23rd October 2015

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,355

FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER, 2015

APC gets 48, PDP 45 as Dogara names 96 committee chairmen —P4

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Nigeria hires 250 mercenaries against Boko Haram? —P44

Nigerian Tribune

N150

HID Awolowo's sojourn on earth remarkable —S. L. Akintola's family —P6

Drama as Senate finally screens Amaechi —P4

•Inside details of how APC outsmarted PDP •Rowdy session as PDP senators refused to ask him questions

Saraki’s trial not APC’s business

—Gbajabiamila —P34

Amosun vs Isiaka: Tribunal delivers judgment today —P34

Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, discussing with Madam Julianah Olanike Adeniyi, one of the landlords, during the distribution of cheques to those whose properties are to give way for Ikere-Ekiti road dualisation, in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday.

300 FGGC students hospitalised in Ekiti —P6

2

Friday, 23 October, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

PHOTOS: Tommy Adegbite

8

10

9 1. Fund Raising Adviser, Nigerian Red Cross, Ogun State branch, Chief (Mrs) Alao Adeyinka Adelaja (left), decorating Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran with “Humanitarian Ambassador� lapel.

2. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran with Mr Chuddy Oduenyi, Managing Director/CEO, Factsmill Consultants.

3. From left, Venerable Remi Onajole, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Abuja, Dr Ezekiel Oyebola Oyemomi.

4. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Mrs Mojisola Fowora, Mr Adeboye Fowora and Funke Awolowo.

5. Members of Nigerian Red Cross, Ogun State branch with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Funke Awolowo.

6. Cross section of NLC, Sagamu LG with Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran.

7. Cross section of the Catholic Women Organisation, Ijebu-Ode Diocese with Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran.

8. Students of O&A Academy, Ikenne with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran.

9. Cross section of the National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC), Ogun State command with Reverend ( Mrs) Oyediran.

10. Professor A.A. Alalade singing the condolence register at Ikenne.

3

Friday, 23 October, 2015

4

news

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Drama as Senate finally screens Amaechi

•As senators screen him amid rowdy session •I’ve never received bribe in my life —Amaechi Taiwo Adisa and Ayo Adesanmi -Abuja

S

ENATORS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) left the Senate chamber unhappy on Thursday, following the perceived betrayal by their colleagues in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the screening of former governor of Rivers State, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

The bad blood among senators of the rival parties was as a result of the alleged gentleman’s agreement, which was said to have been struck at the closed-door session, held by the senators ahead the screening of Amaechi on Thursday.

Sources in the Senate, said on Thursday, that the senators had agreed at the closed session, that in order not to allow tempers boil over on the issue of screening of the former Rivers governor, the PDP senators would stick to their gun of not having anything to do with Amaechi, while their APC colleagues also agreed that they would only ask the nominee to only take a ‘bow and go.’

But the PDP senators were said to have been shocked when the APC senators started asking Amaechi questions during the plenary.

The senators had opened Thursday’s sitting with a closed-door session, which lasted 50 minutes to sort out “knotty issues” relating to the screening of Amaechi.

During the session, chairman of the Ethics Committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was said to have briefed his colleagues on the report and indicated that the committee reported that the issue regarding Amaechi’s petition was in court and that the Senate should suspend action on his screening, pending the resolution of the court issues.

It was, however, gathered that the APC senators pleaded with their colleagues in the PDP to allow Amaechi’s screening, while the debate of the report was delayed till another day.

Sources said the PDP senators agreed to the suspension of the debate on the report of the Ethics Committee, only if their APC colleagues would also ask the Rivers nominee to take a bow, so as not to “cause controversy.”

PDP senators, who spoke at the end of the sitting, however, felt betrayed by their APC colleagues, saying the APC simply tricked them into a deal.

“We agreed that the PDP would have nothing to do with the screening of Amaechi since the debate on the Ethics Committee report was yet to be taken. They, however, agreed to allow the screening only if the man would be allowed to take a bow.

Amaechi

Mustapha

Lokpobiri

Daramola

Ocholi

“The report of the committee would then be taken before the confirmation hearing. But what we saw at the open session was a clear departure from our agreements at the closed-door session. It is a lesson we will revisit,” a senator said.

There was drama, however, as the Senate screened Amaechi amid protests by PDP senators. Senators of the PDP had announced on the floor that they would have nothing to do with the screening of Amaechi since the Senate Ethics Committee had just submitted a report which raised issues of alleged corruption and misappropriation of funds.

Senate Minority leader, Godswill Akpabio, who raised a Point of Order through order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, said his colleagues on the PDP side would not take part in screening of Amaechi since the report of the Ethics Committee was yet to be debated.

He said: “My Point of Order is under Order 43: The PDP senators sitted here will not have any question for the nominee, because we have just received the report of the Ethics Committee, bordering on corruption and all sorts of things from the Senator Anyanwu-led committee and we have not debated that report at all and so, we have little or nothing to ask the nominee. Is that the decision of the PDP caucus?”

There was uproar as the Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, rose to reply Akpabio, over his use of the words “You people” against his col-

leagues. The PDP senators felt slighted by the use of those words, with Akpabio insisting he withdrew the words and apologised. The chamber became rowdy at that moment, but Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki broke the ice when he apologised on behalf of Ndume and declared that he had retracted the words.

Senator Ndume had raised a Point of Order 53(9) to counter Akpabio’s motion, saying: “By my position and by the grace of God, as a Senate Leader, I want to guide the Senate properly.

The committee report has been laid by the committee, we assigned to do the job of ethics and privileges and the procedure is that after laying, we will make copies of that report.

“This is a confirmation hearing, it does not stop the confirmation hearing, but we are glad that you have said that you are not asking the nominee questions. We must as well, as a former Speaker and former governor, ask the nominee to take a bow and go.”

The altercation between Akpabio and Ndume went thus: Akpabio: “Mr Nominee, the leader has spoken and by implication, the leader is saying that today, the Senate should have a rule that every nominee should bow and go. Maybe the leader did not hear me well, are you (APC senators) now saying that you cannot ask questions?

Ali Ndume: “Mr Chairman, as I said, I raised two orders.

One: It is my responsibil-

ity as the Majority Leader.

Two, on the other order that I raised, the gentleman you see here as a nominee, it is my responsibility to market him here before the Senate.

It is you people that are given the privilege to ask questions and you said (senators interrupted him with shouts of disapproval).

Saraki, thereafter, intervened and calmed his colleagues. He said: “Distinguished colleagues, I think the distinguished Senate Leader has already retracted that statement and apologised and I think I am also saying it here on his behalf, so let us leave that.”

Senators of the APC, thereafter, proceeded to ask Amaechi series of questions. Others screened onThursday included Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (.Bayelsa); Claudius Omoleye Daramola (Ondo); Baba Shehuri Mustapha (Borno) and James Ocholi (Kogi).

While introducing himself to the senators, Amaechi enumerated his achievements as Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and governor of the state for from 2007 till 2015.

He said his administration built schools and infrastructure in Rivers, while enhancing human capital development.

Amaechi, while answering a question on the definition of corruption, said he had never in his life taken bribe.

He said “corruption is very difficult to define. If you are a public officer and you don’t take bribe, I’ve never taken bribe in my life, but if they

send a girl to you and you sleep with the girl and do her favour, you are corrupt.”

According to him, “corruption is a very wide concept.

If people are contesting for a position and you offer your son, brother or sister an opportunity to hold that position, probably the person is not qualified, you are corrupt. So, it is difficult for me to define corruption.”

Speaking on his role in the controversy that engulfed the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Amaechi said former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, was uncomfortable with the NGF under his leadership, adding that the former president believed that the NGF had been turned to a trade union.

He said: “The Governors’ Forum acted as a check to executive recklessness, we checked the excesses, including the expenditure of the oil subsidy. There is a case in court up till now, stopping the Federal Government from drawing money from the Federation Account to fund oil subsidy, because we believe if we stopped the Federal Government from spending states and local governments’ monies, the Federal Government will not be able to bear the cost and we, therefore, wanted to remove oil subsidy because of the level of corruption. The case is yet to be heard.

“The radical posture of the Governors’ Forum led to the former president telling me that I have turned the forum into a trade union and all we were doing was defending the rights of the people of

Nigeria.

“I think the former president did not like it and when my tenure expired as the chairman of the forum, I was requested not to run for a second term and I felt that as a Nigerian, I reserve the responsibility to exercise my rights.

“So, I put myself forward and if you saw the forces against me, you will think that I would lose. The rest is history, but the reason that happened is because of my radical posture.”

On what he would do to the East-West Road if he emerged Minister of Niger Delta, Amaechi said he would make it his priority.

Also speaking at the screening, Professor Daramola said the values of the society were creeping into the university system.

He said: “What we have in the universities today is a spill over from the society.

Anything happening in the society will replicate itself in the universities. When the values in the society are at variance with what exists in the schools, the child will be disorganised. That is why we need the co-operation of the parents.

Also speaking, the nominee from Kogi State, Mr Ocholi, said the nation needed to reform the Prisons, so as to ensure they served as reformation centres.

He also said plea bargain should be used in recovering stolen funds, adding that “some of Abacha’s loots which are still hanging can be recovered through plea bargain.”

APC gets 48, PDP 45 as Dogara names 96 committee chairmen Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja

AFTER months of politicking and horse-trading, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Wednesday, finally announced the names of chairmen of the 96 standing committees which are to carry out the part of the fundamental work of the House.

The sharing of the committees was done by the selection committee, chaired by the Speaker, House body of principal officers and appointed members

each from the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory.

The sharing showed that 48 chairmen and 55 deputy chairmen of the standing committees were alloted to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while PDP had 45 chairmen position, APGA, 1 and SDP 2.

The committee chairmen, as announced by the Speaker include Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, who will chair the House Committee on Appropriation; Honourable Bashir Baballe Ila will chair the

House Services Committee; Honourable Babangida Ibrahim will head Finance Committee; Honourable Zakari Mohammed will chair Basic Education and Services Committee and Honourable Jagaba Adams Jagaba to head Committee on Interior.

Some lawmakers, however, retained the headship of the committees they chaired in the seventh assembly, which are Honourable Mohammed Tahir Monguno Agricultural Production and Services; Honourable Aminu Suleiman, Tertiary Education; Hon-

ourable Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Aviation; Honourable Nnenna Ukeje (PDP), Foreign Affairs; Honourable Jones Onyereri, Banking and Currency; Honourable Shehu Shagari, Judiciary; Honourable Nicholas Mutu, NDDC. Also, Honourable Rima Shawulu Army; Foreign Affairs,Ukeje Elendu; FCT Area Council & Ancillary Matters, Zephaniah Jisalo and Gas Resources, Honourable Agbedi Frederick.

Others are Health Institution, Betty Apiafi; National Planning & Economic Development, Honourable

Jephter Foingha; NDDC, Honourable Nicholas Mutu; Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Honourable Victor Nwokolo; Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Honourable Akinlaja Joseph; Ports, Harbour & Waterways, Honourable Patrick Asadu; Power, Hon Daniel Effiong; Public Procurement, Honourable Wole Oke; Science & Technology, Beni Lar and Works, Honourable Toby Okechukwu (Enugu).

New members were not left out in the sharing of the Continues pg6

5

Friday, 23 October, 2015

news Deji, N’digbo face-off: ‘Resolution in sight’ 6

Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure

R

esolution appears to be in sight over the dethronement of Eze N’digbo of Akure by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, following the conditions and terms the monarch laid down for peace.

The spokesperson of the Akure Council of Chiefs, Rotimi Ashamo, said about 80 per cent of the issues on the table had been resolved.

Nigerian Tribune, however, gathered that the leadership of Igbo met in Akure, to deliberate on the terms issued by the Akure monarch as steps to settle the feud.

Secretary of the Igbo in the town, Chief Ikechukwu Anoliefo, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune after the meeting stated that no concrete decision was taken during the meeting.

He said the leadership would still meet again at the weekend to find a lasting solution to the feud and said “we will dialogue and we are still doing that and we believe there will soon be a way

Friday, 23 October, 2015

out.”

As regards the conditions and terms of the Deji, we have not taken a decision and we are still talking to our landlord, because he is our father and that is all I can tell you for now.

When asked what would the decision of Igbo indi-

genes if the Deji decides not to shift ground on the matter, secretary of the N’digbo said “when we get to the river we shall cross it and don’t let us preempt the monarch on the matter.”

Some of the conditions stated by the Deji to end the feud was that the Igbo leader

was forbidden from wearing any form of crown, while the title ‘Eze N’digbo’ must be reviewed and replaced with a non-controversial honorary title.

The monarch also requested the dethroned Eze to apologise for his unruly behaviour in at least three

The family of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, has described Chief HID Awolowo’s earthly journey as a remarkable one.

The family, in a condolence letter signed by Chief Abayomi Akintola and Dr Abimbola Akintola, said “no doubt her earthly sojourn was very remarkable. Her death at nearly 100 years attests to uncommon favour from God for which all of you left to mourn her should draw solace. May God grant you all the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.”

To the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Mrs Awolowo had etched her name in gold by being a symbol of truth and veracity.

The union, in a condolence letter signed by the acting chairman, Comrade Ademeji Abiodun, said “we bear witness that while alive, Mama’s activities and credentials spoke clearly for themselves and this also shows why her name and that of her husband was always at the top hierarchy of Nigeria history.

“Indeed, Nigeria and in particular, Ogun State, have lost a prodigy of extraordinary merit, paragon of beauty, virtue and goodness and a symbol of truth and veracity.”

Also, members of the Red Cross Society, Ogun State

The Eze N’digbo, Mr Gregory Iloehika, was alleged to have disrespected the stool of the Deji of Akureland, while he was invited by Oba Aladetoyinbo to settle rift over the leadership of spare parts market in Akure.

300 FGGC Efon-Alaaye students hospitalised It’s gastrointestinal infection —Ekiti govt Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti No fewer than 300 students of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Efon Alaaye, in Ekiti State, have taken ill and have been hospitalised, following what was suspected to be an outbreak of cholera in the school.

But the Ekiti State government, which confirmed the treatment of the students, disagreed that it was cholera and described the illness as gastrointestinal infection.

The development, which has triggered panic in the school, was said to have started on the 10th of this month and it was gathered

that parents, whose children were in the school, rushed to the school in droves to identify their children.

Witnesses said some students were vomiting and stooling, which sparked fear among the staff and students.

The principal, Mrs Grace Ogunyomi, was said to have reported the development to the state government on Wednesday, for support and action.

It was confirmed that the students were not infected at the same time, but were being taken to the hospital in batches for prompt medical attention.

Governor Ayodele Fayose, it was gathered, had directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr Olurotimi Ojo, to deploy professionals and drugs, and it was confirmed that relevant drugs and personnel had been deployed.

The commissioner had also allayed the fear being expressed by parents, saying it was a gastroint estinal infection, popularly called diarrohea.

It was reliably confirmed that about 31 of them were still being hospitalised at the Efon General Hospital, while many had been treated and discharged, having responded to treatment.

HID’s earthly journey remarkable —Akintola family OlayinkaOlukoya-Abeokuta

national dailies, as well as go on air to also tender apology.

Oba Aladetoyinbo also requested the Igbo leader to write a letter of apology to the Deji stool and the Dejiin-Council, saying the Igbo leader must comply with all earlier directives of the palace.

branch, under the chairmanship of Comrade Yinka Fashina, also paid glowing tributes in honour of the deceased.

Fashina described the life of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty as a unique one, saying “she has left good deeds that all must embrace and emulate. Mama, you were just too good to go now. Rest in peace ma.”

Meanwhile, the society, during the visit, decorated Mama’s eldest child, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, with Humanitarian Ambassador, promising to bestow same honour on

Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu in no distant time.

Responding, Mrs Oyediran appreciated the society for the honour and solicited its assistance during the activities lined up for Mama’s burial.

To Professor A.O Osoba, Mama was a rare gem and a rare breed, while the former vice chancellor of Babcock University, Professor A.A Alalade, said Nigerians would continue to remember her services to the nation.

He said: “Mama, you were a darling mother. We will live to appreciate you

and continue to cherish your services to the family, church and nation.”

Also, students and staff of O & A, Ikenne-Remo, also paid a condolence visit to the family’s residence, while members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Remo zone, conducted a short prayer service in honour of Mama Awolowo.

The Catholic Women Organisation from Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese, led by former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Elizabeth Sonubi, described Mrs Awolowo as a woman of faith.

Buhari seeks Senate’s confirmation of new INEC chair, others TaiwoAdisaandAyodeleAdesanmi -Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, forwarded the name of the appointed chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu and other National Commissioners of the electoral body for Senate confirmation.

The Council of States had, on Wednesday, ratified the names of the nominees for onward transfer to the Senate for legislative process.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, read a letter from Buhari on the Senate floor on Thursday, nominating the new INEC chiefs for screening.

Besides Yakubu, Buhari is also seeking the confirma-

tion of Hajia Amina Bala Zakari, the incumbent acting chairman of INEC, as the National Commissioner representing North-West; Dr Antonla Taiye Okoos, representing North-Central; Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo, representing North-East;

Dr Mohammed Mustapha, representing, South-South and Mr Adedeji Solomon Soyebi, representing the South-West.

The Senate is yet to fix a date for the screening and confirmation of the candidates.

APC gets 48, PDP 45, as Dogara names 96 committee chairmen Continued from pg4

named as chairmen being Honourable Oladele Kayode, Financial Crimes; Honourable Samuel Okon Ikon, Inter-parliamentary Relations; Honourable Timothy Golu, Legislative Budget and Research, among others.

Seven new committees were named—Agricultural Colleges and Institutions; Basic Education and Services; Delegated Legislation; FCT Judiciary; Health Institutions; IDPs, Refugees and Initiatives on North-East; Insurance and Actuarial Matters; Tertiary Education and Services.

It was gathered that what the teachers had earlier suspected was that their food and water must have been contaminated, leading to outbreak of the epidemic in the school.

But a teacher, who spoke with newsmen under anonymity confirmed that medical examination of the samples of their water and food later confirmed that the infection did not emanate from those sources.

“What we felt was that their food and water had been infected, but we later gathered that it was not from that source.

When contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, who spoke on behalf of the commissioner, disclosed that the disease had attacked about 300 students, but pointed out that only 20 of them were still being attended to, while others had been discharged in

batches.

Dr Ojo said the Ministry of Health had brought in environmental health officials, while many professionals are still being deployed to nip the crisis in the bud.

“We had alerted the water corporation to chlorinate their water. They have about six boreholes and we have got them chlorinated, because we know as professionals that the water could be a source.

“We are trying to look into their environment, so that we can get where such could have broken out. We want to know how they dump their faeces and how they dump their sewages .

“We have taken the blood samples of students infected to the hospital and preliminary test showed it was not cholera. It was diarrohea and vomiting. We are sending the samples for further test to confirm that it was not cholera,” she said.

7

Friday, 23 October, 2015

8

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Lagosmetro septuagenarian The woman, who survived the Wednesday collapsed building in Lagos State has died

Driver bites policewoman, tears uniform Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

A 28-year-old bus driver, Oluwaya Eshe, who reportedly bit a policewoman on her hand, resulting in serious injury, has been remanded in Kiririkiri prison.

The suspect, Eshe, allegedly attacked Omowumi Aliu and Adebisi Bamiu attached to Isheri Oshun while they were performing their lawful duties.

The incident happened along Ikotun-Ijegun road in Ijegun, on the outskirts of Lagos.

It was gathered that the incident occurred after the two female officers accosted Eshe for contravening traffic law on the highway. They attempted to take the bus along with Eshe to their station for the offence he allegedly committed, but he resisted.

An altercation ensued and in the process, Eshe reportedly attacked the officers, tore their uniform and bit Bamiu on her hand.

The matter was adjourned till November 11, 2015.

on Thursday.

Lagosmetro gathered that the old woman, who was the last person to be rescued from the debris of the collapsed building died at the Lagos Island General Hospital.

The woman, who was very unconscious, when she was rescued, was yet to regain her consciousness, when she passed on, on Thursday .

Ibrahim Farinloye, the spokesperson of the Natuonal Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South West Nigeria confirmed the death to Lagosmetro.

Farinloye said that he received the news of the woman’s death on Thursday evening and described the death as “very sad.”

A

91-year-old woman, Mrs Roseline Ololo, in wheel chair on Thursday led protest-

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

This canal blocked with plastic waste is located at Adeniji Adele Bus Garage directly opposite Idumagbo Street, Lagos Island and even LAWMA dump office at Adeniji Adele is a stone throw from this blocked canal. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

91-yr-old woman in wheelchair protests, demands return of her school Bola Badmus

Friday, 23 October, 2015

2 arrested over concealed $5.4 million

Woman, who survived Lagos collapsed building, dies Olalekan Olabulo

9

ers to Lagos State House of Assembly complex, demanding for assistance for the return of her schools, Metropolitan College and Isolo Secondary School, taken over by the military

Madam Ololo protesting taking over of her schools by military government at the Lagos Assembly, on Thursday.

government in 1976, which, she claimed, led to her husband’s death.

The protesters, who stormed the Assembly complex in the early hours of the morning, chanting protest

songs, were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions. Mrs Ololo, who was also accompanied by her lawyer, Malcom Omirhobo, appealed that the state government headed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode should endeavour to return her school like they did other private schools, based on directive issued by former Governor Bola Tinubu.

Speaking with newsmen, Ololo said, “I am here for the government to return my schools to me. I want my school back which was seized, Chief Bola Tinubu has given order that they should return all private schools to owners, but they have not returned mine after several efforts.

“My husband died in the course of seeking the return of the schools we both struggled to establish,” she said, pointing out that no compensation was paid to her or her husband when the school was taken over by the military.

“I did not take any money because they don’t know where I am and they don’t know where we are. They have been telling us to come but nothing has been done,”

she added.

In a letter written by her lawyer, Omirhobo from Malcolm Omirhobo & Co and presented to the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, the woman appealed to the House to assist in recovering the said properties.

“We have the instruction of our client to appeal to you to investigate the basis for the refusal, neglect and/or failure of the Lagos State Government to return Metropolitan College and Isolo Secondary schools to their original owner.

“We have met with the executive and submitted series of letters, but nothing has been done. We only need lawmakers to help us,” the letter read.

A member of the House, Mojeed Fatai, who represented the speaker, promised that the House would look into the matter, just as he lauded the protesters for the peaceful demonstration.

“We thank you for the peaceful demonstration and if there is need to call you, we will do so. I promise to deliver your message to Mr. Speaker,” he said.

TWO men, Linus Chibuike and Nnamdi Ojukwu were on Thursday charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos, for not declaring the amount of money they had on them before boarding a plane to China.

It was gathered that the accused persons who are both businessmen, were arrested by officers of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

They were apprehended during the outbound clearance of passengers on board a flight to China.

The sums of $2.5 million and $2.9 million respectively, were recovered from the accused, as they failed to declare the sums to officers of the NCS as required by law.

Chibuike allegedly falsely declared the sum of $11,500 as being the only amount in his possession, while Ojukwu

failed to declare the money in his possession.

They however pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Following an oral application for bail moved by their counsel, Mr Abubakar Shamsudeen and Mr Chris Nwokedi, Justice Ibrahim Buba granted them bail in the sum of N50 million each, with one surety each in like sum.

Buba fixed November 2 for the trial of the accused.

Lagos State Governor’s monitoring team arresting vehicles plying the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lanes on Ikorodu road, on Wednesday.

Ambode inaugurates 5-man panel to investigate Disu’s murder •To submit report in 45 days Bola Badmus Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday inaugurated a five-man Tribunal of inquiry to investigate the civil unrest in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State on October 12, which led to the gruesome murder of the

Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu.

The tribunal is headed by retired Lagos State High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi.

Disu was reportedly killed

Tax evasion: Lagos seals 6 companies,

vows to prosecute defaulters Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

LAGOS State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) on Thursday sealed up six companies for non remittance of taxes due to the state government totaling over N50 million.

This was just as it vowed that the service was set to begin criminal prosecution of all tax defaulters in the state to ensure that culprits were made to face the full wrath of the law.

Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, made the disclosure in a statement, listing the defaulting companies to include Nicon Town Management Company with a tax liability of N36, 053,652.89; Marketing Mix and Company Limited (N10, 712,914.15), Hope Valley International Clinic (N2, 389,885.28), BEC Consultants Nigeria Limited (N792, 563.47), Goldmine Global Services Limited (N505, 812.73) and Brown Brommel Limited (N368, 159.63).

He said the amount was owed the state government

money for periods ranging from one to five years (2007 to 2012).

According to Ogunsanwo, the companies were sealed in pursuant to the provisions of Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 LFN (as amended in 2011) and will not be re-opened for

business until all unremitted taxes were paid to the State Government.

He also warned defaulting companies, especially employers of labour that the state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, had zero tolerance for tax evasion.

The LIRS boss added that

while resolving a land dispute between members of Okunraye community and some private companies embarking on various massive projects within the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

This was just as the governor vowed that his government would not tolerate any violent acts which disturb the security of lives and property in the state at a time when the government was attracting a lot of foreign direct investments and opening up the economy of the state, adding that, “We cannot afford to have such disturbances.”

Ambode, while inaugurating the tribunal, said as a responsive and responsible government, it had become

necessary for his administration to set up a tribunal to investigate the remote cause of the unrest with the view to forestalling future re-occurrence.

Governor Ambode added that as a responsible government determined to enforce the rule of law, it was his duty to take firm and purposeful steps to inquire into the origin, factors and circumstances leading to the disturbances at the LFTZ in order to forestall a re-occurrence.

“Having sought advice from the Attorney-General of the State, a Tribunal of Inquiry has been constituted to investigate the remote and immediate causes of this incident and other recommendations therein,”

Govt warns security officials over traffic breaches Bola Badmus Lagos State government on Thursday warned that henceforth security officials engaged in transport activities that violate the state traffic law will be arrested.

The government noted that security personnel using their private cars and buses for commercial activities always contravene the state Traffic Law by either dropping or picking commuters at undesignated bus stops which he said always created traffic gridlock for other motorists.

The Chairman, Lagos State Environmental and

Special Offences Unit, Olubukola Abe, who gave the warning, expressed worry at the rate which most security personnel, especially those engaging in transport business flout the law at will.

Abe gave the warning while briefing journalists on the activities of the Task Force in the last six weeks, disclosing that over 60 miscreants and street traders were arrested with their wares confiscated, just as he said that over 1,750 commercial motorcyclists popularly called okada had been apprehended between June and now.

He said the exercise was carried out by officials of

the Task Force and the Kick against Indiscipline (KAI) in areas like Ogudu, Alapere, Ojodu-Berger and Agege-Pen Cinema.

Abe also warned security officials using commercial motorcycles for official assignment to desist from picking or dropping passengers at any of the restricted routes for motorcyclists as stipulated by the laws.

“In addition to that, we are doing a lot to free the traffic gridlock on the Third Mainland Bridge. We ensure street traders are dislodged and we are also moving against miscreants across the state. We will continue to do our best until there are no more hawkers on our

highways and miscreants are dislodged from their hideouts.”

Ambode said.

Members of the tribunal are Tunde Seriki, senior legal practitioner; Yemi Lawal, property developer; Fuad Kassim, former Surveyor General of the Federation; and Mrs Rafeequat Onabamiro, former member of House of Representatives representing Badagry.

A Chief State counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr Adebayo Haroun is to serve as the secretary of the tribunal.

Earlier, the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, said in exercise of the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 1 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2003, and considering the recent civil disturbances at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, it had become necessary to constitute a panel of inquiry to investigate the unrest.

businessnews Nigerians in cooperatives hit 10 million, as FG plans increased funding 10

Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

T

he Federal Government has said that there are plans to work on the National Cooperative Development Fund (NCDF) to provide additional guarantee that will facilitate the draw down of the Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF).

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arc. Sonny Echono who disclosed this in Abuja at the book launch on Cooperative Reform, noted that lots of global attention has continued to be drawn on the importance of cooperatives.

Echono revealed that available records show that 10 million Nigerians are currently engaged in cooperative practice and 85 per cent of them are involved in different agricultural operations.

He, therefore, said “this among other reasons has been responsible for the decision taken by the Federal Government in 1992 to domicile the regulatory department of cooperatives in this ministry where the later has received due attention and support based on resources available.

“The cooperative movement as provided in the National cooperative development policy, are now working on the National Cooperative Development Fund to provide additional guarantee that will facilitate the draw down of the Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF). This will be an added support towards achieving financial inclusion for the rural people,

Friday, 23 October, 2015

many of whom belong to cooperatives.

“I am pleased that this book launch is escalating the efforts we are making to bring about an improvement in cooperative practice across the country. In particular, it has once again brought to the public domain capacity of coopera-

tives to support the nation’s drive to expand agricultural production and deal with food security needs,” Echono stated.

In his remarks, the author of the book, Dr Dickson Okolo advised that various ministries in the country should begin to think of how to use cooperatives to pro-

mote activities among the people.

“They should have activities that would benefit the people and the best way businesses can adopt this is through cooperatives.

“The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) proposed that by 2020, it is likely that cooperatives

From left, Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr Tope Ashiwaju; Marketing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Mr Amir Shamsi; Chief Marketing Officer, Tolaram Group, Mr Pawan Sharma; Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Mr Roy Naaman and Head, Corporate and Government Affairs Cadbury, Mr Bala Yesufu, during the kick off of Cadbury-Indomie Promo held at Cadbury Nigeria office, Lagos on Thusday. PHOTO: ALABA IGBAROOLA.

Dangote refineries to meet 2017 deadline —Mgt OlatundeDodondawa-Lagos The management of Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser plants has assured that the refineries will meet the 2017 deadline.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday on a fact-finding mission to the refinery site situated at Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Senior General Manager, Civil and Structural, Dangote Petrochemicals Ltd, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, Mr Madhav Kelkar, said that

“the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refineries will meet its 2017 deadline.

“As you can see, piling and land reclamation is going on massively. Sand filling is the most critical part of the project. A Belgium-based dredging company, Jande Nul is in charged of the dredging and soil investigation.

