22nd October 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 16,354

THURSDAY, 22 OCTOBER, 2015

Jonathan's acceptance of defeat made 2015 election credible —INEC —P16

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From left, wife of the vice president, Dolapo Osinbajo; wife of the president, Hajia Aisha Buhari; Rev (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and the deputy governor of Ogun State, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, on Wednesday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU. STORY ON PAGE 7

Buhari saves Bayelsa, Kogi polls •Names Mahmud Yakubu INEC chairman •Zakari now North-West national commissioner 5 rescued as 3-storey building collapses in Lagos —P9

Ife obas caution kingmakers over new Ooni —P42

—P6 Tribunal orders rerun in 18 Akwa -Ibom LGAs —P7

Ladoja vs Ajimobi:

Tribunal delivers judgment Tuesday —P14

Buhari appoints Oyo-Ita acting Head of Service Scene of the collapsed of a three-storey building at 87, Odunfa Street, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

—P6

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

9 1. Wife of the president, Hajia Aisha Buhari and wife of the vice president, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, arriving at Ikenne. 2. Members of Jerusalem Pilgrimage Association with Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and Mrs Osinbajo. 3. From left, Hajia Binta Muazu, Mrs Paulen Tallen, Mrs Judith Amaechi and Mrs Mairo Al-Makura. 4. Some grandchildren of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and the Alakenne of Ikenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade. 5. Clerics of the African Church of Nigeria, Ibadan Diocese with Reverend (Mrs) Oyedi-

ran. 6. Children of Lawrence Omole, from right, Dr Akanni Omole, Dr Akintola Omole, Chief Abiodun Omole, Mr Kenneth Heatu and other. 7. Dr (Mrs) Mojisola Kolade (right) and Ms Dewunmi Osagie. 8. National Secretary, Nigerian Justice of Peace, Bishop Ezekiel Olakunle (middle), and other members with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran. 9. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran in a group photograph with clerics of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Remo Area, LAWNA Territory, 99 Taiwo Solarin Way, Ikenne Remo. 10. Members of Awolowo Wheel of OASIS Organisation presenting a portrait of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo to Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

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Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Buhari saves Kogi, Bayelsa polls

The man Mahmud Yakubu

Appoints Yakubu new INEC boss, 6 national commissioners FromLeonUsigbe,JacobSegun OlatunjiandKolawoleDaniel

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, raised hopes of the conduct of the governorship polls in Kogi and Bayelsa states, scheduled for November 21 and December 5 respectively, following the appointment of a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC), Professor Mahmud Yakubu, and six national commissioners. All the new appointments were seen as a deliberate move by the president to douse rising public apprehension that the elections appeared threatened, owing to lack of quorum at INEC headquarters, because of the exit of most of national commissioners at the expiration of their tenure, coupled with the interim chairmanship of Mrs Amina Zakari. There had been outrage over the appointment of Zakari on two grounds— that she hails from the same state with the president and that her tenure as national commissioner had expired in July. The hitherto INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega and six national commissioners left the commission on June 30, at the end of their five-year tenure, having been sworn into office on June 30, 2010 by former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. But, Section 159 of the 199 Constitution 1999 (as amended), expressly stipulates that not less than onethird of the total number of members shall form a quorum during meeting, while INEC comprise 12 national commissioners and 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The new INEC helmsman hails from Bauchi State, while the tenure of Mrs Zakari was renewed for another five years as a national commissioner. Yakubu’s appointment followed an emergency meeting of the National Council of State (NCS), presided over by the president, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. The meeting, which was the first NCS meeting to be convened by the present administration, was attended by former Nigerian leaders, including General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan and General Abdusalami Abubakar.

Former presidents Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were, however, absent. Also, President Buhari named new federal electoral commissioners to fill the vacancy created by the expiration of the tenure of some federal commissioners some months ago. Those appointed alongside Zakari, are Dr Anthonia Taiye Okoosi-Sinbime for North-Central, Dr Mohammed Mustapha Lekki from Edo State, representing South-South, Prince Soyebi Solomon from Ogun State appointed to represent North-Central, Alhaji

Baba Shettima Arfo from Borno State, representing North-East while Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku remains in his position as the federal commissioner, representing South-East geopolitical zone. Reps adjourn plenary over Council of State meeting The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, adjourned its plenary session till today, to enable the Speaker,, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, to attend Council of States meeting at the Aso Rock Villa. Honourable Dogara’s dep-

uty, Honourable Lasun Yusuf, who ought to stand in for him was away attending the ongoing Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference, holding in Geneva, Switzerland. However, the House adjourned after the first reading of seven bills, which include Nigerian Ports and Harbour Authority Bill, 2015 (HB.50), Public Officers Protection Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 (HB.54). Others are National Agency for Training and Regulation of Vocational Trades (Establishment) Bill, 2015 (HB.55), National Youth

Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 (HB. 80), National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 (HB. 82), National Council for Elderly Persons (Establishment) Bill, 2015 (HB. 84), Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, 2015 (HB.86). Chairman, House Ad hoc Committee on Rules and Business, Honourable Yisa Orker-Jev, while commenting on why the plenary was adjourned, said the Speaker had to call for the adjournment to enable him attend the Council of State meeting, in order to represent the legislature.

Mahmud Yakubu, a professor of Political History and International Studies, used to be the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a position he was appointed to by late president, Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007. He was the first academic to ever head the intervention agency. He was the Assistant Secretary of Finance and Administration at Nigeria’s National Conference Secretariat in 2014. An expert in Guerrilla Warfare, Terrorism and CounterTerrorism, Yakubu, until his appointment, was a lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy and taught on War and Society in Pre-Colonial Africa. He was a member of the Oby Ezekwesili’s Educational Transformation Team and the first First-Class graduate of History from the North.

Why I turned down ministerial appointments of 4 presidents —Afe Babalola

From left, General Ibrahim Babangida, President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Ernest Shonekan and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the Council of State meeting, held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

... appoints Oyo-Ita acting Head of Service Clement Idoko-Abuja with Agency Report

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita as the acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS) with immediate effect. This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Bolaji Adebiyi, Director of Press in the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federal on Wednesday, in Abuja. The statement said her appointment was a testimony of Buhari’s implicit confidence and trust in her ability to discharge the responsibilities of the office of the HOS. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Ekanem, until her appointment, was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology. She also served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. She is a Fellow of the Insti-

tute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Born in April 1964, Ekanem was educated at the Queens College Yaba, graduated at the University of Lagos in 1984, with B.Sc Accounting and holds a Masters’ degree from the Nasarawa State University,

Keffi. Ekanem, who replaces Mr Danladi Kifasi, hails from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. Buhari had earlier approved the pre-retirement leave of Kifasi, who was due to retire from the service in

January 2016, with effect from October 20. According to a statement from the Director of Communications in the HOS office, Alhaji Haruna Imrana, the approval was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.

Finance, weather delaying Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project —Works Ministry Representative of the Federal Ministry of Works on Section II of the LagosIbadan Expressway reconstruction and expansion project, Mr Nelson Olubakinde, has said the initiative is being hampered by challenges of finance, adverse weather and impatience of motorists. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the project was being handled by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC). Olubakinde, who spoke to NAN in Ibadan, said: “The construction company

(RCC) is facing challenges of finance, weather, especially rain and impatience on the part of road users, often resulting in accidents within work location. “For instance, during the rainy season, artwork and asphalt work laying are usually suspended,” he said. NAN also reported that the construction contract valued at N96.3 billion commenced on June 4 and had a completion date of July 3, 2017. He, however, said the construction effort was under Public Private Partnership

(PPP) arrangement with Motorway Assets Limited as leasee, while the ministry was the guarantor. “The consultants to Motorway Assets Limited is the INTERCON Partnership Consulting Engineers,” he explained. Speaking on the standard of the job done, Olubakinde said new methods in road construction had been brought to bear on the project. He also said the project had reached 25.98 per cent completion, in spite of the challenges.

Proprietor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola, said on Wednesday, that he turned down ministerial appointments offered by four presidents. Babalola made the disclosure at the third convocation ceremony of the university in Ado-Ekiti. He said his refusal was not out of pride, but conviction that his law practice was enough to make him comfortable and also contribute to national development. Babalola said much pressure from former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo later made him to accept to serve as Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council of the University of Lagos. He, however, said he accepted to serve on the council on the condition that he would not be paid salary or allowances throughout his tenure. He explained that the rot, as well as state of financial recklessness he met at the University of Lagos spurred him into establishing a university. In a remark, the immediate past chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, commended Babalola’s vision in partnering with government in taking education to the next level. Also, the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose commended Babalola for considering the state as host to the university, urging other wealthy indigenes of the state to emulate him.

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Thursday, 22 October, 2015

HID, backbone of Awolowo dynasty —Aisha Buhari By Olayinka Olukoya and Olakunle Taiwo

ife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, on Tuesday, described the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo as a dutiful mother, housewife and backbone of the Awolowo dynasty. She said this during her condolence visit to the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, in company with the wife of the Nasarawa State governor, Mrs Mairo AlMakura, wife of the former governor of Rivers State; Mrs Judith Amaechi, wife of the former governor of Niger State; Mrs Binta Muazu and former deputy governor of Plateau State, Mrs Pauline Tallen. Mrs Buhari, who arrived the Awolowos’ residence, was received by the wife

of the vice president, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, one of the grandchildren of the Awolowos; deputy governor of Ogun State, who represented the governor of the state, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga; the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the eldest child of the family, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and other grandchildren. The president’s wife spoke passionately about the accommodating nature of Mama Awolowo, saying “I am here in Ikenne for the second time. We were here during the presidential campaign. Mama received us very well and I was surprised to see her and asked Mrs Osinbajo how old was she and she said she was going to clock 100 and that they were preparing for it.” She described the deceased as a woman worthy of emulation, expressing sadness that she did not live to witness her 100th birthday.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs Oyediran, appreciated Mrs Buhari and her entourage for identifying with the family over the passage of the Yeye Oodua. She eulogised the good works of her late mother and submitted that she died in a noble way. Earlier in his message, during a daily service conducted by the Remo Diocese (Anglican Communion), Vicar of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Sabo, Sagamu, Venerable T.S Durojaye, enjoined all Christians to live an exemplary life and impact positively on others. Some other guests at the family’s residence were Jerusalem Pilgrims’ Association of Nigeria, Gununi Elders and Chiefs, Awolowo Wheel of Oasis and the men wing of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Remo zone and the African Church of Nigeria, Ibadan Province.

Army kills 2 insurgents, rescues 16 families Commanding Officer in charge of 28 Task Force Battalion, Mubi, Adamawa, Brigadier-General V. O. Ezugwu, has confirmed the killing of two Boko Haram insurgents and the rescue of 16 families in Madagali. Ezugwu told newsmen in a telephone interview in Yola, that the success was recorded Tuesday night, during an encounter with the insurgents in Madagali Local Government Area of

the state. Ezugwu said more than 100 cows were recovered alongside two AK47, six grenade, two pump action machine guns and 18 motorcycles from the fleeing insurgents. He said the motorcycles were all destroyed. The officer lauded the complementary effort of vigilante members in the area for their support to the military.

Recently, Boko Haram insurgents had been attacking villages in Madagali Local Government Area. Commenting on the development, Honourable Adamu Kamale of Madagali/ Michilka Federal Constituency commended the effort of the troops and urged the Federal Government to urgently deploy more troops to the area to effectively check the renewed menace of the insurgents.

Akwa Ibom governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, has ordered a rerun in 18 local governments area of the state. Delivering its judgment on Wednesday, the Tribunal expressed satisfaction that there were discrepancies during the governorship election in the state. Consequently, the Tribunal directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct rerun in the 18 local government areas. The tribunal held that

though the election was not free of flaws, it “complied substantially with provisions of the law.” It, therefore, resolved that Udom scored the highest number of votes in the election. It also held that Umana Okon Umana, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is challenging Udom’s victory in the April 11 election, could not prove his case against the INEC, the second respondent in the suit, and therefore, the presumption of regularity was in

favour of the commission. It observed that the election in some other local government areas did not comply with the provisions of the law, adding that 566,436 voters were disenfranchised as against 890,000 voters in favour of Udom in 18 local government areas. Akwa Ibom State has 31 local government areas. Mr Udom Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of the election and was subsequently sworn in as governor on May 29. Umana had approached the Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the April 28 election.

Tribunal orders governorship election rerun in 18 Akwa Ibom LGs

Tribunal affirms re-election of Yobe gov The governorship election petitions tribunal for Yobe, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, upheld the re- election of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe. In a judgment of the tribunal, read by Justice Mojisola Dada, the tribunal held that the petitioners - the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Waziri Maina - failed to prove their case. The tribunal dismissed the

petition for lacking in merit. Delivering the judgment, Dada said out of the 27 witnesses called by the petitioners at the trial, none of them could lead credible evidence to establish or prove the allegations before the court. She said the petition was incompetent owing to the elicited facts that the entire allegations contained in it were “imprecise, vague and speculative”.

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Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Senate crisis: Political solution runs into a hitch

•As Ndume refuses to resign •How APC caucus caused Senate adjournment for Wednesday Taiwo Adis -Abuja

lanned political solution aimed at resolving the logjam in the leadership of the Senate appeared to have run into a hitch, following refusal of the incumbent Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, to resign. The planned political solution, which had been accepted by Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) was aimed at implementing the leadership structure preferred by the APC in the Senate. National chairman of the APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun, had on June 24, written the Senate President to propose the names of four senators who were to assume the Majority Leadership positions in the Senate. Odigie-Oyegun’s letter had named Senator Ahmed Lawan (North-East) as Majority Leader; Professor Sola Adeyeye (South-West) as Chief Whip; George Akume (North-Central) as Deputy Majority Leader and Abu Ibrahim (North-West) as Deputy Chief Whip. But Saraki had named Senator Ali Ndume as Senate Leader, Bala Na’allah as Deputy Leader, Sola Adeyeye as Senate Chief Whip and Senator Francis Alimikhena as Deputy Majority Whip. The development incensed the party, which has been up in arms against Saraki since then. A committee, headed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, has been working on the planned political solution aimed at finding a middle ground for the Senate Leadership and Saraki. Dogara, who has been working with the party’s national chairman and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, had proposed a way out of the current APC leadership in the Senate and a replacement with those originally proposed by the APC. Only Senator Sola Adeyeye, the Chief Whip, would retain his seat if the political solution option works out. But sources in the National Assembly told the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, that the incumbent Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, has rejected the offer that he resigns. While the others, including Bala Ibn Na’Allah and Francis Alimikhena were said to have agreed to the offer if it would bring peace between the party and the Senate, Ndume was said to have flatly rejected the offer to resign, insisting that

he was voted for by his colleagues in the North-West caucus. Ndume, who was said to have been invited to a meeting at the Presidential Villa,

Monday night, was said to have been told to accept the offer to resign, so as not to keep delaying the peace deal. Sources indicated that the

meeting, which was coordinated by Osinbajo, also had in attendance Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Danjuma Goje and Ndume. The Borno senator was

Saraki: CCT adjourns till Nov 5 Sunday Ejike -Abuja The trial of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged false declaration of assets was, on Wednesday, stalled due to the pending judgment of the Court of Appeal. The tribunal is, therefore, adjourned till November 5 and 6 for report from Court of Appeal and possible hearing. The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division had, on Monday, adjourned indefinitely to deliver judgment in the appeal brought before it by Saraki, seeking to stop his trial at the CCT. The Federal Government had, last month, arraigned the Senate President before the tribunal on a 13-count charge, bordering on false assets declaration. Saraki, though pleaded not guilty to the charge, but approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision of the tribunal to try him. At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Saraki arrived at the tribunal at about 9.57a.m, wearing a cream coloured ‘agbada’ with cap to match, in the company with about 40 other senators. However, the tribunal resumed at about 10.46 a.m. to commence the business of the day. After announcing appearance, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, noted that it was proper and procedural for the accused person present in court to stay in the dock while the trial proceeds. Counsel to accused person, Mahmud Magaji, however, opposed the submission, but rather urged the court to take judicial notice of the fact that there was a pending appeal before the Court of Appeal, and hence, the tribunal lacked the power to continue with the trial. In a short ruling, chairman of the tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, held that the accused person should enter the dock, after which any other application can be made. It was at this point that the Senate President moved into the dock and was given a chair to sit. Jacobs, however, informed the court about the pendency of the judgement at the Court of Appeal, noting that it would be a sign of respect to the appellate court for the prosecution to wait for its judgement before any other

thing could be done on the matter and prayed the court to adjourn for two weeks. Magaji, however, opposed the application for two weeks adjournment and consequently prayed the court to adjourn sine dine pending the judgment of the Court of Appeal. Delivering a short ruling, Justice Umar held that the adjournment would be, for

two weeks, saying “the fact that the Court of Appeal adjourned indefinitely cannot make us here to also adjourn indefinitely. If we do so, the defendant may go and relax and we want defendant to be on his toes. At the Appeal Court, Saraki, through his team of lawyers, led by Joseph. B Daudu, contended that the CCT erred in law by proceeding with the

said to have insisted that having been elected by his colleagues from the NorthEast, he can only quit the position at their instance, adding that the Presidency

trial with two members, instead of mandatory three as provided by the constitution. He argued that the composition of the tribunal during the trial of Saraki violated paragraphs 15(1) of the 1999 Constitution by sitting with two members instead of three and asked the court to nullify the CCT proceedings of last month due to lack of quorum.

Nigeria at IPU frowns on maltreatment of migrants, refugees Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja Nigeria has said the removal of stereotype of migrants as a desperate, parasitic and less economic value group is the most effective means of solving perceived and real challenges posed by migrants. According to the leader of the Nigerian delegation to the 133rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) holding in Geneva, Switzerland, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yussuff Lasun, said migrants represented an increased market size, purveyor of skilled and talent, alternative sources of labour and workforce, as well as reversal of population losses. Lasun, while delivering his address before the gen-

eral assembly on Wednesday, however, warned that before granting asylum to migrants, all states must collaborate with INTERPOL, take appropriate steps to ensure that such persons had no link with terrorism. He said: “The scale, scope and complexity of migration in today’s world have been on the increase due to a number of push and pull factors. “These include but not limited to hard conflicts and terrorism which has created a pool of internally displaced persons (IDPs), economic downturn, especially in my country, leading millions of migrants in search of opportunities; social strife arising from religious fundamentalism, Xenophobia, ideological intolerances, natural disasters such as desertification, flooding, earthquake

and volcanic eruptions. “I wish to remind us that when people migrate for any of these reasons, they carry along with them their fundamental human rights within the contest of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR). “Accordingly, whether migration within national boundaries or transnational borders, it is our responsibilities to evolve policies that respect the rights of refugees or asylum seekers. “In doing so, we must recognise that all human beings are born free and it is morally and legally wrong to discriminate against any on the account of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or others, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."

should not put the blame of his emergence on Saraki. He was said to have held the meeting that he was voted for as Senate Leader having lost the contest for the Deputy President of the Senate position. He was also said to have insisted that the party cannot sanction him, because he had been winning election in his area, even when he was not in the party. The Senate Leader was said to have said that having emerged the Senate Leader by the votes of a majority of the senators from the North-East, Saraki cannot unilaterally remove him. A source also said that Ndume reminded the meeting that the caucus had pre-eminence over the appointments into the leadership positions, as according to him, the Senate Chief Whip, Sola Adeyeye, did not assume office until the South-West Caucus wrote the Senate President to communicate his appointment. Also on Thursday, sources said the APC leadership in the Senate insisted on the suspension of plenary on Wednesday, to ensure Saraki continued to preside over the session after his appearance at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Sources insisted that the leadership had weighed the option of Ike Ekweremadu presiding over the screening of minister-nominees and opined that the option could be dangerous for the APC.

Imo minister-nominee appears before Senate committee Concerned UI professors submit petitions against Adewole Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja The Senate, on Wednesday, stated the reason behind the suspension of the ongoing screening and confirmation of the minister-nominees, saying it was because of the pending case of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who had to be in court on Wednesday and the importance attached to the screening. Speaking through the Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, disclosed that Saraki is the Presiding Officer, adding that “this is an extraordinary time, because we are screening ministers who are predominantly All Progressives Congress (APC) members, so that was why we said this screening should continue under the Senate President’s presiding. So, we are continuing today by

God’s grace.” On the alternative that the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerermadu, should have presided, he stated that “this is not a normal day, as we are screening APC ministernominees of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And there are issues surrounding it that we don’t want any other issue out of it again. The Presiding Officer is the Senate President who started the screening and we wanted him to continue, therefore, taking a day off and continue today is still alright.” The Senate Leader, however, shed more light on what was responsible for the delay in submission of Mr Rotimi Amaechi’s report by the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee, saying the Ethics and Privileges report was not the determinant of Amaechi, believing “it is the Senate.”

However, the Imo State minister-nominee, Professor Gozie Anwukah appeared before the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to defend the petitions levelled against his nomination from his state. The chairman of the committee, Senator Samuel Anyawu, disclosed that he had only four petitons against him informing that the petitions would be consolidated into one, “because they are similar.” Professor Anwukah, a former vice chancellor of Imo State University, told the committee members that he was unjustly being hunted by some people who were against his nomination and progress, adding that his nomination was on personal merit and capability. Also, the Committee of Concerned Professors of the University of Ibadan,

on Tuesday, submitted a petition against the ministerial nomination of the current vice chancellor of the university, Professor Issac Adewole, who was among the last batch of 16 ministernominees sent to the Senate last Tuesday for screening and confirmation. The petition submitted to the office of the Senate President Tuesday evening was signed by Professor A. O. Akanni, claiming to be “informed by the pledge and promises by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under your able leadership to fight corruption in all its ramifications in Nigeria.” However, the petition might be laid today during the plenary and there is hope that the committee on Ehtics, Privileges and Public Petitions would submit its report on the Imo State nominee and that of Amaechi.

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Thursday, 22 October, 2015

HID, backbone of Awolowo dynasty —Aisha Buhari By Olayinka Olukoya and Olakunle Taiwo

Tribunal orders governorship election rerun in 18 Akwa Ibom LGs

Nigerian Tribune

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Lagosmetro

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Disu: We know police officer that fired killer shot

— Ibeju-Lekki community •Court refuses to release suspects Lanre Adewole and Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

kunraiye community in Ibeju-Lekki and police authorities in Lagos have been at each other’s throat over who actually fired the shot that killed the Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Tajudeen Disu, as controversy deepens over his murder. Following the arrest and arraignment of 10 members of the community over the killing, some leaders of Okunraiye community, have told the trial court that police were responsible for his death. In a deposed affidavit, they also claimed to know the officer that fired the killer stray-bullet. Okunraiye community, one of the host communities of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, insisted that none of its own had a hand in Disu’s death. Mr. Disu, it will be recalled, was shot dead on October 12 during a clash between mobile police officers and youth of Okunraiye community. The community leaders said that on the day of the incident, they had gone to meet Dangote Group to discuss the use of their land for a project by the company, especially the provision of job opportunities for youths of the community. The community claimed it made several attempts to discuss with Dangote management but to no avail, forcing the youths to barricade the entrance into the company’s project site in an attempt to compel the company to discuss with the community with the possibility of a lasting solution to the outstanding issue. At about 9 a.m., Mr. Salami Surajudeen, who deposed to the affidavit, said that he was informed that a large group of mobile police officers had surrounded the entrance of the project and were burning down the barricade and other obstruction erected by the youth. He said at the time the crisis was going on, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the community was at the palace

of the Baale of Okunraiye to settle the matter. “At that point, some members then rushed to the Baale’s House to inform him of a mayhem on-going outside and how the policemen had burnt down the barricade,” said Mr. Salami, who described himself as a principal member of the community. “The DPO left Baale’s House to go and confirm the report. “When I got there, I met the Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Limited, Mr Tajudeen Disu; Alhaji Jegede, Chairman of Resettlement Committee, and the Baale of Igiye Community. “When we were imploring

Mr Disu, Alhaji Jegede and the Baale of Igiye Community to stop policemen from shooting because the members of Okunraye Community did not want to fight and only wanted to discuss with Dangote management, the police refused to stop shooting and then a stray bullet hit Mr Disu from behind and he died instantly.” Mr. Salami said that a stray bullet also hit a young woman from the community who sustained injury on the arm. He also said that he saw the policeman that pulled the trigger that killed Mr. Disu, and alleged that the police officers stopped shooting when they realized that a stray bullet had killed the LFTZ boss. “I and others left the scene

immediately to take the injured woman to the hospital, and by the time we came back, the remains of Disu had been removed from the scene.” The applicants in the suit are Jubriala Balogun, Mr Akibu Razak, Alhaji Surajudeen Salami, Baale Yesiru Amusa (suing for themselves and on behalf of the people of Okunraye Town). Joined as defendants are the Nigerian Police, Inspector General of Police, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, The Nigerian Army, Department of State Security (DSS), Special Anti-Robbery Squad, The Dangote Group and Ibeju Lekki Local Government. The community leaders want the accused persons

to be released unconditionally from custody, and an order declaring their arrest and continuous detention as wrongful and a sharp contravention of their fundamental human rights. After listening to the application, Justice Raliat Adebiyi of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere, dismissed it. The motion ex-parte filed by the applicants through their lawyer Akinlabi Apara, seeking the following reliefs, among others, an order directing the respondents to release them unconditionally from custody, and an order declaring their arrest and continuous detention as wrongful and a sharp contravention of their fundamental human rights enshrined in

From left, Ms Zummy Disu, Mrs Bella Disu and her husband, first son of the deceased, Mr. Jameel Disu; widow, Mrs Folasade Disu, another son, Babatunde Disu, daughter, Tolulope Disu and Bukky Disu, at the 8th Day Fidau prayers held for the late Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Mr Tajudeen Ajibola Babatunde Disu, at Landmark Events Centre, Lagos, on Wednesday.

...Community should confess — Police In debunking the community’s claim, police asked the leaders to come clean about the killing saga. The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman, Joseph Offor, said, “They are not serious. Who inflicted machete injury on retired Col. Usman, the Chief Security Officer of Dangote Refinery? Was it the police that inflicted the injury on him? “Their allegation is diversionary, it’s a cheap blackmail. “It is not true and investigation is still ongoing. When the autopsy is con-

ducted, we will get to know how he died. “They should own up because before they left their

various homes that morning, all of them were armed to the teeth to do exactly what happened that day

which is to kill and maim. “The Police cannot join issues with them on that kind of cheap blackmail.’’

Chapter 4 of the Constitution and Article 23 (1) (4) (5) (6) (7) , 12 (1) and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, 2004. The case has been adjourned till November 10, for hearing of all pending applications in the suit.

New task-force for patching of potholes Chukwuma Okparaocha The newly inaugurated Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure for Lagos State, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, has declared a ‘’zero tolerance for potholes’’ across Lagos State while also establishing a taskforce to prosecute the patching of roads. The commissioner, who disclosed this while meeting the management staff of the ministry and its sister agencies, announced the constitution of 40 gangs to prosecute the maintenance and patching of roads with a mandate to drastically improve commuters’ experience across the state. Johnson also noted that all the engineers in the ministry would participate in the exercise which is targeted at all parts of the state. According to him, apart from fixing the potholes, the gangs will also work on the rehabilitation of collapsed drains and de-silting of drainage channels where necessary. He added that the state of the road represented a challenge that the Ambode administration was committed to confront.

3-storey building collapses at Odunfa Olalekan Olabulo Five people, including an elderly woman, were on Wednesday rescued as a three-storey building collapsed on the island of Lagos State. Most of the rescued victims of the collapsed buildings were occupants of apartments on the ground and the first floors.

The old woman, who suffered a fracture on one of her laps has since been taken to an unnamed hospital, after being given a first aid treatment by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) Meanwhile, the Lagos State Building Control Agency has marked some houses for demolition around the vicinity of the Wednesday inci-

dent. Residents of the building, situated on Swamp Street area of Odunfa though admitted that the building was the oldest on the street, insisted that there were no signs of imminent collapse on the building. Lagos Metro gathered that the building caved in, when a large number of its occupants had gone to their differ-

ent places of occupation and while many of the students had gone to school. A resident of the collapsed building, Enitan Ayinla told Lagos Metro that the collapse of the building was a great disaster to the residents. Ayinla stated that none of them had any inkling that the building was going to collapse, while also admitting that the building was very old.

news

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

I’ll not tolerate Biafran protest in Rivers —Wike •As police caution against knockout, fireworks DapoFalade-PortHarcourt

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has declared that he will no longer allow the pro-Biafran protesters to have their way in the state again. This was as he warned individuals and groups to desist from embarking upon inciting actions that can cause disaffection and disturbances in the state. He gave the warning in reaction to the protest embarked upon in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, by some youths who were demanding for the recognition of the Biafran Republic. Governor Wike, in a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Taria, on Wednesday, said he was angered by the protest by members of the

Indigenous People of Biafra, warning that such demonstrations would not be allowed by his administration. Dissociating himself from the protest, the governor emphasised the indivisibility of the country, adding that the action of the IPOB members was capable of stimulating chaos in the state. “As the Chief Security Officer of the state who swore to protect lives and property, I will not tolerate actions that will lead to the breakdown of law and order in

Rivers State,” he said. He warned that the coercive legal machinery would be set in motion against any group that set out to disturb the peace in the state, but assured lawabiding people and residents of their safety. Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Musa Kimo, has reminded members of the public and corporate bodies that the ban on the blast of knockout and fireworks in the state is still in full force. He said this in a state-

ment issued by the police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, adding that the reminder became imperative in view of the prevailing security situation across the country. Over 20 people, who participated in the pro-Biafran protest, in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, have been arraigned before a state magistrate court and later remanded in prison custody for alleged conspiracy and treason. The accused persons, who were arrested and arraigned in court, on

Wednesday, by the police from Zone 6, are facing a three-count charge in Suit Number PMC/1195c/2015. They include Benson Sunday, Emmanuel Ali, Ukeme Monday, Chibuzor Eechina, Charles Eze, Egbo Okechukwu, Chibona Ifion, John Douglas, Ezenwa Alphonus, Wori Endurance, Chinomere Nwolu, Henry Eze, Friday Uzunwa, Igbodo Abio, Akaniyene Uwem, Eni Iboro, Obinna Stephen, Monday Ocha, Obinna Ibekwe and kingsely Ezengorie.

LG election will hold as planned —Niger govt Adelowo Oladipo-Minna

The Niger State government, on Wednesday, assured that the local government election, scheduled for November 7 this year, will hold as planned. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who gave the assurance in Minna, on Wednesday, dismissed speculations in some quarters that the government was making underground moves to shift the polls to early next year because the ruling All Progressives Congress{APC} was not prepared for the election. Sani Bello, who gave the assurance while speaking through his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, at a stakeholders’ workshop on voter education sensitisation and mobilisation at the Doko Hotels, declared that the administration is ‘irrevocably committed to conducting the election.’ “Our resolve in Niger State to go ahead to conduct the local government election apart from being a constitutional responsibility is premised on our belief that a democratically elected government at the local government level will endear greater service delivery to a larger number of the people whose welfare constitutes the major focus of this administration,” he declared. He said that the administration will give the state Independent Electoral Commission all the needed support to ensure it performed its duties to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders.

