31st March 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,469

THURSDAY, 31 MARCH, 2016

Shell investigated in Italy over Nigeria oil field —P11

BUDGET

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

Declare Fulani herdsmen terrorists, Benue elders tell Buhari —P13

@nigeriantribune

Police seal off Kogi Assembly —P7

Nigerian Tribune

N150

Oyo workers' ultimatum surprising, uncalled for —Govt •Meets labour leaders today —P14

How we related with OBJ, Yar'Adua —NASS —P2

Ekiti lawmakers vow to resist attempt to truncate Fayose's govt, flee houses —P6

CCT: Saraki flies in experts from US, Israel —P4

Wife of the vice-president, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, greeting the internally displayed persons (IDPS), during her visit to their camp, in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday.

PHOTO: NAN

Normalcy will soon return to filling stations —NUPENG

How to properly register your vehicle, S/West PDP rallies support —P3 verify number plate —FRSC for Ali Modu —P10

•As outrage spreads over fake number plates

Sheriff

—P14

2 news

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Budget: How we related with OBJ, Yar’Adua —NASS

•Says detailed budget ready in 2 weeks •We’re grateful to NASS but... —Presidency Taiwo Adisa, Jacob Segun Olatunji, Ayodele Adesanmi and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja

T

HE National Assembly has said it nothing abnormal for the president not to assent to a budget before seeing the details or after seeing the details, adding that while former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo signed budgets without details, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua always preferred to see the details.

Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Honourable Abdulmumini Jibrin, who briefed newsmen at the National Assembly, said “there is nothing abnormal, it’s a normal practise for the National Assembly to send the Appropriation bill estimates to the president.

“We have instances of (former) President Obasanjo signing the budget without the details, we came to (late President) Yar’Adua who always preferred to see the details.

“So if President Buhari prefers to see the details before assenting to the bill, I don’t think we should make a big deal out of it. It’s absolutely normal.”

It also emerged on Wednesday that the committees on Appropriation in the two chambers of the National Assembly are yet to perfect work on the 2016 Appropriation bill, despite the passage through the third reading on March 23.

Investigations in the National Assembly confirmed that though the lawmakers in the two chambers passed the budget, details of subhead allocations were still being worked on.

Sources said the insistence on keeping to the N6 trillion mark for the budget created the problem, whereby the committees had to create new subheads and line items for the series of repetitions and padding discovered in the budget.

“For us in the National Assembly, we are trying not to make the same mistake the executive arm made. I can recall that myself and Senator (Danjuma) Goje actually advised the budget team because of the hasty manner in which they prepared the budget.”

Jibrin said within two weeks, the details would be sent to the presidency.

According to him, “we would take a week or two to work on the details. Now we are looking at the report that were submitted to the appropriation committee by the standing committees of the House.

“We are doing the final harmonisation checks here and there, that should not take a week or two.”

Sources said the ongoing

clean up of the budget had been further compounded by the late arrival of some requests from the Presidency, especially the request for more than N10 billion allocation for relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other sundry expenses.

“On the eve of the passage of the budget, the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO) discovered over N500 billion padding and repetitions in the budget, yet the Senate and House of Representatives went ahead to pass the budget, just to ensure they keep to the March 2016 date. There is enormous work in trying to fix those “padding and repetitions,” a source close to the Appropriation committees said, adding that the National Assembly played into the net of the executive by sending highlights of the document rather than the whole details.

It was gathered that the clean copy of the budget would not be ready until the next two weeks, as the document would still pass through the Legal Department of the National Assembly before being transmitted to the president by the clerk to the National Assembly.

A source also said that the National Assembly made a mistake by only sending the highlights of the budget without explaining the details of other expected documents.

Efforts to get words from the chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, on Wednesday, as well as the Senate spokesman, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, did not yield fruits.

Some members of Appropriation Committee, including the vice chairman, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji and deputy chief whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, were seen holding meetings in the office of the committee chairman on Wednesday.

Goje was to engage newsmen in a sort of drama when he sighted them close to his office.

An angry Goje retorted in Hausa “wa ya kira su? Wa ya kira su?” meaning “who called them? Who called them?

He also faced the journalists saying again in Hausa: “Wa ya kira ku?” meaning “who called you?”

The committee chairman left the scene without answering any question from the newsmen.

Speaking, however at the House of Representatives, Jibrin said “we in the National Assembly believe this is the most difficult budget we have ever dealt with, because you will all recall that the MTEF came very late, but we accepted and dealt with it.

The budget itself came very late, we accepted it and dealt with it.

“Even while we were dealing with all such realities, multiple budget details came up and we were able to manage the situation in a very friendly manner with the executive arm of government.

“Of course they took responsibility for that, even while that was going again, during the budget defence by standing committees of the House, a lot of members of the executive arm of government came to the National Assembly and disowned the details in their various budget lines.

“When all these things have taken place, we would all agree that it will be very difficult for anybody to sit and start throwing stone at the National Assembly.

“With all these series of challenges in the course of work-

ing on the budget, I doubt if the Presidency, knowing fully what has transpired in the last few months, will be throwing stones at the National Assembly.”

Reacting to the development, the Presidency, on Wednesday, thanked the National Assembly for working day and night to ensure the successful passage of the 2016 budget, but said the budget details should be sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Honourable Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, affirmed that National Assembly was yet to forward the budget details a week after passage.

To this end, he noted that “we wish to thank the National Assembly for working day and night to ensure the successful passage of the budget, although we are still waiting for the details.

“As a former three-term member of the House and a two-term principal officer and currently the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), I wish to shed light on the whole matter.

“First, the usual tradition of budget processes by the legislature and the presidential assent is that if the two chambers pass different figures, they would then constitute a harmonisation committee to harmonise their various positions after which the

appropriation committees of both chambers will work out the details. After working out the details, they will forward it to Mr President for his assent.

“But this time around, the legislature has passed the same figures. Once the President gets the budget, he and his team will look at the details of what the National Assembly has passed. If there is any observation, he will send it back to the National Assembly, and if not, he will assent it.

“This has been the practice since the inception of our current democratic dispensation in 1999. Now we are waiting for the National Assembly to finish with the details and transmit same to Mr President,” he said.

APC will lose Senate presidency if Saraki is removed —Senator Nwaboshi Taiwo Adisa -Abuja CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaboshi, has declared that senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would take over the position of Senate presidency if the Federal Government succeeds in removing Senator Bukola Saraki through the ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Nwaboshi, who spoke in an interview, said the PDP had given the ruling party the chance to pick the Senate president’s seat in June 2015, so as to avoid being dubbed power hungry by Nigerians.

He, however, stated that the party had come to the conclusion that should the Federal Government force Saraki out through the ongoing trial, the PDP would be left with no other option but to take the slot.

He said the PDP would not allow the emergence of a Senate president who would be dictated to by the Presidency, adding that the party was closely monitoring the events at that CCT. “If, but God forbid, because we don’t see it coming, by chance Saraki is removed; I can tell you that PDP will produce the next Senate president,” Nwaboshi said, adding that the former ruling party had the required number on the floor of the Senate to effect the needed change.

He described the move to remove Saraki as “a wild goose chase,” adding, however, that the PDP would ensure a repeat of the type of situation currently prevailing in the United States of America, where a different party controls the legislature.

“I want you to mark what I’m saying; I was the first to address the press in Port Harcourt and I told them that Saraki was going to win the Senate Presidency and I gave them my reasons.

“Then, nobody ever thought that Saraki was going to win.

People were saying that APC had decided. But it was clear to me that he was going to win and I had to address the press.

“I said Saraki was going to win and that he was going to get my vote. Eventually, we went there, he won,” he said.

When asked how the PDP was going to tackle the issue of numbers in case they had to vote for a new Senate president, Nwaboshi retorted: “What numbers? We only need three and we have it.

The calculation is very clear to me. The calculation is very clear for PDP. We know what it will take us.

“We will win it. If anybody is thinking that a PDP man is going to vote against a PDP

candidate, he is telling you a lie. We have people and we know how to get the people from APC. We will win and that will be very interesting.

“What is happening in America is going to happen in Nigeria. America has a Republican Senate but the executive is led by Democrats. So, it’s happening in different parts of the world.

I can tell you with what’s on the ground that we will produce the next Senate President.”

He also stated that though the PDP was expecting victory in some outstanding elections to Senate seats, the party would win the Senate presidency with or without those new seats.

According to him, the party had made its calculations and would ensure the emergence of a PDP Senate president if a vacancy exists.

He also said some PDP senators were of the view that Saraki had been overprotective of the Federal Government, despite his travails at the CCT. “There is no leader that will be one hundred per cent complete. Some of us feel – including me – that the Senate President is overprotective of the government. That is what some of us feel that as he is protecting the government, he is more APC than APC. He is doing everything to protect the APC,” he said.

Boko Haram not in control of 2 LGs in North-East —Defence Minister MINISTER of Defence, Brigadier-General Mansur Dan-Ali (retd), has denied an online media report credited to him that Boko Haram insurgents still controlled two local government areas in the North-East.

The minister stated this in a statement issued in Abuja, on Wednesday, by Colonel Tukur Gusau, public relations officer in his office.

He also denied reports in the same medium credited to him that the abducted female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, were being used as suicide bombers.

According to the statement, the minister was quoted out of context, as he did not imply what was reported by the online medium.

“The minister was a guest in the studio of Voice of America, where he spoke in Hausa language on the appraisal of the successes recorded in the ongoing war against terrorists in the North- East.

“He said that before now, over 60 local government areas were under the occupation of Boko Haram in the North-East, but now only two were having some remnants of Boko Haram

activities and not under their complete control.

“On the issue of the Chibok girls, the minister was not referring to the girls abducted on April 14, 2014 from Government Secondary School,

Chibok.

“Rather, he was referring to other girls abducted by the terrorists from the local government areas and environs,’’ the statement quoted Gusau as saying.

OBJ advocates better fire fighting equipment in markets Kola Oyelere -Kano FORMER president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has advocated installation of modern fire equipment within markets in the country, so as to combat fire outbreaks.

He disclosed this during his visit to Kano, to condole with the state government over the fire disaster at Abubakar Rimi Market.

The former president also stressed the need for insurance for markets, stores and shop owners, to mitigate the impact of unanticipated events like fire incidents.

Obasanjo while condoling with the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and traders who lost property worth trillions of Naira, following the fire outbreak,

advocated better construction and management of markets.

He also called for caution in handling electricity appliances while also charging against the use of improvised wooden structures capable of fueling fire outbreaks.

“We should be able to have regulation that stipulates that once you are no longer in the market at night, only street lights should be on.

Lights within one’s shop or stall should be switched off,” he said.

Responding, Governor Ganduje, while describing the incident as unfortunate, promised to provide a framework for modern market management in Kano, so as to curtail such fire incidents.

3 news

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

How to properly register your vehicle, verify number plate —FRSC

•As outrage spreads over fake number plates •We’ll go after those with fake number plates —Police •FRSC warns against obtaining driver’s licence by proxy Chris Agbambu and Clement Idoko -Abuja

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OLLOWING the outrage by many Nigerians over fake number plates alleged to have been in circulation, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has enlightened the people on how to properly register vehicle and verify number plate.

Nigerians has raised the alarm over the proliferation of fake vehicle number plates in the country, as investigation revealed that at least four out of 10 number plates in the country are fake.

The trend appeared to have defeated the essence of introduction of the new number plate and driver’s licence in 2012 by the ex-Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the FRSC, Mr Osita Chidoka.

Some of those who had fallen victims even alleged that FRSC and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) officers were involved in the racketeering and issuance of fake number plates to unsuspecting Nigerians.

What is even more worrisome is that the racketeers had specialised in duplicating original number plate that is produced and assigned to a particular car and re-issued such to another applicant.

However, while the police have vowed to begin clampdown on motorists with fake plate numbers and prosecute them, FRSC said it was not within its purview to issue number plates to applicants.

Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, while reacting to the development, asked all Nigerians with fake number plates to return them to where they procured them or face the wrath of the law.

Efforts to get the response of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) at its headquarters in Abuja failed as of the time of filing this report.

Chidoka, who was later appointed Minister of Aviation by former President Goodluck Jonathan, had told Nigerians that the new number plates would come with in-built security features that would drastically reduce the incidence of car theft, use of vehicles for criminal and terrorist activities, aside making it possible and easy to track such cars in the event of theft or crime.

He had also noted that the new number plates would check the then disturbing rate of fake number plate and driver’s licenses in circulation.

One of the victims of the scam, who narrated his ordeal in the hands of the police as posted in the social media, said: “On the 14th day of March, I drove into one of the police stations to obtain

the new tinted glass permit In the process, it was discovered that the plate number of my car is being used by another car.

“My first question is ‘how is it possible?’ Because I obtained this number from FRSC with all documents intact. I never knew the car was going to stay for 12 days in the station.

“A file was quickly opened and the car became an exhibit.

Thank God the car was registered by a very high ranking officer of the FRSC who was brought to the station.

“As the investigation was going on, it was discovered that some people were producing these fake and duplicate number plates and giving out to innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians, ripping them off their hard earned money.

“My question is: should we now go and buy this number plates at a shop in Alaba or at Idumota instead of the Federal Government approved agencies? In the course of my research, I stumbled upon the number plate verification system online.

“I started verifying cars of friends, church members and even cars that I see on the road. A shocking revelation was made that out of every 10 cars you see on the road with Lagos and Abuja number plates, at least four are fake.”

Also, a media chief in Lagos told the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday that her father was a victim too, as police said the car had a number plate not allocated to it.

“I had to pull strings before daddy’s car was released at Erin Ile on Saturday. They said his number plate was not allocated to him,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Head, Media Relations and Strategy of FRSC, Mr Bisi Kazeem, on Wednesday, said the attention of FRSC had been drawn to the write-up in the social media on the issue of fake number plate registration and difficulties applicants go through in procuring vehicle number plates.

He said there was the need to make clarifications on some of the misconceptions and innuendoes contained in the said publication.

According to him, it was the responsibility of the FRSC to design and produce vehicle number plates by virtue of Section 5(g) and Section 10(3)(f) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007.

Kazeem, in a statement he issued, explained that after production, the number plates were handed over to the states through state Boards of Internal Revenue (SBIRs) who now sell to the public.

He disclosed that the payment for number plates by motorists was strictly within the purview of the states, since such payments were regarded as road taxes and, in like manner, registration of vehicles was also the responsibility of the state licensing authorities.

He noted that FRSC, however, collaborated with the state agencies involved to set national standards and to develop a reliable national database for all registered vehicles in Nigeria.

“To register a vehicle, an applicant is expected to go to the Motor Licensing Office of the State Board of Internal Revenue (SBIR) where he would be guided on the process and procedure of vehicle registration.

“Alternatively, the applicants can apply online by visiting www.nvisng.org and fill form MVA 01, submit the form, after which an item number will be automatically generated which will be taken to SBIR for necessary payment.

“The applicant will then be issued with necessary vehicle documents. These are Vehicle License, Certificate of Road Worthiness, Valid Insurance Certificate and Proof of Ownership Certificate,” he stated.

The FRSC spokesperson said the Corps and SBIRs were not unaware of the activities of unscrupulous elements bent on circum-

venting the due process of vehicle registration for fraudulent and criminal purposes, adding that this was why processes were being put in place by FRSC, in collaboration with SBIRs, to checkmate their evil machinations.

He noted that one of such processes was the development of the online Information Verification Portal (IVP) which affords applicants and vehicle owners the opportunity to verify online the genuineness of their vehicle registration and number plates.

He confirmed that many fake number plates and faulty registration had been discovered through this platform, adding that security agencies had been able to track stolen vehicles as well as some vehicles used in the commission of crimes.

He said this had underscored the importance of the verification portal as a veritable tool in fighting fake vehicle registration and boosting safety as well as national security.

On the allegation that a plate number belonging to a particular vehicle, when verified on NVIS Platform, might show details of another vehicle, Kazeem said this might occurred if one of the two vehicle owners had bought a fake number plate while the other owner bought an FRSC/Lagos State produced number plate.

He explained that the por-

tal would, however, accept just one of these registrations and, as such, the other vehicle owner would always see details of a different vehicle when trying to verify the number plate on NVIS. “To resolve this, the owner must visit MVA office to complain and have the state official sort out who the authentic number plate belong to and communicate same to FRSC. “The second possible reason is that the original vehicle owner whose information is saved on NVIS had sold the vehicle to another individual alongside the number plate.

“Instead of the new owner doing a change of ownership, he/she had decided to register the vehicle as a fresh registration with his own detail which the NVIS Portal will not accept, since the same information already exists in its database.

“It is also possible that the new owner did a change of ownership at the MVA office but the record was pushed to NVIS Portal as fresh registration instead of change of ownership entry.

“To resolve this, owner should visit Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) and ask that the vehicle registration be pushed to FRSC as change of ownership entry as against being pushed as fresh registration,” he stated.

On the issue of a number plate which had been as-

signed to a particular vehicle and yet to complete its registration, FRSC said it was a case of incomplete registration by the owner of the vehicle or that the registration detail had not been uploaded unto the portal.

“Without a valid insurance certificate, the vehicle registration is incomplete,” he added.

“When a registration is fully completed with genuine insurance policy, resulting in the printing of proof of ownership, message will be ‘number plate has been produced by FRSC and assigned to TOYOTA HIGHLANDER on 6/11/2013’,” he stated.

The FRSC also warned against obtaining the driver’s licence by proxy and advised prospective applicants to obtain the document through due process.

Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, gave the warning at a oneday workshop organised for the Corps Heads of Driving License Centres.

“There will be no more collection of driver’s licence by proxy; prospective applicants will have to come by themselves and be captured to avoid obtaining fake license.

“Also, fresh applicants must obtain permit from an approved driving school and undergo all necessary processes before they will be issued the document,” Oyeyemi said.

FG to Nigerians: We are working hard to relieve your pains THE Federal Government has said it is keenly aware of the difficulties Nigerians are currently facing over the lingering fuel scarcity and poor power supply, adding that it is working round the clock to provide the relief for the citizenry.

“As a government propelled into office by the power of the people, we cannot but feel the pains of our compatriots and we deeply empathise with them,” Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in Abuja, on Wednesday.

“Our message to our compatriots is that this administration, under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, is working round the clock to ease the pains of Nigerians and that very soon, the efforts of the government will begin to yield fruits for the benefit of Nigerians,’’ he said,” during a visit to the corporate headquarters of Daily Trust newspaper, as part of his tour of media establishments in the country.

Alhaji Mohammed said the government was aware that Nigerians had started questioning the genuiness of its Change agenda, adding that “we understand the skepticism of Nigerians in ques-

tioning whether this indeed is the change they voted for.

I can tell Nigerians that our Change agenda is real and that indeed, Nigerians will get the change they voted for.”

On the fuel situation, the minister said immediate measures were being taken to end the scarcity, while medium and long term solutions were being worked out to prevent a recurrence.

“Petroleum supply and distribution had been ramped up across the country by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure product availability in the country, but repeated trips to filling stations and the backlog are making it impossible to immediately feel the impact “Monitoring has also been intensified to ensure full compliance with approved prices.

Violations of approved prices

and hoarding of petroleum products attract severe penalties, including giving out of petroleum products free to the public, sealing off of fuel stations found to be hoarding petroleum products, payment of fine, as well as withdrawal of marketer’s license,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said in the medium term, the supply constraints due to foreign exchange challenges were being resolved through collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on innovative ways of closing the gaps in accessing foreign exchange.

He also announced the willingness of the international upstream oil companies to support major oil marketing companies with some of the required foreign exchange, thus complementing the efforts of the NNPC. On the power situation,

which he blamed largely on lack of gas supply to the power generating stations, he said the NNPC was seeking alternative sources of gas supply after the attack on the Forcados Export Pipeline forced the cut off of gas supplies to the stations.

Alhaji Mohammed said even the gas supply that was cut off following the attacks on the Forcados Pipeline would soon be restored as Shell, the operators of the pipeline, had awarded the contract to repair it.

In addition, he said, work was nearing completion on the transmission projects in five states in the South-East and South-South that would ensure that power stations in those regions were able to work at full capacity, thus adding another 800megawatts to the national grid.

Cameroon suicide bomber not Chibok girl —Parents THREE authorised representatives of the parents of the 219 missing Chibok girls arrived the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) offices from Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, on Wednesday, to view photos of the girl claiming

to be one of the 219 missing students kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Mr Yakubu Nkeki, chairman; Mr Lawan Zana, secretary and Mrs Yana Galang, women leader, of the Chibok Girls Movement, all of whose children are amongst the kid-

napped 219 Chibok girls were, upon their arrival, shown photos of the girl who was arrested along with another woman on Friday, March 25, carrying explosives in Limani, Cameroon.

A set of photographs had Continues pg7

4 news

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

CCT Trial: Saraki flies in evidence experts from US, Israel Forecloses ‘soft landing’ option Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

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ENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, appears set for his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), following the decision of his legal team to fly in experts on evidence from the United States (US) and the State of Israel.

Sources close to the Senate President told the Nigerian Tribune that the Senate President had side stepped the touted “soft landing” option, said to have been proposed to him by some chieftains of his party, adding that he had decided to take on his accusers at the CCT trial.

It was gathered that Saraki had decided to tackle squarely the suit filed against him by the Federal Government over his asset declaration forms when he served as Kwara State governor.

Sources said Saraki had already flown in a group of experts in evidence from the US and the State of Israel and one of the Scandinavian countries, to provide what was described as “specialised services” to his legal team, being led by Chief Kanu Agabi.

It was further gathered that though some of the experts were not lawyers, they were expected to provide good insights and analyses of the evidence being adduced against the Senate President, as well as probe into the character of the witnesses.

A source said that the

experts were “crack investigators”, as well as forensic and handwriting specialists, adding that they would help the Saraki team get information on the witnesses and documents that would be presented at the

Tribunal.

“The experts started arriving on Monday and they have had some preliminary meetings with the legal team in Lagos. They will be moving to Abuja ahead the resumption of the trial,” a

source said.

Another source told the Nigerian Tribune: “The investigators will ferret out and scrutinise thoroughly all available information on the eight prosecution witnesses, including their

school records, service records from their past and present places of employment and personal information that may help the defence team in the course of the trial. Most of those so-called witnesses will not

Committee of Anambra Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives-elect protesting non-issuance Certificates of Return to its members by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

...Group wants ‘politically-motivated suit’ against Saraki squashed A group, Yoruba Solidarity Frontier, has urged the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop the bickering that led to the suit initiated by the Economy and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that

took away the role of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and rushed the case before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in the interest of a lasting peace.

This was contained in a statement issued after the

meeting of the group, held in Ibadan and signed by its chairman, Alhaji Adeyemi Sulaimon and made available to newsmen, where it cited the withdrawal of the presiding judge in the case, Justice Abdul Kafarati, of

the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, as a pointer to the dirty politics behind the case.

The group argued the reason behind Saraki’s being denied right to be heard before the case was re-

PDP Anambra House of Reps factional candidates protest at INEC headquarters •Demand for certificates of return •Protest at European Union secretariat Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja THE House of Representatives’ candidates who emerged from a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Anambra State, on Wednesday stormed the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding the commission to issue them certificates of return.

The aggrieved members, namely Honourable Emmanuel Nweke; Honourable Benedict Obaze; Honourable Anthony Offiah; Honourable Charles Odedo; Honourable Prin-

be credible when information concerning their life is presented publicly before the Tribunal.

“It is also expected that with the fear that the prosecution may present forged documents, our team needs to be vigilant and proactive, considering the manner in which the proceedings before the tribunal is being conducted. Our people believe that with the way properties that have nothing to do with Saraki are being put on the charge sheet, there are tendencies that documents to sustain their claims may have been forged. All these, the experts will screen and help the lawyers with information that may help the defence team.”

It was also gathered that the CCT had listed some of the witnesses in the suit to include Michael Wetcas, Nura Ali Bako, Mustapha Abubakar Musa, Nwachukwu Amasu, Samuel Madojemin, Adamu Garba and Bayo Dauda ( a staff of a new generation bank).

Many of the witnesses were said to have been drawn from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

cess Ifeyinwa Anazonwu; Honourable Uchenna Obi; Honourable Ejike Nwene and Honourable Julius Oforma lambasted INEC for not obeying court judgments over the matter for not issuing them certificates of return The factional candidates, who declared that the electoral body, under the leadership of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu of being partisan over the matter, lamented that their seats in the House of Representatives were currently occupied illegally.

Speaking with newsmen on behalf of the group, Honourable Offiah, al-

leged that INEC showed its bias by seeking clarification over the Supreme Court ruling which set aside an Appeal Court ruling, which had earlier upturned the Federal High Court ruling.

He pointed out that several letters written to INEC to give them certificate of returns, after the Supreme Court threw away INEC’s attempt to seek clarification, fell on deaf ears, saying more than 60 days since the judgement INEC had refused to do the needful.

According to him, “we entreat the chairman of INEC to comply with the decision of the Supreme

Court which restored the Federal High Court judgment and issue usour certificates of return. We are the beneficiaries of this judgment of the Federal High Court which has now being affirmed by the Supreme Court.”

He recalled that in December 5, 2014, the federal high court, presided over by Justice E.S Chukwu gave a judgment in their favour, which ordered PDP and INEC to “recognise and deal with our party chairman and his executives in all matters pertaining to elections in the state as contained in the party’s constitution.”

According them, “only

the list of candidates that emanated from the party primaries in which this executive participated in that must be recognised by both PDP and INEC.” The protesters were disallowed from gaining entry into the INEC premises by the stern-looking security personnel, said neither the chairman nor any of the national commissioners were around.

However, two representatives from the protesters were allowed to go in and submit their protest letter, after which they went to the European Commission secretariat to register their grievances against INEC over the matter.

ferred to the CCT, describing the anti-graft action as a gross violation of the Senate President’s right to fair hearing, querying why he should be compelled to face trial before a tribunal whose “impartiality and fairness cannot be guaranteed.

“It is now obvious that the whole charge against Senator Bukola Saraki is highly malicious and nothing but a political witchhunt by persons plotting to drag him down.

“Former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu was once arraigned for the same offence and we all knew how the trial was swept under the carpet.

We believe APC leadership in its wisdom, should have waded in by now and stop the whole ‘political drama,” the statement read.

The group however, insisted that his trial was politically-motivated and contended that all the allegations against him were brought before the CCT in bad faith, saying his trial was not in public interest, but a “political vendetta.”

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

6 news

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

We will resist FG’s attempt to truncate Fayose’s govt —Ekiti lawmakers •Missing Ekiti lawmakers return From Tunde Ogunesan and Sam Nwaoko

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AWMAKERS from Ekiti State have reiterated their determination to resist any plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to cripple the government of Governor Ayo Fayose.

This position was clarified by the chairman, House Committee on Information, Youths and Sports, Honourable Gboyega Aribisogan on the latest plot by police to arrest 11 members of the House while addressing members of press on behalf of the Ekiti State House of Assembly on Wednesday, at the Press Centre, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) council office, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Honourable Aribisogan disclosed that the current plot to coerce lawmakers in the state into a plot to impeach Governor Fayose had thrown the state under siege in the last few weeks.

He also added that after one of its members, Honourable Afolabi Akanni was released after spending 18 days in custody of the Department of State Security (SSS), the next point of call was another plot to arrest 11 lawmakers from Abuja.

The nine member-team was led by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Adewumi Olusegun. Other

members included Honourables Akinleye Ekundayo, Aladeyelu Olusanya, Samuel Omotosho, Akinniyi Sunday, Fajiminleyin Ayodele, Jeje Samuel Abiola and Fasanmi Temitope.

They informed that they could not sleep in their various homes overnight, alleging that people from the opposition party were pointing at their houses.

According to Aribisogan, “some policemen from Abuja were brought to Ekiti State by the expelled former state secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr TKO Aluko and the Ekiti State APC chairman, Jide Awe. “The assignment the policemen were brought to Ekiti State to carry out was to embark on indiscriminate arrest of top functionaries of the PDP and the state government, including 11 members of the state House of Assembly.

