24th June 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,531

FRIDAY, 24 JUNE, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

I'm being prosecuted for perceived offences —P2 —Dasuki

•Again, FG seeks secret trial

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Those close to me using my name to dupe people —EFCC boss

TribuneOnline

Nigerian Tribune

N150

Halliburton

Aisha Buhari writes Fayose, demands retraction —P4

No plan to topple Buhari's govt —DHQ —P8

—P2

•Commences investigation into coup rumour

Police sergeant shot over struggle for Ramadan rice —P4

AMCON takes over Murray-Bruce's Silverbird Group —P4

Silverbird building on Victoria Island, Lagos, sealed off by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), on Thursday. PHOTO: OVADJE ELLIOT.

Makarfi, Sheriff trade words over hunters' invasion —P3

2

news

Friday, 24 June, 2016

No plan to topple Buhari’s govt —DHQ •Commences investigation into coup rumour From Chris Agbambu and Bodunrin Kayode

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HE Defence headquarters, on Thursday, warned online media to be weary of their reports, as the military had no plan to overthrow the civilian administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

A group, under the aegis of Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF), had alleged that some officers of the Nigerian Army approached them for support to overthrow the dulyelected present democratic government.

The military described as baseless and most unfortunate the allegation that existed in the warped minds of originators of such weighty allegation.

According to the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, ‘’this report, to say the least, is not only baseless and misleading, but a dream of those who do not wish the nation well.

The story, which was attributed to some Niger Delta militants, was concocted to achieve cheap publicity and a complete propaganda.

He said the entire Nigerian Armed Forces distances itself from this story, as it is not only mischievous and baseless, but with the intent to heat up the polity and cause public apprehension.” the statement read.

The Defence Headquarters further restated its total subordination to civil authority and upholding the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which, it said, would continue to defend all democratic structures and never yield to blackmail and distractions from the fifth columnist.

He said this unfounded story should be discountenanced in its entirety. ‘’In dealing with the myriad of security challenges across the country, the military will continue to remain focused and deploy every available resources to re-

positioning our forces to carry out their constitutional roles,” he added.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, however, assured political leaders and the entire Nigerians that the military would continue to be apolitical and would do everything pos-

sible to defend and deepen democratic governance which was the best, acceptable and legitimate form of government the world over.

Meanwhile, a new commander for ‘OPERATION DELTA SAFE’ in the Niger Delta has been appointed.

He is Rear Admiral Jo-

Sundya Ejike-Abuja

another campaign of calumny and distraction by faceless criminal gang of economic saboteurs.

In a statement, the army said it saw the speculation as a dangerous distraction to the effort in fighting insurgency and other criminal elements in the country.

President Buhari receives in farewell audience, Mr Rolf Ree, the outgoing ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Nigeria, at the State House, on Thursday.

With them is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.

I’m being prosecuted for perceived offences —Dasuki •FG seeks secret trial again Sunday Ejike-Abuja

FORMER National Security Adviser (NSA) Colonel Sambo Mohammed Dasuki (retd), on Thursday, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was being punished by some persons at the highest level in the country for the perceived offences he committed some years ago while in the military.

Dasuki, who did not name any particular person, said the punishment being meted on him was unfortunate and borne out of mere vendetta.

The former NSA, in an emotion-laden submissions, while reacting to

the Federal Government’s request for his secret trial, through his counsel, Joseph Daudu, told the court that he had rested his case in God for the ultimate judgment.

“It is crystal clear that the defendant (Dasuki) is being punished by the powers that be for the offences committed long before now. We leave them to the Almighty God for ultimate judgment.”

Dasuki was arraigned before three different high courts for various offences and was granted bail, but was rearrested in December, last year, by the Federal Government and had since been held incommu-

Rivers assembly election petition tribunal commences sitting in Abuja THE national and state assembly election petitions tribunal, set up to hear grievances arising from the March 19, 2016 rerun elections, held in Rivers State, has commenced sitting in Abuja.

The tribunal was relocated to Abuja, following a petition written by some aggrieved persons who were alleging threat to their lives if the tribunal remained in Port Harcourt.

seph Osa Okojie, who until his present appointment, was the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Lagos. His appointment is with immediate effect.

Also, the Nigerian Army, on Thursday, said its attention had been drawn to

During the inaugural sitting on Thursday, parties partaking in the election tribunal assured the panel of their maximum cooperation.

The tribunal chairman, Justice Ali Garuba, who led the three-man panel, commenced its pre-trial session and later adjourned to July 11, 2016 to enable parties in the petition to regularise and serve other processes in the petition.

Other members of the

tribunal are Justice Yusuf Mohammed and Patience Otti.

Twelve election petitions were filed before the tribunal, the petition filed

by Wobo Anebom against Kenneth Chikere is being withdrawn from the tribunal.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed March 19, 2016 for the rerun after it was declared inconclusive.

nicado.

At the resumed trial on Thursday, the Federal Government had approached the court, seeking secret trial of Dasuki, who is facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms, money laundering and breach of trust.

In the fresh motion argued by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Dipo Okpeseyi, government prayed the court to allow witnesses give evidence behind the screen to be provided by the court.

He held that the request hinged on the fact that Dasuki, as a former military chief, had large loyalists across the country who might jeopardise the trial if done in the open.

He further submitted that Dasuki had, in the recent past, held the highest security office in the country and had loyalists in the security circle whose loyalty had been transferred to personality and whose actions might be inimical to prosecution witnesses, some of whom were still in the service.

Okpeseyi cited the case of the government witness who was involved in a serious accident, resulting in multiple fractures and injuries, but, however, stated that inasmuchas he would not allude that Dasuki had

a hand in the accident, it heightened the need to have the witnesses protected by the court.

He further submitted that in the highest military office where Dasuki served last, loyalty was the first, second and last rule and, because of the peculiar nature of loyalty some persons have for him within the military and beyond, those to give evidence in the trial were, at one time or the other, staff of the defendant.

He stressed that since the witnesses were those of the court whose primary duty was to assist the court arrive at a just conclusion, the issue of security must be viewed with all seriousness.

He, therefore, urged Justice Adeniyi Ademola to screen the witnesses from the public in the interest of justice, and to protect them, their families and career.

But counsel for Dasuki, Daudu, vehemently opposed the request for secret trial of Dasuki and held that it would breach the principle of fair trial.

He added that, contrary to the position of the government, Dasuki could not be a threat to the witnesses, as he had been in the custody of the Federal Government since December, last year.

The statement read: “The Nigerian Army will like to send a strong and unequivocal warning to those speculating a coup by the Nigerian Army (NA) against the government to desist forthwith.

“We will like to state, in clear terms, that we are a product of democracy and a focused professional institution and will have nothing to do with such abomination and heinous crime.

“We wish to state further that the Nigerian Army is the greatest beneficiary of democracy and, therefore, cannot ever contemplate any anti-democratic misadventure, certainly not under the command of the present Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

Rather, we see this type of dangerous speculation as a declaration of war to destabilise the present government by these unscrupulous elements.

“The Nigerian Army is investigating those behind the dangerous insinuation in order to unravel the real motive behind it.”

Nigeria, Norway to deepen cooperation on fisheries —Buhari Leon Usigbe-Abuja

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria and Norway, a major fish exporting country, will work together to deepen their agricultural cooperation, particularly on fish farming and fisheries development.

Speaking at a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Ambassador Rolf Ree, President Buhari said his administration would continue to promote agriculture as an alternative revenue earner for the country.

The president welcomed the humanitarian aid provided by Norway and some European Union member countries in support of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to exploring opportunities to ensure the rehabilitation and safe return of affected persons to their communities.

The president, who also received the outgoing Ambassador of Mexico, Mr Anthonio Garcia Blanco, commended the cordial relations between both countries in the 40 years of their diplomatic relations.

3 news Makarfi, Sheriff trade words over hunters’ invasion

Friday, 24 June, 2016

•He hired Fulani herdsmen to kill party officials —Sheriff •I’m not known with violence —Makarfi •Sheriff insists on fresh primaries for Edo guber poll •To fill vacant party positions From Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja

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LAIMANT to the office of the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, on Thursday, alleged that the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee of the party recruited Fulani herdsmen to kill members of the party’s leadership.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, on Thursday, he also insisted on conducting a new primary election in Edo State, for the September 10, 2016 governorship poll, despite the emergence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the party’s candidate.

But, in a swift response, Makarfi stated that he had never been associated with violence and threatened to drag Sheriff before the court.

Sheriff was referring to the recent invasion of local hunters who were hired to protect the Wadata Plaza Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Describing them as Fulani herdsmen, he said they were intent on killing the former national secretary and the former national auditor of the party, Professor Wale Oladipo and Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju respectively, who were chased out of office by the hunters.

The former Borno State governor, who briefed the press at his private office in Maitama, Abuja, said: “We decided to stay away from the office because my national secretary and national auditor were almost killed by Fulani herdsmen who were brought to the secretariat

by Senator Makarfi.

“It was only God that brought them out alive. I was not around. They sent Fulani herdsmen to kill him. But, thank God, they came out alive.”

He said he also adhered to the advice of the outgoing Inspector General of Police to stay away from the party secretariat pending the outcome of the police investigation into the Fulani herdsmen invasion.

He said, being a lawabiding citizen, he had decided to heed the police, but would soon return to the secretariat to continue his work.

In his response to Sheriff’s allegation, Makarfi revealed that Sheriff had earlier made

the same “malicious allegations” in a meeting with the Inspector General of Police and the DirectorGeneral of the Department of State Service (DSS).

The former Kaduna State governor added: “I am never known to be associated with violence.

“He made same malicious allegation before the former IG and DG SS which was disregarded as

baseless. On the contrary I was there and then given additional official security.

“Meanwhile, the Police had withdrawn all his security, both in Maiduguri and Abuja, because of his actions. He had to beg in front of all and after agreeing to take the path of peaceful resolution before they agreed to return some to him.

“As I speak to you, he

reneged on that peaceful resolution and resorted to filing more cases before courts and has refused appointing his four-member delegation.”

Meanwhile, Sheriff has insisted that he would remain in office till 2018 unless “the Nigerian people, who made him chairman of the party, removed him.

He also maintained his position that there would be

new congresses and party primary to select the party’s candidate for the Edo gubernatorial election.

According to him, three aspirants had already paid for party nomination forms to partake in the primary.

Sheriff, who inaugurated three different committees towards the primary, however, declined to give the names of the aspirants.

He said he would soon

Kogi State govenor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and members of the state House of Assembly, at the Government House, Lokoja, on Thursday, after a peace meeting with both factions.

summon a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to fill the vacancies existing in the party leadership.

Arguing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not monitor the last party primary in Edo State, he said the electoral body had sent him a new timetable for the conduct of primary for the state.

But, when contacted, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Chairman of the Commission, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed that the officials of the Commission monitored the exercise in Edo State, in line with the electoral law.

He said: “Yes, we did, our officials monitored the PDP primaries as we did for the All Progressives Congress (APC) last weekend.”

Among party members with Sheriff at the briefing were Hope Uzodinma, Buruji Kashamu, Ikedi Ohakim, Esther Audu, Ahmed Wadada, Cairo Ojuigbo, Okey Nnadozie, Wale Oladipo, Adewole Adeyanju, Bolaremi Kazeem, Ahmed Gulak, Mariam Ali, Ibrahim Bakauwai, Bala Mande, Hanatu Umar, Bolere Ketebu, Saidu Kumo, and Baba Kachala.

Kogi Assembly factions in peace talks Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja THERE appears to be an end in sight to the crisis rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly, as members of the two factions, on Thursday, met for the first time since the crisis started in February.

Although, the meeting was deadlock as both parties could not agree on modalities for the resolution of the crisis, the meeting is, however, expected to continue today (Friday).

Attempt to completely

resolve the crisis had started on Wednesday, with a peace meeting held at the State Government House and spearheaded by an 11-man Peace Committee headed by Nihi Oladele of the ‘Peace Ambassador’ group.

The meeting of Thursday, which was also held at the Government House, was attended by the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello; his deputy, Simon Achuba; the Chief of Staff (COS) to the governor, Edward Onoja; Special Adviser to the governor on

Ihejirika not under arrest Chris Agbambu -Abuja CONTRARY to wild media speculations, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubike Ihejirika, has not been arrested by any of the security agencies.

There was frenzy on cyber space on Wednesday, over reports that the man had been picked up by security forces over alleged complicity in the arms

scandal.

But, Ihejirika, who actually lives in Asokoro, spoke briefly with some journalists who visited his house on Thursday, declined commenting on the rumoured arrest.

Ihejirika, who retired in 2014, was reported to have been arrested by men of the Department State Security Service (DSS), in Maitama, Abuja.

Legislative and Assembly Matters, Yusuf Haruna; some commissioners and 21 members of the state assembly.

Sources at the meeting said G15 and the G5 had agreed to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the state.

It was, however, learnt that the meeting prevailed on the two people laying claim to the speakership, Momoh Jimoh Lawal of the G15 and Umar Imam of the G5 to drop the post and allow a neutral person to take over.

However, while the people were said to have agreed to the modalities, the executive was said to have still tactically expressed its support for Umar, which may not have gone down well with the G15 members.

Apart from this, another proposal was that the G5 should be allowed to produce the Speaker, while the G15 produce the rest six principal officers of the house.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Oladele

said: “The crisis had degenerated to the level that the good image of the state was being battered, with elders of the state not showing interest in bringing the two warring factions to order, hence the youth have stepped in to do the reconciliation.”

The governor, on his own, said he still believed that there was no crisis in the assembly.’’What happened was a misunderstanding,’’ but expressed satisfaction that the members themselves had decided to forget their differences and come together.

Spokesman of the G15, who is also the majority leader, Mathew Kolawole, disclosed that the two

factions had agreed on some modalities for the total reconciliation of the crisis, saying there was nothing that was permanent.

The crisis rocking the assembly started in February with the alleged impeachment of Lawal by five out of the then 20 members of the assembly, who also installed Imam as the speaker.

The development had led to the intervention of the National Assembly with the House of Representatives taking over the functions of the assembly after a committee set up to investigate the crisis submitted its report to the House.

RAMADAN MESSAGE AND of His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings dispersing [throughout the earth]. And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.

—Surat Ar-Rum, verses 20-22

4 news Halliburton: Aisha Buhari writes Fayose, demands retraction Friday, 24 June, 2016

I am yet to get any letter from Hajia Buhari —Fayose From Sam Nwaoko and Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin, with Agency Report

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IFE of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, on Thursday, demanded a full retraction of a material distributed by the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, in which he claimed to have uncovered how the wife of the president was allegedly mentioned as having transferred funds to a convicted former United States lawmaker, Williams Jefferson.

In a letter dispatched through her legal representatives, Hajia Buhari said the Ekiti governor’s action was directly responsible for the publication of what she termed the “very wild and unfounded” allegations in the media.

A copy of the letter, sent to Fayose via courier on Wednesday, was exclusively made available to PREMIUM TIMES. Through the letter, entitled: “Demand for unqualified retraction of the false statement published by you in various media on June 20, 2016, and subsequent dates regarding our client, Her Excellency, Mrs Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari,” the president’s wife gave Fayose five working days to retract the statement or face legal action.

Hajia Buhari said: “The said statement which was caused by you and your agents to be widely circulated and published in various media platforms: print, electronic and online such as PREMIUM TIMES on June 20, 2016, contains very wild, unfounded and false allegations and imputations against the person of our client.

“Specifically, in the said statement credited to you and signed by your Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, you, inter alia, false stated as follows: “Even the president cannot claim to be an angel.

The estate he built in Abuja is known to us. His wife was indicted over the Halliburton Scandal (sic). When that American, Jeferson, was being sentenced, the president’s wife was mentioned as having wired $170,000 to Jefferson. Her name was on page 25 of the sentencing of Jefferson. We can serialise the judgment for people to see and read,” Ismaila Alasa and Mary Ekpene, who signed the letter on behalf of the law firm, said.

“Take notice that unless you and your agents meet our humble demands within five working days of the receipt of this letter, we shall take all necessary steps

within the contemplation of the law to seek redress for our client,” the letter added.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina,

could not immediately confirm or deny if Mary Ekpere & Co. is indeed the solicitors to Hajia Buhari.

The Ekiti State governor, however, said he is not aware of any letter from the

president’s wife.

His Chief Press Secretary, speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, said his boss was yet to receive any such letter.

The presidency had, on

Tuesday, denied the involvement of the president’s wife in the Halliburton scandal.

The former EFCC boss, Ibrahim Lamorde, had also disclosed that the Aisha Bu-

AMCON takes over Murray-Bruce’s Silverbird Group We’ll soon be back in operation –Ben Murray-Bruce Chima Nwokoji -Lagos ASSET Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has taken over the management of companies belonging to the MurrayBruce and appointed receiver to the entities.

The Federal High Court, Lagos Division, on Friday June 17, 2016, granted interim injunction against Silverbird Productions Limited, Silverbird Showtime Limited, Silverbird Galleria Limited and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Guy Murray-Bruce, Roy Murray-Bruce and Janthan Murray-Bruce on the application of AMCON. AMCON has since appointed M.A Banire as receiver to the companies.

Justice C.M.A. Olatoregun, the presiding judge, while granting the order on the application of counsel for

AMCON, restrained Senator Ben Murray-Bruce and other obligors that owed AMCON over N10 billion from challenging, interfering with or otherwise obstructing or frustrating the receiver (M.A Banire) appointed by AMCON over the fixed and floating assets of the listed companies belonging to the Murray-Bruce family.

