29th October 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 16,359

thursday, 29 OCTOBER, 2015

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Nigeria will go after looters vigorously —Buhari —P14

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Bailout fund: Govs move against ICPC probe —P10

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Sanusi's call for naira devaluation reckless —NLC —P11

Senate queries proposed N64bn contract for Abuja airport runway •Reps to probe N400bn airport remodelling contracts over poor rating

Ife agog as Ooni Ogunwusi makes grand entry

•Obj, Lagos chiefs in his entourage —P2,3 •Over 100 cars in his convoy •I am fulfilled —Prof Aderibigbe, Giesi family head

People welcoming Ooni Ogunwusi who rode in a Bentley to the house of the family head, Professor Adeyemi Aderibigbe, in Ibadan, en route Ile-Ife, on Wednesday morning.

Ooni Ogunwusi, acknowledging cheers in Ile-Ife.

—P14, 40

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

news Ife agog as Ooni Ogunwusi makes grand entry

•Obj, Lagos chiefs in his entourage

Kehinde Oyetimi, Oluwole Ige, Tunde Ogunesan and Bola Badmus

t was one long stretch of grandeur. The landscape was a snaky sweep of class. Lagos, known for its panache and impatience, was the take-off point for Prince Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the new Oonirisa of Ile-Ife, as he took the royal route to the abode of his kingly forbears— Ife. But such kingly elevation and splendid status would not have him drive alone. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, ill-famed for its overwhelming burden on road users, became an enchanting appeal as Prince Ogunwusi, in a stately convoy animated the highway. The over 100 vehicles that peopled his convoy glamorously authenticated the magnificence of the new Ooni. The weeks of speculations, hearsay and rumour finally gave birth to a validation of the succession to the throne of the Oonirisa of Ife. Before the new Ooni made his entry into Ife, the Ife-Ilesa interchange junction was in frightening frenzy as a teeming crowd waited in excited anticipation for the new leader of the Yoruba race. It was a bubbly collage of humanity. The educated shook hands with the not-too-enlightened; market folks laughed gleefully with passersby; indigenes conversed without restrictions with visitors. Palace chiefs were present in their regality of prominence; students mixed freely.

I am fulfilled— Head, Giesi ruling house However, the new Ooni made a quick stop in Ibadan at the home of the head of Giesi ruling house in Ile-Ife, Professor Adeyemi Adeoye Aderibigbe. The ruling house had produced the new Ooni. Alighting from his black Bentley, Ogunwusi recognized cheers of the crowd that waited outside. Prince Aderibigbe, who vied for the stool in 1980, stated that he felt honoured that his ruling house had produced the new monarch. While speaking with Nigerian Tribune yesterday at his road D9, Tinubu Layout, Monatan, Ibadan residence, he expressed joy at the thought of the prominence which the new appointment had conferred on his lineage. According to him, “My principal concern was that the stool would return to my ruling house and it has returned. I am fulfilled. I did not allow the negative utterances of others to affect my faith in God. The kingmakers have chosen wisely and I am proud of the choice made for us. I am very confident that God in his grace will direct the new king. “You will now be proud that you have an Ooni who is hospitable, the head of the Yoruba race. Politics aside, we all came from Ife. The title means the land owner. You will see the difference.” Immediately, he held a brief meeting with some family members and got back into his waiting car around 11:12am, with a long con-

Head of Giesi ruling house, Professor Adeyemi Adeoye Aderibigbe greeting friends and family members.

The new Ooni, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi. PHOTOS BY: TOMMY ADEGBITE AND YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Members of the Giesi ruling house. voy of about 100 cars to Ile-Ife, Osun State. After the meeting with family members, the new king made straight for Ife at exactly 11:12 a.m. In his convoy were Lagos chiefs which included the Alahun of Imore and Apapa, friends, family members, associates, among others. Ife agog as Ogunwusi makes entry In front of the Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, the crowd’s patience was as legendary as Job’s. They had started converging as early as 10 a.m. As the crowd grew so did the security apparatus. The jubilation became electrifying when the convoy arrived the Ife toll gate. Donning a white lace with purple cap to match, Ooni

Merry-makers at the reception of the new monarch.

Ogunwusi, who acknowledged cheers from the crowd was led to his father, Pa Ropo Ogunwusi by the head of Giesi ruling House, Professor Aderibigbe. His father subsequently handed him over to the palace chiefs, who held a brief discussion with him before he (Ogunwusi) boarded his car as he joined the procession to the palace of Obalufe, where some traditional rites were performed. The entourage of Ogunwusi had former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Otunba Wole Fasawe, Honourable Ojuolape Olagbaju, Chief Lekan Ijiyode, among other dignitaries. As at the time of filing this report, Obasanjo was at Agbedegbede compound of Giesi ruling house, waiting to witness the installation of Ogunwusi as the Sooko of Giesi ruling house as part of the conditions to be fulfilled before his coronation as the Ooni of Ife. Speaking during a chat with journalists, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kola Sodipo said his men were ready to ensure security of lives and property. “We have been securing this town since last week to ensure the safety of lives and properties. “We do not envisage any security threat. There is peace in the town.” In his remarks, the Seriki Hausawa

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

The Bentley in which Ogunwusi was driven. of Ife, Alhaji Mammudah Abubakar Madagali said “Our prayer has been answered in Ile-Ife. Ife people love foreigners. The new monarch should accommodate everybody so that the peaceful coexistence we have can continue.” Similarly, the Eze Ndigbo of the Source, Eze Ezekiel Onyejekwu, called on all Ife indigenes and other tribes, residing in the town, to support the new monarch, just as he promised the cooperation of his ethnic community. His appointment is divine— Gani Adams National coordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has congratulated the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, describing his appointment as divine. He said this on Wednesday in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos. The OPC leader, while congratulating the new Ooni, said he ascended the throne of Oduduwa at the time apportioned by the ancestral founders of Yoruba race when his aura would not only rub off on the ancient city of Ife, the Yoruba race in particular and the Yoruba people in Diaspora but would

His family house

Nigerian Tribune

The convoy that brought the Ooni into Ife. shine to all corners of the world where Yoruba culture flourishes and blossoms. “It gladdens the hearts and pleases the owners of the four walls of the earth that the Ife kingmakers have done it the way it should be done,” he said. He urged the new Oonirisa not only to build and sustain the traditional structures and network which his forefathers had built and opened but to embark on cultural irredentism of the Yoruba values and pristine heritage which he said was under heavy threat of foreign influences. He commended the people of Ife for the popular acceptance of the appointment of the Ooni. He charged the Yoruba race to be happy and joyful. Ekiti Assembly congratulates new Ooni THE Ekiti State House of Assembly has congratulated the new Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on his selection to succeed the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade. Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Kola Oluwawole, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, noted that the as-

The kingmakers cension of Ogunwusi to his forefathers’ throne was purely an act of God. “We of the Ekiti State House of Assembly share in the joy the selection of Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as the next Ooni of Ife has elicited. We are of utmost conviction that it is only God Almighty that appoints anyone into a position. “On the strength of that belief, we accept that his selection is purely divine. This is why we congratulate the new monarch, the people of the source, Ile-Ife and the entire Yoruba race on the ascension of the new monarch to the throne,” he said. The Speaker added that the entire House prayed for the reign of the new monarch to usher in development in Ile-Ife town and the entire Yoruba land. Fasehun pledges OPC’s support for Ogunwusi Leader of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, on Wednesday, sent a congratulatory message to the Giesi Ruling House and the peo-

ple of Ile-Ife on the emergence of Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as the Ooni. Fasehun, who holds the chieftaincy title of Ataalase Oodua in Ile-Ife, promised that the OPC would stand solidly behind the 51st Ooni, and assured him of his and the organisation’s unflinching support. In an electronic mail to Nigerian Tribune, Fasehun said the rancour-free emergence of the monarch, from the many eligible aspirants, showed that the Yoruba were a great people who cherished their cultural heritage. “Ten successor kings would usher in 10 different eras, but Ooni Ogunwusi must bring himself to build on the solid foundation of peace, dignity and development that his predecessors have laid for Oodua sons and daughters within Nigeria and in the Diaspora,” he said. He also urged him to forge a united front with other Yoruba monarchs in order to protect Yoruba interests within the Nigeria project. “Ooni Ogunwusi is taking the throne at a challenging period in

Nigeria’s socio-economic life, and he must lend his voice and his experience as a humane philanthropist and a successful entrepreneur to pushing for the development of Nigeria and the welfare of our people,” Fasehun said Ogunwusi: former FERMA boss calls for unity The immediate past chairman of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engineer Olajide Adeniji on Wednesday congratulated the new Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. In a congratulatory message signed by him, Adeniji noted that “the role of traditional rulers in nation-building cannot be over-emphasized. Of course, our traditional rulers should use their good offices to minimise the use of religion and politics as instruments of violence. “I therefore humbly urge your imperial majesty to please see your appointment as a call to service and for the uplifting of humanity. Build a solid super structure on a super foundation laid by your predecessors, Oba Adesoji Aderemi and Oba Okunade Sijuwade.”

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: D’TOYIN

9 1. Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran (third right), Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (second left), Chief Ayo Adebanjo (right), Chief B.S. Rone, The Bazuaye of Warri (middle), Chief E. Tetsola, The Oluebajaje of Warri and Chief Brown Nene, the Ogwa Olusan of Warri, at Awolowo’s residence, Ikenne Remo. 2. Members of Band of Faith, Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 3. Clerics of Archdeaconry Remo with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 4. President, Odu’a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Remi Okunrounboye, presenting condolence letter to Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu.

5. Executive Members of Odu’a Chamber of Commerce and Industry with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 6. Mrs Alao Olatundun, Fundraising Adviser of Nigeria Red Cross Society, Ogun State, decorating Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 7. From right, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Professor G. Adesiyan Olawoyin and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 8. Engineer Rotimi Morgan signing the condolence register. 9. Clerics of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Remo Area, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 10. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran (second right), Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (second left), Pastor Zaccheus O. Odubose of The Apostolic Church Remo Area (right) and Pastor Samson Famadewa.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

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Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Nigeria ranks highest in accident incidences amongst 193 countries Kola Oyelere - Kano

ANO State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has described as pathetic, the static available data that the country was, in the recent time, ranked highest in the rate of accidents among 193 countries in the world. This was just as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, disclosed that next year April was the deadline to effect speed limit device, saying the device was for the overall benefit to the motorists This report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) further adjudged Nigeria as the country with the most unsafe roads in Africa, adding that the report added that one in every four road accident deaths in Africa occured in Nigeria. Making the observation on Wednesday, at the FRSC 2015 Rally /ember months campaign flag-off in Kano, Ganduje noted that this was no doubt an obnoxious trend, even though the FRSC had discarded the report as untrue. So, let us not fold our arms to let loses of lives continue unabated, all hands must be on deck to curtail the unwholesome development, road users, especially commercial motorists should desist from

reckless driving and avoid driving having drunk.

Speaking on the occasion, Corps Marshal, Oyey-

emi, said they were highly impressed to organise the

rally in Kano, as according to him, it became neces-

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (arrowed), with well-wishers, at Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, on Wednesday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

You’ll fail again if you appeal, Ajimobi tells Ladoja OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Wednesday, said no amount of intrigues, blackmail and manipulations by the Accord Party and its governorship candidate in the last general election, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, can unseat him as governor. He stated this while addressing hundreds of artisans, traders, market men and women, as well as re-

ligious bodies leaders, who thronged the Governor’s Office to congratulate him on his victory at the election petitions tribunal on Tuesday. The group comprised over 25 professional associations, including the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Employees, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), National Automobile Technicians Asso-

ciation (NATA), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Igede Development Association and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), among others. In apparent reference to Ladoja’s decision to appeal the tribunal’s judgment, the governor said his mandate was of God and no amount of blackmail could change

the will of God and the mandate freely given by the people of the state. Ajimobi said: “When I heard that my egbon, Senator Ladoja, said he was not satisfied with the tribunal judgment and vowed to head for the Court of Appeal, I said he (Ladoja) should go to wherever he wants to go. “But I want to assure you all and the good people of

Atanda’s petition for lack of proof. However, the election of member, representing Orelope constituency, Honourable Gideon Aremu’s on the platform of the Labour Party was upheld. Justice Taiwo struck out the petition of Yisau Adesope Azeez of the APC against Honourable Aremu’s election for lack of merit. Also, the election of Hon-

ourable Akinmoyede Olafioye, Lagelu constituency, on APC platform was upheld. The court dismissed the petition of Mr Amos Oladejo of the Accord Party for lack of merit. In another ruling, Justice Tanko Yusuf Usman also ruled in favour of member representing Akinyele II constituency, on the platform of APC, Honourable Bolaji Badmus.

Tribunal annuls election of Oyo LP lawmaker By Moses Alao and Wale Akinselure THE election petition tribunal sitting in Ibadan has annulled the election of member representing Atiba Constituency, in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Gbenga Oyekola of the Labour Party. The tribunal, in a unanimous judgment read by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, declared that Oyekola was not duly elected after cancelling the results of election in some polling units in Ward 8, 9 and 10 of the constituency, a development that left the APC’s candidate with 9,485 votes as against the LP candidate’s 9,416 votes. Justice Ahmed Mohammed, ruling in a petition filed by Mr Ganiyu Waliu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), outrightly cancelled the election of Gbenga Oyekola, noting that the

sary to educate members of the public on the need to be extra careful during the ember months. Oyeyemi, however, disclosed that the FRSC would establish mini plant for the production of number plates for motorcycles and tricycles. He further disclosed that the FRSC would also establish more driving licence centres to enable teeming masses obtain it easily. Oyeyemi then commended the state government for installing streetlights, noting that they had made the state safer at night, because it had made life unbearable for men of underworld to operate at night. Speaking in the same vein, Kano State sector commander, FRSC, A. J. Umar, said the theme of the mega rally is “towards an enduring SAFE culture.”

court discovered that April 11 election in the constituency was conducted in non-compliance to stipulations of the electoral act and was fraught with corrupt practices. Waliu, the immediate past member representing the constituency, had contested election in seven units out of 108 units in the constituency, alleging irregularities and electoral malpractices. Justice Taiwo, consequently declared Ganiyu Waliu winner of the election. Reacting, lead counsel for the first respondent, Joshua Olaniyan, had said Oyekola was set to appeal the judgment. He expressed disbelief in the court’s judgment, noting that Oyekola would file for stay of execution. However, the election of Minority Leader of the House, Honourable Joshua Olagunju Ojo of the Labour Party (LP), challenged by

Mr Kehinde Atanda of the APC was upheld. Olagunju, member representing Oriire constituency, polled 7,978 votes, while Atanda had 7,159 votes. The petitioner, Kehinde Atanda, had alleged that the election was marred by mass rigging and other electoral irregularities. Justice Tanko Yusuf, having considered their arguments struck out the

My victory at the tribunal, affirmation of people’s will —Gov Lalong Isaac Shobayo - Jos GOVERNOR Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, said his victory and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the governorship election petition tribunal was an affirmation of the triumph of the people’s will and collective resolve, which was

democratically demonstrated on April 11. The governor, in a press statement signed by his director, Press Affairs, Emmanuel Nanle, dedicated the victory to the entire people of Plateau State, who after enduring eight years of unprecedented civilian dictatorship, yearned and prayed

for change and massively voted for the desired change, which had now come to stay. The state governor extended an olive branch to all his political opponents and urged them to come and join hands with the Governor’s Rescue Team in its divine mission to salvage Plateau State.

Oyo State that thousands of Accord Party and its candidate, Senator Ladoja, cannot unseat me. This mandate is of God and given to me by the good people of this state. “We must all work together to develop Oyo State. We must never allow enemies of this state to thrive again. We give glory to God that he has taken care of all the troublers of our state. So, what should be our concern now is how to ensure that this state is taken to greater height.’’ While thanking the people of the state for their unflinching support for his administration, especially before, during and after he succeeded in breaking the second term jinx, he promised to spare no effort to ensure all-round development of the state. Governor Ajimobi pledged that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that would promote the well-being of artisans, traders and all professional associations as a deliberate step to boost small and medium scale businesses. Deputy state chairman of NATA, Alhaji Rahman Oyediran and Alhaja Motilade Adedeji, president of Pepper Sellers Association, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked God for the victory and pledged their unalloyed support for the Ajimobi-led administration.

Nigerian Tribune

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Lagosmetro

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Workers protest as fire razes factory Chima Nwokoji

mployees of Jichu Industries Limited located within Kessingsheen Plaza, NNPC BusStop, Iyana-Ejigbo Road, Ikotun are angry with management of the company for refusing to open the gate of the burning factory.

Alleged cultists arrested at birthday party

The employees numbering about 50 wanted management to open the factory and make effort to save some remaining materials including their abandoned personal effects from burning. Firemen from a nearby NNPC fire station disclosed to Lagos Metro that they had alerted other fire service stations in Lagos as the inferno seemed to have defied

their efforts made to quench it. Lagos Metro learnt that employees of the company were asked to wait outside the gate as men of the fire service continued to battle the fire that reportedly started at about 4pm on Tuesday. Officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire Service, members

of the Nigeria Police, Ejigbo Station and Civil Defence Corps on Wednesday had hectic time trying to curtail the fire in order to prevent it from spreading to other warehouses within the complex. Speaking, LASEMA’s General Manager, Mr Michael Akindele said no life was lost but added that the fire was caused by the careless attitude of a staff of the

company. According to him: “The cause of inferno is carelessness of one of the factory workers when trying to refuel the generator to supply power for production. Operations are ongoing. No life lost and no casualty was recorded.” Meanwhile, the management of the company was said to be consulting with the police (who just arrived

4 in prison over attempt to defraud Dangote Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Five suspected cult members were on Wednesday arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court. The suspects, Adeniyi Folami, 23, Kehinde Oshodi, 22, Ololade Ayodele, 37, Lekan Oseni, 38 and 35-year-old Olalekan Ajiloore. They were arrested at Shomolu area and the police alleged that the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in organizing and managing a secret cult called Eiye Fraternity. It was further gathered that the suspects were arrested after a tip-off that they were planning to cause mayhem in Lagos. They allegedly gathered in Shomolu under the disguise of celebrating a birthday party, and before they could swing into action, the police moved in and rounded them up. Five of the suspects were arrested while others escaped and are now at large. The suspects are facing a three-count charge of felony, belonging to and managing an unlawful society called Eiye Fraternity in Lagos. They pleaded not guilty. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs F. A. O. Boloku granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. They were remanded in prison custody pending when they will perfect their bail condition. The matter was adjourned till November 11, 2015.

the company) to know the next line of action, while residents of the area were afraid that if not quenched early enough, the fire might extend to their premises.

Thick smoke coming from a fire outbreak at the factory, on Tuesday evening. PHOTO: NAN

Boko Haram: Ambode orders screening at Alausa mosque, church Bola Badmus Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has tasked the Christian and Muslim adherents in the employ of the state government, within the Government Secretariat, on need for continued peaceful coexistence, even as he enjoined them to ensure that they take the issue of security in places of worship around Alausa as topmost priority in the face of insurgency ravaging the country. In particular, Governor Ambode urged the Governing Council of Christ the Light Chapel headed by Mr. Michael Ola Dawodu and the Muslim group led by its General Secretary, Mr. O. T. Bakare, to ensure that they use metal detectors henceforth to screen worshippers coming in to worship at the

church and Central Mosque located within the precinct of the Alausa secretariat. The governor also charged them to ensure that they employ more security personnel, saying that it had been discovered that Boko Haram insurgents always looked for soft targets. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdul-Lateef delivered Governor Ambode’s message when he met the Christian and Muslim groups in turn in his office. It will be recalled that the Directorate of State Security

(DSS) last week announced the arrest of 45 suspected members of the dreaded sect in locations in Lagos. The commissioner also re-

ceived in audience the delegation of African Traditional Religious Practitioners led by its president, Chief Ifasegun Elegusi.

Four men accused of trying to defraud Dangote Cement owned by business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, were on Wednesday remanded in prison. The men were accused of trying to defraud the cement company of N16million with forged signatures and fund transfer documents. The police identified the accused persons as Winifred Ilodiba, 54, Onyeka Onwugamba Gabriel, 39, Emmanuel Madubuike, 40 and Nonso Oguadili Achuonu, 33. It was gathered that luck ran out for the suspected fraudsters when they submitted the forged fund transfer document bearing Willycil Ventures Limited and signatures purported to have originated from Dangote Cement Company to the officer at First City Monument Bank Plc to attempt to steal the sum of N16million from the account of Dangote Cement Company domiciled in the bank.

...Assembly seeks stakeholders’ parley Chukwuma Okparaocha Worried by the rising spate of insecurity in the state, some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have advised the state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, to convene a stakeholders’ meeting where the problem will be addressed. The call was also necessi-

tated by residents of the state who have continued to raise the alarm over the increase in criminal activities around major areas of the state including frequent traffic gridlocks. In his opinion, Saka Fafunmi from Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency 1, noted that the rising rate of crime in the state was part of the problem of a

mega city. He also accused officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) of trying to sabotage the effort of the government to create a conducive atmosphere for motorists in the state because such officials might not have been comfortable with the governor’s recent review of their activities.

Heavy shooting as policemen, okada riders clash in Lagos There was heavy shooting around Oke Afa area of Lagos State, on Wednesday as commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada riders, engaged policemen in

a supremacy battle. The clash, which was still on as of press time on Wednesday, followed the resistance of arrest by the okada riders who were plying roads from

which they had been banned by the state government. It was learnt that a patrol van of the police had been burnt down by the okada riders said to be largely Hausa.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, The Eagle Online was told, had ordered for reinforcement for the team that came under attack.

news Bailout fund: Govs move against ICPC probe

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

to ask government officials direct questions for clarification when necessary. Nigerian Tribune was however informed by field officers of the commission how uncooperative state

No coordinating minister for economy in Buhari’s cabinet —Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) exchanging pleasantries with the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonathan Richardson, who visited the vice president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Lanre Adewole - Lagos

fforts of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), aimed at monitoring the use of bailout fund are reportedly being frustrated by many state governments which got the loans. The commission decided on state-by-state monitoring following widespread outcry of alleged mismanagement of the said fund which was mainly given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stem the salary crisis in many financiallycrippled states. The commission had sent memo last month to its operatives in the affected 27 states, directing them to discreetly monitor the disbursement of the fund and try to establish if it was used for the purpose for which it was given. The operatives were also

VICE President Yemi Osinbajo has clarified that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will not appoint a Coordinating Minister of the Economy; a practice introduced in the last administration. Osinbajo made the clarification while receiving the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonathan Richardson, in his office. It will be recalled that during the National Economic Summit in Abuja, few weeks ago, the Vice President was asked during a Presidential Dialogue why the president was absent at the summit. In his response, the vice president explained that the president wished to be present, but due to pressing national engagements he couldn’t attend. He apologised and then noted that as vice president it is part of his role to supervise the economy. Osinbajo also expressed the willingness of the Federal Government to deepen the existing bilateral relations especially in the area of economic cooperation with the Government of Australia, in mining, agriculture, shipping and transport sectors as well as in the area of infrastructure development. The High Commissioner of Australia to Nigeria, Mr Jonathan Richardson, noted that his country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria had grown over the years.

governments have been since the probe began. Senior officials of state governments who are responsible for fund disbursement are said to be evading any form of offi-

cial contact with the operatives, either in writing or in person, despite being duly communicated. Official correspondences from commission’s personnel in such states are report-

edly being shunned by concerned government officials. The senior officials are reportedly acting under “order from above”, euphemism for governors’ directive. In two Southern states, all efforts at getting to see the books of the government were said to have been frustrated by the senior officials. Similar brick-wall was reportedly being met in almost all the Northern states that took the bailout. In one of the Southern states, the request by the commission operatives to seek clarification with the Accountant-General, was said to have been spurned at the last minute, despite the initial positive disposition to cooperate. The governor of the said state was alleged to have stopped the AG from opening the state’s account books to the anti-graft agency at the last minute. The AG subsequently wrote back to the commission, asking that the demand should be re-routed through the office of the Secretary to the State Government which according to him, was the proper and fit quarter to handle the issue of disbursement of state fund.

Akwa Ibom ex-gov, Attah, quits partisan politics By Tunde Busari

The first civilian governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Victor Attah, has announced his intention to quit partisan politics at his 77th birthday coming up in November. Attah stated this at a press conference held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. He explained that, having served the state meritoriously with landmark achievements that formed the template for his successor, he was set to assume the status of an elder statesman, with a view to offering services devoid of political interest. Attah noted that some emi-

nent politicians of his age bracket had since left the mainstream and still serving the country without carrying cards of political party. “Besides, I had always insisted that I was a committed professional in politics and not a professional or career politician. “So I can formally state that I have quit partisan politics to play the role of an elder statesman and to continue to serve this country with love, strength and faith with integrity, to the best of my ability,” he said Recalling his last moment as a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

Attah said the party had derailed from its original value, which made it a favourite of true democrats in the country. He said at a stage, he was forced to make some public statements to show his difference to the diminishing

Ex-militants protest alleged neglect by FG Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt

FORMER militants from the Niger Delta zone, on Wednesday, stormed the corporate headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in protest over alleged neglect by the Federal Govern-

UCH to begin bone marrow transplant By Sade Oguntola

SUCCOUR is on the way of Nigerians with sickle cell disease as the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan embarks on bone marrow transplantation, a cure for sickle cell disease. The hospital, which is going into partnership with the University of Illinois, to provide cure for sickle cell disease, said the novel treatment it was adopting will also ensure that all age groups, can be cured of sickle cell disease. UCH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Temitope Alonge, speaking at a press

conference to announce the commencement of bone marrow transplant to provide succour for individuals with sickle cell, on Wednesday, said this became imperative because of the huge number of Nigerians with the disease. Alonge, who remarked that there was no family in Nigeria that is not directly or indirectly affected by sickle cell disease, said the hospital had also commenced the construction of a sickle cell centre and solicited for philanthropic support for its equipping and completion. Professor Damiano Rondel-

state of the party, an action, he said, earned him attack and accusation of engaging in anti-party activities. The tragedy for the PDP, he maintained, was to blame its failure on his utterances rather than its refusal to heed the warnings therein.

li, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplant Programme, University of Illinois, declared that this novel technique of using stem cell transplantation developed at the University of Illinois was to be adopted, adding that this new technique ensures that adults with sickle cell disease can also be cured. Although bone marrow stem cell transplantation had been discovered for over 30 years as a cure for sickle cell, Rondelli said, before now, it was only applicable then in children, who tend to have lesser organ damage from sickle cell disease.

ment since the amnesty programme started in 2009. The protesters, under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Youth, also complained of not feeling the impact of NDDC, declaring that the body was not living up to expectations. With various placards, the peaceful protesters, however, could not have audience with the NDDC management, as they were stopped by soldiers who had been deployed at the headquarters of the commission. One of the protesters, Suboh Jacob, said since he embraced peace and started spreading it across the Niger Delta region, he had nothing to show for it, adding that his efforts to get the attention of NDDC and the government had not come to fruition. While appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on their behalf, he said youths were dying of poverty and neglect, despite the abundant wealth in the region.

Stop patronising foreign experts, NSE urges govts By Nurudeen Alimi

FOR Nigeria to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the standard of living of the citizenry, government at all levels must stop patronising foreign experts and opt for local ones. Speaking at the 21st Lawrence Arokodare Memorial Lecture, themed “Commitment of engineering into the hands of stakeholders: A catalyst for national development and improved living standards”, Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan branch, Mr Bola Olowe, condemned previous administrations in the country who are guilty of engaging foreign firms at the expense of the indigenous professionals. Olowe, while calling on government and other stakeholders to patronise local engineers so that the nation can leapfrog into the league of developed nations said this was imperative to reduce capital flight. Olowe posited that government must make deliberate decisions to ensure that indigenous engineers are patronised.

