23rd September 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,333 WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER, 2015 www.tribuneonlineng.com

HID Foundation for inauguration soon

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

N150

•Murtala Muhammed's widow, Josephine Anenih, others eulogise her —P39, 40, 41

Falae's abductors reduce ransom to N90m —P7

From left, former Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih; former deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu; wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Funso Amosun and the widow of former head of state, General Murtala Muhammed, Ajoke, at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos on Tuesday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

Alleged false asset declaration

—P4

Saraki docked

•I'm on trial because I'm Senate President, he says •We are solidly behind him —Senators 600 MDAs comply with TSA directive —AGF —P10

FG paid N222bn on fuel subsidy without approval —Perm Sec

•Reps query finance ministry over N600bn borrowed from CBN —P4

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, docked at Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO.

60,000 birds affected in fresh bird flu outbreak in Lagos —P9

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: Tommy Adegbite

1. From left, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran at the Awolowoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residence, Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday..

6. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Mrs Ajoke Murtala and former Head of Service of the Federation (HoS), Professor Oladapo Afolabi.

2. From left, wife of former head of state, Mrs Ajoke Murtala (left) with Mrs Josephine Anenih, national women leader, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

7. From left, Chief (Mrs) Anthonia Fasan Balogun, Mrs Funmi Ajila Ladipo, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Senator Tinubu and Mrs Ojudu Femi.

3. Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr Ladi Balogun and Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran.

8. From left, Dr Femi Fasanmade (CMAC, LUTH), Professor Chris Bode (CMD LUTH); Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Senator Tinubu.

4. Representatives of the Ooni of Ife.

9. A cross section of the clergymen from Remo Anglican Diocese.

5. Representative of the Soun of Ogbomoso, presenting condolence letter to Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran.

10. From left, Right Reverend M. O. Akinwale, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Archbishop (Dr) M. A. A. Fadeyi of Christian Faith Assembly.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

news

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Alleged false asset declaration: Saraki docked

•I'm on trial because I'm Senate President, he says •We are solidly behind him —Senators Taiwo Adisa, Ayodele Adesanmi and Sunday Ejike -Abuja, with Agency Report

ENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge slammed against him by the Federal Government. Saraki, who failed in his effort to stop his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Abuja, stormed the tribunal amid tight security and told the tribunal, presided over by Justice Danlami Umar, that he was not guilty of any of the charges preferred against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). Saraki was docked over allegations bordering on false and improper declaration of assets allegedly acquired during his tenure as governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011. According to the charge sheet No CCT/ABJ/01/15, Saraki was also accused of operating an American Express credit card account during his tenure as governor, to where he allegedly wired at least $3.4 million from a Nigerian account. In a bid to stop his arraignment before the tribunal, Saraki, on Thursday last week, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, with a motion ex parte, seeking to restrain the Federal Government, Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal from arraigning him. The trial judge at the High Court, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, in a ruling in his chambers, summoned the chairmen of CCB, CCT and a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Musiliu S. Hassan, to appear before it on Monday, to show cause why Saraki's request should not be granted. After the refusal of the Senate President, who was represented by Joseph Daudu and Mahmud Magaji, to appear before the tribunal to take his plea last week, prosecution counsel, Musiliu Hassan, asked the tribunal to issue a bench warrant of arrest on him, for disobedience of court orders. The tribunal chairman, who overruled the arguments of Saraki's counsel challenging the jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter, issued a bench warrant of arrest against the number three citizen of the country, with a specific order on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to arrest and bring him before the tribunal last Monday. Saraki, on Monday, however, rushed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, with an ex parte application, seeking to set aside the warrant of arrest and to also stop his trial at the tribunal. But, the three-member

panel of the appellate court, presided over by Justice Moore Adumein, refused to grant his application and asked him to appear before the tribunal to take his plea. At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Saraki's lead defence counsel, Daudu, challenged the jurisdiction of tribunal, saying that CCT was not a court of criminal jurisdiction and, as such, the administration of criminal court did not apply. Citing Section 693, paragraph 18(1) of the Constitution to buttress his argument, Daudu also reminded the tribunal of the ruling of a high court in a case involving Joshua Dariye, which ruled that CCT did not have jurisdiction over criminal cases and submitted that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to try the accused under criminal act where he would be required to be docked. Opposing the objection, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, said the tribunal had ruled on jurisdiction last week Friday and submitted further that Section 2 (1) gave the tribunal powers to handle the criminal charges against Saraki. After listening to the argument of both parties, Justice Umar held that the tribunal had the jurisdiction to com-

pel the Senate President to, not only appear in person, but to also be moved to the dock. “It is in the view of the tribunal that the trial before it is criminal in nature and it has jurisdiction over criminal matters, the defendant should, therefore, proceed to the dock,” he ruled. Proceeding to the dock, Saraki expressed shock that the tribunal had chosen to be ignorant of the stipulations under which the defendant could be brought to court, which coincidentally was drafted and passed in the Senate. The Senate President, after airing his disappointment at the proceedings, claimed not guilty of the allegations. “I am the Senate President and I have respect for the rule of law. Mr Chairman, I observed that they have made reference to the good work the Senate has done in the administration of criminal justice. “If there is an allegation of false declaration of assets, the Code of Conduct Bureau shall refer the person involved to the tribunal, after giving the person an opportunity to explain if the facts are true. But in this case, I was not given the opportunity.

“I thought the CCB should have called me and give me the right to fair hearing. I am hearing about the charges for the first time. “We are all here and the whole world is watching when we said we are in new Nigeria. I want to state here that I am not guilty,” he said. The tribunal then suspended the earlier warrant of arrest issued against Saraki, saying that “the defendant, having brought himself voluntarily, will be allowed to go free.” The case was adjourned till October 21,22 and 23. Meanwhile, senators, on Tuesday, said they were solidly behind Saraki, notwithstanding his trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal. A statement by Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba, made available to newsmen on Tuesday, said the lawmakers were fully behind Saraki in his travails. The senator, who signed the statement on behalf of others in the eighth Senate, said the senators were happy that Saraki appeared before the CCT in observance of the rule of law. “After majority of us, senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, witnessed the appearance of our president, Senator Saraki, at the

Code of Conduct Tribunal this morning (Tuesday), we are happy that he appeared after availing himself of the opportunity to defend his fundamental human rights,” he said. The statement quoted the senator as saying Saraki remained the choice of senators for the Senate presidency, adding that external influence would not stop their support for him. “We also want to state here, on behalf of our colleagues, that the Senate remains solidly behind Senator Saraki and we express our unalloyed support for his leadership. “We reiterate the fact that he is our choice for the post of Senate president and no politically-motivated, mischievous and vindictive trial will change our opinion of him,” it added. Senators who accompanied Saraki to the CCT trial included Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Shaaba Lafiaji, Theordore Orji, Mao Ohuabunwa, Samuel Egwu, Ben MurrayBruce, Aliyu Wamakko, Gilbert Nnaji, Kabiru Gaya, Tayo Alasoadura, Samuel Anyanwu, Foster Ogola, Sunny Ogborji, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Isa Hamma Missau, Emmanuel Paulker,

Obinna Ogba, Kaura Tijani, Clifford Ordia, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Peter Nwaoboshi, Rose Okoh, Mohammed Ohiare, Gershom Bassey, Olaka Nwogu, Ighoyota Amori, Sam Egwu and Rafiu Ibrahim. In a statement after the proceedings, Saraki said: “As I stated while taking the plea in the case, I reiterate my belief that the only reason while I am going through this trial is because I am Senate President. If I were to be just a senator, I doubt if anybody will be interested in the asset declaration form I filled over 12 years ago." Senators desert NASS The National Assembly was, on Tuesday, quiet, as Saraki faced trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that activities at the National Assembly had been at low ebb since the trial saga commenced, with some workers wearing long faces. No senator was seen on the premises, while the car park was virtually empty. However, aides of the senators could be seen collecting Sallah rams on behalf of the lawmakers for the upcoming festival.

FG paid N222.1bn on fuel subsidy within 7 months without approval —Perm Sec •Reps query finance ministry over N600bn borrowed from CBN Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja THE Federal Government, on Tuesday, admitted spending N222.1 billion on fuel subsidy between January and July without the approval from the National Assembly and without its provisions in the 2015 Appropriation. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia, represented by the Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Aliyu Gusau, made the revelation in Abuja, on Tuesday, in her presentation at the ongoing public hearing organised by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the non-implementation of the 2015 capital budget. She, however, explained the Federal Government, in one of its fiscal items, made the extra-budgetary spending under “Emergency Intervention (fuel subsidy crisis),” to end the eight-month long fuel scarcity which started in December 2014 and ended in July 2015. This came just as the committee queried the finance ministry over N600 billion it borrowed from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)to finance the payment of salaries and wages, contrary to

the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which “provides that money borrowed should be used to fund only capital projects.” The committee, led by Honourable Aliyu Pategi, expressed displeasure and total dissatisfaction over the development, insisting that such extra-budgetary expenditures had been issues of concern to the parliament

over the years. According to the chairman of the committee, “appropriation is an Act, and we insist on its implementation. We want to know where there are challenges, but to spend monies such as the N222.1 billion without recourse to the parliament is not acceptable to us.” Members of the committee, who contributed dur-

ing the debate at the hearing session, frowned on various discrepancies in the presentations of the permanent secretary, Accountant General of the Federation and other agencies on the management of the nation's economy. Speaking on the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Pategi said “the National Assembly will consider

EFCC re-arraigns Lamido, sons, others Sunday Ejike -Abuja THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, re-arraigned a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, his two sons - Aminu and Mustapha, Aminu Wada Abubakar and Batholomew Darlington Agoha before a Federal High Court in Abuja. The former governor and his co-accused were slammed with a 27-count count amended charge bordering on corruption and money laundering. The other companies arraigned along with them were companies through which they allegedly perpetrated the fraud. Lamido and his co-accused had been arraigned before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court,

Kano, on July 9, for allegedly misappropriating funds belonging to Jigawa State. Their case was later transferred to the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Justice Gabriel Kolawole, a vacation judge, granted them bail and adjourned the matter till Tuesday. At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, now before Justice Ademola Adeniyi, counsel for the EFCC, Chile Okoroma, presented the court with the amended charge, dated September 15, 2015, which added Agoha, manager of Speeds International Limited, as one of the accused persons. The hearing, which commenced at about 9.11 a.m., was, however, adjourned briefly to allow the registry to assign a new charge number to the amended

charge sheet, since the case was originally heard in Kano. On resumption, the charges were read to the accused persons and they all pleaded not guilty. The court, thereafter, adjourned till October 21 and 22. In another development, EFCC has invoked a section of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to convict an accused person, Uba Mohammed, for refusing to appear in court after he was granted bail on June 10, 2013. The accused person is standing trial before Justice Salisu Garba of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on a two- count charge of Criminal Breach of Trust to the tune of N10 million.

the review of the Acts establishing some of the revenue generating agencies, so they can retain some portion of their revenue, like the Customs Service, which retains seven per cent of its revenue and remits 93 per cent to the Federation Account.” On the loan secured from the CBN, Gusau said “this is an item under contingency funds, but it allows for room to take loans and things like that, but I am not too conversant with the details.” He disclosed that the recent S&P rating scored Nigeria B+ due to transparency in doing business, adding that Fitch rating was being awaited. The Deputy Governor of the CBN, Mr Sulaiman Barawu, in his presentation, explained that the Ways and Means account was approved by law as contingency for the Federal Government to borrow from to fund its deficit, up to five percent of the preceding year's revenue. "What JP Morgan wanted us to do is to allow uncontrolled devaluation of the currency. We think that is harmful to the economy,” he said, adding that the CBN believed the Naira was appropriately priced to the Dollar at N197/$1.

5 news Again, APC, PDP spokesmen in war of words Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, declared that it has no apology to offer to the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially its spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, for exposing his penchant for telling lies, insults and distortion of facts to deceive unsuspecting Nige-

Court acquits Ekiti Dep Speaker of contempt charge AN Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday, struck out the contempt charge against the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Segun Adewumi. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the case was struck out following the prosecution’s application (nominal complainant) to withdraw the charge against Adewumi. Consequently, Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo, discharged and acquitted the lawmaker.

rians. PDP national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Tuesday, described as “a mockery of self opinion, Alhaji Mohammed’s early morning tirade on Tuesday, wherein he attempted to pontificate on decorum, a field where he has no credential, being the originator of hate campaign.” The party alleged this was what used to foul Nigeria’s political arena and influenced hundreds of young people, “who now engage in abusing one another on the social media, thinking that such is what publicity is all about.” “It is also common knowledge that during the 2015 campaign, Mohammed distinguished himself in hauling insults on everyone, including continually denigrating and labeling the person and office of the president of this country, an excursion he saw nothing wrong with, at that time. “While we appreciate the sleeplessness and nervousness of the APC spokesperson in his desperation to be noticed for an appointment,

we have no apology for exposing his lies and hypocrisy,” the statement read. Reacting, the APC admonished the national publicity secretary of PDP, Chief Metuh, to show some decorum in his public statements and avoid the use of trench language in public discourse. The party, in a statement issued by Alhaji Mohammed, in Lagos, on Tuesday, said Metuh’s increasing resort to the use of putrid language in his press statements was distracting from the message he might want to pass across. The APC also said the utterances of Metuh were, at the same time, sending a bad signal to the younger generation of Nigerians, who look up to him and other politicians. “Mr Metuh, being the spokesperson, first for a ruling party and now for the main opposition, puts you on the rarefied level of a being a role model and a pacesetter. You denigrate your office and your party when you use that platform to spew out hate and abusive words,” Mohammed said.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

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Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

HID Foundation to evolve soon By Laolu Harolds

Foundation will soon be inaugurated in honour of the highly revered matriarch of the Awolowo family, Yeye Oodua, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo. This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of the Awolowo Foundation, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, in which the Foundation formally announced the passing on of its chairperson and moving spirit, HID Awolowo, who

died on Saturday, September 19, at the ripe age of 99. According to the statement, the Foundation would be instituted “to celebrate and commemorate in perpetuity the outstanding contributions of Mama to family values, entrepreneurship and perseverance in the face of adversity.” It read further: “Though the details and fine points of this initiative are being worked out, it takes no great insight to appreciate the synergy between the values that Mama stood for and exemplified and

the legacy of the sage, from which the Foundation has derived its core mandate and competencies.” The Foundation noted particularly Mama’s fortitude and exemplary forte

in keeping the faith, both at a time when her husband was unjustly persecuted by political authorities and in the years since the sage passed on. “It ought to be remarked

that her business acumen, organisational intelligence and hardwork stood her in good stead throughout her remarkable life. “It is in recognition of these virtues and the need

to underline the careers of role models and visionaries in a morally adrift generation that the new Foundation is being instituted under the aegis of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation.”

FG opts for low-key Independence celebration Clement Idoko - Abuja THE Federal Government has opted for a low-key celebration of the 55th independence anniversary celebration, in view of the current harsh economic realities in the country. President Muhammadu Buhari, has however, approved N70 million for the celebration, which would kick off on Friday, September 25 with Jummat prayers at 1.30 p.m. at National Mosque, Abuja. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, briefed newsmen on Tuesday, in Abuja, on the activities lined up for the celebration. He said President Buhari approved four events to be observed in this year’s independence ceremony, including Jummat prayer, inter-denominational thanksgiving, ceremonial change of guards and chil-

dren’s party. Lawal also disclosed that President Buhari would address the nation of October 1, at 7.00 a.m, which would be followed by the ceremonial change of guards at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

From left, Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) Commission President, Kadre Ouedraogo; Prime Minister of Guinea, Mohammed Said Fofana; Presidents of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama; Niger Republic, Mohamadou Issoufou; Benin Republic, Boni Yayi; Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall; Togo , Faure Gnassingbe; Cote’ D’ivoire, Alassane Quattara and the Prime Minister of Mali, Modibo Keita, during the extraordinary meeting of Ecowas Authority of Heads of States and Governments on the political crises in Burkina Faso, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

ECOWAS leaders meet on political crisis in Burkina Faso Clement Idoko - Abuja WEST African leaders have met at an extra ordinary summit on Thursday, on how best to amicably resolve the political crisis in Burkina Faso. The meeting was held at the instance of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari. This followed a visit by a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the country on Thursday, last week, to mediate on the political stalemate in the country. The summit, which was under the aegis of the Authorities of ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments, was to review the outcome

of the delegation of ECOWAS which visited the country for an on-the-spot assessment last week. In his welcome remark, Buhari described the development in Burkina Faso as far below the democratic expectations, noting that efforts being made so far were to correct the deficiency. He said: “The recent development in our sister country, Burkina Faso, run contrary to our expectations and the efforts so far to deployed towards the restoration of constitutional order and democracy by ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and our international development partners.” The commitment of the transitional administra-

tion of Michel Kafando to the implementation of the programme mandate of the transitional charter has equally been commended by the international community. He commended the Presi-

Opurum said the soldier, a member of 13-man militant gang alleged to have been terrorising many communities in Rivers, deserted the Army in 2002. “Based on intelligence reports, we carried out a sting operation where we captured 13-member militant gang, including their notorious kingpin leader, simply known as Kenneth. “We also arrested a soldier, who deserted the Army in 2002 and specialises in training of militants in weapons handling and op-

erational tactics. “The soldier (names withheld), who is a private, joined the Army in 1998 and served in 331 Artillery Regiment Kalapanzi Barracks in Kaduna, before he was declared missing in 2002. “The soldier, who is related to the kingpin of the militant group, is still in our custody and will be released to prosecuting agencies after formal dismissal from the Army,” he said. Opurum said that troops raided the community on

engagement with the military junta. Sall, in his remarks, proposed shift of the election from October 11 till November 21 to enact inclusiveness of all candidates to contest the forthcoming polls.

Shekau irrevelant to Nigerian Armed Forces —Military THE Nigerian Armed Forces has said it is not considering any particular person in the terror group to be much relevant in the ongoing onslaught against insurgency in the North-East. This was just as it said Shekau or any of his cohorts would not deter the spate of the military operations to rid the country

Army arrests soldier training militants, uncovers arms cache in Rivers THE Nigerian Army has arrested a rogue soldier, who specialises in training Niger Delta militants during its arms and ammunition mop-up in Kula Community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. Commanding Officer of 2 Brigade Garrison of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy Opurum, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

dents of Senegal, Macky Sall and his counterpart from Benin Republic, Boni Yayi and President of ECOWAS Commission, who undertook the visit to Quagadougou last week, to commence the process of

account of incessant cases of militancy, kidnapping, piracy, cultism and killings which occurred regularly in the area. The commanding officer said intelligence revealed that the community was not only serving as hideout for criminals, but hoodlums were also storing caches of arms and ammunition in the area. He said the raid was “highly successful” as arms and ammunition were recovered by troops during the operation.

of criminals hiding under strange religious ideology to kill innocent Nigerians. The Military, in a statment signed by Colonel Rabe Abubakar, acting Director, Defence Information, viewed as irrelevant and fruitless effort, the motive behind the recent audio clip presumably released by Shekau, the acclaimed leader of Boko Haram sect. “The Armed Forces is, hereby, using this medium to appeal to the good citizens of Nigeria not to lose sleep over the concocted audio rhetoric of the waning terrorist sect, which was usual antic of a drowning person struggling to hold on to anything to remain afloat. “The Armed Forces wishes to reiterate that it was a well-known fact that the terrorists have been seriously decimated and the tremendous effort and achievements recorded in recent times by combined forces of the Nigerian Army and the Air Force is commendable. “The Armed Forces did not

lie about the successes recorded so far in its counterinsurgency operations and for avoidance of doubt, the liberated communities in the North-East, which were hitherto under the throes of Boko Haram terrorists, are free for interested persons or bodies to explore. “The military does restate that in recent times, a number of Boko Haram members have been surrendering and denouncing radicalisation. Our candid advice to Shekau or his ghost; cohorts or impersonators, is to toe the line of their fellow comrades and surrender now, as there is no more hiding place for him or his gang to operate freely any longer. “It is also necessary to tell those that are still masquerading as leadership of Boko Haram in whatsoever guise to quickly come to terms with the fact that era of cheap propaganda is over and in no distance time, Nigerians and the whole world will know who is saying the truth,” it said.

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Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Falae’s abduction: Kidnappers reduce ransom to N90m

He must be released under 24 hours —Yoruba Unity Forum From Olayinka Olukoya, Tunde Ogunesan, Hakeem Gbadamosi and Bola Badmus

HE residence of the former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falae, who was abducted by gunmen Monday afternoon, has been turned to tourist attraction, as many people have been visiting the place to sympathise with the family. However, it was gathered that the abductors have reduced the ransom demanded for the release of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) from N100 million to N90 million, while the family were ready to pay N2 million to secure the release of the septuagenarian. who turned 77 on Monday. According to the source, the kidnappers called the family Monday night, insisting that the family should make available N90 million and vowed not to go lesser than the said amount. The source said “as of the time they called us Monday night, they said they could only reduce the ransom to N90 million, but we told them we cannot afford that and we begged them to collect N2 million, but they rejected it outrightly. They said they would call us back on Tuesday, but as at this moment, they have not called.” Speaking on the development, Personal Assistant to Chief Falae, Mr Moshood Raji, alleged that the Fulani herdsmen have been tormenting Falae’s staff on the farm prior to his kidnap on Monday. Raji said the matter was reported at the police station, where the Fulani herdsmen signed an undertaking not to encroach the farm again. He specifically alleged the Fulani herdsmen of being behind the kidnap of his boss, noting that there had been incessant faceoff between the herdsmen and the Afenifere chieftain over the frequent invasion of Falae’s farm . He explained that “ the Fulani herdsmen always invade the farm and this has caused a lot of prob-

lem between them and baba. Some weeks ago, we arrested some of them and they were detained at the state police command over the same matter, but they were later bailed after signing an undertaking. “It got to a stage that the secretary of Fulani community confronted baba and told him to erect fence around his big farm, so that his men would not be entering into the farm again with their cattles. He also threatened that baba should ensure that nothing untoward should happen to his people and their cows, threatening that if anything goes wrong with his men, they will deal with baba.” When contacted on telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO) in the state, Mr Wole Ogodo, said the command was still making frantic efforts to ensure that the Afenifere chieftain was released alive and unhurt. Meanwhile, the Ondo State House of Assembly has condemned the abduction of Chief Falae. The House stated this during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Honourable Jumoke Akindele, who called on security agencies, to as a matter of urgency, bring to book those behind the act. Akindele described the abduction of Falae as a national disgrace, saying Falae had contributed immensely to the development of the state and nation. The Speaker also called on the Federal Government to consider the 2014 conference report, which recommended state police as the solution to increasing cases of insecurity. In the same vein, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Isaac Kekemeke, has called on the state government and the security agencies in the state to ensure that the abductors were brought to book. Kekemeke, in a statement called on the state government to “regulate the activities of these itinerant herdsmen, just as it regulates citizen’s use of public utilities. “These herdsmen, if they must live in Ondo State, cannot put law into their hands,” the APC chairman said.

In the same vein, the Yoruba Unity Forum has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, within the next 24 hours. This was disclosed on Tuesday at the Forum office, in Ikenne, Ogun State, by its vice chairman Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, when the Forum addressed a press conference on the kidnap of Chief Falae on his farm on Monday. The Forum stated that the action was a war on Yoruba nation if one of its leaders could be kidnapped on its land with ransom being demanded by the alleged Fulani herdsmen. Addressing the newsmen, Archbishop Ladigbolu said the Forum considered the development as a sad one and would not fold its hand seeing Yoruba raped in broad daylight. Ladigbolu said “on behalf of the Yoruba Unity Forum, we want to register our sadness over the reported kidnapping of Chief Falae, a member of the forum, in Nigeria. “Much as the fact that kidnapping generally is disturbing, especially to any right thinking person. We’re most particularly unhappy that a leader of our country, among who was once upon a secretary to the government of this country, a man who had served as a minister in Nigeria, a leader of a national political party, a presidential candidate in Nigeria, someone who is known throughout the world as a man of peace, can be handled this way by people who were alleged to be Fulani herdsmen. Fulani herdsmen of all people to come to Ondo State, a private property and to kidnap the owner. This is war. The retired Archbishop warned that they hoped to see the former Alliance for Democracy (AD) presidential candidate released within the next 24 hours.

Fasehun threatens reprisal

Miffed by the kidnap of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, founder of the Oodua

Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, on Tuesday, threatened reprisal. Fasehun, who has summoned a meeting of his group for Sunday, in Lagos, demanded the immediate release of Falae, who turned 77 on Sunday, and was kidnapped in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Visibly agitated Fasehun, who also turned 80 on Monday, said he had ordered OPC operatives to immediately launch a manhunt for the kidnappers, with a view to securing the freedom of the former presidential candidate. Fasehun described the kidnap an assault and insult on the Yorubaland and challenged security operatives and agencies to produce Falae within 48 hours. “OPC is not interested in crisis, but was founded primarily for the protection of its own and for bridging gaps in Nigeria. “All lovers of Nigerian unity, like OPC, communal peace and national progress, must rise to this challenge,” he said. Fasehun claimed that eyewitnesses indicated that Falae was taken by strangers, just like the wife of the Sun Newspapers Executive Director, Mrs Toyin Nwosu, who was abducted last week in Lagos. He warned: “At my turning 80, the entire world would expect me to be a bridge builder. And I have prepared myself to be just that, but if any missile is thrown at you and it is likely to affect your eyeball, you must avoid it at all costs. This is my view about the insult now being unleashed, being flung at Nigeria by the enemies of Nigeria’s unity.” Noting that Falae had rendered “impeccable” service to the country as a Federal Permanent Secretary, then Minister of Finance and SGF, Fasehun described the victim’s current ordeal as uncharitable. “When we heard that Falae was kidnapped, we thought it was impossible, to kidnap a man of peace, a man who had selflessly served Nigeria. “Falae is by any standard a leader of the Yoruba people, a leader of

Nigeria and a significant leader in Africa.” He also frowned at what he perceived as silence of the federal authorities 24 hours after the incident. “Over 24 hours after this disruption of the life of a dignitary, government has not issued any statement; rather what we hear is a silence from the Federal Government. It is a shame; it is a big shame,” Fasehun said. Ransom on Falae insult on Yorubas —Gani Adams Leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, has described the N100 million ransom requested by the Fulani herdsmen, who kidnapped Chief Olu Falae on Tuesday, on his farm, as an insult on Yorubas. Adams stated this while addressing newsmen on Tuesday, when he paid a condolence visit to the family of Chief Obafemi Awolowo over the demise of Chief HID Awolowo. He said it was worisome how Fulanis, who were hosted out of love, had now turned themselves to kidnappers and threatening their hosts. According to Chief Adams, “in Yorubaland, we don’t discriminate; when Fulanis come to our place, we accommodate them and make sure they go about their lawful businesses, but for them to now turn themselves to kidnappers is worrisome. “The issue of ransom is an insult. I’ve never seen a Yoruba man living in the North kidnapping an elder stateman. “We’re sending warning to them, because if we don’t act on this, they would go after more important dignitaries. I promise we won’t condone this act and the Presidency should not take it as if we don’t want to accommodate other ethnic groups in our land. We need adequate security in Yorubaland, we don’t want a situation where our people won’t be free to go out because we have strangers who have already shown they are security threats to our land. “I want to use this medium to challenge our governors and the council of obas to meet and take a

definite decision on this, as this is an embarrassment to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria.”