Confirming this in a statement to newsmen, signed

by Jude Nwauzor, Head, Corporate Communications AMCON, the corporation said contrary to news making the rounds since the takeover, AMCON did not shut down the concerned companies.

“We appointed a receiver that took over the companies in the early hours of Thursday, June 23, as ordered by the Federal High Court and the receiver

would be responsible for the companies on behalf of AMCON going forward,” it stated.

The court order affected the mortgaged asset located at Central Area, Cadastral Zone, AOO Plot No. 1161, Abuja, the mortgaged asset at Abonnema Wharf Road and Abali Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as well as the mortgaged asset at 133, Ahmadu Bello Way, Lagos, where the Silverbird Galleria is located.

The court also ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos State, its deputy and all other police officers under them to assist Banire, the receiver and the bailiffs of the Federal High Court in the enforcement of the orders of the court.

Police sergeant shot over struggle for Ramadan rice Bodunrin Kayode -Maiduguri A policeman with the Borno State command has been shot by a soldier in a fracas over rice between his colleagues and some men of the 7 Division of the Nigerian army.

The fracas, which occurred in the office of the deputy governor of the state, attracted the attention of a crowd, who gathered to watch the unfolding event.

Thousands of people had converged at the entrance of the Government House, forming a queue of people who hoped to either get a 25kg bag of rice or Semovita being distributed by the government.

The policeman, believed to be a sergeant, clashed with soldiers who felt they should be considered for the free rice being given to the internally displaced persons for Ramadan and wanted to get their shares.

The soldiers had arrived at the government house in a vehicle mounted with antiaircraft gun, insisting that they must also receive their share of the 25kg bags of rice which the government was distributing to the IDPs. When the mobile policemen refused their demands, one of the soldiers was alleged to have become enraged and shot at the policeman before other mobile policemen attached to the Government House came to

his rescue.

“In the process, soldiers came from the rear and arrested him, after taking his rifle from him. This attracted the attention of the other mobile policemen guarding the complex. There were gunshots while people who had gathered scampered for safety,” an eyewitness said.

It took the intervention of other senior security officers to arrest the situation from degenerating.

Theatre commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, General Lucky Irabo, confirmed the incident, adding that it was unfortunate the soldiers

had to be there that time.

He said that the military would not tolerate any criminal behaviour from any axis of the command, adding that the shooting of the policeman on his foot was unfortunate and the culprit would be fished out.

After a meeting between Governor Kashim Shettima and the security chiefs, a statement signed by the Garrison Commander, Colonel Solomon Kumapaiye and the state Commissioner of Police, Aminchi Baraya, further indicated that the policeman in question was responding to treatment.

I didn’t disagree with UBA —Jimoh Ibrahim GROUP Managing Director, Energy Group, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, has described as mischievous, a newspaper report that he disagreed with UBA over the Intervention Fund.

He said the report was nothing but the figment of the reporter’s imagination or a deliberate attempt on the part of the newspaper to twist facts.

Ibrahim was at the Senate on Wednesday to answer questions on the airline intervention fund purportedly given to Air Nigeria, where he stated that Air Nigeria did not request for the fund from the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Bank of Industry.

“I am on tape and on record as the information carried by

the newspaper on Thursday is untrue, mischievous and false,” Ibrahim said.

“All I said was that: ‘Air Nigeria did not directly apply to BoI or Central Bank and if UBA applied on its behalf or instructions, it was to clear the debt of Air Nigeria, which was inherited from the Mr Richard Branson-led management.

“Again, the newspaper quoted Mr John Nnorom, but Ibrahim snapped that Nnorom did not testify while he was at the Senate,” he said.

Ibrahim has, however, instructed his lawyers to file writ of summon against any newspaper that publishes any mischievous information on him under any pretence.

Senator Ben MurrayBruce is a serving senator representing Bayelsa East constituency of Bayelsa State.

He is a director of several companies in the country, including Silverbird Television, Rhythm 93.7 FM radio station and Silverbird Galleria spread across Nigeria and Ghana.

He also promotes Silverbird’s Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), a beauty pageant that produced the likes of Omasan Buwa, Bianca Onoh and Agbani Darego, just to mention a few.

Meanwhile, 400 obligors of AMCON account for more than N4.5 trillion, which is approximately 80 per cent of the total outstanding loan balance of the corporation’s over 12,000 accounts with obligors that have become recalcitrant over time, despite obvious efforts of the corporation.

To deal with the situation, however, AMCON recently increased the tempo of its recovery activities, using firmer negotiation strategies as well as utilising the special enforcement powers vested by the AMCON Act to compel some of its recalcitrant debtors, especially those that are politically exposed and business heavyweights, to repay their debts.

Reacting to the development, Ben Murray-Bruce, founder and co-owner of the group, expressed his resolve to remain composed in the wake of a nationwide shutdown of his business interests by AMCON. He said Thursday’s development was not necessarily unusual for a company that had been in existence for over three decades.

“In 36 years, Silverbird has grown and like anybody, it will face challenges. Tough times don’t last. But we, as tough people, outlast them,” Mr Murray-Bruce said in a reaction posted on his Twitter handle on Thursday afternoon.

He said he was in transit on an international flight when officials of AMCON took possession of Silverbird Group’s properties in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt in the early hours, adding that his businesses would soon be back in operation.

“The situation is being resolved and things will be back to normal,” he said.

hari in the Halliburton scandal was not the president’s wife.

Lamorde said he found out this in the course of investigations when he was EFCC boss.

Meanwhile, the human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is legally right to freeze the account of Governor Fayose.

Falana made the declaration in a statement, entitled: “Fayose’s Shallow Defence,” adding that the governor, by various statements credited to him since the incident occurred, had given further credibility to the action of the EFCC. “Assuming without conceding that the bulk of the fund spent on his campaign was donated by a bank, he has unwittingly justified the investigation and freezing of his account by the EFCC. “He has also confirmed that the humongous sum of money was transported from Abuja to Akure in contravention of Money Laundering Act. “By his utterances, Fayose is simply saying that the management of the bank stole depositors’ money and laundered it to fund his political campaign, contrary to Section 90 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.

But countering him, Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Falana is always out to defend any position that satisfied his desire.

Governor Fayose himself has, however, maintained that his election was funded by Zenith Bank and expressed doubt about reports in a section of the media that the bank had denied his claims.

Reacting to reports which alleged denial of the involvement of the bank in the funding of his election in 2014, Fayose demanded that the bank should come out with an official statement on the matter.

This was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Adelusi, on Thursday, adding that he stood by his earlier claim and position on the bank.

Meanwhile, Zenith Bank officials last night visited Governor Fayose in his office.

The governor, in an interview after the visit, said Zenith Bank officials came to beg him that he should let the matter rest.

One of the officials of the bank, when questioned on the purpose of the visit said he was not the public relations officer of the bank and could not speak with the press.

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Friday, 24 June, 2016

6

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Friday, 24 June, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Senate approves N241bn budget for NDDC

•Condemns reduction of MTN’s fine Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

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HE total sum of N241,114,000,000 was on Wednesday approved by the Senate as the 2016 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

However, the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly condemned the reduction of MTN’s fine from N1.04 trillion to N780 billion just as it proceeds on two weeks recess.

The Chairman of the NDDC Committee, Sena-

tor Peter Nwaoboshi, while presenting the report of the 2016 budget at the plenary, announced that the total sum of N260,064,000,000 was presented by President Muhammadu Buhari but now reduced to N241,114,000,000.

The reduction affected some development projects as original proposal was N231,224,000,000 but was reduced to N212,274,000,000.

The breakdown of the budget showed that Personnel Expenditure

was N17,560,518,930, Overhead Expenditure N9,980,000,000 and Internal Capital Expenditure N1,300,000,000.

Nwaoboshi told his colleagues that the reduction only represents 8.20 per cent, saying “adjustments were made only in the capital projects amounting to 8.20 per cent cut across the states and the regions but it never affected recurrent expenditure.”

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, however, stressed the need for the full

•Proceeds on 2-week recess

implementation of the budget to alleviate the sufferings of the people of the region.

Meanwhile, the Senate has directed its committee on Communications to invite the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris; Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu; Executive Vice Chairman of NCC; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and Managing Director, MTN Nigeria Limited, Mr Rob Shutter, over the reduc-

tion of MTN fine.

Also invited are relevant stakeholders involved in the negotiations to reduce the MTN fine to come and shed light on whether the reduction was in accordance with the regulation of the NCC governing fines and penalties.The committee, however, called on the Federal Government to move the initial amount of N50 billion from the CBN Recovery Account to the CBN/NCC Treasury Single Account (TSA).

This followed a point of order raised by Senator Gilbert Nnaji, Chairman, Sen-

ate Committee on Communications, saying sections 19 and 20 of 2011 Act of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has been blatantly breached over the MTN fine.

Nnaji disclosed that it was not within their powers to reduce the fine without involving appropriate agency of government.

He explained that the fine, which was as a result of MTN’s failure to deactivate about 5.2million unregistered subscribers, was initially reduced from N1.04trillion to N780billion.

Lagos on sound footing —Ambode As Osoba, Utomi, Doyin Abiola, others laud gov’s developmental strides Bola Badmus - Lagos

From left, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro; the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former editor-in-chief, Concord Newspapers, Dr Doyin Abiola and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, at the public presentation of a book entitled: “Cascade of change,” written by Ayorinde, in Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

FG raises the alarm over food insecurity Adetola Bademosi - Abuja THE Federal Government has raised concerns over the increasing rate of food insecurity in the country noting the urgent need to prioritise agriculture.

This is even as it predicted that the country would soon outgrow its current food production.

The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, raised the concern in Abuja on Thursday, at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

He said the MoU was to explore the investment opportunities especially in commercialised agriculture to boost food production in the country.

According to him, the synergy was in line with the Federal Government objectives and determination to invest in agriculture for food security.

He said, “30 years from now, the population of Nigeria would outgrow food production, so we need to start addressing the issue to avoid conflict of food short-

age in the future.”

To this end, he called on investors to look inward in exploring the many opportunities in the sector and develop the potentials to the fullest.

Adamu further reiterated the commitment and confidence of the Steering Committee on the partial commercialisation of the River

Basins for optimal performance.

He added that apart from commercialised agriculture in the sector, there are other opportunities in the sector especially the development of small hydro power schemes for power generation by using the available dams.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of

NSIA, Mr Uche Orji, noted the importance of water and agriculture to the food security agenda of the present administration.

He said that the organisation had access to capital and would do its best in the commercialisation of the capital projects of the ministry for optimal benefit of the country.

LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that his administration has succeeded in laying a strong foundation that will propel the state to emerge as a globally competitive city-state.

Governor Ambode said this on Thursday, while speaking at the public presentation of a publication “Cascade of Change: A Decade of Liberal Thoughts,” authored by Mr Steve Ayorinde, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

According to the governor, with the foundation laid, the next plan of action is to build on it in order to move the state to the next level.

“In the last one year, we have laid the foundation to make Lagos a globally competitive city-state. In the coming years, we will build on this foundation to move Lagos to the next level, a level of first class

Why I retained Arase as IG —Buhari Bola Badmus - Lagos PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has, on Thursday, in Lagos, explained why he retained immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, when he assumed office, saying he did so not because (Arase) possesses strategy and tactics as a police officer, but because of his intellect and capacity as an operation person.

Arase was appointed into office by the immediate past President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The president made this disclosure through his Special Adviser on Media

and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, who represented him at the public presentation of a book entitled, “Cascade of Change, A Decade of Liberal Thoughts,” which was authored by Mr Steve Ayorinde, the sitting Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State.

According to Adesina, who spoke at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Arase had expected that Buhari would sack him before the end of his tenure.

Adesina said that President Buhari, who spoke at a farewell dinner organised in honour of Arase,

gave reasons why he retained Arase till the end of his tenure to include the quality of his mind being an author who had written many books and also for his capacity as an operation person.

The president’s aide told the gathering that Buhari appreciates sound mind and intellect “and that shows the goodwill he has for Mr Steve Ayorinde, the author of the book we are launching today.”

Speaking further, Adesina said Arase was delighted to have been invited to a farewell dinner, pointing out that the immediate past IG, found such

gesture from Mr President very strange.

His words: “While he (Arase) was speaking at the dinner, he told the president that it was very strange for him to have been invited for a farewell dinner because what we know in Nigeria is that you are sacked on pages of newspapers. So, everyday he had the trepidation that he would hear that he had been removed.”

Speaking on the launch, Adesina commended the author, Mr Ayorinde for the work, urging Nigerians to emulate him by contributing their quota to knowledge.

infrastructure, services, economic growth and opportunities for all,” he said.

He said the state had the privilege of housing the largest collection of media houses in Nigeria, adding that it was an indicator to the fact that every journalist, editor, columnist and blogger had a role to play in the development of the state.

“This calls for transparency and constructive engagement with the media to spread our message. Our government will always do its part and we call on the media to be our partner as we build a Lagos State where everybody has a voice, a chance and opportunities,” he said.

Governor Ambode, while commending the author of the book, said it would no doubt go a long way to enhance knowledge as well as shed more light on issues of public discourse and enrich policy design and implementation process.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion and former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, said Governor Ambode had silently embarked on massive transformation of the state in the last one year.

A public commentator and development expert, Professor Pat Utomi, recalled the early days of Governor Ambode in office when he was criticised by many as lacking the capacity to lead the state, adding that his response then was “you got to think, plan and act,” adding that he was happy that the governor had proved him right.

In her goodwill message, former Managing Director of Concord Newspapers, Dr Doyin Abiola, said she was proud that Lagos had always been a centre of excellence producing people of excellence.

7

Friday, 24 June, 2016

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Tricycle operator killed by reckless danfo driver Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A commercial bus driver, Hakeem Kolawole, has been charged to court for allegedly causing the death of a tricycle operator.

Hakeem allegedly drove recklessly on a highway, thereby causing the death of the tricycle operator.

Prosecuting Inspector, Ingobo Emby, told an Igbosere magistrates’ court that the defendant committed the offence on June 8, around 6.00 p.m. at Kofo Abayomi Street on Victoria Island.

He alleged that Kolawole drove a Volkswagen LT Bus with registration number EKY 529 XH recklessly.

“In the course of the reckless driving, he caused the

Rice thief gets N50,000 bail for N13,000 loot Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 23-year-old unemployed man was, on Wednesday, charged before a Badagry chief magistrates’ court for allegedly stealing a bag of rice.

Tijani Dada, address unknown, allegedly stole the bag of rice valued at N13,000 at the Alagbata Market in Badagry.

He is facing a one-count charge of stealing before the court.

According to the police, the rice belonged to the complainant, Mrs Morenikeji Ajala.

“The accused came to the complainant’s shop when she was not around and just took a bag of rice, but he was caught before he could get away,” the police said.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Counsel for the accused, Mr Folabi Smith, pleaded with the court to grant bail to his client on liberal terms.

The magistrate, Mr Abiodun Etti, however, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50,000 and a surety, who must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government.

The case was adjourned till July 27 for hearing.

death of one Friday Ezeh, 35, who was driving a tricycle,” Emby said.

He added that the defendant, while driving his vehicle in a negligent manner and in a speed above the stipulated limit, also allegedly damaged the deceased’s tricycle.

The magistrate, B.A Sonuga, granted him N2 million bail with two sureties in the like sum after Kolawole, 40, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of reckless driving, manslaughter and damage to a tricycle.

The matter was adjourned till July 7.

Scene of the accident involving a LT Commercial bus and a truck on Thursday morning. PHOTO: LASEMA

Corpses at the scene.

Again, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claims 4, 14 injured Opeyemi Owoaseye

F

OUR people were, on Thursday, killed in an accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, inward toll gate.

The accident was said to have happened at about 5.10 a.m. when a truck hit an LT commercial bus with registration number KRD

326 XG from behind.

It was said that three people died on the spot, while others were badly injured and rushed to the hospital.

It was also learnt that while those who sustained serious injuries were being taken to the hospital, one more person died on the way.

Lagos Metro futher learnt that the accident was due to

the reckless driving of the truck driver, leading to collision with the LT bus.

It was learnt that the LT bus was moving at a regulated speed when the truck hit it, but the bus was said to have lost its brake, while

Trans-border merchant caught with 4 international passports, N4.5m cannabis Tola Adenubi THE Seme area command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a suspect, Mr Sylvester Gbenga and handed him over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after he was found to be in possession of 106 parcel of illicit substances suspected to be cannabis (Indian hemp), four

international passports belonging to four different people, three handsets, one I-pad, the sum of N199,500.00 and 72,000 CFA Francs.

The suspect concealed cannabis in a Toyota Sequoia SUV with Lagos registration number EKY 407 CA and was arrested at Gbaji Customs checkpoint, on Lagos– Badagry Expressway.

The arrest was made pos-

Obanibasiri Balogun Market located in Oshodi being demolished by officials of the state government, on Thursday.

sible through intelligence gathering by the surveillance officers, led by Abubakar Hamza, who trailed the suspect from the neighbouring country (Benin Republic) to the point of entry before he was picked up.

The suspect, Mr Sylvester Gbenga, alongside the 106 parcel suspected cannabis had been handed over to the NDLEA commander at Seme border command.