“Assembly and coupling of equipment will take only a couple of months. I think we are making progress and I’m happy with what we have done so far.”

Furthermore, he argued that the construction is hightech which has never been done in this part of the world.

“Dredging from the high sea with such level of precision and expertise? One of the Permanent Secretaries that visited the site recently jokingly stated that on Dangote could have done this.

“That’s the kind of intervention Dangote is doing in this country. Building state of the art equipment and technology and top notch expertise to be on this project.

BVN: CBN urges Nigerians to register before deadline

By Tunde Ogunesan GOING by the words of the deputy director consumer protection department Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Hajia Khadijah Kasim, the apex bank is not likely to extend the deadline for consumers’ registration for Bank Verification Number (BVN) which closes by October 30.

The BVN exercise which had been on for over six months initially ended on July 30th, 2015, but was extended by additional three months following calls from many bank customers who could not register within the period.

Kasim made this known

will become the best business model available in the world. So this is the right time for Nigeria to join that movement. And what we are looking forward to accomplish is to create more employment opportunities and reduce poverty through cooperative endeavours,” he stated.

on Thursday while speaking with journalists during a one-day sensitisation programme organised for consumers in Oyo State, held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

When asked on the likelihood of extending the deadline later in the month, Kasim stated that “The deadline was supposed to expire by June 30, we extended it to October and by now we expect that all Nigerians would get their BVN before the expiration date.

“I am appealing that they all come out and ensure that within the next few days that is remaining, they should get registered for BVN.” She further hinted the

bank is embarking on sanitising people at the grass roots on the need to get in tune with various programmes aimed at turning things around for the benefit of all in the banking sector. She noted in particular that electronic banking system which has commenced over two years ago.

Kasim also added that “for over two years now, we have been going round educating people on why we need to reduce cash spending and go cash less. We cannot over emphasise the need for people to embrace electronic payment. It’s benefit are immense, the risk that are attached with carrying notes

have been eliminated when you use electronic mode of payment.

“We are even going further to meet people at the grass roots/villages who may not have access to direct Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

“There is a special arrangement now for agent banking and we also have mobile payment to carry them along in the cash less policy. We now have authorised agents who will now carry out a function to help deposit and make payments on their behalf. We’re moving from one step to the other. And we’re carrying all Nigerians along,” she said.

“At the end of the day, every Nigerian will be very proud that we have the longest single train refinery in the world. That’s the vision of Dangote.

“This is going to be built on this site. Most people build refineries in batches and in phases on different locations in the world. No refinery of this size and the state of the art technology because most of the refineries you see are 20-30 years old without state of the art technology.

“You look at the venue chain from crude tot he end products. With this project, Nigeria will be self sufficient in crude refining. It is not just to supply the domestic market, but to export refined products,” he said.

There is demand gap in Africa, and the President of Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote is set to fill the gap “so we want to export to neighboring countries to be able to generate forex for the country.

The Dangote Group is currently building the largest refinery, petrochemical and fertiliser complex in Africa.

The project is sited in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State, and the refinery will have the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Nigerian Tribune

Oil rises back over $48

Oil prices rose on Thursday, moving over 48 dollars a barrel.

Brent for December delivery rose 38 cents to 48.23 dollars a barrel. U.S. crude for December delivery climbed 40 cents to 45.60 dollars a barrel.

Oil prices came under renewed pressure from worries about a global glut this week after United States crude inventories rose more than twice what analysts had expected.

United States crude stocks surged sharply for a second week, climbing 8 million barrels in the week to Oct. 16, and data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed on Wednesday.

That jump followed a rise of more than 7.5 million barrels in the previous week and put U.S. crude stocks up more than 22 million barrels over the last four weeks.

Oil experts from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-member countries made no agreement this week to boost prices, officials said after talks in Vienna on Wednesday.

Court orders West Africa batteries Ltd to pay workers within 90 days

By Tunde Ogunesan THE National Industrial Court in the Ibadan judicial division yesterday ordered West Africa Batteries Limited and Otunba Olutola Senbore to pay 437 staff of the company-411 workers and 26 management staff their emoluments/stipends, salaries and allowances and benefit jointly agreed from December 6, 1999 within 90 days.

Justice F.I. Kola-Olalere in her judgment delivered on Wednesday in a suit no NICN/IB/21/2013, declared the defendants pay the staff the entitlements and benefits jointly agreed by the first claimant and the first defendant on or around October 21, 1999 from December 6, 1999 up till the appointments and/or contract of service of the said staff and workers with 90 days.

The staff, under the aegis of Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (suing for themselves and on behalf of the staff and workers of West African Batteries), as claimant sued West African Batteries Limited and Otunba Olutola Senbore, as first and second defendants, in the suit at the Industrial court Ibadan.

11

businessnews

Friday, 23 October, 2015

NDIC boss identifies reasons for N6.19bn loss to banking fraud

By Chima Nwokoji

M

anaging Director Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim has identified weak infrastructure in the Information Technology (IT) space, increasing number of contract clerks and tellers as key reasons for huge losses to electronic banking fraud in recent times.

Records show an increase of 17.5 per cent in actual electronic banking loss from N5.75 billion in 2013 to N6.19 billion in 2014.

According to Ibrahim, it was discovered that temporary staff, clerks and tellers accounted for 64 per cent of frauds and forgeries in 2014, which required urgent attention to improve the electronic payments controls, IT security, human capital and integrity profiling as well as motivation of staff.

The corporation therefore calls for urgent regulatory intervention in order to achieve much desired financial discipline in the banking sector in line with the wave of change of the present administration in Nigeria.

Represented by the Director, Research, Policy and International Relations of NDIC, Mr Jacob Afolabi, at the 2015 Finance Correspondents and business editors’ Workshop in Ilorin, Ibrahim said the developments require the general understanding, acceptance and active participation of stakeholders.

He pointed out that Sections 35 and 36 of the NDIC Act 2006, mandate all deposit-taking financial institutions to send returns on frauds, forgeries and other financial malpractices to the corporation on monthly basis.

According to the NDIC boss, banks are also expected to notify the corporation on member of staff dismissed, those whose appointments were terminated or those advised to retire on grounds of financial infractions.

A total of 10,612 fraud cases in banks were reported in 2014, as against 3,786 cases in 2013, which showed an increase of 183 per cent. The amount involved in 2013 was N21.80 billion as against N25.61 billion in 2014. The types and nature of frauds and forgeries were largely webbased, ATM card related, fraudulent transfer/with-

drawal of deposits, among others.

He added: “The attention of the regulatory/supervisory authorities and opera-

tors has been drawn to this onerous task of focusing our attention to massive public awareness, hence the rationale behind bringing to the

fore the issues of e-banking, capacity of micro, small and medium scale enterprise in the mobile payments system and effective manage-

ment of associated risks to mobile payment system and effective management of associated risks to this workshop.”

From left, MD/CEO, Dorman Long Engineering, Dr Orji Nwosu; Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering, Dr Timi Austen-Peters; Acting MD, INTELS, Mr Simone Volpi and Business Development Manager, Orlean Invest Africa Ltd, Mr Mickolas Raffo at the signing of the MoU between Dorman Long Engineering and INTELS in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Fayose lauds Sterling Bank’s leadership role in educational devt

By Chima Nwokoji The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose has described the contribution of Sterling Bank Plc to the development of education in the country as monumental and capable of lifting the standard of education in the country.

The governor who made this remark at the commissioning of the e-library built by the bank for the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State and the presentation of branded uniforms for street sweepers and highway managers, noted that with the project, Sterling Bank has demonstrated its commitment to the repositioning of the education sector in the country in line with the goals of his administration.

“I want to commend Sterling Bank for the e-library project. This shows the commitment of Sterling Bank as a responsible corporate citizen of this country to support government at repositioning the education sector in the country.

“With this development, Sterling Bank has keyed into the landmark programmes of the Ekiti State government towards providing quality education to our children,” he said.

In her remarks, the Provost of the College, Professor Francisca Aladejana according to a statement

from the lender, stated that with the commissioning of the e-library, the College has fulfilled one of the major requirements for which her academic programmes had been denied or granted interim accreditation in the recent past, by both the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“The e-library is the first

product of any partnership with any organisation in the history of the College and we must commend Sterling Bank for this.

“Equipped with computers of high grade and broad bandwidth of a very high capacity to connect users with international libraries, the e-library is unquestionably at par with global standards. Such a facility can rarely be found in higher

institutions in the country.

Sterling Bank has indeed put smiles on the faces of all stakeholders.”

In his address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Yemi Adeola assured that the bank will continue to support educational institutions in the country with projects that would impact positively on the students.

Nigerian Tribune

NSE equity market closes with 0.57% loss KehindeAkinseinde-Jayeoba -Lagos The equity market on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), on Thursday, followed the previous day trend as All Share Index depreciated by 0.57 per cent to close at 30,025.62 basic points.

Meanwhile market capitalisation appreciated with 36.94 per cent volume increase against the 15.45 per cent decline it closed with on Wednesday.

Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and Diamond Bank were the most active to raise market turnover staking 57.71 million, 50.01 million and 37.72 million shares respectively.

At the end of trading, N2.82 billion worth of 284.12 shares exchanged hands in 2,962 deals with investors losing N432 million.

On the gainers table, Oando led other 17 gainers adding 53kobo with a 5.37 per cent gain to close at N10.40kobo per share, closely followed by Betaglass that closed at N45.15k per share with five per cent increase. Cutix also closed with five per cent gain at N1.68kobo per share.

Okomu Oil led 26 others on the losers table shedding N3.47kobo from the N35.63 per share it traded with, representing 9.74 per cent lose, while Guiness depreciated 5.70 per cent by shedding N8.60kobo to close at N142.20 per share.

Aviation ministry debunks negative label on Nigerian airports Shola Adekola -Lagos The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Bello has faulted a recent rating published and making the rounds that Nigerian airports are bad and confronted with so many challenges.

This is just as she said compromises among players in the aviation industry have to be made in other to achieve a balance and a situation where everyone is satisfied to a point without rancour Speaking at the 21st Annual Aviation Journalists’ seminar with the theme, ‘Achieving a Win-Win Aviation Sector in Nigeria’ while responding to the controversial rating said, “It is up to the leaders to agree or to disagree on the rating.

“When I saw the rating, the question I asked is that: do we still have touts at the

airports? Are our airports dirty? Are we corrupt? Do we agree with all those questions?

“I cannot categorically say yes we are corrupt, or that our airports are not clean, our that airports are congested, and so on. I am sure people can actually say if these airports are dirty, if they are full of touts, or if they are chaotic.

“I flew in from Abuja airport this morning, and about five airlines were boarding at the same time. I did not see any chaos there; it was a smooth operation, passengers were going into various aircrafts of the various airlines operators and the whole operation was very smooth.

“So I cannot accept that the airports are dirty. I cannot accept that the airports are congested.

“If we have a temporary challenge, it is because of

the constructions that is going on at our airports.

In her keynote address, Bello said that all stakeholders need to take into account the way that their own decisions and choices affect others.

“When this occurs, and when all participants develop a strategy which benefits the “whole,” a win-win situation develops. It should be stated that not everyone in every possible permutation of this scenario wins exactly the same thing or the equivalent amount.”

According to her, the basis for any win-win situation is that compromise and cooperation must be more than or at least as important as ego and competition “The Federal Ministry of Aviation recognises the importance of creating the win-win situations in the sector and this informs the regular stakeholder meet-

ings and forums being organised to carry everybody along in policy decisions by the regulators.

“They are intended to ensure that diverse interests are aggregated and equitably catered for.

“As you are all aware, the ministry was recently directed by the president to immediately kick-start the process of re-establishing a national carrier for the nation.

“Rather than sit in our offices at the ministry to take decisions on the model of a national carrier the nation should operate, a Ministerial Committee made up of diverse professionals from both the public and private sectors was set up to advice the government.

“The committee recently submitted its report and the ministry is waiting for direction on government on the matter,” she added.

12

business

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for thursday, 22 OCTOBER, 2015

13

Friday, 23 October, 2015

14

businessnews

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Transparency, collaboration will facilitate agricultural growth —Oredipe

T

ransparent inter-sectoral collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, states and local governments, other agencies, as well as an enabling environment for a strong private sector involvement and investment in the sector, have been identified as part of the policy reform strategies that would ensure enduring growth of the agricultural sector of the economy.

While delivering the lead paper on ‘Sustaining the Positive Outcome of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda for Attaining Competitiveness, Sustainability and Inclusive Growth,’ during the Food Security and Agriculture session at the just concluded Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Senior Agriculture Economist with the World Bank, Dr Adetunji Oredipe, maintained that finding solutions to the problems of the sector must involve all critical stakeholders.

“Strengthening collaboration between federal and state ministries and improving overall coordination is crucial. A thriving agricultural industry will require support from other ministries and agencies of government at federal and state levels.”

Dr Oredipe, who also served as the Senior Technical Adviser to the former Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, in the presentation, observed that in a major departure from past approaches, agriculture is now being treated as a business, not a development programme.

He recollected that “until the early 1970s, Nigeria was self-sufficient in food production with a small surplus for export, and agriculture was the main foreign exchange earner. The sector stagnated thereafter due to the discovery, exploitation and exports of oil and a subsequent policy to shift resources from agriculture to the oil-industry.”

However, since agriculture employs an overwhelming share of the Nigerian labour force, stagnation of the sector resulted in increased poverty incidence. Poverty, according to Oredipe, “remains largely a rural phenomenon with headcount of 44.9 per cent, compared to 12.6 per cent in urban areas, thereby necessitating the prioritisation of rural transformation and provision of employment, particularly youth employment, and also adoption of a gender sensitive approach in the sector.”

According to him, issues in the sector which the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is set out to address include value chain development; market access and market orientation; complex and challenging land tenure system impeding economic growth and sometimes causing violent land disputes; rudimentary agricultural production techniques despite many years of work on technology generation and transfer; low level usage of key inputs such as fertilizers and improved seeds; mechanisation, and low irrigation efficiency.

Other militating factors he said include inadequate infrastructure such as feeder roads, storage, packaging, processing, and retailing facilities, which weakens the economic and physical bridge between production points and marketing centres; inability to meet producers’ needs because of linkages between research and extension; low public spending on agriculture, with the average of 3.8 per cent of total spending between year 2000 and 2010, and limited access to finance especially for smallholder farmers.

The former ministerial adviser, while acknowledging ATA said “it departs from poorly implemented and unproductive policies of the past, and proffers policy options

that could strengthen the current processes.

“These include proper and full costing of the ATA with an investment plan showing annual financial outlays, transparent outlining of proposed credible sources of internal and external funding, better targeting and focus on conversion of inputs into food production, results monitoring framework showing intermediate milestones and in-

dicators; institutionalisation of the monitoring process, and regular publication of results of outputs and outcomes against targets.

ATA, according to him, “must find ways of addressing the serious issues of archaic land tenure system that inhibit large-scale commercial and integrated agriculture and exports. Finding enduring solutions is be-

yond the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and requires inter-sectoral collaboration with other agencies.”

Oredipe also called for the establishment of a Projects Delivery Unit (PDU) in the Ministry of Agriculture as the hub for processing of development partner programmes in the sector.

From left, Marketing Manager Gulder, 33, LIFE, MORE and Stout Category, Mr Emmanuel Agu; winner of a Brand New Hyundai Elantra Car, Simon Tyohemen, Brewery Manager; Mr Peter Ani; and Senior Brand Manager Gulder, Mr Onyeka Okoli, during the Gulder Promo car presentation held at Lagos Brewery Bar, Iganmu, on Wednesday.

PHOTO: ALABA IGBAROOLA.

Domestic airlines sold over 2 trillion tickets in 7 months Airlifted over 6 million passengers Shola Adekola -Lagos THE bad picture being painted around the country’s domestic airlines on their performance may be far from the truth as it was yesterday revealed that the indigenous carriers had between January and July this

year sold tickets worth N2, 352,011,595.17.

The amount according to the director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Muthar Usman represented the total amount of tickets sold on the domestic routes from January and July, 2015.

Airtel backs DRASA on healthcare interventions Leading telecoms services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has thrown its weight behind the Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust to commemorate Nigeria’s first anniversary after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the country Ebola-free last year October 20th.

To mark the anniversary, DRASA Health Trust, a non-profit organisation formed in memory of the late doctor who risked her life to contain the first case of Ebola in Nigeria, has unveiled robust healthcare initiatives aimed at preventing future outbreak of infectious diseases in Nigeria.

At the event which took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesady, DRASA Health Trust said the health programmes include the Outbreak Preparedness/Response, Simulation Training and #ItStartsWithMe Campaign.

Speaking on the telco’s support to the Trust, Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Oparah, noted that Airtel Nigeria is committed to offering relief to Nigerians through its various CSR programmes, saying Airtel and DRASA are passionate about initiatives that will transform lives and empower more Nigerians.

According to Mr Oparah, Airtel Nigeria,

as a responsive organisation, gave its support to the government’s team last year by donating items towards the fight against the Ebola Virus.

“It is in the DNA of Airtel Nigeria to continuously strive to proffer solutions to alleviate difficulty or challenges and extend a helping hand to underprivileged people through its charity programmes like the Airtel Touching Lives programme, a revolutionary CSR initiative that has impacted on the lives of individuals, people and communities across Nigeria,” he said.

Commenting on the DRASA initiatives, Trustee member, Dr Ama Adadevoh, noted that under the Outbreak Preparedness/Response, the Trust will partner with relevant bodies to train 1000 experts across the country on the spectrum of outbreak response for Ebola and other infectious diseases, develop a university curriculum based on the EVD Guide and develop a digital platform of the EVD Guide for further dissemination.

“While under the Simulation Training, DRASA will champion medical simulation for students and health professionals to ?ll a critical gap and build capacity in medical ethics and infectious diseases.

During the same period, the foreign airlines operating into the country sold tickets worth N8, 176,919,415.10.

Also within the same period, while the total volume of passengers airlifted by the domestic carriers has been put at 6,061,740 while their foreign airline counterparts freighted 2,341,748 in similar period.

The result according to the NCAA would have been better but for the transition period and elections which restricted wide scale travel.

The development came just as it has been revealed that despite the controversy trailing the over 78 Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) Nigeria has signed with foreign countries, a total of fresh fifteen countries have so far indicated their preparedness to sign similar agreements with Nigeria.

Besides the fresh fifteen countries, thirteen other countries are on the threshold waiting for renegotiation of their existing BASAs. The director general who was speaking at a seminar on ‘Achieving A Win-Win Aviation SectorIn Nigeria’, attributed the recent reduction in the spate of air crashes in the country to the robust oversight regulation of the industry engaged by the NCAA. He cited the notice of rule making preceding the review of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) which he said was to grow the authority’s regulatory capacity in tandem with emerging trends and global best practices.

The NCAA Chief also used the occasion to drop the hint of another plan by the regulatory body to to embark on another Universal Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in March, 2016 calling on all stakeholders to cooperate with the regulatory agency.

15

Friday, 23 October, 2015

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Muharram: The start of Islamic calendar

M

UHARRAM is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months.

These four months, according to the authentic traditions, are the months of Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Qur’an are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet, in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, declared: “One year consists of 12 months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab.”

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Mecca.

In fact, every month, out of the 12 is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity, which may be attributed to one of them in comparison to other months.

When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, then it acquires sanctity out of His grace.

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognised right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim. Since the pagans of Mecca attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim, they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

In the Shariah of the Holy Prophet, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Qur’an refers to them as the “sanctified months.”

The month of Muharram has certain other characteristics peculiar to it, which are specified below.

Fasting during the month The Holy Prophet said: “The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.” Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory,

yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most reward-able ones among the Nafl fasts, i.e., the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail themselves of this opportunity as much as they can.

The day of Ashurah Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named Ashurah.

According to the holy companion, Ibn Abbas, the Holy Prophet, after migrating to Medina, found that the Jews of Medina used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram.

They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and Pharaoh was drowned in its water.

On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet said, “We are more closely related

Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named Ashurah.

to Musa than you” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashurah. (Abu Dawood) It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of Ashurah was obligatory for the Muslims, but later, the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of ”Ashurah was made optional. Sayyidah Aishah said: “When the Holy Prophet came to Medina, he fasted on the day of Ashurah and directed the people to fast it. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan and the obligatory nature of the fast of Ashurah was abandoned. One can fast on this day, if he so wills, or can avoid fasting, if he so wills.”

However, the Holy Prophet used to fast on the day of Ashurah even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory.

In short, it is established through a number of authentic hadith that fasting on the day of Ashurah is sunnah of the Holy Prophet and makes one entitled to a great reward.

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to Ashurah that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day in which Adam was created.

This is the day in which Ibrahim was born.

This is the day in which Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Ibrahim.

This is the day on which the Qiyamah (dooms-day) will take place.

Whoever takes bath in the day of Ashurah will never get ill.

All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit.

Some people take it as sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of Ashurah. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

Some other people attribute the sanctity of Ashurah to the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain during his battle with the Syrian army.

No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Hu-

sain is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of Ashurah cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Ashurah was established during the days of the Holy Prophet much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain.

On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain that his martyrdom took place on the day of Ashurah.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah. Such superstitions have been totally negated by the Holy Prophet. If the death of an eminent person in a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day, free from this bad luck, because each and every day has a history of the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet have made us free from such superstitious beliefs, and they should deserve no attention.

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain.

As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of Jahiliyyah (Ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased relatives or friends through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Inna lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji oon.” A number of authentic hadith are available on the subject.

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is absolutely impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said: “My dear sister, I swear upon you that you, in case I die, shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death.”

It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet and his beloved grandchild Sayyidina Husain.

Blessings of Muharram It is the first month of the Islamic Calendar.

The word “Muharram” means “Forbidden.” Even before Islam, this month was always known as a scared month in which all unlawful acts were forbidden, prominently the shedding of blood.

There are many bounties of this month, especially the 10th of Muharram.

Source: IslamiCity — Muhammad Taqi Usmani

16 islamicnews

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Muslims urged to acquire knowledge of Islam

From left, National Vice President II, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Alhaji Mustapha Balogun; National President, NACOMYO, Alhaji Kamal’ddin Akintunde and Amir, Islamic Propagation Centre (IPC), Ustaz Sulaimon Salisu, at a training programme in Warri, Delta State.

S/West Muslim leaders present new Aare Musulumi to Sultan

By Saheed Salawu

T

HE Amirul Mumineen and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commended the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States for fostering unity among the Muslims of the areas.

He said the existence of unity among the Ummah has enabled him to be proactive in establishing strong links with Muslims across the country.

Sultan Abubakar gave the commendation, on Wednesday, in Sokoto, while hosting the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, who paid him a courtesy visit, in company with the spiritual fathers.

The Sultan acknowledged the generosity and contributions of the first Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao, who, he said, established relations across ethnic and religious borders to the promotion of Islam and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

He, therefore, appealed to Alhaji Akinola to see his position as a call to the service of Allah and humanity and ensure that his support for Islam and contributions to the religion spread across Nigeria and even beyond.

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar called on Nigerians to emphasise issues that unite and jettison those that have divisive tendencies, saying “unity should be our major goal in the spirit of peaceful coexistence.”

According to him, the new Aare is a strong partner in moving Nigeria forward and, therefore, he should not hesitate to move close as his doors are always open to him.

He called on all Muslims to rally round the successful merchant as they did for his predecessor and prayed Allah to spare everyone beyond 19 December, 2015 when the new Aare will be formally installed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Presenting the new Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland to Sultan Abubakar on behalf of the League of Imams and Alfas, the SecretaryGeneral, Chief Imam of Owoland, Shaykh Ahmad Aladesawe, recalled the role of the Amirul Mumineen in fostering unity among Muslims in the country and beyond, particularly during the time of the late Aare Arisekola-Alao.

Shaykh Aladesawe sought Allah’s forgiveness for Al-

haji Arisekola-Alao and prayed Him to admit the late philanthropist to Aljannah firdaous.

The Chief Imam, who extolled the qualities of Alhaji Akinola, called on the foremost leader of the Muslims to offer an even greater support for the new Aare who, he said, was being presented to him for recognition.

In a speech, Alhaji Akinola, popularly known as DeDamak, said he was aware of the enormity of the responsibility placed on him as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and promised to justify his appointment.

He expressed gratitude to the Sultan for the reception accorded the delegation and his disposition to the news

of his appointment.

Alhaji Akinola, who called for the support of the Amirul Mumineen and the Ummah, promised to do his best to consolidate the foundation laid by his predecessor.

Those on the delegation were notable Muslim leaders from Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Edo and Delta states, including the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas and Chief Imam of AdoEkiti, Shaykh Bello Kewulere; the Secretary General, Shaykh Aladesawe and the Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Alaga, who represented the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Shaykh Abdul Ganiy Abubakri Agbotomokekere.

Muslims admonished at Oyo NACOMYO’s Hijrah celebration

By Saheed Salawu

THE migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina constitutes lessons for contemporary Muslims to better themselves and find the means of easily practising Islam more effectively.

The Chief Imam of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Shaykh Mahmun Muhammad Awwal, made the remark at the Hijrah 1437 celebration of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State chapter.

Shaykh Muhammad Awwal said at the event, held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, that the Prophet’s Hijrah also underscored the need to abandon ignorance for knowledge and do away with sins and embrace righteousness.

The cleric challenged Muslims to jettison the idea of al-

ways staying on the sideline and join politics so that they could establish good governance and people-oriented government as required by Islam.

He decried the state of Islamic schools in the state and urged the state government to correct the situation.

Part of the correction, the cleric said, is the recruitment of more Islamic Religious Studies teachers in the schools.

The state coordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, in a speech, expressed delight at what he called the positive turn of events in the country since assumption of office

by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “man after the hearts of the talakawas (masses).”

Alhaji Afolabi commiserated with the families of victims of the twin tragedies that occurred in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during

the last hajj and particularly mourned the loss of “intellectuals” like Professor Tijani El-Miskin and Hajia Bilikisu Yusuf.

He commended the emergence of Shaykh Abdul Ganiy Abubakri Agbotomokekere as the 19th Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Alhaji Dawud Akinola and Alhaji Lateef Oyelade as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and the Babasale Musulumi, respectively.

A total of 163 schools from across the state participated in the march past, which formed a highlight of the event that was attended by Muslim groups and notable personalities, including the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Shaykh Abdul Ganiy Abubakri Agbotomokekere and Governor Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ismail Olalekan Alli.

Muslims have been charged to acquire knowledge of their religion in order to avoid falling victims of unscrupulous elements who may wish to exploit them.

The Director of Studies of the Muslim Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (MUTAN), Alhaji Lawal AbdulWahab Babatunde, gave the admonition, in Lagos, at an event held to celebrate the beginning of Hijrah 1437.

Alhaji Babatunde said it was incumbent upon every Muslim to acquire knowledge of Islam, especially the Qur’an. He added that there is no age barrier to the acquisition of the knowledge of Islam.

“Muslims should learn Arabic and the Qur’an in order to avoid being exploited by unscrupulous elements. Nobody is too old or too young to see Islamic knowledge. We encourage us to seek to know how to read the Qur’an and know the meaning of what we are reading. Surely, if someone is able to achieve that at any age, he would know what Islam requires of us,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Islamisation of Knowledge,” Babatunde said acquisition of Western knowledge is not complete without Islamic education.

“You need to be well grounded in Islamic education for you to have a comprehensive and holistic education through which you live a balanced life as Muslims and citizens of the country. So, at the end of the day, with that balanced education, you will display the ethics and the morals of Islam in whatever profession you find yourself,” he added.

The Chief Missioner of the association, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladoyin, charged Muslims to see the occasion of the Hijrah celebration as a reminder to undertake a spiritual migration from bad to good and forsake evil way for holiness.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Oladoyin has condemned the tendency to equate Islam with Boko Haram and described the group as part of an attempt to tarnish the image of Islam.

He, therefore, charged Muslim organisations to avoid infiltration.

MUTAN chairman, Alhaji Raheem Jimoh, at the event, attended by Muslim teaching and non-teaching staff of schools, as well as students from across Lagos State, challenged Muslim teachers to show uprightness and diligence.

MCON demands Hijrah holiday Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna The Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCON) has called for the declaration of the first day of Muharram as public holiday to mark the start of a new Islamic calendar.

The national president of the group, Alhaji Muftau Adeyemo, who made the call in Kaduna at an event to commemorate the Islamic New Year, said this was in line with the declaration of every first of January as public holiday to mark the beginning of the Gregorian calendar.

He said such a declaration would also help raise the consciousness of many Muslims who might have little awareness of the lunar calendar.

“Every year, we commemorate the start of Islamic New Year to create awareness for Muslims that we have our own calendar - from Muharram to Dhul Hijah.

“So, the purpose of gathering here today is to commemorate the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1437.

“We have been emphasising the need to declare public holiday on the first day of the Islamic New Year but there has been lack of enthusiasm on the part of most of our leaders to embrace the idea.

“But we thank God, it has started somewhere as Kano and Osun states have declared Muharram 1 as public holiday, just like January 1 that everybody has been aware of.

“We pray to Allah to reward those who have started and make others know the significance of this day and declare it public holiday - nationwide,” Adeyemo stated.

17

Friday, 23 October, 2015

I

CODE OF PERSONAL DISCIPLINE WILL, more than ever before, subject myself to severe self-discipline. Only “men who are masters of themselves become easily masters of others”. Therefore, my thoughts, my tongue, and my actions shall be brought under strict control always.

The truest and most loyal friend I have in human flesh is my wife. She has borne our common tribulations with exemplary fortitude. Her love for me is ineffable. In return, it is my resolve to show her such love as is rare among mankind.

Furthermore, before I take any major decision, or embark on any enterprise, I will consult her fully, and be guided by her wise advice and suggestions.

My home is among the happiest in the world. After my release, I will make it a veritable paradise on earth for my wife, my children, grandchildren, sisters, relatives, household servants, and all others who work with or under me, regardless of their station in life.