Navy hands over 5 impounded oil vessels to NSCDC Chris Agbambu - Abuja

THE impounded five vessels used for illegal oil bunkering and recently confiscated by the Nigerian Navy have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for necessary legal action. Commandant General of the corps, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, confirmed this when he received the Commander Naval Unit, Commodore Ngolmo Poyilma Aliyu, in his office at the Corps National Headquarters, Abuja. The NSCDC boss acknowledged the existing collaborations and synergy between the corps and the Nigerian Navy, especially in the fight against illegal bunkering, oil theft and vandalism. Abdullahi Gana said that the corps which is in charge of the registration, regulation, monitoring of the private guards industry, is working towards ensuring that criminal elements are not recruited as private guards. He further disclosed his determination to transform the private guard industry to an enviable position that could attract qualified and able Nigerians into the profession.

businessnews

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Sanusi’s call for devaluation of naira reckless —NLC, TUC Chima Nwokoji and Laolu Harolds

he Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday, asked Nigerians to ignore the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi’s call for devaluation of Nigerian currency and removal of fuel subsidy. A statement by the NLC’s president, Ayuba Wabba, said the emir should have spoken for the poor as traditional institutions “must not be turned to outposts of neoliberal institutions such as the IMF.” Also in a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama; and Secretary-General, Comrade Musa Lawal, TUC noted: “It is painful that at a time the impoverished masses of the country are grappling with myriad of daunting challenges ranging from high cost of living, outrageous electricity bills, and high rate of unemployment, a privileged few are supporting and proposing naira devaluation. The former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and now Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was

widely reported by some newspapers to have openly canvassed the devaluation of the national currency as well as total removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the Federal Government. “We believe the emir was expressing his private opinion and not speaking for the traditional institution or his emirate, where industries have totally collapsed, leaving the emirate with one of the highest population of victims of anti-people policies powered by neo liberal interests. “The eminence of his position as an emir should not be rubbished with constant proclamations or campaigns for policies that has proven over the years as not only damaging to our national economy but targeted against majority

of our people who flounder in abject poverty,” the congress stated. The statement further reads: “As an import driven country, the effect of devaluing our national currency is more on the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians who bear the brunt of high cost of goods and services given the fact that the exchange rate of the Naira to the dollar has gone record high from N154 to a dollar to over N225 to one dollar. “Indeed, the purchasing abilities of both industries and individuals have incredibly dwindled and this may affect jobs in the long run. “The statement clearly speaks only for international finance capitalists

who are the direct beneficiaries of the pains of the poor in countries that have been unleashed with policies rammed down the throats of visionless and unpatriotic leaders blinded by the overbearing strengths and blackmails of the Breton Woods institutions.” According to NLC, these institutions have added no value to the national economy as they have used previous Nigerian governments to decimate the lives of the people as they sent the national economy to its low performing level. It noted that in several countries, including Europe, citizens have reacted against the pains of these policies through mass protests while in some other countries

these anti-people policies ignited changes in government. “We strongly advise the Federal Government to ignore in its entirety, the reckless anti-people outbursts of Emir Sanusi who we must also advise should concentrate all his energy on policies and programmes that can reduce or eliminate poverty in his emirate by generating efforts to reindustrialise Kano. “The issue of subsidy removal has been subject of public discourse for more than two decades and our position has not changed. We are not only opposed to it, we have provided written details of how the petroleum industry can be managed to the benefit of our collective interests.”

VConnect to empower over 1m businesses with new homepage Akin Adewakun-lagos

VConnect, online marketplace with over 1 million businesses, has taken another leap forward in empowering SMEs in Nigeria, with the launch of a new home page. With the launch of a new home page, the company says it has established firm ground in the online business world, in tune with its new promise to its customers, merchants and buyers. Commenting on the launch of the new homepage, General Manager VConnect, Mr Deepankar Rustagi, noted that the homepage will enable merchants’ stores and products receive a whole lot more visibility on the platform. “And there are a lot more changes than just the home page, each merchant’s webpage and URL can now be fully customized according to their preferences. There’s even a whole lot more for users,’ he says. According to him, the new homepage showcases an array of products, the newly arrived and the trending categories, while also enabling users to easily navigate to the products they need. “The search experience has also been improved in terms of speed and relevance of results.”

Nigerian Tribune

‘FG multiple entry points policy, bane of local airlines’ Shola Adekola-Lagos

Managing Director of Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, has attributed the early collapse of many domestic airlines in the country to the multiple entry points granted to foreign airlines. Muneer, while calling on the Federal Government to review its multiple entry policy, suggested that henceforth, foreign airline seeking multiple entry points must partner with a local airline before permission is granted. The airline chief, who was speaking with some journalists, insisted that the multiple entries policies of the government were skewed against the local carriers. He decried that some of the foreign carriers land and take off in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano and airlift passengers ought to be carried by the local carriers, warning that this contributed to early collapse of local carriers. “Unfavourable government policies as local airlines are not favoured by the granting of foreign airlines multiple entry ports into the country. One airline lands at Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano for example.

From left, member, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr Mekwunye Sunny; Vice President of the association, Mr John Isesele and President, Boniface Okezie, during a press briefing on the recent pronouncement by Financial Reporting Council (FRC) on Stanbic IBTC Bank Managing Director and Chairman, in Lagos, in on Wednesday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Equity market dips by 0.60%

Shareholders raise the alarm over threats to investments in Stanbic IBTC

Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

Chima Nwokoji-lagos

Shareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, under the auspices of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), have declared support for the Board of

Directors and Management of the company in the ongoing face off with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and want prevention of threats to their investments. The shareholders want President Mohammadu

Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the situation to save the investments of Nigerians whose shares in the company have already recorded unwarranted losses over the last two days.

Digital TV switchover’ll yield funds, jobs —NBC From Bode Adewumi And Akin Adewakun

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has said that the planned switchover from analogue to digital television will add N320 billion yearly to the economy, creating over 55,000 direct and indirect jobs. Digital TV broadcasting offers many advantages over analogue systems for end-users, operators and regulators. Apart from increasing the number of programmes, it allows for interactive TV, electronic programme guides and mobile TV as well as transmit image and sound in high-definition (HDTV) and ultra-high definition

(UHDTV). The migration from analogue to digital switchover (DSO) with the target of 2017, also got a boos recently with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Media Concepts International (MCI) and South Korean firm, KAON for the establishment of N197 billion ($1bn) Set Top Box (STB) manufacturing plant in Lagos. MCI is one of the 13 indigenous companies licenced by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)) for the manufacturing of STBs in the country. Meanwhile, barring unforeseen circumstances, the code guiding broad-

casting practice in the country may soon be reviewed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to enable the agency effectively perform its statutory obligations of regulating and sanitising the nation’s broadcasting space. Disclosing this recently in Lagos at a media sensitisation workshop on Hate and Dangerous Speech in the media, the Lagos Zonal Director of the Commission, Mrs Bunmi Cole, stated that the review, which comes up every four years, would also enable the commission update its books and make it deal with the modern-day challenges in broadcasting.

Nigerian Tribune checks revealed that the bank’s shares, which, on Monday, traded at N21.85, lost N1.09 after closing at N20.76 on Tuesday and N19.20 on Wednesday, losing N1.56 as well. Addressing newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday, PSA President, Mr Boniface Okeze, said as shareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, issues raised by the FRC should not be resolved on the pages of newspapers, as doing so “does not augur well for the growth of the banking sector and the overall growth of our economy.” The shareholders strongly appealed to the Federal Government to look into the activities of the FRC in order to forestall more damage to the operations of businesses and the larger economy. According to Okezie, shareholders were shocked by the actions of the FRC which had not followed procedures as outlined in the regulations.

The equities market closed on a negative note on Wednesday, as NSE All-Share Index further depreciated by 0.60 per cent to close at 29,396.31 basis points, compared with the 0.86 per cent depreciation recorded on Tuesday. However, market turnover closed positive as volume moved up by 173.43 per cent against 61.50 per cent decline recorded on Tuesday. Zenith Bank Plc, Transnational Corporation Plc and Sterling Bank Plc were the most active to boost market turnover, with N174.4 million, N39.62 million and N3.92 million respectively, while Sterling Bank and Zenith Bank led market value list. Sterling Bank also led the list of active stocks that recorded impressive volume spike at the end of trading activity. 386.3 million shares worth of N1.9 billion, were traded in 2,923 deals against the 141.3 million worth of 1.4 billion shares traded in 3,218 deals on Tuesday.

business

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for wednesday, 28 OCTOBER, 2015

top 5 gainers

top 5 losers

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

14 news

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

We’ll vigorously pursue recovery of stolen funds —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his administration’s resolute commitment to curbing corruption, blocking all loopholes in public sector accounting and deploying available resources for the good of all Nigerians. He gave the reaffirmation while addressing members of the Nigerian community in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday. The president declared that the recovery of stolen funds and prosecution of persons who have been indicted for corrupt practices would also continue to be vigorously pursued. He said he expected the ongoing recoveries and prosecutions to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain. Buhari assured the gathering that his administration fully recognised the devastating consequences of the illegal diversion of public resources meant for national development into private bank accounts and was doing all within its powers to stop such diversions. He added: “The anti-corruption campaign will be ongoing for many years. We are committed to the enthronement of good governance that blocks the loopholes in public sector accounting and the use of scarce resources for public good. “We are determined to demonstrate exemplary leadership that will make our citizens change their ways in a manner that lays a solid foundation for reconstruction and development. “I am confident that our approach to fighting corruption through value reorientation, improved internal processes, systems and the rule of law, as well as enhancing the capacity of the various anti-corruption agencies and institutions will prove more enduring in addressing this evil. “In the meantime, we will continue to prosecute those who have been indicted for corrupt practices and ensure that stolen funds are recovered, to serve as deterrence to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain.” The president told the Nigerian community he was fully aware of the expectations of Nigerians who elected him on the platform of change, integrity, probity and accountability and was, therefore, doing his utmost best to meet those

expectations. He further stated: “I wish to assure you that we shall

do our best to fix the economy, create jobs for the teeming population of our

youths and make the home environment safe, secure and more attractive to Ni-

gerians outside the country like your good selves. “On the economy, our

President Muhamadu Buhari, receiving a presentation from Mr Sri Prakash Lohia as acting High Commissioner, as Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye and Mr Sumit Mazumder look on, during President Buhari’s meeting with CEOs of Indian companies, at the Leela Palace Hotel, during his four-day official visit to New Delhi, India, on Wednesday.

aim is to address the challenge of infrastructure in all its ramifications, especially power and transportation. We are seeking to create jobs through agriculture, mining, industrial value-addition and the promotion of small scale enterprises. “We are also taking steps to address criminality across the country. We are tackling the menace of terrorism posed by Boko Haram head-on and I am pleased to note that though sporadic attacks on soft targets have not stopped, the over-all capacity of Boko Haram to hold territory and determine the cause of the conflict has been severely degraded. “If the current positive trends are maintained, we are confident that by the end of this year, we would have succeeded in permanently turning the tide against the Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria.”

Senate screens 5 more minister-nominees, defers confirmation •Sokoto senators withdraw petition against nominee •PDP senators in fresh plot against Amaechi Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THE Senate, on Wednesday, screened five more minister-nominees, thus completing the remaining 18 nominees on the list of would-be ministers sent to the chamber by President Muhammadu Buhari. The lawmakers had earlier screened and confirmed 18 of the 36 nominees of the president, while the remaining 18, who have now been screened would be confirmed on Thursday. Those screened on Wednesday were Mr Okechukwu Eyinna Enelamah, from Abia State, Professor Anwuka Anthony Gozie from Imo State, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello from Adamawa State, Mallam Adamu Adamu from Bauchi State and Ms Aisha Abubakar from Sokoto State. Before the commencement of the screening on Wednesday, senators from Sokoto State, who had submitted a petition against the state’s nominee, announced their withdrawal of the petition to pave way for the nominee to be screened. Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had told the Senate that the report of his committee on the nominee was not ready, adding that the report would be submitted on Thursday, but the withdrawal of the petition by Sokoto senators paved way

for the the Senate to screen the nominee from the state. Those already screened by the Senate but are yet to be confirmed are Adamu Adamu (Bauchi), Professor Anthony Gozie Anwuka (Imo), Okechukwu Enelamah (Abia), Muhammadu Musa Bello(Adamawa) and Ms. Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto). Others are Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe) , Claudius Omoleye Daramola (Ondo), Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu) BrigadierGeneral Mohammed M. Dan-Ali (Zamfara), Barrister James E. Ocholi (Kogi), Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (Kaduna), Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa), Professor Isaac Adewole Folorunsho (Osun), Pastor Usani Usani Uguru (Cross River) and Abubakar Bwari

Bawa (Niger), Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Oyo State and the former governor of Rivers State, Mr Rotimi Amaechi. While appearing before the senators, Enelamah said it would take the collaboration of all to solve the power problem in the country. He said: “The investments that are required are enormous and I believe we need investments from international and local sources. And the role of government is to provide an enabling environment. “The challenge is creating an enabling environment to attract capital into the sector and I hope that as part of the economic policy of this government, it will create such an environment, because power is something that can yield the result over a long time. It is a long-term

investment.” He further stated that the only solution to the growth of the economy was to create inclusive growth, adding that the economy was growing at about three per cent this year, which he said was dangerous. He further said: “In the past, it was growing at about seven per cent, I believe we can return to seven per cent and even higher. The key is to create an enabling environment, where the public sector and the private sector can collaborate and attract other investors, both internationally and locally, to come into our economy because there are lots of services that are needed and there are investors looking for opportunities to invest.” Meanwhile, senators of the PDP met on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after the

conclusion of the ministerial screening. The senators, who met at the Senate Hearing room 1, however, resolved to meet again on Thursday, just before the day’s sitting. The senators were said to have resolved to compel the Senate to debate the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, headed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The PDP senators had, last week, ignored the screening of Mr Rotimi Amaechi, following protests that the report of the Senate committee had not been considered. Sources at the Wednesday’s meeting confirmed that the PDP senators resolved to meet to further fine-tune the strategy to handle the Amaechi matter early on Thursday, before the sitting.

Reps to probe N400bn airport remodelling contracts over poor rating Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE House of Representatives, on Wednesday, set machinery in motion to investigate how the N400 billion investment for airport remodelling under the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration was carried out and what was the result therefrom. The House then directed its Committee on Aviation to carry out the investigation

and ascertain the factors that led to such a poor rating. It will be recalled that a World Airport Survey by the Cable News Network (CNN) downgraded Nigerian airports as some of the worst airports in the global avaition industry. The House resolution was sequel to a motion on matters of urgent public importance, moved by Honourable Garba Datti Mohammed, entitled: “Urgent need to investigate the factors that led to the damning rating of our airports.”

The lawmaker maintained that, it was highly disturbing to know that Nigeria has some of the worst airports to travel in - in the world according the CNN global survey, saying that, the development was uncharitable given the huge amount of money spent on airport remodelling. including a $1billion Chinese loan for such purpose. According to him, “we are aware that over N400 billion was appropriated by this House for the remodelling of airports to international standard, but it’s surprising to hear

that despite the huge investment made to remodel these airports, we still have some of the worst airports in the world according to the survey. “Notable among these death traps of airports are the Enugu International Airport; Port Harcourt Airport; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Another eyesore in the list of the worst airport is our own Murtala Mohammed International Airport, which is the gateway to the commercial hub of this country.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

16 news Military kills 34 insurgents, rescues 338 captives in Borno Chris Agbambu - Abuja

ROOPS of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, deployed at Bitta and Pridang have carried out successful raid on suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages along Bita and Damboa roads at the fringes of Sambisa forest on Tuesday. The troops, during the operation, killed 30 terrorists. The troops also rescued 338 persons that were held captive by the sect in the enclaves. Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement, noted that the rescued persons which comprised of eight males, 138 females and 192 children, have since been evacuated to Mubi. He said the troops also recovered arms and ammunitions during the raid which included a general purpose machine gun and two guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), six boxes of 7.62mm (NATO) and three cutlasses. According to him, the troops also ambushed and killed four suspected Boko Haram terrorists on a suicide bombing mission to Gubula, Madagali Local Government Area, Adama-

ACF lauds recent military onslaught in North-East Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

THE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has noted with satisfaction the effort of the military and other security agencies in their determination to end Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. This was contained in a statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Alhaji Muhammadu Ibrahim. ACF lauded particularly the persistent onslaught on the enclaves of the terrorists, deployment of more troops, adequate equipment and personal supervision of Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai. “ACF urges the military not only to subdue the insurgents but station the soldiers in the areas captured and sustain a permanent surveillance that will reassure the people of their safety.”

wa State. Usman stated that apart from two AK-47 rifles recovered, the troops also recovered some unexploded ordinances and mortar bombs while cash sum of N153,385 was retrieved. He said, “It is worthy to note that the raid on the Boko Haram terrorists’ enclaves coincided with the Chief of Army Staff’s operational visit to the Brigade Headquarters in Mubi. “The successful ambushing of the terrorists have further degraded them and saved the lives of so many

innocent victims of their suicide bombings. “Having appealed and given the terrorists final warning, we would like to state that from now on troops within bounds of respect for human rights and rules of engagement, shall continue to decisively deal with Boko Haram terrorists until they are defeated. “Therefore, we are appealing for continued vigilance, security consciousness and above all cooperation with the military and security agencies to enable us successfully defeat the terrorists.”

Boko Haram: NAF conducted 1,448 air sorties in 4 months THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has, between July and October 2015, conducted a total of 1,448 air sorties in support of the ongoing counter insurgency operation in the NorthEast and also deployed over 300 ground troops from its special forces to fight along with the Army in the field. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, disclosed this on Wednesday when he received in audience officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) led by the Executive Director, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retd), who paid him courtesy visit in his office. The Air Force, he said, “is doing everything possible to see how peace can be restored in the troubled areas as soon as possible.” According to him, the air

component is fully integrated in the counter insurgency operation plans and as such, NAF is using different aircrafts in its arsenal including F-7NI, Alpha Jet, C-130 AC, Augusta 109 LUH, Mi-35, Mi-24, Mi-17, Supa Puma Helicopters, among others to carryout logistics support, reconnaissance and combat operations. “Where ever the army is going in the battle field, we give them the air support, provide intelligence and clear the ground for them to operate optimally. There are challenges no doubt but God willing, we will meet the expectations of the people and the deadline given by the Commanderin-Chief as the government is giving us necessary supports and encouragements,” he stated.

500 IDPs in Abuja set to return to Borno, others Christian Okeke - Abuja

A total of 500 persons displaced by Boko Haram in North-East and who have been taking refuge in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are to be taken back to their home states any moment from now. Nigerian Tribune gathered that arrangements are already on top gear to return them to their respective states. There are over 10,000 displaced persons in the territory, but only the 500 have so far indicated interest to return home. The Director-General of FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Alhaji Abbas Idris, confirmed while speaking in his office that the agency was to give priority to the first set of persons that already indi-

cated such interest. He recalled that stakeholders’ meeting was already ongoing in Maiduguri on how to assist the persons displaced by insurgency in the state to return to their communities. The FEMA boss stated that the agency contacted its counterpart in Borno State to intimate the state that some of the indigenes of the state were in various camps in Abuja but disclosed that the Borno emergency agency said it was not aware of such persons being in the FCT. Idris disclosed that the current locations where those displaced by Boko Haram were housed were not set up by the FCT administration, as according to him, it would amount to a crime to open such camps.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Thursday, 29 October, 2015 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

8 1. From left, Honourable S.A. Akinyele, Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi and Comrade Yinka Odumakin at the launching of a book written by Professor Tunde Adeniran at the Interntional Conference Centre, U.I., Ibadan. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE 2. From left, Mr C.O. Kuti, Mrs M.O. Kuti (the Principal), representative of PS TESCOM (Zone 1), Mr I.O. Olujitan, Mrs M.A. Oyenuga and Mr A. Adediran, representing the L.I.E South West, during the 10th anniversary of Community Grammar School, Gbekuba, Ibadan. 3. From right, Mr Olugbenga Opakunle, Mrs Bosede Opakunle, former Miss Mopelola Taiwo Opakunle and her husband, Mr Godwin Ugolo, Mrs Felicia Opakunle, Mr Oladele Opakunle with little Miss Faith Olaniyan and Master Dimeji Soronke during the wedding held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness at Jegede, Akanran Road, Ibadan recently. 4. President of “I Will Give”, a pan-African social enterprise, Dr Lola Dare (left) with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Angela Merkel and Mrs Rebate Bahr, the Executive Director of DSW at lunch of the global programme on secure and resilient health sector at the recently concluded 70th United Nations general assembly. 5. Government House Correspondent, reporting for Osun State BroadcastingCorporation (OSBC), Mr. Dayo Peter Olanipekun, his wife, Oladunni and their son, Winner Ifedayo, a

graduand, during the Thirty first convocation ceremony and Fortieth Anniversary of the University of Ilorin, at the weekend. 6. From left are the Diocesan Bishop the Rt. Revd. Philip A. Adeyemo, his wife Mrs. Elizabeth and the Special Assistant on Agric and Social Development to the Kwara State Governor Chief Anu Ibiwoye who stood in for the State Governor Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed at the Third Session of the Second Synod of Diocese of Omu-Aran Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Ecclesiastical at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran. 7. Some management staff of NCPC with the newly wedded couple mr chukwudozie Ezemobi and miss chigozie chilaka both staff of NCPC after the solemnization of holy matrimony in Abuja recently. 8. From right, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Muyiwa Falaye, Dean Faculty of Art UNILAG and The Guest Speaker for Olokun Festival 2015, Dr Sally Mbanewo, DG, NTDC, Otunba Gani Adams, Chief Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation and High Chief Owheton Ahungbe, The Agoloto of Badagry, representative of Ankra of Badagry at the grand finale of Olokun Festival 2015 held at Suntan Beach, Badagry, on Thursday.

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

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

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yournews

•Dignity of labour. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Customs, police enforce ban on bangers

E are heading to the festive period of Christmas and New Year, and businessmen are likely to be importing bangers or ‘Knock-Outs’ during this period. I want to charge officials of the Nigerian Customs and the Nigeria Police to, like last year, en-

force the ban on this item. Last year, Customs officials made it difficult for businessmen to import the bangers, while the police monitored those who were flouting the law by selling them. This went a long way in reducing crime during the Christmas period. Unlike in the past when I found it hard to move

High rate of accidents on our roads THE rate of accidents on our roads is quite alarming. However, we are in the last couple of months before the end of the year, and our roads will be busier than ever. I, therefore, want to use this opportunity to call on relevant authorities to do more towards reducing accidents on our roads. I also want to commend the Ogun State deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, for stopping her convoy on several occasions to help accident victims. More commendable is also the fact that she has

taken it upon herself to embark on road safety campaigns in the last few months before the end of the year. Femi Olayinka, 08034074148

about during the Christmas period as a result of those lighting the bangers, it was just so peaceful this year. Those who also used

•Adjei Ogenyi, 08072977112

DESPITE all the challenges we are facing as a nation, I know that our country shall be great. We just need to have the fear

Lagos police, come to our aid FOR some time now, Lagos has been at the mercy of criminals. Recently, armed men robbed motorists in traffic on the Eko Bridge. The fact that this happened in broad day light is another cause for concern. The manner in which they carried out the operation should unsettle every Lagosian. I am, therefore, asking where the Highway Patrol officers were while this robbery was going on.

For Buhari to succeed IF President Muhammadu Buhari is to succeed in his role, then he needs to focus on the problems of the country. Is our problem poor leadership, or even corruption? The president needs to

it to commit crime were also curtailed with the ban.

Need to fear God

tackle corruption to the fullest, as this would go a long way in determining his presidency. Mohammed Bagudu, 0703493575.

Residents are no longer safe in their houses, from Bariga to Somolu, Ebutte-Meta, Yaba, Ijora, Oworonsoki, to Surulere, Festac to the Ajah axis, the story is the same. The Lagos State Police Command should rise up to the occasion. The Command should use the preventive approach, which consists of

frequently raiding black spots across the state, with the primary purpose of mopping up small arms from the hands of hoodlums. We don’t want Lagos to return to the dark period where criminals reigned like Lords. •Ogbemudia Emunjeze, 07030801877

Still on the fuel subsidy suspects WE are no longer hearing anything about the trial of those who were involved in claiming the money for fuel without importing any. I hope the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is still on the case?

It should, however, be informing Nigerians on the steps it is taking in the trial of the suspects. Many Nigerians even feel that the lack of convictions by the EFCC is the reason Nigerians are not afraid to commit financial crimes. Tayo Isola, 08029518875

of God; we should seek the kingdom of God and every other thing will be added unto us. When we fear God, we won’t cheat our fellow citizens; we won’t cheat our country of its resources, and we won’t work towards destabilising it for our own gain. We want Nigeria to be great again, and we can achieve it. Tumini George, 09095687489.

Union Bank and SMS alerts I hope some top executives of the Union Bank of Nigeria would do something to save their customers from unfair levies or deductions for SMS alerts, The bank should stop deductions for SMS alerts from accounts in which no deposits or withdrawals are made. •Dr Ademola Odetokun, Ilorin.

editorial

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Corruption and the criminal justice system

overnor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State took advantage of a recent gathering of eminent judges and lawyers to re-echo the issue of corruption in the judicial arm of government and the bar. He chose a church service, organised to mark the beginning of the 2015/2016 legal year in the state, to make the point that if the war against corruption was to be won in the larger society, it must first be won in the bar and the bench. According to Fayose, the corruption in the judiciary is so endemic that judges lobby to be appointed to serve in election petition tribunals in order to make money and influence judgment in favour of their friends in politics. While corruption is widely known to have permeated every stratum and segment of the Nigerian society, its extension to certain critical areas of national life cannot but be a source of worry. Prominent among these critical areas is the criminal justice system at the apex of which is the judiciary. It is common knowledge that officials in the criminal justice system have been making the innocent to suffer while assisting the culprit to escape justice. Of utmost concern is that those entrusted with the vital aspect of sifting facts from fiction to ensure that the cause of justice is served have been partaking in dirty deals because of filthy lucre. Distinguished Nigerians have, at different times, expressed serious concern about the damaging effect which the despicable conduct of certain judges has had on the character and honour of the judiciary as an institution. The late highly-respected Justice Kayode Esho and one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost legal practitioners, Chief Afe Babalola, a few years ago lamented the emergence of billionaire judges on Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s judicial landscape. They were obviously worried that such an unwholesome development would result in the desecration of the temple of justice and the debasement of judicial integrity. Governor Fayose no doubt chose the most auspicious occasion to send his message to the most appropriate quarters. He pointedly told the congregation largely made up of eminent lawyers and judges that judgments were being written for some compromised judges by lawyers. He said cases were being assigned to judges to do hatchet jobs while some judges were too timid to give judgments against the ruling party. He also did not forget to give the clergy a piece of his mind. He said most pastors had been playing to the gallery with their political sermons and questioned

their competence to save souls. Even in the outpouring of his lampoon, Fayose still acknowledged the fact that the judiciary was not without incorruptible judges who had been giving a good account of themselves in the discharge of their duties. This underscores the fact that the collapse of values has not obliterated the fact that there are in the various fields of human endeavour men of honour whose integrity is being sullied by the misdeeds of others around them. While judges, as mere mortals are not infallible, they should not be unaware that there is an irreducible minimum below which they should not perform. The expectations from them are high because of the enormous powers vested in them. As being suggested by Governor Fayose, the judiciary should not be spared in the anti-corruption crusade. It has become the standard practice for judges found to have compromised themselves to be simply retired and told to sin no more. Corruption remains a crime regardless of whoever is involved. Seven Ghanaian judges whose cases are being investigated were recently placed on suspension in the process of ensuring that the law takes its full course. The approach should not be different in Nigeria. Most of the high profile corruption cases have not resulted in conviction because they were wilfully bungled at the level of investigation. As it has often been alleged, those assigned to unearth fraud either ended up as collaborators or got instructions from above to hands off the case. Even in cases charged to court, lawyers are said to have been serving as links between judges and accused persons. This is why the establishment of two anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria has not reduced the penchant to use public office for private gain. Although the anti-graft agencies have been striving to tell their own success stories, the fact is that most of the celebrated cases in the public domain have ended up as an anti-climax. The success stories they have narrated convey the impression that their capacity to combat corruption is largely limited to low-level political office holders. To effectively wage a war against corruption, the criminal justice system should be comprehensively reworked. The loopholes being exploited to frustrate cases should be plugged while the law should prescribe appropriate punishments for the judge, the lawyer or the investigator found to be invoved in perversion of justice or any unethical behaviour.

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opinion

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Power sector and heralding of a new nation By Ikeogu Oke

NCE, in the Second Republic, while the then President Shehu Shagari was delivering an Independence Day broadcast on national television, an unplanned power outage occurred, knocking off power supply nationwide, inevitably interrupting the broadcast and its reception by the citizenry. When power was eventually restored to an embarrassed nation and long after the president had concluded the broadcast, an explanation for the outage emerged. It was that a snake had climbed up the tower members of a transmission line and bridged one of the phases and a tower member, causing a temporary earth fault that forced the line to trip. The Second Republic lasted from October 1, 1979 to December 31, 1983. But that incident, occurring over thirty years ago, is probably a good symbolic illustration of how long our political Independence as a nation has yet to be complemented by freedom from the many natural, man-made and accidental causes of our lack of adequate and reliable power as a nation. For while we can be said to have received our political Independence from Britain, our colonial masters, it might not be wrong to describe us as a nation still being colonised by darkness – the symbolic and summary objectification of our perennially inadequate power generation and supply . And the result of this inadequacy, as we all know, continues to manifest as the chronic distress and underdevelopment of which we have only recently begun to see sustainable signs of their reduction with the relative stabilisation and improvement of power generation and supply nationwide. It is heartening, though, that President Muhammadu Buhari appreciates the challenges posed by this situation, like Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan before him – who, through their reformist interventions in the power sector, laid the foundation for the improvements currently being experienced in power generation and supply as a result of what some have – I think rightly – termed President Buhari’s “body language” or the Buhari effect.