“The ground for the indiscriminate arrest is at the instance of TKO Aluko’s malicious lies that those listed for arrest stockpiled arms during the June 21, 2014 governorship election, in which no violence was recorded, no one was killed and no one was attacked.

“We are aware that this plot is as a result of the failure of the DSS to coerce members of the House of Assembly to impeach Governor Fayose, just because of his criticism of the ob-

noxious policies of President Muhammadu Buhari’s APC government.

“You are all aware that one of our members, Honourable Afolabi Akanni, who was abducted on March 4, 2016 was only released after spending 18 days in detention without access to anyone.

“As at last night (Tuesday), our houses were already being identified by agents of the APC who were recruited by the APC to assist the police to carry out the indiscriminate arrest.

Our lives and existence is now being threatened by agents of the Federal Government and we no longer feel safe in our various homes in Ekiti State.”

After narrating the latest attempt to hoodwink Ekiti lawmakers into impeach Governor Fayose, Honourable Aribisogan appealed to the public to question “APC collaborators” the intelligence quotient of their party stockpiling arms without violence during and after the election. On this premise, the lawmakers then declared their unflinching support for the state governor.

He said: “We want Nigerians to help us ask the police and their APC collaborators what the arms they claimed were stockpiled during the election used for? Could arms have been stockpiled and no violence, death or attack was recorded during

and after the election?

“Why is the APC in Ekiti State willing to bring to ridicule all agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria just because the party lost an election fair and square close to two years ago? And why is the police not arresting the APC chairman, Jide Awe, who is wanted for alleged murder and TKO Aluko, who was declared wanted by the court for perjury, and instead providing security cover for them?

“Even though we believe that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, a thoroughbred professional, cannot be part of this clandestine plot, we call on Nigerians to impress it upon the police not to allow itself to be used by desperate APC politicians. This is because doing this will further expose the penchant of the Buhari-led administration for dictatorship.

“We are, however, undaunted in our unflinching support for the our governor, Mr Fayose and wish to state that freedom of thought and expression is guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in exercising this right, Governor Fayose won’t be intimidated by any agency of the Federal Government.

“No amount of intimidation, arrest, detention, harassment and monetary inducement will make us dance to the tune of those

whose only interest is to truncate the Fayose-led government and return to power through the backdoor.

“They lost election in June 2014 and they lost four other elections in 2015.

They should stop trying to get to power through the backdoor. They should stop this harassment, intimidation and use of federal power to oppress innocent Nigerians.

“Everybody should understand that human right activists are no where to be found, there is conspiracy of silence from the other angle, the only hope is the press. We are not going to hide, the Ekiti lawmakers are not going to neglect our duties.”

The lawmakers said, however, despite all these problems they were facing, the House had recently passed some bills which included a Bill Remuneration of Local Governments executives, as well as Bill on Forestry and Environment, to increase the internally generated revenue base of the state.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State House of Assembly announced on Wednesday that its members who had gone underground following the arrest and detention of Mr Afolabi Akanni representing Efon Constituency, by the Department of State Services (DSS), have resurfaced.

The assembly said in a press conference by its

Fayose’s aide, ex-Ekiti PDP scribe trade words over alleged plans to arrest govt officials Sam Nwaoko - Ado- Ekiti SPECIAL Assistant to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka and Dr Tope Aluko, a former secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have traded words over allegations that policemen were out to arrest officials of the state.

Olayinka alleged in a statement in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Wednesday, that Aluko had made himself a tool in the hand of All Progressives Congress (APC) chiefs and was being used to destabilise the state and its government.

He said Aluko had become a Judas and was allegedly collecting millions of naira from leaders of the APC to carry out the alleged job.

Aluko, in a reaction, said Olayinka and his boss were actually the Judas, saying they were the ones who betrayed him.

Aluko said: “The APC wrote petitions against me and it came as a rude shock to me when the government (Ekiti State government) said that I am Judas. They are the Judas anyway, because they betrayed me. I am still a member of the PDP. It is APC that is petitioning me over this issue.

It petitioned me and I have spent 12 days with Department of State Service (DSS); five days with police and five days with the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). So, I am actually on bail from these security operatives.

“During the interrogations, they asked me so many questions and as

truthful as I can be, I gave them the answers, because I said I wanted to do resitituion and that is what I have done. So, if Lere is now saying that somebody is a Judas, it is Lere that is the Judas.”

The accusation and counter-accusation resulted from the arrest of some officials of the Ekiti State government by the DSS and the allegation by Olayinka that police personnel from Abuja had “arrived in the state to arrest to arrest officials of the state government and chieftains of the PDP on allegations of stockpiling of arms for the 2014 governorship election.”

But Aluko said: “I know what transpired between me and Lere, but I won’t say it here and Governor Fayose, if he is running away from his shadows, that is his

problem.

“The security operatives invited me and I went, they did not maltreat me and I don’t know if they would still charge me to court, but I am actaully on bail from the security agencies and my mind is free. I don’t know if they will still invite me tommorow. I have said all I have to say on television and my mind is free. I am not afraid, if any agency invites me I will go.”

Olayinka had insisted that “Aluko has turned himself into tools in the hands of the APC” and added that “Aluko and his likes can continue to run from pillar to post, all their efforts will come to nought and like the Biblical Judas, we will all live to see how those he treating him like their man Friday now will dump him.

“He went to the DSS to lie

against almost everybody in Ekiti, hoping that by now, DSS would have coerced the House of Assembly to impeach Governor Fayose, those arrested and detained have been released.

“Aluko has now gone to the police to lie that notable functionaries of the state government and the PDP leaders stockpiled arms during the June 21, 2014 governorship election and one cannot but ask how arms could have been stockpiled and no single soul was lost during the election and there was no violence.

“Finally, Aluko can continue with his journey of political perfidy. He can keep running while enjoying the proceeds of his political 419.

But like the Biblical Judas, he can only run, he will be caught by his deeds one day.”

Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, on Wednesday, that the trio of Musa Arogundade, Badejo Anifowose and Sina Animasaun, who had gone underground since March 4, following the alleged DSS invasion, had resurfaced and had reunited with other members for legislative duties.

He said the assembly had also directed the lawmakers not to honour any further invitation from the DSS, saying this was to ensure their safety.

He said the manner through which Akanni was detained for 18 days without cogent reasons gave credence to the widespread insinuation that the agency was being allegedly used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to forcefully impeach Fayose.

Oluwawole said the House had resolved that members should shun any invitation from DSS, saying they heard it from the grapevine that “they are still after some of our members over spurious allegations.”

He said: “We are lawmakers and not lawbreakers. If the DSS has started on a good note, we would have cooperated, but going by the questions posed to Honourable Akanni during interrogation that ‘why was he resisting Fayose’s impeachment’ shows that it had a sinister motive.

“We have collectively resolved that based on that suspicion, we may not be able to honour any invitation by DSS because of our safety.”

Also according to a speech read by the chairman, House Committee on Information, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, the members praised the National Assembly, traditional rulers and concerned Nigerians for their intervention leading to the release of Akanni by the DSS. Aribisogan advised the DSS to stop subjecting the lawmakers to “unnecessary trauma,” saying what “we were made to pass through during the trying period did not portray Nigeria as a democratic and civilised nation.

“The three members and some governor’s aides had to go into hiding when it became obvious that the DSS was desperately after them too and their fear became further heightened when the DSS refused to obey an order of the court for the immediate release of Honourable Akanni.”

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Police seal off Kogi assembly complex Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

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EN of the Nigeria Police, on Thursday, sealed off premises of the Kogi State House of Assembly in line with the resolution of the National Assembly.

Lorry load of policemen were as early as 8.00 a.m. deployed on the premises with the gate locked against people, who may want to gain entrance.

The development, however, made the lawmakers in the camp of the factional Speaker, Umar Imam, to relocate to the Government House for the defence of budget by ministries and parastatals.

Although, the sternlooking policemen refused to give the detail of their presence at the gate of the premises, they, however, said they would not allow any of the members to gain access to the assembly.

But the factional Speaker said the assembly was never sealed off by any security agency.

He said members had, at their last sitting, adjourned till April 12, to enable the various committees engage in budget defence.

He said the members were not in the assembly and would not have been affected by the purported seal off of the premises, as they had been directed to continue with their oversight functions to aid good governance in the state.

Imam said: “The last sitting we had was on the 24th of this month and we have adjourned till 12th of April, we did that to allow house committees to begin budget defence and we have slated that from today till April 11th for the committees to turn in their reports. So, the House had been on recess; no member will have anything to do with sitting, what we are doing now is part of oversight functions.

“The assembly is functional. If you go there now, you will find the staff of the assembly doing their work.

So, no sealing off of the assembly. The policemen have always been present, it is a normal thing for police to be around.”

However, the Momoh Jimoh Lawal faction of the House described the action of the police as a welcome development, since the crisis remained unresolved, as earlier directive to return to status quo ante by

the National Assembly was ignored by the five members who carried out the controversial impeachment.

The embattled Deputy Speaker, Ali Akuh, who spoke on behalf of the group, said it was an aberration for five out of the then 20 members of the assembly to impeach the Speaker on whom the remaining 15 members had passed a vote of confidence in his leadership.

“What happened with five members seeking to impeach a Speaker in a House of 20 members is an aberration, unheard of and more so, some members’ names and signatures were forged and included as being part of them.

“We had to go to the higher authority which is the National Assembly vested with the constitutional powers to intervene in such situations. The House of Representatives ordered the seal-off and it was concurred by the Senate,” he said.

Efforts to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kogi State command, Williams Anya, were not fruitful, as he did not pick calls put through to his line.

Cameroon suicide bomber not Chibok girl —Parents Continued from pg3

been sent to the MMF on the evening of Monday by Garba Shehu, Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.

A more recent batch of photos, taken at 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday was sent to the MMF

by Ambassador Hadiza Mustafa, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Cameroon.

The earlier set of photos showed the girl partially clothed and squatting on the sandy floor within a low cement wall enclosure, which was surrounded by soldiers and some civilians.

In that same batch, the woman was being carried in the arms of a soldier, with her face swollen and plaster covering different parts of her body. She was also partially clothed.

In the more recent photos, however, the girl was fully clothed, standing against a wall and looking into the camera.

The woman was also standing straight beside what appeared to be a hospital bed, she was fully-clothed, but her face still appeared slightly swollen with dressing on her forehead.

The Nigerian government,

by Tuesday afternoon, had already informed the MMF that the girl had clearly identified herself as Maryam Alhaji Wakeel, 12-year-old, originally from Maiduguri but abducted from Bama when the town was overrun by Boko Haram a year ago.

The woman identified herself as Aishatu Usman, a 35-year-old mother of two.

However, the identification process was still carried out to lay to rest any claims that the girl was one of the 219 girls kidnapped from their school in Chibok on April 14, 2014.

Mr Nkeki, Mallam Zana and Mrs Galang confirmed that the girl and the woman didi not fit the description of any of the missing girls from Chibok.

“We have also made arrangements for other stakeholders to view the photos at the MMF office in Abuja, as we are yet to ascertain how the girl came to describe herself as one of the missing Chibok girls,” the statement read.

The identity of the girl notwithstanding, the MMF has informed the Nigerian government of its willingness to continue to pursue the matter, and was willing to provide the captured girl and woman any support they may require.

Both Maryam Alhaji Wakeel and Aishatu Usman, the government said, had been handed over to the Nigerian military on Wednesday evening and are currently on their way back to the country.

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Lagos

Fake lawyer hides under bed to evade arrest Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

A

man who paraded himself as a lawyer and allegedly defrauded a businessman has been arrested by the police after he was found hiding under his bed.

According to the police, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Uba, jumped bail, for over two years and was re-arrested under his bed.

Uba had been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court, for allegedly impersonating a lawyer to swindle a businessman, one John C. Uka, at Trade Fair Complex, along Badagery Expressway, of N22 million. He was also accused of presenting a forged letter-headed paper of the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry to Uka, and obtained N22 million from the businessman. Uba was also accused of assuring the businessman that he had become his lawyer and would represent him in a business

deal.

When the businessman suspected that Uba was not who he claimed to be and failed to return the N22 million, the matter was reported at the Zone 2 Police Command.

The defendant, who was

first arraigned in 2008, is standing trial on a fourcount charge bordering on impersonation, forgery, fraud and stealing brought against him by the police.

He was granted bail of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. After per-

fecting bail conditions, he was released from custody but he absconded and was re-arrested on March 28, when he was found hiding under his bed.

There was, however, a mild drama when the case was called as Uba, who was

walking with the aid of a walking stick, fell down as he made to get into the dock. He was helped to a chair by court officials and immediately his lawyer, Mrs C. O. Mbah, told the court that Uba was seriously ill.

Members of Otodo Gbame community and environs protesting the ongoing dredging and sand filling of their communities at Ikeja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Teenage driver knocks down blind, deaf and dumb man Gbemi Solaja

A 19-year-old teenager identified as Akeem Moshood, has been remanded in prison for allegedly knock-

ing down a 52-year-old blind, deaf, and dumb man after driving recklessly.

He is also accused of driving recklessly and ramming

into two shops and damaging goods all valued at N95, 000.

The Prosecutor, Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offences were committed on

Dismissed police officer jailed 3 years for impersonation Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A dismissed police officer, Okpambe Anthony, has been sentenced to three years in prison for parading himself as a serving policeman.

Anthony, 36-year-old, who pleaded guilty to the charge of impersonation when he was arraigned, was sentenced by an Ojo Chief Magistrate,

Nigerian Tribune

Paul Adedamola after he was found guilty.

Adedamola, in his ruling, did not give the convict an option of fine, stating that, “The sentence which has no option of fine. It should serve as a deterrent to others.”

The prosecutor, Uche Simon, had told the court that the accused had on March 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Iyana Oba in Ojo area of Lagos committed

the offence. He said Anthony, who was dismissed from service in 2015, was arrested in a police uniform.

“The accused unlawfully paraded himself as a police officer by wearing a full police Sergeant uniform. The photographs of the accused in a police uniform were tendered as exhibit in court among other evidences,” he said.

A bus stop turned waste dump, located at Alausa Police Barrack, opposite Lagos Secretariat. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

March 25 at about 4:30 p.m. along Ibadan Street, Ebute Metta. He said that the accused, driver of a commercial bus with Reg. JJJ 119 XB, drove recklessly and knocked down one Seyi, 52, a blind, deaf and dumb man.

Moshood pleaded guilty to a six-count charge bordering on reckless driving, driving without driving licence, insurance and road worthiness.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Section 32 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and sections 7(1), 14, 17, and 18 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The Magistrate, Miss B.O. Ope-Agbe, ordered that Moshood should be remanded in police custody till April 1 for facts and sentencing.

UNILAG Naza Okoli FOUR University of Lagos (UNILAG) students, who were last week arrested at Ifo in connection with the death of a 300-level student of Microbiology, were rearrested in Ogun State, on Tuesday evening.

This was disclosed by one of the four students, names withheld, who said he and the three other students were being held by the Ogun State Police Command.

The student’s comments, which were conveyed via Whatsapp chat to his friends and some officials of the UNILAG Students’ Union between 5:36 p.m. and 9:34 p.m. on Tuesday, were made available to Lagos Metro, on Wednesday.

“We came to get our ID cards from Abeokuta, but they won’t allow us to leave now because they heard that people from Lagos are coming to take us. Are we no longer students? Those things online are not true.

The stories online are the reports of the complainant,” said the 500-level law student.

He also revealed that their ordeal began after the deceased’s aunt saw them “praying in tongues” at Jacobs’ graveside.

“It was so unfortunate.

The same person (the aunt) that gave us permission to pray called the police to arrest us and denied giving us permission. The complainant said we were praying in tongues and it raised suspicion and said that we were fighting with

Autopsy: LASU student died naturally THE Lagos State University Students’ Union (LASUSU), on Wednesday, said the autopsy report on the death of a 200 level female student confirmed that she died naturally.

Mr Tayo Sekoni, the LASUSU President, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He spoke to NAN on the sideline of a news briefing organised by the union at the institution’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos.

Sekoni said the autopsy report confirmed that Omolara Gbadeyan’s death was natural and unconnected to anyone.

He said that following the autopsy report, the Students Union filed a case on behalf of 11 students suspended by the university authority in connection with the incident “Since nobody was connected to Gbadeyan’s death, the suspension had been lifted by the management,” he said.

The union thought it was unwise for the suspended students to be punished for a sin they did not commit and the university authority reasoned with the union’s view.

“We, however, pray the departed soul will rest in peace,’’ he said.

NAN recalls that Miss

Omolara Gbadeyan, a female student in the Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Faculty of Management Science in the university, died on February 11, at a party hosted by the History and International Studies Students Association at an event centre in Igando, Igando/ Ikotun Local Government Development Area. A bulletin issued by the university authority had said the organisers of the party did not inform it nor seek its approval for the event. According to the university, this is contrary to the rules and regulations of the institution.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

metro

Edited by

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

suicide: Police re-arrest 4 students bricklayers to forcefully bring out the corpse. That wasn’t true.”

The University spokes-

man, Mr Toyin Adebule, could not be reached, but a source at the Senate Building told Lagos Metro that

they were not aware that the students had been released in the first place.

“Yes, we read that four of

our students were arrested in Ogun State while they were trying to resurrect their colleague,” the source

said, adding that, “but we have not been informed that they were released, let alone arrested again.”

Recovered N5m: CP takes over

investigations from Lagos Task Force Bola Badmus LAGOS State Police Command has on Wednesday taken over the case involving the alleged discovery of N5 million which was said to have fallen off from a bullion van between last November and December.

The Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation headed by Olayinka Egbeyemi, had on Tuesday announced the discovery of the money, saying two of his officers, who were on duty around Lagos State House of Assembly Complex eventually retrieved the money.

The incident was said to have taken place around the state Assembly complex.

A source, who confided in Lagos Metro, stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, has since taken over investigations into the matter as a news conference scheduled by the Task Force boss, Egbeyemi, was put off at the last minute.

“The CP has taken over the matter; it is no longer in our hands. The police command will henceforth handle the matter, so anything you want to know, you can go to

them,” the source said.

“We have done our own

investigations, it was after we completed our own

investigations that we announced the discovery of

the money to the public,” the source added.

Managing Director Lekki Gardens, Richard Nyong (second right) during a visit to one of the survivors of Lekki building collapse, Babatunde Busari at General Hospital Marina, on Wednesday. With them are Busari’s wife, Adebisi (third left); Operations Executive, Lekki Gardens, Mr Ubong Udoh (right) and Mr Busari’s relations, Morufu Adewasi.

PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Miscreants responsible for open defecation in Lagos — Govt official THE Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy on Wednesday identified miscreants as the persons responsible for open defecation in the state.

Mr Oluwatoyin AdeniAwosika, the Director of Public Enlightenment and Community Relations in the ministry, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) in Lagos, said such people engaged in the practice because they did not live in residential areas with proper toilets.

He, however, said that state government agencies were carrying out enlightenment campaigns to persuade individuals involved in open defecation to change their attitudes.

“When are these done?

Certainly late in the night; it is difficult to monitor them.

Once the persons doing it see somebody carrying torchlight or they see officials of security agencies, they run away.

Most of the people who do it are hoodlums, homeless and the garage boys. They are the ones who do not live in residential areas that have proper toilets.

“The education we give all

these people is in their local languages which include Pidgin English and Yoruba, and then the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the market leaders assist.

“We also have environmental sanitary officers from the Ministry of Health, who are all over the place; we are doing our own, everybody is involved in the awareness campaign now.’’

Prosecution of tax defaulters to commence April 1— LIRS Bola Badmus LAGOS State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) on Wednesday said it will formally commence prosecution of tax evaders and offenders in the state beginning from April 1, 2016.

The LIRS said the move was in consonance with Section 82 of the Personal Income Tax Act (as amended), pointing out that, “Under the Personal Income Tax Act, a taxable person is stat-

utorily required to file a return of income for the preceding year within 90days from the commencement of every year of assessment (March 31st is the deadline).”

Head, Corporate Affairs of LIRS, Mrs Monsurat Amasa, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen.

According to her, following this, employer of labour is required to file all emoluments paid to its employees

for the preceding year, not later than 31st of January each year.

“Therefore any taxable person or corporate organisation who fails to file their tax returns with LIRS by the stipulated date is in breach of the provisions of the law, which is a criminal offence that is punishable under the tax laws,” she said.

Amasa recalled that the LIRS, having put all the necessary machineries in place to ensure the enforce-

Nigerian Tribune

ment of the tax laws with effect from April 1, 2016 had warned all erring taxpayers to comply, reiterating that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on taxable persons who failed to file requisite returns as provided by the law.

The statement read, “While many taxpayers have complied willingly by filing their returns in the last months, it is disheartening to note that in spite of all efforts by the LIRS,

a large fraction of eligible taxpayers are still not complying, thereby failing to contribute to the common purse for the common good of all. In the wake of little or no proceeds from the federation account, the focus of the present administration in renewing infrastructure and general development of the State cannot be achieved by the attitude of those who deliberately refuse to discharge their civic responsibility to the State.”

37-yr-old barber arrested for defiling 7-yr-old girl Olalekan Olabulo A seven-year-old girl has narrated to her parents, how a 37-year-old barber, Yusuff Adelopo, allegedly defiled her.

Adelopo has been arrested by policemen attached to Mushin police station after medical tests confirmed a penetration on the small girl’s private part. The girl also told her mother that the arrested suspect slept with her on the staircase of his apartment in Okesanya area of Papa Ajao in Mushin.

Lagos Metro gathered that Adelopo was on Tuesday arrested, after medical tests at the Mushin General Hospital revealed that he actually slept with the girl.

A police source at the state police command stated that the little girl had gone to the barber’s shop in search for her siblings, when the incident took place. “The little girl came back from school and could not find her siblings at home, so she went in search of them at the barber’s shop. According to the girl, that was when the suspect took her to his house and defiled her.”

It was gathered that on getting to the barber’s home, the apartment was under lock and key, forcing the barber to look for a bench, where he eventually committed the crime.

The girl said that after the act, the barber cleaned her private part with a rag and asked her to wear her pant back. He then took her to his saloon where she waited until her elder brother retuned from school.

As at Wednesday evening, Adelopo was still being detained at Olosan police station.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and added that investigations were still on going.

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businessnews

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Normalcy will soon return to filling stations nationwide —NUPENG Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos

T

HE Nigeria Unoin of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG on Wednesday has assured that normalcy would soon return to filling states nationwide if the current tempo of loading at the depots continued till the weekend.

Tokunbo Korodo, the South-West Chairman of the union, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Korodo said that the NNPC commenced massive pumping of petrol to its depot at Mosinmi early this week and loading of petroleum trucks had started.

“Going round some depots in Lagos, I observed that loading was going on and more filling stations are selling the product at the control price.

“Some filling stations that are selling between N130 and N150 will be forced to sell at control price when the market is flooded with petrol.

“If NNPC can keep the tempo of the loading till weekend, more filling stations will have petrol and the queue of motorists at filling stations will reduce.

“The corporation should ensure that it keeps on pumping petrol to both major and independent marketers’ depots to reduce the scarcity,” he said.

The chairman appealed to NNPC management to ensure that it carried along all stakeholders in the oil

and gas sector so that the fuel scarcity could end as promised.

Korodo urged the corporation to maintain the current loading system at

depots.

NAN reports that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, on March 29, said that the long queues in the petrol

stream) over the lingering fuel scarcity in the country.

He apologised to Nigerians over his statement that the fuel scarcity would linger till May.

From left: Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Ugochi Odemelam; MD/CEO, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Olaotan Soyinka; President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Lady Isioma Chukwuma; outgoing DG, CIIN Kola Ahmed and incoming DG, CIIN, Tayo Borokini, during a visit of the institute to Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc.

Stanbic IBTC, FRC face-off delays 2015 audited financial statements Chima Nwokoji-lagos

Fresh facts have emerged that Stanbic IBTC bank’s 2015 annual results may be delayed for two months until 31 May, as it contin-

ues to face challenges from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), following continued discussions with Stanbic’s auditors on the treatment of certain items.

This is even as Stanbic

Transcorp rewards shareholders Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp), Nigeria’s foremost investment conglomerate has announced its audited 2015 Financial Results. The Group posted a profit before tax of N3.3bn for the period under review.

Transcorp Group Operating Profit went up by 11% from N14bn in 2014 FY to N15bn. Its posted turnover of N40.8bn and profit before tax of N3.3bn in 2015 due to foreign exchange loss which affected the net results of the power business and impairment of investments in the stock market. The Group’s total comprehensive income stood at N1.4bn for the period under review.

The company grew its balance sheet during the year. Total asset increased

by N32bn to N202.9bn, compared to N170.8bn as at 2014 FY. Increase in Plant Property and Equipment reflects the impact of expan-

stations would disappear

by April 7.

Kachikwu made the statement when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Down-

sion projects undertaken

by Transcorp Hotels Plc. specifically the upgrade of Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja and developments of Transcorp Hilton Ikoyi and Port Harcourt.

Tax payable stood at N1.3bn following the corporate restructuring of the Group with the successful merger of Transcorp Ughelli Power (TUPL) and Ughelli Power Plc (UPP).

Shareholders Funds stood at N87.5bn.

The Group Revenue was affected by the non-implementation of the MultiYear Tariff Order (MYTO) 2015 in the Power sector and impacts of forex devaluation on the cost of gas and debt service.

The merger of Transcorp Power Ughelli Limited (TUPL) and Ughelli Power Plc (UPP) was successfully completed and the surviving entity renamed as Transcorp Power Limited. The objective of the merger was to eliminate duplicated costs and en-

sure greater efficiency.

Despite the slow start experienced by the Hospitality business in Q1 2015 occasioned by security concerns regarding the March 2015 general elections, it closed strongly in Q4 2015.

Transcorp Hotels Plc successfully raised two series (Series I and II) of its N30bn Medium Term Bond Programme.

IBTC has disowned the consolidated and separate annual Financial Statements already in possession of the FRC. Stanbic IBTC recently released a notice on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) that a case instituted by the FRC at the Court of Appeal is ongoing.

In the notice to the NSE sited by Nigerian Tribune, Stanbic IBTC stated: “We would like to advise The Nigerian Stock Exchange as well as our esteemed shareholders and stakeholders that from available indications we are unlikely to complete our 2015 audit and issue our annual report before 31 March 2016 as required by

The NSE Rules (the Rules).

“As a result of the reporting challenges experienced with the FRC in 2015, we have been in discussions with our External Auditors about the details of the appropriate presentation of certain items in our Financial Statements, which are the subject of the ongoing legal proceedings.”

The bank is therefore seeking the approval of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission to file its 2015 Audited Financial Statements outside of the time period specified by the Rules as it continues to work towards the timely conclusion of the 2015 audit exercise.

FCMB profit dips by 78.5%, declares 10 kobo dividend Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

\FCMB Group Plc has announced that it made a profit of N4.76 billion for its financial year ended December 2015, as it declared 10 kobo dividend.

In its audited report for the period, submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, the bank recorded 78.5 per cent decrease in

its profit when compared to N22.13 billion made result of the preceding year.

Gross Earnings of the bank, however, increased by 2.6 per cent from N148.6 billion in 2014 financial year to N152.5 billion in FY 2015, while its Total Comprehensive Income for the year under review reduced by 69.1 per cent from N22.59 in FY2014 to N6.98 in FY2015.

With the recently released financial report, FCMB Group Plc’s Basic Earning Per Share stands 24 kobo, representing 78.6 per cent decline fo N1.12 kobo of 2014.

It will be recalled that FCMB was among the first company to alert it’s investor of its lower-thanexpected result, having issued profit warning notice in January.

Nigerian Tribune

NTEL announces full return of SAT-3 submarine cable

By Bode Adewumi

NatCom Development & Investment Limited, trading as ntel, NTEL, has announced the successful repair and return to service of its SAT-3 submarine cable.