I will eschew anger, irritability, resentment and fault-finding. In any case, “I will not permit myself to speak while angry” or irritated. I will refrain from making any adverse remarks about any of my colleagues behind his back.

“I will look on the bright side of the circumstances of my daily life, and I will carry a cheerful face and speak hopefully to all whom I meet. I will speak and act truthfully, living with sincerity towards all men”.

At all times, wherever I may be, I will remember that God Almighty is ever present with me, that He abides with me and resides in every cell of my body. In this connection, the following prayer of Leslie D. Weatherhead should also be my Dear Lord,, may I take thee with me today in my heart, do nothing that would grieve Thee, say nothing that I should be ashamed to say in Thy physical presence, think nothing that is unworthy, and go nowhere, where I should be ashamed to be found by Thee. Let the Thought of Thy real presence with me dominate my life today, Amen.

God will not alter His Laws, or the widely divergent and often violently conflicting natures of human beings to oblige anyone. I must take the world as I find it with its sprinkling of saints and its multitude of evil-doers; with its grudging appreciation of love and its profusion of hatred; with its grudging appreciation and its ever-ready condemnation; with its limited friendship and its immeasurable enmity; with its ounce of happiness and its tons of sorrow. The list can be increased ad infinitum. “As it was in the beginning so is now and ever shall be ….”. My duty, therefore, is, having taken the world as I find it with its awful and ineffable contrasts, to view anything that may happen to me in this world with Christ-like calm and equanimity, and to do all in my power to promote the progress and advancement of mankind towards those immortal ideals which are enshrined and sufficiently elaborated in the scriptures of every Great religion.

In all that I say or do, in private and in public, I will reflect courage, faith, hope, peace, harmony, humility, and love.

Above all, the problems of Nigeria, in all their multi-faceted magnitude and complexity, were always vivid in my mind, and I laboured assiduously, in my loneliness, to think hard of solutions for them. Greater tribute to my efforts was that, when the “49 wise men”, specially chosen by the Federal Military Government under Murtala Mohammed to draft a new constitution for Nigeria, completed their assignment, their conclusions and recommendations were identical with the proposals which I had made in Thoughts on Nigerian Constitution which I had written, within the space of five months, nine years earlier, in cell D up 2 at Calabar prison. As we have seen, the book was published in There is nothing cheering about prison life. Buildings are dull; the cells are semi-dark; and the vast majority of the inmates are rough in body and mind. At Ikoyi, our block of cells was close to another block which housed the ace recidivists in the prison. They were a law unto themselves. They constituted a kind of State within the prison, with their own President, Prime Minister, Inspector-General of Police, Director of Prisons, Chief Justice, High Court Judges, Magistrates, and other State functionaries.

They held court sessions every night. At Calabar, the abode of the recidivists as such was not close to my cell. Instead, my cell was bounded in front by lunatics, on the right by mild old-timers, on the left by the exercise yard of condemned criminals, and the fallows.

There were a number of hangings when I was at Calabar.

The prison authorities always made sure that the day set aside for hanging was very somber. Prisoners remained in their cells; they were ordered to be quiet; and the whole atmosphere was made Cell D up 2 being close to the gallows, I was able to hear the engine of death when it was switched into action, and to hear the last cry of anguish of such of them as lost heart as they were led to their fateful and inexorable end.

The one that moved me most was a cry which I perceived to be that of a young man. He cried in forlorn agony, “Abasi mbo, Abasi mbo, Abasi mbo”, and so on, until his voice was heard no more, and the gallows went into action with its loud creaking noise to silence the victim for ever. (Abasi mbo means “God help me”). When I heard the noise of the gallows, I said

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Behind the bars by Papa Awo (10)

•Chief Obafemi Awolowo

to myself in a low voice in my cell, “But for the Grace of God, there hangs Obafemi Awolowo”.

The original plan of my sworn enemies in the N.P.C/ N.C..N.C. coalition was to charge me with treason which carries the death penalty, instead of treasonable felony, which carries a maximum of life imprisonment. The plan was abandoned, after what was aptly described as my “triumphant entry” into Lagos on 22 July 1962. As a result of the gargantuan reception which was given to me by the entire populace of Lagos that day, it was clear to the Federal Government that it would not be possible to empanel a jury of twelve men and/ or women in Lagos who would return a verdict of “guilty” for treason against me. Before then, the Federal Government, because of the Action Group’s defeat in the election to the Lagos Municipal Council and to the House of Representatives in 1959, was confident that I had very poor following in Lagos. Hence, my solemn soliloquy when the young man was hanged.

Whilst, by itself, prison life was dull and cheerless, there were gems of humanity among prison officers and warders.

They contributed in no small measure to enliven my time in prison. I have, earlier on in this Chapter, mentioned some names. I now want to praise nine men in addition. They are M.A. Ifijeh, Superintendent of Prison; Ewohunmi, Assistant Superintendent of Prison; Gabriel Ohwo, Superintendent of Prison; F.O. Okotie, Cadet Officer; Steven Odigie, Cadet Officer; J.I. Jolaoso, Cadet Officer; G.C. Enuife, Prison Librarian; E. Onyemachie, Assistant Chief Warder; and the Yard Superintendent at the time whose name I cannot recall. They were exceedingly kind to me, and, at all times, they treated me as friend, father, and philosopher.

I am profoundly grateful to all the prison officers whose names I have mentioned in this Chapter, and to many others, both officers and warders, whose names I no longer remember. May the Lord reward them for their good deeds to me.

Space and the risk of boring my readers will not permit me to mention all the scores of friends and well-wishers who visited me while in prison as P.A.T. and C.P. Besides, it is usually invidious to mention a few where hundreds are deserving. But I feel under moral obligation to mention a few.

There was Rev. Harold Burns of the Methodist Church. He paid a visit every last Sunday in the month to hold a Service of Holy Communion with me. He was always accompanied by two prominent men from the famous Henshaw family of Calabar. In this connection, it is worth mentioning that the arrangement was made on the initiative of Rev. (now the Rev.) J.O.E. Soremekun, then President of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, during his visit to me in Calabar. He introduced to me Rev. Harold Burns whom I had never met, and who was then teaching at Hope Waddel Institute. Rev. Harold Burns is an American.

There was Bishop Moynagh, a Roman Catholic Priest of Irish extraction. He visited me regularly, and gave me inter-

esting secular books to read and return. I can never forget Rev. Mother Gertrude of the Roman Catholic Mission, and a Nigerian of Ibo extraction.

Every Christmas, she used to make Christmas cake for me.

I spent two Christmases in Calabar – 1964 and 1965. I don’t eat cake as a rule. In this case, I tasted a little in 1964, sent some to my grandchildren at home, and gave the rest to the Superintendent to share it with whomsoever he pleased. I reserved the 1965 cake til my wife’s visit in January 1966. I had known in December that she was coming together with her friends Mesdames Olayide Adefule, Adelarin Aina, and Alice Longe; Messrs Kayode Oyediran and A.O. Dairo, and three of my grandchildren – Olusegun Awolowo, Kemi Oyediran and Yewande Oyediran. With the permission of Superintendent Ohwo, I entertained them with the cake. My grandchildren had never met me before. Two of them stood aloof. So, I tried to entice them with the cake; they took my cake, but refused to play with me. They always came near enough to snatch the cake with a smile. That done, they resumed their distance immediately. Only Yewande was friendly and all smiles.

Mrs. Okon, M.B.E., deserves mention. She was a distinguished Efik voluntary social worker. She visited me several times to wish me well and to pray for me. Mr Olu Adeyemi is a native of Iperu. But he lived at Aba at the material time.

Apart from hosting those who passed through Aba to spend the night, in order to arrive in Calabar early next morning, he also donated a modern table-tennis table, complete with all the accessories, to Calabar prison for my sake. A draught board made of mahogany was also donated to the prison by Kadri of Isonyin, when I told him of my interest in the game.

One of the conditions for my agreeing to go to Calabar voluntarily was that arrangements should be made for my personal physician to see me once a month in Calabar at Government expense. It was conceded. At first it was Dr. Dele Odulate, the ophthalmologist; after him it was Dr. Remi Adebonojo. They both played their parts admirably. Dr. Ikpeme’s name must be mentioned. He was the prison Doctor at the time. Both our relationship was not perfunctory: it was friendly. He took good care of me I must record the role of Chief L.N. Obioha, a produce merchant of Arondizuogu. A fine gentleman, he visited me several times in Calabar. He did the same to my family in Ibadan taking gifts to them each time he went……..

Today marks the end of the serialisation of BEHIND THE BARS, “One of the most brilliant parts of Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s book “MY MARCH THROUGH PRISON”. My “MARCH THROUGH PRISON” is one of the three books – “MY ADVENTURES IN POWER” written by this great political leader of the African Continent. Two of the books were released by AWO when he was alive. They are (1) THE TRAVAILS OF DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW and (2) MY MARCH THROUGH PRISON. The third one – FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE, has never been published. The book was unfinished and it remained with Mama H.I.D. Awolowo until her death recently.

One day, it will be out.

We will continuously publish excerpts from Papa Awolowo’s books with the aim of keeping his great memory alive.

Emphasis now shifts on Awo’s Precious Jewel of Inestimable Value, Mama H.I.D. Awolowo who died recently. Mama will be buried on 25 November, 2015.

Since the serialisation of Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s “BEHIND THE BARS”, many political events have occurred in Nigeria. They include the deaths of dear ones to me like my classmate and mentor Isaac Ariyo in London, the 70th birthday ceremony of my friend Femi Orebe, the 90th birthday of revolutionary activist Senator Ayo Fasanmi etc.

We will talk about these events on this page from next week.

And now, Mama H.I.D Awolowo the matriarch of the Obafemi Awolowo dynasty has died at near 100 years. She was a gallant woman who played her part well as the wife of one of the founders of the Nigerian nation.

Watch out for Political Panorama series on Mama H.I.D on this page before her burial The series will start on Friday, 13th November. God bless you all!

•EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK: SENATOR AYO FASANMI AT 90

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 23 October, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323.

It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

FERMA, rehabilitate Ede township roads

T

HE Ede major federal road, known as Babangida Way, is right now in a state of total collapse. The road stretches from State Hospital junction to Oke-Gada end of the town. It carries heavy volume of human and vehicular traffic, since the town boasts two world-class universities – Adeleke University, Redeemer’s University and a Federal Polytechnic. But for heaven knows what, the township road under reference, has for a long time been subjected to complete neglect and nobody seems to care about it. It is a case of everybody to himself, God for us all.

This very important road therefore requires very urgent attention of and swift action by the Federal Road Mainte-

nance Agency (FERMA) as well as the Nigerian Railway Corporation, all with a view to reducing the agonies, presently encountered by commuters that daily ply the road.

The residents and visitors that pass through the Babangida Way on regular basis have resigned to fate, believing that one day a “messiah” will come to their rescue and do the needful.

A journey of ten minutes from one end of the road to the other now takes not less than thirty minutes, because some corridors of the road, such as Oba Laoye/Mosebolatan; Adelebare junction; Arinago junction; Daodu/ Ile Pere; Total Petrol Station frontage; The Railway “level” crossing and the Oke-Gada axis are a menace and nightmare to whoever uses the road.

The roads have been turned into deep gullies, which can literally ‘swallow’ up any vehicle of whatever description.

So many avoidable accidents, involving Okada riders on some of the portions of the road, have sent innocent citizens to their early graves or made them permanently disabled. This is in addition to wear and tear, attendant on motor vehicles, particularly the mini-bus operators, called Koropin, who have no choice but to ply the road, more than 15 or more times on a daily basis. Private vehicle owners, no matter the brand of their luxurious automobiles, are not spared the agony.

Also, the Nigerian Railway Corporation ‘level’ crossing at Oke-Gada, is already a death trap for vehicular movements.

More often than not, motor vehicles got stalled or hooked at the railway “level” crossing, which has completely caved in. Prince Sijuade, the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation should urgently take a trip to Ede and see things for himself. The level crossing at Olaiya Junction and Old garage

at Osogbo, are in harmony with motorists.

Why should Oke-Gada, Ede railway “level” crossing be otherwise. What is good for the goose should also be a sauce for the gander. We deserve and desire pleasurable rides on Babangida Way, Ede without further delay.

To improve the condition of our roads nation-

ally, President Muhammadu Buhari should seriously tap into exploitation of Bitumen at Agbabu in Ondo State, so as to make production of asphalt for tarring our roads, including the failed Ede township road a lot easier.

•Olumide Lawal, Ede, Osun State.

No to politics of bitterness In fact, if asked of what I think about this political terrain called Nigeria, I can say that we are heading towards re-birth in the country; we are building a nation where corruption is looking for a way of final escapement from our fertile soil.

But people of like minds should just throw their support behind President Muhammadu Buhari be-

cause he cannot do it all alone. He is only being inspired against the negative illness called corruption that pervaded our land.

Among the ministerial nominees recently screened was Barrister Adebayo Shittu from Oyo State.

He has a good record of accomplishment in the Pacesetter state’s political terrain. He will only have to prove himself at the federal level now.

In the past, he was part of the regime that brought the evergreen glory to Oyo state education policy during Bola

Ige’s administration between 1979 – 1983.

However, I see the petitions against Barrister Shittu as politicians being at their game.

Barrister Shittu is a man who is gentle, as well as highly principled.

Therefore, Oyo residents should be rest assured that he will rather bring the long- awaited fortune to the state and not backwardness.

•Sunday Oyetunde J. 7, Ilupeju, Agbowo, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

FG’s ‘bottom-up’ approach At a recent Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Meetng, the Federal Government, through the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, spoke glowingly on the need for protection of the down-trodden in Nigeria, which will supposedly inform the adoption of ‘bottom-up’ approach as the government’s Economic Policy Thrust.

Interestingly, on paper, this is a welcome development. But without sounding pessimistic, I make bold to ask, how is it going to be different from previous policies? As a country, it is an undisputable fact that we can boast the best policies in the world, our bane has been either policy implementation or contradiction.

For instance, restriction of rice importation is aimed at protecting the local industries, without considering the effect of price increase on the local

consumers. Aforestation programme is geared towards preservation of our forest and eco-system, what measure is in place to encourage the use of kerosene by the lower echelon in the society, against the backdrop of debilitating pains inflicted by shylock kerosene merchants? What happens to government’s employment policy, whereas a large proportion of the productive work-force loses jobs on daily basis?

How about the recent ban on imported poultry products which protected the local producers at the expense of the helpless and hapless consumers?

Rather than policy postulations, our policy drivers should ensure strict, guarded and guided enforcement of policies, for any meaningful impact or progress to be made.

•Tony Anaele 15, Ademoye Street, Ikotun, Lagos State.

19

editorial

I

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

NANS’s loss of direction

T is hardly surprising that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the conglomeration of the students’ unions of institutions of higher learning in the country, has been in the news for the wrong reasons recently.

Bitten by the bug of indiscrete fundraising for no known just cause, it has pitched its tent with so many other mushrooming, solicitous associations in their interminable search for the next neck to adorn with garlands of their questionable honour.

Any personage that can part with his or her cash is of course due for their honour with all sorts of bizarre titles that titillate their imagination, no matter how absurd. This is the group which NANS has joined reflecting the well-known mantra of emphasis on lucre and sleaze. It is sad that Nigeria’s students’ body, in spite of its lofty antecedents as a progressive force in terms of policy formulation and implementation, could eventually become as crass as this.

Apart from being one of the sources of agitation for independence for the country during colonial times, the students’ body in Nigeria has been concerned with the country’s socio-political and economic development since independence with its usual interventions in the direction of policy on several issues as a source of interest for a critical sector of the polity - the youth.

For instance, in the not-too-distant past, NANS would have engaged the problem of insurgency in the country offering alternative views on the way the problem has affected its interests as a critical section of the country’s population. When 19-yearold pre-degree student of Yobe State University, Hassan Mohammed Damagum, was killed in the bomb attack in Damaturu while he was trying to stop the suicide bomber recently, NANS would have found its voice in condemning the ugly and costly invasion of its territory by the Boko Haram goons.

Not today’s NANS however.

Having been successfully infiltrated by all manner of questionable characters from cultists to professional students who never graduate from their schools, it would seem that NANS is now contented with providing services for politicians, lending its voice

to their spurious and craven crusades in the forlorn hope that it would offer some kind of legitimacy to the politicians’ bizarre interests, at a cost of course.

Since when did NANS become an association that confers awards? Was that part of its expected roles for which it was registered? The story of NANS, however, could not have been different from what happened to other national institutions that have been equally attacked by insidious corruption along the line of movement through the previous leadership styles that had found NANS’s livid and excoriating criticisms intolerable, and which tried to destroy it by whatever means, including the lingering and long bans placed on the students’ unions of public universities and starvation of its statutory funds.

Today, there are various versions of NANS and it is even difficult to know which of them is actually the genuine, authentic union representing the students of the country because some people with criminal intentions may have seen the potential for making money in the association by seizing its reins.

However, NANS remains a viable link to this critical sector of the population (students) for any inventive and creative administration, and for this reason, all it needs is to be restored and re-focussed, its transgressions notwithstanding.

Being the voice of the youth, NANS is expected to display the activism and relentlessness of that category in the various national discourses. It is also even expected to sponsor debates to enrich the national discussions and air the views of this critical sector of the population. But it cannot do so as it is presently constituted with the disoriented characters in charge of its affairs. It has to be reformed, and the only way to do that is to return active and responsible student unionism to the campuses where the country’s future leaders can receive training.

We believe that NANS can be restored for positive purposes and that it is even necessary in a democratic dispensation such as the country currently has. It will be part of the institutional revival needed to entrench democratic values in that sector.

AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founder: CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO

GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)

Co-Founder/Chairman Chief (Dr) H.I.D Awolowo (CON)

Ibadan Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08077227269; 08034135733

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Edward Dickson

Lagos Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08055333067; 08033013177

Controller (Business Development) Fola Oke Chief Accountant Oluremi Olufisayo, ACA

South South Regional Office: No. 50 Ikwerre Rd., Mile 1, Diobu, P/Harcourt, Rivers State

Snr. Manager (Advertisements) Kayode Titiloye Sales Manager Omotayo Lewis, Ph.D Consultant/Director Segun Olatunji, Ph.D

GOT NEWS?

Abuja Office: Suites G2. 05-07, PEB04 Plaza, Plot 2027, Dalaba Street, Beside NAPTIP Headquarters, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja Advert Hot Lines: 08033199716; 08078891797 Kaduna Office: AN 20, Lagos Street, by Keffi Rd., Kaduna.

Ikeja Marketing Office.

Block C, First Floor, Motorways centre, Opp., 7up Alausa, Ikeja.

Contact: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com or call:08055069471, 08116954630

20

opinion

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Beyond Akpabio’s EFCC appearance

By Ayuba Mustapha

T

he appearance of former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week caused serious stir in the country, based on the personality involved.

Hardly had news got out that the former governor was with the anti-graft agency to answer questions on a petition written by a certain Leo Ekpeyong, than many people declared him guilty as charged though he was yet to be arraigned by the commission.

In fact, those in this category must have been behind the misinformation that the former governor was arrested by the EFCC. But for the insistence of some of Akpabio’s aides and the revelation by the governor himself that he had deliberately walked into the EFCC office to honour its invitation, the ‘misinformants’ and agents of mendacity would have prevailed.

However, the governor had explained that he received an invitation from EFCC sometimes back before his involvement in an accident some months ago and had chosen to honour that invitation now that he was back in the country.

Akpabio had said his appointments with the EFCC were by no means prosecution sessions, as he was only asked questions and clarifications on an alleged N108 billion fraud contained in a petition by a young lawyer who did not understand the workings of government.

Akpabio, without any doubt, was one of the biggest personalities in the politics of the country in the last six years. As a two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State, his name resonated loudly whenever issues surrounding good governance at the state levels are subjects of discussion, with many people still holding the belief that he was, by far, the best governor Akwa Ibom State has had in its over 25 years of existence and definitely one of the best in the country’s 16-years of democratic rule.

Applauded for his commitment to the infrastructural development of Akwa Ibom State, which saw him leaving behind an international airport, a first-of-its-kind in West Africa e-library, a world class specialist hospital, an international stadium as well as many other infrastructure such as roads and a power plant, Akpabio had been renowned for saying that anger was behind the massive development of the state.

Typically, the former Akwa Ibom number one man had shown

the same commitment to human development through his educational and agricultural programmes that have changed the story of Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio was, no doubt a popular governor in his eight years in office and his popularity had been bolstered by his boisterous and benevolent nature, which had, at one point or the other, drawn the flaks from people who felt otherwise. Undeterred, Akpabio had continued his benevolence, just as his knack for the transformation of Akwa-Ibom State continued to attract personalities and praises to him from all over the world.

Such was the popularity and prowess of Akpabio that his development strides in the state attracted goodwill and commendation messages from leaders of thought in Nigeria including former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar; the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; Professor Wole Soyinka and former Governor Segun Osoba, among others.

But could his popularity and soaring profile ever since getting into the Senate, where though a first-timer, he became Senate Minority Leader, be one of the reasons for his travail?

Akpabio’s popularity and commanding presence as the leader of PDP governors and a leader in the Niger-Delta geopolitical zone, which produced former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was then seeking another term of office, had, in the last one year, towered above many other factors to give him the status of a national political icon and also attract opposition to him, with many people in the APC marking him as “public enemy number one” for supporting Jonathan, who he described as his brother, rallying South-South electorate to support one of their own.

By so doing, it had been clear that the former governor of the oilrich state was putting his people first but also putting his neck on the

line if the PDP lost the election, which was eventually what happened.

However, while Akpabio was rewarded by his people who elected him as the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West, his party could not garner enough support, which ended its 16-year rule and exposed personalities such as Akpabio, who were ahead of the vanguard of PDP’s youthful and remodeled politics of good governance to attacks under the new government.

Already, the PDP is crying blue murder about what it described as selective anti-corruption fight, stating that only former governors on the platform of the party were being hounded and harassed. Though the Presidency had been quick to pooh-pooh PDP’s position, asking if indeed, those being hounded committed the crime, it is still left to be seen how only Akpabio, who is a key opposition figure in the Senate, where the APC is having tough times, could be the only one who has ‘allegedly committed the crime’ when similar allegations have been levelled against President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees.

Interestingly, however, Akpabio did not ask questions about his invitation, neither did anyone know when and how he was invited until he had honoured that invitation, a development that can aptly be described as uncommon in this clime.

Typically, restraining orders would have been sought and bought; sponsored foot soldiers would have raised the roof few days to the governor honouring the invitation and the anti-graft agency would have been demonised. But Akpabio, unlike some of his colleagues who have now become ‘saints’ because they are in the APC, did not run to the court to seek an order to stop his invitation. It was not until his traducers and their media arm began to publish lies about the governor being arrested that Akpabio’s media aides and supporters had to clear the air.

Not only did the former governor keep his appointments with the EFCC. He did so with honour in a way that seems to tell other politicians to do what is right when allegations are made against them, as the senator clearly pointed out in his interaction with the press.

The last might not have been heard about the former governor’s issues with the EFCC, what is clear is that his action in the last one week has taught many people courage in the face of adversity and toeing the path of honour when accused, either rightly or wrongly. But there are other inherent lessons beyond the appearances; those in power today need be cautious, for nothing lasts forever and people should not condemn anyone who is yet to face a trial.

•Mustapha, a public affairs analyst, sent this piece from Kaduna.

Adebutu at 80: What manner of man are you?

By Yemi Ajayi Sir (Dr) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu’s legs are already firmly entrenched on the sands of time. Few rich men enjoy this special accomplishment and recognition. Fewer still make the commitments that leave such strong impression in the minds of others.

Money has never been the issue for many people, but unlike Sir Kesington, we keep it only to ourselves while we think less about the needs of others. The following story puts the issue of personal benevolence in better context.

There was this rich man in the book entitled “Silas Manna”. He was a cobbler and an itinerant apothecary (a doctor in an old English county). Every money he made, he kept it inside a personalised safe, counting and recounting it every night to reassure himself of the growing size of his wealth. One night, a young boy accidentally peeped through his window and discovered a huge heap of cash in front of him which he had just counted. The snooper, having observed Silas Manna keep the safe in a pit inside his room, accosted the “cash slave” the third day, appealing to him for financial assistance. Silas denied point blank having any money to give and went further to lie that he had not even eaten for four days.

A day after this encounter, the young boy scaled the window into Silas Manna’s room, dug up Silas’s safe and bolted away with the hidden treasure. When Silas came back later that evening, he observed that his window had been discreetly opened from outside.

He rushed to open the pit where he kept his safe. Too late, the safe had vanished. He became instantly mad and ran straight to the boy’s house to challenge him for the theft of his money. Not only did the boy deny it, his parents were hostile and uncooperative. In defending himself, the boy asked Silas one question: “How come you lost so much money when you told me yesterday that you had not eaten for days because you had no dime to buy foodstuff ?”

As he tried to answer the question, tears of sadness rolled down his cheeks. He collapsed and went into a deep coma. The Manna story is significant to us as human beings because there are many “Silases” amongst us who, today, have so much money to feed an entire city, everyday for a whole year, yet out of self-centredness and urgency to preserve all they have for themselves, deny others the cash support that could give them a good head-start in life.

We need to emulate those who give perpetually, particularly, people like the celebrant of today, Sir (Dr) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu who appears not to be able to differentiate between the colour code of the naira from that of the dollar, pounds sterling, yen or deutschmark when help is needed from him. He simply gives whatever he has and is never tired of giving more. He gives according to the needs of those who approach him for assistance.

He hardly says No! except to those who want to play some stupid tricks on his intelligence. He supports the aged, the young, the active and the vulnerable, yet the source of his wealth continues to expand. He never sits down to count his wealth, like Silas Manna, but rather, he continues to let his benevolence count in the lives of others. He continuously and tirelessly helps others to wipe off tears from the bereaved, suffering, and swollen faces of the needy and encourages the youths in particular to become successful through hardwork. He has put in place so many empowerment programmes and mentoring initiatives which create new millionaires out of ordinary citizens.

His Lotto business has become the stock-exchange for the masses. Millions of Nigerians have benefited from this large-hearted man through scholarships, direct financial support for medical treatment both at home and abroad and the sponsorship of several programmes that are designed to better the social conditions of the people. Through his Foundation, KAAF, he has donated close to sixty building projects to Universities, polytechnics, colleges of technology, colleges of education, primary and secondary schools, churches and mosques and several other general interest groups, in the last ten years, to ensure that society becomes better than was

originally thought possible. Only a man endowed with a special milk of human kindness can act in the manner Sir Adebutu does.

Every Tuesday, he throws the door of his office ajar for the grassroots to seek help from him, according to each person’s needs and challenges and he is always personally on ground to attend to them all without turning anyone back. No one goes home disappointed or empty-handed. He is a philanthropist of a special genre, a man with a robust sense of propriety whose conscience is the only key that fires his conviction, imagination and commitments. He is an incurable optimist who believes it is necessary for man to act benevolently, if he truly desires to see the good face of God throughout his life. He is the true portrait of a charity-driven optimist. A true optimist is not unduly confident, presumptuous or blindly euphorious. He sees the complete picture of a worst case scenario and still believes in the best outcome. He is strong and firm but can also be very flexible.

He loves the good things of life too and assists others to get to the zenith of their ambitions. He regularly wears a smile, but changes his mood as soon as he senses the tendency for people to take undue advantage of his simplicity and benevolence. Inspite of this, he loves to bear the burden of those who cross his path, believing strongly that God put him here on this planet to share the load of the less-privileged members of the society. He is full of humane sympathy, showing kindness and love to everyone he meets on his way. He has a listening ear and a special sensitivity that enables him to promote his business at all times without compromising his integrity.

If there is a lot to learn from the horse apart from speed, grace, poise, elegance and friendliness, then there is a lot more to learn from Sir (Dr) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu too because he is graceful, elegant in style and can be very friendly to a fault. At 80, he is a great example of “positive personality trait”, a value that radiates a freshness which inspires all who come across his path.

Congratulations “Baba 80”. May God continue to be your refuge!

Amen. Congratulations also for your installation as the new Asoju Oba of Lagos.

Asiwaju (Dr) Yemi Ajayi is the Media and Public Policy Consultant to the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, KAAF.

21

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 23 October, 2015

fridaytreat

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

‘Most people want to take

advantage of women in the movie industry’ INSIDE

All the fun from Felabration 2015 MUSIC BUSINESS 101

Tips for music business success I had to sell our family land to do music — Temmy T

B-T-S of Fabulous Pizzy’s ‘Sabali’ video shoot

22

fridaytreat

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

Avoiding the trap of growth without development syndrome Musical trends come and go as quickly as the unstable and racy emotional appetite of the fans who crave it

By Toyin Adeniji

T

he excessive commercialisation of music by some artistes/musicians in the music business today has led to a situation that I referred to as growth without development syndrome. When an artiste’s drive for success in the music business is led and motivated by every other desire, other than the motivation to purposefully and systematically create musical and artistic value, fit for consumption, such artiste runs the risk of falling into the growth without development syndrome. The growth without development syndrome is when an artiste ‘succeeds’ but is not able to sustain the success achieved. It is most times short term focused on immediate self-gratification and gains. Often, this kind of success in the music business by default is designed for short term only because it is cosmetic and built on momentary trends and fads that are never stable and are ever-evolving at a rate that is difficult to catch up with.

Many artistes in the Nigerian music industry and the global scene at large are caught up in the challenge of sustaining music careers built on the treacherous foundation of momentary musical trends. Musical trends come and go as quickly as the unstable and racy emotional appetite of the fans who craves it. The danger in building a music career on these momentary musical trends is that it is not predictable and purpose/value driven, sometimes while an artiste is still working on a ‘supposed’ trending sound of the moment in the studio, by its scheduled release date the musical trend and taste would have shifted base to another trend.

