had left the hospital at about 3:30 a.m and was advised to return at 8.00a.m on Thursday. He said Metuh was present in court on his advice.

Etiaba added that Metuh was on prescription and was

expected to take his drugs at intervals, saying that, “the implication is that even if he is here, he will not be able to take a particular pain killer by 11.00 a.m.

“I, therefore, plead with my lord to indulge us. This is a life-threatening situation.

The first defendant needs to stay alive to face his trial.

This is a passionate appeal for the first defendant.

Counsel for the second defendant (Destra Investment Limited), Tochukwu Onwugbufor, aligned with Etiaba’s submission, adding that he was aware that since Metuh fell in the of-

fice, his health had continued to deteriorate and he had not been able to go to work.

EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, did not object the application for adjournment since it bordered on health and the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, while adjourning the matter, held that, there was no evidence of the state of health of the first defendant and it would have been proper for the medical practitioner who had given treatment to Metuh to have been present in court or to have given statement on oath.

Egbeda killing: Lekan Shonde has case to answer —Police Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

THE result of the autopsy test on the body of the deceased Ronke Shonde, who was allegedly killed in Egbeda area of Lagos State has indicted her husband, Lekan Shonde.

The state police command confirmed this on

•To be arraigned in court today Thursday, adding that the arrested suspect would be charged to court today.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the indictment to the Nigerian Tribune.

“The autopsy has revealed that Mr Lekan Shonde, the alleged killer of his wife, has a case to answer,” Badmos said.

She also added that he would be charged to court today to answer a case of

JTF releases 5 suspected militants Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

THE five suspects labelled members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) have regained freedom from the stranglehold of the military Joint Task Force (JTF), after spending seven days in custody.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the alleged suspects, who are contract staff of the oil giant, Chevron, were released Wednesday night, following sustained uproar from stakeholders in the region.

The soldiers deployed to crush members of the NDA at Gbaramatu had arrested the five suspects last Friday while on a routine surveillance patrol along the creeks of Utunana flow stations, near Kokodiagbene community in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.

The Chevron workers released by the 19 Battalion, Nigerian Army, in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area to community leaders from Gbaramatu kingdom were Samuel Emiko, Alfred Timede, Kel-

vin Mordi, Henry Arogboritse and Isaac Edemde.

Spokesperson of the Gbaramatu Council of Chiefs, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, when contact-

ed, confirmed the release.

The JTF spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Isah Ado, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

AGAIN, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has lauded the decision of Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy, pointing out that though the decision was hard, it was inevitable.

Tinubu, in a statement on

order to commence arrangement for her burial.

Nigerian Tribune gathered on Thursday that the family was determined to end the grief caused by the death of Ronke, by ensuring that she is buried as soon as possible.

Though no specific date had been fixed for the burial, Nigerian Tribune gathered that she would be buried in the next few days.

When contacted, the older sister to the deceased,

66 die in EgyptAir crash

Terror attack possible —Minister FIFTY-SIX passengers and 10 crews on board EgyptAir, including one child and two infants, died as the plane crashed en route Cairo from Paris, France, on Thursday.

Nationals of France, Britain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Chad, Portugal, Algeria and Canada were in the plane, an Airbus, before it crashed.

No United States (US) citizen was reported among the missing.

However, the Egypt aviation minister said the crash was more likely caused by a terrorist attack than by a technical failure.

Minister Sherif Fathy discussed the crash even as a search operation continued in the Mediterranean for wreckage from the plane, which had 66 people aboard

when it disappeared from radar Thursday, moments after it entered Egyptian airspace on the four-hour flight from France.

Initial reports from Greece said possible debris might have been spotted from the air.

The United States is aiding in the search and recovery effort from the air, providing a P-3 Orion long-range aircraft.

“We must ensure that we know everything on the causes of what happened.

No hypothesis is ruled out or favoured,” President Francois Hollande told reporters in Paris as he confirmed the plane had crashed.

He said the French government was working with Egyptian and Greek authorities on the search mission.

EgyptAir said it lost contact

Ending fuel subsidy hard but inevitable —Tinubu

By Wale Akinselure

murder.

Lekan, who had been remanded at the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigations Department since his arrest, said only God could establish his innocence and vindicate him.

Meanwhile the family of the late Ronke is planning to bury her soon.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the family had been waiting for the conclusion of the autopsy test conducted on her, in

Thursday, said the dwindling revenue from oil due to the slump in global oil prices and a dwindling forex reserve was an eye opener that the country could no longer shy away from, hence the need to end the fuel subsidy regime.

“The decision to end the subsidy was hard but it was also inevitable. It had dis-

torted into a system where wrongdoers benefited at the expense of the innocent.