SAT-3/WASC/SAFE or South Atlantic 3/West Africa Submarine Cable is the longest submarine communications cable in the world with 17 landing points linking Portugal and Europe to South Africa, with connections to several West African countries along the route. It forms part of the SAT-3/ WASC/SAFE cable system, where the SAFE cable links South Africa to Asia. The SAT-3/WASC/SAFE system provides a path between Europe and Asia for telecommunications traffic that is an alternative to the cable routes that pass through the Middle East. SAT-3 provides access to global markets and enables “seamless and diverse” connectivity to the rest of the world.

“The repair of SAT-3 is fantastic news for datahungry consumers and corporates in need of superfast and abundant broadband carried over a robust fibre network with significant capacity and low latency,” Kamar Abass, CEO, NTEL said.

NSE ASI drops 0.52%, as NB, Guinness, PZ top losers Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSE ASI) depreciated by 0.52 per cent on Wednesday to close at 25,145.28 points against a 2.40 per cent depreciation recorded in the previous day’s trading session to close at 25,277.29 points.

Market Capitalisation likewise dropped by 0.52 per cent or N45 billion to close at N8.65 trillion as against the decrease of 2.40 per cent recorded previously to close at N8.69 trillion.

The depreciation recorded in the bourse’s indices fell on losses recorded in share prices of Nigerian Breweries which dropped

by N4.83, Guinness with a loss of N3.18, PZ Cussons Plc with a decline of N1.19, UACN’s fall of 48 kobo and Zenith Bank’s depreciation of 35 kobo.

Top five financial gainers during the day’s transactions were SEPLAT which added N10, WAPCO and Dangote Cement which rose by two naira each, 7up Plc which gained N1.41 and Flourmills Nigeria Plc which increased by 86 kobo per share.

businessnews Union threatens to shut down Caverton operations 11

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

•Oil price fall has affected us —Mgt Shola Adekola - Lagos

T

HE National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has given the management of Caverton Helicopters seven days ultimatum within which its management is expected to enact payment to its members in the company, or have its operations in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt shut down.

It would seem the unions have been in negotiation with the airline over a myriad of issues ranging from arbitrary slash of salaries, openly perpetuated injustice to workers and blatant disregard for labour laws as it regards termination of employment.

The unions in the letter to the Managing Director of Caverton dated 30 March, 2016, with reference number NUATE.GS/MD. CARVERTON/ENP/007016 and signed by Acting General Secretary, Olayinka Olu Abioye, said the communication served as the final notice of industrial action, as there shall be no more negotiation.

The letter titled: “Final Notice of Industrial Action against Caverton Helicopters, read thus, “Notice is hereby given to the general public and the esteemed

clients of Caverton Helicopters that due to persistent anti-labour practices, by management of (the said) Caverton helicopters, the unions have resolved to shut down its operations in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt within the next seven days if salaries of our members are not reinstated.

“There shall be no more discussions on the fundamental issues as the unions have exhibited high sense

of responsibility and maturity in getting the matter resolved but to no avail. This message serves as a final notice of industrial action. All Caverton Helicopters workers to note and be fully prepared,” the letter concluded.

But in a swift reaction, the managing director of the airline, Mr Josiah Choms, said the company only reduced workers’ salaries and that salaries of the workers are up to date.

According to the MD, the reduction in salaries was as a result of reduction in the number of the company’s clientele which he said was caused by the fall in oil price.

His words: “There was time of plenty when oil was over $100 per barrel, now it is $40. The drop in oil price affected everybody. They (workers) agreed that some people will take pay reduction. One of our clients had seven aircraft, now they are

flying three. We held a meeting where we explained to them. They made some demands which we acceded to.

“I do not understand the union’s position and the threat that this represents.

We’ve engaged the union in light of the global economic meltdown which is not a specific Caverton situation.

Everybody in the world and in Nigeria is facing serious challenges, how our clients have requested for discount,

some of them have dropped aircraft. We are not an airline that flies based on passenger traffic. We work on contract. With a dwindling revenue strain, there was no other way but to look at how to increase efficiency and cut our cost.

“If the right thing to do is to shut down the company when we are doing our best to retain everybody, I wish them good luck. We would now see who will suffer.”

The union had alleged that the situation started nose diving since September 2015, when the airline management unilaterally cut staff salaries without recourse to meet the workers or the unions.

Glo indulges subscribers with best-in-class data rates

From left, Dr Muiz Banire, APC National Legal Adviser; Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister of Information and Culture and Mr Ifie Sekibo, Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited, at the staging of Seki, a dance drama fused with the rich culture of the Okirika people, at Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos.

Shell investigated in Italy over Nigeria oil field ITALIAN prosecutors are investigating Royal Dutch Shell as part of a probe into the acquisition of an offshore oil field in Nigeria, the Anglo-Dutch company said on Wednesday.

“We can confirm we have received notice of proceedings from the Public Prosecutor in Italy,” a Shell spokesman said.

Earlier on Wednesday a judicial source told Reuters that Shell was under investigation by Milan-based judges for alleged international corruption.

Shell headquarters in the Hague were searched in February by Dutch police and prosecutors as part of this new strand of investigations, the company spokesman also said..

In 2014 a Milan court placed Eni under investigation over the $1.3 billion purchase in 2011 of Nigeria’s OPL-245 offshore oil block by the Italian major and Shell.

Prosecutors later widened their investigation to include Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi.

Eni and Descalzi have denied any wrongdoing. The state-controlled oil company has always said it dealt exclusively with the govern-

Nigerian Tribune

ment of Nigeria, paid fees into a government account and did not use intermediaries for the transaction.

“Shell is cooperating with the authorities and is looking into the allegations, which it takes seriously,” the Shell spokesman said.

“Shell attaches the greatest importance to business integrity, one of our core values,” he added.

Italian prosecutors are working jointly with an anti-fraud team in the Netherlands in order to determine whether the two oil companies paid bribes to obtain licences for the Nigerian site, the judicial source

said, confirming reports by Italy’s daily Corriere della Sera.

The OPL-245 block has been at the centre of a series of long-standing disputes.

It was initially awarded in 1998 by former Nigerian oil

minister Dan Etete to Malabu Oil and Gas, a company in which he was a shareholder.

The field was then sold in 2011 to Eni and Shell. According to documents from a British court, Malabu received $1.09 billion from

the sale, while the rest went to the Nigerian government.

The oil block is estimated to contain 9 billion barrels of crude oil.

Shell, which sold some Nigerian assets in 2015, has been active in the country since 1937.

was in consonance with Section 82 of the Personal Income Tax Act (as amended), adding that under the Act, a taxable person was statutorily required to file a return of income for the preceding year within 90 days from the commencement of every year of assessment.

“Whilst any employer of labour is required to file all emoluments paid to its employees for the preceding year, not later than 31st of January each year, therefore any taxable person or corporate organisation who fails to file their tax returns with LIRS by the stipulated

paign which would involve a 55 km ride that will take off from The Syrian Club, Ribadu Road, Ikoyi and cover major routes in the city.

She stated that the campaign, which is a collaborative effort between the bank and other stakeholders such as The Learning Place, Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, Children’s Development Centre and The Cycology Club, will officially kick off the 6thedition of the bank’s Annual Autism Programme, designed

to provide support for children with developmental disabilities, most especially the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), by creating awareness of the disorder and invariably acceptance.

Expressing her delight at partnering the bank for the campaign, Director, Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, Mrs Dotun Akande stated that it had become imperative to create awareness for autism disorder, in order to demystify some erroneous claims around it.

LIRS to commence prosecution of tax defaulters from April 1 Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

THE Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has declared its intention to commence the prosecution of tax evaders and offenders in Lagos State beginning from 1 April, 2016.

The service said the move

GTBank raises awareness on autism with cycling/ walking campaign Akin Adewakun - Lagos

AS part of activities marking the World Autism Awareness Day, one of the nation’s financial institutions, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, has unveiled plans to organise a walk and cycling campaign around the Lagos metropolis on Saturday, April 2, this year, to raise awareness for people suffering from the disorder.

Intimating the media on Wednesday, in Lagos, of the forthcoming campaign, the bank’s Senior

THE next generation network, Globacom, has organised its broad array of data services in a one-sizefits-all package for the convenience of its data subscribers.

Tagged Glo Data Supermart, the offer which has just one easy-to-remember opt-in code, *777#, caters for all the super fast data offerings on the Glo network.

Globacom in a statement said “we again want to reward our loyal customers by giving them more value for their money in a comforting and less stressful manner. That is why we are giving unbelievable value for all our data offerings to enable our subscribers to browse, download and surf the internet without any stress.”

Manager, Communication/ External Affairs, Mrs Oyinade Adegbite explained that the 8 km walk around the metropolis is being organised by the bank to give voice for people suffering from Autism, while at the same time remove the stigma that is normally associated with autism in society.

Adegbite explained that beside the Walk for Autism which will kick off by 7 a.m. that day from Town Planning Way Bus Stop, Ilupeju, there will also be a Cycling for Autism cam-

date is in breach of the provisions of the law, which is a criminal offence that is punishable under the tax laws,” LIRS said in a statement.

While buttressing this in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, said “We have a robust database that captures all taxable individuals and firms in Lagos State as well as transactions for the purpose of audit, so there is no hiding place for any tax evader.”

He therefore called on every taxable person in Lagos State to take advantage of the window on or before the March 31st deadline to ensure that his or her tax return has been duly filed. He added that The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice will through the Rapid Tax Prosecution Unit commence prosecution of tax defaulters in Lagos State without further notice.

news Human Rights: Police needs to do more, says IGP 12

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Nigerians expect more from police Dambazzau Chris Agbambu - Abuja

T

HE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to do more in respect

of human rights.

This is even as the Minister of Interior noted that Nigerians expect more from the IGP and the entire Nigeria Police as it relates to professionalism.

The IGP spoke in Abuja,

on \Wednesday, during a seminar themed: ‘International Human Rights Standards and Trends in Community driven policing.’

According to the IGP, “Police personnel are the prime security actors in the

internal security architecture of the country and in terms of respect for human rights by the Nigeria police, I will say they are doing well but there are still some areas where we have to fine tune and that is why I am

From left, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase; Minister of Interior, Lieutenant-General Abdulrahaman Dambazzau (retd) and a former IGP, Mr Sunday Ehindero, with some Police management team, during a seminar to mark the 11th Biennial 2016 Police Week, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Biafra: Kanu seeks British govt’s help, says he is a victim of persecution Sunday Ejike - Abuja

DETAINED leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has taken his plight to the British government.

The Biafran leader, in a terse letter through one of his lawyers, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described himself as a victim of travesty of justice and gross human rights violation due to his prolonged detention by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who expressed his readiness to face his trial, said however, that what he was yearning for was nothing but fair trial and not persecution.

In the letter dated March 24, 2016 and addressed to the British High Commissioner in Abuja, the Biafra agitator, who has filed a suit before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), against the violation of his rights, said he was wrongly arrested and put in detention.

He drew the British envoy’s attention to his rights and privileges as a British citizen, pointing out that, “It is repeating the obvious to state that our client is a full British citizen, by virtue of which position he is entitled to all rights,

privileges and protections, guaranteed under the British Laws and conventions.

“We are therefore constrained in the circumstance, to formally notify the British Government vide this medium, of our well informed reservations, and apprehension, that our client is undergoing persecution in the charge above referred, and deliberate design by the persecutors to frustrate every effort of the defence team, aimed at giving our client a fair trial,” Kanu’s lawyer submitted in the letter.

Kanu’s counsel submitted that the unlawful detention of his client from October 14, 2015 till January 20, 2016, without any lawful orders of court, and in flagrant disobedience of orders of courts of competent jurisdiction amounts to a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.

According to the letter: “It is the position of our Law, that dual citizenship is a constitutional right of the citizens of Nigeria, clearly provided for under section 28 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended 2011. Dual citizenship is not a crime under our Law.

“Our reservations on the President’s comment were underpinned by the findings made in the ruling delivered on the 29th

day of February 2016, by Hon Justice John Tsoho, wherein Our Client and the two other Defendants were denied bail.

jazzing up their training programme and I am getting them to connect with members of the public.

“It is not an easy thing in trying to jig up an organisation that has been a bit stagnant for sometimes. So, training will be a continuous thing even after I leave and I believe that I have set the pathways, I have put the building blocks and whoever is coming after me will just build on those things.

Speaking on the essence of the seminar, he said: “you must know that in a democracy, the organisation that is supposed to drive the rule of law is the Nigeria Police Force. So, as of necessity, the officers must be in compliant with human rights details both nationally and internationally.

The IGP also said the manual which was launched; ‘Operational Manual of International Human Rights Protocols and Guidelines’ will serve as police bible.

Arase also launched a compendium titled “Nigeria Police Force (1861 – 2016): Establishment Profile.

On the importance of the compendium, the IGP said: “the essence is for us to tell our story for posterity sake because any institution that fails to recognize and docu-

ment its history stands the danger of creating a historical vacuum which will engender distorted narration of its evolution.

The IGP explained that the newly launched Protocols covers; police investigation, police arrest, police detention, use of force and firearms, management of civil disorder, protection of juveniles, protection of women, protection of victims of crime and abuse of power, police command and management, community policing, and policing in a constitutional democracy, among others.

He also expressed optimism that Nigerians will use the operational as a template that they can make reference to in holding the police accountable for their professional actions or inactions.

Speaking on the expectations of Nigerians from the police, the minister said: “I want to emphasize that a lot is expected from you (IGP) by the Nigerian public.

“All eyes are on you and you need to ensure that the senior officers focus on professionalism in terms of training and welfare of personnel. There is no doubt that without meeting the minimum standard of professionalism, you will not be able to carry out your constitutional mandate”, he said.

Don’t contract PDP virus, el-Rufai warns 23 new council chairmen Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

GOVERNOR Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has counselled the newly sworn in interim council chairmen of 23 local government councils in the state not to contract Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) virus.

El-Rufai also tasked them to be good ambassadors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective areas and work for the grassroots in line with the party’s manifestos.

The governor stated this on Wednesday, at Government House, Kaduna while swearing in the 23 local government councils’ chairmen.

He warned the chairmen not to engage in religious and ethnic sentiments while performing their duties, adding that they should unite the people of the state.

El-Rufai urged them not to disappoint the people and must endeavour to provide good leadership for the residents.

He also warned them to be wary of the elements of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) who would only want to pull them down, asking them to

work with change elements that are committed to making Kaduna State great again.

“PDP is a virus that God has saved Nigeria from,

Group takes protest to NASS

don’t fraternise with PDP elements in your local government areas, work with APC elements so that we can bring about the needed development.”

Says fight against corruption sensational Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

THE Nigerians United For Progressive Change (NUPC), on Wednesday, demonstrated at the National Assembly over alleged selective witch-hunt which, is politically motivated, in the anticorruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group members, who came in large numbers, barricaded the gate of the National Assembly early in the morning with placard with different inscriptions.

The national convener of the group, Comrade Solomon Adodo, told newsmen that the fight against corruption had become highly sensational, jaundiced, and thoroughly compromised

due to the overbearing political undertones and motives adding that the federal government has chosen to be preoccupied with blaming the past administration for our woes instead of generating solutions as promised to Nigerians during the campaign for change.

According to him “ At best the fight against corruption can aptly be described as a political witch-hunt and desperate attempt to muffle the voice of opposition political parties and any voice of dissent or constructive criticism.

“We are also aware that individuals who had their neck steeped in the labyrinth of corruption were given a clean bill and compensated

with juicy appointments in this administration since they identified with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“No better testament can be adduced to the selective and ill-motivated fight against corruption than the recent resignation of a true patriot and man of honour, Yushau Shuaib as FOSSRA Chief Media Consultant due to the fact that the anti-corruption war unjustly paints any perceived enemy with tar.”

He explained that the only the National Assembly is constitutionally vested with the statutory powers to investigate any government, noting that the presidential committee investigating the immediate past government is illegal.

13

news

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Slain Army colonel buried in Kaduna Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

T

HE remains of the kidnapped Army colonel, Samaila Inusa, has been laid to rest on Wednesday, at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) cemetery, Kaduna with full military honours.

The Iate colonel was kidnapped by unidentified persons last week Saturday, at Kamazo Village, near NNPC Junction, in Kaduna and his decomposed body was later found about two kilometres from where he was kidnapped on Monday.

He was buried according to Islamic rites at 11.50a.m.

Speaking at the grave side of the late military officer, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai, described him as a professional soldier who died in active service.

Represented by the Director of Administration, Nigerian Army, Major General Ado Abubakar, he said the late soldier started his military career at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) in 1992.

He disclosed that Inusa, who was born in 1972, was commissioned into the Army in 1997 and promoted a colonel in August

2015.

According to the COAS, the late colonel was a loving and caring husband, who left behind a son, a wife and aged

parents.

The brother of the late officer, Mustapha Yunusa, told the Nigerian Tribune that the family was shocked over

A member of the “BringBackOurGirls Group” Hussaini Hussaini, has said the Federal Government is confused on the matter of the arrest of wouldbe suicide bomber by the Cameroonian government, and rushed into going to the press to announce their plans to go and verify the claims of the arrested would-be bomber, a situation which informed different versions of stories to the claim.

Hussaini, who was in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday and spoke with newsmen at his hotel room said, ''despite the effort the Buhari administration is trying to put in place to ensure the rescue of the over 200 Chibok girls, those who are supposed to help the government achieve that are not doing enough to ensure that the administration succeeds.

“I can tell you clearly that, much is not being done as you can see from the different stories and claims. I

give something and he would not like anybody to know. He does his things because of Allah. The family will surely miss him.

Police nab man with wraps of Indian hemp concealed inside tyres Ebenezer Adurokiya, Warri

Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello (left) and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Declare Fulani herdsmen terrorists, Benue elders tell Buhari •Reject proposed town hall meeting ELDERS from Benue State have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare Fulani herdsmen invasion of the state and gruesome massacre of the

people by the armed herders as act of insurgency and the perpetrators labelled as terrorists to be routed out by the military.

This was made known

Boko Haram would-be bomber: Let the girl speak for herself — Hussaini, member of BringBackOurGirls Group J ames B wala -M aiduguri

the demise of his brother.

He described the late colonel as a nice man and a philanthropist.

‘My brother will like to

do not know why a simple issue as going to Cameroon to confirm can be so difficult. At least, the girl in question can speak. She should know her father’s name. Let them find out who the father or mother is and go to Chibok to look for those parents and take them to Cameroon for confirmation.

“For me, this is not about setting up a committee. For what? If I may ask. And of what credibility is the committee if the parents of the girls are not involved. You see, people don’t really want to do the right thing; every opportunity like this, they are looking for how much they are going to get for their pocket. Tell me then, how can this issue be resolved with this kind of attitude.”

He said government needs to be practical on this and tell Nigerians whether or not the girl is from Chibok.

I mean government not the chairman, who is representing the parents of the missing Chibok girls, who, to my mind, is only speaking on his own interest. And why

should government rely on someone who is not directly affected to be telling them what they need to know, when Chibok is still in Nigeria and the parents of the missing girls are still alive.

“We read in the papers yesterday that the girl is not from Chibok. But we were not told that it was the girl who was speaking but some people who are claiming to be the god parents.''

in a communiqué issued at the end of a unity meeting held in Makurdi and attended by the leaders of Tiv, Idoma and Igede. The elders noted that the meeting became necessary following “the armed invasion and occupation of their land

by Fulani herdsmen and the wanton killing of their people, destruction of homes and farmlands, raping of their wives and daughters in 15 Local Government Areas out of 23 namely, Agatu, Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi, Guma, Tarka, Buruku, Katsina Ala, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, Oju, Obi and Konshisha.

“We observed that these invading Fulani Herdsmen have been allowed to bear sophisticated assault weapons unchallenged which is against all our extant laws. The perpetra-

tors and sponsors of such heinous crimes against humanity must be brought to justice,” the elders said.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Chief Edward Ujege, PresidentGeneral of Mdzough U TIV (MUT), Dr Okopi Momoh, President of Idoma National Forum (INF) and Chief Ode Enyi, PresidentGeneral of Omi Ny Igede.

Leaders and elders of Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), Idoma National Forum (INF) and Omi Ny’Igede, also rejected the proposed Town Hall Meeting by the Federal Government, insisting that only an inclusive Judicial Commission of Enquiry can unravel the root cause(s) of the invasion of Benue by Fulani herdsmen and the gruesome massacre of the people by the armed herders.

OSOPADEC fulfills 2016 bursary ONDO State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) starts payment of about N160 million as bursary allowances for students in tertiary institutions across the country who are of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government origins.

Chairman of OSOPADEC, Pastor Johnson Ogunyemi, who said this in his Oba-Ile office, also listed the various category of the beneficiaries of the bursary scheme to include undergraduate, Master’s degree, PGD and the PhD Students within the OSO-

PADEC mandate area.

The commission disclosed the total amount which is N159,970,000 (One hundred and fifty nine million, nine hundred and seventy thousand naira) is for the 2013/2014 academic session.

He said the payment followed the gracious approval of the bursary allowances by the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, after the clearance of the eligible beneficiaries.

He explained further that no fewer than 3,729 students across the various higher institutions within

the country would benefit from the government’s gesture, adding that the payment, which had started since Monday, March 21, 2016 would be completed within the next one week.

The chairman encouraged those who have not received alert from their banks and those who have one complaint or the other to visit the commission’s office for necessary information, saying that the commission would continue to do its best to ensure that all the eligible students of the mandate areas are paid.

A suspected Indian hemp dealer, Harrison Ofesi, has been arrested with wraps of weeds concealed in truck tyres.

Ofesi, who hails from Iyeze Street, Abbi town, Ukwuani Local Government Area, of Delta State was arrested by police detectives attached to Obiaruku Division after a tip-off from a member of the public.

He was caught in possession of two truck tyres with rims, believed to have been stolen.

But further investigations through the services of a vulcanizer, who removed the rims, revealed that the suspect had concealed several wraps of suspected Indian hemp inside the tyres.

Obiaruku, an agrarian environment, is said to be notorious for the cultivation of Indian hemp in commercial quantity in the oil-rich state.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest in a statement, said the suspect was nabbed on March 24 and was helping the police in further investigation.

Abandoned babies TWO months old baby girl was found at Aliwo, Agodi area, Ibadan, on March 5, 2016.

FIVE years old boy was found at Alalubosa GRA area, Ibadan on November 29, 2014.

Anybody with useful information that could lead to the discovery of these babies' parents or relatives should please contact the Principal Social Welfare Officer, Ibadan/Ibarapa Zonal Social Welfare Officer, Iyaganku, Ibadan or the nearest police station.

south-westnews Oyo workers’ ultimatum surprising, uncalled for —Govt 14

By Wale Akinselure

T

HE Oyo State government has described the seven-day ultimatum given by the labour movement in the state over unpaid salaries as unnecessary and uncalled for.

Speaking on Wednesday, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the state governor, Mr Yomi Layinka, said the labour movement’s threat was surprising, noting that government had not reneged on the subsisting agreement with labour to commit 90 per cent of the state’s monthly Federal Government allocation to payment of salaries.

It will be recalled that the labour movement had on Tuesday frowned on the “carefree attitude and lack of concern of the state government to the plight of the workers,” and threatened an industrial action if the state government failed to call for a meeting within seven days.

Further speaking, Layinka called for the understanding of the labour movement in view of dwindling revenue accruing to the state.

He also intimated that state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, would meet with the leadership of the labour movement today.

Today’s meeting, which comes 24 hours after the labour movement had on Wednesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government or face industrial action, will see both parties revisit the existing staggered salary payment agreement.

“The attention of the Oyo State Government has been drawn to media reports insinuating disharmony between the state government and the state branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress over payment of salary arrears.

“To say the least, the unfortunate situation foisted on the country by the dwindling accruals from oil, the country’s major source of revenue, is a major concern to all and sundry and it is highly regrettable.

“It is important to note that leadership of the labour unions and the state government have had a very robust understanding on this matter long before now, following which an agreement was signed on the modality for the payment of salaries as finances are available.

“To this end, it was agreed that about 90 per cent of

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

income accruing from the state’s monthly allocation from the federation account should be dedicated to workers while the remaining would be deployed to the running of other as-

pects of governance.

“Till date, the state government has not reneged on the letter and spirit of that agreement. The ultimatum issued by labour is therefore not only surpris-

ing but unnecessary and uncalled for in the prevailing circumstance.

“Meanwhile, the governor has since authorised a meeting scheduled for this Thursday with the labour

leaders. So, we can only urge workers and their leadership to allow reason to prevail by not truncating the industrial harmony currently existing within the state.”

From left, Senator Kashamu Buruji; PDP national secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo; PDP national vice chairman, South-West, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe and the PDP national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, at the South-West zonal stakeholders’ meeting, held at Gaso Hall, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

South-West PDP rallies support for Ali Modu Sheriff

By Tunde Ogunesan

SOUTH-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, declared its support for a northern candidate, in its bid to reclaim power at the centre and as well strengthen the party throughout the 17 states of the northern part of the country.

This was disclosed by the National Vice Chairman, South-West, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, in his remark at a stakeholders’ meeting, held at Gaso Hall, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan.

Ogundipe, in a statement, noted that “the PDP controls 10 out of the 17 states in the south, with 10 governors, 32 senators and 96 members of the House of Representatives, and still counting. Conversely, in the whole of North, the PDP controls only two states, with two governors, 15 senators and about 30 members of the House of Representatives.”

Ogundipe added that: “North is further weakened by being denied the position of the National Chairman of the party.

Reconciling a further disillusioned North will be an arduous task for a party in the opposition. The lack of cooperation in the

South-West will constitute a challenge to the national chairman from the region.

It is unfair to the masses of the South-West for anyone to insinuate that our position in canvassing that the national chairman of our great party should come from the North amounts to pushing away good things coming to the region.

“It is with a profound sense of responsibility that over 70 per cent of the functional leaders of the zone, under the leadership of the zonal chairman, arrived at the decision to allow the North retain the position of national chairman of the party.

“It should be noted that the South-West had the

presidency for eight years as well as Speaker of the House of Representatives for four years; these positions are more influential than the chairmanship of the party which some now argue must be given to the South-West because no one from the region has ever served as National Chairman.”

No project’ll be abandoned in Osun —Aregbesola Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has assured that none of the projects embarked upon by his administration will be abandoned.

He gave the assurance in Osogbo during the presentation of awards of excellence to some prominent individuals of the state by the Dynamic Reformers Group, a group under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Represented by his deputy, Mrs Titilayo LaoyeTomori, he said the people of the state should not be disappointed in his administration because of the current challenges, being experienced due to the economic crisis that hit the country.

Aregbesola maintained that the effect of the global recession was not peculiar

to Osun, but a national phenomenon, saying his administration would explore other avenues to take the state back on track.

According to him, “I can assure you that none of our projects will be abandoned.

We will complete all of them before the expiration of our tenure. Don’t be discouraged or disappointed, the economic challenge that we are experiencing now is just temporary.

“No doubt, oil is gone and that was the genesis of the recession we are facing, but just like the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, used agriculture to grow the economy of the old Western Region, we are also focusing on agriculture,” Aregbesola stated.

While recalling the activities of the group since the days of struggle to reclaim the mandate given to him

in 2007, he said the group was also part of the history, just as he acknowledged the efforts of the group towards the enthronement of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

In his address, the chairman, Award Ceremony Planning Committee, Alhaji Ademola Jekayinfa, said that Aregbesola’s administration had through his developmental achievements, shown that governance is about service to the people.

Among the awardees are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam; former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Chief of Staff to Osun Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

Nigerian Tribune

Baptist High School, Saki 1975 set celebrates 40th graduation ceremony MEMBERS of the 1975 set of Baptist High School, (Idi-Araba), Saki, recently gathered at Labamba Hotel, Oyo, in grand styles, to mark the 40th anniversary of their graduation from the school.

Quoting extensively from Psalm 136, Reverend Sunday Olalekan Oyinlola, the set’s Senior Prefect and highly reverend Baptist Shepherd, thanked God Almighty for His protection over the class in the past 40 years.