Speaking on the arrest, acting Customs Area Controller, H. A. Sabo, disclosed that attempt by the suspect to bribe officers on duty with the sum of N47,500 in order to evade arrest was resisted.

The representative of the NDLEA commander acknowledged the receipt of the suspect; the drugs and the original case file for further investigation and possible prosecution.

the driver was trying to manoeuver its way out of the road.

The truck summersaulted three times and swerved to the other side of the road facing oncoming vehicle.

Officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Aurhority, Lagos State Fire Service, Nigerian Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and LASAMBUS were seen at the scene of the accident.

An eyewitness, who idemtified himself simply as Mr Amos, told Lagos Metro during a visit to the scene that the truck driver was on top speed and could not control the brake when the accident happened.

According to him, “the accident happened around 5.10 a.m. The LT bus was at the front of the truck and was moving at normal speed, but the truck was on full speed.

“The truck lost its brake and was trying to manoeuver its way out of the road.

Unfortunately, the truck hit the LT bus from behind with full force.”

Another eyewitness, Mr Tola, told Lagos Metro that the truck somersaulted

three times, crossed to the other lane and hit a big tree.

“When the truck hit the LT bus, it somersaulted three times, crossed to the other side of the road while facing one way. It was a very big tree that stopped the truck from hitting other vehicles travelling on the other lane.

Thank God there was nobody there.”

According to another eyewitness, Mr Segun, three people died instantly while others were taken to the hospital by LASEMA officials.

“Three people died instantly while others were rushed to the hospital by LASEMA officials, but another person died even before they got to the hospital.

“The accident was a fatal one. In fact, I could not believe my eyes,” he said.

However, the General Manager, LASEMA, Micheal Akindele, said nine passengers sustained serious injuries, while five others sustained minor injuries and were immediately taken to truama centre by FRSC and LASAMBUS officers.

The police spokeperson, Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the accident, adding that investigations were ongoing.

8

news

Friday, 24 June, 2016

Those close to me using my name to dupe people —Magu

A

CTING Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has raised the alarm that some unscrupulous individuals now parade the streets, posing as his representatives and extorting money from persons under investigation, promising them a soft-landing and, in some instances, giving them assurances that their cases would be closed.

The EFCC, in a statement by the Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said intelligence available to the commission indicated that some of them are known to have relationships with the acting chairman and were exploiting this knowledge to position themselves as agents of the anti-graft czar to extort desperate suspects under investigation by the commission.

“In the recent past, the commission notified the public of the activities of some individuals who cloned the phone number of Magu, using same to illegally solicit funds.

“Some even opened fake Facebook accounts in the name of the EFCC boss and proceeded to use same to con unsuspecting citizens.

But despite the alarms, it would seem that criminal minds are not deterred as their number seemed to

have swelled.

“The commission, for the umpteenth time, wishes to warn members of the public not to fall for the wiles of fraudsters and scammers exploiting the good name of the acting EFCC chairman to defraud desperate citizens.

“Mr Magu has not and will never mandate any individual to demand gratification from persons under investigation,” the statement read.

FG appoints new MD for National Inland Waterways Authority Clement Idoko -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr Boss Gida Mustapha as the new Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority.

This was contained a statement by the Secretary to the

Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, in Abuja, on Thursday.

SGF said the appointment was for a term of four years in the first instance.

Mr Mustapha is a lawyer with extensive experience in both private and public sectors in management positions.

Prof Falaiye to deliver 2016 OOU Arts Faculty lecture THE Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), will, on Monday, June 27, deliver the open lecture of the Faculty of Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).

THE lecture, with the topic, “African Studies in African Universities,” will be held at OGD Hall, Main Campus, OOU, Ago-Iwoye.

Falaiye, a Professor of Socio-Political Philosophy, will be hosted by the Dean of Faculty of Arts, OOU, Professor Oladele Abiodun Balogun and the lecture will be held under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, OOU, Professor Saburi Adejimi Adesanya, by 12 noon.

Professor Falaiye, born in May 20, 1962 in Lagos, attended Yaba Methodist Primary School, Lagos, between 1968 and 1973; Igbobi College Yaba, between 1973 and 1978 and CMS Grammar School, Bariga, where he bagged his Higher School Certificate in 1980.

He was offered admission into the Department

Prof Falaiye

of Philosophy, University of Lagos in the same year and was awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1983.

He bagged his M.A and PhD degrees from the same university in 1987 and 1995 respectively.

In 2003, Professor Falaiye was awarded a Diploma in Higher Education Pedagogy with distinction by NUC. Professor Falaiye is actively involved in research, teaching and supervision of students at undergraduate and graduate levels. His thoroughness in supervision led to his graduation of nine Ph.D. candidates between 2005 and 2016.

His commitment to research has earned him awards and commendations across the world, including Best Researcher, Faculty of Arts, UNILAG (2005): winner of the prestigious Schomburg Fellowship at the Centre for African Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States in 1999, an award that took him to 14 American states.

He is a beneficiary of travel grants from African European Group on African Studies to Leiden, Holland (2007); Leipzig, Germany, (2009); Uppsala, Sweden (2011) and Lisbon, Portugal (2013).

He was also a beneficiary of the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture Travel Scholarship to Ghana (2007). Professor Olumuyiwa Falaiye was at different times a visiting scholar/researcher

at the Yale University, New Heaven, USA; University of North-Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA; University of Florida, Gainesville, USA; where he was a guest speaker at the Baraza series of the Center for African Studies and the Institute of Black Culture.

In 2005, the distinguished academic was a visiting Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), United Kingdom.

In 2004, Professor Falaiye was a visiting Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He was also a visiting Director of Research at the CBAAC in 2012.

The scholar, who specialises in Socio-Political Philosophy and African Philosophy, has, through his research and teaching activities, demonstrated competence in Marxist Philosophy, Philosophic Sagacity, Applied Philosophy, including Philosophy of Development and African Diaspora.

He has to his credit over 50 publications in reputable local and international journals and books, with some of his publications translated to some of the major world languages. Currently, Professor Falaiye serves on the scientific Board of Polylog, a vintage journal of Intercultural Philosophy, published in Vienna, Austria.

The widely-travelled scholar has delivered over 52 papers at local and international conferences in virtually all the continents of the world.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FEDERAL SCIENCE COLLEGE, OGOJA

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE 2016 CAPITAL PROJECTS INTRODUCTION Federal Government College, Ogoja was appropriates funds in the 2016 Budget and the college wishes to use the funds for the execution of its projects. Accordingly, the college hereby invites interested and qualified contractors for the execution of the following under listed works.

CATEGORY B: CAPITAL PROJECTS (WORKS) S/N LOT NO PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1.

W1 Construction of 700m perimeter fencing 2.

W2 Renovation of 4Nos classroom blocks 3.

W3 Construction of 1 No male hostel 4.

W4 Construction of 1 No female hostel ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Interested contractors are required to submit the following documents: 1. Verifiable evidence of Certificate of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) 2. Verifiable evidence of Tax Clearance Certificate in the last three years (2013,2014 and 2015) 3. Verifiable evidence of current pension commission (PenCom) compliance clearance certificate (2015) 4. Verifiable evidence of compliance with National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTIF) 5. Verifiable evidence of financial support from a reputable bank.

6. Verifiable evidence of letters of award and job completion certificates of previous experience in similar job(s), at list three (3) in the last five years.

7. Verifiable evidence of equipment with proof of ownership or lease agreement 8. Verifiable evidence of a non-refundable tender fee of N20,000.00 9. Verifiable evidence of company profile and technical qualification of key person with registration with relevant professional bodies.

10.A sworn affidavit confirming that all the information presented and attached are true and correct, that the company is not in receivership, insolvent or bankrupt and none of the directors was ever convicted by any court of law or staff of Federal Ministry of Education (FME) or BPP. COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS Tender documents are obtainable from the secretary, school tender board, office of the Vice Principal (Special Duties). F.S.C Ogoja on the presentation of a copy of the original receipt of payment of a non-refundable tender fee of N20,000.00 (Twenty thousand Naira) only to the Bursar, F.S.C Ogoja.

BID SUBMISSION Completed Technical and Financial Bids should be submitted in two different sealed envelopes and labeled “Technical Bid” and “Financial Bid” respectively with the company name indicated at the back of the envelope.

The two envelopes should be enclosed in a larger envelope and marked (Technical and Financial) and addressed to: The secretary School Tenders Board, F.S.C Ogoja. The envelope should be duly marked “Category B/Lot No………../Technical of Financial on the top right hand corner”. The bids should be dropped in the Tender Box at the office of the principal, F.S.C Ogoja. Bidders are to ensure that they also sign the submission register.

CLOSING DATE Technical and Financial bids submission is not later than six (6) weeks from the date of this publication, that is, on or before 12.00 noon on 5th August, 2016. Bids will be opened immediately after the closing of submission on the same day at the school conference room. Late submissions would not be entertained.

SIGNED MANAGEMENT

9

Friday, 24 June, 2016

10 news

Friday, 24 June, 2016

Edo PDP primaries: Sheriff can’t speak for our party —Bode George Bola Badmus - Lagos

F

ORMER Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has condemned the statement made by the former chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, that the governorship primaries conducted by the party in Edo State was illegal, describing such comment as amounting to political lunacy.

This is just as he maintained that Sheriff was no longer in a position to speak for the PDP. George made this declaration in Lagos while fielding questions from journalists, saying that such statement from Sheriff portends serious concern for the party as it might lead to non- fielding of PDP candidate for governorship election in Edo State, urging him to “dance away from political lunacy.”

“He should dance far away from it because there is a subsisting legal directive that he should not parade himself as chairman of the party, there should be respect for the rule of law,” George said.

“There was a directive from a court that there should be no election for chairman, secretary and auditor. The party complied. There was no election into those posi-

tions, but the convention, by our constitution, has the right to set up any committee it deemed fit. So, legally Makarfi’s committee is constitutionally established and it has the right to manage the party until next convention.

“Sheriff has ceased to be the chairman of the party.

Yes, he was acting chairman, he chaired the last NEC meeting where approval was given that the convention should be held. He put himself forward to contest as the chairman of the party, took

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Honourable Ladi Lekuti, has petitioned the National Chairman of the party, Chief John OdigieOyegun, over his purported suspension as the chairman of the Ijebu-Ode chapter of the party.

In the petition dated June 20 and made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Lekuti stated that his suspension by the state executive committee of the party ran contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution which stipulated the conditions to be met before any punishment could be meted out to any erring member.

Honourable Lekuti who alleged that a powerful cabal within the party was bent on ensuring his removal from office, noted that it was unfortunate that the state executive committee did not reply any of his letters and petitions on the spurious allegations made against him before suspending him.

Lekuti, through his counsels, Messers Ajibola Kaka & Co, said “we are of firm legal opinion that the state exco has acted ultra vires of the constitution of the party.

Article 21 clearly envisages

appoint a caretaker committee. So, he is an ex-acting chairman and he should please just go home,” Chief George added.

Speaking on insinuation that Sheriff was planted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise PDP, George said, “I don’t have concrete fact but if you look at the behavioural pattern, then what will you conclude?

“You know in politics if you don’t put on the real story, rumour would start flying.

Whether it is true or not,

that is why I am advising him not to be used by others. What will be his benefit?

George, who noted that a nation that lacked reliable and constructive democratic opposition would head to perfidy, queried: “Is that his intention to decimate the PDP?” “He can’t achieve that,” George vowed, saying PDP was deeply rooted with the people.

“Yes, we have made our mistake, we have learnt our lessons and we are ready to present new managers for

the party. We must convince Nigerians that we are ready to manage them again. “The court said sit down in your house, don’t parade yourself, you said you are still there, who is behind him?

And you know he made a statement on the television.

I heard him saying he would go over the IG. If you have a public disagreement, who do you go and meet, is it not the IG? If you want to go over IG, then where do you want to go? That was what brought the suspicion,” George said.

APC primaries not free, fair —Ken Imansuagbon ONE of the gubernatorial aspirants in the recently held All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Edo State, Mr Kenneth Imansuagbon, has insisted that the primaries must be cancelled if the party is truly committed to winning the governorship election.

Imansuagbon alleged that the primaries was scientifically manipulated in favour of Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Imansuagbon, who said he was already on his way to formerly lodge his complaint about the conduct of the election, alleged that watermark technology was used to rig the election.

Ogun APC chieftain petitions Oyegun over his suspension Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

the nomination form, paid the fees and appeared before the screening committee.

Automatically, he has ceased to be the chairman because you can’t be the midwife and the new born baby.

“Having done all that, somehow at the convention they found out that there was an order of a court that there should be no election to some positions and so many other things. The convention, which is the supreme authority of the party, now said instead of doing any election let us

fair hearing and thus made provision for it when disciplining any member.”

“The question that arises is: can it be said that the state exco is fair in the manner this allegation and counter allegation are being handled? The answer is no. We are of firm legal opinion that the state exco has taken side without being fair to both sides.

“None of our client’s letters, petitions, reactions has been treated nor reacted to.

The provisions of Article 21, paragraph A-B were grossly abused and as such the purported suspension cannot stand because you cannot put something on nothing and expect to stand. It must definitely collapse.

“The suspension of our client should fail through your kind intervention. In this era of change mantra, the party that brings about change cannot be seen to be flouting its own constitution flagrantly. We believe justice will be done in this matter.”

Lekuti, who claimed that he was being persecuted for attending the 8th Asiwaju Colloquium in Abuja, to celebrate the national leader of the party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s birthday, hinted that he might be left with no option than to seek redress in the court.

According to him, “There must be a forensic examination of the ballot papers.

That is the only thing I can accept.”

Imansuagbon said he was approaching the Honourable Opeyemi Bamidele-led election appeal committee because the election was not free and fair as people were being made to believe.

“It was scientifically and electronically manipulated. Watermark technology was used to manipulate the election. You will not see it during the day. You

will only see evaporated ink that will vanish in two minutes.

“One should ask why despite the fact that accreditation finished around 2:00pm, voting was delayed till around 7:00pm. Under the floodlight they allocated the votes to Obaseki.

“We had heard that he was going about saying he was going to win with over 1,600 votes, but I considered it a mere rumour that the margin of victory for anyone should not be more than 20 to 30. Even

if Oshiohmole himself ran, he couldn’t have polled that much in an election that has the deputy governor, who also controls the party structure.

“Even during my days in the almighty Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where we had just a little above 700 delegates, I polled 210.

How can someone say out of over 2,800 delegates I polled just 247?” he asked.

According to him, talks about post-primary reconciliation are exercise in futility as the only option is

for the party to reverse the governorship primaries or test the popularity of other aspirants at the general election.

“We are not interested in reconciliation. We are approaching the Honourable Bamidele appeal committee. We are praying them to cancel the election and conduct fresh primaries. If they don’t do it, what will happen to the APC will be disastrous. If the appeal does not take our plea, then we will take our protest to the court of the people.

11

businessnews

Friday, 24 June, 2016

Equities market adds N790bn in 3 days Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

T

rading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) continued its gaining spree on Thursday as blue chips stocks kept increasing in value.

All Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Bourse hit 31,000 points as it appreciated by 3.31 per cent to close at 31,071.25 basis points, to complement the 2.40 per cent appreciation recorded on Wednesday. With this feat, ASI Year-to-Date (YTD) returns stands at +8.48 per cent, while its one year return is at -2.09 per cent At the end of Thursday equities trading, market capitalisation added N321 billion to close at N10.7 trillion as against N10.4 trillion recorded at the end of Wednesday session.

However, market turnover closed negative as volume declined by 16.86 per cent against 1.60 per cent uptick recorded in the previous session, as investors traded 450.5 million shares.

On the other hand market breadth remained positive as 37 gainers were recorded against 12 losers, an improved performance when compared with previous day outlook of 34 gainers versus 17 losers.

Glaxo Smithkline Nigeria Plc led the gainers by 10.21 per cent, having improved it’s share value with N1.86 kobo to close at N20.07 kobo as against N18.21 kobo it traded.

On the other hand, NPF Microfinance Bank took the lead of the losers, as it’s stocks depreciated by 4.88 per cent to close at N1.17 kobo against N1.23 kobo it opened with.

Transnational Corporation Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Plc were the most active to boost market turnover, while Nestlé Nigeria Plc and Zenith Bank Plc top market value list.

MRS leads the list of active stocks that recorded impressive volume spike

as it traded 119,973 shares in 23 deals.

At the end of trading session on Thursday, 450.5 million shares worth N5.7 billion exchanged hands in 6,360 deals.

Nigeria’s benchmark equity index rose for a second day, advancing by 2.4

The Headquarters compliance team ‘C’ Ogun/Oyo axis of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it has been involved in series of remarkable seizures despite the hostility of smugglers.

These revelations were made by the team leader, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdulmaruf Shittu, while conducting the media round some of their latest seizures.

According to Shittu, the team intercepted one used Iveco truck with registration number SUC 527 XA, suspected to be carrying prohibited goods, while acting on a tip off along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

Speaking further, he

Yields on the West African country’s $500 million bonds due in July 2023 were little changed at 7.09 percent. They’ve dropped 51 basis points since central bank Governor Godwin Emefiele announced on June 15 that he was ending the currency fix.

From left: Chairman, Nigeria-Netherland Chamber of Commerce, Reginald Ihejiahi, Minister for Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelemah and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria and West Africa Regional Leader, Fatai Folarin, during Deloitte C-Suite Engagement with the minister, held at Four Point By Sheraton, Lagos. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Fidelity Bank denies sacking workers •Says it didn’t stifle union activities

By Ruth Olurounbi

fidelity Bank has denied sacking its workers, as well as stiffling union activities with its operations.

