NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,468
WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2016
Kachikwu: Fuel scarcity ends April 7, apologises —P8
www.tribuneonlineng.com
Anyaoku to Buhari: You need experts on economic issues
Nigerian Tribune
@nigeriantribune
Ekiti govt raises the alarm over plot to arrest 11 lawmakers
Nigerian Tribune
Rivers: PDP wins 3 Reps seats as INEC releases more results
Buhari declines to sign 2016 budget —P4
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N150
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•Says NASS transmitted only highlights •We will soon send budget details —Reps spokesman •As president leaves for Washington, D.C. Kidnapped Colonel found dead in Kaduna —P5
At Tinubu's colloquium:
—P8
N5m falls off bullion van in Lagos —P6
Buhari promises Oyo workers more actions in give govt 7-day coming months ultimatum over
President Muhammadu Buhari being welcomed by Senator Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, to the eighth Bola Tinubu Colloquium, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday.
unpaid salaries —P5
Braithwaite kept govt on its toes —Soyinka •He was an advocate of true federalism —Adebanjo, Ajayi •My father was strong, exercised at the treadmill —Son
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2 news
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Buhari declines to sign 2016 budget
•Says NASS transmitted only highlights •We will soon send budget details -Reps spokesman •Leaves for Washington, D.C. Leon Usigbe -Abuja
P
RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has refused to sign the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law. The budget was apparently transmitted to him on Tuesday by the National Assembly, but the president turned down the request to append his signature to the document, because it was found out to be mere highlights rather than the entire document. Both houses of the National Assembly finally passed the N6.06 trillion budget last week, but it was not clear whether the conference committee of the two chambers of the legislature had harmonised it. Top Presidency source revealed to State House correspondents on Tuesday that the National Assembly may have not completed work on the budget, but merely playing politics with the document and went further to accuse the lawmakers of sabotage. “This development confirms speculations that the National Assembly either did not complete work on the budget or is playing politics with the documents which affects the life of both the country and its citizens. “The National Assembly may just have passed the bill to pass the buck to the executive and escape the wrath of the public, which was gradually suspecting it of sabotage,” the source revealed. It confirmed that the president had just received the transmission of the Appropriation Bill from the National Assembly and was anxious to sign it into law, “but the National Assembly only sent in the highlights without the details of the budget.”
It said as a result, the president had been handicapped in signing the Bill because he did not know what was contained in the details and what adjustments the National Assembly must have made to the proposal sent to the lawmakers. According to the source, “although he is anxious to sign the document, so that implementation of the provisions could start immediately and ease the tension in the economy and polity, he is afraid he may later discover, when the details are sent, that what is contained therein is not implementable.” While the Presidency source expressed the wish that the National Assembly could send in the details speedily so that it could be considered for assent, the source also revealed that ministers were also eager that the budget be signed, so they could start implementing their programmes. “They (ministers) are unable to push the president to sign what has been transmitted because they also do not know what is contained in the details. “They are particularly worried that the year is gradually aging and the provision of the law in respect of spending the previous year’s budget is not helping matters, because of the low capital provision for 2015,” the source said. The source explained that because of the low provision made last year for capital expenditure, spending 50 per cent of the provision for the first half of the year would make no impact on provision of infrastructure. Reacting, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Honourable Abdulrazaq Namdas, on
Tuesday, disclosed that National Assembly would soon send the details of the 2016 appropriation bill passed by the lawmakers to the Presidency. The House spokesperson, in a telephone interview with the Nigerian Tribune, affirmed that “it is true that we have not sent the detail (2016 budget). The detail will be sent very soon.” According to him, “the detail will be sent in tandem with the report of the standing committees.” He added that “we’ve done our own part very well, by
the time we sent the detail, the president will appreciate what we’ve done.” Meanwhile, President Buhari will leave Abuja for Washington, D.C., United States, today, to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit which opens tomorrow. Expected at the summit are President Barack Obama and about 60 other world leaders and heads of international organisations. A statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, in Abuja, on Tuesday, explained that
at plenary sessions of the summit which is dedicated to reinforcing international commitment to the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, President Buhari would insist that while Nigeria would continue to sustain that commitment, world powers must respect the right of other countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy for development purposes. While in Washington, D.C. for the summit, the president and his delegation would also hold bilateral meetings with other par-
Ekiti govt raises the alarm over plot to arrest 11 lawmakers by police from Abuja THE Ekiti State government has raised the alarm , saying that policemen from Abuja had invaded the state and were determined to arrest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, top government officials and 11 members of the state House of Assembly. The goverment said the plot was to begin indiscriminate arrest of those mentioned under allegation of stockpiling arms during the June 21, 2014 governorship election. Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Commu-
nications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, who made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the new plot was an aftermath of the failure of the Department of State Services (DSS) to achieve the plot of coercing the assembly members to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose. The government said the indiscriminate arrest was to begin on Tuesday night, alleging further that the policemen arrived Ado Ekiti, the state capital, with some All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains.
“We are aware of the arrival of policemen from Abuja to Ekiti State, with the intention of arresting 11 members of the House of Assembly, two PDP leaders per local government and some other top officials of the government. “Ridiculously, the offence for which the policemen are to embark on this indiscriminate arrest is owing to T.K.O. Aluko’s outburst that those listed for arrest stockpiled arms during the governorship election conducted in Ekiti close to two years ago. “This plot is in furtherance
Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna KADUNA State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has debunked the insinuation in the social media that he walked out of a meeting where the vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, had sought for his understanding on a particular matter. Speaking with some selected journalists at Sir Kashim
Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, on Tuesday, the governor maintained that the insinuation was not only false but was orchestrated by his political foes. According to him, his relationship with the vice-president was excellent, saying there was never a time he walked out on him (Osinbajo). He said the authors of such story were mischievous, “as I
have never attended a meeting where the president and the vice-president were all in the same room. “I think the only time where the president and the vicepresident were around and I was in attendance was when the National Economic Council (NEC) was inaugurated by Mr President. He (president) came and delivered his address and left.” Also, the governor cleared
state/federal constituencies and senatorial seats were inconclusive as a result of reports of electoral violence in some units and registration areas.
Speaking on Degema state constituency, he said investigation was still ongoing by the commission, adding that details would be made public after investigation.
Assembly seats: PDP, 9, APC, 2 THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, released the latest poll results from the Rivers State rerun. The rerun, held on March 19, was marred by security challenges and violence, forcing INEC to cancel some electoral exercises. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Aniedi Ikoiwak, in a release announcing the results, said new date to conduct the concluding polls would be communicated to the public after due consultation with the stakeholders.”
According to Mr Ikoiwak, a total of 11 state constituency and four federal constituency results had been declared by INEC to date. In the full results released by INEC, PDP won the three federal constituencies, including Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt II and Obio/Akpor with 18,904, 6,968 and 27,895 respectively, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the constituencies scored 6,035, 3,154 and 9,514 respectively. For state assembly, PDP won in Port Harcourt II state constituency with 15,244, while
of the plot to destabilise the government of Ekiti State, just because of Governor Fayose’s hard stance on President Mohammadu Buhari’s APC government policies. “The question is, what was the arms they claimed were stockpiled used for? Was anyone killed or attacked during the election? “We, therefore, wish to alert Nigerians to this new plot and state that Ekiti people will resist any attempt to use the police to harass innocent citizens of the state,” the statement read.
I didn’t walk out on Osinbajo –el-Rufai
Rivers: PDP wins 3 Reps seats as INEC releases more results Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt
ticipating heads of government and high-ranking US government officials. Accompanying the president are Governors Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (retd) and the Director-General of Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Agency, Professor Lawrence Anikwe Dim. The president is expected to leave Washington, D.C. for Abuja on Sunday.
APC scored 2,844. APC won Akuku Toru II constituency with 2,970 votes, while the PDP candidate was said to have been disqualified. Ikiowak said some of the
Nigeria remains biggest trading partner of China in Africa —China Representative Ademola Adegbite -Abuja REPRESENTATIVE of the People of Republic of China in Nigeria, Mr. Xiaojie Gu, on Tuesday, said Nigeria remained the sole biggest trading partner of China with about
$14.9 in Africa. Mr. Gu, who also announced that Nigeria is the second biggest market of China export to Africa, therefore, said his country was ready to collaborate with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administra-
tion in diversifying Nigerian economy in the areas of agriculture, mining and infrastructure. He made this known during his working visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, in his office in Abuja.
the rumour that he exchanged blows with his deputy, Bala Bandex, saying he had known the deputy governor since 1976 and had never argued with him. “We think alike and act alike. We are going on weII. I think I did not make him like a spare tyre. If I am leaving the state, I write to the state assembly that he will be acting. He chairs the executive council meetings as well as the security council meeting. I was told this has never happened in Kaduna before and some people are not comfortable with that,” he said. On the religious bill, he said it was sent to the state House of Assembly since October 15, 2015, adding that it was not a new bill as being speculated. “It was first enacted in 1984 during the term of Air Vice Marshal Usman Mua’zu (retd) after the Maitsine uprising in 1982. The then military junta saw the need to regulate preaching in some states in the North. “Many states are ready to do similar thing now. They have asked for the copy of our bill. I will not name the states,” he said.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
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4 news
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Anyaoku to Buhari: You need experts on economic issues By Wale Akinselure
F
ORMER Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on Tuesday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a team of experts in economics to advise him on how best to tackle core economic issues confronting the nation. He said such experts would address the raging debate for devaluation of the naira, as well as X-ray the implications of other economic actions of the administration. Anyaoku, who spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as chairman of the launch of former Ambassador Olusola Sanu’s Memoirs entitled: “Audacity on the bound, a diplomatic odyssey,” however, reiterated his call on the president not to devalue the naira. “I wish to restate my view that the case has still not been convincingly made that devaluation of the naira in our present circumstances will truly serve this country’s national interest. “President Buhari should stick to his anti-devaluation position, but should also urgently appoint a team of acknowledged experts in economics to advise him objectively on how best to tackle Nigeria’s current economic crisis, including the implications of devaluing or not devaluing.” Anyaoku bemoaned that his call for a restructuring of the federation into six regions had continued to fall on deaf ears underscoring lapses in the existing architecture. He said a regional system would ensure maximisation and utilisation of the nation’s natural resources and faster development. “I have persistently called for the restructuring of the present government architecture of 36 states to ensure a federal structure of six regions. If it is our vision to achieve greater political stability; we are to ensure faster development through effective maximisation and utilisation of our natural resources,” he stressed. Citing excerpts of Ambassador Sanu’s Memoir, Anyaoku noted that the presidential system provided the leeway for politicians to corruptly enrich themselves. He stated: “Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, laid the foundation for the development of their respective regions. The parliamentary system, which they operated, gave little room for
massive corruption which obtains today. The new generation of politicians have exploited the presidential system to operate a system that has become a drainpipe of the treasury. It is hard to believe that we now operate a system, where we have more than 3,000 advisers in federal, state and local government. “States that have little or
no Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have over 30 advisers, senior special assistants and assistants. The shape of Nigeria is evident in the fact that even the chairman of a local government operates the presidential system at an entitlement. They have Chief of Staff, Chief of Protocol, Press officer and so on. The result is that 30-40 per cent of our
annual budget is spent on maintaining the structure. If you calculate the amount of money we spend on transport and travelling, we will be spending almost half of our budget on non-productive sectors of the economy.” Anyaoku, in his eulogy, described Sanu as one of Nigeria’s brightest administrative officers in foreign circles, who retired with a
legacy that real success in one’s endeavour hinges on hard work and service. He regarded Sanu’s memoir as an instructive material and corpus of knowledge for current and intending diplomats. “Ambassador Sanu was an epitome of punctuality and one of the brightest administrative officers in Nigeria’s foreign circles. Suffice it for
From left, special guest of honour, General Yakubu Gowon; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; author of book, Ambassador Olusola Sanu; chief launcher, Dr Kase Lawal and the chairman on the occasion, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, during the launch of Ambassador Sanu’s Memoirs, “Audacity on the Bound: A Diplomatic Oddyssey,” held at Kakanfo-Inn, Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE
PDP BoT warns Sheriff against tenure elongation Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja THE Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, to resist the temptation to fall for calls for him to elongate his tenure beyond the approved three months. The acting chairman of the board, Senator Walid Jibrin, said at a news briefing at the national secretariat of the party, in Abuja, on Tuesday, that any attempt to sit tight in office would jeopardise the plan to zone the 2019 presidential ticket to the North. He said heeding the call for tenure elongation beyond the stipulated time would destroy the party, adding that the BoT as the conscience of the party, would resist such move. He said: “I want to offer some advice to PDP national chairman, Senator Modu Sherif, on the consequences of the evil machinations of praise singers and prophets of doom on the unanimous approval of the PDP governors’ forum; national caucus, BoT and the NEC terminating his tenure and
that of the NWC on May 21. “The above responsible bodies have approved that the tenure of the national officers will end immediately after the convention when the new officers are duly elected. “The present NWC received an overwhelming ovation and admiration at the meeting of the national caucus, BoT and NEC by overlooking their 2017 tenure in support of the three months approval of the respected organs of the party which should strictly be complied with. “Instead of listening to the praise singers, Modu Sherif should follow the path of honour and integrity, by simply taking a bow in May 2016 after the national convention. “The recent courtesy calls to the national chairman and the presentations being made, especially calling him to continue beyond the stipulated three months tenure is an invitation to trouble, anarchy and the return of impunity in PDP. “May I also strongly warn on the dangers of not adhering to the recommendations of Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s post-election Review Committee (2015), that the party should seek its 2019
presidential candidate from the North to compensate for the obvious violation of the zoning arrangement in the 2011 election, which led to a major apathy against the party in the North from 2011, culminating in the poor performance of the party in 2015 elections. “The national caucus, BoT and the NEC have already approved this recommendation by unanimously zoning 2019 presidency to the North. “To change this decision now is a further invitation to impunity, lack of party democracy, non-adherence to party zoning principles, influence of ‘god fatherism’ lack of respect for the decision of constituted party organs, self-imposition and killing the PDP. “Anyone who tries to reverse this position by changing it with another position will ever remain an enemy to the North, a mercenary and killer of PDP. “The BoT strongly advises Modu Sherif to respect his oath and acceptance of the powerful organs of the PDP that he will stay for only three months and allow his name to be written in gold by honourably leaving the scene in May after the convention.”
Urging all members of the party to unite against the tenure elongation, he said: “All PDP members must be ready to cooperate to say final bye bye to impunity, lack of internal democracy, godfatherism and naked exhibition of man’s inhumanity to man by man. “BoT shall resist any move by anybody to destroy the good foundation set by our founding fathers and mothers and shall remain the conscience of the party.” Jibrin, who is substantive secretary of the BoT, called on the party boss to come out clearly to dissociate himself from the calls to remain in office. Reacting, the Special Assistant to the national chairman on media, Inuwa Bwala, said the party boss had already stated that he would not be in office later than the time allotted to him. He said the BoT’s statement was an unnecessary distraction from the mandate given to the chairman to reposition the party, adding that the national chairman would not join issues with the board. He urged the BoT to join hands with the party chairman to move the party forward.
me to say that I believe that this memoir is a must read. It is an instructive material for the present and future generation of Nigerians. “Ambassador Sanu’s memoir depicts for serving and future diplomat a legacy of a brilliant career as Nigeria’s ambassador in some of the key cities of the world. He was a successful international negotiator of trade and commercial relations between the European Union and fortified African, Carribean and pacific countries. “He has a legacy of an effective peace builder internationally as Nigeria’s private special envoy to Sudan. This memoir leaves a legacy of demonstration that in every man or woman’s life, real success in any endeavour comes from hard work and good service. “Nigeria’s diplomacy will be richer for it if all our experienced and retired diplomats decide to put pen to paper in writing their memoirs. From the corpus of knowledge in such memoir, there will certainly be no dearth of information on the country’s diplomatic circle. The memoir not only tells us about the diplomatic career of Ambassador Sanu, but depicts the character of Sanu to speak truth to power.” A former president of the country, General Yakubu Gowon, who was special guest on the occasion, acknowledged the exemplary performance of Sanu while serving as a diplomat. Gowon added that Sanu, like him, was concerned about a united Nigeria. Ambassador Sanu’s memoir is made up of 516 pages of 21 chapters. Book Reviewer, Ambassador Oladapo Fafowora, said the book underlined Sanu’s public career, spanning six decades, critical foreign policies and his contributions in Nigeria’s diplomatic circles. Some guests on the occassion were chairman, Erin Energy Corporation, Dr Kase Lawal, who was Chief Launcher; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented By Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed. Others were chairman, Transition Committee which heralded the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Ahmed Joda; the Alani of Ido-Ani, Oba Olufemi Olutoye; chairman, Edwin Clark Foundation, Ambasssador Akporode Clark; a diplomat and a former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Philip Asiodu.
5 news
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Troops kill 5 terrorists, rescue 36 in Borno
Recover 1,304 livestock, arrest 15 suspected cattle rustlers in Zamfara, Kano, Katsina
A
statement by acting Director, Army Public Relations, on Tuesday, said troops of 155 Task Force Battalion of 29 Task Force Brigade, while on clearance patrol on Banki junction, on Monday, encountered a Boko Haram terrorists ambush at Bolungu village, which was successfully cleared. According to the statement, the troops killed all three attackers there and also recovered one Fabrique Nationale rifle with registration number UE16A86257 and 1G3 rifle with registration number 10f995, as well as 19 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. “Similarly, some elements of the unit stationed in Mayanti encountered two fleeing Boko Haram terrorists from the villages cleared yesterday and killed one while trying to shoot the troops and arrested the other. “The arrested suspected terrorist has been making very useful statements. The troops recovered five bicycles, bags of grains and other items,” the statement read. Also, the unit on Tuesday, also cleared more more Boko Haram terrorists’ enclaves and hideouts at Gare village, around Sambisa forest. During the operation, the troops killed one terrorist, who attacked a soldier with cutlass and arrested four others. The troops also rescued 36 people, comprising two men, nine women and 26 children and recovered two mobile phones. In a related development, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, within the last one week, have recorded tremendous success in the fight against cattle rustling, armed banditry and criminality, particularly in the North west under the auspices of ‘Operation SHARAN DAJI’.
According to acting Director, Army Public Rela-
tions, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, in Kaduna
AUTHORITIES of the Nigerian Army said Colonel Samaila Inusa, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 27, was found dead on Tuesday evening. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said in a statement that
FORCE) recovered 108 livestock, killed one armed
From left, Oyo State deputy governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo; Managing Director, NLNG, Mr Baba Omotowa; Masters student in the Faculty of Technology, Mr Lekan Bade; Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka and the representative of the Minister of Health, Professor Temitope Alonge, at the inauguration of NLNG-University of Ibadan Automation Laboratory, in Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU
bandit and recovered one AK-47 Rifle and 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. He added that in Zamfara State, which is 1 Brigade’s area of operation, the troops recovered 419 livestock and arrested one bandit and recovered a locally made pistol from him. Also, in Kano and Katsina states, 3 Brigade was also able to recover 677 livestock, destroyed 10 cattle rustlers and armed bandits camps and recovered four locally made pistols and seven dane guns. The troops also killed four cattle rustlers and arrested 14 other suspects. The ongoing operations, according to him, were aimed at completely eradicating the menace of cattle rustling, armed banditry and other criminalities in the North-West geopolitical region of the country.
NLNG inaugurates $2m laboratory in UI By Ruth Olurounbi TO revitalise research and development in Nigeria, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (NLNG), on Tuesday, officially handed over a $2 million Engineering Laboratory to the University of Ibadan (UI), which was inaugurated the same day. “We are confident that his facility will provide staffers, students, researchers, engineers and scientists easy access to world-class facilities that will enhance their work, improve skills and boost the rating of this faculty and the entire university,” the company’s Managing Director, Babs Omotomiwa, said. He said the University of Ibadan was the only institution on the University Support Programme which “did not only efficiently utilise the funding made available for this project by NLNG, but also contribut-
ed several hundred million naira of its own resources to the actualisation of the laboratory.” Saying that this was commendable, he charged other institutions in the country to emulate the university. Speaking during the inauguration, Omotomiwa said the company invested in the building and equipping of engineering laboratories across Nigeria to the tune of $2 million per university, with the aim that the donations would provide structured support to the development of research and development, for a better infrastructureenabled Nigeria. He, therefore, said “it is our hope that the joint work undertaken over the past two years between UI and NLNG will be a key towards promoting engineering research and innovation, as well as seeking solutions to our nation’s infrastructure and under-
Kidnapped Colonel Inusa found dead Chris Agbambu - Abuja
State, the Division’s Internal Security Force (DIS-
preliminary investigation revealed that most likely, the late senior officer was killed same day he was kidnapped by his abductors. “This is because the body was found already decomposing around Ajyaita village, off Eastern Bypass in Kaduna State. “Arrangements are in progress to move the body
to 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. May His soul rest in peace, Amen,” the statement said. Colonel Usman said in the statement that “we wish to state, in unmistakeable terms, that whoever is behind his abduction and murder would be fished out to face the full wrath of the law.”
development challenges. “It is critical that the NLNG’s partnership with UI and our investment here, contribute to the urgent task of nation building through modern scientific interventions. We must revitalise research and development in Nigeria.” In addition to the University of Ibadan, the company had also supported five other universities in Nigeria with $2 million equipment donations, totalling $12 million. Explaining the rationale behind the $12 million donations to six universities in Nigeria, Omotomiwa said based on experience from sponsoring Africa’s “most prestigious” prizes for excellence in Science
and Literature since 2004 which is now worth $100 million, only nine winners in literature prizes emerged, while only five winners emerged from the science category. “This was the genesis of our decision to build and equip world class engineering laboratories in six universities from the sixgeopolitical zones in Nigeria,” he said. Omotomiwa, in his keynote address on the occasion, said the company had invested in the awards of scholarships to “thousands of deserving students at post-primary, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. “We have established a vocational centre in Bonny, an institution
accredited by the London City and Guilds Institute as well as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which produces world-class technicians to help fill vocational gaps in Nigeria.” Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Idowu Olayinka, said the multi-user laboratory will help students, as well as researchers compete favourably in real time with their colleagues across the world. According to the Dean of Faculty of Technology of the institution, Professor E.A Ajav, the laboratory was the first of its kind in the 40-year-old history of the faculty.
Oyo workers issue 7-day ultimatum over unpaid salaries ORGANISED Labour in Oyo State has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Oyo State government to settle over five months arrears of salaries owed workers. The ultimatum was issued on Tuesday, in Ibadan, by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC). The state NLC chairman, Mr Waheed Olojede, who spoke at a news conference, said the seven-day ultimatum would commence on
Wednesday, March 30 and lapse on Thursday, April 7. He said the unions had considered the prevailing condition of workers and pensioners with five months unpaid salaries and the failure of government to accede to previous requests. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the government and the unions, in 2015, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on how the salaries would be paid. Olojede said the unions had written to the state
government, requesting for a meeting, which he claimed the government failed to honour. He said the situation had reduced workers to state of poverty, adding that their productivity, diligence and absolute commitment would be hinged on how the workers were treated. “If government fails to meet the leadership of the labour movement in the state, we may not be able to guarantee continued industrial peace beyond the stipulated time,” he said.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
Lagos
Edited by
Lanre Adewole
olanreade@yahoo.com
0811 695 4647
My wife rapes, beats me, retired soldier alleges
•It was ‘normal’ sex — Wife
The N5 million recovered by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) after it fell off a bullion van.
A retired soldier, Gafaru Rodoye, has begged an Igando Cutomary Court to dissolve his marriage to his wife because of her violent nature. He accused his wife, Idiat, with whom he has five children in their 20-year old marriage, of always raping him. “My wife has turned my boxers to rags as she always tears them to rape me,” Rodoye told the court, adding that, his wife was in the habit of threatening his life through beating and that he was afraid she might kill him one day. “I had to run away from my 16-flat building to rent an apartment elsewhere,
N5m falls off bullion van, recovered, returned by police
Bola Badmus
L
agos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) has recovered N5 million that fell off a bullion van on Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja. The money is said to have been lost around November and December 2015. In a release made available on Tuesday by the Public Affairs Officer of the Agency, Mr Taofik Adebayo, the Task Force Chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi, disclosed that two police officers attached to the agency recovered the money. According to Egbeyemi, the two police officers namely Sergeant Ogunbiyi Agbabu and Inspector Eheziekia Abiona, dis-
closed that a bullion van drove pass them while they were on duty at the agency’s headquarters and something fell down which was later discovered to be N5 million. The chairman, while commending these officers,
disclosed that similar thing was done to him when he was Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ilupeju Police Station where he won an award for returning $130,000 and 50,000 pounds to owners of a bullion van where the money was stolen.
He thereby implored appropriate authority, especially the Police Authority and Lagos State Government to give commendation to these rare officers for their honesty and integrity so as to encourage others. Egbeyemi, however, stated
that any bullion van that drove through Lagos State House of Assembly Complex around November to December 2015 with a missing N5 million should come forward with a strong cogent proof of ownership of the money.
Keke Marwa rider in prison for assaulting policemen Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 37-year-old tricycle rider has been remanded in prison for allegedly assaulting a group of policemen in Ogba. According to the police, Otus Ineh allegedly attacked a team of policemen in front
of the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Ogba branch on March 17, 2016. Ineh was accused of attacking one ASP Ayinde Adeyemi and his team from the Oke-Ira Police Post, when he was challenged for stopping at the front of the bank to pick passengers. The
police further alleged that Ineh called his friends in the area, who joined him to fight the policemen. He was arraigned on four counts bordering on obstruction before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court. Ineh’s alleged offences are punishable under
sections 172 (b), 299, 166 (1) (d) and 96 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011. The chief magistrate, Mrs. E. Ikubeije granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till April 20 for mention.
just to avoid her frequent beatings, but she trailed me to my new apartment to fight me. I have reported her on several occasions to different police stations, but it did not yield any positive result,” he said. Rodoye added that his wife poured hot water on the new wife that was brought for him from the village by his family and therefore, begged the court to end their 20-year-old marriage, adding that he was no longer in love as his life was in danger. However, Mrs Idiat Rodoye, 44, a business woman, denied all the allegations, saying her husband was a womaniser. “My husband runs after anything in skirt; he always sends me packing from the house whenever he wants to bring in another woman. He once sent me out with the children for three years. After sending me out, he had married six different women, but none stayed long with him. He will always come to beg me to come back,’’ she said. The mother of five said she never raped her husband, that it was normal for husband and wife to make love, adding that it was her husband that was always beating her. She added that her husband removed the plasma television, air conditioner and disconnected the electricity supply from her flat, leaving her and the children in darkness. She urged the court to grant her husband’s wish that she was also tired of the marriage and no longer in love. The Court President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, adjourned the case till April 5 for further hearing.