In a flash back, Reverend Oyinlola observed that his classmates are now school principals, headmasters, teachers, medical officers, clergymen, registrars, deans of faculties, professors and successful businessmen.

Reflecting on their contributions to the growth of their almar mater, most especially the construction of a gatehouse for the school, attending national body’s meetings and extending assistance to families of classmates who had joined the triumphant, the 1975 set were full of gratitude to the Almighty God for using them as instruments of development to the school and others.

Members were charged to always bear it in mind that as product of Baptist High School Saki, godliness, hardwork and love of their almar mater should be of utmost priorities in their minds.

The session was ended with 40 hearty Halleluyah to God Almighty. Prayers were also said for members at home and in the Diaspora.

A courtesy visit was thereafter made to their erstwhile retired principal, Mr S. O. Ogundiran at his Jobele country home for Spartan discipline of his students.

Baptist High School Saki was founded in February, 1958. The school has contributed greatly to the nation’s economy having produced highly successful professionals, politicians, senator, Accountant-General of the Federation and a current Minister of the Federal Republic.

south-westnews Fuel situation worsens in Oyo, Osun 15

By Tunde Ogunesan And Oluwole Ige UEL situation has not improved in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, with the price of litre still between N170 to N200.

Even with the price, the Nigerian Tribune gathered that motorists still queue for the product at most filling stations which have the product.

An investigation conducted by the Nigerian Tribune

F

on Wednesday revealed that some residents have begun scheduling their movements because transport fare has skyrocketed.

This, the Nigerian Tribune gathered have led to most passengers spending more times at bus stops across the town.

At Mokola Roundabout area, the queue waiting to board the ‘Ajumose bus’ enroute Apata area were more because of the fuel situation.

The commuters were

even seeing collecting their fare tickets on the queue even before the next bus arrives.

One of them who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune said: “I have visited more than four filling stations today to get fuel, all to no avail. Even with the price which is not enterprising, one still has to queue at filling station to buy petrol at N190-N200. It’s frustrating.”

Meanwhile, independent marketers are selling a li-

tre of petrol for N190 and N200 in Osogbo, capital of Osun State.

Our correspondent who monitored fuel situation in the state discovered that non availability of fuel at the only Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega station in Osogbo worsened hardship faced by motorists, thus resulting in long queues of vehicles in major streets.

Filling stations owned

From left, incoming President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Comrade Bako Usman; President, Dr Joe Okie-Odumakin; Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose; his wife, Feyisetan and the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, at a two-day political capacity workshop for women, held in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday.

Nigeria cannot break up —Monarch HIS Royal Highness, Olobaagun of Obaagun, Oba Jimoh Adebisi Okunade, Kayode 11, has said that Nigeria as a nation cannot break up due to the unity and relationship that exist among various tribes in the country.

The royal father who said this during the installation ceremony of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Sulaimon Lasun Yussuff, who was conferred with Basorun of Obaagun and his wife, Yeye Basorun of Obaagun, maintained that whoever or group of people hoping or predicting that Nigeria would break up are only deceiving themselves.

The Oba stated that Nigeria as a nation is blessed with abundant resources that needed to be annexed and develop the country to the level we want but said this can only be achieved through unity and oneness.

Speaking after the conferment, the deputy speaker assured Nigerians that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would bring the needed change to

the country.

Honourable Lasun, however, called for patience and perseverance so that the government could be focused.

“We are going to struggle

very hard to change Nigeria. We are committed in moving Nigeria forward, therefore, we seek cooperation with administration of Buhari,” he stated.

He said that the National

Assembly is cooperating with the president in tackling the issue of corruption and that as soon as that is settle, people will begin to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Husband, 51, seeks dissolution of 8-year marriage for alleged threat to life A 51-year-old electrician, Kehinde Ojo, on Wednesday, appealed to an AdoEkiti Customary Court to dissolve his eight-year-old marriage to his wife, Funmilayo, for alleged threat to life.

Ojo, who reside at Onala Street, Ado-Ekiti, told the court that his wife always disturbed him on phone with several calls, which usually cause their frequent quarrels.

He said Funmilayo’s sudden change in behaviour was unbearable to him.

The petitioner said that he rented separate apartment for the respondent to avoid problem with his first wife.

“There was a day a customer was calling me and my wife suddenly took

my phone and called the woman back, accusing her to be husband snatcher.

“Funmilayo also called my first wife on phone to abuse her and my children,” he said.

Kehinde pleaded for dissolution of the marriage to allow peace reign in his house.

The respondent, Funmilayo, 35, who resides at No. 1, Oke-Iyinmi Street, AdoEkiti, denied abusing her co-wife and step-children.

“I did not call my mate on phone to abuse her and her children. She was the one that usually called to abuse me and curse my children.

“When I met my husband and we agreed to marry, he told me to rent an apartment because he stays with his first wife.

“He promised to always come to see me and my children, which he rarely does,” she said.

Funmilayo, however, admitted calling another woman which she suspected to be her husband’s lover.

“I asked him to send me recharge card, which he refused, out of anger I picked his phone and called the woman and called her husband snatcher.

“I did not know that the woman is my relative,” Funmilayo said.

She, therefore, urged the court to grant her husband’s request.

The President of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, adjourned the case till April 21 for judgment.

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

by independent marketers around Olaiya, Ogo Oluwa, Igbona, Estate, Oke Baale, Ilobu road, Ota Efun, Ofatedo, among other areas were spotted dispensing fuel to motorists at the rate of N180, N190 and N200 per litre respectively.

Mimiko lauded over thriving labour activities in Ondo THE Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has been lauded by the President of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Bosede Daramola, for creating an enabling environment for labour unions to thrive in the state.

Speaking at the Ondo State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers’ 8th Quadrennial Delegates Conference, held in Akure, Daramola who recognised Governor Mimiko specially at the function, said he deserved every accolade for his support to labour unions in the state.

The NLC boss said the recognition of the governor’s support became imperative because “labour unions are not allowed to operate in Edo State where our own is governor.”

In the same vein, she thanked the governor for giving vehicles to members of the road union workers to operate.

Daramola, who also congratulated the NURTW for been the first union to host event at the prestigious cultural event centre a.k.a. The Dome, urged for maximum cooperation for the new executive of the state chapter sworn in at the conference even as she congratulated the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Folajimi Akinifesi, for a job well done.

While speaking at the event, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, challenged the road union workers to maintain the noticeable peace in the state in general and their union in particular.

Congratulating the new state president of the union, Honourable Adetula Ariyo, the commissioner of police urged the road union workers to be law-abiding and ensure the peace in the state is sustained.

Governor Mimiko said: “This body must be so recognised and accorded the desired attention and honour as hooliganism, breakdown of law and order, rancour and acrimony amongst the various groups of NURTW have become things of the past.”

Nigerian Tribune

CAN presidency: S/West OAIC reaffirms Atilade’s nomination

By Rita Okonoboh FOLLOWING recent media reports of the election of Professor Joseph Otubu as the candidate of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) bloc for the forthcoming national presidency of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the South-West zone of the OAIC has reaffirmed the nomination of its Chairman, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, as a representative of the OAIC bloc for the position of CAN presidency.

The decision was taken after a meeting held at the headquarters of the Sacred Cherubim & Seraphim Church of Nigerian & Overseas Inc., Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday.

The meeting saw in attendance officials of the SouthWest zone of OAIC and CAN. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune after the event, Archbishop Atilade stated: “Contrary to certain insinuations that I am above the recommended age, my nomination is in line with the requirements of the constitution, which requires being the head of a church and affiliation to a denomination for over 15 years. Also, in the constitution of the CAN and OAIC, there is nothing relating to age.”

Ondo 2016: Present credible candidates, group urges political parties Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure AHEAD of the 2016 governorship election in Ondo State, political parties have been urged to present credible and reliable governorship candidates that will turn around the fortune of the state.

A non-political group, Ondo Technical Working Committee (OTWC) who made this call on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State capital, expressed the need for political parties to field candidates who have the blue prints to manage both human and natural resources of the state.

The Director of Research of the group, Kolawole Johnson, noted that most politicians and political parties in the past have failed to consider the interest of the common man.

Kolawole said whoever is going to rule the people of the state must introduce policies that will work and reposition the state to its vantage position in the country.

16

news

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, with the first daughter, Dr Omowunmi Braithwaite and widow, Mrs Grace Braithwaite, during his condolence visit to the late Dr Tunji Braithwaite’s family, in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Braithwaite’s exit, a great loss to his family, Lagos, Nigeria —Ambode Bola Badmus -Lagos

L

AGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday, paid tributes to the late elder statesman, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, describing his death as not only a great loss to the family but also to the state and the country as a whole, even as he said the whole of Lagos State and its good

He wouldn’t stomach oppression of the less privileged —Dokpesi Bola Badmus -Lagos

CHAIRMAN, African Independent Television (AIT), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on Wednesday, said the late elder statesman, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, was someone who could not stomach oppression of the less privileged, describing him as an icon that should be celebrated for a very long time.

Dokpesi said this when he paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late presidential candidate of the defunct Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), Braitewaite, who died last Monday.

people celebrated his life and times as a great son of Lagos and a fine nationalist.

Ambode said this during a condolence visit to the wife of the late nationalist, Grace and the family.

“To the glory of God, the whole of Lagos State and its good people celebrate the life and times of a great son of Lagos and a fine nationalist. Adieu! Dr T. Braithwaite.

Rest in Perfest peace,” Governor Ambode wrote in the condolence register while departing the family residence at Victoria Island.

Speaking, while condoling with the family, the governor described the deceased as a political activist, who was

always on the side of the majority poor, irrespective of the political divide, the challenges or tribulations.

He, therefore, pledged the support of Lagos State government to the family of the deceased.

Responding on behalf of the family, the Braithwaite’s daughter, Omowunmi, expressed appreciation to Governor Ambode for the visit, noting that her father had left a huge vacuum to fill.

She described the late Braithwaite as God-fearing but feared nobody, saying that the family was consoled by the fact that her father left a good legacy worthy of emulation.

Saraki expresses sadness Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

THE Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, expressed sadness at the demise of a frontline social crusader, statesman and politician, Dr Tunji Braithwaite.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, recalled the doggedness and commitment of Dr Braithwaite to nation building during his

lifetime, through his many activities and unwavering stance against anti-democratic forces.

“Late Dr. Braithwaite was one of the pillars of our democracy. He was consistent in fighting for rule of law, social justice and equal rights of all Nigerians before the law. He stood for the truth always and his patriotism knew no bounds. He was an intellectual and respected legal practitioner.”

...He was a legal icon, an exemplary patriot —Gbenga Daniel LATE Dr Tunji Braithwaite has been described as a legal icon, an exemplary patriot and a respected statesman with unmatchable dream of a great Nigeria.

The immediate past governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel stated this in his condolence message on the death of the legal luminary, activist and politician who died at age 82.

According to Chief Daniel, the late statesman was a rare breed as a rational, deep and visionary enigma. “The place of the late Braithwaite’s is guaranteed in Nigeria’s political history

...A great Nigerian, consistent fighter for justice, fair play —Falana LAGOS lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, has said that Nigeria and Nigerians will certainly miss the invaluable contri-

...A great man, will be missed by all —Braithwaite Foundation Bola Badmus -Lagos EXECUTIVE Secretary, Dr Tunji Braithwaite Foundation, Chief Shola Alao, on Wednesday, described Dr Tunji Braithwaite, who died on Monday, as a great man that would be sorely missed

by Nigerians as he taught the younger generation selflessness in service to the nation.

as a foremost advocate of a corrupt-free Nigeria which was the main cardinal programme of the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP); his political machine in the second republic.”

Alao said this while paying tributes to the memory of the late elder statesman and political activist, Dr. Braithwaite.

Speaking with newsmen, the executive secretary said: “Dr Braithwaite is someone who taught the younger generation how to be selfless in service to the nation.”

butions that Dr Tunji Braitewaite, who passed on Monday, at the age of 82, even as he described the deceased as a great Nigerian and a consistent fighter for justice and fair- play.

Falana said this while speaking with newsmen shortly after paying a condolence visit the family of the late Braitewaite.

Falana, who noted that Nigerians were looking forward to visionary leadership, further described the late lawyer, nationalist and elder statesman as a pride to the country.

From left, Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ogbomoso, The Right Reverend Olugbenga Fafeyiwa; the Diocesan Lay President, Chief Yemi Dare and the Lay President, Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir Foluso Aremu, at the 20th anniversary of the Diocese of Ogbomoso, held at the Methodist Cathedral, Arowomole, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Salvage economy now, Methodist Church tells Buhari

METHODIST Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ogbomoso, has, at its recently concluded 20th annual synod, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take urgent steps to salvage the country’s economy from total collapse.

The church, in a release signed by the Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend Olugbenga Fafeyiwa, described the Nigerian economy as “being in a state of regression, requiring both immediate and long term remedies to rescue it from total collapse.”

The release stated that the lingering scarcity of petroleum in the country, with its attendant artificial hike in price, had inflicted untold hardship on Nigerians, adversely affecting economic activities in the country.

The church enjoined the

Federal Government to create an enabling environment for economic growth and provide jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

Speaking at the synod which held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Oko, in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Uche appealed to Nigerians to remain prayerful and patriotic despite many challenges confronting the country.

Uche expressed the hope that the country would overcome its challenges sooner than expected by many Nigerians.

The release called on the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to implement his proposed psychological test for men of the Nigeria Police Force, add-

Kebbi children’s parliament elects new members THE Children’s Parliament, Kebbi State chapter, has elected and inaugurated their 2016 new executive members that would represent the state at the national level for a two-year tenure.

Speaking at the inauguration which took place on Wednesday, on the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Speaker of the Kebbi State Assembly, Honourable Ismail Kamba, said the Children’s Parliament is a positive initiative, geared towards training the next generation of leaders of tomorrow.

The speaker, who was represented by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honourable Mohammad Tukur, commended the organiser of the programme and assured them that the House being a lawmaker, would support the programme, even as it asserted that it would also ensure that the children were given full opportunities to participate in any government activities.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajiya Rafa’atu Noma Hamanni expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State government, NGOs, schools, individuals and corporate bodies that contributed to the success of the programme.

She disclosed that the Children’s Parliament started in 2003, during the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, is aimed at enabling the children to constitute a House of parliament, through which they could speak out their views on provisions for their needs by the society.

The winner of the position of the Speaker, Mubarak Mohammed from Kanta College Arugungu, defeated Fasat and Suleiman Kaog with 105 votes as against 6 votes, while the position of the Deputy Speaker zoned to private schools,Ummi Kail Aliyu from High Standard College, scored 73 votes as against Mulkat Ahmed and Aisa Nasir with 31 and 12 votes, respectively.

ing that such exercise would upgrade the standard of the Force.

In view of dwindling revenue allocation from the federation account, the Synod charged the Oyo State government to boost its revenue generation, by pursuing a holistic industrial revolution agenda that would entice manufacturing industries to the state.

The annual event, with the theme “Chosen to Bear Fruit” featured Holy Communion Service, special messages, prayer for the nation, Bible Study and thoughtful deliberations on various arms of the church.

NSIA holds 24th annual national conference ALL is now set for the 24th annual national conference of The National Society of International Affairs. The event, which is being held in collaboration with the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, holds on April 11 and 12, 2016 at the University’s Conference Centre.

The theme of the conference, according to a statement issued on behalf of NSIA’s Secretary General, Professor Chibuzo N. Nwoke, was given as “The Domestic Environment and Nigeria’s Influence in Global Affairs”.

Sub themes for the conference include: Theoretical and Conceptual Issues, Nigeria and The Outside World, The Economy, Nigeria’s Leadership Role in Africa, Nature of Politics, Nigeria as an Emerging Market, The Military and Insurgency in Nigeria Polity.

Interested participants had been urged to send an abstract of 250 words on any of the Sub-themes and a list of up to six keywords suitable for index and abstracting services to nsiasecretary@ gmail.com .

17

Thursday, 31 March, 2016 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar (middle), cutting the tape to declare the new Oluwo’s palace open. With him, from left, are Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo and Chief S.O. Babalola.

Honourable Titus Olusoji Eweje and his wife, Ademidun, during his 60th birthday ceremony held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently.

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (left), with the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr Ladi Balogun, during a visit by the management of the bank to the governor, at Ado-Ekiti, recently.

From left, Deaconness Grace Agboola, Mrs Bamidele Ogunsola, Dr (Mrs) Morenike Fanimi, Mrs Oyenike Oyedeko and Mr Bolaji Oyedeko at their father’s burial service held at Salem Baptist Church, Yemetu Aladorin, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

From left, Senior Prophetess Titilayo Adegbite, Nollywood actor, Mr Kunle Adegbite and his wife, Ibukun, at a programme in Ilaro, Ogun State, recently. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE Mrs Ademidun Eweje (left) and Alhaja Bola Makinde at the 60th birthday of Honourable Eweje.

The newly wedded couple, Mr and Mrs Olusegun Efuwape, after their wedding at Victory Life Bible Church, Abiola Way, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mr Sulaimon Adeyinka Adeleye and his wife, former Miss Maryam Adeola, during their wedding at Covenant Garden Event Centre, Ago-Okota road, Mile 2, Lagos, recently.

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

18

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

SEND YOUR SHORT MESSAGES TO: 08054005323, 08055001746

yournews

•No parking; No waiting; No hawking!... PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Towards stopping corruption NIGERIA will never develop unless we stigmatise corruption. As it is now, most Nigerians who occupy political offices, or those who have access to government fund see such as an opportunity to become rich.

The government alone, however, cannot fight corruption without the support of the people. Everyone must know that occupying any office is not an opportunity to enrich oneself, but an opportunity to serve. Nigerians must learn to start demonising those who have stolen our commonwealth.

We should be able to castigate them, and shame their families at the community and religious levels.

If we don’t do this, then we will never win the war against corruption.

The onus is now on Nigerians to join the war against corruption so that we can have a better society.

•Mohammed Bagudu, 0703943575

Attention, Nigerian political office holders

P

OLITICIANS must justify people’s confidence in them by striving to fulfill their promises, especially the ones they made during electioneering campaigns.

This is because this is the only way that the change of government can make meaning to them.

Fundamental issues af-

fecting the country such as insecurity, corruption, unemployment and poor power supply should be given prompt attention.

Also, the political consciousness of the people is now high and they will no longer vote for those who cannot add value to their lives.

Nigerian political leaders

should also turn from their wicked ways, so as not to incur the wrath of God as the failure of the nation’s rulers will attract divine punishment.

Clearly, Nigerian politicians do a lot of things which God hates. They tell lies under oath, while trusting in deceitful works.

They make promises and

We need special courts for corruption trials I am really not happy with what I am hearing as far as corruption is concerned in this country. It is as if the stories are not true, but alas, they are.

I can’t imagine individuals stealing billions of naira that their children will not even be able to finish, while the society suffers for it. President Muhammadu Buhari should be supported in his anti-corruption war if we really want to rid this country of corruption.

We need to punish those who have stolen from this country. Doing so will instil fear in the minds of corrupt people in the society. We must, therefore,

kill corruption before it kills the country finally.

Nigeria would have developed greatly, but corruption is our problem.

I, therefore, feel that it is high time special courts are provided so that the

trial of corrupt people can be speeded up.

The National Assembly should support the president on this.

•Linus Kyari, 08191143941

break them and worship gods, hence, they should turn a new leaf to avoid God’s punishment.

The leaders and the followers should go back to the word of the Bible for God to reveal His glory in all of us, with divine comfort; also, the clerics should speak and preach the true messages of God to the church and the nation and open the ears of the people to the word of God. Also, Nigerians should rededicate themselves to the service of God and humanity, while realising that the difficult situations facing the country demanded a lot of sacrifice from the collective efforts of both the leaders and the led.

Men of God are not left

How to create jobs in Nigeria THERE is high unemployment rate in this country.

All the steps being taken by government towards reducing this have not achieved anything tangible.

It is believed that over half of Nigeria’s graduates are unemployed or underemployed.

The solution to reducing unemployment in the country is through making vocational skills compulsory in secondary and tertiary institutions.

When we have graduates who are skilled in certain professions, they won’t rely much on searching for

jobs after leaving school.

This is one area the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Education can partner.

We need a synergy between these ministries in order to create jobs for our youths.

•Tinuke Omideyi, 08030461538

out, they should always pray for the nation’s leaders so that they will be able to surmount every obstacle on the way and lead well, so that our country can achieve greatness, peace, tranquility and blessings.

•Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel, 08033733470.

Blame Oliseh for Eagles failure IF the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the African Nations Cup next year, then we should blame former coach, Sunday Oliseh.

Oliseh should have resigned earlier than he did, and when he discovered that he lacked the qualities to move the team forward, he tendered his resignation.

It will be a good thing if we even fail to qualify for the continental mundial, as it will allow us prepare better for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

•Idayat Kassim, 08094309160

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Kachikwu’s magical arrogance

HE Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr Ibe Kachikwu, has of late been in the eye of the storm. The minister, on Wednesday last week, while speaking with State House correspondents shortly after a meeting between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers and President Muhammadu Buhari, had provoked the age-long discourse of how the people fare in the estimation of those in government. In response to a reporter’s question on government’s view on the byzantine queues at fuel stations, Kachikwu had quipped cynically that he was not a magician and could not be expected to tame the unprecedented queues.

He said government’s magic wand it was that had produced even the available fuel at petrol stations. It may take up to two months, Minister Kachikwu said with a magician’s finality, before Nigerians can begin to have a measure of respite from the gridlock of fuel queues.

This statement from Kachikwu has pitched him against the people. Nigerians, for instance, in ostensible reply to his affirmative resignation at their lot, have started seeking ingenuous ways out of their fuel crisis situation. Petroleum marketers have also resorted to hoarding the few available ones and almost immediately, the cost of purchasing litres of fuel jumped up within a few hours after the minister’s statement.

Indeed, Kachikwu’s statement is one in a long file of Nigerian government officials’ unguarded statements against the public whom they are called to serve. The long graph dates back to time immemorial and has become the whiplash with which government officials chastise the people whom they perceive as insatiable and undeserving of their efforts. Elected and appointed government officials talk down on the people for their perceived impatience at slow or even non-existent solutions to teething national problems, and vilify them for always demanding respite from their woes.

Whether delivered unabashedly as Kachikwu did, shrouded in innocent-sounding semantics or decorated with a shawl of diplomacy, the Nigerian people have always been recipients of censure from the same people they elect into office, and from their hired hands. Impatience at governmental inactivity, worries at snail speed economic programmes, bothers at unending fogs of official corruption which are depleting national resources, unnecessary widening gaps between the haves and have-nots, among others, are the ‘crimes’ of the people which attract sarcastic retorts from Nigerian public officials. Disdain appears to be the perception of Nigerian public officials of the Nigerian people.

A couple of weeks ago, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was quoted to have said that Nigerians who were asking him to account for some allegedly missing money during his government were stupid. Several other statements which seem to point at contempt by Nigerian public officials for the people’s audacity in asking for order in the polity, are daily sprinkled on them. The Kachikwu statement is one on the long list of derision.

It is apparent that Nigerian public officials have no iota of regard for the people they administer. The time-worn belief that public officials are servants of the people is fast becoming an anachronism. We refer public officials to the nomination speech of new American Supreme Court Judge, Merrick Garland where he said, “This is the greatest gift of my life. It’s also the greatest gift I have ever received. As my parents taught me by both words and deeds, the life of public service is as much a gift to the person who serves as it is to those he is serving - and for me, there could be no higher public service.”

Nigerian public officials hold a view of their stewardship which is diametrically opposed to their counterparts’ across the world. They believe that they are doing the people a whole lot of favour by being in public service. They approximate as favour, the supposed long hours they spend at work, the energies they expend and the scant time for rest they seem to have. What they however forget to feed into the equilibrium is the free accommodation from the patrimony of the people they enjoy, their fat salaries, allowances that burst at the seams that they coast home with, among many other perks. What is obvious is that Nigerian public officials need to be given refresher courses in public communication. It is not impossible that Kachikwu might have been trying hard to ensure that the long queues at fuel stations disappear and his reaction was just frustration at the scarce output from so doing. If he had put at the back of his mind the time-worn concept of service to fatherland that public office is, he would have shown more decorum, more civility in situating the issue.

We deplore this unguarded statement from the minister.

It may not be difficult to see a link between this uncivil communication of public action and the current riposte of hopelessness that lingers at fuel stations. What can assuage the anger of Nigerians is for the Honourable Minister to tender a public apology for this unsolicited harangue of the people’s long-suffering disposition in the face of apparent slides in the polity.

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opinion

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

For a stable power supply in Nigeria

By Ikeogu Oke

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HAT President Muhammadu Buhari’s concern with power is genuine is beyond doubt. And I mean power as the provision of electricity. Not political power, though I believe that even he, like many other Nigerians, appreciates the link between the two types of power, the electrical and the political. In fact, electric power is such an essential need, rivalling petrol in the Nigerian system, that not to be concerned with making it readily available to the Nigerian people as a leader could seriously jeopardise his electoral fortunes. Need I buttress this by recalling how the seeming inability of former President Goodluck Jonathan to keep his promise to provide regular electricity to Nigerians became one of the major campaign issues raised against him in the 2015 presidential elections that brought President Buhari to power?

Thus, it was not surprising that, right from his inaugural speech, President Buhari identified power as one of the four cardinal concerns for his administration, together with corruption, insecurity and fuel scarcity. “At home we face enormous challenges,” he admitted in that epochal speech delivered on May 29, 2015.

“Insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head on.”

The fact, however, is that even with this vow to tackle these problems “head on,” the power challenges have lingered 10 months into the Buhari administration, despite recent improvements in power generation and supply witnessed under his administration.

So it was not surprising that during the National Economic Council (NEC) retreat held in Abuja on March 21, 2016, President Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, would reiterate his administration’s concern with power.

At the later event, the President began by acknowledging that “Nigerians’ favourite talking point and butt of jokes is the power situation in our country,” and then admitting that “it is no longer a laughing matter.” Then he made a vow: “We must, and by the grace of God, we will put things right.” And then benchmarked the vow: “In the three years left for this administration, we have given ourselves the target of 10,000 megawatts distributable

power. In 2016 alone, we intend to add 2,000 megawatts to the national grid.”

Mr. President also identified privatisation as an issue in his ensuing litany of concerns. “This sector,” – meaning the power sector – “has been privatised but has yet to show any improvement in the quality of service,” he further stated, and then revealed, “We are facing the classic dilemma of privatisation: Public interest Vs Profit Motive,” and then gave the assurance that, “Having started, we must complete the process.”

He also identified other issues undermining progress in the sector, their causes and their negative impacts as constant power cuts destroying economic activity and affecting quality of life; high electricity bills despite power cuts; low supply of gas to power plants due to vandalisation by terrorists; obsolete power distribution equipment such as transformers; power fluctuations, which damage manufacturing equipment and household appliances; low voltage which cannot run industrial machinery.

And in a near-summary in which he invokes God for the second time in the short speech, he said: “These are some of the problems, which defied successive governments. In our determination to CHANGE, we must and will, insha Allah, put a stop to power shortages.”

President Buhari’s concern with power couldn’t have been reiterated more passionately or convincingly.

However, there are problems arising from the President’s words which require critical attention.

The president’s promise to add 2,000 megawatts to the national grid in 2016 alone does not clarify to what baseline generation

value the addition would be made. Is it to the 4,387 megawatts the generation value reportedly rose to by May 5, 2016, or to the 3,857.4 megawatts peak generation value on the day of the retreat? Clarifying this, while giving a specific value of expected total generation following the addition, will eliminate a seeming nebulousness to the President’s promise.

Clearly, it wouldn’t be progress if, for instance, we add 2,000 to the 2,035 megawatts to which the generation value reportedly dropped on March 27, 2016, which would amount to a total of 4,035 megawatts, given that our generation output had hit a record 5,074 megawatts on February 2, 2016, under the Buhari administration.

Incidentally, what the President has promised to provide more or less as baseline “distributable power” in the three years left of his administration, being 10,000 megawatts, is unambiguous.