Growth without development syndrome in the music business is further compounded by the confusion that comes by the artiste’s constant chase after whatever style of music that seems to be trending at the moment. Recently, there has

been a renewed interest and trend in the dancehall style that is reminiscent of the Ajegunle music revolution of the 90s which saw the emergence of popular music subgenres such as galala, suo etc, being re-introduced and championed by artistes such as Burnaboy, Pato-Ranking etc. As of the moment, majority of the artistes are busy switching their style to catch in on the momentary frenzy.

Growth without development syndrome is also when an artiste operates in the music business without a structure such as a vision or well thought-out plan to guide his/ her career in the music business. It is very difficult for artistes who build their music career on the spur of the moment trends to build and sustain their musical brand and identity over the long term. Tuface and Asa are prime examples of artistes that have remained true to their musical calling.

The primary purpose of building a career in the music business as an artiste/musician is to create musical/artistic value designed to continuously meet the need/want of musical audience/consumers. The value created by the artiste is what the artiste exchange in return for financial gains from the audience or consumers who pays for the products and services offered by the artiste because it is considered valuable. In order to build an effective and successful music brand, it is important for the artiste to build a unique musical signature that is well defined and articulated that is tailored after the artistes talent and musical strengths. In order to avoid the trap of growth without development syndrome, it is important for every artiste to: Define who you are musically It is very important that you define who you are musically and artistically based on your identified musical talent and strengths. What you are, which is what makes you different is what makes you unique. Think about artistes such as Pato-Ranking and Cynthia Morgan, two artistes with unique vocal qualities who have done well to match their vocal talent with the right genre of music and are consistent with their style.

Establish structures to support your music career Without structures in place, it is difficult to build a successful and sustainable career in the music business.

It is called the music business because it is a business!

Businesses require management and leadership skills in order to make it successful. Learn the fundamentals of the music business such as copyright, music publishing, distribution and marketing etc. Develop a music business plan to guide your business as no business can succeed on the long term without a business plan.

Stay true to your talent It is important to be yourself and stay true to your talent in the music business. Your talent has the potential to become great if you take the time to develop and nurture it. Be patient with yourself in the process of growing and developing your talent, while you can learn from others, you can only be the best of you. Every legend of the music industry built their legacy because they stayed true to their talent.

Focus on the long-term while you flirt with the short-term It is important to focus on the long-term in the process of building your music career; it is the only way to develop, nurture and groom your own unique identity and musical signature in the music business. While it is alright to occasionally experiment creatively with the momentary musical trend, make it your own by infusing it with your unique characteristic style without losing focus of the long term. Do not live for the moment, do not write songs that is only valuable in the moment, do music whose value will be appreciated in the moment and transcend generations. Remember, your real wealth in the music business is in the ability of your songs to remain relevant for as long as it is possible.

Avoid the trap of falling into the growth without development syndrome in the music business; do not fall into the trap of building your music career on momentary musical trends, find your style, work it and be the best at what you do.

...And 7Up, music stars rocked at ‘Felabration 2015’

Afrobeat King, Femi Kuti; Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc; CEO, Trace Urban, Samuel Onyemelukwe; Raul Sunil and other guests on Sunday 18 at the Felabration Music Festival held inside the African Shrine, Ikeja to celebrate Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

The memories of iconic Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, continues to linger among music lovers and aficionados all over the world as this year’s Felabration ended at the weekend amidst pomp and celebration.

Felabration is the annual music and entertainment concert which started in 2000 and dedicated to the ideals of Fela who died in August 2 1997. The weeklong celebration, which was sponsored by 7Up took place mainly inside the African Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, with many activities within the week like a debate for Senior Secondary Schools titled “Poverty is Not an Accident like Slavery and Apartheid, a Symposium, a drama titled “Fela Son of Kuti”.

Felabration 2015, tagged “Just Like That” started on Monday October 12 and ended on Sunday October 18 and attracted international icons such as Seyi Shay; ‘Rainmaker’, Majek Fashek; sonorous Tuface Idibia, ‘Lagos Jam

2Face performing

crooners’, Third World; the ‘Chairman’ MI; songstress Sandra Izsadore; Ghetto Soldier, Daddy Showkey; king of Afrobeat, Femi Kuti and London based London Afrobeat.

Others were Yemi Alade, who continued her ‘search’ for ‘Johnny’; Afrobeat Prince, Seun Kuti, dancehall MC, General Pype amongst many other acts that performed at the 7Up sponsored Felabration.

The massive crowd at the shrine could fill up a standard football stadium with many fans outside who couldn’t get in but still remained and got also got 7Up branded T-shirts with pictures of Fela on it.

According to the Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Mr. Norden Thurston ”Fela is an international brand who made a difference in this world with his music and 7Up is an international brand that continues to make a difference in the live and

passion of people globally through music, education and sports.”

One of the highlights of the festival was the return of ‘Rainmaker’, Majek Fashek who did not disappoint teeming fans as they screamed with excitement with every tune the legend sang in reminiscence of the musician’s hay days.

Seyi Shay was another standout performer on Sunday with her song ‘Crazy’, a duet with Wizkid who wasn’t on stage with her but the audience sang along with Seyi from start to finish giving the song a new feel.

Femi Kuti thanked everyone who had a hand in the success story of Felabration, his elder sister Yeni Kuti who is the brainchild of Felabration and Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc who have over the years been supporting Africa’s biggest celebration of any entertainment icon, Felabration.

Opelope Anointing returns with Awaiting Praise Still basking in the euphoria of her successful musical tour and launching of Opelope Anointing foundation in South Africa, Evangelist Dr.Dunni Olanrewaju also known as Opelope Anointing is set to return with the launching of her new album titled ‘Awaiting Praise’. The event slated for this Sunday 25th of October, is expected to attract crème de la crème in the music industry and church.

According to her, “It is time once again for me to give thanks to my creator. Sometimes, I sit down to ruminate in my mind why people enjoyed Opelope Anointing because I did not labour much like I did in other albums especially Mercy. I did so much work on mercy but never had the recognition that Opelope Anointing brought. So, I decided within me that there is nothing for me to do regularly than to continue to give thanks to God the maker of all things.”

Continuing, she said, “This year event is special because it’s a prelude to the wedding ceremony of my son based in South Africa which we are going to celebrate in a much bigger way later in the year by the Grace of God. Many of my colleagues in Gospel music industry have shown interest in this event expected to take place at Opelope Anointing Praise center, Lagos and its going to be undiluted gospel music, that will lift souls and set the oppressed free.”

23

society

Friday, 23 October, 2015

...celebrating the people

For Booking, contact Alaba Igbaroola alabaadewale01@gmail.com 08155975474

...When the marriage of Barrister Oluwaseun Kolawole and Tosin Oduyemi took flight

Prince Dayo Adeyeye and his wife, Princess Adetomilola Adeyeye

The groom’s father, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Bisi Kolawole and his wife, Mrs Kehinde Kolawole The couple

Hon. Bisi Kolawole, his wife, Mrs Kehinde Kolawole with the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose.

From left, Mr and Mrs Taiyelolu Oladayo with Mrs Funmilayo Adeyinka.

The bride’s parents, Chief Olawale and Mrs Jumoke Oduyemi.

Nigerian Tribune

Ekiti State Chief of Staff, Barrister Dipo Anisulowo and Mr Isaac Fayose.

24

25

Friday, 23 October, 2015

B-T-S of Fabulous Pizzy’s ‘Sabali’ video shoot Fast rising pop singer, Fabulous Pizzy, last weekend, decided to shoot the visuals of his widely accepted hit, ‘Sabali’ (Patience). Pizzy, real names (Awolola Opeyemi), in a chat with Friday Treat, said that he felt the video for the song became neccesary, judging by the demand from fans and show promoters to him to give them a befitting video which will ultimately, help push his career to another level.

“I am doing this first for the fans, and then for business purposes. Many people have heard my songs but still cannot place a face to my name and so after dropping many viral videos, I decided to invest in a real befitting video that will surely wow my fans”, he said.

The video was shot in Ibadan at various exotic locations by Lucas Reid and had cameo appearances by various artistes. Friday Treat was at the shoot and presents behind-the-scenes pictures of it.

fridaytreat Omolara Samuel is a fast rising actress in the Nollywood industry.

In this interview with Rotimi Ige, she speaks about her craft and plans for movie domination.

O

Who is Omolara Samuel? molara Samuel is a wardrobe manager and an actor. I hail from Ife Central in Osun State, I finished from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, with a degree in Purchasing and Supply. I am an Aquarius; blunt, hospitable and honest, I don’t bear grudge because I deal with issues as they come.

What is wardrobe management and how do you combine it with acting?

Wardrobe management is the skill to create and maintain a well-organised capsule wardrobe of wearable clothes, it is commonly called costuming. Production costumes and acting are two different things. It takes a lot of passion to combine the two but one is more tasking than the other. I am able to manage the two because it is borne out of deep passion for creativity.

‘Most people want to take advantage of women

in the movie industry’

How many movies have you features so far?

I have featured in over fifty movies such as Dokita Abimbola, Enu Mi, Alasela, Arimnakore, Oogita Emi, Kori Koto, Ikanju, Jemila , Lajalaba, Ajeorita, Odaju Okan etc.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am someone who is passionate about nature and my surrounding. My environment inspires me.

What are the challenges so far as a costumier or as an actress?

It has being a wonderful experience so far with few challenges like having to work as a costumier under stringent budget. Creativity goes hand in hand with funding...

How long have you been in the industry and how has it been like so far?

I started my career professionally in 2009.

It’s not been a smooth sail; you know how it is like in the industry. It’s a huge challenge finding people to believe in you because in the process, some try to take advantage of you, even my fellow colleagues. But like we say, they are all challenges and God has being faithful.

I had to sell our family land to do music — Temmy T Fast rising artiste, Odeleye Temitope Vincent a.k.a Temmy T, who recently unveiled his song ‘Jaiye’, has revealed the greatest price he had to pay to pursue his passion for music.

The Ekiti born youngster puts it this way: “The greatest price I have ever paid in order to pursue my music career was selling our family land. I am not regretting it in any way because I have passion for music. I am not looking

at the fame music can give me or the money. I want people to know that you can profit from your passion and become a success in it.”

He believes his unique approach to rapping will make him a star in no time “What makes me different is my style of rap. I use my Ekiti dialect as a medium to reach out to people. We need to start using our dialects to sell our music.”

Have you produced any movie?

Yes, I have produced three movies and one TV series so far. They are ‘Derinsola’, ‘Ruth Abokoku’, ‘Temini’ and ‘Tomori’, a TV soap which was shot not long ago.

When should we expect the movies to be released?

It will be out very soon, before the end of the year or latest, early 2016, by God’s Grace.

Name an A-list actor you have worked with before and who you would you like to work with anytime an opportunity presents itself.

I have had the privilege of working with Peju

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

GUC Update: Two more brand new cars to go this weekend With eight brand Hyundai Elantra new cars already won in the ongoing Gulder National Consumer Promotion, seven brand new cars are still available for grabs. Lucky consumers of Gulder beer will, this weekend, win two of the remaining seven cars. Specifically, while a lucky consumer will win a brand new on Saturday, October 24 via the Ultimate Chase; yet another winner will win the car the following day via the raffle draw.

The Gulder Ultimate Chase will hold in Lagos at the National Stadium, this weekend. To participate, consumers will have to arrive at the National Stadium, Lagos, this Saturday with six crown corks marked Ultimate Chase. They will then compete with other contestants in an activity, with the Ultimate Winner driving home the grand prize of the brand new Hyundai Elantra car. Previous winners of cars in the Ultimate Chase are Chuka Nnabuife, Chinedu Odimgbe, Chinedu Ifezue, Charles Ozoalor and Goodnews Okon Jimmy.

The Lagos leg of the Gulder raffle draw will hold on Sunday, October 25 at the National Theatre, Lagos.

Meanwhile, Goodnews Okon Jimmy, a 200 Level student of the Akwa Ibom State University, emerged the winner of the Benin leg of Gulder Ultimate Chase, which was held on October 17.

As a result of this feat, the Marine Engineering undergraduate, who could only afford to pay part of his tertiary fees due to paucity of funds, won for himself the grand prize of a brand new Hyundai Elantra car. For Goodnews Okon, his grand prize represents the ultimate reward in his quest for a better life.

A bewildered Goodnews who could not immediately come to terms with the fact that he won a brand new car, said he participated in the Gulder Ultimate Chase with the sole desire of improving his life.

He said: “I am from a family of eight children. My parents are petty traders who reside in the village. Even though I am a student, I also work as a heavy duty mechanic with a company engaged in the servicing and repairs of heavy duty generators. Life is not so rosy for me at the moment. I am very grateful today, I won the brand new car. In fact, I never dreamt of owning a car in the next 10 years.”

Goodnews, however, confessed that he had earlier competed in the Port Harcourt and Ibadan legs of the Gulder Ultimate Chase. According to him, he came really close to winning the Ibadan leg of the competition but lost valuable time because he misplaced the map, thereby losing out to the eventual winner of the brand new car.

He stated that even though he went home empty-handed, he was resolute in winning the Enugu leg of the Ultimate Chase. Narrating his experience, Goodnews who travelled from Port Harcourt to Benin stated: “I arrived Benin on Thursday, two clear days to the event and I started jogging. I lodged at a friend’s house on Thursday, but I moved out on Friday. I moved out because I did not want to get

Artiste to watch

distracted and I slept in the stadium, alongside some boxers.”

To improve his chances of winning, the Marine Engineering undergraduate said that he jogged at every opportunity to keep fit.

Goodnews also stated that he almost missed out on winning the car by a hair’s breadth. Whilst other contestants scampered in different locations, Goodnews said he read the map and got to the Ultimate Bar off Sapele road, where the box housing the key to the brand new car was located. According to him, he initially entered a building in which he encountered dogs and had to beat a quick retreat. He then entered the outlet where he spotted the box just about the same time another contestant spotted it and both contestants dashed towards the direction of the chest. He said: “Just as I opened the box and retrieved the key, the other contestant grabbed the box. However, I was ultimately adjudged the winner, because I was in possession of the key to the brand new car.”

Goodnews said he owes his victory to his sister who not only urged him to keep participating despite losing out in Port Harcourt and Ibadan, but also supported him with N1,000 to finance his transport. According to him, she issued a subtle threat not to feed him if he lost.

He also appreciated Gulder for instituting the Ultimate Chase initiative, the platform through which he won the brand new car.

Expressing his appreciation, he remarked: “I’m very happy. I thank Gulder very much. The brand has really done a lot for me.

I did not dream of owning a car in the next 10 years. Gulder is supporting the people in the society.”

T Grams

Adebisi Gbenga popularly known asT Grams is an up and coming artiste, he speaks withVICTOR OGUNYINKA on his passion for music and his opinion on the music industry.

Ogunmola, the great Antar Laniyan, Bimbo Oshin, Muyiwa Ademola , Fathia Balogun , Odunlade Adekola etc. It is always a delight working with every one of them.

What advice will you give upcoming acts?

I will advise them to be steadfast and resolute in their belief; with hard work, the sky will be their starting point.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Everything has to do with God. So, the next five years? I really don’t know how to answer that. All I know is that my dreams are tall, I have so much to accomplish but I am certainly going to move from grace to grace in Jesus name.

It’s a huge challenge finding people to believe in you because in the process, some try to take advantage of you, even colleagues. But like we say, they are all challenges and God has being faithful.

Music seems to be a bailout for young people these days, is that why you ventured into music too?

No, that was not what brought me into music. I naturally had passion for anything melodious since I was a child. I appreciate good music a lot;I always listened to songs and tried to interprete them right from my teen days and at a point after secondary school, I started writing songs.

What exactly brought you into music?

It all started when I started writing. Back then, Nigerian music was in shambles, no one was singing anything meaningful or something listeners could connect with. Shout out to the Plantashun boys, their breakup really brought out their talent and I was like, wow, these guys are unique rather than singing all about girls and ‘I got money’ songs, which is now all over the market. It is unfortunate.

What would you say is the cause of the collapse in quality lyrical content in our music?

There have been a lot of changes in content because of the listeners and market. Everyone wants to do commercial songs because that would bring quick money. But those who are original still do good music.

Are musicians singing what would sell or quality?

Yes, they sing what would sell and not quality. Only a few do things differently; it amazes me how artistes sing vaguely and feel so comfortable doing it.

I was tempted to do something of such though but I had lyrics in mind. I rather

not sing than do something wacky.

Do you have an album yet?

No, I do not but I am working on it.

How easy has been it managing music with schooling?

It has been a tug of war. I realise you cannot do best in both. You just have to do the one first and then the other later. I am doing my postgraduate studies now and when I am done, I would be ready to hit the music industry squarely.

What motivates you?

My life, friends, country, nature and my dreams.

Favourite artiste?

I have a lot on that list but I would mention a few, M.I, Olamide, Vector, Cdq, 50cent and the late Dagrin.

26

Friday, 23 October, 2015

travelpulse&m.i.c.e By ’Wale Olapade

C

ountdown to the historic visit of His Holiness, Pope Francis to Uganda, preparations are in top gear by the government to make the visit not only pastoral and spiritual, but also benefit the country’s tourism industry.

However, his holiness visit is getting stakeholders readiness to host religious enthusiasts, tourists and visitors to the pearl of Africa.

The Pontiff visit is sacrosanct to the Pearl of Africa because Uganda is only not celebrating as the first African country to host a Pope, but also the third visit by a Pope in three decades.

Travelpulse&MICE, which was in Diani, Kenya for the Magical Kenya expo, immediately flew to the next religious tourism destination (Kampala, Uganda) to feel the pulse of the people and the state of preparedness for Pope Francis visit on November 27 to 29, 2015.

The visit, according to reports, “Pope Francis will commemorate the canonisation by Paul VI in 1964 of the first African saints, 22 young people killed in 1878 on the orders of the local ruler because they refused to renounce their Christian faith.

“Pope Francis will be the third Supreme Pontiff to visit Uganda after Pope Paul VI in 1969 and Pope John Paul II who made a trip to the country for one week in 1993.

The interest of Nigeria tour operators in the Pontiff’s visit to Uganda is tied to the fact that Nigerians also have a big number of Catholic congregations in Africa and significantly most of the saints whose names are taken during the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Order of Knights were named after Ugandans’ Martyrdom.

For Vice Chairman/CEO Suffy Travel, Mrs Sally Ukpo, who was also one of the pre-visit team members, was enthusiastic about the historic visit of the Pope, which she said that the Order of the Knights in the Catholic congregation of Nigeria will seize the real opportunity to visit Uganda.

During her stay in Kampala, she was at different points of history to have a first-hand information about the Pope’s visit, hotels and other logistics to make the intending Nigeria pilgrims have a swell time, spiritually and socially.

Speaking with Travelpulse&MICE, the Pope’s pretrip organiser for the Uganda Tourism Board, Mr Ikechi Uko said Pope Francis’s visit will be a big sell for the Uganda tourism industry because of the religious tourism affiliation it has with other countries with similar faith.

“I am not a Catholic, but when the Pope makes his first visit to Africa it is a huge event for Africa. I got involved with Carmen Nibigira and the Uganda Tourism Board to make things happen.

“Nigeria has the largest Catholic community in Africa.

In Mbaise South East Nigeria it is believed that every family has a Catholic Reverend father or a PhD holder.

I know my friends are members of the Knight of St. Mulumba and I have seen their numbers in Lagos.

“I didn’t know much about the 22 martyrs of Uganda that were canonised 50 years ago. I actually learnt about Kizito who I thought was an Igbo man to be a Ugandan Saint from Mrs Ukpo who travelled with the team.

“The Pope will be in Uganda November this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of these African saints.

“Mrs Ukpo is a leading Catholic pilgrimage organiser and she is putting together packages for Nigerians wishing to visit for the first Papal African visit, it is expected that members of these groups will visit. Uganda has built a huge and elaborate monument at Namugongo to give pilgrims an account of the life and time of the Catholic martyrs.

According to Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu’s recent pastoral letter on behalf of his fellow bishops said, “The Pope’s visit and presence during the celebrations requires us to prepare in a special way. The nature of this visit is primarily pastoral and spiritual.

“Although Pope Francis will be the third Roman Pontiff to visit Uganda, the only African nation that can lay claim to such a privilege. the real excitement comes from his visit coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebration of the canonisation of the Ugandan Martyrs.

“These 22 holy men and women, “whose blood has been the seed of Christianity in this country” Archbishop Odama said, were executed by the king in the 1880s for refusing to denounce their faith. Blessed Paul VI canonised them October 18, 1964.

In order to prepare for these events, Archbishop Odama

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

Pope Francis

Papal visit: Uganda beckons Nigerians

As Suffy Travels, others set for pilgrimage asked that Catholics unite in prayer by praying a set of one “Our Father”, one “Hail Mary”, and one “Glory be” before the final blessing at each Mass from now until the papal visit, “for the intentions of the Pope and the success of his visit.”

“That some 15 million Ugandans are Catholic today is a testament to the sacrifice of the holy martyrs, he said.

“Uganda presents one of the most remarkable stories in the history of Christian faith and martyrdom,” Archbishop Odama said, remarking that, “At the start of the 20th Century, there were barely 10 thousand Catholics within our borders.”

In its bid to give tourists the best, The message of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephen Asiimwe on the publication titled, ‘A Pilgrimage to Namugongo; walking in the footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs’, “as the organisation that promotes Uganda locally

and internationally, the UTB is determined to ensure that as a nation, we never forget our spiritual heritage.

“In partnership with different faiths among them, the Anglican, Catholic anf Moslem communities, we have developed faith-based tourism packages that will benefit all Ugandans, the world and for generations to come.

“UTB believes that through the martyrs trail experience, we will not forget where we came from even as we set our sight on the future.

“The Trail takes you from Kigungu, where the first priest landed in Entebbe, through Kampala before ending up in Namugongo.”

According to Asiimwe, “ in January this year, we trained the first group of residents in Namugongo on how to host visitors, on a Homestays, an initiative that allows visitors to have a taste of Ugandan food and culture through interaction with families.

From l-r, Mr Amos Wekesa; Mr Boniface Byamukama representing Uganda EATP, Emelike Obinna; Mrs Sally Ukpo, Vice Chairman/CEO, Suffy Travels, Mr Ikechi Uko, team leader of the pre-Pope visit to Uganda and ‘Wale Olapade at the shrine of saint Mulumba at Kampala, Uganda, recently.

27

Friday, 23 October, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Politics of ministerial screening Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA gives some graphic details of the hi-tech politics surrounding the ministerial list forwarded to the Senate, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Order Paper had been printed and circulated at the Senate Press Centre early in the day. The leadership of the Senate immediately asked that the Order paper, containing the names of eight nominees, be withdrawn and replaced with a new one.

D

RAMA and more drama; that is the word the best describes the situation the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has found itself in recent times, especially in relation to the list of ministerial nominees forwarded to the chamber on September 20 and October 6 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Senate has been described as the house of politics by those who have been inside the chambers and the true nature of politics has been on display since the Red Chamber unveiled the list of the nominees.

With the development coming on the heels of an unending feud between the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Senate and the Presidency, things are expected to unfold in different dimensions. First was the larger expectation of a hostile Senate, which President, Dr Bukola Saraki was expected to institute a tit-for-tat scenario.

Saraki has not really settled into his position as Nigeria’s number three citizen since his emergence on June 9. The APC, his party was against his emergence and despite President Buhari’s acclaimed statement that he was ready to work with whoever the legislators have chosen as their leaders, the President has failed to carry him along in the course of nation building.

The man, who heads the legislative arm of government, whose chamber is by law empowered to preside over screening and confirmation of nominees of the President, the budget of the federation and treaties, was not allowed to enter the Presidential Villa from June 9 till October 1, when by official protocol, he was invited to the Villa for the Independence ceremony. After seeing several attempts aimed at sitting down for a one-on-one engagement with Buhari frustrated, Saraki was expected to take his pound of flesh. Behind him is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, which boasts of 49 members of the 109 chamber.

But the whole process of ministerial screening started on a bit of a smooth note on October 13, following two closed sessions held on Thursday the week before the screening and the D-Day. Though some elements of nervousness were noticed at the start, the Senate perfected the process on the second day of the screening.

By the end of the first week, 18 of the 21 nominees contained in the first batch of the letter sent to the Senate, had been confirmed. Senate spokesman, Dino Melaye said in a media conference on October15 that the senators would dispense of the entire list of 36 by October 20. He said that the nominees would be screened on Tues-

Buhari

Saraki day and Wednesday, while the confirmation hearing would also take place the same Wednesday.

That was the situation until Monday night. That position was further reinforced

by a meeting of the Senate caucus of the APC, which held late on Monday night.

The senators of the APC resolved to unite in backing every nominee of the President so as to avoid the possibility of the PDP de-

ploying its number to frustrate the screening and confirmation of any of the nominees.

Particular attention was said to have been paid to the nomination of former Rivers State governor, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, whose screening had been postponed twice.

The meeting, which rose close to midnight, was upbeat and senators were said to have sent words to the Senate President that a united APC house in the Senate was being forged to protect the nominees.

But early in the morning of October 20, the twists crept in. It was gathered that some sources had confirmed to the Senate leadership and the leadership of the PDP in the chamber that the travails of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was part of a ploy to whip the Senate and the PDP caucus into line in the screening process. The sources were said to have hinted many senators that the arrest and interrogation of Akpabio was a ploy engineered by a Northern governor to send signals to the PDP that any attempt to delay or frustrate the screening of former Amaechi could earn them sanctions. The information, which was said to have been subjected to credibility test, was said to have incensed many senators who were said to have threatened to cause commotion on the floor, on Tuesday, if the names of the former governor appeared on the Order Paper.

Incidentally, the Order Paper had been printed and circulated at the Senate Press Centre early in the day. It was gathered that the leadership of the Senate immediately asked that the Order paper, containing the names of eight nominees be withdrawn and replaced with a new one which contained the names of three nominees.

Those, whose names initially appeared on the first Order Paper, included: Adecontinues pg28

28 politics&policy

Friday, 23 October, 2015

The moves and counter-moves by APC, PDP Senators continued from pg27

bayo Shittu (Oyo State); Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa State); Amaechi (Rivers State); Hoourable. Khadijah Abba Ibrahim (Yobe State); Honourable Bawa Bwari (Niger); Ocholi James (Kogi); Mansur Muhammed (Zamfara State); and Zainab S Ahmed (Kaduna).

But, when the Senate changed the Order paper, only the names of Shittu, Khadija Abba Ibrahim and Claudius Omoleye Daramola (Ondo) were included. On that day, the Senate only screened Shittu and Abba Ibrahim.

Investigations revealed that the senators were actually incensed by the insinuation that some of them were targeted for harassment to force their hand in screening Amaechi. It was also gathered that the senators resolved to henceforth take it slowly with the screening as, according to them, the chamber could take its time since it took the President five months to submit the names.

“We won’t allow anyone lead us by the nose. We were shocked to learn that some persons were engineering the security agencies to harass our leaders in the hope that they would be cowed into hurriedly approving some nominations that we will not agree to,” a senator had said.

After the Tuesday sitting, the PDP caucus in the Senate further met to review the unfolding events and take a firm position.

The caucus was said to have been angered that some persons behind the scenes were targeting senators in a bid to force them to go easy on some nominees. The senators thereafter sent words to the Senate President to insist that the constitution must be followed in the screening so far. The Senate caucus of the PDP, which met on Tuesday afternoon at the Senate Hearing Room 1 of the White House, insisted that Amaechi’s confirmation would be blocked by the caucus.

Sources close to the caucus said that the senators are raising Section 66 (h) of the 1999 Constitution, which indicates that a person may not be qualified for election into the National Assembly if he had been indicted by either an administrative Panel or a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

The PDP senators, according to the sources, are also insisting that Order 53(5) of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 as amended also stops Amaechi from being screened since his matter is in court. The Order prohibits the Senate from debating matters where judicial interpretation is pending if the Senate President is of the view that doing so can jeopardise the case in question. It reads: “Reference shall not be made to any matter on which Judicial decision is pending, in such a way as might in the opinion of the President of the Senate prejudice the interest of parties thereto.”

It was gathered that senators of the PDP were of the view that since the report of the Senate Ethics Committee indicates that the issue of the petition against Amaechi was in court, then the Senate should not touch the screening at all. The sources however said that the leadership of the APC has directed their members to toe the party line and ensure that all Ministerial nominees are screened by the Senate.

But the mater had degenerated into a feud between the APC and the PDP, with a further confusion tangling the whole saga around the ongoing trial of the Senate President at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Amaechi’s issue became topical when the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges

Akpabio

Amaechi

Some leaders of the APC had feared that since Saraki was scheduled to appear before the CCT that day, many Senators would follow him, while the lot of convening the chamber would fall on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his deputy.

and Public Petitions, headed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, received a petition from a Port-Harcourt-based Integrity Group, which alleged financial impropriety against the former governor when he was in office.

The report of a Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State government, which indicted Amaechi and the White Paper issued by the government, were also circulated among the senators. The Ethics Committee report has been pending since October 14 when the screening began.

Following the revelation that some forces were working out a ploy by which senators, especially opposition senators would be harassed over the screening, the report which was said to be ready for debate of the senators, could no longer be submitted. Many waited endlessly on October 20 as there was no mention of the report. Melaye, who had earlier assured newsmen that Amaechi’s screening would be conducted on Tuesday, had to change his words as he claimed that the Senate decided to take it slowly in view of the criticisms by some Ni-

Melaye gerians that they were being too hasty with the screening.

Before the bubble burst, Melaye had said on the screening: “We are going to screen nine of them on Tuesday (October 20) and the remaining nine would be taken on Wednesday. The confirmation of all the nominees would be taken on Wednesday.”

Melaye further said: “The committee has a one line report that the matter is in court and that in compliance with our laid down rules and regulations that any case that is undergoing judicial remedy cannot be discussed and that we have distanced ourselves from it and the report will be presented on Tuesday by the grace of God and I assure Nigerians that Former Governor

Rotimi Amaechi by the grace of God, will be screened on Tuesday (October 20).”

Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions said his committee was ready with its report on Amaechi and others. Anyanwu said on Monday that the report on Amaechi and the nominee from Sokoto State Hajia Aisha Abubakar, was ready for the Senate’s sitting of October 20. He said: “There are petitions and we are treating them. And they are part of today’s (Monday October 19) committee public hearing. We have heard that of (Former Governor Rotimi) Amaechi and these reports will be presented tomorrow (Tuesday) and by the time it comes out tomorrow (Tuesday), the press will have it. I can assure you that the report will be ready tomorrow (today).”

By daybreak on Tuesday, the music had changed, as nothing was heard of the Senate Committee report, while Amaechi’s name was yanked off the Order paper and kept in the cooler. Some sources told Nigerian Tribune that the unfolding events have to do a lot with the developments at the CCT and the Court of Appeal, where cases involving Saraki are pending. Some forces in the Saraki camp were said to have been frustrated that the Presidency was not reciprocating the goodwill and the dove nature of Saraki so far by continuously pilling pressure on the man. It was learnt that such forces have told Saraki that they might be forced to withdraw their support for him if all he would do was to continue to kowtow to the Villa, while the executive continues to show disregard.

That indication was said to have informed the decision to shut down the Senate Chamber on Wednesday. . Indeed some leaders of the APC had feared that since Saraki was scheduled to appear before the CCT that day, many Senators would follow him, while the lot of convening the chamber would fall on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his deputy.

Incidentally, Ekweremadu is of the rival PDP. It was feared that Ekweremadu could pander to the wishes of the PDP and rubbish some nominees of the President. But before then, it was learnt that the Senate had resolved to screen not more than three nominees per day in what a source called “do-me-I-do-you mode.”

Having examined the possibilities of allowing Ekweremadu to preside over such a sensitive situation, the leadership of the APC in the Senate was said to have prevailed on Saraki to ensure that the chamber was shut on Wednesday, such that screening would only commence on Thursday.

The decision led to a late evening release from the office of the Acting Clerk of the Senate, Nelson Ayewoh, indicated that the Senate would resume plenary on Thursday, October 22.

The statement read: “This is to inform all Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the resumption of the Senate in plenary has been rescheduled from Wednesday 21, October 2015 to Thursday 22 October 2015.

“All Distinguished Senators are by this notice requested to resume sitting in plenary on Thursday 22 October 2015 at 10.am prompt, please.”

Though forces loyal to the Presidency have been flaunting the provisions of Section 147 (6) of the Constitution, which indicates that screening of Ministers be completed in 21 days, sources in the Senate insisted that only a proper rapprochement can clear the way for the screening of the nominees.

29

politics&policy

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Wada

YINKA OLADOYINBO in this report writes on the agitation for power shift in Kogi State and how it is likely to affect the November 21 governorship election in the Confluence State.

T

HE Kogi State governorship election, like many other major elections, has thrown up many issues which are being capitalised upon by politicians to convince the people on why their parties are the right ones to vote for during the elections.

Some of the issues generated by the election are infrastructural development, performance in office, workers’ welfare, integrity of the candidates, personal attributes of the candidates and power rotation/shift.

However, one major issue on the lips of the contestants is that of power rotation among the three major ethnic groups in the state.

Agitation for power rotation was said to have become intense because of the perceived imbalance in the power arrangement in the state which has led to the dominance of one of the three major ethnic groups in the state over the others. Kogi is among the states created by the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida in 1991 and has since then being governed by four elected governors. All the four governors are of Igala extraction in the Eastern senatorial district of the state.

The first civilian governor of the state is Prince AbubakarAudu, who was elected during the aborted Third Republic. Upon the return of civil rule in 1999,Audu was again re-elected and he was in office till 2003. The 2003 election produced another Igala man, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who was in office for about nine years. In 2011, the incumbent, CaptainIdris Wada (retd) was elected governor completing the dominance. The development has, however, made the agitation by the other two ethnic groups, the Okuns in the Western senatorial district and the Ebiras in the Central for power rotation to be

Audu

Kogi and politics of power rotation heightened.

The call for shift of power to any of the districts had started during the administration of Idris when it was getting clear that the people of the Eastern senatorial district with nine out of the 21 local government areas of the state were capitalising on their population, voting strength and the division between the other two groups to continue to hold on to power. But the agitation then did not work and Wada, another Igala man, emerged the governor.

However in the build up to the emergence of candidates for the November 21 governorship election, the hope of the people were again raised, particularly in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), that the time has come for power to shift. This is said to be one of the reasons why the West and the Central had the highest number of aspirants that wanted to pick the governorship ticket of the party. The belief of many people then was that with the intensity of the campaign, particularly by one of the leading aspirant from the Central, Yahaya Bello, power was a done deal this time around.

However, that was not to be as Audu at the end of the day won the ticket of the party, while the incumbent also picked the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Many

people believe that the contest is a straight fight between the two candidates and this means that another Igala man will emerge governor for the next four years. But the Labour Party (LP), which has picked a former deputy governor of the state, Dr Phillips Salawu, who is an Ebira man, is also poised forma showdown in the election.

With the stage set for the poll and electioneering campaign in top gear, power rotation/shift has featured as a major campaign issue in the state. Having realised the need to give a sense of belonging to other parts of the state, Audu and Idris have been drumming it in the ears of the people that they are committed to power shift, while Salawu believes the time for power to shift is now and not in the next election.

At every opportunity, Audu, who has contested in all the governorship elections since the creation of the state, echoed it to the people that he would ensure power shift if he is elected. Speaking at the inauguration of his campaign in Kabba, Kabba Local Government Area of the state and at the Lokoja Township Stadium, while receiving a former governorship aspirant of the PDP, Alhaji Jubrin Isa, known asEchocho into the APC, Audu assured the people he would be the first governor to implement power shift.

What has made power rotation a dream rather than a reality is because it always comes into the political agenda when people are running for governorship election.

The former governor said this would not be achieved by fighting and by causing crisis, saying it could only be made to happen through dialogue. According to him, the people of Igala, Okun and Ebira had been living together for over 75 years, adding that he would be ready to spearhead the processes that would lead to power shift after his tenure.

The state secretary of the APC, Salaam Adejo, was of the opinion that the agitation for power shift was not necessary as power would naturally shift when the time comes.

He said, “The state is a free state. If you come from anywhere in Kogi and contest election, you will win. Governorship is not mapped out for a particular tribe. The constitution does not say a particular tribe must be governor. It is the votes of the electorate that will determine; it is the people that decide. Power is universal; it is liquid; it flows everywhere. There is nothing like power shift. If Yahaya Bello had won the primary, power would have shifted. Power will shift on its own. It is a natural paradox.”

But the PDP and the state governor viewed the agitation from a different perspective.

They noted that power rotation could not be achieved by mouth alone as concrete steps have to be taken towards achieving it. Wada is of the opinion that the issue should not be made an electioneering issue, saying the agitation should not be limited only to election period. To him, the issue, which he said he completely subscribed to, must occupy vantage position in public discourse and should be sustained.

He said, “My position on power rotation has been consistent since I came into office.

I started on the platform of an agenda of bringing our people together trusting each other that we are all equal before God and continues pg43

30

politics&policy

Friday, 23 October, 2015

S

PECIAL Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, got what he did not quite bargain for this week. He came under direct collision with Olisa Metuh while he was being protective of his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was being heavily bashed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national publicity secretary for the president’s perceived use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allegedly wantonly hound his political opponents.

It was the party’s spokesman, who took the All Progressive Congress (APC) government to task after the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) had apparently convinced itself that there would be no let up in the arrests and interrogation of its immediate past governors unless the opposition could secure the attention of the Nigerian public and the international community. Even though it had been crying foul over the perceived persecution of only its members, whereas APC former governors with similar petitions against them were untouched, the PDP was unable to bear it any longer when Godswill Akpabio became the latest EFCC victim.

Akpabio is different. Apart from being a highly successful governor in his time in Akwa Ibom State, he is the Senate Minority Leader and arguably the face of the opposition in the National Assembly. The PDP could therefore see why he has become the target - get Akpabio and you weaken opposition in the National Assembly. This was what Metuh espoused at his press conference that drew the ire of the presidential megaphone. Metuh was of the view that

inside

aso rock WITH LEON USIGBE

08078891838 leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk

Between Femi Adesina and Olisa Metuh what was happening to opposition members in an alleged selective fight against corruption was an indication that Buhari was yet to shed his dictatorial garb, despite professing to being a born-again democrat, as the PDP believed that the former military leader’s dictatorial tendencies had not been tempered by time since being forced out of office in 1984. Metuh sought to “expose the hypocrisy, double-standard and dictatorial proclivities of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Government in its orchestrated anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.”

This allegation though was not one that Adesina could take lightly. He fired back at the PDP for being a political party lacking in new ideas. “The opposition seems to have run out of ideas so soon. Daily, we hear the same jaded, hackneyed allegations from them. I think they really are to be pitied. They need help. A broken record that repeats itself ceaselessly is of no use, than to be thrown away,” Adesina had said without necessarily touching on the allegations raised. But this only riled Metuh further, who thereafter, had no inhibitions getting personal at Adesina. Through

s

his personal assistant, Richard Ihediwa, he had turned down such requests from the PDP spokesman unleashed his pent up me on the ground that the turf belongs to a anger against Adesina, describing him as different person. I think this response was an embarrassment to the president. Metuh forced on him by the circumstance of Alhaji 08078891838the national publicity secthought Adesina “in his habitual deceptive WITH LEON Lai Mohammed, leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk and diversionary manner, left the critical is- retary being appointed a minister. I learnt sues of governance” raised by the PDP and “ that Mohammed was reluctant to tackle the and as usual, embarked on insults, shadow- PDP on the allegation since he is transiting chasing and fouling of the media space with to the office of a minister of the Federal reuncouth language.” public. Possibly he thought that exchanges However, looking at Adesina’s terse re- between him and the opposition after being sponse, it is not hard to discover why Metuh named a minister will likely put him in an reacted the way he did. Adesina’s response awkward position. That was perhaps why was a one-paragraph text message he had the APC did not offer immediate rebuttal as sent our under pressure from reporters it often did in cases like that. seeking reaction to the PDP’s press conferAs one who also covers the PDP, I know ence. For the neutrals, contrary to Metuh’s that the office of its national publicity secreclaim that the SA Media embarked on his tary has often expressed reservations about “usual, insults, shadow-chasing and fouling what Adesina says about Metuh which they of the media space with uncouth language,” believe impugn on the PDP spokesman’s neither did he make personal reference to character. So, it is not out of place to say Metuh nor could he be said to have used that the PDP information’s machinery has any undesirable language. been angling for an auspicious moment to I know that Adesina has often tried to re- get at him. Adesina’s last response to the frain from responding to allegations from party’s allegations seemed to have provided the PDP because on a number of occasions, that.

aso rock

The position of PDP, APC power shift continued from pg

we are equal stakeholders in the State. I said what has made power rotation a dream rather than a reality is because it always comes into the political agenda when people are running for governorship election.

“If they are running for House of Assembly or National Assembly, you don’t hear anything about power rotation but only when the governorship relation is at the corner, which makes the agitation to come up every four years. So my position is that we should make it a continuous agenda, a topic for continuous engagement of the stakeholders from all the three zones including the minority tribes in each of these zones because each of these zones have minority tribes. We are just talking about the Igalas, Ebiras and the Okuns, how about the minorities.

“So we have to look at it deeply, look at what are the social implications, what are the political implications so that we can do basketing of positions to give confidence.

The rotation: should it be clockwise or anticlockwise? Where should it go first? Okun or is it Ebiraand when does it come back to the Igalas? When it is back, is it Bassa, or Bassa-nge or Koto it will go to? So, all these details have to be worked out.

“At least there is some kind of framework at the national conference. It has already been discussed nationally. We can borrow from that and use it to guide our own discussion in Kogi State and my commitment is that I am a leader you can trust because once I take a position I will do my best as a human being to actualise that position. So, I am telling our people let us engage ourselves over the next four years, trust me to provide the environment and framework to have this discussion, arrive at a position that we can actualise power rotation agenda and it will happen by the grace of God and the

cooperation of all our citizens.

“For me it is a matter of trust. Which of the candidates can you trust to deliver on this agenda. The people who are using power rotation as their key issue in voting in the next election should compare me in terms of reliability and consistency against the other candidates to their position whether you can trust them that when they get power, the power would not get into their heads in such a way that they would start saying what is power rotation I beg this is where I am going”.

Also speaking, the Director General of the Wada/Awoniyi Campaign Committee, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, said the PDP was the only party to be trusted with power rotation after the election. He said the party had already set up a committee to work out the modalities of achieving the concept. Ogbeha, who accused the APC of paying lip service to the implementation of power shift, said the PDP and the state governor were already brainstorming on how to realise it.

He said, “I believe in power shift, our democracy has not developed to the extent where we forget about ethnic consideration.

If you want to give a sense of belonging to every part of the state, power must rotate. It is becuase of this power rotation that I took on the challenge to be the director general of

this campaign because I am convinced that Wada and PDP in Kogi are the best committed set that can ensure it. Wada is committed to it; he is not paying lip service.

And as a party, we have resolved to ensure power rotation. We have set up a committee to work out the modalities for power shift in the state, that is how far we have gone and when that report is out we have the next four years to try and implement. I am not sure APC is interested in power rotation even though they have been forced to talk about it. But if you look at the recent defection of Alhaji Jubrin Isa, known as Echocho, it goes to buttress the fact that there is a hidden agenda between AbubakarAudu and Echocho and it only vindicated the position some of us held.

“Alhaji Jubrin Isa was not committed in PDP even when he held primaries and we thought he was working for a third party and he has proved our point. The story now is that AbubakarAudu being his in-law will hand over to him, that is the promise and his defection was the first step to achieving that promise.

“The issue of powers shift/rotation is not a lip service something and it is not a business for one man, it must be a movement, people must believe in it, it is beyond the governor,

Should it be clockwise or anti-clockwise? Where should it go first? Okun or is it Ebira and when does it come back to Igalas? When it is back, is it Bassa, or Bassa-nge or Koto it will go to?

the governor can believe in it and drive it but the people must also believe in it and be committed”.

However, while the PDP and the APC tango over the future implementation of power shift, the LP believes that any attempt to postpone the achievement of the issue till next election would be to shortchange the people of the West and the Central. The state chairman of the party, Ibrahim Usman, said the party is a force to be reckoned with in the election and stood the chance of making power to shift from the East to the Central senatorial district of the state.

According to him, there has been a continuous agitation by the people of the Central and the West for them to govern the state, adding that the next election had provided a good opportunity for the people to actualise their dream, particularly with Salawu as the candidate of the LP. He said, “For the past 16 years it is the Eastern part of the state that has been ruling, now the APC candidate is from the eastern part, while that of the PDP is also from the area. We have just one person from the Central and that person stands for the East and the West. So this is an opportunity for us to make the power to shift. The motto of Labour party is social justice and equal opportunity, our candidate is someone that has been a deputy governor for nine years, he knows what it takes, his coming is to ensure fair sharing and equal opportunity”.

It is however obvious that power shift/ rotation is an important issue that will determine how far each of the parties can go in the next election. Which of the major candidates can be trusted on the issue? Which of the other two ethnic groups should take the first slot? These are some of the questions agitating the minds of political observers in the state which they believe only time can provide answers to.

31 hersay

Friday, 23 October, 2015

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

tablishing the foundation. I grew up with my grandparents who were illiterates. My grandmother sold cola nuts. My parents were financially handicapped, so I had to hawk kolanuts for my grandmother then so that we could eke a living. Often times, I trekked barefooted from the village I lived to my school, I had a particular dress I was used to wearing then. It was my only dress and I bought my first pair of slippers in 1977 from the proceeds of cola nuts I sold. This pair of slippers I used till I got to Lagos. I lived with families and friends after I left my grandparents’ house to Lagos, where I was taken to further my primary education after my mother discovered that I was poor in my studies. I was not brilliant at all in primary school. Other pupils in school disliked me because of my small stature and poor performance. I lived a lonely life that lacked care and love. I felt much emotional trauma growing up because I didn’t stay with my parents.

‘I hawked kolanuts to eke a living’ —Ronke Ojo Dr Ronke Ojo is the founder of Teenage Club Foundation, Ibadan, a non-governmental organisation that takes care of the underprivileged, especially youths and children. She is a lecturer at the Department of Adult Education, University of Lagos. She speaks with REMI ANIFOWOSE on the activities of her foundation, background and how she has been able to balance motherhood, career, marriage and ministry. Excerpts:

W

hat was the inspiration behind Teenage Club Foundation, Ibadan?

My childhood experience spurred me into establishing Teenage Club Foundation in 2009. I had a very rough experience growing up. My parents were stack illiterates. I came from a very poor background in a village called Eleepo. My hustling experience while growing up, the determination to help others and engage those that are suffering, especially youths, inspired the birth of TFC. How far has the foundation gone in fulfilling its goals and objectives?

Teenage Club Foundation is involved in a lot of activities in terms of empowering youths to becoming better persons in life and in their various fields of expertise.

So far, the foundation has empowered five youths who were picked from the streets, either as hawkers or destitutes who had no homes. For those who had homes, but had to drop out of school because of lack of funds, we follow them to their parents to seek their consent in taking over their schooling or apprenticeship expenses, of

which they agreed. Four of them are in the vocational training centres as apprentices while the fifth just finished her Junior Secondary School examinations and going to SS1.

How is the TCF funded?

The foundation is funded by personal contributions of the committee members who are 17 in number and from family, friends and people who align with the vision and its furtherance.

How would you describe your husband?

My husband is a gentle, but principled person. He is very accommodating and nice.

He is so loving. I cherish him.

How did you meet him?

I met him when he was a teacher typist and I was a trainee in his shop. I had concluded my training under him when he proposed to me. My friend and I went to visit him in his shop when we jokingly asked him when he was going to get married. He replied by asking me to get him a wife. I went back to him to tell him I didn’t get any, it

was at that point that he proposed. But because we don’t marry outside our church then, I didn’t take the proposal seriously.

When I discovered that he was serious and persistent, I prayed about it and got God’s consent in a dream, since I was already a Christian from my secondary school days.

And that was it. We got married and the union is blessed with four children.

How many years have you been married to him?

We’ve been married for 24 years now.

Your husband is a politician, lecturer and pastor, how have you been coping with his busy schedules?

I’ve always known my husband to be a hardworking man. He’s so busy, but I’ve been coping. Whenever he chooses to relax, we both do and always enjoy time together, especially on Sundays, after closing from church.

How was growing up like?

Haa!. That’s a long story. My growing up experience was not palatable. In fact, it was my background that spurred me into es-

heartcopy

SHARE-A-burden

My daughter’s attitude hurts to the bone marrow! <P34

My mother-inlaw has become a thorn in the flesh!

Your education background?

I attended Ibadan District Council (IDC) Primary School, Eleepo, in Akinyele Local Government between 1970 and 1976. But I could not leave the village until September, 1977 when my aunt brought me to Ibadan for my father to fix me up in a higher school.

My father who was a taxi driver, left me in the house, because according to him, I was too young to learn any trade, and being a girl he could not afford to waste his money to send me beyond primary school. He took care of my primary education, but he didn’t want me to go beyond primary school. So, in December 1977, I left Ibadan for Lagos to live with my elder sister who enrolled me in an evening class to prepare for entrance examinations into Modern Commercial Secondary School, Oyingbo. So, I started hawking eggs for my sister. I sold five to eight eggs crates daily and almost forgot about schooling. In September 1978, my father returned me to Ibadan. Another bleak future sort of for me.

In December 1979, I found myself in my uncle’s house, Chief Niyi Adelu, a politician who enrolled me in IMG Primary School Orita-Aperin now Olubadan Primary School in January 1980 till now, I still could not fathom how I remained undaunted in the face of the challenges I went through. Getting to that school, it seemed like a miracle, as I started performing brilliantly in my weekly tests and examinations. This endeared me to my class teacher, who encouraged me by taking me through my studies. Then, late Chief Bola Ige was the governor of old Oyo State. He gave primary school pupils automatic admission, including free textbooks, stationery and bags. I finished secondary school in 1985 and specialised in Arts subjects. We also started paying school fees, as education was no longer free when Bola Ige-led administration was overthrown. I had to labour for bricklayers on site to pay my school fees at that point. It was the truth of God’s word that carried me through, as I remained focused and determined to go to school. Mrs Funke Agagu, the wife of ex Ondo State governor, who was the vice principal of my school, Olubadan High School, stood in for me then, when I was unable to balance the payment of my WAEC fees, I sat for WAEC three times in different schools, Continued on pg32

32 hersay

Friday, 23 October, 2015 Continued from last week

Don’t be fooled by me.

Don’t be fooled by the face I wear.

For I wear a mask, a thousand masks,” masks that I’m afraid to take off, and none of them is me.

Pretending is an art that’s second nature with me, but don’t be fooled.

For God’s sake don’t I give you the impression that I’m secure, that all is sunny and unruffled with me, within as well as without, that confidence is my name and coolness my game, that the water’s calm and I’m in command, and that I need no one.

But, don’t believe me. My surface may seem smooth, but my surface is my mask, ever-varying and ever-concealing.

Beneath lies no complacency.

Beneath lies confusion and fear and aloneness. But I hide this.

I don’t want anybody to know it.”I panic at the thought of my weakness and fear being exposed.

That’s why I frantically create a mask to hide behind, a nonchalant sophisticated facade, to help me pretend, to shield me from the glance that knows.

But such a glance is precisely my salvation. My only hope and I know it. That is, if it’s followed by acceptance, if it’s followed by love. It’s the only thing that can liberate me from myself, from my own self-built prison walls, from the barriers I so painstakingly erect.

It’s the only thing that will assure me of what I can’t assure myself, that I’m really worth something. But I don’t tell you this.

I don’t dare. I’m afraid to. I’m afraid your glance will not be followed by acceptance, will not be followed by love. I’m afraid you’ll think less of me, that you’ll laugh, and your laugh would

Parenting The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

cryonmenow@yahoo.com

What’s your background like (2)

kill me.

I’m afraid that deep-down I’m nothing, that I’m just no good,and that you will see this and reject me. So I play my game, my desperate pretending game, with a facade of assurance without and a trembling child within.

So begins the glittering but empty parade of masks, and my life becomes a front.

I idly chatter to you in the suave tones of surface talk. I tell you everything that’s really nothing, and nothing of what’s everything, of what’s crying within me. So when I’m going through my routine, do not be fooled by what I’m saying.

Please listen carefully and try to hear what I’m not saying ,”what I’d like to be able to say, what for survival I need to say, but what I can’t say.

I don’t like to hide.

I don’t like to play superficial phony games.

I want to stop playing them.

I want to be genuine and spontaneous and me, but you’ve got to help me.

You’ve got to hold out your hand even when that’s the last thing I seem to want.

Only you can wipe away from my eyes the blank stare of the breathing dead.

Only you can call me into aliveness.

Each time you’re kind and gentle and encouraging, each time you try to understand because you really care ,”my heart begins to grow wings, very small wings, very feeble wings, but wings!

With your power to touch me into feeling you can breathe life into me.

I want you to know that.

I want you to know how important you are to me, how you can be a creator—a honest-to-God creator— of the person that is me if you choose to. You alone can break down the wall behind which I tremble, “you alone can remove my mask, you alone can release me from my shadow-world of panic and uncertainty, from my lonely prison, if you choose to.

Please choose to. Do not pass me by. It will not be easy for you.

A long conviction of worthlessness builds strong walls.

The nearer you approach to me the blinder I may strike back.

It’s irrational, but despite what the books say about man, often I am irrational.

I fight against the very thing that I cry out for.

But I am told that love is stronger than strong walls, and in this lies my hope. Please try to beat down those walls with firm hands but with gentle hands for a child is very sensitive.

Who am I, you may wonder?

I am someone you know very well.

For I am every man you meet and I am every woman you meet.

Changing the face of HIV/AIDS

By James F. Entwistle

There are 1.8 billion young people (males and females between the ages of 10 and 24) in the world today, the largest generation of young people in human history. The majority of these young people live in developing countries and approximately half, or 900 million, are adolescent girls and young women.

The U.N. International Day of the Girl Child (October 11) highlights the unique challenges adolescents and young girls (females between the ages of 10 and 19) continue to face in our world.

At every stage of development, girls are more likely than boys to confront a progression of disadvantages associated with violence and discrimination. Even with decades of laws, treaties, conferences, and resolutions at the local, national, regional, and international levels, the difficulties accompanying being young

and female condemn millions of girls to the sidelines of society. There, girls remain mostly invisible, their human rights habitually abused and violated, and their welfare trailing behind that of boys.

Girls account for more than 80 percent of new HIV infections in adolescents in the worst hit countries with 380,000 adolescent girls infected with HIV every year; in other words, 7,300 every week, more than 1,000 every day.

Moreover, HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of death for girls and women ages 15 to 49.

According to UNICEF, the face of HIV/AIDS is young and female. As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2015, we say, “This must change.”

Tackling violence and discrimination faced by girls, and ensuring their access to the same basic opportunities as boys, is crucial to the

realisation of their basic human rights and achieving the UN’s “Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”

As the global community rallied to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 last month at the 2015 United Nations General Assembly, the US government has made several exciting announcements with positive impacts for the girl-child.

On September 26, National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice announced bold, new HIV prevention and treatment targets established by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). By the end of 2017, PEPFAR will support 12.9 million people on life-saving anti-retroviral treatment—nearly a doubling of people on treatment from 2013 to 2017—and provide 13 million male circumcisions for HIV prevention.

Entwistle is the US Ambassador to Nigeria

‘I sat for WAEC three times in different schools’ Continued from pg31

of which I had all my results except Mathematics. I read Education/CRS in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 1992. After a year, I changed to English Language Education. I went in for my Masters degree in Adult Education in 1996/1997 session. In 1998, I proceeded to do my PhD at the University of Ibadan, which I did for 10 years. I bagged my PhD in 2008.

As a career woman, pastor, wife and mother, how have you been joggling all responsibilities without one affecting the other?

My husband has been wonderful for his support. Being a pastor is a big task, but I’ve never been caught unawares. Before I finally married my husband, I had seen him in a dream ministering to a large crowd and being a partner with him in the ministry, I support and pray for him al-

ways. I place my priorities right by drawing timetable. I take care of my home as I should and God has always been my strength. As a politician’s wife, I take time out to honour invitations from my husband’s colleagues and attend some political gatherings together.

What is your take on abuse in form of child rape?

Yes, child rape is a very serious societal ill that shouldn’t been taken with kid gloves.

Very many mothers don’t have time for their daughters or girl-children. If mothers monitor their daughters, they are less likely to be abused. Mothers should be vigilant and watchful of their children. I had a horrible experience in that regard, but I thank God my monitoring and vigilance rescued the situation. Even, male children should be monitored. The home should also be spiritually inclined. Governments should work more to prevent the too porous society of

ours. Our young girls should also stop exposing their bodies.

What is your take on couples keeping joint accounts?

Sincerely, I like the idea, but my husband doesn’t like it. I think it curtails each of the partners against extravagant spending and encourages savings too.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Simple and nice. I wear what suits me and makes me comfortable. I dress to feel good, not provocatively.

What is your favourite food?

Yam and sauce.

What advice would you give to youths who intend to get married?

They should seek the will of God and must not jump the gun or rush into sexual rela-

tionship with a partner. Then, compatibility is very important, in terms of physical attractiveness. Education is also key to lasting marriages, as both partners should be compatible professionally. Graduates should marry graduates and they should constantly upgrade their educational status to remain relevant and attractive to each other.

In choosing partners, understanding is also key. Women should make themselves attractive to their partners, while men should always show love to them.

Message to the womenfolk?

I appeal to the women to guide and teach their children how to lead godly lives. Mothers have a lot to do in nation building, so I implore them to cooperate with the government of the day and do their utmost best to support leaders to move the country forward and also fight corruption. Give godly advice to your children and inculcate discipline in them.

33

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724 (sms only) @taiwomonica

heartcopy

D

EAR TAIWO, I am a woman with so much pain in my heart and with the way I am going, if I don’t talk about my private pains and worries, I could die soon. Sometimes, thinking of death and my situation brings relief, until I met a new neighbour, who just moved into a flat in our compound. This woman came home one day in a heavy rain and had to wait in my flat for her family members to return. She forgot the copy of the Nigerian Tribune she was reading and that was where I read a story in your column and found your number. The story I read in that particular edition, was similar to mine and I believe I also will find a solution through this medium.

I am a Yoruba woman, a mother of three girls a fact which militated against me in the male dominated society where I found myself. Because of the fact that I couldn’t give him a male child, my mother-in-law, insisted that my

My mother-in-law has become a thorn in the flesh!

DEAR Taiwo, I got married precisely two months ago. I looked forward to marital bliss, but with the look of things, I don’t think it is possible.

I am Igbo, while my husband is Yoruba; we love each other, but his mother is fast becoming a source of worry for me.

My daughter’s attitude hurts to the bone marrow! husband should marry another wife.

He did, though according to him, it was against his

wish, but she bore him male children, in fact her first pregnancy produced, a set of twins; both boys. With this she became every body’s darling. I prayed to have a male child too, but I lost two pregnancies and was advised not to attempt another if I wanted to live.

Obviously, I took my doctors advice and made up my mind to live and take care of my daughters. It was not easy as all attention shifted to my partner and her male children. To cap it up, my mate became troublesome and abusive and because she had the backing of my motherin-law and that of our husband’s other family members, I was more or less helpless.

Eventually, when I couldn’t stand the humiliation and trouble again, I had to leave, though, leaving was painful, because I love my husband. I was fortunate to have a good job, so taking care of my children and settling down was not too difficult. I vowed not to re-marry and I never did.

This was because, despite it all, I still love my husband.

By the time I left with my children, my first daughter was 13. She was not too young to know what was going on. This is one of the reasons why her attitude to me now that I need her most is painful. I became responsible for my children’s up keep. To the glory of God, they had the best education and I made sure they didn’t lack anything.