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Nigerian Tribune
metro Ibile group defends Soyinka’s choice as co-chair of Lagos @ 50
Students of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, waiting for hostel allocation as they resumed after a four-week forced holiday, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN
YABATECH reopens, kicks off semester examination The Yaba College of Technology, Lagos on Tuesday reopened for academic activities after a four-week break to mourn the death of a final year student, who died on February 10. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that anxious students trooped in to complete their undertaking forms and collected examination dockets. Security was beefed-up on the campus, as only students with the institution’s identity cards were allowed in. In a female hostel, Akada Hall, scores of students were seen queuing up for allocation of bed spaces. An ND II, Business Administration student, Miss Adebamigbe Fadaini, said, “I have completed my registration and collected examination docket, the process is very simple. I just want to be through with the examination once and for all, because we have wasted a
lot of time this session. I am very happy to be back on campus.” Another student, an HND I, Microbiology student, Miss Toyosi Adekanye, commended the college’s management for reopening the college. She said that she was ready for the
examination but urged the management to provide basic amenities during the examination period. The Head, Public Relations Unit of the College, Mr Charles Oni, told NAN that the management was prepared for the smooth conduct of the examination on
Skeleton of missing man found in locked apartment •Residents quizzed There was confusion around Aga area of Ikorodu in Lagos State, on Monday, as the skeleton of a missing 46-year-old man, Sikiru Yussuf, was found in his apartment. Residents of the building have been invited by the police for interrogations but the state police public relations officer could not confirm any arrest. The skeleton of Yussuf was found in his one-room and a parlour apartment at 46, Jaiyesinmi Street, Aga area
of Ikorodu. The landlady had invited the deceased man’s elder brother to come and witness the forceful opening of the apartment, when the skeleton was discovered. The elder brother, Basiru Yussuf, who later reported the incident at Ikorodu divisional police station, had gone to the scene with the hope of evacuating his younger brother’s belonging from the apartment. Lagos Metro gathered that many residents of the
37-year-old man faces trial for attempted drowning A 37-year-old man, Clement Erinle, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for allegedly attempting to drown another man in a river. Erinle, whose occupation and address were not disclosed in court, is facing a three–count charge bordering on assault, breach of the peace and attempted drowning. The prosecutor, Mary Ajiteru, said that the accused with others that were still at
March 30. Oni said that the interests and welfare of the students were important and that the management would continue to ensure that. “We love our students, parents and management, their welfare is very important to us,’’ he said.
large attempted to drown one Godwin Ezekiel, adding that the offences were committed on March 3, at Ilemere Community, Ibeshe area of Ikorodu. She told the court that Erinle had assaulted Ezekiel on March 3 in a manner which breached the peace of the community where the offences were committed. “He assaulted the complainant and dragged him by holding tight to his shirt. “The suspect, assisted by his two conspirators, dragged the
complaint into a river in the community. “They attempted to throw Ezekiel into the river so that he will be drowned,’’ the prosecutor told the court. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences. Magistrate Bola Olagbegi-Adelabu granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case till April 7 for mention.
area had for many months thought that the deceased had absconded from the area. A resident of Aga area of Ikorodu, who spoke with Lagos Metro under the condition of anonymity, described the death as mysterious. “I was surprised at the discovery. I don’t t know how the residents would not observe that a body was decomposing in that house. The police have invited some people in connection with the incident but the death is still a mystery,” the resident said. The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident to Lagos Metro and added that the body had been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy. The Lagos police image maker also stated that policemen from the police station had visited the scene, taken photographs and examined the scene of incident. She assured that the police in the state would properly investigate the incident after the autopsy.
A group, the Coalition of Ibile Professionals has come out strongly to defend the choice of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka as co-chair of the Lagos at 50 Celebration Committee. The group gave the defence in a statement issued on Tuesday by its General Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Hassan, describing members of Eko Foundation that faulted the choice of Soyinka as noise makers, who were out seeking publicity and attention for relevance. According to Hassan, Lagos State is made up of five divisions namely Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe, adding that all the divisions are relevant for the progress of the state, even as he condemned insinuation that indigenes had been marginalised just because some Eko Foundation members, who were exclusively from the Lagos Island division, had lost out in the search for appointment. The secretary- general of
Coalition of Ibile Professionals, while noting that the Lagos Island division enjoyed the seat of power in Lagos for the last eight years as against other divisions, said the group would resist any campaign of calumny against Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. According to him, the governor has been successfully balancing the state affairs and appointments to the excitement of all divisions of the state. Alhaji Hassan vowed that members of Coalition of Ibile Professionals shall not fold their arms and allow usurp of stable and peaceful co-existence in the state. “We should be grateful for having Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi and Professor Wole Soyinka appointed by a governor who has recognised their qualities to add glamour and depth to an international event for celebration of a cosmopolitan city like Lagos,” Alhaji Hassan said.
Victims of election day boat mishap encouraged me to run — Ambode Bola Badmus Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has urged Nigerians to strive hard to keep alive the memory of those who died for democratic governance to thrive in the country, revealing that the victims of election day boat mishap encouraged him to run. Governor Ambode made the call in Epe, at the launch of AMBSAM Memorial Foundation, which was put together in honour of five persons who died in a boat mishap which occurred on March 28, 2015 in Epe area of Lagos State. Recalling his last moment with some of the victims, Ambode said some of them encouraged him to contest for the governorship election in the state. “Just like this sunny
afternoon, I was seated in my compound for which just about two hours earlier, some of the people we are celebrating today were actually with me and they were asking for words of encouragement and I remember that they said they were doing it for the upliftment of the Epe division. “I believe strongly that there is no way I want to can pay them back than to support their families and work hard for a greater Lagos because they died for our sake and they will never die in vain,” Governor Ambode said. The governor, who vowed to support the Foundation to succeed and stand the test of time, also urged the people to show commitment to the welfare of the families of the victims.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
At Tinubu’s birthday colloquium: Buhari promises more actions in coming months •Let us walk the talk, Ooni pleads •Nigeria on right direction -Tinubu Kolawole Daniel -Abuja
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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, said Nigerians will soon begin to see much more actions that will improve their living condition from his government. The president stated this at the eighth colloquium of the former Lagos State governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, an event organised to mark Tinubu’s 64th birthday. Commenting on the theme of the colloquium, which is “agriculture: action, work, revolution,” Buhari said diversifying the nation’s economy could no longer be a slogan, adding that opportunities that the government sees in the agriculture value chain were enormous. “We intend to organise an efficient market infrastructure that will make agriculture viable for investors. We are providing an enabling environment so as to ensure certainty and predictability for the private sector. “We intend to also ensure that the market is fair and worth to transform small holder farmers from beggars to businessmen,” the president stated. According to him, “in the coming months, Nigerians will see much more actions. Government will continue to invest substantially in human capital development and this is just the beginning.” Speaking further, he said “we are going to hold ourselves accountable. We will measure results. There will always be some scepticism, some have even become disorientated and impatient enough to think that barriers are insurmountable. Anyone who claims great change is impossible can only look as an ordinary success.” To this end, he said “despite the odds, we have incredible examples of entrepreneurs who have set up processing factories, green house farming and commercial up taking systems. We can achieve more with partnership that link up and scale up our respective efforts. “I am declaring that we need a new approach that challenges more states and local governments, more organisations, companies and nongovernmental organisations and individuals, some of the younger people who are here to step up and play a role because government cannot and should not do it alone. There has to be all hands on deck.” President Buhari also assured that government would speed up actions that will improve food production techniques as technology would
play a huge role in better seeds, better harvest, weather forecast and predictable market prices. On the celebrant, the president said, “there are very few patriots alive today that can match the qualities of Tinubu in his contribution to national growth.” Let us walk the talk, Ooni counsels The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adey-
eye Ogunwusi, who was also at the event, said Nigerian youths constitute 70 per cent of the population and most of them did not have hope in the country because of the wide gap between the rich and the poor in the society. He added that this gap could be bridged if Nigerians, especially the elite and persons of means, “walk the talk” in respect to Nigerian-made goods, be it clothing, jewellery
and several others. He then urged that the political class must add value to leadership if poverty would be reduced to the minimum According to him, “In Nigeria, we talk the talk but we do not walk the talk. It is very imperative for us in this country, especially our leaders, to live by example. It is very important to take along the youth, because over 70 per cent of the population in this country are
the youth.”
Nigeria on right direction -Tinubu The celebrant, Senator Tinubu, said the country is on the right track, to salvation and recovery. According to him, “this has set us on critical path to our salvation and recovery. I want to thank him (President Buhari) most sincerely for finding time to preside over a
From left, chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki; leader of Columbia’s Parliamentary delegation to Nigeria, Senator Edinson Delgado; chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Andy Uba; Mr Edinson Delgado Jr. and chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isa Hamma Misau, when a delegation from Columbia’s Parliament visited the Senate President, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
birthday that would have been ordinary. “Just a year ago when the party was realised, merged and formed into APC, the only birthday wish I requested and prayed for was that we will achieve victory in that poll and that wish was granted and I want to thank all Nigerians for that. “There couldn’t have been a better topic than this when we are experiencing economic downturn in the country, to take to agriculture as a substitute. I remember the article I wrote ‘fetching water from a dry well,’ which was about commodity exchange, the government of the period announced that commodity exchange had been established, but it took an Ethiopian to discover their lies. “Thank God we are taking it more seriously now and our future is being redirected, so I salute the president, the vice-president and the entire cabinet that Nigeria is being redirected, as there is no other option for us but to revalidate our faith in our country and take the hard decision now.” While singling out the vicepresident, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, for recognition, he said “I want to thank the vice-president, my friend, my brother and my attorneygeneral. He spearheaded the maiden event.”
Kachikwu: Fuel scarcity ends April 7, apologises Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja MINISTER of State for Petroleum Resources and the Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Ibe Kachikwu, on Tuesday, said fuel scarcity will end latest by April 7. This was as he said he would not resign his position, contrary to agitations against him by chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Kachickwu who was, on Monday, summoned by the Senate committee after its tour of petrol stations around Abuja, said he was doing everything possible to end fuel scarcity by first week of April. “I am working very hard to make it the first week in April, it is not going to happen in March and all I am doing right now is logistics arrangements, to try and cushion the pains as much as I can and Nigerians can help me by not double buying. “But, once we begin to get into the 5th, 6th of April, you will see a dramatic change in all this. Sometimes it is difficult to change your skin at an old age, so I tend to tell the truth the way it is, even if I get into trouble in the cause of
doing them. “But the reality, distinguished senators, is that we are doing everything humanly possible, nothing is out of the table, no solution is thrown into the trash bin and we have gotten to a point where we can confidently say we are bound to see the last days of some of this occurrences in our history,” he said. At the meeting with the Senate committee, Kachikwu said “I do apologise if a comment I made jocularly with my friends in the press about being a magician offends some Nigerians, it wasn’t meant to be. It is a side jocular issue and I did go ahead to explain what needed to be done. I didn’t intend to create this kind of hyperbole that it did. “Let me admit that I am not a typically experienced politician. I am a technocrat, I came to work. Some of the phraseologies that I may use while being acceptable in the arena in which I play obviously will not be acceptable in the public political arena. “If anybody’s sensitivities were offended by that, I totally apologise. I am a very humble person.” He further told the Senate that the festering fuel scar-
city would end soon, based on plans already put in place by the ministry and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ((NNPC), adding that sufficient availability of the product would be achieved latest by second week of April. He added that the corporation had put all hands on deck towards ensuring that the nightmare of long queues being experienced at filling stations was addressed in good time. He also disclosed that the situation on ground came into being as a result of inability of major oil marketers to fulfill their own quota of fuel importation, as a result of lack of access to foreign exchange, which, according to him, forced NNPC to be 100 per cent importer of fuel consumption needs for the country since November last year. He explained reasons for the fuel scarcity, adding that when he came in August, the country had arrears of unpaid subsidy claims that were in excess of N600 billion, which were not paid for over a year. “So, progressively, over a period of eight months, prior to my coming on board, people have been staying away from importation, not at a heavy
level, but by about 10 to 15 per cent of allocation were not being met. But there was hope that ultimately, if the subsidy regime continues, they would get paid “By the time we came in, people had reached a breaking point and most of the companies didn’t have the liquidity even to go to the banks and open letters of credit and that became a major issue, and we succeeded in paying, by late October last year, the N600 billion subsidy. “Some element of the subsidy, like the foreign exchange components, remained unpaid, which has been carried into this year’s budget. “It became clear to me that having regards to the difficulty that we faced in terms of paying for the subsidy, the country can no longer, quite frankly, afford subsidy payment. We were faced with the challenge of ensuring supply of petroleum products without the need for a subsidy regime. As of January 1 this year, the country is no longer paying subsidy, saving us a cumulative of over N1 trillion in a one year period. That was the first major issue. “Second major issue was that once the N600 billion subsidy money was paid,
the ability of marketers to import the product became a challenge, because they could not raise letters of credit and up to this point, that still remains a major issue. So even if they wanted to import, they needed letters of credit and adequate foreign exchange cover. “The third issue is that of pipeline vandalism. We met pipelines that were in comatose,” he said. Kachikwu added that “we are currently working collaboratively with the oil majors, that is upstream producing companies, to see how they can sell us foreign exchange for the naira components they would require for their local operations. “When they bring in the foreign exchange, they will give us the first call. We are using that module to cover up the foreign exchange gap. We are also working collaboratively with the CBN within the limits of what it can tolerate to give us a little bit of foreign exchange,” he said. He added that the country was also setting up, for the first time, strategic reserves of close to about two million tonnes to provide products always, adding that it would be operational as from May.
9 news Braithwaite always kept govt on its toes —Soyinka Chukwuma Okparaocha -Lagos
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OBEL laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has described the late Dr Tunji Braithwaite as a “counter statesman,” who always kept the government on its toes. Paying a condolence visit to the residence of the late legal
Lagos lawyers mourn him SOME lawyers in Lagos, on Tuesday, described the death of Dr Tunji Braithwaite as painful and irreparable loss to the radical and progressive movement in the country. The lawyers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that Braithwaite was “a patrician who dedicated his life to the masses and extermination of cockroaches and mosquitoes in the Nigerian polity.’’ A law teacher at the University of Lagos, Professor Akin Oyebode, said the passage of Braithwaite marked “the end of an era in Nigerian politics.” “He has left a legacy of struggle for all those yearning for a better Nigeria. May the tribe of people like him never cease to multiply in our long-suffering society,” Oyebode said. Mr Femi Aborisade, another lawyer and human rights activist, told NAN that the voice of the late Braithwaite represented the voice, wishes and aspirations of common people. “It is most painful for me to hear of the death of the great Dr Tunji Braithwaite. “His death is without doubt, an irreparable loss to the radical and progressive movement in Nigeria. “He will best be remembered for his politics of eradication of mosquitoes.
icon on Tuesday, Soyinka, who said unlike others who called Braithwaite an elder statesman, he would rather describe him as counter statesman, due to his strong and visionary activism. “The word elder statesman means he was retired but I will refer to him as a counter statesman, who always put government on its toes. Dr Braithwaite was always on the side of the people,” he said. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who also represented the Inspector-General of Police, said Dr Braithwaite actually lived his life for the people and for the development of the country. Similarly, Convener, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER), Ayo Opadokun, said Braithwaite’s death represented the vanishing end of the true fighters of the liberty of the masses. Opadokun recalled how Dr Braitwaite confronted the late General Sani Abacha when he (Abacha) wanted to transform into a civilian
Braithwaite was an advocate of true federalism —Afenifere chiefs
GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, on Tuesday, described the demise of the foremost lawyer, political and human rights activist, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, as a huge loss to the nation. In a statement by his director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said the death of the elder statesman had further depleted the rank of Nigeria’s committed fighters for just society. He maintained that the
Wife of the late Tunji Braithwaite, Grace, being consoled by Dr Amos Akingba (left) and Lieutenant-General Alani Akinrinade (retd). PHOTOS: SYLVESTER OKORUWA
Sir Olaniwun Ajayi and Chief Ayo Adebanjo consoling the late Tunji Braithwaite’s second son, Olumide, in Lagos, on Tuesday.
He exercised on treadmill, not Third Mainland Bridge —Son Chukwuma Okparaocha -Lagos
FOREMOST leaders of the Pan- Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, have reiterated the need for Nigeria to return to true federalism, a principle, ideology and political struggle the late Dr Tunji Braithwaite stood and fought for till he passed on. The two leaders said this during a condolence visit to the Braithwaite’s house on Tuesday. In his remarks, Chief Ajayi said truly, he shared the same political ideology with the deceased on true federalism and restructuring, even
It’s loss of a fighter for democratic ideals —Aregbesola Oluwole Ige -Osogbo
president and how he also opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third term ambition in the face of intimidation and risk to is life. Professor of International Law And Jurisprudence, Akin Oyebode, said the founder of NAP was an exemplary patriot who, despite his noble birth, committed his life to the common people. President of the rights groups, Women Arise for Change Initiative and the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, said he was a great revolutionist and the life wire of human rights. Daughter of the deceased, Omowunmi, said one of the things that inspired him about his late father was his cordial relationship with the media, “most of whom he usually referred to as my son/daughter anytime he was with them. “He was a very loving man who hardly joke with his family despite his busy legal and political schedules,” she said.
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
late legal luminary was a patriot and die-in-the-wool believer of Nigeria and did everything to make sure the political ship of the nation got back on the right track. According to the statement, the late presidential candidate on the platform of Nigerian Advance Party (NAP) would remain in the memory of Nigerians as one politician whose primary constituency was his people, especially the downtrodden. “Dr Braithwaite was a legal icon, politician of repute and human rights crusader.
if he was never a member of Afenifere. “If he contested election, I would support him and I believe he would have done same to me if I contested election,” he said. On how he could be remembered, Ajayi said “the best thing is for all of us to insist that Nigeria must be restructured to true federalism. “In a country that is multilingual, multi-cultural and multi everything, I believe we need to have true federalism. This is what Tunji stood for until his death.” In his comment, Adebanjo described Dr Braithwaite as “a consistent, principled and patriotic man, whose type is very rare. “People like him are rare. We will miss him. He was particularly chosen. He is one politician that believed in the unity and re-structuring of Nigeria to have a truly federal constitution.” Adebanjo further noted that all Nigerians, especially the youth, should follow those principles the late Braithwaite stood for all his life. “Those are the things that will save this country. All this programme we have cannot save this country. This country must be restructured. We don’t want a unity where one person will the horse and the other will be the horseman.”
Professor Wole Soyinka consoling the widow.
From left, Professor Wole Soyinka; Professor Wale Omole and the Anglican Bishop of Lagos Island, Most Reverend Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, at the late Braithwaite’s residence.
businessnews NLNG pays Nigeria $53bn dividends in 17 years —MD 10
By Ruth Olourunbi
T
he Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (NLNG) says it has generated $90 billion as revenue mainly from gas flares. This makes the NLNG the country’s most distinguisher of gas flares, converting what was considered waste into wealth the country, and in the process helping to diversify the Nigerian economy, according to the company’s Managing Director, Babs Omotomiwa. According to him, NLNG has been a major contributor to the revenue base of the country, as it has since 1999, paid $33 billion to the Nigerian government in dividends and other charges. Saying the company is the biggest tax payer in Nigeria and Africa, Omotomiwa said the company has paid $3 billion in Company Income Tax and Education Tax in 2014 and 2015. According to him, the company, since 2008, has supplied 80 per cent of the domestic cooking gas in Nigeria, helping reduce gas prices by 50 per cent. Omotomiwa spoke at the inauguration of a $2 million engineering laboratory built by the company at the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan. According to him, the company, in its quest to “help build a better Nigeria” in its capacity as a “global company,” has sponsored Africa’s “most
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
prestigious” prizes for excellence in Science and Literature since 2004, which
is now worth $100 million. The company has invested a total of $12 million
A consortium of farmers, environmentalists and civil society groups have urged the Biosafety Regulatory Agency to halt the commercial introduction of Genetically Modified (GM) Maize and Cotton. Monsanto Agricultural Nigeria Limited has applied to National Biosafety Management Agency (NABMA) for field trial of two varieties of GM maize varieties in multiple locations in Nigeria. It was further gathered that the Agric Company is also seeking approvals for the environmental release and placing in the market in Zaria and surrounding towns of GM cotton. Nnimmo Bassey, an Environmentalist in a statement issued on Monday, said over 100 groups are opposing attempts to in-
prove science research, which will impact the lives of Nigerians.
From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Segun Awolowo and Representative of the Dean, Lagos Business School, Dr Frank Ojadi, at a joint press conference on Export Management Program, aimed primarily at enhancing export readiness of micro small and medium scale enterprises, MSMEs in Nigeria which took place in Lagos.
SPDC/NNPC JV increases gas production in Eastern Niger Delta Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC)/Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Joint Venture is producing more gas from Agbada field in the Eastern Niger Delta in support of government’s aspiration of increasing
domestic gas production for manufacturing and power generation. The oil giant said in a statement that “some 10million standard cubic feet of non-associated gas per day (MMscf/d) was produced from the Agbada Early Gas Production Facility (EGPF) into the eastern domestic gas network on March 8, 2016
Farmers, other oppose genetically modified maize, cotton Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa
to six universities across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, with the aim to im-
troduce GM cotton and maize into Nigeria’s food and farming systems. The consortium, according to the statement, is representing over 5 million Nigerians, comprising of farmers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, students and local community groups. Bassey that in a petition submitted to NABMA that the groups have cited numerous serious health and environmental concerns and the failure of these BM crops especially GM cotton in Africa. Bassey, Director, Health of Mother Eoparth Foundation (HOMEF), one of the groups opposed to GM maize and cotton into Nigeria, said the application was ill timed, shortly after the dismal failures of Bt cotton in Burkina Faso. “We are totally shocked that it should come so soon
after peer reviewed studies have showed that the technology has failed dismally in Burkina Faso. “It has brought nothing but economic misery to the cotton sector there and is being phased out in that country where compensation is being sought from Monsanto,” he said.
and has already ramped up to 20MMscf/d of gas, with 1,500 barrels per day of oil. “A peak production of 40MMscf/d is expected to be achieved, in addition to oil production of about 2,500 barrels per day. The milestone comes as SPDC JV’s Afam VI - with 650MW capacity - continues to deliver power to the national grid. “We’re pleased to support efforts towards increasing gas supply for manufacturers and power plants,” said Toyin Olagunju, General Manager Projects, SPDC. “We’re also pleased that the project was delivered in record time, 14 months from initiation to first gas, within budget and most importantly, safely. “We acknowledge the support of NAPIMS and other JV partners, without
which the milestone would not have been possible,” he said. The additional gas will further boost gas availability on the eastern domestic gas network and will be available to enhance power generation by over 150MW. The early gas project was initiated in January 2015 pending the completion of the main Agbada non-associated gas plant. SPDC pioneered the production and delivery of gas to domestic consumers and export markets. Early this year, SPDC signed a gas sale agreement with the Bayelsa State Government under which it will sell gas to the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) for the purpose of power supply to the Kolo Creek Gas Turbine.
GTBank simplifies banking with 737 Chima Nwokoji-lagos
Foremost financial institution; Guaranty Trust Bank plc has made electronic banking easier with the introduction of Bank 737. While conventional banking requires the physical presence of the customer at a bank branch, and online banking demands Internet access and a mobile application, banking via 737 requires none of the above. Bank 737 according to
GTBank offers a very simple banking alternative which remarkably does away with virtually all of the limitations of not just conventional banking (going to a bank branch for banking services), but also online banking. A statement from the bank said GTBank customers no longer need to bother about data or internet connection as the service is built on a USSD interface which enables it work on any type of mobile device.
“Users are required to simply dial the short USSD *737# from any mobile phone to get started. “GTBank’s Bank 737 offers a wide range of banking services, from money transfer to card less withdrawal, bill payments, airtime recharge and even unique services like token pin generation, checking the status of cheque book request, retrieving internet banking details, amongst others,” the statement read in part.
Stanbic IBTC bank donates ICT lab to secondary school in Abuja TO help bridge the gap for qualitative education for Nigerian students, Stanbic IBTC Bank, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc., has donated a stateof-the-art information and communications technology (ICT) laboratory to Government Secondary School, Apo, Abuja. The donation is in line with the group’s corporate social investment and forms part of initiatives to provide an ideal learning environment for the students that will help bolster their learning abilities, Stanbic IBTC said. The ICT lab comes fully equipped with 14 units of high-grade desktop personal computers, two HP Deskjet 2135 printers, 120GB Smile Internet modem subscription, a digital projector with screen, four Channel CCTV system and two 2-horse power airconditioners. The laboratory also boasts of an ultramodern server and a 15 KVA generator and a 6KVA inverter system as back-up power source.
SPAR hypermarket opens in Ilupeju Newton-Ray Ukwuoma-Lagos
SPAR hypermarket has officially opened its first ultra-modern mall in Ilupeju, Lagos State. The retail chain hypermarket located along Town Planning Way was commissioned on Wednesday by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Owuland, Abeokuta, Prince Bolu AkinOlugbade; the Onipeju of Ilupeju, High Chief Korede Bisade Phillips; the former chairman of Mushin Local Government, Prince Bayo Oshiyemi among other dignitaries. The grand opening also attracted a large turnout of shoppers from Ilupeju and Lagos Mainland, who trouped out en mass to make initial purchases of fresh products, food and groceries, meals, household goods, appliances, fashion and beauty items at the Ilupeju SPAR. The first set shoppers of laptops were given free mobile phones. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the ninth store in Nigeria, the Deputy Managing Director, Mr Prakesh Keswani, stated that “SPAR has grown to understand and appreciate the needs and aspirations of Nigerians especially on the community level.”
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We’re handicapped in ending fuel crisis —DPR Adelowo Oladipo-Minna
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he Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Niger State, said has it is handicapped in ending the biting fuel situation, as the office could do little or nothing to abate the situation. State Director DPR, Isah Jankara in an interview, with the Nigerian Tribune, said the situation was beyond his office, following inadequate supply of the products by the NNPC depots in parts of the country, adding that the fuel situation was not in anyway improving because petroleum products were not available anywhere for the department to supervise or monitor the distribution of the products . “I am not a refiner of petrol, our duty as the DPR office in Niger state is to monitor the distribution of fuel and other petroleum products to the citizens . So far there is no product anywhere for us to monitor the distribution,” he said. Meanwhile, due to the clampdown on the black markets, scarcity of petroleum products has become worsened in the state with the detachments of Mobile policemen in Minna metropolis. Asides other products, the market price of fuel went up more than twice its original cost as a litre was sold for between N200 and N250 at the black market, while the pump price at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega station along Nnamdi Azikiwe way, Minna was being sold at N86, whenever it was available. Except at Total, Bovas, Forte oil filling stations,
where petroleum products was sold for N86.50 kobo per litre, while investigations by our reporter revealed that other Independent Petroleum Marketers within Minna, the state capital and its environs sold for N135.00 and above whenever they have products for sale.
Worried by the seeming endless in the fuel crisis across major cities in the state, stern looking Mobile policemen stormed Kpakungu area of Minna an outskirt of Minna, a notorious slum community where the activities of black marketers was said to have been on the increase in re-
the police, saying that “the operation is on-going.” He stated further that the police decided to take up the challenge of keeping the black marketers off the streets following their “brazen lawlessness” at the few filling stations that were dispensing fuel to customers.”
From right: Chairman of Skye Bank and Natcom, Dr Olatunde Ayeni; Ooni of Ife and Arole Oodua His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 1, wife of Syke Bank chairman, Biola Ayeni, during Ooni’s visit to the chairman.