From left, President/ Vice Chancellor, Babcock University (BU), Professor James Kayode Makinde; Vice President, Development and Strategy, BU, Mr Olukunle Iyana; President/ CEO, Tristate Cardiovascular Associate, Professor Kamar Adeleke and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, during the emir’s arrival to Babcock University, for the inauguration of Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre, at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

We supported Buhari because of Amaechi —Ex-militants Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

A group of former militants in the Niger-Delta region, under the platform of the Niger-Delta Coalition, has called on the Senate to screen the former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi as minister, saying they publicly declared their support for President

Muhammadu Buhari because of him. Ameachi, who they described as the “lion of Niger-Delta” “represents the change the All Progressives Congress (APC) is talking about.” A statement issued in Abuja, on Tuesday, Young Piero and Excel Toriomo, president and secretary

of the group respectively said, it is time for the Senate to recognise that Ameachi and some others did work hard for the peace enjoyed during the last general election. “The Niger Delta Coalition does not see any reason why he (Amaechi) has not been screened by the Senate. He is a leader, a

the Speaker, Honourable Jolayemi Julius, on Tuesday. The statement directed the chairman to hand over all the documents of the council to the vice-chairman, Honourable Joseph Ajayi, who was asked to take over the administration of the local government. The councillors said that the council chairman engaged hoodlums to disrupt proceedings of the legislative council where 11 legislators were present. The statement partly read: “We the undersigned councillors in Isin

Local Government Area of Kwara State rose in the House today, October 20, 2015, to suspend the executive chairman of the local government, Honourable Abdulmaaruf Thanni, for three months effective from October 20, 2015. “As the House sat today to discuss on the alleged misappropriation of funds by the executive chairman, suspected hoodlums invaded the council chamber to disrupt the sitting. “The incessant threats of thugs to the House led it to take such action against the chairman,” the statement added.

Kwara LG chairman suspended over alleged misappropriation Biola Azeez-Ilorin

The 13-member legislative council of Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State has suspended the council chairman, Mr Abdulmaaruf Thanni, for three months over alleged misappropriation of funds. In a joint statement signed by nine out of 11 councillors in the local government, which was made available to journalists in Ilorin, on Wednesday, the councillors said the decision was taken at the sitting of the legislative council, presided over by

coach, an instructor, a mobiliser and a motivator who put his life, family and the lives of many that believe in the struggle to bring about the change Nigeria is talking about today.” The former South-South fighters recalled how a faction that was loyal to the then ruling PDP threatened to kill one of them (Advocate Young Piero) “and we still went ahead to protect the Niger-Delta territory for a free and fair election.” The statement added that: “We supported Buhari-led APC because we wanted change. The Senate should know better that a fight against Amaechi is a fight against the progressives; a delay to screen Amaechi is against the peace loving people of Niger-Delta and millions of Nigerians. “We are using this medium to call on the leadership of the Senate not only to screen this notable personality for the benefit of Nigerians and Niger Delta, but his contributions to President Muhammadu Buhari’s success should be considered”, the statement stated.

Tribunal upholds Oyo APC lawmaker’s election The Oyo State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, on Wednesday, upheld the re-election of a member of the State House of Assembly, Mr Olusegun Olaleye of All Progressives Congress (APC). The three-man tribunal in its verdict dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the Accord Party, in the 11 April, 2015 State House of Assembly election, Mr Ayeni Temitayo Sunday, for lacking merit. The Accord candidate had in his petition prayed the tribunal to nullify the election of Olaleye, on the grounds that the election was characterised with irregularities and that Olaleye was not qualified to contest the 11 April, 2015 election. In the judgment delivered by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the tribunal ruled that the petitioner failed woefully in proving their case beyond a reasonable doubt and as such the election of Olaleye was upheld.

Jehovah Witnesses holds convention The Witnesses “Imitate Jesus!” Regional convention enters its third week this weekend, October 23-25, 2015 at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Ifatumo village along Ibadan / Iwo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. About 30,000 delegates are expected at this annual event from Oyo, Ogun and Osun states. A highlight of the programme will be the keynotes address to be delivered on Friday morning, entitled “Concealed in Him are all the treasures of wisdom.” This was contained in a press released made available to the Nigerian Tribune and signed by the media officer, Mr Sunday Olukayode Oladele. The programme starts on Friday and Saturday by 8:20am and 3:55pm and on Sunday by 8:20am to 2:50pm. The programme will also include a stimulating examination of Jesus famous sermon on the mount which offers timeless advice that can help parents to better use their time and resources to build a more secure and loving family environment.

businessnews

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

FG mulls $25billion infrastructure fund By Chima Nwokoji

he Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to set up a $25billion infrastructure fund that will benefit from both public and private sector funding sources. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo made this known in a Bloomberg Television interview on Wednesday monitored online. He said: “We are looking at a $25billion infrastructure fund. That is the size of the fund we are looking at. “I want to set up a fund, an infrastructure fund, which will benefit from both public sources, which is government sources, and concessionary funding, a mix of funds, and then of course private sector funds. A lot of those projects will be bankable projects, because we’re looking at projects that will interest private sector investors as well. But they are strategic for us.” The vice-president also said that government is looking at quite substantial private sector input especially in agriculture, because agricultural sector is possibly the second largest contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Through this he added, millions of farmers will be employed, “so we get some leverage with job creation, which is a major policy objective as well.” Against the backdrop of fears being expressed in certain quarters that the nation’s economy may be

heading for a recession, Osinbajo said the way out is to spend rather than to cut back in spending. According to him, spending on ways of diversifying

and also on infrastructure will help the economy. “We are going to be investing quite massively on infrastructure, especially power, roads and rail, and

of course we are going to be investing in agriculture as well,” he reiterated. On the decline in oil prices, he said that the central bank had to produce

From left, Managing Director/CEO, Dobox Media, Mr Gafar Williams; Winners: Mr Nnamdi Stephen Eze; Ms Uzoamaka Nwaneri Ifende; Mr Shobowale Femi; and General Manager, Convergence Audio Video Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr Hyunseung Shin, during the LG Dobox Giveaways Competition presentation ceremony in Lagos.

Eko Disco rolls out N50bn programmes for efficient metering system OlatundeDodondawaand Shalom Akpabio -Lagos The management of Eko Distribution Electricity Company (EKEDC) has rolled out programmes aimed at promoting effective metering system and permanently address the challenges of estimated billings popularly called crazy billing. The company said it in-

tends to invest N50billion to meet the prepaid metering requirement in the next three years. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer, EKEDC, Dr Oladele Amoda, said the company has set plans in motion to install metres for about 400,000 electricity customers within its network. According to him, “the

company has already taken delivery of 7,500 Maximum Demand (M.D) metres and 50,000 Non-Maximum Demand (N.M.D) metres, procured at about N5.8billion. “These metres constitute only the first phase of our metering plan that will see almost 400,000 of our customers metered free of charge. Installation of the first phase metres has already begun, though it will

Access Bank records N258bn Gross Earnings in Q3 2015 By Chima Nwokoji And KehindeAkinseinde-JayeobaLagos Access Bank Nigeria Plc has recorded a strong performance in its unaudited results for the third quarter (Q3) ended 30 September 2015, showing positive growth in financial indices. The unaudited Q3 2015 financial results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, showed that Access Bank recorded a gross earnings of N258billion, representing an increase of 42per cent over the N182billion recorded in the same period in 2014 with total contribution of interest income at 60 per cent and non-interest income at 40 per cent. The Group posted a profit before tax of N60bn which showed an increase of 43 per cent when compared to the third quarter of 2014 at N42billion. Profit after tax was up 34 per cent in 2015 to N48billion compared to

some short-term foreign exchange controls because largely the oil prices have plummeted, and that it has been reasonably successful in the short term.

N35billion in nine months of 2014. There were also increases in other financial indices; non-interest income rose 106 per cent to N102billion in 2015 from N50billion in 2014; Operating income of N178billion grew by 42 per cent in Q3 2015 compared with N126billion in the corresponding period of 2014 and Return on Average Eq-

uity (ROAE) of 20.4 per cent in 2015, from 18.9 per cent in Q3 2014 driven by significant improvement in profitability. Speaking on the results, the Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe noted that “the Bank continues to maintain strong growth in earnings reflecting our commitment to deliver on our objectives for 2015.

The Group posted a PBT of N60billion (Sep’14: N42bn), in spite of the significant policy headwinds in the first 9 months of the year. “We continue to invest in technology, enhance our processes and improve service delivery whilst reducing cost as we deploy simple and efficient digital solutions to meet the needs of our customers.”

How we revived collapsed passenger on board-Air Peace Shola Adekola -Lagos Tragedy was averted on board an Air Peace flight yesterday when a passenger on board one of the airline’s flights collapsed. According to information gathered, trouble started when a male passenger who was on board the airline flight 140 which took off 13.00 from Lagos and was heading towards

Abuja collapsed ten minutes into the flight. The crew of the airline who were already trained to handle such emergencies were said to have used the medical equipment on board including the two oxygens on board to bring him back to life, Coincidentally, a medical personnel who was on board same flight was said to have interrogated the

sick passenger on his state of health during when he confessed that he had not eaten for two days which suggested that he must have suffered dehydration. Following the development, the pilot of the plane was said to have made an emergency call to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at Abuja airport requesting for an ambulance on ground.

not be possible to reach all customers at the same time, the assurance for all customers is that at the end, everyone will be metered with smart metres free of charge.” He reiterated that customers have the option, through the Credited Advance Payment for Metering (CAPMI) scheme, to pay for the metre, and get the metre installed within 14 days. He assured that they will be refunded with 12 per cent interest. “Altogether, a total of N50billion will be expended to cover all customers within the next three years,” he said. On two years’ post-privatisation experience, Amoda said despite the huge expenses and expansion programme, the sector may not have recorded instant turn around because the rot of over several decades will be so hard to revive in two years. Part of the commitment of the company is to promote indigenous capacity and Amoda assured that the meters we procured from indigenous manufacturers. “It is equally important to stress here that because of our belief in contributing meaningfully to the local economy, we have procured a larger portion of these meters from local meter manufacturers. We are doing this in line with our avowed intent to bring a new lease of life into the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

Naira depreciates against dollar at parallel market, Wednesday The naira on Wednesday depreciated against the dollar, after making a rebound on Monday at the parallel market. The currency lost N1 to the dollar as it exchanged for N225 against N224 it exchanged previously. The official rate at the interbank window remained at N197. Traders at the parallel market told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the demand for the dollar had been putting pressure on the naira, forcing it to depreciate in value. A financial expert, Dr Evans Osabuohien, of the Department of Economics and Developmental Studies, Covenant University, Ota in Ogun, attributed the fall in naira to Nigerians’ preference for imported goods. Osabuohien said that the demand for dollar for importation had put undue pressure on the nation’s currency. He, however, expressed hope that the naira might experience a rebound in December when many Nigerians doing business abroad would come back with a lot of dollars.

SEC approves N140.79bn bonds in 9 months The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said on Wednesday that it approved bonds worth N140.79 billion between January and September. The commission said in statistics released in Lagos that it approved a total of 12 bonds during the period. A breakdown of the bonds showed that eight were sub -national while four were corporate. The document showed that state governments accounted for N70.29 billion while corporate bonds accounted for N70.50 billion. The state governments that applied for bonds during the period were Ebonyi, Oyo, Zamfara, Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Plateau and Cross River. Similarly, the corporate bonds approved were for Mansard Insurance, Fidelity Bank, Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and FCMB. An analysis of the data showed that Ebonyi was given an approval for a sub-national bond worth N9.34 billion while Oyo got approval for N4.80 billion bond.

business

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for wednesday, 21 OCTOBER, 2015

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 Nigerian Tribune 14 news PDP accuses Aregbesola of plotting to reduce workers’ salary

...They lack understanding of basic issues —Aregbesola Oluwole Ige-Osogbo

SUN State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday decried what it called “plot by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to reduce salaries of workers in the state.” The party in a statement issued in Osogbo by

its spokesperson, Diran Odeyemi said a memo notifying the civil servants of a new pay regime that will see them forfeiting all allowances, which their colleagues in other states are enjoying, have already been circulated. “We as a party have been consistent, believing that Governor Aregbesola has

lost focus as he is totally confused of what is next to move the state forward,” Odeyemi said. Reacting to PDP’s position, Aregbesola in statement signed by his director, Bureau of Communication Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon said, “we are not surprised that the PDP is deliberately

Ladoja versus Ajimobi: Tribunal delivers judgment Tuesday By Dare Adekanmbi

THE Justice Mohammed Mayaki-led governorship election petitions tribunal for Oyo State has fixed next week Tuesday for judgment in a petition filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party against the validity of the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ladoja is asking that the tribunal declare him winner of the April 11 election, having polled the highest number of lawful votes and with 25 per cent in 22 out of 33 local government councils, or alternatively order a rerun of the election. In his petition number EPT/IB/GOV/22/2015, the former governor through his lawyer, Richard Ogunwole, averred that, out of the 33 councils in the state, election only took place in 23, as well as in some units in the remaining 10 councils. He argued further that the election was marred by non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2010, over voting, non-accreditation of voters, deliberate refusal to use the

smart card readers, ballot stuffing, ballot paper and boxes snatching, multiple thumb printing of ballot papers, among others. Ladoja had tendered about 100 exhibits and called many witnesses to buttress the claims in his petition during the hearing of the petition. But Governor Ajimobi, through his counsel, Wole Olanipekun, had wondered why Ladoja did not join former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of the Labour Party as respondent in the petition since it was Alao-Akala that won in the five councils in Ogbomosho which results Ladoja also challenged. In his written address, Olanipekun told the tribunal to dismiss the petition for being grossly incompetent, with no substantial evidence and argued that Ladoja was not qualified to stand for the election because he did not emerge through party primaries. Ogunwole in his own address challenged Olanipekun to provide proof that Accord Party did not conduct governorship primary before producing Ladoja as its candidate.

After adoption of the addresses on September 30, chairman of the tribunal, Justice Mayaki, informed counsel that the date of judgment would be communicated to them.

ACADEMIC Staff of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), Umudike, Abia State have threatened to pull out of the national executive council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The lecturers alleged that ASUU leadership had taken a biased position on the crisis rocking the branch of the union in the university over allegations against its Vice Chancellor, Professor Hillary Edeoga. The aggrieved lecturers had subsequently elected an interim executive of the branch union at a meeting convened last September by the Head of Department of Mathematics, Professor Vincent Asor.

This followed a vote of no confidence passed by the university lecturers on the immediate past executive, led by Dr Ugochukwu Onyebinama, who was accused of indiscipline, high-handedness and misrepresentation, among others. In a letter to the institution’s vice chancellor, dated September 14, 2015 and signed by the convener of the meeting, Professor Asor, the lecturers said, “We write to bring to your notice that with effect from September 9, 2015, the ASUU MOUAU executive led, by Dr U.A.U. Onyebinama, is no more recognised by ASUU MOUAU branch.” The letter, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tri-

the Permanent Secretary in the office of the head of service, Mr Sunday Olajide, stated that the allowances include 27.5 per cent peculiar allowance for teachers, 25 per cent-35 per cent for other categories of workers. Aregbesola in his reaction signed by Okanlawon said, “We cannot be surprised at PDP’s lack of understanding of the basic issues involved in the global economic meltdown. Nigerians can only be grateful to God that the affairs of the nation are no longer in the rudderless hold of the party. “We dare to say that in the face of the glaring realities of economic complications across the world, the

impact of which has been felt by Nigerians, it would amount to irresponsibility for the government that cares for its people not to review its operations in line with the prevailing economic realities. “Interestingly, there is no single reform and belttightening measures that Governor Aregbesola and his government officials have not laid bare on the table before the workers and other stakeholders. The Osun Labour is quite aware of all the reforms and efforts of the government to ensure that the welfare of the people does not grind to a halt because of the worsening economic situation across the world.”

Fuel scarcity hits Bayelsa, as long queue returns Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

RESIDENTS of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State have continued to groan over the return of long queues at filling stations, sequel to shortage of fuel supply to the oil and gas rich state. The situation has resulted in serious traffic along the major Mbiama/Yenagoa road, as well as the Sani Abacha Expressway, owing to the queue that has completely occupied a portion of the road. Nigerian Tribune gathered that only few filling stations were selling old stock and at cut throat price where a litre sells for N150. The few filling stations were crowded, as those purchasing fuel in jerry cans were competing with motorists while security officers had hectic time controlling the crowd at the stations. Report has it that the scarcity was a result of police

MOUAU lecturers threaten to pull out of ASUU Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

painting in bad light, all the well-thought out survival strategies of the current administration in the face of the mounting global economic meltdown which is affecting all facets of national life.” Odeyemi argued that in less than three years, the administration of Mr Aregbesola has tinkered with the set up of agencies overseeing primary and secondary education in the state, stressing that such constant reversal of policies not only suggest lack of focus, but also indicate crass incompetence. According to PDP, “the memo informing workers of the forfeiture of their allowances was signed by

bune, further stated that a five-member interim executive, led by Dr Joseph Adama, had been elected to run the affairs of the union until elections were held. The vote of no confidence on Onyebinama was the climax of the dissatisfaction of the lecturers who had earlier opposed a report which the former ASUU chairman was said to have sent to the ASUU national executive, accusing the vice chancellor of unwholesome acts. In a counter-letter to the university visitor, dated August 24, the lecturers dissociated themselves from the petition and also from the resolution of the ASUU national executive council directing the local branch to write a petition against the vice chancellor.

harassment of petroleum tankers drivers conveying fuel to the state, the situation reportedly degenerated to the opening of canisters (tear gas) on the drivers, who in turn resolved to stop supply to the state. A commercial bus driver operating between Yenagoa and Port Harcourt regretted the situation, add-

ing that when the product was available he could make seven trips a day, but with the persisting scarcity, he could hardly cover three trips per day. Accordingly, those making purchase in jerry cans also told Nigerian Tribune that the situation became worsened sequel to the persisting power

outage in the state. However, it was learnt that complaints had been forwarded to the state government over the orgy of fuel scarcity, and the government has waded into the matter, assuring that the impasse would be resolved to ensure that petroleum tankers resume operation to the state.

news

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

75% of girls in Nigeria get married before 18 —Action Aid

HE Action Aid Nigeria, on Wednesday said, 75 per cent of girls in Nigeria are married off before the age of 18. Mrs Ifeoma CharlesMonwuba, Deputy Country Director of the organisation, stated this in Abuja at a two-day conference on the “Social Protection of the Girl-child.” Charles-Monwuba, who spoke on “International Perspective on Child Marriage,” said education remains the key to stop early marriage, adding that 100 million girls in the country stand the risk of early marriage within the next decade, if the trend continues. She said girls married off early, often fail to maximise their potentials in life, as they end up confined to carrying out domestic chores and at risk of life threatening diseases. The deputy director stressed that children, especially the girl-child deserves the right to education and all other human rights. “To ensure that girls are kept in school, there are international instruments required for children which includes; universal declaration of human rights-right to education, ensuring an inclusive, equitable quality education and promoting lifelong

Ikorodu laughs out loud at Glo Laffta Fest The excitement continued last Sunday for Globacom subscribers in Ikorodu as the Glo Laffta Fest comedy train arrived the town from Ibadan. The Musical Village, Ikorodu, venue of the show was filled with guests who were seen trouping into the 3,000 capacity auditorium as early 2.00 p.m.. Artistes who set the ball rolling for the show include John D Nice, Tupengo, Joe Ornomo, K-Swag, Bliss, Solid Jay and Seriki while DOne and Bengy D. Joke cracked-up the audience with hilarious jokes. Bovi’s emergence on stage elicited a standing ovation from the audience who could not recognise him initially, until he pulled the hood from his head. He anchored the show in an interactive manner while reeling out jokes. Glo ambassador, Helen Paul evoked nostalgic memories about her formative years in Ikorodu, as she built rib cracking jokes.

learning opportunities for all. “According to United Nations Population Council of 2013, 75 per cent of girls in Nigeria get married before they attain the age of 18. “100 million girls under the age of 18 will marry in the next decade if the current trend continues,” she said. According to her, some of the odds faced by the girl-child when married off early in life include the higher risk of physical and emotional violence. “The girl-child will be

faced with Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) disease and she is confined to domestic chores because she is not allowed to make decisions in the family,” CharlesMonwuba added. She recommended that equal rights among girls and boys should be promoted as well as quality free inclusive public education for both sexes in the country. “We need to improve education budget, promote gender responsive schools, and encourage re-entry policy for the re-integra-

tion of young mothers without stigma. We also need to have sanctions on people that marry underaged girls,” Charles-Monwuba said. Also speaking on “The Role of the Media in Eliminating Child Marriage in Nigeria,” Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye, Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, said religion and culture encourage child marriage. Ogunleye urged the media to report and engage the populace with programmes targeted at enlightening them on the

dangers of early marriage and the rights of the girlchild to education. “The media should lead the campaign on the domestication and implementation of the Child Rights Act and engage in getting statistics on girlchild marriage to drive home the campaign. “Children’s Day should not be the only day we report on children issues, but we need to make it a regular affair to bring to forth the hazards of early marriage on the society,” he said.

Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; his wife, Olukemi (second right), wife of the deputy governor, Alhaja Fatimat Oluboyo (right), deputy governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo (second left) and the Chairman /CEO, Top Services Limited, Chief Tokunbo Omisore, at the inauguration of Akure Mall (Shoprite), on Wednesday.

Mimiko unveils Shoprite outlet, assures entrepreneurs Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko on Wednesday unveiled the Shoprite outlet in the state capital Akure, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing enabling environment for small and medium businesses to thrive. Unveiling the outlet, situated within the building of the new Akure Shopping Mall, located at the premises of the old Owena Motel Akure, the Governor, assured that the mall would add value to the economic landscape of the state, stressing that it would also provide opportunity for domestic retailers to ply their trade through effective supply chain process. Governor Mimiko noted that the mall would create employment opportunity for the people, and assured that its multiplier effect would boost the economy of the state. He said, “Looking forward in the next couple of weeks, the dome will be back along this corridor and this place will be the

commercial hub of sort. At the end of all these, our people will be gainfully engaged and the multiplier effect on our economy will truly be great. The excitement is not just about having the Akure mall, but about the opportunity for our local retailers to ply their trade and also about the oppor-

tunity for a supply chain that will originate from this state.” Earlier in his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of Top Services Limited, the developer of the mall, Mr Tokunbo Omisore appreciated Governor Mimiko for providing enabling environment for the project and also for fast-tracking

every aspect of the contract agreement. According to him, the mall will provide jobs for no fewer than 1000 indigenes of Ondo State, adding that entrepreneurs and small and medium scale businessmen would be able to showcase their products, especially farm products.

NSCDC warns against fuel diversion, adulteration The Assistant Commandant General (ACG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Jacob Amujare Oladapo has warned petrol dealers in the country against diversion and adulteration of petroleum product. Oladapo gave this warning in Osogbo, Osun State while addressing officers and men of the corps, during his three-day working visit to the state. According to him, adulterating and diversion of petroleum products is an act of economic sabotage, adding that anybody caught involving in the illegal act

will be severely dealt with without compromise. Oladapo restated the resolve of the NSCDC to ensure adequate protection of critical infrastructure and national assets throughout the country, adding that the Corps has embarked on a 24-hour protection of such infrastructure in line with its mandate. “Anybody caught tampering with the critical infrastructure and national assets will be made to face the wrath of law, while any of the petroleum dealers found to be involved in diversion or adulteration of products will also be se-

verely dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land,” he said. The ACG also said that the corps will not relent in its efforts at combating pipeline vandals, adding that officers and men of the corps have been adequately trained to combat any act of vandalism and terrorism in the country. He used the occasion to appeal to members of the public to assist by giving timely and useful information to the NSCDC in its bid to combat crimes and ensure security of lives and property throughout the country.

NASRDA congratulates Emosu on his CNN Multi-Choice award By ’Ronke Sanya

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has congratulated an Associate Editor of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of Tribune titles, Mr Adewale Emosu, on his receipt of the CNN MultiChoice award in Kenya, recently. NASRDA’s Head, Media and Corporate Communication, Mr Felix Ale, in the congratulatory letter addressed to Mr Emosu said, “I cannot but seize this opportunity to felicitate with you on your conferment with the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist award. “I recall with nostalgia the relationship we had in the past, your reportage of our activities in the National Space Research and Development Agency and the discharge of your duties with passion and adherence to the rule and ethics of our noble profession,” the congratulatory letter read. Ale, who expressed great joy on the international recognition of Emosu, added: “I am indeed very proud of you. This is well deserved and I wish you more successes as you journey ahead steadily in your well chosen career.”

NYSC MDGs Ota unit kicks-off awareness campaign AS part of the effort of national Youth Service Corp (NYSC) MDGs group, Ado Odo, Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State to advocate for the actualisation of the new Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), which was adopted at the 70th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York by world leaders recently, the group has kicked-off the awareness campaign on Wednesday, at Oju Ore market, Ota. The group, which was led by its President, Olawoyin Edris Busayo disclosed that “it has become imperative for us as corp members, who are dedicated in serving the country to ensure that general public keep abreast to the new global goals. What it contains and how it can be achieved.”

news

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

2015 presidential election: Jonathan’s acceptance of defeat made result credible, devoid of litigation —INEC report Jacob Segun Olatunji-Abuja

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, declared that the concession of defeat by former President Goodluck Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari even before the official declaration of the presidential election result by the commission made it credible and devoid of litigation. This was contained in the 2015 General Elections Report, which was presented to the public yesterday by INEC at its Electoral Institute in Abuja. According to the report, “what stood out, in bold relief, about the 2015 general election is that, for the first time since 1999, the outcome of the presidential election, held on March 28, 2015, was uncontested in court. “This can be attributed to two principal factors: the fact that the election was generally adjudged to be transparent and credible and second, the historic concession made by the incumbent president, even before the official declaration of the presidential election result by the commission,” it declared. Speaking at the occasion, the outgoing Acting Chairman of the Commission, Hajiya Amina Zakari, revealed that the number of election petitions during the last general election were on the decline compared with those of the 2007 general election. According to her, “the number of election petitions after the 2007 general election stood at a whopping 1,290; after the 2011 general election, the number came down by almost half, with a total of 732 election petitions filed; following the 2015 general elections, the number of petitions further scaled down to 611.” “It is therefore expected that the incidence of nullified elections will be correspondingly low,” Zakari said. The report further stated that operations and logistics, amendments of legal framework and voter education and publicity were integral challenges that confronted INEC in the discharge of its duties. The report, a 232-page document with nine chapters, was the first in the history of Nigeria that was produced three months after an election. According to the report,

“In spite of the conscious efforts by the commission to address the perennial challenges of logistics and to ensure that men and materials arrived at polling units (PUs), to allow for opening of polls before or at 8:00a.m. across the country, this did not occur in some PUs, especially on March 28, 2015, the

date of the presidential election and National Assembly Elections.” “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was observed more in the breach,” it further stated. “Some of the state offices

did not activate their Registration Area Centre (RACS) and Super RACS, as directed by the commission. These two challenges led to the late commencement of polls in some PUS and threatened the integrity of the elections, in spite of the patience, understanding and resilience Nigerians

demonstrated on election days,” it added. The commission lamented that up to the 2015 elections, certain legal amendments were not effected, pointing out that the commission had to conduct the elections with laws that were overdue for refinement or outright amendment.

From left, National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku; acting chairman of INEC, Hajia Amina Zakari; Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Mr Akin Orebiyi and former national commissioner, Dr Chris Iyimoga, at the public presentation of the 2015 general election report, in Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Concede defeat like me if you lose, Jonathan tells Tanzanian presidential aspirants FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan, chair of the Commonwealth Election Observer Mission to Tanzania, has urged the loser of Sunday’s Tanzanian presidential election to promptly acknowledge it in the interest of the country’s peace and unity. Jonathan, who has been briefing a broad spectrum

of stakeholders in Dar es Salaam – including chairman of the electoral commission, leaders of political parties, journalists, youth organisations and the civil society – said it was equally important to realise that for the poll to be free and fair, all stakeholders must play their part. “If you lose, accept de-

feat,” he said, warning that any attempt to reject the will of the people can only lead to chaos. He told them that he immediately accepted defeat after losing his re-election bid early this year because he did not want personal ambition to derail democracy in Nigeria. “I was concerned about

Zero budgeting will reduce waste, abandoned projects —FG Clement Idoko - Abuja

THE Federal Government has said that the zero budgeting introduced for the 2016 fiscal year, will substantially reduce waste and abandoned projects that are replete in the country. Government has also advised all Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) to adhere to this budget process while also ensuring the November deadline for the submission of the 2016 budget proposal to the National Assembly. Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Hindatu Abdullahi, who spoke at a workshop on Wednesday

in Abuja, urged heads of all public educational institutions in the country to comply with the Federal Government’s directive. The new budgeting system, according to the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who are jointly driving the process, marks a clear departure from the envelope budgeting system, characterised by poor implementation and wasteful spending. Stakeholders drawn from all tiers of the education sector were summoned to a three-day technical workshop in Abuja, to meet the deadline for the budget proposal expected to reach

the National Assembly by mid November. In the zero budgeting system, all items proposed for funding has to be fully justified before it can be forwarded to the National Assembly. It also entails that the budget proposal states clearly the vision, mission and mandate of the MDAs, the strategic objectives of any project, challenges, strength, opportunities, threat, key performance indicators, deliverables among others. Hindatu Abdullahi who declared the workshop opened said the cumbersome nature of the new budgeting system necessitated the seminar.

allowing my personal ambition to scuttle a democratic system I had helped to nurture,” he continued. “In any election, there are winners and losers. The presidential candidate who loses on Sunday should gracefully concede the election to avert a political crisis.” The two leading Tanzania’s national newspapers, The Guardian and The Citizen, which have been celebrating the former president since his arrival last Monday, quoted him as saying: “If all parties, including the national electoral commission, political parties, and police force will play their role, nothing will stop Tanzania from recording a free and fair election this year. “Successful elections will depend on how each stakeholder plays his or her role to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and transparent electoral process…I’m confident Tanzanians will achieve this.” He assured the public that the Commonwealth Observers Group would perform its observation role with impartiality, independence and transparency.