To be continued next week

Most Wanted TAIWO, 35, needs a Muslim lady aged between 25 and 29 for a serious relationship.

Ifeanyi, from Abia, based in Lagos needs a caring lady that can be a good wife aged between 40 and 45 for a serious relationship that can lead to marriage. Contact him on 08169069949.

Adekunle, 48, businessman needs a lady aged between 27 and 42 as wife. Contact him on 08080646282..

Oluwadare Amos, 56, widower from Osun State needs a widow or a lady aged between 54 and 55 for a relationship.

share a

burden WM

ith onica Taiwo

08055001724 (sms only) monicataiwo@yahoo.com

She stayed back after our wedding, I have nothing against her staying back or staying permanently with us if she chose to, but mama wouldn’t let me be.

Contact him on 08037861624.

Sola, 28 need a responsible, working-class and God fearing man aged between 28 and 41 as husband. Contact her on 08063846027.

Olamide, 46, businessman based in Ibadan, Oyo State, needs a responsiple lady or a divorcee aged between 30 and 45 for a serious relationship. Contact him on 07036996719.

Kola, 40, single, MSc holder needs a learned and decent lady for a relationship that can lead to marriage. Contact him on 08164178084.

She finds faults with everything I do and she is fond of complaining and getting at me when my husband is not at home.

Whenever my husband is home, she would pretend that she really likes me. I am very confused. Mama will spend minutes on phone talking with her people about me; she doesn’t even care if I understood Yoruba language at all.

I think it is too early for me to complain and I don’t want to create a negative impression about myself with my husband.

Please, how can I handle this before the situation gets out of hand?

Ndidi.

Dear Ndidi, I appreciate your concern and the fact that you don’t want to cause any ripple in your home. It rather early.

Please, be patient and put her in your mother’s place. Treat her like you would treat your mother. Be patient with her and please ignore her excesses. The fact that she does all you have alleged when her son is away means she is mischievous.

You must realise that age sometimes does not determine maturity. If you answer her or react, you would be descending to her level and she would have achieved her aim. The best treatment you can give her is silence. This will also give you peace of mind. I am sure she wouldn’t be staying forever, tolerate her for as long as it takes. You are also right; do not discuss this with your husband for now. It is rather early.

You also need to be very prayerful. Ask God particularly for divine patience. It is well with you.

34 news 17,000 killed, 1 million displaced by Boko Haram —NSA

Friday, 23 October, 2015

•Partners EU on media roundtable on violent extremism •NEMA manages 2.1million IDPs nationwide— DG Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt

A

N estimated 17,000 people have been killed and one million others have so far been displaced since the commencement of the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

The figures were disclosed in a statement issued from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Thursday.

The militant group had wreaked havoc on many states, especially in the North-East, where its activities were most intense, as well as extending into Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

According to the statement, the Boko Haram insurgency, now in its sixth year, had remained a major issue of concern for the West African subregion.

As a means of creating a new national framework for responsible and safe reporting of insurgency, ONSA and the European Union (EU) would hold a two-day media roundtable on violent extremism, in Abuja.

The roundtable, expected to hold on Tuesday and Wednesday, next week, was facilitated by ONSA, as part of enhancing and deepening the country’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Programme.

Tagged “Media best practices: Reporting responsibly on violent extremism,” the roundtable would bring together senior journalists, editors and experts to discuss Nigerian journalism in the context of the changing landscape of violent extremism.

It further stated that the roundtable would seek to address the challenges of reporting insurgency, within the context of the fact that one of the key aims of any violent extremist group was publicity.

There would also be panel discussions on related topics, including “Reporting ISIS and international terrorism”; “Role for a ‘Patriotic Press’; “Terrorism, government and the media: Symbiotic relationships”; “Ethics and editorial policy”; “Nigeria’s conflict: What’s new in reporting on Boko Haram.”

Meanwhile, the National Emergency management Agency (NEMA) has said it manages more than 2.1

million internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.

Its Director-General, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, made this known when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gu Xiaojie, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, on Thursday.

He said more than 90 per cent of the IDPs were mostly people from the insurgency-affected states in the North-East.

According to him, the insurgency in the NorthEast, which was one of the major challenges confronting the country, had

caused a large displacement of people.

He said with the success recorded by the security agencies, most of the IDPs had started returning to their various communities.

The Director-General said before now, there were over 11 camps in Adamawa

and about 23 in Borno, adding that the Adamawa camps had been reduced to five.

Sani-Sidi said the agency had assisted the IDPs with ‘exit package’ when they left the camps, to enable them to re-establish themselves.

Godly leaders must have servants’ attitude —Buhari Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, urged political leaders in the country to imbibe behaviours that portray servants’ attitudes expected of Godly leaders for the purpose of taking the nation out of the current multifaceted problems and reinvent itself in an ever-

changing world.

The president stated this on Thursday in Abuja, at the sixth edition of the annual national prayer breakfast meeting, organised by the Christian Legislators Fellowship of Nigeria, in the National Assembly.

According to the president, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office of the Secretary to the Govern-

ment of the Federation, Ibukun Odusote, “a Godly leader is marked by a servant’s attitude, transparent integrity, Godly character and faithfulness, among others. Godly leaders need to base their security and identity upon God, not in false sources of security.

“Thus, the need for a Godly leader in our everchanging world cannot be overemphasised. Whenev-

Isiaka vs Amosun: Tribunal delivers judgment today Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta THE Justice Henry Olusiyi three-man panel governorship election petitions for Ogun State has fixed tomorrow for judgment in a petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka against Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Isiaka, in a petition EPT/ GOV/ABK/ 001/15 filed before the tribunal had alleged that the April 11 governorship election were marred by electoral malpractices.

The petitioner argued that there was misuse of card readers and Permanent Voters Cards in some locations in the state; non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and that Amosun was not validly returned as the winner of the election.

The PDP governorship candidate sought for an order that the total number of lawful votes cast at the election were for the petitioners and that the tribunal should declare him as the winner and that INEC should be ordered to present Certificate of Return to him.

It read in part: “An order that the first respondent herein (Senator Ibikunle Amosun), was not duly elected and did not score the lawful majority votes cast on April 11 governorship election in Ogun State and ought not have been returned by the third respondent.

“An order that the total

number of lawful votes cast on April 11 governorship election in Ogun State were from the petitioners and the first petitioner ought to have been returned by the third and fourth respondents.

“An order declaring the first petitioner as the winner of April 11 governorship election in Ogun State, having scored the highest number of lawful/valid votes of the total votes cast at the said election.

“An order compelling the third and fourth respondents, herein, to present to the first petitioner, Certificate of Return as the validly

and lawfully elected governor of Ogun State in April 11 governorship election.”

But Amosun, his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faulted Isiaka’s claims that the governorship election was conducted substantially in accordance with the provisions of Electoral Act and relevant guidelines.

Counsel for Isiaka, Adetunji Oyeyipo and that of Amosun, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, had on September 29, adopted their final written addresses in the case.

er God’s people have been without Godly leadership, the result had been disastrous,” Buhari said.

Speaking earlier, chairman, Christian Legislators Fellowship of Nigeria, Senator Barnabas Gemade, had told the gathering that the organisation was a body of senators, House of Representatives members, state Houses of Assembly members, National Assembly staff and volunteers.

While tasking Nigerians to embrace the spirit of change in line with the theme: “The Godly leader in a changing world,” he prayed for leaders in all arms of government and urged them to put the people first in their decision making processes, saying the people form the basis of their leadership.

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, took the first Bible reading from the book of Jeremiah 29 verses 7-14.

A guest speaker at the occasion, Pastor John Enelama in a keynote address, stated that leadership required a lifetime of preparation; in that, it does not just happen overnight.

“We render assistance with what is called exit package when they are leaving the camp, to enable them to continue their life; we give them food and non-food items.”

Sani-Sidi said disaster management was was multi-sectoral, multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional.

He noted that the said cordial relationship between Nigeria and China over the years had assisted both nations towards disaster risk management and effective humanitarian service delivery.

Sani-Sidi said the investment by Chinese companies in Nigeria had translated to economic growth and development.

He solicited support of the government of China, especially in the area of capacity building for staff of the agency.

Earlier, Xiaojie said China would partner NEMA in the area of capacity building and human resource building.

He said that in the past 10 years, the relationship between the two countries had grown fast on many fronts.

The ambassador said that China would continue to cooperate with the people of Nigeria and NEMA, in particular.

He said that more than 50,000 Chinese were working, living and doing businesses in Nigeria and appealed to the Federal Government and NEMA to ensure that their safety was guaranteed.

Saraki’s trial not APC’s business —Gbajabiamila Leon Usigbe -Abuja MAJORITY Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has distanced the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the ongoing prosecution of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged false declaration of assets.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, he also dismissed speculation about continuing leadership crises among the APC members in the National Assembly.

He observed that only the Senate President had issues with the court, which he said needed no application of any political solution as being speculated.

Gbajabiamila noted that Saraki would, therefore, have

his day in court.

Asked when the leadership crisis would end, he said: “Everything that has a beginning, has an end. I don’t think and I don’t know if there is any leadership crisis in the National Assembly. I am not sure of what you are alluding to; I am not in the Senate.

“But the little I understand is that there is an issue involved with the Senate President. That has nothing to do with the APC. That has to do with the issue of law and I am sure the Senate President is being surely represented and he will have his day in court if the matter comes up.

“I don’t think it is an APC issue; it is not an APC issue at all. There is no crisis, not in the House.”

On possible political solution to resolve Saraki’s matter, even though he said he was not aware of any such

move, he averred that the Senate President’s problem was a constitutional matter.

According to him, “I cannot comment and promote things that are unsubstantiated. You know the problem is a constitutional legal problem and I don’t know how you can treat constitutional legal problem politically. If that be the case, perhaps I may not know.”

The House Leader also spoke on the possible negative fallout from the impending constitution of House’s standing committees, saying if justice and equity was done, whatever may follow could be easily managed.

He stated: “It would be handled by members of the House. The correct thing is that justice is done, equity is done and once that is done, then there is not going to be a problem.

“There are a 180 or 190 committee slots on the is-

sues of the committees, while there are issues of deputies and chairmen while there are 360 members. So, whichever way it falls out, the important thing is that if the fallout is based on issue of equity, there may be a problem.”

He further said if the fallout was based on members being selective on the choice of committees, then it could easily be dealt with.

Gbajabiamila, who said he was at the Presidential Villa to discuss budget issues with the president, said the legislature would back Buhari’s plan to have a zero budget.

“We understand the logic.

Unlike the envelop budget system, which had issues under the best circumstances, zero budget, where everything starts from scratch, will make them to justify every penny. It is part of the government’s efforts to block leakages and the House is in firm support,” he declared.

35

Friday, 23 October, 2015

arewa

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

James Bwala-Maiduguri

R

ESIDENTS of Jakana town in Borno have told Governor Kashim Shettima that he has not kept to his campaign promises.

The residents vented their anger on the governor on Saturday when he attempted to make an inroad to the area to inspect some of the government projects.

Arewa reports that thousands of people, mainly youths of Jakana village of Konduga Local Government Area, protested over lack of drinking water and erected a blockade of the convoy of Governor Kashim Shettima.

Jakana is in the east of Maiduguri and about 35 kilometres from the city and has witnessed series of Boko Haram attacks, including the razing of a police station, school structures and other public infrastructure in recent past, although most of these structures are currently undergoing renovation by the state government.

The youths said they were compelled to forcefully block the governor’s convoy despite security cover to vent their anger over the hardship being faced by residents who trek several kilometres to buy water at the cost of N100 per keg of 25litres, compared to residents in Maiduguri who buy same at only N5.

One of the youths, Sani Abubakar, who actively participated in the protest, told reporters that due to the lingering Boko Haram crisis, many residents of Jakana, in most cases, could not afford to buy even a litre of water on a daily basis, and, therefore, resorted to drinking contaminated water from streams and dams also visited by animals.

“We have been suffering from lack of water, and everybody knows that water is life. During Boko Haram attacks on this community, all our functional boreholes were vandalised by the insurgents, and as I am talking to you, government has failed to come to our aid by fixing the boreholes in this area. We are pleading that Shettima should drill more boreholes and fix the broken down ones”, he said.

Some of the youths, believed to have been sponsored by a faction within the Borno APC, were, however, chanting “Borno Tafi Jam’iyya” and calling the governor names

Residents of Jakan town protesting over scarcity of water in the community.

Day Borno community protested over water scarcity as the convoy with intimidating security personnel quickly whisked the governor away to prevent any form of harassment on the convoy.

Audu Karami, also a member of the civilian JTF, told Arewa that they stopped the youths from throwing stones at the convoy, saying that this upended their intention to disgrace the governor for neglect of the area under his administration.

Also Modu Konto, who actively participated and led the protesters at the weekend in Jakana, said: “The lingering Boko Haram insurgency has forced many of my people to continue buying water at N100 for 20 litres.

This has also caused water borne diseases occasioned by drinking contaminated water from ponds and streams meant for livestock and irrigations.

“We have been suffering from lack of

Jos residents bemoan rate of tricycle robberies Kashim Shettima

—Pg.35

water for over a decade, and everybody knows that water is life. The six years of Boko Haram attacks on this community has torched our only source of potable water. As I am talking to you sir, government has not come to our aid to fix the damaged boreholes in this area. We are pleading with Shettima with this peaceful protest to sink more boreholes and repair the vandalised ones,” Responding to Jakana’s water protest at Benisheikh, Shettima said: “As we are going back to Maiduguri, from here, you will see a drilling rig in Jakana that will commence the drilling of more boreholes for the people that protested in the afternoon. I was on my way to inspect 15 schools, hospital, Police and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) projects at Jakana and Benisheikh when we ran into the protesting crowd.”

He also added that his administration

50 hospitalised as snakes, rodents invade Plateau communities —Pg.36

had commenced rebuilding all the destroyed communities to enable the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return to their respective communities and resume their normal life.

He, however, appealed to them to be patients as the Borno State government, military and other security agencies were doing everything humanly possible to ensure adequate protection of lives and property across the state.

Crew Sabiu Mohammed - 08067698878 mohsabiu@yahoo.com Ayodele Adesanmi - Kogi 08033509895 Isaac Shobayo - Jos 08037032359 shobayo.isaac@gmail.com Biola Azeez – Kwara State 08034276889 biolababes@gmail.com Saliu Gbadamosi – Bauchi 08052150868 ayebavi2001@yahoo.com James Bwala – Borno / Yobe 08069596659 jamesbwala97@gmail.com Adamu Amadu - Dutse Kola Oyelere - Kano

36 arewa

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Jos residents bemoan rate of tricycle robberies Isaac Shobayo - Jos

A

PPARENTLY disturbed by the frequent cases of robbery and dispossession of valuables of those boarding commercial tricycles, residents of Jos, Plateau State, have made a passionate appeal to the government and security agencies to tame increasing wave of crime in the city, allegedly perpetrated by some elements disguising as commercial tricycle operators.

It will be recalled that one of the reasons Plateau State government banned commercial motorcycles was to arrest the spate of insecurity because most of the horrendous crimes were carried out on motorbikes by criminals. The government

then introduced tricycles to alleviate the suffering of commuters agitating for the return of motorcycles.

The recent happenings in the state indicate that criminals have devised means of using tricycles to carry out evil acts. Quite a lot of people have been dispossessed of their valuables and killed in the process.

Arewa findings revealed that one of the antics of these elements was to position themselves with additional two people in the tricycle at commercial highbrow of the city especially banks and other commercial places, pick up unassuming passenger and rob him or her at gun point.

Recently, a 50 year-old man, Godian Okoli, who sells frozen fish along Fatima junction in Jos North Local Govern-

ment Area, was killed in his cold store by a three-man gang operating in a tricycle.

The armed robbers, who arrived the cold store in a tricycle about 9:00 am, collected money worth about N2 million from him and shot him at close range before they bolted away in their tricycle.

The brother of the deceased, Alphonsus Okoli, told Arewa in Jos that the incident happened in a broad day light, pleading that justice be done to the case of his late brother following the arrest of four workers of the company by the police for interrogation .

Mr Alphonsus frowned at way and manner three out of the four workers were granted bail by the Katako Police Station, insisting that he wanted the case to be transferred to CID Headquarters in Jos for proper investigation with the hope of arresting those who killed his late brother .

When contacted the state police public relation officer Emmanuel Abuh, who confirmed the incident, said the police had commenced full investigation into the incident with the aim of arresting perpetrators of the dastardly act.

50 hospitalised as snakes, rodents invade Plateau communities Isaac Shobayo - Jos RESIDENTS of Kanke and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State have called on both the federal and state governments to come to their aid following the invasion of the two council areas by dangerous snakes and other rodents, saying no fewer than 50 people have been hospitalised as result of snake bites in the past seven days.

Arewa reliably gathered that the people of the councils, mainly farmers, have deserted their farms while the courageous ones go in group with sticks as those at home were not also spared as snakes and other dangerous rodents often crept into their residents.

Corroborating this, a member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Honourable Timothy Golu, disclosed that out of the over 50 persons affected, some had died while others were in critical conditions and were currently on admission in various hospitals and traditional snake treating homes in the state.

He said that 13 victims were currently receiving treatment at Zamko clinic in Langtang, 20 in traditional healers’ treatment homes, seven in herbalists’ centres, while some visited the centres for daily treatment owing to lack of bed space.

“Some have even been treated and discharged, but a woman from my village, who was treated and discharged, still has pus gushing out of the cut and we have advised her to return to the hospital for fresh checks and we have the fear that something worse may come from the wound if not properly treated because she is already limping,” he said.

The lawmaker, describing the situation as very scary and pathetic, stressed that the snakes, who moved openly and always

in pairs, were washed into the communities by flood.

“As the flood pushed them from the over flown tributaries of Rivers Benue and Niger, some snakes climbed trees, others entered holes while some just held unto any available straw and all of them later descended into residences and farms where they have been wrecking havoc.”

He said that the commonest species were the black mamba, carpet viper and cobra, and declared that most victims usually depended on luck to survive.

The member urged the Federal and Plateau State governments to take the snake invasion as a national medical emergency concern and give it the same response given to HIV/AIDS and the Ebola virus.

“Government must come in with full force and ensure that the anti-snake venom is provided to the people free of charge because it is expensive for the rural poor.

“Other world health bodies like WHO and UNICEF should also step in because it is a serious situation that requires all hands on deck.”

He also called on the federal and state governments to fumigate the homes, farmlands and the general environment of the communities to reduce the number of snakes, especially since they appeared to be reproducing.

He said that the fumigation would also reduce the number of crocodiles washed into the communities, pointing out that the weather of the area was naturally attractive to such reptiles.

Golu equally said he had advised the people to use hand gloves and rain boots while on their farms to minimise the effect of the snake attacks.

Arewa gathered that the urban centres were not spared as a huge black mamba was killed in the Jos residence of a former member of the House of Representatives recently.

Late Godian Okoli, victim of a robbery attack

Ear centre launches biggest city scan machine in the North Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna DETERMINED to provide succour to thousands of patients with ear, nose and throat complications, the National Ear Care Centre(NECC), Kaduna, has launched the biggest computerised scanning machine in the North.

Speaking in an interview, the Medical Director of the centre, Dr Aminu Bakari, remarked that the centre, which started operations in 1999, was established to provide succour to people with ear, nose and throat problems.

To this end, he maintained that on assumption of office last year, he saw the need to set up a city scanning centre that would take care of delicate issues and ease the problem of people travelling as far as Southern states for simple scanning.

Bakari disclosed: “As I speak to you, we have installed a computerised tomogra-

phy scan machine which is the biggest in the North.

“People will now have access to this facility at affordable rates. In fact, the scanning machine has the capacity to dictate many ailments”, he declared.

Commenting further, the MD said under his stewardship, he constructed three additional blocks to provide for more and effective service delivery.

The new building is now being occupied by radiology and audiology units. In addition, a big store is also provided in the new edifice.

Bakari, who is also an associate professor, advised people to take good care of their ears and noses, saying these were sensitive human organs that needed protection.

“We received 150 to 200 clients on a daily basis. People come from all over the country with different ailments like ear, hearing, speech and throat diseases.

‘Our neighbour campaign meant to promote peace in Kaduna’ Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna A Kaduna based Non Government Organisation (NGO), AlfaCare, has said ‘our neighbour’ campaign being televised in some TV stations and drama presentations was intended to promote peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

Speaking in Kaduna, the Co-ordinator of the NGO, Mallam Hassan Abubakar Alfa, remarked that for the past sixteen

years, they had been campaigning for good governance, peaceful co-existence, democracy and good health.

Going down memory lane, he said the state had been embroiled in crisis more than any country and that the strategic location of the state made it expedient for all stakeholders in peace process to join hands together towards the attainment of peace.

He said this year, their attention was focused on the need for continuous

peaceful co-existence among the people ‘because peace is very critical to our survival’.

“It was for this reason we started our neighbour campaign and it is currently being televised in order to make people understand that we need each other.

Supported by Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), Abubakar noted that government should introduce mechanism to douse crisis and stop waiting until crisis erupted.

While commending the efforts of the state government in ensuring that peace is guaranteed, he advised the government not to pay lip service to anything that would promote peace.

“Peace education is a continuous thing and that people must see that happening”, he declared.

He said his organisation was ready to partner with the state government in order to achieve the needed peace.

37

news

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Corruption: Foundation seeks inclusion of philosophy in school curriculum •Hails Buhari’s anti-corruption stance

T

HE Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation, on Thursday, called on the Federal Government to implement the resolution of the United Nations (UN) on teaching Philosophy from secondary school level in Nigeria, as a major step in boosting anti-corruption efforts in the country.

The foundation’s coordinator-general, Mr Charles Anyiam-Osigwe, who made the call at a conference on corruption at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, said the implementation would be a major step in institution-

alising the fight against corruption.

The conference with the theme: “The Predicament of Corruption and the Quest for Holistic Development in Africa,” attracted several members of the academia within and outside Nigeria.

Anyiam-Osigwe added that such decision would also help sustain President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anti-corruption crusade.

Laying the foundation for the talk shop, the foundation’s coordinator emphasised that the late Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe’s

philosophical thought on building a society free of corrupt practices is crucial to the current efforts of the current Federal Government to rid Nigeria of corruption.

According to him, tackling corruption is only an aspect of issues that undermine Africa’s development.

The foundation posited that one sure way out of the doldrums was for academic and philosophers to “provide the rudder and the leading light.” He added: “We opine that there has never been development without the philosophical compass.

Transcending the primitive stage of early human existence, development evolved from the contemplative insights of thinking minds in our early societies...”

Aniyiam-Osigwe also underscored the role of the family in building individuals with the capacity to shun corruption by initiating anti-corruption values.

“Here we capture the role of the family in its pristine form, nurturing and goading the child on the path of propriety or pious conduct,” he said.

In his keynote presentation on the theme, Profes-

sor Mogobe Ramose of the Department of Philosophy, University of South Africa, x-rayed the Anyiam-Osigwe’s philosophical thesis on corruption and called for ethical revolution of the entire African continent as a basic solution to developmental challenges.

Earlier, while declaring the conference open, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, hailed the initiative, particularly because it was in partnership with the academic, which he said, helps reinforce good government policies.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, emphasised that teaching was critical to building minds and nations.

He listed the three Cardinal goals of the Buhari administration as improving security, fighting corruption and growing the economy.

Sanusi, Akande, Momoh, others pledge Babcock heart centre support Naza Okoli-Lagos

From left, President/ Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Professor James Kayode Makinde; Vice Chairman, Tristate Heart Foundation and chairman, Channels Television, Mr John Momoh; President/ Chief Executive Officer, Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre, Professor Kamar Adeleke; Chairman, Tristate Cardiovascular Associate, A. B Mahmoud (SAN); Chairman, Tristate Heart Foundation and former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; special guest of honour and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi and the Pro- Chancellor, Babcock University, Dr Oyeleke Owolabi, at the commissioning of Babcock University Teaching Hospital Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre, held at Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, on Thursday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Amnesty programme to cater for only 30,000 ex-militants —Office ...Disowns protesters Soji-Eze Fagbemi-Abuja

The presidential amnesty programme has disowned some protesters who claimed to have been left out of the programme and now seek to be included, declaring that the programme is to cater for only 30,000 ex-militants.

The Amnesty Office, while clarifying the issue on Thursday, said the mandate of the programme was to cater for the 30,000 ex-agitators documented at the disarmament stage.

A statement issued by the Head, Media and Communication, Amnesty Office, Comrade Owei Lakemfa, said the Amnesty Office cannot add to this figure as it lacks power to do so.

Comrade Lakemfa said: “On the protest by those who complained of being left out of the programme and who seek to be included, we wish to clarify that the mandate of the Amnes-

ty Programme is to cater for the 30,000 ex-agitators documented at the Disarmament Stage.

“The programme has since passed the Demobilisation Period to the ongoing Reintegration Phase.

The Amnesty Office has no powers to either expand the programme or take

new intakes. Any such approval will be purely at the discretion of the Federal Government.”

In the statement titled: “The Presidential Amnesty Programme and its obligations,” the Amnesty Office explained that following current regular flow of enquiries, it has become

imperative for the programme to state that it is doing everything possible to meet its obligations under the programme.

He also explained that the programme has paid in full, the monthly stipend of the beneficiaries under the programme through the banks.

Ogun shut down illegal mortuary OlayinkaOlukoya-Abeokuta

Ogun State government has closed down an illegal mortuary facility in Gbogbolowo area, in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

The facility, located at No 6, Church Street, Orudu Road in the council area was said to be posing serious health hazard to its immediate community and environs.

The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr Daisi Odeniyi, said the action became

necessary to send a warning signal to other people engaging in such illegal act, and that anyone who intends to operate private hospitals, maternity homes, laboratory centres and other health facilities should register with the ministry.

The PS said three corpses were evacuated from the morgue, adding that the structure housing the corpses does not possess building plan approval and would soon be served demolition notice by relevant government agency.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by Dr Solomon Sokunbi, said the three bodies recovered from the morgue would be deposited at the state owned mortuary facility, explaining that the corpses would be released to families after proper identification and documentation.

According to him, “Ogun State has zero tolerance for quackery and would not condone the operation of any illegal health facility in and around the state, and anyone caught engaging in such illegality would be arrested and prosecuted.”

THE Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has pledged his support for Babcock’s heart centre, urging the facilitators to replicate the effort in other parts of the country.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor spoke at the official commissioning of Tristate Heart and Cardiovascular Centre, at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan-Remo, on Thursday.

Former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande and Channels TV boss, Mr John Momoh, chairman and vice chairman of Tristate Heart Foundation respectively, in their speeches, urged Nigerians to support the vision which, they said, would put an end to the incidence of medical tourism.

Also, the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH), Professor Temitope Alonge, on Thursday, blamed his colleagues in the medical profession for much of the decay that had plagued the health sector in the country.

Alonge, the keynote speaker at the event, speaking on the topic “The Nigerian Health Sector: Maladies and Remedies,” said some doctors are engaged in the “disgraceful act” of referring sick people to foreign hospitals and receiving payment for each referral.

NAFDAC closes illegal insecticides company in Kano The National Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a Chinese Company in Kano, for producing fake and unregistered insecticide, “Wave Tide Mosquito coil.”

The company, Plant Fibre Mosquito Coil is located on No.49, Maisikeli Road, Nasarawa local government area of the ancient city.

Mr Eke Paul, a Chief Regulatory Officer with the Investigation and Enforcement directorate of NAFDAC, Lagos, who led the operation made the disclosure while addressing newsmen shortly after closing the factory.

He disclosed that following intelligence reports, the agency officials had visited the company on September 28, where they discovered some violations and directed the company to come to Lagos for the purpose of regularising their registration processes with the agency, but the management failed to show up, hence the decision to close the place.

Conference/ thanksgiving The maiden conference of members of the Oyo State Pastors’ League will hold at the House of Chiefs, Government Secretariat, Ibadan, tomorrow, at 11.00 a.m. prompt.

This is just as a special thanksgiving service for the re-election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi holds on Sunday, at the Sanctuary of Christ Evangelical Church, opposite CAC Grammar School, Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway, Adesola, Ibadan, at 1.00 p.m.

The conference, which will have Governor Abiola Ajimobi; his wife, Florence; the deputy governor, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Michael Adeyemo; invited royal fathers and other dignitaries as special guests of honour, is tagged: “Christians and Politics.’’

The guest speaker on the occasion is Bishop Immanuel Leo Donkoh from South Africa, while the convener of the conference is Pastor (Dr) Gbade Ojo.

Gbade Ojo

38 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Esther Innah now MRS YUSUF ADEBUKOLA JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. NSCDC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday 23 October, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olawoye Janet Funmilola now MRS FATODU JANET FUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Ori-Ade Local Government, Ijebu-Jesa and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olaniyi Alimot Shalewa now OLOJEDE ALIMOT SHALEWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniyi Bosede Olanike now MRS. AKINBODE BOSEDE OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunwale Alice Adeseun now MRS ADEMOLA ALICE ADESEUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adewoyin Funmilayo Adepeju now MRS GODWIN FUNMILAYO ADEPEJU. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Tourism Board and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akintola Maryam Oyindamola now MRS AKINLEYE MARYAM OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogunbule Esther Titilola now OWOLABI TITILOLA ESTHER (Nee Ogunbule).