To drive home the fact of the recent improvement with a combination of facts and symbolism: The peak power generation value in the country on October 1, 2013 and 2014 (our last and penultimate Independence Days before that of this year) was 3,166.6 and 3,687.9 megawatts respectively. However, from the May 29, 2015 inauguration of the present government, the country has recorded several new different peak generation values, i.e., 4,662 megawatts on July 29, 2015; 4,748 megawatts on August 25, 2015; and 4, 810.7 megawatts on August 26, 2015. Prior to this, the last peak generation value of 4,516 megawatts had been recorded three years earlier, in 2012. If the above progressive trend is sustained – as I believe it will – then we can expect to have inched further to freedom from our symbolic colonisation by darkness by generating more power on this year’s Independence Day than we did on the previous one. This optimism is founded on our having already maintained a power generation value higher than what we had on the 2104 Independence Day for most days in September 2015, the month that precedes the Independence Day. However, even as President Buhari has repeatedly promised to give priority attention to power, the perennial lack of which he has described as intolerable, the real challenge, I think, is in sustaining the current improvement in power beyond this year’s Independence Day, and making it a lasting condition.

This can be achieved if, beyond relying on the President’s “body language” as a stimulant for improved power, active steps are taken by his government to develop the power sector sustainably, such that the factors that make for improved power become features of the power system – factors such as quality personnel, reliable infrastructure, dependable equipment, efficient sectoral management, etc. Indeed, as the president was quoted as saying during a recent engagement with the Ministry of Power, “The problems besetting our power sector are not difficult to identify. Therefore, priorities can be easily set in order to tackle them. The problems are more with transmission than generation, and we equally need to secure the power infrastructure round the country.” So there is an indication that even the president understands that, to sustain the current gains in power, there is a need to reinforce his “body language” with multi-pronged action to develop the power sector and secure our decolonisation, as it were, from darkness (or the paucity of electricity) and the general distress and underdevelopment it continues to foist on our nation. But as even the President would admit, what has often been lacking is not the ability to identify such problems. It is the will – political and otherwise – to tackle them in spite of the vested interests that benefit from the dysfunction in our power sector. And I am persuaded that, beyond developing the power sector, it would require our leaders continuously sending a message of zero-tolerance to such interests through their “body language” for any improvement in our power sector to be sustained without the possibility of reversal. And by “body language”, I mean a psychological disposition whose impact does not necessarily depend on its being deployed consciously. For it can also be an unconscious expression and yet be no less effective as, I think, in the Buhari case and the power sector – the way a cat’s mere presence can check the harmful activities of mice, which are likely to react instinctively to the sight of the cat even without the cat being aware of it. •Oke is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst.

Onosode: Goodnight, Mr Integrity By Ifeanyi Izeze

FOR years to come, ripples shall remind Nigerians that the country once had a man of uncommon honour and integrity who lived for 82 years without a whiff of scandal. In a country where many are manipulating the system to be recharged and reckoned with, a man came and taught Nigerians that a life of holiness and godliness is possible in the midst of worldliness , wickedness and prevalent perversion . The avalanche of tributes which has now transformed to the festschrift of his celebration since he passed away on September 29 clearly shows that Deacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode was indeed a Godly pearl who was shrewd with steadfast honesty. The late Onosode who was buried in his hometown in Delta State on October 23 radiated a rare mix of humility, simplicity and integrity as well as corporate savvy to an uncommon level. His sterling qualities are just too many to enumerate. He was an icon with Midas touch, outstanding , diligent , thorough-bred entrepreneur with a dedicated faithfulness to his Creator. As a result of his honesty and integrity, Onosode became a much sought -after boardroom expert , becoming the Chairman of the Board of Nigeria’s best corporate organisations in a wide range of sectors from manufacturing to telecommunications and Consulting. He was simply amazing and remarkable, thus, serving as an avatar of morality. Unfortunately though, Nigeria hardly celebrates an icon of this mould whose strength and weakness remains the strict adherence to the principles of honesty and transparency. As captured by his eldest son, Ese, “Nigerians prefer celebrating half -dressed Nollywood actresses and actors and tattoo-bodied footballers to admiring honest people like my father.” What a paradox! Born in 1933, Mr. Onosode attended Government College, Ughelli from 1947 to 1952 before immediately proceeding to the then University College, now University of Ibadan where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics in 1957. He gave his best and made invaluable contributions in three key areas of national development , including investment and finance, education and Christian faith. For instance in education , the late

Onosode served as Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council of three universities including Ibadan, Lagos and Uyo as well as a private university-Bowen University. Prior to his appointment as University of Ibadan Council Chairman in 2005, Papa Onosode , along with Dr. Michael Omolayole had served the University of Ibadan Endowment Fund for 30 years . While Dr. Omolayole was the Chairman, Onosode was the Vice Chairman. They nurtured the Endowment Fund from a modest beginning of just a little less than a million naira capital grant in 1973 to a net worth of over N1.5billion by 2005 when the duo retired from the Fund. The newly constructed multi-million naira gigantic International Conference Centre (ICC) located around the second gate of the university is the major profit of the Fund. The ICC has now been yielding good money to UI as part of its Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) Coming as Pro Chancellor in 2005, Mr. Onosode contributed in no small measure to the uplifting of his alma mater. He shunned the stipends accruing to him as his sitting allowance , rather donating it to the development of the institution . He ad-

vocated and organised a retreat for all Council members where the university’s visions and missions were reviewed and strategic plans developed and packaged towards the internationalisation of the university. More striking was his contributions through the then Zain Telecommunication as the Chairman of its Board. At an event with the Directors of the Company, Deacon Onosode casually remarked that it would soon be 50 years since he graduated from the university. The shocked Directors, some of who had not been born then asked Onosode how he wanted the Company to celebrate the golden jubilee of the graduation . Deacon Onosode urged them to celebrate UI which produced him. Consequently, the Directors got in touch with the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro who promptly gave the list of the needs of the university. Eventually, Zain donated a million US dollar which was equivalent of N130million as of that time. The money was used for the construction of new car parks around Oduduwa Road, installation of solar-powered street lighting along Oduduwa road, rehabilitation of Mellanby Hall, and construction of relaxation park behind Trenchard Hall which students now call “Love Garden.” A gymnasium was also put in place with the money. How can UI forget this valiant man married to a virtuous woman called Susan? Certainly , Onosode will be remembered for good. Though he has been self- employed for several years, records show that he never defaulted on his taxes in a country where tax evasion is the norm. The late Onosode also taught Nigerians to do away with the culture of “African time”. He hardly arrived late to any event he was invited to. As a matter of fact, he was a man who respected time so much so that he had embarrassed his hosts by being too prompt for prescheduled events. He appeared so stern, stand-offish and unapproachable, , but behind the facade was a very friendly, kind-hearted and jovial persona. When will Nigeria parade another Onosode? Does the country internalise the virtues evinced by this giant? This is the time Nigeria really needs the like of Onosode in sufficient quantity. •Saanu is of\ the Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

maka nd’igbo Jubilation as UNTH makes giant strides in open heart surgery Jude Ossai - Enugu

NDEED, there are different strokes for different people. This is the true situation in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, (UNTH), Enugu, acclaimed “Centre of Excellence”. While many staff of the Hospital are rejoicing, singing Hosanna, some, particularly the resident doctors, think otherwise. However, despite the industrial action embarked upon by resident doctors of the university teaching hospital over what they described as none payment of “skipping” allowance, the health institution has continued to make giant strides in open heart surgery. Maka Ndigbo, which visited the teaching hospital last week, learnt that over 108 patients with various degrees of heart problems had, between 2013 and 2015, gone home to rejoin their family members and well-wishers after undergoing successful open surgery at the hospital. The UNTH Chief Medical Director, Dr Christopher Amah, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the ongoing open heart surgeries of the hospital said the beneficiaries drawn from various parts of the country had been billed for surgeries in various

The main gate of the hospital countries of the world. Dr Amah said that the good thing about the exercise was that it was done at reduced cost compared to what the patients would

spend travelling overseas, adding that the feat was made possible by the partnership the hospital had with foreign organisations. According to him, “organisations

UNTH surgeons at work

Stop attacks on oil firms, monarch counsels Niger Deltas —pg22

Day NEMA brought succour to Akwuke community —pg22

like Voom Foundation, Rotary International, among others, have always partnered with the hospital to provide human and material support to the programme”. He stated that the current open heart surgery, which began on Monday, had seen nine patients already operated, stressing that the patients were doing very well. The CMD said the unique thing about the current programme was that ninety per cent of the medical experts were drawn from the hospital, saying it was an indication that local experts would completely take over the programme in the next few months. “At the moment, only two foreigners are working with experts in the hospital to carry out the surgeries. Our target is to do open heart surgeries every month. We want to get to a point where we now do this routinely but more importantly at an affordable rate to Nigerians. We want to discourage medical tourism because of what Nigerians put into it. The UNTH is a centre of excellence and it is our hope that we keep the tempo”, he said. The CMD, however, expressed excitement that the strike action embarked upon by Association of Resident Doctors did not affect the current programme, expressing regrets that the doctors could embark on strike action over issues that never existed.

He said those who embarked on strike action did not mean well for the hospital, but were chasing selfish benefits. “The money they seek has no approval from the Federal Government. We have explained this severally to them but to no avail. Instead, they choose the part of blackmail and feeding the public with falsehood. It is a pity. They should retrace their steps for good”, he said. One of the open heart patients, who simply gave his name as Ogbonna, said that he was grateful for surviving the surgery, adding that he was between life and death and was in great sorrow as he could not have afforded traveling overseas for the heart operation. Prior to my heart surgery, I thought I would die because I did not have money to take to Europe or any of the oversea countries for the heart operation. I thank God I am okay. I also thank UNTH management and the Federal Government for making it possible for open heart patients to come here and have surgery”, he added.

CREW

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

22 makandigbo

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Stop attacks on oil firms, monarch counsels Niger Deltans Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri

ORRIED by the growing restiveness in the Niger Delta region arising from militancy and kidnapping of oil workers, the traditional ruler of Umuokanne Community in Ohaji Egbema Council Area of Imo State, Eze Cyriacus M. Nwokoma, has advised aggrieved indigenes of the oil bearing communities to shun all forms of violence and confrontation in their ceaseless agitations. Speaking on “Human Rights in the Extractive Sector” during a one-day sensitisation workshop on “Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in the Ohaji Egbema Council Area” organised by the CLEEN Foundation, the America educated monarch and expert in educational technology, advised that unless the people came together, spoke with one voice, articulated their demands and presented same to the appropriate quarters for meaningful attention, their aspiration would ever remain a tall dream. The Okaa-Omee II of Umuokanne, who has over fifteen (15) years experience in alternative energy technologies, including solar power, decried the growing rate of environmental pollution in the Niger Delta region and its consequences on the people, saying “if you do not know the source, origin and magnitude, remote and immediate results of your problems, you cannot find a lasting solution to it. If we do not work together and respect one another, we cannot achieve our aim”. The Professor of Economics and IT project manager at the Portland

Participants at the workshop. Community College, in Oregon, was worried that such facilities as accessible roads, hospitals, schools, potable water, electricity, gainful employment, among other necessary amenities, had continued to remain elusive among these oil-producing communities several years since oil exploration began in their region, but cautioned them to shun violence in their demands. “Kidnapping of oil company officials cannot be the solution to our problem but dialogue, consultation and compromise”, he added. During the workshop which also featured lecture on “The Role/Responsibilities of the National Human Rights Commission by Dr Val Madubuko, the programme officer of the CLEEN Foundation, Mr Ifeanyi Anyanwu, identified Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VP) as non binding soft laws established in 2000 to guide extractive companies, (oil, gas and mining companies) in maintaining the safety and security of the facilities and operations with respect to human rights.

Mr Anyanwu listed three elements of voluntary principles (VPs) as a Risk Assessment, Interaction with Public Security and Interaction with Private Security. He said that the extractive companies in the country, which include the Chevron Corporation, Exxon Mobil, Shell, Statoil and Total had an interest to ensure that actions taken by security operatives were consistent with the

protection and promotion of human rights. In order to mitigate the risks of human rights abuses and promote respect for human rights, the programme officer said that extractive companies should consult the host government and host communities about the impact of the security arrangements on the host communities. At the workshop, which was well

60% of illegal arms, light weapons made in SouthEast — Don Suzy Oruya - Onitsha A don, Professor Aloysius Okolie, has revealed that over 60 per cent of unauthorised Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) are locally made within the South-East. Okolie said this while delivering a lecture entitled: “Trends and Dynamics of SALWs Proliferation and Armed Violence in SouthEast’’, during a two-day stakehold-

ers’ sensitisation forum on the National SALWs Survey in Nigeria. The forum was organised by the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP), European Union and ECOWAS Commission. Okolie, who is a lecturer in Political Science Department of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, noted

Day NEMA brought succour to Akwuke community Jude Ossai - Enugu AKWUKE community in EnuguSouth Local Government Area of Enugu went agog last Thursday following the distribution of relief materials worth thousands of naira by the Southeast National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the victims of rain/ wind storm that hit the area in March this year. Maka Ndigbo gathered that the disaster, which rendered many people homeless, was brought to the knowledge of the Zonal office of NEMA by the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ENSEMA) on March 27, this year. The Southeast Zonal Coordinator, Major James Eze, said that consequently, a joint assessment team of state and zonal offices of NEMA assessed the extent of damage inflicted on the community by the rain/wind storm. Eze noted that the assessment conducted by the team revealed that several buildings both (residential and commercial) had their

Akwuke flood/wind victims carrying & relief materials they received from NEMA. roofs blown off, adding that pylons and trees were pulled down which led to the displacement of residents as well as dislocation of means of livelihood. “Regrettably, the affected persons do not have the capacity to rebuild their houses or restart their businesses. The officials of NEMA promised to report the incident to the NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, who will transmit the message to the Federal Government”, he said.

attended by indigenes of the Oguta Local Government Area, Anyanwu, dwelling extensively on ethical conducts and human rights policies, deployment and consultation and advice, said that while companies should communicate their policies to public security, they should equally organise meetings with public security personnel on a regular basis to deliberate on security and human rights. He charged extractive companies to always demonstrate a high level of accountability and transparency by reporting allegations of human rights abuses by public security officers in their area of operations to appropriate host communities and monitor the investigation for proper resolution. Mr Anynwu said that the VPs had the capacity to promote respect for human rights by ensuring that the security arrangement and actions of security personnel did not violate the human rights of the host communities while encouraging communities participation in security arrangements of companies operating in their communities.

“The responsiveness of the Federal Government to the plight of the disaster victims has been quite prompt and encouraging. We have received an approval of relief items from the Director-General of NEMA, Mohamed Sani Sidi and that is why we have brought all these materials here today”, he further explained. Despite the accolades the NEMA officials received, the NEMA Zonal Coordinator, Eze, did not fail to advise the people of Akwuke to

plant trees around the community as wind breaks. “Huge trees near building that have become risks should be cut off to save lives and property. Shrubs should be planted nears houses not trees. The practice will reduce the effects of violent winds and also act as a disaster risk reduction scheme”, he added. Among the relief items donated were 200 bags of parboiled rice, 100 bags of beans, 100 bags of baking flour, 500 pieces ceiling boards, 300 pieces bundles of roofing sheets, cartons of garri, bottled water, zinc, roofing sheets, mattresses, baking flour, palm oil, vegetable oil. Speaking on behalf of the community, the National President of the Akwuke Town Union, Mazi Ewo, commended the NEMA officials and the Federal Government for bringing life to the victims of the rain/wind disaster. He, however, noted that despite the fact that the community was a host to a number of Federal Government establishments, the roads in the community had remained deplorable.

that cheap and readily available locally made SALWs had escalated kidnappings, armed robberies, ritual killings, cultism and communal clashes. He noted that the national SALWs survey would enable the Federal Government to know the number and capacity of these dangerous weapons scattered in the zone. The don revealed that PRESOM had already conducted a pilot survey in six states to test and verify the workability and suitability of the research variables within six states, which has one state each within the six zones of the country. “The remaining 40 per cent of the arms are imported mostly by political leaders while 60 per cent were fabricated within the zone. He maintained that the essence of the survey was not for the government to embark on disarmament, but to find out those factors that motivate people into acquiring arms and sources of the arms,’’ he said. Earlier, the PRESCOM Coordinator, Mr Dickson Orji, said that the forum had given room for information and interaction on how to curtail proliferation of SALWs in the country. “It will create awareness on the socio-economic impact of illicit SALWs proliferations and sensitisation of Nigerians on the proposed comprehensive National SALWs survey. “The forum will galvanize support for the survey enumerators to ensure collaboration at the grassroots for the success of the project,’’ he added.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

campusbeats

Nigerian Tribune Doyin Adeoye 08058130577 kreatifink@yahoo.com

Step beyond ordinariness, UNILORIN VC charges graduates

he Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali has charged the graduates of the university to step beyond the ordinary and put in more efforts in whatever they do. He gave this charge recently, during the 31st convocation ceremony of the university’s graduates of Humanities. In his speech titled: ‘Extra-Ordinary Effort,’ Professor Ambali reminded the graduates that the world today is more competitive than before and having degrees alone are not sufficient. He therefore urged them to continue learning new things even after their first degrees. Citing the example of Nokia, the wellknown brand in cell phone technology and how they lost-out in business, he said: “Nokia was a fantastic company, and they didn’t do anything wrong in their business, but the world changed too fast and their opponents and competitors were too powerful for them. “They missed out on learning, they missed out on changing and they lost the opportunity and sank under.” In his concluding remarks, he said: “If you think your certificate is all that you need to succeed in life, you are living in the 2oth century. You need skills; you need innovation; you need an extra-ordinary mind-set in this 21st century. “If you put in an extra-ordinary effort, you will become an extra-ordinary graduate, who achieves extra-ordinary results. If you invest just an ordinary effort, you are just an ordinary person,” he stressed. A professor of African and African-American Studies, Professor Jacob Kehinde Olupona at the event, reiterated the fact that access to good education is not a privilege reserved for only the rich, but a constitutional right that must be enjoyed by all Nigerians. In a lecture titled: ‘Educational Reform and Nation building in Nigeria,’ he maintained that Nigerians must be passionate about the protection of the educational rights of its citizens, stressing that private schools which have been seen by many as the alternative to public schools, cannot fill the void, because they are not accessible and affordable to everybody. He therefore proposed that the public school system should be viewed as the norm and standard, while private school system should only be an alternative.

From left, Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed; Ghanaian President, John Mahama and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachair Lawal, during the 40th Anniversary of the University of Ilorin, recently. “In reforming our educational system, the focus should be on promotion of entrepreneurship skills and exposure to strong moral trainings in our schools. Also, parents must be involved in the schools as institutions, and not just in how their own

children are performing.” He also maintained that it is only with a strong educational system that we can reform our national image, ethos and unity as a country. “If we truly want change in our country,

we must begin to rethink and reinvest in our education system,” he concluded. Meanwhile, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has challenged African leaders of their failures to lay down concrete foundation for the younger generation. He said this at the 40th anniversary of the University of Ilorin on Friday, 23 October. Mr Mahama, while speaking on a lecture titled: ‘African Agenda 2063: Fighting Poverty and Ensuring Prosperity in Africa,’ noted that African leaders must appreciate their human resources, and guide it to attain total freedom. He urged all 54 countries that constitute the Africa Union (AU) to ensure the aims and agenda of the union were achieved for younger generation to fulfil their destiny. Mahama, who eulogised role of past African nationalists in liberation of the continent from colonial masters, said only sound education, peace and utilisation of human resources that is endowed in the continent could bring real freedom for Africans. Abdul Ganiy Shehu Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ilorin chapter

UNIBEN graduating Pharmacy students hold football match The excitement in getting admission into any higher institution is immeasurable, but nothing seems more fulfilling than the joy and excitement of graduating. This was the feeling for the graduating class of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin (UNIBEN) recently, when the students were finally rounding off, after spending six years studying. This level of excitement, it seemed was behind the organised football match between the graduating class of the faculty, and the Faculty of Pharmacy itself. Organised by the office of the Director of Sports, the match was played at the education pitch of the university. Commenting on the friendly match, the coach of the faculty’s team, Ifeanyi Ajudeonu stated that he was ready for the graduating class and would not replicate errors made by coaches at the national level, who overlook friendly matches and class them as unimportant. However, emotions were high when Nabem Ambelega from the graduating class scored in the first half of the match. His goal

The graduating class’ team came as an eye opener, as they dominated the game all through the first half. However, Peter Osayuki came to the rescue of the Faculty of Pharmacy by bringing in an equaliser in the second half of the game. The match ended all draw.

Jerry Egwuchie who is also a graduating student stated that the match was an exciting experience and thanked the faculty for honoring its invitation. Ezekiel Efeobhokhan (University of Benin)

Professor Bandele becomes EKSU new Vice Chancellor The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Peter Ayodele Fayose, has approved the appointment of a Professor of Educational Evaluation, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele, as the next Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU). This was sequel to the decision of the 116th meeting of the institution’s governing council after conducting interviews for 13 professors, who applied for the position. Professor Bandele will succeed Professor Patrick Oladipo Aina, whose tenure ends on 2nd December, 2015. Professor Bandele thus becomes the 7th Vice Chancellor of the 33-year-old institution. Aged 61, Professor Bandele hails from Ijesamodu-Ekiti of Ilejemeje Local Govern-

ment Area of Ekiti State. He bagged a First Class in Mathematics Education from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in 1983, a Master’s degree and Ph.D in Education Measurement and Evaluation, from the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1985 and 1989 respectively, among other qualifications. Professor Bandele, an erudite scholar in Mathematics Education, Computer Science Education and Tests, Measurement and Educational Evaluation, Research and Statistics, served three years over a highly successful Institute of Education as Director. He later became the Dean, Faculty of Education and the Director, Directorate of

Part-Time Programmes of the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), now EKSU. He was the pioneer Vice Chancellor of an erstwhile the University of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (TUNEDIK) and later University of Science and Technology Ifaki (USTI), before the merger of the two universities. He is the founder of the National Association of Educational Researcher and Evaluation (NAERE), apart from being member and executive member of several academic associations in and outside Nigeria. He belongs to several professional bodies including Common Wealth of Learning (COL), Vancouver, Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (THLE), Singapore, Curriculum Organisa-

tion of Nigeria (CON), Nigeria Association of Professional Educators (NAPE), Nigeria Education Research Council (NERA), Educational Studies Association of Nigeria (ESAN), Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN); Ondo State Mathematical Association; National Association of Educational Researchers and Evaluation (NAERE) and Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN). Professor Bandele was named the Best Paper presenter at the 12th International Conference of Open Learning held in Cambridge, United Kingdom in 2007. The award winning paper was titled “Mobile Learning Paradigm in Africa and the Problem of Digital Divide.”

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

education

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

Will peace return to UNICAL this week? Students of the University of Calabar are expected back on campus this week, but will the institution remain open to academic activities? Students are still spoiling for war over ‘unfavourable living conditions’, ANTHONY UBONG reports.

THER things being equal, the authorities of the University of Calabar will this week recall students back for resumption of academic activities after a two-week, protest-induced shutdown of the institution; but is there a guarantee of peace on the campus? On Monday October 12, 2015, students were sent home and the university closed for two weeks owing to breach of the peace occasioned by angry students protesting what they termed unfavourable living conditions. Though the protest was not violent, the university management considered it serious enough to suspend academic activities and order a shutdown to forestall breakdown of law and order. Two weeks after, have those conditions that precipitated the protest been resolved? Hardly. And students are shaking their fists already, vowing to continue their agitation if recalling them still means returning to status quo. It is curious that not long after UNICAL successfully resolved a succession crisis, it has to contend with students’ unrest predicated on the choice of who succeeds the outgoing vice chancellor, Prof James Epoke, whose tenure expires in December. Students believe that the university management has been insensitive to their welfare. Despite paying ‘exorbitant school fees’, they say, UNICAL authorities make students live like refugees on campus – no water, electricity supply is frustrating, beddings are infested with bedbugs, while toilet facilities in hostels are intolerable. Tribune Education investigations reveal that the existing facilities in both male and female hostels have been overstretched due to the increasing number of student’s enrolment. There is no water on campus, no electricity, toilet facilities are deplorable. Students defecate in nearby bushes because the existing toilets are unusable. Worn-out mattresses bought over 10 years ago have been infested by bedbugs. It is indeed an eyesore.

These and many more triggered the protest that led to the closure of the institution two weeks ago. A 300 level student of the Department of Political Science who spoke to Tribune Education said, “I stay in the hostel and I can tell you authoritatively that we sleep on bare floor. Some of our mattresses had become very flat even as bedbugs have entered them. We are suffering even with the exorbitant school fees we pay. “Students residing on campus are not supposed to suffer considering the high charges on tuition. We are supposed to have good facilities in all the hostels, but presently we have no water, electricity, no toilet. It is terrible." It is said that new students pay N15,000 Acceptance Fee before registration and another N15,000 after registration, totaling N30,000. Another student who also spoke to Tribune Education on condition of anonymity threatened that if after the twoweek break facilities in hostels have not been upgraded, students would resume hostilities with or without the knowledge of the Students’ Union president. He said, “We’ll protest again if we come back and they don’t upgrade facilities in our hostels. How can UNICAL be collecting huge sum of money from the Federal Government in addition to the school fees we pay and we still live like animals on campus? We’ll not take it anymore.” However, the Students’ Union president of UNICAL, Comrade Ekpo Tete, told Tribune Education that the protest was

Most of the students do not have accommodation, while some live in reading rooms. There are no toilet facilities, students defecate in the bush

carried out without his knowledge. Tete said: “On Monday morning (October 12) around 5am, I received a call from the deputy chief security officer who asked me what was happening at Malabor (student’s hostel) and I told him nothing was happening. But after sometime, I rushed down to the place and I saw a mammoth crowd of students with leaves and placards with various inscriptions. They accused me of collecting N3 million bribe from management to betray them. “They said when I was the director of welfare of the SUG, I was very active, taking the plight of the students to the management that is why they ensured that I emerged as the SUG president; but that I have betrayed them and that is why they decided to do what they are doing without my consent. I talked to them, but they didn’t listen to me. They moved to the gate and started protesting, but they didn’t destroy anything as reported in the media. It was a peaceful protest.” Tete said the open pavilion, which is meant for extra-curricula activities, has been converted into a car park. Most of the students do not have accommodation, while some live in reading rooms. There are no toilet facilities, students defecate in the bush while taps don’t run in hostels. And when students take ill and go to the medical centre, there are no drugs (which students have been charged for). These infuriate students. He said that hoodlums take advantage of the lack of electricity supply to commit crimes. “In fact, there are a lot of issues affecting students that need to be addressed. It is a serious and worrisome situation. There are lots and lots of outrageous charges like acceptance fee; students are complaining bitterly. How would a student suffer to write JAMB, write aptitude test and by God’s favour he is admitted and now he is being asked to pay acceptance fee of N15,000? Who knows if the next session it will attract N20,000? “Students also pay Development Fee of N10,000 every year; it is included in their fees. Students pay for Identity Card, yet

they don’t have it. It is very bad. We need additional hostels. If the university cannot build hostels, they should partner with the private sector, banks, and individuals to come and build hostels. “There should also be extension of WIFI, because every student needs knowledge because this is an era of ICT. We don’t depend only on what lecturers teach us; we need to do research. Students should be given access to the school WIFI to enable them acquire additional knowledge. Students are charged in their tuition fee for WIFI, but they don’t have access to it. This is bad. We don’t have sufficient lecture rooms. They should not only concentrate on the building of offices for lecturers; they should build more hostels and lecture venues. “I use this opportunity to debunk the speculation in the media that there was violence. It was a peaceful protest carried out by Nigerian students without the knowledge of the SUG president. I heard that some officials sponsored the SUG president to carry out the action. I did not collect a kobo from anybody to do anything. “The protest was not politically sponsored and it was not meant to destroy the image of anybody. If we return on the 30th as they asked us and nothing is done, we will keep agitating and appealing to them. But I know they have started something because they have released funds for 1000 mattresses though it is not enough. I was expecting like 5000 mattresses. They have started working on the bad roads and I give them kudos for that. “The light from the main gate to the library, CES building is on now, but we still need more security light on campus. Priority is not being given to the hostels. We need water to be flowing and if we discover it has not been done, we will still reach out to the media to let them tell the world that it has not been done.” The Public Relations Officer of UNICAL, Mr Eyo Offiong, however, told Tribune Education that most of the facilities in hostels would have been fixed before students return from the two-weeks break.

education

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

ICT researchers can stop suicide bombers —FUTA don

HE Federal Government has been advised to be more creative in combating the scourge of terrorism by investing in the development and provision of bomb-detector wearable devices that could be used to detect and disable bombs carried by suicide bombers. Professor Olumide Sunday Adewale, Head, Department of Computer Science of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), made the submission while delivering the 72nd inaugural lecture of the university. Adewale emphasised that the economic development of the nation hinged on adequate security, and that the current trend of suicide bombings is a great threat to foreign investors. According to him, through a properly coordinated research and development initiative, wearable devices worn by security operatives could be developed with radii of operation and effectiveness, such that suicide bombers within the perimeter of any security operative wearing such device is detected and the operative alerted by an alarm signal

with coordinates of the suicide bomber. The operative, through his device, can then disable the bomb before it is detonated. Professor Adewale spoke on the topic ‘Convergence in Divergence in Information Technology: a Symbiosis’. He canvassed a strategy that would bring together government at all levels, industry and universities for the purpose of further developing research output into viable economic and security assets for the nation. The professor of Computer Science declared that the convergence has had (and will continue to have) profound impact on technology, industry and the larger society; and that technology convergence, if appropriately managed, can play an important role in the economic and social development of any nation and ICT-based security measures. The lecturer also called on the federal government to leverage on the communication network infrastructure in the country to stimulate market development and meet previous unmet societal

communication demands in areas like healthcare delivery, monitoring of government installations, financial transactions and in the security of the lives and property

of the Nigerian citizenry. In his remarks the vice chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor (academics),

Professor Tunde Arayela, said the choice of the lecture was apt considering the enormous security and economy-related issues confronting the nation.