Adewole is a worthy ambassador of Osun –Ijesa People in the Diaspora THE international body of all Ijesa indigenes around the world, Ijesa People in the Diaspora (IPID), has dispelled the rumour that Osun State ministerial nominee, Professor Isaac Adewole, is not an indigene of Osun State. The body made this clarification in a press statement issued by the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Bobaseye Akinyemi Fasakin, who claimed that “Professor Adewole is not only born and bred in Ilesa but a full blooded Ijesa man.” Fasakin said it was unfair to have referred to a worthy and well-known Ijesa indigene who has done so much for the Ijesa land as an Ekiti indigene in the name of politics associated with his nomination. He claimed that the false allegation was done in bad light. The IPID stated that Professor Adewole’s father sojourn to Ekiti State has not turned him to an Ekiti indigene and that blackmailers should desist from blackmailing Adewole, but to go to the University of Ibadan to see his unprecedented development as the vice chancellor and his effort in developing Osun indigenes.

Buhari means well for Nigeria —Gana Chris Agbambu - Abuja

THE former director of the defunct Nigerian Airways and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Niger State, Air Commodore Peter Gana, on Wednesday, said judging from the list of ministerial nominees, it was getting clearer that President Muhammadu Buhari means well for Nigeria. He said with well-known performers like General Danbazau and Governor Babatunde Fashola on the list, the future was definitely bright for the country. Gana said, “Our dignity as a people, which over the years has been weather-bitten, is now being restored. “As Nigerians, we must all key into this new dispensation, especially in the area of anti-corruption drive. “When we do this, we can then ask God to crown our efforts. I am proud and happy to be a witness to these events.”

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

8 1. From left, former Principal, Babcock University High School, Ilisan-Remo, Dr Timothy Adesoji Adetayo; Chief Executive Officer, Babcock University Consults, Professor Dayo Alao and the Director, Guidance and Counselling (Students Support Services), Babcock University, Dr Ayodele Adeoye, at the graduation and award of Ph.D Applied Psychology on Adetayo, by the Senate of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. 2. The groom, Mr Ibukunoluwa Komolafe, with his wife, former Miss Adenike Fasesin, during their wedding at Christ Life Church the Rock, NNPC Area, Apata, Ibadan, on Saturday. 3. From right, Professor Tunde Adeniran; former Minister of Education; Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties and Pro Chancellor, Federal University, Dutse; Dr Umar Musa Mustapha, Pro-Chancellor, University of Ibadan and Senator Ken Nnamani, former Senate President, during the public presentation of Professor Adeniran’s books and 70th birthday, at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Monday. 4. From left, Chief Bayo Oyero, Mr Olalekan Alli, Chief Toye Ogunyemi (celebrant), Professor

5. 6.

7. 8.

Sola Ogunyemi, Chief Niyi Akintola, Mr Festus Adesiyan and others, during the launch of a book by Chief Toye Ogunyemi, held at St John Paul II Centre, University of Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE From left, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Honourable Taiwo Akeju and Comrade Yinka Odumakin, at the launch of a book written by Professor Adeniran, at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE Pioneer General Manager, Glory Tabernacle Church, Pastor Uzodinma Adeogo Obed (fifth left); his wife, Pastor (Dr) Chinyere Obed (sixth left) with others, cutting the cake to mark the “Festival of Nations 2015”, at Tabernacle Church, Ojurin, Bodija, on Sunday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU Alhaji Aleem Abdulateef Oluwafemi Aninkan congratulating his wife, Alhaja Rasheedat Rhoda, on her birthday. The graduand, Miss Comfort Ronke Osofisan, flanked by her parents, Mr and Mrs Bola Osofisan, at the graduation ceremony held at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), AgoIwoye, recently.

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

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

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Still on GEJ’s confab report DURING former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the Nigerian people had a national conference, whereby different people from different sectors of the economy participated. I can’t recollect how much was expended on the confab, but I know it was huge. However, now that a new administration is in power, does it mean the reports of the confab would no longer be implemented? Despite the criticisms surrounding the confab, I still believe it must have a thing or two that would contribute to national development. I don’t want President Muhammadu Buhari to just jettison the report just like that. He should look at it with a view towards implementing the aspects that are people-friendly. We shouldn’t just let all the money spent on the contributors for three months go to waste just like that. •Omotayo Isola, 08062086668

How to end Boko Haram insurgency I want to call on religious leaders in the Northern part of the country to do more towards sensitizing their followers that Islam is a religion of peace, and that members of the Boko Haram terrorists, or those sympathetic to their cause are not true Muslims. If the terrorists do not have support from the communities, it will only be a matter of time before they go into extinction. Religious leaders have a lot of influence of their followers, and as such, they hold the key towards bringing an end to the insurgency. Nigerians are tired of the senseless war; we want peace to rein for us to truly develop. •Yakub Aishat, 08097324106.

•Concrete boulevard! PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

Attention, President Buhari LET me use this opportunity to urge President Muhammadu Buhari not to forget his social contract with the people by transforming the country into one that Nigerians will be proud of. Our economy needs adequate attention, and that is why this administration must pursue aggressive economic policies that will revive moribund companies, and also improve the potentials of the private sector. I am also calling on President Buhari to encourage state governments, the private sector, and wealthy individuals to intensify their efforts in exploring the means of diversifying the sources of our national income, while initiating genuine policies that will protect the citizens, create wealth and absorb the teeming unemployed youth.

President Buhari also needs to unite the country which has been fractured by ethnicity, religious differences and politics, while

giving all Nigerians a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project; this will lay to rest all divisive tendencies that worked against

the growth and progress of the country in the past. I enjoin all Nigerians to support President Buhari’s fight against corruption, as

IGP, call your men to order AGAINST the anti-corruption crusade of the Muhammadu Buhari-led government, it is shocking that some men within the Nigeria Police still believe it’s business as usual. Some corrupt police officers lay siege to Internet fraudsters (yahoo boys), not with the aim of bringing them to justice but with the intention to extort them. These men, who are usually in mufti in order to conceal their identity, go about demanding to look through the phones of persons suspected to be involved in internet fraud. At the end of the day, they

end up harassing, intimidating, coercing and eventually extorting huge sums of money from their prey. Recently, a friend’s son who freshly graduated from a university in the Republic of Benin was apprehended while running an errand for his mother at a bank in Ikorodu, around Benson bus-stop. The young man was accosted on his way out of the bank by four sternlooking men in mufti, who identified themselves as policemen and demanded to see his phone. On seeing that the youngman uses an iphone6, the phone, with the other Nokia phone he

I was happy when President Muhammadu Buhari pardoned some soldiers who had been convicted for mutiny in the ongoing war against Boko Haram. I am,

should focus on getting unemployed youths off the streets, and put them into jobs. Entrepreneurship should also be encouraged in

our institutions of higher learning, as this will make our youths rely less on white-collar jobs. •Sanmi Adekunle, 08191143941.

had on him, were promptly confiscated and a demand for settlement was made by the officers. In the end, the young man was held by the men for more than six hours until when it suddenly dawned on him that he had his little brother’s phone on him, then he managed to put a call

and find themselves unemployed. This is the reason crime is on the rise. It is, therefore, important that government of President Muhammadu Buhari

across to his mother. Activities of these unscrupulous policemen is an embarrassment to the tenets of democracy, the Nigeria Police as well as the government. •Mojibola Bickersteth, 08023270700

Buhari, pardon Ransome-Kuti, others

Nigerian youths need jobs ONE of the biggest problems facing this country today is the lack of employment opportunities for youths. It is so unfortunate that youths will graduate

it is only by this that we can achieve success as a nation. •Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade – Joel, 08033733470

however, surprised that the trial of Brigadier-General Enitan Ransome-Kuti continued until he was convicted last week. If the president could pardon some soldiers who had been convicted prior to his coming on board, then I see no reason Brigadier-General Ransome-Kuti and others being tried should also not be pardoned. •Tumini George, 09095687489.

editorial

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Diezani: Lessons for Nigeria

HE recent arrest of a former Nigerian Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in Britain on suspicion of money-laundering is yet another reminder of the failings of and gaps in the Nigerian policing and security architecture. This is because, just as in the case of the arrest and subsequent trial and conviction of James Ibori, the former Delta State governor, the crimes she was charged with or suspected of committing are all those related to and emanating from Nigeria. Yet, the security and investigative agencies in Nigeria could not unravel such crimes until the suspects were apprehended in another land. This would give the impression that Nigeria has to rely on foreign countries to properly investigate and discover crimes in its own land. It could, of course, be said that many of those who have looted resources in Nigeria end up transferring and keeping the loot in foreign accounts and tills. Yet, it speaks to a glaring gap in the capacity of investigative agencies in Nigeria that they are unable to build watertight cases against many suspected looters until they are apprehended in other more efficient lands. This situation obviously betrays the need for the country to do more than just rhetorics about a war or crusade against corruption. The real war against corruption would start when Nigeria has the right measures of law and the structures of investigation and apprehension that would make it difficult for those who are corrupt to go free. There must be specific laws that aid the need for Nigerians not to want to live above their means by ensuring that investigative agencies of the government get interested when people spend money or have assets beyond their reasonable income. For instance, it should not be voluntary for public officers to declare their assets publicly such that more people would be aware of such assets and thus be able to monitor when further acquisitions breach the corruption code. We understand the need to protect the

privacy of public officials in this regard, but in a context in which the country has to deal with the cankerworm of corruption, transparency and openness have to be privileged over secrecy. Nigerians must come to the realisation that confronting corruption would require everybody being on their toes and making it impossible for people to corner and be able to use resources that do not belong to them. It would look like part of the problem is that beyond firming up the laws, even the level of enforcement of the current laws has been compromised. Law enforcement agencies have to rise to the responsibility of calling in all Nigerians who live beyond their means such that there would be less incentive toward corrupt riches knowing that there would not be free space for their use. The government has to work for the emergence of such variety of investigative and enforcement agencies that would ensure that there is no hiding place for corrupt riches such that Nigerians would know that they cannot get away with them. It is instructive that the British National Crime Agency (NCA) stated that it has had Alison-Madueke under its watch for the past two years concerning her life in Britain. This is the stuff of agencies alive to the responsibility of preventing and apprehending crimes, and it would be interesting to note whether any Nigerian investigative agency ever had her on its radar. The desire of the current government of President Muhammadu Buhari to wage an effective war against corruption should provide the platform for a more rigorous review of Nigerian laws to bring them up to date on preventing corrupt riches even as investigative, enforcement and security agencies have to be firmed up to make them effective and proactive against corrupt practices. This would be one way of not making Nigeria to exclusively rely on other countries to help apprehend corrupt individuals on its behalf.

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opinion

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

the

avant-garde

Lanlehin and Oyo election petition tribunal

AST week, I had cause to revisit the issue of Nigeria’s justice system against the background of election petition adjudication. I had also earlier touched on the reforms crusaded at this year’s conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). This week, there is another reason to spotlight actors in the judiciary in connection with one of the election petitions tribunal panels in Oyo State. Senator Olufemi Lanlehin is the immediate past Senator for Oyo South District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. He is a very senior lawyer, having been called to the bar in 1977. He is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court. He sought re-election into the Senate on March 28 unsuccessfully. But according to him, the election was not free and fair as it was marred by irregularities and malfeasance and consequently filed a petition against the declared victor and candidate of the APC, Senator Soji Akanbi. One very big factor in election petition adjudication is the tyranny of time the petitioners and the respondents have to deal with. The Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) stipulates that a candidate who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an election shall file a petition explaining the grounds of his dissatisfaction with the results before an election petition tribunal within 21 days from the date the results of the election are announced. Similarly, the respondents in the matter have 21 days to respond to the petition. The reason for setting time limit is to prevent interminable adjournments that play out in regular suits in courts. For this reason therefore, election petitions are said to be in a class of their own-sui generis. Senator Lanlehin raced against time, ferreted evidence and filed his petition within the stipulated time. The first respondent, Senator Akanbi, also responded timeously. However, the second and third respondents, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju respectively, responded only after 44 days they were served with copies of the petition. It is on record that Lanlehin did not join the APC

in the petition. After a couple of weeks, a three-member panel chaired by Justice Usman Tanko set up to adjudicate on the petition began pre-hearing conference. Not long after, one of the counsel to Lanlehin and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, erudite Michael Lana, objected to the participation of INEC and Akeju’s counsel in the matter. But he was later persuaded to drop his objection, confident that the petition and the evidence to be led in it will speak for themselves. Before he could say Jack Robinson, INEC and Akeju’s counsel filed a preliminary objection asking for the dismissal of the petition in addition to a motion to grant them extension of time. Lana and his team argued against the application for time extension. But the tribunal in its ruling of June 23, premised on exercise of discretionary power, granted the prayers of INEC and Akeju. To the Appellate Court headed Senator Lanlehin seeking the leave of the higher court to set aside the ruling of the tribunal and hold that the tribunal lacks the jurisdictional competent to so act. In a unanimous verdict on the appeal, Justice N Okoronkwo overruled the Tanko-led Tribunal and held that Section 285 subsection 7 of the 1999 Constitution which sets time limit for election petition does not brook any challenge. He added that if circumvented, a Pandora’s Box would be opened and this would vitiate the purpose of the petition. But INEC and Akeju returned to the tribunal with another argument that even though the Appellate Court had overruled the tribunal by the consequence of which their replies to the petition had been consequently discountenanced, they still have the

Nigerian Tribune

with Dare Adekanmbi

m:08053412982 e:samueldare2002@yahoo.ca t:@dareadekanmbi

right to cross-examine witnesses, attack and demolish the evidence tendered by the witnesses. This sparked another round of legal debate and the tribunal asked Lanlehin’s counsel to file an application on the dispute. The counsel did and contended that no issue remains joined between Lanlehin and INEC and Akeju by the Appeal Court verdict. Ruling was deferred to be read along with the verdict on the petition. Last week Wednesday, a member of the panel, Justice Rafael Ajua while reading the four-hour verdict, held that INEC and Akeju had no business in the petition again and consequently expunged the submissions made by them. He also upheld the victory of the APC Senator striking out nine paragraphs from the petition as prayed for by the first respondent and other paragraphs from the petitioner’s reply to the response of the first respondent wherein he was said to have introduced fresh issues that took the respondent by surprise against the letters and spirit of the Supreme Court judgment in Belgore versus Ahmed. Lanlehin has since applied for a copy of the judgment which he intends to study and challenge at the Appeal Court. He has to file his appeal within 21 days after the verdict and the appeal has 60 days to live. In a statement on Monday, he lamented that the delay in releasing the judgment had already eaten eight days from the 21 days within which the appeal must be filed. It is obvious that our courts and judges need to speedily catch up with the rest of the world to have a justice system that does not waste people’s time and efforts. The judgment in Lanlehin’s petition as delivered on the last day of the life of the petition, the 180th day. In this age and time, the tribunal ought to have prepared the judgment in typewritten form and given copies to litigants immediately after the judgment or at least a day after to give allowance for typographical error correction. The consequence of the delay on the part of the tribunal will now be borne by Senator Lanlehin who must work within the remaining 13 (if he got it yesterday) to file a notice of appeal and his brief of arguments. I think the judicial authorities should correct this obvious lapse by reviewing the practice direction for tribunal members to include instantaneous release of judgment to parties in dispute.

Remembering Mrs Mercy Iniobong Ekaette (1972-2015) By Iniobong Okon Ekaette

LATE Mrs Mercy Iniobong Ekaette was born in Ibadan on July 16th, 1972 into the family of Late Pa. Matthias Edem Etim of Ikot Mbonde in Ibiaku-Itam II in Itu Local Government, AkwaIbom State.She was the third child and second daughter of her parents. Mercy as she was called by her parents attended Christ the King’s Primary School, Odo-Ona, Ibadan between 1977 and 1983.For her Secondary education, she went to Apata Grammar School, Bembo, Ibadan between 1983 – 1988 where she sat for and obtained her West African School Certificate O’ Level. After her secondary education, she proceeded to St. Briggid’s College in 1990 where she obtained a Diploma in Typing and Secretarial Studies. She proceeded for a one year Industrial Training after her graduation where she met her husband, missing rib and life partner. She eventually got married on the 28th of September, 1996 toIniobong Okon Ekaette of the family of the Late Pa. Okon Udoh Ekaette of Afaha Etok Ibesikpo in Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government, Akwa-Ibom State and thereafter became fondly called and addressed as UfanMi by her husband while she in return called him My Dear throughout her lifetime. After she got married, she obtained a Diploma in Computer Studies from The Polytechnic, Ibadan and later a Certificate in Poultry and Livestock management from IAR&T, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. She also holds aDiploma in Church and Discipleship from The Ministry of Church and Bible Studies, USA. As well as a Diploma in Catering and Hotel Management. Most married women are wives but only few are soul mates. UfanIma mi was not just a wife but a soul mate, helpmate, confidant and pillar of support to the husband and the entire family far and near. At times more than 20 different family members and relatives from her husband’s family and hers stay with her under her care and tutelage without any form of discrimination, rancour or malice. To fulfill her obligations and responsibilities

as a caring, loving and hardworking wife, she was always involved in one business venture or the other, nothing was too menial and nothing was too difficult for her to do as long as it contributed to the bringing of bread to the family table through honest labour. She was at one time or the other a foodstuff seller, supermarket owner, business center operator, poultry farm manager, beads and wireworks producer, as well as being actively involved in her husband’s business and lately as the proprietor of the popular Calabar Kitchen at Lead City University, Toll-gate, Ibadan. Visitors were always welcome in her home, her doors were always open and no time was too late to knock and ask her for help which she readily obliged to all and sundry within her means with no regard to status, tribe or religion. She was a good mixer and made friends easily. There is hardly anybody living in Felele, Ibadan, and its environs that did not know Mrs. Ekaette either as Mummy Bethel, Mrs. Promise (by virtue of her hus-

band’s registered business name) or Calabar Kitchen. Mummy Bethel as she was also known by her friends, neighbours and family members was a devoted Christian cheerfully serving God in His vineyard in various capacities such as the Church secretary, Usher, Women Fellowship, among others; a firm and committed believer who even on her sick bed instructed her husband to make sure that her picture is placed on the Church Altar. She belonged to Esop Ndito Ibesikpo Mbono Ndito Afaha, Itam Development Association, Golden Ladies Club, National Association of Food Caterers, Women Compilers Association of Nigeria to mention but a few. Mummy Bethel was a woman of many parts, impeccable in character, a loving and beloved wife who touched the lives of many, who could sacrifice anything for the comfort of her family and friends. A woman of good counsel, a prayer warrior, backbone to her husband, a caring mother to her children and above all a virtuous woman and an obedient Christian, a community leader per excellence, a great motivator, a patriot whose life of simplicity, respect, sincerity and commitment to God, to husband, children, family and humanity will be hard to fill. To the students and workers at Lead City University and its’ environs, she was fondly called Calabar. Calabar was an energetic woman, she had never fallen sick one day in her life, so when the health challenge that eventually took her life came, it came as a rude shock and by the time the extent and gravity of the ailment was diagnosed, the husband, family and the church of God swung into immediate and necessary action to save her life and if it were possible to keep our dear mother, wife, daughter, sister and confidant alive through experts’ medical care, intense prayers, devoted personal care, then Mummy Bethel would have been alive today.Death is an inevitable end that must come when it must as God would have it.UfanMi was called to eternal rest by her maker and creator on Sunday, 11th October, 2015. She was aged 43 years. •Iniobong Okon Ekaette is the deceased’s husband.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

maka nd’igbo

The Second Niger Bridge

‘Buhari can end Igbo marginalisation with Niger Bridge, Enugu airport’ Suzy Oruya - Onitsha

ARGINALISATION of Ndigbo will end if President Muhammadu Buhari fasttracks the upgrading of Enugu International Airport, completion of 2nd Niger Bridge and reconstruction of all dilapidated federal roads in South-East, especially Enugu-Onitsha Highway. This is the view of the traditional ruler of Alor, Idemmili South Local Government of Anambra State, Igwe McAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo (Ezedioramma 111) in an exclusive chat with select newsmen. His words: ‘’The second Niger Bridge is another area of concern to us. We are appealing to Mr President not to abandon that bridge. He should do something about that so that Ndigbo will be happy too. The ongoing upgrading of Enugu International Airport at snail speed should be fast-tracked to make the airport look international with steady flight like Kano and Lagos Airports. ‘’Most importantly, the EnuguOnitsha Expressway and other federal roads in the south east are death traps and need serious rehabilitation. We will be very

glad if Mr President addresses all these challenges confronting Igbo nation’’. He said the Enugu international airport, as a matter of fact, was not well functioning like other international airports in Nigeria

and that Ndigbo would be glad if it starts functioning like Lagos and Kano airports where steady flights come in and go out. Igwe Okonkwo noted that although Ndigbo were crying of marginalisation when Mr Presi-

dent did some appointments, but today, ‘’we are happy with the list of the ministerial nominees he sent to the senate. It is our humble prayer that they all scale through. Igwe Okonkwo said Buhari has

Enugu International Airport

Communal land: Brothers at war in Enugu

—pg22

Health sector suffering in Imo —NMA

—pg22

‘’so far shown uncommon determination to move this country forward following the way he is tackling the issue of corruption head-on”. The Alor monarch appealed to Buhari to ensure that corrupt people and corruption were not tolerated in his cabinet in order to set a pace and standard for Nigeria’s greatness. “On the security issue, I have no doubt in his ability to contain Boko Haram insurgency in the North as a retired Army-General. He has the expertise and experience which he has demonstrated in the past few months byvisiting the presidents of neighbouring countries to strengthen the bilateral relations between them and Nigeria. ‘’I can tell you that Nigeria has got a president that will take them to the promised land in the person of President Buhari’’ Igwe Okonkwo concluded.

CREW

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

22 makandigbo

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Communal land: Brothers at war in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu

NEASY calm is now building up at Achara community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State over the alleged illegal sale of land. It was gathered that two blood brothers, Augustine and John Alumona, are now at daggers drawn over who is leading the authentic land committee of the Achara community. This development led to mass protest in the area last week where youths in their thousands took to the streets to call for a halt to the alleged illegal sale of their land. Further checks showed that while Augustine is leading a faction of the community, John is championing the cause of another group. Augustine Alumona said in an interview that the investigation panel which he chaired was set up by Achara community to investigate the Achara Land Committee earlier headed by his elder brother, John Alumona, for alleged illegal sales of the community land. According to him, his committee indicted the John Alumonaled committee and subsequently dissolved the committee in 2012,

Augustine Alumona addressing the protesting Echara community but John and his committee has continued to function in the same office. “The John Alumona-led committee members have refused to give up, but continued to sell our communal land without the consent of the community. He stated further that this was why elders and youths of Achara

decided to carry out this protest. “Our anger with this cabal is that they have continued to enrich themselves at the expense of the community. These people, after serving as members of Achara land committee since 2008, have not rendered their stewardship to elders who appointed them. “Enough is enough, the commu-

nity can no longer watch a group of people selling its land”, he said. The spokesman of the group said the youths of the community were not happy because if the cabal finished selling all the land, they would have no place to build their own houses. In his reaction, John Alumona maintained that he had the power

Buhari’s wife rekindles women’s hope in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu REPRIEVE has come the way of women in Enugu as the wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Muhammed Buhari, has promised to save their lives through adequate medical care. Following this, Mrs Buhari has urged women, especially the pregnant and nursing mothers, to always present themselves for proper medical attention in order to avert unnecessary health hazards. Mrs Buhari, in a speech through the wife of Enugu State governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, during her advocacy and community sensitisation visit to Oji River General Hospital, expressed unhappiness at the rate women were dying during pregnancy and child birth in Nigeria and noted that precautionary measures must be taken to salvage the situation. She maintained that every pregnant woman should attend antenatal clinic to know her health status and that of the unborn child and to ensure safe delivery. She explained that her desire for the health and wellbeing of Nigerian women made her to also initiate a one-day health screening programme to be held on October 29, 2015 for women in Enugu State in conjunction with local health care providers for women to undergo free medical tests, She encouraged medical professionals within the state to provide free health services for the benefit of the women. In their separate speeches, the

Chief Medical Officer, Sub. District Hospital, Oji River, Dr Innocent Onwumere and the Head

of Nursing Services, Mrs Monica Anikwe, praised the wife of Nigerian President, Mrs Aisha Buhari,

Aisha

for her kind gesture towards the welfare of women in the state. They expressed the belief that Oji River Pregnant women and nursing mothers would reciprocate same by accessing medical care for the safety of their health. Mrs Ugwuanyi, thereafter, distributed tins of milk and other beverages to the pregnant women and nursing mothers from Oji River community. Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to the press, included Joy Chukwu , Anulika Akalugwu and Loveth Eze. They expressed delight over the care shown to them by the first lady and prayed God to bless her immensely.

of Attorney of the community to remain in office until the land issue between Achara community and the Nigerian Army was decided. According to him, “I, Barrister Ejiofor Onah and Barrister Julius Ozioko were given Power of Attorney by the community to handle the Army barracks land case until the matter was decided. “We thank God, the court recently ruled that the barrack belong to Achara community and some of these protesters were those who sold their own lands thinking that the military would return to claim their land but are now regretting. John wondered how the protesters could accuse his committee of selling land when every male had been allotted a plot of land, adding that even his younger brother, Augustine Alumona, could not deny receiving a plot which he sold because of fear of soldiers reclaiming it from him. “My younger brother, who is leading this protest, is among the beneficiaries of the land from my committee and among members of the community who sold their lands thinking that the army would come and reclaim them. “This same people now want to eat their cake and have it by demanding N200.000 from same people they sold their lands to as development levy”, he said. “The problem is that some members of the community wanted to collect N200.000 from people who bought the land as development levy and to which we objected. Addressing the protesters, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Mr Charles Ugwu, commended the people of Achara for being peaceful and promised to look into the matter so that the problem would be resolved amicably. “I commend you all for conducting yourselves in a peaceful manner, I am urging you all to remain calm as government will promptly look into this matter so as to resolve this matter peacefully, “he said.

Health sector suffering in Imo —NMA J oe N wachukwu - O werri THE end to the rift between Imo State government, under the leadership of Governor Rochas Anayo Okorocha, with some of government establishments may not be over soon as expected by the people of Imo State. The crisis started when the state government offered establishments such as Imo Newspaper, Imo Transport Company (ITC), Imo Water Board, Imo State owned hospitals, Imo Housing Corporation, Imo Art and Culture, Imo Robber Estate, Imo Library Board, Agricultural Development Projects (ADP), among others for concession. Protesting the inclusion of the government hospitals in the

concession, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Imo State branch, Dr Hyacinth Emele, submitted that the sector would soon hit the rock from the way the governor was handling health issues. He made this revelation recently while briefing newsmen in Owerri, Imo State, on the decision taken by NMA to handle the issue. The chairman, who was flanked by the executive members of the NMA, lamented the reported manhandling of medical students at Imo University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) by the security operatives when the students went on a peaceful protest to Government House, Owerri due to the bad state of the institution, describing the action as a brazen

impunity. He pointed out that other states in the country had about three teaching hospitals running optimally, expressing sadness that the only one owned by Imo State was being allowed to decay. He said that in the past, the hospital admitted more than its carrying capacity due to government’s refusal to expand the facilities and as such, the Medical and Natal Council, Nigeria (MDCN) suspended the admission of medical students in the state. According to him, what that means is that Imo State in the next three years would not produce any medical doctors and this portends something bad for the state. He explained that if urgent measures were not taken to upgrade

the facilities at IMSUTH, the hospital might have its accreditation withdrawn by MDCN soon. On the concessioning of the state-owned public health institutions, a communiqué, which was issued by NMA, observed that public health institutions like general hospitals and health centres provided preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative as well as health promotion services to the public. He pointed out that there were public trusts that served as support for the masses, especially the poor, to receive quality health services at affordable costs, adding that public health issues such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Ebola Viral Diseases, immunisation, among others, were rendered free of charge.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

campusbeats

Nigerian Tribune Doyin Adeoye 08058130577 kreatifink@yahoo.com

Pictures showing the protesting students

LAUTECH students protest incessant robbery, rape cases

ollowing the ceaseless and incessant increasing rate of robbery and rape cases in the immediate vicinity of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, the students rose up in a general protest on Monday, 19 October, led by the Students’ Union (SU) executives of the institution. Closing down all entrances into the university campus, the students denied both the university staff and their colleagues entrance into the university. This went on for over an hour before the arrival of the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Sulaiman Adeniyi Gbadegeshin and his entourage. The vice chancellor’s address, however, fell on deaf ears, as the gates of the school were later opened and over 3,000 students took to the Ogbomoso-Ilorin expressway to register their protest. Prior to the taking of this drastic measure, the students in close proximity to the school have been subjected to various degrees of physical and psychological abuse with the effects of the evil act. There have been several reports of hostels being robbed, even more than once. Students on many occasions have been mugged on their way to or from school, and even inside the school premises. The most pathetic part of the scenario is that of the rape victims, as many of them are yet to get over the psychological effects, and are yet to resurface in school since the incident occurred. According to reports, over seven students have fallen victim of this evil act. The perpetrators, after forcing their way into the hostels where students reside outside the school premises, pointed guns and axe at the girls, before ordering them to strip themselves of their clothes, and rape them, right in the presence of the other occupants. They thereafter abscond with their valuables. The aggrieved students alleged that when these cases were reported to the school management, they were told there was nothing the school authority could do about what is happening outside the

school vicinity. The General Secretary, National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Hamzat Jamiu, said the straw that finally broke the camel’s back was the recent increment in the acceptance fee of the newly admit-

ted students, having initially led a peace walk on campus last week in conjunction with all registered organisations on campus, as regards this matter, as well as that of the rape issues. In a closed-up interview with the Wel-

fare Director of the SU, Okedara Ridwan, he said: “the only remedy to this insecurity issue is that the school should build hostels for students inside the school.” All efforts made to reach the school management on the matter proved abortive.

UNILORIN SU holds press conference ahead of varsity’s 40th anniversary The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Students’ Union (SU) on Thursday, 15 October, organised the maiden edition of its press conference, tagged: ‘The State of the Union.’ The gathering was targeted at informing the press and the general public of the university’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the condition of the Nigerian youths, the programmes and plans of the union for the new academic session, among others. The president of the union, Alao Idris while welcoming the students on campus after the long break, urged them to participate actively in the 40th anniversary celebration, promising that it will be a memorable event. Idris also decried the high rate of youth unemployment in the country, and assert-

ed that the youth today can best advocate for themselves by themselves. He urged the government to as a matter of priority, consider the political representation of the youth, suggesting the Proportional Representation (PR) system as used in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for youth representation in Nigerian politics. On the programmes and plans of his administration in the new session, the union leader commended the tireless efforts of his team in putting together programmes for the new session. “Programmes such as senate council orientation programme, student leadership conference, UNILORIN’s Idol, freshers’ oratory contest, essay contest, female 5-aside football competition, among oth-

TASUED set to hold 10th anniversary By Doyin Adeoye The management of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State has said that the institution is set to roll out drums to celebrate its 10 years of establishment. TASUED, which was licensed as the 76th university in Nigeria is the first university of education in Nigeria; second in Africa and eighth in the world. Established on November 28, 2005, the institution has risen to become one of the outstanding Teacher-Education Institutions in Africa, and has produced about 10,000 graduates in different fields of human endeavours till date.