Now, the peak power generation value witnessed in the country prior to the privatisation of the power sector was about 2,800 megawatts. As I have mentioned above, we have generated up to 5,074 megawatts under the current administration, which amounts to an additional 2,274 in the post-privatisation era.

And with this additional generation value came improved hours of electricity supply to which many Nigerians could attest but which, unfortunately, has not been sustained as reflected by current realities.

So the privatisation of the power sector may well not be a problem, though some vested interests would rather call it a bad name to enable them hang – or reverse – it for selfish gains, even if it means distorting facts and misleading the President and rest of us to boot. It is, however, reassuring that the President has pledged to “complete the process.”

In fact, President Buhari’s real concern should be to reclaim such progress, improve on it and make it sustainable. I believe he can achieve this if he applies the right remedies to the current problems he identified in the power sector at the retreat, about which he was largely right. And while he seeks to apply those remedies, we must continue to support him, wish him good luck, and exercise patience with him.

•Oke is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst.

Sunday Adewusi: Tribute to a mentor

By Adebayo Alao-Akala

SHOW me a man whose entire life robs off on yours, leaving positive marks and I will show you a boss who was a mentor and a father who cannot be forgotten forever; that is Chief Sunday Adedayo Adewusi,CFR,GCON, former Inspector General of Police (1981-1983) and the Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland.

I was stunned in the evening of January 26, 2016 when a friend, Dr Akintunde, called me on phone from Abuja to break the news of his passage. It was like a dream because it was exactly a month after we met at Chief L.A Gbadamosi’s 80th birthday celebration in Ogbomoso.

I first came in contact with him in 1976 when I was transferred from Jos to FORCE CID (FORCID) Alagbon, Alagbon close, Ikoyi, Lagos, at a time he was about moving to “B” Department Force Headquarters. I moved with him to Force Headquarters. At that time, he was not even aware that we were both from Ogbomoso. Ever since, he took me as his brother and son.

He was an inspiration to all officers who served under him.

The principle of leadership, courage and dedication to duty, which I learnt from him, provided the sure ladder that made me accomplish effectively all duties assigned to me, and this made him appoint me as his Personal Assistant and ADC when he eventually became the Inspector General of Police in 1981.

He was a rare gem, a quintessential police officer, bold and fearless with an exceptionally “ can do it spirit.” He made me to be aware that any challenge or difficulty can be overcomed if one would work and try harder. He was an incurable optimist who stopped at nothing in making sure that seemingly impossible tasks are carried out, by supervising every bits of details that are required for every police operation, or any other job.

I remember with nostalgia how he personally led us on an operation that saw to the end of “ Maitasine” in Kano in December 1980.

On his way up to the peak of his career, he busted so many crimes, that earned him the nickname “ SUPER COP.” He brought policing to enviable height, no wonder he became an Inspector General of Police at an enviable age of a little over 44years. Indeed, he was the youngest person to ever become an

Inspector General of Police in the history of the Nigeria Police.

He was also the first cadet Inspector to be the Inspector General of Police.

Chief Adewusi was endowed with many virtues, and he was always many steps ahead of his generation in his visions, thoughts, decisions, working processes, and as well as his relationship with officers and men working under his supervision.

He believed in people’s ability in attaining success in life. He was a man of the people as he relished seeing people around him, even when it crept into his private resting periods.

He was a genuine giver who touched many lives. A very meticulous boss whom we often saw as extreme perfectionist. He knew how to make people run by constantly throwing challenges at them in a way that was fun, believing that they will eventually achieve their desired goal. He encouraged the subordinates and children to bring out the best in them, thereby giving them self esteem when the best has been achieved. That was exactly what happened when I decided to join politics after my retirement from the police in 1995. I met him and his friend, late Ambassador Tunde Oyeleke on his farm at Ilorin, Kwara State, where he gave me invaluable pieces of advice, which I eventually followed. I rose from a Local Government Chairman to become an Executive Governor of Oyo State.

All through the years I have known him, he was involved in all the major events of my life, and he stood as a rock for me through happy and sad moments. He made his immediate family to believe that my family and I are his. For this, I am grateful

and I do solemnly promise to keep and guard the relationship jealously.

He served his communities — both birth place, Mada in Nassarawa State and his ancestral home town, Ogbomoso — dilligently and with all his God’s given endowment. He was recongnised with the title of Garkuwan Nassarawa Eggon and was also made the Waziri of Mada District, the town where he was born and brought up. Also, he was honoured and recognized as the Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland by HRM Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland. It is on record that he contributed immensely to the social and economic development of Nigeria , Oyo State and Ogbomoso in particular.

He was a devout Christian who dedicated his life to the service of his creator. He taught his children the fear of God and love to humanity. Albeit, he was not the type who blew his trumpet; he contributed in no small measure to the growth of so many churches. Indeed, he was a perfect example to all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

To Mummy, his wife, Mrs Ameenat Funsho Adewusi, only the almighty God can reward you for what you have done in the life of Asiwaju, your husband. You kept the homefront with all resources at your disposal while he was in service and after retirement. You gave him peace until his demise. I promise you will not walk alone. E o so ile pe. What else can I say? I met a strong-willed man, a boss, a mentor and father outside my family.

Thank God I met him in my life. For me not to sound like a broken record, I will not delve into details of his professional life and life after retirement. I think the verdict is unanimous, he was a GREAT SUPER COP !!! This is evident from the outpour of encomium, the show of love and shower of praises. All the adjectives used in qualifying him by everybody are actually the true reflection of his life and what he stood for. May he rest in peace.

•Chief Alao-Akala is a former governor of Oyo State.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Femi Olukunle Coordinating Editor 08158610216,

Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara cutting the tape to mark the official launching / donating of a Mobile Medical Clinic at Wassa IDPs Camp in Abuja. Assisting the Speaker is the Representative of Theophilus Danjuma’s Victims Support Fund, Tijani Tumsa (1st left) while others watch the action on Monday.

personnel here and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has promised to post doctors here with AMAC also pledging to bring in nurses that would work here on a daily basis.

“We want to bring the presence of government closer to the people here so that during the time of their stay here, they would not have cause to despair over what we think we can control”, Dogara added.

The Speaker promised to make visits to IDPs camps in Jos, Maiduguri, Yola and Gombe.

The man, whose company partnered with the Speaker to facilitate the health centre, Captain Hosa Okumbo, thanked God for the event while also giving credit to the Speaker for the initiative to help the IDPs. “I’m glad that today this is happening, but I want to give the full credit to the Speaker who’s very compassionate to the less privileged in our society. He was so compassionate to alleviate the sufferings of our people that are here that we at Vantage Habitat thought it wise to give this token as our own contribution in partnership with the Speaker.

“Projects like these are not about profit, but about reaching out to those in need, because these are our brothers and sisters, and I’m also calling on other Nigerians to reach out and contribute their own quota in their own little way”, he said.

Representative of Theophilus Danjuma, Chairman, Victim Support Fund and Initiative on the Northeast, Mallam Tijani Tosa, in his goodwill message, said: “I speak on behalf of General TY Danjuma and to convey his admiration for the Honourable Speaker for the show of compassion and brotherliness.

When Dogara inaugurated healthcare centre in IDPs camp JacobSegunOlatunjiandKolawoleDanielAbuja

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UCCOUR came the way of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons in Wassa camp, Abuja, when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, HonourableYakubu Dogara, inaugurated a mini health-care centre for them.

The health-care centre, which was facilitated by Dogara, was constructed by a private firm based in Abuja, Vantage Habitat, as part of efforts to address the problem of appalling health conditions of IDPs in the camp.

While commissioning the facility, the Speaker called on relevant authorities, public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies to show more support and compassion for the plight of IDPs who were scattered across the country as a result of Boko Haram insurgencies in the Northeast.

Dogara said the need for the provision of the facility arose when he visited the camp on the 7th January, 2016 to distribute food and other relief materials to the victims where he said he received loud cry from the people for help in the area of healthcare services lacking in the camp.

He said the mini healthcare centre was in fulfillment of his promise during the initial visit to the camp that something was going to be done about their request for a health facility.

He said: “On getting to town, we started talking to corporate bodies and donors

Speaker, House of Representatives,Honourable Yakubu Dogara (holding a baby), in passionate interaction with IDPs at Wassa IDPs Camp, after commissioning of a mobile clinic. who said we had to wait until the budget was passed. Not satisfied with the responses I was getting, I had to mention it to close friends that this is one of the immediate needs of the IDPs and fortunately, Captain Hosa Okumbo took it upon himself to partner with us and do this”.

He commended Hosa for this gesture, saying he was glad that the project was accomplished in good time even though

“some may express disappointment that this is small, thinking that it would be a gigantic structure”.

Dogara disclosed that arrangement had been made with relevant authorities to supply the facility with essential and emergency drugs as well as personnel.

“We are not just putting this facility here, we have discussed with relevant authorities who have agreed to post medical

44 young entrepreneurs get empowered

Why automobile companies collapsed in Nigeria —Minister —Pg.22

—Pg.22

Crew 1. Christian Okeke chidiabujatribune@ yahoo.com 08030947856 2. Clement Idoko idokoajiga@yahoo. co.uk 08034412281 3. Kolawole Daniel kolawoledaniels@yahoo.co.uk 08030763782 4. Adetola Bademosi gloriaadetola@ gmail.com 08182214290 5. Collins Nnabuife chideraacollins@yahoo.com 08039521408 Abuja Xtra email & GSM: abujaxtra@ gmail.com 08054501406

abujaxtra 44 young entrepreneurs get empowered

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Christian Okeke-Abuja HE Anglican Communion, Diocese of Kubwa, has empowered a total of 44 young entrepreneurs with starter packages in Abuja.

The items were donated to them by a development arm of Kubwa Diocese, Kubwa Diocese Development and Welfare Services (KDDWS.) The beneficiaries were selected from three area councils of Abuja Municipal, Bwari and Kuje and received various items including sewing machines, generators, grinding machines, pumping machines and photo printers.

Speaking during the event, Bishop of the

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Diocese, Reverend Duke Akamisoko, said the project was one of the platforms created by the church to impact on the lives of indigent persons in the communities, especially in the areas of healthcare, good sanitation, poverty alleviation and HIV/ AIDS prevention.

The bishop, who was represented by Venerable Johnson Ojosu, commended efforts of the various levels of government and some other organisations in complementing the efforts of the church.

Earlier, manager of the organisation, Mrs Mercy Yahaya, said the occasion, which is an annual event, was to appreciate the various community agents for their selfless services and contributions in their

localities.

She disclosed that the organisation equally gave awards to 22 communities for their outstanding performances in various community development projects.

Speaking, representative of the Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Sebastian Esomonu, commended the efforts towards poverty reduction and disease prevention.

He assured that the board would con-

tinue to collaborate with the KDDWS and other community development institutions particularly in the area of technical assistance and in pooling together specialists involved in community mobilisation and enlightenment to achieve target goals.

One of the beneficiaries, Daniel Gomina, commended the church for the gesture.

He assured that he would put the equipment into use to better the lots of his family.

Why automobile companies collapsed in Nigeria —Minister Ademola Adegbite-Abuja THE Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that automobile companies, which played significant roles in Nigerian economy in the 80s and 90s collapsed as a result of failure of the companies to invest in research and development projects.

The minister, who made this observation while playing host to the management team of the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) in his office in Abuja, said multinational companies all over the world continued flushing because they always sited research institutes in their respective laboratories and factories.

He noted that research outcomes would enable the automobile companies plan and carry out their development projects, urging industries, particularly automobile industries in Nigeria, to invest in cutting age research that would enable them withstand development

challenges.

Onu, while expressing the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to industrialise the nation, also called for the supports of the companies which had contributed in no small measure to the growth of small scale industries in the country.

He advised Nigerians to look inward and patronise locally made goods, saying Nigeria had the largest market in Africa, hence, the need to patronise locally made goods, as the largest economy on the continent.

He, therefore, assured that the ministry would support industries to create jobs, retain existing ones, create wealth and diversify the economy.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of PAN, Ibrahim Boyi, said PAN was the only automobile company in Nigeria that remained in operation up till today, and sought for active government policy for its continued survival.

From left, Executive Director, Environmental Right Action/Friend of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FOEN), Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo; Campaigner Friend of the Europes, Van Schaik; Head of Legal Recourses,ERA/FOEN, Barrister Chima Williams and Campaign Director, Friend of the Earth Europe, Mr Paul Declerck, during a Media Advocacy on the Non-Implementation of the UNEP Assessment Report on Ogoni Land in Abuja recently.

From left, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Julius Okojie and Deputy Secretary, NUC, Mr Felix Chiedu, during the presentation of documents in respect of the establishment of Edo State University, Iyamho, in Abuja recently. PHOTOS: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

FG warns against fraudulent activities in lottery business Clemetn Idoko-Abuja THE Federal Government has urged the management of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to check fraudulent activities in the lottery business.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir David Lawal, who gave this charge in his Abuja office during a meeting with the management of the commission, said the current administration would not tolerate any underhand dealings in the lottery business.

Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology

Afforestation: Ministry partners corps members to deliver 1m trees annually Adetola Bademosi-Abuja THE Federal Ministry of Environment is set to deliver about one million trees annually through the participation of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in afforestation projects nationwide.

Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, who made this known in Abuja, said that the collaborative programme with the NYSC was in line with the ongoing partnership efforts with relevant agencies to embark on nationwide afforestation in the coming years.

She explained that in an attempt to gradually increase the national forest cover from

the deplorable less than six per cent to the internationally recommended 25 per cent, the ministry would strengthen the activities of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to enable it deliver greater and better outcomes.

Mohammed, while speaking during this year International Day of Forests, held in Abuja, said the ministry would also strengthen the management of Nigerian wetlands ecosystems and National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) for greater outcomes.

The minister, who promised to convene an emergency Forest and Biodiversity Dialogue with relevant stakeholders, said

the meeting would deliberate on, among other things, the reviewing of the national forestry policy and eventually enact a law to discourage the menace.

According to her, “we see hundreds of containers of woods depart from our forests. Currently, Nigeria’s percentage cover is less than 6 per cent against FAO’s recommended 25 per cent of total land area.

This really calls for urgent action.

“The ministry would address associated challenges to forest governance and legislation challenges across the state and come up with appropriate recommendations which we will take to the next council on environment holding in April.”

He, however, assured the management of the Commission of the government’s support in their determination to generate more revenue for government through lottery activities.

The SGF commended the commission for the deployment of modern and automation technology in monitoring operators in the industry.

He said all legal disputes affecting the operations of the Lottery Commission should be resolved speedily and appealed to those with unused Lottery Licenses to utilise them without further delay or risk forfeiture.

He told the commission that he would work closely with the Attorney-General of the Federation to strengthen the legal framework within which the commission operates so as to enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the commission as an industry regulator.

The Director-General of the Commission, Adolphus Ekpe, in his remarks, informed the SGF that his commission had developed a robust transaction monitoring platform that would be deployed in its operations shortly.

According to him, the new platform offers transparency to all actors in the industry, including the players, operators and the regulator such that disputes are substantially eliminated.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

education

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

How sustainable is FG’s proposed school feeding programme?

CLEMENT IDOKO examines the proposed reintroduction of school feeding programme by the federal government, concluding that critical stakeholders, including commercial banks, must be involved in order to make the ambitious and innovative national initiative sustainable.

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HE proposed introduction of school feeding in primary schools in Nigeria is not a novel idea; however, what is important is how to make the programme sustainable even beyond the lifespan of the current administration.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act 2004 makes provision for at least one school meal for pupils in every school day, but there has been no demonstrable political will to implement this provision by successive administrations in the country, except in few states of the federation that have picked up the gauntlet to activate that.

While full details of the implementation of the school feeding initiative is being awaited, President Muhammadu Buhari had, in his 2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) presented to the National Assembly, indicated the preparedness of his government to fund a social welfare programme to the tune of N500 billion to the benefit of needy Nigerians.

According to him, the social programmes, which would be coordinated with state governments, include school feeding initiative, conditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable and post-National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) grant.

Tribune Education gathered reliably that the school feeding project will be coordinated by the UBEC, with supervision by the Office of the Vice President, especially in galvanising funding support that is the critical component of the project.

As it stands, for the proposed school feeding programme to be implemented on a sustainable scale, adequate provisions must be made for funding, particularly on a long-term basis.

A report by UBEC indicated that a total of 23,129, 927 children were enrolled for primary education for the 2014 academic year and an additional 4,272, 359 in Junior Secondary Schools across the federation; thus, bringing it to a total of 27, 402,286. This is a huge figure and would definitely pose enormous financial burden on the government to feed one meal a day.

Interestingly, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, had spoken at different fora about the determination of the President Buhari-led administration’s plan to revive the school feeding programme across public schools in the country.

This has, indeed, attracted various comments from stakeholders in the education sector, with some expressing fears about the policy in view of the fact that education is not only on the concurrent list, most states are not attuned to the school meal initiative.

Tribune Education recalls that the federal government attempted to implement a nationwide school feeding programme in 2005. Except for in a few states, the attempt was an undeniable failure.

Some critics of the proposed school feeding programme have also said that it is not enough to provide meals for school children when in some states of the federation pupils still learn under trees and dilapidated school buildings. Those in this category believe that more classrooms should be built, while teaching and learning materials must be provided for the basic education.

But Prof. Osinbajo, while explaining the viability of the programme, said the policy would attract investment to the tune of N980 billion. He said the Home-Grown School Feeding through which primary school pupils would receive one full meal a day, would “energize the agriculture base in the states, so that the farmers can benefit.”

He stressed that the federal government would not be import food to implement its school feeding programme, and that the programme would create jobs and raise food production.

The multiplier effects of the proposed scheme, he said, include job creation, increase in food production of up to 530,000 metric tonnes per annum, which would attract investor-by-investment of up to N980 billion.

He noted that the school feeding had al-

ready started in some states and that the impact is already being felt, with increase in school enrolment and energized agricultural economies.

The Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, while sharing his experience on the implementation of the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (now known as O-MEALS), said the programme has helped increase school enrolment by over 25 per cent since it was revised by his government.

He told the immediate past Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, in Abuja that the school meal programme has not only led to increase in school enrolment and retention but has also led to phenomenal economic boost in the State, especially in the area of job creation and women empowerment.

He explained that it costs the state N50 everyday to feed each of the pupils in elementary schools. “If I mention N50, the tendency is to ask ‘what could N50 do?’

Contrary to whatever belief people might have, our pupils on each school day eat chicken, consume eggs, fish, and beef,” Aregbesola said.

Arebesola added: “Considering the number of pupils we are dealing with, it means that every week, 250,000 eggs must be consumed. Also, 33 heads of cattle must be slaughtered every week and a good number of chicken must be consumed every week.

“Besides the nutritional value, the state has recorded over 25 per cent enrolment in elementary school, while pupils’ concentration has been greatly enhanced. The impact of the school feeding on the economy is phenomenal. Apart from the 3000 vendors and caterers that serve the foods, we had to employ about 3000 women trained on food-handler test, which they do regularly to prevent any contamination or wrong handling of the food.”

According to a recent report by the United Nations World Food Programme, more than 66 million children across the

globe go to school hungry, with 23 million of them residing in sub-Saharan Africa.

Undoubtably, Nigeria, with a population of about 180 million and currently facing a debilitating poverty level, accounts for a large proportion of the children that attend school hungry.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had captured this when he disclosed that about 110 million Nigerians live below poverty line despite policies and programmes of past governments to improve their welfare.

An educationist, Dr Ismail Kura, told Tribune Education that the planned reintroduction of the school feeding programme would help address the twin challenges of extreme poverty and outof-school children, besides other political, educational and socio-economic benefits.

According to him, free school meal to pupils has a direct social safety measure that provides both educational and health benefits to the most vulnerable children.

“School feeding provides a strong incentive to send and keep children in school.

It allows children to focus on their studies rather than their stomachs and helps to increase school enrollment and attendance, decrease drop-out rates, and improve cognitive abilities”.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Michael Olukoya, who described the reintroduction of school feeding programme as a welcome development, urged the federal government to ensure that teachers are involved at all levels of implementation of the programme.

Stakeholders have also observed that in some poor countries where school feeding is being successfully run, school meals are often the only regular and nutritious meal a child receives. In addition, sending children to schools where school meals are served helps to offset the financial costs of schooling, and thus families are incentivised to send their children to school.

Continued on pg26

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TASUED pro-chancellor seeks better funding for research

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HE federal government has been advised to invest more in research in Nigerian universities as a way of helping the nation out of the current global economic recession.

The pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Professor Olufemi Bamiro, made the call during a one-day interactive session with the

academic staff of the university tagged ‘Building a World Class or Service-Intensive University and the Quest for Writing Fundable Research Proposals’.

As a way of making Nigerian universities compete

favourably with their peers around the world, Professor Bamiro advised governments at all levels to improve the standard of education.

He noted that the major problems of ‎most rejected research papers range from

little originality in research content, low value-addition profile, non-inclusion of executive summary or policy written executive summary to unfocussed research scope.

According to him, the criteria for good research work include high ethical standards, adequate analysis for decision makers’ needs, detailed research process, unambiguous presentation of findings and reflection of researcher’s experience, among others.

Bamiro further disclosed that the trend now is multi-

disciplinary research work where scholars with different disciplines come together. He also advised participants at the session to give their research proposal to colleagues to criticise before submission, and challenged them to write fundable research proposals.

He, however, called on the management of TASUED to set up a Research Management Office, Research Ethics Committee and also create a unit at the Bursary Department to deal with funds meant for research.

‘Religion necessary ingredient for national development’ •As Crescent alumnus bags another award

From right, Registrar, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Zachariya Ajibola; Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila; proprietor, Judge Bola Ajibola; Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Modupe Mujota, and Univ ersity Bursar, Alhaji Bankole, during the 10th Founder’s Day Lecture of the institution in Abeokuta recently.

A guest speaker at the 10th Founder’s Day Lecture of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, said that religion, properly deployed, is necessary for national development and for making human life worth living.

Professor Oloyede Abdul-

Poetry not outdated form of art —Minister Clement Idoko, Abuja THE Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, has said that the federal government will promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry at both basic and tertiary education in Nigeria.

He decried a circumstance where the art of poetry is considered by many as an outdated form of art, saying poetry enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity.

Speaking at the 2016 observance of the World Poetry Day in Abuja, Anwukah, recalled that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in 1999, declared March 21st every year as World Poetry Day to underscore its importance as a work of art.

Represented by his Special Assistance (Technical), Professor Godswill Obioma, the minister said the beauty of linguistic diversity is depicted through poetic expression and endangered languages are accorded the opportunity to be heard within their communities.

Anwukah, who is also the chairman of the National Action Committee on Read Campaign (NACORC), pledged the commitment of the federal government to drive the Read Campaign to the grassroots in order to improve on the declining reading culture in the country.

Major-General Laz Chima Ilo, General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Odogbo, Ibadan, presenting a memento to Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, vice chancellor, University of Ibadan, during the VC’s visit to the GOC in his office last week Tuesday.

Provost canvasses inclusion of Music, Theatre Arts in SIWES

By Laolu Harolds DR. Ayodeji Ayodele Ajayi, the provost of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State, says that Music and Theatre Arts can be foreign exchange earners for the country.

He made the remark while welcoming managers and coordinators of the Students Industrial Work Scheme to the 2016 first quarterly meeting of the scheme held on the cam-

pus last week.

While commenting on the dwindling foreign exchange earning from oil, Dr Ajayi suggested that Nigeria could diversify its sources of foreign exchange to include Music and Theatre Arts, and that the administrators of the SIWES should consider including these courses in their programme.

According him, music and Theatre Arts are two emerging industries that are making waves in Nige-

ria today.

“The music and movie industries are striving so well now. That is why music students and theatre arts students should be part of the scheme,” he noted.

Ajayi, the first in-grown provost of the college, said the students have benefitted tremendously from the scheme, and that the scheme has always created avenue for students to acquire the required practical experience and

exposure needed to be well groomed students.

He, however, noted that the training should be intensive to ensure that the skills acquired are translated into practice.

The provost, who analysed the Nigerian economy viz-a-viz unending dependency of graduates on white collar jobs, said the situation calls for more emphasis on entrepreneurship education to reduce graduate unemployment.

rahmon of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, made the comments while delivering the lecture entitled ‘Religion and National Development: Issues and Perspectives’, which was also to commemorate the 82nd birthday of the proprietor of the university, Judge Bola Ajibola.

Professor Oloyede said, “If and when religion runs at cross-purposes to development and progress, it must be that the leadership and citizenry have strayed from their path of rectitude.”

He noted that the summary of the concept of leadership enunciated by Islam to drive development was subsumed by the shepherd’s theory of Prophet Muhammad that “every one of you is a shepherd and shall be accountable for his shepherdship.”

In a related development, the university’s Parents’ Forum has congratulated Judge Bola Ajibola on the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s journalism award won by one of Crescent University’s alumni, Adeola Yusuf, for the 2016 edition of the exclusive Wealth of Nations (WON) scheme on Reporting Illicit Trade in Africa.

Yusuf recently won the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) prize for Energy Reporter of the Year, 2015.

He got the prestigious award in Kampala, Uganda.

Delighted at the news, Judge Ajibola said he was not surprised that another laurel had come from Yusuf who was one of Crescent University products that led the University of Lagos entrance examination at Master’s level two years ago.

“We are so delighted that our sweat is now yielding fruits. Our (products) are now doing well both in employment and further studies, not only in Nigeria but in European and American countries.

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Minister restates FG’s plan to tackle youth unemployment through TVET Sam Nwaoko, Ado-Ekiti THE federal government, as part of its determined efforts to tackle youth unemployment in the country, will focus attention on Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

Mallam Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, gave the hint recently in his speech at the 16th combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.

While commending the polytechnic for its trail-blazing efforts in the production of simple scientific equipment and glassware, Adamu noted that the focus on TVE has become expedient owing to the dwindling formal sector employment.

The minister, who doubles as the Visitor to the federal polytechnics, observed that “job creation in the formal sector of the economy is not growing in proportion to the increasing population.

“Government has therefore refocused the minds of trainees of TVET institutions towards the possibilities of going into self-employment as a viable alternative to insufficient formal sector em-

ployment.”

Malam Adamu, who spoke through the Director of Tertiary Education, Hajiya Hindatu Abdulahi, commended the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti for its landmark innovations in entrepre-

neurial studies and urged the institution not to rest on its laurela.

Governor Ayodele Fayose, at the occasion, also called on all operators of government institutions at all levels to make concerted efforts

at creating conducive atmosphere for the teeming young people so that they can realise themselves, positively engage and fully develop themselves.

Represented by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Ed-

ucation, Mr. ’Jide Egunjobi, however noted that the government alone cannot bear the burden of education if a meaningful result is to be attained.

The rector, Dr. Taiwo Akande, challenged the over

11,000 graduands of the 2010/2011, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 to strive to put into practice all the acquired skills imparted to them through the entrepreneurship education pioneered by the polytechnic.

College of Education Ikere-Ekiti matriculates 1,000 Sam Nwaoko, Ado-Ekiti THE College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, have matriculated over 1000 students for the 2015/2916 session, with the provost of the college, Dr. Mojisola Adenike Oyarekua, charging them to take advantage of the opportunities in the institution.

At the ceremony held at the institution’s auditorium,

the students took the matriculation oath, in which they pledged loyalty to the provost and the authorities of the institution and also to abide by its rules, including a pledge to pay reparation for the college’s property they might damage.

In her charge, Dr. Oyarekua urged the students to maintain discipline, shun anti-social behaviour

and ensure they do not join any cult groups.

“The college environment is very conducive for learning. There are sufficient classrooms, laboratories, libraries, cybercafes, recreation parks, restaurants and variety shops to meet your needs. The Students’ Affairs Unit has a long list of legitimate social organisations to which you can belong and

Principal appreciates staff, as school celebrates 61st anniversary THE Principal of the Anwar-Ul-Islam Grammar School, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs Adeniji Sadiat’ Sola, has thanked the current and past members of staff of the school for their dedication, honesty and commitment.