Cross section of final year students of the Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State at their retreat, recently.

Kwara Assembly summons SUBEB over inadequate teachers Biola Azeez - Ilorin KWARA State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Education and Human Capital Development to summon the State Universal Basic Education Board to brief the committee on the number of teachers in all the primary schools in the state. The directive followed a motion on the urgent deployment of teachers to primary schools in Kaiama Local Government, raised by a member representing Kaiama, Wajibe, Kemanji Constituency, Alhaji Ahmed ibn Mohammed. The deputy speaker, Mr. Mathew Okedare, who presided over the sitting, explained that the appearance of SUBEB before the committee would afford the committee enough data about primary schools in the state. The House equally directed the committee to visit primary schools in all the three senatorial districts in the state with a view to having firsthand information on the present condition of primary schools, as well as posting of primary school teachers. Alhaji Mohammed, who moved the motion, had

observed that primary schools in Kaiama had played significant role in moulding the past and current leaders of the na-

tion, but expressed sadness that most of the primary schools in the area now lack teachers in core subjects.

He said primary schools in Kaiama require about 687 teachers, but presently has 365. The co-mover of the mo-

tion and a member representing Okuta, Yashikira Constituency Alhaji Adamu Usman, attributed the mass exodus of teach-

ers in the area to lack of enough infrastructure and urged government to address the infrastructure deficit in the area.

Chevron affiliate, others donate science lab to Ogun school Olayinka Olukoya Abeokuta

STAR Deep Water Petroleum Limited, a Chevron company, and its Agbami co-venturers have donated a science laboratory to Ibogun Comprehensive High School, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. The other partners are Famfa Oil Limited, Petroleo Brasileiro, Statoil Nigeria Limited and the

National Petroleum Investment Management Services. The multi-million science laboratory building houses well-equipped biology, chemistry and physics laboratories. Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, the company’s managing director, Mr Clay Neff, who was represented by one of the directors in the company, Mr Jeffery Ewing, said the donation was part

of the company’s social investment plan. He said this was aimed at improving the teaching and learning of science subjects in Nigeria schools. Neff said, “The donation of a block of three laboratories will further help in developing interest in science and technology among students. We believe education is the key to unlocking the potential of the youths and develop-

ing their capacity for societal relevance.” He added that the company and its co-venturers: Statoil Nigeria Limited, Petrobras Nigeria Limited, Fanfa Oil Limited and the National Petroleum Investment Management Services, had consistently developed the capacity of Nigerians in the oil and gas industry to ensure maximum positive impact on the nation’s economy. He called for more col-

Ekiti Brain Trust Committee visits EKSU VC THE Brain Trust Committee set up by Governor Ayodele Fayose to look into ways of improving the economic potential of Ekiti State with a view to ensuring a financially and economically sustainable Ekiti society has paid a working visit to the vice chancellor of the Ekiti State University. The team leader, Pro-

fessor J. A. Oloyede, who incidentally is a former head of department, Banking and Finance, EKSU, reiterated the commitment of the current administration to identify various ways to make Ekiti financially independent. Oloyede said members of the committee were drawn from diverse back-

ground of professional competence to ensure a thorough job, adding that the mandate of the committee includes looking at ways to boost the internally generated revenue of the state. The team leader added that the visit to EKSU was to request for a complementing proposal from the university suggesting ways to help the commit-

tee achieve its objectives. The vice chancellor, Professor Oladipo Aina, who spoke through the deputy vice chancellor (academics), Professor Ibiyinka Ogunlade, commended the team for its focus and hard work, adding that the quality of members of the team showed the seriousness of the assignment.

laboration among stakeholders in the implementation of projects, saying, “alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” The four co-venturers in their submissions said they were committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to technical skills, quality education and employment opportunities. The school principal, Mr Oladosu Ajao, said the laboratory would add value to the educational standard of the school, describing it as a “world standard laboratory.” The Director, Special Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Elijah Akinyemi, said the project would further boost and promote the teaching and learning of science subjects in the school. The project was inaugurated by the former Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

education

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Nigerian youths lack adequate access to education, job opportunities —Report By Laolu Harolds

IGERIA, with estimate 60 per cent of its population being youths (the highest in Africa) is yet to improve on access to educational, employment and career issues, among other youth-related issues, says a

report. According to a national youth survey commissioned by the Ford Foundation, 20.2 per cent of youths interviewed from 13,045 households in 36 states and FCT Abuja listed job/unemployment as the most important problem facing the

country. The survey, entitled ‘The State of Youths in Nigeria: A National Youth Survey’, an initiative of the Centre for Microenterprise Development, says that about 46 per cent of the youths want education opportunities increased, while 29.6 per cent

want employment and work opportunities improved. The survey was aimed at providing a national database on the current socioeconomic profile and experiences of Nigeria’s youths and adolescents aged between 10 and 24, needed for accelerating the delivery of

youth development policies and programmes throughout the country. More than 53 per cent of youths surveyed are currently in school, while about 19.3 per cent never attend school and approximately 27.1 per cent are out of school. About 20.3 per cent of those in

FSTC Yaba cries out over space constraints Naza Okoli - Lagos THE management of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Yaba, on Monday said the school was in a critical condition as it was unable to provide hostel and classroom accommodation to its teeming population. The principal of the College, Mr Chris Ugorji, made this known while addressing journalists and members of the school community. According to him, the need to ameliorate the sufferings of students who live very far from the school had necessitated the conversion of a couple of classrooms into hostels. But even this, he said, was like “scratching the surface”. “FSTC Yaba is the biggest of all the 104 Federal Unity Colleges in Nigeria,” he said. “We don’t have enough classroom facilities; we don’t have enough hostel facilities. Many of our students are day students. In fact more than 98 per cent of our students come from outside. This is not supposed to be so, because ordinarily every student here is supposed to be in the boarding school. FSTCs are model schools; we are supposed to serve as models for other schools.” The principal, who appreciated the effort of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) which is currently undertaking the construction of a 1000-capacity female hostel, appealed to the government, individuals, and old students of the college to come to its rescue. Ugorji said some of the efforts which would be made this year to ensure maximum and equitable use of the limited bed spaces include a compulsory interview of all the students interested in accommodation and immediate dismissal and replacement of misbehaving boarders.

Lecturers and students of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, during their excursion to Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan, on Thursday.

World Food Day celebrated in FUNAAB THE Cassava Weed Management Project (CWMP), a special project implemented by the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), in collaboration with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, has celebrated the 2015 World Food Day. According to the Project Team Leader and Coordinator of CWMP, Professor

Segun Lagoke, the aim of the celebration is to raise public awareness about encourage people to take action in fighting hunger. He said the Field Day served as an opportunity to showcase ongoing trials and CWMP project activities to FUNAAB scientists, stakeholders from the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), as well as farmers from selected

communities such as Adao, Ajegunle, Akintobi and Alabata – all in Ogun State. Professor Lagoke described the theme of the 2015 World Food Day, ‘Social Protection and Agriculture’, as timely, saying that the role social protection plays in reducing chronic food insecurity and poverty is by ensuring direct access to food. Lagoke added that social protection is a viable al-

VC lists achievements as Bowen celebrates 14th anniversary By Kehinde Adio AS Bowen University, Iwo, marked its 10th convocation and 14th anniversary, the management of the institution has developed a five-year strategic plan spanning 2015 to 2019. The vice chancellor of the university, Professor Matthew Ojo, gave the hint at the 10th convocation of the institution held recently. According to him, the academic staff of the university have been engaging and advancing the frontiers of research to meet world-class research benchmark, especially in globally relevant niche areas of renewable energy, food, security, medicine and peace and conflict studies. He said the university

had established mutual agreements for active research collaboration with the University of Mary, Texas, United States of America; Liverpool Hope University, United Kingdom; University of Computer Sciences and Skills, Poland and some other recognised universities in other advanced countries. On physical development, Professor Ojo said the university had committed a substantial fund to give the institution a befitting facelift in the areas of road networking, sport facilities and building construction expansion. “So far, Bowen University has produced 7,798 alumni, many of who have distinguished themselves as national and interna-

tional leaders in their various disciplines,” he said. “This year, the university graduated about 1,085 students, drawn from the six faculties in the institution with various bachelor degrees, out of which 49 had First Class. About eight students who had completed their postgraduate programmes also joined the convocation ceremony. The university has obtained National University Commission (NUC)’s approval for 12 new academic programmes.” Speaking in the same vein, the president, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr Supo Ayokunle, urged the graduating students to be the change agents in the Nigerian economic, political and education development processes.

ternative for stimulating agricultural production and local economic activities, noting that this year’s theme drew attention to the achievements recorded in rural development and food production. Relating the goals of the World Food Day to the activities of CWMP, Lagoke highlighted them to include the development of appropriate agronomist practices that increase cassava production and reduce losses from weed competition, identification of effective and safe herbicides for weed control in cassava in Nigeria, among others. Earlier, the vice chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor (academics), Professor Adekojo Waheed, disclosed that the World Food Day is celebrated on the 16th of October every year to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), an arm of the United Nations, in 1945, as a day of ‘Action against Hunger’. He lauded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for funding the CWMP with the charitable purpose of developing improved and integrated approaches to weed management.

school are studying social sciences while 1.2 per cent are studying Law. Sixteen per cent of them have had their schooling process interrupted, 59 per cent of these due to school fees. According to the report, school enrolment in the North-Central zone of the country is put at 65.3 per cent for Kwara State and 0.7 per cent for Kogi. Youths with interrupted schooling in Benue and Niger states are put at 19.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent. 63.3 per cent and 8.1 per cent of youths in Kogi and Plateau states have never been to school; while those with vocational training in Plateau and Benue states are 15.5 per cent and 3.8 pent respectively. Challenges faced are lack of educational facilities such as laboratories, workshops and libraries; lack of qualified teachers; poverty, and inadequate schools. In the North-East, school enrollment for Adamawa State is 69.3 pent while it is 17.8 per cent in Borno State. 29.8 per cent and 1.1 per cent of youths in Adamawa and Borno states respectively have had their schooling interrupted. The percentage of youths who have never been to school in Bauchi and Adamawa states are 63.6 per cent and 9.6 per cent, while those that have vocational training in Taraba and Borno states are 9.6 per cent and 0.2 per cent respectively. The report listed the challenges faced to include lack of amenities and structural facilities, inadequate qualified teachers, dilapidated public schools and hostels, lack of capital for vocational studies, as well as insufficient number of higher educational institutes. For the North-West, school enrollment in North-West states are 52.5 per cent and 34.6 per cent respectively for Katsina and Kebbi. Interrupted schooling is put at 16.1 per cent for Katsina and 3.1 per cent in Kebbi states. 49.1 per cent and 20.2 per cent of youths in Kebbi and Kano states have never been to school. Challenges include lack of adequate vocational centres, lack of transportation to and fro school, lack of school infrastructure and qualified teachers, high cost of education and lack of parental support. In the South-East, school enrollment in Enugu and Abia states are high (72.3 and 12.1 per cent respectively); but interrupted schooling in Imo and Enugu states are 85.7 and 1.2 per cent; while 43.5 and 1.0 per cent of youths in Ebonyi and Abia states respectively have never been to school.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

aviation

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Shola Adekola

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

Devaluation of naira will slowly kill training institutions —Mshelia Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, apart from being a trained pilot whose experience has spanned over 32 years, is the founder of Mish Aviation Flying School in Accra, Ghana. In this interview with SHOLA ADEKOLA, he speaks on industry issues ranging from the difference between training institutions and commercial operations. Excerpts:

he Central Bank of Nigeria has been in debate over devaluation of the nation’s currency and the often changes in the exchange rate of the naira to a dollar. Do you see this development affecting your business? Certainly it will. Our clients mainly come from Nigeria and this add up to how much naira they would need to buy the dollars they remit to us. It has the potential to slow or even kill the training industry. In the developed climes, such as Europe and the Americas, banks may employ in-house or keep on contract professional aviation consultants in order to advise them on effects of policies, before they are pronounced and implemented. But in Nigeria and most African countries, the way we see policies emerge, appears as if those in position deliberately or ignorantly fail to seek professional advice. We need to stop and look back and emulate greater values. Secondly, those who find themselves in governments must realise that aviation training schools should be treated as all other academic institutions. This is a mistake that needs to be addressed very quickly if we want our aviation training schools to survive. If the desired attention is given to the aviation schools, then there will be no need to depend on other developed economies for trainings, as this can now easily be achieved locally. Our general mentality of going abroad for one thing or the other must stop, to make meaningful progress in every aspect of our national developments across Africa. It is disheartening that we are still living the values of the 19th century, rather than the 21st.

to right the wrongs over the years. One wonders why major European, American and other carriers in Middle East and Africa are making daily flights, with some doing even two frequencies daily, while Nigerian Aviation on the domestic front is only but struggling with no hope in sight for reciprocity. The avoidable challenges are too many for the operators and would-be operators to grow or sustain their businesses favourably due to the above mentioned factors. All these problems lead to low employment for the locals and in effect, reduce clientele for the training institutions such as Mish Aviation.

As a training institution, what is your perception of Nigeria’s aviation industry? Since the deregulation of the aviation sector several decades ago, the Nigerian aviation industry has evolved into a very huge market. The industry has so much potential, though one would say it has not been exploited fully to the larger benefit of the country due to the inability of the industry players to exhibit the honesty, sincerity, ethics and professionalism required. In addition, successive governments have also not been able to successfully check the incessant corruption within the service providers. Neither government agencies nor the airlines have been able to appoint honest leaders, just as the workers themselves have failed to stop pilfering company income etc. A lot has gone wrong with little or no effort

What is your target in terms of stu-

There have been calls for more female enrollment in aviation careers. What is the level of female students’ patronage of your institution? We have had a very low turnout from female candidates. Since inception in 2011, we have had only two females trained at our institution. One was here for the Instrument Rating (IR) renewal, and the other from the scratch (ab-initio). But they both performed extremely well. We look forward to more females in the coming years. To what extent would you say that your institution has performed up to 2014? 2014 was a very difficult year especially for us at Mish Aviation because of several factors. The general global economic situation affected several airlines and in effect, affected training. We train for the airline industry and therefore if it is slow, we get the effect as well. No employment, no training needs. But we have been able to struggle through and kept the hope alive.

Government must realise that aviation training schools should be treated as all other academic institutions.

Mshelia dents’ turnover for 2015? We expect to hit our capacity target in 2015 because things have improved slightly in the region especially with the change of government in Nigeria where we have our largest clients. More enquiries have come in and things have changed slightly towards the positive. We are not there yet but the hope is great and we are expecting a better yield. What is your advice to aviation authorities in West Africa on how to improve the sector? Be more serious and understand that there is a difference between training institution and airline operation. Governments should exercise some tax-free regimes to encourage growth of new investors and also reduce tariff that lead to higher ticket cost. Aviation is an economic driver of modern times. As consumers of aviation tools, we need zero tariff on all imports of aircraft and accessories, encourage investors reasonably to sustain their business so they partner Government in return in areas of training sponsorships and affordable air transportation. We need to start production industries as well with the aim of producing our own aircraft and spares in the future. This can be done collectively as ECOWAS or Africa Union. It’s quite possible and I am a very

strong believer that we can deliver within the next 25 years if we start today. We have many raw materials and several of our citizens are in top manufacturing industries positions across the world today. We also know now that knowledge transfer is not a secret treasure as it used to be those days. We can copy blue prints and develop from there if we are serious. What would you describe as major challenge of your institution at the moment and possible solutions? We would have loved to move to an airstrip which would afford us more daily turnover of training hours without delay from other commercial traffic. We have applied and it is being considered by the airstrip owners. So hopefully someday, we will get the approval to do so. If this happens, we can expand rapidly. If this does not happen, we shall still struggle to keep the school but remain limited in capacity. Operating at an international airport is very advantageous to our students but not to the school. They are training in a commercial environment, so upon graduation, they are already conversant with what they would have had to learn on the job. So employing a candidate who graduated from Mish Aviation is a big plus to the employer as well as cost saving.

aviation

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Boeing seeks advise from former NCAA DG on prospects of aviation in Africa

crucial moment With Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

Why there is no need for new BASAs for now Barring any last minute change, airlines from fifteen countries may soon commence flight operations to different parts of Nigeria. The countries have already indicated their preparedness to do this in line with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) they have signed with Nigeria. Besides this, according to the director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Muthar Usman at a media function last week, thirteen more countries are on the threshold also waiting for renegotiation of their existing BASAs. Already, Nigeria has over 78 air transport agreements with 78 countries. In other words by the time the fifteen countries commence operations into Nigeria, the country will have nothing less than 100 BASAs. Ordinarily, such agreements would have been of immense benefits to the aviation sector and the economy of the country, but sadly, the agreements have continued to be at the expense of the country as they are all lopsided in nature. Key players and other professionals had raised the alarm over the loose agreements entered into by officials at the ministry of aviation on behalf of the country. Majority of the agreements rather than benefit the country ended up encouraging capital flights out of the country through the foreign airlines enjoying such agreements. The irony of it all is that while airlines from the foreign countries are given preferential treatment here, reverse is the case with the Nigerian airlines which the same government failed to put into consideration before signing such agreements. The two or three Nigerian carriers flying into few of the numerous countries are often frustrated by the same foreign airlines with the connivance of their home countries while even the Nigerian traveling public are subjected to inhuman treatment such as high exploitation by them. Besides the laughable agreements, the multiple entry points being doled out to foreign carriers is another lopsided policy of the Nigerian government which has greatly contributed to the poor state of the domestic airlines. In view of the inadequacies, key players had called for the review of the agreements which if well managed will not only revive the country’s economy but strengthen the indigenous airlines. It is on this premise that many stakeholders in the sector were shocked to hear the news about the new fifteen BASAs as it was expected of government to first review the existing ones in the interest of the country before entering into fresh ones which definitely will be of no benefits to Nigerians. Perhaps, the officials in the ministry must have bamboozled the government again into granting approval for the signing of the fresh agreements. It is on record that many of those in charge of BASA at the ministry lack the wherewithals of what it takes in signing such agreements on behalf of Nigeria in view of the obvious loopholes in the previous ones signed. Rather than put the interest of the country at heart, many of them have been alleged to be working for their own interest as they collude with foreign carriers to cheat Nigeria. It is at this juncture that the Crucial Moment is calling on the federal government to put on hold the fresh agreements for the purpose of correcting the lopsided ness in the existing ones. While no one can blame the foreign countries for indicating interest in making their airlines operate into Nigeria in view of the huge market potentials available here, there is however the need for reciprocity.

Nigerian Tribune

From left, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engineer Saleh Dunoma in a handshake with the Nigerian Embassy Ambassador in Tunisia: The Charge D’Affaires, Dr Joseph Apeh Omede, during the Airport Council International workshop held in Tunisia recently.

Awwal Tukur calls on FG to improve airport facilities Stories By Shola Adekola - Lagos

ormer Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Awwal Tukur has said that the facilities at the airports in the country needs to be improved upon to make passengers and air travelers more comfortable and disposed towards commenting positively about them. Tukur who made the appeal in reaction to a recent publication on the rating of Nigerian airports during an interview in Lagos declared that the airports need to be made more functional so that they can compete internationally. On the facilities that would make the airports better, he looked at capacity as well as the convenience, checking system and even airport runways saying; “You see a lot of the airports have not even grown with the size of population base that we have, even a toilet is designed for certain number of people and by the

time that number exceed, you cannot cope, there will always be problem, the runway system, the checking counter is the same thing, so our facilities have not grown with our population base. “The way for is for the government to be more proactive, less bureaucratic, privatising the airports get it off central control, regulate them and a lot of private sector involvement and let us do things on time, don’t take a decision today and wait for 10 years before implementing it because by that time, you are

FG yet to take stand on national carrier —Perm. Sec The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Haji Binta Bello has called on stakeholders in the sector to demonstrate openness and de-emphasise ego and competition so as to move the industry forward. Speaking at a seminar or-

FAAN MD tasks African airport leaders on airport environment The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engineer Saleh Dunoma has charged African airport leaders to evolve solutions that are flexible in their approach to the ever changing airport environment. He made the remarks at the just concluded plenary session of the 24th Airports Council InInternational (ACI), Africa Conference in Tunisia. Dunoma also on occasion advocated interaction and collaboration with key stakeholders as necessary to enable the implementation of processes and procedures, in consonance with global trends in aviation management. Speaking further, Dunoma declared that cost minimization and efficiency must be the watchword of any meaningful innovation at the airports due to the current global economic/

already off the mark.” On a national carrier, he bore his thoughts stating that,” We need a strong carrier and it is the job of the government to promote and regulate it economically. The economic benefits to us are enormous, it brings money, training of our people, employment of our people so strong carriers which are Nigerians I think it is what I go for and how the Federal Government wants to bring up the new national carrier and we will give our support as Nigerians.”

financial challenges. Earlier at the opening ceremony, Tunisia’s Minister of Transport, Mr Mahmoud Ben Romdhane while welcoming delegates identified the critical role of transport as a key driver. The President of ACI World, Angela Gittens said this year’s theme; “Leadership and Innovation in Airport Management” was aimed at improving airport management, encouraging innovation in the sector and developing the leaders of tomorrow. Speaking separately, Pascal Komla, President, ACI Africa and Ali Tousi, Secretary said the event is a unique opportunity for airports and other other aviation executives, experts and Exhibitors from around the world to network, share information and forge a common vision for the future business of African airports.

ganised by aviation journalists last week, Bello said competition was desirable to make the business thrive on innovation but added that if a ‘WinWin’ situation was to be achieved, cooperation and compromise should be established or seen as more important than competition. While saying the term can be applied to many aspects of daily living,she however said it was contrasted to the Zero-Sum game or Win-Lose situation, where the dominant factor is that at least one person wins while another loses. Her words: “the basis for a win-win situation is that compromise and cooperation must be more or at least as important as ego and compromise. “Everyone likes to ‘Win’ but the question raised to create the win-win situation is : How can a situation be established where nobody loses? It’s hard to create a win-win situations when people are selfish and egotistically if they don’t care whether their personal gains result in someone else losses.”

Despite the controversial manner he was removed from office, the most celebrated Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren has continued to gain international recognition. The latest of such recognitions was recorded last week with the visitation of the President of the American based aircraft manufacturing giant, Boeing, Mr. Marc Allen to him in Lagos for the purpose of interacting with him on the prospect of aviation business in Africa. According to the visiting Boeing team, in view of the heavy presence of many Boeing aircraft type in Africa, it has decided to undertake a Fact Finding Mission to the continent with stops in four major Sub-Sahara Africa cities, Lagos being one of our stops. The Boeing delegation according to a letter earlier written to the former NCAA director general by its managing director (Africa), Miguel J. Santos declared their intention to seize the opportunity to visit him and hear his view on the political and economic prospects available in Africa.

SAHCOL to provide ground handling services to SAA in Abuja The Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), has been named by South African Airways as a preferred Ground Handler in its Abuja operations. The handling company’s management described the development as the beginning of another long standing relationship between SAHCOL and South African Airways (SAA), in providing seamless services to the airline. By the contract, SAHCOL shall once again have the privilege of providing fast and expedient ground handling services to the SAA operations in Abuja, in the areas of Passenger, Ramp and Cargo Handling services. According to the general manager corporate communications, Basil Agboarumi; “To date, SAHCOL has successfully established a very strong market presence in the Domestic and International aviation industry, with its unmatched expertise in providing exceptional passenger, ramp and cargo/ warehousing services.”

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

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maritime

Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

salaries will definitely infringe on safety standards because such worker will not be well motivated to work or raise alarm if the working condition are below par. These are issues,” an aggrieved dockworker, Ifeanyi Obi told our correspondent. Findings further revealed that more than a month after Oheha’s death, he is yet to be compensated.

Post-concession: Safety breaches

expose seaport regulatory lapses The Federal Government adopted the landlord-tenant model at Nigeria’s seaports to ensure terminal operators are kept on their toes in terms of safety compliance. However, incidences inside and off the ports terminals are beginning to reflect a weak regulatory regime on the part of the landlord, writes Tola Adenubi. Excerpts:

he port concession of 2006 was predicated on a Landlord-Tenant arrangement, where the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) acts as the landlord of the ports, while the terminal operators who are private investors operates as tenants. This arrangement was designed to ensure that the NPA keep terminal operators on their toes in terms of revenue generation and how that revenue is generated at the ports. However, incidences inside and off the ports terminals are beginning to reflect a weak regulatory regime on the part of the landlord.

Before the terminal operators took over as tenants at the ports, the seaport had always been porous in terms of safety compliance.

Inside port terminals On September 19, a 32-year-old seaport worker, Samson Oheha from Delta State, died at the Five Star Logistics Terminal in Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos. While his body lay in the morgue with his family running from pillar to post to raise money for a casket, another dock worker, Mr Pius Ifah, on a Wednesday, exactly 11 days after, and at the same Five Star Logistics Terminal, died. If the incident leading to Oheha’s death were beyond human control, what about the incident that led to Pius Ifah’s death? In the case of Ifah, he died when stacked

heavy-duty pipes rolled off and killed him instantly. According to findings, the stacked heavy duty pipes rolled off and killed Ifah because they were held by a wooden wedge. According to the President of the Dockworkers’ Branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Mr Adewale Adeyanju, in a normal seaport setting, heavy duty pipes stacked together ought not to be held by a wooden wedge. “The wedge used to hold the heavy pipes

could not stop them as they slide down and killed Ifah. In a normal seaport setting, should pipes be held by wooden wedge? No, those pipes ought to be held together by an iron wedge. But things like this happen in our terminals and the regulators sit back in their offices, claiming they are enforcing safety at our ports,” he stated. In the case of Oheha, he died without being paid his salary for over eight months. That he was being owed so many salaries is enough to distract him from concentrating fully on his work, thereby leading to safety lapses which ultimately led to his death. “It is no longer news that sea waves from another vessel passing by caused the reel paper on an anchored vessel which Oheha was working on to fall on him. What is news is the state of mind of Oheha prior to the incident. For a worker that is owed about eight months’ salary, he cannot be in a focused and sharp demeanour prior to the accident. Who knows if he had been in the right state of mind (as an experienced seaport worker) he would have known that a vessel is passing by and the waves from such vessel would make the vessel he is working on unstable. “The NPA is landlord to these terminal operators, yet many issues that could impact on safety are taking place inside the ports. The mental state of a worker being owed

Outside port terminals Safety breaches, according to investigations have not been limited to port terminals alone as shipping agents have also been found in the habit of flouting safety regulations during vessel discharge at the ports. One of such scenario is the discharging of cargoes onboard the Industrial Chef at the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) by crew members of the vessel instead of registered dockworkers. Many reasons atone for Federal Government regulations on vessel discharge at the nation’s seaports, and the major reason still bothers on safety. Onboard every vessels, there is a tendency that some cargoes could be classified as dangerous cargoes even without the regulatory agencies being aware of such cargoes onboard. However, if discharging efforts is carried out by registered Nigerian dockworkers, there is every possibility that such cargoes could be nipped in the bud. That was not the case with the Industrial Chef. That she was discharged by her crew members who are majorly foreigners contravenes safety standards at Nigerian ports because they would not raise an eyelid if any of the non-conventional cargoes discharged were to be dangerous cargoes. They have nothing to gain if they do so because they are not Nigerians. Commenting on implications of illegal vessel discharge at the nation’s ports, the President General of the MWUN, Comrade Tony Nted stated that the NPA should be blamed for the whole anomaly. “Before the terminal operators took over as tenants at the ports, the seaport had always been porous in terms of safety compliance. However, after the port concession of 2006, the situation became better compared to when government was managing the ports. “But in recent days, despite that improvement, the inexperience of those managing our port terminals is beginning to be evident in port operations of today. How can a terminal operator stack pipes with wooden wedge? It’s unacceptable, yet the regulators are keeping silent on this. “What happened at LADOL has never happened in any part of the world, where the crew of a vessel are allowed to discharge the contents of the vessel. Maritime labour law is explicit on this. “The law says only registered dockworkers are allowed to offload a vessel at our seaports. This law not only provides jobs for Nigerians, it also safeguards the country from becoming a dump site for all sorts of cargoes. “But today, what is happening, every vessel that comes in wants to discharges its content without engaging registered dockworkers. This is alarming and dangerous,” Nted stated.

maritime

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Operators objecting to CTN have something to hide —Shippers Council Stories by Tola Adenubi -Lagos

he Nigerian S h i p p e r s Council (NSC) has described operators objecting to the implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) has people with ulterior motives in the ports. In an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Tribune, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Mr Hassan Bello stated that only people with hidden

agenda will object to the implementation of the CTN. According to him, “If anybody is afraid of the CTN, then such person has something to hide because currently, there is no transparency in the clearing process at the ports. “But with our new port order, port processes must be transparent; there must be automation at the ports. If we continue to apply the CTN, you will see a revolutionary effect especially on the amount of money that will be generated at the ports. CTN

will eliminate tax evasion, it will eliminate double taxation and it will fasten trade.” On the cost of the CTN, he explained that, “We have always said it will not be a direct cost to the shipper because CTN is part of freight charges. When you pay freight, you are entitled to certain services which include the CTN. “What we are doing is to uplift shipment in Nigeria so it could be in accordance with international standard. Currently, we are doing badly in the area of cost of

doing business at the ports because there is no CTN at the ports. “When the shipment arrives, everybody starts running helter-skelter for manifest, Bill of Laden and other documents, therefore leading to delay which causes our ports to be expensive.” When reminded that some stakeholders are of the view that the Bill of Laden and shipping manifest already contains every details needed in cargo clearance, he stated that, “No, they are not. The most important

document is the Bill of Laden. When you look at the Bill of Laden, what is written in it is ‘Said to contain’. The Bill of Laden is not specific. It says, ‘Said to contain’. “Sometimes, the Bill of Laden does not state the port of loading, port of origin and port of destination. The fact that the Bill of Laden states, ‘Said to contain’, it means it is not specific. But the CTN contains all this. Before the ship sails from the port of loading, everything is already known. “The CTN will be an instrument which we will

share with the Customs for their risk assessment, duty and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). “The terminal operators will benefit from the CTN because they would have already made arrangement before the ship arrives since they would have known the specific details of cargoes and type of ships that are expected. “The CTN is an electronic document that describes everything that is needed to be known as far as cargoes and type of ships are concerned.”