“The bogus supplier was paid for supplying nothing while you sweated in long lines for fuel that was never there. The smuggler secreted fuel across the border while our economy crossed the border into fuel scarcity,” he said.

with the Airbus A320 plane at about 2:30 a.m., Cairo time, when the airliner was above 11,000 metres and just 16 kilometres inside Egyptian airspace.

Greek defence minister, Panos Kamennos, said the plane made sudden turns and a sharp descent before disappearing from the radar.

“It turned 90 degrees left and then a 360-degree turn toward the right, dropping

from 38,000 (11,582 metres) to 15,000 feet (4,572 metres) and then it was lost at about 10,000 feet (3,048 metres),’’ he said.

White House officials said United States President Barack Obama was briefed on the latest developments.

At the Cairo airport, anxious relatives of those on board gathered at the airport, anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones.

Ijebu North PDP swears in new exco THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State has elected new executive members of the party who have subsequently been sworn in.

The new executive members are Chief Tuke Omotara, chairman; Alhaji J.O. Tijani, vice chairman; Prince Ade Sogbesan, secretary; Korede Adekoya, assistant secretary; Waheed Ayodele, treasurer; Shakiru Agarawu, youth leader; Bose Oduneye, women leader; Segun Oluronbi, financial secretary; Yinka Akindehinde, PRO; Adesimbo Olabisi, assistant PRO; Chief Ola Shobowale, organising secretary; Alhaji Rasheed Balogun, auditor;

Femi Shoyewo, legal adviser; Mrs Aduke Onabanjo, ex- officio; while Abati Abiola, Mrs O. Onabamiro, Adesina Olukayode and Idowu Senbanjo are ex-officios.

Bolatito, declined comment, saying she was not in the mood to talk on the burial.

Group writes EFCC over detention of Senator Adeseun

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

A group, Coalition for the Defense of Democratic Rights, Justice and Equity in Nigeria, has written an open letter to Mallam Ibrahim Magu, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over what it termed the illegal detention of Senator Ayo Adeseun at the Lagos office of the commission in the last eight days The group stated that Senator Adeseun was only one of the signatories that took delivery of the 2105 campaign fund from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that he was simply invited by the antigraft agency to make some clarifications on a matter which, to them, was an internal affairs of the party.

The group added that it was not out of place for Senator Adeseun to assume the fulcrum and nucleus of the move to re-organise and orchestrate effective opposition against the ruling APC government, which could be the adduced reason for what the group said was the reason for Adeseun’s illegal detention.

Multipurpose prayer meeting THE Word Bible Church International, Palace of Healing, 1, Ganiyu Close, Ajelogo Ketu, Lagos, will hold the May 2016 edition of its prayer meeting, tagged “Divine Visitation,” from tomorrow till Monday between 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at The Word Bible Church International Headquarters.

Presiding Pastor and founder of the church,

Prophet Babatunde Kumoluyi and others will minister at the programme.

Prophet Kumoluyi

39

strikenews

Friday, 20 May, 2016

Oyo workers forced out of govt offices

By Wale Akinselure

T

he protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), over fuel price hike, assumed another di-

mension, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, as workers at the state Ministry of Environment and Habitat, as well as the Federal Secretariat, Ibadan, were chased out of their various offices

and mandated to join the protest.

In an apparent bid to ensure compliance to the strike, the unionists had stormed the ministry on Thursday morning and

compelled workers, who locked themselves indoors, to leave their offices and join the protest.

The labour agitation may also be taking its toll on government activities as the

Oyo State House of Assembly, failed to hold plenary on Thursday, as scheduled, while the unionists also asked staff of the Assembly to join the strike.

Similarly, the exit gate of the state secretariat was shut on Thursday, while there was a lull in activities in and out of government offices.

Led by the state NLC chairman, Mr Waheed Olojede, Thursday’s protest, which began from labour secretariat at Agodi, through Bodija, Idi-Ape, Customs, Oshuntokun, Kongi, Sango, University of Ibadan, had an increased number of participants than that of Wednesday, with the labour leaders vowing to continue the protest until government reverts from N145 pump price of petrol to N86.50k.

Businessman appeals to NLC Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (Nasu), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr Wole Odewumi (with microphone), speaking during a protest over recent hike in petrol price, at Ile-Ife, on Thursday. PHOTO: Nan

Labour must reinvent its unity —Aremu The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, on Thursday, called on all labour unions to unite for the common good of the labour movement in Nigeria Mr Issa Aremu, the general secretary of the union,

made the call in a press statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Kaduna.

According to him, the current division in the labour movement over fuel hike will spell doom for the unions.