Mrs Adeniji gave the commendation in her address

during the 61st Founder’s Day of the school.

She also thanked the members of the National Youth Service Corps and the PTA teachers who together have contributed to the success of the school till date.

She noted with delight that old students of the school have made com-

mendable progress with their lives in their chosen careers.

She gave a brief history of the school and its achievements so far, while also appreciating the efforts of individuals who have made both moral and financial contributions to make the programme a reality and a success.

associate,” she told them.

She also informed them of opportunities provided by the college for students to acquire some skills through entrepreneurship education “outside your normal academic work.”

Dr Oyarekua also announced to the matriculating students that the institution had also introduced a study-work scheme, and that “indigent students are offered appointment to assist them to generate revenue to meet their financial needs.”

She said: “We have about 1,000 students from the various schools in the college.

We are happy and pleased that cultism is not very established here. One or two cases that had been reported are outside the campus.

However, we are not resting on our laurels and we are

strongly enjoining our students not to join cultism.

“We also charge them not to dress anyhow. For instance, I tell them that sagging is for prisoners and that we don’t want them to sag. They should dress decently so that when people see them they will be known to have come from the College of Education, Ikere.”

Meanwhile, Dr Oyarekua, who assumed office about three months ago, has also introduced the Procurement Planning Committee and Anti-Corruption and Transparency Committee, among others, to the college.

At the inauguration of the committees, witnessed by the Ekiti State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the provost noted that “on assumption of office, I observed the absence of some important committees in the college.

‘At Ritman University, we want to develop leaders and entrepreneurs’ Professor Celestine Ntuen is the vice chancellor of the newly-registered Ritman University in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with ANTHONY UBONG, he spoke on the challenges facing private universities and the falling standard of education in Nigeria, among other issues. Excerpts

W

HEN did Ritman University start full operatiions?

The federal government gave us licence to operate as full-fledged private university in March 2015, be we started our first semester in November 2015. Ritman University will be a virile institution where knowledge is power. We shall infect our increasing number of students with knowledge. We are more like an entrepreneurship university. We want our students and staff to work in an inter-disciplinary environment.

Nigeria’s education sector is very challenging. How will you cope with these challenges?

The purpose of private universities is to provide better learning environment; provide ready-made solution to such things not available in public universities. No matter how poorly a private university is rated in Nigeria, it is still far better than public universities. In most private universities, like ours, we look at students very closely. We give them parental care away from home.

We monitor and follow up their progress and give one-to-one psychological care. Here, we

Prof. Ntuen

do not have students’ union but student’s leadership development. We strongly frown at and discourage our students from cult activities. Here, we want to develop leaders and entrepreneurs rather than people with militancy in their thinking. Private universities are to take the lead in future educational development of Nigeria.

Some people believe that many

of the private universities are illequipped. How prepared is Ritman along this line?

I took this job because of what I saw on the ground. It is much comparable to many universities in the United States of America where I had my education. We may be new, but I encourage you to take a walk round our vast campus and see and compare. The National Universities Commission (NUC) came here to assess our credibility. We want to run it as a serious private business for profit. It is not like public universities where money is voted for equipment, books and services but it would rather go into some pockets. I dare say that there are many colleges that are way better than some of our public tertiary institutions.

How many of your courses have been accredited by NUC? Faculties of agriculture, education, engineering, environmental studies, humanities, law, social private sciences, management sciences, medical sciences, natural and applied sciences, totaling nine programmes, have been accredited. It is a comprehensive university. We are reviewing our plans to start other faculties and departments.

Private universities charge very high fees. How do you hope to attract students?

They say ‘if you think the price of education is expensive, try ignorance’. If we look at it critically, the public universities are equally charging astronomically going by

their many hidden and extra charges outside school fees, such as cost of handouts, rooms, intrinsic fees for topics, projects. In public universities, students can spend over six or 10 years without graduating because of incessant strikes by campus unions. In private universities, however, you are told openly and straightaway how much to pay once and for all, and there are no intrinsic charges. In private universities, there are up-to-date and functional infrastructure and modern equipment to spur the students. It is most certain that students must graduate after four years, no extension. It is ignorance to think that private universities cost more. Our fees are itemized and well-explained. We have free payment plan to help parents.

Many believe that standard of education in Nigeria is falling, resulting in exodus of students to other countries? How can we stop this students’ migration to nearby countries for tertiary education?

I would not want to attribute it to all schools and all students; it should not be generalised. Standard falls even in private universities if teachers do not strictly monitor progress of students. Standard is falling because we lack monitoring system, accountability, enabling environment and necessary infrastructure. Our governments do not pay desired attention to education. In developed countries, they take education as number one. This is because there, they realise that education is the source of wisdom, invention and innovation.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Ghana leads in 2015 WASSCE NAZA OKOLI – LAGOS

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HREE students, all from the Wesley Girls High School, Cape Coast, Ghana, have received the WAEC Excellence Award “for their outstanding performance in the May/June 2015 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, (WASSCE)” at the 64th Annual General Meeting of the Council held in Accra, Ghana, last week.

The candidates, Jessica Ayeley Quaye (1st Prize), Ruth Ewura-Ama Awadzi (2nd Prize) and Danielle Amo-Mensah (3rd Prize) emerged best out of a total of 1, 883, 775 candidates who sat the examination in The Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria. In addition, Jessica Ayeley Quaye won the Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for the Best Candidate in West Africa.

A statement issued Monday evening by WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Abiodun Aduloju, noted that Ghana has achieved this feat for the fourth consecutive time.

“Council congratulated the Republic of Ghana on winning the three prizes of the Excellence Awards the Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for four consecutive years (20122015),” the statement said.

The meeting which was attended by delegates from the Member Countries of WAEC (The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra-Leone) also witnessed the election of Ghana’s Chief Government Nominee on Council, Mr Jacob Kor, as Vice Chairman for a oneyear term.

The Council urged its

Research Department, as well as universities and other research institutions in its Member Countries “to focus more

on critical national issues, including examination malpractice, with a view to finding solutions to the emerging trends.”

The Council commended the Government of Nigeria for constantly reviewing its education system, and urged it to

do more in order to motivate the teachers. It also advised Nigeria’s government to “step up the training of more teach-

New DVCs for FUNAAB

Pupils and teachers of Dayspring Schools, Arometa, Eleyele, Ibadan during their excursion to Tribune House recently. Photo: D’Toyin

Teachers and pupils of Trust Foundation Private School, Peace Quarters, Olorunda Ibadan, during their excursion Tribune House Oke-Ado Ibadan.

Photo: D’Toyin

Why we honoured Gov. Sani Bello –VC, IMSU Adelowo Oladipo - minna THE Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, Owerri, Professor (Mrs.) Victoria Adaoni Obasi, last weekend said the traits of nationalism and patriotism in the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar

Sani Bello, earned him the institution’s honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

Professor Obasi stated this during the grand finale of the 7th convocation ceremony of the institution in Owerri.

She noted further that the decision of the Senate of

the university to honour the Niger State governor came after rigorous search and assessment of his antecedents, which placed him far above his peers.

“The selection by the Senate of this university and the award of Doctor of Business

Administration (honoris causa) on Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the governor of Niger State, was in recognition of his zeal for a united Nigeria and patriotism. He is a nationalist who strongly believes in the Nigerian Project.”

How sustainable is government’s school feeding programme?

Continued from pg23

A primary school teacher, Mr Solomon Ogor, while speaking on the sustainability of the school feeding programme, called for National Assembly legislation to make it compulsory for both private and public schools in the country to provide at least one meal for the pupils.

He recalled that there was the Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906, which is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, saying since government insists onzeducation, it must take

ers to sustain the newly introduced trade subjects in the country’s school system and improve candidates’ performance in them.”

responsibility for the proper nourishment of school children. He added that this would not only encourage school enrolment but positively affect child’s brain development.

For instance, in Chile, the central government has a school feeding programme that has been running for the past 40 years through the National Board of School Assistance and Scholarships by way of public-private partnership.

The model used in this instance deploys technology that allows food to be centrally mass-produced and

then distributed across the country.

A report also indicated India has a long history of school feeding. Its national school feeding programme, the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is largely funded by government with some external assistance. It is the largest school feeding programme in the world and caters to 130 million children in primary schools. The programme is premised on government’s recognition of citizens’ constitutional right to food.

According to the report, in

support of the programme, India’s Supreme Court directed that only hot, cooked meals be provided in MDM through a decentralized model. However, in urban areas, big centralized kitchens cook and serve a large number of schools, with some kitchens serving up to 150,000 children daily.

National Coordinator of Education Rights Initiative (ERI), Mr John Udah, also noted that one way of ensuring sustainable funding of the school feeding programme is for the government to explore privatepublic partnership with

various commercial banks involved in the implementation of the programme.

For instance, the government of Osun State is said to have facilitated provision of cooking utensils for each of the caterers at minimal cost. While the First Bank Plc granted a loan of ₦124.5 million to 123 cooperative groups of food vendors for purchasing cooking utensils, the State government also agreed to pay the interest accrued on the loan facility and food vendors are to repay the loan within 36 months (3 years).

THE authorities of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, have approved the appointment of Professors Oluwayemisi Eromosele and Ololade Enikuomehin as deputy vice chancellors.

Professor Eromosele succeeds Professor Adekojo Waheed as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), while Professor Enikuomehin is the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), succeeding Professor Felix Salako.

The new DVC (Academics), Professor Eromosele, is the first female deputy vice chancellor in the university. She was until her appointment the pioneer dean of the newly-created College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), while Professor Enikuomehin was the immediate past dean of the Postgraduate School.

A Professor of Industrial Chemistry, Professor Eromosele is an alumnus of the University of Benin, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, and the University of Manchester’s Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), United Kingdom, where she obtained a Master’s degree. She obtained a doctorate from the University of Benin.

Professor Enikuomehin obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma, and a Master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Ibadan.

The vice chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, has conveyed the gratitude of the governing council, senate, management, staff and students of the university to the two DVC that have just completed their tenures, for their contributions to the development of the university.

The two men were also presented with awards of recognition by the university.

While presenting the awards, the pro-chancellor and chairman of council, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, charged them not to allow the legacies of their service to go down the drain.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

aviation

anchor Shola Adekola

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

‘Nigeria’s airports can generate additional jobs through perishable terminals’ The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Dati, in this interview with Shola Adekola, speaks extensively on the continuous efforts of the authority to keep the country’s airports and flight operations safe and secure.

Conditions of security cameras at airports he CCTV cameras are functioning very well. If you recall the ill-fated Farouk Abdulmutallab case, when the US was investigating it, we were able to provide the CCTV camera’s footage. You will also recall that in the past, there was an issue of an Air Marshall who was alleged to have had some issues at our airport, when the British embassy in Nigeria came, we took them and showed them the portions that concern the air marshal and it was there clearly.

The CCTV cameras have been working and they have been assisting us on a lot of issues. We have also used it to detect criminal elements that were tampering with people’s luggage. We have a control room, which was inspected by the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of State for aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika along with directors from the Ministry of Transport. They all inspected it.

We want to assure the members of the public that we are not only ensuring that the CCTV cameras are working, but we are also complementing it with joint patrol team like FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) and other security agencies. We also have the ICPC team that is there at the airport, working quietly. We are also working with the police and other security agencies to deploy sniffer dogs in addition to the metal detectors that are there to inspect all the baggages and passengers to prevent the carriage of either metal or other liquid that are not allowed into the aircraft.

T

Insider’s threat and background check In the first place, any staff that has anything to do at the terminal even if it is not restricted areas, must go through the necessary profiling by the security agencies that have such responsibilities to carry out such functions. We profile anybody that work within the terminal or in the terminal in line with global standards. It is after passing through all these that we issue them the On-Duty-Card

(ODC). Even at that, the ODC also have some levels of restrictions such that it is not every holder that has access to every part of the terminal. We have different levels and colours based on the level of clearance you have received.

We are very much aware of insider’s threats and that is why everyone that works at the airport must get the ODC before they are allowed to operate. These are parts of the systems we have deployed to ensure that we reduce any chances of insider’s threat.

Porosity and lack of perimeter fences at most airports We believe that most of these observations of porous airports are in the past. Today, if you go round most of our facilities, you will see that all these leakages have been blocked. It would be recalled that about two months ago, we invited a team from Airport Council International (ACI), who carried out security audit of our airports based on our invitation and they identified some gaps which needed to be closed and we were able to close those gaps. That is why when TSA came calling about two weeks ago, we were given clean bill of health because all the loopholes have been closed.

I assure you that if you go to the airport, those areas have been ad-

Threats are not on the fence, they extend to other areas. We also know that we have not been able to completely fence all the airports because of the huge fund involved.

dressed adequately. It is also important to say at this point that security is not a destination, it is a process. So, as we move at every point, we also review our strategies. That is why we are not just relenting in ensuring the perimeter fence; we have also introduced the perimeter patrol. We have a team that goes round and patrol. We have also built perimeter towers where our security men can have observatory of what is happening.

We have also deployed technologies to ensure that undesirable elements are detected.

So, we have put in a lot. Threats are not on the fence, they extend to other areas. We also know that we have not been able to completely fence all the airports because of the huge fund involved. In fact, we carried out a survey and we realised that we needed about N25 billion to be able to secure all the airports in the country. These are issues we are also looking at. Each of the airports is about 50 kilometre and the perimeter fence, according to international standards, are supposed to be two. There is the one that uses the barbwire, which is called operational fence.

So, it is a major investment that we are hoping very soon that would be addressed, but we are happy that for the international airports, we have addressed them substantially.

To check staff from compromising We are working around the clock to ensure that our people are not compromised. About two weeks ago when some of our cables were vandalised, some of our staff were invited and they were interrogated by security agents and that sent a clear signal to our staff that whosoever has an area of responsibility would be accountable to the responsibility given and that the authority would not hesitate to ensure that necessary actions are carried out on any staff who erred in his area of responsibility.

Air travellers on safety We want to assure the traveling public that we have done all that is possible to ensure the protection

Saleh Dunoma, FAAN MD of our airports and they are safe for travellers and other equipment there. We are working around the clock also with other security agencies to beef up security within the environment, but most important also, we must not leave security in the hands of security agencies.

That is why we are also campaigning that if you see someone, tell someone. So, if you see anybody that appears suspicious, alert the security agencies and they would be there around the airport.

Secondly, we are also trusting that the Almighty God will also grant us His cover as we are doing what we can humanly do possible.

The terrorists want to put fear in the minds of the people. If you give them the impression that you

are afraid, they have already succeeded. So, we need to support the effort of the security agencies in our society against terrorism.

The airport is also an enabler to the economy. As we speak, the sector contributes about $1 billion to the economy annually, we provide more than 300,000 jobs and we can even increase the figures by the time we continue in the area of perishable terminals, which has a direct linkage to our rural farmers because Nigeria is an agrarian society and by the time we develop our cargo line, we will begin to get some foreign exchange and also help to alleviate some economic challenges that the country is facing at the moment. We currently export zero and import so much.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

crucial moment With Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

Why CBN should exempt foreign airlines from forex policy This is definitely not the best of times for the foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.

This becomes obvious in view of what they termed the recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) forex policy which has denied them from accessing the funds they generated through their operations in Nigeria.

Information gathered indicated that the earnings of the foreign airlines in the past year is under lock with the CBN which has made it impossible for them to transfer these earnings to their respective home countries to meet operational costs, in accordance with international rules.

According to the airlines, the policy is putting them in a tight corner as their funds stuck in the bank is now in the excess of $500 million.

Despite all efforts made by the foreign carriers to make the CBN see reason as to why they should be allowed to access their monies for subsequent repatriation to the home countries, nothing positive is coming their way.

Naturally, as a way of devising means of survival, the airlines are alleged to be planning to take some measures which include sacking over 2, 000 Nigerian workers and readjust fares between the Nigerian routes and their home countries.

Even though none of the affected airlines has come out to confirm the allegation, the obvious thing is that if nothing concrete comes from the government through its CBN, the mega carriers may be forced to take some drastic steps which will definitely not augur well for the country.

It is in line with this that the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has appealed to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation to grant international airlines operating in the country the concession to repatriate the monies made from ticket sales to their home countries.

NUATE’s appeal came on the heels of the feelers it received that foreign airlines have concluded plans to lay off close to 2000 of their staff to cut cost since they have not been able to transfer their earnings to their various countries as result of the CBN forex policy.

It will be recalled that on June 23, CBN released a circular titled, “Inclusion of Some Imported Goods and Services on the List of Items Not Valid for Foreign Exchange in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Markets,” and listed 41 items that can no longer be imported with foreign exchange sourced from the apex bank, deposit money banks, bureau de change and other authorized sources.

The CBN had cited as its reason for the policy the need to “encourage local production of these items”, adding that “implementation of the policy will help conserve foreign reserves as well as facilitate the resuscitation of domestic industries and improve employment generation.”

In as much as the policy may look good, unfortunately, the apex bank may have jumped the gun by including the foreign airlines which contradicts the international guidelines of doing business.

At this point, it has become imperative for the CBN to urgently grant exemption to the foreign airlines to access their funds in the spirit of fairness and transparent business.

There is no doubt that the Apex Bank Forex restriction policy has made it difficult for the international airlines to repatriate their earnings to their home base.

As expected, the airlines as a way of survival will have to take certain steps which nobody should blame them for.

As a government who has the love of its citizens at heart, it is hoped that it will prevail on the CBN to immediately grant the foreign airlines exemption by allowing them access to their funds trapped in apex bank’s pool as it will do the government no good if over 2000 Nigerians working at the airlines are laid off due to controversial policy.

Key players in the sector had before now advised government each time it’s coming up with policies to always give priority to aviation which is run in line with international standards.

Nigeria cannot be an island when it comes to such policies therefore let the government exempt the foreign airlines from this latest policy in the interest of the sector and safety.

Expert wants security tightened around Lagos airport Stories By Shola Adekola The managing director of Centurion Security, Group Captain John Ojikutub(retired) has called on the government to urgently beef up security around the Murtala Muhammed Airport environment. the aviation security expert who was reacting to the recent bombings carried out by a group of terrorists at the Brussels airport in Belgium, called for the same level of security around the Lagos airport immediate environment.

Citing such areas that require such tight security to include Oshodi, Mafoluku and Akowonjo, Ojikutu said the call became imperative in view of the obvious fact that at present there is no means of estimating the threats from the identified areas on the airport and the consequences of spill over on the airport which is porous.

Ojikutu who said the bombings carried out at Brussels airport will not be the last of such, attributed this to the fact that generally, aviation fuel facilities and infrastructures are always targets listed for attack by terrorists.

Among the targeted infra-

structures include: passengers aircraft and airports passengers terminal buildings.

“Attacks on airports are common and the one in Brussels today will not be the last. Most of our airports like the MMA built within developed urban areas with complicated road network are prone to such attacks.

MMA immediate environment like Oshodi, Mafoluku, Akowonjo etc need same level of security as MMA. We have no means of estimating the threats from these areas on the airports

and the consequence of spill over on an airport with no security fence, whose perimeter fences are porous, can be devastating. “We are commonly in midst of threats from our home grown terrorists, Boko Haram. With all kinds of threats and warnings coming from our home grown terrorists and security agencies, who is keeping watch over our symbols of economic, social and cultural life?

“Like the transportation system including; airports/ seaports, car/ bus parks,

Nigerians urged to change wrong impression about Business Aviation The Business Aviation operators (owners of private jet operators) in the country have lamented the negative misconception being attributed to their activities by majority of Nigerians with key players calling on the operators embark on adequate enlightenment of the public for the purpose of correcting the wrong impression.

Also, the lack of disconnect between the public and owners of the private jets have been traced to

lack of sufficient documentation and data from the relevant aviation authorities.

This was the general perception arrived at in the just concluded 2016 Nigerian Business Aviation Conference on ‘Sustaining Nigeria’s Position on the African Business Aviation Landscape’ held in Lagos.

The annual business conference organised by Segun Demuren, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ev-

Travel agents in Nigeria vote Ethiopian airline best The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents ( NANTA), comprising over 1,500 agents, has voted Ethiopian the best airline in Nigeria during their annual general meeting which held in Ibadan.

Ethiopian Airlines started its flight to Kano in 2014 but has been flying to Nigeria since 1960. Today, the airline flies to Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.

The award was presented to the General Manager, Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Mr. Solomon Begashaw by the immediate past President of the Association, Alhaji Aminu Agoha at its 40th Annual General Meeting which

bridges linking Lagos mainland and Island and those linking the country’s South to North of the Niger and East to West of the Niger; power generation stations, transmission and distribution lines; recreation, entertainment centers Like; stadiums, hotels, markets/ shopping malls, schools, higher and defense institutions, military and police barracks etc. the terrorists are here and are within.

They have a pack of cards, all of which they intend to play at a place and time of their choice.”

took place at Premier Hotel Ibadan on the 17th of March.

Begashaw, while thanking the agents and the travellers that made the award possible, promised to further improve on the values that made the Airline stand out.

He announced that travelers to Ethiopia can now get their tourist visas easily through the help of registered tour operators and Travel agents in Nigeria which he said was a reiteration of the message he shared in Kano while addressing Kano based travel Agents at the annual agency seminar.

Before now all travelers

have to visit the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja to procure a Tourist visa.

As the headquarters of African Union, he hinted of effort by Ethiopia to join the move by AU to simplify travel within Africa by Africans, a new arrangement which will see selected tour operators and Travel agents assist their passengers in approaching the embassy for Tourist visa.

This new arrangement will take away one of the obstacles for tourists to Ethiopia particularly to the land of Queen of Sheba which is home to the largest number of UNESCO heritage sites in Africa.

ergreen Apple of Nigeria (EAN), and has as its focus the growth of business aviation in Nigeria, discussed the underlying issues and challenges in business aviation, proffers solutions and make recommendations for the industry.

At the three days packed event which had in attendance core aviation professions across the globe, many key players took time to correct the wrong impression being bandied about private jet business in Nigeria.

Information made available on the occasion indicated that the private jet operators actually fly to more airports across the country than the scheduled and commercial airlines.

This is just as corporate companies have been identified as the major customers of the private jet operators.

According to many participants, contrary to the perception that private jet business otherwise known as Business Aviation activities are shrouded in secrecy for the purpose of being used by notable citizens including the political class to fraud the public, it was revealed that the negative perception was far from the truth.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

anchor

maritime

Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

Pitfalls, mines that may shape Peterside’s NIMASA The Federal Government recently announced the appointment of a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside, as the substantive Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). In this report, TOLA ADENUBI examines pitfalls, mines that may make or mar the new NIMASA boss.

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graduate of Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.MLS) in Hematology from Rivers State University of Science and Technology and a recipient of a Doctorate Degree in Management Science from the University of Port Harcourt, including an MBA, it is clear to discerning eyes in the nation’s maritime sector that the latest recruit of the Federal Government to manage the affairs of the apex maritime agency, NIMASA for the next four years will have to learn the ropes all over from scratch.

Apart from learning the ropes, the new NIMASA helmsman will have to contend with some pitfalls which swallowed some of his predecessors and might threaten to consume him too.

MAN, Oron Successive NIMASA management have over the years been embroiled with the management of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron over the academy statutory levy from the maritime agency.

According to the Act setting up NIMASA, the academy is entitled to five per cent of the revenue that accrues to the apex maritime agency. Argument over prompt payment of these funds has resulted into frosty relationship between the management of the academy and NIMASA in recent past.

In one such argument, an erstwhile Rector of MAN, Oron, Mr Joshua Okpo, slumped after being hit by a sudden cardiac-arrest following allegations that the Federal Government is set to investigate him over the N18 billion released to the institution by NIMASA between 2009 and 2014.

Although Joshua Okpo did not survive the slump as he later died from the illness, the war of words that trailed the remittances revealed that all is not well between

NIMASA and MAN, Oron.

That the Federal Government has appointed a total stranger in maritime circles as new boss of the apex maritime agency means that he must look for ways to mend the already fragile fence that currently exist between the agency and the academy.

Jobless seafarers Over the years, the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) has produced thousands of graduates from elite’s universities across the world as seafarers, even though many of them have become jobless due to lack of vessels to practise their trade upon.

Many of the seafarers, upon completion of their overseas training programmes come back home to the stark reality that the nation lacks a vessel for them to ply their trade upon. While many have decided to keep their faith in the nation’s ability to provide vessels in the nearest future, some others have become pawns in the hands of sea robbers and pirates who have enlisted them into the illicit profession of sea robbery/ piracy.

As the new DG, NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside must contend with the reality that majority of the graduated seafarers need vessel they can practise on. The high level of joblessness on the part of the seafarers is a task the new DG must focus on to ensure he does not end up in similar mines and pitfalls that his predecessors got caught in.

Incapacitated ship-owners Previous NIMASA administration had paid lip services to the issue of lack of capacity on the part of the local ship-owners. This has greatly affected Nigeria’s trade terms and cost the nation billions in capital flight.

In tackling the level of joblessness of Nigerian seafarers, the

new DG, NIMASA, as a matter of fact needs to look into the issue of lack of capacity on the part of indigenous ship-owners, as this will greatly reduce the level of unemployment currently being experienced in the nation’s maritime sector.

The prompt attention he gives to the issue of capacity on the part of indigenous ship-owners will go a long way in addressing an imbalance in Nigeria’s terms of trade and also provide jobs for the many jobless seafarers.

Vulnerable maritime labour Towards the tail end of 2015, two dockworkers died within the space of a month inside the Five Star Logistic Terminal at Tin-Can Island Port. Although the families of the deceased were duly compensated, the manner of their deaths raised eyebrows over safety standards inside the working environment of many of the terminal operators.

Week in, week out, many sea-

Dakuku Peterside port workers lose limbs or even pay the ultimate price while discharging their duties inside the port terminals. Many of such cases go unreported and operators pretend as if there is nothing wrong with the system.

Dakuku Peterside will have to implement the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 which Nigeria is a signatory to and has domesticated, even though implementation has been very poor.

The International Labour Organ-

isation (ILO), the United Nations arm responsible for the ratification of the MLC 2006 Convention has been apt on implementation of the law by signatory States. The euphoria is not about just been a signatory or domesticating the MLC 2006, the benefit comes from its real implementation.

Many of the terminal operators working conditions are below standards and NIMASA cannot continue to wait until somebody dies before wielding the big stick.

Customs seize goods worth N360m, arrests 34 suspects Tola Adenubi - Lagos

The Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja has said that it has made a total of 268 seizures, as well as arrested 34 suspects in connection with those seizures in two weeks.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Uche Ejesieme, who disclosed this in a press statement he issued in Lagos recently, stated that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods was N360, 198, 250.

He gave the breakdown of the seizure to include 79 different seizures of 50kg parboiled rice, totalling 3,374 bags with a DPV of N22,093,500, 70 different seizures of foreign poultry products, totalling 11,854 with a DPV of N64,011,600 and 13 different

seizures of vehicles totalling 23 units and 12 cut buses, 2,003 kegs of vegetable oil and assorted general merchandise, including new/ used textiles materials, new and used footwear’s, new and used hand bags, used tyres, electrical pad, fridges, furniture’s, soap and detergents among other items.

The PRO quoted the Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dahiru Mohammed Umar, as saying that the seizures were made possible as a result of the all inclusive approach adopted by the Unit towards tackling smuggling.

He further quoted the Controller as saying that the approach was aimed at enhancing and strengthening surveillance on the various methods adopted by smugglers in their desperate attempt to circumvent the Federal Govern-

ment’s policy on trade adding that the latest innovative approach became necessary in view of the fact that there was a compelling need to design appropriate templates to fight smuggling in view of its devastating effect on the Nation’s economy.

Comptroller Umar according to Ejesieme who made the observations during his facility visit to the Government Warehouse and Workshop area of the Unit where seizures were deposited revealed that the Customs Management under the present Comptroller-General of Custom, Retired Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali was fully committed to ensuring that the Service did not renege in its core functions of revenue collection, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade amidst other adhoc assignments.