Human error caused Warri ships collision —NIMASA Following last Monday accident involving two vessels, MT Elixir and MT Tank off the Bonga FPSO, near Warri, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said the accident was as a result of human error. Speaking recently at a press briefing, the Deputy Director, Maritime Safety, Vincent Udoye said every maritime accident was as a result of human failure. He said, “We need to understand that when there is a maritime accident, it is as a result of human error and we are saying if the other ship is not doing what it was supposed to do, you

NIMASA acting DG, Haruna Jauro

are not supposed to run into that ship. The Executive Director, however, said there is little the agency can do since the accident involved two foreign flagged vessels. “Both parties involved have to sit and talk and what NIMASA can do is to ensure that people working on board the ship are properly certificated and don’t forget that this are not Nigerian ships and this limit our involvement on the two vessels. Udoye also stated that the agency was not giving up hopes of rescuing the eight missing crew until all avenues have been employed.

WACT Onne boosts trade in Nigeria West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) Onne has positively impacted trade and economic activity in Nigeria by increasing the competitiveness of the port, making it attractive for shipping lines to sail directly from Asia, particularly China, America and Europe to Onne with vessels as large as 4000TEUs capacity. This has had a direct impact on the cost of goods as compared to past. This was achieved by a N29 billion investment made by the company in terms of yard capacity, introduction of sophisticated cargo handling equipment and electronic solution for invoicing and payments, reducing vessel waiting time, dwell times and above all reducing the number of days for containers to arrive Nigerian markets from the origin of shipment. Speaking recently, the Managing Director of

WACT, Martin Jacob said Onne Port is now more competitive with an average of three direct vessel calls per week from China especially which has grown by 22 per cent year on year since 2011. This is attributed to the visible investment and development being made in the terminal. He also said that the WACT Onne is a one stop shop business environment that houses shipping lines and government agencies within the terminal to reduce travel time for customers and increase the ease of doing business in WACT. Jacob said, “West Africa Container Terminal is determined to becoming the new hub of economic activities in Nigeria, being the gateway to major markets in Onitsha, Kano, Abuja, Nnewi, Enugu, Aba, Ogidi and Port Harcourt which will in-turn boost the nation’s economy.

Hence our resolve to keep investing and increasing the competitiveness of the WACT so that larger ships can call the port directly and importers don’t have to travel hundreds thousands of miles to collect their goods when they can easily do that in Onne.”

WACT is also planning to begin a Roll on-Roll Off service where vehicle importers can clear their car in Onne and also increase stacking area by 100,000 sqm. West Africa Container Terminal Onne started commercial operations in

2007, and has proven to be one of the most customer friendly ports in Nigeria. It is the most efficient gateway to most markets outside greater Lagos area. The terminal has a capacity of 314,000 TEUs and 250 reefer plugs with a depth of 12 meters.

Scanning: Destination Inspection firms lobby Customs CG Former Destination Inspection Agencies (DIAs) at the port are currently seeking to take over maintenance and provision of scanning services at the port, two years after their contracts expired and functions transferred to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). This is coming against the backdrop of increasing concerns over the poor state of the scanning machines at the nation’s seaports. Comptroller General of

Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) who dropped the hint when he visited the scanning site at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa during his familiarization visit to the various Customs formation in Lagos penultimate Monday said one of the former DIAs made its intentions known when its officials visited him in at the Customs headquarters in Abuja recently. “I met with officials of Cotecna and they told me

that they want to take over the scanners and I had wanted to ask when I came here to know if they were managing the scanners well when they were in charge,” he said. Ali who was taken through the rudiments of operations of the scanners had expressed satisfaction at the speed the scanners could examine containers but expressed concern over the poor state of the scanners which have since been grounded.

“We cannot just give up hope that there is nobody alive there. We are still hopeful until the very last minute,” he said. He also dismissed allegations that the agency did not respond on time to the distress call after the incident noting that it was Global West Vessel, ‘NIMASA KIBERI’ that was used for the rescue operation. “NIMASA has a contract with Global West for 10 years, we are still using Global West Vessels to facilitate search and rescue,” he said Speaking earlier, the Acting Director General, of the agency Haruna Jauro assured that search and rescue operation is still ongoing to rescue the remaining eight crew missing members of the incident. He said the agency has also made arrangement for an underwater inspection of the sank portion of MT Tank as part of effort to ensure that some persons are not trapped inside accommodation while preliminary investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the accident. “A team comprising of marine specialists and naval officers have been dispatched to the location of the incident to contribute to the ongoing search and rescue operation. As at the time of filing this report, three persons have been rescued, one dead body recovered and eight crew members are still missing. Currently all vessels around the last position of the MT Tank have been instructed to continue search and rescue operations while arrangements are being concluded for an underwater inspection of the sank portion of the MT Tank to ensure that some persons are not trapped inside accommodation,” he said.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

‘We can use culture to unite our people’ CHINELO Okparanta recently participated in the Second Ugandan International Writers Conference in Kampala, with the theme: Space and Identity in African Writing: Writing Beyond the West. In this interview, she speaks on the need for Nigeria to use its diversity to its advantage, as well as how writers have been performing. EXCERPTS:

political vision, these are some of the ideas that come out to form unity and peace. How important is unity in culture? Unity, for me, is very important now. And I think what you are saying basically is that culture is the first step to selfgovernance. If we have a healthy sense of national identity, free of corruption, for example, then we will have a healthy vision of how to govern ourselves. So, yeah, well, Senghor beat me to it! But I think that’s an example that can work, and hopefully work even better than back then.

URING the panel on ‘Space and identity in African writing,’ you said, ‘the world is watching us (Africans), as we self-destruct, as we tear each other apart.’ What do you mean by that? I think sometimes we’re just too busy criticising each other. It’s not constructive criticism. It’s just criticism for criticism sake. And we’re at a point in world history in general, where we should think about unity, and not division. So what is your opinion as far as writing is concerned in Nigeria, and on the African continent? Writers are doing their job right now. We have many, many writers in Nigeria. For example Chibundu Onuzo, Uwem Akpan, Igoni Barrett, Chika Unigwe, Teju Cole, Chimamanda Adichie. Now publishing houses are trying: they’re on their way. We have Cassava, Farafina, Parresia, and I hope that there’ll be many more in the future, with functional printers, electricity, etc. However, what if writers could come up with their individual visions of a successful government, and write their novels with these visions in mind? Some could then form an alliance with government officials, and use the best elements of these visions to implement and form a better nation. This had been done in the past in Senegal; Leopold Sedar Senghor together with Aime Cesaire, and Edouard Glissant wrote poetry in the 40s and 50s. They published their work in Presence Africaine in Paris. And when Senghor and Cesaire became leaders later, they implemented their negritude vision for national identity through culture. Not many people know this about these former Senegalese leaders.. Yes, what Senghor did when he became president of Senegal was that he initiated

•Chinelo Okparanta

the Festival Mondial, or World Festival of Black Arts, and within that festival he invited all sorts of leaders from all over Africa and the Caribbean for a symposium on Black Art–were they ministers or presidents–this really sparked off, or was an early precursor of Pan African cooperation on the continent and organisa-

tions such as the OAU, which is now the AU; and several other festivals like Zaire 74, Festac 77, and other festivals which came up after that. But also, within Africa itself, culture was one of the things connecting African countries and connecting the people of Africa—which is one of the things you talked about earlier—when you have writers actually engaging with a

As a writer, are you thinking of ways towards contributing your quota to uniting the country? Yes. I am doing just that. I have been thinking about it for some time now. About ways to restructure the government; ways to unite the country, even with all the lines of division that already exist. I mean, sometimes it seems, especially in these writing conferences, we like to remind ourselves of how there are these tribal differences. That the Yoruba are different from the Igbo, who are different from the Hausa. And so these days, I think a lot about ways that we could possibly acknowledge our differences, and figure out the oil issues, for instance, which is a source of so much division amongst the tribes in the country. I know we can actually use culture to unite our people. So, I’m just thinking now about all of that, but, maybe, one day I will be working with a politician to implement my vision.

Waging war on corruption in the church BOOK REVIEW A review of Olusegun Tella’s book, Corruption in the Church in the Last Days. CORRUPTION is a big issue in Christendom today, and that is why God’s prophets are crying daily for Christians to have a change of heart. Even when Jesus Christ was going back to his Father in heaven, He asked if he would meet Christianity on earth when He returns. Christ knew that corruption might have taken over the church, and thus He has continued to raise His servants to warn his followers not to deviate from His teachings. It is as a result of this that one of God’s servants, Pastor Segun Tella, is coming out with another book, Corruption in the Church in the Last Days. In this book, written in the Yoruba language, the author laments how Christians

now love wordly things more than spiritual things. According to Pastor Tella, worldly things are like ‘spiritual cancer’ eating away the link between God and man. “When one occupies himself with

worldly things, he bothers less about spiritual things, and as such, as time goes on, a distance is created between man and God.” In the book, the author discusses about the church of God, the true foundation, corruption in the church in the last days, why Christians are ‘embracing’ corruption, and why it is important for one to retrace his steps to Christ. Pastor Tella uses different bible verses to back up his explanations, while also using everyday explanations on ways through which Christians are ‘falling’ because of the stuggle for worldly things. When one truly reflects on Christ’s question on whether He would meet Christianity on earth when He returns, it is important for Christians to examine their stand with God on a daily basis. The struggle for daily living is one of the problems distancing Christians from their Maker, and these are parts of the issues addressed in the book. The book, Corruption in the Church in the Last Days, is, therefore, important for Christians who want to make heaven.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015 Editor:

health YOU&EYE

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‘25% of couples in danger of infertility’ Page 36

NATURAL HEALTH

Cancer: The good, bad, ugly

M Home remedies to cure indigestion Page 37

Risks associated with oral sex HEALTH QUOTE

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RS Helen Adamawa is a cancer survivor whose battle with breast cancer as a teacher in a secondary school tells of hope when the problem is discovered and treated early. Unlike Mrs Adamawa, Chinyere also developed cancer of the backbone and, in less than a year, was dead, despite doctor’s initially calling it a benign growth. With two surgeries done to remove the growth on her backbone and the radiotherapy and other treatment modalities offered, she died a year after. Many cases of cancer occur yearly in Nigeria, with breast and prostate cancers being the lead afflictions. Unfortunately, some live to tell their story while others do not. So, are all cancers the same? Do cancers need to kill? Are cancers preventable? Dr Adeyinka Ademola, a consultant surgical oncologist, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, said cancers are different, even though every part of the body can grow cancer. According to Dr Ademola, “cancers are intriguingly different in the way they behave, depending on the part of the body that is actually affected. Some cancers are very poor in outlook even with the best of medical care that is available. “In fact, we call these cancers captains of the killers of men. This includes cancers of the gullet, stomach, liver and lung and, to a large extent, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. Cancers in these parts of the body are usually not curable and as such are better prevented.” Nonetheless, fatality of cancers differs. So many of the common cancers in Nigeria like the breast and prostate cancers are treatable and are

not as fatal as the those of the gullet, stomach, liver, lung, ovaries and pancreas. They need not kill because they give time to be investigated and treated. However, Dr Ademola said deaths from breast or prostate cancer in Nigeria are still being recorded because people ignore its signs and only seek treatment when they have pain. By that time, it is too late. “Individuals overlook things that are odd on their body, saying they are not causing pain. It might just be an abnormal growth on any part of the body that is not painful. They only come to complain when there is pain. By the time cancer causes pain, it is no longer curable.” Ademola decried people overlooking growth that is also described as benign. “That you are told there is benign growth does not mean you should overlook or ignore it. Anything that one thinks is strange needs to be investigated.” Although cancer used to be a disease of the older age group, he declared its occurrence in the younger population could result from such factors as people now living longer, poor lifestyle, low level of physical activity, change in diet, smoking and drinking of alcohol. “In Africa, we used to think people live longer when you visit our villages. But that is not true; people in the village only look older than their age because of hardwork. Also, life expectancy has improved and, as such, more people are living longer and reaching the age when people develop cancer. “Physical activity reduces the incidence of cancer. However, this has been lost due to urbanisation. Many people do not walk again. But abroad, a lot of people understood the benefits physical

activities like jogging and walking conferred on them and have consciously made them part of their lifestyle.” Cases of colon cancer are on the rise because of the change in the food people consume. But the traditional African foods such as Amala, Akpu and Eba are protective against colon cancer. “A lot of people have lost the protective effect of fibres because they have turned to eating foods such as rice and bread,” declared Dr Ademola. Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. But it is not only cigarette smoke that is a culprit. Dr Ademola added that indoor smoke from cooking with cooking gas, firewood or kerosene also releases carbon which, when inhaled, could also predispose to cancer. In addition, he stated, increasing the use of cigarettes and alcohol among the youths was a time bomb aiding further increase in cancer cases in many years to come. “In the next 20 years, we would start to see the result of alcohol intake and cigarettes because these are some of the things driving cancer epidemic,” he declared. Dr Ademola declared that follow up studies on red wine had found that even though taking a quarter of a glass of red wine is said to protect the heart, it actually predisposes women to breast and colon cancers. He concluded: “by maintaining 30 minutes exercises at least thrice a week; avoiding overweight or obesity; cigarette smoke and alcohol use, one can cut down by about 50 per cent, one’s probability of developing many non communicable diseases like cancer, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.”

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.” —Tom Stoppard

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

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Tamuno: The secret behind my dark glasses

“

Ladies and gentlemen, I must apologise for the sudden interruption of my presentation following the commotion we experienced last week. We all ran for safety. The incident stirred up in me memories of how I lost my eyes,” said Tamuno. He continued, “I also have memories of a similar real encounter in company of a pastor-friend. Our mutual friend had died and the pastor was chosen to preach the sermon at his wake. He preached a beautiful and touching sermon about death and heaven. “You must all work and walk towards heaven,” he had said and concluded with that beautiful song, “Seeking Heaven Alone Brings True Happiness.” Finally, he asked the audience, “raise up your right hand if you want to go to heaven.” Every hand was up! He brimmed with smile, looked right and left and asked them to lower their hands. Then he asked again, “If you would like to go to heaven right now raise up your hand?” No one raised up his hand. Suddenly, as if on cue, without any warning, there was a loud explosion. The pastor dived and I dived under the table. He passed. I sustained severe knocks on my eyes and saw stars. Everyone else was standing unperturbed! It turned out that a young man had filled an empty water sachet with air and suddenly compressed

them between both hands leading to the explosive sound! It was a practical joke which only the two of us fell for. When the pastor came round a few minutes later, he said remorsefully, “I was turned back at the gate of heaven by an angel. He said my time was not yet up.” “Many, especially children, have asked me the secret behind my dark glasses. Some have asked me to remove them so they could see my eyes!” It has remained my secret. A secret is something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others. Why should I share it with others? It is my business and not their problem!” I had surmised. It’s a painful reminder of my past - my folly - and it has been very difficult to accept the finality of it all. You may ask, “Why have you changed your mind and decided to share it with members of the United for Vision Club now?” “Simple! I had a rethink – others must learn from my experience.” Tamuno raised his hand as if he was going to remove his glasses; hesitated; dropped his hand to his side and smiled. Then raised up his hand again, pointing at his glasses, said, “These glasses are my eyes. Without them I see nothing.” Everyone was very attentive and focused on his glasses. For the first time, I saw some special features that I had failed to see

before. They are not ordinary sunglasses! Definitely, he wasn’t seeing through them! It occurred to me that what looked like lenses were actually electronic plates with microchips. This is a mini camera/computer, I concluded. Immediately, I was even more curious than before. What is behind these glasses? I would like to see his eyeballs to be able to appreciate how the contraption worked. “You may recall that I obtained my first pair of glasses in my first year in the university because of short sightedness (myopia). I saw the world as never before. I had them changed many times later. But just a few weeks to my 41st birthday, I began to have difficulty punching out numbers on my mobile phone or reading the Bible with my glasses. I was told I had presby-

A healthy, intact retina is key to clear vision. Once detached, it degenerates and loses its function.

Snoring bad for the heart, experts By Sade Oguntola FOLLOWING increasing number of people with high blood pressure, experts have urged individuals who snore loudly never to overlook it, but to seek treatment, saying it is bad for their heart. Snoring—with or without sleep apnea— is a very real health concern. Snoring is a sign of disrupted sleep, which can lead to many health problems. Researchers at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, found that snoring is associated with a thickening of the walls of the left ventricle of the heart. The researchers are Akintunde AA; Kareem L; Bakare A; and Audu M. The left ventricle is one of the four chambers of the heart; it is the heart’s main pumping chamber to ensure blood circulation around the body. In this study carried out at the Cardiology clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, researchers investigated the possible effects of snoring on the heart of Africans with hypertension. More than half of the hypertensive patients were found to be at high risk for Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) while snoring was present in 50.0 per cent of the study population. Also, the enlargement or thickening of the walls of the left ventricle of the heart were significantly higher among hypertensive patients with high risk for OSA than those with low risk. In addition, the fasting blood glucose was also significantly higher among hypertensive snorers than non-snorers. Also, those with high risk for OSA had

higher waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratios. The findings, which appear in the 2014 edition of the Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, echo previous studies that have shown a link between sleep difficulties and health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure. It recommended, therefore, an aggressive effort at managing OSA and snoring among hypertensive subjects to further reduce their risk for heart disease and diabetes. Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are common, but under diagnosed conditions in Nigeria. It is a potentially serious sleep

disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea, although it most commonly affects middle-aged and older adults and people who are overweight. However factors that put a person at increased risk include being overweight; having a large neck; hypertension; nasal congestion; diabetes;

opia - the effect of age on my eyes and given a pair of progressive glasses. Then suddenly, like a thunderbolt, I had a painless loss of vision in my right eye and a few days later in my left. “My doctor told me I had tears in my retina it could be due to a combination of previous trauma and fairly high myopia for which I had been using glasses. The tears had progressed rapidly to a detachment of the retina in both eyes. “The retina is the light-sensitive inner coat of the eye. Light rays pass through the pupil and are focused onto the retina. The rays falling on the retina are then converted into impulses that travel through the optic nerve to our brain, where they are interpreted as the images we see. A healthy, intact retina is key to clear vision. Once detached, it degenerates and loses its function. “The ophthalmologist advised me to have surgery to save my eyes. Reluctantly, I submitted to the surgery. It was done, one eye at a time. The outcome was great and within weeks regained full vision in both eyes. But several weeks after, something went wrong. It was all my fault. Sadly, I lost both eyes!” Tamuno removed his special glasses to reveal his eyes – the secret behind his dark glasses! At the grisly sight we all screamed! Why did we scream? Find out next week.

being male; and alcohol. Its treatment may involve using a device to keep the airway open or using a mouthpiece to thrust the jaw forward during sleep. Some people undergo a procedure to change the structure of their nose, mouth or throat. Obstructive sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition, whose complications may include high blood pressure; daytime fatigue; daytime fatigue and eye problems. Some research has found a connection between obstructive sleep apnea and certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma. The seventh report of the Joint National Council (VII) on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High blood pressure included OSA as a new cause of secondary hypertension and also a cardiovascular risk factor. People with obstructive sleep apnea may also complain of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression, and a need to urinate frequently at night. In many cases, self-care such as losing weight, exercises, avoidance of alcohol and medications such as sleeping pills would be the most appropriate way to deal with obstructive sleep apnea. The most effective treatment for sleep apnea is a technique called nasal CPAP, for continuous positive airway pressure, which delivers air through a mask while the patient sleeps, keeping the airway open. It has proved successful in many cases in providing a good night’s sleep, preventing daytime accidents due to sleepiness and improving quality of life.

35 everydayhealth

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

‘Daily aspirin could increase chance of pregnancy’

From left, Ms Aanu Rotimi, Honourable Fatai Adeseun, Honourable Oladele Olawunmi and Dr Gbolahan Abass at the event, recently.

Oyo Assembly promises accelerated family planning budget By Sade Oguntola

IVEN the importance of family planning services to health women and children, Oyo State assembly has assured of accelerated hearing of health issues, family planning. Honourable Fatai Adeseun, representing Ibadan South-east constituency at the Oyo State assembly, gave the assurance at the opening of a two-day meeting on family planning pre-budget requisition organised by Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HEFRON), in Ibadan. It was supported by the Advocacy in Child and Family Health in Nigeria Project (PACFaH). Honourable Adeseun, remarking that family planning services was central to safety of women and checkmating of unwanted children that roam the streets, assured the eighth Oyo Assembly that he would support wellbeing accelerated budgeting. Adeseun, also accompanied by Honourable Oladeji Olawunmi, representing Ogbomoso North State constituency, declared that health and education were critical sectors that required critical budgeting allocations, urging for support to ensure the budget for family planning was not lumped with that of other units in health. Earlier, Dr Mohammed Lekki, Executive Secretary, HEFRON, speaking through Ms Aanu Rotimi, had stated that contraceptive usage in Oyo State was low in comparison with other South Western states. Lekki, who stressed the need for state governments to make more funding

available for family planning services, said timely release of such funds was a concern in ensuring the required increase in contraceptive usage in the country. Dr Olajide Johnson, PACFaH’s consultant and expert on Family Planning, decried lumping allocations for family planning services with other health issues in Oyo State, saying to access such funds will be difficult. Johnson, disclosing that Family planning’s main

purpose was to keep women alive, said “any government that does not anchor family planning is against women; that government wants our women to be dying like fowls.” The medical expert, linking Nigeria’s low contraceptive prevalence rate to poor enlightenment on family planning, cultural and religious beliefs, stated that Nigeria could only regulate its unchecked population through effective contraceptive services.

Johnson stated that the Federal Government needed to do more to fulfil its pronouncement in 2012 to increase contraceptive prevalence rate to 36 per cent and funding, adding that Oyo State also has a role to make these a reality. He added, “ensuring this will reduce 400,000 infant mortality that will have happened; 700,000 child deaths that would have happened; and prevent 1.6 million unwanted pregnancies.”

Rotary releases $6.9m to ensure Nigeria remains polio-free ON the heels of historic success against polio in Nigeria and across the continent of Africa, Rotary has announced an additional US$6.9 million boost to Nigeria to support immunisation activities and surveillance spearheaded by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Rotary is contributing $26.8 million to African countries to ensure the disease never returns to the continent: Burkina Faso ($1.6 million), Cameroon ($2.7 million), Chad ($2.6 million), Democratic Republic of Congo ($499,579), Equatorial Guinea ($685,000), Kenya ($750,102), Madagascar ($562,820), Mali ($1.5 million), Niger ($3 million), Nigeria ($6.9 million), Somalia ($4.9 million) and South Sudan ($1.5 million). Outside of Africa, Rotary also announced grants of $6.7 million for polio-endemic Pakistan, $400,000 to Iraq and $5.3 million to India. The remaining $990,542 will support immunisation activities and surveillance. In total, Rotary gives $40.4 million to

end polio worldwide. Rotary’s new funding commitment, announced ahead of the observance of World Polio Day 2015, targets countries where children remain at risk of contracting this incurable, but vaccine-preventable, disease. Rotary provides grant funding to polio eradication initiative partners UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, which work with the governments and Rotary members in polio-affected and high-risk countries to plan and carry out immunization activities. To date, Rotary has contributed more than $1.5 billion to fight polio. Through 2018, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match two-to-one every dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication (up to $35 million a year). Currently, there have been only 41 cases of polio reported in the world in 2015, down from about 350,000 a year when the initiative launched in 1988. The World Health Organisation has removed Nigeria from the list of

polio-endemic countries, leaving just Afghanistan and Pakistan. With no case of wild poliovirus (WPV) reported since 24 July 2014, more than a year has passed with no samples testing positive for WPV across the entire country.

TAKING low-dose aspirin daily could help women become pregnant, particularly those who have previously miscarried. This is according to new research presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD. Researchers found daily low-dose aspirin increased the chances of conception by 17 per cent for women who previously miscarried. Researchers from the University of Utah and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) suggest that taking just 81 milligrammes of aspirin daily may boost a woman’s likelihood of conception by reducing systemic inflammation, improving the environment in which an embryo grows. Aspirin is a salicylate drug commonly used to reduce fever, inflammation and relieve minor aches and pains. It is also increasingly used as an anti-platelet medication to reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke among individuals at high risk. There has been much focus on the potential health benefits of aspirin in recent months. One study suggested the drug may double the likelihood of survival for patients with gastrointestinal cancers, while another study suggested daily aspirin may help prevent breast cancer. Now, new research suggests improvements in fertility could be added to the growing list of benefits regular aspirin use may bring. The new study involved 1,228 women aged 18 to 40 who had experienced

miscarriage in the past 12 months. All women had systemic inflammation. Compared with women who did not take aspirin daily, those who took 81 mg of the drug each day were 17 per cent more likely to become pregnant and almost 20 per cent more likely to have a successful birth. The researchers suggest that daily aspirin reduces systemic inflammation, making the womb a safer environment for the embryo to grow. Making certain lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake, can increase a woman’s chances of conception. Increasing physical activity and adopting a healthy diet can increase the likelihood of conception. According to Prof. Richard Poulson - vice president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), which was not involved in the study - previous research has also suggested that aspirin boosts the chances of conception by increasing blood flow to the pelvis and thickening the lining of the womb, making it easier for the embryo to implant. Based on these findings and those from previous studies, Prof. Poulson - who is also professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine - believes that any woman trying for a baby, particularly those undergoing fertility treatment, should take low-dose aspirin daily to boost their chances of conception.

Cutting sugar ‘can improve health in nine days’ REDUCING sugar in diets even without cutting calories or losing weight can dramatically improve health in as little as nine days, a study suggests. A new study involving obese children found significant results in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol in less than two weeks. Scientists behind the study said it showed that sugar was “metabolically harmful not because of its calories” but because it places particular strain on the body. It follows the release of a controversial official report which called for a tax of between 10 and 20 per cent on sugary foods and drinks.

David Cameron has rejected calls for such taxes, but has indicated that other measures - such as a clampdown on advertising and marketing deals could form part of a future Government strategy on childhood obesity. The study, published in the journal Obesity, looked at the effect of restricting sugar on metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. The syndrome can result in high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. The research found that

those who were made to cut back on sugar had a drop in blood pressure, cholesterol, improved liver function, fasting blood glucose levels while insulin levels were cut by one third. Poor families are likely to be obese. Often junk food tends to be ‘cheap’ and parents think it is the only way to feed their children Some 43 children aged nine to 18 took part in the study at the University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital. The children were all obese and had at least one other chronic disorder, such as high blood pressure.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

healthpeople ‘25% of couples in danger of infertility’ Professor Oladapo Ashiru was the first indigenous professor of Anatomy in the University of Lagos, brain behind the first In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) operation in Nigeria and the Group Chief Medical Director of Mart Group, He reflects on critical issues surrounding infertility and challenges bedeviling the health sector in this interview by VICTOR OGUNYINKA.