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Diepreye Otrofanowei now MISS DIEPREYE IMANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Salami Olushola Fatai now ABDULSALAM OLUSHOLA FATAI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADVERTISE IN NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

I, formerly Miss Adiguna Olubisi Idowu now MRS OLUFADEJU OLUBISI DUPE. All former documents remain valid. UCH and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Awani Temitope Ifedolapo Maria now MRS ADESENLA TEMITOPE IFEDOLAPO MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abdulsalam Aishat Iyabo now MRS LAWAL AISHAT IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ijeoma Linda Okoli now MRS IJEOMA LINDA CHUKWUMA. All former documents remain valid. Franchise Law & Kenneth and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olatilewa Olufunke Okunsanya now MRS ESTHER OLATILEWA OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Falade Christianah Adebimpe now MRS OGUNTOYE CHRISTIANAH ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Okunola Monsurat Olayinka now MRS ADEBAYO MONSURAT OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogidiolu Omobola Olayinka now MRS OLAYINKA OMOBOLA OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Obaita Iyomhengbe Esther now MRS ADESIYAN ESTHER IYOMHENGBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akanji Awoyemi Florence Atinuke now MRS LEKUTI ABIBAT ATINUKE FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, TASUED, Ijagun and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss AdesanyaOgidan Olabisi Abigail now MRS ADEGOKE OLABISI ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mr Okanlawon Afeez Sunkanmi now MR OKANLAWON IFASEYE OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid.

Embassies, Authorities Concerned and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr Latifu Akeem Opeyemi now MR OLADIPO AKEEM OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. GTB and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Eleso Folasade Regina now MRS OGUNSANYA FOLASADE REGINA. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Micheal Olukemi Agnes now MRS OLAITAN OLUKEMI AGNES. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State TESCOM and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyelami Ibidun Eunice now MRS ADEGBILE IBIDUN EUNICE. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abibat Omolola Kolade now MRS OLADIRAN-KOLADE ABIBAT OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Akanmu Adegboyega Abduljelili now SANNI, ADEGBOYEGA JELILI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Mr Gabriel Eweneya, am the same person as Gabriel Uduefe, Gabriel E. Uduefe now MR GABRIEL EWENEYA UDUEFE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Musilimu Basaru now ALABI BENJAMIN ADETAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr. Adewole, Oluwatobi Adelana in PGD (FUTA), Adewole, Adesiyan Tobi in B.Sc (Unilorin) and in S.S.C.E now MR ADEWOLE, ADESIYAN TOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Joseph Onyema Nwafor now JOSEPH ENDURANCE ONYEMA NWAFOR-ANI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Osaro Aghatise now MR GODDEY AGHATISE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Alausa Mosunmola Abidat now MRS DINA MOSUNMOLA ABIDAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abidemi Foluso Agbaje now MRS ABIDEMI FOLUSO KEKU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olaniran Rachael Abosede now MRS KOMOLAFE RACHAEL FUNMILAYO ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ojo Tomilola Julianah now MRS ADEBUSOYE TOMILOLA JULIANAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bakare Florence Kike now MRS ISRAEL FLORENCE KIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Balogun Opeyemi Lami now MRS ADAMO OPEYEMI LAMI. All former documents remain valid. Authorities Concerned and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinnusotu Christianah Temitope now MRS OLUOKUN CHRISTIANAH TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADVERTISE IN NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

I, formerly Miss Fapohunda Opeyemi Yetunde now MRS ADEDOJA OPEYEMI YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Osun State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ichefere Ovoke now OVOKE TRACY OBUKOHWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fatimoh Muhammed now HON. MRS TAUFIQ FATIMOH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Agagu Mojisola Marvelous now MRS OLAGOKE MOJISOLA MARVELOUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Allinson Opeoluwa now MRS ADEOTI OPEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olorundare Omolola now MRS. DADA OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akintobi Folasade Abolanle now MRS. MAKINDE FOLASADE ABOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olowokande Kikelomo Adekemi now MRS. MAKINDE KIKELOMO ADEKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ayoola Hannah Omotola now MRS. ADEBAYO HANNAH OMOTOLA. All former documents remain valid. Osun State University, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fasola Esther Oluseun now MRS TALABI ESTHER OLUSEUN. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Victor Paul Jackson now VICTOR PAUL EKPE. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities Concerned and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Sikiru Tawakalit Temitope now MRS. RAHMAN TAWAKALIT TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Ibrahim Abdulazeez Adetola that was mistakenly written as Ibrahim Abdulazeez Adeola. Henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as IBRAHIM ABDULAZEEZ ADETOLA All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and general public take note.

I, formerly Maria Iziegbe E. Osime and subsequently known after marriage as Maria Iziegbe E. Adeniyi-Thompson now MARIA IZIEGBE E. THOMPSON. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ADVERTISE IN NIGERIAN TRIBUNE CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Bridget Oluwaseyi Daramola now MRS IGE BRIDGET OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Onita Temitope Eniola now MRS. FATOKI TEMITOPE ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Emmanuel Alayande College of Education and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Idowu Folasade Titilayo Christianah now MRS ALABI FOLASADE TITILAYO CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Emmanuel Esther now MRS OLATUNJI ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Police Force, Ekiti Command and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Iyanda Kudiratu now MRS. IYANDA KUDIRATU IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunsiji Adeola Oluwabunmi now MRS. OJELADE ADEOLA OLUWABUNMI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Tufelu Amudat Adedayo now MRS ADEKOYA AMUDAT ADEDAYO. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunbona Toyin Joke Cecilia now MRS MUSTAPHA TOYIN JOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adedeji Shakirat Omolara now MRS. ALIMI SHAKIRAT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunniyi Abosede now MISS OGUNYEMI ABOSEDE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

WAEC, NECO and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Aladesoyin Olomoyeye Emmanuel now MR FADARE AROKOYUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Ogunbadeniyi Yinka Ibidun now MRS BADENIYI YINKA IBIDUN. All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Civil Service Commission, Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC), R.C.C.G. and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Eniola Michael, Habib Kazeem now ABIBOU KASSIMOU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oladunmoye Dorcas Omolola now MRS TADEBO DORCAS OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akoidu Rebecca Omolola now MRS. BABAYEMI REBECCA OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. Iwoye Ijesa Middle High School and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Fatounde Ruth Idowu now MRS AJAYI RUTH IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Soyemi Omolara Olabisi now OGUNBAMERU OMOLARA OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abayomi Ayoyemi Damilola now MRS OJO AYOYEMI DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. MDCN, NMA, OOU, Ago Iwoye and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Adeola Bolanle whose name was wrongly written on Federal Republic of Nigeria National Identity Card as Adeeyo Bolanle.

That my correct name is ADEOLA BOLANLE. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Abdulazeez Bukola Aminat now MRS LASISI BUKOLA AMINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olabisi Beatrice Seun now MRS OLUMAKINDE BEATRICE OLABISI. All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB, Osun State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Eludini Oluwasayo Eunice now MRS ADEBIYI OLUWASAYO EUNICE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyerinde Rafiat Oyedunni now MRS KAREEM RAFIAT OYEDUNNI. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdulrahaman AbdulWahab now ATOFARATI ABDULWAHAB TOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunbanwo Fatimo Aderonke now MRS AJIBOLA FATIMO ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Kareem Dauda Taiwo now MR OLADIRAN PHILIP TAIWO. All former documents remain valid.

Osun State Local Government Service Commission, Living Faith Church Worldwide and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Tolulope Rachael Oladeji now MRS TOLULOPE RACHAEL BOYEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

39 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Salako Adeshola Oluwabusayo now MRS. ADEGBOYE ADESHOLA OLUWABUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Arowolo Dorcas Omolola now MRS. ILORI DORCAS OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Coker Agnes Oluyemisi now MRS. ERAKHRUMEN AGNES OLUYEMISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Osinuga Celestinah Olubukola now MRS. DARAMOLA CELESTINAH OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ogundare Triumph Ayomide now IFESANYA KOLAWOLE AGBOOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olaniyan Rukayat Oyindamola now MRS. ADEBISI RUKAYAT OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ojo Adetumi Abiodun now MRS. ADEPOJU ADETUMI ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ojo Adesola Omolabake now MRS. ADEPOJU ADESOLA OMOLABAKE. All former documents remain valid. MTN, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adepeju Esther Oyesiji now MRS. ADEPEJU ESTHER ONASANYA. All former documents remain valid. GTBank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr. Oyadotun Taiwo Gbolahan now MR. OLADOTUN TAIWO GBOLAHAN CALEB. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olalekan Obedat Bukola now MRS. JIMOH OBEDAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Alade Omolara Oyebisi now MRS. OGUNDIPE OMOLARA OYEBISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bejide Olakunle Olubunmi now PRINCE DAVID OLAKUNLE OLUBUNMI MICHAEL EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

Kad Poly and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Taiwo Olusade Victoria now MRS. IGBAORETO SADE VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Friday, 23 October, 2015

40

news

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Fuel scarcity hits Katsina

L 1

ong queues have resurfaced in filling stations in Katsina metropolis because of fuel scarcity, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A correspondent of NAN reported that in the metropolis, only NNPC Mega station and Forte Oil were dispensing the product at N87 per litre as many filing stations remained closed, just as a few sold the commodity at N100 per litre and above.

The few filling stations, according to NANS findings, which are selling the product at the normal price, had long

queues of vichicles.

NAN reported that such stations dispensed the product to black marketers in jerry cans, which in turn sell to desperate motorists at exhorbitant prices.

A motorist, Alhaji Umar Ismail, urged the Federal Government to address the issue of scarcity, saying that it had affected the socio-economic activities of the people, and also urged fuel marketers to desist from causing hardship because of their personal gain.

Alhaji Yunusa Iron-Baba, a representative of the Inde-

YinkaOladoyinbo-Lokoja

of the Electoral Act, 2010 (As amended).

The petitioners also argued before the tribunal that the election was fraught with widespread malpractices, adding that Lawal was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

The respondents, which also included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in their preliminary objection, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition on the ground that the petitioners filed the petition when the result of the election had not been released

by INEC. The tribunal in the judgment, however, held that the election that brought Lawal into office was conducted in substantial compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010.

Tribunal upholds Kogi speaker’s election

2

3

THE National Assembly and State Houses Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Thursday, upheld the election of the Speaker of the Kogi Assembly, Alhaji Momoh-Jimoh Lawal.

The tribunal, while dismissing the petition filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Fari, held that Lawal was the authentic winner of the election held on April 11 for the Okene II state constituency.

Delivering the judgment of the three-man panel, Justice Akintan Osadebe, said the petition was dismissed as it lacked merit.

The petitioners had sought to nullify the election of Lawal on the gounds of substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the election based on provisions

LASU: JAC declares 7-day prayer,

fasting to end VC’s tenure

4 1. From left, the celebrant, Mr Sanya Onayoade; Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina; Chief Executive Officer, Magnate Communication, Mr Aliu Mohammed and the chairman of The Punch, Mr Wale Aboderin, during the 50th birthday celebration of Onayoade, in Lagos, recently.

2. Pastor (Mrs) Adebisi Itiade Kode (middle); her husband, Dr Kode; Principal, Bashorun Ogunmola High School, Ring-Road, Ibadan; Mrs Oketade Bolanle, with other members of staff of the school, cutting a cake at the retirement party of Pastor (Mrs) Kode from the service of Oyo State TESCOM, on the school’s premises, on Thursday.

3. Students of Glory Years International High School, Ajebamidele, off Omisanjana Sije, Ado-Ekiti, performing during end-of-the-year party, recently.

4. Students of Glory Years International High School, Ado-Ekiti, during the unveiling of the school’s ICT centre, recently.

Nigerian Tribune

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), Lagos State University (LASU), on Thursday, declared seven-days prayer and fasting to end the tenure of the incumbent Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor John Obafunwa.

NAN reported that the tenure of Obafunwa ends on October 31.

The schedule disclosed that a church service would be held on October 25, at the Chapel of Light, while there would be a 7-day prayer and fasting programme that would commence on October 26.

According to the timetable, a joint press conference would be held on October 27 followed by and a symposium on October 28.

It said the topics for the symposium would be “The Statute and Conditions of Service in an Ideal University” and “The Academic

Freedom and University Autonomy”.

According to the timetable, a traditional service featuring all forms of traditions, ranging from , masquerade Igunnu, Eyo and others would hold on October 29, at the Freedom Square on Ojo campus LASU. It stated further that there would be a prayer session after Jumat service on October 30, while LASU Independence Day festivities and funfair would be held on November 2.

Meanwhile, as of the time of this report, a banner at the Badagry and Iba gates of LASU, Ojo campus read: “Count Down, Nine days to go, The End of Evil at Sight”.

This was just as various staff unions in the university had dissociated themselves from the banner, claiming it might be the handiwork of some concerned LASU community members.

pendent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said the scarcity was due to inadequate allocation to marketers in the state.

He said members of the association got the product at N97 per litre from Kano, adding that members would only realise profit from the product in Katsina, if it is dispensed to motorists above N100 per litre.

Iron -Baba said some marketers decided to close their stations until the situation improved.

The State Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources, Alhaji Muhammad Sani, said the marketers’ claims were wrong because the product was still being sold at the normal rate, adding that there was no plan to increase the price.

Sani warned that any marketer caught dispensing the product above the official rate would pay a fine of N100,000.

Oyo NURTW:

Swearing-in of new exco, a rape on justice —Tokyo

By Nurudeen Alimi Inauguration of new executive committee of the Oyo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ibadan, on Monday, October 19, 2015 has been described as a rape on the justice system in the country.

Embattled chairman of the union, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (Tokyo) in a statement signed by him, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, said the action of the national body of the union to go ahead with the inauguration of the executive led by Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde (Fele) stood justice, fairplay and rule of law on their heads.

Akinsola said the swearingin ceremony which was held at an event centre was conducted by the representatives of the President of the union, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, led by Alhaji Musa Ikhalumeh, a former NURTW chairman in Kwara State, and not a serving member of the national exco.

The veteran unionist maintained that the whole process was marred with irregularituies, saying:”There was no election or congress whatsoever where the new executive committee led by Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde (Fele) would have been given the mandate to warrant the so-called swearing-in, but an unelected executive, an illegally contrived caretaker committee for four years.”

41 news

Friday, 23 October, 2015

NARTO, NURTW, PTD set for nationwide strike over dilapidated roads •Give 14 days ultimatum Soji-Eze Fagbemi - Abuja

T

HE Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners ((NARTO), the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), have all resolved to embark on a nationwide strike over the condition of roads across the country.

To this end, they have

given a 14-day ultimatum to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, to commence full scale rehabilitation of major roads across the country, or face immediate strike action by their members.

Specifically, the three trade unions listed the Mokwa -Jebba-Bode-Sa’adu road, and Eleme-Obigbo road, as some of the roads the Federal Government must commence their im-

mediate rehabilitation, without which the strike will commence immediately.

The unions warned that all types of commercial vehicles, tank trucks, trailers, lorries and it’s alike, and commuters, will withdraw their services on the roads.

The National President of NARTO, Dr Kassim Ibrahim Bataiya; National Chairman of PTD, Comrade Salmon Oladiti and NURTW National Presi-

dent, Dr Najim Yasin, made their position known in a joint press conference addressed at NARTO Secretariat, Abuja, on Thursday.

Dr Bataiya, who spoke on behalf of the unions, said the need for government’s prompt intervention became imperative as a result of frequent loss of lives and property, vehicles breakdown and accidents on the roads on daily basis.

The NARTO president

said: “NARTO, PTD and NURTW have therefore, resolved that if by 14 days from the date of this press briefing, government neglects or refuse to commence rehabilitation of Mokwa-Jebba-BodeSa’adu road, and ElemeObigbo road in particular we would be left with no option than to withdraw our services.

He said the situation of the roads is affecting timely delivery of passengers, goods and services to designated areas, and therefore negatively affecting the vehicles ability in terms of good turnaround.

Speaking further, the associations said due to the fact that road infrastructure development is capital intensive, government should look in the direction of Public Private Partnership (PPP), road concession, toll levies among others.

Tribunal upholds Ondo PDP lawmaker’s election Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

Suspected masterminds of Kuje and Nyaya bomb blasts arraigned by police at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO.

INEC chairman: Buhari has shown he is sectional—Fayose EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has described the appointment of yet another northerner, Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a vindication of his position that President Mohammadu Buhari is a sectional leader.

The governor, who said he had expected that the new INEC chairman would be chosen from one of the three Southern geo-political zones, especially the South Western part of the country, being the only zone yet to produce chairman of the nation’s electoral umpire, posited that; “Nigeria has entered a one chance bus and it remains to be seen who will save the country from its sectional president.”

Reacting to the appointment of Professor Yakubu as the new INEC chairman, Governor Fayose said in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, that even the Yoruba leaders who promoted and made the Buhari’s presidency

possible had been shortchanged.

The governor asked; “Shouldn’t he have considered someone from South-East, South-South or South-West as Chairman of the electoral commission now that we have a president from the North?

“For reasons of perception, equity and fairness,

don’t we have credible people from the Southern part of Nigeria that can conduct credible elections as INEC chairman? Or do we assume that the 2019 elections have already been won and lost by the appointment of this Hausa/ Fulani professor as INEC chairman? Or isn’t it regrettable that even in 2015,

it is only in PDP controlled states that elections are being upturned?”

He said he was worried that the three arms of government; namely executive, legislative and judiciary were being headed by northerners, leaving the three zones in the Southern part of the country with nothing.

FG docks 5 suspects over Nyanya, Kuje bomb blasts Sunday Ejike - Abuja

THE Federal Government on Thursday docked the alleged bombers of two separate bombings at Kuje and Nyanya satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on October 2, 2015 which killed scores of Nigerians and left many injured.

The accused persons Abdulazeez Muhazab, Ishaka Salihu, Mohammed Jimoh, Abdulwaheed Nasiru and Abdullahi Nasiru were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, on five-count terrorism related charges.

The accused persons all pleaded not guilty to the

charges but, the 4th accused person, Abdulwaheed Jimo, pleaded guilty to count four of the charges, which says suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) making materials were found on the accused persons on October 6.

In the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CR/342/2015, the prosecution brought the accused persons to court pursuant to Sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

They were charged for conspiracy, an offence contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013; act of terrorism, contrary to

Section 2(a) of the same Act; act preparatory to an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 2(b) of the same act and accessory to an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 2(g) of the same act also.

The prosecution also alleged that 12 ready made bombs and bomb making devices, comprising 27 detonators, aluminium powder, Hexomine, Hydrogene Peroxide, Sulphure Power, Sodium Axide plus Nitrate, soldering wire, Sodium Carbonate, Thermometer, PH Litmus paper and a bag of fertilizers were also found in the possession of the suspects on October 6, 2015.

ELECTION petitions tribunal sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Thursday, upheld the election of the lawmaker representing Ilaje state constituency I, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan.

The tribunal dismissed the petition brought before it by the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Leke Akingboye, for failing to substantially prove that the victory of Akinruntan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was marred with irregularities.

The three-man tribunal, led by Justice Obojor Ogar, dismissed the petition filed

by Akingboye for lacking in merit.

Akingboye had approached the court to challenge the victory of Akinruntan who won the election on the ground of non-compliance with electoral act.

But the panel held that the petitioner failed to substantially prove that the election was marred with irregularities, saying the APC candidate failed to tender admissible documentary and oral evidence to consolidate his claim.

The court also dismissed Akingboye’s prayer to cancel the election on the ground that the PDP lawmaker was a Labour Party member as at the time he was given the PDP ticket to contest the election.

NCPC boss condoles with South-West federal commissioner THE Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, has commiserated with Mrs Adefemi Taire, NCPC Federal Commissioner representing South-West, over the exit of her husband, Chief Torch Adefemi Taire, who died on Tuesday, October 13.

In a condolence letter delivered personally to Mrs Taire, he stated: “The entire commission was in a disquiet moment upon hearing of the sad news,” the statement added: “As Christians and heirs together in His kingdom, however, we are consoled in the Lord knowing that death remains the only exit to our heavenly reunion in spite of the pains and devastation.”

He assured her that the entire commission would continue to stand by her and the entire Taire family during this difficult time.

Mr Opara prayed God Almighty to grant the bereaved the strength to brace this dark moment and avoid every temptation to question His will.

Fayose approves appointment of Bandele as EKSU VC EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has approved the appointment of Professor Samuel Oye Bandele as the new Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

According to a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, the governor acted on the recommendations of the Governing Council of the university which said that Professor Bandele came first out of the three candidates interviewed for the job.

The appointment of the new VC takes effect from December 2, as the tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oladipo Aina, expires on December 1.

While congratulating the new vice chancellor, Governor Fayose urged him to improve on the good work of the outgoing VC and take the university to a lofty height.

Governor Fayose also thanked Professor Aina, who he said had contributed immensely towards the growth of the university physically, socially and economically.

news Lamido: EFCC presents 4 witnesses 42

Adelowo Oladipo-

T

HE trial of Alhaji Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State governor, being prosecuted on a 27-count charge alongside his two sons, Aminu Sule Lamido and Mustapha Sule Lamido with two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC), began on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, with the EFCC presenting four witnesses.

The witnesses who testified as PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW4, respectively, are Longji Tupkop, a Relationship Manager with the United Bank of Africa (UBA); Kabir Mashi, Regional Manager, Unity Bank Plc, Kano North; Mustapha Baba and Onyiche Agbaghara of the Unity Bank Plc and Keystone Bank, respectively.

Tupkop while being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Chile Okoroma, stated that he was in court to present account statements for one of the bank’s customers: Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company.

Explaining some of the transactions that were reflected on the documents between April 23 and 26, 2013, Tupkop told the court that, “the first entry on the 23rd of April 2013 was a clearing cheque of over N7million in favour of Bamaina Holdings Limited, another cheque of over N7 million in favour of Speeds

International Limited, and yet another cheque of over N7million in favour of Gada Construction.”

According to him, the cheques were returned on the 23rd because they were not confirmed.

“The same sets of cheques, were however, paid to all

the three companies on the 26th of April 2013,” Tupkop stated.

The documents of the account opening package of Dantata and Sawoe were tendered and admitted as exhibits.

Also testifying, Mashi, PW2, told the court that, his

THE House of Representatives, on Wednesday, directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently rehabilitate the failed portions of the Lagos-Badagry Express Road constructed over 40 years ago, in order to put an end to the hardships being experienced on the highway by users.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Honourable Bamgbose Joseph entitled: “Call for Rehabilitation of the Lagos—Badagry Express Road”, lamenting the deplorable condition of the road that links Nigeria with Benin Republic and other countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to constantly

Agbi.

In his argument, the subpoena was specific about which documents to bring.

According to him, Mashi only brought the application for the reactivation of the account which presupposes that an account already existed.

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, in a condolence handshake with the Ncpc Federal Commissioner, South-West, Deaconess Mrs Adefemi Taire, over the demise of her husband, Chief Adefemi Taire.

Ogun remains Nigeria’s industrial capital —Amosun Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday, pledged the state’s commitment to remain the industrial capital of Nigeria.

The governor stated this while commissioning the multi-billion naira Flexible Power Cables Factory built

by Coleman Wires and Ca-

bles located at Arepo, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

While congratulating the management and members of staff of Coleman Technical Industries Limited for the multi-naira factory, Amosun described it as a further demonstration of his administration’s determination in providing conducive

Rehabilitate failed portions of Lagos-Badagry Express Road, Reps tell FERMA Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel— Abuja

bank was subpoenaed, adding that, he was in court to tender the statement of account and account opening packages of Speeds International Limited, Bamaina Holdings Limited and Alhaji Sule Lamido. However, the admissibility of the document was contested by Joe

Friday, 23 October, 2015

monitor the road and other federal roads, to save them from complete dilapidation before remedial works were undertaken.

It further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to collaborate with the Lagos State Government for early completion of the expansion of the road to a 10- lane dual carriageway with a light rail public transport system.

Moving the motion, Honourable Joseph lamented that more than 40 years when the road was constructed,”no major rehabilitation work has carried out on the road which is one of the major revenue points among land borders in Nigeria as it connects three land borders namely: Seme, Owode.Asheri and plastic borders .

He noted that the deplorable state of the road was bringing avoidable risks to commuters, causing hard-

ships to residents of nearby communities and giving a bad impression of the country to diplomats from neighbouring countries, who ply the road for tourism and other official duties.

When the motion was put into voice voting by the Speaker, who presided over the plenary, it was unanimously endorsed and thereafter referred to the House Committee on Works and FERMA. Meanwhile,the House of Representatives, on Thursday, urged the Federal Ministry of Health to urgently declare snake bite as a national public health emergency and a neglected tropical disease that requires urgent action.

The House also urged the ministry to immediately resume technical talks with relevant partners on the need to commence local production of affordable, safe, effective and non-cold chain antivenom to curb the situation.

atmosphere for industrial growth in Ogun State.

“This project is an enviable step which, no doubt, will facilitate the attainment of a self-reliant and self-sustaining economy,” Amosun said.

He said as a mark of the success of his administration’s industrialisation drive, not less than 70 factories had so far commenced operations in Ogun State since he assumed office on May 29, 2011.

“It is heart-warming to note that today’s commissioning of the Flexible Power Cable factory just ten months after we commissioned the Medium and High voltage power cable factory on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, is an attestation to the fact that Ogun State is blessed with the necessary resources and potentials for rapid growth of industries,” Amosun said.

The governor described the electrical products factory as one of the ways the organised private sector is identifying with the power sector reforms of the Federal Government.

The Governor further assured investors that the provision of an enabling ambience for businesses to thrive, as well as adequate security would remain a top priority of the Ogun State government under his watch.

Amosun also seized the oc-

casion to remind all the industries operating in Ogun State, to always be mindful of their corporate social responsibility to host communities while also urging the host communities to reciprocate by displaying a high level of cooperation, tolerance and understanding for the industries.

The governor also urged industries operating in the state to constantly ensure that their operating environments are kept clean at all times.

“The common word on the lips of all and sundry is ‘keep Ogun State clean.’ Therefore, I enjoin all the industrialists to be abreast of the dangerous nature of the waste product used in their respective factories and ensure the effective management of their industrial waste,” Amosun said.

Speaking earlier at the event, Chairman, Coleman Wires and Cables, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan, advised the Federal Government to diversify the nation’s economy in order to get the teeming youth gainfully employed.

The event had in attendance, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo and the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, among others.

Human Trafficking: Police rescue 12 girls in Jigawa Adamu Amadu-Dutse JIGAWA State police command, on Thursday, rescued 12 under-aged girls and arrested one Hajiya Ladi Dahiru for allegedly trafficking in humans from Sada village in Yankwashi Local Government Area of the state.

Parading the suspect at the state headquarters, the police Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, said his men while on safer highways patrol on Kazaure-Daura Road, last Monday, sighted a woman with 12 minor girls, while making an attempt to board a vehicle.

Alhaji Abubakar explained that during interrogation the police discovered that the woman could not give any satisfactory explanation on her relationship with the children and their destination.

According to the police boss, the 60-year-old suspect who was from Sada village of Yankwashi Local Government Area, had no relationship with the children she was about to take to Kabala Doki of Kaduna State for child labour.

Investigations also revealed that the woman who sold firewood and foodstuff in her community, lived in a two-room apartment in Kaduna.

The police boss, however, disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court, after completion of investigation.

Jesus Clinic visits orphanage home Members of the Men’s Fellowship Association of the Redemption Benefit Church a.k.a. “Jesus Clinic” under the leadership of the General Overseer of the church, Senior Pastor Zakariya Aduragbemi Adebayo and his wife, Elizabeth commenced this year’s 7th anniversary of the men’s fellowship programme.

The programme will last for four days with a courtesy visit to the Ibadan Home for Motherless Babies, on Thursday, October 22. The association headed by the chairman, Pastor Olatunde Steven Oladipo and the president, Deacon Akintoye Oluseyi Ayodeji, prayed for the babies, the staff members, free-givers and philanthropist for the humanitarian support extended to the orphanage.

He noted that the visit served as part of the evangelism to the less privileged in our society.

43

Friday, 23 October, 2015

foreig naffairs

08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

Clinton defends action, tells Benghazi panel US diplomats must take risks

F

or the United States to lead in a dangerous world, it must continue to accept risks as it pursues diplomatic efforts, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a Republican-led House committee investigating the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Clinton, facing a long day of questioning on Thursday about her role before and after the September 11 attack on the compound, according to VOA, spoke in measured tones about the deaths of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans when she was the country’s top diplomat.

“America must lead in a dangerous world, and our diplomats must continue representing us in dangerous places,” Clinton said.

“We inevitably must accept a level of risk to protect our country and advance our interests and values.”

She began her statement by saying, “I knew and admired Chris Stevens. I’m here to honour the service of those four men.”

Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy opened the hearing with a powerful explanation as to the need for the panel and how it differed from other review boards. Questions lingered

otherNEWS

regarding the government’s actions before and after the attacks in Benghazi, “because previous investigations were not thorough,” he said.

Gowdy told Clinton the hearing was not about her, but was looking for the truth about the diplomatic compound’s request for more security, equipment and personnel and what was being discussed in Washington while the Americans were under at-

tack.

Gowdy also made a reference to Clinton’s monthslong email controversy, in which it was revealed in March 2015 that she had used a privately maintained email server during her tenure at the State Department.

Her testimony comes as criticism mounts behind accusations that Republicans are using it to damage Clinton’s bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential

Democratic presidential candidate, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton PHOTO: AP.

30,000 South Sudanese near death by starvation — UN

A

new report says 30,000 people in South Sudan’s Unity State are on the brink of starvation and death amid growing hunger in the war-ravaged country.

The report from United Nationsbacked food security experts warns four Unity State counties could slide into famine conditions by the end of

the year without immediate humanitarian assistance.

The VOA reported that nearly four million South Sudanese in all, about a third of the population, are said to be in a food crisis or emergency, mostly in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile States.

A joint statement from three U.N. relief agencies (UNICEF, the FAO,

Residents displaced by fighting between government and rebel forces are seen at a World Food Programme (WFP) outpost in Kuernyang Payam, South Sudan. PHOTO: REUTERS.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia to build military base on disputed Kuril Islands Russia’s defence minister has said that Moscow is planning to build a military base on the Kuril Islands, along with four Arctic bases that should be completed by 2018.

Sergei Shoigu told Russian news agencies on Thursday the military is planning to put a large modern base on the islands with equipment

necessary for border protection.

Shoigu said Russia has nearly completed several new bases with the largest on Kotelny Island in the Novosibirsk Archipelago.