TASUED, as a teacher institution, has equally distinguished itself with various vocational and entrepreneurial skill acquisitions, thus, making its products job providers than job seekers. It is on this premise that a week-long celebration was earmarked for the pomp and pageantry which would attract stakeholders of the university. The event, which will kick off on November 20, will feature activities such as convocation ceremonies, lectures, exhibitions, and dinner/award night, among others. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluyemisi Obilade, however, have implored members of the university community as well as other stakeholders to be part of the celebration.

ers are expected to hold in the first semester, while other programmes such as female gender programme, youth leadership summit, Miss UNILORIN beauty pageant and Students’ Union week, among others are to be featured in the second semester,” he said. He also highlighted human capacity development, improved welfare of students, enhancement of Students’ Union volunteer group, and increased online awareness as the major achievements of his four-month-old administration. In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Yetunde Sidiqat Ijaiya, congratulated the union’s leadership for the successful staging of the maiden press conference, while also pledging his administration’s support for its leadership. The highlight of the press conference was the unveiling of the new Senate Council mace by the Senate President of the union, Mashood Abdul Salam Orire. The press conference was immediately followed by a road show and sensitisation programme to inform residents of Ilorin metropolis of the forthcoming anniversary of the university coming later in the month. Dr AbdulRaheem Yusuf, Sub-Dean, Student Affairs Unit; Mr Kunle Akogun, Director, Corporate Affairs Unit; Dr Adesina Lukuman Azeez, Chairman, UNILORIN bulletin, and other members of staff of the university were also at the event. AbdulGaniy Shehu (Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ilorin)

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

education

Gov Rauf Aregbesola

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

Osun State Polytechnic, Iree

‘Merger plans’ for tertiary institutions stoke controversy in Osun By Oluwole Ige

HEN the story started spreading about a week ago that the Osun State government was planning to merge some colleges of education in the state and also tinkering with idea of restructuring the courses in Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, the development generated spontaneous reactions from host communities of these institutions. Institutions listed to be merged going, by the speculation, include the Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun and the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa; while OSPOLY will be merged with the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke. Though the government has since denied any such merger plan, checks by Tribune Education revealed that the speculated merger may have been informed by the need to cut down the expenditure and overhead cost of the higher institutions in the state. Besides, a source informed Tribune Education that the state government is trying to implement the recommendations of an education summit held in the early days of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s first tenure in office, which was chaired by Professor Wole Soyinka. The summit had recommended, among others, one polytechnic for the state. Similarly, the visitation panel set up by the government, headed by Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, recommended the implementation of Professor Soyinka’s recommendations, ascertaining that the only viable and standard tertiary institution to remain in the state should be the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. But the widespread rumour unsettled all the host communities of the affected institutions as they spontaneously rejected the merger plan, contending that such development, if eventually carried out, would dislocate socio-economic fabrics of their

towns. To register their discontent with the rumoured merger, some students, residents and other pressure groups took to the streets in Ila, Iree and Ilesa to protest what they termed “retrogressive policy” capable of destroying the economy and social life of their communities. Addressing a press conference in Ila community over the development, the secretary of Ila-Orangun Action Council, Prince Yemi Adeoye, said “We will kick against such plan, bearing in mind the socio-economic importance of the college to the entire Ila town. “Our community’s attention has been drawn to the systematic process of reducing the present 28 academic programmes in the state College of Education, IlaOrangun, to just two, through restructuring. The strength of this incredible information that has been whirling round in the last couple of days that Osun State government has perfected a plan and arranged a framework to obliterate Osun

To register their discontent with the rumoured merger, some students, residents and other pressure groups took to the streets in Ila, Iree ...

State College of Education, Ila-Orangun by subsuming it into Osun State College of Education, Ilesa in the name of restructuring and rationalisation of the tertiary institutions in the state has become worrisome. “The information has sent a shock to the stool of the’ Ojulowo Omo Oodua, the Orangun of Ila. It has also sent grief to the faces of the entire Ila-Orangun sons and daughters and all residents in Ila-Orangun. “We want to categorically state that the information transcends a rumour. Ila people are aware that a serious plan is underway to relegate Osun State College of Education to a mere continuing education centre. God forbid! Ila people say no to that bid and describe it as sheer marginalisation.” Adeoye further emphasised that the college, as at today, is the only viable socioeconomic and educational power-point of Ila-Orangun and its environs, stressing that the “status quo should be allowed to remain. This is very important because of posterity and generation yet unborn.” Apparently corroborating the position of Adeoye, the spokesman of Iree community, Alhaji Fasasi Adetayo Olatoke, said the citing of OSPOLY in Iree had positively enhanced the socio-economic growth of the town, contending that relocating the institution or merging it with another institution would spell doom for the community. Olatoke, who spoke on behalf of the Asiwaju of Iree, Aderenle Afolabi, and the president of Iree Progressive Asscoiation (PAC), Alhaji Yekini Oyedele, averred that “it is our considered opinion that if and when the course rationalisation, merger or outright sale would have been concluded, there would definitely be a change in the configuration of the institution, affecting staff, students and infrastructure of Iree in many ways.” He lamented that economic and com-

mercial activities would be adversely affected. Social activities in the town totally brought to a halt, while indirect provision of employment through the activities of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) would be brought to an abrupt end, among others. Olatoke continued: “The major reason for government’s intention to embark on this unholy adventure is to reduce cost of running tertiary institutions, when total cost involved is less than two per cent of the monthly allocation from the Federation Account. We believe that the state government could conveniently pay workers’ salary without stress. “We are making a passionate appeal to Governor Aregbesola as follows: that Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, should remain in Iree and fully owned and run by the state government for the educational, social and economic development of the community and the state at large. “That Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, should not be tampered with by means of restructuring, course rationalisation or merger with another institution; that the post-UTME abruptly suspended in the institution by the state government should be allowed to hold without further delay.” Reacting to the development, however, the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy to Governor Aregbesola, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, said there is no plan to relocate or merge any tertiary institution in the state. “What the government is doing is to reposition and re-energise the institutions towards meeting modern and current needs of the society in terms of human capital developments. Host communities such as Ila will soon find the college in their city a more result-oriented institution with greater capacity to contribute to the host communities with the intended reforms. There is no merger plan,” he explained.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 25 education OBJ charges private schools owners on quality Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta

W N E R S of schools under the umbrella of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Ogun State have been charged to ensure qualitative education delivery in all ramifications. The charge was given by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the chairman at the 2015 NAPPS Day celebration and inauguration of its permanent secretariat, last Monday. Chief Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Bola, emphasised the need to improve the nation’s educational system, saying education remained the best foundation for national growth. He lauded the contributions of private schools owners in revamping the education sector, saying that the contributions of the private owners had saved the education sector. “Your role in addressing the nation’s educational issues cannot be overemphasised. You must not relent on your efforts at helping government to improve the quality of

education,” he said. In his address, the immediate past national president, Dr Saidu Mijinyawa, promised the association’s unrelenting effort in supporting government to improve on the education standard. Mijinyawa “faulted governments at all levels over mass failure of candidates in external examinations owing to what he identified as inconsistencies in education policies.” On the crisis rocking the association, Mijinyawa said the national executive

recognises only Dr Abayomi Jiboku-led NAPPS in the state. The state president,

Dr Abayomi Jiboku, in his remarks lamented that several schools were operating without minimum

required standard. He disclosed that NAPPS had introduced the unified examination for private

Information officers seek PR directorate in colleges By Laolu Harolds THE Committee of Public Relations Executives/ Information Officers of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (COPRECOE) has called for accelerated implementation of the new Scheme of Service that recommends the creation of the Directorate of Public Relations in

Colleges of Education across the country, with its accompanying benefit of having a director that would be on CONTISS 15. This was part of the communiqué issued at the end of the committee’s 19th Annual General Meeting held between October 6th to 10th 2015 at the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Abuja.

Jointly signed by the National Chairman of the body, Mr Bola Adesina, and National Secretary, Prince Charles Amadike-Otoboh, the communiqué also called on the government at all levels to invest heavily in ICT development across colleges of education as a strategy for improving teacher quality. COPRECOE lauded the

NBC boosts public education with ‘Back to School’ initiative AS a demonstration of its support for educational development in Nigeria, especially enrolment and retention in public primary schools, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has donated school kits containing educational materials to 5,000 pupils under its ‘Back to School’ initiative across different public primary schools in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Onitsha, Okigwe and Asejire. During the presentation of the educational materials to the schools, the Managing Director, NBC, Ben Langat, who was represented by the Country

primary, junior and senior secondary schools and that such move had yielded positive results.

Chief Security Officer, Van Wilberding, said “the move is aimed at supporting parents and guardians in relieving financial burden as their children and wards return to school for a fresh academic session and further encouraging enrolment in public primary schools as well as a reduction in out of school rate in primary education across the country.” Expressing her delight at the event, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, represented by Mrs. Omolara Akin-Aderibigbe, Director, Administration

and Human Resources, commended the effort of NBC in contributing to the intellectual capacity development of the Nigerian child. She said, “The initiative is in line with efforts at delivering qualitative education to our children, the future of our country and a manifestation of government’s call for private sector involvement in developing key sectors of the economy, particularly Education”. She added that the gesture will go a long way in supporting and motivating the pupils towards academic

excellence. Also, Chief Nzemeka Olisa, the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, during the presentation of the educational materials to pupils from United Primary School, Nkpor, Onitsha, commended NBC for the initiative, describing is as a clear demonstration that education development cannot be left to the government alone. Over 13,000 pupils in public primary schools have benefited from NBC’s ‘Back to School’ initiative, which was kick-started in 2011.

appointment of Professor Monday Tommy Joshua as the executive secretary of the NCCE, describing him as a competent, diligent and hardworking scholar with the pedigree and the ability to improve teacher education. It also thanked commission for hosting the AGM for the fourth time and supporting the committee in various ways, expressing its resolve to continue to support the commission by creating the necessary enabling environment for growth and development in the educational sector. While appreciating the efforts of the chief executive officers in the various colleges of education towards improving teacher education, the committee, however, urged them to provide their Public Relations Officers with modern ICT facilities to improve their productivity. It also challenged its members to improving their knowledge and application of modern ICT gadgets for effective services delivery.

How 9-year-old is demystifying Mathematics Kid prodigy wins N6m scholarship By Laolu Harolds WHO says nothing good can come ‘out of Nazareth’? A. D. S. Primary School, Fiditi, Oyo State, may just be one of those obscure public schools, but not anymore – thanks to this kid prodigy, Morufat Yetunde Lawal, who through her sheer brilliance is bringing her school into national prominence, and making a name for herself. No doubt, nine-year-old Morufat is

Morufat displaying one of the trophies she won

working her way to the top. Currently in Primary 4, Morufat has won several awards of excellence in Mathematics, competing with others well ahead of her in age and academic level. In 2014, Morufat became the first pupil in primary three and in a public school to represent Oyo State at the national level of the prestigious national Mathematics Olympiad organised by the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN). She had been selected to represent her school (A.D.S Primary School, Fiditi) at the local level of the competition. She trounced over 40 other contestants to qualify to represent her local government (Afijio) at the zonal in level. The zonal stage involved 12 winners from four local governments (Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West). Morufat still came tops, despite being in primary three. At the state level of the competition, held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, she competed with 23 others, who were winners at the respective zones, and came third and was primed to represent Oyo State at the national edition hosted by the University of Ilorin. Here, she was paired with another pupil for the quiz category. The duo came first, beating 40 contestants from other states. She was presented with a cash gift. In December last year, Morufat, as a primary four pupil, again represented

Professor Peter Onumanyi, the representative of Professor Adewale Solarin of the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja presenting Morufat Lawal with a trophy Oyo State in Abuja in a JETS competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Education. She took the first prize to the amazement of guests at the event when she was announced as a public school primary four pupil. Also in January 2015, Morufat defeated many other participants to win a Mathematics competition organised by a school – International College of Arts, Science ad Technology (ICAST), Ibadan, sponsored by Sterling Bank Plc. For the 2015 edition of the MAN Olympiad, she effortlessly repeated the 2014 feat at every stage of the competition till the national level hosted

by the University of Nigeria (UNN), Enugu campus between August 30 and September 4. Morufat contested with over 50 other state champions and came third. For her brilliant performance, she was awarded a N6 million scholarship by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja. Morufat will have her secondary education at the International Model Science Academy, Abuja – a school run by the NMC. Little Morufat has, indeed, proved that the unimpressive infrastructure in public schools notwithstanding, with a good dose of determination, champions can emerge from ‘backstage schools’.

education

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Okowa tasks poly lecturers on multi-disciplinary research Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

ELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has challenged polytechnic lecturers to lay emphasis on multi-disciplinary research and practical life skills to enable polytechnic graduates become self-employed. The governor said this on Monday while inaugurating the governing council of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro. He observed that the current educational system where graduates come out looking unto the government or the few available private enterprises for gainful employment is unacceptable. Okowa noted: “We are deeply convinced that the solution to the massive youth unemployment that we are facing in the country, and especially in our state, lies not with certificate acquisition, but with skills-building through technical cum vocational education. “Students must be taught and equipped with entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving abilities, principles of personal effectiveness, leadership development, business and crisis management, as well as current

trends in business and ethics.” He said further: “The development of technical education is at the very core of our S.M.A.R.T agenda because we believe that until we get our youths to acquire the requisite technical and vocational skills, we are not building a future for them.

“No meaningful national development can be achieved without sound, qualitative technical education; and in Delta State, three of our technical colleges are currently being rehabilitated and refocused to equip students with the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills for

SETPOM appoints Rabiu, Oniye others Fellows The Board of Trustees of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) has announced the conferment of 2015 SETPOM’s Fellowship award on Professor Babatunde Rabiu, the pioneer director and chief executive of the Centre for Atmospheric Research of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). Others conferred with the fellowship of the body include Professor Sonnie Oniye of the Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Professor Ademola Omojola of the Department of Geography, University of Lagos and Professor

Lucy Afuluenu Nwuba, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Other awardees are Mr Toyin Onisarotu, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture; Dr Titilayo Anibaba, General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens (LASPARK); Mrs Olufunke Bamgbose of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC); Adebola Shabi, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Professor Nurudeen Olasupo of the Department of Microbiology, Lagos State University. SETPOM President, Dr Funmilayo Doherty, of the

Why more universities won’t solve Nigeria’s education challenges —Adedoyin

Chief Ramon Adedoyin is the Vice Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife (OUI) and the founder of The Polytechnic, Ile-Ife. In this interview with Vera Onana, he speaks on the declining level of the nation’s education system and the way forward. Did attending Oduduwa College influence or inspire your naming of the university? This is very correct. Yes, I think attending Oduduwa College is why I have Oduduwa University today. When I was in school, I was very stubborn and I had a gang of some other students. We would go inside the bush and sit and at that time, we called that gang Oduco Varsity, while the school we all attended was Oduduwa College. So, I had somehow created my own varsity inside the bush and I was the leader and president of Oduco Varsity, inside Oduduwa College. In those days, people were calling me president or chairman of Oduco Varsity and eventually, by metamorphosis, I got what is called a university today and it is a unique one. It is not only accepted by the Ife people, but the generality of the Yoruba have accepted the university. People come from all over the nation and even abroad to

business, trade and commerce.” Meanwhile, former Commissioner for Works, Funkekeme Solomon, has emerged as the chairman of the governing council, while Honorable Joe Adigwe, Honorable Gabriel Alebe and Chief Mrs Oti Agoba are members.

attend the university, but the way the Yoruba nation have embraced it is inexplicable. Some say it is because of the name, others say it is because of its quality, but people just love the university. What did you study at the then University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University and at what point did you go into education? I studied Mathematics and Education. I am a Mathematician, but when I was in the university, a professor identified my brilliance and wanted me to tutor his children. In those days, people believed Mathematics was very difficult, but the truth of the matter is that, aside from God’s divine help, Mathematics brought me to where I am today. So, when I got a teaching job in a secondary school, I was so important there that when I resigned my appointment to face tutoring, the principal of the secondary school I was previously

employed came to plead with me. As a matter of fact, my wife also intervened, but I was sure I would make it and I thank God that up till now, I have not had any reason to take a government job. My flair for teaching made me who I am today. There were limited Mathematics teachers that time, so, I was exploiting that opportunity maximally. I was teaching all around and even outside Ife. I tutored students in Ibadan as well as Ilesa. There is a dichotomy between the universities and the polytechnics in the country; why is a university graduate, at most times considered superior to a polytechnic graduate? The idea of polytechnic education is already obsolete. Here we copied the Europeans and some other people as regards the polytechnic education, but the truth is all the people we copied have long

UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre, Yaba College of Technology, said in a press statement over the weekend that the fellowship award on the eminent scholars and personalities was a product of their outstanding contributions to the profession of safeguarding the environment, which is humanity’s common heritage. According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations, Yaba College of technology, Mr. Charles Oni, the conferment proper will hold today (October 22) at the opening of the SETPOM’s international conference at the University of Lagos. The theme of the conference is ‘Environmental Management, Safety and Security’. moved ahead. They no longer offer NDs and HNDs, but we still do. They have upgraded all their polytechnics to universities. So what the government could do to bridge that gap is to turn all these Nigerian polytechnics into degree awarding institutions and they should begin to award Bachelor of Technology. The NCE people should also be upgraded so they can offer B.Sc and B.Ed in Colleges of Education. The universities can then concentrate on academics and research like they are doing right now. The argument of the government is that they need middle level man power, but no one wants to be a mediocre. The polytechnic should offer PhD and masters if properly upgraded and if this upgrade tarries, at a time, we will discover that no student will be willing to go to a polytechnic in this country because of that dichotomy and with the advent of private universities spring up. All the government does is establishing more universities and that is not the best. I think it will be better if the Federal Government stops establishing more universities. I am into education and I know the implication. The purpose of establishing more universities both private and federal is because of access. It is true that more Nigerians want to go to school, but the

All the government does is establishing more universities and that is not the best

Ezekwesili to deliver Bowen’s convocation lecture on Friday By Kehinde Adio FORMER Minister of Education, Dr Obiagheli Ezekwesili, is expected to deliver the 10th Convocation Lecture of the Bowen University, Iwo on Friday. According to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Matthews Ojo, she will be speaking on ‘Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Corruption in Nigerian Polity’. Professor Mathews said Ezekwesili’s national and international wealth of experience in politics, education, financial management and her love for education informed the university’s decision to invite her to deliver the lecture. On standard at Bowen University, Professor Ojo said: “Our academic staff has been engaging and advancing the frontiers of research to meet world-class research benchmark, especially in globally relevant niche areas of renewable energy, food security, medicine and peace and conflict studies.” universities are not sufficient. The truth of the matter is that the universities that are being established most times turn out to be of poor standard due to inadequate human resources. Indirectly, this will bring about devaluation in education. We cannot say keep establishing schools when the existing ones are lacking vital structures. What the government must do now is to ensure that the existing schools are of brilliant standard. Some private universities in Nigeria are glorified primary schools and they have been approved by the government. Government should approve more colleges instead of universities and affiliate these colleges to already existing universities such that the certificates that would be given by these colleges would be awarded by the universities they are affiliated to. Eventually, these colleges could mature into universities, but not from the outset. When I visited Cambridge University in the UK about six months ago, I discovered the university had about 200 colleges affiliated to it. The governments’ business should be to standardise the existing universities not create more, but rather create universities within universities. That was the kind of structure that was existing between Adeyemi College of Education and Obafemi Awolowo University before it was turned into a federal university. This can bring an overhaul to the education system because the pertinent thing is to have standard universities. I have been into education all my life and that is why there is rapidity in the development of my university, but imagine a car dealer or a construction person owing a private university, how will it be properly managed? In Ghana for instance, there are so many colleges there and they are referred to as university colleges.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju

maritime

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

anchor Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

‘Shippers Council, CBN collaborating to stem capital flight’ Following the rancour the planned reintroduction of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) generated in the Nigerian maritime domain, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, in this interview with TOLAADENUBI highlights its importance and other issues.

hat’s the level of relationship between the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and the terminal operators following face-off over charges implementation? I don’t think there is any tension between the Shippers Council and the terminal operators in the Nigeria maritime domain despite the fact that we might disagree over certain issues. What the Shippers Council want is the interpretation of certain laws which is also within the right of the terminal operators to go to court and seek further interpretation. A regulation or regulatory authority should be backed by lucid laws and coherent legislation. The legal framework for legislation should be clear and transparent. As you can see, despite the disagreement over certain issues, we have been working with terminal operators. Terminal operators are our partners, so also the shipping lines. The concession agreement has made provision for the appointment of an economic regulator, and I think that was what the government did in appointing us economic regulator. The shippers council has always agitated for a conducive atmosphere for shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, truckers and all critical stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime domain so that they will strive to excel in their various duties. We have to create a good atmosphere for investments. We have made interventions, critical ones, on behalf of the terminal operators. At the same time, we have also made interventions on behalf of the shippers, importers, exporters, truckers, shipping lines; so you see that the Shippers Council is neutral. That is why despite the court case, we still visit terminal operators and exchange ideas with them on a lot of issues. We go around and get complaints from the terminal operators. For example, last year,

the complaint from Port Harcourt was on the access road that leads to the terminal. We made some interventions on behalf of the terminal operators and now the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in collaboration with the Rivers State Government is constructing the road. We have also said that government should have consistent policy. As economic regulator, what is the level of relationship between the Shippers Council and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)? We have had a long standing relationship with the CBN on fiscal issues as far as the ports are concerned. Don’t forget that the Shippers Council, as Economic regulator, oversees everything that is happening at the ports. We have the capacity, we have the expertise; and most times, we are the neutral side that is not participating in port activities, but we see everything. We have a backside view of every activity happening in the port. Therefore, the CBN finds us as a natural partner to first of all stem the issue of capital flight. Secondly, the partnership revolves

The shippers council has always agitated for a conducive atmosphere for shipping companies... so that they will strive to excel in their various duties.

around the stoppage of pilferages, leakages, and haemorrhages that are happening at the ports. We are the authority that confirms the reasonableness or otherwise of freight charges. Maybe due to no expertise, people tend to want to always inflate freight charges and use that to exploit Nigerians, so we are the ones that handle that and we are doing that in collaboration with the CBN; and we have saved lots of money for the country. We have to make our ports so efficient that everybody will prefer Nigeria to be their preferred destination for their cargoes. If we wrestle every cargo from other neighbouring ports, then our ports will become the hub, meaning the Nigerian Customs Service will have more revenue, NPA will have more revenue, the service providers and investors will have more profit and this will ultimately rub-off on our economy. We will then use such opportunity to build modern deep seaports which will in the long-run cure the nation of the huge infrastructure deficit that has plagued our seaports. It is apparent now that we have to do it out of necessity because of the volatility in global oil prices and the foreign exchange issues confronting our economy. The Shippers Council has been at the forefront of the re-introduction of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) even though some stakeholders have objected to it. What’s your take on this? Cargo Tracing Note (CTN) is a project for trade facilitation. It is not strange. It is done everywhere in the world. It boosts transparency in the ports. It is in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code which give our ports, cargoes and ships standardisation so that our ports are recognised. What the CTN does is that it speeds up the cargo clearance process. The CTN contains details like the type of cargo, type of ship, where the ship carrying the cargo is coming from, weight of the cargo and all the important details needed by the Customs and other relevant agencies during cargo clearance. You cannot find any of those details in any transport document. Currently, Nigeria is not tapping enough revenue from landlocked countries like Niger and others. What

is your take on this? Up to 2006, Niger was bringing in their cargoes through Nigeria. However, due to reasons like inefficiency, trade barriers (physical and fiscal), the people of Niger now bring in their cargoes through other countries. But this does not make economic sense because Nigeria is closer to Niger in terms of proximity. Therefore, it is costlier for them to import their cargoes through other countries. However, this is not their fault. An importer will always look at efficiency before deciding on where to bring in his cargoes through. With the port reform of 2006, Nigerian ports are gradually becoming efficient. We have promoted the return of Niger, and subsequently Chad to Nigerian ports. This will bring in more revenue. They are not yet back because there are one or two things we are fine-tuning with the Customs. The Customs have been very cooperative. They have waived all the barriers except for one or two things that we are set to talk about. Also, the Niger operators also said they will have to discuss with the terminal operators at our seaports and we have brought them together. Currently, they are holding talks. Niger exporters and importers want some concessions which is normal because the concessions they are getting in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo has to be competitive with what they will get in Nigeria. Again, importers in Niger have indicated interest in the use of Nigeria’s Eastern ports to bring in their chemicals. A month ago, the shippers council took them on a tour of Nigeria’s Eastern ports. They have seen the efficiencies of these ports and are ready to commit. We at the Shippers Council will be going to Niger very soon for another round of meeting, this time, we will be going with the terminal operators and the shipping lines. We will be there with the terminal operators and the shipping lines so that they can negotiate concessions with the Niger importers. Therefore, very soon, 300 million metric tonnes per annum of Niger cargoes will come through Nigeria. For Chad cargoes, the issue of Boko Haram has been the problem, but very soon, that will be over and we will also have Chad cargoes coming here. So you see we are getting the terminal operators and the shipping lines business.

maritime Unregulated and illegal vessel discharge rocks LADOL, Bonny midstream 28

Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

aritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has raised the alarm over illegal and unregulated discharge procedure of vessels that berth in Nigeria waters. This is even as the labour group explain that these vessels are being discharged illegally without the required labour related offloading standards being enforced on them by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Most culpable to this anomaly is the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic (LADOL) Base and Bonny midstream. Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune on this anomaly, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Tony Emmanuel, stated that the rising cases of unmonitored vessel discharge at Nigerian seaports pose security dangers to the nation. “Thelaw of this country is clear on who should discharge a vessel when it’s berthed at the ports. That job is carried out by only registered dockworkers. Can you imagine that when Industrial chef called at LADOL, its contents and all the cargoes onboard where discharged from the vessel by the crew of the ship? To make matters worse, the crew kof the vessel were mostly foreigners. “It’s an Act of parliament. It is statutory. It is the law of the Federal Government that said nobody other than a registered dockworker is allowed to work inside the port terminals, jetties and even in the bonded terminals. “But today, many of the operators are violating these laws. How can LADOL allow a vessel berthed in its base to be discharged by the crew member of the vessel? Aside the fact that it deprives Ni-

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

gerians of jobs, it also constitutes security concern because the crew of the vessels are foreigners who would not raise any alarm if they spot any dangerous cargo onboard the vessel during discharging. “Dockworkers are Nigerians and owe the country a duty to raise alarm if what they are offloading contains dangerous cargoes, but the crew members of the Industrial chef are not Nigerians,

who knows what were discharged? “After we protested, LADOL agreed to pay our dockworkers their rightful due but the deed has been done. The vessel has been discharged. As I am talking to you, the same scenario is about repeating itself at Bonny midstream. “A vessel by the name MV Hawk has anchored along the Bonny waters and the shipping agent does not

want any of the dockworkers to discharge the vessel contents. The shipping agent wants to use the crew men to submerge the contents on barges. “We are watching events unfold and will shut the ports if that vessel is discharged. The law says nobody has the right to berth vessel midstream due to security concerns. However, if the draft of the channel is shallow, some vessels might

of Bonny waters, waiting to discharge.If they fail to engage dockworkers in the discharging process, we will shut the ports,”Nted stated. Efforts to get the management of LADOL comment on the issue proved abortive as text messages sent to the Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi and the company’s media consultant, Alex Akao were not responded to as at the time of filing in this report.

NIMASA to collaborate with customs on trade facilitation

Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services NIMASA, Callistus Obi; Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro and DCG in charge of Tariff and Trade, AkinladeAdewuyi during a visit of the CGC and his team to NIMASA in Lagos.

Onne ready for anticipated 300 million MT of Niger cargoes The operators of the Onne port and Warri port in the Eastern flanks of the Nigerian maritime domain, Integrated Logistics Services (INTELS) have reiterated its readiness to meet up with the challenge of processing the anticipated 300 million metric tonnes of cargoes from Niger Republic. Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune in anchat, the image maker of INTELS, IsidoreSamboi stated that the terminal operator has been briefed by the Nigerian

Shippers Council (NSC) on the anticipated cargo tonnage. According to him, “we have been visited by the Shippers Council recently about the expected cargo tonnage and I can say we are very much ready to handle these cargoes. We operate an oil and gas port and were told Niger importers would be brining in chemicals through ports in the Eastern region. When the Shippers Council came, they visited us and also went to the Port Har-

court port which is not operated by us. I cannot speak for the Port Harcourt port, but for Onne port, we are very much ready for the anticipated cargo haul.” It would be recalled that Nigeria and Niger Republic are set to finalise deal on the freight of over 300 million metric tonnes of Niger bound cargoes through Nigerian seaports. Disclosing this to the Nigerian Tribune in an exclusive interview, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive

NSDP: COAS urges NIMASA to engage fallen soldiers children The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai, has urged the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to engage the children of soldiers who died while fighting the dreaded militant Boko Haram in the agency’s seafarers programme, Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). Speaking when the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Haruna Baba Jauro paid a working visit to the

not be able to come inside the port. Such vessel is then allowed to discharge midstream, subject to inspection by all security agencies like the Navy, Customs and others. “Again, all statutory payment must have been made into government coffers before such vessel can discharge midstream. As I speak to you, MV Hawk which came in from Duala is still anchored midstream

Nigerian Tribune

Army Head Quarters, the Army Chief appealed to NIMASA to engage some children of the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle against insurgency in its NSDP as a way of alleviating the suffering of those families. General Buratai also commended NIMASA for its efforts in combating piracy and other criminal activities on Nigeria’s water ways, assuring NIMASA of the cooperation of the Army in curbing criminal activities especially in

the creeks where barges and other water crafts are used to commit crimes like crude oil theft and piracy. The army chief appeal to the Management of NIMASA and other corporate organisations to assist with the resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through the Corporate Social Responsibility programmes in order to have them properly re-integrated into the society. “I want to appeal to you and other responsible corporate bodies to assist with

the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons now that calm is being restored to some of those communities because the situation in the camps is not really conducive,” Buratai said. Earlier in his remarks, the DG of NIMASA congratulated the Chief of Army Staff on his appointment and also commended him for the successes recorded so far in the fight against insurgency in the North East under his leadership.

Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barrister Hassan Bello stated that Nigeria lost out to neighbouring ports due to inefficiency and trade barriers at her ports. According to him, “Up to 2006, Niger was bringing in their cargoes through Nigeria. However, due to reasons like inefficiency, trade barriers (physical and fiscal), the people of Niger now bring in their cargoes through other countries in the West African sub-region. “This does not make economic sense because Nigeria is closer to Niger in terms of proximity. Therefore, it is costlier for them to import their cargoes through other countries. But it is not their fault. An importer will always look at efficiency before deciding on where to bring in his or her cargoes through. “Importers in Niger have indicated interest in the use of Nigeria’s Eastern ports to bring in their chemicals. A month ago, the Shippers Council took them on a tour of Nigeria’s Eastern ports. They have seen the efficiencies of these ports and are ready to commit.

The Acting Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian Custom Service to ensure seamless trade facilitation in Nigeria. Mr. Jauro said this when the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) led members of the Customs management to NIMASA on a familiarisation visit in Lagos. The Acting DG said that the Agency has put in place a number of innovations like the satellite surveillance system and committed itself to a number of strategic partnerships with the military to enhance security on Nigerian waters with the ultimate aim of engendering a friendly business environment. Mr. Jauro further said the country needs to facilitate seamless trade in the maritime sector emphasising that this was even more compelling now given the dwindling price of oil. According to the DG, “NIMASA needs to partner with the Nigeria Customs in order to improve trade facilitation and also ensure that various loopholes through which Nigeria is losing revenue in these areas are blocked”. He advocated for improved collaboration with the Nigeria Customs especially in the area of information sharing as both Agencies have critical roles to play in generating the needed revenues for the government. Responding, Col. Hammed Ali stated that his visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and NIMASA noting that there were various areas of their functions that needed collaboration.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

aviation

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Shola Adekola

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

FAAN has no business in cargo or warehousing —SAHCOL MD Alhaji Oluropo Owolabi is the Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL). In this interview with SHOLA ADEKOLA, he spoke on various issues including the transformation of the handling company.

AHCOL has been in the news lately over workers’ welfare that caused friction between management and workers. Has the matter been resolved? We don’t have issues, but just administrative problems between us and the unions and if you check, I refused to make any statement throughout because it is an issue on discipline. You have the time you are supposed to have your meeting, you have to attend to customers after giving you that timing and once that timing is over, you are advised to go back to your duty because the customers are waiting. They are the ones that are paying our salary. The structure is not meant for union, it is meant for customers to come in and have their businesses done as appropriate. But the problem has been resolved. What plans are on ground to sustain some of the successes you have recorded vis a vis workers welfare and other areas? We are hopeful of a unique robust situation. You know that companies are downsizing now, staff are being reduced because there are no products coming in. To sustain our handling company, we have to keep our staff happy, but if the load is too much, you have to shed some. So it’s a general thing all over the country. We pray that when the economy picks up, things will change, but now it is not a good time for the handling companies. How can government help the aviation ground handling companies in achieving their potentials? The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is the landlord; they have no business in handling or warehousing. As a landlord, you have some people building different types of buildings and letting it out. I believe that government, that is FAAN, has no business in cargo or warehousing. They have enough problems to solve but when FAAN starts looking at whether they want to warehouse, then they are going beyond their bounds. They should rather allow private sector to key in so

that the economy could flow well. This place is privatised and you can see the difference compared to when it wasn’t. So you as government, you are privatising and at the same time, you are saying you want to warehouse. Who are you warehousing for? You have the necessary infrastructure to put in place and invite the private sector, (the handling companies). We can have twenty handling companies in the country if the competition could warrant it; that means you have different private sectors coming in to key into the economy. The former minister of aviation, in her own goodwill, opened up things, but there is a certain aspect that I disagree with and I made it very clear; it is not that I am saying it because she is no longer there. The Federal Government has the right to set up locations for cargo warehousing all over the country based on our production in terms of agricultural produce and based on the locality. For example, in Kano, Kaduna and Abuja, you could be looking at hyde and skin that could be airlifted. In the South, you could be looking at bananas and onions, among others. Then you can now look at it: has government helped to create warehousing and give it out to private sector to run? That is my own area of assessment because after she has left, you can’t hear of such things anymore. A lot of money has been wasted on those things because there were no private sector initiatives. There is no way you can ask the government to do it and at the same time you are privatising. When the cargo airports were being constructed, many people thought it would give farmers the opportunity to airlift their produce and indirectly, it would be money spinning for SAHCOL, but we didn’t hear much about it again. Why did you mention SAHCOL? There is a disconnection between us and the landlord. The landlord can only live in one room and let it out to people that want to use it. Who are the users? They are the handling companies. The warehouse has to be built in zones. The products that are pro-

duced in the South are different in the ones that are produced in the East. The ones that are produced in the east are different from those that are produced in the North. It is not only building hotels near airports. SAHCOL has undergone serious transformation from the ashes of what it used to be. How was the company able to do this? If you have gone round, you would have seen the transformation that has taken place within the industry. Unfortunately, government has not been able to appreciate the edifice that has been set here. Meanwhile, foreigners coming here are giving kudos to the Board of Directors and the management of SAHCOL for putting this sort of things here that has served like a milestone that one could make reference to; an international thing that is one of the best in Africa. Like I always tell people, the Chairman of the Board, Dr. TaiwoAfolabi, is a quiet person. He doesn’t make noise on issues, but

My advice to the Federal Government is for it to encourage packaging of our export products.

this is not noise, it is what you have created in your country and what you are trying to give back to your country. Many organisations have been coming here, trying to partner with us. I know that Nigeria is an importing country, but for some time now, we have been giving room for export. We are trying to create more awareness for export within our system here. Once their packaging is good, they will be welcomed either in Europe, America or China. My advice to the Federal Government is for it to encourage packaging of our export products. I am not saying that government has to create a packaging zone. No, but it should encourage individuals through the banks to create packaging companies that could package all our products. If they package these products very well, they will earn more. How strong is your partnership with your clients, the airlines? We have good relationship with our clients. It is very perfect. Those that are interested in us are still working with us. Those who are eyeing us are still eyeing us as they are wondering whether it is true that a country like Nigeria can produce this sort of warehouse, looking at how we can sustain it. But I can assure you that all these things have been put in place. What about those that have left you? None so far.

The call for a national carrier for Nigeria I have a hundred per cent support for a national carrier, but with a difference. Some people, because they know one or two people, were asked to head the committee they don’t know anything about. I am yet to see how successful it will be. I believe that Nigeria Airways’ workers that are still alive have what it takes. What killed Nigeria Airways is very simple. Government intervention and bureaucracy. Insiders are best suited to tell us the problem. Someone who floated an airline of his own, you now invited such to head the committee for the formation of a new national carrier. Already, he is biased. You want him to pave the way for his company not to survive? Once there is a national carrier, then there is competition. The local operators will have to compete with the national carrier, because there are certain things the national carrier will enjoy. Even all of them took advantage of Nigeria Airways by going through the routes that have been created by the liquidated airline. They did not pay a penny to Nigeria Airways for this. They didn’t provide any infrastructure; neither did they find out if the route is viable or not because Nigeria Airways had been going there and coming in. They don’t want the national carrier to have this Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). BASA was removed. Ethiopian Airline is a national carrier, but allowed to operate freely.

aviation

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

South African Airways begins flight to Abuja

crucial moment With Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

With Med View on Lagos/London route: Better days are ahead Better days are surely ahead for air travelers on the lucrative Lagos/London route as Med View Airline, another Nigerian carrier is set to commence operations between the two countries any time from now. The domestic carrier was designated by the federal government late last year to commence operations to the foreign country in line with the dual designation policy the governments of the two countries signed over a decade ago. The policy allows two airlines from each side to operate unhindered into each other’s terrain in line with the conditions of the agreement. While two airlines from the UK end have been enjoying this policy, Nigeria has been struggling to meet up on its own side due to many reasons. Initially, two Nigerian carriers, the defunct Air Nigeria and Arik Air were utilizing the Nigerian slot until two years ago when death of Air Nigeria left Arik battling to survive on the route due the bureaucratic bottleneck put on ground by the British Civil Aviation Authority. Besides this, Nigerian passengers have continued to complain about their exploitation by the foreign carriers coupled with the high fares they slam on them. There is no doubt that with the coming of Med View on board, great relief will definitely come the way of the Nigerian traveling public who will have more opportunity to make their choices. From the information gathered, Med View has been given slot to land in Gatwick, an airport coincidentally owned by the Nigerian born business wizard, KayodeOgunlesi which is presently undergoing unimaginable transformation. Med View, to many travelers has been able to carve a niche for itself through the managerial capability of the top hierarchy of the airline as witnessed in the airline’s performance on the domestic and on the regional scenes. The airline through its exemplary performance has become a favourite of the federal government in the annual airlift of pilgrims to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. From record, Med View has received commendations for making movements of the pilgrims between Nigeria and Saudi back to Nigeria seamless. The airline has again maintained this feat as it has become the first of all the designated carriers for the just concluded hajj exercise to bring back all the pilgrims allocated to it back to Nigeria. The airline which is also operating into Accra, Ghana has succeeded in proving that Nigerian carriers can compete favourably with carriers from other parts on a level playing field in view of the passengers’ traffic it has on the route. Again, on the local scene, the carrier is not doing badly. With the airline’s present status backed by the new generation aircraft in its fleet, travelers will definitely heave a sigh of relief as its coming on the route will create better choice. Unlike Heathrow that is highly congested with 73 million passengers passing through there, transport and connectivity into other parts of London from Gatwick is more seamless with 35 million passengers passing through it. The managing director of the airline, AlhajiMuneerBankole had earlier promised that; “We are looking at the link of bringing Nigerians to Gatwick and we are looking at using the British rail, linking them on complementary to Victoria. We are there already.” At this juncture, the Crucial Moment is appealing to government to support the presence of Med View and Arik on the route as the presence of two carriers from Nigeria will go a long way in reducing the agony of the Nigerian travelers. Other international routes the airline has been designated to fly into include; Lisbon, Dubai, Jeddah, Singapore.

Nigerian Tribune

From left: British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Kola Olayinka; British Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Kyles and President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), DapoAdelegan at the re-launch of British Airways On Business Programme, held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Immigration boss cautions against illegal repatriation at Lagos airport Stories By Shola Adekola - Lagos

ersonnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) attached to the MurtalaMuhammed International Airport, have been cautioned against engaging in illegal repatriation of foreigners from the country. The Assistant Comptroller General, Zone A, Lagos, Musa Maza issued gave out the warning during his maiden tour of the facilities at the airport. Maza warned that any officer caught in illegal repatriation of foreigners without following due process would be severely sanctioned by the authority, stressing that the Zone would not tolerate any act of indiscipline from any of its staff. On the issuance of Visas to the citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Maza insisted that the three months agreement within the States must be sustained by all the

officers unless such a traveler requested otherwise. He also urged them to desist from making frivolous demands from travelers especially first time travelers, declaring that anyone caught in the act would be shown the exit by the service. “I know that some of our officers may be indulging in illegal repatriation of foreigners especially when such have an issue with their employers without following the due process. I want to appeal to you that if you are doing that, you should desist from that immediately. “Also, ECOWAS citizens

NAMA begins test-run of ADS-C/ CPDLC in Nigeria’s airspace Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has begun the test-run of its high profile project, the deployment of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract/ Controller Pilot Data Link Communication

Etihad Airways expands MRO capacity The Middle East’s aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, Etihad Airways Engineering has expanded its existing capacity for painting aircraft at premises adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport by additional 150 per cent with the conversion of Hangar 5 into a state-of-the-art painting shed. The airline stated that the capacity of the MRO has been increased from 4,000sqm to 10,000sqm, which has increased the area dedicated to painting facilities at the airline’s engineering. The airline according to its media consultant in Nigeria, said that the newly converted paint hangar has additional chillers installed for enhanced air conditioning and temperature control, improved thermal insulation, and an efficient drainage system to suit stripping and painting requirements. The airline added that the han-

visiting this country should be given the required three months as recognised by law unless if such a traveler requests for fewer days. However, officers are not expected to make phone calls while on duty and I want to appeal to you to be cautious when discharging your duties because any form of mistake will not be allowed by the Zone”, Maza declared. He, however, promised to be fair in coordinating of events in the zone, but emphasised that he would be resolute in order for the campaign promises of the Federal Government to be actualised.

gar has also been equipped with an advanced aircraft docking system, which could be customised to serve different types of aircraft. The paint hangar also incorporates a large-format decal production facility, which would be used to repaint and rebrand Etihad Airways’ entire fleet of 120 aircraft with its ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery and branding over the coming months. Aircraft belonging to Etihad Airways’ partners and other airline customers also undergo repainting and maintenance operations at the Etihad Airways Engineering facility. The Senior Vice President Technical, Etihad Airways, Jeff Wilkinson, said of the facility; “We have significantly increased our aircraft painting capacity with the introduction of a new paint hangar as we continue to expand our MRO capability on new aircraft platforms.

(ADS-C/ CPDLC) in the nation’s airspace. The test-run which commenced at the Lagos Area Control Centre (ACC) was witnessed live by the Managing Director of NAMA, Engineer Ibrahim Abdulsalam, accompanied by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Usman Muhtar and the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma. A successful log-on and communication with airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa Airlines and Emirates Airlines was activated to the admiration and excitement of the aviation CEOs. Other airlines that have also logged on to the service include Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways. Consequently, NAMA has issued an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) to aviation stakeholders worldwide including airlines, service providers and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on the availability of ADS-C/ CPDLC in the Nigerian airspace.

South African Airways (SAA) has introduced a second entry point to Nigeria in its quest to enable trade and unlock mobility, which will considerably add to business travel options in the West African region. Adding a second gateway in Nigeria to SAA’s existing daily service to Lagos materially strengthens SAA’s position in West Africa where it plays a significant role in enabling the movement of goods and people between Southern Africa and West Africa thereby enhancing the growing trade and cultural exchanges between these two regions. The addition of Abuja to SAA’s network follows closely on the successful introduction of the Accra, Ghana to Washington Dulles, USA route, as a West African platform in August 2015. SAA launched flights between Accra, Ghana and Washington DC in North America, in cooperation with Africa World Airways. The introduction of Accra to Washington route has seen a steady growth in the number of passengers using this route and has performed in line with expectations. This has provided SAA with the confidence to invest further and enhance its footprint in West Africa. “A second entry point in Nigeria forms part of our LongTerm Turnaround Strategy, which identified growth on the African continent as one of its key objectives. Nigeria is one of the fastest growing air travel markets in Sub-Saharan Africa and will be well served with our additional services to Abuja. “Introducing Abuja as a second entry point in Nigeria will add more travel options, especially for the business community, and will enhance our footprint on the continent,” says Sylvain Bosc, SAA Chief Commercial Officer. For Aaron Munetsi, SAA regional general manager for Africa; “Enhancing air travel links with Nigeria speaks on the growth in bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The two countries historically have had strong economic, diplomatic, social and fraternal ties. These are the two economic powerhouses of Africa, with much more to offer and share.” Abuja flights have been scheduled for seamless connectivity into SAA’s inter-continental route network to destinations such as Perth, Hong Kong and Sao Paulo.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

Cultural dances, drama highlight 2015 Ibadan poetry festival

•A stage performance during the poetry festival. PHOTOS: ADEMOLA BAMIGBELU.

•Yoruba cultural dance during the festival

OR two days, participants at the 2015 Ibadan Poetry Festival were treated to beautiful poems, cultural dances and drama by secondary school students in the Pacesetter State. With the theme, Poetry in celebration of Change, this year’s edition was held after the political change of government, and it afforded the young poets the opportunity to ‘play’ and the theme of change. Speaking on this year’s edition, which was held at the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, the coordinator of Poetry Enclave, which organises the annual poetry festival, Mr Ebika Anthony, said poetry, as a genre of literature, gives people the opportunity to express themselves in any form. “Nobody can say this is a standard form of writing poetry, so anybody who is creating enough can just put down words on several issues. “On this year’s edition, we want to focus on the change we just experienced in our democratic experience; we want poems that will reflect on the other aspects of the change we have been experiencing so far. “Apart from the fact that the participants will be exhibiting their creativity on the situation in the country, it will also give them the opportunity to share their thoughts with the public,” Mr Anthony said. In his brief remarks, the Director of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Mr Alain Croguennec, commended Poetry Enclave, under the leadership of Mr Anthony, saying the organisation is greatly contributing to the development of lit-

Alliance Francaise will always open its doors for the promotion of literature, arts and culture. “It is only when people appreciate their culture that they can look towards appreciating other cultures, and what we do at Alliance Francaise is to promote the French language in the country. “I hope participants at this year’s po-

erature and culture in the country. “I am always glad when young people appreciate their culture; I am thrilled when I saw our young ones dressed in their traditional attires. “This will go a long way in preserving the culture from the influence of global cultural revolution. “Having said this, I want to say that the

etry festival will use this opportunity to explore the beauty of the French culture by signing up to learn the French language,” Mr Croguennec said. Also at the festival was the winner of the 2014 Etisalat prize for Literature, Mr Akin Oke, who read from his winning book, Egbon of Lagos, to attendees.

Goosebumps scares up US box office FAMILY horror film Goosebumps scared audiences up a treat at the North American box office last weekend. The movie, based on the popular children’s book series, took $23.5m (£15.2m) in its first three days. It stars Jack Black as horror writer RL Stine, whose imaginary demon creations are accidentally set free in a small town. Ridley Scott’s space adventure The Martian was bumped into second place, taking $21.5m (£13.9m). The Matt Damon film has now taken $143.8m (£93m) in its third week of release. Steven Spielberg’s cold-war thriller Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks, opened at number three with $15.4m (£10m). Guillermo del Toro’s gothic horror romance Crimson Peak did not fare as well in the Halloween period, debuting at four with $12.8m (£8.3m). However with an R-rating - where those under 17 need to be accompanied by a parent of guardian to see the film - it was expected to have a more limited audience

•A scene in the movie

than the PG-rated Goosebumps. Last weekend also saw the release of Cary Fukunaga’s drama Beasts of No Nation, about child soldiers in Africa. After making headlines earlier this year when Netflix bought the distribution rights for $12m (£7.8m), the film was simultaneously released in cinemas and

on the streaming platform. But the film, starring Idris Elba, only made $50,699 (£32,800) across the 31 cinemas it was shown at, averaging $1,635 (£1,057) per theatre. Although rival distributors called it “a horrendous result,” Netflix told journalists it would not release information.

arts&review

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Theatre Arts on focus at KDFYC quarterly meeting

HEATRE Arts was the focus during the third quarter meeting of the Kola Daisi Foundation Youth Centre (KDFYC), Ibadan. Every quarter, the centre brings together students from different secondary schools in the state and enlighten them on different career choices before them, as they plan to advance into tertiary institutions. For the third quarter, officials of KDFYC brought Mr Ebika Anthony, an accomplished theatre practitioner, who explained to the students that studying theatre is more than just performing on stage. “With Theatre Arts, you can be whatever you want to be; although you will be grounded in the rudiment of stage performance, theatre practitioners can be found in diverse fields of human endeavours. “Theatre Arts practitioners can be journalists, public relations expert, teachers, among others. “Even, in the practical field of theatre arts, one can choose to be a costumier, director, or even performance critic. “Theatre Arts is just so interesting that it helps build the individual, as one will be trained on how to act like doctors, nurses, sick people, among others. “Theatre practitioners bring real life to the stage, and this is a great way to exhibit one’s talent,” Mr Anthony said. Apart from Theatre Arts, different pro-

•A cross section of students at the career meeting fessionals also spoke with the students on how to build their vocational skills in the hospitality sector. Speaking on this, Mrs Oluchi Nnaeto said today’s students can learn to bake cakes, produce beverages, cook good foods, and so on.

“When one is good in this area, one can then create a business out of it. “You can imagine when you finally gain admission to the tertiary institution; you do not need to be disturbing your parents every time for money, as you can make money by making cakes for those who want to have celebrations; you can

Egyptian writer, Gamal al-Ghitani, dies at 70 ACCLAIMED Egyptian novelist and journalist Gamal al-Ghitani has died in Cairo, aged 70. He had been in a coma in hospital for two months after being admitted with respiratory problems. Trained as a carpet designer, Ghitani took up journalism in his 20s and went on to write historical fiction. Much of his work has been widely translated, including the 1974 novel Zayni Barakat, considered a seminal portrayal of authoritarian rule. Set in the Mamluke era, the novel was seen as a veiled critique of the regime of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. As a journalist Ghitani also reported from the frontlines during the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1973. He won awards in Egypt for his writing, as well as being awarded France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1987. Egyptian Prime Minister, Sharif Ismail said that Ghitani had “contributed significantly in enriching literature with his unique style, intelligence and broad vision.” Ghitani was one of several intellectuals who supported the army’s ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in 2013, despite the harsh crackdown against the army’s opponents that followed. Gamal El-Ghitani was born to a poor family in the town of Guhayna, Sohag Governorate in Upper Egypt and moved with his family to Cairo as a child. He began writing at a young age and had his first short story published when he was only 14. He was originally trained to be a carpet designer and received his diploma in 1962. He continued to write on the side and was imprisoned from October 1966 through March 1967 for his criti-

even go into full-time catering, and this is a good business to go into,” Mrs Nnaeto said. Another professional at the meeting was Mr Emeka Eze, who is into Information and Communication Techonology (ICT). Mr Eze says with minimal investment, one can go into ICT business. “One needs to have foresight in the country today; there are no jobs anywhere, but with ICT, one can create something,” Mr Eze said. The students were then taught how to build their career by Folorunsho Moshood of the Educare Trust Centre. Mr Moshood, who has travelled all over the world developing the talents in youths, said one needs to have a positive attitude to issues. “If one goes for a job interview for example, one may know the questions being asked, but if one is not brave and smart enough, one may not get the job. “This is how it works everywhere; one’s attitude and behaviour count on where one will eventually reach,” Mr Moshood said, while explaining that in cases where the child would want to go for a particular course of study, but the parents want another option, then there is need for caution. “Your parents are experienced, and may have reason for wanting you to go for a particular course; however, if there is a particular course you like, you can discuss it with your parents, who will guide you.” In her brief remarks at the meeting, a member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mrs Ebun Delana, charged the students to always envision the kind of future they want for themselves. “It is when you can see it that you can start working towards it by preparing for the future. “The idea behind this meeting is, therefore, to let you know the different careers that are available before you, and how to go for them,” Mrs Delana said.

Samuel Jackson prize shortlist announced

•Gamal al-Ghitani cal commentary on the regime of Gamal Abd el-Nasser. In 1969 he switched careers and became a journalist for the Egyptian newspaper Akhbar El Yom (“The Day’s News”). After becoming a journalist, el-Ghitani continued to write historical fiction, and many of his stories are set in Cairo. He also maintained an active pen about many cultural and political topics, notably the level of censorship in modernday Egypt. In an effort to help promote the Arab literary culture, he helped found the literary magazine In 1980, he was awarded with the Egyptian National Prize for Literature, and in 1987, the French Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 1985, he became editor-in-chief of Al Akhbar (“The News”) and continued to be a contribut-

ing editor to Akhbar El-Yom’s literary section. From 1993 to 2011, he was the editor-in-chief of Akhbar Al-Adab, one of Egypt’s primary literary magazines. In 2005, he won a French Award for translated literature “Laure Bataillon”, one of the highest French awards to be bestowed upon non-French writers. He was entitled for this award due to his giant work “Kitâb al-Tagalliyyât” or “Book of Illuminations”. In 2009, he was awarded the Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Ren, the award is worth about $200,000 and is one of the world’s richest literary awards. Gamal El-Ghitani is married to the Egyptian journalist Magda El-Guindy, editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram’s children’s magazine “Alaaeddin”. He has a son, Mohammad, and a daughter, Magda.

THE shortlist for the 2015 Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fiction writing has been announced. The six titles include Jonathan Bate’s Ted Hughes: The Unauthorised Life and Robert Macfarlane’s Landmarks. A variety of genres, from journalism, philosophy and biography to memoir and science, feature in the shortlist. The £20,000 prize, described by organisers as the UK’s most prestigious of its type, was won last year by Helen Macdonald’s H is for Hawk. Macdonald was a special guest at the shortlist announcement by judges Sumit Paul-Choudhury and Rana Mitter at the London’s Royal Festival Hall. Her memoir, recounting how the death of her father prompted her to train a goshawk, went on to become a number one bestseller and to win last year’s 2014 Costa Book of the Year Award. The award is said to illustrate how nonfiction can explore the “diverse facets of human existence in different ways.” The winner will be announced on 2 November.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 Editor:

health you&EYE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

sex,sexuality&You

Apart from vaccination, only way to stay polio free is…

INSIDE

Ensuring adequatecare fortheelderly, abigproblem Page 36

natural health

Children affected by polio

By Victor Ogunyinka

P Bloodtype, answersmany unanswered nutrition questions Page 37

Vitalstepsfor betterbreast health Page 37

HEALTH QUOTE

naturalhealth

olio may not have been the worst life-terminating ailment around, but recent news of success recorded in Nigeria and Africa at large on the disease is worth every celebration accorded it. Polio as an ailment is as old as the human race; while some countries had reduced it to its lowest term from the word go, others have struggled with containing the viral infection for all it worth, recent results have been promising. According to research, an English physician, Michael Underwood, provided the first clinical description of the disease in 1789, when he referred to polio as “debility of the lower extremities.” The work of physicians Jakob Heine in 1840 and Karl Oskar in 1890 led to its being known as Heine-Medin disease. The disease was later called infantile paralysis, based on its propensity to affect children. Dr Tolulope Okedere, Medical Officer at Achievers’ University, Owo, Ondo State, explained that “the virus has been with man for about 6000 years, as some Egyptian mummies were found to have paralysed limbs thought to be due to the virus from history.” Statistics over the years have shown that the war against polio world over, has been rewarding as there has been more positives, what is somewhat worrisome is the frailty of the age group (below five years) which it affects. A fact sheet released by the World

Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under five years of age. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralysed, five to 10 per cent die when their breathing muscles become immobilised. Polio cases have decreased by over 99 per cent since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases then, to 359 reported cases in 2014. The reduction is the result of the global effort to eradicate the disease. Today, only two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) remain polio-endemic, down from more than 125 in 1988. As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio. Failure to eradicate polio from these last remaining strongholds could result in as many as 200, 000 new cases annually, within 10 years, all over the world. In most countries, the global effort has expanded capacities to tackle other infectious diseases by building effective surveillance and immunisation systems. Dr Anderson Anuforo, medical practitioner at Emabal Clinic, Aguda, Surulere added: “polio virus destroys the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of the limbs. The paralysis could follow a precipitating incident like an injection into the muscle. “Clinical features of polio include acute phase: minor symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, gastro-

intestinal disturbances; major symptoms like aseptic meningitis, bulbar polio, polio encephalitis and paralysis; recovery phase: resolution of muscle weakness and pain usually over a period of two years and residual paralysis phase: recurrence of paralysis, may be sudden or gradual,” he explained. What remains a global threat to the total eradication of the virus is the ability to devise a cure for it, though its only means of control and prevention, vaccination, has undoubtedly proven reliable. To a large extent, the roles of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), particularly Dangote Foundation and the Bills and Melinda Gates Foundation in the eradication of polio virus in Nigeria have been noticeable. In 2013, Bill Gates commended the efforts and willingness of the Federal Government to ground polio to level zero in the country, he stressed that “The goal of saving lives is a very realistic goal. Through these efforts I do think that children who do survive will be far healthier and able to take advantage of their education and contribute to the success of Nigeria. Business mogul, Aliko Dangote, in partnership with Gates Foundation donated funds, equipment and technical support to the Kano State government to strengthen its polio immunisation in 2012. With so much investment in combating the virus by both the Federal Government and NGOs alike, research has proven that some parents are still reluctant in giving their wards up for this exercise thereby endangering the whole nation. As Dr Okedere puts it, “poverty, illiteracy and religious extremism are important reasons why Nigeria got prone to the virus in the first place. Poverty and low socioeconomic class are close friends of illiteracy, of which not receiving vaccine for polio has been one single most important risk factor for developing the illness. When illiteracy sets in, parents are not aware of the need for vaccination.” Dr Abiodun Alo, Medical Officer at St Anne’s Hospital, Molete, while stressing the importance of immunisation, explained that the reward of devotion to vaccination was what ticked us off endemic list. He revealed that while immunisation for infants is the only way out, ensuring a clean environment is also germane in the quest for being polio free. “There is something about viruses, when they resolve, though the blood might be cleared but somehow, a little amount of it are always found in the system. In the case of polio, it is still found in the Central Nervous System (CNS) where it began its deadly work. “The only way to stay out of polio is to ensure that every child is immunised; the power of immunisation is such that if a child who has been immunised defecated inside a pool of water and another child who hadn’t been immunised drank that water, the unimmunised child would develop immunity against virus. Life attenuated vaccine and the killer vaccine are the two types of polio vaccines. But it is also very important to work on our environment because a filthy and unkempt environment is an open invitation to many diseases, polio inclusive,” he noted.

“The awareness that health is dependent upon habits that we control makes us the first generation in history that to a large extent determines its own destiny.” —Jimmy Carter

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

The secret behind his dark glasses

e joined the United for Vision Club only a month ago, but has now become the most vocal member of the group. “I am contesting for the post of president,” he said. “President!”, I exclaimed. “You’ve just joined our club and you hardly know the terrain. How can you successfully lead an organisation that you know little or nothing about?”, I inquired. Just then, all the young men and women started the popular chorus, “All we are saying, give us Tracy.” I was gripped by fear and covered by cold sweats. I had no doubt that Tracy as President would spell the death knell of our club. The youth were clearly in the majority and if elections were to be held Tracy would certainly win. All the older members present were unanimous that Tracy was not the messiah we needed at this time. But in a democratic setting the majority always carry the day. “Is the majority always right?”, I asked myself. Time will tell. “Let them have their way,” all the old people quietly agreed. There was a gentle tap on my shoulders. “Doctor, wake up,” Tamuno is giving today’s presentation.” I yawned, stretched

out my arms and readjusted myself in my seat. “You mean Tracy?” I asked the intruder. “Who is Tracy?” asked Little John in return, somewhat surprised at the mixup. “You must have been dreaming sir. Tamuno not Tracy,” he added. Yes indeed. I had been in a trance. “Tamuno, please, take the floor,” I requested. He was wearing a pair of dark glasses which prevented me from seeing his eyes. As he got up from his seat, something told me he had an interesting story to tell. His smiling face suddenly tensed up as he asked, “Am I going blind?”. He looked around and repeated the question again. “Tracy,” as my subconscious still preferred to call him, is obviously an orator and it seemed he really had a story to tell! “The first hint of any problem with my eyes was when I was about 19 years old and in my first year in the university. I discovered I couldn’t see the blackboard clearly. At the university health centre, I was told to see an eye doctor. I can remember the day I got my first pair of glasses. I saw the world as never before. I could now understand why friends used to think I was snubbish because they always had to greet me first having rec-

ognised me from afar off. Now, it was the reverse! My whole life changed. I could stay in the house and read novels all day and was never keen on outdoor activities. Now, I enjoyed watching football live. “My glasses and I were inseparable. I had them changed after three years because they were scratched. The new pair was even a lot better than the old. By the time I was 40 years old, I had changed them many times, sometimes just to conform to fashion trends. “Just a few weeks to my 41st birthday, I began to have difficulty punching out numbers on my mobile phone or reading the Bible with my glasses on. I was told I

Am I going blind?” He looked around and repeated the question again.

had presbyopia. This was said to be the effect of age on the eyes. “It is not a disease,” the doctor had said. He changed my glasses to bifocals and I was happy. But then I had difficulty using my computer or playing golf. He advised me to change to progressive lenses. “ The bifocals take care of two distances, far and near. Your computer is in the intermediate distance, so you need lenses that would gradually change focus from distance to intermediate and then near,” he had explained. “Suddenly, like a thunderbolt, I had a painless loss of vision in my right eye and a few days later in my left. My doctor asked, “Are you a sickler, hypertensive or diabetic?” “No sir,” I replied confidently. He examined my eyes with a special instrument and told me I had tears in my retina. “Tears!” I screamed? “How did my retina get torn?”, I asked again All of a sudden, there was a big commotion outside and we all ran for safety. A few minutes later, things became quiet, but Tamuno and a few others were nowhere to be found! Tamuno must continue his story next week. If nothing else, I’ll like to know the secret behind his pair of dark sunglasses.