How we saved N100bn monthly —NNPC Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stated that it has been able to save N100billion monthly through adoption of price modulation. According to a statement by the Corporation signed by its Group General Man-
ager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Mr. Garba deen Mohammed, “we have been able to eliminate subsidy payments by managing prices at current level through price modulation. This has resulted into savings of N100billion monthly for the country.” The statement stated further that the government
Electricity: MDAS, army owe DISCOs N60bn —ANED The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) says ministries, departments, agencies and the Nigerian Army are owing the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) N60 billion from 2015 to February. Sunday Oduntan, the Executive Director of ANED, said this on Tuesday, at a news conference by the association, in Abuja. He said the army owed Benin DISCO N2.3 billion; Eko, N1.9 billion; Ikeja, N1.6 billion; Jos, N2 billion; Kaduna, N6.6 billion; Kano, N301 million; Port Harcourt, N1.3 billion and Yola, N435 million. Oduntan said out of the N60 billion owed to the companies, army’s total debt stood at N15 billion. He expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, particularly the army. He pleaded to Federal
cent times. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Niger State Police Command, ASP Elkanah Bala confirmed the clampdown on black marketers in an interview with the Nigeria Tribune, but added that he could not give full details of arrests so far made by
Government, especially President Muhammad Buhari, to assist the distribution companies to ensure that army paid its energy bills. According to him, power sector requires $40 billion to ensure adequate, reliable and stable power supply in the country. He added that the companies had improved on their facilities by installing smart prepaid meters, taken customers’ enumeration and installing new technologies for adequate electricity. Oduntan explained that the DISCOs had made adequate plans to ensure safety in the electricity industry, adding that the facilities in the sector could absorb new 10,000 megawatts, if generated. He expressed concern
that many customers did not want to pay their electricity bills, adding that this was hampering the sector. Oduntan urged electricity consumers to settle their bills as this would help to develop the sector.
of Muhammadu Buhari inherited huge catalogue of issues and problems in the downstream sector which was not limited to arrears of subsidy payments to oil marketers. “Corruption and inefficiencies in the supply and distribution chain, increased vandalism of pipelines and poor performance of refineries. These have resulted in most oil majors completely puling out of importation of refined petroleum products. Making NNPC to assume near 100 per cent importation obligation without necessary logistics put in place,” it said. NNPC however reassured Nigerians of its commit-
ment to end the persistent fuel; scarcity on the country. “We wish to re-assure Nigerians that we are on top of the petroleum products supply and distribution situation and we remain committed to eliminating this endemic issue once and for all within the next few days. “We genuinely empathize with the attendant sufferings and wish to reassure that we are focused and committed to bring an end to this situation within the next few days. “We kindly call on all Nigerians to partner with us on this journey to allowing the whole process of change come into fruition,” it said.
Prioritise forex allocation to auto industry, council urges CBN The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to prioritise foreign exchange allocation to the automobile industry. The council’s Director of Policy and Planning, Mr Luqman Mamudu, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Mamudu said the appeal was to enable the local manufacturers to acquire critical components for production and to safeguard their investments. He said it was essential that forex allocation to the sector was prioritized, since the essence of the automotive policy was to boost local capability and restrict importation of used vehicles. According to him, scar-
city of forex is undermining the development of the industry. “Presently, the local assemblies can produce 210, 000 vehicles per annum. We believe that with encouragement from government, it can improve. “But, most assemblies are facing challenges of sourcing for foreign exchange for critical inputs, which has led some to staff lay off,” he said.
‘Dangote refinery will end fuel crisis’ AS fuel crisis lingers unabated in Nigeria, the Dangote Group, which is currently building the world’s largest refinery, has assured that when its refinery comes on stream, it would put an end to the recurring fuel crises in the country. Speaking to newsmen in his office in Abuja, Executive Director Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications, Engr Mansur Ahmed, said by the time the refinery is ready; Nigeria will be transformed from fuel importing country to an exporting country. “That plant itself is the largest single refinery plant anywhere in the world. In addition to the refinery, we are also going to produce some petrochemical products from the same complex. These are polyethylene and polypropylene,” he said. He said the petrochemical plant which covers 250,000 hectares and located in Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos is expected to gulp a whopping $14billion, and has the capacity to refine 650 million barrel a day. “One would prefer if it was deregulated so that we know that we are playing in the open market. The key issue is that if I buy crude whether from Nigeria or anybody, I buy at an international price,” he said.
ICAO president arrives Nigeria, to meet with Buhari Shola Adekola-Lagos
Nigerian born President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu has arrived Nigeria on an official visit. During this visit, the ICAO President is expected to hold a meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa. There are several other programmes lined up on the visit including a meeting with stakeholders in the aviation industry. The ICAO President prior to his election on the 18th November, 2013, served for eight years as the Nigerian Representative on the ICAO council Aliu was the pioneer Director of Air Transport Regulation (DATR) at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) from 2000 – 2004.
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editorial
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
The Brussels attack
OR many analysts, the recent bomb attack in Brussels airport, Belgium, in which not less than 34 persons lost their lives and 230 others sustained injuries was the response of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to the arrest, four days earlier, of Salah Abdesalam, the most wanted suspect in the November 13 Paris attacks that had killed 130 people. The ISIS has increased its tentacles of terror worldwide, inspiring or conducting 75 terrorist attacks in 20 countries outside Iraq and Syria where its carnage had even taken a deadlier toll since 2014 when it declared its caliphate. According to statistics, the attacks outside Iraq and Syria have claimed 1,280 lives and injured 1,770 people. Just like in virtually all cases of terrorism, the goal is to incense the whole world to the perceived injustices done to the terrorists by creating anguish and pain for those enjoying any form of peace and pleasure, demystifying all senses of security. Paradoxically, there is no guarantee that their irritations will be mitigated by the success of their evil assignments or that their sense of indignation will be pacified by the democratisation of misery which their activities engender. It would seem that, apart from heightening security for their citizens, world leaders must also be alert to the prevalent privations and pockets of disaffection in their domains, with the aim of finding the means of assuaging these feelings of despondency before they become latent rebellion and eventually manifest carnage. Be that as it may, it is obvious that all acts of terror are shrouded in cowardice as the sponsors have always failed to provide coherent justification for their actions even if they claim responsibility for them. For far too long, the world has been forced to cope with the excesses of disgruntled extremists who prey on vulnerable and hapless citizens to alert the rest of humanity to whatever perverted causes they propagate. The standard practice is to target places of interest where they can hit the maximum number of victims at the same time. The security mounted at the Brussels airport may have been compromised to allow the terrorists leverage to enter in and dump the explosive devices without suspicion. Usually, part of the response of the rest of the world at the receiving end of the outrage has been a stronger solidarity, manifested for instance in a candle-light procession to
celebrate the victims, which is expected to frustrate and aggravate the aggressors. It may be difficult to live with the bitter reality of the persistence of aggravated extremists or even their insane requests but there can hardly be anything better than the courageous resolve of the rest of the world to deny them their sickening, fleeting feeling of victory or accomplishment. There are lessons to be learnt from the attack in Brussels. All pockets of discontent in society must be given appropriate attention by government, and this is an attitude deriving from a conviction of responsibility for such feelings that are brewed from the society. It is not enough to dismiss the fears and agitations of people, for instance the Biafra agitation by a section of the South-East populace, as being inconsequential. Although there were media reports that the security arrangements in Nigeria’s airports were beefed up following the Brussels attack, it should be realised that the infrastructure at these airports is too crude to withstand the sophisticated tools of terrorists and there can only be little doubt that such an attack on Nigeria would have been tragic in epic proportions. If the attack on Brussels could be so devastating, it says a lot about how vulnerable Africa is to attacks in terms of equipment expertise and even attitude. Besides, if the concern of President Muhammadu Buhari, effusively expressed in his condolence message to the victims of the attack just a few hours after the event, scored high in international diplomacy, the domestic indifference that did not allow him to reckon with the horrendous and devastating onslaught of Fulani herdsmen on Agatu communities in Benue State is a sobering paradox. The Agatu must feel slighted by a government that has left them in the lurch as they count their losses and mourn their woes privately. Incidentally, it is such privations as this that eventually morph into serious grievances which push aggrieved parties into taking arms against the larger society and probably the rest of the world, especially in such a plural society as Nigeria, under the conviction that there are still certain scores waiting to be settled. If poor countries lack the infrastructure and sophistication required to tackle terrorism, they should not also be bereft of the tact and wisdom to minimise and douse the seething rage that is the wind beneath its wings.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
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Learning from the Belgium bomb blasts
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AST week, about 34 people were killed in Brussels, Belgium, after bombs went off at the capital’s international airport and a metro station. Two of the attackers were believed to have died in the suicide bombings, while the last person is still at large.
Since Nigeria joined the Saudi-Arabia-led anti-terrorism coalition, we have put ourselves in serious security risk. Let me say that the terrorists did not have any problem with Belgium; they were only using the country as a front to launch attacks against France,
which is part of the coalition bombing members of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. However, Belgium’s decision to assist France in arresting the terrorists who use the country to launch attacks against France was what made the terrorists to turn against the European capital.
I am not saying that it is wrong for Belgium to be cooperating with France in arresting terrorists, but they ought to have weighed their intelligence very well. In the case of Nigeria, can we detect when bombs are being sneaked into public buildings? Or can we detect the faces of suspected
Achieving prosperity with oil palm ACCORDING to the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria’s oil palm output dropped by about 50 per cent between 2014 and 2015, and it was attributed to our aging oil palm plantations, as well as the low quality of seedlings. The report further said that the financial loss of that drop totalled about $500million. To discover how much Nigerian investors can make if they focus on the oil palm sector, about half of the 10 richest Indonesians built their fortunes on the oil palm sector, while Nigerian billionaires
built their fortunes on energy, banking, commodities. What this tells us is that oil palm, which is widely sought after all over the world, is highlybeneficial to human survival. However, developing a large oil palm plantation costs a lot, and that is why wealthy Nigerians must be encouraged to invest their monies in this sector. This is a product that is so valuable, that pharmaceutical companies, soap/detergents companies, animal feed industry, among others look for the oil palm to remain in business.
Refugees: Why Syria’s war must end now Refugees will not stop crossing into Europe unless the war in Syria and Iraq ends, and as such, the European Union should focus on ending the war in these two countries if it is to secure its own borders. Last year, more than a million refugees, majority of them from Syria, entered Europe; many also died in a bid to cross the sea from Turkey into Greece, the starting point of their journey into mainland Europe. Many EU countries are now beginning to see that they have no solution to the crisis, as allowing more people to enter will pose security problems for them as well. It was claimed that some terrorists entered France from Syria early this year to carry out the recent attacks in Paris, France, which killed about 130 people. These same terrorists were responsible for the attacks on Brussels in Belgium.
In curbing the influx of refugees, EU recently made a deal with Turkey, but it is unlikely that the latter will adhere to the arrangement. Many Turkish citizens are even angry with the migrants in their country, with some claiming the Syrians are stealing their jobs due to the low wages they charge. As a result, Turkey is not even keen in keeping the refugees on its shores, and that is why it is not doing anything to curb their movement to mainland Europe. If the EU is serious about stemming the flow of the migrants, it should simply work towards making Syria safe again. This may be a herculean task since the war is raging at the moment, and the Islamic State is controlling large swathes of Syrian land. However, with more international cooperation, a solution might be found sooner than later. •Chidinma Uzor, Federal Poly, Bida.
I am happy that the Federal Government is trying everything in its power to develop the agribusiness sector, and the oil palm industry presents Nigerian businessmen with the opportunity to become really wealthy. When we have more millionaires who have visible sources of their wealth, then unemployment will be reduced drastically. We just see millionaires today who have
no visible sources of wealth, and that is why armed robbers and other criminals survive without being detected in our society. Therefore, since there is now the clamour for the diversification of our sources of income, then focusing on agribusiness, and in particular the oil palm sector, will do the magic for the country. •Tafa Mustapha, Kabba, Kogi State.
terrorists? What the Nigerian government has succeeded in doing by joining the SaudiArabia coalition is just that we have been exposed to more terrorist attacks. Terrorists will now focus on attacking Nigeria so as to serve as a punishment for joining other Islamic states to wage war on terrorism. What I am specifically trying to explain is currently happening in Africa. AlShabab, the Islamic terror group waging a religious war against Somalia, never had anything to do with Kenya, but since Uhuru Kenyatta’s country joined forces with the Somali government in attacking their members, then they had no choice than to strike back. Now, Kenya is no longer safe as it used to be; we have heard instances whereby terrorists attack
buses, while separating Muslim and Christian travellers before killing the Christians. We should not forget the attack on a university in that country last year, as well as the attack on a shopping mall; these tragedies befell Kenya just because it joined the war in Somalia. So we should have thought about all these before joining the coalition to fight global terrorism. However, if I am asked if we have such intelligence to prevent the Paris-like attacks in the country, then I will say ‘No.’ As a result, I hope our intelligence officers will step up their efforts so that we don’t experience terrible terrorist attacks. •Babajide Fabunmi, Ado-Ekiti.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
JAMB CBT: Why Nigeria must move forward with technology By Adebayo Alao
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OLLOWING the conduct of the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), various allegations have been flying around. From the outright ridiculous to the downright untrue, attempts have been made to discredit the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode of the examination, which replaced the Paper and Pencil Test (PPT), with some protesters even calling the Chief Executive/Registrar of the Board, Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, unprintable names and calling for his sack. Is the attempt to discredit CBT and thereby force JAMB to return to the PPT mode, which many have agreed encourages malpractices and which the JAMB Registrar once noted was consuming time, human and financial resources, worthy? Are the protesters justified to ask for the sack of Professor Ojerinde? This is a man who has, in the last nine years at JAMB, changed the face of the Board and brought a relatively high level of credibility to its examination and, indeed, deployed technology to public examination in such a way that the country’s education sector now has hope. What exactly should be the way forward for the Federal Government, which has said the PPT mode would be restored? These and many more were the questions that came to mind in the midst of the orchestrated protests and namecalling that have greeted the 2016 UTME. For those who had the privilege of monitoring the conduct of the examination, whatever challenges the examination had were not in its organisation. In fact, JAMB deserved commendations for the effective deployment of Information and Communication Technology for the examination, which saw to most candidates sitting for the examination in safe and relaxed atmospheres devoid of external influences and disturbances. Of particular interest was the organised manner in which the examination was conducted and the zero allowance for interference or avenues for examination malpractices, as parents and wards, as well as external materials were far-removed from the venues of the examination. The challenges had begun when the Board began the release of the results only about 24 hours after
the examination. Some candidates claimed they had different versions of results within hours while mischief-makers went to town with claims of marks being added for some candidates. Some had even gone ahead to claim that JAMB was arbitrarily adding and subtracting marks after the candidates had finished the examination. But can these claims be right? Thank God that the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education has eventually clarified the House’s position and passed a vote of confidence in CBT. The statement of the Committee’s chairman, last week, that Nigeria could not afford to return to PPT, more than anything, vindicated Emeritus Professor Ojerinde, whose brainchild the CBT is. Now, if, indeed, the spurious allegations and sponsored protests have any merit, the question those behind the protests should answer is why they want to set Nigeria backward by two decades by calling for the cancellation of CBT and why the needless calls for the sack of the JAMB Registrar. If, indeed, there were challenges with the 2016 UTME, wouldn’t it be more important to address the challenges rather than calling for the cancellation of CBT and the sack of the man who brought it to JAMB. A look at JAMB’s operations of the CBT, since its introduction, would reveal that the Board has been adhering to the International Test Commission’s 2005 version of the International Guidelines on Computer-Based and Internet Delivered Testing. In fact, the Board introduced a mechanism to aid candidates who might have challenges with the testing by employing the managed mode of testing, which allows human supervision and control over the test-taking environment. Candidates who took the 2016 CBT would testify to having access to centre supervisors who readily helped with any difficulty relating to the systems and the testing procedure. Therefore, when the protests and
the calls for Ojerinde’s sack erupted, one was forced to ask who those behind the protests are. Could it be true that they are the cabals that specialise in malpractices, whose businesses have been destroyed by the JAMB Registrar and his policies at the Board? Interestingly, South Africa first developed Computer-Based Testing in the 1970s and it has been perfected and deployed over the years, and the country adapted the guidelines drawn up by the International Test Commission. Today, that country has gone miles ahead in conducting credible public examinations through CBT. However, Nigeria, which is obviously laid back in terms of technology, only had the opportunity of CBT as late as three years ago, when JAMB introduced the mode. When that decision was taken; experts had described it as a blessing to the education sector. It should be noted that many universities had begun to conduct Computer-Based Tests for intending applicants. Apart from Nigerian universities, several Nigerian candidates have had to face international examinations conduct via the internet such as SAT and TOEFL, among others, with many of them only coming in contact with the CBT mode of examination for the first time when they wrote those examinations. Therefore, when JAMB introduced CBT, not a few people had thought it adequate as a testing ground for future examinations in the Computer-Based mode. Now, with the position of the House Committee on Education that there would be no going back on CBT, there is hope that the gains recorded by the policy would not be reversed because it had teething problems. But in order to correct anomalies and make the system more efficient, JAMB, the Ministry of Education and others should evaluate the challenges and complaints about the CBT and subsequently improve on it to deliver more efficiently. The Federal Government and the National Assembly must also look at the endless possibilities available in CBT and create legal frameworks to support this mode of examination, so that rather than rue the challenges of the 2016 UTME, we can relish the potential of CBT for the future. •Alao writes gmail.com
via
adealcommunications@
Education: Looking for a fresh perspective By Nike Badejo One of the values which exalt a nation is education. It is the only legacy a parent can bequeath to a child, which will continue to be with the child forever. Education is one sector that contributes greatly to the development of a nation. The socio-political and economic development of a nation is in many ways determined by the quality and level of educational attainment of its citizens. Indeed, education is the bedrock of modern civilisation. However, over the years, successive administrations in the country have only been paying lip service to the education sector. A recent report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) revealed that Nigeria has 10.5 million out-of-school children. Based on this figure, it is clear that Nigeria has not made the desired progress in providing qualitative education to quite a good number of its citizens. It is unfortunate that education has not really been accorded the priority it deserves despite the fact that Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that government should direct its policy towards ensuring that there is equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels. It also stipulates that govenment should promote science and technology, and strive to eradicate illiteracy. The constitution also further stipulates that when practicable, government should provide free, compulsory and universal primary education, free university education and free adult literacy programme for the people. Unfortunately, public schools are not what they used to be; during the time of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the First Republic, he introduced the free primary education sys-
tem in the old Western Region. In 1979 and 1983, Chief Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was denied the mandate it sought to introduce free education at all levels throughout the country. Unlike his contemporaries, Chief Awolowo was the only political leader who had a blueprint on what he wanted to do with education in Nigeria. In fact, when his political opponents challenged the promise of the UPN in 1979 to implement free education at all levels if elected into office, Chief Awolowo revealed the millions of naira which the government was spending on irrelevant things like feeding politicians and civil servants, among others. Chief Awolowo argued that if government had the political will to stop wasteful expenses, there would be enough resources to fund free education at all levels in Nigeria. Chief Awolowo had earlier demonstrated that he was a leader with a vision and political will when he was the Premier of the Western Region. His free primary education scheme was an expensive project which could scare away any political leader, but he was never deterred; in-
stead, the education sector during his administration claimed the largest share of the recurrent budget, rarely falling below 30 per cent, and in many years, standing at roughly or above 40 per cent between 1960 and 1966. Primary education alone consumed nearly 76 per cent of the total expenditure on education every year. The success of the free primary education programme of the Western Region government led to the emergence of the highly-trained Nigerians from the Western part of the country. The first set of professionals, be it in law, medicine, teaching, nursing, accountancy, surveying, architecture, among others, had emerged mostly from the then Western Region where Chief Awolowo and his party were in control of government in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, we have the challenge of inadequate manpower; we have fewer teachers in the schools, which has resulted in a situation whereby some subjects are not taken entirely by the students. The most recent manifestation of this, therefore, is the low performance in the final examination by secondary school students. Even in the tertiary institutions, lecturers are not encouraged by government, and the only ‘weapon’ the government respects is strike. That is why tertiary institutions’ lecturers can go on strike for several months in a bid to getting the attention of government. There are many things wrong with our education sector, but it is hoped that the Muhammadu Buhari administration will approach the sector from a fresh perspective, different from the attitudes of all former administrations. •Badejo can be reached on oluyehnco33@ gmail.com
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tribune cartoons
Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638
GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA
Prince Tony Momoh
FUNOLOGY
• BORN on 27 April 1939 in Auchi, Edo State. He was the 165th child of King Momoh I of Auchi. • He is a Nigerian journalist and politician who was Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture (1986– 1990) during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
CHURCH BOY
• Momoh was the general manager of Daily Times from June 1984 to September 1986, before he was appointed a minister in 1986.
SEGELUULU
• He was Secretary and later President, Nigerian Guild of Editors; Chairman, National Registration Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and has also served on the boards of the Nigeria Airways, the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), the Nigerian Press Council and African Refugees Foundation. He is a fellow of the Commonwealth Journalists Association and the Nigerian Guild of Editors. • He is married to Janet and they are blessed with four children.
THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE CARTOONS BELOW. THE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE MARKED IN B
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
A
B
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Nigerian Tribune
by Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com
T
HE Hama Bachama of the Bachama Kingdom in Adamawa State, His Royal Majesty, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II), has described the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, as a strong, courageous and diligent woman, who has given hope to the development and promotion of the cultural heritage, history and tourism potentials in the Bachama kingdom. The resourceful and ebullient monarch said this during the visit of the NTDC boss to the kingdom recently, adding that, “the people of Adamawa are so happy to host Sally Mbanefo who has brought the Federal Government presence to Numan Kingdom. The people of Bachama Kingdom were joyful for this historic and unprecedented visit. “Sally Mbanefo is so courageous to have come to pay a visit and honour the Bachama Kingdom, and the Adamawa people at large. She came to Bachama Kingdom when people are afraid of Adamawa State because of insecurity. No Director General of NTDC has ever visited the kingdom. In fact, one of your past predecessors in the corporation, who is my good friend, never honoured the invitations given to him. “This Kingdom and Adamawa at large is so peaceful. In Bachama Kingdom, every tribe coexists peacefully. In fact, we have Igbos as political office holders and appointees in the state. And there is a good level of security; no insurgency whatsoever in Adamawa State. “Bachama Kingdom has innumerable rich tourism potentials, with enviable cultural heritage and history which are worth promoting and developing.” The Hama Bachama, who congratulated Mrs Mbanefo on her efforts at promoting tourism and culture in Nigeria, described her visit as a hope for the development and promotion of the great tourism potentials, cultural heritage and history of the kingdom. The Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II urged the Federal Government to tap into the tourism potentials of every state, particularly Adamawa, whose rich culture is unique. It was a delight to see the DG participating in every dance with him. Mrs Mbanefo, in her response, described the Adamawa people as hospitable and very intelligent, with a rich cultural heritage and history, which are great tourism potentials, which if developed and promoted will not only create job opportunities in the kingdom and the state at large, but it will also strengthen unity among the people. “Tourism is a value chain, which cut across every sector. That is why NTDC under my administration will not relent on its efforts at promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria to create more jobs, promoting unity among the Nigerian people, reducing urban migration and reduce crime rates in the country,” Mrs Mbanefo. The NTDC boss, who said that she was in the Kingdom to support the tourism efforts of the Hama Bachama of the Numan Kingdom, described the cultural heritage of the kingdom as unique and worthy of being exported globally, just like the Sango festival in the Oyo town in Oyo State. Her words: “Sango festival has been exported to over 40 countries. This Kwete festival, among other festivals and the cultural heritage of Numan Kingdom, are so fantastic that they will be well accepted and celebrated if developed, promoted and exported. And this will not only put the Numan Kingdom on the global tourism map, but it will also make Nigeria stand tall in the comity of tourism nations.” Mbanefo promised to partner with the Hama Bachama and the state government to develop and promote the great cultural heritage and tourism potentials in the kingdom and the state at large, while charging members of the community to continue their support for the monarch. The Adamawa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mattias Ngaro, lauded the bold step of Mbanefo on visiting the kingdom and the state at large, with a view to collaborating with the people, the traditional authori-
Mrs Sally Mbanefo dancing with the people of Bachama Kingdom.
Mbanefo spreads domestic tourism to Adamawa As Hama Bachama hails NTDC DG
ties and the government of the state to develop the rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials in the state. “It was in my plan to bring the NTDC boss, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, to Adamawa State to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials. But till now, I could not achieve this. Thank God that His Royal Highness, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II), finally made this possible. The Adamawa State government will cooperate and partner with the NTDC to
Sally Mbanefo is so courageous to have come to pay a visit and honour the Bachama Kingdom, and the Adamawa people at large. She came to Bachama Kingdom when people are afraid of Adamawa State because of insecurity
Mattias Ngaro, Adamawa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Sally Mbanefo, His Royal Highness, Homun Honest Irimiya Stephen and others.