The bank, in a letter to Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) dated June 21, 2016, the bank said it was

not among the banks that had either laid off its staff or stifled union activities, saying that the NLC’s position does not represent the true position of affairs in the bank.

“You may wish to note that Fidelity Bank had never in its history engaged in any sort of the

Customs intercepts trucks, bus laden with contraband Tola Adenubi-Lagos

percent to 30,127.82, its highest close since Oct. 21. It has soared 34 percent since falling to a more than three-year low on Jan. 19, as local investors buy stocks anticipating a return by foreigners, who fled when the central bank imposed capital controls to defend the naira’s peg.

stated that the truck was taken to Customs house Ibadan on the same day where 100% examination was conducted in accordance with laid down procedures.

“The examination revealed nine hundred and fifty (950) cartons of brand new foreign shoes totalling twenty three thousand, three hundred and forty (23,340) pairs and thirty (30) jumbo sacks of local slippers, totalling eight hundred and sixteen (816) pairs which was used to neatly conceal the items”, he said.

In another development, the Customs Assitant Comptroller disclosed that on 21st May, 2016 the team while on routine patrol intercepted a

Mercedes Benz truck with registration number LSk 835 XP.

practice you have referred to and at the extremely inconvenient period of the global recession in 2009, unlike some other banks in the country who engaged in mass sack of its workforce, we resorted to salary cut negotiated by staff and management, to preserve jobs rather than sack any staff of the bank,” the letter read in part.

The banked added that it found the assertion that it was obstructing unionisation in the bank untrue, saying that the bank was not in a position to compel

its staff to join the union or refrain from doing so, especially since the formation or joining of any union was voluntary.

“We are uncomfortable with the approach you have adopted in taking an affirmative position on these issues without as much as verifying the authenticity or otherwise of the information you had relied on.

We have a high regard for the NLC and would like to assure you of our continued respect,” the bank concluded in the letter.

Ramadan: Unilever Plc fetes Ibadan Muslims By ’Wale Olapade

AS part of its nationwide Ramadan special for the Muslims, Unilever Plc, through its Lipton brand of product, is feting faithful in Ibadan throughout the period of the fast.

This is in continuation of the brand’s loyalty to not only give back to loyal patronage but also to celebrate with Muslim faithful at the special it of Ramadan through giving and share.

First of its kind, the Lipton brand of Unilever make its debut with its Ramadan Iftar as part of its big cities Ramadan

campaign with hashtag; #ThinkLessDoMore.

The Lipton Ramadan campaign is about encouraging our Muslim brothers and sisters to not just think of being a better person, but also do more by giving to others.

Speaking on the campaign at the Housing Central Mosque, Bodija, Ibadan, the Category Manager Tea and Spreads, Vivian Ihaza explained, “With our flagship brand which is Liption yellow Label tea, we believed it is one of our responsibilities to celebrate with our host consumer because we have consumers all over Nige-

ria, so it is an opportunity to encourage our Muslim consumers as they embark on their period of Ramadan.

“As you know, this is Ramadan period and Unilever Nigeria as a corporate organisation has been around for so many decades, it is our duty to join our Muslim consumers to celebrate this special month.

“The Ibadan outing is the first, last year, we were in Ijebu Ode and a few other cities in the west and other places in the country. But this time around, we decided to come to Ibadan because it is a big city for us to encourage our consumers.

Nigerian Tribune

Communication minister proffers solution to youth unemployment

By Seyi Sokoya

The Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, has revealed that the only means to tackle the hardship in the society and challenges of Nigerian youths is through innovative, being well-educated, patriotic and optimistic citizens.

Shittu, who was represented by the acting Director-General, of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Vincent Olatunji at the official launch of NITDA Youth empowerment in Web Technologies, held at the IT Resource Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, noted that the initiative was part of the ministry’s effort to empower the youths as well as reduce high rate of unemployment to the barest minimum among the Nigerian youth.

Consumers applaud Peak for Goodness of Milk campaign at Ramadan Milk consumers in Nigeria have commended Peak milk, Nigeria’s leading dairy brand, for the launch of GOODNESS OF MILK campaign. They described the corporate social responsibility initiative as a laudable project that has reinforced the practice of healthy living in the country and made Peak milk even more popular among consumers.

A cross section of customers spoken to, described the initiative as praiseworthy because it connects on a personal level with the milk loving public, as well as portrays Peak milk as a brand that cares about the physical and spiritual wellbeing of customers.

The campaign was launched a couple of weeks ago to herald the Ramadan fasting season and provide nutritional support for the Muslim community through a radio programme that empowered and offered nutritional tips on how fasting Muslims can remain strong and healthy throughout the holy month of Ramadan so that they can make the most of the season.

“I have followed the programme from the beginning and enjoyed every bit of it.

Thanks to the broadcast, this year’s fasting has been a lot easier and enjoyable for me and my family because we are daily enlightened about the nutritional requirements we need to stay fit throughout Ramadan,” Toluwani Ahmed, an Abuja based trader said.

12

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Friday, 24 June, 2016

Finance ministry says payment of N1.2bn allowance not feasible

T

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

he Federal Ministry of Finance, on Thursday, said the payment of N1.2billion special allowance was not feasible.

This is contrary to the earlier impression which suggested the readiness of the Ministry to effect payment of the allowance to assuage the workers who on Monday staged a protest over the non-payment of the allowance.

But a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Finance who commented on the protests by the workers’ unions and the meeting held with staff by the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on Wednesday, said what was reported was not what transpired at the meeting.

The spokesman, who preferred anonymity, said the Minister, after listening to the workers’ requests, promised that all genuine complaints and administrative issues would be promptly reviewed.

He added, “However, the N1.2billion Special Overtime (SOT) payment being demanded by workers, which had been discontinued since 2014, is neither in the 2016 Budget of the Federal Ministry of Finance nor the Federal Inland Revenue Service from where the funds to cover the allowance had hitherto been sourced.

The payment of SOT was stopped by the previous administration on the grounds that it was not listed in any extant government Circular, Financial Regulations or the Public Service Rules.”

He explained that the Minister therefore urged the workers to be patient

and understand the current challenges facing the Nigerian economy. The Minister was at pains to point out that many people

across the country were struggling to find work and that the priority for the government had to be getting the whole economy

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, has called for more cooperation and understanding of members of the House of Representatives, on regulatory functions of the commission.

Speaking during an oversight visit of the members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Communications, on Thursday in Abuja, Danbatta stressed the need for striking a balance in satisfying diverse stakeholders in the industry the Commission regulates.

“We will still use this opportunity to seek you cooperation and understanding of delicate balance existing between the functions of regulators, and its many

Finance had promised to pay the N1.2 Billion Special Overtime allowance being demanded by the workers.

From left: Chief Executive Officer/Director, Emrok Tea Factory, Kenya, Robert Keter; Interim Manager, Market Research and Product Development, Agriculture Fisheries and Food Authority, Kenya, Rosemary Owino; President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce an Industry (LCCI), Dr Nike Akande; Manager, Mau Tea Co-operative Society Limited, Kenya, Ronoh Johnson and Manager, SSOE Limited, Kenya, Lawrence Gethiambo, during a Kenya Tea delegation visit to LCCI office, in Lagos, on Wednesday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

NSE steps down demutualisation process, as revenue drops by 32.95% Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has stepped down the resolution to demutualise the exchange.

This action was taken at the NSE’s 55th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, on Thursday, as the council of the NSE seeks for further deliberations with the market operators.

The NSE had earlier assured stakeholders in the capital market of their commitments towards demutualisation of the exchange in 2016.

Speaking at the event, the President of Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, disclosed that “in 2016 we will focus on demutualization of the Exchange for maximum efficiency in our operations and decision making processes, increase in our quoted asset classes to include exchange traded derivatives and monetization of our market services suite, as we explore untapped business opportunities to diversify and grow our income streams.”

But at the AGM, stockbrokers advocated for the speedy implementa-

NCC boss seeks Reps’ cooperation on telecom regulations

By Bode Adewumi

back on its feet.

The Minister’s clarifications came on the heels of inaccurate reports in the media that the Ministry of

publics and stakeholders, including the legislature.

“These stakeholders have diverse but very important interest, which the regulator must satisfy. In the course of achieving an effective regulation for the benefit of all and in creating an enabling environment for growth, issues and challenges are bound to arise,” he explained.

The NCC boss also told members of the Committee that the Commission had recently won a European Award for Best Practices, in addition to emerging African Regulator of the Year at regional level.

Responding, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Shaheed Fijabi, who said they were at the headquarters of the NCC to exercise their oversight duty, also

commended the strides of Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in the country.

tion of the Demutualisation process. According to the Chairman of the Association of Stock Broking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Emeka Madubuike, the council members were urged to set a date for an Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) in order to fast track the process.

He further explained that some of the benefits of demutualisation include delivering greater returns to members, greater flexibility and access to global markets, a more flexibly governance structure fostering decisive actions in response to the rapid changes in the business environment, enhanced synergies with other stock exchanges, and increased access to resources for capital investments raised

by way of equity offering or private investments.

Meanwhile, the NSE financial highlights shows that revenue dropped by 32.95 per cent, other incomes was up by 44.82 per cent, total income was down by 16.84 percent while operating surplus before tax was down by 52.95 per cent.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema, the Exchange illustrated its resilience during the year amidst prolonged economic uncertainty, diminishing commodity prices and volatile securities markets.

“Despite declines in our core income streams, alternative sources of income continued to play an important role in supporting the financial performance of our business,” he said.

NEXIM, stakeholders meet over CBN’s N500bn export stimulation fund Chima Nwokoji-lagos

The Nigerian ExportImport Bank (NEXIM) has rubbed minds with stakeholders on how to access the N500 billion export stimulation facility and the N50 billion enhancement on the rediscounting and refinancing facility of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive, NEXIM Bank, Bashir M. Wali, while presenting

his welcome address at an event tagged “non-oil export stakeholders’ engagement session and the official press conference,” said the purpose of the interaction was to formally unveil and discuss the implementation modalities of the funds.

He said the bank has also met with various stakeholders, including exporters, commodity associations, bankers, the organised private sector and other relevant government agencies.

“Over the past few months, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank has been working with CBN to review existing policies and strategies towards increasing funding support and stimulating additional investments in the non-oil export sector. I am therefore pleased to observe that the approval of the two intervention funding schemes and release of the operating guidelines by the CBN represent the result of our collective efforts,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

NGA targets $55bn investment in gas sector Olatnde Dodondawa-Lagos The Nigeria Gas Association has said it willl attract the over $55 billion worth of investment opportunities in gas sector.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Thursday on the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), the President of NGA, Bolaji Osunsanya, stated that “we are extremely positive of growth in the economy and the potential for growth in key areas such as exploration and production, processing, supply, and distribution.

“Turning natural gas into a profit-making venture requires huge investments in infrastructure that address the five component areas of gas availability, gas affordability, deliverability, funding, and legal and regulatory framework.”

He stated further that the government and operators alike recognise that the first step is to provide a legal and regulatory framework that will enable the removal of persistent obstacles.

Overland Airways begins flight operations in Taraba Sylvanus Viashima-Jalngo IN a bid to open up Taraba State to the global community, Overland Airways has introduced the new 72 passenger flight ATR72 aircraft on the AbujaJalingo route to cater for the upsurge in passenger demands.

The Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Captain Edward Boyo, said this in a statement issued in Jalingo and made available to the Nigerian Tribune.

According to Boyo, this is in fulfilment of the company’s resolve to contribute to the economic growth of the country by opening up hitherto remote areas to the global community, showcasing the economic, cultural and tourism potentials of the states.

“Taraba State is blessed with huge economic, agricultural, and tourism potentials. It is vital to support the realization of their potentials that are waiting to be harnessed. We appreciate working in partnership with the government and people of Taraba State to make Taraba a destination of choice in Nigeria,” he said.

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Friday, 24 June, 2016

heartcopy

Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724

What does my husband want with these women?

D

ear Taiwo, Please, help me sort this riddle; I don’t know what to make of what is going on around me. I am careful not to build a mountain out of a mole hill or create a problem where there is none, but my mind keeps going back and forth and I am sincerely not comfortable with my husband’s explanation.

We have always lived in the Eastern part of the country and that was where my husband met and married me. He is Yoruba while I am Igbo. He was posted to Owerri for his NYSC; he served in a bank and was retained there. He was however transferred to the South West after seven years of his stay in Owerri.

My parents, especially, my mother was skeptical of my moving to the South West with him, but I couldn’t have done otherwise because I love my husband so very much and with two children, I didn’t think staying back would be the best choice.

Initially, I had some issues with my mother-in-law but I was able to overcome, because it was more of cultural differences. I wondered why it was so because we related well when I was in Owerri and she was there to visit us many times. Hers wasn’t an issue I had with her because it was something I was prepared for so I handled her issue with maturity.

The problem I have however is with my neighbours.

I am not the jealous or overtly protective type, but of course I am not stupid. My husband moved here before us and I noticed that when my children and I came down South I discovered that these women were not as friendly as the picture my husband painted to me before I arrived.

When I raised this with him, his answer was right and I accepted because, we all have our solitary period, I

probably try to reach out to them only at times that they wanted to be alone. Because he told me that maybe they wanted to be left alone whenever I made an attempt to say hello or be friendly. As a result of this, I decided to keep my distance from them, so I do it their way, when they greet and are friendly, I relate with them, but when they decide to be cold, I go my way.

I however noticed that they are always looking out to speak with my husband and are very friendly with him.

share a

burden

With Monica Taiwo

08055001724(sms only) monicataiwo@yahoo.com

Help! He won’t leave me alone Dear Taiwo, I have been dating my boyfriend for over eight months. We both loved each other or that was what I believed.

Two weeks ago, we went on a date and met a friend of mine who later called to tell me that my boyfriend is married and he lives with his wife.

I was surprised because this is contrary to what he told me.

I confronted him with this information and he

Three of them reside in the same flat and they are sisters with children. They would always be at the parking lot when my husband is outside and things like that.

In fact there was a day my husband was cleaning the car and the youngest who was almost half naked was talking with him. I was not comfortable with what I saw through the window of our apartment and I had to go outside. She asked my husband in Yoruba Language which she believed I didn’t understand that what was I looking for?’’

I answered her immediately that I came to speak with my husband. I was shocked when he told me that I should go inside and he would meet up with me. I raised this with him later and he said he did that because he didn’t want me to draw issues with her as she was too low to me.

Something like that happened again and his excuse wasn’t too convincing. When we moved into the apartment, we decided that we would reside there until we are able to finish our own house which we started when we came to town.

I was however shocked when all of a sudden he raised the issue of moving into another apartment. I was yet to get over this sudden change of heart without telling me first when I overheard him and this same lady discussing about the issue of their own apartment and the fact that herself and her sister spoke with house agent to retain the extra flat for my husband and his family.

I then understood where the sudden decision for us to move out came from. I was also shocked to realise that he knows where they work and even where the eldest has her shop.

I am sincerely angry about what I overheard them talking about. I have waited for over two weeks for my husband to raise their discussion with me, but he didn’t. He only told me he has been able to secure an apartment and as soon as he paid, we will be moving.

I replied that I am yet to see the reason why we have to move.

I really don’t know how to go about this, kindly advise me Thanks.

Debbie. couldn’t deny. He said he is a married man but since he was planning to divorce his wife he felt it was not necessary for him to tell me.

I was shocked at his response, I told him I no longer want the relationship, but he wouldn’t leave me alone.

Please, help me what do I do?

Benny.

Dear Benny, I am of the opinion that you should have asked your boyfriend why he wanted to divorce his wife. Although, you may feel it is none of your business, but I can assure you that if care is not taken, you will wait forever for his so called divorce.

I wonder why he lied to you in the first place.

Inasmuch as the decision lies with you, I will advise that you be careful and define what you want from the relationship. If a relationship which is altar bound is what you want, I am afraid, you have a long wait, or it is either you are prepared to be the second wife.

Be smart, you should be able to read between the lines. It is well.

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Friday, 24 June, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Court to rule in Oyo govt/labour face-off July 12

By Wale Akinselure

R

uling in the case between the Oyo State government as claimant and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) as defendants, has been fixed for July 12, 2016 due to the institution of anoth-

er action by the claimant against the defendants and three others.

Judge in the case, Justice F. I. Kola-Olalere, handed down this adjournment after admitting the arguments of counsel to the claimant and defendants, at Thursday’s hearing of the motion of notice on the matter, at National Industrial Court, Ibadan.

Counsel to the claimant, S. O. Adeoye, had asked for a withdrawal of the case, NICN/IB/62/2016, where it challenged the legality of the strike action declared by the labour movement, but also informed the court that the claimant had just instituted another action against six defendants.

While counsel to the first and second defendant, O.A.

Adeosun and Itorobong Umoren, accepted the claimant’s application for withdrawal of the suit, counsel to the third respondent, NUT, Waheed Olajide, opposed the withdrawal, noting that the claimant could not give an oral withdrawal since the defendant had also filed a preliminary objection on the competence of the suit.

Quoting Order 19, Rule 17

(1) of the National Industrial Court, Olajide argued that the claimant was mandated to give a notice of withdrawal in writing before the court, adding that it was an abuse of court process for the claimant to withdraw a matter fixed for hearing and also institute another suit.