Intervene in his release, else..., Afenifere urges northern leaders

The pan- Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, has called on leaders of the North to intervene in the immediate release of former Minister of Finance and former presidential candidate of AD/ APC, Chief Olu Falae, by reaching out to the Fulani herdsmen, who were reported to have kidnapped him on his farm on Monday. Falae was kidnapped on his farm the day he was to celebrate his 77th birthday. He was said to have been having running battles with the Fulani cattle rearers for sometime now, as they continued to devastate his farmland, a scourge which farmers in Yorubaland has suffered for decades now. Afenifere made the call on Tuesday, in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin, warning that nobody can predict the consequences should anything untoward happen to Falae in the custody of the herdsmen.

Release Falae now —Seyi Makinde

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftain in Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has called for unconditional release of national chairman of the party, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped on his farm on Monday, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan. He described the septuagenarian as a statesman, who dedicated his life to ensure good life and social justice of all Nigerians, irespective of ethnicity, religion or political leanings. The Oyo State governorship candidate for SDP in 2015 general election called on all security agencies to rise to the occasion and rescue the politician from kidnappers’ den and ensure no stone is left unturned to secure his release unharmed.

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Lagosmetro Train roof-top riders besiege evening trips Tola Adenubi

Officials of Lagos State Building Control Agency, clearing debris at the scene of a collapsed two-storey building at Agungi-Ajiran Road, off Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

Another building collapses in Lagos T

he Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says it is yet to determine the number of casualties in Tuesday building collapse in Lekki area of the state. Mr Michael Akindele, the general manager of the agency, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the scene of the incident. NAN reports that the collapsed building is located at 37 Agungi/Ajiran Road, Osapa London, Lekki in Eti-Osa Local Government Area. “As l speak, I cannot ascertain whether there is anybody trapped, dead or alive, until when we conclude the search and rescue mission. “For now, we are still on a rescue mission to ensure that there is no life under the debris. “Until we get to the zero-level we cannot make any further pronouncement,’’ he said. He, however, said that the

agency would conduct investigation to determine the quality of materials used to construct the building. “As at August 11, the three buildings under construction here were marked by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the contractors served appropriately to stop construction. “This collapse is out of defiance; however, necessary investigations will be done

by appropriate agencies after which it will act appropriately. “LASEMA is here on search and rescue mission,’’ he said. Akindele explained that before officials of the agency arrived at the scene, two people had already been rescued alive. He said the agency was informed that the construction workers were already out before the collapse but

that a motorcycle rider sleeps there. A witness at the scene said that four people were still trapped while two persons were rescued before the arrival of emergency officials. At the scene of the rescue operation were Lagos State Fire Service, Nigerian Police, LASBCA, LASEMA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and Federal Road Safety Corps.

Investigations have revealed that due to the increasing clamp down on illegal train passengers otherwise known as ‘roof-top’ riders by security operatives attached to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), many of the illegal train passengers now prefer to board the 6pm and 7pm trains. When Lagos metro went round for fact-finding, it was discovered that security patrol by men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) attached to the NRC seldom function in the evening. The 6pm train that departed Iddo for Ijoko on Monday night was filled with people sitting on the train roof while many hung around the engine compartment despite incessant warnings by the NRC and police that passengers found around this part of the trains would be prosecuted. Speaking to Lagos Metro, a trader, Monsurat Alebiosho, who was sitting inside the train coach stated that due to the fact that lesser security patrols take place in the evening and night periods, many of the roof-top riders have been having a swell time on top of the evening trains. “Many of the evening trains carry roof-top riders because there is less security patrol once it is dark. I believe why this is so is because this roof-top riders

APC chieftain in prison over missing ‘Keke Marwa’ Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mushin, Chief Asagunla Lateef, 56, has been arrested and charged before an Isolo Magistrates’ court for alleged theft of a tricycle. Lateef was charged along with a security guard identified as Yakubu Mohammed, 28, for conspiracy and stealing under the Criminal Code. The suspects allegedly

stole a tricycle with registration number FST 168 QD, belonging to Rodemade Olusegun, kept in their care. The incident happened at Hanson Lane, off Olateju Street, Mushin where Lateef and Mohammed are community leader and security guard respectively. The owner of the tricycle, Olusegun had bought the tricycle and he was introduced to Lateef and Olusegun as the chairman of the street and security guard in the area respectively.

They asked him to pay N6,000 to protect the tricycle from robbers. When the complainant went to check his tricycle the following day, he discovered that it was missing. When Olusegun confronted them, they could not explain what happened; rather they asked him to accept his fate. Olusegun refused to accept his fate and he wrote a petition to the police who arrested Lateef and Mohammed and ordered them

to produce the tricycle because they collected money to safeguard it. When they could not produce the tricycle, they were charged to court where they pleaded not guilty. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Joy Ugbomoiko, granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety. They were remanded in prison custody pending when they will perfect their bail. The matter was adjourned till 8 October, 2015.

could be more dangerous and daring once its dark. “They could be carrying dangerous weapons and the security officials are human beings too, so nobody will want to get hurt just because they want to apprehend illegal passengers. Many of the raids have targeted morning and afternoon trains, that is why you will hardly see roof-top riders on top of the trains during the day in Lagos these days. “But once it is dark, the roof top riders hold sway and dictate their terms to NRC workers; they are mostly drunk and tipsy, while some of them are busy smoking Indian hemp on the trains, so NRC workers (checkers) simply leave them alone in the evening.” Efforts to get the views of the image-maker of the NRC, Mr. Abdulrauf Akinwoye and the Railway Commissioner of Police NRC headquarters, Pius Imue, proved abortive as text messages sent to their mobile phones were not responded to as of the time of filing the report.

Lagos to provide free bus rides on Eid-elKabir day The Lagos State Government, through LAGBUS and its franchisees, will provide free bus rides for all Lagosians on Thursday, September 2015, to commemorate this year’s Eid El Kabir celebration. According to a statement issued by its General Manager, Fleet Operations, Mr. Seyi Osiyemi, the move was aimed at promoting the use of public transportation, as well as reducing congestion on Lagos roads during the festivities by the state government. It stated further that the free bus rides will be provided on all LAGBUS routes across the metropolis and run within LAGBUS operational hours (6:00a.m – 10:00p.m) on Thursday, September 24, 2015.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

60,000 birds affected in fresh bird flu outbreak in Lagos New incidences of bird flu have been recorded in Lagos state, with an estimated 60,000 birds already affected. Olugbenga Ogunsetan, the executive secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State chapter, confirmed this to NAN on Tuesday in Lagos. He said that several poultry farms were affected by the avian influenza in Ikorodu area of the state. “Over 60,000 birds were lost in August after the avian influenza ravaged the farms. “This has largely affected production of poultry products and leading to price hike in the area.” Meanwhile, the state government said that it was making arrangement with the Federal Government for compensation to the affected poultry farmers. Olajide Basorun, permanent secretary of the state ministry of agriculture, who spoke on the compensation move, corroborated the severity claim by the PAN Scribe. He told NAN that compensating affected farmers would encourage others who were afraid to report the case to come forward. “The Lagos State government in collaboration with the Federal Government is already thinking of ways to support these farmers whose poultry were affected by the scourge. “Many economies have shut down because of this avian influenza and these economies have dependants, which mean a lot of people have lost their live-

lihoods. “Government is mindful of that and is working out modalities to compensate the farmers so that others, who have the flu and have not reported or are under reporting, will be encour-

aged to come forward.” The permanent secretary said that government does not want a scenario were the farmers, who do not report, will sell their birds to unsuspecting public.

He said that where there was a reported case, the ministry had moved swiftly to conduct tests and depopulate such farm. The permanent secretary also allayed fear of possible spread, saying

that the disease has been contained. Basorun noted that the ministry would continue to encourage poultry farmers to report suspicious cases for proper action.

Members of the 13 communities protesting at the Lagos Government House.

13 communities lament attacks by Ajagungbales Chukwuma Okparaocha Residents of some communities in parts of Igando-Orudu town, covering 13 communities in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos, have sent an SOS message to the Lagos State government and all relevant bodies to come to their aid after their lands were allegedly forcefully taken over by a group of land grabbers. They are accusing certain individuals who they described as ajagungbales (land-grabbers) of turning the communities into

a battlefield of bloodshed and disorganisation over land-related issues. Led by their baales (local communal chiefs), members of the community had stormed the Lagos State Government House where they cried out against what they said was a great injustice meted out to them by the ajagungbales, who they insisted had driven them out of their ancestral properties and resold same to anyone who wished to buy, including the big guns in the society. The group alleged that the

ajagungbales, apart from usurping their land and merchandising it, had also committed many other heinous crimes in the communities where they held sway. These, according to them, included murder and illegal possession of arms, which they said the hoodlums used as tools to unleash mayhem on the residents. When speaking to Lagos Metro on the development, the general secretary of the 13 affected communities, Alahji Lasami Agbaje, remarked that the affected communities had been

turned into ghost towns whose estranged residents had become shadows of their former selves. Some of the affected communities, according to Agbaje include Ayeleju, Alakun, Folorunsho, Afalamo, Abule Olose and Idi Oyin. Others are Oke Olokun, Oke Irakeji Onidogbo, Ofinran, Aberanje, among others. “The ugly incident started some years back when the land-grabbers and their hoodlums stormed our communities with dangerous weapons.”

Rape: UNILAG lecturer reportedly critically ill •He is not —Prosecution lawyer Bidemi Olowofela and Olayinka Bello 42-year-old Afeez Baruwa, a part-time lecturer in the University of Lagos, who was accused of raping an 18-year-old undergraduate, has tendered an affidavit in court claiming that he is critically ill. Baruwa, who failed to appear in court at the last adjourned date on grounds of ill health, tendered an affi-

davit to the court to backup his claims. Terry Adeniji, counsel to Baruwa, told the court that contrary to media reports, Baruwa was critically ill. “The defendant is ill my lord, and we have brought an affidavit to backup our claims of his health. We want this to be put into consideration because it is a critical illness,” he said. The defence counsel told the court that the essence of

this application was to seek the court’s permission to perfect the bail of the defendant. He also urged the court for ultimate protection of the defendant from the press. “He is still presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court,” he said. The counsel brought along three copies of Punch newspaper which he allegedly said has engaged in a campaign of false reportage

against the lecturer. The counsel said the defendant is being tried and convicted by the media, contrary to section 36(5) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A lawyer from the State’s Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs. Ibikun Ibikunle, holding a watching brief for the raped teenager, stood to counter the affidavit brought by the defence counsel, saying that

she spoke with the prison official and there was no report of illness. She insisted that a doctor’s report must follow the affidavit. She also said the matter was already in the public interest and there was need to feed them with information as it unfolds. The presiding magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, in his ruling, acknowledged the importance of the media.

Bank official docked over N1.8m fraud Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin An Access Bank transaction officer, Hammed Mosuro, 29, who was accused of stealing N1.8 million from the bank was on Tuesday docked before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court. It was gathered that the incident took place at Access Bank, Apongbon branch in Lagos Island. It was also gathered that the defendant stole the sum N400,000, which was deposited with Access Bank, by G. I Distribution Limited, and converted it to his personal use. He was also accused of stealing N650,000, which was deposited with the bank by one Adebukola and Sons. It was further alleged that the defendant also converted the sum of N759,500 which was deposited with the bank by one Idayat Adebukola to his own use, on June 6, 2015, at about 10:50am. Accordingly, the total money that was stolen is N1,809,500, belonging to Access Bank plc.

‘We’ll hunt down houses without proper waste containers’ Gbemi Solaja Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Mr Ore Oresanya has promised to hunt down residents who do not have proper waste disposal systems and waste containers well placed in front of their houses In a chat with Lagos Metro, Oresanya maintained it was an unpardonable offence for any house not to have waste collection container big enough to accommodate the waste generated by that house and well covered to avoid littering of waste. Oresanya, who warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, said if proper waste disposal systems were in place, the problem of indiscriminate dumping of refuse around the house and roads would not be there.

businessnews

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

600 MDAs comply with TSA directives —AGF •No MDA exempted —CBN • TSA jolts banks, but… —Sekibo By Sulaimon Olanrewaju, G bola Subair And Chima Nwokoji

O fewer than 600 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have complied with the directive to deposit remittances into the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Mr Ahmed Idris, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), has said. Speaking on the sidelines of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, he said that the exact number of MDAs that had enrolled could not be ascertained yet. “As at today, I can tell you about 600 out of about 900 MDAs have keyed in. “For the number of accounts, I cannot categorically tell you because even the MDAs and indeed the Federal Government never knew the number of accounts. “However, the accounts are going on to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and I believe very soon a position will be made available on the number of accounts that have been swept up,’’ he said. He said that the aim of the policy was not to disrupt the operations of the MDAs but to help them and the government run better. “The policy was never intended to impair the operations of MDAs; rather, it is intended to make them more efficient and to make cash available to government in a very centralised and consolidated manner. “So, operations of MDAs are expected to move on as expected but MDAs must come forward in line with the directive and deadline given of September 15 which has already expired. “We are expecting them to come and enlist, enroll and identify users that will participate and key into their individual sub-accounts so that they can utilise their resources based on their budgets,” he said. Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday in Abuja, said that no Federal Government Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA) had been exempted from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This is just as Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, said though the government policy on TSA jolted commercial banks as they lost huge deposits to it, the banks would survive it. Emefiele spoke on the sideline of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting where the committee resolved to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the reference interest rate, at 13 per cent but slashed the Credit Reserve Requirement (CRR)

from 31 per cent to 25 per cent. The CBN governor said, “I haven’t seen any memo that exempts any MDA from the TSA. So as a result, I will advise all those who think they have been exempted to please avoid creating confusion. “I will appeal to those who are affected by the TSA to please continue to comply with the movement of accounts from other banks to the CBN,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that there are reports that 13 agencies, including the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Bank of Industry and NigerDelta Power Holding Corporation, had been exempted from the TSA policy. The report quoted a memo sent from the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, directing the CBN to exempt the agencies listed

from making remittances to the TSA for now. Emefiele said that Nigerian banks were still safe, in spite of the movement of money due to the TSA policy. “The Nigerian banks are about the most regulated banks today The liquidity ratio showed that Nigerian banks are safe and we will continue to monitor their liquidity from time to time to ensure they do not slide into difficult terrain.” he said. According to him, there had been a lot of speculations that the amount that was moved from the banks to the CBN TSA account was not up to the amount expected, saying that the movement was still ongoing. “The truth is that the amount that has been moved so far is less than the amount that people are quoting on the pages of newspapers. The TSA is an ongoing exercise

because the amount in CBN as of 15th of September is less than what it is as of today the 22nd of September. The amount keeps growing. “What we are saying is that a lot of people are predicting that there is a lot of liquidity squeeze created as a result of this. The data that the committee reviewed between yesterday and today shows that liquidity ratio increased moderately. So, that is why the committee came up with the conclusion that the impact the movement of funds from the banks to the CBN on liquidity is sort of moderate,” he noted. The MPC also decided to retain the symmetric corridor of 200 basis points around the MPR, and the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent. Emefiele, while reading the communiqué of the meeting, said the MPC by a unanimous vote decided to retain the

•As MPC slashes CRR to 25%

MPR, but by a vote of seven to reduce the CRR while three voted to hold. The CBN governor explained that the decisions were arrived at after consideration of the underlying fundamentals of the economy, particularly the declining output growth, rising unemployment, evolving international economic environment as well as the need to properly position the economy on a sustainable growth path. On what the committee considered to arrive at the decisions, Emefiele said the overall macroeconomic environment remained fragile and that the economy further slowed in the second quarter of the year, making it the second consecutive quarterly lessthan-expected performance. Sekibo, in a parley with journalists in Lagos on how the bank was integrating Enterprise Bank, which it just acquired, into its processes,

From left, Chairman, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa, Managing Director/CEO, Heritage Bank Limited, Ifie Sekibo and Executive Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Mrs. Adaeze Udensi at Heritage Bank Limited Chairman’s Media Parley in Lagos yesterday.

TSA: Banks are safe —CBN Gbola Subair - Abuja

Following the adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the massive funds withdrawal witnessed by banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele has assured the banking publics that the banks are safe. Emefiele, addressing the media after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday gave an assurance that Nigerian banks are safe because they about the most regulated banks today. Notwithstanding the clean bill 8f health given to banks, the apex bank boss said the CBN would continue to monitor their health and liquidity to ensure that they don’t slide into difficulty. “The Nigerian banks are about the most regulated banks today The liquidity ratio showed that Nigerian banks are safe and we will continue

to monitor their liquidity from time to time to ensure they do not slide into difficult terrain,” he said. According to him, there has been a lot of speculations in the market about the amount that needed to be moved from the banks to the CBN TSA account is not up to the amount expected, saying that the movement is still ongoing. “The truth is that the

amount that has been moved so far is less than the amount that people are voting on the pages of newspapers. The TSA is an ongoing exercise because the amount in CBN as at 15th of September is less than what it is as at today the 22 of September. The amount keeps growing. What we are saying is that a lot of people are predict-

ing that there is a lot of liquidity squeeze created as a result of this. The data that the committee reviewed between yesterday and today shows that liquidity ratio increased moderately. So, that is why the committee came up with the conclusion that the impact the movement of funds from the banks to the CBN on liquidity is sort of moderate,” he noted.

said, “There were shocks following the withdrawal of the deposits due to the government policy on TSA but the banking system has a way of balancing itself. So, there is no cause for alarm.” According to him, banks do not take deposits to keep. “The deposits are given out as loans or attached to certain projects. So, there is no way the policy will not affect banks. The implication of this is that the banks need to do a lot of thinking to grow deposit.” He, however, expressed optimism that everything would work out fine for the banking industry because of the resolution of the CBN to ensure that the policy did not adversely affect commercial banks.

FirstBank’s GMD to lead discussion at CEO roundtable on skills training CONSISTENT with FirstBank’s thought leadership philosophy and commitment to drive sustainable capacity building, the bank’s Group Managing Director (GMD/CEO), Bisi Onasanya, will be a major discussant in the C-suite forum on ‘Leading by Empowering: Youth, Skills Training and Unemployment in a Changing Economy’ at the Africa CEO roundtable. A statement from the bank noted that the forum to be hosted by the bank through the FirstBank Sustainability Centre is scheduled to hold at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, on September 29, 2015 from 9 a.m. It said the event would convene captains of industry and key influencers to discuss the strengths and limitations of education and skills training for work in Nigeria. It will also focus on how corporate responsibility and sustainability intervention can more effectively support youth skills training and employment in the nation. These deliberations around youth empowerment and unemployment will help achieve a shared, secure and sustainable future for all.

SEC commences implementation of e-dividend mandate portal Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the commencement of e-dividend mandate portal for investors and also urged investors on enrolment for e-dividend payments. The regulatory agency said registration for e-dividend portal could be efficiently done in banks and

registrar branches nationwide through the online platform. This follows the release of a circular on the implementation of e-DMMS portal by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to all Deposit Money Banks dated Monday, September 14, 2015. The e-dividend scheme has been a priority initiative for the entire capital market in a bid to curb the growth of unclaimed dividends

and improve the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s equities markets. The e-DMMS portal utilizes NIBSS’ robust Document Management System to which completed e-Dividend Mandate Forms filled by the investor could be uploaded. The e-Dividend Form can be obtained and properly filled at bank branches or in the office of a registrar. Where an investor opts to

fill this form at a registrar’s office, the Registrar shall verify details such as the investor’s name, account number and Clearing House Number (CHN). The completed form shall then be uploaded to the eDMMS portal for immediate access by the investor’s chosen bank. The bank is required to validate the investor’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) and other account details.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015 11 businessnews AMSCO, NPC partner on entrepreneurship development Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

he African Management Services Company (AMSCO), in partnership with the National Planning Commission of Nigeria (NPC), has pledged commitment towards development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. At a sensitisation conference themed: “Accelerating Enterprise Growth and Competitiveness in Nigeria- Building Capacity for sustainable Development,” which took place in Lagos on September 22, 2015, at the Sheraton Hotel Lagos, the two institutions harped on the need for Nigerian private sector to develop management capacity and expertise. Speaking at the confer-

ence, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, underscored the crucial role Nigerian enterprises play in the growth and sustenance of the Nigerian economy. He called on various stakeholders to take active role in building capacity in the private sector. “Promoting increased foreign direct investment and other capital inflows through policies that will attract foreign investors

and strengthening the DFIs to promote affordable and long-term finance is required.” The CBN governor, who was represented by Dr Olaitan Mudashir Adeola, Director, Development Finance CBN, said Nigerian businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), required the capacity to engage at global levels. The Executive Secretary of the NPC, Mr Bassey Ak-

panyung, emphasised that Nigeria is not unmindful of challenges in the Nigerian business environment. He said the rate of economic growth and development of any nation is functionally related to its infrastructure. Often, challenges such as access to finance, shortage of skills, market access and a general enabling environment hinder the development and global attractiveness of SMEs he stated.

The conference was therefore aimed at generating home-grown solutions to address the challenges and open up opportunities for dialogue and collaboration with key players. “This informed the decision of Government to bring on board the 30 year National Master Plan in collaboration with the private sector aimed at addressing these gaps” he said.

Smile partners Samsung to launch VOLTE in Nigeria IN line with its vision of providing superfast and reliable internet service in Nigeria, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has partnered with Samsung Electronics West Africa to launch the first LTE compliant smartphone in Nigeria. Smile Communications Nigeria is not only the first authentic 4G LTE provider in Nigeria but the first to go into this performance enhancing partnership with Samsung; a global technology giant. A joint statement signed by Alero Ladipo, Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Nigeria and Emmanouil Revmatas, Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, there is the need for both companies to enhance the customer experience through their product propositions. The statement underscored the noble pedigree and innovative streak of both companies which they are determined to harness in serving the best interest of their customers. The offer will be available at all Smile Stores and some selected Samsung stores. Speaking on the partnership, Mrs Ladipo stated that Smile Communications is specifically focused on the importance of partnerships of this nature to deliver on the end-to-end needs of the customer.

From left, Chief Operating Officer, Oando Marketing Plc, Mrs Olaposi Williams; Aro of Ipetumodu, Chief Rufus Oladele Onifade; Agbaakin of Ipetumodu, Chief Akinloye Olarewaju; Head, LPG Oando Marketing plc, Mr Ganiyu Azeez and Iyaloja Roundabout of Ipetumodu, Mrs Grace Kayode Oyatomi during the unveiling of O-Gas usage initiative, in producing beans cake (Akara) at Osu in Osun State, recently.

SMEs development: FG advised to pay attention to critical infrastructure Gbola Subair -Abuja An appeal has gone to the Federal Government to improve on efforts by past administrations to give appropriate incentives that will encourage and boost the activities of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and consequently strengthen the economy. President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, said the request became imperative as SMEs were veritable tools that could be used to boost and improve the nation’s economy. The ACCI president, while welcoming investors, captains of industries, exhibitors and guests to the opening ceremony of the 10th Abuja International Trade Fair organized by the chamber, which took place at the Trade Fair Complex, Airport Road, on Tuesday, urged the government to give priority attention to infrastructure development which is capable of strengthening and repositioning the manufacturing

sector, described as the country’s engine for ecoEjinkeonomic growth. nye, in the same vein, called on the Federal Government to address the transport sector, especially the railway rehabilitation and road network facilities, as this would improve the transportation of both raw materials and

finished goods. Speaking on this year’s trade fair, he said the theme of the 10th anniversary, ‘Entrepreneurship as a Panacea for Economic Growth,’ captured the present situation as 75 per cent of the Organised Private Sector is made up of small and medium en-

trepreneurs which drive the economy of the nation. According to him, “a nation which does not generate ideas cannot create goods or services; a nation which cannot create cannot sell and a nation which cannot sell cannot hope to build a good, reliable and dependable economy.”

Fraudsters impersonate customs’ boss on Facebook account Tola Adenubi -Lagos have Fraudsters opened a fake Facebook account in the name of the new Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) advertising job vacancies, auctions and contracts. According to a statement signed by the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday, Joseph Attah, the agency stated that it was not recruiting and that auction of seized

or overtime cargo remained suspended till further notice. “This reminder is necessary to prevent people from being defrauded by criminal elements who open fake Facebook accounts in the name of the Comptroller–General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) advertising job vacancies, auction and contracts. “It is disheartening to note that despite several warnings, arrests and prosecutions, internet fraudsters are still using this

online platform to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. It is therefore imperative to advice people to stop patronizing these seemingly juicy offers on the internet, promising job, auction and contracts upon payment of some amount of money into private accounts. “For the avoidance of doubt, NCS wishes to inform the general public that it is not undergoing any recruitment exercise. Similarly, auction of seized vehicles or overtime cargo remain suspended until further notice,” Attah said.

Nigerian Tribune

International Sea Trade & Investment convention opens Oct 5 Nigeria’s first International Sea Trade and Investment Convention (ISTI) is scheduled to hold in Lagos between October 5 and 6. The convention, on the theme ‘Exploring New Trade Frontiers,’ will be hosted at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, in Lagos. ISTI 2015 is designed as a platform to address issues of new and direct trade routes between Nigeria and our leading trading partners, explore cross-border potential along the regional trade corridor, the development of viable import/export markets, standardisation of goods and services to meet global certification for export, safety and security on our waterways, import and export financing, market linkage, trade and infrastructure investment. Also the convention is aimed at identifying impediments to export trade restrictions, facilities and regulations within the maritime sector. It is planned to create the platform for stakeholders to develop a roadmap to address issues of products, standardisation, financing, incentives and the lack of infrastructure plaguing the industry. Announcing this in Lagos, Mr Adebayo Sarumi, who is the chairman of the International Sea Trade and Investment Convention›s Steering Committee, said the convention was planned to further buoy up Nigeria’s export trade and maritime sector to make it attractive to global buyers and foreign investors. According to him, maritime and trade in the Sub-Saharan Africa region has experienced an unprecedented growth in the last few years, contributing over US$15billion annually to Nigeria’s economy. This can grow to as much as $50 billion in the next couple of years, Mr Adebayo Sarumi stated. In his words, “we plan to bring the best minds to this two day convention featuring conference and exhibition that will engage interactive discussions, high level networking and unrivaled business intelligence through participation of the industry›s foremost stakeholders, decision makers, investors and trade specialists.”

business

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for tuesday, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Unlimited

16 news Fayose gives rams to Muslim leaders Sam Nwaoko, Ado Ekiti

USLIMS in Ekiti State, including Imams and clerics, on Tuesday trooped to the Government House in Ado Ekiti, the state capital where Governor Ayodele Fayose gave them rams for the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, against a recent directive by some of their leaders. Controversy had risen recently, when a group of Muslim leaders said Muslims in the state were short-

changed in the appointments made by Governor Fayose and has resolved at a meeting to reject rams and gifts in whatever form, from the governor. The general secretary of the League of Imams and Alfas in the state denied calling a meeting and also denied that the President of the League, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, who is currently on pilgrimage in Mecca, issued any directive for a meeting of the league. The League therefore urged Muslims in the state

Borno govt, NEMA donate cows to IDPs THE Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Adamawa, on Tuesday, received donation of cows by the Borno government and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir. Announcing the donations at Fufore and Damare camps, near Yola, the Chairman of Kala-Balge Local Government of Borno, Alhaji Babagana Malarima, and his GamboruNgala counterpart, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulkarim,

said the gesture was to give the IDPs a sense of inclusion during the festival. “The gesture was directed by Governor Shettima of Borno State, and it is to make you feel at home,” Malarima told the IDPs. Malarima also told the IDPs at Fufore Camp that Shettima had directed chairmen of local governments in Borno, whose areas had been affected by the insurgency and whose people were in the Yola camps, to celebrate with them.

to disregard the directive and described the clerics who gave it as selfish not representing the interest of

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Muslims in the state. Distributing the rams to Imams and other top dignitaries, Fayose said, “I won’t

allow anybody to drag me into playing politics with religion. What I am doing today is a demonstration

of love and support for the Muslims. I am not that kind of a leader who does things with religious interest.