30

maritime

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

CRC: LASTMA to apprehend traffic offenders technologically

From left: Waidi Akanni, Ex-Nigerian International and former Head of Lagos Football Association; Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group; Joseph Yobo, Former Super Eagles Captain and Organiser of the Joseph Yobo Testimonial Match and Centenary Celebration; Olowo Isaac Kayode, associate and friend of Dr Taiwo Afolabi, during the courtesy call by Joseph Yobo Foundation on SIFAX Group.

In furtherance of efforts to boost the collaboration, support, and cooperation between the traffic officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and members of the public; LASTMA has launched a Community Relations Committee (CRC) initiative that allows the agency to apprehend traffic defaulters technologically.

Speaking at the launch of the CRC at the Oshodi headquarters of the agency, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos state Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olusheyi Whenu, said the formation of the committee was to usher in a new dawn in Lagos State traffic management.

According to him, the process of controlling, apprehending traffic

NPA management, workers disagree over shortage of workers Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

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he need to recruit more hands at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) may soon pitch the agency’s management against its workers, findings have revealed.

While the agency’s workers have bemoaned the reducing size of the agency’s workforce, which to them is causing revenue leakages at the seaports, management is oblivious to any need to increase workforce.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune in an exclusive chat, the Chairman of the NPA branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adeleke Sanni, bemoaned the huge revenue leakages at the ports which is caused by NPA’s refusal to recruit more hands amid retirement and deaths of some of the existing workers.

According to him, “management just promoted workers before the Easter break, but the major issue of recruitment has not been taken care of. Both senior and junior staffs were promoted.

“The issue of shortage of manpower is the most serious problem the NPA is currently facing. When we mentioned it to the Managing Director, he told us that they are working on it. You know that when some places at the ports that are supposed to be manned are not properly manned, then there will be leakages.

“Yes, promotion is part of motivation, but as we speak, the NPA is short-staffed. Every day, people are retiring due to length of service or age, and they are not being replaced. This is not something that is hidden.

“The last interview they held at the fire department has not been revisited. We are not even talking of that now; we are looking at a general recruitment that will cut across all departments. Why we have decided to give the management some time is because of the

economic situation in the country.

“We are waiting and keeping our fingers crossed. We are waiting to see what they will do about this.”

However, responding to enquiries on the issues by our correspondent via text message, the Managing Director of the NPA, Habib Abdullahi, expressed surprise that the agency is currently under-staffed.

In his words, “are there revenue

leakages at the port? So the promotion we handed out to workers is a bad thing? I am sure if we increase manpower, which I just found out from you that there is shortage, it will be another bad thing.”

It would be recalled that the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, recently gave a N500 billion revenue target to all agencies in the Nigerian maritime industry.

According to the minister, the target is achievable if all revenue leakages at the ports are blocked.

“There is no need to increase or hike tariffs at the ports in order to meet this target. All what the agencies need to do is to block all revenue leakages at the ports, and they will meet the target,” Amaechi stated while responding to questions from newsmen in Lagos recently.

NIMASA DG promises to transform Nigeria’s ports into hub status The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside has reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria becomes the hub of maritime activities in Africa, thereby making it a reference point in the continent.

He stated this recently when he officially took over from the former Acting Director General, Mr Haruna Baba Jauro at the headquarters of the Agency in Lagos.

Dr Peterside who observed that NIMASA has competent personnel to drive the mandate of the agency also called on Mr Jauro to always avail the agency of his experience and expertise whenever the need arise.

“We will harness the vast potentials available in the Agency in order to make Nigeria a maritime hub in the West and Central Africa sub-region by implementing all international laws and conventions, increased enforcement of our mandate and build the necessary capacity for indigenous operators leveraging on the Cabotage Act,” the DG stated.

He described the former Acting Director General of the Agency, Mr Haruna Jauro as an Ambassador of NIMASA to the Federal Government and called on him to continue to support the Agency whenever his services are needed.

In his comments, Mr Jauro expressed gratitude to God and the Federal Government for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation in the last three and half years and that he is ready to work for the success of the present Management anytime his services are required.

While welcoming the new DG, Mr Jauro enjoined him to look through the Act that governs NI-

MASA as his guiding compass, while also noting that the Cabotage Act should be reviewed with a view to impacting positively on the indigenous operators.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari recently appointed Dr Peterside as the Director General of NIMASA, thereby replacing Mr Jauro as the substantive Director General of NIMASA.

offenders and booking them would henceforth be technologically based for maximum social economic development of the state.

The permanent secretary further said that with the launch of the CRC, there will be a better collaboration and synergy between traffic officers and members of the community they serve towards solving traffic related problems.

He assured that henceforth, traffic officers would now be more polite, civil and humane, but firm in the enforcement of traffic law.

Whenu added that the new CRC approach would further foist a better relationship between the agency and members of the public. He said with the launch of the Committee Relations, the state government has demonstrated that the issue of seamless traffic on Lagos roads is on the front burner of its social economic development agenda.

He called for all hands to be on deck in moving the State traffic forward and solicited for more public support for LASTMA to discharge its statutory responsibility, especially now that public expectation will be high as we migrate from the old method of apprehending traffic offenders to new one of booking traffic offenders. He urged motorists to team up with LASTMA to maintain sanity on roads in order for government to achieve its lofty goals for the people of the State.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of LASTMA, AIG Chris Olakpe (Rtd) said the formation of the Community Relations Committee was a bold attempt by the agency to eliminate distrust, mistrust and protests emanating from the members of the public and motorists as a result of misconstrued notion of the functions of traffic enforcement officers.

In his words, “LASTMA would evolve a robust programme and partnership with communities that would not only ensure a departure from the old order, but also put in place a formidable platform to sustain a good relationship with the members of the public.”

NEXIM Bank, Shippers Council plan trans-regional shipping line Nigerian Export-Import Bank, NEXIM and the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, are collaborating to establish a shipping line for trading within the West and Central Africa sub-region.

The establishment of the trans-regional shipping line was disclosed by the Acting Managing Director of the NEXIM Bank, Mr Bashir Wali at the just concluded ‘Transport cost and regional connectivity of African countries.’

Wali, who was represented by his Technical Adviser, Hope Yongo, said that they decided to venture in the regional as a result of high transportation costs and excessive transit time that makes intra-regional trade non-competitive and West African transport and logistics costs one of the highest in the world.

The NEXIM boss also bemoaned the absence of dedicated safe and modern fleet to encourage and facilitate Atlantic Short-Sea Trade along the West and Central African regions as well as inadequate transport infrastructure among member states and non tariff measures that are a barrier to: Increased intra-regional trade; Regional integration; and free movement of persons and services.

He said that the Regional Sealink Consortium is broadly proposing, an integrated maritime logistics services–combined transport, warehousing facilities with supporting ancillary services–Container handling and weighing and deepening coastal maritime activities and inland waterways with high prospects of promoting tramp services and open avenues

to promote ferry services. Furthermore, enhancing bulk cargo trade and provision of a dedicated platform for port operations at Burutu Port to mining activities.

Messrs. Marine Services & Supply Co. Ltds of the Regional Sealink Consortium has now confirmed willingness to deploy three ships for the pilot scheme operation of the regional Sealink project upon confirmation of Notice of Readiness (NOR) from Sealink Promotional Co. Ltd. Yongo further noted that while intra-regional trade in European Union, the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, stood at about 60 percent, 50 per cent and 30 per cent compared to about 15 per cent and 12 per cent for African and ECOWAS trade respectively.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

Fun meets literature as AWF begins 2016 literary season

•A cross-section of literary lovers during the event

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HAT a great way to kickstart the 2016 literary calendar of the Abuja Writers Forum (AWF).

The monthly event organised by the AWF saw a huge turn-out, that all the spaces available were filled-up for the year’s first edition. The eager crowd who yearned for fun, pleasure and reading were not left downcast as Tope Fasua, Lindii Adams Orubor and Rhyne D wowed with their exceptional performances at the Guest Writer session in Abuja recently.

The event started on schedule with the hall more than half full, perhaps an early indication of the good things in store. The appetiser followed immediately as Onyinye Ihezukwu read from her short story, Doo, from the AWF in-house journal, Dugwe, while Mike Ekunno gave a talk on editing, which elicited a few strong reactions for and against the issues he raised. Ekunno also read “Angela,” his short story in Dugwe.

The tone shifted musically as architectturned musician, Henry Davidson Chigozie (aka Rhyne D), offered three soulful pieces, “Love Song,” Feel Alright” and “Chibok Girls.”

So smooth was the delivery of the singer and his band that it was almost difficult to believe that the song about the abducted Chibok girls was barely a week old. All through the set, the audience was appreciative and at some point, some even danced out of their seats.

“Society cannot develop if we don’t think. We cannot develop on the basis of ideas, but Nigerians are always looking for quick fixes.” These were the words of Tope Fasua, an economist, entrepreneur,

public affairs analyst and columnist. If you say books don’t sell in Nigeria, then you need to have a rethink as Fasua runs a thriving bookshop known as Readers and Leaders. Fasua, a conversational writer, who also loves to sing, has a flair for art and hopes that in his next life, he will be a poet as well.

An ardent user of new media, Fasua says the social media is also like a university where one continues to learn and everybody has a duty to read and write. This is what we, as individuals, owe ourselves.

To his growing list of timely books, Fasua recently added two new books, “The Race for Capital” and “Change is Going to Come.”

His books are usually centered on contemporary issues surrounding the Nigerian and African economies and policies. He is very attached to one of his new books “Change is Going to Come” because it is an agglomeration of what was and is still going on in the Nigerian society.

Fasua believes that if we want to get the country going, the youth have to take up the reins, become more productive in labour and putting their tools to work to manage the environment.

According to him, youths should stop day-dreaming, while waiting for juicy job offers to fall into their hands after graduating from universities.

“Rather, they should find something doing while in the university and try to push and strive harder in becoming great personalities on their own,” he said.

Speaking further, the economist said, youths should be guarded and guided, while finding ways to be logical in all their thinking. He hopes that through his books,

•Chibok native, Lindii Adams Orubor, during her performance. youths will be able to broaden their minds and become more efficient and productive to the diversifying economy.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Member of the Institute of Directors (MIoD), Fasua worked in the Nigerian banking industry where he rose to become a Regional Director before calling it quits in 2005 to focus more on his love for writing.

He believes that “reading makes an informed man; conversation makes a ready man, but writing makes an exact man”

Lindii hopes for peace to return to the North East.

and “You should create your own track and run it, for there, you will find internal happiness.”

Lindii Adams Orubor offered the next musical performances of two songs accompanied by another guitarist. For a talented singer and guitarist who hails from Chibok, Borno State, it was inevitable that one of the songs echoed the insurgency in the Northern-Eastern part of the country.

“Salama,” meaning peace, is a new hit on her promotional disc, which is aimed at reaching out to the victims of the ongoing conflicts, especially in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states Coincidentally, “Salama” was released the same day that the Chibok girls were abducted, and so the date is one she will never forget.

She hopes for peace to reign back in the troubled North-East, and she uses her music as a medium to reach out to people, while giving them hope.

Lindii is currently working on releasing an album which comprises various songs and genres of music, bringing out the beauty of Nigeria, while emphasising on the power of women.”

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arts&review

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Curator wants museum visits compulsory for students

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curator, Mr Samuel Olopade, has charged the Federal Ministry of Education to introduce compulsory museum visits in school curriculum, “as this will help students know about their history.”

Mr Olopade stated this during an arts exhibition organised by ArtsisLife to celebrate the Easter festive season in Lagos.

The curator lamented the manner in which the Ministry of Education removed History as a subject in secondary school, while admitting that it would make young Nigerians lose touch with their history.

“However, we can redeem the situation if those in charge of education in the country makes it compulsory for secondary school students to visit the museum at least twice before they finish their studies.

“This will go a long way in making them know about their past.

“History is just so important in the life of man, but since we no longer have History in our curriculum, we can make our young ones visit the museum to see what it was like in the past,” Olopade said.

Earlier, the founder of ArtsisLife, Aus-

POEM

Die, O state!

Barack Dementia came to Saragoza and laid a knife on the neck of state how they promised gold in the skies and jewels within the air crust oh, how they sent words on cruel missions and battered the ship of state

•A war museum tin Agbede, said the organisation decided to come up with the exhibition to celebrate the Easter festive period because it would stimulate the creativity in our youths.

“Many youths will prefer to be at entertainment centres today, but coming for an exhibition like this will make the youth to

think outside the box,” Agbede said.

One of the participants, Tonia Joseph, said the one-day arts exhibition was able to develop her love for artistic creativity, “and even though I hope to become a medical doctor in the future, I will still practice it with arts,” she said.

Balogun: Study of a Yoruba chieftaincy title Kehinde Akinseinde-Jayeoba, Lagos

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HE institution of Balogun titles in Yorubaland is one that signifies power, as the holder of the title is a warrior who defends his community from external attacks, while maintaining peace among his people.

Over the years, the role the Balogun plays in the society has metamorphosed from its initial role of leading the war in order to protect his people, to other forms of societal leadership.

These changes were the focus during the launch of a book, “Balogun Institution in Yoruba Land: Changing Fortune of a Military Institution,” written in commemoration of the 70th birthday of Chief Lanre Razak at the MUSON Centre, Lagos recently.

The book explains the similarities and differences in the use of the Balogun title among different parts of Yoruba land, which over the years, have changed in meanings and significance.

The book reviewer, Dr Tim Livsel, a lectory of History at the King’s College, London explained that the book “engages with the important themes in the history of the Yoruba people, especially the role of chieftaincy institutions, and well as themes that are essential to all historical study, such as the relationship between continuity and change.”

Dr Livsey, a Briton, noted that he had been fascinated by the history and culture of Nigeria, thus his decision six years ago, to embark on research for his doctoral degree on the role of higher education in Nigerian decolonisation and development from the 1930s to the 1960s.

According to him, the book gives an invaluable overview of the role of Balogun title across the Yoruba territory, tracing how the title assumed great importance in the era of Yoruba wars in the 19th century, where military meanings were invested in it.

“With the coming of missionaries and

British colonial administration, “ the Balogun then metamorphosed into a title with more civil than military significance, a trend that continues into the 20th century,” the reviewer said.

The book highlights the transition of the Balogun title from a military to a civic position to be the product of a living vibrant history.

“A fascinating case study of the processes

of continuity and change in Yoruba societies and, indeed, in all societies,” Livsey said.

He said the book “ is evidently a very significant contribution to our understanding of the vibrancy of pre-colonial Yoruba society, particularly for those interested in chieftaincy,” while noting that the book provided case studies of how sometimes the title is less important than who holds it, and how they re-invent the powers.

Oyo schools set for RAN project ABOUT 31 secondary schools in Oyo State will participate in the maiden Read Across Nigeria (RAN) project, which is being organised by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). The project, which is aimed at developing the reading culture among young Nigerians, is to honour the contribution of Dr Wale Okediran, a former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and the founder of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Iseyin, to the development of literature in the country.

According to a press release made available by the president of SYNW, Mr Wole

Adedoyin, the event will target lovers of literature across the country.

“We will hold the event in a day, and books will be made available for literary lovers to read.

“This maiden event is, therefore, to celebrate Dr Okediran’s 61st birthday.

“Here is a man who has done so much for literature in the country.

“After serving the country’s writers so meritoriously, he is now sponsoring a writers’ residency in Iseyin, and this is definitely the best residency in the country today, welcoming residents from across Africa and the world,” Adedoyin said.

UK releases coins featuring Shakespeare IMAGES representing Shakespeare plays and Beatrix Potter tales will be among those featuring on coins in 2016, the Royal Mint has said.

The coins are meant to give a snapshot of Britain over the past 1,000 years.

The histories, comedies and tragedies of Shakespeare will be depicted on £2 coins, 400 years after his death.

A 50p coin will honour Beatrix Potter to mark the 150 years since her birth, while another commemorates the Battle of Hastings, 950 years ago.

A picture of the Great Fire of London will be embossed onto a £2 coin to mark the event’s 350th anniversary.

The Royal Mint’s five-year programme to mark the centenary of World War One will continue with a £2 coin remembering the community pride that fuelled the rise of the “Pals” battalions, and will bear a design reminiscent of the art deco styling of the time.

Each coin bears the fifth definitive portrait of the Queen by Royal Mint engraver Jody Clark.

they commandeered February and mauled March they built April of lunacy and May of madness but the demons of hollowness roar still as the calabashes of emptiness ascend Mt. Kilmanjaro

By Abiodun Awolaja

POEM

A hustler in the city NOT abandoned but alone, a girl wonders on the smoky streets of Lagos The outrage, the traffic and the hustle The chavs, the real and the dupes The peak of surrender Amidst the mists of paranoia Not abandoned but alone, a girl moves on the bustling streets of Lagos The pavilion of dreams, the hopes The epistles of Dos and Don’ts Remembering to watch your own back Two eyes = one back Every Man for himself.

Not abandoned but alone, a girl hopes on the rowdy streets of Lagos For whence cometh her help From the skies above they say The high winds and cool breeze Or the revered scotching sun that welcomes the great showers On the bridge over troubled waters the hazard lights on caution signs out Paranoia comforts thyself Shall they come for me?

At least...

Abandoned but not alone Surrendering to these streets Where princes dwell and dwellers go hungry Where the tarred roads welcome hungry feet and the red lights harbour sellers Where one girl’s dreams wait to be fulfilled Amidst the hustle and bustle That is, Lagos Living.

•TOYIN OKEDIRAN, olutoyintito@gmail.com

33

Thursday, 31 March, 2016 Editor:

health YOU&EYE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

NATURALHEALTH

SEX,SEXUALITY&YOU

INSIDE

‘Not all supplements should be taken by everybody’

Page 36

NATURAL HEALTH

Soothing that sore throat naturally

Page 37

NEWS

Experts harp on research, treatment of sleep problems •Say 35 per cent of Nigerians affected

Page 35

SEX, SEXUALITY & YOUR HEALTH

How to prevent sagging breasts after breastfeeding

HEALTH QUOTE

Page 37

As TB prowl among children

By Sade Oguntola

A

T an age when children savour sweets and chilled soft drinks, four year-old Helen from Mowe, a suburb of Ogun State, has to endure swallowing medicines everyday for the next two years. Helen (name changed) is among the children that are diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.

“When my daughter got sick, I took her to a clinic in my neighbourhood. They gave her cough syrup for seven days. I thought she was getting better, but it was apparent that she was still ill. After another examination, they referred her to a hospital in the city because her condition did not get better. The test found that she had tuberculosis,” said Mrs Chika Nwosu, Helen’s mother.

Helen’s mother recalls the long delays in the diagnosis of tuberculosis for her daughter, Helen, who was eventually able to start treatment for the disease a few weeks afterwards.

Tuberculosis kills more people each year than any other infectious disease, causing over 1.5 million deaths globally in 2014 alone. Of these deaths, 140,000 are children. Yet, this disease is curable and preventable.

Children are among the most vulnerable, but all too often children with TB remain in the shadows, undiagnosed, uncounted and untreated.

Children get tuberculosis infection when they breathe the air that a person infected with active TB coughed or sneezed into.

Some children will contract tuberculosis infection without symptoms and without being contagious. Others go on to develop active TB disease.

Unfortunately, people do not think that children could have an illness like Tuberculosis,

said Dr Nkiru David, a consultant paediatrician, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos.

But at NIMR, one in 16 of every death due to TB is in a child, she said.

Dr David declared: “Even when the child has been persistently coughing for two to three weeks, mothers do not mention it unless the healthcare provider asks. In fact, many mothers see coughing as normal and not enough reason to take the child to the hospital.

“A lot of people are not aware of TB in children. It is not just the mothers and the people in the community, also the primary healthcare providers are not actively looking for TB in this age group,” she declared.

Diagnosing TB, especially in children, remains a challenge. “Even when the child has been coughing for over a week and have a low grade fever, the primary healthcare providers just give cough mixture or prescribe antibiotics,” said Dr David.

Soon after infection, children often show no symptoms from tuberculosis. But eventually, its symptoms that may occur include persistent coughing; irritability; loss of appetite and unintended weight loss; fatigue; fever; and sweating at night.

Moreover, diagnosing TB in children is a challenge because most children are unable to expectorate sputum, a fluid from the respiratory tract that is required to confirm TB bacteria under the sputum microscope.

The newer test called Genexpert, which looks for the genes of TB bacteria as well as gives information like sensitivity of the bacteria to a first line drug for TB treatment, she said, is yet to be available all over Nigeria for improved diagnosis of the disease in children.

Sometimes, the contents of the child’s stomach will be examined with a long tube to look for any signs of tuberculosis. Facilities for do-

ing this are also not commonly available in many hospitals.

Moreover, the burden of this silent epidemic in children is further worsened by challenges of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection, drug-resistant TB and malnutrition, said Dr Jerome Elusiyan, a consultant paediatrician at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

In addition, Elusiyan declared: “poor immune and nutritional status makes a child more prone to developing TB disease. As such even when you give drugs to treat TB and feeding is not optimal; the child may not get the best from the treatment.

“Also when a child infected with TB is been treated, without treating the adult that has infected the child to prevent re-infection, the child does not get cured.”

Although TB treatment is free, he declared it also requires prompt diagnosis and treatment supervision to ensure adherence and prevent complications of the disease.

TB, however, is a vaccine preventable disease, and compliance to a child’s vaccine regimen is also vital to protect the child from the infection.

In addition, prevention of overcrowding and poor ventilation is important to ensure children do not contract the germ that causes TB. Nigeria’s National Coordinator for TB, Dr Gabriel Akang, however assured that the Federal Ministry of health was aware of the increasing cases if TB in children.

He said results of a pilot study on house to house search for TB cases, children inclusive, attested to the nation not overlooking the problem also in children.

Aside developing a guideline for management of TB in children, Dr Akang said special centres had already been created where diagnosis of TB in children can be done.

Our Creator has given us five senses to help us survive threats from the external world, and a sixth sense, our healing system, to help us survive internal threats.

—Bernie Siegel

34

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

Why do we continue to use yesterday’s solutions to solve today’s problems?

IN 1985, a colleague of mine from an East African country, who had shared an apartment with me when I was in USA, visited Nigeria for the first time. Looking pensive, he asked, “What kind of people are you?” I drew blank. So he repeated the question, “What kind of people are you Nigerians?”

As I was trying to figure out where he was going, he volunteered the answer. “Ben, I can’t understand you Nigerians. When we were in Baltimore, you were always complaining about your country. You complained about everything and everyone. I arrived at the airport in Lagos a few days ago, it wasn’t particularly impressive but I made one remarkable observation.”

“What’s it Dave?” I asked, now all ears and anxious to hear what he had to say.

“From the moment my plane taxied to a stop, to the time I arrived at my hotel, I did not see any foreigner directing the affairs, pushing Nigerians here and there.

Then I arrived here at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH), the administrators, doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and all those directing the affairs of this huge and beautiful edifice are all Nigerians.

For the first time in my life, I am in an African country where Africans are in charge of their affairs,” he said, now almost breathless and added, “Come to my country, we are the cleaners, messengers, stewards and housekeepers. The airport bosses, hotel managers, doctors, nurses and those directing the affairs are all foreigners. You may not be doing it right now but you have started and one day you will do it right.” Tears welled up in his eyes as he lamented, “In my country we are yet to start.”

He had stirred up my memory. I remembered vividly that whenever we Nigerians in US met, all we did was to tell stories about how rotten our country was – the corrupt leaders; bribe taking policemen and custom officers, NEPA, the poor state of our roads, etc. We criticised everything and everybody as Dave had said. I was still ruminating over this, when Dave asked again, “Ben, what is the driving distance from Lagos to Ibadan?”

“It’s about 120km,” I answered, wondering what he was going to say next. “That distance would take just a little over one hour on an express road in USA. It took us over four hours owing to severe traffic congestion. Your government needs to do

something urgently about it. I would suggest the provision of parallel service roads at all exit and entry points along the road.

In addition it is imperative that alternative means of transportation such as a fast train service be provided.” I couldn’t but agree with him.

It is distressing that 30 years after Dave’s visit and suggested remedies, the gridlock has continued; travel time is about three hours occasionally but most times uncertain and could between four to six hours! The road is now being rebuilt with more lanes but without the parallel service roads at entry and exit points. And more importantly, no alternative to road transportation has been provided.

Goods, passengers and all have to take to this road which is perhaps the busiest in Africa and one of the busiest in the world. It is clearly obvious that just rebuilding the road as is being done is not a solution to the perennial gridlock.

Now it is my turn to ask, “What kind of people are we? Why should we have a problem for over 40years and cannot think of innovative ways of solving it?

Why do we continue to use yesterday’s solutions to solve today’s problem?

These questions are equally pertinent

to health care in Nigeria today. Nigeria is blessed with skilled experts in all fields of endeavour yet we continue to wallow in abject poverty of mind and body. If we are doing exactly the same thing, in exactly the same way as we did yesterday we are certainly not doing well. We must begin to think outside the box and train appropriate health care workers who will meet the challenges of today.

If need be, we must break down professional barriers and rebuild the entire health sector. Faced with dwindling resources, we cannot afford the luxury of the compartmentalisation of healthcare professions of the developed countries and must adapt new technology to find solutions to the challenges we are facing.

Finally, I ask, “What kind of person are you? Have you had a comprehensive eye examination in the last one year? We are still seeing patients who are nearly blind from glaucoma who felt all was well with their eyes. If you are seeing very well and you haven’t had an eye examination in over a year, you could be one of them.

Please visit an ophthalmologist today for a comprehensive eye examination. Keep what you have. The eye is not yet replaceable!

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

info@nordicalagos.org

Treatment options for Endometriosis “What a terrible life! Life not free of pain that have come to live….why is my course different from my fellow mate? I eat in pain, I sleep in pain, and I defeacate in pain. Who can understand my agony?” …….Words from women who are sufferers of a condition called endometriosis.

WE ARE IN THE MONTH OF ENDOMETRIOSIS……SPREAD THE MESSAGE AND SUPPORT THE AFFECTED What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that forms the lining of uterus (womb) grows in other parts of the body. The lining of your uterus is called the endometrium. It may attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, exterior of the uterus, the bowel, or other internal parts.

During a regular menstrual cycle, your body sheds the lining of your uterus. This allows menstrual blood to flow from your uterus through the small opening in the cervix and out through your vagina.

The hormonal changes of your menstrual cycle affect the misplaced endometrial tissue. This means the tissue will grow, thicken, and break down.

Over time, the tissue that has broken down has nowhere to go and becomes trapped in your pelvis.

This tissue trapped in your pelvis can cause: • irritation • scar formation

• adhesions, in which tissue binds your pelvic organs together • severe pain during your periods or persistent pelvic pain • fertility problems CAUSES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS During a regular menstrual cycle, your body sheds the lining of your uterus. This allows menstrual blood to flow from your uterus through the small opening in the cervix and out through your vagina.

Endometriosis often occurs due to a process called retrograde menstruation. This happens when menstrual blood flows back through your fallopian tubes into your pelvic cavity instead of leaving your body.

The body has ability to mop-up this backflow of menstrum but in some women this ability is defective.

The displaced endometrial cells then stick to your pelvic walls and the surfaces of your pelvic organs, such as your bladder, ovaries, and rectum.

They continue to grow, thicken, and bleed over the course of your menstrual cycle. It’s also possible for the menstrual blood to leak into the pelvic cavity through a surgical scar, such as after a cesearean delivery.

STAGES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS Endometriosis has four stages or types.

It can be any of the following: • minimal • mild

0700 6673422

• moderate • severe Different factors determine the stage of the disorder. These factors can include the: • location • number • size • depth of the endometrial implants Stage I: Minimal In minimal endometriosis, there are small lesions, or wounds, and shallow endometrial implants on your ovary. There may also be inflammation in or around your pelvic cavity.

Stage 2: Mild

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that forms the lining of uterus (womb) grows in other parts of the body.

Mild endometriosis involves light lesions and shallow implants on an ovary and the pelvic lining.