OULD you share with us what it felt like having the first IVF operation way back in 1986? We have been involved with IVF procedure since 1983, but our first conception then became aborted at the early period of pregnancy, which is what is now termed early pregnancy loss, which is still common in IVF till date. At that time, IVF operation was carried out using laparoscope. You have to go to the theatre, put the patient under the general anesthesia. Then, aspirate the follicles from the patient by three incisions on the abdomen. One incision is for the scope that is the camera to look into pelvis; the other incision is for the forceps to hold the structure you are looking at and the third incision is for the needle to aspirate the follicle. So, that was what it was then. Today, you do not make any incision in the abdomen, you go with an ultrasound, through the vagina and with one single needle incision you can aspirate the follicles from the ovary. Was it technology that happened or precaution? Absolutely technology. The industry came to the help of the doctors; they looked at what we were doing and they devised means to make it simple for us such that the glassware that we use for test tube is now in form of plastic ware, which is disposable. Would you say infertility is still a big problem in Nigeria? Infertility continues to be a big problem. In a recent conference in Geneva at the World Health Organisation (WHO) headquarters, we had a meeting of about 50 experts talking on guidelines for infertility. We still recognised the fact that infertility occurs in a large percentage of people. In fact, it occurs in about 20 to 25 per cent of married couples.

For both male and female? Yes, we have now stipulated the definition of infertility to be “occurring in or either the male and female”. So, infertility is now defined as the inability of a person to get pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, or after six months if the person is over 35 years of age. Are there general causes or peculiar causes for both sexes? There are general and peculiar causes. The general causes are the endocrine re-

lated. Inability to ovulate in a woman or endocrine that causes sperm production not to occur efficiently in a man. So, these are the endocrine causes that can occur either from the level of the brain, or the lower level in the nervous system. Like the hypothalamus or the pituitary glands. There are some people that claim they don’t eat a particular meal in their family. If they eventually eat those ‘forbidden’ meals, could it be a problem to their health? Absolutely, there are two things involved. As the saying goes, the food of a fisherman is poison to a blacksmith. That means we all have different genetic compatibility. It is always good to know what food is compatible with one. And also, as a general rule, food that grows in your environment is most time, good for you. But food that you import, for instance, we import apples, grapes, milk and some vegetable oils; they could be a problem to our health. Could you tell us briefly about the experience on your successful delivery of a set of quadruple, was that the first? In our own hospital that was the first. We had had quintuplet that were conceived from our centres, but they went abroad to deliver. A 50-year-old couple came here because they lost their son, they wanted to have a baby and we transferred three embryos into her, which was what was recognised then. But two of the embryos split into two so, at the end, they ended up with five babies. At first, we saw three gestational sacs, which meant three embryos implanted but a week later, the three sacs became four, which means that one of them split into two and later on, we saw five. So, they first went to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and they were there for a while, but during one of the strike actions, the couple had to move to India. The second one was the same, they went to Edinburg in Britain to have babies. So, these were celebrated feat that we did in our centre. But because of this, we started our own maternity centre to demark medicare. When we now had a patient who had four babies, we made her stay here at the maternity to rest and she was delivered by caesarian section. One after the other and the four babies were taken out less than three minutes from the mother and at that time, we had incubators for each of the babies. You said 50-years-old couple, how about the issue of menopause? Menopause means menstrual period had

ceased. But some could be restored back to activity while others might have to settle for alternative options like in donor case. When is it not ideal to get pregnant? The only time that is not ideal to get pregnant, regardless of your age is if your health system cannot hold it. This is when your kidney or heart is not functioning properly. Or if there is a medical condition that would not enable you go through the pregnancy. The health sector has proven to have capable hands in getting a job done, but there seems to be a problem with the structure on ground, what is the problem? The problems are many folds and I think since the days of late Professor Ransome Kuti, we have not had a health minister that is bold enough to take another direction with health. Before Prof Kuti, the health system was developing mainly in terms of having tertiary and then secondary health. So, people developed general hospitals and university teaching hospitals. But he had this idea about primary health care, rightfully so, which used to be actually a community health, but he termed it primary health care and the philosophy was that we should be able to give basic health to people, correct some things and develop people that can handle this. During that pe-

The only time that is not ideal to get pregnant, regardless of your age is if your health system cannot hold it

riod that he was health minister and subsequent jobs that followed, that was the main emphasis and thrust of government and in the process, they ignored the tertiary and secondary health care. Consequently, some ministers that came thereafter, tried to do something to the tertiary care, but it was not in my own view a comprehensive method. Some will say they want to help the teaching hospitals and they would buy equipment and at the end of the day, nobody to use those equipment. Nigeria is highly equipped with manpower enough to be a centre for medical tourism in the world. Today, we still hold substantial manpower even in the USA and Canada. You are one of the earliest authorities in what you do; do you and other professors sometimes give recommendations to the Federal Government on the way forward in the health sector? Yes, in my own little way, I do sometimes for every minister for health. I have always sent them e-mails and make my comment about what I think they should do. And then, I think the last minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, took a lot of recommendations from me. I wrote a paper in a national newspaper on ebola that we were only talking about it in other countries and not preparing... So, I always give recommendations to people, but I think that when we talk about health, the government can take a radical measure and really get it done aright. And you know, when you assemble a team; you assemble them on merit, not just talk and talk. People must come up with ideas and come up with facts. I mean we just had some examples like that in WHO in Geneva, we are bringing ideas on regulations, control of infertility and management, experts came, you put your own fact down, we all look into it one after the other and we accept. By the end of the day, we have good compendium of what to use.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

By Sade Oguntola

OST people are known to overeat, especially when the food is irresistibly delicious. So, occasions like parties, weddings or friends’ birthday treats are some of the many occasions where one tends to overeat. In most cases, eating too much food or eating food that is too fatty causes indigestion. Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, occurs when the digestive juices in the stomach are not secreted properly and as a result, cause discomfort. As such, indigestion is used to describe one or more symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen. it may cause bloating, belching and nausea. Before pop a pill, you may want to try any one of these remedies for indigestion: Ginger Ginger has long been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian and Arabic herbal traditions. In China, ginger has been used to aid all types of digestion disorders for more than 2,000 years. Health care professionals still commonly recommend ginger to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. It is also used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset. Germany’s Commission E has approved ginger as a treatment for indigestion and motion sickness. Cayenne/ red pepper Evidence suggests that oral use of cayenne can reduce the pain of indigestion. In a double-blind study, individuals with indigestion were given either 2.5 grammes daily of red pepper powder (divided up and taken prior to meals) or placebo for five weeks. By the third week of treatment, individuals taking red pepper were experiencing significant improvements in pain, bloating and nausea as compared to placebo, and these relative improvements lasted through the end of the study.

RAL sex is a sexual activity which involves the use of the mouth to stimulate partner’s genitals. There are several types; cunnilingus, sometimes referred to as cunnilinctus is the oral stimulation of a woman’s vagina and or vulva, especially her clitoris by her partner’s lips and tongue. Fellatio is stimulation of a man’s penis by his partner’s mouth; usually by licking or sucking. It is often wrongly referred to as a blow job in fact; it is highly dangerous to blow during this act or during cunnilingus. Nippling is sucking or licking your partner’s nipples. It carries almost no risk of any infection. Rimming is stimulation of the partner’s anus with tongue or lips. Note that the anus is not a very clean area of the body, there is no doubt that rimming will lead to a transfer of germs to the mouth. Oral sex is now widely practised in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. For many years, it was regarded as an almost unmentionable activity. But these days, research suggests that most sexually active people go in for oral sex sometimes. Out of the different types of oral sex, fellatio and cunnilingus are extremely popular, and are widely regarded as a normal, enjoyable part of a sexual relationship. Furthermore, it is been shown that oral sex has certain positive aspects. Oral sex can be extraordinarily effective at helping women to reach a climax. It can also help men who have difficulties in getting an erection. It also cannot get a woman pregnant.

natural

health Home remedies to cure indigestion

Aloe Aloe is most commonly associated with healing burns and minor cuts, but the African plant is also quite effective at reducing indigestion. The plant contains the laxative compounds barbaloin, aloin and aloe-emodin, which also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the inner lining of the intestinal tract. Chewing gum Chewing gum may be one of the best nonmedicinal treatments for heartburn. In a 2001 study, researchers from Wake For-

est University in North Carolina found that chewing gum increased oesophageal and pharyngeal pH, which in turn reduced the effects of heartburn. This is because chewing gum pushes back fluids and floods the oesophagus with alkaline saliva. This in turns neutralises the acids that cause the burning associated with indigestion. Basil Basil is thought to have a calming effect on the stomach and half teaspoon of dried or fresh basil leaf in water can often help sooth indigestion and alleviate feelings of fullness.

Lime and ginger These ingredients are usually easily available in everyone’s kitchen. All that is needed is two spoons of lime and ginger juice, and honey mixed in a glass of warm water. This can be taken after a heavy meal. Also, another option is to drink hot lemon water (one tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of hot water) before your meal — it is known to prevent acid indigestion. Lemon juice also helps fight against bacteria. Drinking fresh lemon water first thing in the morning helps prevent many kinds of digestive disorders and have a healthy digestive system. Oranges If you thought the previous remedy was cumbersome, try eating an orange after every meal and it will keep indigestion at bay. Experts claim that eating oranges gives rest to the digestive organs and supplies adequate nutrition. Garlic with soya Experiencing stomach pain? Mix equal amounts of garlic and soya oil and massage over your stomach. Allow the oil to be absorbed by the skin. It also gives instant relief from indigestion. Cloves Clove is known to have a number of medicinal and culinary uses. Cloves can increase gut motility and gastrointestinal secretions thus helping in digestion and curing gas and indigestion problems. Pieces of cloves can be directly consumed or clove oil can be used to get rid of stomach irritability. Warm water Drinking warm water alone can get some immediate relief from gas and indigestion. It helps in cleaning the body by flushing out all the toxins present and also breaks down the food to make it easier for your body to digest it. Having a glass of warm water in the morning is a healthy practice and will keep your digestive system on track.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com

Risks associated with oral sex A lot of people get concerned; whether oral sex could give them infection. Because of concerns about the possibility of HIV and other infections transmission through the widespread practice of oral sex, the UK Department of Health set up an expert group to report back on the matter. In broad summary, their main conclusions were: HIV and other infections can be transmitted by oral sex. Oral sex is certainly much safer when it comes to transmitting HIV and other infections than rectal or anal sex. Oral sex is probably safer than vaginal intercourse. Though ulcers in the mouth could increase the risk, in this case, oral sex could be more risky than penetrative sex. In the case of cunnilingus, there may be an increased risk of transmission if the woman is menstruating. There is no evidence that mouthwashes could reduce the risk of infection. Using condoms during oral sex could reduce the chance of infection, but not eliminate it. Continues next week

Thursday, 29 October, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Ambode By Kunle Oderemi

HE election petition tribunals appear to be redrawing the political configuration that emanated from the last general election in the country. Their judgments have produced a mixed grill of surprise and the expected. Some camps are severely devastated by the verdicts of the election tribunals because of what their members consider as the overwhelming evidence brought to back up their petitions. Having been able to secure the services of eminent counsel, the petitioners had thought their victory at the tribunal was a foregone conclusion, not minding the maxim that the Law is an ass which anyone can ride. In all the judgments delivered so far, especially on governorship, the planks of the verdicts varied tangentially, whereas, the unifying denominator in all the petitions is gross electoral irregularity. Major issues raised by the judges while delivering their judgments include the use of card readers during the election. The Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) had stressed the sanctity of the smart card for the purpose of the election. This was in spite of some hitches that were witnessed when the electronic device underwent a test run in some states before the election. Some of the shortcomings of the card reader dovetailed into the election proper, necessitating some proactive actions by electoral officials. Such action, which some claim was based on expediency, was partly latched on by the tribunals to arrive at their judgments. There are other grounds like lateness in petitioners filing their petitions based on the provisions of the Electoral Act, lack of competence by certain categories of witnesses called by petitioners, which the

Wike

Okowa

Tribunal verdicts: The double-edged sword tribunals pegged their judgments. There was a case where a tribunal described the petition of the governorship candidate of a particular party as a mere academic exercise and as such lacked merit.

Great Ogboru for lack of merit, just as it noted that in the case of the APC candidate, the allegation of corruption during the voting exercise could not be substantiated beyond reasonable doubt.

Plateau The Plateau State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal upheld the election of Governor Simon Bako Lalong of All Progressive Congress by dismissing the petition of the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Gyang Pwajok, for lack of merit. It said all the witnesses called by the PDP candidate were not credible and that the petitioner failed because his case was weak.

Yobe: Elsewhere, the Yobe Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld the election of Governor Ibrahim Geidam and dismissed the petition of the PDP candidate, Adamu Maina Waziri, hinged its verdict on the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inability to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there were electoral malpractices. The PDP candidate had challenged the election of Geidam on the grounds that it was marred by violence and irregularities. Waziri, who is former Minister of Police Affairs, also insisted that Geidam, who contested and won re-election was sworn-in as the Governor of Yobe for a third time on May 29

Delta In the case of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of delta State, the dismissed the petition of the Labour Party governorship candidate,

The tribunal held that the electoral guidelines were mere instructions and had no force of law against the offenders/defaulters and as such cannot be a ground to challenge an election.

Ebonyi Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi, who is still savouring victory, had his election validated by the tribunal because the petitioner and candidate of LP, Edward Nkwegu, failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt. He had sought the nullification of the victory of Umahi on the ground that the election was marred by irregularities and substantial non compliance with the provisions of the electoral act and some provisions of the Nigerian constitution. He also averred that the election was marred by corrupt practices and that Mr. Umahi did not score majority of the lawful votes cast, which he said were enough ground to nullify the election. But the tribunal held that the electoral guidelines were mere instructions and had no force of law against the offenders/defaulters and as such cannot be a ground to challenge an election. it contended that a breach in the electoral guideline as alleged by the petitioner could not be a ground to nullify the election. Lagos For the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which sat in Ikeja and upheld the election of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC, the petitioner of Mr Jimi Agbaje of the PDP, was said to be incompetent. It stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the instant petition, apart from an order nullifying the continues pg39

39 politics&policy

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

‘INEC guidelines as mere instructions’ continued from pg38

election of the second respondent, the petitioners did not ask for an order of fresh election. Where such a prayer is lacking, the petition will be incompetent and academic as even the resolution of such a petition will be incompetent and academic. Even the resolution of such a petition in favour of the petitioner will not confer any utilitarian value on the petitioner. Where no relief for fresh election is claimed in a petition, a ground founded on Section 138(1)(b) of the Electoral Act and the entire petition itself are incompetent and liable to be struck out.” Oyo In Oyo, the Tribunal dismissed the petition of the candidate of Accord, Senator Rashidi Ladoja challenging the re-election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the APC. In the unanimous judgment by the panel members, it stated that Ladoja and Accord “failed woefully” to prove their allegations of rigging, electoral malpractices, violence and non-compliance with the Electoral Act among others, beyond reasonable doubt. Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi heaved a sigh of relief when the election tribunal in Enugu State struck out the petition of the governorship candidate of the APC, Okey Ezea on the grounds that it was frivolous, lacked merit and against court processes. The tribunal held that it had earlier in the course of the hearing struck out several paragraphs of Ezea’s petition for being imprecise, vague, related to party nomination which is a pre-election matter and contained criminal allegation against people who were not made parties to the petition. He added that the petitioners’ allegation on over-voting and non-accreditation through the manipulation of the card readers machine by the INEC and other respondents were not sufficiently proved as it is only voters’ register that could determine the number of voters that participated in an election, stating that the petitioner failed to provide the voters’ registers to prove his case. According to the tribunal, the petitioners’ witnesses, who were only six persons drawn from six polling units out of the 2,958 polling units in the state, were not sufficient to provide enough evidence to support Ezea’s case, rendering it incompetent. It also held that even at that, the six witnesses admitted that the governorship election was free, fair and peaceful with minor irregularities which were not sufficient enough to cancel the election.

Udom

Ajimobi

Al-Makura

Umana

Agbaje

We don’t see any conflict between the introduction of card readers and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Nasarawa In Nasarawa, the state governorship Election Petitions Tribunal confirmed the re-election of Governor Tanko Al-Makura, which had been challenged by the candidate of the LP Mr. Labaran Maku of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Rivers In the case of Rivers State, the petitioner, Mr Dakuku Peterside had alleged that the poll was characterised by intimidation of voters, non-availability of result sheets, snatching of electoral materials, non-collation of results at wards and LG levels, among others. In its judgment, the state elections tribunal dismissed preliminary issues concerning its competence raised by the respondents, as well as held that the INEC had the power to insist on card readers. It stated: “It is not open to any-

Lalong

Ugwuanyi body to act otherwise. We don’t see any conflict between the introduction of card readers and the provisions of the Electoral Act.” Akwa Ibom In its judgment, the Akwa Ibom Governorship Election Petition Tribunal asserted that it formulated two issues for determi-

nation: whether Governor Udom Emmanuel scored the majority of valid votes cast in the election. It resolved that, while it was not satisfied that elections were held in all polling units in the state, it was satisfied that the election in some areas substantially complied with the law and that Emmanuel had got the majority of valid votes cast in the said areas. But it also held that the expert evidence the APC and its candidate/petitioner, Umana Umana presented before the tribunal failed because the witnesses denied being experts, and a particular witness PW49 could not tell how he came about his findings. It equally held that elections were inconclusive in some local government areas including Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan, while the elections

Peterside in such areas as Etim Ekpo, Uruan, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Atai, Eket and Ini, among others, failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act. The tribunal therefore ordered INEC to conduct rerun elections in 18 local government areas out of the 31 local government areas in the state which the electoral commission had in April declared to have all been won by Emmanuel.

news

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Senate queries proposed N64bn contract for Abuja airport 2nd runway Taiwo Adisa And Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

ENATE, on Wednesday, critically looked into the planned review of the contract for the construction of the second runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which is estimated at N64 billion. The Senate also described the contract as another attempt to steal and rape Nigerians of the country’s common patrimony resolv-

Protest in Ibadan as teacher flogs student to death

ing that due process and diligence must be followed followed in the award of contract. Consequently, it called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, construct a second runway at the airport since the existing one was inadequate. These were sequel to a motion moved by Senator Dino Melaye, (APC) ) Kogi West, entitled: “The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Second Runway-Contract.” The Senate called on the Federal Government to drastically reduce what it called an unrealistic cost, urging the Federal Gov-

ernment must monitor the contract award process. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his remark, tasked the government to put in motion necessary machineries to construct a better runway at the Abuja International Airport, noted that the amount bandied for being the cost for the contract was unacceptable, stressing that the Senate would do its best to ensure that there was probity in award of contracts not only in the aviation sector, but in other sectors of the economy. According to him, “Ministries, Departments and Agencies should know that

the period of inflated contract is over. All contracts must be done prudently and those type of figures will not be accepted.” Senator Melaye noted in the motion that the contract for the construction of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja Second Runway, was cancelled by the last administration after allegations of over inflation of contracts was established. He added that the contract was awarded by the Federal Executive Council at the cost of N64 billion after ratification by the Bureau for Public Procurement, added that there was

also the great need for the construction of a second runway, since according to him, “the existing one is not only bad, but inadequate.” However, former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah disclosed that there is nothing like N64 billion second runway contract insisting that the contract has been cancelled before she was appointed as Minister of Aviation saying that the report on the contract was speculative because the inter-ministerial agencies set up on the contract is yet to submit any report on the second runway project.

By Aramide Shanu

Students of IMG Secondary School, Oke Ado, Ibadan, on Wednesday, went on rampage following the death of one of their colleagues allegedly flogged to death by a teacher. The student reportedly slumped and gave up the ghost as a result of the severe punishment from a teacher for arriving late to school. Invaluable properties of the school were destroyed by the students who took to protest before the members of Nigerian police force came to rescue the situation. The identity of the deceased could not be ascertained as at press time while policemen had cordoned off the area. An eye witnesses who claimed anonymity said “trouble started when the student arrived school after classes had commenced for the day, he reportedly told the teacher he came late due to illness.” “At that point,” the eye witness added, “the principal, who was passing by asked the teacher the cause of the discussion.” The principal allegedly ordered the teacher to flog the student for coming late and in the process of the flogging, the student slumped. “All our efforts to save the student proved abortive,’’ the eyewitness added. No fewer than 10 fully armed policemen were seen on surveillance at the premises of the school with three of their vehicles parked near the school gates. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Police Command, Adekuule Ajisebutu said the Police is investigating the matter and promised to get back.

LG poll: PDP drags Niger State govt to court Adelowo Oladipo-Minna

THE Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dragged the state government to court over the confusion that has continued to bedevil the conduct of the forthcoming local government election in the state which was earlier scheduled for November 7. The State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) on Tuesday shifted the date for the polls to January 16, 2016 citing inability of the state government to release funds for the prosecution of the project and the use of card readers as exhibits at the various tribunals sitting in the state. The PDP however wants the court to determine if by virtue of section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution as amended local government areas in the state can be administered by any system of government other than democratically elected local government councils.

Anyingba, Ikeja host Glo Laffta Fest, Slide ‘n’

Bounce The staff room of IMG Secondary School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, after the protest by the students over alleged murder of their colleague by a teacher. PHOTO: ADENIYI SIJUADE

‘Awolowo, HID made Olu of Warri title possible’

HID proved that women could do business —Odu’a Chambers of Commerce By Olakunle Taiwo

WARRI chieftains from Delta State, members of Odu’a Chambers of Commerce have extolled the virtues of the Awolowo matriarch, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu, describing her and Pa Awolowo as rare gifts to the world. Speaking in separate speeches, the Itsekiri elders, who were Ogwalusan of Warri kingdom, Chief Brown Mene; the

Obazuaye of Warri Kingdom, Chief S.S Rone and Chief Emmanuel Tetsola, while describing Mama as a faithful, charismatic, caring woman noted the role which Pa Awolowo played in uniting the Warri kingdom and arriving at the Olu of Warri title. According to Chief Rone, “It was possible to have the Olu of Warri title by the power of Pa Awolowo and Mama who stood by him always. We are united and

committed in Papa’s name and we say wherever the Awolowo or the Yoruba race goes, they cannot be separated with the Itsekiri kingdom.” On his part, another chieftain, Chief Tetsola, noted that the only way Mama could be remembered by Nigerians was for upcoming women to read her story and make it their guide throughout their entire life, just as Chief Mene urged women to always

Osun tertiary institutions lecturers call off 4-month-old strike Oluwole Ige-Osogbo

COUNCIL of Academic Staff Unions of Osun State owned Tertiary Institutions (CASUOSTI) on Wednesday called off their four-month-old strike after signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government. The strike was called off sequel to the meeting between state government and leadership of the unions, where it was

resolved that the current financial challenges from the dwindling federal revenue account had affected payment of salaries and other critical areas of needs of the country. The union while signing an agreement with government at the Governor’s Office in Osogbo, Tuesday night, listed as part of the agreement that the state had withdrawn all legal suits against the union, hence the suspension of the strike.

The leader of the state government team during the negotiation, who is also Chief-of-Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola after signing the agreement on behalf of the government, noted that government will honour the agreement to the letter. Oyetola stated that the government led by Governor Aregbesola was committed to the welfare of its workers and citizens.

take a cursory look at her lifestyle. In his response, an Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, corroborated the stance of the Warri chieftains on the active role Pa Awolowo played in the unity of the Itsekiri kingdom. “You can’t talk of the Yorubas without the Itsekiris. They had things in common. I was with Papa and Mama Awolowo when they visited the Itsekiri kingdom during the struggle of Olu of Warri title and I know the role Papa played,” he said. However, members of Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, led by its president, Senator Remi Okunriboye, described Mama as a very strong pillar to the entire Yoruba race and someone who proved that women could do well in business activities, noting that she brought positive influence to business in this part of the world. According to Senator Okunriboye, Mama’s contribution to business of the Yoruba race can never be forgotten.

GLOBACOM’S popular music and comedy shows currently on nationwide tour will this weekend be staged at the University town of Anyingba, Kogi State and Ikeja in Lagos State respectively. The Glo Laffta Fest is set to hold at Anyingba on Thursday, October, 29, while Ikeja will host the Slide ‘n’ Bounce on Saturday, October 3. Anyingba will be the first town in the North Central to host one of the two shows, the Glo Laftafest. The Ikeja concert will take place at Water Parks in Ikeja and Glo subscribers in the neighbourhood, who have used up to N2,000 and above in the last one month will be qualified to attend the event which will feature performance from PSquare, Korede Bello and Burna Boy. In Anyingba’s Laffta Fest show, all Glo subscribers who have used up to N3, 000 and above in the last one month will be treated to an evening of fun and endless laughter at the Ali Obaje Auditorium of the Kogi State University by top comedians like I Go Dye, Gordons, I Go Save, Bash, Still Ringing, Acapalla, Osama and Klint D Drunk.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

42 news

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Diminishing crude oil price slows down national economic growth —Expert

IRECTOR, Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, the University of Ibadan, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, said the fall in the international crude oil price will affect government’s ability to discharge its responsibilities to Nigerians. This follows the World Bank’s forecast revising crude oil price from 57 dollars per barrel to 52 dollars in its latest commodity update. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the update stated that the revised forecast reflected a further slide in global economic performance. Adenikinju said that the diminishing price was a negative implication for Nigeria, considering its dependence on crude oil for

government revenues. “The lower the price falls, the more we are exposed as a country. “That means our budget now has to be revised and therefore many ministries may actually not be getting what they will like to be able to perform their responsibilities. “Infrastructure will be negatively affected because if you look at it, most road projects are in one state of abandonment or the other. “So the ability of government to carry out a number of infrastructural projects will also be extremely compromised and that will have implications on the private sector also,’’ he said. He, however, said it was not an entirely gloomy situation as the development should be seen as an opportunity to explore other

means of creating revenues for the country. “The Federal Government must start to promote other sources of revenue and other sectors that can generate

Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti EKITI State governor, Ayo Fayose, who recently hosted the Igbo community in Ekiti State as part of activities to mark his first year in office, told the gathering that he named his son “Chukwuemeka” because of the industry of the Igbos he shared business premises with while in Ibadan. Governor Fayose, who hosted the Igbo community in Ekiti State, led by the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state, Chief Nathaniel Uzoma and the chairman of Igbo Traders

Abandoned babies This baby boy, Anthony, was rescued from his mother, apparently of unsound mind on June 11, 2015, when he was about two months, at ijemogan road, Ilesa.

Anybody with useful information that could lead to the location of his biological father or relatives of the child, should please, contact the Director of Social Welfare Department, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Abere, Osogbo or the Social Welfare Office, Ilesa.

This baby boy, Phebian, was rescued from his mother, seemingly of unsound mind, at delivery on January 19, 2015 at Ogbon-Egbe, Ilesa Anybody with useful information that could lead to the location of his biological father or relatives of the child, should please, contact the Director of Social Welfare Department, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Abere, Osogbo or the Social Welfare Office, Ilesa.

high impact projects are given priority at the next year’s budget. “We also need to be more efficient and prudent in the way we use our resources,’’

he said. He said processing most of the nation’s crude oil locally would generate jobs and serve as a booster for the economy.

Reps probe telecoms providers, NCC Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE House of Representatives is set to probe both Nigeria Communications Commission(NCC) and all the nation’s telecommunications providers over non-compliance with the directive to deactivate unregistered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards on their networks and allegation of allied abuses of good corporate governance by

Why I named my son Chukwuemeka, Fayose tells Igbos in Ekiti Association, Chief Malachy Agu, was also described as “Nwanne di na mba” (Brother who takes care of us in the Diaspora), by the Igbos on the occasion. “The Igbo are a peculiar people and they are industrious in nature. As a businessman, I had a lot of interactions with Igbo people and learnt a lot from them. “Very close to my business premises in Ibadan in those days was an Igbo trader who had two apprentices named Chukwu and Emeka, respectively. I love their sense of dedication and industry.

revenue and get foreign exchange. “We need to give incentives and government must prioritise its projects and programmes to ensure that

Those boys would make sure that they helped their boss and they were very diligent. “I love them so much that when I had a baby boy then, I decided to name him Emeka after one of the boys. Before the naming ceremony would come up, somebody now educated me that I could combine the two names and I did and named the boy Chukwuemeka.”

the service providers. The House also resolved to investigate the NCC in particular on the N6.1 billion appropriated for the SIM registration exercise by the National Assembly. This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Honourable Oluwole Oke under a matter of urgent public importance entitled: “motion for the investigation of the non-compliance of telecommunications companies with directives to deactivate unregistered Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) cards on their networks and allegation of allied abuses of good corporate government by Telecommunication Companies operating in Nigeria”. Moving the motion, he expressed worry that NCC discovered in December 2014 that about 45 per cent of registered SIM cards on the mobile network were invalid, due to non-registration or improper registration, saying, 18.6 million numbers due to MTN, 7.4 million numbers are due to Airtel, 2.33 million numbers are due to Glo and 9.46 million numbers due to

Vampire Facelift invigorates skin rejuvenation —Expert By Gabriel Oshokha SENIOR Consultant in cosmetic surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, India, Dr Shahin Nooreyezdan, has stated that ‘ Vampire Facelift’ with its healing and regeneration properties can stimulate skin rejuvenation to result in younger glowing skin. Dr Nooreyezdan affirmed that aging is a normal process that takes place over the years regardless of outside influence, adding that after the age of 20, a person produces about one per cent less collagen in the skin each year. He noted as a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with each passing year, with diminishing functioning of the sweat glands, adding that improper diet, smoking and exposure to sun cause stress on the skin cells that appears as fine lines hyper-pigmen-

tation, uneven skin tone and sagging skin. Dr Nooreyezdan, however, asserted that “All these concerns are addressed by Selphyl or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or popularly known as ‘ Vampire Facelift’, a rejuvenating aesthetic treatment that naturally encourages the skin to build more cells and thus renew itself. “In this procedure own blood (hence the name vampire) rich in powerful growth factors is drawn from the patient’s body and separated in its key components delivering PlateletRich-Plasma or PRP. “Vitamins and amino acids are mixed with plasma and then injected into areas that are needed to be pumped up. “This PRP would stimulate collagen production which would tighten skin cells and lead to a long lasting effect,” he said.