NSCDC deploys 40,000, FRSC 15,000 personnel for Sallah celebration Clement Idoko, Abuja

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have directed deployment of 40,000 personnel across the nation to provide maximum security during the Sallah celebration. Commandant General of the Corps, Mr Abdullahi Gana, ordered the deployment of the personnel as contained in a statement from NSCDC headquarters, on Tuesday in Abuja. He assured Nigerians of a hitch-celebration in spite of the security challenges in the North East part of the country. Gana, also disclosed that adequate preparation was being made to protect critical areas such as places of worship, markets and schools among other soft targets. Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched special patrol

with deployment of 15, 000 personnel and 500 patrol vehicles to ensure sanity on the Nigerian highways during the year’s Eid-el- Kabir celebrations. Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Etuk Imoh, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja said 50 ambulances, 85 motor bikes, 10 tow trucks and over 15,000

personnel including special marshals, have also been deployed along designated routes across the country. He said this year’s special patrol with the theme, ‘Operation Eid-El-Kabir’ commenced from September 21. He said: “This year’s nationwide exercise which forms part of the corps’ build-up towards reducing

road traffic crashes during this year’s ember season, is in partial fulfilment of the FRSC 2015 strategic goals of reducing road crashes by 20 per cent and fatality by 30 per cent and has become necessary to ensure safer road use during the festive period, usually associated with high volume of vehicular traffic.”

Customers lament high cost of rams THE News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has gathered that the prices of ram have remained very high. At Dawanau, Unguwa Uku, Makole and Yan’awaki ram markets in Kano, on Tuesday, only a few customers were seen trying to purchase ram, even with the Sallah festival barely two days away. Some of the customers, who spoke with NAN, said the prices were too high compared to last year. The prices ranged be-

tween N25, 000 and N80, 000 this year as against N20, 000 and N75, 000 during the same period last year, in all the markets visited. A customer, Malam Manu Ali, who was seen bargaining over the price of a medium sized ram at Makole market, lamented over the high cost. He, however, expressed hope that the prices would crash with the commencement of the celebration on Thursday. Another customer at

Dawanau market, Isah Gezawa, said he was unable to buy a ram due to the high cost of the animals. “I have now decided to wait until after the Eid prayer on Thursday so that I can get it at a cheaper rate,’’ he said. Reacting to the development, a spokesman for the ram sellers in the state, Alhaji Auwalu Fari, attributed the rise in prices on the high cost of breeding livestock and the general cash crunch in the country.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

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Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA

Mary Onyali

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aka Queen of Nigerian sprints

CHURCH BOY

• B o r n o n Febr u a r y 3rd, 1968 i n Mbaoko, Anamb r a s t a t e , A k w a North. She went to Amuwo Grammar School, Ojo, Lagos.

SEGELUULU

• She is a Nigerian sprinter, who won the bronze medal in the 4 x 100m relay at the 1992 Olympic Games and in the 200m at the 1996 Olympic Games. She also won the 1994 Commonwealth Games 100 metres title. • Her consecutive Olympic appearances from 1988 to 2004 made her the first Nigerian to compete at five Olympics.

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Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

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Thanking God for Mama HID’s passage

T was a shock hearing about the news of Mama HID Awolowo’s transition to higher glory. By shock, I meant that I was looking forward to Mama’s centennial celebrations. Having lived this long, it would only be nice seeing her clock 100 years. However, who are we to question God’s decision? It was only by God’s grace that she reached 99 years. It is also painful that Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Jewel of inestimable value has finally bade the world bye.

The popular saying that: “Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” can be translated to: “Behind Papa Awolowo’s success, there was Mama HID.” Chief Awolowo would not have achieved success if Mama did not give him the peace of mind at home to concentrate on his politics. I also appreciate Mama’s role since the demise of Papa; Mama HID did not discriminate among politicians of different political parties. She saw herself as the mother of all, and wel-

Towards reducing food prices NIGERIA imports more than 70 per cent of the food it consumes, despite the fact that we have the land and human resources to grow our food. However, with the fall in the value of the naira, the cost of importing food stuff has now gone up. In turn, importers pass the price increase on consumers. That is why the cost of food is on the increase now. Apart from that, most producers in the Northern part of the country have been displaced, thereby reducing local production of food. But one thing must be clear, to have a healthy nation, people need to eat well. In a situation whereby the people are hungry, there will be a rise in crime. What can we, therefore, do to reduce the high cost of food in this country? First, we must end the insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country. Many farmers have been displaced, and they need to be assisted to return to their lands. Again, Nigeria should embark on massive food production. We can produce most of the food we consume, but due to laziness, we have abandoned agriculture. We need to return to agriculture, while the government should also assist the people in setting up their agribusiness firms. One thing about returning to agriculture is that it

will also help in reducing the high number of unemployed people. •Yakub Aisha, ABU, Zaria, Kaduna State.

comed all of them to her house. Mama also advised the nation on issues of national importance on several occasions.

Now, with the passage of Mama, I hope all Yoruba sons and daughters can unite in order to forge a common front to develop. We should shun those

things that divide us, particularly politics. At a time like this, I wish to commiserate with the Awolowo family and the Ikenne community, Ogun

State, and Nigeria as a whole on the loss of the mother of the nation. •Yemi Adeleke, Surulere, Lagos.

Attention, Asa people of Ilorin AN adage says leadership is a burden. It is a paramount responsibility of leadership, be it social, traditional or governmental to be concerned with welfare of the people beside other responsibilities. The traditional rulers may not be assigned with any formal role in the Nigerian constitution, but their relevance and importance come to bear whenever any of the three tiers of government in Nigeria and politicians need to get to the people in the grassroot during political campaigns or when government wants its programmes to have direct bearing on the people.

It is, therefore, be commendable to see a traditional ruler initiating a programme or project for the welfare of his people and to be funded by the traditional institution. The Emir of Kano recently constituted a committee of experts in the Kano Emirate to come-up with modalities for re-orientation of the people of Kano emirate to increase the number of child enrolment in schools especially the girl child; reduce early marriage and other developmental agenda to be submitted for action to the Kano State government. Emir Muhammadu Sanusi

has been occupied with how to better the lives of his people since he became the emir; and if his antecedents and intellectual capabilities are anything to go by, one should expect much from him for his people. But many of us in Ilorin were surprised last month when it was announced that Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari led a selected emirate chiefs to Afon, the headquarters of Asa Local Government, one of the five unlucky local government areas comprising Ilorin Emirate, to lay the foundation stone for the construction

of a clinic named after Alfa Alimi, the acclaimed progenitor of the Ilorin ruling Fulani dynasties. This seemingly good gesture is taken with suspicion. The Fulani emir as well as his forbearers have been suppressing all forms of liberation efforts of Asa people like other Yoruba institutions and people of the Emirate. Historically, Yoruba baales and obas were taking instruction from Fulani Daudu posted there by the Emir as Districts head. The Emir remained the only graded chief in the five local government areas essentially Yoruba, most of whose history predated Ilorin. Afon community where this Alimi clinic is to be situated lack almost all the basic social infrastructure and amenity but not hospital; the existing hospitals only need modern facilities. The Emirate funds to be expended on this Alimi project belong to Asa people afterall. Asa people and monarchs should be allowed to decide what to do with the five percent deduction from the monthly allocations from the Federation account. Recently, the emir publicly donated a whopping N6m to his kinsmen in Alapa District of Asa Local Government after Yoruba farmers and land owners were maimed and killed en-masse, their wives raped and several were taken to Abuja to be detained. People of Afon should be wary of the hospital, which is a Greek gift; it is just to further Fulani agenda and promote the name of Alimi. •Sheikh AbdulRaheem Aduanigba Ilorin, Kwara State.

editorial

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Nigerian Navy’s N1billion court fines

HE Nigerian Navy paid more than N1 billion as fines for the misconduct of naval personnel in the last four years. According to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the fines were paid to aggrieved civilians who sought redress in the law courts. Making the disclosure in the course of his address to naval ratings at the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar on Saturday September 5,2015, Ibas warned all officers and ratings against all forms of misconduct. He said the civilian populace should be protected and not harassed or molested. The reported cases of brutality committed by uniformed personnel against the people they are being paid to protect are simply innumerable. There have been many other unreported cases in which the victims have suffered in silence. The worst culprits, who apparently see the uniforms they wear and the arms they bear as symbols of authority to do and undo, are in the military and the police. They have a wrong notion of their profession and the responsibilities it imposes on them. It is particularly significant that the Head of the Navy is drawing the attention of those under his command to this glaring misconduct and what, in financial terms, it has cost the navy in only four years. If the navy has had to cough up more than N1 billion as compensation to victims of brutalities within such a period, how much would have been spent for the same purpose in the last ten or twenty years. What about the other arms of the armed forces? What about the police whose primary duty of crime prevention and detection brings its personnel in constant contact with the larger society? There could not have been a special budgetary provision for anticipated victims of brutalities to be committed by errant members of the navy. The more than N1 billion paid as fines must have been taken from allocations to some important areas of need. Such areas of need must have been adversely affected by the diversion of funds to meet unwarranted expenses occasioned by the public misconduct of some naval personnel. Failure to meet such basic needs cannot but have some negative implications on operational efficiency. The navy and the different uniformed services should view the public conduct of their officers and men with the seriousness it deserves. When an international human rights organisation recently launched a blistering attack on the Nigerian military for human

rights violation in the anti-insurgency campaign, both the public and the media rose in unison with the military to condemn the attack as unfair and unjustifiable. It has been the general view that a military locked in combat with a band of throat-slitting religious fanatics, who do not believe in freedom of thought, opinion or religion should be the target of attack and not the military. It is indeed worrisome that at a time when all hands are on deck to preserve the integrity of the military some of its members are getting involved in public misconduct. Two tipper drivers were recently reported to have been shot and wounded by a drunken naval rating in Lagos while some military men were reported to have manhandled civilians in Abuja. Although the Chief of Naval Staff sternly warned in Calabar that “if you misuse the weapon we give you, we will try you and dismiss you,” the frequency of misbehaviour by military personnel conveys the impression that those who have been misbehaving are not being condignly punished. Uniformed personnel need to be given the type of orientation that is appropriate to the nature of their duty. How to relate to and live in harmony with the public they are to serve should be inculcated in them in the course of their training. Their training programme should correct the faulty mindset that their membership of a uniformed service has placed them above the laws that regulate behaviour in the larger society. The manner in which some of them behave diminishes the organisation to which they belong in the eyes of the public. Occasional exhortations and admonitions at public functions cannot bring about the desired improvement in the conduct of servicemen who have become inured to improper conduct. The rules governing performance in the course of duty and behaviour in public should be one single package in any organisation in which discipline is seen as a cardinal principle. The Public Relations Departments should not limit themselves to the issuance of denials or rebuttals when confronted with criticisms and allegations arising from the conduct of servicemen. They should be proactive by making inputs into the training programmes of cadets and recruits. New intakes should be given the right orientation so that they will not later constitute sources of embarrassment. The more than N1 billion paid as fines by the Navy is money down the drain. It should have been avoided.

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opinion

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

HID Awolowo: Mother of all nations By Olumuyiwa Wahab Jimoh

HE news of the death of Mama Awolowo known principally as HID by her admirers came to us as a rude shock. Not because she has not lived a fulfilled life, but because she was hale and hearty the last time we checked. She was strong, sharp and witty as ever and there was no foreboding of an impending exit. She died when some of us are already preparing how we shall celebrate her centennial (100 years) birthday come November 25th for she was born on the 25th day of November, 1915. Mama became a solid rallying point for the continued espousal, generation and propagation of the Awolowo philosophy after the exit to the great beyond of Pa Awolowo – the patriarch of Yoruba politics and one of the original triumvirates upon which Nigeria’s first republic politics rested. She was not diminished by the exit of her legendary husband but carried on the name of the great man and was never for once fazed by the burden that suddenly came upon her shoulders. For anyone who was not close to the family, that would have been surprising, surely, but not to those who had been close to the family and had followed the very closely knit relationship that was the love of the life of the Awolowos. She had watched and learnt silently at the feet of her husband and had drunk of the great wisdom and tact which Pa Awo was noted for. She had imbibed the body language and the fine nuances that was the hallmark of her husband and together they had privately and silently planned and executed the great strategies that brought freedom and liberty to the Yoruba race and provided the needed platform for all those thirsting for progressive ideals within the nation’s political firmament. It is generally said that behind every great man, there is always a great woman. That was what HID was to her late husband. Pa Awolowo had great regards and deep respect for her and carried her along in all his critical thoughts and actions that spanned the path he toed politically. She was the pillar that supported the great leader in all his travails and triumphs and never wavered for once. Just like Winnie Mandela stood by Nelson Mandela during his trials and imprisonment, Mama stood by Pa Awolowo throughout his sojourn as a political prisoner and his struggles to enthrone egalitarian

leadership for Nigeria. She was totally faithful to the ideals which only both of them shared. One thing is very clear; that many people cannot define Mama standing on her own right but always from the perspective of the man that was her husband – because she married a legend. However, many women would have been totally submerged under the deluge of influence which the husband had wielded but fortunately not for Mama. She was able to carve out a life for herself and found expression even while remaining totally submissive to her husband. She was a role model in her church and community and provided the platform for women to find and express their various creativities. She had many charities to her credit and was deeply devoted to God and had a total distaste for irresponsible behaviour. This rubbed off on the great children she sired and raised. A strict yet loving mother who brooked no nonsense from her kids and those around her who she equally treated as her own kids, the result is seen all over the nation today. I became close to the Awolowo family through Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Oladipupo Soyode, the grandson of Pa Awo and HID whose mother is Ayodele, one of the most brilliant of the Awolowo clan. Ayodele, a product of that great

woman though not in the very public glare is one of the great testaments to the vision of Mama for her children and for the society. Mama, you became a rallying point for all progressives and the Yoruba people when the revered one left. For nearly 30 years after Pa Awolowo’s exit, you provided the canopy under which great gatherings took place. In the face of challenges to the people, you caused great conclaves to gather to find solutions that created new trajectory for the Yoruba people. You mediated and navigated the many divides and expressions within the philosophical family and the Yoruba people and skilfully, you largely kept the people together with one clear voice. You provided the moral high–ground upon which leaders were judged and the moral restraint to certain individual and group tendencies that would have left the people misled, divided and enslaved. Now that you are gone, we are left to ask; who then will fill the gap? Who will step into your very large shoes? Will there be any other Mama Ikenne? We will surely miss you sorely. Nigeria has lost a great patriot, a wonderful mother and indeed an astute ideologue. The Yoruba nation has lost a pillar and a crusader. A great amazon and a quiet motivating force for change and a great stabiliser in the midst of storms. The lessons which her life has taught us should not be lost to this generation. One of the lessons is that total humility and devotion to our spouse and their ideals remain our strongest position and it is the ultimate place of power. She taught us that the one who sits in his ordained position, sits in the place of power and he that sits in the place of power sits in the most vantage position to be causative and thus influence the life of others and the society positively. However, as we mourn your exit, we must take solace in the fact that you lived a fulfilled and God-filled life. Your purpose for being created, we are sure, was fulfilled and now you must be walking among the saints! This we see clearly because of the exemplary life you lived and what you taught us even on those few occasions that you had had time to discuss with us. We all indeed bear upon our lives the imprint of your admonitions and are living testimonies of your love and skills. •Hon. Jimoh is the Deputy Majority Leader representing Apapa 2, Lagos State House of Assembly.

States, LGs as Nigeria’s economic liabilities By Smart Adekunle THE death knell has sounded for many businesses in Nigeria as a result of multiple taxation and the overbearing attitude of many state and local government officials who go about obstructing lawful business activities under the guise of revenue generation. Worse hit are the small scale industries that have no financial clout to muscle their way through these pernicious challenges. Local governments are supposed to be the bedrock of governance and development because of their close proximity to the people at the grassroots, but a performance evaluation of how LGs have fared is disastrous owing to crass leadership, self-aggrandising motives and a citizenry that are not given to interrogating government officials. This dysfunctionality is even more glaring in terms of revenue generation. A critical look at the revenue collection system in Nigeria reveals that indeed local governments are empowered by law to impose and collect certain defined taxes and levies within their jurisdictions as a means of revenue generation to fund the effective and smooth running of the affairs of the local governments. However, in a bid to generate funds by all means, many of these local governments act as if they are above the law by resorting to thuggery, violence and mounting barricades and road blocks that obstruct lawful commercial activities. So, how will commerce flourish in our states when there is this dangling scepter over the heads of corporate organisations? I recall an event that took place last month which provides an apt illustration of this monstrous and unacceptable behaviour, which is fast becoming the default mode for many LGs. The incident happened in Edo State. News reports monitored on 23 July 2015, claimed that operations at the Benin brewery of Guinness Nigeria were disrupted by officials of Ikpoba Okha

Local Government Area of Edo State who mounted a blockade at the entrance to the brewery. What was their grievance? The council officials, who were led by Itohan Ogbeide, Chairman, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, claimed that Guinness Nigeria had been obstructing the local government from collecting fees from third-party logistics companies engaged in the provision of haulage services. The action reportedly caused disruption to the legitimate business activities of the company for several hours. In their response, Guinness Nigeria, which is the largest employer of labour in Edo State after the state government, called out the action for what it was – blackmail intended to force the company to assume agency for revenue collection from the logistics services providers on behalf of the Ikpoba Okha local government. Laughable as it might sound, this shocking development raises some posers. One, a business can wake up one morning without prior notice and the owners find that they have been shut out of their premises under the pretext of a very flimsy claim. Secondly, how do we get LGs to be more professional in their modus operandi? Alternative modes of dispute resolution could have been used in the scenario described above that provides all stakeholders a win-win outcome. Thirdly, why should a corporate organisation that has paid its companies’ income tax, education tax, capital gains tax, among others, be saddled by the LG with a third party cost or be expected to act as revenue collection

agent for a LG? Till date, many stakeholders still complain about the quality of service from many mobile telecoms operators but how many people remember that these operators have suffered and are still being bludgeoned by the menace of multiple taxation and riotous activities of officials of local government and state agencies. Buoyed by what they assume are the jumbo profits of telecoms service providers, virtually every arm of government in the country has been up in arms against these operators, brandishing taxes and requests for payment in one form or the other. From local government to state government to airport authorities to the Consumer Protection Council, and officials of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, there have been never-ending demands for payments in one form or the other, even when the subsisting Telecommunications Act of 2003 is explicit on the organ of government with regulatory and tax oversight of the telecommunications industry. A case in point is the issue of Planning/Building Permit fee, which is under the purview of the state government. However, LGs also demand for erection permit, installation permit, telecom building permit, which are unknown to law. These extraneous taxes and levies have led to the closure of many Base Transceiver Stations across the country and resulted in poor network performance by the telcos. Clearly, there is an urgent need to tackle the problem of multiple taxation and the opprobrious methods used by state and local government officials to extort money in the name of taxation from business entities across the country. Acts of brigandage by council officials will only drive away potential investors, as such making their communities unattractive for large scale investment possibilities along with its attendant benefits which include sustainable growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. •Adekunle writes from Lagos.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune Editor: Bayo Alade featuresdesk@yahoo.com 08055001747

features More banners, visitors pour in for HID By Tunde Ogunesan

S sympathisers continue to throng the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, the ambience of the town has continued to soften, emanating a sobre reflection that emphasises the reality of the occurrence of Saturday, September 19, 2015. About 72 hours after late Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s jewel of inestimable value joined the sage, the Awolowo compound has been transformed into a beehive as associate, friends, well wishers, admirers, politicians, traditional rulers and several others demonstrate solidarity in the face of the occurrence by pouring out to pay their condolences and sign the register at the Efunyela Hall. On Tuesday, visitors and sympathies alike were greeted by two huge posters hung at the entrance of Efunyela Hall by two students associations. By the left side of the entrance to the Hall hung the poster by the National Association of Ogun State Students, with the touching inscription “You were too great to ever be forgotten”, while to its right hung another poster by the National Association of Nigerian Students (Zone D

South West). The gesture by both students bodies was reminiscent of the times in the precolonial era when student unionism was the vanguard of emancipation and set the pace. Just like the olden days, as soon as the students paved the way at Ikenne, others followed. The Ogun State government came with three types of banners on Tuesday evening to reiterate its presence despite the fact that the governor is in far away Makkah, Saudi Arabia performing the annual hajj. The Ogun State banners read: “We celebrate our Matriarch & icon. Chief (Dr) Mrs HID Awolowo, CON, November 25, 1915- September 19, 2015, Mojibade of Ikenne, Iyalode of Remoland, Yeye Oba of Ile-Ife and Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland”. Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s officials clearly demonstrated that the person of Mama HID held more significance to the government than the titles. The host local government (Ikenne) was not left out as a sizeable banner, with a big photograph of Mama, was revealed. Then came the well wisher- Broadway Events, Lagos, with two types of banners and Mama’s four photographs. The event planner’s banners read:

“Death brings pain that time can only heal, no words could ease what we truly feel; but with God, her joy is eternally sealed, and the cherish her memories that death can’t even steal.” Meanwhile, as we expect more to follow after MIC funeral outfit blazed the trail with several flower vases immaculately arranged by the side of the condolence registers in the Efunyela Hall, the testimonies

The event planner’s banners read: “Death brings pain that time can only heal, no words could ease what we truly feel; but with God, her joy is eternally sealed...

of a life well spent keeps running like water from a spring. Transformed into a photo studio In the event of mama’s demise, the home of the Awolowos has became a tourist centre as visitors and symphatisers have turned virtually all corners of the residence into mini-photo studios. In the Efunyela Hall which was named after the sage’s mother, most of the visitors could not but take photographs with the many interesting histories hung on the wall, most especially the part of the Hall on which the “The HID story” stands. Another area that has been besieged by visitors is the area of the wall that holds all the photographs of the sage’s first generation. Visitors were eager to have their photos taken with the sages’s family. Almost every photo which chronicles the Awolowo political sojourn both home and abroad has been duplicated in other pictures. Others include the story of Chief Awolowo himself told on a drawing hanging at the entrance main sitting room, the mausoleum and the official car with which Papa Awolowo ran his presidential campaign in 1979.

features

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Ife needs a global Ooni —Adedoyin Less than 40 days to the emergence of the next Ooni of Ife after the demise of Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, VERA ONANA interacts with entrepreneur, educationist, astute businessman and one of the contenders for the Ooni stool, the Maye of Ife, Chief (Dr.) Ramon Adedoyin, at his residence. Excerpts:

Growing up… was born about 59 years ago; I was born precisely on 01/01/57 as a son to Ife parents and Ife grandparents. I schooled in Ile-Ife –Primary, secondary and university education. I am a local Ife man. My mother was fairly rich though my father died when I was seven years old. He was also very wealthy according to what I learnt. That is precisely what I know about affluence and my childhood. Also, having come from a polygamous home, my mother took me to a place a little bit far away because she felt that due to the polygamous setting, the young boy could be killed in Ife; so she took me to Ibadan where I attended a muslim school but maybe because of the love she had for her son, I was brought back to Ife where I continued my primary education at Ansar-un-deen Islamic school before I attended Oduduwa College and later, the University of Ife. Which one of the ruling houses in Ile-Ife do you belong to? I belong to the Giesi ruling house and government has said that the Giesi ruling house is producing the next Ooni of Ife. In the Giesi ruling house, we have about five branches and all of these branches are to produce candidates which will be presented to the kingmakers who will then select a few that will be sent to the Ifa people. There is an ongoing disagreement at the moment involving your ruling house- the Giesi ruling house, what is it about? Well, there is an in-house dissension within the Giesi ruling house because some people are trying to sidetrack a candidate they consider to have emerged royalty through a female. Simply put, the son of a royal woman. That is the dissension that is ongoing in the Giesi house because some people are trying to side line a section of the house for reasons best known to them. This is the same thing that was done in the past and the stool of the Ooni eluded the Giesi

because of this kind of hullaballoo and it has started again within the house.

mentorship, it will be a great continuity for Ife.

Can you elaborate on the tradition that says a royal woman’s son cannot sit on the stool of the Ooni in Ife? It doesn’t really make sense. Can one’s father say because one is female one is not a human being? Have we not seen women doing exploits? If a royal woman therefore has a female child, what is the difference between that one and a male child? Are they not both of royal birth? It is an obsolete law and not tradition. So many things are changing. If I get there by the grace of God, that law will be amended. It will interest you to know that a woman was once an Ooni in this town.

You were quoted to have said that the late Ooni picked you to succeed him, how true is that? I cannot say anything about that but it is a reality however, I cannot, I am not allowed to speak on that subject. Some people’s argument have been that how can somebody who has gone control people that are alive but the Yoruba people believe that there is life after death. Though the body decomposes, the spirit lives on. This is why I believe that the late Ooni of Ife is still alive and he sees all that is going on. Those going to court, those planting seeds of discord, I believe he sees everything. So people can do anything they like. In fact, we read in the papers at a time that Atiku is to become the next Ooni of Ife.