Shoigu said there will also be military bases placed on Cape Schmidt, which is on the eastern coast of the Chukchi autonomous region, and Wrangel Island, which lies to the

West Bank bids farewell to veteran Palestinian activistst An outpouring of grief and sorrow has followed the killing of veteran Palestinian activist Hashem Azzeh by Israeli soldiers in Hebron.

The olive grower and medical doctor died after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli troops

and the World Food Program) called for South Sudan’s warring parties to allow unrestricted access to the affected areas.

South Sudan’s government has been battling rebels led by former vice president Riek Machar since December of 2013. The fighting has displaced an estimated 2.6 million people.

The new report was produced by analysts with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification programme.

The researchers said while hunger may decrease somewhat during harvest season, the number of food-insecure households is almost 80 percent higher than at this time last year. It said families are struggling to cope with the violence, erratic rainfall, depleted livelihood options, and high prices for food and fuel.

during a protest in the Bab al-Zawiyah area of the city on Wednesday.

Activists who knew Azzeh say his death comes after years of campaigning against the occupation of Palestinian territories and harassment by Jewish settlers,

who live in illegal settlements surrounding his home in the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood.

Azzeh was buried on Thursday in a funeral attended by Palestinian officials and international anti-occupation activists.

northeast of the mainland in the Chukchi Sea, a that a base on the Franz Josef Land Archipelago is near completion.

The new Russian bases are just a few hundred kilometers from the westernmost U.S. coastline.

Shoigu also announced six Arctic airfields are being modernized, and should be completed by 2017.

Ben Carson takes lead in Iowa

Donald Trump has been dethroned, at least in Iowa. A new Quinnipiac University poll out on Thursday shows that Ben Carson now leads the GOP presidential field in the Hawkeye State by an eight point margin.

He won the support of 28 per cent of likely Republican caucus-goers to Trump’s 20 percent, The Week said.

That’s a big reversal and a big drop for Trump, who just last month led Carson in the state 27 per cent to 21 per cent, Politico reports.

The poll’s good news for the retired neurosurgeon didn’t stop there, either. As Quinnipiac University Poll’s assistant director Peter Brown put it, the latest poll revealed that Carson has “almost unheard of” favorability numbers.

Ben Carson

WikiLeaks posts CIA director’s personal info Information from the private email account of CIA Director John Brennan is being made public, just days after hackers bragged they had broken in.

WikiLeaks on Thursday posted several documents from the account, including what appear to be drafts of papers about the challenges facing the U.S. intelligence community and recommendations for how the U.S. should deal with Iran.

The anti-secrecy website also posted a draft of Brennan’s security clearance application, which contained personal information, such as a Social Security number, the VOA said.

WikiLeaks defended its actions, saying Brennan “used the account occasionally for several intelligence-related projects,” adding that it planned to release additional documents in the coming days.

Supporters paying their last respect for the slain Palestinian activist, Hashem Azzeh.

PHOTO: EPA.

CIABen Director Ben Carson CarsonJohn Brennan

44 news

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Nigeria hires 250 mercenaries against Boko Haram?

N

igeria has hired about 250 mercenaries from South Africa to help in its war against Boko Haram insurgents, a Turkish news agency has reported, quoting military sources. President Muhammadu Buhari recently gave a December deadline to the military to end the insurgency in the northeast.

Anadolu Agency reports that the mercenaries were recruited from South Africabased private contractor, Specialized Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection (STTEP), which also helped the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in its push against the insurgents early 2015.

Although the Jonathan administration denied engaging them, Eeben Barlow, a retired colonel who heads STTEP, confirmed that his group of “bush warfare experts” were recruited in “top secrecy” in January to train an elite strike group within the Nigerian army.

Anadolu according to The Cable quoted a source as saying the “mercenaries have been reengaged and their platforms are being deployed… By platforms, I mean fighter jets, helos [helicopters], coms [communication], surveillance, medics, etc”. They are being deployed along with fighter jets in Operation Fire Force, the source said. STTEP includes veterans from the South African apartheid era who will work with and train a Nigerian strike force, according to the source.

Another army source confirmed the development to Anadolu.

“There is definitely something happening in that direction,” he was quoted as revealing. According to STTEP’s official website, the company’s trainers and advisers are drawn from “conventional, clandestine, and covert units of the pre1994 South African Defense Force”.

It claims to have a proven track record of success in Africa, the middle east, the far east and central and south America. Buhari described the use of mercenaries to fight Boko Haram as “shameful” during the 2015 electioneering, saying it represented the depth of weakness of the Nigerian army.

But a defence headquarters source told the news agency that the mercenary option appeared to be the “most practical” one to contain the insurgency.

After successes recorded by the government before the 2015 elections, the insurgents have been on the rebound, killing as many as 1,500 people between June and October. According to the army source, the Buhari

administration initially terminated the mercenary contract because it was “opaque and without accountability” but said a new agreement was reached to boost the counterinsurgency operation.

“As it stands now, huge amounts of monies are owed to the contractors as fulfillment for the previous engagement,” the source added. “So they are starting a new engagement for an initial period of three

months. As for their outstanding balances, investigations are being carried out to ensure everything is above board.” The Nigerian military did not respond to Anadolu Agency’s request for comment.

However, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu denied the government was engaging mercenaries again.

“It is true that the previous administration hired South African mercenaries to fight Boko Haram,” he said.

From left, Group General Manager, Dangote Refinery, Mr Yinka Akande; Mr Joseph Makoju and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr F. A. O. Akodu, at the eighth-day fidau for the late Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Mr Tajudeen Ajibola Babatunde Disu, at Landmark Events Centre, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Total organises health awareness for Rivers community Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt

O

il giant, Total E&P Nigeria (TEPNG) Limited, has said it will continue to demonstrate commitment to the wellbeing of its host communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

Deputy Managing Director of Total, Port Harcourt District, Mr Nicolas Brunet, said this in his keynote address at the NNPC/

TEPNG 2015 Healthy Living Awareness Campaign held for the people of Rumuogba Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, at the weekend.

The awareness campaign involved health talk, screening for HIV, blood pressure, blood sugar level, height and weight measurement, computation of body mass index (BMI), urine analysis, among others.

The overall objective of the campaign, Brunet said, was to draw the attention of the people to easily overlook health conditions and lifestyles that can deprive them of their wellness.

He said such lifestyles can confine one to the hospital, sometimes with attendant fatal consequences, but added that early identification of signs and symptoms can help in seeking medical help before it is too late.

Rivers gov poll: Tribunal reserves date to decide Wike’s fate Sunday Ejike -Abuja

Rivers State governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, reserved judgment in the petition brought before it by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside, seeking to nullify the election of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The three-member panel, led by Justice Suleiman Ambrosa, reserved the date to deliver judgment in the petition after all the parties adopted their final written addresses.

While the petitioners, through their counsel Chief Akinolu Olujunmi, want the tribunal to sack Governor Wike and order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh governorship electionl in

Rivers State, all the respondents (INEC, Wike and the PDP) in the petition are praying the tribunal to dismiss the petition for lacking in merit.

While adopting their final written argument dated October 19, Olujunmi, representing the petitioners, urged the tribunal to hold that “no governorship election known to any law in Nigeria took place in Rivers State on April 11.

“It is the case of the petitioners that there was no election conducted in Rivers State known to law. The second respondent (Wike) has the burden to justify the over 1 million votes that was allotted to him by INEC. What we are simply asking for is the nullification of the election,” he told the tribunal.

On his part, Wike, through his lawyer, Mr Emmanuel Ukala, relied on the provision of section

85(1) of the Electoral Act to insist that Dr Peterside was not validly nominated by the APC to contest the governorship election.

Wike contended that instead of the 21 days provided by the Electoral Act, APC only gave INEC 16 days notice before it conducted the primaries that produced Peterside as its governorship standardbearer in the state.

“My lords, this goes to the issue of qualification.

The Appeal Court had, in its decision in Labour Party vs Wike, held that the 21 days notice is mandatory.

There is, therefore, no locus standi in the petitioner before this court,” he said.

Similarly, INEC, through its lawyer, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition and affirm the governorship election result it declared in Rivers State.

Brunet, represented by the Senior Advisor, Community Affairs, Mr Charkes Edouard-Anfray, said: “This awareness campaign, we hope, will engender effective and sustainable lifestyle and habit changes that will help in preventing most medical emergencies and deaths.

“Today, we encourage you to embrace total change of values, habits and lifestyle in order to promote overall wellness and healthy living.”

He said the theme of the 2015 programme dwelt on diabetes, hypertension and stroke, which he described as three deadly and silent killers, which the people must be aware of and take proactive actions against to forestall being victims.

Dr (Mrs) Ifeoma Ricketts, Head of Policy Thrust and Clinical Development/ Planning Unit, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, made presentations on diabetes, hypertension , stroke and kidney failure.

To prevent against the four deadly diseases, she admonished the people to imbibe good healthy living, including healthy diet, regular exercise and good hygiene and sanitation.

“Healthy living is anything or activity that promotes health—good diet, exercise, stress control, good sanitation, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption,” she said.

Adadevoh Health Trust inaugural event commemorates Nigerian heroes On Tuesday, October 20, the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust’s inaugural event brought together health professionals, government representatives, businessmen and women, high-profile individuals, and more to celebrate one year of Nigeria’s Ebola-free status and the heroes and heroines that made it possible.

At the fundraising/ launch event, held at the Civic Centre in Lagos, DRASA unveiled a public health awareness campaign called #ItStartsWithMe and announced plans and collaborations for 2 projects.

Attendees included the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute; Lagos State Governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga; and Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris.

Osun NURTW elects officers The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osun State has elected new leadership to pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years.

Supervising the election of the new leaders at the delegates conference of the union in Osogbo, the national president of the union, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, urged the new executive under the leadership of Comrade Olalekan Folorunsho to discharge its responsibility in line with the constitution of the union.

Alhaji Yasin who was represented by the National Treasurer of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, emphasised the need for the new administration to make transparency and accountability its watchwords to foster unity among members.

Alhaji Yasin, said the union would continue to educate its members on best practice son the road to sustain safety on highways.

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, who lauded the union for the peaceful transition from one administration to another, said the union had remained source of emulation.

45

news

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Don’t be slaves to govs, Dogara tells states assembly Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

T

HE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Thursday, urged state Houses of As-

sembly in the country to support moves to grant financial autonomy to them and local governments.

The Speaker who stated this when he received in audience members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly in his office, main-

tained that democracy is facing serious threat at the grassroots as a result of lack of independence for the local governments.

Speaking further, he noted that, “in a four years tenure, trillions of Naira will be allocated to states

Uneasy calm over Ajimobi’s non-formation of cabinet

By Wale Akinselure

AMID public outcry in Oyo State over perceived lull in government’s activities, state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has remarked that it would be unfair to assert that Governor Abiola Ajimobi was comfortable with running a one-man government.

Those who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, on Thursday, had expressed dismay at governance in the state, noting that nonformation of cabinet by Governor Ajimobi had become a source of concern.

While acknowledging the attendant slow pace of governance, owing to nonformation of cabinet, APC Director of Publicity in the

state, Mr Wale Shadare, held that the delay was not intentional, but informed by the economic challenges that the state is grappling with.

It will be recalled that the State House of Assembly had on July 2, approved the governor’s request to appoint Special Advisers, but no appointment had been made till date.

Some sources, however, hold that the coast may now be clear for the release of the list of political appointees following the screening of the state’s ministerial nominee, Mr Adebayo Shittu.

Meanwhile, Shadare also debunked insinuations that Ajimobi is awaiting Tuesday’s judgement on

Amosun sends 5 additional commissioner-nominees to Assembly Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

FIVE additional commissioner nominees have been sent to the Ogun State House of Assembly by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Nigerian Tribune recalled that Amosun had, two weeks ago, sent 18 names to the lawmakers for screening and approval to be confirmed as commissioners.

The 18 commissioner nominees had been screened and confirmed by

the lawmakers, while the new list had Messers Adedayo Adeneye, Babajide Odubanjo, Adewale Osinowo, Mrs Adenrele Adesina and Mrs Modupe Njota.

A letter from the governor containing the names of the nominees was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Mr Suraj Adekunbi.

He said the approval would enable the governor to appoint commissioners, who would help him in administering the state.

the petition filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party challenging his election for a second term.

and local governments, but when you visit the states, you won’t see projects commensurate with the money they received.”

“I am not indicting you, as it is not alright for a host to indict his guests.

But I must speak to your conscience. Our feeling is that there has not been appropriate and effective oversight by the state legislature.

“I am calling on leaders to rise beyond our differences, unite and deliver dividend of democracy to the people.

“If we fail to perform, they will not spare us. We should do everything to deliver on our mandate,” he stated.

“The only authority for oversight in the state is the state Assembly, but when we transmitted the proposal for amendment to the state Assemblies, they rejected it, and it was quite unfortunate,” he noted.

The Speaker also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for reposing so much confidence in the sons and daughters of Bauchi State

by appointing them into key Federal Government offices.

He said the only way to reciprocate the gesture is for leaders in the state to deliver on their mandates to the people.

The state assembly members who were led by the Speaker, Honourable Kawuwa Shehu Damina, commended Dogara for his sterling leadership qualities.

Damina said Dogara exemplifies courage, simplicity, dedication, generosity, commitment and service per excellence.

Statistics essential for Nigeria’s growth, development —Don

By Ronke Sanya

PROFESSOR Gbolahan Oni of the Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Covenant University, Sango-Ota, has emphasised the importance of statistics in the social development of Nigeria.

Professor Oni, who was the guest speaker at the send forth lecture for Professor Elijah Bamgboye of the Department of Epide-

miology and Medical Statistics (EMS), Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, held at B. O Osuntokun Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in his lecture, entitled, “Statistics as an investigative tool: Its usefulness and possible abuse,” highlighted that statistics, if utilised “will aid the social growth and development of Nigeria.”

He, however, noted that

“Statistics do not lie,” but that users could manipulate statistics to achieve desired result.

Professor Bamgboye expressed great joy at the honour bestowed on him by his colleagues, friends, families, students and mentees.

He said “Service continues. As human beings, we are meant to serve God and humanity to the best of our ability.”

The former vice chan-

cellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro, also at the event, lauded the leadership qualities of Professor Bamgboye.

Other dignitaries at the event included Prophet M.O Olowere; the Ag. HOD of the Department of Epidemiology, Dr Funmilayo Fawole; Ag. Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Dr Oyedunmi Arulogun, among others.

46

features

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Ebola resurgence: Why Nigeria remains at risk

By Sade Oguntola

T

hat nobody wants to die is an understatement. This was obvious when it was rumoured that University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), had a suspected patient with Ebola virus. Also the two previous Ebola scares in Ondo and Rivers States turned out to be methanol poisoning.

No doubt, many are afraid of a resurgence of Ebola which was introduced into Nigeria on 20 July, 2014 when an infected Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, arrived by air into Lagos.

The man, who died in hospital five days later, set off a chain of transmission that infected a total of 19 people, seven of whom died. And on October 20, 2014, Nigeria was considered free of Ebola transmission.

Countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone were not too lucky, however, to remain free of Ebola. After their initial pronouncement

by WHO as Ebola transmission free, new Ebola outbreaks were recorded in these countries.

Now the resurgence of Ebola in Pauline Cafferkey, the British Ebola nurse, is a reminder of the deadly nature of the virus.

She was successfully treated in January after contracting Ebola in Sierra Leone, but is now “critically ill” due to a resurgence of the virus.

Cafferkey was diagnosed with Ebola in December after returning to Glasgow from Sierra Leone. She spent almost a month in the isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital and was treated with an experimental antiviral drug and blood from survivors of the Ebola disease.

Cafferkey could be only the second known case of “reactivated” Ebola. Over the past few years, there has been mounting evidence of the mental and physical problems such as back pain, hearing loss, meningitis, and seizures in Ebola survivors that can last for years after the virus is cleared from the bloodstream.

Somehow, the virus keeps recurring—in survivors, new patients, and the media.

Scientists, in the New England Journal of Medicine, declared that Ebola patients still house traces of the virus’s RNA up to nine months after they first showed symptoms.

The scientists demonstrated that Ebola virus can persist in the eye, semen, the

placenta, breast milk and central nervous system of survivors of the disease for as long as nine and a half months, even after it vanished from the blood.

The latest study was released just as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute, at a media briefing to commemorate one year of WHO certifying Nigeria free of the Ebola Virus Disease, acknowledged Ebola concerns in Nigeria According to him, Nigeria cannot rest until when transmission of the disease in human population reaches zero in West Africa. So long as Ebola is in any corner of the African region particularly in West Africa, then Nigeria was not free.

Given Nigeria’s population size, there is the possibility of Nigerians, who are known for their global businesses and travels, bringing back the disease to the country. Also, many corpses had been repatriated while Nigeria was already Ebola free. Some could have been infected with the virus, too.

Awute said, “In the past one year, Nigeria has not lowered her guard. We remain vigilant through enhanced surveillance, not only for Ebola but also for all diseases that constitute public health emergencies.

“This was demonstrated by the numerous responses and investigations of the Ebola scare, particularly the recent one at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

Within the same year, Nigeria availed her resources to the ongoing response to EVD outbreak in West Africa.”

Awute, however, acknowledged that new understanding of Ebola virus, survivors’ related symptoms, discovery of Ebola

With the potency of the new vaccines developed, we are better off in the fight against Ebola virus disease, than prior the epidemic.

vaccine, relapse of the disease by survivors carrying the virus in their semen and vaginal secretions, signifies that the fight is far from being over.

The Project Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Professor Abdulrahman Nasidi described the discovery of healthy Ebola survival carrying the virus for a long period, as an interesting phenomenon.

According to Nasidi, “we did not expect that the virus can be hiding in human tissues. It only means that we need to be careful that some people can be spreading the virus and that can create a big problem for the world.”

He declared that a survival clinic would be established to monitor survivors constantly.

The clinic, which is to be established by the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC, he declared, would also act as a resource centre to equip health officials with the technical expertise to address challenges relating to the Ebola virus.

Nasidi, who assured of an intensified Ebola surveillance in the country, said regular body temperature monitoring was maintained at the Nigeria’s entry points even after Nigeria was pronounced Ebola free.

In sustaining the hand washing and Ebola awareness creation tempo, he said funds for these was to be imputed into NCDC’s yearly budget as part of efforts to ensure Nigeria remains Ebola free. Additional PPP garments, drugs and supplies, he said were also to be provided.

But it is not all about bad news for Nigeria.

Professor Christian Happi, Centre Director, Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomic of Infectious Diseases and also the Dean of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, said the epidemic had led to the University developing two rapid diagnostic kits for Ebola diagnosis.

One of the kits already approved by the USA’s, FDA takes within 15 minutes to diagnose Ebola virus.

The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomic of Infectious Diseases has also provided the first genetic code of Ebola virus spreading in West Africa in the first three weeks of the epidemic, thus providing knowledge that was required to provide new vaccines and drugs for Ebola virus disease.

Happi, a Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics, however, assured that

Professor Nasidi incidence of Ebola survivors harbouring the virus, even nine months after, were some of the knowledge the epidemic had taught.

“Before now, we know that the virus can be present in semen for three months in a survivor, but did not know it can last up to nine months.

“Now the case of the UK nurse actually shows us that the virus could hide in other places that we do not know about and that it could come out to generate another disease though they had developed some level of immunity to the virus.”

Happi remarked that Ebola survivors need to be monitored continually and assured that not all Ebola survivors would end up as carriers of the virus.

“Some people develop immunity better than the others when it comes to infectious disease response. But this is a challenge for the scientific community. We need to understand and appreciate immune response to diseases like Ebola and what is the appropriate immune response so as to be able to develop the right set of vaccines.”

Happi added that “with the potency of the new vaccines developed, we are better off in the fight against Ebola virus disease, than prior the epidemic.”

Also, Happi declared that the now and then rumour on Ebola virus only suggested an awareness and over reaction of Nigerians to the virus.

However, he said the Federal Government should establish at least one Ebola diagnostic and isolation centre per state and further build local capacity of health personnel in handling and diagnosing Ebola as part of its preparedness for the disease.

47 tribunesport

Friday, 23 October, 2015

Adebayor may join Galatasaray Former Tottenham Hotspur and Togo striker, Emmanuel Adebayor could turn out for Turkish giants Galatasaray according to latest media reports.

According to HITC Sport, Galatasaray is reported to have been offered the chance to sign Adebayor on a free transfer.

Adebayor is a free agent after he parted ways with the Lily Whites in September, but he cannot sign for an EPL side until January next year as he’s registered by Hotspur.

However, Galatasaray club director Cenk Ergun is quoted as saying the ex-Arsenal man has been offered to them and they’re considering it.

“He’s been offered to us and we’re thinking about it,” said Ergun.

Nevertheless, financial details of the potential deal for the controversial former Hotspur hitman have been unveiled and could be a stumbling block.

The Turkish source, Arca reports that Gala would be willing to offer the forward a deal for two-and-a-half seasons at a fee of around €2.5 (£1.8) million a season for him to become a Galatasaray player.

However, the report revealed that the striker is after a fee in the region of €3 (£2.2) million a season in order for him to move to Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa is also said to be keen on the player, but will have to wait until the next transfer window which is next January.

WAUG 2015:

NFF needs to focus on Nigerian universities for players —Prof Yakasai Abiodun Jimoh In Nsukka

Adebayor

Mali, others arrive for Taekwondo Open in Abuja t op nations in taekwondo in Africa, Mali, Togo and Niger Republic are among the first teams to arrive as Abuja comes alive for the 3rd Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Opens which begins tomorrow.

Mali was the first to arrive for the tow-day tournament, while Togo and Niger Republic have also continued their training in Abuja in readiness for the competition.

Others are expected to arrive in Abuja.

Also, the invited World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)certified referees from Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Niger Republic, Mali and Senegal are expected to arrive today for the draw.

Registration of athletes commenced yesterday at the Korean Cultural Centra in Abuja.

Over 300 athletes across Africa and Nigeria are taking part in the competition with Olympics equipment expected to be deployed for the tournament.

“At this year’s CCSF Opens, there are lots of innovation and first is the technology being used – the Daedo Electronic Head Gear. The first edition of this tournament was the first tournament ever in Nigeria to use the Daedo Electronic Body gear, which inspired all other tournaments to follow suit in Nigeria. Now this will be the first event in Africa to use the Electronic Head Gear. This gear

was not even used in the justconcluded All Africa Games.

Thus, the fact that we are using the latest technology is a huge pull for Africa countries, especially given the fact that the Olympic qualification tournament to be held in February 2016 in Morocco will be using this same equipment,” said the founder of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije.

To make the tournament a

mixture of sports and entertainment, the Beijing 2008 Olympics medalist said: “The entire ambience of the competition venue will be such that persons who have never seen or done taekwondo before will have a lot to talk about long after the event is finished. The ambience of diversity of activities planned around the hall will be major talking point for spectators and participants alike.”

Official of the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), Professor Musa Garba Yakasai has boasted that the best grassroots football players that can move the country football to greater heights can only be found in Nigerian universities.

He urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Mr Pinnick Amaju to mandate his coaching staff to look inward for raw talents in various universities across the country.

Yakasai also known as A.A. stated this in a chat with Tribunesport on Tuesday at the ongoing 4th West African University Games (WAUG) Championship holding at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Sports Complex, Nsukka, Enugu State.

The professor of sports management from ABU Zaria noted that over-reliance on football academies who he said cannot produce good team without any input from the Nigerian universities has taken toll on the football development in the country.

He recalled that the bulk of quality players who had made the country proud in years past were from the universities.

“The best academy in the country is in Nigeria universities, so let us forget about all these individual football academies that are all over the country. The background of any academy is with us, NFF should come down to universities and select the best and forget about these private football academies, they have no place to take our football to.

“In an event like this WAUG football and hockey, NFF boss ought to have sent his coaching staff here to discover raw talents for either the U-20, U-23 and the senior national teams. They should go back to the basics which is the Nigeria universities where the old system and talents were of pride to the country,” he said.

Bankers Game: Fidelity throw spanners in UBA’s

Cup defence Cup holders, UBA saw their title defence aspirations further questioned as they recorded a third consecutive draw in as many games to complete their group qualifying games on three points. That is one point less than group leaders, First Bank which still has a game in hand.

UBA had gone into the Match Day 3 fixture needing a win to book a place in the next round as group leaders, but their opponents on the day, Fidelity Bank were also determined not to lose a second game after their loss to First Bank on Match Day 1.

It was almost turning out a huge upset for the Africa’s Biggest bank when Lamidi Kazim shot Fidelity Bank into the lead on 32nd minute, a lead they held into the second half. Yemi Lawal

would save UBA the blushes when he converted from the penalty spot on 54th minute to salvage a point as the game ended 1-1.

The result means the defending champions can no longer emerge group leaders and risking a possible early clash with rivals, Skye Bank, leaders in group

B after two games. They also risk finishing further down the log should Fidelity beat group leaders, First Bank as both will tie on four points.

Benue state urged to motivate Lobi Stars

By Sewa Animasahun The Benue State governor, Sam Otorm has been urged to make more financial commitment to the aspiration of the Globacom Premier League side, Lobi Stars as the club campaigns for honours in the ongoing league season.

Also the management of the club has been praised for its effort at ensuring that the club wins laurel this year having qualified

to play in this year’s Federation Cup final against Akwa United.

Speaking with Tribunesport, a football administrator, Mr Timehin Eweyeju said his call on the state governor to support the team was as a result of the performance of the team in the Federation Cup and the league.

He noted that the team will do well if well motivated now that they will be playing in the Federation Cup final in Lagos.

“Having observed with keen in-

terest happings at Lobi Stars, I am imploring the sports-loving governor, Sam Otorm to motivate the players so as to ginger them to victory in the final of this year’s Federation Cup which they last won in 2003, and also for the team to keep afloat in the remaining matches of 2015 Globacom Premier League.

“Clinching a continental ticket will also boost the administration and bring the state into reckoning on the continent,” Eweyeju said.

SIDELINES

no 16,355

Friday, 23 october, 2015

n150

Three of Nigeria’s best airports Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt have been grouped among the worst in Africa. Even small countries like Botswana and Swaziland have better airports. Though Nigerians would rather want to describe everything belonging to their country as the largest, biggest and best, sometimes it is better to see another people’s farms before declaring one’s farm as the largest.

FIFA U-17 World Cup:

Eaglets in formality clash with Croatia

By Ahmed Pele

FIFA presidency:

NFF yet to nominate —Odegbami

By Ganiyu Salman

F

ORMER international, Chief Segun Odegbami (MON), is not losing sleep in his bid to become the president of the world soccer governing body, FIFA, saying his fate will be determined by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The deadline for the submission of nominations for the FIFA presidency election will lapse on Monday, October 26, with Odegbami seeking the ticket to be Nigeria’s sole candidate.

Another Nigerian aspirant is the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu.

Odegbami, 63, in an exclusive interview with Tribunesport said he is okay by the NFF’s eventual choice for the FIFA poll.

“I can’t seek any endorsement from any other country when my country has not nominated me up till now and we have just a few days to go. It is left to the NFF to decide on who to pick as Nigeria’s nominee. I am okay by NFF’s choice. Everybody knows.

I have played my own part, there is no word yet from the NFF. “The deadline for nomination is next week, October 26 and I have not heard anything from the Ni-

geria Football Federation (NFF) yet. However, I cannot start to speculate on what has not happened, let’s wait and see first,” said the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner.

The former Director of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, believes an African would surely become FIFA president one day.

“For whatever reasons, it will come to a point an African will be considered as FIFA president because Europe has held it seven times and South America once.

So it should be the turn of an African and that is why I have put my name forward.

“My sermon is that let’s give an African a chance this time. I believe I have the credentials, integrity and

enough knowledge across the spectrum of football to contest properly for the FIFA presidency,” said the IICC Shooting Stars legend who won the 1976 Africa Cup Winners title for the first time for Nigeria.

Four years later, Odegbami fondly called Mathematical also won the 1980 Africa Nations Cup with the Green Eagles, also the first in Nigeria’s history.

NIGERIA’S Golden Eaglets will later tonight face Croatia in their last group A match of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. The match holds at 12 midnight Nigerian time.

The reigning world champions are alreay through to the second round of the competition following their two wins over the United States of America (2-0) and the hosts Chile which they hammered 5-1.

But coach Emmanuel Amuneke will have to impress it on his young lads to play for the national pride, moreso, that one of them, Victor Osimhen is in contention for the Golden Boot award having scored three goals so far.

The match will also provide the Eaglets an opportunity to avenge the 2-3 loss to Croatia during the 4-Nation tournament in Korea early last month.

It will also give Samuel Chukwueze also with two goals so far as well as captain Kelechi Nwakali and Chukwudi Agor to increase their goal haul in the tournament.

However, the match is crucial to the Croats as they need victory at all cost to qualify for the knockout stage.

I don’t compete with Ronaldo —Messi FC Barcelona star, Lionel Messi says he does not compete for accolades against Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, as the former is unconcerned by debates over who is the better player.

“These are things that people say. I don’t compete with Cristiano and I suppose he would not compete with me,” the Argentine told Yahoo. “What I want is the very best for my teams and that’s what I am working for.”

As individuals, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the game for the best part of the last decade, with the last seven Ballon d’Ors won by one of the two.

That’s expected to become eight in January, with Messi tipped to

win it back from Ronaldo, who has won it for the last two years.

However, the Argentine is adamant neither of them are spurred on by the heights the other is hitting.

“These are things that (other) people say,” Messi said when asked about his rivalry with the Portuguese international .

Messi is currently sidelined with a knee injury until the middle of next month, with Barca due to visit Ronaldo’s Madrid on November 21.

The Catalan side hope to have him back for that trip to the Spanish capital, but the 28-year-old is not setting himself any deadlines and will only come back when the time is right.

“(I will return) when I’m feeling [better] and the doctors tell me that I can,” he continued.

“I am improving every day with-

out setting myself any targets. I have always said that I don’t set myself any dates because it isn’t up to me.”

Messi (left) and Ronaldo

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 23/10/2015.