Mrs Mbanefo and others displaying traditional grinding model. ensure that our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials are well developed and promoted for national and international acceptance,” Ngaro said. Exhibiting delight at the visit of the NTDC boss to the kingdom were performances by various traditional dance troupes at the monarch’s palace where the reception was held. The troupes included Wuro Kadwe from Lamurde, Jabin Imburu, Wuro Wajale from Lamurde, Igbo dancers and Mbowo Gra Njiya from Numan. After the special reception, the His Royal Majesty, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen, took the NTDC DG on to over seven tourism locations and attractions in the neighboring villages, where she was also welcomed by different dance and warrior troupes, entertaining her with different fascinating performances. The tourism locations and attractions included the fantastic big lakes, which are far bigger than what is celebrated in America as the “big lakes,” and Women Exhibition Centre, Sangha, Lamurde Local Government, Adamawa State, just to mention a few. “The performances of the warrior troupes made it clear that the people of Adamawa are super warriors,” Sally Mbanefo remarked.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
tb Joshua’s Synagogue: The tourism dimension S Sola Ojewusi - Lagos
o much has been said and written about Prophet T.B Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN. As one of the earliest journalists to have been to, seen and written about this international organisation at the early stages of its trajectory, I think less credit is being given to the organisation than it deserves. Initially, because of the novelty of the prophet’s styles, so much was said and deduced around the nation and the world. But in spite of the shenanigans, the hear-says and style-criticism of this interesting church, it has mushroomed from a seemingly rustic beginning to an international phenomenon. In those days, mischievous critics and stayat-home writers had dubbed T.B Joshua “primitive,’’ ’’uneducated’’,’’rash’’,’’satanic ’’etc. Due to the astounding works of miracles in the church, some believed Joshua must have been possessed of evil powers to be able to inspire such dumbfounding feats in God’s name. But as Joshua’s Yoruba ancestors would say, everything has changed his name to “Eebudola’’ meaning roughly “criticism has morphed into honour’’ or “adversity has transformed to success.” And for those who see “evil” in the many goods emanating from this church, the question is: can evil be fighting against such evil as diseases, poverty, broken homes, depression etc as Joshua is doing? Today, every nook and crany of the globe with access to cable TV has hooked to this Nigerian icon. Presidents, potentates, business gurus, entertainment and showbiz giants, etc, have continued to mingle with ordinary folks to throng the synagogue from all corners of the world. Of particular interest to me at this moment are the church’s contributions to tourism development in Nigeria. More than many other national institutions, the Joshua-led SCOAN has brought so much pride to Nigeria; so much respect and benign impression that Nigerians could really be good people. Everyday you visit the church, you meet hundreds of tourists from around the world coming for one spiritual issue or the other, while many also visit just to experience the joy of this Nigerian phenomenon. At a time when Nigeria’s image has been battered by the dastardly outrage of the Boko Haram lunatics, the Synagogue is one of the outstanding oases of hope for the Nigerian image. Yours sincerely has been called by friends from around the world for information that could better enlighten them about the church. Visit the SCOAN website or Facebook page and you would be pleasantly shocked by thousands of posts from fellow Africans and other citizens of the world expressing warm, heartfelt impressions and goodwill about our nation as exemplified by the T.B Joshua example. Now, I wonder what my compatriots at the federal and state tourism organisations are doing to recognize this ‘hidden’ tourism treasure and explore its fantastic opportunities to further boost the image of Nigeria. So much has been done in the tourism ministries to promote the image of Nigeria at home and abroad without any seriously positive and discernible outcome. We spend millions on tourism fairs, gatherings and events worldwide yearly
Pastor T.B. Joshua in his church
with trickles coming as dividends. Have we really considered the tourism potentials of places like the Synagogue? This is not necessarily about religion. The Yoruba’s would say ‘’if your masquerade dances well, you would be elated’’. In bringing positive light upon our nation around the world, in attracting thousands of foreign visitors to Lagos - visitors who come here to see the good side of our land and relatively boost our economy while also boosting their personal spiritual well-being the Synagogue has helped to advance our tourism industry. I am still pleasantly shocked that in spite of the tragedy of September 2014, people from all over the world are still flocking to the church on a daily basis. Go to the church and interview the foreign guests and you’d be astonished by the positive impression their visit has created about our country. I recently visited the church and met a citizen of the Netherlands who told me he was visiting Nigeria for the fourteenth time and on each occasion, he had returned to Holland with something positively fresh about our hospitality, friendship and resourcefulness as a people. Many more like him come here daily and they return home to continue to help debunk the notion that Nigeria is a nation of fraudsters. This is clearly a reflection of
the impact that this institution has had on people worldwide. The earlier the tourism authorities found a way of reaching out to institutions like this for collaboration and idea exchange the better for us. Tourism is a money-spinner and image maker for countries that value it and explore its many ramifications. Saudi Arabia, Italy, India and China have earned much from religious tourism through the Hajj, the Vatican and Catholicism etc. What stops Nigerians from encouraging religious tourism, cashing in on the leading light already provided by the Synagogue Church of All Nations? The Redeemed Church is also helping in this through the influx of foreign visitors during its annual Holy Ghost Congress. But the Synagogue, to me, is unique in its daily hosting of throngs of visitors from around
the world. T.B Joshua was honoured with the Officer of the Federal Republic OFR award by the late President Yar A’dua for his contributions. I think our tourism authorities should work with icons like Joshua to further boost the image of Nigeria. One clue? The Synagogue’s Emmanuel TV, seen by enthusiasts around the world, can be used as a medium to further advertise the good things that would keep drawing people from around the world just like the Synagogue church is doing. Pastors like Joshua can also be encouraged to use their extensive media networks to promote Nigeria as a beautiful land of peaceful, God-fearing people and not the image of a hell-house of violence that the Boko Haram sacrilege is giving it. •Sola Ojewuyi, a journalist and author lives in in Lagos
ncpc boss tasks 2016 pilgrimage medical committee The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara, has tasked the Federal Medical Committee to improve on the online medical examination for doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists who would participate in this year’s pilgrimage exercise. He made this assertion recently in Abuja while receiving the Medical report of the 2015 Christian pilgrimage exercise by the medical committee. The NCPC boss explained that the
online medical examination which was introduced last year had created a credible selection process of medical personnel that would participate in the Commission’s yearly pilgrimage exercise. In his words, “the first medical exam organized by this Committee last year, is highly commendable”. He urged them to ensure transparency during this year’s online exams and learn from the challenges they faced last year. Mr. Opara charged the Medical Committee to always carryout proper screen-
ing on intending pilgrims by checking the vital signs to ensure that only pilgrims who are physically fit embark on the journey. In his words, “this is the only way we can maintain zero mortality rate”. Earlier, the chairman of the Committee, Dr. Amedu Joseph, thanked the Commission for the privilege given to them to serve. He stressed that the 2015 pilgrimage exercise was a success and thanked the Executive Secretary for the cooperation given to the Committee by
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray woos customers with special offers As part of its fifth anniversary celebration since its operation, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has announced plans to wow its customers with special offers. Located at Dubai, the resort is set to offer customers a long-room offer, spa, lifestyle and restaurant offerings. This was made known by the Senior Sales Manager, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Mr Cesar Habib, at a function recently held in Lagos. The offer also includes special discounts on treatments and retail products at the Talise Ottoman Spa on every fifth of each month throughout 2016, with the celebrations extending further to the resorts leisure and children’s facilities, with special offers and activities happening every 5th of the month at its Sinbads Kids Club and water sport’s area, these will change on a monthly basis. At the resorts portfolio of restaurants, there will also be a dedicated fifth anniversary dessert and special themed beverages available to purchase throughout the year for just AED 55.Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is the most luxurious resort on Palm Jumeirah, inspired by the imperial palaces of the Ottoman era, offering an extensive list of 5-star exclusive amenities and facilities including the Talise Ottoman Spa; one of the largest and most luxurious spas in the Middle East spanning 8,000m² with 42 treatment rooms and 3 traditional hammam’s and home to 38 private luxurious Royal Residences. It is a family friendly destination which resort offers several activities which enhances the family holiday experience without compromise to its luxuriousness. This includes a new 1,885 square meter development, Sinbads Kids Club which complements the existing ‘Secrets
The global cruise tourism world will be held between in June 5 – 7 when the largest and most beautiful cruise ship christened Harmony of the Seas will not only
the Commission. Dr. Amendu affirmed that the Committee would do everything possible to improve on the successes the Committee was able to achieve during last year’s pilgrimage exercise. The Chairman commended the exceptional performance of some Medical Doctors who went out of their way to render medical assistance to sick pilgrims. He called on NCPC boss to incorporate such professionalism in the Commission.
Mr John Kennedy Opara, NCPC Executive Secretary
of the Saray’ interactive tours, indoor cinema, water sports, bicycle rides, giant chess court and Pétanque court, shuttle bus services to main land attractions including new Jetty and Shuttle boatto Dubai Marina, water sports and cooking classes from the resorts signature restaurants. Inherent in this resort is also a unique and exciting culinary and nightlife destination with bespoke nightlife Venueson the Palm Jumeirah with eight
award-winning dining destinations offering a range of cuisines from Indian, Turkish and Japanese, to Lebanese, Italian, British and International. As part of the resort’s ongoing plan for growth and to increase awareness of the Stay Different experiences available to guests, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has recently implemented a new brand marketing campaign entitled ‘The World Can Wait’. The new campaign is focused around
three main lifestyle elements; service, relaxation and surroundings. The new branding, photography and marketing material showcases the resort’s lifestyle approach. The award winning Talise Ottoman Spa has refurbished their couples and VIP floor and will be refurbishing the grand entrance to provide an even better experience for guests. The spa has also introduced another product line and treatments from Natura Bisse and remains the largest and most luxurious spa within The Middle East New increased selection of water sports and outdoor activities are available at the resort complete with new Jetty and water transfer shuttle boat which will transport guests to and from the resort on the palm to mainland Dubai. The Rib Room British steakhouse is which now includes a swanky British Brunch. The 50-year-old brand complements Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s eclectic restaurant portfolio–truly establishing the resort as a destination of culinary excellence. This is the third instalment of the Rib Room across Jumeirah with two already existing in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai and Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London; however the Rib Room at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has its own unique identity focusing more towards the British steakhouse. New Sinbad’s Kids Club has opened on the resorts beach front. Set to enhance the family holiday experience, the 1,885 square meter development has replaced the previous children’s pool area and has seen the introduction of a new outdoor splash park.
June, month of Harmony of the Seas —Victoria Soluade, CEO, Soltan Travels By wale Ojo Lanre
be launched into the Sea but will commence inaugural sail . Mrs Victoria Soluade, Chief Executive Officer, Soltan Travel and Tours, confirmed this to newsmen at her Glitters House, Eti-Osa Dolphin Estate Lagos. She disclosed that the Royal Caribbean Cruise had ensured the building of the most wonderfully thrilling and captivating cruise ship which would hosts cruise vacation lovers for the fun and entertainment never ever imagined. She revealed that Soltan Travel & Tours Limited, which is the pioneer and leading wholesale cruise agent for Nigeria and Ghana, as well as the official Representative for Cruises International in Nigeria had been responding to requests and information regarding the inaugural sailing of the Harmony of Seas. Mr Soluade disclosed that her efforts at selling the package and creating the awareness about the inaugural sail of the Harmony of the Seas had been comple-
Nigerian Tribune
Vicki Freed, Snr. Vice President, Sales & Trade Support & Services for Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines and Mrs Victoria Soluade
mented and buoyed by the action of Tour Brokers International (TBI), which has decided to brand its office as a Royal Caribbean Cruise sales outlet. She pointed out that, TBI was one of the first agencies to run with the vision of promoting cruise vacations in Nigeria, while its representative “participated in our very first Agents FAM Cruise in September, 2006. We are proud of how far they have come and are glad they have found their niche in the market.” Mrs Soluade described cruise vacation as very interesting and “Soltan Travel product has offers from over 18 Ocean and River cruise companies. There is such a wide variety to suite every sector of the market.” Mrs Soluade called on other travel companies to “therefore seize this opportunity to encourage other agents who are yet to sell cruise holidays to join us. For those who prefer to specialise in a particular cruise product or destination, you are welcome so to do so.”
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ecoscope By Doyin Adeoye PROFESSOR Wangari Maathai, even in death remains a backbone to African environmentalism. Five years after her death, Maathai’s legacies live on, and as such, the Green Belt Movement and the Wangari Maathai Foundation are planting 76 trees in her memory and honour, to mark her 76th posthumous birthday on 1 April. Maathi, a 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, founded the Green Belt Movement (GBM) in 1977, and the movement has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya. GBM works at the grassroots, national, and international levels to promote environmental conservation; to build climate resilience and empower communities, especially women and girls; and to foster democratic space and sustainable livelihoods. The
Wangari Maathai Foundation (WMF) on the other hand, was established in 2015. It became a partnership between Professor Maathai’s family and the GBM, with an objective to further the legacy, vision and commitments of Maathai, and to promote the ideals that she stood for and her understanding of the interconnectedness of the environment, democracy and peace. The environmental activist authored four books: The
In light of this disturbing trend, experts have warned that wild African rhinos may be extinct by 2026. “If we continue with the current rate of losses, then I would estimate that within five to 10 years, all we will have is rhinos in very strictly controlled captivity scenarios and we will basically have lost the species in the wild,” Craig Bruce, a rhino specialist at the Zoological Society of London told the BBC.
CLIMATE change has been described as the greatest challenge of all times for humanity, with potentially huge, negative consequences for agriculture. This assertion was made by Professor Francis Adesina of the Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), while
delivering a lecture on the topic, ‘Some Thoughts on Climate Change, Agriculture,’ at the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) Implementing Partners workshop held in Ibadan recently. Professor Adesina noted that the impact of climate change is felt most on “exposed systems,” which
he said include rain-fed agriculture. He traced the genesis of global warming to 1880, noting that successive years since the 19th Century have been hotter, with 2015 being the hottest year. He regretted that Nigeria and other developing countries are most susceptible to the harsh effects of climate change due to poor water storage system,
actor and film producer
progress in overall
Climate change, humanity’s greatest challenge — Don By Doyin Adeoye
m:08038000394 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink
Lack of water hinders
o t t en ark y m m da e v to th o r M i s le t ree h b t t B 6 6 n 7 7 e e nt i’s r G pla ha t a a M
6,000 African rhinos have been poached. Conservation efforts have resulted in a decline in rhino poaching in some parts of Africa, including Kenya and South Africa, the IUCN report said. But, “these improvements have been dampened by alarming increases in poaching over the past year in other vitally important range states, such as Namibia and Zimbabwe,” said Inger Andersen, IUCN’s director general.
Our health relies entirely on the vitality of our fellow species on Earth — Harrison Ford, American
with Doyin Adeoye
Green Belt Movement; Unbowed: A Memoir; The Challenge for Africa; and Replenishing the Earth. She died in 2011 at the age of 71 after a prolonged and bravely borne struggle with cancer.
African rhinos may be extinct in 10 years or less, experts warn IT was only 150 years ago that more than one million black and white rhinos roamed the savannas of Africa. Since then, poaching has decimated populations across the continent. By 1990, there were just 6,000 white rhino and 2,400 black rhino left in the wild. Conservation efforts and a global crackdown on wildlife crime saved the threatened animals from the brink of extinction and by 2008, white rhino numbers in Africa had ballooned to almost 20,000 while the black rhino population nearly doubled. It looked like a perfect comeback story, a narrative of hope and survival in the face of terrible odds, but then, the tale of the African rhino took a bleak turn. According to a new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the number of African rhino killed by poachers has increased for a sixth year in a row. At least 1,338 rhinos were killed illegally across Africa in 2015, the highest number in almost a decade. Since 2009, almost
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
which he said has grave implication for agriculture. “Considering the very high consumption of rice in Nigeria, nowadays, if you must control climate change one of the crops you need to control is rice because of its high water demand,” he said, while emphasising the need for farmers to be climate smart.
development
—Dr Ojo, Country Representative, WaterAid
We’ll soon evacuate seized stolen crude oil with tug boats
WaterAid is an international non-profit organisation that focuses on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), with various achievements recorded across regions and countries. The Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Michael Ojo, speaks with Doyin Adeoye on the objectives of the organisation, as well as the effects of water management and conservation, among other issues.
— Mohammed
Commodore Raimi Mohammed is the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA), Warri Naval Base, Warri, Delta State. He speaks with EBENEZER ADUROKIYA on the devastating effects of illegal oil bunkering in the state and what the navy is doing to stop the pollution of the environment. OIL theft and illegal refineries have become a recurring decimal with their attendant effects on the ecosystem in the creeks of Delta State. Is there no better way of curbing the menace, rather than burning arrested stolen crude oil? No doubt, the activities of crude oil thieves actually cause a lot of damage to the environment. But the Federal Government’s directive has been that when we seize the product, we should destroy it instantly. Can’t the seized stolen crude oil or diesel be evacuated by oil companies instead of burning it, thereby causing more environmental damage to the area? Getting the seized stolen crude oil immediately from the creek is actually not a good sight because we can’t mobilise equipment to that place. However, we do the burning because that is the subsisting mandate that we were given by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Have you made suggestion to the Federal Government on evacuating to oil companies for refining the arrested stolen crude oil instead of setting it ablaze? Yes, we have made suggestions to higher authorities and I’m sure it will be passed to the NNPC and the multinational oil companies. We have suggested they provide a tug boat that would be on standby whenever we go arresting boats laden with siphoned crude oil in the creeks. So when the tug boats are provided during our exercise, we can easily call on them to evacuate it to their yards or scare place. That is going to be the easiest solution for now otherwise; like I told you, we have burnt over four Cotonou boats laden with crude oil in the last five days and today (March 22), we still burnt another. Where do we keep them if we towed the crude oil-laden boats to our jetty? The ones we already have brought here, as you can see are still polluting the water while we await adjudication in the courts.
W
HY is WaterAid in Nigeria and how has it fared over the years? WaterAid has been in Nigeria for about 20 years now and over the years, we have grown from an initial project in Rivers State to working in six states across the country, that is Jigawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Plateau, Benue and Ekiti States. Over that time, we started off as an intervention to deal with water related diseases affecting a community, but as the original intention of WaterAid was to see how people who have skills and capacity to improve access to WASH can support developing countries, we saw the general need in Nigeria and decided to start up a programme which has been going on for about 20 years. Our role is to support the government and the people of Nigeria to increase and improve the rate of access to WASH and we have done that alongside the Federal Government, the state government and particularly the local government because our mission is really about transforming lives of the most marginalised people in our society. So when we started, we realised that most of these people live in the rural communities. So a lot of our work has been and continues to be in the deepest part of rural communities. But there have been a shift in the trend over the past few years, as increasingly now, more poor people are beginning to show up in urban centres. So basically, our work is focused on reaching the poorest and the most vulnerable and ensuring that they have access to WASH and that is what we have been doing over the years.
Does it mean that water related issues are restricted to the rural communities? Our history has been focusing on where the need is greatest and that is in the rural communities. However, with the increasing level of need in the urban communities, we are now beginning to structure ourselves to do more work, especially in the urban slums and settlements where there are no formal services, or where there is no government provision. In the works we’ve done across countries globally, we observed that in comparing the cost of pipe services for water supply to houses in the middle of town and that of people in the rural areas, where they buy water; they tend to pay anything between five to 10 times more than what people in the urban areas pay to water boards. So it is not just a matter of lack of access, but also the inequality built in the way of supply infrastructure in Nigeria. However, reflecting back, there has been a huge success over the past 15 years; Nigeria is 17th out of the top 20 countries in the world in terms of the rate of access to water. Although that is some good news, the bad news there is that the water is not provided by the government;
When people have water that is safe and easily accessible, it means they have more chance to do other things that are economically productive.
rich people are proving water for themselves. Also, looking at how much water is actually being supplied by water boards to homes in Nigeria, it has become worse than it was in the 90s. Why is the idea of WASH so important? Water is key to everything that we do in life; it is a vital component of human life. Analysing this year’s theme of the World Water Day, which is ‘Water and Jobs,’ one would see that half of all jobs is related to the water industry, be it energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and the likes. Water is critical to a lot of the jobs that people rely on everyday to improve their lives and livelihoods. In Nigeria for instance, lack of access to water has implications for a range of other things, which affect mainly poor people, particularly girls and women. Lack of water hinders our progress in overall development. And access to water is the first step in helping communities to overcome poverty. When people have water that is safe and easily accessible, it means they have more chance to do other things that are economically productive. And because a lot of the burden of finding water is on women and girls, making water accessible to them will make life easier. Girls can now go to school and concentrate and can even do better because they didn’t have to wake up by 4.a.m. to fetch water before preparing for school. The older women will also have time to do one thing or the other. We are running a programme in Benue State which is focused on the impact of access to water on
the economic productivity of women particularly. One thing we have noticed is that when a woman has money, the family has money. The money a woman has tend to be used within the family compared to the men. Also a lot of girls to avoid humiliations have to stay back at home during their menstruation because they don’t have access to toilets or hygiene facilities. So that reduces their potential in terms of academic capabilities. What makes water portable? What we refer to as an improved water source is basically water that you can access without contamination. If you have water being piped to your tap, that means it is coming through a protected delivery system; it is improved. If you access water from a borehole, it is coming directly from groundwater through a delivery system that cannot be contaminated; it is improved. But when you fetch water from a pond or a stream, that is open to contamination. When people defecate in the open and it rains, it washes that into the water system and that is unimproved water. If you dig a well and you are able to cover it properly without it being exposed to contamination, then that is also improved. So when we say water is good and improved, it is from these types of sources. Whose responsibility is it to protect our water anyways? There are two main sources of water; most of the water that we take to process and provide is abstracted from surface water which is done via a system that ensures that the water is purified and transported in a way that makes it fit for human consumption. The other source of water is from groundwater. And for Nigeria, we have an abundance of all that; there is no shortage of water supply in that aspect. But to get the raw water into homes costs a lot of money and that is where the problem lies. Getting the water to people for their use is government’s responsibility, but also when that water is available, people have to pay for it. But I don’t think the issue is about paying, but rather that there is nothing to pay for because government has not invested sufficiently to ensure that people can access water. So it is the government’s responsibility to get water to everyone, but the contract with the people is that they have to pay something. Goal 6 of the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) is focused on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. How achievable do you think this is for Nigeria against 2030? Considering water supply situation in Nigerian and given what we have to do to achieve Agenda 2030, then the amount of money that we need to investment is up to 12 times what the government is currently investing in for instance, the Ministry of Water Resources. And the investment estimate differs based on who you talk to. But it is many times more than what we currently put in. And unless we begin to do that, we are not going to get anywhere near making the provisions that we need, to ensure that by 2030 in this country, everyone has access to water and sanitation. So there is a huge gap between what government needs to do and what is being done. However, the goal is achievable because looking at the success over the past 15 years with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly on water, the goal was achieved globally by 2010, and the same result goes for many other countries. So with the right level of investments and political will, it is achievable.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
energy
Nigerian Tribune
anchor Tunde Dodondawa
m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com
How NNPC import-monopoly worsens fuel supply in Nigeria role as NNPC Chief Executive.
Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos
I
t will be an understatement to state that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Ibe Kachikwu’s attempted reforms of the oil sector has back-fired when he publicly told Nigerians that he is not a magician and that Nigerians should endure the acute fuel scarcity of petroleum products till end of May. His statement has resulted into panic buying which currently worsened fuel supply and economic activities in the country. Prior to the current situation, few weeks ago, he had also announced the unbundling of the NNPC without recourse to the law that set up the Corporation. An action which indicated that he had acted ‘Ultra Vires’ and immediately led to shutting down of the entire NNPC facilities across the country. He claimed he was mis-quoted again and quickly said he only re-structured the Corporation but not unbundled. How the problems began In August 2015, when Kachikwu was named the GMD, NNPC, many stakeholders celebrated it because they taught ‘he is a round peg in a round hole.’ The former Executive Vice Chairman, ExxonMobil Africa, quickly reduced the number of Directorates from eight to four in a move that led to the appointment of four new Group Executive Directors, to run the four new Directorates. Also, he attempted to provide employees with general updates on the Corporation’s progress by launching a series of weekly podcasts which is sent to the over 13,000 members of staff. However, when he was announced as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in November 2015, it became conspicuous that he would combine the professional role of GMD with his new political role as Minster of State. Nigerian politicians are known for protecting certain interests as against the countries’ interest. No wonder he increased the directorates from four to seven as a Minister of State. As a GMD, he is expected to see to day-to-day running of the Corporation and formulate policies that will ensure the NNPC is managed as a profit making entity. If he has taken his time to understudy the NNPC, he would have realised that the Corporation lacks the capacity to be sole importer of refined petroleum products for the country.
From left, Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin; Executive Director, Imani & Sons Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar; Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Mohammed; Director, Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCPFA), Mr Guy Janssens; SNCPFA Managing Director, Mr Akeeb Akinola; and the Managing Director, Abuja Investment Company Limited, Dr Musa Ahmed Musa, at the inauguration of the Imani-Shell Estate Phase 2 in Abuja . Currently, NNPC is the sole importer of products from its initial 78 per cent Kachikwu allocated to it during the first quarter import allocations. He allotted 22 per cent to other marketers who have been controlling about 50 per cent in the past. Kachikwu’s arrogance may
have also led to the current acute fuel shortages across the country because marketers have been urging him to review the import allocation and work with the Central Bank of Nigeria to guarantee foreign exchange to the marketers for fuel import. All the pleas by Nigerians fell
unto deaf ears of someone who later claims he is not a magician. The combination of the two portfolios, that is the office of the GMD and that of Minister of State, may have overwhelmed Kachikwu who is now being perceived as inefficient and being distracted from his professional
The way forward It is quite unfortunate that the labour unions in Nigeria may have been compromised because such statement from honourable minister should have attracted protests across the country. Kachikwu should have been compelled to retract the statement and give assurance that Nigerians will not suffer acute fuel shortage in weeks and not months. However, in the absence of the above, the Federal Government should employ all possible means to improve fuel supply because it is the masses that are suffering while the political class and the elites do not queue for fuel but have special ‘fuel dumps’ where they re-fuel their fleet of cars and other vehicles at the expense of tax payers’ monies. Nigeria, being the largest crude producer in Africa, is the only member of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that relies majorly on importation of refined petroleum products for its teeming population. The country’s four refineries have been in comatose for decades and every effort by successive governments has proved abortive. The hope of developing local refining capacity continues to fade day-by-day unless the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical plants come on stream at stipulated dates.
Why power generation hit 3598 MW from 2841MW Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos There are strong indications that the power sector may have defied all efforts aimed at improving it because data from the Nigerian Systems Operations Department of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) indicated that power generation had dropped to 2620.90MW as at 1.10pm on Monday, from 2841MW last week, according to system operators. President Muhammadu Buhari had declared that he will deliver 10000MW by 2019, but the declaration attracted a lot of scepticisms from various stakeholders, who argued that it was a mission impossible given the current state of the Nigerian power sector, which is characterised by a weak and obsolete system. Specifically, experts argued that 2019 was exit period of the current administration and, therefore, the president would not be held responsible in the event of failure to achieve the 10,000MW. They added that to achieve the set target by 2019 will mean gen-
erating, at least, 3,333MW every year over the next three years. They noted further that 10,000MW was not a new power target, considering that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had also touted the same capacity target for 2010, which never came to pass till date. Former President Goodluck Jonathan also promised 20000MW by the year 2020 but no signs it will ever be achieved. The challenges in doing this, they noted, include the weak transmission network, which cannot wheel that amount of power, given that the much talked about transmission grid has not been constructed. The transmission system in Nigeria comprises 330 KV and 132 KV circuits and substations and the highest maximum daily energy wheeled nationwide was the one-off 109,372MWH, which was attained when generation output hit a record 5,074MW on February 2, 2016. The Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regula-
tory Commission (NERC) and some key agencies in the sector had attributed the brief rise in power generation to the non-interruption of oil and gas pipe-
lines. The rise, however, was short-lived as it lasted for about three months, after which electricity generation commenced a sharp descent.
NLNG denies polluting Niger Delta region Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos The NLNG has debunked online report which claimed it was polluting its host community. In a statement by its General Manager, External Relations Division, Kudo Eresis-Eke, NLNG was incorporated as a private limited liability company in 1989 but only commenced production operation in 1999. It has thus been in operation for only 17 years and not 27 years as claimed by the erroneous report. The statement also posited that NLNG does not explore or produce gas but rather buys gas which it then liquefies, by converting it from gas to liquid. “The company therefore does not routinely flare gas from its operations. Rather, NLNG re-
mains the nation’s oldest and most successful attempt at minimising gas flaring in the Niger Delta. It has in fact greatly helped to reduce gas flaring from about 65 per cent before its establishment, to today’s level of about 20 per cent. The company has thus prevented over 4.7Tcf (Trillion cubic feet of gas) of Associated Gas from being flared. Simply put, NLNG converts gas historically flared, erstwhile waste and pernicious nuisance to wealth/revenue for the nation. “In addition, NLNG has since 2007 made available over 150,000 MT LPG (cooking gas) per year to Nigerians and as a result has helped to reduce the price of cooking gas by 50 per cent and stabilised the supply.