The emergence of an Ooni in Ife is strictly considered the Onus of the deity, Ifa, do you think that politics and modernisation will have any influence over this selection? Everything has changed. The way it was in 1894, cannot be compared to the way it is going to be in 2015. We are talking of about 200 years ago. We are talking of a law that was promulgated when I was born. The law they are talking about was made in 1957. People are talking about the extension of the four ruling houses. Some people are saying that there should be more. As a matter a fact, some schools of thought believe that as far as one is an Ife son, one should be eligible to contend for kingship. You share the same birthday with the late Ooni, do you consider that a divine sign? What other things did you have in common with him? Everything about the late Ooni of Ife inspired me. I have all his tributes. We didn’t only share same birthday, it was much more. He had so much mentored me that it will be a beautiful kind of continuity if I become the next Ooni of Ife. Baba was old but I am a fairly young person and with the experience I have got, coupled with his

You are already a developer of Ife but what are the plans you have for the cradle if you emerge as Ooni? I intend to use my experience to establish more than seven good businesses in Ife. I already have a bank, a polytechnic, a university and some other small industries. If I have the opportunity to become the next Ooni of Ife, I swear by the name of God, I

The late Ooni Sijuwade was a global Ooni, Ife needs someone that can step into that position.

will establish a fantastic company and I will ensure that every Ife son and daughter is a part of it. By the grace of God, If I become the next Ooni, I will dump a big amount of my money in to industralising Ife and I will invite a lot of qualified Ife sons and daughters to become directors and managers. I see myself as a goalgetter and there is hardly any mission that I embark upon that does not succeed. So, with this confidence that I have in myself, if I am able to get the chance, I will reach out to the Ife people and this would be different from the other developmental structures that I have already put in place. The people are already benefiting from my establishments. Look at the number of students that attend the polytechnic and the university from all over the nation, they contribute immensely to the thriving of small scale businesses in Ife. Each time both institutions are on break, the traders complain bitterly because patronage reduces drastically and ultimately, there is a problem with the economy of the town generally. These are some of the things the late Ooni of Ife saw and appreciated. He was instrumental to all these successes. Getting licenses and government approval for both institutions was not a joke at all but God did it with the contribution of good people like the late Ooni Sijuwade. He called me at a time to be a minister but I politely declined. He was instrumental to this concept of my wanting to be the next Ooni of Ife. I don’t need to say that I am a comfortable man. What else do I want to get if I become the Ooni but he was interested in me being there and more than 90 percent of the Ife people are interested in me being the next Ooni of Ife but if the kingmakers says no or the ruling house disagrees, then we will leave it to God. The late Ooni Sijuwade was a global Ooni, Ife needs someone that can step into that position. Ife is so ingrained in me that when I go to Lagos, that is just close by intending to stay for maybe 10 days, before you know it, by the third day, I am back in Ife again. It feels as if some forces pull me home. I love ife so much. Some people currently contesting for the position of the Ooni do not even know the streets in Ife. They cannot tell where Lagere or Iremo is. Some don’t even know where the palace of the Ooni of Ife is and they want to become Ooni of Ife. But Ife has a history that if kingship is manipulated and given to someone, that person will lose it eventually. However, if someone apart from myself emerges, I am willing to share my ideas with the person so that Ife can move forward. My wife, without being the Olori Ooni has been touching lives of the people, especially the needy. Every Friday, our home is crowded because she distributes essential items. She is far more generous than I am. We pray that somebody who will emerge as the next Ooni of Ife will not be somebody the people will donate money to buy a car for because the palace of the ooni is bigger and requires proper management. So anyone who must be Ooni of Ife must be fantastically rich to be able to take care of and feed so many people. There are many chiefs there and they all live off the Ooni. So what happens when somebody that is not already rich occupies that position? If I become Ooni, I will give jobs to those who don’t have jobs in the palace, locally called the “fesewole”. Apart from the government in Ife, I pay salaries that are substantial. A major employer of labour in Ife is Adedoyin apart from the government. The people know this truth and that is why they would prefer that I emerge Ooni but this is not a voting matter. Everything lies, not on all the 16 chiefs of Ife because the law says that it is the Obalufe and the Lowa that can select.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

by Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

Akwanshi: Wonders of Alok Ikom

Some of the monoliths

KWANSHI/ATAL as the monolith is called among the Ejagham people of the Cross River State is distributed among over” 30 communities. In each community, the stones are found in circles, sometimes perfect circles, facing each other standing erect, except where they have been tampered with by weather or man. Akwanshi occupies an important place in the history of Ekoi people of Ikom community; it is believed among the people that the face of each Akwanshi represents one of their ancestors, whose name they do not know. Their forebears revered these stones and made human sacrifices to them. During some important annual festivals, these stones are usually decorated with chalk and palm leaves. Some Akwanshi, especially those of the Etinta, have the neck groove shallower while arms, hands and surface decorations are added. Some also look unusual in lacking a sculptured navel, while other Etinta Akwanshi have massive heads. They have faces which bear the diagonal cheek marks. At Nkrigor (Nselle), there are Akwanshi’s that have open mouth, wedgeshaped beard and protruding navel as well as facial marks. In some deserted areas like the old village of Nkirgom, the Akwanshi have fallen and are not re-erected. In some cases, the stones are found in the centre of the village or in the central meeting place of the village elders, as in the case of Alok and Agba communities. In Etinan and Nabrokpa communities, the stones are located in an area of uncultivated forest outside the villages. The majority of the stones are carved

in hard, medium-textured basaltic rock; a few are carved in sandstone and shelly limestone. The common features of the monoliths are that they are hewn into the form of a phallus ranging from about three feet in height to about five and half feet and are decorated with carvings of geometric and stylised human features, notably two eyes, an open mouth, a head crowned with rings, a stylised pointed beard, an elaborately marked navel, two decorative hands with five fingers, a nose, various shapes of facial marks. The stone monoliths of Alok Ikom bear a form of writing and a complex system of codified information. Although they seem to share the same general features, each stone, like the human finger print, is unique from every other stone in its design and execution. The geometric images on the monoliths suggest that their makers possessed more than a basic knowledge of Mathematics, not only because they are geometric, but also because of the obvious implication that there were computations and numbers on the layout of the stones. The Ikom monoliths with their geometric inscriptions could be compared to the rock Arts of Tanzania. The meanings of the codified symbol are known to only the artists. These are also associated with their origin, which is like most rock art works in Africa. Ikom monoliths could be West Africa’s answer to United Kingdom’s Stonehenge. They are similar in arrangement and ordering to the Stone circuits in The Gambia, but unique in their complexity of design and interpretation.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

tribunetourism NCPC partners NIPOST on pilgrimage information THE Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara, has said that the commission would partner with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), by using its platform to disseminate messages on self sponsorship drive of the commission. The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara disclosed this while receiving the Acting Post Master General of the Federation, Mr Enoch Ade Ogun who was on a courtesy visit to NCPC office with his management team. Opara commended the leadership of NIPOST for their zeal to change the wrong perception Nigerians have about the agency over the years;

adding that NIPOST had for sometime suffered the set back of being seen in a bad light. While urging them not to relent on their ongoing good works, Opara stressed the need for all hands to be on the deck in order to achieve the needed change. He further urged them to encourage other Nigerians to partner with the commission in the area of self sponsorship, as NCPC is currently driving towards self sustenance. The NCPC boss assured his guest that the commission would partner with their agency to move the country forward. In his words, “The issue of partnering with you is a task that must be accomplished.” Earlier, Arch. Ade Ogun emphas-

ised that NIPOST was in a position to complement the commission’s efforts in terms of rendering courier services to the commission and Nigerian pilgrims who go on pilgrimage to Israel. He informed that they have over 650 networks all over the world. According to him, “This will enhance the business of Nigerians, especially those who go on pilgrimage.” He stated that affixation of stamps on transaction documents and agreements were needful for authentication and legal binding, so as to prevent such documents from being faked. He assured the commission of their readiness to synergize with NCPC for better results. In his words, “We want to work with you to see how we can serve our father land more effectively.

BA launches discount fares to celebrate Nigeria’s independence BRITISH mega carrier, British Airways, has introduced special fares to mark Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day anniversary celebration on travel flights from the country to the United Kingdom (UK) and select destinations in Europe. According to the mega carrier, the 28 per cent discount fare is available on its World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and the award-winning Club World cabins for outbound travel from Nigeria between Friday, September 18, 2015 and Sunday, November 29, 2015. The selling period is from Friday, September 18, 2015 to Friday, September, 25, 2015. Commenting on the independence anniversary amazing fares, the Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, British Airways, Mr Kola Olayinka, disclosed that fares to London for the celebration start from $425 in World Traveller, $1,055 in World Traveller plus and $2,855 in Club World for flights to UK respectively. Mr Olayinka added that flights to Europe

Executive Secreatry Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara, (right) presenting a gift to the Acting Postmaster General of Nigeria, Mr Enoch Ade Ogun, during the latter’s courtesy visit to NCPC corporate headquarters in Abuja, recently.

and other destinations start from $525 in World Traveller cabin. He explained that the fares which are available from both Abuja and Lagos are exclusive of all taxes, fees, charges and surcharges and subject to availability, adding that the discounted fares still come with all the benefits of flying with a full-service carrier. He said “This offer has once again underscored the fact that, the customer is always at the heart of our business at British Airways. The discounted fares are in line with our strong market focus of being pro-actively responsive to customers’ needs, and highlight another example of British Airways’ commitment to offering more value for money for its teeming Nigerian customers.” Congratulating Nigeria at 55, he said, “we all need a strong Nigeria, Africa, and the world needs a strong and prosperous Nigeria to continue contributing her quota in the comity of nations.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts introduces Tribute Portfolio STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. recently announced the debut of Tribute Portfolio in Europe with the addition of the Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Launched in April as Starwood’s 10th brand, Tribute Portfolio is a collection of outstanding independent hotels and resorts, promising owners, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members and guests alike the ability to “Stay Independent.” The signing of the Great Northern Hotel, a historic King’s Cross London landmark is a significant step in the global roll-out of Tribute Portfolio and reflects the growing global trend for independent, yet dependable highend travel experiences.

Emir of Borgu names committee for Gani Durbar Festival 2015 T

Horse riders

HE Emir of Borgu, Senator Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III has appointed Mallam Ibrahim Musa Goni, the Kogunan Borgu as Chairman of a six-man committee to oversee the successful implementation of the work plan for 2015 Gani-Durbar Festival slated for November 7 - 14, 2015 in Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State. Other members of the committee which is expected to deliver a new bench mark for the international festival are Alhaji Nurudeen Mohammed, the Tafidan Kiama (vice – Chairman), Alhaji Damisa Yau Mohammed, the Danmasanin Borgu (Director-General), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, the Madanin Borgu, Mr Frank Meke and Mr Peter Nze. The Emir who directed that the committee should fasttrack the registration of a company to manage the affairs of the festival, enjoined the committee not to leave any stone unturned in the quest to deliver a world class festival that would not only promote tourism and culture in Borgu land but will bring about change to Nigeria’s quest to attract international visitors and revamp tourism as a business with employment windows. And in line with His Royal Highness directives, the committee has set –up contact offices in New Bussa and Abuja with a plan to officially unveil the programmes of the festival including the theme to corporate sponsors and stakeholders before the end of September. In a press release issued by the media team in New Bussa, the chairman of the committee, Mallam Ibrahim Goni assured the Emirate council, the people of Borgu and Niger State government of the preparedness of his team to deliver a festival that would reverberate across the nation and borders, particularly in restoring and rebranding the traditional sport, history and culture of northern Nigeria and also help put Borgu land on global tourism map as must visit destination.

“We are delighted to welcome the Great Northern Hotel as the first Tribute Portfolio property in Europe, said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader for Tribute Portfolio and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “The hotel has been designed with such meticulous attention to detail, and we’re excited to partner alongside Mr Jeremy Robson as he continues to bring his independent vision to life.” Situated within the new Western Concourse of King’s Cross and just 25 meters from the Eurostar terminus at St. Pancras International, the Great Northern is one of the finest upscale boutique hotels in greater London. Having first opened in 1854, the hotel has been exquisitely refurbished and redesigned by Victorian master builder Lewis Cubitt to evoke the glamour and grace of the building’s extraordinary past. The Cubitt rooms feature high ceilings and large twin sash windows, filling the rooms with an abundance of natural light, while the fun and charming Couchette rooms serve as innovative interpretations of

a traditional railway carriage car sleeper. The Wainscot rooms, located on the top floor of the hotel, have high mansard style ceilings and are lined with Black American Walnut Wainscot paneling, which, along with deep aubergine paint, create a seductive ambiance. Guests of the Great Northern can enjoy a variety of dining options that bring to life the ambiance and flavours of English cuisine. Plum + Spilt Milk, located one flight up the hotel’s original grand staircase, offers simple British dishes using seasonal and carefully-sourced ingredients. The restaurant, whose name originates from the lively colors of the dining cars pulled by the Flying Scotsman, features 120 hand blown glass pendants and banquette-based furniture, handmade by Boffi of Milan. Designed with the aim of being one of Europe’s most glamorous railway bars, The GNH Bar opens directly into King’s Cross station and features etched mirror ceilings, organically-shaped pewter and marble bar and two grand crystal chandeliers.

Great Northern Hotel

Ex-PMAN president mounts stage on Sobe Day EX-PMAN President Admiral Dele Abiodun will mount the stage at the gala and awards night of this year’s Sobe Day celebration holding at St Eugene’s Play Ground, Sobe in Owan-West Local government area of Edo State on Saturday, September 26. A statement by the chairman Organising Committee of the anniversary, Dr Funsho Osoro said the week-long event that will feature football competition, free medical services, folk tales, cultural performances,

youths’ night and beauty pageant is an annual event organised to unite all sons and daughters of Sobe, especially those in the Diaspora for the development of the town. The event, which was initiated in 1991 to commemorate the merger of Sobe with its kiths and kin in Edo State, has evolved into a Christmas of a sort for the indigenes. Chairperson of this year’s celebration is US-based academic, Dr Kate Obasuyi.

Wednesday, 23 September , 2015

energy

anchors Tunde Dodondawa

m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

How China’s slow economy affects global crude oil market Olatunde Dodondawa With Agengy Reports

HINA’S slowing economy has dragged crude oil to a six-year low and oil’s second-biggest consumer remains the main safeguard against a further price meltdown. While China’s surprise currency devaluation helped trigger Brent crude’s slump to about $42 a barrel last month, the nation’s stockpiling of oil can staunch further losses. In the first seven months of the year, China purchased about half a million barrels of crude in excess of its daily needs, the most for the period since 2012, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. As the country gathers bargain barrels for its strategic petroleum reserve, the demand is cushioning an oversupplied market from a further crash, according to Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. “It throws a lifeline to the market that safeguards against the risk of crude touching $20 a barrel. That lifeline lasts through late 2016,” said Jeff Currie, Head of Commodities Research at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in New York. Other countries have emergency oil-supply buffers, and while the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve has been stable at about 700 million barrels for years, China is expanding its stockpiles rapidly. The Asian nation has accumulated about 200 million barrels of crude in its reserve so far and aims to have 500 million by the end of the decade, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). It’s currently filling a 19 million-barrel facility at Huangdao and will add oil at six sites with a combined capacity of about 132 million barrels over the next 18 months, the Paris-based adviser on energy policy estimates. “The fact that China is stockpiling crude for public strategic storage certainly offsets the weaker sentiment on China’s oil-product demand,” said Harry Tchilinguir-

Nigerian Tribune

270 Nigerians seek oil, gas opportunities at SNEPCo summit Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos

ian, head of commodity markets strategy at BNP Paribas SA in London. China’s demand growth is set to slow to an annual rate of 2.3 per cent by the fourth quarter compared with 5.6 per cent in the second quarter, a reflection of “weak car sales data, declines in industrial activity, plummeting property prices and fragile electricity output,” the IEA said in a report on September 11. The international benchmark has fallen about 50 per cent in the past year. When amassing inventories, China’s import demand can swing by as much as 1 million barrels a day, or about 15 per cent above monthly average levels, said Colin Fenton, a fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University in New York. Because the country buys when prices dip, it helps shield crude against extreme losses and effectively makes $30 a floor for Brent. “It’s going to be really, really hard to stay there or push lower because that price has already been demonstrated by the Chinese to be one where you should expect hundreds of thousands of barrels per day of import demand to appear,” said Fenton, who

Cash calls deficit: IOCs count losses P27

was Global Head of Commodities Research at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from 2010 to 2015. “China is the only country that can do it.” These discretionary purchases, while tempering oil’s recent slump, still need to be considered against the long-term slowdown in China’s energy consumption and the size of the current oversupply of crude, according to Barclays Plc. “The surplus in the market at the moment is close to 2 million barrels a day. China’s support for the SPR would only be able to take a fraction out of that,” said Miswin Mahesh, an analyst at Barclays in London. While Chinese stockpiling will “taper off” in 2016, it’s helping the oil market to digest excess production gradually, according to Goldman Sachs’s Currie. By mopping up some of the surplus, China encourages a gentler scenario in which the “financial stress” of $40 oil gradually causes highly indebted shale producers to curb production, Currie said. “You reduce the likelihood of a scenario where the market only balances when prices collapse below production costs, at about $20 a barrel,” he said.

Oando boosts traders fortunes with LPG gas stove

P27

SHELL Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Ltd, SNEPCo, hosted a business summit in Aberdeen, on September 12, where over 270 personnel representing Nigerian companies within and outside the country explored opportunities to repatriate skills and experience to the oil and gas industry back home. The forum, christened ‘The Global Nigerian,’ is the third in Europe’s oil and gas hub, and had the theme Networking and Collaboration as a tool for national Development and Growth. SNEPCo Managing Director, Tony Attah, said in an address “When, in 2013, we set out with the initiative for local companies to collaborate with Nigerian experts in Aberdeen on opportunities and challenges in the Nigeria oil and gas industry, we knew this would be a game changer. “Today, we can say that the game changer is beginning to take shape as Nigerians have started returning home to set up businesses.” A representative of the Nigerian High Commission, Mr Hassan Hassan stated that: “This is the right time for our experts based abroad to return home to make a contribution and be part of the success story.” The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr Denzil Kentebe commended Shell on both The Global Nigerian and Partnership Facilitation Programme and confirmed the board’s continuing support for both initiatives. In a presentation on procedures for potential contractors in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, the Deputy Manager, Reservoir Management and Evaluation, JV Continues on pg28

Stakeholders to discuss global energy dynamics at NAPE conference P28

energy Cash calls deficit: IOCs count losses 27

Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa Lagos

AST week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced it has secured a $1.2billion multi-year drilling financing package for 36 Offshore/Onshore Oil wells under the NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture. The funding package which is being financed by a consortium of Nigerian and International lenders is an integral part of the Accelerated Upstream Financing Programme initiated by NNPC to address the perennial challenge experienced by the Federal Government in providing its counter-part funding of JV upstream activities. One of the International Oil Companies (IOCs), Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), operator of MPN/NNPC Joint Venture, announced last week its operations have witnessed 53 per cent decline because of failure of partners to honour cash call obligations. The Manager, Field Law Services, ExxonMobil, Omojuwa Oteri, disclosed this in Uyo recently at a stakeholders meeting tagged “2015 Energy Outlook Series.” He said that the company started experiencing decline in its production activities 10 years ago due to non-release of 60 per cent cash call arrears by the joint venture partners. “Our joint venture production over the last 10 years had been declining up to about 53 per cent. This is majorly because of our joint venture partner’s failure in several instances to honour their cash call obligations to the business,” he said. He said that the federal government, which is represented by NNPC, was contributing 60 per cent to the joint venture while ExxonMobil paid the balance of 40 per cent. Oteri noted that the failure of partners to pay obligations to the joint venture had impacted negatively on investments outlook and profitability of the business. “In addition to this problem, we now find a global trend where the price of oil is right now close to 40 dollars per barrel.This affects profitability of our business and outlook for investment,” he said. He said that ExxonMobil was suffering from difficult times due to falling oil prices and non-payment of cash call obligations from partners; and solicited for the understanding and cooperation of business community, host communities, government and other stakeholders. In her presentation on ExxonMobil Energy Projection for the year 2040, the General Manager, Estate and Facilities, Elizabeth Essien, said the investment in natural gas was the way forward. She said that the company was investing in researches to discover unconventional ways of having cheaper, reliable and affordable usage of gas. The perennial constraint encountered by the NNPC in the execution of its joint venture cash call

Wednesday, 23 September , 2015

obligations took a new turn early 2015 when the Federal Government directed the IOCs and other stakeholders to fails to slash the percentage of government equity (usually 60 per cent) in the operations and allow the IOCs and indigenous companies cover exploration and development costs. Despite having several joint venture agreements with IOCs, NNPC

has consistently been challenged meeting its funding obligation. However, with the borrowing of $1.2billion, NNPC envisaged that the initiative apart from supplementing the Cash-Call commitment would help in the maintenance of current production levels in the short term as well as replacing depleting reserves. Breakdown of the NNPC/Chev-

ron JV deal which was executed at a signing-ceremony in London over the weekend indicate that the $1.2billion is to be channeled into the development of 23 onshore and 13 offshore wells on Oil Mining Licenses (OMLs) 49, 90 and 95 in two stages over 2015- 2018. Stage one comprising 19 wells is projected to deliver 21, 000 barrels of crude oil and conden-

Nigerian Tribune

sate per day alongside 120 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, mmscf/d, over 2015 and 2016. Stage two, comprising 17 wells is projected to yield 20, 000 barrels of crude oil and condensate per day alongside gas production of 7 mmscf/d between 2016 and Continues on pg28

Chief Operating Officer, Oando Marketing plc, Mrs. Olaposi Williams; leading Oando officials and Aro of Ipetumodu, Chief Rufus Oladele Onifade; to unveil the O-Gas usage initiative, in producing beans cake (Akara) at Osu, in Osun State recently.

Oando boosts traders’ fortunes with LPG gas stove Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos OANDO Marketing Plc, a leading oil marketer in the country has initiated a new social benefit scheme aimed at alleviating the sufferings of Nigerian women entrepreneur in the food business by making available Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) otherwise called cooking gas to them at affordable prices. Specifically, the company distributed LPG stoves to women entrepreneurs in Ipetumodu area of Osun State at the weekend. The women who are in the famous business of frying beans cake (Akara Osu) along IbadanIfe Expressway turned out in their thousands to receive the Oando team led by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Olaposi Williams, in a well attended ceremony. Speaking at the flag of the LPG gas stove distribution, Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Olaposi Williams said Oando was motivated “to embark on this initiative first to alleviate the sufferings of the women who are exposed to health problems arising from the use of firewood in frying their “akara” as well as ensuring a switch from the

use of firewood to a cleaner and safer fuel, which is LPG.” She stated that over the years, the women have been renowned for their trade, popularly called “Akara Osu,” but that they have over the years been exposed to sufferings and poor health resulting from inhaling smokes from firewood. “We at Oando have looked at the health issues associated with the use of firewoods and sufferings of these enterprising women and have decided to give back to this community by initiating this social benefit scheme as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).” Furthermore, Williams said the company is also poised to ensure that Nigerians switch over from using firewood to LPG, which is a cleaner and safer fuel. She disclosed that Nigeria being the fifth largest country producing LPG should not be the least to imbibe the culture of using LPG, adding that is one of the reasons why Oando Marketing, a leading oil marketer in the country is spearheading the switch starting from the bottom of the pyramid by going to the low income earners who

form the bulk of people that use firewood. The Head of Liquefied Gas, Oando, Mr Ganiyu Azeez, said the company had last month given out 30 units of LPG gas stoves and would also in a couple of weeks give out another 30 units to other beneficiaries in the community. He stated that the company will ensure all the women in the area are converted into using LPG Gas Stove so as to ensure the preservation of the environment. Also speaking at the occasion, representative of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment, Osun State, Forest Regeneration and Utilisation Department, Mr Ayo Akinromade commended Oando Marketing Plc for the initiative, noting that such a laudable step will help government’s drive to preserve the environment. He encouraged the women to seize the opportunity provided by Oando Marketing Plc in switching over from firewood to LPG so as to guarantee a safe environment for all. Responding, on behalf of the traders, Iyaloja/Founder of Ipetumodu Market Women Associ-

ation, Chief Mrs Grace Kayode Oyatomi expressed gratitude to Oando, disclosing that the initiative will certainly herald a new dawn in the business of her members. “We are grateful to Oando for this giant stride. Today marks the beginning of a new life in the business of our members.” Recounting what her members had gone through over the years while they were using firewood, Oyatomi said the traders used to be dirty and unkempt as they inhale smokes from firewood which often gave them sickness. She stated that some of the women could hardly see very well again having being exposed to firewood smoke for over 36 years, a development which she noted will be arrested as the traders switch over to the use of LPG Stove. Similarly, the representative of the traditional ruler, of Ipetumodu, Agbaakin of Ipetumodu, Chief Akinloye Olarewaju commended Oando for the gesture and assured that the traditional ruler of the area is prepared to give the company a parcel of land to set up their operations if need be.

energy

Wednesday, 23 September , 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Stakeholders to discuss global energy dynamics at NAPE conference Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos

TAKEHOLDERS in the oil and gas industry will converge at the forthcoming international conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) to discuss the impacts of global energy dynamics and its implications on the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The theme of the conference is: “Global Energy Dynamics and Implications for Nigeria’s energy and Economic Security.” The President of NAPE, Mr Chikwendu Edoziem, FNAPE, stated that the association held a pre-conference workshop to sensitise the government and the regulators on the challenges confronting exploration, development and production of hydrocarbon in Nigeria. Nigeria is at risk of long term disruption to oil and gas supplies, power generation, a collapse of industries and significant loss of revenue due to continued reduction in hydrocarbon exploration activities. Procurement and contracting cycles in Nigerian oil and gas is about 36 months, making it the longest and most inefficient in the world. The long contracting cycles resulted in high levels of uncertainties on costing and planning, thereby creating a sluggish business climate. On this, NAPE recommended that provisions of an enabling environment and incentives to increase exploration opportunities especially in high risk frontier basins, and under explored deep high, pressure high temperature plays. It also urged NipeX to further optimise reduction of contracting cycles for services and projects to a maximum of three and nine months respectively, as lowest bidder concept is being abused through ridiculously low bids. It proposed that for low to medium cost technical services bids significantly outside operator estimated cost range be disqualified. Other areas of concern are insecurity, oil theft and illegal refining which are considered as bigger threats to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria than the declining crude price. Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) is promoted by the size of domestic market, fiscal stability, fiscal returns and high levels of transparency and integrity by host government and its agencies.

According to NAPE, fiscal instability, significant gaps and uncertainty in the oil and gas regulatory policies and laws have resulted in loss of investors’ confidence and preferential investment in other countries in West Africa and other regions by the International Oil Companies (IOCs). “There are concerns that value may be eroded fur-

ther through attempts by the executives to open fresh debates in the National Assembly in attempts to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law. “The PIB as it is should be unbundled and the relevant sections of the extant Petroleum Act be amended to meet the current realities and to position Nigeria to be globally competitive as an oil and gas producing

country. “The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should be restructured and devolution of NNPC with spin off upstream company that is a commercially viable semipublic Nigerian oil and gas company with world class capacity for hydrocarbon exploration, development and production, while the Minister of Petroleum Re-

sources ceases to be the Chairman of the NNPC Board of Directors to allow for effective, purposeful and business-focused decision making. “Participation in and transparency of future bid rounds will be improved by simplifying the guidelines, increasing the frequency of the licensing rounds and reducing the sizes of the acreages on offer,” it stated.

From left, Kelechi Onyenso, Manager, Marine Operations; Omajuwa Oteri, Manager, Field Law Services; Elizabeth Essien, General Manager, Global Real Estate and Facilities Group, all of ExxonMobil; James Asuquo, Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo and Professor Eno Ibanga, Vice Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University during the Energy Outlook Series organised by ExxonMobil in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Cash calls deficit: IOCs count losses Continues from pg27

2018. It is envisaged that both stages of the project would generate $2 to $5 billion of incremental revenue to the Federation account. Beyond the contribution to the national treasury, the projected peak incremental gas production of 127 mmscf/d, which is the electricity equivalent of 400 megawatts would help boost the Federal Government’s domestic gas aspirations with expectant positive effect on power supply. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Group Managing Director of the

NNPC, described the new alternative funding arrangement as the new contractual model in upstream financing which would serve as a template for future initiative to supplement the Federal Government’s Joint Venture Cash Call commitment. While commending the NNPC/ Chevron Joint Finance Team and the Consortium of local and international lenders led by Standard Chartered Bank and UBA for a job well done, the GMD noted that the Corporation will not relent in the renewed effort to restore probity and transparency to the process of generation, collection and remittance of

crude oil proceeds. “I have always believed that issues of Federation Accounts must be left sacrosanct and not to be toyed with. The Accelerated Upstream Financing Programme is designed to help us achieve this objective,’’ he said. Clay Neff, Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited pledged the readiness of Chevron to work assiduously with the NNPC to meet its set target in the project. With the completion of its financing, Project Cheetah stands as the pioneer project under the Accelerated Upstream Financing Pro-

gramme of the NNPC. The project is operated under the NNPC/CNL JV which is owned on a 60-40 basis in favour of the NNPC. The NNPC./CNL Joint Venture is reputed as the 3rd largest producer in Nigeria. Project Cheetah is projected to achieve a peak incremental production of 61 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. Commenting on the issue, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Plc., Mr. Austin Avuru, had recently raised concerns about the NNPC’s value to the industry. According to him, “the cost

270 Nigerians seek oil, gas opportunities at SNEPCo summit Continues from pg26

oil operations, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Investment and Management Services, NAPIMS, Mrs Martina Atuchi told the experts: “We are inviting you to be part of the leading economy in Africa with a lot of untapped hydrocarbon resources.” General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Shell Nigeria, Chiedu Oba

gave a progress report on the decisions of The Global Nigerian since the first business summit in Aberdeen in 2013. He said several Nigerians had returned home to establish businesses in the oil and gas sector, while networking had continued on a collaboration portal which recorded more than 12,000 visitors every month by the 60 registered companies and users.