He called for an outright dismissal of the suit.

“You cannot just withdraw when a matter is fixed for hearing considering the fact that we have challenged the competence of their process and knowing that they went behind to file another suit by improving the former process they had filed.

The law frowns at such action. Second, you cannot have multiplicity of actions

against the same set of defendants over the same set of issues. It amounts to an abuse of court process. Now there are two cases, one is 62, the other is 67. This is an abuse of court process and the court is urged to strike it out,” Olajide argued.

On the other hand, counsel to the claimant, S. O. Adeoye had asked the court to discountenance the submission of the third defendant, arguing that they had not been served a copy of the preliminary objection before the sitting.

Adeoye also argued that Order 19, Rule 17 (1) was not applicable in the matter stating that the defence counsel should also apply in writing.

War not solution to Nigeria’s situation —Don

By Tunde Busari

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Emilolorun Aiyelari (third right); Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Gbemisola Oke (fourth left); Professor Folake Oritsegbubemi Onayemi of the Department of Classics (middle) and others, during the inaugural lecture by Professor Onayemi, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Staff unions put activities on hold at FUNAAB Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

For the fourth day running, non-academic staff unions at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), have continued to shun their offices, protesting against the management of the university over sundry issues.

The aggrieved workers were members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

This development had grounded activities in the university, as other essential services rendered by the unions were halted.

There was speculation that the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, might be abducted by the aggrieved workers, hence, why he had to stay away from the campus.

Also, the 53rd Inaugural Lecture of the university, earlier slated for Wednesday, was postponed till further notice.

The workers, during a special congress held on Thursday, alleged Oyewole of discriminatory policies which were against the interest of the unions.

Addressing the workers, the chairmen of SSANU and NASU, Comrades Rotimi Fasunwon and Ishaq Odunjo respectively, said the three leaders of the unions met with past deputy Vice Chancellors and other stakeholders of the university, on Wednesday, and that certain decisions were arrived at.

They vowed not to return to their offices if the institution’s authority failed to make the university digest the minutes of the meeting they held with the VC and past administrators of the

school.

They alleged that the issue of promotion had not been given serious consideration by the VC, adding that appointments were made from outside the university system without considering their members.

They said, “A lot of our members are with additional qualifications, more than what they got employment with, yet before their very eyes, people are being employed into the university without consideration for our members.

“We have made a com-

mitment to serve our members. We will not deceive you. If it will take us a week, a month, a year, the struggle will continue.”

Attempt by the Nigerian Tribune to get the position of the institution from the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Mrs Emi Alawode, was not successful, as the building was under lock and key.

Also, Professor Oyewole could not be reached as well at the time of filing this report, while the congress was adjourned to Friday (today) at the same venue.

A Senior Lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Professor Folake Oritsegbubemi Onayemi, yesterday stated that war was not the solution to the challenges Nigeria nation is currently facing.

In her inaugural lecture titled: Paradigms of Life from Ancient Greek Literature, Professor Onayemi maintained that the Fulani Herdsmen incessant attacks of their host communities and the reprisal attacks were not enough ground for the nation to go to the battle field.

The lecture held at the Trenchard Hall of the institution.

She said what Nigerian people needed among others, was dialogue and a revisit for possible implementation of the 2014 Constitutional Conference.

The Professor of Classics added that social justice and good governance, the completion of the abandoned projects across board equitable federal appointments to reflect federal character

Ondo 2016: Create more registration centres, Jegede urges INEC Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

As the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercises organised by the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) entered its second day, the state Commissioner for Justice and the state Attorney General, Eyitayo Jegede, on Thursday, appealed to the electoral commission to increase the number of registration points across the state.

Jegede, who made this appeal in Akure, Ondo State capital, noted that increasing the registration points would help to reduce long

queues being experienced by prospective voters.

The Commissioner stressed the need to have more registration points to ensure that all eligible people were captured within the five days registration period.

He however, expressed satisfaction over the process so far and advised the people not to be discouraged by the minor hitches encountered during the registration, especially with some malfunctioning equipment of INEC. “I want to appeal to everybody not to be discouraged with some of the challenges

being witnessed with INEC equipment, and problem of power. If it’s possible, INEC should make provision for backup power to ensure a flawless registration process.

He explained that the registration would guarantee the prospective voters the opportunity to choose their leaders, saying getting registered and armed with the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) would empower them to chose who governs them.

He said, “We just have to do everything to be part of the registration, specifically those who missed out the last registration exercise

because this is the sacrifice we need to make for the future.”

Similarly, a non-governmental organisation, Enough Is Enough Nigeria (EIEN) has enjoined the people of the state to utilise the INEC’s CRV ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in the state.

This was stated in a statement made available to journalists in Akure by the Media Manager of the group, Mrs Debisi Alokolaro, urging those who have not registered to avail the opportunity that started on Wednesday 22 and would end on Sunday, June 26, 2016.

are integral part of the panacea to the problem.

Looking inward, Professor Onayemi called on her colleagues in the ivory tower not to shy away from continous warning on the danger staring the nation in the face.

“Like the poet of the Iliad, we must continue to sound the gong, emphasising that there is no glory in war. We should not be discouraged by the seeming lackadaisical attitude of our leaders to warnings, and admonition earlier proffered; we must continue our lamentations until our nation emerges from the quagmire of rot and decadence,” she said.

The don also stressed that knowledge without action was a waste, hence, the need for the academics to speak out to preserve the unity of the nation.

On her research contribution, she revealed how her last two decades were devoted to research and publications in the areas of Greek and African Studies. Some of her publications, according to her, include, Literary and Cultural Studies, Women Studies, Epistemology and Social Ethics, Creative Writing.

“Mr Vice Chancellor, Sir, I have attempted in the course of this lecture to prove that the study of Classics is an attractive and relevant option to an African in contemporary society and have sought to extend the frontiers of Classical scholarship by charting the way for a comparative Classical and African Studies,” she said.

Also, the Professor said, the lecture had espoused the universal concept interconnectivity of man, stressing that man was created to share experiences.

The Vice Chancellor of UI, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, led a powerful team of scholars to the lecture, which was also attended by distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life.

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Friday, 24 June, 2016

90-year-old kidnapped in Ekiti Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

N

inety-yearold Pa Ajagunna Adalumo, has been kidnapped in Ikole Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Pa Adalumo, the father of Oluwole, a popular hotelier in Ikole Ekiti, was said

to have been kidnapped on Wednesday night, at his home in Oke-Ijebu area of Ikole.

A witness, who is also a relative of the victim, told newsmen on Thursday that the abductors had come into the compound of the aged man around 8.00 p.m.

According to the witness,

“one man came down from a car parked in front of the house and approached the unsuspecting man in his sitting room under the pretence that the victim’s son, the hotelier, had sent him.

“When the abductor came out of the house alongside the old man, two other men from the car dragged Baba into their

car and drove away before people could suspect their mission.

“We raised the alarm to prevent the abduction of Baba but they had left and we were unable to trace the vehicle.”

Also speaking on the abduction, Mr Festus Kolade, one of the youths in the area, said the matter was

reported at the police station while the search for the whereabouts of the old man commenced.”

Kolade, who claimed to be a family member of the victim, said the family was yet to be contacted by the kidnappers.

Relatives and friends of the victim were seen in groups in front of his house

at Oke-ijebu on Thursday, discussing the incident.

A police officer source at the Divisional Police Office in Ikole confirmed the incident, but said he could not give details on the matter until investigation was completed.

He assured that the police were working round the clock to free the victim.

Education in Oyo State needs rejig —Chief of Staff

By Remi Anifowose

The Chief of Staff to the Oyo State government, Dr Gbade Ojo, has said that rejigging education sector in the state has become imperative, noting the unimpressive performance of students in public secondary schools in the state.

His submission came against the backdrop of the recent misconception that trailed the planned initiative of the state government to partner interested stakeholders in giving facelift to secondary education in the state.

According to him, the opposition has over-exploited the gullible population of the state, using their lack of access to adequate information, data and empirical evidences from other climes to hold them captive.

“They sold lies about Ajimobi to the people and concluded that he was planning to sell schools in the state to missionaries,” which he said, was far from the truth.

Dr Ojo reiterated further that a public policy, no matter how robust, might not be wholly ac-

ceptable to all but a large chunk should heave a sigh of relieve with the public policy which was aimed at achieving public good.

He noted that the two contentious issues being peddled by the irreverent critics of Ajimobi’s administration were the introduction of a thousand naira development levy in public secondary schools and the plan to partner interested stakeholders in the management of some public schools, out of the total 631 public secondary schools in the state, adding that these two issues appear like a policy shock to the down-trodden, more so in a state which he said, was reputed to be the intellectual capital of Nigeria.

From right, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga and the Head of Service, Elder Olusola Adeyemi, at the state 2016 Public Service Week Lecture, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Ibadan alleged husband killer: Private prosecutor seeks leave of court to file additional evidence

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare The private prosecutor appointed by the Oyo State government to prosecute the murder trial of 28-yearold Yewande Oyediran (nee Fatoki), a lawyer with

the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, who was alleged of unlawfully causing the death of Lowo Oyediran, her 38 years old husband, Mr. S.S. Akinyele, on Thursday, sought the leave of court to file additional

evidence in the matter.

When the case was called before the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Muktar Abimbola, Akinyele had informed the court that while going through the file handed over to him by

OAU closure: Students vacate campus •NASU, SSANU staff protest Oluwole Ige-Osogbo with Agency Report

The students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday, began to vacate the campus following the Wednesday announcement of the institution’s closure by its authorities.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed this development while on campus.

NAN saw few students on campus while some were with their luggage walking toward the gate of the institution to board vehicles to their different homes.

The Registrar of the institution, Mr Dotun Awoyemi, had on Wednesday, announced the closure, which he attributed to the protest by the workers on the appointment of its new Vice Chancellor (VC).

NAN reports that the workers were protesting against the appointment of Professor Ayobami Salami as the new vice chancellor of OAU, saying nobody could impose anyone on them as the VC. One of the university’s fresh students, Bolatito Adediran, condemned the closure of the university, saying they were just going through their registrations.

Adediran said that though, full academic session was expected to commence on June 27, their hopes were dashed when they heard that the institution had been closed by its authorities.

Also, Lekan Arayemi of the Faculty of Arts decried the closure of the university.

He said that he was confused as to what he should do now; whether to return to Port-Harcourt where he

came from or stay back in the city.

Arayemi appealed to the institution’s authorities to normalise the procedure of appointing the new VC, and urged the union to embrace dialogue in the present situation.

NAN reports that all offices were under lock-andkey as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, workers, under the aegis of NASU and SSANU, marched round the university campus on Thursday, chanting solidarity songs.

The workers, who donned white attire, saying they were jubilating, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the matters for peace to reign.

Addressing his members, chairman of SSANUOAU, Comrade Ademola

Oketunde, stressed that alleged injustice in the university needed to be investigated by the Federal Government.

“We have lost confidence in both the university management and even the governing council. We call on President Buhari to intervene by appointing an acting VC. The Federal Government should set up an investigative panel that is not biased and also extend the war against corruption to OAU,” he said.

Oketunde, however, decried the decision of the university management to shut the institution indefinitely.

In his remark, chairman of NASU-OAU, Comrade Wole Odewunmi, said that the union was not ready to dialogue on matters relating to the appointment of a new VC.

the Ministry of Justice, he discovered that some documents were missing from the proof of evidence and he could not commence trial until the error was rectified.

“My lord, while studying the case file handed over to me, I discovered that two documents were not added to the proof of evidence. They are the report of the medical practitioner and the statement of Mr Onipede Olubunmi, the co-tenant of the defendant.

“I have filed a Motion on Notice dated June 2, 2016 to ask that the said documents be included in the proof of evidence and I seek the leave of the court and my learned friend to move the motion,” Akinyele said.

The lead defence counsel, Abioye Asanike, however objected to his moving the application on the grounds that he just got a copy before sitting on Tuesday morning and would have to study it to know if he would be objecting the motion.

Justice Abimbola had pointed out that he was willing to grant a stand down in the matter for the defence to study the said document and prepare to argue it, but Asanike had

objected.

“My lord, this is a capital offence and it cannot be rushed. I will still like to go and study the document and prepare before the prosecution will move the motion,” he said.

Justice Abimbola then asked the prosecutor what he thought and Akinyele stated that in his opinion, the motion was not something that needed to be dragged, but added that he would not want the defence to start raising unnecessary issues.

“My lord, it is my belief that my learned friend can easily follow this motion without stress but if he is insisting on an adjournment to study it, I will not object. The ball is in his court. The world is watching us and I don’t want them to say they are stampeded into taking the motion.

“I am calling the doctor as my first witness and I can’t do that until his report is in the proof of evidence. Let him go and study it and we will come back to move our motion,” Akinyele told the court.

Justice Abimbola adjourned the matter till June 27, 2016 for hearing of the motion.

32

Friday, 24 June, 2016

arewa

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

Kakuri interfaith denies reports of stabbing by Muslim faithful Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna -

Kakuri Interfaith Community has denied that Emmanuel Francis, a Christian youth, who was said to have been attacked by thugs for not fasting, was attacked by its members over a frivolous issue.

A community leader, Rabiu Ahmed, who addressed elders of the area at an interfaith meeting between Muslims and Christians before reading a statement issued by the Kakuri Community Development Association to newsmen, warned against giving out false information to public.

It will be recalled that a young man, Francis Emmanuel, popularly known as IBOYI, a resident of Kakuri, was, last week, reportedly stabbed by thugs in the area allegedly because he was not fasting.

The statement reads as follow: “We wish to inform Kaduna indigenes and beyond that there was never an incident that occurred in Kakuri where a Christian was stabbed because he was not fasting.

“From our investigation under this community platform, we have got all the facts as to what led to the incident that led to the stabbing of Francis Emmanuel (IBOYI).

“This entire issue is a case of a quarrel that ensued between some young men from Makera community and IBOYI who is from Kakuri. All the parties are not responsible people in the society.

“What actually happened was; the group came and entered a roadside drinking joint along Sokoto by Gora junction. The group was said to have come looking for their brother, but did not find him.

“They had severally exchanged words with IBOYI who had finished drinking and was sitting eating Opka. IBOYI told them to leave the place and they responded by saying they didn’t come to see him.

“He threatened to deal with them if they didn’t leave. He pulled out a knife with the intention of stabbing one of the gang members, but he missed his target and one of the gang attempted to hold the knife which cut his hand in the process.

“A witness, Nasiru Abubakar, was busy trying to push away the gang to a nearby transformer, but he couldn’t make it alone as the people overpowered him and no one on the street came to help him separate the parties.” “ In the process, one of the gang members tried to attack IBOYI with a scissors and Nasiru blocked him, but another one had already taken the knife from IBOYI’s hand and stabbed him severally.

Some cattle in an open grazing field.

Grazing reserves may plunge Plateau into crisis, lawmaker warns Isaac Shobayo-Jos

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s controversy continued to trail the donation of 55,000 hectares of land for grazing reserves in Plateau State, member, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable I D Gyang, has cautioned the state government against taking decision which can plunge the state into crisis.

It will be recalled that Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, recently stated that eleven states, Plateau inclusive, had donated 55,000 hectares of land each for grazing reserves.

The lawmaker, in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Chuwang Dungs, and made available to Arewa in Jos, rejected the promotion of grazing reserves bill/ policy in the state.

Honourable Gyang emphatically declared that no portion of lands within his constituency (Barkin Ladi and Riyom) would be gazetted or appended for such grazing plans because it goes against the

wishes of his people.

He said for the Grazing Policy to have received the endorsement and consent of some Northern State governors including Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State through a revelation by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, stakeholders in the state should have been contacted.

Said he: “One would have thought that given the far-reaching implications of the governor’s decision, he might have consulted thoroughly with critical stakeholders on the Plateau like the State House of Assembly, Plateau State Traditional Council”.

According to him, the contention over the policy decision of the government on the issue is ominous given the devastation and violent attacks which host communities have suffered from herdsmen leading to displacement from their ancestral habitants.

Honourable Gyang further enumerated that the Federal Government, being aware that it has no Constitutional powers to administer land matters, had resorted to the powers vested on governors under section

ITF trains over 14m Nigerians —Acting DG Isaac Shobayo-Jos

Acting Director General of the Industrial Training fund, ITF , Dickson Onuoha, has said the Fund has trained over 14 million Nigerians in line with the Federal Government policy of diversification of the nation’s economy Onuoha stated this while welcoming the House of Representatives Committee on Industry to the corporate headquarters of the Fund in Jos, Plateau State.

He said ITF, in the last few years, had embarked on several initiatives and strategies designed to equip Nigerians with technical skills for employability and entrepreneurship.

In his words, “our renewed emphasis is premised on the fact that any credible effort at poverty eradication, Job creation and an effective diversification of the economy as envisioned by the Federal Government will not meet with the required success if Nigerians are not trained.

“As a foremost skills acquisition institution in the country, that is vested with the mandate of equipping Nigerians with skills, the management has commenced series of initiatives and strategies and expanded existing ones including setting in motion processes for the establishment of sector skills councils to provide opportunity for evaluation/validation of skills requirements at the national and state levels

on a periodic basis” The DG also disclosed that ITF had commenced training of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to fast-track their reintegration into the society, systematic upgrade of the Funds computer network facilities to serve current resources requirements and the establishment of revenue collection and reimbursement portals.