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energy
Wednesday, 30 March , 2016
NERC and Discos
By Lanre Alaba
T
he recent directive by the Nigerian Senate to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to stop the announced increase in electricity tariffs seem to be based on the assumption that the regulatory body and the electricity distribution companies called Discos, have colluded to defraud or cheat the Nigerian electricity consumer . That really, is a false assumption and it is very easy to prove so that at least the senate can see the light and reverse its blind decision based on this false premise. The real fact or the nature of the relationship between the NERC and the Discos is like that between a cat and a mouse. Cats catch mice and rats run away from cats . That is the nature of the relationship between NERC and the Discos, with NERC, the sole regulator of the electricity industry, dictating the rules of the game and waiting to blow foul or give a yellow card when the discos violate the rules of the game on electricity delivery to the Nigerian public. So Discos are wary of NERC and do not want to be penalised for breaking the rules, because they have invested heavily in the electricity delivery system and are looking forward to receiving their dividends in due course under the aegis of NERC direction and control , and no one else. It is in this light that we should look at the Senate decision, recently that the electricity tariffs increased by NERC and to be collected by Discos should be stopped. The Discos are distribution agents for the electricity industry and they cannot single handedly raise tariffs and collect at the same time . They can only collect based on the pricing regime adopted by NERC which is cost reflective and ensures that the Discos do not make exorbitant profit
at the expense of the Nigerian electricity consumer and public . That explains why for now it is NERC that has gone to court to defend the tariff increase even before the Senate intervention to stop the increase . This is because the basic duty of NERC is to ensure that the Discos play ball in terms of electricity delivery to the Nigerian masses according to the rules . So in stopping the planned and approved tariff increase we should ask the senate whose interest it is serving or protecting and what rules on electricity delivery or generation it is following. Certainly, NERC can defend the tariff increase on the grounds that it is to ensure that the Discos function efficiently and optimally. Which means that in the context of the cost reflective pricing regime adopted, the Discos must raise the standard of service delivery of electricity to the Nigeran electricity consumer. This is because the Discos have a stake in making the service delivery successful because they have a huge commitment in terms of the massive amount they have invested. Yet they are making a huge sacrifice to curb any unwarranted attempt at illegal profit because the rules of the game have been computed such that they can not make profit until five years later to enable the enabling environment for the correct and efficient electricity delivery to take off. The Discos took off in 2013 and would not make profit till 2018 . So why is the Senate crying wolf when there is none and what is its business in the matter any way since NERC, the sole authority in the matter and the statutory approver and authority, has given the green light for the increase and announced it over a year ago? Definitely something is fishy with this unwarranted intervention of the Nigerian Senate in the long march to efficient electricity service delivery in the
Saraki
nation and Nigerians are watching and waiting earnestly for the Senate to rescind its order to stop the approved tariff increase. These are, indeed very hard days for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). A court order has just been issued to restrain the commission from increasing electricity tariffs which it announced would take effect from February 1,2016. It is subjudice to comment on a case in court, so NERC would have to plead its case when it has its day in the court. But, before this time NERC has had its authority rubbished by the Senate which on February 16 asked or ordered NERC to rescind the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariffs that it said would take effect from February I, 2016. So who got it wrong or right between the
NERC, the sole regulator of the electricity industry, dictating the rules of the game and waiting to blow foul or give a yellow card when the discos violate the rules of the game on electricity delivery to the Nigerian public. So Discos are wary of NERC and do not want to be penalised for breaking the rules
Senate and NERC? That is question that we must ask and answer here for the benefit of the Nigerian public and electricity consumers who have become confused and beffudled by this unfortunate chain of events. By an Act of Parliament or a legislative action and authority, NERC is the sole authority for the regulation of the generation, transmission, distribution of electricity in Nigeria. This authority was vested in the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 made during the President Obasanjo-led administration in power from 1999 to 2007. It was in 2007, that the NERC got a board that made it functional having evolved from NEPA to Power Holding Company of Nigeria to metamorphose to NERC as we know it today. NERC’s duties essentially are to regulate the delivery of electricity to the Nigerian populace efficiently and at an affordable rate for the mutual benefit of both the consumers and the distribution companies called Discos in the Nigerian electricity delivery context. This NERC has been doing, albeit with very limited success to the vexation of Nigerians who thought that once NERC had come on board the era of persistent power failure was over. This was not helped by the fact that electricity generation in the nation had become comatose and unbelievably low for a huge nation like Nigeria with a population of about 165 million. Our electricity generation is below five per cent of our needs and successive Nigerian governments have promised to improve power generated to an acceptable level, but none has delivered on this illusory promise so far. In spite of this, NERC has lumbered on hoping for a better day in terms of improved power generation. It brought on the Discos who invested heavily in the distribution system because of their confidence in the Nigerian electricity delivery dream, in the hope that better days would come in terms of increased power generation. The Discos were monitored tightly to ensure they do not exploit consumers with flippant and unaffordable tariffs. Indeed NERC stipulated that they must charge cost reflective charges with global best standards in electricity tariffs over 10 years. It also decreed that they cannot make profit in the first five years when they came on board in 2013. In its own little way and given, the constraints it faced, NERC has stabilised the Nigerian power sector such that companies and investors who fled Nigeria because of persistent power failure were, watching and wishing NERC would succeed with the Discos and the high quality pricing regime on tariffs which it announced. That stability is what was put under serious threat by the action of the Senate in challenging and liquidating the authority of NERC as the sole regulator of electricity in Nigeria when it asked the bonafide regulator to rescind its tariff increase on February 16 2016. Right thinking and patriotic Nigerians are aghast at this unexpected challenge of the constitutional authority by a legislative institution, indeed an Upper Chamber in political parlance that should no better. The good advice to the Senate is to rescind its order as quickly as it has given it like bolt from the blues. That is the honorable thing to do in order to save face and not allow Nigerians to think of the unexpected challenge to NERC’ authority as sheer economic sabotage which really is a looming and unfortunate conclusion . Alaba, an engineer, writes from Ibadan.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com
Timi Frank and APC’s emerging cracks For the second time in one year, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, stirred the hornet’s nest when he spoke against perceived ills in the party. Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, examines the antics of the non conformist spokesman and the emerging cracks in the ruling party.
Saraki
O
N Friday, Comrade Timi Frank, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), hit the bull’s eye with a story that was not too palatable to his party. He is supposed to be the Acting National spokesman of the party following the departure of the pioneer spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. But his position on Friday was clearly against the grain of established opinion in the party. Frank had toed the same line in May during the build up to the election of principal officers of the National Assembly. His party had adopted a zoning formula at the last minute, in a plot aimed at scheming out the likes of Senator Bukola Saraki and Honourable Yakubu Dogara from the race for presiding officers. Frank deviated from the position of his party and objected to the outcome of the primaries conducted at that time. Perhaps, such an antecedent had cast Frank in the mould of an outsider within the party and when it was time for him to take over the job of spokesman of the APC, even in acting capacity, the structures of the party schemed him out. Rather than allow him to take over the structures left by Lai Mohammed, the APC appointed an administrative officer in charge of the media, while empowering the national chairman and National Secretary as accredited spokesmen. Last week, Frank jolted the generality of APC followers, when he issued a statement chastising the APC for keeping silent in the face of alleged persecution of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in relation to his trial at the Code of
Mohammed
Timi Frank
Conduct Tribunal (CCT). In the statement, he accused the APC of “rewarding good with evil” by refusing to speak on the trial of the Senate President at the CCT. The statement read: “I sincerely hold that the current trial of Saraki is not only underserved, but amounts to paying a good man with evil. I also want to say that the leaders of our great party have unfortunately remained quiet in the face of evil. I don’t believe we have forgotten that the victory of the APC during the last general elections could not have been possible without cou-
rageous strategists like Saraki who lent their political weight in favour of the APC at the risk of their own lives send personal survival. “I don’t think we have forgotten how Saraki as a senator in the 7th Senate brought the attention of Nigerians to the fraud allegedly perpetrated by the last administration in the name of fuel subsidy. I don’t think we have forgotten so soon how Saraki led five other governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC - a development that successfully turned the political tide
against the PDP and eventually tipped the electoral scale against them during the 2015 general elections. I don’t think we have forgotten how Saraki led scores of senators to cross over to the APC on the floor of the Senate. “I don’t think we have also forgotten what he gave of his time, personal resources and energy to ensure that the APC emerged victorious both at the National, State and Local Government level. The question is: Why is the case of Saraki being treated differently at the CCT than it was in 2011, when this same tribunal
Though the APC hierarchy has not directly reacted to Frank’s statement, the outburst of the spokesman is clearly a sign of the times for the ruling party.
struck out the case against one of our national leaders because he was not given the opportunity to deny or admit the alleged discrepancies in his asset declaration forms in line with Section 3(d) of the CCB/CCT Act? Why is this case unlike the 11 other exgovernors who had similar cases of irregularities thus, the charges were subsequently dropped by the CCB after they were invited by the agency? “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 3(d) of the CCB/CCT Act which has been so undermined by the CCT in its Thursday ruling states that the CCB shall: “Receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau (not the AGF or EFCC) considers it necessary to do so, refer such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by Section 20 of this Act in accordance with the provisions of Sections 20 to 25 of this Act: provided that where the concerned makes a
Continues pg 25
25
politics&policy
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
‘Ondo now ready to exploit bitumen’ Prince Nekan Olateru-Olagbegi, the coordinator of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Ondo State, is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with ABIODUN AWOLAJA, he speaks on his ambition and the efforts of the state government to turn the economy of the state around.
,
W
HAT do you have to offer the people Ondo State if you are given the opportunity to lead
them? Dr Olusegun Mimiko has already laid the foundation for greatness in the state. Ondo State should be specially grateful for the emergence of Dr Mimiko as a governor. I have lived for decades in the United States, so I can appreciate his commitment and creativity better. He is a super legend. We only have to be creative and get innovative, knowing full well that what God has blessed us in the state in terms of human and natural resources. Where I live in Atlanta Georgia, Georgio specific, one of the top corporations in the world, has been able to do paper, pulp, paints, different gazebos, construct roofing sheets, furniture, just from the forest alone. We will bring this to Ondo State. As a financial consultant and accountant by profession, I was able to work with colleagues from the best universities (Oxford, Harvard, and Yale universities, etc) across the world because I practised in Price Waterhouse Coopers (a financial consulting firm) among other reputable firms in the world. After that, I was able to set up my own consulting firm called Conet Consulting Ink in Atlanta Georgia where I resided for so many years. I decided to open my consultancy with a view to provideing jobs for a number of Nigerians and African-American people. Then I decided to start my consulting firm, with training for graduates and MBAs on how to do consulting work.
My firm became one of the biggest minority firms in Atlanta Georgia and that attracted many clients, including one of the biggest firms (DeKalb canton) in Georgia, among other federal agencies. We also attracted the biggest financial firm like Oracle Corporations, IBM, etc. they all picked my firm as their minority company in getting jobs. I was doing all that before I had the burden of service. I decided to come home because I knew what my people were going through then. So, I decided to jump into the murky water of politics. I believe I have the managerial acumen to pilot the affairs of Ondo State. How would you describe your experience as Coordinator of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Ondo State? We have brought into reality, the Akure Mall. I am glad that a lot of people are enjoying the facility today, and it is changing the landscape of the city. Even the night life of Akure, the entertainment life, is gradually changing. But that is one of the smallest of the things we have achieved. Now, we have landed a deep seaport which, once finalised with the Federal Government procedures, will be a hub for the entire West African coast, the Ilaje Deep Seaport. It is getting towards final approval, and the promoters are ready to raise the funds to do the development. It is also tagged the mining port, a solution port for the mining industry of Nigeria. We have so many ports in Nigeria but in Ondo State, we don’t want to develop just
a seaport; we want to change the lives of our people. The managers of the Nigerian economy are talking about mining and agriculture but now, we have provided solutions ahead of time. When you mine those minerals in the North Central, you can easily and cost effectively bring them to the port. As you know, the roads that we have are not motorable. We are constructing a railroad from Ilaje all the way to the Northern fringes of Ondo State and to Kogi State, and also we are doing a dualised road from Ore to Ilaje, which definitely will open the entire Southern Senatorial district of the state. We have been able to get a licence for a Free Trade Zone. Other than the Olokola free trade zone, we have our own exclusive Ondo State Free Trade Zone, which is in Ilaje; that port is well positioned for maritime activities. Today on my table, I have a good number of refinery proposals and by the time the free trade zone finally kicks off, it will be a very busy free trade zone. Apart from that, we have the second largest deposit of bitumen in the world. Previously, we could not take advantage of it because the licence we had for it was cancelled during the administration of late Chief Adebayo Adefarati. It would interest you that with the hard work of Governor Mimiko and with our directorate now, we have been able to get four licences to explore our bitumen. I remember a time an investor came from California, another from Houston Texas, but unfortunately, we didn’t have the licence. But today, that huddle has been overcome. We now have Bacon, which is one of the companies which the state government acquired to help manage the bitumen processing. Another thing is the Ifon ceramic industry, which has been moribund for over 24 years. We have
Olateru-Olagbegi brought in expertise and we shall be coming out with tiles and other ceramic products with the PPP arrangements. Are there other arrangements? We have brokered a deal with an investor to do waste management, an integrated waste management system with very unique features. It has an electronic waste management system. You can imagine that West Africa is more or less like an electronic dumping site for computers and electronics. We leave some of these things in the dump sites, for instance the mercury. If the chemical gets into the water level, it would cause a lot of damage. So, now, we are even thinking ahead, that we need to create a waste management for electronic waste. There is nothing like that anywhere else in Nigeria.
The Atiku factor Continuesd from pg 24 written admission of such breach or noncompliance, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary. “It is pertinent to mention that when this section of the Act was pleaded in the defence of one of the leaders of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011, the same Justice Danladi Umar struck out the case for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the suit when he ruled that that “...On Section 3(d), I feel compelled by the argument of the learned SAN for the accused. It is a condition precedent for referring a charge to this Tribunal that the Accused ought to have been invited to either deny or admit the allegations against him. This is missing in this case as the Complainant has no such evidence of a prior invitation. It would be proper for me at this stage to simply decline further exercise of jurisdiction having held that the co diction precedent to the instituting of charges against the Accused has not been complied with. I hereby resolve this issue in favour of the Accused...” He added: “It is based on the above precedent that I want to ask why Saraki’s case is different? Why is the judiciary suddenly giving in to apparent blackmail from a section of the media by refusing to do their job as required by law? Already, the Senate President has told the world that the trial has nothing to do with corruption but that he is being persecuted for emerging as the Senate President. To me, the ominous
Atiku silence of our leaders since the day he was arraigned uphill now serves to validate the claims of the Senate President that he is being persecuted. Or where else in the world will the number three citizen of a country be hulled before a tribunal over alleged irregularities in his asset declaration forms 13 years ago, and the hierarchy of the ruling to which he is a bonafide member will not come out to show solidar-
ity or defend him? “If it is true that the trial of the Senate President is not borne out of genuine desire to fight corruption but is being carried out for selfish political ends, then who is next? I think the party need to be courageous enough to speak out against this unwholesome trend whose outcome will definitely not augur well for the overall development of our party and by extension the country at this hour. “Saraki paid his dues at a time it was suicidal for anybody to stand up against to the then ruling PDP. I believe it is time for all of us to act to save our party. It is time to rally round our generals who have fought valiantly and led us to victory. To abandon Saraki is to abandon a worthy comrade.” Though the APC hierarchy has not directly reacted to Frank’s statement, the outburst of the spokesman is clearly a sign of the times for the ruling party, as some analysts are already linking the development to the emerging gulf in the ranks of the APC. Some observers say that Frank’s “marginalisation” in the structure of the ruling party might have influenced his non conformist outlook, but also added that the frustrations he has twice expressed are deeper than his personal standing. Some who have analysed the Saraki scenario as purely a political issue have accused the APC of practically taking vengeance further than death. Some Senators for instance have said that Saraki had, since emerging as Senate President against the
wish of the APC, bent over backwards to accommodate the party. Though he refused to announce the list containing the anointed Majority Leaders of the APC, he had since helped the President to clear all his ministerial nominees, refused to raise eyebrows about the president’s decision to name appointees into positions before Senate confirmation, and assisted in managing the budget 2016 debacle. Those who believed that Saraki has paid his dues believed that his conduct and mien so far should have confirmed to the party that the man was willing to work with them. Thus, they see the continued trial at the CCT as a form of persecution. Beside the political coloration of the trial, the situation in the party also provides a launch pad for the outbursts of Frank. Many have said that the man has not been allowed space in the running of the party because he belongs to the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, which is well disposed to Senate President Bukola Saraki. The Atiku camp is one of the camps contending for control of the APC alongside other legacy parties, including the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). It is believed that stakeholders in the main legacy parties (ACN, CPC and ANPP) are of the view that yielding the position of spokesman to a non-core legacy structure like that of Atiku could lead to a situation where the control of the levers of the party would slip off their grip.
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politicscommentary
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Dogara’s timely call for N/East donor conference By Turaki Hassan
T
HE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has been making calls for the convening of an international donors’ conference that would holistically tackled the economic and infrastructure needs of the North-East part of Nigeria which has borne the brunt of the six-year violent uprising from adherents of the Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram. Dogara first made the call in a motion he personally sponsored in August last year, on the urgent need for rehabilitation, recovery, reconstruction and resettlement of the violence ravaged region. Since then, at every forum, the Speaker has continued to champion the plights of the North-East while arguing that the region deserves global attention as a member of the international community. His call is in line with what has been happening since the end of the World War II, where international conferences like that were held for Western Europe and Japan which were rebuilt following the adoption of the American Marshall Plan, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Gaza and recently for Syria. There is, therefore, no reason it cannot be held for the North-East of Nigeria. This is the kind of patriotic zeal that comes when true leaders that are visionary-inclined are allowed to lead. It should be noted that the scale of devastation, destruction and damage in the region far supersedes what happened in some of the countries and regions listed above, and the international community did not hesitate to come to their aid. The region, even before the violence erupted years ago, was one of the poorest in the world. A recent report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said Borno State alone has lost trillions of Naira economic-wise, while not fewer than 20,000 people were killed even though most of us who come from the zone strongly believe that the number of casualties far outweighs the official figure of 20,000 with some putting it at over 100,000. All one needs to be convinced about a call for such is to take a trip to some of the villages recently liberated in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The communities were not only razed to the ground but one is left with no option than to conclude that the insurgents were all out to extinct and annihilate every living and non-living being in the affected areas. The fundamentalist succeeded in leaving to waste, large swaths of territory in those states, especially Borno, which happened to be the epicentre of the violence. Right now, officially, over 2.2 million Nigerians are living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in several states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory, while thousands of others are refugees in Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic. Again, the number of IDPs is far more than 2.2 million as it ranges between 5 million to 5.5 million because majority of those displaced are not living in camps but are being housed by relations both within and outside the affected areas. To buttress Dogara’s call for an international donors’ conference, the UNHCR Representative to Nigeria, Ms Angele
Dikongue- Atangana, during the UNHCR 2015 stakeholders’ briefing of the commission’s representation in Nigeria, urged donors and partners to take a trip to the ‘field’ to be aware of the level of destruction for a better understanding of the situation. This is because there are dozens of villages in the zone that have been totally destroyed. The case of the attack on Dalori is still fresh in our minds where reports said entire houses in the village were torched. The enormity of the task ahead in rebuilding the area, especially the cost is something that even the Federal Government might not be able to totally shoulder hence the call for the donor conference. This much was also agreed by the Chairman, Presidential Committee on NorthEast Initiative, retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma recently, when he said that, conservatively, over N2 trillion naira would be required in the short-term to rebuild areas devastated by the Boko Haram insurgency. This is just for the short term measure. He added that the rebuilding of the region would require the cooperation of all, considering that the magnitude of destruction was beyond the means of the federal or state governments. He further noted that rebuilding the North-East would demand maximum cooperation and resources. “Rebuilding the North-East is one of the biggest and most complex challenges that Nigeria is facing today. To hold government or any one agency alone responsible for this task is to underestimate the enormity of the problem. The task would involve massive reconstruction of physical infrastructure, much of which have been totally destroyed and, of course, the more challenging one, which is the rebuilding of peace and social cohesion,’’ he said during the opening of a two-day security seminar, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College. The rebuilding effort being done by the governors of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are mere drops in a vast ocean of need that wouldn’t make much difference. For example, Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima has been building some houses in Bama and other local governments. But without help from outside to address the destruction in over 20 local governments that were initially intermittently occupied and destroyed by the insurgents, it will not go far. Moreso, the destruction in Gwoza and Bama, two of the worst-hit local governments in Borno and their current needs go beyond even the complete federal allocations that accrue to Borno State for now. Same for other local governments in the state and other NorthEast states, where their need stands beyond rebuilding houses. But issues of topmost importance for the North-East revolve around not only the housing but health care, women and youth empowerment, education and agriculture. Sufficiently meeting these needs will require the involvement of the international
Dogara community. As with these areas targeted, the people of the region in general stand the chance of having positive multiplier effect roll back on them. This is why the call by the Speaker for an international donor conference is apt, timely and holds the solution to addressing the destruction in the North-East, because other places have held such international conferences with success. The recent one was the International Donors conference for reconstruction and development in Dafur, held in Doha, Qatar from 7-8 April 2013. The conference brought together representatives of the Government of Sudan, the international donor community, the development banking sectors, international and national Non-Governmental Organisations and international funds and foundations and provided a forum for the Darfur Regional Authority and the Government of Sudan to discuss with its development partners the needs for economic recovery, development and poverty eradication in the aftermath of the conflict in Darfur. Likewise, at the Syrian donors’ conference held in London where over $10 bil-
Already, the impact of the effect of the insurgents is felt in our neighbouring countries and the need for such conference now cannot be overemphasised
lion was pledged, the UnitedNations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, hailed the conference as a “great success,” saying: “Never has the international community raised so much money on a single day for a single crisis.” Just like the Speaker noted, the world now is a global village, in which the effect of a massive population shift within the North-East could have spiralling effect on the world. Europe is battling to halt the massive influx of refugees from Syria, Iraq and the Middle East. It is therefore in the collective interest of the international community that funds are raised to resettle the IDPs and refugees from Nigeria so as to avoid another surge to the Mediterranean Sea, where thousands of migrants are dying every year in their desperate effort to cross to Europe. Already, the impact of the effect of the insurgents is felt in our neighbouring countries and the need for such conference now cannot be overemphasised. Consequently, just like the Speaker has done, the leaders of this country should start persuading world leaders and work towards having something like that, even if it’s in Africa. And Dogara deserves not only to be supported but also commended by all for his consistency in pushing for the convocation of the confab. The responsibility of doing that now rests with the Federal Government or the Executive, as the Parliament or legislature cannot delve into that since it is not within its powers to do so. •Hassan is Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs) to the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
features
Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featurestribune@yahoo.com 080111845048
Kidnapping:
A troubling
national malady
Foreign nationals, monarchs, clerics, elder statesmen, medical personnel, business persons, students, civil servants, journalists, artistes, traders, and even school children, in recent times, have fallen victims of abductions, with some cases ending in sexual molestation, mutilation and even gruesome murder. KEHINDE OYETIMI, in this report, examines the daring spate of incidents, effects of kidnapping on national life, and steps taken to tackle the menace.
“
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et me debunk the impression that there has been tremendous rise in kidnapping in Nigeria. Kidnapping has been there and we have been doing our best to stem the tide. Comparative figure outside Nigeria shows that ours is still within manageable level. Whenever it happens, we are able to arrest them and deal with them. Criminals can’t overwhelm Nigerians. We should not get apprehensive about this. I can assure Nigerians that we are on top of the situation and will make sure we have a secure environment,” were the words of the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, Solomon Arase, in a reported outing in September 2015. Earlier in August 2015, Nigeria was tagged 5th in world’s abduction ranking, and not many stakeholders doubted the assessment, considering the daring spate of kidnappings across the country. Foreign nationals, elder statesmen, clerics, journalists, business men and women, industrialists, civil servants, lecturers, students, school children, among others, some of which remain unreported to security personnel have fallen victims to abductions. Victims also fall into the category of family members of high profile dignitaries, some of whom are usually aged. Of recent, kidnapping took a major twist as monarchs joined the list of victims, an act which many consider taboo, considering cultural inclinations present in many Nigerian communities. The August 2015 ranking, published by Control Risks, an independent UK-headquartered consultancy specialising in political, integrity and security risk, was an update on an earlier report by the organisation in December 2013, published by Business Insider, in which it was stated that “according to RiskMap 2014, a new
Alleged kidnappers of Ikorodu school girls. report from Control Risks, Asia and the Pacific had the most recorded kidnaps-forransom in 2013, up to 35 per cent of global cases from 31 per cent in 2012. Risks remain in Africa, especially in Nigeria where “the overwhelming majority of incidents taking place in the oil-producing Niger Delta.” According to the report, Nigeria ranked third, next to India and Mexico. The rise and rise in abductions Three months after the IGP’s statement, two monarchs were kidnapped within one week in Delta State, resulting in the gruesome murder of one of the victims, the Obi of Ubulu Uku, Akaeze Edward Ofolue, who had recently celebrated 10 years on the throne. The victim was described as a lawyer, businessman and an ardent Christian. The act, which sparked reactions, not just within Nigeria, but in the international community as well, called for steps to be taken to address the issue of kidnapping, once and for all, as it was one too many in the list of various kidnappings, including that of an elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae. Few days ago, barely one week after the abduction of three pastors of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, in Kaduna State, a serving army officer, Colonel Ismaila Inusa, was abducted from the same
The recent kidnappings are coming on the heels of the abduction of three schoolgirls from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos State, which sent many parents into panic, especially as the incident was relatively strange to such environments, especially within the South West.
IGP Solomon Arase state, an action confirmed by the Army to have taken place last Saturday at about 7:30p.m., an action which received national condemnation, considering that the Army is a body of security personnel. According to various reports, while there have been links tracing the kidnap to the Shi’ite clash, others have called for an urgent and holistic approach to curbing the menace, once and for all, especially as every citizen, including security personnel, is now a possible victim.
With the shocking increase in reports of victims across the country for reasons ranging from financial gain, to ritual purposes, as well as religious conversion, the problem kidnapping poses to the country takes a major place on the list of security emergencies needing urgent attention.
Religious community wades in The Northern States Christian Association of Nigeria, an umbrella body of Christians in the 19 Northern states of the federation and the FCT, a couple of weeks ago, reportedly expressed its reaction on the increasing rate of abductions in its region, especially as it relates to Christian girls who are under threat of abduction and forceful conversion. Reverend Yakubu Pam, the chairman of the association, who condemned the rampant abduction of Christian girls, stated that “the church is really concerned and we are pleading with government to put every leadership on alert, particularly, our traditional leaders and security agencies so that they can control such ugly issues that have been taking place here in the North.” With the shocking increase in reports of victims across the country for reasons ranging from financial gain, to ritual purposes, as well as religious conversion, the problem kidnapping poses to the country takes a major place on the list of security emergencies needing urgent attention. More worrisome is the allegation that kidnappers are usually not necessarily illiterate criminals, looking for easy cash, with the reported revelation by Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped in 2015, that the kidnappers spoke ‘good English.’ Another popular case is the abduction of a Professor of Nuclear Physics of the Obafemi AwoloContinues pg 28
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
The late Obi of Ubulu Uku, Akaeze Edward
Kidnapped school girls from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, after their release.
Rescued victims may present new conditions of asthma, diabetes —Study Emancipation of the Niger Delta – MEND. Ransoms in both countries are often on a modest scale to ensure they can be paid. This strategy is sometimes referred to as ‘Express Kid- napping’.”