The participants agreed that the return of a significant number of Nigerian oil and gas professionals could make a ‘game changing’ impact on the efficient delivery of many opportunities that exist in the upstream, mid-stream and downstream sectors. They also suggested the need for low interest rates to boost the growth of the companies. The Global Nigerian 2015 was enthusiastically sup-

ported by government and industry leaders including representatives from Nigeria’s leading oil and gas trade organisation PETAN and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). Shell companies have continued to support Nigerian companies in the execution of contracts in their operations. In 2014 alone, 90 per cent of the contracts valued at $1.9bn was awarded to Nigerian.

The association of explorationists also stated that insecurity and pipeline vandalism are due to poor government policies and governance. It estimated that N200billion has been lost to this menace in addition to loss of assets to fire outbreaks, impact on the environment, loss of lives and the reputation on Nigeria as a mature oil and gas producing country. “There is an opportunity to reactivate the dormant licenses for private modular refineries and eliminate the perennial fuel scarcity caused by a lack of local refining capacity. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is currently unable to achieve its full potential as an industry regulator. Excessive interference through political appointments of the agency leadership and its operations has increased short term focus at the expense of longer term view of the oil and gas sector as the DPR is often hamstrung in enforcing regulatory compliance. “Potential revenue to Nigeria, employment opportunities are lost due to non-performance of a significant number of oil block/acreages that were awarded during past acreage bid rounds.

of operation in the upstream sector has soared. Two critical factors account for this, security issues in the Niger Delta and bottlenecks in NNPC; project delays and $5 billion of cash calls in arrears that have not been paid to the point where you ask the question, is NNPC really adding value to the industry today?” Managing Director/CEO, Total E&P Nigeria, Elizabeth Proust, further buttressed Avuru’s comment, saying, “resolving JV funding could increase production by 2.8 billion cubic feet per day by 2020. Government and industry need to implement a sustainable solution to deliver vital funding.” According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana, “oil companies are owed billions of dollars in cash call arrears putting the jobs of our members and other workers in the industry in jeopardy as companies easily rationalise disengagement of staff and reduction in welfare packages due to lack of funds.”

tribunebusiness

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Oyo IGR potential beyond N7bn — Adesina

Olawuwo Adesina, coordinator of the Oyo State Stakeholders’ Forum, speaks with NURUDEEN ALIMI, on the options available to the state government to maximize its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

s the coordinator, Oyo State Stakeholders’ Forum, can the state government generate more revenue, considering that you recently said the state short changed itself by poorly harnessing its IGR potential. There is the need for Oyo State to develop a comprehensive IGR improvement strategy. Government must seek to broaden IGR base and bring critical innovation to the traditional sources such as taxes, fines and fees, licenses, earnings and sales, rent on government properties, interest and dividends, reimbursable, and miscellaneous as mainstay of its IGR. I fervently believe that Oyo IGR initiative should be industry driven. If Lagos State could earn close to half a trillion in IGR and Ogun State is already talking of netting N10 billion in IGR every month as from this year, Oyo State can go ahead and simulate Lagos and replicate its economic model. It is what Ogun State is doing. If Ogun can build its industrial drive on its proximity to Lagos, we can do the same. There is no reason the state government should not expedite action and complete the inland container depot otherwise known as dry port, at Erunmu on its own and make it functional. Oyo State is one of the eight beneficiaries of this elaborate project which is capable of creating jobs in abundance and localising activities of shippers and their partners in the state. The value chain here is elaborate. We can imagine the upsurge of economic activities it will bring to the state. All these will translate into high taxes and rates. Fast tracking completion of the dry port is like bringing the Apapa Wharf or the Tincan Island Port to your backyard. Also vast natural resources waste away across the state. The government should, as matter of urgency, conduct an inventory of raw materials including mineral deposits available in all the 33 local government areas and get investors to tap into them. I am aware the state has mineral potential that can be capi-

Adesina talised upon. The state government can use its nexus with the APC federal government to resuscitate the marble industry. It is a disservice to use the moribund Leyland plant as school. The state government can begin to tap into industrialisation by getting foreign consortium to resuscitate the plants and many others that dot the state land space. The state government by now should evolve strategy to encourage the emergence of the Ogunpa/ Agbeni commercial axis of Ibadan as West African market and spell out its full potential so that it can compete with Idumota in Lagos. A deliberate government policy can achieve utmost commercial viability of the area. Perhaps I should tell you that the quantum of money circulated in the Idumota com-

mercial precinct is much more than what the commercial banks have in their vaults. The international market in Ogbomoso is also grossly underutilised. I am happy the governor noted sharp practices in the administration of the IGR. I will suggest government puts a ceiling of not more than 10 percent of IGR to defray operational cost. This should be accompanied by clearly spelt out indicative implementation plan, the purpose of which is to set the direction for the way forward and to guide the IGR board in its development of a detailed implementation plan. So, what is your take on the state initiative to increase the IGR to N7 billoin monthly over the next four years? There are two things you do when it is about

to rain. You will pray that the rain tarry and you will also quicken your step. That is what Governor Abiola Ajimobi is doing right away with the issue of IGR and overall finance portfolio of Oyo State. He hinges hope on subvention and improved allocation from the federal government and at the same time, he is working assiduously to boost the IGR generation. So the governor has no option other than to pursue a re-engineering of the state economy as he has begun. He seeks to cut on expenditure by reducing number of ministries to 15 from 23. But this has effect on what is paid to political appointees and not workers whose wage bill in the last four years has increased by close to 100 percent as the governor continues to increase salaries of workers and institute welfare packages. As a government with human face, the governor is not considering retrenching the workforce; instead government is concerned with the option of increasing revenue base of the state. Presently, Oyo State is generating an IGR of N1.2 billion and the government plans to increase it progressively to N2.2 billion by 2016, N3.6 billion by 2017, climaxing at N6.1 billion by 2019. But ideally, the government is thinking of N7.6 billion to put the state on a sound financial footing, but I still take this as the state short changing itself. The state can generate far more than this right away. The state can accrue as much as Ogun State in terms of IGR which should be around N10 billion per month. As a pace setter state Oyo should rank as one of the ten highest IGR states in the country. This is more so because IGR has become a critical fiscal enhancement tool for states in recent times amid dwindling oil revenue from the Federation Account. You are aware that federal allocations had been dwindling since 2011 leading to a worsened extent that many states found it difficult to pay their workers. Oyo State should be able to generate revenue exceeding the allocation from the Federation Account by seeking to make Oyo State the economic hub of the nation ahead of Ogun State. The state can attract and retain spill over of economic activities from Lagos State.

Back on track? Nigeria’s oil refineries resume production Bright orange flames flare upwards from a pencil-thin chimney at the Port Harcourt Refining Company, sending thick black smoke into the white clouds above Nigeria’s southern oil hub. On the ground, workers in boiler suits and hard hats inspect the tanks, valves and gauges around the metal pipes that stretch up, down and across the facility. In the hush of the control room, away from the hiss of steam and hum of heavy machinery, the refining process is monitored closely on a bank of computer screens. PHRC boss Bafred Enjugu sees it as a sign that Nigeria — Africa’s biggest oil producer — is finally “domesticating” the refining of crude into products, thus improving its energy security and ending a reliance on costly imports. The talk is of job creation, national pride and the chance to help revive an economy badly hurt by the fall in global oil prices as well as providing fuel for the increasing demands of a growing population. “To give up on the refineries is like giving up on Nigeria. That’s how strongly I believe about it and we can’t afford to do that. We can’t go home and tell our children that we have failed to provide the right platform to take off,” the PHRC managing director told AFP. The Port Harcourt refinery is Nigeria’s oldest, built in 1965, nine years after oil was

found under the marshy soil and creeks of the delta, where the Niger river runs off into the Gulf of Guinea. Refineries in nearby Warri, and Kaduna in the north central region, were built in the years that followed, while a new plant was added to the same site in Port Harcourt in 1989. In recent years, however, the facilities have been more idle than operational. OPEC-member Nigeria instead sent much of the 1.8 million barrels of crude it now produces daily to foreign facilities, buying back refined products such as petrol at market prices. By the end of Goodluck Jonathan’s

presidency, just how reliant Nigeria had become on imports became clear when a dispute between marketers and the government caused a crippling fuel shortage. Muhammadu Buhari, elected on an anti-corruption ticket, replaced Jonathan in late May, days after the blockade was lifted, and vowed to end years of graft and mismanagement. Less than a month later, the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), of which PHRC is a subsidiary, said all four refineries would resume operations. Buhari, who accused Jonathan and his predecessors of having “run down” the re-

fineries since the return to civilian rule in 1999, then sacked the entire NNPC board. A probe was ordered into “mind-boggling” sums of oil revenue allegedly diverted into private accounts, and a Harvard-educated lawyer was named to run the NNPC and make it commercially viable. The new group managing director, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, has promised to uproot the firm’s “anything goes” culture and warned of sackings for under-performance. The Port Harcourt refineries can refine up to 210,000 barrels of crude a day but are currently operating at 60 percent of capacity. “After 14 years we have had to clean up, to do a thorough overhaul of the system,” explained Enjugu. Recurrent pipeline vandalism also means deliveries of crude can for now only come by ship, slowing down the process. But Enjugu was hopeful targets to boost output can be met within the government-imposed three-month limit to the end of November and the workforce was committed to the task. “We will make the country proud again... People want to deliver, people want to prove that there is a fortune to be made,” he said. Buhari, who stares down from a portrait on Enjugu’s wall, helped launch the NNPC in 1977. Culled from AFP

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

CHIEF Olisa Agbakoba, a former president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was among the leading lights, who almost lost their lives during the fierce and prolonged battle by human rights and pro-democracy activists against military rule in the country. In this interview with BOLA BADMUS, he reviews 16 years of civilian dispensation, beginning from 1999, and other issues. Excerpts:

OU were a key actors in the battle to send the military back to their barracks and pave way for civilian rule. Do you feel fulfilled, given the nation’s experience in a civilian dispensation since 1999, and why? How can I be fulfilled? I am very angry. If I had known if this is what we are going to achieve, well, I would have done it, but I would have been disappointed. I am disappointed because we put our lives on the line to see that a better Nigeria emerged. I think we have all agreed now that we made tactical, strategic mistakes. How do you mean? We were the ones people were associating with. We started by being committed to fighting human rights abuses, including prison delays, including all the small things people suffered from. But in doing that, most of the human rights groups at the time between 1985 and 1986 now discovered that there was a larger problem. How can you be fighting human rights abuses in the context of dictatorial government? So, we extended our bases and became pro- democracy activists. In other words, while promoting human rights was our first passion, installing a democratic process was vital to achieving human rights. That was it. So, it expanded and we had all kinds of strong pro- democracy groups: National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), United Action for Democracy (UAD), Joint Action Council (JACON) and the likes and the war was to get rid of the regimes of General Ibrahim Babangida, late General Sani Abacha and the likes from political power. The last person we thought we would be supporting was actually late Chief MKO Abiola because we felt he was in cahoots with the military, but to the extent that he was a beacon of democracy. We lifted him and fought with him and in the end, it worked because there was a space for democracy to return. A strategic error we made was that we failed to take that space; that was the strategic error; we failed in 1998. There was a crucial meeting in Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s house to take the space and be the actor. So, you left the space for politicians? We left the space for politicians and they took it and this is the sorry pass. I don’t know if we ever had taken the space, it would have been a little better. But I think it would have been. I feel it would have been better. That is my take; that was the error. So having

Nigerian politicians are lazy —Agbakoba

Agbakoba fought hard, travelled through Nigeria, got arrested, got beaten, I am not happy we are still discussing human rights. The questions I am getting now are like questions I got in 1985, more than 20 years ago. There has been no growth really. Essentially, what do you think is the problem of the country? Leadership is Nigeria’s problem; the fact that we do not have committed political leaders, that is the problem, quite simply and squarely. Late Professor Chinua Achebe said it in his book, The Trouble with Nigeria. The problem with Nigeria is quite simply a failure of leadership. We have got the right people; we’ve got brilliant people; we’ve got resources. If you aggregate all of these without a leader, it won’t work and we will be looking and searching for a leader. But what will it take to search for a leader?

It is difficult. It’s not a Nigerian problem; it is a problem across the world. Barrack Obama didn’t become American president by word of mouth because in the United States, they have a phrase that captures those that can be leaders; it’s is called WASPWhite, Anglo- Saxon Protestants. The first person to break that was John Kennedy by becoming a White Anglo- Saxion Catholic and then, it went back to White Anglo- Saxion Protestant. Obama came and refigured the demography of the American politics by binding together a coalition of disgruntled and aggrieved Americans: the Latinos, who didn’t have passports, even though their kids were born there; the Blacks who had been suffering; the Gay Rights Movement; women. He pulled them all together and he won. In Nigeria, we have lazy politicians, who are not prepared to work as hard as Obama. Politics is not about money; politics is about a serious game played by the most enter-

In Nigeria, we have lazy politicians, who are not prepared to work as hard as Obama. Politics is not about money; politics is about a serious game played by the most enterprising people. We do not have politicians of that cadre.

prising people. We do not have politicians of that cadre. We do not have politicians who are driven by a zeal for power to make a change. We have politicians who are opportunists and look for how to be jumping from one platform to the other and getting something for themselves. That is the problem. You said those of you are human rights activists then left the space for politicians. Do you think that mistake can still be corrected by activists coming together to take the space? History is like an eclipse; it produces a moment. When the eclipse passes, it passes. That time in history has passed; it needs something new to galvanise Nigeria. I mean to be honest with you, when Pentecostal people say they are on the mountain, I absolutely understand it because I was on the mountain. How can I leave my house with my young babies and travel all the way to Jos to go and look for trouble in the shape of political activism? Only a mad man would face bullets and guns. I am not going to do that now, you see. And I doubt if any of our people have zeal not to talk of commitment to do that. So we’ve got to look for something new. You know that in the evolution of a country, actors are produced. If you look at America, when Obama became president and he saw a Black American activist, who had run for president many times but did not get it, he shed tears because of a process that goes back to when Blacks were taken as slaves, mistreated; there was a war. Each step was continues pg31

31 politics&policy

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

‘My regrets for leading pro-democracy agitation’ sort of money we are saving, from December we would seize to import PMS (petrol). Do you know what it is? Do you know what it is for somebody who is a corrupt leader to say ‘to hell with that; I am going to ensure that we keep on to import petrol; that we keep on to import generators and keep the country down because if these two things work, then a lot of people would have jobs at the small and big levels?’

continued from pg30

struggle and each struggle produced a victory. Then came Abraham Lincoln and his emancipation proclamation, freeing Blacks and then came Jean Crolux when the White said, ‘because you think you are president passed this law,’ They took it back from Blacks. And then came Plessy and Ferguson, the great American case, which said separate but equal. You are a Black man, you are a White man, you are equal but you should go to separate schools, it’s constitutional. Then came Ron Bon, which said ‘we are all equal’ Then came Rosa Park; then Martin Luther King Junior, who said ‘I can see a promise land, I would not get there, but I promise Americans would get there.’ He was a Black man. So in Nigeria, on the chain of liberal democracy, we are main actors, our time has passed. What we are looking for are new events; new events that will catalyse the process. You can’t go back and fetch 1985 for today. We now hope that if Buhari going to be the leader of modern Nigeria? Maybe! Can he? I am not Buhari. Go and ask him. He seems to be moving towards that direction, in view of some programmes of his administration? Everything is ripe for him to be the father of modern Nigeria. One, if you take a census, most would tell you we are not happy; poverty is everywhere; in spite of riches, people are excluded. So, what he has to do is simple like a doctor who sees a report and says is that all? If he surgically exercises Nigeria, opens the space, change the things around, empowers people, puts in the security agencies that will provide funds for the dispossessed and deprived Nigerians, then we are on the way. Then, we are on the way; it is not difficult. And in this context, I feel very sorry for former President Goodluck Jonathan. I feel very sorry for him because he had a very good team but he was too nice a guy. So I am sure wherever he is, he would see that. Hans Morgenthau, one of the big scholars on the issue of power said power never suffers a vacuum. If you leave it, it would go elsewhere. Jonathan unwittingly did not handle power properly. I would not be surprised if there is a probe, you find nothing against him, but you find all those around him guilty of one thing or the other because power suffered a vacuum under Jonathan. But, Nigerians always have great expectations each ti,e a new leaders emerges? That is what happens in politics, yes. In the case of Buhari, don’t you foresee Nigerians being disappointed at the end of the day because it is fast becoming a tradition in the country. Why are you asking me that question? Do I look like Buhari? Go and ask him the question. I have given you the parameters that Buhari has the possibility of being a big leader because, even I was skeptical about his victory as some people also did, he pulled it off on ‘change.’ Isn’t it? It caught on. I saw him going to cast his vote in his hometown. I saw Jonathan casting his vote. Once I saw that, I knew Jonathan would not win because you cannot conjure frenzy. It must be real; it must be a volcano; It must explode. So, this guy has the potential. You have always talked about the

Agbakoba

We need to do what is a called root-and-branch reform to shape the tree, so that all the bad eggs will come down and we will build the judiciary so that it performs its primary function of deciding cases speedily, justly and fairly. National Question. What is it about? Also, was the Confab under former President Jonathan able to address the problems of Nigeria to a certain degree? The National Question is how is it that we are just a great country but we are a very poor country. My daughter’s Master’s thesis was ‘Interrogating the Paradox of Poverty in Rich.’ Why are we rich but poor? It is because we are not using our resources properly, that is all. Why are we not using our resources properly is the National Question. And if you look at it in a way, Nigeria is mismanaged. It is like a man with four wives, who doesn’t want to give himself peace by living with all the four wives in one house and they are fighting for their children’s right. But a sensible man with four wives simply builds four bungalows and puts all the wives in different bungalows and gives them money to run their affairs and they live him alone. That’s Nigeria’s story. Everything in Nigeria ends up in Abuja, so we are all interested in Abuja. the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, other tribes are all interested. We are the so-called three big ones. What about the other ones? In the National Conference, we were absolutely insulted by the other tribes who felt, who the hell we are! You think you are the only three in Nigeria? And then a response came from a lady, I can remember her name. She said you know this is not a big

question, and she gave this analogy I have just used, just create a space. But the politicians are afraid of creating a space. You know why? Why? Money, money! I am going to 62. Believe me when I tell you when I was a young boy in ‘73, ‘74, they started to dualise the Onitsha- Enugu Road. Uptill today, they are dualising. They would dualise this way, today you would see Dumez; tomorrow you’ll see another firm. Why? Money! Why should a minister of works sit in Abuja and have a say in the road in Anambra? That is the problem; that is the problem. No one is prepared to say I am going to take the bull by the horn. The bull is a strong animal. That is a big risk. No one is prepared to take the bull by the horn and bring Nigeria under control by doing the right thing. That is the problem. Some argue that such reports are never implemented because a few influential people are favoured by existing structures or arrangement? I will give you two examples. Do you know how many people have lost money from increase in power supply and distribution because generator sale has gone down? You can’t believe the trillion we have saved. Some persons have lost money; somebody is losing money. Do you know that with the

Well, it is a question. That’s the question. Those are tough questions. Would all the guys who stole money be lined up, prosecuted properly and put in jail and their monies recovered, will that happen? That’s another question because when all these things happen, people will begin to behave properly. Will the National Assembly obey the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission’s directive not to pay itself unconstitutional salaries so that for instance, a proposal goes into the National Assembly that the basic salary of a National Assembly member is N1million a month, will that happen so that it becomes uninteresting to go to the National Assembly, unless you have the passion to serve. But now if you are going to get N800 million a year, the sort of charlatans I see sitting in the National Assembly says a lot about the values we have for moving Nigeria forward. But if you say to the National Assembly, ‘well, no salary at all, come on your own steam.’ Let’s see how many people will be there. These are the big questions that require big answers. So, like a former Governor of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Charles Soludo said, your question is a deep one with a long answer. Let’s look at the judiciary. A lot of people claim there is too much corruption in that arm of government? It is not a nice thing to have a corrupt Judiciary, but I think the better question is that, is the judiciary modern? That I think is a better question. Are you telling me you don’t have corruption in American Judiciary? Sure, there would be, but they are able to deal with cases speedily. But the question to ask is, what is the objective of the judiciary and what is the strategic perception of the people about the judiciary? People want to see the judiciary work with speed, particularly where a person is directly affected. So, like my driver’s Keke Marwa was stolen, he is into court six times; the court never sat. I have been a victim. I have a house in Abuja. The tenant didn’t pay, so I asked him, could you just leave? I don’t mind because I have gone to court three times. He agreed because it was better for me than to wait endlessly. So, I think the judiciary is very slow and is there something we can do to turn it around? It is simple now. Who do you make judges? What kind of rules do they apply? How do they work? Are they using the rules Real Madrid and Manchester United use to win cups or are using the rules that all the teams lagging behind use? Who is our CJN; is he a motor carrying the load the way we see the Chief Justice of Kenyan judiciary? Do we have talents in the judiciary; do we have people who understand the case? Because if you go to a doctor and you have typhoid and he tells you have malaria, you are going to be sick. So, there are interlocking issues and factors that would make the judiciary work. Right now, they are not present; so we need to do what is called root-and-branch reform to shape the tree so that all the bad eggs will come down and we will build the judiciary so that it performs its primary function of deciding cases speedily, justly and fairly.

32 politics&policy

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

HID: Whither the Yoruba nation? By Dare Adekanmbi

HEY are vociferous in commentary on national politics and issues of human and capital development. They are the darling of groups across the Niger. They have breasted the tapes in many sectors and won renown across the globe. In education, they are the intellectual-kings. They constitute the nucleus of the intelligentsia. Politically, they have been led by a visionary leader whom a British citizen once described as qualified and competent in every respect to be the British Prime Minister. Alas! The Yoruba nation, a people once shepherded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the best president Nigeria never had, a man whose contributions to Nigeria’s and Africa’s development in his “holy crusade for a place in the sun,” are unforgettable, now live only in the shadows of past glories, a situation that may be made worse with the death of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, leaving the 44 million Yoruba sons and daughters politically naked in “the geographical expression” called Nigeria. Chief Awolowo, in 1945, formed the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, which he conceived as a panYoruba socio-cultural group in London, during his schooling abroad. His vision was to make the body a rallying point for the Yoruba to articulate their interest eloquently and foster unity and cohesion. According to archival records, it was not a journey that sailed smoothly for Awolowo to get the buy-in of eminent Yoruba peoplein his conceptualisation of the association. Before the body could be launched in Nigeria, it took untiring effort from the sage to have the feat achieved. But the small vision germinated into a mighty oak with the opportunity that presented itself in 1948 when Egbe Omo Oduduwa was launched by a group of eminent Yoruba leaders, such as Dr Akin Maja, Mr H.O Davies, Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Dr Kofo Abayomi, Akanni Doherty and Mr Bode Thomas. It was similar to the Ibo Federal Union established in 1943 in philosophy and so envy naturally set in. The NCNC, Dr Nnamadi Azikwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns saw the Egbe Omo Oduduwa as a threat to its political hegemony. The cohesion and coherence that were achieved through the establishment of the association contributed to the Awolowo’s leadership of the Yoruba which he earned unconditionally. After the exit of the great titan, a number of associations have been born to continue to champion the interest of the Yoruba nation in the larger configuration of Nigeria. Prominent among these groups is the Afenifere. So cohesive and forceful was the

Akinyemi

Mamora

Oyinlola

Ofeimum

body that it was the nightmare of the dictatorial interregnum. Its leaders formed the bulk of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which rendered the General Sani Abacha regime invertebrate. After the second election in the current Fourth Republic, trouble hit the Afenifere fold over clash of interests with its actors in a claim and counter-claim game. Dissatisfied, HID Awolowo had summoned a peace meeting to Ikenne Remo, on April 7, 2009, to unite the contending camps in the Afenifere family. After a meeting with the representatives of the various blocs in the group, a committee headed by HID was set up to resolve all outstanding disputes among the leaders of the group and find long-lasting solution to the crisis rocking the Afenifere. Senator Femi Okurounmu, who read the communiqué after themeeting, had said: “the committee consists of two members from Chief Reuben Fasoranti’s group; two from Chief Ayo Fasanmi’s group and two from other Aowists to be joined by Alhaji LateefJakande. The committee will work under the chairmanship of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. The committee will present its report at the next general meeting. A former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, who was one of the representatives from the Fasanmi group, had called for caution in exploring ways of reconciliation of aggrieved members and stressed the need for all the groups within the organisation to have input in who would lead it. Certain interests were said to have worked against the aggressive efforts at unifying the Yoruba. Some members of the Afenifere, made up of yound Turks, branched off in the Afenifere Renewal Group and it

HID Awolowo

Situations and circumstances always throw up actors and people who step into vacuums that are created. I am sure that this occasion will also bring up people who will take the roles that Mama had played. has since existed side-by-side the Afenifere. HID Awolowo was not relenting in her vicarious crusade for Yoruba unity and after broad-based consultation, the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) was formed as an apolitical organisation with the vision to reposition the Yoruba. YUF, within a space of two years, became the toast of sister bodies from the South-South, the South-East and the Northern parts of the country. Soon, an alliance of all the similarly inclined groups in the South of Nigeria was born inder the aegis of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, with rotational meetings. The leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), which is North’s most vocal voice, also forged a synergy with YUF under the leadership of HID Awolowo. Whither post-HID’s vision of unified Yoruba nation? The question of what becomes of the foremost desire of HID Awolowo after her demise was put to some prominent Yoruba leaders and observers who paid glowing tributes to her. Below are some of their responses: Senator Olorunnimbe Ma-

mora “Mama was a rallying point for the entire Yoruba race, particularly after the demise of the sage, Papa Obafemi Awolowo. Even when Papa was alive, Mama was a pillar of support; no wonder Papa described her as the Jewel of Inestimable Value. She carried that all through to the very end. Irrespective of the political party that anyone belongs to, people still go to Ikenne and take wise counsel from Mama and benefit from her fountain of wisdom. She had so much. She protected in every way possible the legacy of the Yoruba race. “No doubt, she has left a void that will be extremely difficult to fill by anybody. Life is such that such people do not come around so often. She lived a good life. I think everybody remains proud of her.” On the implication of her death for the vision of a united and cohesive Yoruba nation, he said: “I cannot really see anyone right now that will fill the vacuum left by her death and who can play the kind of role that Mama played while alive. Let us pray very well that the Yoruba race will not be sheep without a shepherd.

Odia Ofeimum “When Papa was not available, she did what he would have done. After Papa’s death, she performed the duty that very few people recognise. She removed the most partisan element from her concerns and concentrated on what would bind people together. That was one great job she performed. “Very many Nigerians would not understand why Awolowo ceded his leadership of the house, so to say, to his wife. Mama was a very unique individual and Awo was unique enough to realise that the woman she married actually owned the house. Her interest were so intertwined with his and they were so firmly together that the man could afford to go to sleep, confident that whatever she did would be in his own interest too.” Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola “The only tribute we can pay to retain the memory of Mama is for us to honour her by ensuring the actualisation of her dream, that is, to see all united under the same umbrella. I think it will be a worthwhile testimony to her memory if we can achieve.” Professor Bolaji Akinyemi “Situations and circumstances always throw up actors and people who step into vacuums that are created. I am sure that this occasion will also bring up people who will take the roles that Mama had played. “The loyalty, tenacity that she brought to causes that were dear to her and Papa Awolowo were legendary. We admired that loyalty and tenacity. She has been described as the mother of the nation and I subscribe to that. We had to let her go, but we are going to miss her.”