According to him, arrangements have reached advanced stage for the take-off of the 5th phase of the National Skills Development Programme (NISDP) in 18 states of the country and Abuja, while the second batch of the training shall be conducted in September 2016 for the remaining states.

2 of the Land Use Act embedded in section 315 (5,d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by seeking the consent and approval of willing governors to allocate land within their states for the implementation of the Grazing Reserves Policy.

“My take on this matter as it relates to Plateau State, especially the Barkin Ladi/ Riyom Federal Constituency which I represent –a constituency that is fast recovering from over a decade of violent attacks and a people whose lands are still under forceful occupation by herdsmen, is that the constituency or any part thereof, should not, ought not and cannot be within the contemplation of housing a grazing reserve”, he said.

He said already, there was palpable fear among the indigenous people in his constituency that the grazing reserve policy was simply a ploy to legitimise their displacement and forceful occupation of their ancestral land and heritage by herdsmen.

Crew

Sabiu Mohammed - Kaduna 08067698878 mohsabiu@yahoo.com Isaac Shobayo - Jos 08037032359 shobayo.isaac@gmail.com Biola Azeez – Kwara State 08034276889 biolababes@gmail.com Ajayi Joseph 08107754190 syntacticjoe@yahoo.com James Bwala – Borno / Yobe 08069596659 jamesbwala97@gmail.com Adamu Amadu - Dutse Kola Oyelere - Kano

33 news

Friday, 24 June, 2016

How suspected herdsmen killed my husband, sister-in-law in Nimbo —Witness

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widow, Mrs Stella Okeja, has narrated how her husband and sister-in-law were killed by suspected herdsmen in Abbi community, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Okeja testified in Enugu on Thursday, at the Commission of Inquiry into the killing of people and destruction of property by suspected herdsmen in Nimbo.

She said the incident happened around 4:p.m on the ill-fated day when she

I’ll remove indolent officers to rid Rivers of criminals —CP

and her husband, Fidelis Okeja, were harvesting pepper in their garden at the back of their home.

The widow said while they were in the garden, they heard gunshots, but could not decipher the direction the sounds were coming from.

“Suddenly, some men in flowing gown accosted us and that was when we knew that there was danger and we had to run for our lives.

“As we were running, I grew tired and fell down, but the herdsmen moved ahead in pursuit of my husband,” she said.

The widow, who said her late husband was a school teacher, added that the hoodlums eventually caught up with her spouse

and gave him deadly machete cuts which led to his death.

“I eventually ran into the bush along with other members of the community and there we heard that soldiers had come to our community and we came out.

“On getting back home, I discovered that some of them had entered our house and killed my husband’s younger sister.

“Several houses and motorcycles were burnt in the cause of the invasion,” she said.

Okeja said the deceased family had been suffering for lack of care since the incident happened in February, adding that her deceased husband left

behind 10 children and three wives.

Another witness, Dr Michael Ajogwu, told the tribunal that members of the community had turned to refugees even in their homes due to incessant attacks by suspected herdsmen.

Ajogwu, who is also the counsel to the community in the inquiry, said the herdsmen always put up an argument that they were free to move anywhere.

“The argument the herdsmen put up every time is that there is freedom of movement, but we say that the freedom of movement envisaged in the constitution is that of people not cows.

“Government’s ‘back to

land’ initiative will be a mirage if cattle will eat up crops on the fields.

“Rearing of cattle is farming. So, if the government will put up initiatives to safeguard crops planted by crop farmers we shall be better for it.

“Our people are turning to refugees and beggars because farming is our sole industry,” Ajogwu said.

Abbi community is one of the communities in the state which had recorded deadly incursions by suspected herdsmen.

It will be recalled that the state government set up the commission following the April 25 killing of 11 people in Nimbo community by suspected herdsmen.

Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

NEW Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Foluso Adebanjo, has said any Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in an area where cultists, armed robbers and other hoodlums hold sway will be removed.

He said this during his maiden briefing with the DPOs and other officers of the state police command, at the command headquarters, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.

Adebanjo, who recently resumed as the state police boss, however, warned criminal elements to repent or leave the state, declaring that the command would not spare any suspect involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism.

He particularly read the Riot Act to the DPOs, declaring that they must be ready to also work at night, in order to apprehended criminals in the state or be ready to be changed.

The new Rivers police helmsman described criminals in the state as brutal, and pointed out that his command would deal with them decisively.

Talking tough, Adebanjo said the DPOs were expected to increase their level of intelligence gathering and ensure that suspected criminals were arrested.

He charged them to be proactive and ensure that criminals were exposed and dealt with before they (criminals) have the opportunity to strike.

“The DPOs must secure their areas and they must be ready to work even at night.

We will go out at night to visit your places and if we find out that you cannot hold your position, we will change you. You must work 24 hours because we must deliver,” he stated.

Nigerian Tribune

Labour commends Oshiomhole on N25,000 minimum wage THE Organised Labour has described the Edo State governor, Governor Adams oshiomhole as a pace-setter who should be emulated by other governors in the country on the welfare of workers.

A joint statement dated June 20, signed by the chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrades Emmanuel Ademokun and Marshal Ohue, respectively, the organised labour noted: “on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress Edo State Councils, we write to most respectfully express our appreciation to the Comrade Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomohle for the increase in the minimum wage of the Edo State civil servants from N18,000.00 to N25,000.00 effective from May 1st, 2016.

“Comrade Governor Sir, your pronouncement on May Day has come to stay.

This has further established your love and compassion for the working people; we are extremely honoured by this uncommon gift.”

Criminalise any infringement on widows’ rights —Edo Speaker

From left, first Vice-President, National Council of Women Societies, Chief (Mrs) Gloria Shoda; Founder, Felix King Charity Foundation, Mr Felix King Eiremi Okhae; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Elizabeth Ativie, Mrs Aderonke King and the Deputy Speaker, Edo State Assembly, Honourable Justin Okonoboh, during the celebration of World International Widows Day, organised by Felix King Charity Foundation, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Justify your promotions, Buhari tells public officers Leon Usigbe - Abuja

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has charged public officers entrusted with certain responsibilities to live up to their duties, and justify the confidence reposed in them,as this was the only way Nigeria can come out of the current hardships facing the nation.

He made the declaration at the Presidential villa, Abuja while decorating two of the newly-promoted officers of the Nigerian Police Force deployed to his office with their new ranks.

He congratulated the officers and urged them to justify their new ranks, by increasing their commitment to the service of the nation.

He also commended them for their hard work and achievements, which he said, brought about their promotion.

The president stressed that Nigeria needed their dedication and unwavering commitment for it to achieve greatness and assume its rightful position, cautioning them not to

abuse their positions.

Abdulkarim Dauda and Kayode Sikiru Akande, both promoted from the position

of Assistant Commissioner of Police to Deputy Commissioner of Police, serve as the Chief Personal Secu-

rity Officer to the President and the Officer in Charge of Presidential Movement, respectively.

THE Nigerian Army said on Thursday that it averted a bomb blast in Maiduguri, after detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Gomari, Maiduguri.

Colonel Sani Usman, the acting Director Army Public Relations, who made this known in a statement in Maiduguri, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the incident took place on Wednesday.

“Troops of 7 Division recovered and successfully detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists that came in a tricycle in Gomari, Maiduguri, on Wednesday, in conjunction with Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device

team.

“The development has necessitated the call for more vigilance and security consciousness on the part of everyone, especially the residents of Maiduguri and its environs.

“The fight against the menace of Boko Haram terrorists is a collective responsibility that requires positive contribution from all citizenry.

“People should, please, be wary of suspicious persons or objects and report same to the nearest security agency or post,’’ he said.

Usman said troops of the Nigerian Army had also arrested two suspected Boko Haram terrorists, after a clearance operation in some enclaves located in Buhari, Matari and Kaidiri villages

in Damasak in Borno.

He said a joint patrol team of Sector 1 of 27 Task Force Brigade and Army Headquarters Strike Group on Thursday, cleared Boko Haram terrorist’s enclaves in Buhari, Matari and Kaidiri villages located some kilometers to Damasak, Borno.

“Unfortunately, the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists at Kaidiri on sighting the patrol team chickened out and withdrew in disarray into the Niger Republic with gunshot wounds.

“The troops pursued them and got two Boko Haram terrorists,’’ he said.

Usman added that the troops also recovered seven motorcycles and borehole equipment at the hideouts of the terrorists.

Security agents avert IED explosion in Maiduguri, arrest 2 suspects

Akin Adewakun - Lagos

SPEAKER of the Edo State Assembly, Honourable Elizabeth Ativie, has charged the country’s legislative and judiciary arms of government to criminalise any act of infringement on widows’ rights in the country, by sending perpetrators of such illegal acts to jail so as to serve as deterrent to others.

Speaking on Thursday, at the International Widows Day organised by the Felix King Charity Foundation, in Lagos, Honourable Ativie stated that codifying such acts into the nation’s criminal law and penal code, would go a long way in reducing the rising incidences of violations of the rights of widows being presently experienced in different parts of the country.

The speaker also stressed the need for state assemblies to domesticate and put such laws at the levels they would be understood by the common man. He noted that in spite of the existing laws in the nation’s constitution, including protecting widows’ rights, many cultures in Nigeria still perpetrate such against widows in flagrant disrespect for such laws.

34 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Friday, 24 June, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Mrs Eunice Omowunmi Ajayi am the same person bearing Mrs. Omowunmi Ajayi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as EUNICE OMOWUNMI AJAYI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Seun Charles Olatunde now EGBUNA CHARLES ONYEABO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, MOHAMMED GBETTE ABDULGAFAR am the same person bearing MUHAMMED GBETTE ABDULGAFAR. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

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CORRECTION OF NAME I hereby declare that the correct spelling of my name is Dauda Inaolaji Ayinla not Dauda Inuolaji Aina. Now, I wish to be known as DAUDA INAOLAJI AYINLA. All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adedini Adeola Comfort now AKINPELU ADEOLA COMFORT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Comfort Inyang now COMFORT UDOH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Aminu Abbdullahi now MR ABDURRAHMAN AMINU IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Fadare Oluwatoyin now FADARE OLUWATOYIN OLADELE. My correct date of birth is 21st January, 1989 and not 12th December, 1982. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adekunle Saheed Alani now SIKIRU ADEKUNLE SAHEED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Christiana Oyekunbi Afere now MRS CHRISTIANA OYEKUNBI AYO-ADISA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Assari Emmanuel Ebenezer am the same person bearing Asiri Emmanuel Ebenezer. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ASIRI EMMANUEL EBENEZER. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ogunmade Oloruntosin Oluwafemi am the same person bearing Ogunmade Tosin and Ogunmade Tosin Oluwafemi.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OGUNMADE OLORUNTOSIN OLUWAFEMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Joyce Iwuese Jov now MRS JOYCE IWUESE JOV-SAI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Eyiowuawi Awe now BENJAMIN IDOWU AWE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Saheed Omotosho Sikiru now ADEWOYE BERNARD AKINKUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly George Joshua Olugbenga now I wish to be known and addressed as GEORGE JOSHUA OLUGBEMIGA. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, Abiola-Ige Ifeoluwa Peter am the same person bearing Abiola Ige Ifeoluwa.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ABIOLA-IGE IFEOLUWA PETER. My correct date of birth is 4th April, 1992 and not 4th April, 1988. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ilori Desola Oluwaseyi now MISS ILORI OLUWASEYI DESOLA. All former documents remain valid. The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and general public take note.

I, Afolayan John Oladipo am the same person bearing AFOLAYAN OLADIPO AKINTUNDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

35 CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 24 June, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Monday Adiude now MONDAY OROBOGHA ADIUDE. All former documents remain valid.

Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Dele-Oladejo Emmanuel Oyekunbi now DELE-OLADEJO OYEKUNBI OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Olaifa Fatai Adebayo now ADEBAYO JOEL JACOB. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Oyinlade Oluwaseun Grace now MRS ADEGBOYE OLUWASEUN GRACE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Ojo Folake Hannah now MRS ADENUGA FOLAKE HANNAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Maureen Odeworitse Okafor now MEIRA ODEWORITSE OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Miss Oluwaronke Morakinyo now MRS AYEWO OLUWARONKE OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Miss Onyemaizu Regina Uzoma now MRS UDUMUKWU REGINA UZOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Ojoawo Mopelola Dorcas now ADESOPE MOPELOLA DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adetunji Rukayat Adenike now MRS OLAOBA ABUBAKAR ADENIYI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ajidahun Omotayo now OLAWORE TAYO AJIDAHUN. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Fadeyi Olayemi Stella now OMIATA OLAYEMI STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Olasupo Adenuga Saheed now OLASUPO O L U WA D A M I L A R E SAHEED. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Shokunbi Abel Olugbenga am the same person as Shokunmi Olugbega Abel. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SHOKUNBI ABEL OLUGBENGA. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Olaguju Omolara now ADISA OMOLARA MISTURA. All former documents remain valid. My correct date of birth is 15th April, 1975 and not 16th April, 1975. General public take note.

I formerly Master Saheed Babatunde now RAJI SAHEED BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Rafiu Adebisi Mustapha am the same person as Adebisi Rafiu and Rafiu Adebisi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as RAFIU ADEBISI MUSTAPHA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly Mr Ayoola Akanni Osobu now MR DANYIWO AYOOLA OSOBU. All former documents remain valid.

Stanbic Bank Plc and general public take note.

I formerly Adetunji Dunmade now FOLORUNSO ADETUNJI LATEEF. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Bola Abudu now BOLA BUSARI SIMBIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly Miss Olaniyi Toyin Olasope now MRS ADEBAYO TOYIN OLASOPE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Christianah Abosede Korede now MRS CHRISTIANAH ABOSEDE ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Lawal Kolade Afees am the same person bearing Lawal Kolade Afeez. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL KOLADE AFEEZ. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Ajao Babatunde Tolulope now AJAO TUNDE TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Ogundipe Funmilola Janet now MRS AREMU FUNMILOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME I, hereby declare that the correct spelling of my name is ADEREMI MOJIRAYO AYISAT not Aderemi Mojirayo Aishat.

All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Odumosu Tinuke now MRS JIMOH NURATU TINUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Chibueze Joseph Ogu now CHIBUEZE JOSEPH UWAKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Miss Asifat Fatimah Adebukola am the same person bearing Miss Asifat Fatimah Bukola. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Plc and general public take note.

I, Muhammed Ibrahim Abas am the same person bearing Ahmed Abbass as shown in my First Bank Account. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED IBRAHIM ABAS. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Kogi State Polytechnic and general public take note.

I formerly Miss Adeojo Aminat Adewunmi now MRS ODERINDE AMINAT ADEWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Adewole Kamal-deen Alani am the same person as ADEWOLE KAMOLI ADEBISI. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEWOLE KAMAL-DEEN ALANI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Olaolu Esther Temmy now OPALERE ESTHER OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Herbert Okoyovwi now ALBERT OKOROYOVWI. All former documents remain valid. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME AND CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I, Faleye Oladimeji Folusho, my name was wrongly written as Faleye Oladimeji.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as FALEYE OLADIMEJI FOLUSHO and my correct date of birth is 18th November, 1976 and not 18th November, 1982. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Ige Funmilola Salewa now MRS DOSUNMU FUNMILOLA SALEWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Yusuf Mabrurah Gbonjubola now MRS AKEWUSOLA-YUSUF MABRURAH GBONJUBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Omotola Kofo Akinbiyi now MRS OMOTOLA KOFO OYEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Salawu Abiola Temiloluwa now OLANREWAJU ABIOLA TEMILOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Yetunde Abosede Joseph now YETUNDE ABOSEDE JESUMUREWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly Montanmi Marry Olatope now MUIBI MARY AULAT. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I formerly Miss Ajewole Deborah Omotunde now MRS OLADIRAN DEBORAH OMOTUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Miss Ojuolape Omolola Temilade now MRS EVINEMI OMOLOLA TEMILADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Alamu Modinatu Ashakun am the same person as Martins Modinatu Modasola. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ALAMU MODINATU ASHAKUN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly Babatunde Sunday Shola now OLAJIDE OLUSHOLA SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adetoro Francisca Taiwo now MRS AROWOLO FRANCISCA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid.

LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Victoria Ajala now MRS OLA FUNMILAYO SAKIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Albert Alfred now ALFRED OGHENEOVIE ALBERT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Serifat Ogundiran now OGUNDIRAN SERIFAT ALABI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Ezedike Chukwuka Phillips now EZEDIKE CHUKA PHILIP. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Titilope Christiana Olanipekun now MRS TITILOPE CHRISTIANA OLAIFA. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

I, Azeez Mojeed Omotayo am the same person bearing Alade Mojeed. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ MOJEED OMOTAYO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. UBA Plc, Stanbic Bank Plc, Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

I, Onikepo Latifat Adeleke am the same person bearing Adeleke Latifat Adenike. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADELEKE LATIFAT ADENIKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, Stanbic Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Oyedeji Sofiyat Odunola now MRS OYEDEJI SOFIYAT TOYESE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Falola Abosede Oriyomi am the same person as Falola Victoria.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as FALOLA ABOSEDE ORIYOMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Kolawole Mayowa Wale now OLAKULEHIN MAYOWA ABDULKABIR WALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Abdullahi H. Omolola am the same person bearing Abdullahi Halimot Omobolanle. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI OMOBOLA HALIMO and my correct date of birth is 253-1972 and not 25-3-1983. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. UBA Plc, GTBank Plc and general public take note.