Chief Olu Falae Continued from pg 27
wo University, Ife, Osun State, Professor James Bolarinwa Olomo, who was said have disappeared in Akwa Ibom State, in October 2013. Motives for taking hostages According to a study titled ‘Kidnapping and hostage-taking: A review of effects, coping and resilience,’ undertaken by David A. Alexander and Susan Klein, and published by the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research, The Robert Gordon University, in the United Kingdom, the history of kidnapping finds its basis in the stealing of children in earlier times, an action which Nigeria can easily relate to, as children were potential victims in the sixties, seventies, through to the nineties, before the advent of abductions of foreign nationals became popular in the oil-rich Niger Delta. According to the study, “motives for taking hostages can be divided into ‘expressive’ (i.e. an effort to voice and/or publicise a grievance or express a frustrated emotion) and ‘instrumental’ (i.e. to obtain a particular outcome such as ransom). In reality, it is usually difficult to identify any single motive, particularly when the event is terrorist-inspired. Material motives (e.g. ransom) may be conveniently masked by alleged religious, political and moral ones. Moreover, ransoms may be used to fund political and religious activities. Also, some insurgency groups sell hostages on to other groups for their own purposes. The taking of foreign hostages has become a particularly popular modus operandi for terrorists (who tend to be well-organized and selective in their ‘target’ hostages), particularly due to their cynical but generally effective use of extensive media coverage. “Other areas which have become highrisk ones for hostage-taking are Nigeria and Colombia. Most incidents in the former are carried out by criminal gangs for ransom, such as the Movement for the
Effects of kidnapping on national life Noting the types of kidnapping, Chidi L. Ilechukwu, Rose Uchem and Uche Asogwa of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in a study titled: ‘Stemming the Incidence of Kidnapping in the Nigerian Society: What Religious Education Can Do?,’ published in the Journal of Culture, Society and Development in 2015, wrote that kidnapping in Nigeria can be economically or politically motivated, stating that the causes of kidnapping are militancy, proliferation of arms and military uniforms, poverty, unemployment, moral decadence and get-rich-quick syndrome, greed, corruption, inadequate control of sea territorial jurisdiction, statelessness of the Nigeria state, loss of patriarchal moral authority by the Nigerian nation and problems with law enforcement. According to the report, kidnapping has a number of far reaching effects on national life, some of which include economic, social, physical, medical, political, psychological/ emotional, moral and international effects. “Some people usually went as far as borrowing to bail their relatives out from the hands of hoodlums. If the victim is a businessman or woman, the business will suffer; if he is a civil servant or an artisan, his place of work will be affected adversely. In both cases there is going to be some setback. If he works in an organisation, the challenges to
be experienced are enormous as the victim’s absence will cause problems with the system and the output will automatically drop. At government level, the economic effects include the expenditure on security and security agencies,” the report stated, noting that kidnapping discourages foreign investment, considering that security of businesses and lives are not guaranteed. Effects of abductions on victims In the opinion of Alexander and Klein, “typical adult reactions include: Cognitive: impaired memory and concentration; confusion and disorientation, intrusive thoughts (‘flashbacks’) and memories; denial (i.e. that the event has happened); hypervigilance and hyperarousal (a state of feeling too aroused, with a profound fear of another incident); Emotional: shock and numbness; fear and anxiety (but panic is not common); helplessness and hopelessness; dissociation (feeling numb and ‘switched off’ emotionally); anger (at anybody – perpetrators, themselves and the authorities); anhedonia (loss of pleasure in doing that which was previously pleasurable); depression (a reaction to loss); guilt (e.g. at having survived if others died, and for being taken hostage); social: withdrawal; irritability; avoidance (of reminders of the event). “Hostages are likely to have to endure, particularly during sustained periods of captivity, an exacerbation of pre-existent physical conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. Also, the detention itself may generate new conditions due to a lack of the basics of healthy living, such as a nutritious diet, warmth, exercise, fresh air and sleep.”
According to the report, kidnapping has a number of far reaching effects on national life, some of which include economic, social, physical, medical, political, psychological/emotional, moral and international effects.
Steps taken to tackle menace President Muhammadu Buhari, in his Easter message to Nigerians, reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure that “armed forces, police and other security agencies are being progressively reformed, repositioned and empowered to win the war against terrorism and make mass killings, abductions and other criminal atrocities things of the past in our beloved country.” The city of Calabar, Cross River State, popularly tagged, ‘Tourist Destination of Nigeria’, having witnessed a fair share of kidnappings, has taken steps to make kidnapping as unattractive as possible for would-be perpetrators. Governor Ben Ayade, in a swift reaction, sought the death penalty for perpetrators of the act. According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser to the governor, Christian Ita, the bill also sought to empower government to seize property belonging to convicted kidnappers as well as offer rewards to citizens who volunteer information to security agencies. The Rivers State governor has also reportedly given his assent to the bill on antikidnapping which aims to bring kidnappers and their sponsors to book. The Lagos State and Ekiti State governments, following the kidnap of the Babington school girls and a catholic priest, Reverend Father Emmanuel Akingbade, expressed the desire to discourage kidnapping to ensure the security of lives and property within their states, in order to drive positive development. “We have plans to rid the state of kidnappers. The issue of kidnap goes beyond political matters. Everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, should team up with government to deal with the kidnapping menace in the state,” Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State was quoted as saying. The United Kingdom police, last month, commenced a seminar to train its Nigerian counterparts on the United Nations’ manual on counter kidnapping. The IGP, Solomon Arase, last week, also called on all to contribute towards ensuring security, through providing support to the police to bring kidnapping under control.
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Navy averts pipeline bombing in Warri •Nabs suspect with explosives •I have no idea of explosives —Suspect Ebenezer Adurokiya and Wisdom Alokpa-Warri
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HAT would have worsened the current fuel scarcity in the country, was last weekend, averted as operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA), Warri Naval Base, Warri, Delta State, arrested a suspect with explosives suspiciously being used for bombing pipelines and other economic sabotage in the creeks of Warri. The suspect, who was paraded along seven others with varying offences at the Naval Base on Tuesday, by Commander NNS DELTA, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, was identified as Mr Sabbath Enaizigha. Mr Sabbath, who was in company of four others now at large, was picked up on March 25, Easter Friday, at Warri waterside, between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja in Warri South West Local Government
Area. Commodore Mohammed, represented by the Base Operations Officer (BOO), Commander Shehu Tasiu, revealed that Mr Sabbath and his fleeing colleagues were arrested with cutlasses and a speed boat containing five fused IED wires, three pairs of batteries, one torch and half gallon of 20 litres filled with local gin (Ogogoro). Other items found in the boat, which were on display before journalists, included six wraps of super power 80 explosive powder, one empty AK47 magazine, one IMOS wire-
less telephone, two cutlasses, one roll of white ribbon cloth, another roll of red ribbon cloth and 10 empty 50 litres jerry cans. Meanwhile, other suspects arrested at different points in Warri waterways for offences related to economic sabotage of the country’s crude oil business included Samson Uwatse, Sunny Saidu, who were caught at an illegal oil bunkering camp at Ugbodede, said to be jointly managed by one Cheke, Gamu and Uwatse. They were arrested with boats laden with substances suspected to be locally-
refined diesel while the accomplices of Uwatse and Saidu, one Mama Joy and Madam Urhobo were said to be at large. At another location, Escravos Channel in Warri South West LGA, four of the eight suspects, Favour, Godpassdem, Doughe and Adeoye, were arrested inside a boat containing locally-refined AGO estimated at 100 metric tons said to have been loaded from a camp at Opemu community within Escravos. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the four suspects and three others - Daniel, Ade and Orere - now at
large, were hired for the unlawful business by one Marvis, who is now being trailed. Items also recovered from the suspects by the naval operatives were 15 GP tanks, two 75HP engines, one 115HP engine, three pumping machines and three hoses used in siphoning the product. However, the suspect allegedly caught with explosives, Enaizigha, who said he was a security man with a security company at Escravos, denied before journalists of being in possession of such dangerous weapons.
No pilgrim defected in Israel —NCPC THE Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) announced on Tuesday that none of the 350 Nigerian pilgrims, who performed the 2016 self-sponsored Easter pilgrimage, defected in the Holy Land. The Director of the Sensitisation Department of the NCPC, Mr Christian Udegbunam, made the disclosure while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on the pilgrimage. The pilgrims returned to Nigeria on March 22. He said that the commission was delighted to have had a successful pilgrimage without any of the pilgrims in the first batch absconding. Udegbunam, however, advised the returnees to stick to the experiences they garnered in the Holy Land to renew their faith in God. ``I feel very happy that we had a successful Easter pilgrimage with no issue of defection. ``I want to encourage them that pilgrimage is a spiritual fulfilment that when you go, you renew your spiritual life. ``All the sights exist and it is an experience worth the while, so people should go there and have a feel of Israel.
C’River to revive cottage industries Anthony Ubong-Calabar
THE Cross River State government on Tuesday expressed its readiness to resuscitate her cottage industries in order to empower rural women. The state’s commissioner for women affairs, Mrs Stella Odey, disclosed this in her remarks at a conference tagged ‘Womens’ Enterprise Support’, in celebration of the 2016 International Women’s Day, facilitated by Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3), in Calabar. According to her, Governor Ben Ayade’s led administration has put in place the needed machineries to revamp all the state owned ailing industries, with a view to create job opportunities for the women folk. Odey, who disclosed that the ministry now has a functional skills acquisition centre for the empowerment of women, said “As part of measures to economically empower the women, the state has made plans to resuscitate her moribund industries in all the local government areas.
Chief Olatunji Arowolo for burial
Former Vice-President and founder of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, serving food during a visit to children under the FEED and READ community programme for children of IDPs by the AUN in Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday.
Agip pipeline explosion claims 3 lives in Bayelsa Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa
NOT fewer than three persons were confirmed dead sequel to a fire explosion at the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) operating facility at Olugbogoro area in Olugbobiri com-
munity in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The facility, it was learnt was operated by a Macro Marine, a Contracting Oil Service firm to Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC). However, the three per-
sons, it was learnt, met their untimely death when they attempted to stop leakages on Agip pipeline in the coastal community. Continuing, perhaps for their inexperience in trying to clamp on the leakage Agip trunk line, it resulted
Look beyond oil for economic growth, Buhari counsels South Sudan Leon Usigbe-Abuja
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has urged the South Sudanese government to invest more in agriculture and not to be solely dependent on oil revenues to grow the nation’s economy. Receiving the outgoing South Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Makuet Riak, at the State House in Abuja, on Tuesday, Buhari said South Sudan can avoid the mistake made by Nigeria in her over-reliance on oil
revenue. The President told the outgoing envoy that Nigeria’s economy, which has been heavily dependent on oil over the years, has been adversely affected by the drop in global oil prices. He said: “Investing in sustainable agriculture is one of the best ways to provide jobs for the people and keep the nation productive. “Food security is important to any country and that is what we are trying to achieve here, years after
we `threw away’ agriculture for oil.” President Buhari also praised the excellent relations between Nigeria and South Sudan and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening existing bilateral ties. In his remarks, Ambassador Riak described his four-year duty tour as his country’s first ambassador to Nigeria as very fruitful. He said South Sudan was blessed with fertile land and would welcome more investments from Nigerian companies.
in an inferno that inflicted serious burnt on them, leaving two dead on the spot while the third rescuer died in the hospital. Environmental Right Activists and Friend of the Earth (ERA), Comrade Morris Alagoa, who regretted the explosion, simply gave the name of one among the deceased as Nelson, adding that the three of them were from Ada Ama Family in Brass Island of Brass Local Government Area of the state. Alagoa, a Friend of the Earth, blamed the contracting firm for not ensuring that rustic trunks were replaced as soon as their lifespan expired, stressing that if the Oil Multi-nationals were alive to their responsibilities several avoidable deaths, destruction of the environment and eco-system and pollution would have been avoided in the state and the region.
THE funeral rites for the late Chief Moses Olatunji Arowolo aged 84 years, commences on Wednesday,March 30 with a wake keep service at his residence, 42, Omidiji, Street, Oke odo by Pleasure bus stop, off Lagos/Abeokuta, Expressway,in Lagos State. at 5pm.The funeral services hold on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 at the First Baptist Church, Oke Apaso, Ede in Osun State at 10am.Interment holds at his residence, Ara road, opposite Army Barracks, Ede while reception for guests holds at Command day secondary school, Oke Gada, Ede. The deceased was a community leader in Oke Odo in Alimosho local Government area as he was the Otun Baale of Oke Odo. He was also a member of Triumphant Baptist Church, Akowonjo, Lagos where he was once a leader of the Patience Circle.He was a retired Director in the Ministry of Culture in Abuja.He is survived by wives, children and grandchildren including Mrs Olabisi Ogundiran, Mr Olukayode Olusegun Arowolo and others.
Chief Moses Arowolo
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Man commits suicide over unpaid salaries in Niger A delowo O ladipo - M inna
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RAGEDY struck at Gbeganu, a community, near Kpakungu, Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State, as a middle-aged man committed suicide, over alleged non-payment of salary arrears of several
months by his employer, said to be a famous construction giant. The incident was said to have occurred last Friday, as the deceased identified simply as Baba Peter, as he was called by his friends and relations, was said to have started withdrawing from people some days before his death.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the deceased was alleged to have complained to his wife and friends about his frustration after years of working for the construction company without being paid his salary and arrears The Nigerian Tribune learnt that his condition
became more worrisome to people around him last Wednesday, after he was said to have visited the company without success to get money for his family upkeep when he was alleged to have suddenly became unusually aggressive the following day. It was learnt that the
From left, Osun State deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Waziri Tambuwal; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and a former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, after the conferment of honourary doctorate degrees on the Sultan and Oyinlola by Fountain University, Osogbo, on Tuesday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.
Bello orders payment of PHC workers’ salaries THE one-day dissemination meeting on Routine Immunisation (RI) budget score card in Niger State between Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) and Coalition of Niger State Civil Societies Organisations (CSOs)/Media on Routine Immunisation, has ended in Minna, with concern that RI funds budgeted were not being released on time to enable the coalition carry out its functions. The worrisome condition in the Niger State health sector came to the fore as Governor Abubakar Bello, ordered for the immediate payment of two years salary owed some casual Primary Health Care (PHC) workers in Maje town, in Suleja Local Government Area of the state. Governor Bello gave the directive during an unscheduled inspection visit to health facilities in some parts of the state when he was told that some Primary Healthcare (PHC) workers in Suleja had not been paid for about two years. Apparently irked by the inhuman treatment the victims had been subjected to, Governor Bello directed the chairman of Suleja Local Government Area, Alhaji Ahmed Diko, to immediately release the two years outstanding salaries of the casual workers.
Governor Bello said: “It is very unfair for people to work without payment. As the chief security officer of Suleja Local Government Area of this place, get money to pay the workers their due salaries within 24 hours”. The Nigerian Tribune learnt that discrimination
along tribal and religious lines leading to poor remuneration is said to be the major setback that has plagued the health care delivery system in the state health sector. Meanwhile, the coalition observed that RI fund budgeted were not released on
time, budget review meetings were not held on quarterly basis for 2015 and first quarter of 2016 and that RI funds scaled out in the basket funds were not accessed from Local Government Areas (LGA) and HAF bank account for 2015 and first quarter of 2016.
deceased was said to have left a warning that nobody should come near him as he started keeping indoors, to the extent that his wife had to inform his friend whom he had equally rebuffed on the ground that, ‘he was thinking about his existence’. The deceased, who was believed to have hailed from Ekiti State, was said to have last Thursday morning, called his wife to find out where she kept the rat poison used in flitting their house. Thereafter, the deceased allegedly called one of his friends to inform him that he was taking his own life. The said friend, was said to have quickly called the deceased’s wife on telephone to ask if she was at home and with a view to inform her about the last conversation he had with her husband. Consequently, the deceased’s friend was said to have rushed to the man’s house, only to discover he had drank the poison and laid unconsciously on the floor of his room. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in the area but did not survive, as he was said to have died less than one hour after he was brought to the health facility. The Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Niger State Police Command, ASP Elkanah Bala, confirmed the incident. The police image maker, in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, on Monday evening, in Minna, said that the case was not reported to the police for obvious reasons.
Call your commissioner to order, group urges Udom THE Akwa Ibom Progressives Forum (AKIPROF), has called on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, to call his Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Mr Uwem Ita Etuk, to order and caution him against playing divisive politics and causing unnecessary tension in the polity. Etuk was also advised to focus on supporting the governor and other stakeholders on moving the state forward instead of rabble-rousing. The forum, in a statement signed by its president, Pastor Odudu Akpan and made available to newsmen, said it was reacting to a statement credited to the commissioner that the current senator representing Uyo senatorial district, Senator Bassey Albert,should not dream of a second term, noting that such statement
was “unfortunate, ill intentioned and an attempt to cause disunity among the people of the district and the state.” The forum maintained
that while it is too early to talk about 2019, Etuk was not in any position to decide for the people of Uyo district, saying: “Rather than support the governor
and other stakeholders to move the state forward, we are disappointed that the commissioner is busy fanning the embers of discord.”
Chronic kidney disease caused by hypertension, glomerular disease —Expert By Gabriel Oshokha CHRONIC kidney disease (CKD) affects mainly young adults aged 20 to 50 in Africa, and is primarily due to hypertension and glomerular disease, Dr Kavita Parihar an expert in Nephrology and Renal Transplant of Apollo Hospitals in Ahmedabad, India has disclosed. Dr Parihar stated that CKD also called chronic kidney failure is the gradual loss of kidney function, adding that when chronic disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluids, electrolytes and wastes can build up in the body. Dr Parihar declared that
chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of the body, saying potential complications include: fluid retention, a sudden rise in potassium levels in the blood, weak bones and an increased risk of bone fractures and anemia, decreased sex drive or impotence, damaged to the central nervous system and decreased immune response, which makes one more vulnerable to infection. According to Dr Parihar, kidney failure could be prevented through control of diabetes and high blood pressure, diet low in fat and salt, exercise most days of the week, have regular
check-up, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol and self-medication. She maintained that screening for kidney disease in high-risk populations, e.g. patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus and a family history of kidney disease, should be instituted as the first step in kidney prevention in developing countries. Dr Parihar identified factors that may increase risk of chronic kidney disease as family history of kidney disease, age 65 or older, smoking and obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease, among others.
Lagos assembly proposes bill to legalise activities of vigilance groups Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos LAGOS State House of Assembly is proposing a law which is aimed at legalising the activities of vigilance groups, which are expected to collaborate with the police in ensuring safety of lives and property. The bill, which has been read for the first time on the floor of the House, is a Private Member Bill ,which is being sponsored by the speaker, Honourable Mudashiru Obasa. One of the objectives of the law, if eventually passed, is to make available information to the police through intelligence gathering. According to the lawmakers, the bill when passed, is expected to help in addressing the distrust that usually exist among residents in providing tip-offs that would lead to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of suspected criminals.
Professor Isumonah delivers inaugural lecture at UI tomorrow
A Professor of Political Science, Victor Adefemi Isumonah, will deliver inaugural lecture at the University of Ibadan, on Thursday (tomorrow). Professor Isumonah’s lecture is tagged: “Universalism and political mobilisation”. The inaugural lecture, which will be delivered at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan; will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka. He is a lecturer in the institution’s Department of Political Science, a recipient of several national and international awards and fellowships, including University of London, Leventis Cooperation, Research Fellowship; Bank of Ireland, Nelson Mandela Fellowship; National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland and Cambridge, African collaborative Research fellowship. He is also a member of several national and international professional associations including, Nigeria Political Science Association, American Political Science Association and the International Society of Third Sector Research. He has published extensively on ethics, federal and democratic issues in Africa and Nigeria, in particular.
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APC can’t win any election in Rivers —Wike
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IVERS State governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not in a position to win any election in the state, adding that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is merely sponsoring violence to remain relevant politically. This is even as the Senate Caucus of the Peoples Dem-
Agitators for state of emergency in Rivers are idle —PDP chair
ocratic Party (PDP), led by Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must release the collated results of the March 19, 2016 reruns. Speaking during a solidarity visit by the PDP Senate Caucus, Governor Wike said the Minister of Transportation lost his local government area and Federal Constituency, hence his desperation to influence the release of the results. “Any person who loves Mr President won’t be causing unnecessary crisis for him. We have problem in the
North- East, problem in the South-East, so there is no need for another problem in the South-South .”It is good that the elections were held so that Nigerians will know the truth about the polity. If elections are held 20 times, PDP will win,” Governor said. The governor decried the role played by soldiers, during the reruns, adding the military were directly involved in the elections at polling units and at the collation centres, in direct violation of the Electoral Act. He regretted the killing of the corps member, Samuel Okonta, during the reruns,
stressing that investigation into the type of bullet that killed him must be made public. The governor confirmed that the state government would immortalise the latecorps member. Earlier, Senate Minority Leader and Leader of Senate PDP Caucus, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the victory recorded by the PDP in Rivers State was: “A clear case of justice being done by God”. While describing Rivers State as peaceful , Senator Akpabio regretted the sponsored propaganda by the opposition to destroy the image of the state, saying
there is no other political party in the state outside the PDP. He called for tolerance in the political space to allow for the sustenance of the state’s multiparty democracy. Highpoint of the visit was the donation of N1million by the Senate to the family of the late Samuel Okonta, through Governor Wike, while Senator Akpabio prayed that Okonta’s death would be the last during elections. He also commiserated with the government and people of the state, over the death of PDP members during the reruns .
Dapo Falade - Port harcourt CHAIRMAN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Mr Felix Obuah, has described as mischievous idlers those agitating for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Obuah made this known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, adding that the agitators were still nursing their wounds, having “been disengaged from the looting of the state resources by Governor Nyesom Wike’s New Rivers Vision”. According to the Rivers PDP chairman, the agitators for a state of emergency, having realised that it was no longer business as usual, the only option left for them was to forment trouble to discredit the incumbent administration. He said the motive behind plan to discredit the Wike-led administration was because the governor frustrated them from further looting of state resources. He accused the leadership of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the mastermind of the agitation and described them as criminals and looters of the state resources who have lost out in the new dispensation in the state. “This is the real motive of the APC for causing crises in parts of the state and, having failed in this criminal bid, have resorted to raising aimless and hopeless alarm over non-existent incidences of violence except the ones instigated by them to justify their mischievous call,” he said. Obuah also described the alleged the move by the frustrated APC as a lost battle, claiming that state was generally peaceful adding that the economy was impressively picking up as a result of the focused leadership of the Wike administration.
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike (right), receiving N1 million donation to the family of slain youth corps member, Samuel Okonta, from the Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during the solidarity visit of PDP Senate caucus to celebrate PDP’s victory in the reruns, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
Monorail project for Rivers people, not mine —Amaechi FEDERAL Minster of Transportation, Honourable Chibuike Amaechi has chided the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, over his decision not to continue with the state’s monorail project started by the immediate past Amaechi-led government.
Wike had recently been reported in the media as describing several ongoing projects in the state when Amaechi left office as abandoned projects, while insisting that he would not touch Amaechi’s monorail, adding that the entire state had told him not to contin-
ue with the project In a statement on Tuesday, Amaechi said such projects should not be seen as his personal projects but as projects that would be beneficial to the entire people of the state. Amaechi wondered how Wike would allege that the
Robbery suspect nabbed while buying bathroom slippers Banji Aluko - Benin City THE police in Edo State have paraded a robbery suspect, who was arrested while trying to buy bathroom slippers after participating in a robbery incident. The police described the suspect, Matthew Momoh, 25, and electrical repairer, as a member of a threeman gang of robbers, who robbed occupants of a residential building in Uteh community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Victims of the robbery carried out by Momoh’s gang, were said to have
raised the alarm that attracted youths, who quickly chased the robbers. Momoh was alleged to have thrown away his gun, removed his shoes and was in the process of buying a bathroom slippers from a shop when he was arrested. Some youths in the vicinity of the shop, however, suspected his awkward appearance as he was said to have walked into the shop barefooted. His failure to provide convincing answers to the questions asked him about his strange outlook led to his arrest and subsequent handover to the police.
Cash, SIM packs, cutto-size single barrel gun, one live cartridge and a phone belonging to one of his gang’s victims were paraded with him by the police. One of the robbery victims (name withheld) identified the suspect as one of the three robbers who attacked him and his wife in their apartment at Uteh Community. The suspect, however, denied any involvement in the robbery incident. He said he was returning from a site where he had gone to execute electrical project when the youth descended on him.
people of the state, who canvassed for the project in the first place and acknowledged that it would serve as a catalyst to jump-start the local economy and place the state at the forefront of transport infrastructural development in Africa, would suddenly turn to chastise the monorail project. “On the Rivers Monorail project, Governor Wike said that he will not touch Amaechi’s monorail and that the entire state has told him not to continue with the project. Can someone, please, tell Wike that the monorail belongs to Rivers State and it’s not Amaechi’s private monorail? “Governor Wike, which Rivers people told you not to touch the monorail project? Is it the same Rivers people that have consistently praised the project and see it as a catalyst to jump-start the local economy and place the state at the forefront of transport infrastructural development in Africa?” he questioned.
No life lost in Kano fire disaster —Ganduje Kola Oyelere - Kano KANO State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has confirmed that no life was lost to the fire outbreak that gutted the Abubakar Rimi Market in Sabongari, but disclosed that 17 people that sustained varying degrees of injury in the incident were taken to a hospital, while 12 of the victims had been discharged. He, however, assured that the state government would pay the medical bills of some injured traders. Dr Ganduje, who was at the opening of the clearance of debris at the market, said 10 graders and over 100 tippers had been deployed to the site to evacuate and dispose of the wreckage, to prevent the spread of diseases from burnt and contaminated objects. The governor, who was vividly disturbed by the fire outbreak that destroyed property worth billions of Naira, said his administration solicited the support of construction firms to provide graders to clear roads within the market, adding that the work was ongoing smoothly.
PDP chieftain warns ex-party excos against disturbance Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri THE Chairman of the Imo State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Vitalis Okafor, has warned the immediate past executives of the party that if they continued to pester his committee, it would have no option but to invoke the constitution of the party, in order to expel them because of their behaviour. Basking on his victory in an Orlu High Court which affirmed the legitimacy of his committee, the chairman of the committee, Mr Okafor, on Tuesday, announced the immediate dissolution of all party structures in wards and local goverments areas of the state. He made this known while addressing newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Owerri, noting that the party would soon embark on wider consultations among its leaders in the 27 local government areas of the state. According to him, the party would equally commence a 10 –day local government sensitisation tours, which he said,was of utmost importance because of the forthcoming congresses whose timetable would soon be released.
south-westnews Proprietor bags 10 years imprisonment for raping pupil 32
Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti
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N Ado Ekiti High Court has sentenced the proprietor of God’s Grace Nursery and Primary School, Ado Ekiti, Mr Babatunde Ibitoye, to 10 years in prison for raping a pupil of
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
his school. Ibitoye was jailed on Tuesday after he was found guilty of raping a 10-yearold pupil at his school, located at Agric Olope Area of Ajilosun, in the state capital. He had committed the offence on June 10, 2013 and
had been on trial since December 2013. The Ekiti State Ministry of Justice had, through a suit number HAD/F11/2013, preferred a one-count charge of rape against Ibitoye on December 3, 2013. Justice Toyin Abodunde, in her judgement, agreed
with the evidence of the plaintiff in the case, saying the prosecution had been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant sexually abused the victim, who was his pupil as at the time the offence was committed. Justice Abodunde said
From left, former Minister of Health, Professor Eyitayo Lambo; his wife, Esther and the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, during the 50 years of physiotherapy training in Ibadan, held at the College of Medicine, UCH, Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: D. ‘TOYIN.
Pandemonium in Eruwa as police swoop on students Eruwa Poly announces semester break By Tunde Ogunesan THERE was pandemonium in Eruwa, headquarters of Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, as police and other security agencies swooped on students of Eruwa Polytechnic, following their protest on Tuesday. Sources informed the Nigerian Tribune that the students were protesting on two fronts; dismissal of students of Higher National Diploma (HND) Business Administration and hike in fees charged for late registration by the management. The source within the campus, who confirmed the development, said: “The students were protesting the introduction of late registration fees and dismissal of HND One students of Business Administration.” The protest, it was gathered, did not go down well with the management which called in members of the state police force in the town. This, according to sources, led to the alleged gun shot on a student and another, a female, also alleged to be asthmatic was tear-gassed. The two students were said to be undergoing treatment in an undisclosed hospital. Explaining further, the
source said: “The affected HND One students of Business Administration were told to go home after being admitted, paid their school fess and had even been receiving lectures.” The source hinted that the school management hinged their excuse on the fact that the affected students studied Public Administration for their National Diploma (ND) courses.
It was also gathered that the students were forced to remain indoors till around 5.00p.m yesterday for fear of arrest while some were being detained at Sango Police Station in the town. All efforts to reach the management for their reaction on the development proved abortive. One of the principal officers who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune under condition of anonym-
ity confirmed the protest but declined to confirm or deny the reasons for the students’ protest. Meanwhile, the management of Eruwa Polytechnic, Eruwa, has ordered the students of the institution to go on semester break following Tuesday’s protest. The management stated this in a short message sent to the students on Tuesday evening.