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

info@nordicalagos.org

0700 6673422

Endometrial scratching Endometrial scratching is an outpatient procedure which is relatively painless (similar to a cervical smear test) and is defined as medically administered damage to the inner lining of the womb with the sole aim of improving implantation. It was first demonstrated as a beneficial procedure in reproductive medicine in 2003. A Cochrane Library systematic review published in 2012 concluded that the technique double the implantation rate. Implantation remains the biggest hurdle in securing a pregnancy in assisted conception. When the microscopic embryo quality appears good and the development of the endometrium is satisfactory on ultrasound, it is not possible to easily explain why implantation does not occur. Embryo implantation into the womb may fail due to poor embryo quality or abnormal embryo genetics. It can also often fail due to poor ‘endometrial receptivity’. This is where the lining of the womb is not favourable for the embryo to implant. Quite simply, to get pregnant you need to have a healthy genetically fit embryo

and a good endometrial environment for it to implant into. So, when it is reasonably assumed that the reason for a (or recurrent)failed IVF cycle(s) is an implantation failure especially when the embryo is microscopically of good quality, then endometrial scratching might be employed in order to aid implantation and then IVF treatment success. This has been supported by recent studies. How does endometrial scratching aid implantation? The process of endometrial scratching as it relates to embryo implantation is not entirely understood and some questions still remain unanswered. Scientists involved in studies believe that there may be two reasons for the increased implantation rates: •Increase of endometrial white blood cells. It appears that endometrial injury increases the production of white blood cells (leukocytes such as macrophages) which secrete so called growth factors and cytokines which in turn control embryo implantation. •Gene switching within the endometrium. Scientists speculate that sometimes

embryos fail to implant due to genetic switching related to endometrial receptivity. That is, genes responsible for implantation of embryos are not switched on during the time when embryos are supposed to implant. Endometrial scratching may increase expression of genes (switching of genes) thought to be responsible for preparation of endometrium for implantation.

cedure. A speculum will be passed to find the cervix which is then swabbed with a saline solution to clean it. A small disposable endometrial biopsy catheter (Pipelle) is then passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The catheter is then agitated in the uterine cavity and suction applied to lightly cause minimal injury to the endometrial lining. Antibiotics may be required after the procedure. It may be followed by some mild uterine cramping Indications and/or slight bleeding per vaginum. •Recurrent implantation failures At Nordica, we have employed the use of endometrial scratching successfully •Atrophic endometrium How is the procedure carried out? for a couple of our clients with previThe procedure which usually takes ous failed IVF cycle(s) despite good about 15 minutes or less is carried out quality embryos in the past few years. in the luteal phase of the cycle (i.e. af- Although the benefits of endometrial ter ovulation) in the cycle preceding biopsy scratching are undeniable, the IVF treatment. Normally this is done exact timing and the number of biopsies between days 19 and 23, day- 21 of the are still being debated by fertility specycle on the average and that is what cialists. Fertility doctors agree that the we do at Nordica Fertility centre. It can scratch biopsy needs to be done once or also be performed under anesthesia twice before embryo transfer. The additional benefit this procedure during a hysteroscopy evaluation of offers is that it allows us to map the certhe uterus. An informed consent is taken and the vical canal, and since it’s very similar to client is administered oral analgesics a dummy embryo transfer, it makes the about one or two hours prior to the pro- actual Embryo Transfer much easier.

35 everydayhealth

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

‘Erectile dysfunction worsens with age in hypertensives’ By Sade oguntola

ases of erectile dysfunction is on the rise among men, with a study indicating many of 65.8 per cent having challenges with their libido, a study has found. In the new study, experts found incidence of erectile dysfunction higher in men with hypertension than those with normal blood pressure, putting it at 75 per cent and 56.9 per cent respectively and that it tends to worsen with age. It was a comparative cross sectional study involving 202 sexually active hypertensive and normal blood pressure men aged 21 years and above that were attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in South-West, Nigeria. The study, however, exempted persons with other medical conditions known to affect erectile function such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, heart failure, stroke, and penile injury. The study found 133 had erectile dysfunction in varying severities while 34.2 per cent had normal erectile function. Mild to moderate erectile dysfunction occurred in 29.7 per cent while 36.1 per cent had severe erectile dysfunction. The prevalence of ED increased from 51 per cent among those 45 years old and below to 80 per cent among those that were 65 years and above. In terms of age, they reported that those aged above 65 years were three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction compared with those aged below 45 years old. However, other factors

such as smoking, alcohol use, hypertension, antihypertensive use and overweight/ obesity were not significantly associated with ED in this study population. The 2015 study was published in the Global Journal of Health Science in-

volved Akinbode Samuel Fafiolu and Olubankole Olutosin Akinboboye from the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria in collaboration with Ayodeji Matthew Adebayo and Temilola Olufunmi from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan,

Ibadan. The researchers recommended that all men presenting to a physician should have routine evaluation for ED so as to recognise it early and reduce its effects. According to them, “since ED could be associated

with hypertension and other medical illnesses, the finding of ED should prompt the doctor to do a thorough screening of the patient especially for cardiovascular diseases.” Erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to achieve or sus-

President, Pharmacists Society of Nigeria(PSN), Pharm, Olumide Akintayo, Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Development Countries in Asia (ADC), Mr. Jide Adeosun, Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Mr Lekan Asuni and national treasurer, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Duru Emeka during the signing of Memorandum at the media launch of GSK’s innovative training programme tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE) in partnership with PSN recently in Lagos.

Stroke Action Nigeria, NSRG FMOH partner to combat stroke in Nigeria As a way of marking the World Stroke Day coming up on Thursday, October 29, 2015, Stroke Action Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Stroke Reference Group (NSRG) and the Federal Ministry of Health will be hosting the fourth Nigeria Stroke Assembly at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. This year’s Stroke Assembly, rides on the back of the

World’s Stroke Day themed “I am Woman, Stroke Affects Me,” will provide working platforms for partners in the care and prevention of stroke, stroke specific organisations, medical and nursing councils, professions allied to medicine, agencies and individuals with interest in stroke care, stroke survivors, carers and the government to discuss the issues that surround

prevention and management of stroke in Nigeria. Rita Melifonwu, founder and chief executive of Stroke Action Nigeria, said that in support of the World Stroke Campaign theme, her organisation and its stroke ambassadors would be promoting the strap line “I am Stroke, Know Me”. In her words: “Stroke Action Nigeria and its stroke ambassadors will be pro-

moting the strap line “I am Stroke, Know Me” to emphasise the urgency for all Nigerians to know what stroke is, its causes, risk factors and how to act fast when a stroke happens. This is because stroke is a medical emergency and we need to act fast when stroke happens by taking the person who has suffered stroke straight to the hospital, not the church, herbalist or na-

52% of market men, women in Ijebu-ode have big or pot belly —Study By Sade oguntola Following studies indicating a high incidence of obesity among market men and women in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State experts have called for increased awareness on obesity and its related health challenges in the community. In a new study, experts’ assessment of obesity and hypertension amongst market men and women in Ijebu- Ode put the prevalence of hypertension, overweight and obesity at 16 per cent, 25.3 per cent and 26.7 per cent respectively. The study, which found 52.0 per cent of these mar-

tain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. It is a global health problem found in men of all ages though it is said to be commoner in persons with hypertension. Previously, in Nigeria varying prevalence rates of ED ranging from 41.5 per cent to 57.4 per cent have been reported in apparently normal men. A multi-centred report on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men attending primary care clinics in three countries showed that age-adjusted prevalence rates of ED was 57.4 per cent in Nigeria, 63.6 per cent in Egypt, and 80.8 per cent in Pakistan. Elderly men are the worst affected by ED as various chronic disorders are more common in this age group and these are associated with elevated rates of ED. Hypertension and its treatment and other conditions such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol level, obesity and smoking are known to produce sexual dysfunction in males.

ket women and men also with big or pot belly, said obesity and hypertension are implicated in various health challenges such as diabetes mellitus, gynaecological complications, cancer, stroke, sudden deaths, stroke and heart failure. For the study, 300 market men and women aged between 18 and 73 years were randomly selected from Oke-Aje and Ita Osun markets, all in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the participants. Also, measurements of weight, height and waist circum-

ference were carried out to determine their Body Mass Index and waist circumference to assess for obesity. The researchers, reasoning that market traders spend most hours of the day sitting down and involved in many other sedentary activities, conditions which increase the risk of chronic diseases, said sensitisation on prevention and control of these disorders is important to protect those in this community from obesityrelated health challenges. The 2015 study, entitled Obesity and Hypertension amongst Traders in Ijebu Ode, “was carried out by

Oladoyinbo C.A; Ekerette N.N and Ogunubi T.I. It was published in the African Journal of Biomedical Research. Recent global figures indicate that the prevalence of obesity is not just a problem of the developed countries, but is also on the increase in the developing world. In Nigeria, the prevalence of obesity among adults has been estimated to range from 8.1 to 22.2 per cent. Similarly, the prevalence of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa has been estimated to range from 19 to 38 per cent; and that among adult Nigerians is placed at 44.9 per cent. Meanwhile,

the risk of hypertension is about two times higher among obese individuals than those with normal body weight. Physical inactivity has been identified as a major cause of excessive body weight and high blood pressure. Market men and women spend most hours of the day sitting down and involved in many other sedentary activities and consume diets with mean daily energy intake far higher than recommended levels); conditions that increase their risk of developing obesity and/or hypertension.

tive doctor”. She further disclosed that reports from the World Stroke Organisation states that women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men and also account for the majority of stroke deaths. Speaking on the forthcoming forum, the chairman of Nigeria Stroke Reference Group, Professor Sunday Bwala, the Chief Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital Abuja, informed that “Stroke kills more people each year than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria put together world over.” According to him, “at the National Hospital, Abuja alone, three to four stroke admissions is recorded per day” adding that information would be shared on current stroke research and good practice at the forthcoming forum. “There will also be an Inaugural Gala and Fundraiser where key dignitaries, concerned stakeholders, individuals, stroke survivors and businesses supporting stroke care would be in attendance to raise funds to develop The Life After Stroke Centre Projects”.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

healthpeople ‘Ensuring adequate care for the elderly, a big problem’ Professor Olaitan Soyannwo, the President, Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria has special interest is in relieving pain through palliative care. In this interview with Sade Oguntola, she decried patients being discharged against medical advice and care of elderly people among other issues.

hat is role of palliative care in cancer management and care? Palliative care is actually based on the concept called medical care in those days. It is from the word pall, which means cover or blanket so that a person will not shiver or be cold. In terms of total care, it offers protection and support. In those days before the era of modern medicine, if someone is sick and running high fever, the medical personnel will just sit by the person’s bed side to take good care; talk nicely to the person and give a lot of support until the high fever breaks and the person starts getting better. But then with modern medicine came the issue of specialisation such as surgery, paediatrics and obstetric with the aspect of palliative care relegated to the background. But health actually should involve preventive, the aspect of early diagnosis and treatment and then palliative care. Palliative care is the total care that covers the problems that the patients, be it physical, emotional, physiological or spiritual pains. For example, the person may have a lot of pains and other issues like vomiting and weakness. He may be disturbed by what will happen to his work, children and so on due to the illness. Palliative care starts from the time the illness is discovered right up to the time the person dies and beyond to the aspect of bereavement and support for the family. So, palliative care is actually a patient and family centered care. Although palliative care started with the issue of cancer care, it is applicable to all live threatening or life limiting diseases that cannot be cured within a short time. But cancer in particular as we all know is regarded as a deadly disease. For anybody, the diagnosis of cancer is almost like a prescription for death emotionally. It is associated with a lot of pain, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual pains. These can be catered for by good palliative care because it ensures that the person has good quality of live, living well till the end and even when the end comes, provide support for those left behind. Death does not have to be associated with suffering. This is why palliative care is a philosophy of care; it is not something that is limited by a wall. Every health professional should learn the principles of palliative care so that they can apply it to the care of their patients. Do we have palliative care in Nigerian hospitals, considering its centrality to quality of live for ill persons? We are beginning to have it in Nigeria and that is why the Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria was inaugurated. Actually the history of palliative care in Nigeria dates back to the early 90’s when the palliative care movement started at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

needs information. Unfortunately, that comes poorly in our country, especially for patients with cancer and other life limiting illnesses. The patient has to be educated on the disease is; what is being done to help; how far treatment has gone; as well as allow the patient to ask questions and answers provided appropriately. At times, patient’s relatives are carried along when sharing such information and also to teaching them on ways of coping. But in my experience, a lot of patients get disillusioned because they are promised other things outside the hospital setting, which may trip the balance for that patient because nobody wants to die readily. But the problem is that by the time they come back again, it may be too late for anybody to be able do much for them. However, there are instances where the patient declines the mode of medical treatment offered. If a patient is admitted, for example, for surgery and the patient says ‘I do not want surgery’, then there is nothing in terms of surgery that this particular doctor can do. I think that is where all that comes in. But even if the patient insists on being discharged, the doctor can put the last discussions on paper, with both signing. This cannot be labelled as discharged against medical advice. Professor Olaitan Soyannwo In Ibadan, we had a group that was interested in the issue of relieving unwanted pain and especially severe pain of surgery and accidents. In those days, the opioid analgesic, the strong pain medication were not available in the country. The group later formed the Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria, which is specifically to provide care and look at the holistic aspect of cancer pain management. It works hand in hand with those in cancer treatment to bring support, succour and relieve the suffering of patients who are being treated for cancer. In 2003, the centre encouraged UCH management to establish a hospice and palliative care unit. It also got involved in training in palliative care. Already, about 30 health professionals at UCH, Ibadan have been trained. Now, we have palliative care centres in about eight tertiary institutions in Nigeria, scattered across the country. Already, University College Hospital, College of Medicine has included it in its curriculum for undergraduates. And other tertiary in-

For physical pains, depending on their severity, different pain medications can be used

stitutions are trying to do the same. So it is gaining ground. Is pain real and can people really be helped to live comfortably without pain? Pain is real; it is actually what the person who is feeling it says it is. If you ask the patient to score the amount of pain he is feeling on a scale of zero to 10, you can have an idea of how bad it is and how to help him/her. For physical pains, depending on their severity, different pain medications can be used from the simple analgesics like over the counter to strong pain relieving medications such as opioid analgesics. At the Federal Government level, there are programmes like “treat pain project”, and also a “hospital-pain free initiative”. Part of the initiative is to educate all health professionals about how to ask about pain. A lot of patients come to the hospital because they have one pain or the other. People are sometimes said to be discharged against doctor’s medical advice, linking this with doctor’s inability to help them. Why is this so? Talking about patients being discharged against medical advice to go and die at home is an aspect of poor and bad communication. Palliative care never says that there is nothing else we can do for you, but rather, how can we help you. Now, when a patient is admitted in the hospital and things are not going well for that patient, the patient battles with a lot of emotional and social problems aside the disease itself. That type of patient

There is growing population of elderly people in Nigeria and their care is becoming an issue, why is this the case? Getting old is associated with its own problems because different part of the body age. Old age is not a disease, but you have more health challenges and for these an elderly person will need more care and support. Palliative care is also very appropriate in the care of the elderly population. Elderly patients apart from having pain from different causes, may also have disability. A physiotherapist, who is also palliative care team member, can teach on appropriate exercises that are beneficial that their carers can help them observe. Nonetheless, ensuring adequate care for the elderly in Nigeria has become a big problem because extended family aspect of our life is also getting thinner. The time has come to start training carers. In developed countries, there is a cadre of people who work with the palliative care team in the community to look after elderly people at home. It is beginning to happen now, but only the rich can afford it in Nigeria. Although there are few nursing homes to provide supportive care for the elderly, but there is no single hospice. Nursing homes are convalescent homes where elderly people who cannot live on their own can live. So in support of elderly patients who are ill, we are partner with the Ibadan South East Local government to train their health professionals so that they can identify patients with palliative care issues at home, attend to their needs and educate their carers about how best to care for them. It is hoped that well meaning Nigerians will open up hospices and nursing homes because government cannot do everything.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

By Sade Oguntola

ou are what you eat, is a common parlance. But the type of food consumed and its suitability for one’s blood group is also central to healthy, vigorous, and disease-free living. The blood type is a powerful genetic fingerprint of individuals. The connection between blood type and diet may sound radical, but Dr Adebukola Olujide, a medical doctor, speaking on this type of diet being promoted by a naturopathic expert, Dr Peter D’Adamo, said may unravel many of the major mysteries surrounding individuals quest for good health. Eating a diet suitable for one’s blood group is not something that is taught in conventional medicine, but Dr Olujide said digging into its philosophy, she has found it as a missing link to some cases of overweight and uncontrollable blood pressure and blood sugar and other confusing nutritional issues. “After checking out studies on this, I got convinced that it is innocuous and will not cause any problem even if one eats based on one’s blood group type,” she stated. Olujide, who started following the prescription for blood type ‘O’ two years ago, said she is a living witness to its effectiveness in weight control. “Before, my weight was fluctuating between 75 and 80 kilogrammes. But it has remained below 70 kilogramme. Now, many people stop to ask for my secret to weight control,” she declared. What does eating for one’s blood type suggests and are there scientific backings for this? Studies are substantiating why one man’s food could be another man’s poison. Health problems such as peptic ulcer, a condition often related to higher than average stomach-acid levels, she said, is found to be more common in people with type ‘O’ blood

natural

health Blood type, answers many unanswered nutrition questions group than in people with other blood types. Citrus fruits like oranges and tangerine promote acid secretion in the stomach. However, Dr Olujide said when a patient with type O blood has ulcer and continue to take oranges, this can further aggravate the ulcer. So other options for vitamin C, such as watermelon, pineapple and apples are better. Dr Olujide declared that eating based on one’s blood type can help avoid many common infections; lose weight since the body is able to rid itself of toxins and fats; fight back against life-threatening diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and liver failure; as well as slow down the ageing process. Certainly, confusing, and often conflicting information about nutrition has created problems for health-conscious consumers on what recommendation to follow, and which diet is the right diet. However, she said the confusion is the result of a cavalier “one diet fits all” premise even though certain people respond well to particular diets while others do not, given difference in individual body composition. According to her, all foods can be groups

Vital steps for better breast health (Continued from last week) • Massage and bounce your breasts before bed to aid lymph flow • Wear your bra as little as possible Never ever sleep in a bra! Night is when the de• toxify processes of the body rev up. • Avoid push up bras and sports bras, since these further constrict the breast tissue. Skip the mammogram Mammograms have long been controversial and, as time passes, we have more and more evidence to avoid the harmful effects of this type of cancer screening.

into three categories; highly beneficial, neutral and avoid, based on their lectins content. Highly beneficial foods acts like medicine; neutral ones act like food; while those to avoid include foods that acts like a poison. Lectins, abundant and diverse proteins found in foods. For example, gluten is the most common lectin found in wheat. Dr Olujide, noting that each blood group has its own reaction to certain foods, declared that for people with type O blood, the leading factor in weight gain is the gluten found in wheat and wheat products, which interferes with insulin efficiency and slows metabolic rate. This makes such foods better avoided. Also, she added that animal milk is better avoided by all blood groups because and many Africans have lactose intolerance. In addition, for people with type ‘O’ blood, food items such like rice, yam, millet, sweet potatoes beans are good while they should avoid things as corn and corn-based meals; plantain, orange, quail, peanut, cabbage and coconut.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com According to health expert Dr. Mercola; The Institute of Medicine is finally acknowledging the toxic effects of mammogram radiation as a significant factor in the development of breast cancer; just one mammogram can expose you to the radiation equivalent of 1,000 chest x-ray. In September 2010, the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the most prestigious medical journals, published the first study in years to examine the effectiveness of mammograms. Their findings are a far cry from what most public health officials would have you believe.

Dr Adebukola Olujide For people with type A blood, she said, they are better off to avoiding red meat, sea foods like lobster, crab and oyster; corn, peanut, whole wheat flour, vegetables such as eggplant, bananas, plantain, mango and coconut. However, she warned that the greatest benefit from eating based on one’s blood type to maintain good health comes when food consumption is in moderation alongside prescribed exercises and stress control. But blood type does not only determine the best diet to take. Intake of herbal preparations and supplements are also important. Dr Olujide said people with type O blood, are also better avoiding herbal products including aloe vera and corn silk.

The bottom line is that mammograms seem to have reduced cancer death rates by only 0.4 deaths per 1,000 women, an amount so small it might as well be zero. Put another way, 2,500 women would have to be screened over 10 years for a single breast cancer death to be avoided. The radiation and lack of effectiveness is not the only problem with mammograms. A big problem is the staggering numbers of false positives from mammograms. One study looked at three decades of U.S. data and found that one million women may have been mistakenly diagnosed with breast cancer due to mammogram screenings. Additionally, there is concern among alternative medical practitioners and even some Western medicine doctors that the intense compression of breast tissue during mammograms may spread the growth of any cancerous cells. Interestingly, the body has a strong defense system against breast tumours and the immune system allows 30 of breast tumours to go away on their own. Screening alternatives Growing in popularity; thermograms provide a safer method for breast cancer detection. There are pitfalls, however, as Sarah explains in her post Thermography. Though, not a perfect alternative to mammograms. The problem is that women are often pressured to get a mammogram before or after a thermogram. Be sure to have a discussion with your chosen thermographer before the appointment to be sure that he/she has a way for you to get only a breast ultrasound and not a mammogram if a suspicious area is detected. Stop the toxic personal care products In our modern world, we are inundated with chemicals. There are chemicals that we cannot always avoid, like air pollution. There are chemicals that we can minimise, like the toxic furniture and carpeting that we bring into our house. And then there are the chemicals that we can completely avoid, like the chemicals in cosmetics and body care items. Whatever we put on our skin is absorbed into the blood stream. Those unpronounceable chemicals from your shampoo and hairspray and body wash all end up inside your body, where they increase the risk of cancer, warp your endocrine system and may even increase the risk of heart disease. In particular, natural health experts condemn anti-persperants and deodourants, since the aluminum from these products are found in cancerous breast tissue.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Larlong

Dalung

Dariye

Ministerial slot: How the battle was won and lost in Plateau ISAAC SHOBAYO brings some of the gritty details that preceded the announcement of the ministerial nominee for Plateau State.

T may take a longer time for the dust triggered by the scramble for ministerial slot in Plateau State to settle. The attendant intense horse trading had involved almost all the major political blocs in the state. There were permutations, with a number of names initially touted as being one of those President Muhammadu Buhari might pick as the nominee from the state. Mr Solomon Dalung, a legal practitioner, eventually emerged as the choice of the president. Today, he is among the first set of nominees screened and confirmed by the Senate and waiting to be assigned portfolio by the president. While his emergence tickled some stakeholders in Plateau, it came as a surprise to others. Suffice to say that Dalung has been an active politician for quite some time. He is believed to have contributed immensely towards the change of leadership, especially at the governorship level. Dalung was the Personal Assistant to the late pioneer national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomom Lar and became a thorn in the flesh of former governor Joshua Dariye. He led several protests against the administration over sundry matters. But, some of his actions became serious issues with his adversaries claiming that he loves fishing in troubled waters, rather than apostle of peace as espoused by his admirers. In the last gubernatorial primary of APC, he

had contested against the incumbent Governor Simon Larlong. He cried blue murder after losing in the primaries, alleging that the exercise was characterised by fraudulent practices. Consequently, he forwarded a petition to the APC national headquarters. His action became the subject of debate and discourse, when his name was announced as the ministerial nominee from Plateau. Some were curious about he was able to beat other politicians of high calibre whose names were doing the rounds before the announcement on the floor of the Senate in Abuja Nigerian Tribune learnt that no fewer than four names were actually submitted by the party for consideration. A source even claimed that Dalung was not among the names short-listed, thus sending tongues wagging, following the official announcement. Some alleged that his choice may have been a way of compensating him for his stance during some trying moments in the not-too-recent history of Plateau. For example, they cited his position during the ethnic skirmishes that occurred notwithstanding the fact that he is a native. Then, he

had looked like a lone ranger, given the sensitivity of the core issues relating to the crisis. He soon became a regular figure and voice on such international media like Radio France , British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Voice of America (VOA), Hausa service. For certain political considerations, therefore, the larger North saw him as an ally. Dalung became the darling of many eminent politicians and political pressure groups from the zone. He became a member of highest exclusive political pressure group like the Northern Elders Forum, which parades senior citizens as Professor Ango Abdullahi. Ambassador Maitama Sule, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Professor Awwalu Yadudu and many other prominent elders. Within his party (APC), the eddies generated by the choice of Dalung as ministerdesignate have not subsided. It was learnt that the stalwarts were yet to come to terms with the development, though none of them was willing to come on record on the issue so as not offend the higher authority. They believed the state leaders should have been offered the privilege of making the nomination,

Mr President has the prerogative right to nominate whoever he feels he can work with but, it is unfair to have allowed other states to nominate and deny us such opportunity. The peculiarity of Plateau State was not put into consideration.

The insinuation in some quarters is that the authority in conjunction with some notable opinion leaders in the North, nominated Dalung without considering the peculiarity and the interest of the party and Plateau. One of the elders stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr President has the prerogative right to nominate whoever he feels he can work with but, it is unfair to have allowed other states to nominate and deny us such opportunity. The peculiarity of Plateau State was not put into consideration.â&#x20AC;? Despite the condemnation in some quarters, there are people who lauded the choice of Dalung. A body, the Plateau Professionals Progressive Vanguard, expressed delight on the choice. In its opinion, Dalung will serve the country well and will be a good ambassador of the state. In a statement by the coordinator, Chesil Drenkat, the group described Dalung as a fearless and dogged activist. According to it, the nominee shares the vision of Buhari on how to move the country forward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dalung is also a team player and It is in the interest of Plateau State to have a representative who has character and will be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria and Plateau State. It will be the hallmark of honour done to the president where all Plateau people unanimously rally round him so that Plateau can reap the dividend of democracy under the change agenda of the present administration. Drenkat said that the combination of the visionary APC-led government of Plateau and the ministerial nominee would ensure that both of them synergize to bring about lasting peace in the state. Only time will determine the actual gains of the unfolding political changes in the state, as residents of Plateau crave for a new dawn in a state that was famous for tranquility.

39 politics&policy

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Why I am against Taraba governor —PDP elder Alhaji Bubar Yero Mafindi is one of the elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State. In this interview with SYLVANUS VIASHIMA, he talks about the crack in his party, the state government, among other issues.

the disciplinary actions. How potent can such move be, since it is just a faction of the party that is behind it? I told you earlier that the governor is only working with the state party chairman. Most of the officials of the party are very aggrieved with what is happening. We are talking about a major section of the party that they cannot afford to lose. So, they will have no option than to bow to our decision, as there will be consequences if they failed.

OW would you assess the PDP-led state administration, after about five months in office? As a stalwart of the party that brought this government to power, I find it difficult to assess the performance of the administration. On the surface, it is clear that the government is failing. The governor seems overwhelmed, as he labours under the election petition syndrome because of what has been happening at the Election Petition Tribunal. The rulings and pronouncements made so far by the tribunal have thrown the governor and PDP leadership into confusion. There is no consultation and since he came in, he has not submitted a supplementary budget so that he can focus on a definite direction. We are aware that he inherited an empty treasury, huge salary arrears, contractual payment for projects and other liabilities. But, it will surprise anyone that the new government could go about buying very expensive Jeeps for members of the state House of Assembly. For a government that cannot pay salaries consistently or provide running cost for the flow of water, this is a clear misplacement of priority. Water supply in Jalingo, the state capital, is so sparse and epileptic simply because the running cost is not provided. In addition, the situation of the government does not warrant the governor appointing more than 130n aides. Is he employing farm hands? You see, he is only trying to provide jobs for the PDP rascals. He appointed 20 commissioners and contrary to his oath of office which expects him to be fair, he allocated three commissioners to certain local governments, while others barely have one. Besides, he chooses people without any form of consultation. You have a situation, where a visitor to a local government is made the caretaker Committee chairman of that local government as if the area itself is not capable of producing one person to take up such position. For instance, the member of the state House of Assembly in Ardo-Kola local government is a Kona. You have other tribes there and one would have expected the governor to appoint someone from these other tribes for the purpose of fairness and balance. Instead, he appointed another Kona as commissioner and they are the minority in the council area without a single ward. You have a similar situation in Lau local government and other areas. So, a critical analysis of the state Executive Council members would get you wondering if he was setting up a government or trying to create a Vatican enclave in the state. This is the unfortunate picture. The hierarchy of the PDP is already considering taking disciplinary actions against him and some other PDP leaders. The party leadership in the state has been marginalised. He is doing things the way he wants at the detriment of the party and the state as a whole. When fundamental issues are raised, he doesn’t bother. He will just shrug them off and move on as if nothing is happening. We have a controversy surrounding

Yero

All over the country, every state is working hard to cut the cost of governance by reducing the number of political appointments. But, we have our own government appointing over 130 aides. What will they be advising the governor on?

Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. We asked the governor to let us know the status of that property but he has remained silent. These are very fundamental issues that need to be addressed with seriousness but he doesn’t even give them attention. You talked about the governor appointing more than 130 political aides. It is outrageous and uneconomical. It is useless to the state and its indigenes. The appointees cannot be properly deployed and utilised. All over the country, every state is working hard to cut down the cost of governance by reducing the number of political appointments. But, we have our own government appointing over 130 aides. What will they be advising the governor on? How many advisers has President Muhammadu Buhari, who is governing the entire country? It’s an empty crowd and a huge waste of state resources. Do you realise how much will have to go into catering for these people monthly? We are talking about a government that is still owing the severance allowances of commissioners, who served in the previous administration. We are talking about a government that is borrowing to pay salaries. We are talking about a government that is finding it difficult to carry out his campaign prom-

ises because there is no fund. We are talking about a government that cannot provide running cost for most ministries to function properly; a government that cannot provide fertilizer to farmers the whole of this raining season. Where is the wisdom in this? So, instead of cutting cost, we are incurring more unnecessary cost. It’s unimaginable. I really can’t believe this is happening to Taraba. It’s too much. One thought the governor is working in consultation with the party leadership but, you seem to have a different opinion. Who is he working with then? The governor is working with only the state PDP chairman and the leader of the state branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He has marginalised and chased out the party leadership and other stakeholders in the system. The PDP has no hand in what is happening in Darius’ government as it is now. But, you claimed the party leadership is considering disciplinary actions against the governor. What I want you to understand is that the party in the state now is split into factions. It is the predominant faction, the main body now if you want to say, that is considering

Some people have complained that the governor hardly comes to the state. Should that be an issue? As I said, he is overwhelmed by what is happening at the election petition tribunal. Many Tarabans are really wondering, as he comes in and makes certain pronouncements that are not constructive. It is an issue. It is not as if when he comes in and tells the people that these are what he is traveling to get for the state. it is not as if he is moving round attracting investment to the state. Look at the enormous potential lying waste in the state in various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, and a host of others. If his movements were to attract investors in these areas, one would be highly impressed and pleased. nfortunately the government lacks focus and I keep saying that. Yes, he is not very conversant with the state but governance is not a one-man show; so, if he was consulting with the right persons, he would be advised appropriately. Instead, he is going around appointing all kinds of persons as a form of compensation. He has not set a definite direction of his government that the ordinary people who follow him will benefit from. You can see the lack of capacity of this government from what is happening in the Zing chiefdom. The Zing chieftaincy has been turned into something else. Some hooligans took over the palace of the Kpanti Zing and the government is silent or on the issue. The Zing chieftaincy has a laid-down procedure for the election of a new chief once a sitting chief dies. The government’s role is to ensure that the procedure is followed and the whole process goes peacefully. The late chief’s family has been removed from the palace by hooligans and the state government has nothing to do to this effect. It’s unfortunate. As a PDP leader, what is your take on the appointment of Senator Alhassan Aisha as the minister-designate from Taraba? Ministerial appointment is the prerogative of the President and it is at his discretion to select the persons he feels should work with him.The good thing is that the nominees still go through the process of screening by the senators that are cut across most political parties and all the senatorial districts in the country. So if he so decides to give her the slot, I am not opposed to it. In any case, in fairness to her, she is honestly qualified for the appointment. She merits it. The governor’s opposition to Alhassan appointment has only gone a long way to show his level of political awareness and grasp of the leadership process. What do you expect from this government, going by what you have seen so far? I will not expect much from the government because it lacks focus and sense of direction, unfortunately.

40 politicscommentary

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Audu

Kogi 2015: Audu, once bitten, twice shy By Rashidi Idoko

N a matter of weeks from now, the people of Kogi State will make an important decision about who will be their governor for the next Four years. Specifically, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has fixed the Kogi governorship election for November 21. Two weeks later on December 5, it will be the turn of voters in Bayelsa State to go to the pols. In both cases, the people will be making their choices from a pack of old and familiar war horses. In Kogi, the election is promising to be an interesting shopping exercise. So far, seven political parties have nominated standard bearers for the poll. They include the Labour Party (LP), Accord Party (AP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The first three parties boast of notable candidates, who had at different times, held top political offices in the state. They are former deputy Governo, Philip Salawu of the LP, former Governor Abubakar Audu of the APC and incumbent Governor Captain Idris Wada of PDP. But, those who are familiar with politics of the Confluence State and the credentials of each of the candidates believe the contest could be a two-horse race, that is, between Audu and Wada. To say the least Audu is a formidable opponent. His strength lies in his records of achievements as a former Governor of the State. So are his weaknesses. Audu is

the most rugged politician in the race. He has contested every gubernatorial election since the creation of the state in 1991 and won two, first in 1992-93 in the short lived Third Republic, and second, in 1999- 2003. His current expedition will be his seventh. With such record, the Ogbonicha prince profiles himself with the self effacing sobriquet ‘father of Kogi state.’ Perhaps, it is true. Audu’s reputation for development is praised to high heaven. Among legacies his supporters point to are the establishment of the Kogi State University KSU Anyigba, Kogi State Polytechnic (KSP), Lokoja, Obajana Cement Company, Phase One Housing Estate, Old Poly Quarters, Commissioners’ Quarters, Assembly Quarters, State Library, Radio Kogi, NTA Lokoja and Graphics Newspaper. Others are construction of an Eye Clinic, a Reference Hospital, Cottage Hospitals and a Secondary School in his village. In fact,

for want of better things to mention, one ardent fan says Audu has a good sense of glamour, referring to his countless gorgeously embroidered Agbadas! For these reasons Audu says ‘Kogi is my baby.’ He smiles when his fans massage his ego with the phrase ‘messiah of Kogi’. But, a closer look at the Audu years in government will at once put a lie to the super hero/ genius image with which fans like to adore him. Audu was the first and second elected governor of a state that was literally begging for development. What is today being glamorised as his ‘unequalled records’ are the minimum, just about anybody would have recorded as governor, at the time Audu did. That he established a university was not a miracle. Higher education was a priority in all the states. Governors of virtually all other states created along with Kogi established a universityOlorogun Felix Ibru of Delta State, Olagun-

Audu is a notable politician with insatiable thirst for power. He is a man of uncommon taste for development. He is the father of Kogi State. He likes to be seen as the symbol of Kogi’s development. But, he is also has his weak-points, which are bound to jeopradose his chances in the November 21 election.

soye Oyinlola of Osun State, Boni Haruna of Adamawa State, Chinwoke Mbadinuju of Anambra State and Abba Ibrahim, of Yobe State all established a state university in their respective states. In the case of Kogi it was made easier by an existing UNDP agricultural facility in Anyigba. The facility was promptly converted to a university. The same explanation goes for the polytechnic. The satellite campus of Kwara State Polytechnic in Osara was also converted to fullfledged institutions with the main campus in Lokoja. Audu added a theatrical blend to the establishment of the university when he christened it Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, with the ear-tingling and jaw breaking acronym, PAAUA. When Lokoja became state capital in 1991, the then small local government headquarter was overwhelmed by the influx of civill servants coming from both old Benue and Kwara States. Constructing residential and office accommodation was therefore a priority for the government. So, it was not a mark of ingenuity that the pioneer governor constructed Government House, some office accommodation and residential estates to take people away from dwelling under trees. “If he did not build his own office, would he expect to be operating from the village square?” asked Pa Eneojo while speaking on the issue. Audu likes to be remembered as a leader that laid the industrial foundation for the state’s development. He conceived of a cement factory in Obajana. It is to his credit that the idea was taken over by the industrialist, Aliko Dangote and today Obajana Cement is one of the biggest cement companies in a single location in the world. But, people conversant with the Audu persona recall how the former governor allegedly bagged cement from another company outside the State with Obajana Cement’ printed on it and brought same to the Lokoja Township Stadium for launching with fanfare. This was at a time when not a single tree had been uprooted from the site where Obajana Cement was supposed to be located. Some of Audu’s electoral burdens have psychological foundation. During his two past adventures in power, many claimed he ruled like an emperor and saw the state as an extension of his fiefdom and exhibited disdain for others. As a governor, lesser human beings including his commissioners and other top functionaries of government reportedly cringed in his presence. They dared not seat whenever the emperor was on the throne. Some of his adversaries alleged that the prince of the Niger and the Benue was to a large extent insensitive to the people he led and purportedly talked down on them, tampered their freedom and pursued an agenda that divided the people than it united them. Salaries and allowances were highly irregular. Civil servants, especially from the Yoruba west and Ebira central were routinely laid off without regard to rules guiding such exercise. At the height of his tenure, Audu boasted that his party would rule the Confluence State for a minimum 25 years. However, the people’s verdict was louder. In the 2003 governorship election, Kogites rejected him as king, when they voted for a Ibrahim Idris. Four years later, Idris repeated the feat. Again, in 2011, the humble pie was forced down the throat of Audu. Audu is a notable politician with insatiable thirst for power. He is a man of uncommon taste for development. He is the father of Kogi State. He likes to be seen as the symbol of Kogi’s development. But, he is also has his weak-points, which are bound to jeopradose his chances in the November 21 election in Kogi. •Idoko writes from Abuja

41 news

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Boko Haram: Lagos donates N150m to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa Leon Usigbe - Abuja

OVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Wednesday, announced a donation of N150 million towards the alleviation of the plight of victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Admawa states. He made the presentation of N50 million to each of the states, during the maiden National Council of State (NCS) meeting of the present administration, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Ambode told members of the council that Lagos was moved by the suffering of the victims of Boko Haram

terrorist activities affecting not only states in the north east, but also other parts of the country. The governor said his state saw the insurgent activities as traumatic to the people and sympathised with the three northern states mainly affected, noting that the donation was therefore to ameliorate the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the states. “There is no gainsaying

the fact that the emergence of Boko Haram and its devastating activities is a single challenge facing us as a nation. Though the insurgence is basically limited to the north-eastern part of Nigeria, the effect is felt everywhere across the states of the federation. “Recently, at the just concluded 21st National Economic Summit of the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja, the

Secretary to Government of the Federation presented a graphic and heart-rending report of the extent of damage and social trauma brought about by insurgency in the region. “Lagos State views insurgency and natural disasters as hardships that leaves traumatic experiences. “We commisserate with the three northern states and share the pains and discomfort of our brothers and

sisters. “We also commend our president for the renewed commitment of the Federal Government to bringing insurgency to a logical conclusion by end of the year. “Our security agencies also deserve commendation for their gallantry, courage and resolve to ensure that the directive of Mr President, and indeed, the wish of all Nigerians is achieved,” the governor stated.

Secession threat: MUSWEN appeals to Yoruba leaders By Saheed Salawu THE Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has appealed to Yoruba leaders to place patriotism and national unity over what it called selfish and partisan ethno-political interests if truly they have the love and interest of the Yoruba people at heart. It described the threat of some Yoruba groups, including Afenifere, of a possible withdrawal of the Yoruba nation from Nigeria as a potentially dangerous option. Prominent Yoruba leaders had issued a threat, penultimate Thursday, during a summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, that the Yoruba nation might reconsider its place in the federation if the country was not restructured to reflect true federalism. The summit was reportedly grounded in the kidnap of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae, by Fulani herdsmen But MUSWEN, an umbrella body that embraces Muslim organisations and institutions operating in south-western Nigeria, in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Professor Daud Noibi, urged the Yoruba leaders to realise that the only lawful way to obtain anything beneficial for a people in a political setting is through elected representatives, not by issuing threats.

From left, Governors Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Alhaji Kashim Shettima (Borno); Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos); Senator Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa) and Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe, during the presentation of N50 million relief funds to each of the states by Governor Ambode, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

2015: Flood kills 53, displaces 100,420 Yinka Oladoyinbo - Akure THE National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday, disclosed that at least 53 people died in 11 states across the country, due to the 2015 flood disasters.

Apart from the dead, the agency also said no fewer than 100,420 persons were displaced between August and September this year, owing to flood disasters in the affected states. The Director-General of NOA, Mike Omeri, made

the disclosure while addressing some communities at Koton Karfe of Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State, during a oneday public enlightenment/ sensitisation programme for people within the flood prone areas of the state.

Alesinloye lauds Buhari, Nigerians over Shittu’s choice By Yemisi Aofolaju PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been commended for his choice of cabinet members, just as Nigerians have been congratulated on having Mr Adebayo Shittu as one of the ministernominees screened by the Senate, on Tuesday. Giving the commendation in Ibadan, on Wednesday, was a two-time commissioner in Oyo State, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke Alesinloye, in his reaction to the brilliant outing of Mr Shittu, during his screening that lasted for one hour and forty minutes. “I must confess that I am highly impressed by Mr Shittu’s performance on the floor of the Senate with the

way that he answered questions. He proved to Nigerians that Nigeria is in for a good time with his choice as a nominee of Mr President. ‘‘Mr Shittu, who was once Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and the AttorneyGeneral is intelligent, decent and honest gentleman, who I have been relating with for almost two decades. He is not an unstable politician who hops from one party to the other, but one who is guided by fairness principle,’’ Alhaji Adeleke added. ‘‘Since I have been interacting with Shittu, I have seen in him a consistent man who remains steadfast in his belief, whose steadfasteness prompted his court action against his

party to contest its decision for not being transparent enough on the choice of the party’s standard-bearer. ‘’Nonetheless, he never allowed this to becloud his sense of oneness and magnanimity as he attended Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s inauguration, having put the past behind him. “Mr Shittu I want to believe, is a performer neither is he a pushover nor a fanatic as upheld in certain quarters as he defended himself at the screening,” he said. Still revelling in the mood of Shittu’s nomination, Alhaji Adeleke further said that without prejudice, the nominee is not only a blessing to Nigeria but also to Oyo State.

According to him, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier given a warning about excessive rain that could lead to flood in some parts of the country. He said events after the alert had shown that the warning was real as the disasters emanating from the flood had claimed 53 lives, while thousands of people had become internally displaced. Omeri, who noted that the unfortunate effect of flood disaster had served as an eye-opener to the Nigerian government, added that the effects of global warming and climatic change were already felt in the country. ”We can not hold back the rains and the floods because they are not within our control, but we can take practical measures in ensuring our personal safety and the protection of our property from the ravaging effects of flood. “This is why today’s programme is very apt as it provides the platform for us to remind ourselves of the dangers of flood and to take practical measures to secure our lives and properties,” he said.

Senator Adeola congratulates Ambode on victory THE senator representing Lagos West Senatorial district, Senator Solomon Adeola has congratulated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on his final victory over Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The senator said the loser at the last governorship election, should not take the issue of governing Lagos State with desperation, stressing that he should have seen the handwriting on the wall when his party virtually abandoned him in his desperation, after losing at the Court of Appeal. Senator Adeola said with the distraction over, Governor Ambode would now concentrate on delivering on the mandate given by majority of Lagos residents, adding that with the State Executive Council now in place, the people should expect delivery of democracy dividends promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The senator said members of the federal legislature from Lagos State, would collaborate with Governor Ambode to ensure that Lagos benefits, being the commercial capital and former seat of government in Nigeria.

16 graduate from ITF training institute Sylvester Okoruwa - Lagos SIXTEEN indigenes of Sagamu, on Friday in Lagos, graduated from the Industrial Training Fund Vocational Training Institute, sponsored by Collective Club Sagamu, with technical supervision from the Industrial Trust Fund. The Head of Revenue, Industrial Training Fund, Mr Ameh Etuk who represented the Area Manager, while delivering his speech, said the 16 graduands underwent three months of rigorous vocational training, adding that eight of them trained as web designers, three trained as electrical engineers while five specialised in tiling. The Industrial Trust Fund commended the effort of the Collective Club, Sagamu, for sponsoring the graduands, thereby providing them with means of livelihood.

news Ooni: Ife obas caution kingmakers over selection 42

Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

S Ife indigenes and the entire Yorubaland await the pronouncement of a new Ooni of Ife, Ife kingdom Obas on Wednesday cautioned the kingmakers against disregarding due process in the selection process of a new monarch for the ancient town. In a press statement signed by Obawara of Iwara Ife, Oba Layiwola Adereti and Eyenla of Amula Ife, Oba Adesiyan Mayowa, chairman and secretary of New Dawn Ife Kingdom Obas respectively, the traditional rulers said Ooni’s stool must be occupied by an individual with integrity and high moral standard. According to the statement, “we the entire members of the New Dawn Ife Kingdom Obas are compelled by the recent unfolding events in the Royal Court of Ife, Ile-Ife, to make our position clear.” It reads in part, “We take this unique opportunity to explain to the public that the messy situation arising from the purported selection of a new Ooni of Ife as carried out by the so-called kingmakers after the demise of our highly respect-

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

ed monarch, His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olu-

buse II, the Ooni of Ife, is alarming.” “It is a known fact that a

successor to the throne of the Ooni must evolve since there must not be vacuum

Wife of Ekiti State governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, laying the foundation of block of classrooms at Erelu Angela Adebayo Children’s Home, Iyin Ekiti, while her husband, Governor Ayo Fayose (right); wife of the deputy governor, Deaconess Janet Olusola (left); Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Olayinka Ogundayomi (third right) and a member of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Cecelia Dada (second right), watch, recently.

Kogi commissioners, special advisers debunk defection plan Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

THE Forum of Commissioners and Special Advisers in the cabinet of the Kogi State government, on Wednesday, said none of its members was defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to any other party as being speculated. Members of the forum said they were solidly backing the second term ambition of the state governor, Idris Wada, saying they were committed to the project. Addressing newsmen on behalf of her colleagues in the cabinet, the Commissioner for Information, Zainab Okino, said the clarification became necessary because of a report in a national daily (Not Nigerian Tribune) claiming that some commissioners were planning to dump Wada. The report said at least four commissioners and some special advisers had concluded arrangements to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). But the commissioner said the report was untrue, baseless and a figment of the people behind it. According to her, the cabi-

net was intact and working as one united family to achieve victory for the governor at the November 21 governorship election. Okino, who was flanked by some commissioners, special advisers and the

state publicity secretary of the PDP, Bode Ogunmola, blamed the desperation on the part of the opposition for the report. She said, “While we understand that desperation on the path of the opposi-

tion is responsible for this imaginary report in the media, we wish to state categorically that no commissioner in the administration of Idris Wada has left or is planning to defect from the PDP.”

10 injured as NURTW members clash in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

MEMBERS of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday, went on rampage disrupting commercial activities within the ancient town for over four hours. It was gathered that the imbroglio was over the leadership of the NURTW in the area while a faction attempted to unseat the current executive of the union. Most shops and commercial centres around Ehinogbe and First Molac Hotel area of the town hurriedly closed for the day as members of the drivers union were seen attacking them-

selves with cutlasses with heavy shooting in the area. No fewer than 10 people were injured during the fracas that was allegedly sponsored by some politicians in the town who are planning to use the union for the next year’s governorship election. According to an eyewitness, trouble started when a group of members of the union led by one man simply identified as ‘Jugunnu’ announced himself as the new chairman of the union in the town. The group, however, chased away the current executive led by Kolade Jasper from the NURTW office, moving around the ancient town with some okada riders, threatening to deal with any member of the executive.

The fight was said to have spread to Ehinogbe area. It took the intervention of the mobile policemen in Owo to restore normalcy in the town. Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the NURTW in Owo, Mr Kolade Jasper, said he has not received any letter from the national body that the local chapter of NURTW be dissolved. Reacting to the development, the state police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident but said the police was on top of the situation, saying “the national leadership of the union said there was no order on the dissolution of the local chapters of NURTW in the state.

in the exalted post for long. However, in selecting a candidate for the throne, due process must be followed. Starting from the nomination by the ruling house whose turn it is to produce a candidate for the stool up to his selection by the kingmakers as well as approval by the government. “We believe that the selection of a new Ooni of Ife by the kingmakers should follow the due process as laid down by the combined effect of the 1957 and 1980, Ooni of Ife Chieftaincy Law and Declaration respectively. “The stool of the Ooni is sacred and prestigious. Any person of questionable character must not occupy the position no matter how rich and wealthy he may be. The whole world is watching us in Ile-Ife, therefore, it is our belief that Ooni’s stool transcends beyond the frontier of Ife land. It includes Yoruba nation at home and in the Diaspora,” the statement added.

Peace returns to Ibadan, as traders lament motor boys’ actions By Tunde Ogunesan

PEACE has finally returned to Omi-Adio area, in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, after three days of fighting between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and members of Tippers Association. On Sunday night, fight broke out between members of NURTW and Tipper Association in the area during a party at Omi Adio Motor Garage which left about 15 people seriously injured. The fight continued till Monday night, also leaving about 10 vehicles travelling along Ibadan-Abeokuta Expressway damaged. By Wednesday morning, most of the traders and shop owners around the vicinity had come out of hiding, taking advantage of the peaceful atmosphere to display their wares. Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner, Mr Leye Oyebade, yesterday denied that the bloody violence claimed a life. According to the commissioner, the unfortunate incident was a minor accident between a Tipper driver and motorcycle operator which was bloated out of proportion.

Nigerian Tribune

JAMB cautions candidates on registration centres for 2016 UTME THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday cautioned candidates against patronising unapproved centres while registering for the 2016 all Computer Based Test (CBT) of the UTME. A statement signed by JAMB’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in Lagos, said that some candidates were patronising unapproved registration centres. It said that the candidates were being reminded that JAMB’s registration for the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) should be done only at the board’s approved centres. “The board hereby wants to state unequivocally that it will not be liable in the event of any irregularity, challenges or inaccessible data arising from the wrong registration. “JAMB, once again, urges candidates that their registration should be done at its approved centres, to avoid certain challenges such as no results and incomplete results.”

Isiaka expresses confidence in judiciary, sues for peace PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last general election in Ogun State, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has appealed to his teeming supporters to have confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man. He, however, warned them not to take laws into their hands despite unwarranted provocation from some political thugs in the state. Isiaka spoke Wednesday in Abeokuta while addressing members of GNICO Youth Forum that visited him to express fears about their security on Friday when the tribunal will give verdict on his case against Governor Ibibunke Amosun. “We have absolute confidence in the ability of the tribunal to do what is right and deliver justice without fear or favour. We were aggrieved with the level of malpractices and non-compliance with electoral laws and instead of taking laws into our hands, we have approached the judiciary and I urge all of you to be lawabiding,” he said.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015

foreig naffairs

08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

ice President Joe Biden will not run for president in 2016, he said on Wednesday, ending a month-long flirtation with a third White House campaign and setting him on a glide path toward the end of his decades-long United States political career. Biden’s decision finalises the Democratic field of White House candidates and bolsters Hillary Rodham Clinton’s standing as the frontrunner by sparing her a challenge from the popular vice president. In an extraordinary appearance in the White House Rose Garden, Biden said he always knew the window for a viable campaign might close before he could determine whether his family was emotionally prepared for another campaign so soon after losing his son, Beau Biden, in May. Biden said his family was prepared to back him, but that he nonetheless would not be a candidate. “Unfortunately, I believe we’re out of time,” he said, flanked by President Barack Obama and Biden’s wife, Jill. Encouraged by Democrats seeking an alternative to Clinton, Biden had spent the past several months deeply engaged in discussions with his family and political advisers about entering the primary. Yet as the deliberations dragged on, Democrats began publicly questioning whether it was too late for him to run, a notion that hardened after Clin-

Biden not running for White House in 2016

ton’s strong performance in last week’s Democratic debate. Notably, Biden did not endorse Clinton or any of the other Democratic candidates. Instead, he used the announcement to outline the path he said Dem-

ocrats should take in the 2016 campaign, including a call for them to run on Obama’s record. In what could have been a campaign speech, Biden deplored the influence of unlimited contributions on politics, called for ex-

Ms Cafferkey is being treated in a specialist unit in London.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad flew to Moscow to thank Russia’s Vladimir Putin personally for his military support, in a surprise visit that underlined how Russia has become a major player in the Middle East. It was Assad’s first foreign visit since the start of the Syrian crisis in 2011, and came three weeks after Russia launched a campaign of air strikes against Islamist militants in Syria that has also bolstered Assad’s forces, Reuters said.

The Kremlin, which said it had invited Assad to visit Moscow, kept the visit quiet until Wednesday morning, broadcasting a meeting between the two men in the Kremlin and releasing a transcript of an exchange they had. Putin said he hoped progress on the military front would be followed by moves towards a political solution in Syria, bolstering Western hopes Moscow will use its increased influence on Damascus to cajole Assad into talking to his opponents. Russian President Vladimir Putin (right), and Syria President Bashar Assad arrive for their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. PHOTO: AP.

panding access to college educations and called on Democrats to recognize that while Republicans may be the opposition, they are “not our enemy.” “While I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent,” Biden said.

Democrats back Clinton, say Benghazi probe mostly politics —Poll White House contender, Hillary Clinton, heads into Thursday’s congressional hearing on the 2012 Benghazi attacks with most United States Democrats agreeing with her accusation that the Republican-led probe is politically motivated, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Fifty-four per cent of the 598 Democrats surveyed said they believed the U.S. House of Representatives investigation into the attacks and Clinton’s actions was entirely Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton or mostly about discrediting the greets supporters at the conclusion of a ‘’Latinos for Hillary’’ former U.S. secretary of state. rally in San Antonio, Texas. PHOTO: REUTERS. Twelve per cent of Democrats

otherNEWS

Xi seals landmark multi-billion-dollar nuclear deal in Britain China’s President Xi Jinpimg has sealed a landmark multi-million dollar nuclear deal with Britain. Cameron is pitching Britain as the pre-eminent Western gateway for investment from China, though the warmth of the reception for Xi has raised

Syria’s Assad makes surprise visit to Moscow

US Vice President Joe Biden (centre), flanked by US President Barack Obama (left) and wife, Jill Biden, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, announcing his decision not to run for US president. PHOTO: AP.

some eyebrows with allies and drawn criticism that London is ignoring China’s human rights record. British officials and business leaders say the rise of China is impossible to ignore: China’s economy is four times the size of Britain’s.

China’s President Xi Jinping and Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron. PHOTO: REUTERS.

‘Ebola caused meningitis in Scottish nurse’ A Scottish nurse who contracted Ebola while working in West Africa is recovering well after the virus caused her to develop meningitis. According to BBC report, Pauline Cafferkey, 39, was readmitted to an isolation

unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London earlier this month after suffering an apparent relapse. Health officials confirmed she had been diagnosed with meningitis caused by Ebola and had a “long recovery ahead”.

surveyed online from Oct. 16-19 said the hearings were mostly a valid investigation that had become politicised. Five percent said the probe, which uncovered Clinton’s use of a private email account and a private email server while she ran the State Department, was completely valid. Other Democrats said they had either not heard of the issue or did not care about it. The sense among Democrats that politics motivated the Republican investigation could help neutralize questions about Clinton’s

emails during the primary process to pick the party’s nominee for the November 2016 election. “I feel like the questions have already been answered, and that this is something that they should have let go of a long time ago,” Diana Harper, a 70-year-old Arizona Democrat, said of the probe in a telephone interview. The 2012 attacks resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens. Clinton testified before Congress about the incident in 2013.

Google worker, 23, living in van in staff car park to save money A 23-year-old called Brandon is blogging about saving money by living in a van in Google’s car park. In Thoughts from Inside the Box, he writes about sleeping inside a large truck and using the employee gym to shower in the mornings.

According to BBC, Brandon claims that if he rented a “really cheap apartment” in the San Francisco Bay Area, it would be about $1,000 (£650) a month minimum. Over four years he says he’d spend at least $48,000 (£31,000) just on rent.

The van housing the Google worker, Brandon. PHOTO: BBC.

Obama to target nation’s heroin problem on West Virginia trip US President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama will seek to draw attention to the growing United States heroin problem on Wednesday on a trip to West Virginia, which has the nation’s highest drug overdose death rate.

The president’s visit to the state, which is politically conservative but tends to elect Republicans and Democrats, will be his first in more than five years. In that time, heroin abuse has worsened.

tribunepools

DR J.K POOLS 07039275802 (40XX41 ) 21, 26, 27, 36, 38 Dear Stakers, before you read this my column try to pick up the last week paper where I exposed draws freely, if you want to benefit greatly, then you have to enroll with only N5, 000 through Zenith Bank credited to EKHOMU JOHN account no. – 2085795936. Enroll now it pays before the new price is introduced. N50, 000 – delay is dangerous. Please watch out. Now pick two bankers from 21- 26 – 27 – 36 - 38 and add to the above bracket games. Good luck says Dr J.K Pools. 18 surest 21 luckyman 08054352685 Wl14 res = 6xxx26xxx42f wk15 assured of 3over3 bank on 18 surest 21 bumper harvest ainatall our fans we are set to trap the elusive drains call now and win big fortune for yourself. WALTER VS PROMOTERS (3 WEEKS WIN) 03X09X13X16X40 The above winning lines promote our 3 weeks Naps. Starting free with the above games. The 3 direct draws (Naps) cost N10, 000 = with free permutation. Don’t be too wise, WIN NAP. N10,000 – only.

THE-LILIES

46BET48 08086944309 All our last week callers are advice to call again for 3 unfaking jackpot xs you must smile to your 3anks on monoay no 42 failed us last week wk 15 a week of jackpot fortune wise smile on your face 46 Bet 48 5xxx4 sir – braka 08078052128 3Napable drain for all our fans to grab call now and win on pools.

SUNDERLAND. SYSTEM

18XX 19XX 09038460009= 18 NAP 19 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 14 NO 15X 19X 20X 37X N6, 000 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 15 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= N6, 000 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP NAP TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 14 NO 15X 19X PAIR 33F 37X TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 15 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Time to win pool this wk 15 Sunderland system 4 special Draws this wk 15 play 4/4 correct hury to get your copy today two Bankers coast N3000 wk 15 no NAP NAP Pair NAP NAP. 4 Bankers wk 15 no NAP NAP NAP NAP Send MTN Card 09038460009

SHORT – GUN

08050614477/ 08168241902 18 HOT 22 We got our ever fantastic pair again last week with other draws to make stakers happy. This week, the above pair must supply also with other fixed draws to continue our winning spree. The game costs N25, 000. Don’t hesitate, join the winners. DOSA 08072216644 11 PAIR 18 Dosa is back now after some weeks absent in the Nigeria Tribune. He has gone for research on how stakers will hit jackpot on pool staking. He is back with 3 draws recharge card. Please don’t miss this week 25 game, thanks.

M ister - draw 08030415683

Wk14 result= 6xxx26xxx33f Falkirk will hold dumbartion plus 2 super drains cost N2000 MTN CARD winning on pools is assured act now RIGHT TIME 08054282579 NAP = 16, 18, 27, Congratulation once again this is another opportunity in week 15 to staker, who is not a doubting Thomas to regain all your money back prepare yourself for week 16 at pate N25, 000.00k cash, Right time is back to deal with promoters for Week 15 and Week 16, 4 games for # draws 16, 18, 27, 28, see you week 16. Call for details. AUTHORITY NAP 09030084552 05 MUST 04. ‘L’ MUST ‘L’ – Leicester must Liverpool. On number 4 and 5 is the key to our week 15 sure win. Tailored NAP = call & win. Good luck.