I, Olagunju Olusola Abbey am the same person as Olagunju Olusola. There was a mistake in my name in MAY/JUNE 2007 WAEC I sat for in Itaji-Ekiti with Examination number 4141609123 as Abbey was ommitted when the result came out. That my 3rd name is Abbey. Now, I wish to correct and confirm that my name is OLAGUNJU OLUSOLA ABBEY.All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss OkeOluwafunmilola Florence now MRS OLAYIWOLA O L U WA F U N M I L O L A FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid. JAMB and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Cecelia Olajumoke Ayeni now MRS. CECELIA OLAJUMOKE ALADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oladejo Toyin Titilayo now MRS OLAGUNJU TOYIN TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Taofik Akanbi Adegoke also known as Adegoke Taofeek now ADEGOKE TAOFEEK LEKAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Oladiran Tope Gbemisola now MRS ADEJUWON TOPE GBEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Akpa Nancy now EDWIN OGECHI NANCY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Richard Rita Mengede now MRS NJOKU RITA RICHARD. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly Adebiyi Segun Tosin now JOHN SEGUN TOSIN and my correct date of birth is 20 June, 1996. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Aliu Tajudeen Olakunle now OLASIMBO DAMILOLA T. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Muhammed Ibrahim, my name was erroneously written as Mahammed Ibraheem instead of Muhammed Ibrahim. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED IBRAHIM. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Salaudeen Adesola B. now MRS ADESOKAN BOLA ADESOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ibitayo Olayinka Olamide am the same person as Kehinde Olayinka Olamide. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as IBITAYO OLAYINKA OLAMIDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Ojoawo Aminat Funke now MISS OJOAWO DEBORAH FUNKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I formerly Miss Kajogbola Modupe Abiola now MRS MODUPE ABIOLA ADEOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Adetomiwa Kehinde Abimbola now MRS OJO KEHINDE ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Mr Baderin Adesoji Ikililu now MR BADERIN ADESOJI IKHLEEL. All former documents remain valid. INEC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Bernadeth Nwachukwu now MRS BERNADETH OBIAGERI OYAREMI. All former documents remain valid.

Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly Ayeni Sunday Israel now ORUNKANYENI SUNDAY ISRAEL. My correct date of birth is 20th November, 1971 and not 26th October, 1971. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Ajagbe Fausat now AJAGBE BUKOLA SAUDAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Mr Ateere Oseni Ajibola now MR ATEERE KEHINDE HOSSEIN. All former documents remain valid. INEC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Rogbitan Aderemi Mope now ROGBITAN ADEREMI MARY. All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Abiola Sukurah Olapegba now MRS SHUKHRAH OLAPEGBA ABIOLA-BADERIN. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Abosede Oluwatobi Akinroye now MRS OLUWATOBI ABOSEDE ADE-OWOEYE. All former documents remain valid.

LASMAB and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Adebayo Sakirat Aina now MRS HAMEED SAKIRAT AINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Mrs. Alikpoma Ugeoritseete Clara now BARADI UGEORITSEETE CLARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Oguntimehin Samuel Debo born on 8th August, 1952 am the same person as Adebo Samuel. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OGUNTIMEHIN SAMUEL DEBO. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

Banks, Military Pension Board, Abuja and general public take note.

news ASUU issues 5-day ultimatum to rescind suspension of UNIPORT VC 36

Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

M

ORE trouble looms over the suspension of the vice chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa Lale, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution, has issued a

Friday, 24 June, 2016

five-day ultimatum for the decision to be rescinded.

This was, however, a sharp contrast to the stand of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which want stiffer penalties for the embattled vice chancellor and three other principal staff of the institution.

Following the violent pro-

test staged by the students of UNIPORT, on April 11, 2015, over the proposed “No fee, No examination” policy and which led to the killing of one student, Peter Ofurum, the Governing Council of the institution set up a panel of enquiry to look into the crisis The panel, headed by Mr Okechuckwu Ajunwa, sub-

mitted its findings to the institution’s council, which eventually suspended Professor Lale, on June 6 and appointed Professor Anthony Ibe, (DVC, Administration), as the acting vice chancellor.

However, the UNIPORT branch of ASUU said the decision should be rescinded by next week Monday

From left, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Australian Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary (African branch), Matthew Neuhaus and the Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Angela Tierney, during a meeting with Dr Fayemi, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

and described the action of the council as alien to all known procedures for the removal of a vice chancellor.

Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, chairman of the UNIPORT branch of ASUU, Dr Austen Sado, said the governing council was not empowered by law to appoint an acting vice chancellor without due recommendation from the senate of the university.

However, NANS Zone B, called for stiffer sanction for the suspended Professor Lale and three others, even as it called on President Muhammadu Buhari to allow due process in resolving the crisis bedeviling UNIPORT. NANS Zone B, comprising of Nigerian students in the South/South and South-East bloc, made the demand in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

The association, in the statement signed by its coordinator, Chibuzo Obi, said the other officers should include the Dean of Students, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) and the chief security officer of the institution.

See strike as last option, Wike tells labour unions Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has urged labour unions to use strike as the last option in trade disputes.

This, he said, would help to stem the tide of development challenges witnessed as a result of frequent industrial actions.

The governor gave the admonition while addressing the National Administrative Council of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), led by its president, Mr Igwe Aches, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.

The union had embarked upon a two-week strike ,which led to scarcity of petroleum product in the state but was eventually called off on Tuesday, following the intervention of the governor.

Wike also declared that the state government would collaborate with NUPENG in the development of a Tankers Village at Eleme, with a view to taking tankers off the highways and generating more revenue.

The governor said he believed that workers should

be allowed to unionise as a means to encourage companies and organisations to always consider their welfare.

“I believe that strikes should serve as a last option for unions during trade dis-

putes. The strikes in Nigeria are getting too many and efforts should be targeted at reducing them”, he said.

Earlier, the president of NUPENG, had commended the governor for his development strides in the areas

of infrastructure and welfare of workers.

He also thanked the governor for intervening in the conflict between unions and oil companies in the state over the sack of their members.

The NUPENG president informed the governor of the tank farm being constructed by the union at Eleme and appealed to him to facilitate the release of the Certificate of Occupancy for the project site.

Safer mining practice: FG opens talks with Australia THE Federal Government has opened discussion with the Australian government on safer mining practice in the country’s minerals sector.

The discussion was aimed at getting the support of the Australian government in the area of environmental safety and safety of miners, as government focuses attention on the mining sector in its economic diversification and job creation plan.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said this during a meeting with the Australian Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary (African branch), Matthew Neuhaus, in Abuja ,on Wednesday.

Dr Fayemi said whereas, the ministry was working with the Ministry of Environment on the environmental safety, it believed that partnering with Aus-

tralia, with its successful mining sector, would help the Nigerian government’s quest for safer mining practice.

Responding, the Australian Foreign Affairs Assis-

tant Secretary said his team would work with the officials of the ministry to work out arrangement aimed at realising the requests.

Neuhaus restated the commitment of the Austra-

lian government towards ensuring that Nigeria takes its position as a mining destination, even as he lauded the commitment of the current administration to diversify the economy.

Court adjourns EFCC’s suit against Rickey Tarfa till Oct 24 Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Lagos

A Lagos State High Court, sitting in Igbosere, on Thursday, adjourned till October 24 and 31, for hearing in the trial of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Rickey Tarfa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Aishat Opesanwo told the parties on Thursday, that she was in ‘a poor state of health and had just suffered a flooded chamber from heavy down pour early this week which even affected some court documents.

The anti- graft agency

was scheduled to open its case on Wednesday in Tarfa’s trial on a two-count charge of obstructing officers of law from carrying out their duties.

He was also accused of attempting to pervert the cause of justice by communicating with a Federal High Court judge that was handling a suit he filed against EFCC. Tarfa is also facing two other criminal charges preferred against him by the commission before Justices Raliat Adeniyi and Adedayo Akintoye.

When the matter was called on Thursday, the EFCC counsel, Mohammed Abba, informed the

court that the commission had two witnesses in court, who were ready to testify.

Defence counsel A. J. Owonikoko, also indicated his client’s preparedness to proceed.

However, Justice Opesanwo ,informed the packed courtroom that she could not proceed with the trial.

“I must disappoint you gentlemen. I’m not in a good state of health,” she said.

She explained that her court had not sat since Monday because the courtroom had been affected by heavy down pour and the judge’s chamber had been flooded.

CCC Ajegunle Cathedral holds annual harvest thanksgiving service

THE Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ajegunle Province A Cathedral, Remo/Ijebu headquarters, Sagamu, Ogun State, will hold its 51st annual harvest thanksgiving service tomorrow (Saturday).

The Sheperd-in-Charge and Area Superindent of CCC, Remo/Ijebu Province A, Assistant Venerable Superior Simeon Falade, said this in a press release issued and made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday.

According to him, the harvest thanksgiving service, taking place on the premises of the Ajegunle Province A Cathedral Parish, Sagamu, would attract prominent members of the church from within and outside the country.

He, therefore, admonished members of the parish to be punctual at the service in order to be partakers of the divine blessings of the event.

Imbibe Ramadan teachings, Muslim faithful told Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

THE traditional head of Lisa community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Nojeem Oladele Odugbemi, has enjoined Muslim faithful to imbibe Ramadan teachings of self denial, sobriety, perseverance, kindness and devotion during and beyond the holy month of Ramadan fasting He urged them to put the fear of God first and ensure that they continue living the same way they did during Ramadan after the holy month has ended.

While outlining the essence of Ramadan, Odugbemi noted that the fear of God is the cardinal objective of the spiritual exercise, stressing that the holy period is quite significant as espoused by the Holy Quran and the Hadith.

He reminded Muslims of the importance to shield themselves from sins and cleanse their souls in the holy month and called for obedience to Almighty Allah’s injunctions.

37

Friday, 24 June, 2016

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In or out? UK votes in historic referendum on EU membership

V

OTING is under way in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave.

A record 46,499,537 people are entitled to take part, according to provisional figures from the Electoral Commission.

Polling stations opened at 07:00 BST and will close at 22:00 BST. It is only the third nationwide referendum in UK history and comes after a four-month battle for votes between the Leave and Remain campaigns.

In common with other broadcasters, the BBC is limited in what it can report while polls are open but you can follow the results as they come in across the BBC after polls close on Thursday evening.

The referendum ballot paper asks the following question: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”

Whichever side gets more than half of all votes cast is considered to have won.

The weather forecast for polling day is mixed.

There have been

THERE have been chaotic scenes in the lower house of the United States Congress as Democrats staged a sitin to demand a vote on gun control legislation.

The protest comes in the wake of the recent shootings in Orlando, the deadliest in modern US

history.

Republicans adjourned the House early on Thursday to try to quash the sit-in, switching off the television cameras.

But some Democrats remained, streaming speeches live via phones despite breaking rules on

England Prime Minister, David Cameron and his wife after casting their votes. PHOTO: CNN

thunderstorms in London and south-east England which caused flooding overnight.

Gun-control protest sparks chaotic scenes in US Congress

The sit-in was led by Democrat Representative John Lewis (centre). PHOTO: AP

Asian millionaires top America, Europe in wealth rankings ASIAN millionaires now control more wealth than those in North America, Europe and other regions, according to a report from finance firm Capgemini.

Driven by China and Japan, Asia’s millionaires saw their wealth jump by 10 per cent in 2015, the firm’s World Wealth Report found.

BBC revealed that millionaires held nearly $60 trillion (£40 trillion) worldwide last year, four times higher than 30 years ago.

That could rise to $100 trillion by 2025, Capgemini said.

Asia’s growth in high net worth individuals - defined as having $1 million in assets - came despite slowing economic growth in China and a weak Japanese economy.

Capgemini found the growth in Asia was driven

mainly by financial services, technology and health care industries.

The region’s millionaires held $17.4 trillion of wealth, compared with $16.6 trillion in North America, the report said.

“If past growth rates hold, Asia-Pacific is likely to continue to be a dominant force over the next decade, representing two-fifths of the world’s HNWI wealth, more than that of Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa combined,” Capgemini said.

Poor performance in United States equity markets slowed growth in North America to 2.3 per cent last year, although the US still had the highest number of millionaires with 4.45 million.

broadcasting.

The transmissions via Periscope and Facebook Live were taken up by the C-Span network, which provides continual coverage of Congress. One Democratic congressman, Scott Peters, who provided a feed, said the sit-in was breaking rules anyway.

The Democrats’ protest follows the gun attack on 12 June, when a man claiming allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people at the Pulse club in Orlando, Florida.

Depending on one’s perspective, the sit-in was either a shameless publicity stunt in advance of a dangerous piece of legislation or the purest expression of democracy and civil disobedience since the 1960s.

But as Democrats chanted, waved signs and sang in protest, there was no debating it was a historic break with congressional traditions that has little precedent in modern times.

Kingston upon Thames Council in south west London has moved two polling stations after they were inundated with water.

Sunshine and heavy showers are forecast for Northern Ireland and Scotland but it is set to be drier and brighter elsewhere.

After the referendum polls close, sealed ballot boxes will be collected and transported to the count venue for each of the 382 local counting areas.

These represent all 380 local government areas in England, Scotland and Wales, plus one each for Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Sunshine and heavy showers are forecast for Northern Ireland and Scotland but it is set to be drier and brighter elsewhere.

After the referendum polls close, sealed ballot boxes will be collected and transported to the count venue for each of the 382 local counting areas.

These represent all 380 local government areas in England, Scotland and Wales, plus one each for Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Results from these areas will then be declared throughout the night, along with result totals from 11 nations and regions.

otherNEWS UN to send peacekeepers home over South Sudan inaction THE United Nations has said that it will send peacekeepers home over a “lack of responsiveness” during a bloody attack on a United Nation-run camp in South Sudan in February.

UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous acknowledged on Wednesday that an investigation had found “inadequacies” in peacekeepers’ response when gunmen in military uniforms stormed the camp in the northeastern town of Malakal on February 17 and 18, firing on civilians and setting shelters ablaze.

The attack on the camp, where about 48,000 people were sheltering, left at least 40 dead and 123 wounded.

Nearly 20,000 people lost their homes after they were torched by the attackers based on the occupants’ tribal affiliation.

“There was a lack of responsiveness by some, a lack of understanding of the rules of engagement by some,” said Ladsous, who refused to single out any individuals.

“I will not name names but there will be repatriations of units and of individual officers.”

At the time of the attack, the peacekeeping force was made up of contingents from Ethiopia, India and Rwanda.

“I can assure you that there will be a follow-up as there has been in other theatres of operation,” Ladsous said.

Initial findings of an internal UN investigation found that “there was confusion with respect to command and control” and “a lack of coordination among the various civilian and uniformed peacekeepers” during the attack.

German Viernheim cinema complex attacker shot dead German police at the cinema.

PHOTO: AFP

A masked man who reportedly fired shots in a cinema complex in western Germany has been shot dead by police, the state’s interior minister has said.

Peter Beuth told the state of Hessen’s parliament that police stormed the Kinopolis complex in Viernheim, near Frankfurt, after shots were reported.

“The police thought that the gunman was holding hostages and because of that he was shot dead,” he added.

Mr Beuth said no-one else had been hurt.

However, reports said some people were suffering the effects of tear gas released as police stormed the complex.

Heavily armed police surrounded the complex after the incident began on Thursday afternoon.

According to BBC, the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper said it was unclear if there was a political or ideological motive, or if it was an attempted robbery.

France labour dispute: Dozens arrested in Paris ahead of protest At least 85 people were arrested in Paris as thousands took part in a protest against France’s labour reforms, police said.

Many were carrying objects that could be used as projectiles, according to police, who searched protesters as they arrived at the Place de la Bastille.

The march was initially banned but ministers reversed their decision after a public uproar.

The last protest in Paris earlier

this month ended in violence.

Hundreds of masked protesters on June 14, threw paving stones and a children’s hospital in central Paris was badly damaged.

The protesters object to government reforms that make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers and relax the limit on working hours.

But French President Francois Hollande said the government would not retreat from the reform.

Union officials say 60,000 people are taking part in the Paris march, but police say the number is much lower.

PHOTO: REUTERS

38

communitynews

Friday, 24 June, 2016

Flood takes over Apapa roads Tola Adenubi-Lagos

T

HE early morning downpour in Lagos, on Tuesday, has left many major and feeder roads in Apapa submerged by flood.

When Community News visited the port city on Tuesday, the major road leading to Apapa from Ijora/Wharf Road was submerged by flood from the Barracks Bus Stop to Airways Bus Stop, just infront of the entrance gate of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc. Also, the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway axis leading to Apapa was not spared as flood took over the areas around the first and second gates axis of the road, forcing many motorists to look for alternative routes to get to their offices.

Community News learnt that due to the flooding of the roads, the construction arm of Dangote Group rehabilitating the Wharf Road section of the port access roads, Messrs AG Dangote Construction Company, was

forced to abandon work temporarily.

The traffic officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) manning the area were also

nowhere in sight as many of them had taken shelter in nearby buildings, resulting in chaotic traffic situation on Ijora overhead bridge.

Speaking with Community News, a staff of one of

the terminal operators operating inside the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), Chiejina Nwobi, blamed the incessant flood on blockage of drainages by roadside food sellers and hawkers.

“The roadside food sellers and hawkers empty their wastes inside the drainages.

This is why anytime there is little rain in Apapa, the roads become flooded,” Nwobi stated.