Dearth of physiotherapists, bane of health for all —Ex-minister By Sade Oguntola FORMER Minister of Health, Professor Eyitayo Lambo, has said that dearth of physiotherapists in Nigeria is inimical to ensuring universal health for all. Lambo, speaking at the 50th anniversary and second distinguished physiotherapy alumni lecture, on Tuesday, in Ibadan, said that Nigeria’s one physiotherapist to 90,000 Nigerians was grossly inadequate to meet the increasing need for physiotherapy care. Lambo said correcting the challenge would also require a review of the
physiotherapy training with the view to ensure its services are available at the primary health level. The former health minister, who said physiotherapists play a great role in preventive, curative and palliative health services, declared that: “We cannot achieve universal health coverage without certain services been available at the primary health level.” He declared that the silence of the National Health Act on physiotherapy services at the primary health care level was also a challenge to making this form of treatment accessi-
ble at the community level where it is mostly needed. Managing Director/CEO, FirstBank Nigeria, Plc, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, in his keynote address, linked the nation’s poor funding of the health sector to its poor health indices and medical tourism Adeduntan called for a multi-tiered approach to health care services. Adeduntan said since the public provision can only meet a fraction of the demand for healthcare, Nigeria must look to entrepreneurship to provide a broad spectrum response to the nation’s healthcare needs.
that she agreed with the averment of the DPP and the victim’s evidence to the effect that the defendant was caught at the scene of the incident and could not have denied knowledge of the offence. The judge said: “I rely heavily on the evidence of the victim that the defendant had been having sexual relationship with her before he was caught. Some of the teachers even gave evidence that she bled profusely few days before that time. It further confirmed that she had been sexually abused. “The fact that the defendant was caught pants down was suffice to prove that the accused person committed the offence contrary to Section 31(c) of the Ekiti State Child Rights Law 2013 and he is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without option of fine.” Ibitoye was caught by members of the community in the afternoon of June 10, 2013 having sex with the minor in a bush near Fayemi Market in the area. He had claimed that he was taking her home after school hours. Witnesses had accused Ibitoye of conveying about four pupils in his bus and had driven to a bushy area near the market ostensibly to excrete, but had entered the bush with the victim. The witnesses had also said that Ibitoye had sent the other pupils on errands to ensure he covered his tracks. However, some auto mechanics in the vicinity had suspected Ibitoye’s movement and had stealthily gone close only to find the proprietor sexually abusing his pupil. Having been caught in the act, the witnesses arrested Ibitoye and handed him over to the Police at Ologede station in Ado Ekiti. Following media reports of the incident, the state government, then under Dr Kayode Fayemi, announced the immediate closure of his school, a ban which is till in place. Chairperson, Federation of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) in the state, Mrs Rita Ilevbare, while commending the judgement, urged the victims of rape to always speak out, saying silence would not help. Ilevbare also lauded the state’s Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and the victim’s parents for diligent prosecution of the case, saying “this is a landmark in the battle against rampancy of rape in the state.”
Nigerian Tribune
Kidnapping, robbery: Fulani herdsmen set up committee on crime Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja FOLLOWING the allegation of involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery in Kogi State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has set up committees across the 21 local government areas of the state to identity the criminals among the Fulanis. The Kogi State Chairman of the association, Mallam Jalido Abubakar, who said this on Tuesday during a meeting with security agents, however, said findings had shown that the Fulanis were innocent of many of the crimes in the communities they operate. Denying the allegation of kidnapping and armed robbery against the Fulanis in different parts of the country, he argued that the Fulanis were mostly victims of the communities where they settled. He urged the people of Kogi State to disregard the perception of Fulanis as violent people, saying the people are peace-loving and accommodating. Abubakar said: “I will not dispute the fact that we do not have bad eggs among us, but we have set-up committees at local government level to fish out the criminals. We will get them arrested and would face the wrath of the law.”
Ondo LP alleges plan to cause crisis in party Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure ONDO State chapter of the Labour Party has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to create crisis within the party. The party, which stated this in a press statement issued and signed by the state’s Secretary, Ronke Akerele, also distanced itself from participating in the forthcoming local government election in the state. The Ondo LP alleged the masterminding artificial crises within the LP in the state. The party, in the statement, advised the governor to concentrate more on governance. Akerele said in the statement: “The Ondo State Labour Party appeals to the governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, against creating crisis in the party.
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Ogun PDP chieftains sue party, INEC over exco Sunday Ejike - Abuja
TWO chieftains of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have dragged the national leadership of the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before a Federal High Court, Abuja, over the continued stay in office of the Ogun State Executive of the party. The plaintiffs, Chief Moyo Agoro and Alhaji Taofeek Oshundara are contesting that the tenure of the executive has expired and should no longer be recognised by the national secretariat of the party and INEC. Other defendants in the suit No FHC/ABJ/ CS/185/2016 are Chief Adebayo Dayo and Alhaji Semiu Sodipo who are sued for themselves and on behalf of Ogun State Working Committee of the PDP. In the suit filed on their behalf by Mr Ehi Uwuaifoh, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether by virtue of Section 47 (1) Chapter 6 of the constitution of the PDP, the tenure of the Chief Adebayo Dayoled State Working Committee and State Executive Committee of the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, which was elected and inaugurated on February 28, 2012, has not expired. They also want the court to declare, “Whether the continued stay in office by the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee is not illegal, null and void, being contrary to Chapter 6, Section 47 (1) of the Constitution of the PDP. “Whether the Dayo-led PDP Ogun State chapter, State Working Committee and State Executive Committee can continue to run and manage the affairs of the PDP, Ogun State chapter in violation of Chapter 6, Section 47 (1) of the constitution of the PDP. “Whether the State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee of the PDP, Ogun State chapter, should not vacate office immediately since their tenure of office has expired by effluxion of time.” Upon the resolution of the questions, the plaintiffs asked the court to order that the tenure of office of the 3rd defendant, Dayo-led State Working Committee and State Executive Committee of the Ogun State chapter of the PDP listed in the schedule of the originating summons which was elected and inaugurated on February 28, 2012 has expired by virtue of Section 47 (1) Chapter 6 of the constitution of the PDP. They also sought an order of the court declaring that the 3rd defendant, Dayo-led
State Working Committee and State Executive Committee of the Ogun State chapter of the PDP cannot continue to run and/ or manage the affairs of the Ogun State chapter of the party when their tenure of office has ended/expired by effluxion of time. The plaintiffs also want the court to compel the National Working Committee and or the National Executive Committee of the party
(1st defendant) to appoint a caretaker committee to run/manage the affairs of the Ogun State chapter of the PDP pending when a new State Working Committee and State Executive Committee is elected by the Ogun State chapter of the party. Plaintiffs also applied for an order restraining the 2nd defendant (INEC) from relating, communicating or having anything to do with
the 3rd defendant, Dayoled State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee of the Ogun State Chapter of the PDP in respect of the conduct of congresses, primaries or carrying out any other function of the state working committee and or state executive committee of the Ogun State chapter of the party. In an 11-point affidavit in support of the originating summons, the second plain-
tiff, Oshundara claimed to be a card carrying member and the State Youth Leader of the Working Committee and the Executive Committee of the Ogun State chapter. He averred that the Ogun State Working Committee was elected through a harmonised process which began in 2011 and was inaugurated and sworn in on February 28, 2012, more than four years ago and in breach of the PDP constitution.
Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, inaugurating the construction of flyover at Fajuyi Road, Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday.
We’ll soon pass bill on 37 LCDAs —Ogun lawmaker
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GUN State House of Assembly has promised to pass expeditiously, the bill for the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state. Mr Akinpelu Aina, a member of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abeokuta. The bill, now in its final stage, would be deliberated on thoroughly by the committee of the whole House after which it would be passed into law, he said. “The bill for a law to amend the Local Government Law of Ogun State 2002, has already passed the second reading on the floor of the House. “We have also held a three-day public hearing on the bill by bringing together stakeholders. “I want to assure the citizens and all the stakeholders that contributed during the public hearing that all their yearnings and contributions would be put into consideration before the passage of the bill,” the lawmaker said. Aina explained that the creation of the development councils was to bring government closer to the
people and to foster cordial relationship among the people. According to him, one of the merits of the bill is to ensure greater representation of the people in gov-
ernance as well as open avenues for better understanding of the peculiarities of each locality. NAN reported that Governor Ibikunle Amosun had on March 10 sent an execu-
tive bill to the House seeking to restructure the existing 20 councils and create additional 37 LCDAs. The bill is in fulfilment of his electoral promise to the people.
Fayose inaugurates N5.7bn flyover project in Ado Ekiti Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti
GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, on Tuesday, formally inaugurated the construction of N5.7 billion flyover project in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. The bridge, said to be 1.2 kilometres, would commence at Fajuyi Park and terminate at Ojumose. Governor Fayose said at the official inauguration of the project that it was expected to be delivered in 24 months and promised that projects awarded by his government would be completed before the expiration of his tenure. Fayose described the flyover project as the first of its kind in the state, which forms part of his efforts to decongest Ado Ekiti metropolis for effective traffic. He warned the contractor handling the project against unnecessary delay, saying
the project must be delivered within the stipulated time. Fayose said: “This was a project that has been my heart desire during my first term. I nearly awarded it before that unfortunate incident happened. I saw it as a landmark achievement because you can’t get it in Ondo or Osun State. “I have promised that I won’t abandon any project for my successor. I shall complete every project that I awarded, because I don’t want to leave any burden behind. “Whatever we do will remain in our name, particularly the physical project and that is why I charge the traditional rulers to appeal to politicians to give peace a chance. It is only under an atmosphere of peace that you can witness development. “I am not going to limit
physical construction to road alone. I will soon inaugurate the construction of ultra-modern High Court complex with modern facilities for effective and efficient administration of justice. “Some of you will ask me ‘how am I going to achieve this in view of the poor allocations to the state, but don’t worry, don’t be hopeless. “I rely on the little taxes and rates to be paid by citizens to boost our IGR to do all these. With your support, all these shall be achieved.” The Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Samuel Oyebade and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo, who praised the governor for his zeal to develop Ekiti, appealed to politicians to give peace a chance to forestall unnecessary crisis that could cause distraction.
Nigerian Tribune
Osun to set up task force on cattle herdsmen Oluwole Ige - Osogbo
OSUN State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, directed that a task force be set up to monitor and control the entry and exit of cattle herdsmen into the state. A statement release by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the directive followed the report of indiscriminate grazing of farmland by Fulani herdsmen with their cattle across the state. The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, gave the directive at a meeting with the state committee on Peaceful Co-existence between Fulani/Bororo and farmers, as well as officials of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. He said the two major entry points of the herdsmen into the state, which are Iwo and Ila axes, should be properly manned by the task force to control their movement. According to him, the herdsmen could not be left uncontrolled while the crops that have been worked hard to produce by farmers are being grazed indiscriminately.
Commissioner makes case for creation of LCDAs in Ogun OGUN State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Adedayo Adeneye, has supported the creation of additional Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in the state. He said the new development areas would complement existing local government areas in the state. Adeneye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ijebu-Ode, on Tuesday, that the LCDAs would help to further bridge the gap between government and the people in the areas of intervention. He said that Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s pursuit of additional 37 LCDAs to complement the existing 20 local governments in the state was in furtherance of efforts to deliver dividends of democracy. NAN reported that Amosun, had on March 10, written to the state House of Assembly proposing a bill to restructure the existing 20 area councils to 57 to enhance development.
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Saraki urges closer collaboration between Nigeria, Colombia Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja
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HE President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, called for a closer collaboration between Nigeria and Colombia in order to improve diplomatic ties and enhance
democratic governance in both countries. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, Saraki said this when he received a Parliamentary delegation from Colombia, led by Senator Edinson Delgado, in his office.
He made it known that the National Assembly was open to relationships with other advanced parliaments across the globe to broaden its legislative experience and knowledge of its lawmakers, adding that Nigeria and Colombia have a long standing re-
lationship that need to be oiled and improved upon for mutual benefits just as he canvassed for strong investment in the Nigeria economy by Colombian investors. According to him, “We are happy that you are here. I believe your visit will fur-
CCT: North-central leaders back Saraki, seek stoppage of his trial Biola Azeez - Ilorin
SOME political leaders in the North-central zone, including members of coalition of civil society organisations, have called for the immediate dismissal of the ongoing trial of the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, on Tuesday, the political leaders, under the aegis of Leaders of Thought North-central Zone, said that they rejected the CCT’s judgment of March 24, 2016. The spokesman of the group, Senator Ahmed Mohammed, on behalf of the people of North-central zone called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to be indifferent to the alleged injustice and abuse of legal system in the country by the chairman of the CCT.
He said the recent pronouncement by eminent Jurists on the perceived illegality of the CCT and lack of power to prosecute Senator Saraki were enough reasons to attract presidential action on the alleged impunity of chairman of the CCT. “We have refrained from speaking about the trial of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) because of our belief that it was an issue that would stand the test of truth, equity and justice. “BUT it has become significant to raise our voice at this juncture not only for posterity, but because of the pronouncement of Justice Danladi Umar, which established clearly that double standard is reigning supreme.” Justifying their call for presidential intervention, Mohammed noted that
Saraki did not only deliver Kwara State 100 per cent to APC in the last general elections, he was a pillar in the North-central,” he said. Also speaking, the secretary general of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation, Basambo Abubakar, said that the senate president represented the face of Nigerian youth and students, adding that Dr Saraki is the face of tomorrow for Nigerian students and youth. Abubakar, who said that the senate president had empowered students in gainful employment and appointment, described his travails as a setback for growth of Nigeria democracy. In the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, APC used to have only one governor in Nasarawa before Kwara joined. Today, APC rules in all the states of North-cen-
Benue CAN calls FG to set up judicial inquiry into Fulani/ farmers crisis Johnson Babajide - Makurdi
CHRISTIAN Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State chapter, has called on the Federal Government to set up a judicial commission of enquiry to look into the problems of the communities invaded by Fulani herdsmen recently in the state. About five local government areas of Benue State in recent times were invaded by Fulani herdsmen leading to death of many persons and properties worth several million of naira destroyed, with Agatu Local Government being the worst hit. According to the statement by the state CAN chairman, Reverend Akpen Leva, signed by his media aide, Sam Tyav, stated that the judicial commission of enquiry would bring lasting solutions to the crisis which he said has continued unabated. As an alternative, Rev Leva requested for the organisation of a town hall meeting where the issue would be addressed to usher in harmo-
nious relationship and the betterment of the two communities. While he condemned the abduction of TEKAN president and other pastors in Kaduna, Rev Leva wondered why it was taking the security agents a long time to bring their abductors to book and urged them to work harder. Rev Leva also appealed to the security agencies and
other stakeholders to adopt measures that would guide against kidnapping in the country as he said the trend was becoming increasingly unbearable. The state CAN chairman condemned the religious bill in Kaduna State as attempt to tear the nation apart, insisting that it did not reflect the true feelings of the people of Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular.
tral for the party, courtesy of the outstanding role he played with others. “There is no other zone that came from one out of six governors to six over six today. APC also has the largest number in National Assembly, state assemblies and local councils.
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ther strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Colombia. “For many years, lots of opportunities have not been harnessed by both countries in spite of the fact that Nigeria and Colombia have a lot of things in common. Here in Nigeria, we have two chambers just like you have in Colombia. “We are very identical, we must build this relationship and that is why I am encouraging this visit, particularly at this period of diversification of our economy,” Saraki said. The Senate President extended invitation to the parliament of Colombia for cooperation and exchange of programmes that would improve the quality of law
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making in both countries. The leader of the Colombian parliamentary delegation, Senator Edinson Delgado called for mutual cooperation between his country and Nigeria for mutual diplomatic and economic benefits. Delgado said the team, which comprised of Colombian businessmen and investors, was in Nigeria on a three city tour of Lagos, Yola and Port Harcourt to foster partnerships and explore opportunities with a focus on commerce, industry and agriculture between both countries. He promised to work hard to improve the economic and parliamentary relationship between Colombia and Nigeria.
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I, formerly Mrs Nwaiwu Nneka Sophy now MRS EZEH SOPHY NNEKA. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Olasumbo Margaret Ero-Phillips now MRS OLASUMBO MARGARET OGUNTOYINBO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Mrs Cecilia Abiola Awosusi now MRS ABIOLA COMFORT EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Ogungbesan Omolabake now MRS OLADIPO OMOLABAKE. All former documents remain valid. Civil Service Commission, State of Osun and general public take note.
I, Ekundayo Maria Egobi am the same person bearing Omokhepen Maria Egobi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as EKUNDAYO MARIA EGOBI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Eco Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Adeyemi Adeyinka Adebisi now MRS OGUNBADEJO ADEYINKA ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Mrs Komolafe Olusola Olaide now MISS KOLADE OLUSOLA OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Babatunde Esther Kemi now MRS ADETUNJI ESTHER KEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Temitayo Mary Ajibade now MRS TEMITAYO MARY SULAIMAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Oyenuga Anuoluwapo Oluwafemi now OYENUGA ANUOLUWAPO DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Adegoke Adenike Aderonke now MRS ADEDEJI RUTH ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Ministry of Education and general public take note.
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I, formerly Yisau Kehinde now ADELEKE KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Yale Food Limited and general public take note.
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I, formerly Alamu Ridwan Oluwaseyi now AKINADE DANIEL OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Ohu Mojiroye Kehinde now MRS MOHAMMED MOJIROYE KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Nkechi Tracey Jibunoh now MRS NKECHI HEPHZIBAH ADENIRAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Olowonifala Abosede Racheal now OLOWONIFALA ABOSEDE MONSURAT. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and general public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Atunwa Foluke Modupeola Opeyemi now MRS GBOLAHAN FOLUKE MODUPEOLA. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB and general public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adams Sheu Jimoh now ADAMS SEUN JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME
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I, formerly Yusuff Salawu Akanni now ALHAJI SALAWU YESUFU AKANNI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Ojo Adetutu Temilade now OSHODEHINDE ADETUTU TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Mgbe Josephine now MRS AKANBI JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Fasasi Rasheedat Opeyemi now MRS BUSARI RASHEEDAT OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.
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I, formerly Gbode Thomas now GBODE THOMAS KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. Yale Food Limited and general public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Hammed Aminat Adebola now MRS JABAR AMINAT ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB, State of Osun and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Alagbala Yetunde Salimat now MRS ADEDEJI YETUNDE SALIMAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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CORRECTON OF NAME I, Ebo Azubuike Dominic my name was mistakenly written as Ebo Azubuike Azubuike Dominic. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as EBO AZUBUIKE DOMINIC. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Mr Odunaro Kehinde Abayomi now MR BABATUNDE KEHINDE ABAYOMI. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc, Sumal Food Limited. and general public take note.
35 CHANGE OF NAME
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME
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CORRECTION OF NAME
The correct spelling of my name is NANA KHADIJAT AHMED JUMMAI and not Nana Kadijat Ahmed Jummai . All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Owolabi Rebecca Omolara Adebisi now MRS ADERIBIGBE ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.
I, formerly Emmanuel Timball Fere now EMMANUEL TIMBALL OGHENEWOVKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, Murunku Ebimotukpoemi Ajasco, am the same person as Murunku Ajasco and Murunku A. Ebimotukpoemi. I now wish to be known as MURUNKU EBIMOTUKPOEMI AJASCO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Femi-Umoru Joy Yetunde now MISS UMORU JOY YETUNDE OLUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Bagunjoko Tinuola Oluwatoyin now BOGUNJOKO-OPEOLUWA TINUOLA OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc., and general public take note.
I, formerly Sadiq Jummai Hadizat now MRS NANA KHADIJAT AHMED All former JUMMAI. documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Aderonmu now Adedayo Owolabi ADEYEMO NURUDEEN ADEDAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Mary Monday Ekpenyong of Itiam Ikot Ebia, Etoi Uyo, Akwa Ibom State now MRS MARY MOSES OGUNDARE of Olusumbo Ogundare Villa, Alagbayun Estate, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Omavuohrerhe Tega now Stephen OGHENETEGA STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
CORRECTION OF NAME My name was erronously entered as Glory Yahaya instead of Gloria Yahaya. Now, I wish to be known, called and addressed as GLORIA YAHAYA. All documents bearing these names remain valid General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Ofordu Jane Ngozi now MRS. IGWEAGU Jane Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. ESUT, all embassies and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Adeyemo Shakirat Adewumi now MRS HAMZAT SHAKIRAT ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB and general public take note.
I, Sunday Sani Oduh my Name was erroneously written as Sani Oduh. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY SANI ODUH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Nwankwo Jideofor now NWANKWO JIDEOFOR DARLINGTON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olagunju Oluwasegun O. now SEGUN JOHNSON OLAGUNJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Adeola Oluwatoyin Babatunde now MRS. ADEOLA OLUWATOYIN OGUNADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Popoola Lydia Olufunke now MRS. OGUNBUNMI LYDIA OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. OCEDO, Ila and general public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Moru Evlyn Oziohu now MRS JOHN EVLYN OZIOHU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME
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I, formerly Miss Oladejo Oluwakemi Seun now MRS. OLAWOLE OLUWAKEMI SEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Oladoyinbo Abiodun Olatokunbo now MRS OKE ABIODUN OLATOKUNBO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Ajibade Tolulope Esther now MRS. OLABIRAN TOLULOPE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Akinwumi Felicia Adewumi now MRS ADEROJU FELICIA ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Sunmola Funmilola Ganiyat now ADEDEJI FUNMI GANIYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Aderonke Olusola Fisher now MRS ADERONKE OLUSOLA OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Anuoluwa Omolola Opawumi now MRS AFOLABI ANUOLUWA OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Sodamade Maryam Olabisi now HASHIM MARYAM OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Ariyo Omotola Deborah now MRS OYELEKE OMOTOLA DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. Hospital Management Board and general public take note.
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I, formerly Adegoke Ismail now ADELEKE ISMAIL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly Ojong Neji Ndoma now NDOMA NEJI NEJI . All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly Miss Oguntoye Dolapo Ikeoluwa now MRS ADEOYE DOLAPO IKEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Olubunmi Sabaina Ayoola now AKINYOOLA OLUBUNMI SABAINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akanji Olawale Mufutau now MUFUTAU TIRIMISIYU OLAWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Roseline Funke Akinsulire now MRS ROSELINE FUNKE OLAJIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME
I, Obanla Elizabeth Kemisola am the same person bearing Ojo Kemi Elizabeth. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as OBANLA ELIZABETH KEMISOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. EcoBank Plc and general public take note.
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I, Emmanuel Moses Agida am the same person as EMMANUEL MOSES MONDAY. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL MOSES AGIDA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Olakunle Olayebi Esther now MRS AJOJE ESTHER TEMITAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Adebayo Martina Funmilayo now MRS BALOGUN MARTINA FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adams Abubakar now ABUBAKAR ADEMU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Onyema Anu Bose now MABOGUNJE BOSE ADEKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oladapo Folake Cecilia now MRS AKINYEMI FOLAKE CECILIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Igbo Borathy now OSONDU DORATHY CHINEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Rasak Olalekan Taofeek now RASAKI OLALEKAN TAOFEEK. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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This Box is for Sale CHANGE OF NAME
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I, formerly Oginni Temiloluwa now OGINNI AYOBAMI NURAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Omo-Ogun Justina Idowu now MRS. ENIOLA JUSTINA IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
ADDITION OF NAME
I, formerly Ukeri Stella now UKERI OMOHWO STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, Allinson Kolawole am the same person bearing Dasofunjo Kolawole and Allinson Kola Olatunde. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ALLINSON KOLA OLATUNDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.
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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ugwuanyi Nelson now UGWUANYI EJIOFOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Nwosu Christiana Uzoamaka now MRS. ONONOBI CHRISTIANA UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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My name wrongly written as Anyanwu Ernest Ndubuisi is now ANYANWUANOZIE ERNEST NDUDIRI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Sotayo Racheal Abiodun now MRS. GANIYU RACHEAL ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Towolawi Opeyemi Afusat now MRS. DARE OPEYEMI AFUSAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Ibrahim Adekoya Abubakar now ONI ADEKOYA ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Lawal Mariam Kehinde now MRS. OGUNSANWO MARIAM All former KEHINDE. documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Mrs Eyafe Modupe Oyinlade now MRS. MODUPE OYINLADE OAMEN OBOH. All former documents remain valid. INEC, Access Bank Plc., Zenith Bank Plc., Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc., and general public take note.
I, formerly Mr. Adeleke Adejare Adedayor now MR. ADEJARE O’SURE ADELEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Okediji Adebukola Olaitan now MRS. AKINLABI ADEBUKOLA OLAITAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Nurudeen Yemisi Kikelomo now MRS. FADAIRO OLUWAYEMISI BALIKIS and my correct date of birth is January 3, 1990 and not January 3, 1992. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Salawu Chegede Balogun now SALAWU CHEGEDE OMEZA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Adetunji Oluwayemisi Dorcas now MRS. ISIBOR OLUWAYEMISI DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Agboola Jemila Aina now AKINKUNMI AINA JEMILA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, Ibrahim Kehinde Muritala am the same person bearing Ibraheem Kehinde Muritala. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM KEHINDE MURITALA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.
I, formerly Miss Iyanda Abidemi Deborah now MRS ADEMOLA ABIDEMI DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Adisa Mopelola Fatimo now MRS. LAWANSON MOPELOLA FATIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Adepoju Oluwatoyin Deborah now MRS OLORUNDARE TOYIN ADEPOJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Alade Oluwatomini Bridget now MRS ALAFE OLUWATOMINI BRIDGET. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Taye Tolulope Taiwo now TAYE TOLULOPE TAIWO-OLOUNNIYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Adeshina Dolapo Oladipupo now ADESHINA OLADIPUPODOLAPO OYEDEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Saibu Toyosi Rasidat now FASALAG OMOTOYOSI RASIDAT. My date of birth is 12/11/1990. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Miss Dosunmu Olubusayo Temitope now MRS ADEBOWALE OLUBUSAYO TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Babatunde Peter now EKIKHALO PETER AIDENOJE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Adetimiro Philip and Olaniyan Philip Sunday now ADETIMIRO PHILIP OLANIYAN SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Onos Eunice Orwo now EUNICE ONOTAHWEI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adetutu Funmilayo Olajubu now FUNMILAYO FUNKE OLAGUNJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olomu Adamo Ibiyemi now IBIYEMI ADAMS AYINLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME
I, Alaba Ayodele am the same person bearing Daniel Alaba Ayodele. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as ALABA AYODELE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Ibekwe Olasumbo Victoria now OL U W A W E M I M O OLASUMBO SANDRA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Ohalem Henry Kasimra John now OHALEM HENRY CHIWENDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formerly Ademola Risikat Tinuke now ADEMOLA RISIKAT ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
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I, formerly Miss Ojolowo Muinat Idowu now MRS ALUKO MUINAT IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
36
communitynews
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Isheri-Oshun residents demand good road network Olalekan Olabulo-Lagos
R
ESIDENTS of Isheri-Oshun community in Ijegun area of Lagos State have appealed to the state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, to reconstruct the roads in the area. The residents told the Community News that almost all the major roads in the area have become deplorable and unmotorable. They also said the situation might go from bad
to worse with the coming rainy season and urged the governor to save them from impending flood. A commercial motorcyclist, who identified himself as Igbona, said “ there is no single good road in the entire Isheri-Oshun and things are getting worse by every passing day. “Instead of riding through the major township roads, we now go through corners and side streets to get to our destinations.” Another resident,
Tomisin, appealed to the state government ‘ to consider the hundreds of thousands of people, who live in Isheri-Oshin and reconstruct the road network in the town. A policeman, who pleaded anonymity, while speaking with Community News, also said “the poor state of roads is really affecting security operations here.” He said their vehicles had broken down on the roads on many occasions and called on the local
government authorities to grade them. Sule, another resident, said, “Governor Ambode has been doing well “but
he should try and visit Isheri-Oshun town and see things for himself. “The rainy season is fast approaching so, urgent
steps must be taken. The governor should not wait till people are being swept away by flood.