33 politics&policy Chief Wilfred Inah, a former Head of Service of the old Cross River State, represented the state in the Federal Character Commission for five years and was also a member of the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference. In this interview with UBONG ANTHONY, he speaks on his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the administration of Governor Ben Ayade in the state.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Why I dumped PDP —Inah

he insisted it must be that same person who had been to the House for two terms, as well as the state House of Assembly for two terms. He insisted and he gave no explanation to anybody, not even to me whose confidence he had enjoyed. We were in a party, where they think you mean nothing; your opinion doesn’t mean anything. Even when former Governor Clement Ebri, I and a former member of the House, Obeten Okorn begged him for the position to go to Abi, Imoke still said no. That is the arrogance I am talking about, arrogance of power. You think you owe nobody apology and you expect me to continue in that kind of party? You may say Imoke is no longer the governor but he is still an influential member of the party, so the impunity will still continue. Why should I remain in PDP with all these injustices? That was why I left PDP.

they are not being pursued; they are already trembling. I truly believe that corruption is already being checked by the mere name of Buhari. What the government is doing now is trying to recover what has been stolen and perhaps teach a lesson to those who stole in order to serve as a deterrent to those who will be appointed into political offices and those public servants who are still in the service after having been corrupted by the past administration. In terms of checking corruption I think Buhari is already doing very well. The sympathetic approach that can be seen in his performance is reflected in the bailout that his government has arranged for states. Public servants form a very small minority of the population but their happiness contributes sufficiently to the delivery of service by any government. So, those who argue that so much money is being spent on a few persons who are public servants are getting it wrong. The civil and public servants may not be many but they have been employed to help government to deliver on promises. Why does government exist? It is for the welfare of the people and all the problems of government are executed by public servants, so their welfare is very important. I am sure it is in realization of the importance of public servants that the government of Buhari has gone all out to ensure that public servants who are owed salaries and allowances should be paid. On the other hand, I feel excited about the administration of Prof Ayade, the state governor because from his qualification and experience, he doesn’t appear to me to be a frivolous man who will make promises he cannot keep. His name is at stake, I believe that when he says he wants to do this or that, he means business. So far, I don’t think he has disappointed anybody. For instance, talking the 240 km Super Highway, it is clear that the President will come for the groundbreaking. Even if he does not come, I think he will send a representative. It shows that even at the federal level, people believe he is capable of delivering what he promises to deliver. The other day, I heard he is going to give 30 per cent of appointments to opposition parties, that is very surprising in a Nigerian situation where we are very familiar with winner takes all. That act is going to endear him to the populace and the result of such a decision he has taken to me is cutting down on opposition to his government. If those who are not in PDP have appointments in Ayade’s government, they will be more constructive in their criticisms. Their criticism will be more rationale because from what we are seeing at the federal level, the opposition party seems to totally misunderstand their role as an opposition party. It looks as if it is criticism for its sake and not constructive criticism. It is shameful that people who brought Nigeria almost to its knees are making so much noise.

How would you assess administration of President Buhari and that of the governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade’s so far? My view is that President Buhari is meeting the expectations of most Nigerians in very many respects. For people, who agree that corruption is responsible for the lack of progress in this country in many areas, they are very satisfied with what is happening in the area of checking corruption. For instance, many say the fear of Buhari is the beginning of wisdom. Many people are even frightened of the name even when

Don’t you think that the high debt profile of the state may slow the governor down in executing his signature projects? Those who are going to provide the money for these signature projects are not deaf. They are not blind. Before they commit their money into projects of that magnitude, they will certainly examine the profitability of the projects and the ability of the government to repay. I believe that if those who are supposed to fund those projects are sound in their thinking, they will think before they get involved in providing funds.

S a former member of the Federal Character Commission, would you say that the appointments so far made by President Buhari are in line with the principle of federal character? I believe that everything concerning appointments so far is within the competence of the President. For instance, my tea girl in the office must be somebody I trust; nobody will appoint my tea girl for me, for obvious reasons. The person who will work closest to me is somebody I can trust. I have read a lot about the criticism of Buhari’s appointments but I think we lack objectivity in looking at those appointments. If I want to have a driver, he must be somebody I have tried and trusted otherwise I will just say because of federal character I will appoint my driver from anywhere, a driver I do not know, he takes me out, he crashes, I die and that is the end of the story. In old Cross River State, what did we see by the appointment of Secretary to the State government? Late Dr Clement Isong was governor of the state from 1979 to1983. Who was his secretary to government? Dr I.I Ukpong from his own local government at that time.. Who took over from Dr Isong? It was Donald Etiebiet from Annang, who was his secretary to government? E.D. Ekpenyong, he brought him in from the federal civil service as a director. What I mean is that the person you know, the person you can trust for those sensitive appointments should be appointed. Buhari has not appointed his ministers, if he appoints them and you find the most powerful ones- Internal Affairs, he brings a minister from the North; Foreign Affairs from the North; Defense from the North, then you can start saying what is happening to this man. We have not got to that point. Nigerians should be patient. It is too early to judge him. You are a founding member of the PDP in Cross River State. What really informed your decision to join the APC? When I was approached by the APC hierarchy, I said they were preaching to an already converted person because instinctively, that is where I belong. Instinctively, I don’t belong to the PDP. I abhor injustice. Injustice turns good men into evil men. If you cheat me in an election, you will see me as a very bad looser because I will protest and take certain actions to let you know that I object to the injustice you have subjected me to. It happened to me when I contested governorship in 1991. I believe I had a raw deal but was not fairly treated by the leaders of the National Republican Convention (NRC) which I belonged to then. They knew they were cheating me. I left the PDP because of injustice, impunity and arrogance. Can you imagine a situation where all the 18 local government chairmen of the state are all PDP members? How did they emerge as candidates? Imposition! And

Inah

Injustice turns good men into evil men. If you cheat me in an election, you will see me as a very bad looser because I will protest and take certain actions to let you know that I object to the injustice you have subjected me to. 25 members of the state House of Assembly are all PDP. What primaries did they go through? It was all through handpicking. Eight members in the House of Representatives from Cross River State are all PDP. How did they emerge as candidates? Imposition! The three members of the Senate are all PDP. How did they emerge? Imposition! We have about 196 councillors in the state; I think about 194 are PDP. All of them, who emerged as candidates, were imposed. If they had gone through proper primaries and they emerged, well and good; nobody will quarrel. But, they gave opportunity for even political weaklings to claim that if they were given a chance to contest primaries, they would have won when indeed they would not have (won). That is the kind of experience one has in PDP. I am from Yakurr. We have a candidate who stayed in the House of Assembly for eight years; his predecessor in the House was again from my local government. So Yakurr alone, out of the two LGAs that share that federal constituency, we have gone to the House for 16 years. I suggested to the then state governor, Liyel Imoke that this time, the candidate for the House should come from Abi local government area, which happens to be his own local government area. There is no explanation why Yakurr local government should be in that position for 20 years when the Abi people have not gone there even once, I told the governor but it looked as if he was convinced but at the end,

news

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Corruption allegation: Amaechi slams

N300bn suit on PDP, others Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

ORMER Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has dragged before an Abuja High Court the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party chairman in the state, Mr Felix Obuah and two others over allegations of foreign accounts ownership and funds embezzlement. He is seeking the sum of N300 billion from PDP, Obuah and two others for general damages allegedly done to him and defama-

tion of his character, reputation and person. It will be recalled that Rivers PDP had, in two press statements on August 6 and August 21, 2015, alleged that Amaechi stole the sum of $757 million or N80 billion of Rivers State public funds and stashed away same in an account in his name in Bancorp Bank in Minnesota, United States of America. The party had also alleged that Amaechi embezzled millions of dollars of Rivers

State money and stashed the money in other foreign accounts in his name, including a bank in Switzerland. PDP had also claimed that the various foreign accounts of the former governor were revealed by Christiane Amanpour of the America’s Cable News Network (CNN). It alleged that the bank wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari that part of the funds was to purchase a residence for Amaechi in America and that the bank

intended to return the stolen funds to Nigeria. However, according to a statement issued from his media office, on Tuesday, Amaechi, in the suit said each of the publications by the defendants (PDP, Felix Obuah and two others) were not true. The statements, he said, “are untrue, false, motivated by ill-will and without any foundations in truth whatsoever. The defendants made the said libellous publications after PDP failed the presidential elec-

tion. “And (the statements were) with a view to rubbishing him (Amaechi) in the eyes of right thinking members of the society and the persons to whom the said libellous publications have been made.” The former governor averred that he neither stole the sum of $757 million or N80 billion of Rivers State public funds, nor stashed them away in Bancorp Bank in Minnesota, US or stashed any state public funds in Switzerland. He claimed that at no time had the Bancorp Bank, Minnesota revealed that he embezzled or misappropriated or connived in the embezzlement and misappropriation of monies meant for Rivers State people in the said sums or stashed them away in his name with the USS-based bank.

RUN produced 3,500 graduates within 10 years —VC By Kehinde Adio

Mr and Mrs Leye Solanke exchanging marital vows during their wedding at Our Saviour Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Saturday.

Prepare for more flood before year ends, NEMA warns states THE Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mohammed Sani Sidi, has warned that the recent flooding that wreaked havoc across the country may likely occur again in more frontline states as the Cameroonian government gets set to release water from its dams in the days ahead. He warned Nigerians to take seriously the recent prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency regarding excessive rainfall in the zone this year. The NEMA DG gave the warning when he visited some areas that were affected by flood in Kaduna State on Tuesday. He urged residents, states and local government councils to prepare adequately against flood disasters during this year’s rainy season, advising those still living along flood prone areas and river banks to vacate such places in order not to be caught unawares. While commiserating

with the victims, Mr Sidi said that NEMA, in collaboration with Kaduna State Management Agency, was making arrangement to provide them with temporary accommodation. The flood overwhelmed about 10 local government areas killing one person. The local governments affected were Kachia, Kaura,

Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Kauru, Kubau and Soba, Igabi, Chikun and Makarfi, affecting over 2,000 houses and at least 30,000 people. Emergency officials said the Cameroonian authorities had indicated that between now and November this year, there would be routine release of water

from the dam, warning that all those living around River Benue in Garoua in Cameroon up to Nigeria must be at alert and be ready in case of possible flooding. When the flood occurred, Governor Nasir el-Rufai visited some of the affected areas and blamed it on human error.

NCAA releases one grounded foreign aircraft Shola Adekola - Lagos ONE of the two foreign registered aircraft; a Bombardier 700-100 with registration marks G-RBEN Global express S/N 9083 operated by Gama Aviation, United (UK) Limited, but grounded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in the country for operating illegally has been freed. The regulatory body said that it released the aircraft, which was grounded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, after its operator

paid the required penalties of N7 million. The agency also said that the operator paid the sum of $20,000 to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) for the same offence before it could be allowed to return to its base. NCAA, however, insisted that the other aircraft, an Embraer 135J with registration number XA-MHA would remain grounded in the country until its operators meet all the conditions set for it to be released. Confirming this yester-

day, the Acting General Manager, Public Affairs in NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, hinted that the NCAA had written a letter of sanction to the operator. His words: “In the light of the above, you are hereby sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of Section1 .3.3A and Section B of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) 2009 and you are required to pay within seven days on the date of receiving this letter the sum of N7million being the total civil penalty for the above violation.”

REDEEMER’S University (RUN), the first African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) in Nigeria, has produced about 3,500 graduates in different fields into the local and international labour markets within its 10 years of existence in the country. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Debo Adeyewa, made the declaration at a press briefing held on Monday in preparation for the 10th anniversary and seventh convocation ceremonies of the institution, slated for September 29, 2015. According to him, for the 2014/2015 academic session, the university will present 447 students drawn from the three faculties in the institution for various first degree awards, out of which 15 of them finished with first class honour. The vice chancellor said “the university is committing time, money and energy to research development in different fields. Recently, this university won $1.54 million from the United States National Institutes of Health and the United Kingdom’s Welcome Trust to support research and training of Africans in the field of genomics and building scientific infrastructure under the human, hereditary and health in Africa.

Nigerian Tribune

Ondo tribunal dismisses APC petition Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure THE Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Tuesday dismissed the petition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Mr Victor Akinmoyero, against the return of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Mike Omogbehin as the winner of the House of Representatives in Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency. The tribunal, however, upheld the election of the PDP candidate, Omogbehin for scoring the highest lawful votes cast against a claim by the petitioner that the election was characterised with over voting and other irregularities. Delivering the judgement, Justice John Obiora stated that Akinmoyero failed to tender credible evidence or call relevant witnesses before the court to prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the counsel to the petitioner, Mr Adeola Kayode, said his client will challenge the verdict of the tribunal at the Court of Appeal. Speaking after the verdict, Omogbehin said the decision of the tribunal had justified that he was duly elected by the people of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency assuring the people that he will soon settle down to carry out his duties and to give the people quality representation.

Kwara’ll meet N2bn IGR target —Ahmed Biola Azeez - Ilorin GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has given assurances that the projected N2 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the state will be achieved without additional burden on tax payers. Governor Ahmed gave this indication in Ilorin, on Tuesday, when he inspected the new office complex of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service and the office of the State Revenue Tribunal under construction and rehabilitation respectively. The governor explained that the new revenue generation drive would be premised on the employment of electronic system in tax collection, rather than the introduction of new forms of taxes. “The major issue we want to address is the collection process which we intend to drive electronically,” he said.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Edited by: ‘Gbenga Opadotun olojaekuro@gmail.com 08037149731

Flood claims 5 children, destroys property worth millions of naira

HE Chairman of Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Alhaji Nasiru Ahmed, said that five children were killed in a recent flooding that ravaged the area. Ahmed told the newsmen in Kiyawa that the children were caught by flood in different villages during a downpour that flooded the area. The chairman said many houses were destroyed while more than 10,000 farmlands were submerged

by the flood. He disclosed that two major roads, Dutse-Katanga and Kiyawa-Birninkudu, were cut-off, making vehicular and human movement difficult during the period. Ahmed said that the council had been taking care of those persons displaced by the flood. He some victims are living with neighbours, while others are staying in schools around the area. “We have been doing our best to assist the victims, even the roads that were cut off had been repaired by the

council. “The council had also been providing food items and cash assistance to some of the affected victims,” Ahmed said. He said that about N1.3 million had been spent to alleviate the suffering of those affected by flood. Ahmed explained that officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had visited the area for on-the-spot assess-

ment with a view to assist the victims. Similarly, the Secretary, Kirikasamma Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ayuba Turabo, has said property worth N50 million had been washed away by flood in the area. Turabo disclosed this in Dutse during an interview with newsmen. He said that properties that were destroyed included houses, farmlands, live-

Funds: Council boss dissolves abbatoir committee over non-remittance THE Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr Bright Amewhule, has announced the dissolution of the adhoc committee administering the Oginigba TransAmadi Abattoir. Amewhule told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the past administration of the abattoir headed by Mr Ahmed Musa, was owing the council N90 million in unremitted funds. He said that the administration did not remit daily business collection dues for nine years. “The administration has not been remitting daily business collection due to the council; it also refused to honour several invitations from the council,” he said. He advised business operators at the Oginigba Trans-Amadi slaughter slab to stop further dealings with any impostor. Amewhule cautioned the dissolved executive against causing any confusion, saying that they should allow peace to reign in the area. He charged the new chairman, Alhaji Misundu Beli, to ensure that sanity returned to the slaughter slab and laughed off allegations that he was paid heavily by the new chairman to secure the appointment. “The allegation by Alhaji Ahmed Musa, that my action contravened the constitution of the union

is baseless because the slaughter slab belongs to Obio/Akpor council. “The council has the power to appoint who manages the affairs of the slaughter slab as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. Beli, in his reaction, commended the chairman for efforts made to constitute the new body and promised to cooperate with the police to ensure peace in the abattoir.

Gov. Muhammed Abubakar, Jigawa State

stock, among others. The secretary said the places worst hit by the flood were Marma, Turabo, Sanamu, among others. Turabo stated that the council had distributed sacks with laterites to assist

Owan-East council spends N6.4m on exercise books OWAN-EAST Local Government Area of Edo State has spent N6.4 million to purchase exercise books for pupils in public primary schools in the area. The council chairman, Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, said in Afuze at the kick-off of the distribution of additional 125,000 exercise books to schools. He said education was the priority of his administration and promised better funding of the sub-sector. “The distribution of exercise books to the pupils is a way of assisting parents who cannot afford it. “Education remains the bedrock for societal development, transformation and also self-development, hence, it remains a legacy we must bequeath to our children,’’ he said. Ijegbai, who expressed worry about the poor read-

Gov threatens to sack commissioners, LG bosses GOVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno State, has threatened to sack commissioners and chairmen of local government caretaker committees, if they were ever found wanting in the discharge of their duties. The governor gave the threat in Maiduguri at the inauguration of the state executive council and swearing-in of caretaker committees for the 27 local government areas. “The days of straying into government house are over; we expect commissioners to be at their duty posts and to come to government house only when required to do so. “We want local government chairmen to be at their headquarters and work. “I will not even think twice before removing any commissioner or chairman found wanting in the discharge of his or her responsibilities,’’ he warned.

Shettima directed some local government chairmen to proceed to Yola to cater for some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) evacuated from Cameroun. “We expect the chairmen of Ngala, Gwoza and Kala -Balge to immediately relocate to Yola where we have 10, 000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Borno. “I will personally join you and will see to it that our people are evacuated back home,’’ he said. He expressed concern at the hardship the IDPs had gone through over the years as a result of the insurgency and poverty and urged the new officers to work toward ameliorating their plight. “We have been in the news for the wrong reasons; our people have suffered untold hardship in the past six years,’’ he said. The governor declared

that the people of Borno had been rated among the poorest in the world and expressed regret that the Boko Haram menace had further pauperised them. “For an average Borno man, poverty is not a subject or philosophical issue but a reality of everyday life. “Our people are poor and even the issue of food security is a huge challenge,’’ he said. Shettima said that the influx of IDPs to the state capital had created enormous challenge for the government and the residents. “The population of Maiduguri has swelled from about 1.5 million to over 2 million. And believe me, most of these people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. “A lot of us here are hosting IDPs and most of us do not have the capacity to host those IDPs,’’ he said, and pledged that his administra-

the people to build embankment to control flooding in the area. He said the council had spent about N1.5 million to provide relief materials for the victims of the flood disaster.

tion would strive to implement people oriented projects. “Going forward I will definitely step on so many toes. “I want to tender my apologies because definitely we have to work for our people and for the good of our people,” he said. Shettima announced that his government would commence reconstruction of damaged structures in areas reclaimed from the Boko Haram terrorists. “Immediately after Sallah, we will start rebuilding Bama with or without international support. “By the end of the year, we want the people of AskiraUba to be back home; we want the people of Abadam to go back to their home. “We also want the people of Gwoza, the people of Konduga and the people of Monguno to go back home,’’ he said.

ing culture among youths, said his administration would help to promote better reading and writing culture in schools. “This is necessary to build a better future for our children.’’ Earlier, the Education Secretary of the council, Mr Sunny Okakah, noted that most pupils come to school without exercise books. He lauded the council’s gesture and promised that the exercise books would be distributed to all primary schools in the area.

LG distributes relief materials worth N4.1m to flood victims THE Chairman, Birninkudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Alhaji Khalid Ibrahim, said the council had spent N4.1 million on relief materials distributed to victims of flood in Babaldu village. Ibrahim disclosed in an interview with newsmen in Dutse, shortly after the distribution of materials to some of the affected victims in Babalolu village. He said that the items distributed were mainly foodstuffs and cash to alleviate their suffering. According to him, the flood wreaks serious havoc with several houses and property destroyed. The chairman said that the local government had taken measures to clear drains to prevent occurrence of flood in the area. Ibrahim told NAN that the governor of the state, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar, had visited the place and pledged to assist the victims.

37 news

Wednesday, 23 23 September, September, 2015 2015 Wednesday, Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Drama as INEC contradicts self over APC primaries Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

he National Assembly and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State capital was on Tuesday stunned when a witness from the national

headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Ibrahim Mohammed, told it that the commission conducted primaries election for the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kogi west senatorial district. The drama occurred at

the resumed hearing of the tribunal over the petition filed by a former Senator, representing Kogi West senatorial district, Senator Smart Adeyemi, challenging the declaration of Melaiye as the winner of the March 28 election. The witness, during cross

examination by the counsel to the petitioner, Kayode Olatoke, said the party conducted a primary election, but he did not witness it. He agreed that the subpoena summoning him to the court was addressed to him in person and not as an official of the commis-

Ambode inaugurates governing councils of LASU, LASPOTECH, others Bola Badmus - Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has on Tuesday inaugurated the Governing Councils of the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), charging them to work assiduously to reposition the institutions as foremost citadels of learning. The governor also inaugurated those of Micheal Otedola College Education of Primary (MOCPED) and the Lagos State College of Health technology, with the same charge. Ambode, while speaking at the inauguration ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Alausa, said his administration’s belief that tertiary institutions were critical in achieving economic prosperity, prompted the careful selection of diverse professionals from the academia, public and private sectors with proven track record and sterling antecedents, to manage the affairs of the state institutions. Justice George Oguntade, a retired judge of the Supreme Court was inaugurated as Chancellor of LASU; Professor Adebayo Ninalowo, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos became the ProChancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of LASU.

Professor Tajudeen Gbadamosi of History department at the University of Lagos was inaugurated as Chairman, Governing Council of LASPOTECH, while Alhaja Sekinat Yussuf was sworn in as Chairman, Governing Council of MOCPED. Professor Tunde Samuel

The Oyo State Police Command has called on residents of the state, who have vehicles or motorcycles to protect them by installing tracking and other security devices in order to prevent theft. This advice was contained in a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Adekunle Ajisebutu, and made available to newsmen in the state capital, Ibadan. According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police in the state is con-

build a new foundation for the state tertiary institutions. According to him, “The quality of leadership of the Governing Councils inspires confidence that the potentials of the institutions and their ability to rise up to the challenge of development will be unleashed.”

Okonjo-Iweala’s role in my govt got her new jobs —Jonathan FORMER president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who served as his Coordinating Minister of Economy and Minister of Finance, over her recent appointments. Okonjo-Iweala was recently named as a senior adviser in Lazard, a United States investment bank, and GAVI, also an international organisation. Commenting, Jonathan said the role she played in his government must have influenced the appointments. He credited OkonjoIweala for the launch of the treasury single account in the country, advising that women who excel in their various professions should be encouraged to participate in governance. “I have no doubt in my mind that you would excel in the two assignments, given your past record of excellent service both in Nigeria and internationally,” Jonathan’s congratulatory message read. “Through your vision, the

Be security conscious, police task Oyo residents By Oluwatoyin Malik

was inaugurated as Chairman, Governing Council of AOCOED and Mrs Tilley Giyado as Chairman, College of Health Technology. The governor said with this group of sagacious minds, there was no disputing the resolve of the state government to consciously

cerned about the frequent reported cases of stolen cars and motorcycles where they were parked. “While the police are working assiduously to recover more stolen vehicles, it is important that the citizens also need to be security conscious. “The police is committed to protecting lives and properties of the citizenry, and would leave no stone unturned to achieve this,” the statement read, while it also sounded a note of warning to criminals in the state to desist or risk being arrested by the police.

nation was able to implement some rewarding reforms in public financial management, including the launch of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to boost dwindling revenue, as well as the introduction of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which eliminated thousands of ghost workers from the public service system. “I am encouraged by the fact that your responsibilities in the new positions fall within your familiar career purview of strengthening institutions, building systems and advising countries on structuring their finances and dealing with debt issues. “I believe that this record of high performance in my government weighed heavily in your favour and helped

put you on top of the list, during the man-hunt and competitive international search process to fill these positions. “It further underscores my belief that women of high integrity and proven abilities should be given the opportunity to directly contribute to national and international development,” the message added.

sion. Mohammed also stunned the court when he said he did not know the name of the Chairman and members of the panel of the APC that conducted the primary election. In the same vein, when the official of the DSS was asked the name of the Assistant Director of Operations of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Kogi State, the witness said he did not know his name. Counsel to the second respondent, which was the APC, Ayotunde Ogunleye had brought in Victor Garba as a witness following the subpoena of the tribu-

nal issued on the SSS. Garba, who said he was the officer attached to the office of INEC in Lokoja, the state capital, had told the Justice Akon Ikpemeled tribunal that he was investigating the case of tampering with election materials used for the disputed election. He had also tendered five documents, which include handwritten report of the observation of the verification of the ballot papers, letters from INEC to the DSS, reports of findings, observation and investigation of the tempering with ballot papers used for the poll.

38 CHANGE OF NAME

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HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

Akinruntan mourns

EADER, Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committee, Olugbo of Ugbo land, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, has commiserated with the Awolowo family on the death of their Matriarch. Oba Akinruntan de-

She lived a remarkable life —Osiberu FORMER external Auditor of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Chief Lafenwa Osiberu, said the duo of late Papa and Mama Awolowo were bequeathed with distinguished honour in all aspects of life.

scribed Mama as mother of the nation and her death

as end of a rich era of perseverance, industry, ser-

vice to God and humanity, and a loss to Yoruba race.

AS tributes continue to pour in for Mama H.I.D. Awolowo who passed on to glory, a foremost human rights lawyer, Ebun Olu Adegboruwa, has described the death of the Matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty as a legend in the archives of Nigerian democracy. “Mama Awolowo was the only existing mother of democracy in Nigeria. She expressed the epitome of a real virtuous woman. “Mama preserved the

values of the Awolowo family. She was a veteran of wisdom and a good ex-

ample of a virtuous woman. “We will all miss her.

golden mother, who not only cares for her biological children, but all of us who were privileged to pass through her hands on political sojourn. Mama Awolowo symbolised a true

She rendered selfless services to Nigeria —Ogun NYSC THE Ogun State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Adeola Afolayan, said that Mama rendered selfless services to the nation and humanity. He said this in a condolence letter addressed to the family and made available to the Nigerian Tribune that the scheme and the Nigerian youths would miss her deep passion for

the corps members. “We in the NYSC family will greatly miss her deep passion for the scheme and Nigerian youths which she exhibited in her wise and invaluable counsel as well as the inspiration she gave to Corps members whenever they visited her. Indeed, she was endowed with a unique way of promoting national unity; especially among the corps members.”

A Professor of Medicine, Akin Osibogun, in his tribute eulogised the deceased for being a source of encouragement and inspiration to all

those that had relationship with her. He said,”She was in a class of her own. She inspired and encouraged us, so we’re go-

A former deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, has declared that the life and death of Chief HID Awolowo should challenge Nigerians on how to place her rare heroism as a subject of close study in gender activism. This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, on the passage of Mama to glory. According to Oyedokun, “She is the heroine of the political maxim by which women’s contribution to nationalism has become a scorecard that is beyond compare; little wonder her husband, Chief Obafemi

Awolowo, had constantly described her as a woman of inestimable value. “She definitely deserves a place among the shining stars of respectable mothers, who have become the living force by which great

By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

WIFE of Nigeria’s former president, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, has urged Nige-

woman of virtue, who was an epitome of forthrightness, humility and doggedness. I was so close to Mama and Papa that I was given the rare opportunity of having a once-in-a-lifetime personal photograph session with them in the inner recess of their home in Ikenne, which Mama facilitated. That singular honour I cherish forever. Mama’s true love for a ‘lowly’ person like me, just like many others, culminated in her accompanying Papa to commission my AGUDA HOSPITAL, Surulere, Lagos in 1982. Mama, you are a mother to me in all sense of it. Mama, you lived for others to live. You demonstrated rare courage at the face of ex-

African leaders have recorded resounding success both in their private and public duties,” he stated. Oyedokun, who noted that she stood like a solid rock of sustenance dur-

She was a woman of character –Senator Balogun By Tunde Ogunesan

THE Osi Olubadan of Ibadan land and a former Senator, Lekan Balogun, in his comment said, “It is a pity, I suppose the end has to come for everybody. Mama was a typical example of the saying that behind every successful man, there is a woman. Obviously, a woman of character,

ing to miss her words of wisdom and the encouragement that she gave us. But we’re consoled by the fact that she lived a fulfilled life and died

Nigerian women should emulate her virtues —Obasanjo’s wife rian women to emulate all the good virtues of Mama HID Awolowo, who she described as a very strong and energetic woman.

treme odds, many of which you weathered with Papa triumphantly. You are a God-gift to humanity. Definitely, there shall be none like you again, at least for a long time to come. Goodnight and Mama Oninure, Abiyamo Tooto, Oniwa tutu bi Adaba.