Etisalat. To this end, he said that the regulators had selectively complied with the directive of the regulator thereby compromising the cardinal objective for the introduction of the exercise, adding that of particularly concern is the case of MTN, obviously with the largest number of referred cases, and advised to act, but for reasons of seeming corporate arro-

gance, refused to heed the directive of the regulator. Speaking further, he declared that, “the assiduous efforts of our hard working security agents to tackle incessant and sustained cases of insurgents and kidnappers may be attributable to the non-deactivation of lines still being warehoused by the criminal having acquired them as pre-ordered.”

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Munnira Auwal Sarki now MUNNIRA A. SARKI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ogundipe Olutayo Mary now MRS ADENIYI OLUTAYO MARY. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Rukayya Muhammad Abdullahi, now RUKAYYA ALI DAUDA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Suleiman Binta. now SULEIMAN U. BINTA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

news

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

Benue workers give govt 72 hours to pay salary arrears or... Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

RGANISED labour in Benue State has slammed 72 hours ultimatum on the state government to, with immediate effect, stop the ongoing biometric exercise and pay the backlog salary arrears of workers in the state. In a joint communiqué issued by chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Public Service Negotiation Council (JPSNC), Messrs Godwin Anya, Ordue Tartenger and Philip Nongo respectively, noted that biometric screening should not be a prerequisite for payment of salary arrears owed workers. As soon as the bailout fund was accessed two weeks ago, the governor engaged consultants to audit the state workforce which is expected to last till November 8, 2015 while at the same time, set up committees to monitor the exercise; among the committee members were labour leaders.

Ooni, HID’s deaths should not demoralise Yoruba —Jimilehin Bola Badmus - Lagos A front-line Yoruba leader and member of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Chief Dipo Jimilehin, has appealed to members of the forum and other Yoruba leaders in general, not to allow the death of the forum chairman, Chief HID Awolowo, to thaw their voice in the country’s sociopolitical developments. He also charged them not to allow the death of the forum patron, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, who passed on much earlier to have any negative impact on their common resolve to move the Yoruba nation forward. Chief Jimilehin, who is the legal adviser of the YUF, gave the counsel in reaction to the death of Yeye Oodua. Jimilehin, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, on Wednesday, said this was because the Yoruba race at this period needed vibrant, robust and pro-active leadership that could re-enact the selfless spirit of “omoluabi” of our leaders past. “We certainly need leaders who are not tainted by the filthy lucre and spoils of the offices, corruption and pursuits of selfish goals,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the decision of labour leaders to make a ‘u’ turn may not be unconnected with the payment of two months’ salary arrears of staff of Benue State University despite their resistance to submit themselves for screening. The labour unions, in the communiqué, maintained that the workers were not against the screen-

ing exercise, but regretted that similar exercise was handled at the twilight of last administration by the same consultant. The communiqué added, “Benue workers should not be subjected to untold hardship they are currently experiencing, especially that it could lead to loss of lives as a result of mass movement of workers, adding, ‘the bailout funds was as-

sessed based on the payment vouchers of the months in arrears, the fund is the representation of the financial implication of salary arrears owed Benue workers.” The workers warned that failure of government to pay workers before the expiration day (Friday) would result in their being forced to sever the harmonious relationship with the government.

In a swift reaction to the threat by the workers, the state governor, Chief Samuel Orton, seems to have bowed to workers’ threat as he has ordered the immediate payment of workers. The media adviser to the governor, Mr Tahav Argerzua, reacting, said that the governor had directed that payment of workers and the screening exercise be done simultaneously.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara (left), with the Israeli Knesset Speaker, Yuli Eldestein, during Dogara’s visit as a guest of the Knesset speaker, in Jerusalem, on Monday.

Rivers: We’ll adopt Wike as our sole candidate —24 political parties As INEC seeks CJN’s intervention to get CTC of tribunal judgement Dapo Falade

and Sunday

TWENTY-FOUR out of the 29 registered political parties in Rivers State have resolved to adopt the state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as their sole candidate in case of a rerun of the 2015 governorship election. The resolution was the reaction of the political parties to the nullification of Wike’s victory at the April election by the state Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, last week. Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, the political parties, under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said though they were not expecting a rerun, they would support Wike in case of any eventuality. IPAC Public Relations Officer and the state Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Favour Reuben, said the call for a rerun, as ordered by the tribunal, was unnecessary, adding that the election in Rivers was free and fair. He described the nullification of the governorship election as a miscarriage of justice, adding that the election petitions tribunal was wrong to have ignored an

existing judgment which favoured Governor Akin Ambode of Lagos State as it concerned the non-usage of the card reader. “We are saying here that we will not present any governorship candidate against Governor Nyesom Wike should there be a rerun because we believe that he won in a free and fair contest. “We unequivocally restate our earlier vote of confidence passed on our legitimate and authentic executive governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, CON, on October 9, during our solidarity visit to the governor in Government House, Port Harcourt. “A curious precedence of gross miscarriage of justice,

akin to ‘different strokes for different folks’ became the order of the day in a circumstance which bore similar particulars with the case of Rivers State as pertaining the non-use of card reader, wherefore it was okay for the sake of APC, it was not acceptable to Hon Justice Mohammed Ambrosa because it is PDP at the receiving end. “In summary, we members of the IPAC do hereby state that the April 11, 2015 governorship election took place in Rivers State under a peaceful and safe atmosphere in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act,” Reuben said. Notably absent at the media briefing were the state

chapters of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Meanwhile, the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have asked the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to intervene in getting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement delivered by the National and State Election Petition tribunal. A letter dated October 28, 2015, written by Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), counsel to the PDP and INEC in the petition, called for CJN’s urgent intervention to forestall imminent miscarriage of justice.

Gombe corps members for orientation in Kaduna NYSC apologises delayed allowances From Muhammad Sabiu and Adetola Bademosi PIQUED by the security challenge in the North East, corps members posted to Gombe State would make use of the orientation camp in Kaduna State. Mohammed Momoh, the state National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) coordinator, made this known in Kadu-

na, at a news conference. He said 2, 500 corps members had been deployed to Kaduna State for the 2015 Batch B orientation course. He said the orientation began on Wednesday, adding that with the security situation in the North East, corps members posted to Gombe State would make use of the orientation camp

in Kaduna. Meanwhile, the NYSC has apologised to its corps members over what it described as a slight delay in the receipt of the September and October 2015 allowances. The delay, it stated, arose from a failed transaction and inability of the settlement centre to effect the payment.

Ekiti Assembly has complied with World Bank requirements on public accounting —Speaker THE Ekiti State House of Assembly is not leaving any stone unturned in its efforts to ensure that the state government’s accounting system is tidy and complies with global best practices. This assertion was made by the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Kola Oluwawole, during the mid-term project review visit by the World Bank Public Sector Governance Reform and Development Project Team and officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance to the Ekiti State House of Assembly in Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday. According to a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, Oluwawole observed that the House, through its Public Account Committee, has worked rigorously to ensure that heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) operate government’s accounts in accordance with the laiddown rules.

N125b fraud: Trial of Atuche, Ojo adjourned till Dec 10 Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos FOLLOWING a revelation about the likelihood of judges of the Lagos State Federal High Court being transferred, the trial of the former Managing Director of Bank PHB, now Keystone Bank Plc, Mr Francis Atuche and former managing director of the defunct Spring Bank Plc, Mr Charles Ojo, who are facing alleged N125 billion fraud, was on Wednesday, stalled. At the resumed proceedings of the matter yesterday, lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the Court’s Chief Judge’s directive of likely transfer of judges and advised judges not to commence any trial that they may not be able to conclude before the transfer. Upon the revelation made by Pinheiro, SAN, the presiding Justice Saliu Saidu, adjourned the matter till December 10, for mention. The two former bank’s managing directors were charged before Justice Saliu Saidu on an amended 45-count charge bordering on alleged N125 billion fraud, conspiracy, reckless granting and approval of loans and money laundering between September 1, 2006 and 2009.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Ivory Coast celebrates Ouattara’s landslide election victory

vorian president Alassane Ouattara has won a second term in office. He received 83 percent of votes Sunday according to official results announced overnight. His win doesn’t come as a surprise and Ivorians are reveling in the calm. Cars honking, people rushing to work, vendors selling coffee by the side of the road -- the streets of Abidjan look just like any other day just a few hours after results were announced. And this simple fact is for Tonian Amalaman a reason to rejoice. He said, “it doesn’t matter who won. I am happy to be able to walk down the street and see that there is no violence.” A nearby opposition supporter agreed. “I am not a supporter of Ouattara,” she said. “But I must admit that I’m happy because I was fearing the announcement of the result. I didn’t want any violence. But everything went well, and I hope it will last because you need peace if you want a country to develop. President Ouattara won a landslide victory. Second place candidate, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, got just nine percent of the vote. In 2010 and 2011, more

than 3000 people were killed in post-election violence when incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat. Internationally accepted

President Bidhya Bhandari, the country’s first female president, waves after casting her vote alongside Nepali lawmakers in Kathmandu, on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP.

Nepal’s parliament has elected Bidhya Bhandari as the country’s first female president. The former defence minister received 327 votes against her opponent’s 214 in parliament in the vote Wednesday to become the ceremonial head of state. Bhandari, 54, served as the deputy leader of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal, known as the Unified Marxists Leninist, led by Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. She became a leading po-

litical figure after the death of her husband, former Communist leader, Madan Bhandari in 1993 and since then has actively campaigned for women’s rights. Her election comes shortly after Nepal’s unveiling of a new constitution, the first since abolition of the longruling Hindu monarchy in 2008. She becomes only the second president since the Himalayan nation was turned into a republic. The first was Ram Baran Yadav who was elected in 2008.

US steps up anti-IS action with special forces plans Abu Qatada denies writing After years of pulling back from the Middle East, the Obama administration’s new plan to use elite American ground troops to combat ISIL is meeting with scepticism among analysts and United States lawmakers. Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter announced on Tuesday the US may soon intensify air strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Raqqa and Ramadi, and begin to use special forces on specific missions.

Separately, Secretary of State John Kerry informed US lawmakers behind closed doors in Washington on negotiations with Russia and Iran to begin on Thursday in Vienna. Germany, France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey will also participate. Recent events have prodded President Barack Obama, nearing the last year of his presidency, to confront challenges in the Middle East with greater force. Whether the new

otherNEWS

US official said in an interview with the AFP news agency on Tuesday. The USS Lassen, a guidedmissile destroyer, sailed within 22km of at least one of the man-made land formations claimed by China on Tuesday. The patrol came within the internationally accepted limit

Obama

of a nation’s territorial claim, according to the US.

Iranian poets face 99 lashes for shaking hands with opposite sex Two Iranian poets are facing 99 lashes each for shaking hands with people of the opposite sex in one of the latest examples of harsh punishments meted out against writers and artists by Iran’s judiciary, according to human rights advocates.

sions live on. “Behind the scenes of a planned electoral hold-up” read one local newspaper headline Wednesday morning.

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara addressing his supporters after casting his vote in Abidjan.

US vows to repeat sail-by at Chinaclaimed islands The United States has vowed to continue sailing more naval warships near disputed islands in the South China Sea, risking escalating tension with China, which has claimed a vast territory in the area. “We will do it again. We sail in international waters at a time and place of our choosing,” a

results showed Ouattara had won the November 2010 vote. Gbagbo is awaiting trial at the Hague for crimes against humanity but ten-

Nepal parliament elects first female president

The poets, Fatemeh Ekhtesari and Mehdi Musavi, as reported by CNN, have also both been sentenced to years in prison for “insulting the sacred” in their writings, a decision slammed by freedom of expression activists. “Ekhtesari and Musavi’s

arrests and convictions are a travesty of justice, and send a chill over the already beleaguered creative community in Iran,” Karin Deutsch Karlekar, director of Free Expression Programs at PEN American Center, said in a statement earlier this month.

willingness by Obama to take on greater risk will be too little, too late, remains to be seen. “We are in a dramatic free-fall situation in the Middle East,” said James F Jeffrey, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former envoy to Iraq under former President George W Bush’s administration. “The president is beginning to realise that. He’s beginning to take some steps. My hope is that these guys are finally waking up.”

article for al-Qaeda magazine The Jordanian cleric Abu Qatada has denied writing an article for a purported alQaeda magazine that labelled Shia Muslims “filthy,” said that Israel will collapse and predicted that Islam will rise up to dominate the world. Abu Qatada also denied to Al Jazeera that he stated in “al-Risalah” magazine that “jihadists” should be recruited from the UK to fight in the Middle East. The magazine is believed to be a new publication of alNusra Front, an al-Qaeda af-

filiate in Syria. The main al-Qaeda organisation has a well-known magazine called “Inspire.”

Abu Qatada

Teacher strike gives 6,000 US kids month off from school Self-described computer geek, Edgar Williams, has a clear vision of his future: study electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or perhaps Caltech. But at a time when the soft-spoken sophomore should be engrossed in his studies at East St. Louis High School, he has to

be content with the tutoring and other help he can get for three hours a day at an Upward Bound centre thanks to an ongoing teachers strike in his southern Illinois community. “I feel mad,” Williams said Tuesday. “This is just going to slow me down.” The Associated Press re-

ported that the strike began October 1 after union members rejected a tentative deal between their representatives and the school district in East St. Louis, a poor black community of about 27,000 residents in southwestern Illinois that is across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.

Briton Karl Andree to be released from Saudi prison

Karl Andree

A British man who was imprisoned for possessing alcohol in Saudi Arabia will be released within a week, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has said. Karl Andree, 74, according to BBC, was arrested by Saudi religious police after being found in possession of homemade

wine. He has been in prison for more than a year and his family feared he would also be flogged, although Saudi officials denied this would happen. Mr Hammond tweeted of his “delight” that Mr Andree was getting released.

Thursday, 29 October, 2015 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

NTF laments murder of tennis player, Mcleod The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has expressed shock following the killing of Beauty Mcleod, a Nigerian tennis player, just as it called for the prosecution of the killer cop behind her death. The 36-year-old, who alongside her daughter Angel, 14, returned home from their base in the Unit-

ed Arab Emirates (UAE) last year, died of gunshot injuries she sustained from a mobile policeman in a hotel at Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday during an altercation. “This is a very dark period for Nigerian tennis because Beauty is one player that has been helping

in the development of Nigerian tennis through the support she has been giving to her daughter, Angel, who is one of our brightest junior tennis players. We are deeply shocked by her death” NTF boss Engineer Sani Ndanusa said. “Beauty has been a clear example of NTF’s crusade of parents’ support

for their kids in tennis; something that has helped the top stars of tennis globally. She takes responsibilities for the career of her daughter accompanying her to tournaments within and outside Nigeria which has really helped her (Angel) to become one of the most promising junior players in Africa.”

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa

World Cup qualifier:

Eagles to play Swaziland in Port Harcourt T ld nd round 2018 Wor HE second leg, seco s gle Ea r pe Su ’s ria n Nige Cup qualifier betwee iye ok hold at the Ad and Swaziland would rt Harcourt on NoPo , Amiesimaka Stadium bamba. after the first leg in Lo 17 vember , four days rn Africa he ut So to uld travel wo s gle Ea r pe Su e Th ing to seal vember 13 before aim for the first leg on No the Rivers Round with a win in passage into the third State capital. vember 13 played on Friday, No “The first leg will be Harcourt on will be played in Port while the return leg neral secreohammed Sanusi, ge November 17,” Dr M d Goal. tol otball Federation tary of the Nigeria Fo rive in the ar to d are expecte Players from Europe vember 9. camp by Monday, No ite that the nounced via its webs Earlier, the NFF an ht at the lig od played under flo first leg game will be m. 7p by mhlolo Stadium 20,000-capacity So ty. ll be in the Garden Ci wi tie leg The return on which ns pla ed lud nc co t s no However, the NFF ha Nations of p Cu in the 2017 Africa slated city will host Egypt en be sly iou ich had prev wh me ga a rs, fie ali qu for Kaduna. after next ion would be made Sanusi said that decis month’s matches.

Platini caused FIFA scandal allegation —Blatter

Suspended FIFA president, Sepp Blatter says a “personal attack” from Michel Platini and UEFA-led changes in the 2022 World Cup voting process is at the root of the corruption scandal engulfing world football’s governing body. The United States Department of Justice indicted 14 people, including nine past and present FIFA officials, on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption related to the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Blatter has now revealed that an agreement had been in place for the 2022 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, only for Platini to head a European-led swing in favour of Qatar, after an alleged meeting with Qatari officials. The Swiss told Russian news agency TASS: “For the World Cups it was agreed that we go to Russia because it’s never been in Russia, eastern Europe, and for 2022 we go back to America. And so we will have the World Cup in the two biggest political powers. “And everything was good until the moment when Sarkozy came in a meeting with the crown prince of Qatar, who is now the ruler of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. And at a lunch afterwards with Mr Platini he said it would be good to go to Qatar.”

Glo-CAF Awards promo excites Nigerians The Glo-CAF Awards promo recently launched by the National Telecommunications Company, Globacom has been applauded by Nigerians. Commending the company for introducing the promo, a cross section of subscribers who spoke to the media said the promo will give more Nigerians the opportunity of attending the next edition of the glamorous Glo-CAF Awards scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria on January 7, 2016. An Abuja-based automobile engineer, Rasheed Ahmed, commended Globacom for giving Nigerians the opportunity to watch the 2015 Glo-CAF Awards “live” in Abuja. “I will ensure that I use the required amount of Glo credits and hopefully, I will be lucky to be one of the ticket winners,” Ahmed said. Human Resources Manager of Lagos-based Pel Edge Resources Limited, Stephen Nduka said the

promo is “very good and commendable,” adding that he looks forward to winning one of the tickets to the awards night.” A banker, Sylvia Adeyinka, said she was highly excited about the promotion and looked forward to attending the showpiece event. “I so much want to attend and be part of the fun. I plan to use the required airtime to qualify for a ticket. I can’t wait for January 7,” She enthused. A new promo entitled “Find Your Place among the Stars” was launched recently by Globacom ahead of the 2015 edition of the awards. Globacom said the promo will give opportunity to many subscribers on its network to join football legends, top football administrators like the President of Confederation of African Football (CAF) and acting FIFA President, Alhaji Isa Hayatou, top businessmen and showbiz icons from the continent and beyond to celebrate the best football stars and administrators in Africa.

tribunepools

MADAM HILLARY 08163902330 (08X09)

Week 15 = 06x 24x 38xxx 29xx – 4/4 Congratulations our 2 weeks to cup and cup Naps started excellently last week of the above 4/4 Naps. Free pair-L EICESTER and WATFORD = 08 MUST 09 = and 3 other Nap annual 1st cup pre Naps win Cost N25, 000 now.

LUCKYMAN

08054352685 (24SUREST 31) Mark A Drain Between 24 Surest 31 Plus Our Wk16 Special Release To Put Smile On Your Face We Are Set To Help You Win On Pools Call Now And Win Well On Pools 24 Surest 31

THE LILIES 08086944309 (41NAP45)

All our fans will hit big jackpot this wk 16 call for 3 unfailing jackpot XS today and walk tall to your bank on Monday 41nap45.

INNOCENT

NAP=

08095602590= 24 NAP 25 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk NO 11X 24X 25X 34X 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk NO NAP NAP NAP NAP 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 2. Special Draws N4000 WK NO 11X 25X PAIR 38X 39X 2. Special Draws N4000 WK NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP 2. Special Draws N4000 WK NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP

15 16 16 15 16 17

SIR-BRAKA

08078052128 (31NAP26) 31nap26 Plus 3 Napable Drains Cost N1000 Glo Card Act Now

WINNER POINT 08127589219 - 44CBK

plus 2NAPS = N25, 000 CASH. Congratulations to all those who came in contact with us in week 15 with our NAP on 11xx 12xx 21xx pair 36f 38xx = 3/3 and 4/5 respectively. Call winner point fo rwk 16 draws for just N25,000. Wk 16 = 44xx NAP, NAP = 3/3 Good luck.

MISTER – DRAW 08030415683 Brighton and hovealblon to hold reading plus 2 super drains cost N2000 MTN card call now and win on pools.

VOLVO NAP 19 PAIR 20 08059580326

This is the week Volvo Nap has been waiting for. This is week of 3 jackpot draws and I hot pair. Every a week to first F.A. cup, Volvo Nap always score 3 over 3 correct and the pair will produce a draw, therefore send to me N5,000

KAMARK SUPER 08186673843

3x 5x 8x 9x – 3 draws Enough of weekly loses, the above

Thursday, 29 Oct. - 4 Nov. 2015

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE THE WINNERS CHOICE get a copy and win.

MBA EXPERT (08077247137/ 0814694618) PAIR: 43X33

The feat performed by Plymouth and Morecambe with 1-1 score draw on No 38 in week 16 of year 2011 is not too far from being re – enacted again this weekend on 43. The 10th month plus the 1st of the 11th month converted gives one banker draw just as the addition of the DATES of play commands another banker draw in the Premiership and Championship slots respectively. Another banker draw comes from the Scottish Premier league in the absence of Aston Villa on coupon which would have controlled 3 naked draws this F.A. Cup 1st round there is a stand – by computation that backs one of the pairing nos. Meanwhile CL and PH in the 1st/ 5th segments team up with week and date to promote Xbk. with more revelations. Send SMS only.

DR B4 DR – 08062748396 (41 MUST 42)

Week 10 – 19x 20x 21xxx – 41x 42. Week 11 – 13x 14x 15xxx – 41x 42 Week 16 – x x x -42x 41x NB = CLUSTERS- CONTROLLED BY WOLVES in weeks 10 & 11 only. Our newest EXPERTS are our winning strength IN GOD WE TRUST – Winners digest = Sorry for the small hike – N50, 000 = Welcome & Win

OBINYAN PROMISES GOOD TIDINGS TO THE FIRST ROUND CUP 2015. - Winning assurance.

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

Things are moving in the right way as triple hits them on IBK = 24XX (Now Gives 41 – 42 (08035324990)

Your Indomitable Triple Spice International has started hitting then in the IBK series as our IBK clicked on No. 24 last week. We have often said hard times don’t last as there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Join the winner now and enjoy unlimited goodies. Our IBK still sells for N1, 500.00, 2bks cost N3, 000.00 and 3 good draws cost N10, 000.00 on 08035324990. Good luck!

THE CYRIL (WINNING MANAGER) 08154836338

STOKE – MUST STOKE= 08 CBK. WINNING RECORDS – ON BURY AGAIN AWAY 28

Southampton, Ipswich and Oldham= 16x 25x 27xxx. Weeks 04 and 15= Current Winning formation. Congratulations our BURY at it again – 6/6draws. We unveiled draws last week again on 6 all draws but the number of draws saved many promoters from early grave on bankruptcy. Hint! In 2012 – first cup was played in week 16. Now our 3 weeks – a week to cup – cup – and week after cup Naps is sure again. Congratulation again – 2013, 2014 and 2015 - REVEIW Week 16 ‘2013 – 07x 24x 36xxx = STOKE /08 Week 16 ‘2014 – 04x 13x 25xxx = STOKE /08 Week 16 ‘2015 – X X X = STOKE /08 Never miss a week from our Annual Weeks 16, 17 & 18 sure Win- Starting fee is N50, 000. Hit the iron when its hot. Our previous winning advice has positive impact to our clients finance. N50, 000 strictly for matured men of integrity. Congrats .

SIR WADDY OF OLA-CITY INTERNATIONAL BOOST OF 3 DRAWS THIS WEEK 16, WEEK 17, WEEK 19,

free win is our pre-cup Nap with week 16 NAP = IPSWICH vs CARDIFF appearance on coupon Number 14, controls 3 fixed 3 over 3 NAPS. It cost N6500 and permutation is N5000 PAYABLE TO Mr. S.B. Odesola. IBTC A/C No: 0001361916.

WK 16 PAIRS 8XX 9XX

VICTORIOUS VICTOR –

HOPE NAPS & CO

08126994034. 31X 32x 33x 34xxx – 3draws

The above games is sure for 3draws Get Victorious on free winning to celebrate our EXPERT birthday. Absolutely free, Starting of our 3 weeks NAP. Week 17 cost – N85, 000 – flat. Act wisely and win.

SHORT-GUN - 11 HOT 15

080506144771, 08168241902 The above pair must also supply this week in line with our wonderful performance in the current U.K. Football Season. Pay N25, 000 and get the other three fixed draws to win millions this week. We are the winners

FAITH NAP - 08077887876

Wk. 16 = 18x 24x 33x 37 Free to enable you Buy our Wk 17 Cup Special Release Cost: N25, 000 after Wk 16 Results for Wk. 17 Cup Draws. Call: 08077887876

NIDAS - (32xx 44xx) 08033510149.

BATTERED PROMOTERS 25xx 27xx 29xx and alt. 12xx 36f = 3/3 and 4/5 respectively. Wk 16 is another winning week at NIDAS. Cost N50, 000 cash. Registration of members is still on with N250, 000 deposit pay all cash through U.B.A A/C NO: 2023019865. A/C Name: ADESINA ADENIYI.

WEEK 16 STATUS

EKO – 01 and 33 ---LKO – 18 SUNDAY – 03, 06 and 38 VOID – 10, 15 and 35

PHONE 08140575314

Ola-city international computer of sir waddy Naps assures staking public of his 3 fixed Draws for this week 16 cost N5,000 cash, while week 17 cost N10,000 cash week 19 cost N15,000 cash. Interrelated stakers to pay to first Bank plc in the name of OLAFENWA R.OLA-CITY Account NO. 3033318854 and collect the 3 correct draws on phone after confirmation of your payment. Be sure of your winnings these weeks phone 08140575314 or 08085005634.

- 08107128449

Got 100% in wk 15 3 Draws correct Nos 25x32x29x pair 9fx 23f history to repeat itself this wk 16 phone 08107128449. Pairs 18xxx 46xxx The compiler of Hope Naps & co who got his 3 draws correct in week 15 or Nos 25x32x39x assures stakers of his 3 fixed Draws for this week 16 cost N10,000 cash I do congratulates those who paid for our week 15 release that got all correct as predicated. Pay your N10, 000 = cash to first bank plc. On the name of GBADEBO STEPHEN A. Acct No 3088328923 and collect the draws on phone after your payment is confirmed.

FAITHFUL INTERVENTION – 07082899957. WESTHAM HOLD WATFORD = 08CBK.

Our intervention Naps is to librate our dear stakers. We don’t make noise where silence is neede. 4WEEKS / TIMES IN A SEASON. KEY = CHELSEA HOME NO 1 AGAIN. And SAME ALPHABETS AT HOME NOS, 1 and 6. Week 14 – 19x 26x 45xxx — 06x Week 16 – x x x — 08 xs PAIR LEICESTER MUST WATFORD. Congrats, it’s no longer news telling anyone that our intervention Nap is stakers delights on pay back, only the wise stakers with large faith win with us. Your faith is your God. And God is able N50,000 = 4/4NAPS.

DR. SANJ., WITH (2015) A WEEK TO CUP OFFER WK16..!!!

OUR “MILLION HIT” TO ALL TRIBUNEPOOLS FAN’S (DR.SANJ.) - 07038878227.

(A) = (9xx 8xx) (12xx 11xx) (20xx 21xx) = 3-DRS..100%.!! (B) = (32xx 31xx) (44xx 42xx) (27xx 28) = 3-DRS..100%.!! Dear fan’s this week16 is special great-offer to buy out two wks of wks of all “9” and wks of all “O” wks 19/20. The betting offer above is a must 100% fully confirmed (3-DRS) on (A.) and (3-DRS) on (B.) After your wk16, winning call DR.SANJ on 07038878227. Good luck happy to you all. Don’t over look and no comments after the winning to me DR.SANJ PLS!!!. TRIBUNE POOLS COMPILERS ASSURED STAKERS FOR 3 WEEKS UNABATED WINNINGS. CONGRATULATION. Whao! A week of 15draws without winning, many Stakers suffered another loss last week despite the harvest draws on board congrats, only Tribune Pools page stakers won gallantly but the number of draws saved many promoters. Our Pools Experts promised good tidings in their current winning sequence in a week to cup – cup – and week after cup. Congratulations all staking public browse through the page and experience a good winning galore. Goodluck (EDITOR)

EMIRATE FLY –

(WINNING PLACE) 08087104491 – 08 MUST 41 WATFORD – WESTHAM NEWEPORT – NORTHAMPTON W.W must N.N = and 3 other confirmed Naps exclusive on draws tabulations and formation controls with W.W and N.N on number 8 and 41. Make good use of this advance now with lowest cost of N15, 000 = Next week’s 17 and 18 will cost N100, 000 = It’s on NEW WINNING CONTACT. Good luck

DOSA 08072216644

1 PAIR 2 Week 15 = 6xx 24xx 29xx (11xx PAIR 18) Its another promising week for pool stakers by Dosa. This week 16 is call harvest week for all my fans that are not doubting Thomas. With my 3 nap draws and a pair your life will change from poor to rich send to me N5,000 MTN recharge card and be expecting good result on Saturday.