Land recovery: Eze Igbo urges el-Rufai to temper justice with mercy Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna
THE Eze Igbo of Gbagyi Chiefdom in Kaduna, His Royal Highness Ogbuefi Fred Awagu, has called on Governor Nasir el-Rufai to temper justice with mercy
in the ongoing land recovery embarked upon by the Kaduna State government. Awagu was addressing the Igbos who besieged his palace in respect of the ultimatum given to residents of Gbagyi Villa community in Sabon-Tasha by the Kaduna State government to vacate their buildings. The royal father remarked that about 70 per cent of residents of Gbagyi Villa community were Igbos, saying “if they vacate their buildings they have nowhere else to go with their families.” The traditional ruler said in respect of the court order restraining government from recovering the land, Governor el-Rufai should temper justice with mercy to avoid foisting hardship on the people. He urged the Igbo living
in the state to be calm and law-abiding and ensure they express their grievances through legitimate means. He further urged the people of Kaduna to ensure that the bond of unity that binds all segments of Kaduna population remained solid. It will be recalled that Gbagyi Villa, a new settlement, was the source of dispute between Gbagyi traditional rulers and the Kaduna Polytechnic for many years. When the dispute was resolved in favour of Gbagyi through a settlement deal involving former Kaduna State governor, Late Patrick Yakowa, the Gbagyis began to sell the land to individuals. The area now houses over 3,000 buildings with over 10,000 people the majority of who are Igbos.
Rep member empowers youths in fish production Honourable Olugbenga Ojoawo (middle) with some of the beneficiaries after the training at Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, recently.
Ndokwa inaugurates advisory committee Alphonsus Agborh-Asaba
THE acting chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Dickson Okonta, has inaugurated advisory committee. The acting chairman said the committee, which comprised eminent personalities with experience in council affairs, would advise him on how best to steer the council in the next three months and reunite the people of Ndokwa East as one large family. Before inaugurating the committee at the council secretariat in Aboh, the acting chairman had met with traditional rulers in the local government area in continuation of his consultation with major stakeholders to shore up confidence in the council’s administration. Okonta told the traditional rulers that he needed their support and advice as part of his efforts to restore stability in the council, adding that as a well-brought up Ndosimili
son, he would never disobey their fatherly advice. The traditional rulers, led by the Igwe of Okpai Kingdom, HRM Goldring Ugbome II; the Odiologbo of Onogbokor, the Ogene of Ibedeni, the Inawai of Onyah, the Igwe of Ase and Aguiyi of Utuoku, in their separate remarks, said they were excited and happy that the acting chairman saw the need to meet with them in the short interval of his appointment. They also commended the Delta State House of Assembly for its decision to salvage the local government area from imminent collapse. While promising to partner the council under the new dispensation, the traditional rulers advised the acting chairman to make the difference by being transparent in his dealings with the people and ensure that he leaves a legacy. Also speaking, the leader of the legislative arm of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Honourable Matthew Uzorka, said
since August 2015 when 12 out of 15 councillors in Ndokwa East commenced the impeachment process of the former council chairman, they had never demanded for money but due process and transparency in the running of the council. The advisory committee has Chief Emma Onyeukwu as chairman. Others
are Chief Johnny Ulenu, Honourable Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze, Chief David Nwabeze, Honourable Alex Aniche, Chief Mary Chidi, Chief Ifeanyi Oputa, Dr Oku Oguafor, Mr Tennyson Otuerimo and Engineer Jon Tomona, with the secretary to the Local Government Area, Honourable Vincent Osilonya, as secretary.
SIXTY unemployed youths have been trained in fish production by a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Gbenga Ojoawo. The youths, who were drawn from Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, and trained at the state College of Agriculture, Igboora, were also given financial support by the lawmaker. Speaking at the presentation of certificates and cash awards to participants, Honourable Ojoawo said the lull in the economy occasioned by the crash in oil price made it
Mimiko commissions in Irele tomorrow IN his determination to consolidate on his impressive record of road provision in the state, the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, will tomorrow, Thursday, commission the 27.5 kilometre Ayangba-Iyansan road in Irele Local Government Area of the Southern Senatorial District of the state. In a statement issued in Akure on Wednesday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said the feat is an addition to the series of such roads the government had been able to provide
since assuming office. The commissioner said: “In line with the Mimiko administration’s determination to ensure even distribution of dividends of democracy among the people of the state, another landmark achievement of the administration will be recorded on Thursday when the AyangbaIyansan road will be commissioned.” According to the commissioner, the road will in no small measure ease transportation in and around the area, even as he described the development “ as yet another
confirmation of the government’s developmental focus in the state.” The commissioner listed some of the road projects executed in the Southern Senatorial District of the state to include the dualisation of Igbokoda township roads, rehabilitation/ asphalt overlay of Okitipupa-Erinje Obonde Road and asphalt overlay of surface dressed roads in Ile-Oluji, which he said, are in addition to asphalt overlay of Igbokoda aiyetoro roads phases 1&2 handled by OSOPADEC
imperative for the youths to be trained. He added that agriculture as the major occupation of the people of the constituency should be encouraged in order to gainfully engage youths to cushion the effects of unemployment. “The era of searching for white collar jobs is gone. We have to equip our youths with entrepreneurial and vocational skills to face the challenges of the future,” he said. Ojoawo also commended the participants for their patience, tolerance and endurance while the training lasted. In her address, the wife of the state governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, who was represented by Mrs Mabel Williams, tasked the participants to take advantage of the training and the financial support to contribute positively to the society. Mrs Ajimobi also lauded the lawmaker for the gesture, while calling on other political office holders to emulate the gesture. While advising beneficiaries of the training to justify the trust reposed in them by the lawmaker, Mrs Oluyemisi Ayegbusi urged them to work hard to ensure that their output received national and international patronage in order to boost the economy of the area.
37
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
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08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com
FBI breaks into iPhone of dead San Bernadino shooter
US Secret Service says ‘no’ to guns at Republican convention THE U.S. Secret Service will not allow people to carry guns into the July Republican National Convention in Cleveland, quashing the hopes of more than 48,000 people who have signed a petition saying attendees should be allowed to bring firearms. The Secret Service said on Monday it has the authority to preclude guns from sites visited by the people it pro-
tects such as U.S. presidential candidates, presidents and former presidents. “Only authorised law enforcement personnel working in conjunction with the Secret Service for a particular event may carry a firearm inside of the protected site,” agency spokesman Robert Hoback said in a statement. “Individuals determined to be carrying firearms will
Kayla Brown (left), wears her gun on her hip while working at the Spring Guns and Ammo store in Spring, Texas. PHOTO: AP.
not be allowed past a predetermined outer perimeter checkpoint, regardless of whether they possess a ticket to the event,” he said. A petition on change.org
called for firearms to be allowed into the Quicken Loans Arena during the convention in Ohio, a state that allows guns to be carried openly in public.
THE FBI says it has successfully used a technique without Apple’s help to hack into the iPhone used by a gunman in a mass shooting in California. Monday’s announcement effectively ended a pitched court battle between the Obama administration and one of the world’s leading technology companies.
Egypt Air Hijacker arrested, all passengers freed unharmed
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man who hijacked an Egyptian passenger jet and forced it to land in Cyprus has been arrested and Cypriot authorities said all passengers and crew “are safe,” after hours of tense negotiations. The final captives on board the EgyptAir plane, heading from Alexandria to the Egyptian capital when it was hijacked, were seen exiting the aircraft on the tarmac of Larnaca Airport, after a tense standoff inside the plane. Cypriot authorities insist terrorism is not the cause of Tuesday’s incident, despite initial reports the hijacker was wearing an explosive belt and had threatened to blow up the plane. According to Cypriot media, the hijacker, identified as Seif el-Din Mustafa, wanted to speak to his former wife, who lives in Cy-
The hijacker, Seif el-Din Mustafa, walking down the plane stairs. An hostage escaping from the hijacked place through the window.
prus. Arab media claimed the man was demanding prisoners in Egypt be released, but Egyptian officials denied the report. Eighty-one people, including 21 foreigners and 15 crew, had been onboard the Airbus 320 flight when it
took off, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement. Conflicting theories emerged about the hijacker’s motives, with Cypriot officials saying early on the incident did not appear related to terrorism but the
Cypriot state broadcaster saying he had demanded the release of women prisoners in Egypt. After the aircraft landed at Larnaca airport, negotiations began and everyone onboard was freed except three passengers and four
US election: Donald Trump’s aide charged with assault
Corey Lewandowski. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGE
DONALD Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has been charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event. Mr Lewandowski is charged with
simple battery for his encounter with former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields, BBc reported. On March 8, he allegedly yanked her to the ground when she tried to ask a question and
otherNEWS
Soul-searching in Taiwan after four-year-old girl beheaded A day after a man grabbed a four-year-old girl off her bicycle and decapitated her with a cleaver in broad daylight, Taiwan is in shock. “A mother couldn’t protect her child even though she was standing right near her. How can we feel assured that our children will be safe?” asked Lindy Wang, a mother of three. On Monday night, anger
poured out on the streets when crowds surrounded the suspect, a man in his 40s, as he was being led into a police station. Some punched him. Schools were on alert on Tuesday and police officers were dispatched to a school the assailant was believed to have been headed to when he came across the girl. The killing was the latest
Suspect being whisked away by police. PHOTO: AFP
in a string of random attacks on the island and the third against children in the past four years.
bruised her arm. Mr Lewandowski plans to plead not guilty, the Trump campaign said in a statement. Police in Jupiter, Florida, where he was arrested, have released new footage of the alleged assault.
crew, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fethy said. Before the hijacker was arrested, Egypt’s civil aviation minister Sherif Fathy said the exact level of threat was not clear. “We are not sure what he has is a true bomb or threat to the aircraft, but we are dealing with it as a real threat, because we cannot take any risks.” Fathy said security on the plane was good and the hijacker had not been able to enter the cockpit, preventing a more serious threat. Egyptian TV also showed video of the man going through a metal detector at Alexandria Airport before boarding. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades told local media a “domestic issue” was behind the hijacking. The hijacker’s former wife, a Cypriot, was brought by local police to the airport to meet with him. Another EgyptAir flight from Cairo to New York was delayed due to a potential security threat. Egypt’s aviation minister told journalists the plane was delayed both for security reasons and because passengers from the hijacked flight were due to board the flight.
The government asked a federal judge to vacate a disputed order forcing Apple to help the FBI break into the iPhone, saying it was no longer necessary. The court filing in US District Court for the Central District of California provided no details about how the FBI did it or who showed it how. The FBI is reviewing the information on the iPhone, the Justice Department said in a statement. The case drew international attention and highlighted a growing friction between government authorities and the tech industry. Apple and other tech companies have said they feel increasing need to protect their customers’ data from hackers and unfriendly intruders. But the police and other government authorities have warned that encryption and other dataprotection measures are making it more difficult for investigators to track criminals and dangerous extremists. “From the beginning, we objected to the FBI’s demand that Apple build a back door into the iPhone because we believed it was wrong and would set a dangerous precedent,” Apple said in a statement. “As a result of the government’s dismissal, neither of these occurred. This case should never have been brought.” The brief court notice left important questions unanswered: Who showed the FBI how to break into iPhones? How did the government bypass the security features that Apple has invested millions of dollars to build into its flagship product? Are newer iPhones vulnerable to the same hacking technique?
Hunger drives thousands of South Sudanese to flee to Sudan
THE United Nations refugee agency reports hunger as well as ongoing conflict are driving tens of thousands of South Sudanese to flee their war-torn country into Sudan in search of food and security. The United Nations reports 2.3 million people in South Sudan have been forced to flee their homes since civil war erupted in December 2013. Nearly three-quarters
of a million of those displaced have gone to neighboring countries as refugees. While conflict and violence have been People queue for food being distributed in Unity driving the forced State, South Sudan. PHOTO: AP displacement, a the ongoing conflict and denew element behind the re- teriorating economic condicent flight has emerged. The tions, is prompting an inworld body’s refugee agency, creasing number of people UNHCR, reports a serious to head to neighboring shortage of food, caused by Sudan.
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Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
corporatesport
With Niyi Alebiosu adeniyi70@yahoo.com 08116954642
WGB/ Lagos FA Cup..:
Ikorodu United woes continue
PREMIERSHIP side, Ikorodu United continued their unimpressive run on Tuesday when non-league side, Gbagada Football club defeated them at the ongoing Winners Golden Bet sponsored Lagos State FA Cup. With the match ending 1-1 after full time, Gbagada FC won the ensuring penalties by 4-2 to move into round of 8. Speaking after the match, Olootu Alaba who
Akinwunmi
emerged the most valuable player of match expressed joy over the victory, adding that it is not an easy match, but playing to their coach’s instruction help the team. He stated that although Ikorodu unites are a premiership club but they are more focused and determined to move on than them. Also speaking with Corporatesport was Deji Beecroft, Assistant General Manager, Winners Golden Bet expressed satisfaction with the standard of play so far. Saying the Seyi Akinwunmi led board of the Lagos State Football Association has done really well by creating a level playing ground for all the team. “Lagos State FA Cup has shown that if you play well and work hard enough you win, there is no favourite club here in Lagos that is why we are very happy as sponsors with the Lagos FA.”
Senoir Special Assitant to Lagos State Governor on sport; Mr Adeyinka Adeboye presents a giant trophy to Asiwaju bola Ahmed Tiubu and assisted by Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode during the novelty match organised by Lagos sports family to celebrte birthday of Tinunbu at Campos mini Stadium.
Tinubu’sbirthdaymatch:
Yoboledex-playerstodefeatTeamLagosExco
A
selected former Nigerian international team proved that they were not a spent force as they defeated Team Lagos State Executive Council 2-1 in a novelty match to celebrate the birthday of the former Lagos State Gover-
nor, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who turns 64 on yesterday. The match, which was put together by Lagos Sports Family was played amidst fanfare at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island on Sunday. Former Nigeria Striker,
Zenith Bank Women Basketball league has impacted on women in Nigeria— Bassey BASSEY Kehinde James is a household name in the Nigeria Basketball Federation organised Zenith Bank Women Basketball League as she was part of the league from inception in 2005 with the Nigeria Immi-
Coach Bassey
gration basketball team. Bassey, who is now the chief coach of the paramilitary side bears her mind on wide ranges of issue on the sponsorship of the women league by – Zenith Bank Plc. The former post player thumb-up both the NBBF and Zenith Bank for impacting positively on lots of women basketball players in Nigeria and urged both sides to continue the harmonious relationship for the betterment of the girl-child. “I cannot thank Zenith Bank enough for the good they have done to lots of Nigeria women basketball players as their coming on board the NBBF women league in the last twelve seasons has had great impact on the league and the players. “I am happy to have be-
ing part of the league since inception as the league was without sponsor before the coming of Zenith Bank and all can see as our homebased players have always played their role in the national teams with laurels to show for it. “Though in my playing days the league boast of taller and bigger players but a little slower compare to what we have today. The Immigration tactician was of the opinion that though the game is faster today but lacked some basic techniques and urged the NBBF and the sponsor to look into setting up clinics at least two months before the commencement of the season in order for some of the older players to impact
some knowledge into the younger players. Coach Kehinde says she has passion for coaching and says a time is coming that the nation’s women national teams would have women coaches at the helms of affair. She appeals to the NBBF to give more women coach’s opportunities to serve in its various national teams project that the present figure does not represent the large numbers of female coaches in the country. Coach Bassey says her team (Immigration) is going to a phase of reorganisation and promised that the team will bounced back in the second phase of the 2016 Zenith Bank League.
Henry Nwosu scored the opener for the former players in the first half, while ‘Headmaster’ Mutiu Adepoju made it two for the ex Super Eagles in the second half. The lone goal from Team Lagos Exco was scored by Festus Odini also in the second half of the novelty match graced by the celebrant himself, Senator Tinubu, the Lagos Satte governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, National Vice Chairman (South West) of All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Pius Akinyelure, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and friends of Tinubu as well as some APC party faithfuls. An elated National leader of the APC, Tinubu, commended the organisers of the game. He also showed the appreciation to the former Nigerian footballers who he said made his birthday celebration a valuable and productive period. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prince Ifalade Oyekan, who is also the Chairman of the technical committee of the event, said the novelty match was put together to celebrate
Tinubu who he described as the “legend of our time, and we the Lagos Sports Family was so glad that he gave us his blessing for us to organize this event, which we planned within three days. This is our own way to celebrate the man who carries upon himself the burden to serve his people with humility and fear of God. “ I want to thank all our former players who came from their different places within a short time to honour this event and we want to also thank Governor Ambode and other guests for honouring us with their presence.” To the Governor of Lagos State, Ambode, celebrating Tinubu with a novelty match was to show how important he is to youth of Lagos. “In the next few months, Lagos sports will witness series of activities to bring back not only the lost glory but to engage the youths positively,“Ambode said. Joseph Yobo captained the ex-players team which comprised Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Ifeanyi Udeze, Godwin Okpara, Victor Agali, Wasiu Ipaye and a host of others. In Team Lagos Executive Council were Prince Lanre Elegushi, Tajudeen Ajide, Bode Babington, Okanlawon Sanni among others.
39 tribunesport
Wednesday, 30 March, 2016
Deschamps defends Pogba FRANCE coach, Didier Deschamps has defended Juventus midfielder, Paul Pogba, saying he is not expected to score two or three goals every game. Pogba is one of the hottest talents in world football, having helped Juventus to three-successive Serie A titles in his time at the club.
Pogba
The Frenchman’s record for his national team is not as impressive, however, with the 23-year-old having scored just five times in 28 caps. But Deschamps is not concerned by Pogba’s lack of goals ahead of the upcoming European Championship in France, insisting he is useful in other areas on the pitch. “From the very beginning he demonstrated a lot and people expect for him to deliver. We expect him to be always great and to make the difference,” he said. “He’s a midfielder that helps the team to get good situations. If he’s not making the difference during a game that doesn’t mean he’s not helpful within the team. “He can also be more neutral and doing more regular things too. It’s also important in a team.’’
Manchester United rekindle Lukaku interest
Lukaku
Stage set for ITTF-Africa Junior Championships in Algiers
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FRICA’S future stars from East, West, South and North will from April 6 to 12 converge in Algiers for the 2016 ITTF African Junior Championships with all eyes on continent’s rival, Nigeria and Egypt. With the outcome at the just concluded Egypt Open held in Cairo, the battle for supremacy among young
Vardy claims Germany goal broke his phone WHEN Jamie Vardy scored a sensational flicked goal against Germany on Saturday night, he sent Twitter into meltdown. It not only inspired a 3-2 victory over the world champions on their home turf but represented another peak in what has been an incredible season for the Leicester City striker. However, while Vardy admits the goal was the best moment of his career, he also claimed that his first international strike ended up costing him his mobile phone, which found itself having a meltdown of its own as it struggled to cope with an influx of congratulatory messages. “My phone has died unfortunately so I have not been able to text [anyone] back,” Vardy told The Times. “There’s probably tons and tons of messages on it, so that is probably what has made it go dead.”
players will come to fore when the tournament serves off in Algiers with 15 events to be competed for at the seven-day tournament. Apart from the jostle for the best teams, the tournament would also afford teams to compete for the three slots allocated to the continent at the 2016 ITTF World Junior Championship holding later in the year in Pretoria, South Africa. Egypt’s Youssef AbdelAziz and Nigeria’s Amadi
Omeh will be the players to watch out for including Algeria’s Sannah Lagsir who singledhandedly halted the dominance of Egypt at the 2015 edition in Mauritius. According to the President, Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF, Khaled El-Salhy, between 12 to 15 countries are expected at the championship with the inclusion of events like the Youth U-21 events for boys and girls.
“We are expecting over 15 countries and from the way things are going on, everything is well prepared by Algeria Table Tennis Federation and I am completely satisfied with their final preparations. The unique thing about this tournament is that we are adding the events for Youth U-21 this year, and we will check if it suites to continue in the coming events together with U-18 and U-15 or to get such category into the African Cup and Clubs Championships,”the
ATTF boss said. The ATTF helmsman admitted that the presence of team from Nigeria would add vigour and glamour to the championship. “In 2015, Nigeria was absent from the tournament in Mauritius and their presence in Algiers will surely make the tournament more competitive particularly against teams from the Northern parts of the continent.
Zone 2 wins Police 11th biennial games Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja
Omeh
MANCHESTER United’s strong interest in Romelu Lukaku has returned, with the player’s father referencing the club in a recent interview while the Everton striker dismissed concerns he would struggle to work with former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, who is being linked with the Old Trafford job. With under-pressure United manager, Louis van Gaal having been tasked with making transfer proposals for the 2016-17 season, Lukaku’s father has claimed his son to be among the club’s targets. “He’s ready. In my eyes Rom has to join Bayern or Manchester United. “United is a team under construction with no real focus. Bayern Munich are a machine where he can rotate well. The only condition is if Robert Lewandowski leaves.” And the player himself has admitted that he is open to a potential move, telling La Derniere Heure: “It is my dad’s point of view, those are the teams that he likes. “It’s good to hear. Of course it means people are keeping an eye on you, but I have an agent who is dealing with this for me,” added the striker, whose contract with the Toffees runs until 2019. “I just want to be good, help my team-mates win the games and score a lot of goals.”
ZONE 2 of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) last weekend emerged the overall winner of the 11th biennial Police Games, tagged ABUJA 2016, beating 11 other zones and the Force Headquarters (FHQ) to the top prize of the games. The zone, comprising Ogun, Ondo and Lagos, won a total of 232 medals, made up of 97 gold, 77silver and 58 bronze, to beat FHQ and Zone 11 to the second and third positions respectively. The Force Headquarters won 70 gold, 42 silver and 48 bronze medals to clinch second, while Zone 11 amassed 56 gold, 44 silver and 69 bronze medals to emerged third best of the games. In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the games held at the National Stadium Abuja, the chairman, Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Okiro, expressed delight
at the performance of police athletes from across the federation, saying that the athletes had competed well and exhibited the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the one-week Police Games 2016. He urged police men and women to not only extend the spirit of sportsmanship shown during the games but also be disciplined in their career. According to Sir Okiro, “The fact that you have taken part in these games is enough. The fact that you won medals is an added advantage for you. The police being a discipled organisation, you must maintain the discipline you exhibit here throughout your respective career.” He expressed the hope that the National Sports Commission (NSC) might have discovered some sporting talents who would sometimes later represent Nigeria at some international championships.
SIDELINES
WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2016
NO 16,468
N150
An American has offered a stunning reward of $30,000 (over N9million) for any one who can help him recover his six missing pet cats. Hope the owner has distinctive marks on his missing pet cats? Already, he has provided jobs for conmen to feast on.
Murray out of Miami Open BRITAIN’S Andy Murray went out of the Miami Open as he lost 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-3 to Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. Scot Murray, 28, was 3-1 up in the third set but told BBC Sport “a lot of unforced errors crept into my game”. Bulgarian Dimitrov won the last five games and Murray will now return to Europe for the claycourt season. Earlier, Johanna Konta became the first British woman to reach the quarter-finals in Miami, but Heather Watson lost to Simona Halep. World number two Murray made 55 unforced errors against Dimitrov, smashing his racquet as he slipped 4-0 down in the second set before losing his last three service games in the decider. “Grigor played some good stuff, too, but to lose your serve three times in a row from that position
is obviously disappointing,” said Murray. The Scot had enjoyed plenty of practice in Miami - where he has a home and does his off-season training - after losing early in Indian Wells. “It’s disappointing, that’s for sure,” he said. “I had time to prepare on the court and get used to the conditions, but I wasn’t able to get on a good run.” Murray’s wife Kim and new daughter Sophia travelled to Miami and the family will now spend time together before he returns to the practice court. Konta, 24, kept British hopes alive by beating Romania’s Monica Niculescu 6-2 6-2 to set up a quarter-final against Victoria Azarenka. “It felt like we had a lot of close games and I had to work hard for every single point,” Konta told BBC Sport.
Moses
Nigeria misses 2017 AFCON ticket
Loses 0-1 to Egypt
NFF board should resign —Peterside By Olawale Olaniyan
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IGERIA’s dream of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended on Tuesday night as the Super Eagles fell 0-1 to the Pharaohs of Egypt in a group G decider at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria. The result gave Egypt seven points and the sole ticket in the group ahead of its last game away to Tanzania with only a point to show. The Super Eagles with two points on the table will only file out for a formality clash in September when they host the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Kaduna. Nigeria will be missing at Gabon 2017, the third time in four AFCON finals since 2012. Coincidentally, Samson Siasia was in charge when the Eagles missed the 2012 AFCON following a 2-2 draw with Guinea in Abuja, while Stephen Keshi called the shots when Nigeria missed the 2015 edition following a 2-2 draw as well with Bafa-
na Bafana of South Africa in Uyo. The Eagles put up a better performance at the Alexandria battle, but poor marksmanship robbed them of hitting the back of the net. Stand-in goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi justified his inclusion in the absence of Carl Ikeme as he made a number of saves to keep the Eagles in the game. The only clear chance created by the Siasia-piloted team in the first half was in the 14th minute when Watford Striker, Odion Ighalo after a perfect control of the ball with chest at close range still shot wide. The Pharaohs who dominated the half came back stronger in the second half in search of the match winner which eventually came in the 65th minute through Ramadan Sobhy, who cashed in on a loose ball in the goal area to beat Akpeyi with a grounder. Siasia brought in Elderson Echiejile in the last half as well as Simon Moses and Alex Iwobi, but the Eagles still failed to get it right. What would have been Nigeria’s
equaliser was in the 84th minute when Victor Moses’ grounder rattled the Egyptian goalkeeper, Ahmed Elshennawy only to be stopped by the uprights. Meanwhile, ex-Nigerian international, Peterside Idah has called for the resignation of the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board following Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2017 AFCON. “The NFF must quit now. They cost us this Nations Cup. Just pay your workers and we won’t have these problems,” the former Nigeria goalkeeper said through his twitter handle, idah pee @ IdahPeterside. A football analyst, Emeka Enyadike praised Siasia for his effort to coach the team in his twitter handle @EmekaEnyadike as he tweeted “Siasia deserves credit for his efforts and should now try and get us Olympic Gold...use some of the Super Eagles”. He added that “I think Siasia did well under the ciurcumstances....We failed because we don’t have a strategic plan for our game.”
Mikel hints at Chelsea exit JOHN Obi Mikel admits he will look to leave Chelsea this summer if he is not guaranteed a regular role in the side. Goal understands that Antonio Conte is expected to sign a three-year-contract with Chelsea and has already visited the club’s training ground in Cobham. Mikel’s current contract expires in 2017, but the Nigeria international insists he is prepared to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. “I have one more season with Chelsea but I know when this season ends, we will definitely sit down and try to sort out whatever needs to be sorted out,” he told Goal. “If it means me leaving, fine. “If it means me staying, then I
have to play because one thing I don’t want to do is to sit on the bench like I did before.” Mikel was used only sparingly by Jose Mourinho before the Portuguese’s departure last December, and although he has been a key figure under Guus Hiddink, the Nigerian is demanding assurances from Chelsea’s new manager. “It’s not very nice, especially now when you have kids you just want to do what you can to play,” said the midfielder. “Wherever it is I just want to play. When this season ends we will definitely sort out the contracts. “Legacy is important and I’m very proud and happy that I’ve kept this legacy to be able to achieve what I have achieved.”
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. 30/3/2016.