He said that labour unions must reinvent and return to the vibrant movement they used to be, instead of undermining each other.

“If we operate separately, we will be defeated separately but if we operate in unity, we will triumph as one.

“The recent 70 per cent fuel increase is indiscriminate in its impact on transport cost and cost of living in general.

“The response of organised labour must, therefore, be inclusive and uniform, not disjointed as we recently witnessed.’’

NLC faction fails to ground flight operations at Lagos airport The Ayuba Wabba-led faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Thursday, failed to carry out its plan of grounding flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, over the recent increase in petrol price.

Mr Adelegan Solomon, vice-president, NLC, had, on Wednesday, vowed that no flight would land or take off from the airport if the Federal Government refused to revert the pump price of petrol from N145 to N87 per litre.

However, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who monitored the situation, reported that flight operations went on smoothly at both the international and domestic wings of the airport.

Also, staffers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), were at their respective offices and duty posts, as directed by the government.

However, security was tight within the airport environment as police officers were deployed around

Ekiti APC chieftain appeals for understanding

By Ganiyu Salman

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief Bisi Aloba, has urged Nigerians to see the removal of petrol subsidy as a sacrifice that must be paid to correct the wrongs of the past.

Aloba, who is also a businessman, said this in a press release made

It is illegal to defy court’s order, Nasarawa AG tells Labour Godwin Agwam - Lafia

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Nasarawa State, Shehu Usman, has said it amounts to illegality for the Nigeria Labour Congress

(NLC) to defy the Industrial Court’s injunction and continue with its strike.

The Attorney-General, who said this on Thursday, while speaking to newsmen in Lafia, said NLC is culminated by Ni-

gerians and are expected to obey the rule of law.

He urged the state NLC not to join its national body as the state NLC had issued a circular to its affiliate to join the national strike on day 3.

Police deploy personnel in Kano flash points Kola Oyelere - Kano with Agency Reports

The Kano State Police Command, on Thursday, deployed security personnel to strategic places to prevent possible breach of peace during the ongoing strike.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Magaji Majiya, made the disclosure in an

interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Kano.

Majiya said the measure was necessary in order to prevent possible break down of law and order in the state.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Maigari Dikko, had met with the leadership of

strategic locations by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Airport Command, Mrs Victory Menta.

Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

A businessman based in Makurdi, Benue State, Chief Isaac Akinkunmi, has appealed to the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to place national interest above other interests in the wake of the deregulation of the oil sector by the Federal Government.

Akinkunmi, who called on the labour leaders to shelve the ongoing strike in the interest of Nigerians and support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to turn around the fortunes of the nation, urged them to take caution.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Council(TUC) to ensure the peaceful conduct of the strike.

“During the meeting, the labour unions, had assured the commissioner that they would not do anything that would cause trouble in the state,’’ he said.

available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday.

The Ekiti APC guber hopeful urged the organised labour to look at the future benefit of the deregulation and not the

current pain that Nigerians will pass through, saying in the end, Nigeria and Nigerians will be better-off for this economic decision taken by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

Banks, govt agencies defy strike in Bauchi Isaac Shobayo - Jos

As the strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), entered its second day, commercial banks and other government agencies, have refused to comply with the NLC directive to embark on strike over the deregulation of the down-stream sector.

In Bauchi State, traders were seen conducting their businesses without any molestation, while business premises were opened for customers while security men patrol major streets to avoid break down of law and order.

A civil servants, Adamu Mohammed, accused the state NLC of insensitive to the plight of workers in the state.

Meanwhile, member of NLC were booed on Mon-

day, by traders at the Jos business area, Plateau State, during a sensitisation and awareness campaign ahead of the strike action which commenced on Wednesday.

Olojede, in his several addresses during Thursday’s protest, said anyone, who defied NLC’s order to strike, meant ill for this generation and generations to come.

Commercial activities paralysed in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

Major roads and streets in Akure, Ondo State capital, were on Thursday, blocked as the strike ordered by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), entered its second day.

Stones and heaps of refuse were used to block the roads, which made the strike more effective than the Wednesday exercise as more people also joined the strike.

The ever busy Adesida Road, was like a ghost town, while members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), were seen patrolling the roads to ensure compliance with the strike order.

The cooperation of members of the NURTW made the strike more effective as commercial taxis were forced to discharge their passengers.

Rivers NLC faction protests Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

A faction of Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Thursday, joined the protest called by the national body against the increment of fuel price by the Federal Government.

The faction, led by Mrs Beatrice Itubo, took to major roads in Port Harcourt, the state capital, calling on the government to revert the pump price of PMS from N145 to N86.50k per litre.