From left, Oyo State Team Leader of Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI), Mrs Stella Akinso; Project Director, Dr (Mrs) Moji Odeku; Ibadan South West Local Government Health Coordinator, Dr Kunle Adedoyin and the chairman, Honourable Rafiu Folarin, during the donation of a vehicle by NURHI to the council, recently.

Olofa: Police assures of security as Offa awaits court judgment biola azeez-ilorin

THE Kwara State Police Command has assured peace and security, before, during and after the much awaited Supreme Court judgment on the Olofa of Offa stool on July 1.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ajayi Okasanmi (ASP), said the command, through the Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, had met with stakeholders and monarchs to accept the judgment without malice or rancour.

The legal tussle is between the incumbent monarch, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi and a contestant to the stool, Prince Abdulrahoof Keji.

Oba Gbadamosi is of the Anilelerin ruling house, while Keji hails from Olugbense ruling house.

The PPRO, who said the command was prepared for the judgment, added that the level of preparedness was not a media issue and, therefore, would not divulge strategies.

“But, we can only tell you of a recent meeting of the Commissioner of Police with all stakeholders in the matter. The Commissioner even extended the meeting to Obas of neighbouring towns and sued for peace irrespective of where the pendulum swings.

“We want to assure Offa people of our readiness

to guarantee their safety.

We, therefore, urge them to go about their lawful businesses without bitterness.

However, if we see anyone

trying to do otherwise, we will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law, irrespective of his status,”

he said.

Community News also gathered that the police through its Mobile Force Squadron in Ilorin had,

at the weekend, ahead of the judgment, commenced “tactical movement” of its men and officers to the town.

‘Osun communities to enjoy comprehensive immunisation’

By Gbenga Olumide

THE European Union (EU) has scheduled 16 local government areas of the state for comprehensive Routine Immunisation.

The people will also benefit from infrastructural rehabilitation and free transportation.

Speaking with Community News, a community leader, Mr. Adeosun Babafemi, said the efforts of EU to improve the health status of the people in the local government areas was commendable.

He said that a designed project tagged: “European Union support to immunisation governance in Nigeria”, would minimise childhood morbidity and mortality through vaccine preventable diseases.

Speaking on the project, launched at the Leisure Spring Hotel, Osogbo, the state Technical Assistant, Dr. Godwin Olawale, said the EU woul focus on members of the affected communities and later extend it to other local government areas.

Olawale disclosed that the state government had partnered with the EU through the designed project to ensure sustainable quality routine immunisation services that will be permanently available at the primary healthcare in all rural areas of the state.

He stressed that the EU

is also set to support the elimination of the Wild Polio Virus across the state and Nigeria, adding that it would work with the state team and other relevant stakeholders to move routine immunisation forward in terms of quality and availability.

Olawale further said that the annual EU-sign

project package assistance to the people of the state would be N158,684,360 in terms of construction, rehabilitation and procure of equipment.

He added that the state had just taken delivery of 34 Direct Drive Solar Refrigerators (DDSR), costing millions of naira to enhance immunisation.

NURHI donates vehicle, generator to IbSW LG, OSPHDA

By Gbenga Olumide

IN order to improve family planning services at the grassroots level in Oyo State, the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) has donated a vehicle to the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area and a generator to the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA).

Speaking during the handover, the Project Director of NURHI, Dr (Mrs) Mojisola Odeku, commended Ibadan South-West Local Government Area for its efforts in promoting family planning in the locality.

“In the area of family planning, this local government has a budget for the programme, and this is commendable. I, therefore, want to say that Ibadan South-West Local Government Area is a testament to the fact that things can work in Nigeria, and that is why we have donated the vehicle to the council.

“We are donating a generator to the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to aid workings in its family planning unit. I know that these donations will spur other councils and agencies to give their best to the promotion of family planning in the state,” Dr Odeku said.

In her brief remarks on the occasion, the Oyo State Team Leader of NURHI, Mrs Stella Akinso, sought the continued support of all government agencies and councils in the promotion and dissemination of family planning messages in the state.

While thanking NURHI for the gesture, the chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, Rafiu Folarin, promised that the council would continue to support family planning activities in the area.

520 benefit from Ganduje’s economic empowerment programme Kola Oyelere-Kano THE Kano State government has launched the first phase of the Ganduje Mass Economic Empowerment Programme (G - MEEP), covering 520 women and youths from across the state.

The beneficiaries were presented with grinding and sewing machines, spaghetti making tools, Masa/ Kosai fryers and a working capital of N5, 000 each.

Ten beneficiaries were drawn from each of the 36 local government areas while 20 were selected from the eight metropolitan local councils.

Speaking on the occasion in Kano, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar

Ganduje, represented by his deputy, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, explained that the state administration was investing in the development of skills, talents and entrepreneurship of women and youths so as to address unemployment, which is one of the biggest challenges of the state.

The governor also expressed the hope that the programme would help in checking idleness which promotes social vices and criminality.

His words: “I am particularly excited that we are launching this programme with the hope that it will redefine the way we engage and support the empowerment of our young

people and women. I want to encourage all of us to join hands with government in this direction to enable our youths achieve their goals.”

According to the governor, the beneficiaries will be sent to their respective local governments to receive training and requisite skills.

He, however, enjoined beneficiaries to make judicious use of the tools and carry on their respective businesses with zeal and dedication in order to contribute their quota to societal development.

The governor also tasked the respective local government areas of the benefiting youths to provide mentorship and support

for the youths to enable them realise their potential.

On his part, the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ganduje Administration first year in office, who is also the state Commissioner for Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba, expressed the administration’s commitment to build its human capital for enhanced productivity.

One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Nahudu, thanked Governor Ganduje for creating the enabling environment for youths and women to realise their potential and contribute to nation building.

39

Friday, 24 June, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Oyo wins national U-15 cricket title for keeps

Apochi misses Rio Olympics ticket

By Olawale Olaniyan

By Ganiyu Salman

OYO State has retained the National U-15 Boys Cricket Championship after it emerged winner of this year’s edition held in Abuja last weekend.

All the six zones of the federation competed in the annual competition organised by the Nigeria Cricket Federation and the feat saw Oyo win the trophy for keeps.

Speaking on Wednesday while presenting the trophy to the South west Zonal Coordinator of the Ministry of Sports, Dr Steve Olarinoye in his office at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, the coach of the victorious Oyo team, John Idakwo said he was so happy to win the competition for the third time, just as he expressed confidence that his wards are set to retain the title next year.

“We played against tough teams but we were well determined and tactically sound and I think that was what gave us superiority over our opponents.

“These boys have been together for sometime now and thank God we got the desired result of their hard work.

“Even in a couple of days, the Oyo female Criket team will be in Enugu to represent South West and I am very optimistic that they will come back triumphant,” Idakwo said.

He thanked Dr Olarinoye for his words of encouragement and motivation to the players.

In his remarks, Olarinoye applauded the youngsters for their heroics.

“I am so happy that these boys have made Oyo State and South West in general proud because it is not easy to win a championship three times consecutively. I’m so proud of all of you.

“The reason why we are here is to support all sports and we will not relent in doing so because now, we are proud that our team has won this trophy for keeps. I urge you to continue to work hard and I believe the sky is going to be your limit,” Olarinoye said.

Victor Osimhen (right)

Siasia drops Osimhen from Olympics squad

N

IGERIA’S U-23 coach, Samson Siasia has dropped U-20 striker, Victor Osimhen from the 35-man provisional squad preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, according to reports from AfricanFootball.com.

The Wolfsburg-bound youngster emerged the highest goalscorer at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup and also adjudged as the Most Valuable Player, as Nigeria romped to victory in Chile.

Osimhen was a last-minute replacement for Granada striker, Isaac Success at last year’s CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Senegal.

The teenage sensation, however, has been left out of the Olympic team presumably to focus on the upcoming CAF U-20 AFCON qualifiers against Sudan next month.

Goal has since confirmed that Osimhen will indeed not be select-

The coach of Oyo State U-15 cricket team, John Idakwo (right), presenting the trophy and shield his team won at the just-ended National U-15 Boys Cricket Championship to the Zonal Coordinator, South West, Federal Ministry of Sports, Dr Steve Olarinoye in his office.

ed for the quadrennial Games as Siasia looks to avoid a confrontation with his friend and Flying Eagles coach, Emmanuel Amuneke who is relying on the talented youngster for his team’s qualifying assignments.

Osimhen was a vital member of the squad that defeated hosts,

Senegal in the semi-finals of the U-23 AFCON, and was involved in a 1-0 friendly victory over Brazil.

Siasia is also having to deal with the potential unavailability of youngsters, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi for the Olympic Games due to delay in their release

by Manchester City and Arsenal.

Lagos SWAN petitions Dalung THE Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has called on the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, to institute investigations into the circumstances surrounding the nonissuance of visas to the national U-17 female basketball team to the FIBA Women’s World U-17 Championships in Spain and the disqualification of the national female boxing team to the Rio 2016 Qualification competition held in Kazakhstan.

The Spanish Consulate a few days ago refused to issue visas to members of the U-17 team to the FIBA tourney in Spain despite clearances by FIBA and the Spanish Basketball authority reportedly on the grounds of non-clearance by National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) and possible late submission of visa applications.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the Spanish Consulate and NAPTIP have all denied responsibility for the failure of the trip with the NBBF explaining in a recent release that it duly informed and got responses from the customs and immigration authorities but NAPTIP failed to respond to it.

In the case of the female boxing team which was sponsored by the

Nigeria Army, they arrived late to the venue of the Olympic qualification competition in Kazakhstan and were barred from participating.

Lagos SWAN in a letter to the minister dated June 22 and jointly signed by its chairman, Fred Edoreh and Secretary, Emma Njoku, pointed out to the Sports Minister that both incidents amounted to “denial and embarrassment to the country, waste of the investment, time and efforts committed in preparing the athletes, infliction of emotional trauma and discouragement of the athletes.”

“As stakeholders in Nigerian sports, we view this development with deep concern as it retards the growth and progress of our sports, discourages potential sponsors and disaffects the athletes and members of the public,” Lagos SWAN added.

It called on the Sports Minister to “investigate the circumstances surrounding these failures and sanction culpable sports administrators or report any confirmed act of negligence or sabotage by either NAPTIP or the Spanish Embassy to government for necessary action as we can no longer afford to waste resources and continue to undermine the growth and progress of our sports.”

THE hope of Nigeria to present two boxers at the Rio 2016 Olympics has been dashed as heavyweight boxer, Efetobor Apochi, on Tuesday crashed out in the quarter-finals of the ongoing AIBA 2016 World Boxing Qualification Event in Azerbaijan.

Apochi’s Olympics dream ended in Baku as he lost to the Netherlands’ Roy Korving 3-0 on point to crash out of the tournament.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist had earlier sent Karneyeu Siarhei of Belarus and Ireland’s O’neill Darren packing.

Apochi, it will be recalled, missed the Rio 2016 ticket at the African Boxing Championship held in Cameroon in March this year, which served as the Olympics qualifiers, when he lost to St Pierre Joseph Kennedy of Mauritius also in the quarterfinal.

His compatriot, UK-based Umar Sadiq who also made the qualifying event in Azerbaijan, crashed out in the round of 16 as he lost Russia’s Petr Khamukov in the light heavyweight category after his victory over Kenyan Ochola Elly Ajowi.

Super heavyweight boxer, Efe Ajagba remains the only Nigerian boxer who will compete at the Rio Olympics following his exploits at Cameroon 2016 where he emerged champion.

Tribunesport however, gathered that the two boxers (Apochi and Sadiq) sponsored themselves to the Azerbaijan championship, when it dawned on them that the fund was not coming from the sports ministry.

Tribunesport also gathered that Nigeria women boxers who were sponsored by the Nigerian Army to the Olympics qualifying championship in Kazakhstan last month were disqualified for late arrival.

All the women boxers had earlier failed to secure the Rio 2016 tickets in Cameroon.

Reigning All Africa Games middleweight champion, Edith Agu-Ogoke was sent packing in the quarter-final as well as the lightweight African champion, Kehinde Obareh, while Brazzaville 2015 silver medallist, Caroline Linus got to the final in Cameroon before she lost to Moroccan Zohra Ez-Zahraoui in the flyweight class.

Nigeria national boxing team coach, Tony Konyegwachie, had attributed the seemingly unimpressive performance of his boxers at Cameroon 2016 to poor officiating.

This will be the first time Nigeria will present only one boxer at the Olympics.

Nigeria, it will be recalled, was represented by two male boxers and one female, Edith Agu-Ogoke at the London 2012 Olympics.

SIDELINES

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Friday, 24 JUNE, 2016

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Swedish footballer, Adam Ljungkvist, who farted during a match was issued a red card over what the referee described as unsportsmanlike behaviour. Ljungkvist in his defence said he had a bad stomach and he had to release the gas. If one may ask, did the referee in exercising his power introduce ‘contempt of field’ or had a score to settle with the player who he had earlier issued a yellow card?

Vardy shuns Arsenal, renews Leicester stay

Rio Olympics:

I’m not sure of Mikel —Siasia

Jamie Vardy gave a huge boost to champions, Leicester on Thursday by rejecting an offer from Arsenal to sign a new contract.

The 29-year-old striker -- on duty with England at the ongoing Euro 2016 finals -- agreed to an improved four year contract offer from ‘The Foxes’ and spurning Arsenal’s advances after they activated a £20million ($30m, 25.5m euros) release clause.

“Leicester City have today (Thursday) agreed with the representatives of Jamie Vardy to extend the England international’s contract with the Premier League champions for a further four years.

“Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie’s future and confirm his long term commitment to Leicester City Football Club,” read a curt statement from the club, who added neither party would be making any further comment the matter till after o n England’s Euro 2016 campaign was over.

England will face Iceland in a last 16 match next Monday.

Vardy, who had only signed a new contract with Leicester in February this year, scored 24 league goals as Leicester, 5,000/1 rank outsiders, were crowned champions of England last season, finishing 10 points in front of secondplaced Arsenal, one of the Premier League’s established powers.

As Watford declines to release Ighalo

C

oach Samson Siasia has admitted he is not certain whether Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi will be part of his team to the Rio Olympics, just as Premier League club, Watford has refused to release Odion Ighalo for the tournament.

Both players have been lined up as overage players for the summer games.

However, Siasia has disclosed he is no longer certain of Mikel’s inclusion in the team to the Rio 2016 as he is yet to receive Chelsea’s nod on the release of the player, while the Hornets have said Ighalo will not be released.

“I’m not sure of Mikel because Chelsea have not got back to us on his availability, while Watford said they won’t release Ighalo. It’s a big disappointment,” declared the former Super Eagles coach, who coached Nigeria to win the silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Already, Manchester City starlet, Kelechi Iheanacho has also opted to stay put at his club rather than be in Brazil for the Olympics.

Siasia expressed confidence that the likes of Umar Aminu (Turkey), Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon (Belgium), Kenneth Omeruo (England) and Shehu Abdullahi (Portugal) will be available for the competition reserved for U-23 players with three overage players also allowed.

Mikel

2018 W–Cup qualifiers: Nothing to fear about Eagles

—Dussuyer

African champions, Cote d’Ivoire will want to avoid Morocco and DR Congo in the qualifying tournament for the 2018 World Cup and not even Nigeria, according to coach Michel Dussuyer.

The draw for the qualifying series for Russia 2018 will be staged in Cairo, Egypt, today and former Guinea and Benin coach, Dussuyer admitted Morocco and DRC will be the two teams he would rather not be drawn against with no mention of West African foes Nigeria, who eliminated the Elephants to qualify for their first-ever World Cup in 1994.

“I would like to avoid Congo DR and Morocco, in particular, as they are currently playing really well,”

Dussuyer told FIFA.com.

But he equally praised the resurgence of Senegal under former star, Aliou Cisse.

“They have been in good form for several months. Aliou Cisse has applied his ideas, and the results proved that he is on track,” he remarked.

“Also on track is Congo DR, which has a really good team. The other team I think will be strong is Morocco, as they have excellent players and a coach, Herve Renard, who knows Africa very well.”

He said he would rather wish to face the likes of Cape Verde, South Africa and Libya.

“Personally, I’d like to meet teams that I have not had the op-

portunity to face such as Cape Verde, South Africa and Libya.

But no matches will be easy,” he said.

“We are African champions and are a top seed, so automatically we are one of the favourites, and that is normal.”

Vardy

What will make Nigeria to qualify —Yusuf Nigeria caretaker coach, Salisu Yusuf has said the Super Eagles players must have the self-belief to qualify for a third straight World Cup even though they will not be one of the top seeds at today’s draw for the qualifying tournament.

In March, three-time African champions Nigeria failed to qualify for a second straight Africa Cup of Nations and now face a daunting task to reach Russia

2018 after they were seeded in Pot 2 and will now draw the likes of Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal or Tunisia from Pot 1.

“We may not be one of the top seeds for the qualifiers, but that does not mean we are not good enough to qualify for the World Cup,” Yusuf told AfricanFootball.com.

“We cannot afford to dwell on not qualifying for next year’s Nations Cup because that is now history

and football is about now, about seizing the moment.

“Our recent matches beginning with the Nations Cup qualifiers against Egypt have proved we have the quality and a bright future, which we only have to build on.

“It now means we have to beat one of the top seeds to be in Russia and to do that we must have the right mentality and believe in ourselves and the team that we can do that.”

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. 24/6/2016.