Mama was a very strong example of that saying. “She was really a woman of strong character. There’s no way anybody can separate or distance the success of the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo from her strong character. I join the Nigerian public to console the family. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” he added.

She said this when she paid a visit to Ikenne, on Monday, that Mama was an icon that all women must emulate. “She was a very strong, energetic and bold woman. A woman that every women in Nigeria should emulate. She supported her husband so much in his lifetime. We, women should stand firm behind our husbands. Whatever you do, you must hold your home tightly as she did and people will benefit from it. I am very proud of her.”

at the ripe age of 99. Even though we still miss her, it is very certain that through the help of Almighty, she’s going to rest in peace, having lived a very fulfilling life. “Our politicians and public service holders should learn from her how to put service before self. That is service to our communities and be concerned about the future generations that Mama and Papa Awolowo prioritised evidently in the education of young people and gave everything to it and of course through the free education policy in the old Western region. “I think our politicians should also pay attention to the future of the young ones by emphasising access to education, social services and building enduring legacies rather than being concerned with self.”

Nigerian teachers mourn her By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), under the leadership of Comrade Michael Olukoya, has said the passage of the mother of the nation, Mama HID Awolowo, has created a vacuum in the country’s education sector, which will be difficult to fill. According to a statement

Oyedokun mourns Mama Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

I enjoin her children to continue in her good works,” he said.

Conflicts Resolution Committee, was set up at the instance of Mama in Ikenne to unite Yoruba Obas. He described Mama as a symbol of peace and prayed God to grant the Awolowo family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

She was a source of inspiration —Osibogun

None like her —Senator Kola Ogunwale “I am particularly delighted to be associated with Papa and Mama Awolowo for a very long time. Mama, in the course of my interactions with her and Papa, represented a

He recalled how his committee, Yoruba Obas

Mama HID Awolowo, matriarch of democracy —Adegboruwa Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Lagos

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 23 September 2015

ing the many hard times Chief Awolowo encountered in the anvil of political tribulation, called on Nigerian women, especially at a time like this, when too many politicians have turned fair weather friends, to emulate her virtue so that Nigeria can get to the promised land.

made available to the Nigerian Tribune, Comrade Olukoya said Mama supported her husband from the home front when he implemented the free education programme while he was premier of the Western Region. “Baba Obafemi Awolowo would not have succeeded in his programmes if not for the support he received from Mama, his jewel of inestimable value.

Her death personal loss —Oyebola FOR Chief Areoye Oyebola, the death of Mama was a personal loss, saying she lived a fulfilled life with great impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians. He said, “Mama, your unique and enviable position in history is assured, yet your glorious home call

Her life was unique —Ofeimum FORMER personal Secretary to the sage, Mr Odia Ofeimum, also said that Mama lived a unique life despite her travails. “You lived a life unique and full of realised dreams in spite of the travails. Yours was the fame of the exem-

“It is as a result of this that Nigerian teachers are mourning the passage of Mama Awolowo as we have lost the backbone of the progenitor of free and functional public education system in the country. “We, therefore, pray for spiritual strength for the Awolowo family to cope with the loss of the Matriarch, Mama HID,” Comrade Olukoya said.

plar that lived to see growth that will not annul the good work of your beloved. You stood by the great one who was your chosen all through the thinnest and the ticket of fulfilling his wishes. Yours was love that will outlast all blandishment.”

has given me a deep sense of personal loss.”

A chapter in an era has been closed —TETFUND boss THE Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, on Sunday, expressed shock over the demise of Mama HID Awolowo, saying that “a chapter in an era has been closed” with her glorious exit. Professor Bogoro, who described the Matriarch of the Awolowo family as a mother to all, said the deceased lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation by all.

HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

Wednesday, 23 September 2015

She was an affectionate person —Solanke By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

HE first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Folake Solanke, has described Mama HID Awolowo as an affectionate, wonderful, highly intelligent person. Mrs Solanke was among dignitaries at the Awolowo house, Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday, to commiserate with them on the death of the matriarch of Awolowo family. She said she visited

Mama HID in March this year and treated her to a very delicious meal-ikokore, her special delicacy. “The news of Mama Awo’s passing hit me like a thunder-

bolt. Mama O’odua was a superb and benevolent Matriarch who extended love and affection and care to all who came in contact with her. I applaud Mama’s faith,

THE wife of the former Head of State, Mrs Ajoke Murtala Mohammed,

for his affectionate reference to Mama as an inestimable jewel. Since then, every Nigerian wife became “inestimable.” “I will always remember

Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

CHAIRMAN of Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun East Senatorial constituency, Osun State has joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the departure of

the ‘political amazon and matriarch of the Awolowo family’, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo. Omoworare, in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Tunde Dairo, on Sunday, said Mama Awolowo was a true reflection of the popular saying

said late HID was an affectionate and eptiome of virtue. She said “Mama HID was an affectionate person, an epitome of virtue

and role model for all Nigerian women. “She will always remember people’s faces no matter how long she had seen such fellow.”

that “behind every successful man, there is a woman”. The Senator said that Mama provided a strong pillar of support for the political vision and dynasty of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying that she stood by him through the thick and thin. He said: “Her values and virtues became clearer after the departure of our father and her husband, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, Mama carried on graciously with the family and the political empire

of great Awo to the best of her capacity. “Mama HID Awolowo remains a model for women across divides in Nigeria, Africa and the entire human race. She is indeed a mother of the nation, her ceaseless involvement in the quest to make Nigeria great, developed and politically stable, which have always been the dreams of her husband testified to this.” Omoworare urged Nigerian women to emulate the deceased, by giving their husbands maximum support to

HID Awolowo represented strength, commitment to public good —Osun PDP Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

OSUN State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, commiserated with the family of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and African Newspapers of Nigeria,(ANN), publish-

ers of Tribune titles, on the death of the matriarch of Awolowo Dynasty, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo. The party said Mama Awolowo represented strength and commitment to the interest of the public good and welfare. In a statement issued in

Osogbo by the PDP’s director of media and strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, the party said “late Hannah Awolowo, at the glorious reunion with her husband would have message for the sage. The statement reads: “The death of Mama HID

Oyo APC, Accord, PDP mourn late Awolowo THE APC, Accord Party and PDP in Oyo State, on Sunday, lamented the death of Mrs HID Awolowo, describing her demise as a great loss to

the Yoruba race and the country at large. The parties’ officials, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Jaran of Ile-Ife commiserates with Awolowo dynasty By Gbenga Olumide

THE death of Yeye Oodua, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, has been described as a great loss not only to the entire Yoruba race but worldwide. This was disclosed on Sunday, by the Jaran of Ile-Ife , Osun State, High Chief Adeyeye Adekola. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, Chief Adekola said Mama HID Awolowo was a mother to the Yoruba race, adding that she lived a good legacy for others to follow. According to him, “Mama in her life time, was a mother of all, she could not do without Ooni and Ooni could not do without her too. She is our Yeye Oodua, we would continue to remember her.” Chief Adekola further said that “Mama demonstrated all the good qualities by standing behind her husband during his

with joy and fondness. I will cherish her golden age wise counsel, love and goodwill and her beautiful smile. She remained elegant and he artful and cheerful with a sense of humour,” She said.

Mama HID Awolowo was a model for women in Nigeria, Africa —Omoworare

She was epitome of virtue —Ajoke Murtala By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

courage, generosity and confidence in her creator notwithstanding the tribulations which she bore with fortitude. “I also pay posthumous tribute to the legendary sage

Nigerian Tribune

political trial. She never waivered for once during Papa’s incarceration, rather she was committed to upholding what Papa stood for. Even in death, Mama remained a rallying point for the Awolowo political dynasty until her last breath.

in Ibadan, all affirmed that the vacuum left by the late Matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty would be difficult to fill. Chief Akin Oke, the APC chairman in Oyo State, who described the death of the deceased as a great loss, expressed the hope that the country would accord her a befitting burial. “To God be the glory for sparing her life till 99. Mama lived a fulfilled life and I hope Nigeria will give her a befitting burial,” he said.

Awolowo marked end of era of total commitment to service for the public good by the couple that, even years after quitting public service, still enjoyed incredible goodwill that has eventually been leveraged on by many

HID’s death, a monumental loss — IPAC THE Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), an NGO, on Tuesday, described the death of Chief Hannah Awolowo as a “monumental’’ loss to the nation. A statement signed by the IPAC chairman, Malam Bashir Yusuf, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, described the deceased as a “woman of grace and dignity’’ who played the role of pillar and stabilising factor in building a strong nation. “We commiserate with the Obafemi Awolowo family and the government and people of Ogun State on the death of their

DPC expresses shock Bola Badmus - Lagos

THE Democratic People’s Congress (DPC) said on Sunday, that it received with shock, the news of the demise of the Matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Hannah Awolowo, who died on Saturday, at her residence in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State at age 99. The party expressed its feeling in a statement issued by its National Chairman, Reverend Olusegun Peters, saying, “We are deeply pained over the death of this shining star that touched millions of

lives in her 99 years of service to God and humanity.” “Indeed, the death of a mother at any age is always painful as nobody can fill her vacuum in the lives of her family,” the party added. The party, while saying the country would miss the Yeye Oodua, described her as a woman of indefatigable endeavour. It said the late Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Tribune titles would be remembered for her love, devotion and commitment

self-acclaimed Awoists to curry public good.” “Mama represented the strength of African woman in supporting worthy cause for the benefit of mankind and the successes of her spouse, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

succeed in their careers and other endeavours while making personal marks and gathering courage to keep the flag flying always. “Sincerely Mama’s unwavering support for her husband and deep involvement in his political activities surely sustained her to this very old age and informed her active political roles without old age as a barrier,” Omoworare said. Senator Omoworare equally extended his sympathy to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, his wife and family. In his words, Omoworare sent his condolence to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo Osinbajo, a grandchild of Mama HID Awolowo, he prayed that the Osinbajos will find courage in God and consolation in the quality of life lived by Mama HID.

to her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his eventful political career and her selfless service to humanity. “She was a pride to the women folk. The nation would miss her wise counsel in our collective quest at building a strong, virile, prosperous and decent society.” The DPC said. The party said it shared the grief of members of Mama’s family but grateful to God for a life well spent in the service to people, just as it prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest.

matriarch, who passed on at the age of 99 years. “Her death is a monumental loss to the nation and Nigerians will miss her wise counsel in our emerging democracy,’’ the state-

ment said. It prayed that God should grant the family of the deceased and the people of Ogun State the fortitude to bear the loss and for her soul to rest in peace.

She was an embodiment of patriotism, humility, integrity —NAWE Bola Badmus - Lagos

THE Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE) on Sunday, said the matriarch of Awolowo family, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, was an embodiment of patriotism, humility, integrity, perseverance and compassion, even as it further described her as a mother’s mother, with exceptional milk of human kindness. NAWE said this in its reaction to the death of the Yeye Oodua through a statement issued by its national president, Chief Ada Ozongwu. While still describing the late matriarch as a jewel of inestimable value, NAWE added that she was a great leader, motivator and philanthropist, saying it was glad that she fulfilled her destiny and lived a life worthy of emulation. “Our hearts go out to members of her family, friends and loved ones, trusting God to comfort

and strengthen them as they bear her transition to glory. “For this beautiful symbol of womanhood, it is a celebration of life,” it said, just as it prayed for Mama’s soul to rest in peace.

YYNF mourns Mama Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Lagos

ALSO reacting to the death of Mama H.I.D Awolowo, the President of the Yoruba Youth National Forum, Comrade Eric Oluwole, expressed the sadness of youths in Nigeria and the diaspora. “Mama, was an epitome of womanhood. We will greatly miss her in terms of unity of Yoruba nation, Africa at large. “We commiserate with the children, grandchildren and the entire Awolowo family.We pray that her soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

Wednesday, 23 September 2015

Don’t mourn but celebrate Mama, cleric tells children Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

of Mama to that of Jesus Christ before his crucifix-

HILDREN, grandchildren and other descendants of Mama HID Awolowo have been advised not to mourn the demise of Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s jewel of inestimable value, but to celebrate her. This appeal was made yesterday during the morning service organised by churches under St Paul Cathedral, Sagamu, and led by Reverend Canon Ebenezer Fadipe. In his message, Fadipe urged members of the family to continually thank God for giving Mama the grace of long life. Quoting from a bible passage; Revelation 20:11-15, he likened the departure

HID exit a burden to Nigerian leaders —Wale Omole

THE founder of the Peoples, Problems and Solutions of Nigeria (PPSN), Dr Wale Omole, on Tuesday, said the demise of the matriarch of the Awolowo family marked the end of an era for the country. “Her exit is highly instructive. It demands a deep, serious and sober reflection from Nigerian leaders, especially the political

Yoruba has lost a rare woman —Hon Adekoya A member of the National Assembly, representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/ Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Honourable Adekoya Adesegun Abdel-Majid, has described the passage of Mama as a sad loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria because “Mama was a rare woman.” “Mama HID Awolowo was a quintessence of what a woman, mother and wife should be. The values of steadfastness, commitment, love and devotion was never far from her as she stood firmly with her husband in all his political journeys and travails. “In Mama, we saw a rare demonstration of devotion and commitments to her husband’s course and she provided the much needed domestic and comradeship supports for Chief Obafemi Awolowo to chart the positive political evolution and direction for the Yoruba nation when it was most needed,” the honourable said.

and economic elite about what they hope to bequeath to posterity. Is it poverty or prosperity? Is it ignorance or empowerment such that can restore the lost glory of the country?

THE Oyo and Osun states chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have extolled the virtues of the late Yeye Oodu’a, Mama HID Awolowo,

dedication, love, steadfastness, worthy of emulation by all women in Yorubaland and the nation at large. The council prayed the family to bury Mama on her 100th birthday on the 25th of November, saying that “She lived a very good life. She was a great supporter of our council. Her death should be celebrated.”

By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

Mama HID Awolowo has been described as “revered

describing her as a priceless woman and invaluable mother of the nation. The Osun State PDP, in a statement by its chairman, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, described Mama’s death as a great loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria, noting that she lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation and that her demise had created a big vacuum in the South-West. In a statement by the Oyo PDP, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Honourable Kehinde Salawu, the party noted that Mama was an exemplary woman who showed the path that all women must follow.

Lagos Assembly to send delegation to Ikenne Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

A high powered delegation comprising lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly is to be sent to Ikenne in Ogun State to commiserate with the family of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo over the death of their matriarch. This was in reaction to a suggestion by Honourable Mojisola Lawal from Apapa

“it is always emotional to lose one’s loved one.”

“Mama remains great in life and greater in death, because she left the world better than she met it and carved a niche for herself as enigmatic woman of substance.”

A revered mother of Nigeria —Ajasin

Oyo, Osun PDP extol HID’s virtues

She left an indelible legacy —YCE THE Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) said it would not forget in a hurry the boldness, fearlessness and love of Chief HID Awolowo towards the progress of Yoruba nation. This was contained in a condolence letter signed by the president of the council, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo. YCE noted that Mama left an indelible legacy of

ion. He said no matter the age,

Constituency 1, that the House should commiserate with the family of the late HID Awolowo over her death, adding that she was a strong supporter of her late husband, who contributed to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria as a mother. The Speaker of the House, Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, said that the roles played by Mama could not be forgotten in a hurry.

mother of Nigeria, particularly the Yoruba nation.” This was affirmed by the chairman of Atayese, a non governmental group, Tokunbo Ajasin, in a letter of condolence presented

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has declared the death of Chief HID Awolowo as the end of women emancipa-

tion in Nigeria. Senator Tinubu stated this when she paid a condolence visit to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos yesterday.

PRO National Conference Organisation (PRONACO) spokesperson, Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, has

Former governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Rotimi Olulana, has described Yeye Oodu’a as a unifying force for the Yoruba, a political pillar of support for the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a woman of peace and a strident voice for the womenfolk in Nigeria and beyond. Olulade said this in a telephone interview with the Nigerian Tribune, even

Adamu Amadu - Dutse

THE Jigawa State governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has commiserated with the entire Awolowo family, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo whose wife is a grand daughter of the deceased, the people and government of Ogun State and the entire

By Dare Adekanmbi

IMMEDIATE past senator for Oyo South District, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, has described Mama HID Awolowo as representing the best of motherhood and an exceptionally stoical personality. Senator Lanlehin said Mama, before exchanging

She said her relationship with Mama gave her the privilege of knowing the worth of her cause, which Tinubu said she defended till her death.

She lived a commendable life —Ganiyu Solomon A member of the National Assembly, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, has described Mama HID Awolowo as a highly cerebral personality. Solomon stated this during his visit to Ikenne, on Tuesday, saying the de-

Isaac Shobayo - Jos

Governor of Plateau State, Honourable Simon Bako Lalong, has described the transition to glory of to the Awolowo family in Ikenne on Tuesday. Ajasin said Mama HID, especially in her old age, “worked and laboured so hard to ensure unity in the land.”

commiserated with the nation and the entire women folks in Nigeria over the transition of Mama HID

admirers of Chief Obafemi Awolowo over the death of Mama HID Awolowo. Alhaji Abubakar described Mama as dynamic who contributed a lot to national peace, unity and political stability. He said that her name would remain in memories of Nigerians for ever.

History will book a good place for HID —Lanlehin immortality for mortality,

as he contended that Mama criminate against anybody irwas equally a detribalised respective of political persuaNigerian, who would not dis- sion.

Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

A great loss to Nigeria —Plateau gov

She contributed to political stability, unity –Jigawa gov

Woman of peace, rallying force for Yoruba —Olulana Bola Badmus -Lagos

visit. The team of seven ministers of God was led by Pastor Samson Adeyanju Famadewa. Mama HID Awolowo as a great loss to the country. The governor, in a statement signed by his Director of Press Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle, said that “Mama’s indelible imprints in the struggle that made her husband to be celebrated can never be sighted.” “In her special way, she kept the family name and sustained the democratic ideals that have characterised their political life,” he said.

Glorious exit of matriarch —PRONACO

End of women emancipation —Senator Remi Tinubu By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

He added that Mama HID had gone to rest. Also, Representatives of the Apostolic Church, Remo, paid a condolence

Nigerian Tribune

ceased lived a commendable life worthy of emulation. “She stood by her husband and she was an epitome of what a wife and mother should be. No wonder that her husband referred to her as “Jewel of inestimable value”.

stood for nobility, loyalty and demonstrated commendable strength of character as the mother of the Yoruba nation.

A founding mother of Nigeria —Mrs Anenih

By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

The former national women leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs Josephine Anenih, said that Mama HID Awolowo was a founding mother of Nigeria. Mrs Anenih, in her tribute to the late Yeye Oodu’a, wrote “In our history books where we record Awolowo as the founding father of Nigeria, I have never heard of the founding mother, Mama H.I.D Awolowo is the founding mother, because throughout Papa’s struggles for the founding of Nigeria, Mama was solidly and consistently behind Papa, that was why he called her his jewel of inestimable value. She was not only the mother of Yorubas, but the mother of Nigeria.”

Awolowo, describing her demise as “a glorious exit of the surviving matriarch of progressive politics in Nigeria.” While commiserating with the Awolowo political movement, members of Mama’s biological family and the entire womenfolk in the country at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos yesterday, Okunniyi said the exit had foisted a huge loss on the Nigerian political movement. Okunniyi, a former governorship aspirant in Ogun State said the progressive movement in Nigeria would mobilise to ensure that the “historic contributions of Mama to the progressive movement in Nigeria is befittingly immortalised and honoured.”

A devoted, passionate leader –Debasco, Adeleke-Adedoyin, Awosanya Otunba Tunde Onakoya (Debasco) and Prince Olukoya Adeleke-Adedoyin have lamented the exit of Mama HID Awolowo before her centennial birthday. Onakoya said that Mama would always be remembered for sustaining the Awolowo dynasty and legacy after the death of her husband. Similarly, Prince Adeleke-Adedoyin disclosed that Mama was a family friend of the Adedoyin family. He said that Mama was an asset to the Remo kingdom. Also, Asiwaju and Iyalode Ademola Awosanya said Mama was a purposeful and extraordinary leader who distinguished herself.

42 news Ekiti has received alert for FG’s bailout funds —Fayose

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti

overnor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has announced that the account of the state government has been credited with the Federal Government’s bail out money. Governor Fayose, who

disclosed this in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, said the account of the state government was credited with the Federal Government’s bail out fund, on Tuesday morning. Fayose, who made the disclosure at a meeting with tipper drivers, owners and suppliers in Ado-Ekiti,

the state capital, however, explained that details of what was given the state would be given later. “I want to formally acknowledge the receipt of the Federal Government’s bail out fund. The money was credited into the state’s accounts this morning. It is for the payment

of outstanding commitments to workers such as leave bonus, salary arrears among others,” he said. He explained that “the Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant General of the state are in Abuja now,” and added that “it is when they come back that we will begin the payment

The couple, Mr and Mrs Adedapo Adedeji Adelabu, after their wedding at the All Souls Anglican Church, Kayode Animashaun Street, off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase I, Lagos, last weekend. With them, from right, are: groom’s mother/ Ekiti State ex-deputy governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu; bride’s father, Ayodeji Fetuga; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and Mrs Victoria Rotimi.

of the salaries. Details of what came in will be explained later. I will speak to the people on radio and television. By God’s grace, we will begin to pay after the Sallah holiday.” The governor, had last week, given the assurance that the money would not be diverted and that it would be spent for the purpose it was meant. Ekiti State is owing public servants September 2014 salaries, while some workers are owed August 2014 salary. Workers are also owed 2014 and 2015 leave bonuses. Meanwhile, the meeting called with tipper owners, drivers and suppliers was inconclusive due to the battle for supremacy between them. When the governor, through submissions by the various groups, saw that they were not working as a team, fixed another meeting with representatives of the groups. He urged them to allow peace to reign and that it was only in the atmosphere of peace that development could take place in the state.

Enugu Assembly approves N14.2 bn loan to pay arreas of salaries, pensions

Why there is delay in payment of workers’ salaries —Gov Dickson From Jude Ossai - Enugu and Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa the Enugu State House of Assembly has approved N14.2 billion loan for the state government to enable it pay outstanding salaries and pensions of workers in the state. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is also expected to use the fund to embark on development and infrastructural projects in the state. The loans approved are: N4,207,000,000, for the offsetting of arrears of salaries and pensions and N10,000,000,000 for development and infrastructural projects, respectively. Passing the resolution on the motion on notice presented to the House by the leader of the House, Honourable Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, representing Udenu state constituency, the House said, “That this Honourable

House do resolve to authorise the state government to obtain loans of N4,207,000,000 and N10,000,000,000, only, respectively, from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to liquidate arrears of salaries (subventions) and pensions and for development of infrastructural projects to be secured by excess crude account (ECA).” Meanwhile, Governor Se-

riake Dickson of Bayelsa State has empathised with the state workforce and explained the causes of the delay in the payment of salaries of civil servants, re-affirming that his administration is not owing workers in the state. Making the clarification in Yenagoa, in an interview with newsmen, Dickson attributed the delay in salary payment to the delay in the

Federal Allocation Accounts Committee meeting. According to him, the state government cannot do otherwise, as every state in the country depend solely on revenue from the federation account to pay the wages of workers and if there is a delay in the holding of the monthly FAAC meeting, definitely, salaries cannot be paid as at when due.

Activities grounded as unions protest airlines’ indebtedness to FAAN Shola Adekola - Lagos For almost three hours, activities in the aviation sector were, on Tuesday, grounded following a protest by two aviation unions in the country over the huge indebtedness of airlines to aviation agencies. The unions, Air Trans-

port Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), barricaded the gates leading to the premises of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Addressing the gathering, the general secretary of NUATE, Olayinka Abioye,

particularly cited Arik Airline which he said, allegedly owed FAAN, N25 billion, hence; gave all debtors to the agencies one week ultimatum to settle their debts. Abioye attributed the debts owed the agencies to the reason why promotion can not be effected as there was no money to pay for

Group expresses concern over debt owed contractors on prison food A non-governmental organisation( NGO), under the aegis of Alliance for Good Governance and Democracy, has expressed concern over non – payment of the outstanding monies owed contractors for the food supplied to inmates in prisons nationwide, several months after the Federal Government

The governor reminded the people that, the country is currently grappling with economic downturn and noted that the state was managing to stay afloat, in view of government’s prudence in the management of its scarce resources, stressing that the economic situation had compelled the government to commit all available funds to salary payment.

announced increment in the feeding allowance for prison inmates from N200 to N300. The group, in a press statement signed by Mr Shadrack Nwokolo and Jimi Sanwo, its national coordinator and national secretary, respectively and made available to newsmen in Lagos, revealed that after a

thorough investigation of the state and conditions of prisons across the nation, it discovered that contractors responsible for food supplies are being owed huge sums of monies for the services they rendered to Nigerian prisons service in the last one year . “There are about 56,000

inmates scattered all over Nigerian prisons. A lot of prisoners would have been dying on a daily occurrence if not for the kind gesture of the contractors, who have not relent in supplying food to the inmates, despite the huge amount of money owed them by NPS in the last one year.

various allowances. He urged workers of various agencies to brace up for battle against debtor airlines. Also, addressing the workers, the president of ATSSSAN, Benjamin Okewu, said the debt profile by Arik Air was becoming too alarming. Okewu said bleak future awaited all debtor airlines as it will never be business as usual. He recalled how a concessionaire of FAAN was sent packing from the airport, vowing that the same will be extended to debtor concessionaire. “If we want to achieve, let all prepare for war. We must act and consolidate our decision to do the right thing.”

Police arrest 3 over fake appointment letters Banji Aluko - Benin City Three persons have been arrested by the police operatives from Zone 5, Benin City, for defrauding unsuspecting members of the public millions of Naira under the guise of offering them employment in the oil and gas industry. The three persons were, Messers Ehikhamenor Lewis, Stephen Eefgom and Abdul Qadri Ibrahim. A statement signed in Benin on Tuesday, by zonal Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) zone 5, headquarters, Benin, Eneka Iheanacho, said the arrest was effected based on a credible information received by the police on the activities of the suspects. He disclosed that the suspects, in collaborations with others now at large, placed an employment advertorial on the social media sometime in August, 2014, which attracted about 1,122 applicants from different states of the federation.