An indication that the organised labour had been badly fractionalised came to the fore as the protesters called themselves “original NLC in Rivers State.”

Schools shut down in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu

AS the nationwide strike enters the second day, teachers in primary and post-primary schools in Enugu State have joined the industrial action.

Unlike Wednesday when workers partially observed the strike in the state, the srike gathered momentum on Thursday as pupils were sent home in compliance with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directive that workers should embark

on an indefinite strike in protest against the hike in fuel pump price of N145.

All the state governmentowned schools, including tertiary institutions, such as the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, and College of Education (Technical), Enugu, were shut down.

It was also observed that the state chairman of NLC, Mr Virginus Nwobodo, led other labour leaders as early as 7.00 a.m. to various institutions.

SIDELINES

FRIDAY, 20 MAY, 2016

N0 16,505

N150

A suspected armed robber and serial rapist, one Habib Ajadi, who specialises in robbing students of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso of laptops, mobile phones, cash and other valuables allegedly confessed that he usually robbed with a wheel spanner and not a gun. If one may ask, will Habib say a wheel spanner is not a weapon to harm his would-be victim in the face of resistance?

Eagles friendlies:

I’m not under pressure to win — Salisu

I

NTERIM Super Eagles coach, Salisu Yusuf has insisted he is not under pressure to win this month’s friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg.

Nigeria will face Mali on May 27 in France and Luxembourg four days later, but the Eagles have been depleted following the withdrawal of top stars like Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, Russiabased forwards Aaron Samuel and Ahmed Musa through injury and other commitments.

But Yusuf, who has worked as an assistant to Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh and Samson Siasia, has maintained he will not be under pressure to win the games.

“I won’t be under pressure because there won’t be any reason to,” said the former Enyimba and Kano Pillars coach.

“They are just friendly games and while they are important for what we want to achieve, we won’t be under pressure.

“We have some new players we are giving opportunities for the first time, but no pressure at all.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to announce a substantive coach for the team ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers beginning in October.

Salisu Yusuf

Ronaldo not part of my Olympics plan — Portugal coach PORTUGAL’S Olympic coach does not expect Cristiano Ronaldo to turn out for his country at the forthcoming Games in Rio, Brazil.

The Real Madrid superstar would be eligible to feature at Rio 2016 as one of the three overage players allowed in squads for the U-23 tournament.

Ronaldo, 31, will make his latest bid for an elusive major honour at international level when he travels to France with Fernando Santos’ Euro 2016 squad next month.

But Rui Jorge, who will take charge of the younger team in Brazil, is not holding out much hope of having Ronaldo amongst his options.

“We do not yet know exactly about the three players over 23, we will wait, but I don’t believe Cristiano Ronaldo will be there,” he told Lance.

“We are not thinking about that. Of course he is one of the two best players in the world. Any club or country could use his contribution.”

The Olympic football tournament at Rio 2016 runs from August 3-20, with La Liga’s 2016-17 season set to begin on the latter date.

“Even though the dates are not incompatible, it could produce an overload, a lack of holidays,” Rui added.

On Thursday, Colombian Football Federation president, Ramon Jesurun confirmed Ronaldo’s Madrid team-mate, James Rodriguez would not take part in the 2016 Olympics.

Ronaldo

Pinnick remains NFF president-Reps’ House committee on sports THE Sports Committee of the House of Representatives on Thursday insisted that there is no crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

It affirmed that there is no leadership tussle as believed in some quarters adding Mr Amaju Pinnick remains the President of the body.

At an interactive session with top officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports led by the Youth and Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung and chieftains of the NFF led by second vice president/LMC chairman, Shehu Dikko, the House Committee headed

by Honourable Goni Bukar Lawan expressed concern that a group led by Mr Chris Giwa had been threatening the peace of Nigeria football and courting a FIFA sanction for the country.

The House Committee’s move followed a motion of ‘urgent national importance’ moved on the floor of the House of Representatives on Monday, May 16, and the nation’s lower parliament thereafter mandated its Sports Committee to handle the matter.

At Thursday’s session at the National Assembly, Barrister Dalung, the Director of Legal Services in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Barrister Olatigbe Johnson and the NFF’s Head of Legal, Barrister Okey Obi fully established that there is no court order which nullified the election of the current NFF board, or mandated Chris Giwa to take over at the NFF. “When the Giwa group served a notice of discontinuance to the court in October 2014, the court struck out the case and made it clear that the case was dead. I don’t know anyone else who has been able to raise the dead except Jesus Christ!

“What the court did on April 8 was simply to re-list the case for hearing. It did not sack the NFF Board and certainly did not ask Giwa to go and take over the NFF,” Dalung said.

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. 20/5/2016.