NIDAS 12XX 36XX 08033510149

Settled rift with foreign compilers. Draws are fixed and draw is draw throughout the world. 2 weeks winning operation begins. Week 15 = 12 x 36 x Nap, Nap, Nap = 5/5 cost N25,000 cash. Week 16 Nap is N50,000 cash no reduction. Please take note. Registration of members is still going on with N250,000 deposit. Pay all cash through UBA A/C No: 2023019865, A/C Name: ADESIDA ADENIYI

EDITOR’S PLACE (13 x 14)

Thursday, 22- 28 October 2015

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE THE WINNERS CHOICE get a copy and win M.B.A–EXPERT (08077247137/ 08104694618)– 11x 36x. It will certainly be an explosive encounter at the local derby between 2 Manchester utd and Manchester city are almost neck to neck for the top most spot in league placement while expecting a likely stalemate from that match, the 2 games marked as a potential pair in this 3rd red are Bolton and Northampton. The duo hold fort as fore numbers of draws. Leeds again drew at away the following week 05. Just as Stevenage equally did. Also like in week 04 Bolton and Leeds were again on song in week 6. Bolton on number 11 in week 07 was voided but actually drew the match against Blackburn. Northampton and Steverage also drew, call / test for more winning details. Good luck

THE CYRIL (WINNING MANAGER) = BURY AGAIN 3wks. PORTVALE – PETERBORO WINNING LEGACY = 17X 26X 44XXX 43 Our 3 weeks BUMPER TO BUMPER is now the talk of the town Week 12 – W.W.W – Watford, Westham and Walsall – 3x 9x 32x Week 13 – W.G.G – Wigan, Grimsby and Gateshed – 16x 40x 45x Week 14 – P.P.W – Preson, Portvale and Welling – 17x 26x 44xx (43- bonus) Our first 3 weeks winning project was successful from our Experts winning chat. On movement of Peterboro on Portvale in week 12, Portvale on Peterboro in week 13 and PORTVALE MUST PETERBORO in week 14 on No 26xxx. BURY AT IT AGAIN = HOME & AWAY ON SAME NUMBER

OBINYAN PROMISES TO ENRICH STAKERS TO THE FIRST ROUND CUP 2015. The doyen of pools compilation in Africa and chairman managing Director of king and George group of forest papers, price will ibinyan is set to gladden the hearts of stakers. He said he was aware that stakers were not favoured in the forecast in his papers in recent times. He said a lot of research has been embarked upon with a view to taking stakers to their dream land of wonders and prosperity. He therefore implored them to rely on the late news of his papers, by having a copy of his fortune papers for big reward, the papers are pools telegraph, zeters pools guild, shoot pointers, Murphy sports, The News Dream and Final Results.

Triple offers 10 - 41 (08035324990)

Your indomitable triple spice international is happy to give all par enters NOS 10 & 41 for a sure draw on Saturday. All punters are advised to add them to all entries as they will yield good dividends. Tradition and form in computation favour the duo and there will be no surprise they both end square our IBK cost N1, 500.00: 2 draws sell for N3, 000.00, and 3 Draws cost N10, 000.00 on 08035324990. You are already a winner!

MANCITY SYSTEM= 09038633666= 08135888720= 14 XX 15 TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 14 NO 19X 26X PAIR 17X 18F TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 15 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP

4 SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 14 NO KEY 15X 19X 26X 25X PAIR 17X 18 4 SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 15 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 4 SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4

Stakers try to get MANCITY. 4 SPECIAL Draws this wk 14 cost N6, 000 two Bankers wk 14 cost N3000 we set for 4 wks operations wk 14 No 15X 19X 26X 45X two Bankers Wk 14 No 19X 26 Pair 17X 18X send MTN to 09038633666= 08135888720

DR. B4. DR. IS BACK AS NEVER. WIN & WIN 08062748396 – 26 SURE 25. 17X 26 = 43XXX – N0 PAIR. Congratulations, After a while silence LEEDS ON DATE OF PLAY with reference weeks put us back to winning shape. TO GOD BE THE GLORY. The only permanent thing in life is CHANGE. Our newest Experts is our winning strength. In week 17’ 2012, week 9’2013 and week 14’ 2015 No 43 – 43 – 43 CBK. Was a bonus banker to our 3 scheduled draws on – 17x 26x = 43xxx. We are now known as stakers friends despite the large cost on our winning information yet we remain considerate. Yet we stylishly gave – 18x 19x 20x43 in our last week advert for all our callers. Every caller is a winner with new Dr B4 Dr draw home. N30,000 – again.

ADEOTI SYNDICATE. 07051327960 FOR WKS. 16 – 17 F.A. CUP.RD. 1 The managing Director / Chairman of Adeoti & Syndicate Alhaji M.A. Adeoti congratulate all members of Adeoti & syndicate for 3 draws direct send to then last week for the first time of their gift. Nos. 17x 26x 43x in week 9 Charlton is on date of play (12 ) play Nos. 6x 12x 14x. as I have said last week. In a week to Every cup round one HAMILTON @ Home to draw with 4 other. Check your Record. HAMILTON – ST. J’STONE. 1-1. (46X ). Weeks 16 – 17 F>A> cup 1. Cost N10, 000 cash, and pay the money to AHMED SHAFIRII A/C. Nos. 2001788431 ZENITH BANK. After confirmation of your Payment. The games will be send to you. Thanks. Good luck to you all.

DR. JACKSON SEASONED EXPERT. 08156829811 (13XXCBK) (13XXCBK) (13XXCBK) AND – 3NAPS. ANNUAL WEEK 15 SURE WIN. 2012 / 2015 Week 15’ 2012 – 04x 23x 42xxx - 13xxCBK Week 15’ 2013 – 08x 16x 39xxx – 13xxCBK Week 15’ 2014 – 03x 22x 36xxx – 13xxCBK Week 15’ 2015 – X X X - 13xxCBK Congratulations our annual 4/4 NAPS in every week 15 (RED) coupon is set again. Tagged Call &Win – N25, 000 = Good luck

Fortune Donor Donates 24 – 25 (08099111828) The selfless and hardworking fortune Donor international gladly donates 24 – 25 this week to all punters for a compulsory draws from all indications on sequence, it certain that good draw sheld emerge, all things being equal. It is good things that form and sequence have started to give good divided and this week will not constitute an exception. Add the pair to our IBK and get your 2/3. Our IBK still sells for N1, 500.00, 2 Draws cost N3, 000.00 on 08099111828. You have won already! DR.SAN J. ON – YEOVIL, YORK, ABERDEEN, DUNDEEE ALL AT HOME CONFIRMED 3 OVER 3 07038878227 OR 08189472447 40X 41X 42X 44XXX Congratulation the above games promoted our subsequent NAPS. CALL Dr san J for your sure winning details. Good luck. EMIRATES - FLY - 08087104491 (44 MUST 40) YEOVIL HOME40 and DUNDEE 44 WINNING KEY:If not for a week. Win pools on our highly place technical and calculated winning directives from the home of football in England. The pools panel base = week 36 2014 and 2015 is our case reference of adrs=WIN again – N20,000. Welcome & Goodluck

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH text message OF write up without advert is regarded VOID . PLACE YOUR ADVERT FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLICATION OF YOUR FORECAST. THANKS POOLS EDITOR

NEW PROFF. – 07069009601 25X 26X 43XXXX (17 OK 18) Mission accomplished on our free for all last week free win. All our numerous callers visited their banks on Monday. New Proff. Bounces back again as our KEY pointer free win pave way to our 3 weeks direct win in weeks 15, 16 and 17 respectively. No Agent. Please call New Proff on-07069009601 and have a good & memorable winning experience. WIN BET! IT PAYS! = Contact fee for the wise. N30,000

OLOWO (25X 28X) 08153005200 I am fully back with draws. Above 2 games plus other 3 Naps to play on Saturday. Costs N20,000 only. Week 16 Naps costs N30,000. Don’t miss these winning chances.

KAMARK SUPER NAP – 08186673843. 14X 16X 18X – 2draws. 2draws is controlled from the above 3games by Bolton VS Leeds under the bar and other 3 direct. NAPS> we are at it again. Win with us, all interested stakers are to pay N6500 for 3 NAPS or N5, 500 for the permutation to MR S.B. ODESOLA. At IBTC Bank Alc no – 0001361916. Good luck.

HERITAGE NAP

08032428268 (14 MUST 18) We are continuing our winning again this week with the pair above which must supply with other fixed draws. Stakers who want to be millionaires should pay N25, 000. You are a winner.

LABAEKA BACK IN ACTION 08053303522

17 wed 18 and 3 other draws. Winning galoure. Call for details. Goodluck. DONOHILL NAP (13 PAIR 14) 08107048991 Time to say goodbye to poverty is this week 15. I want all my fans to enjoy me this week 15 with my 5 nap draws and I hot pair you will say thank you God. Just send to me N1, 500 MTN recharge card and receive good things from God.

WEEK - 15 - STATUS LKO - 01 SUNDAY - MATCHES 03, 05, 06, 09 & 43

NAP 23XX NAP 23XX NAP 23XX Mrs. Henry 08170779623 & 08071554934 Congratulation! Congratulation!! Congratulation!!!

On last week results on Nos 13xx 19xx 37xx Pair 47F. KEY:Birmingham at week of play in advance coupon, open to previous week Bank on Huddersfield at away, Rochdale at away, oxford at away. Pair-Macclesfield failed. The following week away team of No29 and Home team of No 27 in previous week would meet at No 23 to be a registered banker draw and two others she is fulfilling her promise so she is calling on all the interest stakers to call and win for the remaining weeks. Cost Price:- N50, 000 (Fifty thousand naira only). Call:- 08170779623 & 08071554934.

The Cyril innovation Nap has no equal. Johnson Abuja

PRAGMATISM — 07036539499/07059758040

FINACIAL BREAKTHROUGH FOR NIGERIAN STAKERS IN WEEKS 15, 16 and 17. UP To WEEK 25 NAP COST N50, 000 MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION= ONE MILLION NAIRA NAP – 32X 34X 40XX PERM – WITH 01-31-37. Call for details GOODLUCK. Thanks to the chairman of little wood, also to Mrs Henry

FINLAND ONE BANKER

DENMARK ONE BANKER

x17x

x26x

WK 14 BLUE

WK14=N1,500

TWO BANKERS COST N3,000. WK 14 NO 15X 20X 4 BANKERS. COST N10,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

WK14=N1,500

TWO BANKERS COST N3,000. WK 14 NO 17X 37X 4 BANKERS. COST N10,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

BARNET ONE BANKER WK14=N1,500

x43x WK 14 BLUE TWO BANKERS COST N3,000. WK 14 NO 44X 45X 4 BANKERS. COST N10,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

PETER NAP (08076546261) Congratulations! The Red colour System that got 1xx, 30xx, 36xx, 3/3 in week 7 Red Week, Though 1xx, was published Free that week is perfectly set again this red week and to get another 3/3 this week, cost just N25, 000.00 pay to saving Acct No:- 3023114822. First bank in person of Mr Onaolapo Peter A. pair of the week (25) or (47). Call on 08076546261. Your winning is sure.

LOVE BEST = N4000 MOVE FORWARD = 4000

TWO BANKERS= 4000 WK 14 WK 15 WK 16 X17X NAP NAP NAP X19X NAP

LOVE BEST = 4 Special Draws this Wk 12 cost N15, 000. Wk 12 NO 12X 32X 41X =3/4 Send M.T.N Card to 09038460009

TWO BANKERS= 4000 WK 14 WK 15 WK 16 X44X NAP NAP NAP X45X NAP

MOVE FORWARD = 4 Special Draws this Wk 12 cost N15, 000. Wk 12 NO 09X 32X 39X 41X =4/4 Send M.T.N Card to 09038460009

MAGIC KINGDOM – 08056753098 \ 07085060512 35X 36X 37XXX PAIR 01 and 16. The above winning line is sent to all my desired clients so as to register as a full member of magic kingdom fan club. Weeks 16 and 17 cost N25, 000 – to Balogin Adesina Kamoru. FCM. Bank no 0279550010, Wema Bank no 0206965116 or G.T Bank Alc no 0115505082. Cal 08056753098 or 07085060512. Good luck

tribunepools

MADAM HILLARY – 08163902330. 28 KISS 29.

Hurry! Your week 15 Nap is a clear as CRYSTAL – with SHREWSBURY ON SWINDON at home on bar 4 times in a season winning – N20, 000 = Good luck.

HOPE NAPS & co. AGAIN.

With 3 automatic draws Pair 9 x 23x It’s 3 weeks operation. Phone 08107128449 The compiler of Hope Naps & co. set for 3 Draws for 3 weeks operation week 15, week 16, and week 17 cost N10, 000 cash each week. Pay to first bank plc. Account No. 3088328923 Gbadebo Stephen A. and collect the draws on phone after your payment is confirmed. Phone 08107128449

PROFESSOR BANKERS=

ONE

08055230300= 17XX 18XX PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 14 NO 17X 20X 26X PAIR 5X 6X PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 15 NO NAP NAP NAP= 3/3 PAIR NAP NAP PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 16 NO NAP NAP NAP= 3/3 PAIR NAP NAP PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 17 NO NAP NAP NAP= 3/3 PAIR NAP NAP PROFESSOR 2 BANKERS N5000 WK 14 NO 17X 20X PAIR 5X 6X PROFESSOR 2 BANKERS N5000 WK 15 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP PROFESSOR F.A CUP System booklet out cost 30, 000 membership group a. cost N100, 000. Send MTN Card to 08055230300. The game will send to you by text message.

MID-WEEK OFFERS 5-28(08087176217)

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL – 09099968585. IPSWICH MUST INVERNESS = 16X46. OLD TRAFORD IN FLAME? Man city in recent times don’t believe in one or two goal to win but on four, five six goals to win. In week 12, Newcastle utd. Suffered 6 goals to one defeat, and last week newly promoted. Bournmouth was also white washed by five goals to one (5-1). Can Rooney and his men hold the Agueros, Man city with out Aguero is like Barcelona without messi. Lucky enough Aguero is down of injuries. So a draw is most likely. Chelsea in another trouble in their visit to physical played Westham at home but Mouriho after overhonled his defence may likely lucky. Shrewsbury on Swindon in sky bet League one and Yeovil on York in sky bet league two are sure twin pair. Contact the Maxwell draw clinic after surgery draws bank, and have a good winning experience. TOKEN - MANAGER – call for details. Welcome.

IKECHUKWU THE RAMPAGE MANAGER – PROMOTERS ENEMY. 08168157259 = 40XX SURE 26X PROMOTERS in another problem with ike winning crew. READING VS CHALTON ON NO 18 2014 & 2015. Send many promoters to early grave. Week 17 – 2014 – 19x 20x 43x 44x 49 = 5/5 Week 14 – 2015 - 19x 20x 43x 44 x 49 = 5/5 We are at it again this week on a special winning tabulating and calculated winning reference on – Week 36’ 2014/15 = x x x =9draws Week 15’ 2015/16 = x x x =10drwas If not Ikechukwu Nap your winning chance is shim why’ can’t you join the winning progressives with winning guaranteed. PAY BACK TIME (contd) N50, 000 – 1MILLION. – (millionaires club)

NAZAR MASTER PAYS WINNIG IN FULL The leading pools company in Oyo State and environs, NAZAR Master pools company Limited, Ibadan has paid winnings for week 14 on its Fixed and Treble Chance odds in full without owing anybody. This was disclosed to TRIBUNE POOLS during the week by the pools company. According to the statement, “NAZAR Master once again has paid all winning on its odds in full. The pools company is not owing anybody whether on the last week’s winnings or any other one since the start of the current U.K. season. Stakers should continue to bet on our odds without any fear. Payment of their winnings is guaranteed.”

BEST BARGAIN 08163084077 WK 14 LATE NEWS = 6xx 15xx 20xx = 3/3 WK 15 = 45 CBK + OTHERS Congratulations to those who got our Late News for Week 14 which played 3/3 with 6xx, 15xx 20xx. Check your record, I contacted the Pools Panel in Week 13 and I got 25xx 26xx 37xx 44xx from the Panel. A late message from the Pools Panel last Saturday said we should repeat the game. Those who have registered were contacted and the game played 4/4 in Week 14. They have been sending their congratulations. That is the secret of pools betting. I have contacted the Pools Pane0 again for Week 15. Interested stakers should pay N25, 000. Registration for the season remains N250, 000. Good luck.

The Juicy Mid-week International has really settled down as all teams have settled. This is why we are glad to oblige our numerous fans with the scintillating pair of 5/28 this week. They will surely supply a good draw this weekend. Punters should not hesitate to add them to their games selection this week. Use them maximally. Our IBK still sells for N1,500.00; 2Dn cost N3,000.00 and 3 good draws cost N10,000.00 on 08087176217. Best of luck as you call.

SIR WADDY SET FOR WEEK 16, WK 17

MICKY 08074923292 40XBK

AKIN MR. AKIN – 07067202291. (20XX 21XX)

I command coupon no 40 to draw, plus 2 Naps on Saturday to start our 3 weeks operation. Each week costs N40,000 only. Win well with our game now.

VIC DESTINY TIPS xx (3xx 18xx) Please call 09099813819 to book for my unbeatable Nap or permutation this week 15. Last week 14 nap failed while permutation got 17xx 20xx 48f 49xx = ¾ congrats to all callers/subscribed stakers. Please get week 15 Nap Nap Nap N10, 000 pair 3x18. Just try it now!!!

Sir Michael Nap

17 Pair 18 08130011263 Congratulation to all those that got my last week release as they won with 6xx, 13xx, 19xx, 3/3, the pair, 15xx, 20xx making 5/5 another 3/3 and 4/5 this week cost just N15, 000.00 Call for acct no. or mode of payment.

SAM AYO – 08109152433.

20 SURE 21 Our consistence free pair boosts our new friends. Contact us and win on 3 fixed draws and free pair. Win & smile.

4 MEMBERS. 4 BANKERS= 08162705220. 7XX

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Thursday, 22 October, 2015 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

No player can leave Dream Team camp from October 25 —NFF The Nigeria Football Federation has notified all clubs whose players are in the U-23 National Team (Dream Team) camp, that from Sunday, October 25, no player will be released from the camp to honour any league match until further notice. A statement signed by the NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, said the notification has become necessary in view of the fact that the Africa U-23 Nations Cup slated for Senegal is only slightly more than a month from now, adding that this competition will determine the qualification of the Dream Team for the Men’s Football Event of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statement averred that it is indeed worrisome that due to the regular requests by clubs whose players are in camp, for weekly league matches, the

Ejike Ikwu celebrates one of Nigeria’s goals at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

FIFA U-17 World Cup:

Nigeria for 2nd round, wallops Chile 5-1

igeria’s Golden Eaglets in the early hours of Wednesday, booked a place in the second round of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup after they thrashed hosts Chile 5-1 to secure six points from two games. Samuel Chukwueze justified his inclusion in the starting line up as he scored a brace and was brought down three times by Chile defenders for penalties. Chukwueze opened the scoring 25 seconds into the game when he finished off Victor Osinhem’s through ball. Chukwueze was fouled in the 18-yard box by Juan Jose Soriano in the 16th minute and Kelechi Nwakali converted the spot kick for the second goal in the 17th minute. The rampaging Chukwueze completed a brace when he again made hay off the great work he started in the 61st minute to give Nigeria a 3-0 lead. Gangling striker Victor Osimhen then made it 4-0 for Nigeria in the 66th minute from the penalty spot after Chukwueze was brought down inside the box. AlCaptain lende scored

his side’s consolation goal in the 81st minute. However, the Eaglets were not done yet as Osimhen completed a brace in the 86th minute to make it 5-1. Captain Nwakali wasted the chance for the sixth goal when he fired wide over the bar from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after Chukwueze was fouled.

Besides Chukwueze, goalkeeper Akpan Udoh was also heroic courtesy of several point-blank saves to deny Chile goals. He stopped Diego Soto’s shot in the fifth minute and he was again on hand to pull off a big save in the 30th minute. In the 50th minute, Akpan punched away Allende’s shot from a tight angle for corner. Substitute Funsho Bamigboye was sent off in the 84th minute for an off-the-ball foul on a Chilean player.

coaches of the Dream Team hardly have up to 10 players to work with at a time, disclosing that this is unacceptable to the NFF. As a result, the rules guiding the release of players from the national camp will be fully applied, meaning rescheduling of league matches (where a team has more than four players in a camp) or two players to be released, and non-release of players where a team has not more than two players. Nigeria’s Dream Team are preparing for the 2nd Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, which will hold in Senegal from November 28 through December 12 this year, where they will face Egypt, Algeria and Mali in group B. Only the three top -placed teams in the competition qualify to represent Africa in Rio de Janeiro next year.

Adamu, 5 others under investigation —FIFA

I’m not worried —Adamu FIFA has confirmed former executive committee member, Dr Amos Adamu is subject to investigations by the organisation’s ethics committee. Adamu received a three-year ban and 10,000 Swiss Franc (£6,341) fine from FIFA’s ethics committee after being found guilty of breaching bribery rules on November 18, 2010. The ban followed a Sunday Times expose which alleged the Nigerian had asked for cash in return for 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes. However, the committee had announced they “did not find sufficient grounds to reach a conclusion that there was any collusion”. But now the investigatory chamber of the independent ethics committee has confirmed that proceedings are ongoing against Adamu. “Formal investigation proceedings relating to the suspicion of infringements of the FIFA Code of Ethics

are amongst others ongoing against Worawi Makudi, Jeffrey Webb, Ricardo Teixeira, Amos Adamu, Eugenio Figueredo and Nicolás Leoz,” a statement on FIFA website reads. “Proceedings relating to the two officials Ángel María Villar Llona and Franz Beckenbauer have already been passed on to the adjudicatory chamber. For procedural reasons, no further names of other parties affected by the proceedings are currently being disclosed.” Meanwhile, Dr Adamu in his reaction told Tribunesport by phone that he has not been written by FIFA on the latest development, just as he said he expects no case again after serving the threeyear suspension. “I am not aware of this yet, maybe they will inform me, I don’t know but I am not worried,” said the former Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

NFF protests shift of CHAN qualifier date

Salami

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has protested to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over a sudden change of the match date for a return leg CHAN qualifier in Burkina Faso. Federation Burkinabe de Football had moved the CHAN final qualifier from Saturday to Sunday. The NFF received correspondence from the FBF on Monday indicating a change in date of the tie, and immediately protested,

saying the change was coming less than the 10 days stipulated in the rules. “We have complained to CAF about this change in date that came only five days to the match, as against a minimum of 10 days enshrined in the regulations,” said NFF general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi. “It means we will now have to alter all our arrangements to play the CHAN qualifier match on Sunday.”

The new date means the Super Eagles will now travel to Ouagadougou on Friday evening, have official training session in the evening of Saturday and play Les Etalons at the August 4 Stadium on Sunday. The home-based Eagles are scheduled to depart Ouagadougou immediately after the match. Nigeria has a 2-0 advantage in the CHAN fixture courtesy of goals from Yaro Bature and Gbolahan Salami in the first leg in Port Harcourt last Saturday.

Thursday, 22 October, 2015 PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

5 1. From left, wife of the president, Hajia Aisha Buhari; wife of the vice president, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Mrs Pauline Tallen and the Ogun State deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga. 2. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, Dr Keziah Awosi and Mrs Opeyemi Alabi. 3. Founder, Seek and Save Ministry, Prophetess C. I. A. Akinrodoye (a.k.a) Oluwaakeyin o, signing the condolence register. 4. From left, Ms Omobola Cole, Dr Omolola Omifeso, Mrs Busola Genesis, Mrs Toyin Etomi and Mrs Grace Adetaiwo. 5. From right, Mrs Funke Olatunde, Mrs Mobolaji Olusoga, Mrs Yemi Shoyebo, Mrs Abiodun Elegushi Anifalaje and Temitope Toluhi.

SIDELINES

NO 16,354

N150

THURSDAY, 22 OCTOBER, 2015

“Boko Haram is a Nigerian problem which must be tackled with a Nigerian solution. It must look inwards by formulating policies that will impact positively on the lives of Nigerians. Thus in my estimation the solution to the Boko Haram insurgency is good governance. A country with high rate of unemployment and poverty will no doubt experience an upsurge in crime and other social vices.”

ORMER President Obasanjo’s visit to President Muhammadu Buhari has since come and gone. Also gone are the high level officials from Colombia who accompanied the former President on the visit. However what remains with us are the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency. While it is sensible to look to the experience of others in combating the insurgency, I am of the view that it is pertinent to note that there is a lot that can still be done domestically to combat the menace. At the start of the insurgency the immediate reaction of government was to embark on massive importation of arms to equip the armed forces in the battle against Boko Haram. However, this approach was in time derailed by corruption as there were allegations that government officials used the arms importation as a means for corrupt enrichment. Furthermore, the government also created a 7th division of Nigerian Army based in Maiduguri in the hope that having a division so close to the theatre of war would have a positive effect in the fight against the insurgency. Again, this failed to have the desired effect owing to a myriad of problems including corruption which I refer to earlier. Faced with an enemy that was better equipped, many Nigerian soldiers were reported to have fled and in some cases even abandoned vital military equipment which were subsequently captured by the insurgents. This scenario led to massive court Martials of some soldiers for cowardice and loss of military equipment.

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

Kaduna State recently revealed that residents have been stealing the refuse bins provided at market places and streets especially in Kaduna metropolis. Perhaps, government should go for specially designed dust bins after all, a thief who steals the trumpet of the king will have no place to blow it.

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

Insurgency: Lessons from abroad (2) There were also allegations of atrocities committed by armed soldiers against local indigenes. Whether this was true or not, it is well known that human rights abuse of the local populace is never a solution to tackling insurgency. When an army that is supposed to liberate a populace terrorized by insurgents, it only makes the problem worse as such conduct will only make the locals sympathetic to the cause of the insurgents. If we must truly learn from the experience of others we must take a cue from the Americans who realized quite early on that building a harmonious and trusting relationship with the local populace was imperative to success in their fight against the Al Qaeda insurgents. In a nutshell, the approach of government at the initial stage was to treat what I consider the symptoms whilst ignoring the disease. Boko Haram is a Nigerian problem which must be tackled with a Nigerian solution. Government must firstly ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the problems, the motives and objectives of the group and proffer a solution. I consider that the root cause of the Boko Haram insurgency is abject poverty. LINK BETWEEN SECURITY AND POVERTY It is said that the main duty of any government is to provide security to its citizens as the need for a secure environment in which to trade, breed and prosper is one of the reasons for the coming together of people from different background to form

one society. Without security no nation can aspire to greatness. No investor will be willing to invest in a country in which the security of his goods and materials cannot be guaranteed. Many factors can contribute to the state of security or insecurity as the case may be, in any country. A country with high rate of unemployment and poverty will no doubt experience an upsurge in crime and other social vices. A large percentage of Nigerians are unemployed. Perhaps also of importance is the fact that a large percentage of Nigerian graduates have not been able to secure employment. Some months back a national daily published a story in which it highlighted what it called the experience and lives of “Okada graduate riders”. The article featured first-hand account of numerous graduates who out of inability to secure employment had resorted to riding commercial motorcycles popularly referred to as “Okada” for livelihood. Many of the persons featured in the article had graduated with degrees in disciplines which some years ago would have assured any graduate of a good job and a bright future. Many recounted how they had filed hundreds of applications for jobs without success before resorting to ride okada, a vocation which in the past was regarded as the exclusive preserve of school drop outs and hooligans. As a result Millions of Nigerians have one reason or the other to be disgruntled with the entity called Nigeria. It is good to expect a man to be patriotic towards his Country. It must be realized that it is extremely dif-

ficult for many to feel any sense of patriotism towards a country that they see as uncaring towards them. The effect is that many unnecessarily disgruntled Politicians and indeed any person who is intent on mischief, will find it so easy to recruit an army of equally disgruntled or mischievous citizens to carry out their nefarious plots. Any person who doubts this should only view again the videos of the thousands of reportedly repentant militants who turned in their weapons following the amnesty program of the last administration. Thus in my estimation the solution to the Boko Haram insurgency is good governance. This must be an all-encompassing approach. In other words, while government looks to the experience of countries like the United States of America, Israel, Colombia, United Kingdom in combating the insurgency, it must look inwards by formulating policies that will impact positively on the lives of Nigerians. I remain of the conviction that a person who is assured of a meaningful existence in country where he can aspire to his dreams within the limits of his God given talents will be naturally reluctant to take up arms against a government which has worked assiduously to make such an environment possible. I doubt if such a person will be willing to give up his life as a suicide bomber. It is not too late for government to begin efforts towards realising this goal. Nigeria will surely be better for it. •AARE AFE BABALOLA SAN, CON

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets were highly tactical —Chile coach By Ganiyu Salman COACH of Chile’s U-17 national team, Miguel Ponce has acknowledged that the Golden Eaglets possessed all the qualities of a formidable squad, saying the 1-5 defeat suffered at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup, was due to the tactical superiority of the Nigerian team. A brace from Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen and a penalty kick converted by Kelechi Nwakali ensured the Golden Eaglets spanked the hosts 5-1 at the Estadio Sausalito, Vina Del Mar. Miguel told FIFA.com after the match that the reigning world champions also had an edge in terms of physical ability. “I told the kids: Nigeria respected us more than the result shows. They took measures to avoid us playing quickly, they knew to wait for us and scored after patient

plays, they did not keep us in our goal for the whole game. “It is true there were physical differences, especially when it came to speed, but it is also true we were not able to finish off the situations we created. Against a good team, they don’t forgive you,” said the La Rojita coach. His counterpart from Nigeria, Emmanuel Amuneke was impressed with the performance of his wards against the hosts. “It is true we were effective up front, but we also knew how to block their passing game, forcing them to play uncomfortably in the midfield. My players understood the transition game, that is when to attack, when to defend. “We also prepared them mentally, it is not easy to play against the host. Chile has a good team, but today they lost against the best team. I believe they can qualify for the next round,” Amuneke said. Meanwhile, Nigeria following its second consecutive

victory has moved to the second round of the tournament ahead of the last group game against Croatia billed for the Estadio Sausalito on Friday at 12 midnight Nigeria time.

RESULTS GLOBACOM PREMIER LEAGUE El-Kanemi

Giwa

Abia Warriors 2

Lobi

Wikki

FC IfeanyiUbah

Heartland

Sharks

Dolphins

Pillars

Nasarawa Utd 0

Enyimba

Shooting Stars 1

FC Taraba

Kwara Utd

Bayelsa Utd

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. 22/10/2015.