Traders embark on rally in support of SON in Anambra Suzy Oruya - Onitsha Over 2000 traders drawn from various markets in Anambra State, on Tuesday, embarked on solidarity rally in support of the activities of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), led by Dr Joseph Odumodu. The traders were seen demonstrating in a peaceful manner with various inscriptions through the DMGS roundabout to Awka Road, Ozara Road, old market Road, Iweka Road through Up Iweka Road and to All Saints’ Anglican Church all in Onitsha. The spokesperson of the traders, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeugo, said that they decided to embark on the rally to support SON in its war against fake and substandard products in markets, saying that the management of SON had done well in checkmating substandard products in markets. “We can see that SON is upgrading cement products, rods and building materials as well as beverages sold in Nigerian markets and without SON, most mischief makers whose stock in trade was to import, manufacture, fabricate low quality products to maximise profit”.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

European ministers discuss migrant plan

uropean Union interior ministers are meeting Tuesday to discuss the controversial quota plan to distribute more than 100,000 migrants among the nations. The meeting comes after the European Parliament approved the plan last week. But some eastern European nations say they will not go along with it. The United Nations refugee agency warned that the talks could be the “last opportunity” for a united response to a crisis it said was becoming more and more “chaotic and unpredictable” and was increasing tensions between European countries. UNHCR spokeswoman

A child holds up a sign as migrants stage a protest in a stadium used for traditional Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling as they wait to walkdown a highway towards Turkey’s western border with Greece and Bulgaria, in Edirne, Turkey. Photo: AP

Melissa Fleming called for adequate reception facilities in countries on the frontline. “We’re talking about an average of 6,000 people entering every single day on European shores,” Fleming said. On the eve of the talks,

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon urged leaders across the EU to “show leadership and compassion” as the continent grapples with the unrelenting wave of migrants. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras meanwhile called for responsibility to

be shared, saying “otherwise there is no point in talking about a united Europe.” On Monday, Hungary’s parliament authorized its army to use nonlethal force against migrants who try to enter the country illegally.

Austria welcomes migrants after abuse in Hungary Against the backdrop of the growing tension surrounding migrant crises in Hungary, the government Austrian has welcomed migrants to seek refuge in its country. Ali knew the route from his native Syria to Germany wouldn’t be easy. What he didn’t expect was blatant hatred and callous violence. “The Hungarians broke my hand and my friend’s hand, too,” said Ali, who asked not to be identified by his full name for fear

of his family in Syria. In the past weeks, he has crossed seas, apparently endless plains, misty forests and mountain ranges. Then, in Serbia, his ultimate goal, the European Union, seemed within reach. But when he tried to cross into Hungary, police there beat him with batons, breaking his right hand. Another of his cohorts told the same story, and said there were others. The message was clear: Hungary would not let him in. Desperate and badly in-

jured, Ali turned west, aiming to cross through Croatia and Slovenia instead. “Croatia and Slovenia were good. In Slovenia, they helped us in a hospital,” he said, pointing to the fresh, white cast wrapping his hand and lower arm. In the past weeks, however, Hungarian authorities have enforced strict border controls, vowing not to become a haven for migrants. Until now, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, Austria

and, finally, Germany, the desired destination for most, has been the preferred route for refugees and migrants.

U.S. military accused of telling soldiers to overlook Afghan abuse of boys United States soldiers have been reported to use physical force to drive home their message to the Afghan police commander who had been sexually abusing a boy. “I picked him up, threw him to the ground multiple times and Charles did the same thing,” Dan Quinn, who was a U.S. Army captain at the time, told CNN. “We basically had to make sure that he fully understood that if he ever went near that boy or his mother again, there was going to be hell to pay.” The actions of Quinn and the other soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Charles Martland, against the Americanbacked police commander displeased their superiors in the U.S. military. Quinn says he and Martland were relieved of their duties shortly afterward. Quinn has since left the military and Martland is now being involuntary separated from the Army. They had directly con-

Burkina Faso army ‘preparing to raid coup leaders camp’ Troops loyal to Burkina Faso’s deposed government said they were preparing to attack the Camp Naaba military base near the capital’s presidential palace, which is held by troops who staged a coup last week. Loyalist troops have been

massing in the capital on Tuesday and have told those behind the coup, which derailed a democratic transition process, to disarm and surrender by 10am (10am GMT) or face attack. As the deadline expired, ex-spy chief Gen-

otherNEWS Muslim boy arrested over clock withdraws from US school

Ahmed Mohamed’s. PHOTO : AP

fronted a thorny issue for U.S. forces in Afghanistan: the subculture of bacha bazi, or “boy play,” in which young Afghans are used as sex slaves by grown men. For U.S. service members in Afghanistan, the abuse of children is infuriatingly hard to stop, especially when it’s carried out by Afghan commanders allied with American-led forces. Unable to step in “The reason we weren’t able to step in with these local rape cases was we didn’t want to undermine the authority of the local government,” Quinn said. “We were trying to build up the local government. Us acting after the local government fails to can certainly undermine their credibility.” The New York Times reported this week that U.S. soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan have been instructed not to intervene in the abuse of Afghan boys by U.S. allies, even in some cases in which it’s taken place on military bases.

A 14-year-old Muslim boy has withdrawn from the Dallas high school that got him arrested for a homemade clock mistaken for a possible bomb. Mohamed El-Hassan Mohamed, Ahmed Mohamed’s father, said on Monday that he pulled all of his children from schools in the Irving Independent School District.

“Ahmed said, ‘I don’t want to go to MacArthur,’” Ahmed’s father told The Dallas Morning News. “These kids aren’t going to be happy there.” Mohamed said the family was still deciding where to send the children to school. Numerous schools have offered to enrol Ahmed, his father said. But Mo-

eral Gilbert Diendere held a press conference, saying he was still in charge and that he was awaiting the outcome of a ECOWAS summit in Abuja, Nigeria, where African leaders were discussing developments in Burkina Faso.

hamed said he wants to give his son a breather before making a decision. The turmoil surrounding Ahmed’s case has had a harmful effect on the teen, Mohamed said, adding that his son has lost his appetite and is not sleeping well. “It’s torn the family and makes us very confused,” Mohamed said.

Republican Walker quits US presidential race Republican Scott Walker has suspended his U.S. presidential campaign, effectively ending an eightweek formal push that saw him sink from near-frontrunner status to political insignificance in the key campaign state of Iowa. Analysts and insiders attributed the Wisconsin

governor’s decision to a lack of funding, as he crisscrossed Iowa and sought support for the Republican nomination in other key states seen as favoring his conservative message. But Monday, Walker said he had become disillusioned with the Republican race, and that the overall campaign had “drifted into per-

sonal attacks.” He did not offer details. But in a thinly veiled swipe at leading candidate Donald Trump, Walker called on the remaining candidates to develop “a positive, conservative alternative to the current frontrunner.” Walker gained national attention in 2012, after his successful push to decertify

public worker unions in his home state, and later for surviving a recall election largely organized and backed by disgruntled public workers and their supporters. But his campaign, launched in July, failed to gain traction nationally, and several recent surveys showed him favored by fewer than 5 percent of likely

voters in Iowa. In other developments, a U.S.-based Islamic civil liberties group on Monday called for one of the leading Republican candidates, former neurosurgeon Ben Carson, to quit his campaign after he said he would never support a Muslim presidential candidate.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at a news conference in Madison, Wis., where he announced that he is suspending his Republican presidential campaign. PHOTO: AP

communitynews

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Moricas, Oke-Koto residents call for completion of drainage olalekan olabulo-lagos

esidents of Moricas, Oke Koto and neighbouring communities in Agege area of Lagos State have appealed to the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to revisit the abandoned drainage system in the area. The residents stated that the non-completion of the drainage system had impacted negatively on their living condition, especially traders , whose shops were demolished to pave the way for the drainage. According to them, the drainage has also affected major roads in the area leading to constant traffic gridlock. A resident of Moricas, who identified himself as Alfa Isiaka, said, “the drainage has been abandoned for over two years now and this is impacting negatively on our lives. “When they started the drainage under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, they demolished some shops and owners of such shops are eagerly waiting for the completion of the drainage before erecting new structures.” He appealed to governor Ambode to “come to

Moricas and Oke Koto and see what the contractors did and the effects of the development on residents. Another resident, who identified himself as Ojo, said: “They started the drainage when there was serious flooding in the area then and everybody was happy but now people are regretting that move. “In order to control flooding, the small drainage was expanded and many houses and shops were demolished but the work has been abandoned. “The governor should revisit that contract and do the necessary amendment to ensure that the contractors return to site.” A trader in the area, Mummy Aminat, said, “what they want to do is very big and now that they have abandoned it,

it is affecting our business. Not even adults can cross to this side of

The member representing Ibadan North-East/ Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Honourable Dapo Lam-Adesina, has stated that his plans to bring governance closer to the constituents led to the opening of two constituency offices at Ile Titun in Ibadan SouthEast Local Government Area and Itape in Ibadan North Local Government Area.. Lam-Adesina made the disclosure during the commemoration of his 100 days in office and inauguration of the public toilet he constructed at Iso Adie in Molete and a deep well at Akure Garage.

She also lamented the constant traffic jam in the area as motorists are

forced to drive against traffic on many occasions.

The Magistrate Court, Omi-Ado, Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, submerged by flood, recently. Photo: OLAYINKA OLUKOYA

Why we changed from Egbado to Yewa—Prof Asiwaju A renowned historian and former don, Professor Anthony Asiwaju, has said that the need to maintain a common identity among all kith and kin in the western part of Ogun State initially grouped as Egbado Division of the former La-

gos Protectorate prompted the need to change the appellation of Egbado to Yewa in 1995. Asiwaju, who stated this at the fourth annual Yewa Union lecture held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, noted that the decision was to reflect

Dapo Adesina inaugurates projects, distributes education materials By moses alao

the road as there are no slabs since they have not finished the job.”

According to the lawmaker, who also kickstarted the distribution of educational materials to primary school pupils in the constituency, his passion to do the uncommon for his people stemmed from the good leadership, which the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is providing. He added that the opening of two offices was to allow the people easy access to good representation. Community and political leaders in attendance at the programme, including Chief Ayo Eniade and the Iyaloja of Iso Adie, Chief Nimotalahi Fanike, all praised LamAdesina for fulfilling his

electioneering promises as early as 100 days in office, noting that it was the first time that communities in the constituency would see “this kind of representation.” “Dapo asked us what we wanted and we told him that we had no good toilet. We are surprised that he has fulfilled that promise this early,” the Iyaloja stated. The Head of Local Government Administration in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area also commended Lam-Adesina for fulfilling his pledge to the communities in his 100 days in office, noting that the local government would be the better for it by the time he spent four years.

the affinity the people share with their domain through the Yewa river, as research conducted among the inhabitants of the area, showed that they had no ancestral link to the strange name known as Egbado. According to him, the major breakthrough brought about by the change was that the people, who constituted Yewa Division of the state which include Ketu, Sabe, Ije (Ohori), Anogo, Egun, Awori, Efonyi and Eyo could now explore their common identity through unity in diversity to form a common front for the socioeconomic and political emancipation of their domain and by extension the state. “Yewaland, though regionally diversified with different sub ethnic groups, possesses common cultural beliefs and values which need to be explored to advance the development of the area”, Asiwaju remarked. He also counseled the people to remain united in enhancing the development of the area through education, en-

lightenment and mutual respect. While lauding the effort of the founding fathers of Yewa, the Professor Emeritus commended the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for his transformation effort in the state. In his remarks, the Speaker of Ogun State

House of Assembly, Honourable Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, urged the people to support the incumbent administration in the state. He said the quest for the political emancipation of Yewa Division could be achieved through the collaboration of all stakeholders.

Sango community laments bad roads, poor power supply feyikemi omoloye-ilorin

Residents of Agunbiade-Sango Area of Ilorin metropolis, have sent a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) message to both the Ilorin East Local Government Area and the state government on the poor state of their roads and irregular power supply in the area. Speaking with Community News in Ilorin at the weekend, the youth leader in the area, Mr.Tajudeen Oladimeji, said the poor state of infrastructure had affected the social and economic status of the community. He said potholes and ditches on the road usu-

ally caused erosion and damage to their vehicles, adding that youths in the community had tried to work on them but “without the help of the state government, nothing tangible can be done.” According to him, the roads have been abandoned for over five years, while several advocacy visits to the local government chairman on the issue have not yielded positive result. Oladimeji also called on the state government to provide transformers in the area, saying that the transformer supplying electricity to the community exploded many months ago.

news

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Prince Eroro takes over as regent of Warri kingdom Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

RINCE Eroro Emiko, the OloriEbi (Head of Family) of the Itsekiri royal family has assumed office as regent of Warri kingdom. This followed the official announcement of the demise of late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II last Saturday by the Itsekiri Traditional Council as well as the unveiling of his successor, the Olu Designate, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Abiloye Emiko. The regent, as gathered, will begin to receive visitors from all walks of life in due time. The Olu Designate of Warri kingdom, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Abiloye Emiko, it will be recalled, has gone into seclusion immediately after he was unveiled as the 20th Olu of Warri last Saturday September 19. Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILT), Mr Edward Ekpoko, said the seclusion was in line with the Itsekiri age-long tradition. According to Ekpoko, who is also Chairman, Warri Study Group (WSG), “I have been bombarded with media inquiries to meet Olu Designate, Prince Abiloye since he was chosen Saturday. The simple response is that he cannot be reached until passage rites of HRM Atuwatse II, of his predecessor, are concluded.” Speaking on the seclusion of the Olu Designate,

Ekpokpo said, “It is at that point within the next 90 days that his coronation commences that he comes out of seclusion. In his ab-

sence, Prince Eroro Emiko, Olori-Ebi of the royal family assumes regent of the kingdom. He will start receiving visitors coming into the royal

he broke news of the passage of HRM Atuwatse II and announced his successor, is not the Chief Priest of Iwereland.

Former Miss Kehinde Akinseinde of Nigerian Tribune during her wedding to Mr Folarin Jayeoba, at Christ Life Church, Garden of Victory, Old Ife Road, Olaogun, Ibadan, last Saturday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Ondo workers protest non-payment of July, August salaries Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

ONDO State Workers under the auspices of Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), on Tuesday, staged a peaceful protest over the non- payment of their salaries for the months of July and August and their deductions since May.

The workers led by the chairman of the JNC, Sunday Adeleye and the state chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) converged on the office of the state’s Accountant General in Alagbaka, Mr Fredrick Ajibokun as early as 7:30am chanting various songs.

Monarchs back Ekiti airport project Say it will accelerate growth MONARCHS in Ekiti under the aegis of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers have expressed support for the construction of an airport in the state by the state government. According to them, the airport will help hasten economic development in the state. In a communiqué which was signed by the Chairman, the Ologotun of Ogotun-Ekiti, Oba Oladapo Oyebade in Ado-Ekiti and made available on Sunday, the monarchs said the project, which was approved by the presidency in 2010, must start without further delay. “Council appreciates the new move by the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Peter Ayodele Fayose to pursue this worthy cause to logical conclusions. Council uses this opportunity to remind the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

family in due course.” Ekpoko also clarified that Chief Yaya Pessu, Ojomo of Warri kingdom, who took the role of Ologbotsere when

of an earlier appeal by the good people of Ekiti State at the Ewi’s palace during his presidential campaign visit to Ekiti State on this subject. Council uses this medium to solicit the support of Mr President for the execution and completion of the project. “We also appeal to Ekiti sons and daughters and well wishers across the globe for their full support. Now is the time for all good people of Ekiti to support this project for the promotion of the socio-economic emancipation of our beloved State,” the communiqué read. The monarchs urged all Ekiti people to support the government to execute the project. Only few days ago, the State Governor, Mr Fayose, held a meeting with stakeholders involved in the project and those present, including renowned lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN)

and former Aviation Minister, Mr Tunde Omotoba, urged the governor to go on with the project. They opined that at least a standard airstrip should be built in the state to open it up for further economic activities.

The protesting workers carrying placards of various inscriptions blocked the major road in front of the Government House for several hours before heading to the governor’s office in Alagbaka. Some of the placards read: “Ondo State, where is our bail-out money”; “Accountant General, Ajibokun must go”; “Ajibokun is not competent to be AG”; “Government must not divert Bail-out Fund”; “Bail-out is for workers’ salaries,” among others. The JNC chairman while addressing the workers, appreciated them for showing understanding with the government, but said the state government

had taken it to mean foolishness. Adeleye stated that workers would not agree to the government’s attempt to divide the workers by paying core civil servants and leave others, adding that government must pay all workers the outstanding salaries. He explained that workers were tired of shifting blames on the issue between the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Yele Ogundipe and the Accountant General (AG). He said “We are tired of blame shifting game. The Finance Commissioner said the fault is from the AG, while the AG said it is the Access Bank, we do not want excuse again.’’

N8m fraud rocks C’River LG pension board Ubong Anthony - Calabar

AN audit report conducted by the Office of the AuditorGeneral for Local Governments in Cross River State, has indicted senior officials of the Local Government Pension Board of allegedly diverting N8million into their private pockets. The lid of was blown open by the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Mr Anthony Ayine who has already dragged the pension board before the State House of Assembly. The auditor-general who raised the alarm of the al-

leged fraud in a petition sent to the governor of the state, Professor Ben Ayade, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable John Gaul Lebo, maintained that, in the course of auditing, he unraveled a pension fraud of N8,883, 150.74 allegedly perpetrated by the local government pension board. He alleged that the pension board manipulated the payment of pension and gratuity to the beneficiary of a dead staff who served for 32 years in the office of the auditor-gen-

eral. According to Ayine, the gratuity due to the late staff was N1, 242, but that the board allegedly paid over N7 million to the beneficiary of the late staff. “When we concluded our audit report we discovered a pension fraud of over eight million naira. In the course of our investigation we came across fraudulent payment of gratuity and pension to beneficiary of our late staff which in actual sense did not receive such amount. The staff served for 32 years and she died on grade level 10/15.’’

Lagos Assembly confirms Ogunsanwo as LIRS chairman Chukwuman Okparaocha - Lagos THE Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Mr Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo as the new Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). Ogunsanwo was nominated by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to succeed the former chairman of LIRS, Mr Folarin Coker, who is now the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service. Addressing the lawmakers during plenary on Tuesday, Ogunsanwo, who is a graduate of Economics from the Obafemi Awolowo and who did his Masters Degrees in Public Administration and Economics from the Lagos State University (LASU), took them through his robust service in the state spanning 24 years. He told the legislators that there were opportunities for revenue generation in the state and that about 65% of the tax payers in the state were expected from that informal sector. Ogunsanwo, who was a Regional Co-Ordinator in LIRS before his new appointment, promised to invest in Information Technology, staff motivation, e-filing of taxes, integrate motor vehicle administration, Lands Bureau charges, and land use charges, among others. “I have worked in LIRS for 24 years and I have traversed all the departments. I am the best man for the job and we will work as a team to develop a first class revenue generation agency.’’

Brief THE burial arrangements for Deaconess Alice Ajike Rasaki a.k.a. Ajilaran (Nee Ogunnaike), who died on Friday, July 3, 2015, begin with a commendation service tomorrow, September 24, 2015 by 4:00p at Bamitale Castle, Abonde busstop, Olorunsogo, Akanran road, Ibadan. Christian wake holds on Friday, September 25 at her residence, Oke-Alafia, Atikori Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State by 5:00p.m. Burial Service will hold on Saturday, September 26 at St’ James Anglican Church Atikori Ijebu-Igbo. Entertainment of Guests will take place at Sopen Comprehensive High School Field, Osun Road, Atikori, Ijebu igbo.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

We have contracts with NFF

Olympic qualifiers:

I need Iheanacho, Awoniyi in my team —Siasia

—Eagles assistant coaches

IGERIA’S U-23 team handler, Samson Siasia has revealed he would love to have Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Liverpool’s signing Taiwo Awoniyi in his team for the 2015 African U-23 Championship billed for Senegal next month. Both players missed out of the just-ended 11th All Africa Games where the country picked the bronze medal after their club sides held on to them because the competition was not on FIFA calendar. According to the former Super Eagles forward, having the duo would strengthen the Dream Team squad as they aim to pick one of the tickets to represent Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games, while planning a warm up game against the Brazil U-23 team before heading for the competition. “We hope to play strong football playing nations like Brazil and any other country before we jet out for the African tournament in Senegal. This will prepare us well for the task ahead in Senegal,” Siasia told Goal. “If we can get the likes of (Kelechi) Iheanacho, (Taiwo) Awoniyi it would be great for the team. I have been talking to the two players to see if they can be a part of this team. “Hopefully their clubs would release them. To get the clubs to release them is the only problem we have, otherwise we will stick with the ones we have and start working on improving our goal scoring abilities. If we start changing too many players now it’s going to destroy the whole team,” he said.

10th Lubcon Principals Cup begins LUBCON Limited, the sponsors of the annual All-Kwara Secondary School football tournament, Lubcon Principals Cup have reiterated its resolve to continue to re-enforce the brand’s affinity with sports, especially at the grassroots. The finals, among the eight zonal champions hold between October 25 and 29 in Ilorin. The Group Managing Director of Lubcon, Kalu Onwunta said that the excellent organisation of the competition in the last 10 years has enabled the discovery of talented footballers, with employment opportunities created for many. He pointed out that the key objective of the initiative, which is assisting to discover and develop young talents in football in the state has been achieved, just as he assured that the company is committed to helping students to develop their talents early in life. “This is one of the corporate social responsibilities which Lubcon Limited has assigned to itself, and we appreciate the state government for encouraging the enabling atmosphere for us to complement the state’ government’s efforts in youth and sports development,” Kalu said. “Through the continuous hosting of the tournament, we are sure that it will serve as a shield against youth restiveness, growing concerns created through the use of drugs and drug abuse and other social vices that the youths, especially in schools are associated with.” The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Jibril Baba Haruna, while commending Lubcon Limited for sustaining the initiative observed that sporting activities are nose-diving in schools, just as he urged school Principals to arrest the situation by hunting for talents.

Awoniyi shows skill during a recent international game.

ASSISTANT coaches of the Super Eagles have confirmed that they have been working with contracts. Coaches Jean Francoise Luscuito and Salisu Yusuf were at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat on Tuesday to put the record straight. “We have signed our contract papers, and the papers have been handed over to us a long time ago. We do not understand where the story is coming from, because we never spoke to anyone about not having valid contracts, or not having been paid salaries,” Yusuf said on behalf of Luscuito and goalkeepers’ trainer, Alloy Agu. Yusuf continued: “The head coach, Sunday Oliseh and ourselves have been working in harmony and there is no problem of motivation. Our commitment to the vision and mission of the present NFF to build a Super Eagles’ team that will reenact the Golden Era of our football remains unshaken.” The Eagles’ assistant coaches later met the NFF president, Mr Amaju Pinnick to discuss preparations for the Super Eagles B’s 2016 African Nations Championship qualifying fixture against Burkina Faso, scheduled to hold next month.

From left, ex-international, Mutiu Adepoju, Marketing Director and Innovation, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Gavin Pike; former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Ann Chiejine-Agumanu and Legal Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Rotimi Odusola at the launch of Guinness Every Minute Made of Black Promotion held in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015

chief (mrs) hid awolowo (1915 - 2015)

9 1. From left, Mr Wale Raji, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Odu’a Investment Company Limited; Chief (Dr) Isaac Akintade; Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company and Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, at Ikenne. 2. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, Professor (Mrs) Lola Adekunle, Chief (Mrs) Shade Ogunlade and Professor (Mrs) Funke Egunjobi. 3. Coordinator, Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, signing the condolence register. 4. From left, Honourable Adekunbi Suraju, Chief Folake Solanke (SAN), wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Funso Amosun and Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran. 5. Chief Ebenezer Babatope (left) with Senator Tony Adefuye.

PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

10 6. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, General Oladipo Diya and the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Suraj Adekunbi. 7. A cross section of management team of Odu’a Investment Company’s. 8. From left, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele and Tokunbo Ajasin, on the occasion. 9. From left, Chief Kehinde Sofola (SAN), Mrs Josephine Anenih, Mrs Ajoke Murtala, Chief Folake Solanke and General Adeyinka Adebayo. 10. A cross section of the Ligu Ruling House, Sagamu Remo.

SIDELINES

NO 16,333

N150

WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Nigerian Defence headquarters on Tuesday issued a statement in which it said “The Military viewed as irrelevant and fruitless effort the motive behind the recent audio clip presumably released by Shekau, the acclaimed leader of Boko Haram.” Shouldn’t one be bothered when the great Nigerian military which has “ killed” Shekau not less than three times in the past, is now referring to him as “ acclaimed”?

Capital One: Today’s fixtures: C/Palace vs Charlton Liverpool vs Carlisle Man Utd vs Ipswich MK Dons vs Southampton Newcastle vs Sheff Wed Norwich vs West Brom Tottenham vs Arsenal Walsall vs Chelsea

City tarries on Iheanacho’s new contract

NGLISH Premier League leaders, Manchester City are in no hurry to hand Nigerian junior international, Kelechi Iheanacho a new contract. The Citizens are of the view that the youngster has plenty of time on his current deal. Iheanacho has forced his way into Pellegrini’s first-team squad and has made a stunning impact to his first team career; scoring the winner for Manuel Pellegrini’s side against Crystal Palace in the last minute of this month’s Premier League clash at Selhurst Park, just moments after going on from the bench. The Manchester Evening News report that the Citizens are urgently seeking to tie the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner down with an improved deal at the Etihad. There are suggestions that Premier League rivals Tottenham are lurking with intent, keen to steal Iheanacho away with the offer of greater first-team opportunities. That is a prospect that does not worry City chiefs. And there is no panic to reward the youngster with an improved contract. His current deal does not expire until 2019 and the terms of it are believed to be in keeping with the 18-year-old’s status. Iheanacho, who featured for the

Flying Eagles at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, has become a trusted part of Pel-

legrini’s first-team squad this season after first catching the eye in Nigeria’s U-17 World Cup-win-

Iheanacho celebrates after scoring the winner for Man City against Crystal Palace. ning side in 2013 when he won the golden ball as the tournament’s best player.

A Nigerian player battles for ball possession with a Brazilian player during the last 2015 FIFA U-20 world Cup in New Zealand.

Dream Team to face Brazil in friendly NIGERIA’S U-23 team head coach, Samson Siasia has disclosed his team is scheduled to take on Brazil in a friendly in London soon. “We hope to soon resume training camp for the CAF U-23 Championship and begin preparations for a possible international friendly with Brazil in London in the next few weeks,” said Siasia. It will be recalled that the Dream Team VI finished as bronze win-

ners at the just-concluded 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, after the team lost 1-3 to the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the semi-final of the quadrennial Games. However, the high-profile friendly will serve as a warm-up for the Africa U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal, where Siasia’s team have been drawn in a tough group B along with Egypt, Algeria and Mali. The U-23 Nations Cup will be

the qualifying tournament for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil, who is yet to win the Olympic soccer gold, will use this friendly to prepare for the Rio Olympics next year. Incidentally, both countries last clashed at the U-23 level at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where Nigeria staged a remarkable comeback to win 4-3 and qualify for a historic final against Argentina which it eventually won 3-2.

Doctor, Carneiro leaves Chelsea after Mourinho row CHELSEA doctor, Eva Carneiro has decided to leave the club - six weeks after criticism from manager, Jose Mourinho. Carneiro had her role downgraded after Mourinho said his medical staff were “naive” for treating Eden Hazard during the 2-2 draw with Swansea on August 8. It meant the Blues were temporarily reduced to nine men, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois having been sent off, and Mourinho said the duo had been “impulsive and naive”. The London side however, asked Carneiro, 42, to return to work, but she has decided not to and is now considering her legal position. The Football Association is looking into a complaint that Mourinho used abusive or sexist language towards her. The Blues say they do not comment on internal staffing matters. Heather Rabbatts, chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, expressed her “sadness and anger” at the news of Carneiro’s departure. Carneiro lost her place on the bench and was no longer allowed to attend matches or training sessions. Two days after the incident, she posted a message on Facebook thanking the public for their “overwhelming support”.

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. Ag. EDITOR: TINU AYANNIYI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 23/9/2015.