A.T.M LIVE

08182287493 / 07040478677 PERM: 9.11.14.19.40. This is to inform all stakers that the above games are good. They should invest havily on them against wk17, wk18. Cup week and after cup Also pair 12x31 Good luck.

AUTHORITY NAP –

09030084552 (8 SURE 9)

Our last week Nap is enough to convince you that winning is REAL with Authority sure draws. The above is a must and 3 sure Naps. Call for your winning details.

EMUKE WIN – 08069759520 Starting of 3 Weeks Sure Win (Nap)

08X 11X 18X 21X 45X Free guaranteed permutation winning. The 3 draws cost N10, 000= In preparation for our week 17 and 18 Naps cost N50, 000 – N500, 000. Goodluck

Cheng LABAEKA 08053303522

8 wed 9 and 3 other draws. Winning galoure. Call for details. Goodluck.

SAM AYO – 08109152433 03XX 08XX

Our consistence free pair is now talk of the town, why can’t you call to benefit from our winning formula – with small commitment. Goodluck

PETER NAP (08076546261) Congratulations! Special Release in week 16, 17 and 18. Each week release cost N25, 000.00 Congratulation to all those that got my weekly release last week as they won with 16xx, 25xx, 47xx. Though 25xx, 47xx was given out free last week. Another special release this week, next week. Each week release cost N25, 000.00 pay to the saving acct no:- 3023114822 First Bank in person of Mr Onaolapo Peter G. Annual key cost N250, 000.00 while registration as club membership cost N1.2 million. Though installment payment is allowed. Win Now. Join the winning team. Goodluck. OGA JACOBSON THANKS & GOD BLESS YOU. MR EMEKA

MAGIC KINGDOM – 08056753098 / 07085060512. 32X33X34XXX PAIR – 38X40.

We are back again to give you good news from the above games in week 17 (CUP) and week 18 cost N25, 000 respectively. Payments to Balogun Adesina kamoru G.T.Bank Alc NO 0115505082 or fcm Bank Alc NO 0279550010. Good luck.

NJOROGE MR. ASSURANCE 08177474535

(17-18) (21-31) (11-32) Free winning assurance. Congratulations in advance all the Assurance family. Please the above pair is just for you in preparation for our week 17 = 1st ROUND CUP WIN. Your winning is our PRIDE. Our Experts are ready to unveil/ exposed the hidden cup draws. BE PREPARED – N50, 000. — N100, 000.

compilers to take note submission of write up deadline is MONDAY only. Priority will be given to ADVERT — (EDITOR).

tribunepools

DR. J.K POOLS

07039275802 (21XX22) 14 – 31 – 32 – 40 – 49. I am fully back to trill all readers of my unique column this week. As i said earlier all my clients/customers will soon smile to banks with my 3 gazetted and naked 3 NAPS and HOT PAIR Am back to dish out draws continuously as I did in the late 40s. It is sure for all my enrolled clients. I therefore enjoined all interested stakers to enroll with only N5,000 now before our projected increase to N25,000=All - payment to EKHOMU JOHN, Zenith Bank Acc No: 2085795936. Now pick 3 bankers from 14-31-32-40-49 and add to the above bracket games. Good luck says Dr J.K POOLS

LAST HOPE

2015= 08103222635= 9XX 36XX 9XXX TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 15 NO 24X 29X PAIR 38X 39X WK 16 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP KEY VERY WK 16 BANK GAME ON TOP OF THE FIRST BAR PLUS OTHERS COST N6, 000 TWO BANKERS COST N3000 Wk 15 RED NO 24X 25X 29X 38X= 4/4 Wk 16 2015 No NAP NAP NAP NAP with 36. 9. 36 Wk 17 2015 No NAP NAP NAP NAP with 8. 9. KEY EVERY WK 16 BANK GAME ON TOP OF THE FIRST BAR TO DRAWS COST N6, 000 Send MTN Card to 0813222635.

Mid- week given 27-28(08087176217)

The juicy mid – week international was on song on 5xx /28 last week. We asserted with certainty that the duo will oblige a draw and it did. This week also, a draw will emerge between coupon NOS 27 &28 unfailingly. Add the duo to our IBK and get you 2/3 on Monday. Our IBK sell for N1, 500.00, 2 drs cost N3, 000.00 and 3 sure draws cost N10,000.00 on 08087176217. Best of luck!

AUSTINE

CHUKWU

08054462577 NAP: 3.8.37.40.

I wish to inform you all that come wk19 and remaining Red week I will be giving 4/4 draws. My advert will come wk18, with details.

EVERTON NAP= 08162705220 NO 35XX 36XX

WK 15. RED= 2012 NO 22X 40X PAIR 13X 39F WK 15 RED= 2013 NO 10X 11X 37X PAIR 13X 39 WK 15 RED= 2014 NO 18X 19X 36X PAIR 13X 39X WK 15 RED= 2015 12X 25X 29X 38X WITH 13F 39X WK 16 PURPLE 2015 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP PAIR 35. 36 KEY EVERY WEEK 15. RED BANK NIGERIA. NO 13. 39. To draw plus 3. Others cost N5000 wk 16 Purple 3 special draws cost N6, 000. KEY EVERY WK 16 BANK NIGER NO. SEND MTN CARD TO 08162705220

ADEOTI SYNDICATE. 07051327960 FOR WKS. 16- 17 F.A. CUP ROUND ONE

The managing Director/ chairman of Adeoti & Syndicate Alhaji M.A. Adeoti promised all readers of Thursday Tribune and stakers that this week is their week of glory to All people who follow my movements. As I said Last week. In a week to cup Round 1. HAMILTON to draw at HOME with 4 others. Check last year week 16. Play Nos. 13X 25x 35X 43X (key) and 49X. HAMILTON – ST.J STONE 46X must play 1- 1. Week and Pay your money to AHMED SHAFIRI A/C Nos. 2001788431 ZENITH BANK. After confirmation of your Payment. The games will be send to you. Thanks. Good luck to you all.

4. MEMBERS F. A. CUP

4. BANKERS= 08162705220= 9XX BK 4. BANKERS= N5000 WK 16= 2012. KEY. 9X 22X 38X 42X= 4/4 4. BANKERS N6000 WK 16= 2013. KEY. 9X 28X 29X 45X= 4/4 4. BANKERS N6000 WK 16= 2014. KEY. 8X 25X 35X 36X= 4/4 4. BANKERS N6000 WK 16= 2015. KEY. 9 NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 4. BANKERS N6000 WK 17= 2015. KEY. 3 CUP CUP CUP= 4/4 Key every week 16. Purple. Bank game on top of the first bar to draw wk 16 No 9. 9. 9 KEY EVERY WK 17. Bank Niger No 3. 3. 3. To Draw plus 3. Others N6, 000 Wk 17. F.A Cup No cup cup cup. 4/4 send. M.T.N Card to 08162705220

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL – 09099968585 CHELSEA MUST. CRYSTAL. P. = WATFORD

Chelsea is now underdog team in the Premiership, yet Morinho’s is confident of his stay. Can you imagine an undelivered manager work at Stanford bridge at stake yet some teams were looking forward to receive him triumplantly that is football for you. Draws are likely in Premiership this week on Crystal p, Swansea, Watford and Westbrom, Bristol c, Ipswich, Leeds Preston & Reading in Cocacola division one, Crewe to Mill wall when, Scunthrope trope sure South end. Sky bet League Two draws Formations on Crawley, Dagenham, Mansfield, Newport Co and Stevenage is sure. Let’s go Scottish for good win on numbers= 45 – 49 for draws Free win on 01x 11x 21x 31x 41xxx – GILLINGHAM Digits Your winning is sure this week. Contact De Maxwell draws Clinic where draws is discharge after Surgery. TOKEN MANAGER.

IKECHUKWU THE RAMPAGE MANAGER PROMOTERS ENEMY’ – 08168157259

ONCE IN A SEASON NAP =DATES = 31 AND 01 – MUST. Many drown Promoters call for dialogue but they’ve forgotten they started by cutting coupon odds even in Australia some Promoters refused to pay with Panel draws now they are inundated they now seek for compromise. NO WAY. Anyone with last laugh always experienced by beauty of the game. DATES OF PLAY PUT PROMOTERS IN ANOTHER TROUBLE DATE OF PLAY AS – 31ST AND 1ST = Reference. Week 7 – 2013/14 -14x 30x 44xxx Week 29 – 2014/15 – 18x 32x 40xxx Week 16 – 2015/16 – x x x Annually draws always started on No 2 with letter ‘C’ at home. Check your record and lets win. You are stranded without IKECHUKWU – Join the Winning Progressives with winning Assurance. ‘PAY BACK TIME’ N50, 000 – 1MILLION. (millionaires club)

NAZAR MASTER CONTINUES TO SHINE

The leading Pools company in Oyo State and environs, NAZAR Master Pools Company Limited, Ibadan, has continued to shine in the current U.K. Pools season with its performance by paying winnings as and when due. This was made known to TRIBUNE POOLS in a Statement made available during the week. According to the pools company, “we at NAZAR Master are on top of the situation in the pools industry. We have paid all winnings for Week 15 and we are not owing anybody up to date. We shall continue to make stakers happy with big dividend on our Treble Chance odds, while other Stakerholders should count on us also for adequate reward”

ZENITH NEW DREAM 08146879314 (29 X 34)

PURPLE WEEK 16 – 2013 and 2015 SCHEDULED WIN= 2/2 YEARS CONFIRMED WIN. KEY – EVERTON ON NO. 3 and DUNDEE UTD ON NO. 45. IPSWICH LEEDS ON NOS 14 & 15. Week 16 ‘2013 – 24x 37x 45xxx – 29x 35. Week 16 – 2015 – X X X - 29x 35 Never compromise your winning chance this week, winner celebrates. Join the winners forum to Zenith of wealth. Our new dream associates are set to enrich our clients. N25, 000 – now. Price considered.

BEST BARGAIN 08163084077

WK 15 = 29xx 32xx 45 WK 16 = 2 CBK + OTHERS With the power I have gotten from the pools panel on the current U>K> Football Season, I command Crystal Palace and Manchester United to draw this week on coupon No 2. This is the appointed week I have been waiting for to kill promoter with my 4 killer draws. The game costs N25, 000. Registration of new members still in progress with a token of N25, 000. You will know that draws are fixed this week our highly unbeatable sequence. It is well with us.

Yes, fortune Donor Really Donates and we are Donating Again this week on 37 – 38(08099111828) As we are fully settled with all teams now, it’s going to be winning galore henceforth. Last week we donated 24xx – 25xx,. This week we are donating 37 – 38 for a mandatory draw. Don’t misuse them, just add them to our IBK and get bigger dividends. Our IBK sells for N1, 500.00, 2 draws sell for N3, 000.00 and 3 Draws cost N10, 000.00. Be a Winner!

MADAM DE MADAM – 08023329191 EXETER – 32XX – 11X 21X FREE (7X8)

SURE WIN AGAIN ON ARSENAL, WESTHAM and WATFORD draws formation Week 4 – ARSENAL vs WESTHAM =4X 20X 36XX 7X 8 Week 14 – WATFORD vs ARSENAL =13X 25X 44XXX 6X/7 Week 16 – WATFORD vs ARSENAL =7x 8 Week 4 – 16draws, Week 14 – 13drs, week. 16 – 10drs Draws are hidden gone are days of more forecast winning formula. Only the Experts on geniue information on fixed matches can unveiled draws. That is why Madams had several trips for the success of our cherished clients. Meet our trusted media manager for your sure win Mr. Joshua transparent man. For your winning details. Again – N25, 000=

DR. JACKSON – 08156829811= ON RED ALERT...

CHELSEA – CHELSEA – CHELSEA (08XX 11) AGAIN HOME NUMBER ONE – (NO – 1) 1ST Alphabet Home team 49 minus Away team 49= XXXX. In week 14 – G= 7 minus A= 1 =6XXXX Week 16 – P= 16 minus H= 8 =8XXXX. And other tabulated & calculated 3 sure draws. 1st Home minus 1st away alphabet on No 49=XXX Win Win Win and bonus banker= 08XXX CBK. Dr Jackson’s new dimensional Nap is irresistible to all desired winning stakers N30, 000= free win 4/4. Goodluck

SOLOMON RESORT – 09091111800

ENOUGH SILENCE= 31XX 32 KEY= ANYTIME two TEAMS PLAYED (4-4) AS DRAW ON COUPON IT CONTROLS 3 WEEKS NAP AFTER. Week 5= No. 36 drew (4-4) WK. 6 – 12X 29X 42XXX – 8X - 30. Week 9= No. 48 drew (4-4) WK. 10 – 08X 27X 45XXX – 08X - 31. Week 15= No. 24 drew (4-4) WK. 16 – X X X - 08X - 32? We break our long silence to enable our old and new friends to benefit from our cable winning project with N25, 000= Start well with unregrettable

AMUKO & ASSOCIATES= 07014686970

CUP! CUP!! CUP!!! MANAGERS We only operate in cup weeks. Be – prepared= no Copromise. 1st Cup on – SOUTHAMPTON – WATFORD and LEICESTER= WINNING GAZETTE. Week 6 – Watford vs Southampton – 8xxx Week 14 – Southampton vs Leicester - CUP! CUP!! CUP!!! The above illustration was designed for 1st Round Cup 2015. Extract from 2015/2016 – Cup winning – diary= N50, 000= WE ONLY SPEAK CUP LANGUAGE. CONGRATULATIONS.

ATTENTION ALL COMPILERS, OUR POLICY ON NO ADVERT NO WRITE UP STILL IN PLACE

Thursday, 29 Oct. - 4 Nov. 2015 MODUPE (08033566694) 19- 28- 31. 2drs Call for super winning now.

PROFFNAP 07069009601 41XX11X

PARTICK HOME 49 WINNING SPREE

Week 5 – 8x 15x 43xxx 41X Week 12 – 14x 32x 44xxx 41X Week 16 – X X X - 41x Congratulations all our newly intending clients, our previous weeks Nap always on 4/4 with reference in weeks 5 and 12. Now on a special Naps again this week= N20, 000 for new clients ONLY. Welcome & Goodluck

SUNDERLAND SYSTEM

18XX 19XX 09038460009= 31 NAP 32 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 14 NO 15X 19X 20X 37X N6, 000 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 15 NO 12X 24X 32X 42X= N6, 000 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP NAP TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 14 NO 15X 19X PAIR 33F 37X TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 15 NO 12X 32X PAIR 19F 24X TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Time to win pool this wk 16 Sunderland system 4 special Draws this wk 16 play 4/4 correct hury to get your copy today two Bankers coast N3000 wk 16 no NAP NAP Pair NAP NAP. 4 Bankers wk 16 AKANDE WEEK 15 RELEASE GOT 3 DRAWS CORRECT ON NOS. 5X 16X 27X Sure of 3 Draws Again week 18 Phone 08025572554 Week 16 Pair 2xxx 8xxx Must. My 3 Draws release last week 15 which was enjoyed only by my registered members with regular stakers who remember the last Adverts in week 12 against week 15. However my next release would either be in week 18 or week 19 watch this week 16 Nos. 3xxx and 8xxx for one draw. GOODNA 08107048993 3 PAIR 5 Send for your millionaire jackpot draws this week 16 and be in money on Saturday. Just send N5, 000 MTN recharge card to Goodna and become a millionaire through his 3 draws and a pair. By the power of God you will not regret you send.

OLOWO (11X 32X)

08153005200 Wk 15 = 24xx 27xx 38xx25xx 28f = 4/5 Wk 16 = NAP . NAP . NAP. 11x 32x = 5/5. Thank you God, my coming back on board was full of praise and joy when my game drew in wk15. Please, join us this wk 16 so that we can win together. Cost N30, 000 only. Cheers.

WINNER CODE 505= 08135637650= 36 NAP 37

UK SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP WK 17 NO NAP NAP WK 18 NO NAP NAP NAP POWER X POWER N2000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP Winner code 505 two Bankers N2000 Wk 16 No NAP NAP WK 17 NO NAP NAP. ADESURE NAP TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 16 NO NAP NAP WK 17 NO NAP NAP WK 18 NO NAP NAP 4 Expert. 4 Special Draws this wk 16 cost N25, 000 Wk 16 No NAP NAP NAP 4/4 WK 17 NO XXXX= 4/4 Cost N25, 000 Wk 16 No NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 Send MTN Card 08135637650. The Game will be send to you by text.

RIGHT TIME 08054282579 (18XX31)

Congratulations! Congratulations!! Jubilation Galore at Righttime in week 15 release nap 16xx 18f 27xx 3, games for 2 draws now week 16 release out at rate of N25,000 cash with our chain draws this week 16, some promoters will run away from business if they may not have enough money this week 16 and week 17 better wait for another week, because week 16, chain draws is problems for promoters, arrangement is now concluded stakers to call for Bomb shell games are waiting for you this week call now for discussion about how to pay and get your games pair 18 or 31, few month to xmas this is your winning chance. WEEK 15X RAY

Reliable Experts colomn week 15 free win chat favoured Dr J.K Pools on incredible 3 draws, while Right time narrowly missed his NAP. Madam De Madam excelled on one Banker series, Peter and Fortune donor make good with their free two bankers deserved appreciations. Our pair Experts are many but the likes of Dr B4 Dr, Dosa, Authority, Nidas, MBA, Olowo, Madam Hillary, Mid week, Sam Ayo, Akin Mr Akin, 3 Syndicates, Winner point lastly Pleaid De Maxwell technically got 6x 16x 29xxx= stakers please embrace our Experts for confirmed winnings, appreciated them, draws are like gold that never found on Earth surface.

ADEOTI SYNDICATE 1ST FA CUP NAP 07051327960 3 DRAWS & A PAIR FOR 2 WKS. OPERATION Weeks 16 and 17. F.A Cup. ROUND. 1 Cost Ten thousand (N10, 000) cash. Each week. Pay to AHMED SHAFIRI A/C Nos. 2001788431. Zenith bank. Week 16 banker. Hamilton – ST. J STONE (46x) 1-1, with 4 others. 07051327960. Membership registration fees. N25, 000 cash. Goodluck 07051327960 IKECHUKWU PROMOTERS ENEMY – YOU ARE GREAT – VICTOR – V.I MADAM DE MADAM – OF MR JOSHUA – LONG LIFE MADAMS – TOYE. THE CYRIL – INDEED YOU’ re STAKERS hope – MR ISIAH TANKO. KANO

TORQUAY TWO BANKER WK15=N3, 000

x12x x42x WK 17. CUP

NAP X NAP X

LINCOLN TWO BANKER WK15=N3, 000

x24x x29x

WK 17. CUP

NAP X NAP X

TELFORD TWO BANKER WK15=N3, 000

x38x x39x

WK 17. CUP

NAP X NAP X

SEND MTN CARD TO 09038460009 O.P.R YORK OLDHAM TWO BANKER TWO BANKER TWO BANKER WK15=N3, 000

x11x x21x WK 17. CUP

CUP CUP

WK15=N3, 000

x24x x25x

WK 17. CUP

CUP CUP

WK15=N3, 000

x38x x47x

WK 17. CUP

CUP CUP

SEND MTN CARD TO 08162705220 SCHEMA NAP FOR WEEK 16.

NAP – 9XBK 32XBK 40XBK – alt. 24 and 33 Go and invest on our Nap. Our week 17 special release cost N25,000 CALL 08039556011 or 08135392826. For your winning details. Goodluck

PROFESSOR ONE BANKERS= 08055230300= 36 NAP 35

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

DR B4 DR – 08062748396 (41 MUST 42)

Dr B4 Dr place is where every caller is on winning TRACK and every client is a WINNER. When last did you win on pools? Who is your draw manager? How many times have you been disappointed? Are you sure you wanted to win? If Yes; CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN. Dr B4 Dr. Week 16, 17 and 18 Nap is your answer to the above winning questions. CONFIRMED WINNING KEY: CHARLTON AWAY ON WEEK OF PLAY Week 10 – 19x 20x 21xxx – 41x 42. Week 11 – 13x 14x 15xxx – 41x 42 Week 16 – x x x -42x 41x NB = CLUSTERS- CONTROLLED BY WOLVES in weeks 10 & 11 only. Our newest EXPERTS are our winning strength IN GOD WE TRUST – Winners digest = Sorry for the small hike – N50, 000 = Welcome & Win

HON. EMMANUEL – 08102874949. (18 and 21)

3 WEEKS IN 3 YEARS Annual FIXED WIN. Weeks, 15 – 15 – 15 and 16 - 16 - 16 and 17 - 17 - 17 cup gazette. Week 15 - 2013 – 8x 14x 37x = 11x and 39x Week 15 - 2014 – 3x 19x 46x = 11x and 39x Week 15 - 2015 – 6x 21x 32x = 11x and 39x PAIR = FULHAM and FALKIRK. Week 16 – 2013 – 07x 15x 24xxx 18 and 21 Week 16 – 2014 – 04x 18x 31xxx 18 and 21 Week 16 – 2015 – X X X 18 and 21 Annual week 16 sure Naps BRISTOL C MUST FULHAM N25,000 – winning Assurance. Good luck. Remainder Win — All our Esteem clients, Don’t be left out.

EDITOR’S PLACE (11 x 21)

SIDELINES

no 16,359

n150

THURSDAY, 29 OCTOBER, 2015

“It takes a man of courage, patriotism, and altruism to go all out to preach the gospel truth on how to end insurgency with our own local or native intelligence to the government.”

VER the past couple of weeks I have examined the current efforts of government to combat the Boko Haram insurgency particularly in the light of the visit to the President by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in company with officials from Colombia, a country which has been contending with insurgency for decades. My comments, in which I suggest that Boko Haram is a Nigerian problem which must be tackled with a Nigerian solution has continued to attract powerful and persuasive comments from readers within and outside Nigeria. I am constrained to publish only one from Pastor Mark Debo Taiwo, JP due to lack of space. “Re: Insurgency: Lessons From Abroad (2) It is imperative for me to write a rejoinder on the topic mentioned above, written on the back page of Nigerian Tribune of Thursday 22nd October, 2015, a column owned by no other person, but an iconic and erudite lawyer, a strong pillar of law in Nigeria, a voice to reckon with globally, Chief Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, LLD, D.Litt. I had been reading many discourses from Chief Afe Babalola in his column,” afeonthursday” providing many logical and rational advices to the Nigerian government as alternative solutions to the myriad of problems facing this nation without charging any kobo. He has deliberated on major national issues as regards how to clear the rot in our education system, health sector, just to mention a few. In all his writings, he has become a point of reference to many of his fans who are intellectual savvy and disposed to reading his column every Thursday because of his style of calling a spade a spade without being immodest. To be honest with him, this one on insurgency overwhelmed me, because it takes a man of courage, patriotism and altruism to go all out to preach the gospel truth on how to end insurgency with our own local or na-

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

UNILAG VC, Professor Rahamon Adisa Bello has berated critics of his university as a citadel of rape and bedbugs. In his defence he said both problems are universal noting that the US and the United Arab Emirates have the biggest bedbug headache. Perhaps, for the VC, there is comfort in not being alone in the vice.

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

Insurgency: Lessons from abroad (3) tive intelligence to the government. It is very parlous that we are over-dependent on foreign countries for solutions to our national intricacies. We love to deceive ourselves, instead of doing the needful. Theodore Roosevelt once said: “This country will not be a really good place for any of us to live in if it is not a really good place for all of us to live in” and Abraham Lincoln also said: “The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, in their separate and individual capacities.” The government needs to face the reality on ground and act decisively to terminate this rampaging insurgencies before it consume the entire nation. Enough of rhetorical approach, let us face the issue headlong. If the government wants to borrow from America, Canada, Colombia, Israel or United Kingdom as mentioned by Aare Afe Babalola, the social needs of these people should not be trampled upon. The government should start to see every Nigerian as a potential nation-builder and not treating people as squirts. Every Nigerian should feel a sense of belonging, because the country belongs to all of us, and not a very few. In America, the government is there for the good of the citizens 24/7. Job creation rate is very high; education is made available and accessible to all, with provision of basic amenities. The economy is growing and conducive for participation of all. Power outage is foreign, except during storms, and it will be restored within hours. Hardsquabbles incidence is almost nil, with effective transportation system, plus functional security network. Job satisfaction and good remuneration makes the people to believe in their government and even be ready to

die for her sake and they are very proud of doing just that. All these make intelligence gathering very easy and very difficult for insurgency to thrive. But in Nigeria, the police are seen as agents of brutalisation and extortion, while all members of the armed forces are being put at arm’s length. No social relationship with the masses, hence the masses see them as agents of oppression and repression. Thanks to some army medical team that took medicine to some communities recently to show the people that they also care and not only kill. In Nigeria, poverty is so pronounced and government officials are just there mainly to better their own lots and their cronies. The people do not trust the government because of flamboyant lifestyles of many public officers. There is a sharp disconnect between the people and the government. Unemployment rate is not abating and there is no security for the future of Nigerian youths while the cost of doing business in the country is alarming because government is not assiduous in providing conducive environment for business and economy to grow. This had made many companies to close shop and relocate outside the shore of the nation, thereby creating more idle hands which are ready-made tools in the hands of the devil for insurgency. The government needs to look seriously into our internal security architecture and equip the soldiers well with the latest weapons of war to meet local challenges and international standard. They need to boost the morale of our security officers by making them enjoy the dignity of their labour. If security men have pride in discharging their duties, it will show in how they relate

with the masses and this will build a line of confidence in the people and make it difficult for any insurgent to have any hideout or people collaborating with them. In Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A., Somalians are having their largest concentration there. Not minding many of them who are fanatical, yet America still accommodates them. The government provides them with cheap accommodation; places them on social security programmes and makes education free and accessible to their children, because if they are not properly trained, they will become a nuisance to their society in the future. With this approach, many of them have become graduates and earning decent and legitimate income, paying their taxes and contributing meaningfully to the economy of Minneapolis. Many times, I saw a majority of them in departmental stores working as cashiers, many becoming employers of labour with some going into medical and legal professions. But in Nigeria, it is not so. You are on your own. I close my rejoinder with these quotes from John Maxwell: “R+R-R=R+R i.e. Rules and Regulations minus Relationship equals Resentment and Rebellion” and Abraham Lincoln: “A drop of honey catches flies than a gallon of gall.” The government should be proactive in providing for the needs of the neglects in the society. — Pastor Mark Debo Taiwo (J P), Safejo/Ikoyi Road, Ogbomoso. I thank Pastor Taiwo and others for their comments. I remain optimistic that soon, Nigeria will achieve the objectives of its founding fathers. AARE AFE BABALOLA SAN, CON

FIFA confirms Platini, 6 others for presidential poll

IFA has confirmed the seven candidates who have been nominated to run for presidency of the football’s world governing body. Monday was the deadline for candidates to submit their names and FIFA has recognised seven entries, including South African businessman and former apartheid activist Tokyo Sexwale. “FIFA’s member associations have proposed, in due time and form, seven candidates for the presidential election to take place at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress in Zurich on 26 Febru-

ary 2016,” reads a statement on FIFA’s official website. “The candidates proposed are Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Mr Musa Hassan Bility, Mr Jerome Champagne, Mr Gianni Infantino, Mr Michel Platini, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Mr Tokyo Sexwale.” The organisation has also clarified the situation surrounding Platini, who is serving out a 90-day ban handed down by the organisation’s ethics committee. “Given that Michel Platini is currently provisionally banned from taking part in any football-

related activity, his candidature will not be processed by the adhoc electoral committee as long as such ban is valid and in force. “Should such a ban be lifted or expire before the FIFA presidential election, the ad-hoc electoral committee would decide, depending on the respective exact point in time, on how to proceed with the candidature concerned. “For the other proposed candidates, the following applies: “The Ad-hoc electoral committee will now assess the candidatures, in line with the Electoral Regulations for the FIFA presi-

dency. “In accordance with article 8 par. 1(e) of the electoral regulations, the ad-hoc electoral committee has passed the candidature dossiers to the investigatory chamber of the independent ethics committee to carry out integrity checks, as stipulated in the regulations. The investigatory chamber will – as a result of this integrity check – deliver comprehensive documentation on each candidate, but it will not give any recommendation as to whether or not a candidate may run for the FIFA presidency.

RESULTS GLOBACOM PREMIER LEAGUE WK 35 Dolphins

2 El-Kanemi 1

Giwa FC

3 Wikki

FC Ifeanyiubah 1 Heartland 0 Sharks

2 3SC

Enyimba

1 Kwara

Bayelsa Utd

1 A/ Warriors 0

Akwa United 2 Sunshine

Kano Pillars

2 Rangers

Taraba

0 Nasarawa 0

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. 29/10/2015.