Stage 3: Moderate Moderate endometriosis involves deep implants on your ovary and pelvic lining.

There can also be more lesions.

Stage 4: Severe The most severe stage of endometriosis involves deep implants on your pelvic lining and ovaries. There may also be lesions on your fallopian tubes and bowels.

Mode of presentations of endometriosis The symptoms of endometriosis vary from woman to woman. While some women may experience no symptoms others may have mild to severe symptoms.

The degree of pain does not indicate type or stage of the condition. A woman may have a mild form of the disease, yet suffer from agonizing pain. It’s also possible to have a severe form and have very little discomfort.

Symptoms you may experience • Pain • Bleeding • Bladder & bowel problems • Reduced quality of life • Having issues with fertility is the To be continued next week

35 Healthnews

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Experts harp on research, treatment of sleep problems •say 35 per cent of Nigerians affected

By Sade Oguntola

E

XPERTS have stressed the need for increased research and treatment of sleep problems, saying these have become imperative because of the importance of sleep to good health and national productivity.

Provost, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, Osun State, Professor Adesegun Fatunsi, speaking at an update course on sleep and epilepsy to mark the 2016 International Epilepsy Day at the institution, said there was a big research gap in the study of sleep in Nigeria.

Fatunsi, who remarked that unlike epilepsy people are not aware of sleep problems, stated that “people just trivialise the whole issue around sleep.

But sleep is something that is extremely important; effect of sleep cuts across many health issues.”

The public health professor, noting that young people need more sleep but hardly do so because they are always busy on their mobile phones, I-pads and lap tops, said sleep problem was becoming one of the biggest health challenges.

Fatunsi saying that his greatest desire for the meeting was to have a strong study group on sleep emerge to give concentrated efforts at expanding knowledge around sleep also pledged his support to sleep research at the University.

He urged increased enlightenment on sleep problems in the community, saying there is help for sleep problems.

Dr Taofeek Sunmonu, a neurologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, who gave an overview and classification of sleep disorders, listed the common sleeping problems to include snoring, sleep apnoea, insomnia, sleep deprivation, and restless legs syndrome.

Sunmonu corroborated that sleep problems are common in the Nigerian population, and thus, the need for health care providers to be familiar with the health challenge given the importance of sleep for survival, normal physical and mental function as well as in building body immunity against diseases.

Also speaking on causes of insomnia, a common reason for poor sleep, Dr Kolawole Mosaku, a psychiatrist said that between

30 and 35 per cent of Nigerians have some forms of sleep disturbance.

Mosaku declared that age, being female; psychiatry, neurological and

medical disorders such as depression and anxiety, excessive noise, medica-

tions for some disease conditions and worries about money are part of the rea-

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole(middle) flanged by Minister of State for Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire; leader of delegation CGC Construction Company limited, Mr. Ricky Roa and other staff of the CGC Construction Company, during a courtesy visit and donation of 700,000 boxes of ACT drugs to Nigeria, recently in Abuja.

PEPSODENT, NDA walk against holes in teeth

By Sade Oguntola AS part of activities lined up to celebrate this year’s World Oral Health Day Celebration, Pepsodent Toothpaste in partnership with Nigerian Dental Association took to major streets of Lagos to sensi-

tize Nigerians on the need to brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.

The 10-kilometre Walk against cavity, organised

by Pepsodent in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, in line with the theme of the 2016 Oral Health Day

– “Brush Day and Night…

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body” was also to drive positive habit change as well as put Nigerians on the alert as it concerns cavity.

The walk kicked-off from Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, through Ojuelegba to Ji-

bowu and back to LUTH. Educational materials, Pepsodent toothpaste and toothbrushes were handed over to commuters and residents within the neighbourhood of Surulere and Mushin local government areas of the city.

Addressing journalists

WWD: Nestle to train 8,000 students on water preservation AS Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2016 World Water Day, Nestle Nigeria PLc, disclosed that it will be training over 8,000 students in selected states in the country on the challenges and preservation of fresh water.

The Country Business Manager, Nestle Waters, Mr. Jason Lambe spoke at an event organised by the company to commemorate 2016 World Water Day, held at Nestle Factory, Agbara, Ogun state.

Lambe, who said the goal of the World Water Day is to draw attention and global awareness on the importance of freshwater and conservation, explained that the company decided to use the event to educate children from communities near the company’s bottling sites about water cycle and water challenges facing the world.

He added that the water preservation education is carried out through fun, hands-on pedagogical activities developed by Nestle Waters NGO partner, Project Wet. The Country Business Manager, further stated that “children as the water stewards of the future

and teachers participate in the programme tagged ‘Together for Water’ festivals, to increase awareness of the importance of freshwater for nature, healthy hydration, good hygiene and disease prevention”.

While saying Nestle Waters will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and other relevant government agencies to sensitise Nigerians on the need to protect this important nat-

ural resource, Lambe said the company has improved its water efficiency globally by 19 per cent over the last five years. He added that Nestle Waters will continue to drive strongly its water education programme in schools.

“In 2015, a total of 5,994 school children and 363 teachers in 115 schools in Lagos and Osun states benefited from the programme. PWET is expect-

ed to expand to other parts of the country with a target to reach over 8,000 students by end of 2016.

“For Nestle, as for all impacted by water challenges, we believe that solutions ultimately depends on government and collaboration across sectors, and so we are committed to actionoriented dialogue with all stakeholders from policy makers to teachers and pupils”, Lambe submitted.

CDC builds management capacity of laboratory scientists THE US Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) and Association of Public Health Laboratories(APHL) has trained 100 medical laboratory scientists on laboratory leadership and management to foster some challenges envisaged with the autonomy of medical health services in Nigeria’s hospitals.

The training which took place concomitantly in Oyo, Nasarawa and Kaduna States involved medical laboratory scientists drawn from public and private hospitals in the country.

Speaking in Ibadan at the close of the five-day training carried out in collaboration with Association of

Medical laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Oyo state branch, representative of CDC, Dr David Ajayi said the training became imperative to build their management skills and ensure that they are able to plan strategically.

Ajayi said medical laboratory science practitioners, that enter the management cadre are also expected to be better managers of resources and people.

He declared: “An assessment by the Association of Public Health Laboratories of the USA in almost all African countries found that there is a deficiency in the area of management among medical laboratory

scientists.

“Its’ ultimate goal is to improve quality of services rendered by medical laboratory personnel, hoping that the training will be stepped down by the participants to others in their hospitals.”

AMLSN’s Oyo State branch, Chairman, Mr Kehinde Adegoke at the event urging the participants to translate the training into their day-to day activities in the hospital, said “we feel we have to develop the skills of our members, especially now that we are clamouring for autonomy, including directorate of laboratory services in our institutions.

sons many people are unable to have sound sleep.

He listed signs of poor sleep to include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, sluggishness, mood disorder, headache and palpitation, adding that poor sleep can lead to increased healthcare cost, increased risk for absenteeism and development of psychiatry disorders and decreased productivity and quality of life.

Mosaku, who assured of pharmacological and nonpharmacological modes of treating sleep problems, said however that all cases of sleep problem require an individualised treatment.

He stressed the need for good sleep hygiene, saying exercises, practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding the use of the bedroom for other activities apart for sleep and sex is better discouraged to ensure good sleep.

during the walk, Category Manager, Oral Care, Unilever Nigeria PLC, Bunmi Adeniba said that the oral health awareness walk was part of the Campaign of Unilever Nigeria to get people to brush day and night.

“The health awareness walk is to inform Nigerians that prevention is better than cure and as such we should take our oral health seriously. The brush day and night campaign is part of Unilever’s vision to improve lives of Nigerians and by 2020 we have a commitment to have impacted the life of 10 million children across the country.

Also speaking, the President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe said Nigerians should see their oral health as closely integrated with their general health system as the mouth is the gate way to the body and several oral diseases are related to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Commenting on Pepsodent, Brand Manager Pepsodent, George Umoh said “We are driving positive habit change and promoting the culture of brushing twice daily – day and night- which is a global best practice to healthy living.

“Pepsodent Triple Protection is one big breakthrough formulation that guarantees protection against cavities, stains and bad breath and these are the most prevalent oral care needs in many homes.’’

36

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

healthpeople

‘Not all supplements should be taken by everybody’ Mr James Oluwafemi Ajao, Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Oyo State, branch, in this interview by SADE OGUNTOLA, talks on rising cost of medicines, unsafe drug practices and dosing, and pinpoints the importance of subsidising essential medicines.

P

ILL splitting is a common practice among patients looking to save money amid rising drug costs. Is it a right practice and under what situations should this be done?

Basically the type of drug to use and the dose to take is prescribed based on parameters such as the individual’s body weight, age and sometimes the severity of the infection.

Now, where the prescribed drug is available in 10mg but the individual only requires 5mg, it might require splitting one tablet into two to get the required dosage.

In some instance, people in a bid to cut cost also buy higher doses and then go on to split or divide to get the amount they are asked to take. Nonetheless, irrespective of the reason for a client to divide or split a tablet, drugs that can be split are those that the drug’s package insert specifically says it is approved for splitting. On some of such tablets, you could even find a line, like it is on the common paracetamol tablet.

However, studies have shown that dividing drugs exactly in half is very difficult. As

such, most times, it is not advisable because many people end up not doing it accurately.

Whether it is the knife, scissors or any other sharp tool that is used in dividing the pill, the pill is divided into unequal parts and so therefore leads to wrong dose. When drug is given, it needs to be taken according to the specified dosage, the right dose, to the right person and at the right time.

Why is it sometimes not advisable to split a tablet?

Certain drugs for certain conditions, including high cholesterol and depression medications, can be split without reducing their efficacy or causing negative side effects.

However, other medications such as chemotherapy drugs, and contraceptives should never be split. Drugs with a hard coating or any sort of capsule should also be swallowed whole to avoid crumbling, leaking, or cracking into pieces.

Dividing tablets or pills with protective coating for the stomach, for instance, can be dangerous, leading to ulcer. Also, certain prescription medications deteriorate when

they are exposed to air, heat, or moisture after they’re split, so it’s best to split pills one at a time to ensure that potency and dosage sizes are consistent.

Now, drugs if not properly handed or stored, can undergo deterioration; becoming toxic and change to another form which may make it to either do more work than expected or less active. Some drugs like aspirin are not stable when exposed to water and as such should not be exposed to moisture.

In fact, aspirin is a drug that cannot be taken by an ulcer patient. So, people that are predisposed to stomach ulcer are also better avoiding it.

It is also because of the possibility of some drugs deteriorating on exposure to light that such are stored in dark or coloured bottles to reduce the penetration of light. Similarly, some antibiotics are packed in aluminium foil to protect them from deteriorating because of light.

That is why when you buy a drug, you should consult a pharmacist on its proper handling and storage of medicines. Pouring it out from the coloured bottle, maybe when taking a portion into a transparent container, would also cause the medicine to go bad, ineffective or even toxic.

Mothers sometimes complain that once a bottle of paracetamol syrup is opened, after many days, it is often not as effective as before? Why is this so?

When the bottle is opened, the required dose is expected to be taken and the bottle recapped back. But often, most do not cap the bottle back properly, thus allowing air and moisture to enter. This can affect its effectiveness. This, however, can happen to any liquid medicine that is not properly stored.

What is the situation of fake and substandard drugs in Oyo State?

The issue of fake and substandard drug has been for a long time and it is gradually been addressed by regulatory bodies like NAFDAC. For the past 10 years, its incidence has been going down because all the people that are not supposed to handle drugs are being wiped off. But I will not say it is zero, but I hope very soon, this will be the situation.

How best can patients reduce the chances of falling victim of fake and substandard medicines?

If you have been to a hospital and prescribed a drug, ensure the drug is bought from a registered pharmacy rather than the open market or patent medicine vendors.

The pharmacists know the right drugs to give, but people, because they want to cut corners, patronise the cheaper ones.

Of recent, I saw a pack of 10 tablets of a common antibiotic sold for N50 rather than N700, how effective will it be? Based on my 25 years experience in this profession, an antibiotic sold for N50 cannot work. It must be fake or substandard.

But people still buy it and this is doing people a lot of harm. Aside that, the drug will not be effective, it could lead to drug resistance. This is a situation where the germ becomes resistant to that medication, as such when the individual takes the appropriate one later, it would not work. So, if you want something that is of high quality, at least you must be able to afford the price.

How beneficial are supplements containing herbal ingredients such as ginseng and turmeric now sold in pharmacies?

Supplements are good but not all supplements should be taken by everybody. There are some that have been tested and found to be okay. The ginseng in some supplements is found to help reduce tension. Equally, many contain herbal constituents with antistress, antiageing and antifatigue properties.

In Nigeria, the rave now is to use supplements, including those with herbal constituents. Some people go around recommending that they take different herbals supplements. Nevertheless, if you have a problem, go for a medical check up and the appropriate medicines, including supplements would be prescribed if necessary.

Supplements must be taken only when there is a need for it. Rather than follow the crazy for taking supplements, the best is to take fruits and vegetables. They are rich in antioxidants which mop up the free radicals in the body and can help to boost body immunity against diseases. And if we must take supplements, see people that are knowledgeable about it such as a pharmacist for guidance on the right ones to use rather than just jumping on the band wagon.

You have been practising for over two decades; can you highlight the common drug reactions you see in your community practice?

There are so many, but the one that comes easily to mind is the drug reaction from a common antibiotic called septrin. Some individuals experience untoward reactions to it like other sulphur-containing medicines.

They experience peeling of the skin, rashes, and so on. In rare situation, some people die as a result of taking these sulphur-containing medicines.

Likewise, some people develop white patches all over their body after using Flemin, a broad spectrum antibiotic. The patches, despite discontinuing the medicine, persist.

Currently, the standard treatment for malaria is Artmemisin Combination Therapy (ACT). However, some people react to some brands of ACT that contain quinine derivatives. Many adults after taking it have difficulty sleeping.

Although, it is an effective antimalarial drug, individuals are better off when it is taken alongside Vitamin B complex and glucose; these reduces its side effects such as body weakness.

In your opinion, how best can we make the cost of drugs affordable to the common man?

The WHO standard is that drugs must be available, affordable, effective and so on. And so cost is an issue. Currently, the government is subsidising the cost of malaria drugs, a common condition that makes many people visit the hospital.

But when you consider other drugs such as pain killers and antibiotics, there cost is still on the high side. The same is for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The cost of these medications also needs to be subsidised.

Of course, importantly to ensure that drugs are accessible, affordable and effective, government should ensure that only professionals handle them. It is not something that should be sold or handled by just anybody.

37

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Soothing that sore throat naturally

By Vera Onana

A

S the rains gradually emerge and intensifies, the weather change takes a toll on the atmosphere because it gets fraught with pollens, dusts and other materials that can irritate the human respiratory system. Some people are lucky enough to escape the effects of such atmospheric contaminants but several others are not.

Consequently, a number of upper respiratory tract infections may occur, a very common one is sore throat.

A sore throat often refers to pain, itchiness and/or irritation of the throat. It may be accompanied with difficulty in swallowing food and liquids and the pain may get worse when the patient tries to swallow. Causes of sore throat include viral and bacterial infections caused by the cocci shaped Streptococcus and environmental factors.

Allergic reactions to mold, pet dander, pollen, or other irritants can also trigger postnasal drip. This is when excess mucus accumulates in the back of a person’s throat.

This accumulation can irritate the throat and cause pain or inflammation. Also, dry air can also make the throat feel raw and scratchy.

Treatment therefore becomes imperative becuase of the discomfort the patient feels. But, a number of home remedies can bring quick relief to sore and itchy throats.

Honey Honey mixed in tea or simply taken straight up has long been a home remedy for sore throat. Scientific studies have confirmed this natural wonder works. A study of 139 children with upper respiratory infections, for example, found that honey was even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants.

natural

health Sage and Echinacea Sage and echinacea together may help reduce sore throat symptoms. A 2009 study observed 154 patients at least 12 years old with sore throats. For the next three days, these participants received either an echinacea/sage throat spray or a medicinal chlorhexidine/lidocaine spray. They used two puffs every two hours, up to 10 times a day.

Results showed that the echinacea/sage spray was just as effective as the medicinal spray for treating sore throats.

Garlic Studies have also shown that honey is an effective wound healer, which means it may also help speed healing for sore throats.

Salt water gargle Mothers usually recommend gargling with salt water and they are right. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions. It’s also known to help kill bacteria in the throat. A salt water solution made with a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water can help to reduce swelling and keep the throat clean.

Several studies have found that gargling several times a day with warm salt water can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria.

Lemon juice Lemon contains (citrus acid) which helps to break up the mucus that causes sore throat and also helps to soothe the throat from the pain and inflammation. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants which helps to boost the immune system. Lemon is a natural antiseptic which helps to kill the bacteria or viruses in the throat. Lemons are rich in several essential vitamins and nutrients.

Lemon juice increases salivation and helps to moisten or lubricate an irritated throat.

Garlic Though very pungent, it works. This pungent bulb actually has “tremendous immune-stimulating effects” as well as antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities. So, it helps the body to heal the infections that cause a sore throat while fighting the germs that cause the pain and the irritation. The compound that may be responsible for this is allicin, which is released when raw garlic is cut, crushed, or chewed.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com

How to prevent sagging breasts after breastfeeding BREASTFEEDING is one of the most wonderful things a mother can do for her child. Being able to nourish your newborn and experience that special bond is amazing.

Although breastfeeding is greatly beneficial to your baby, nursing can wreak havoc on the breasts. Increasing in size during pregnancy and then being engorged with milk for months can take its toll on your breasts in the form of volume loss and drooping.

Most women who breastfeed notice that their breasts sag and are not thrilled with this change for obvious reasons. Fortunately there are non-surgical solutions that can help prevent sagging and get those boobs looking perky again once your baby is weaned.

Breasts sag after breastfeeding for a number of reasons.

Most women point their finger solely at breastfeeding itself but it all starts with pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the Cooper’s ligaments; the bands that attach the chest to the muscle and provide support, are stretched along with the skin. This is a direct result of the increase in bust size women experience during pregnancy. This size increase is the body’s way of preparing for breastfeeding and can cause breasts to droop because of the additional tension put on the ligaments. Over time the Cooper’s ligaments lose elasticity and are no longer taut.

After the baby is born and as the mother begins nursing, the breasts take another hit because milk ducts grow and are filled with milk. As a result, additional stretching occurs. During the first few days after birth, breasts tend to get quite full and heavy due to milk production which does have an impact. After two weeks they return to the size they were during pregnancy and stay that way until you decide to wean your baby. Having larger breasts for an extended period of time stretches the ligaments even further and causes unwanted sagging.

Besides breastfeeding, a woman’s age can also be a factor for the cause of saggy breasts. Various studies prove that in women who are in their late thirties, their body’s skin loses skin elasticity much faster, and this can affect their breasts as well.

In addition, women who tend to consume more alcohol, carbonated beverages and nicotine also show signs of premature aging and weakening of their skin’s cellular structure.

How to prevent your breasts from sagging Whether you are looking to prevent your breasts from sagging or is trying to fix the loss of shape and firmness,

the following are some things you can do; Wear a good supportive bra In order to keep breasts upright and firm while still breastfeeding the first thing you must do is wear a bra all the time. Combating gravity is one of the best prevention methods Nothing can be done about the size and weight of your breasts but ensuring that they are constantly supported will help prevent unnecessary stretching of the ligaments that provide the support. This means wearing a bra at all times, even when you sleep.

In addition, make sure that you are wearing quality nursing bras that are of the correct size and offer the right support. It is recommended that you choose bras that have a supportive band and with wider straps.

To be continued next week

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Victor Ogunyinka

health

m: +234-806 642 7323 e: ogunyinkavictor@gmail.com : @vogunyinka

NHIS: An ailing solution?

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) had the foresight of putting paid to health anomaly in Nigeria. Bounded by countless circumstances, VICTOR OGUNYINKA examines the ills and potentials of the programme.

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HE strength of good governance is reflected in the efficiency of its programmes and polity. In ensuring that Nigerians get access to qualitative health care, a lot of policies and structures have been introduced to better the lot of the citizenry, but midway through, the efficiency of such structure is put to test via management and policy implementation. The results, in most cases, have been anything but successful.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is one of the programmes introduced in 1999 by the ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, not only to improve qualitative healthcare service and delivery, but to ensure that every class of Nigerians access the programme direct or indirectly.

Having survived four different administrations and recorded quite a handful of achievements, the NHIS programme, has still unarguably, provided the perfect domain for a successful health scheme compared to what obtains in developed countries.

The Southwest (excluding Lagos) Zonal Coordinator of NHIS, Mrs Olajoke Balogun, explained that the scheme has been working since it was introduced in 1999, and by June 6, 2005, after the administrative imbalance was sorted out, NHIS launched a formal sector programme, which involved any employee of the Federal Government to access qualitative and affordable healthcare services.

To ensure that NHIS goes beyond the borders of serving Federal Government workers, Mrs Balogun revealed that a programme called voluntary contributors’ social health insurance was launched in November 2011. According to her, “the programme is designed for non-government workers or people that don’t belong to private organisation that has up to 10 work strength.

“That (voluntary contributors’ social health insurance) is a scheme that is for the layman on the street or for any individual that wants to get registered independently. It costs just N15, 000 per annum and one could register at one’s preferred hospital or facility. Any ailment could be attended to except severe terminal diseases,” she said.

While speaking on the initiative and

Professor Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health. achievement of NHIS, Mr Taiwo Fagbe- duction from salary, Mrs Balogun said: “A migun, a Senior Research Officer, Federal police officer once challenged me that we Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, take their money without rendering servicLagos, explained that compared to what es, I told him categorically that no Nigerian obtains in developed countries, where is paying yet to access healthcare. At the the scheme is adopted from, the NHIS beginning, it was agreed that the governprogramme has not lived up to its billing, ment will subsidise the payment for indiowing to its lack of implementation and viduals by some percentage, but till this awareness as well as its ineffectiveness. moment, it is only the Federal Government “The first problem here that has been paying. is lack of awareness.

“This is because the Many people still labour union has not don’t know how the agreed to what worksystem operates, ers should be paying.

Government needs to what it covers and What NHIS is making subsidise health care their entitlement use of now is what the under the scheme. services for its populace and Federal Government is That’s why despite set aside, large pool of fund paying the employees. the monthly deducof the Federal minto reinvent the NHIS and the Out tion from salaries of istries, parastatals and health sector as a whole agencies, it is only Nacivil servants, many of them still found tional Health Insurance themselves payScheme that has been ing for healthcare paying. For instance, I services that ought pay for my contribution to have been covered by the scheme. The to match what my employer; the Federal Ministry of Health and NHIS office need Government is paying on my behalf.” to do more in that regard.

Furthermore, another setback bedevilling “Government’s insincerity is another the smooth running of the programme is shortcoming. The excuses been tabled by the fact that the mandate that established many private healthcare centres is that the programme is guilty of oversight of government is very insincere particularly compulsion for all and sundry to particiwith remitting the meagre monthly alloca- pate in the programme. tions to hospitals. Many a time, they don’t The former Minister for Health that kick get paid for three to four months. Herein started the scheme; Professor Eyitayo lies corruption.”

Lambo had a mandate of ensuring that by While reacting to issues bordering on de- 2015, all Nigerians are covered and regis-

tered under the programme. Even in 2016, the coverage is a far cry from its initial proposition.

Mrs Balogun included that one of the challenges of the programme is that so many states and local governments’ workers are not on the scheme. She said: “We’re trying to make it compulsory for all government workers.

“We are trying to see that they all get involved by saying that all states can form their health insurance agency and implement their own programme for their own people. For instance, in Oyo State, the bill is at the House of Assembly and it has passed the first reading. We’re working along with the members of the house to ensure that the bill is passed and to make sure that all Oyo indigenes and residents can start accessing quality health care services.

Also, Mr Fagbemigun added that NHIS is a contributory scheme, which is supposed to provide a pool of fund for provision of healthcare. “With this fund, government is expected to improve the standard of our hospitals. If an individual fails to visit a hospital for a year, it doesn’t matter. He or she must pay. You are paying for another friend who needs it. That’s how it’s been done all over the world. It should be mandatory. “... I had my contract terminated in Germany because I chose not to subscribe for two months of health insurance. Healthcare service is expensive everywhere around the world. From Germany, to United States, India etc, medical services are expensive and world class. With the present configuration of NHIS, we cannot achieve anything tangible.”

Whatever benefit is embedded in the NHIS programme would be oblivious to end users if adequate awareness and education is not apt.

Mrs Balogun retorted, when asked if the organisation is doing enough in reaching out to the interior parts of the country. “You may say that the awareness hasn’t gotten to the hooks and crannies of the country but that is not to say that a lot of people don’t know about it. You know Nigeria is a very vast country. The programme has been in existence and people have been subscribing to it.

“We do routine education and awareness everywhere possible. We have sensitisation write-ups in newspapers, flyers in different language, organise workshops for students in tertiary institutions, and also take out messages to trade fair centres in the country just to herald what NHIS is all about.”

In the same vein, Mr Fagbemigun stated that government needs to invest hugely in the health sector to bring it up to standard.

“Government needs to subsidise health care services for its populace and set aside, large pool of fund to reinvent the NHIS and the health sector as a whole. It also need to give opportunities to people to choose different packages as they so desire, which covers light ailment like headache, malaria etc to standard to premium packages.

“For instance, if I am paying N2,000 monthly, I shouldn’t expect attention when I have terminal diseases. A premium package holder should expect that because he or she will be paying more monthly. Government workers should be allowed to freely choose their health insurer. They should be allowed to decide who they will want to work with be it, be it private insurer or government,” he concluded.

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Thursday,31 March, 2016

Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

Braithwaite: End of an era

KUNLE ODEREMI examines the significance of the transition of the nationalist, politician and constitutional lawyer, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, in the context of the past and present politicking in the country.

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HE dearth of constitutional lawyer, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, on Tuesday marks the eclipse of a chapter in the political history of the country. His brand of politics altered the form and shape of politicking in the land, especially in the Second Republic. While the late founder of the defunct great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP), Mallam Ibrahim Waziri, came up with the coinage, politics without bitterness, Braithwaite upped the ante of revolutionary politics in a number of ways: mode of dressing, speech, campaign. Through these, he was able to make an instant impression on the psyche of a lot of politically conscious Nigerians.

Despite the positive impact he created for his political philosophy encapsulated in his Nigerian Advanced Party (NAP), his desire to acquire power was not successful because of a number of factors. He had birthed NAP in an era when parties were better organised. They were known with definite philosophies and programmes.

Their leaders enjoyed a near cult heroism based on their antecedents and pedigree.

The leading parties, especially in the Second Republic, were the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), which was founded by the inimitable Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) founded by Mallam Aminu Kano; National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which was largely populated by northern conservatives of the NPC, and the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), led by late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. Each of the parties had a very clear identity beyond the issue of nomenclature.

For instance, PRP was known to be the party of the proletariat, the talakawas (commoners), while the NPN was for the bourgeoisie, conservatives, elite and pro-establishment politicians, all combined. The UPN it had four cardinal programmes, which made a lot of difference in terms of service delivery and overall good governance. These included shelter, free health care, free education at all levels, rural development and integration.

Both UPN and NPN also carved a niche for themselves by providing low cost housing units. The competition engendered by the welfarist ideology of the UPN against the conservatism of the NPN in particular added pep to the politics of the Second Republic, and some of the gains of that area dot the land till now.

For example, many Nigerians are beneficiaries of the famous Jakande Low Cost Housing units in Lagos, as well as those built by the Shehu Shagari administration across the length and breadth of the country.

Braithwaite

Beneficiaries of the free education programme of the UPN administration can be found in different positions of authority in Nigeria and other parts of world, just as the

universities founded by UPN governors have become great citadels of learning. If some of these achievements represent a minute percentage of the hallmarks of the

Beyond rhetoric, what has ever been the takeaway of the political elite each time the nation loses a political hero, a role model and proven leader?

existent parties in the Second Republic, what constitutes the USP (unique Selling Point) of the current ones in the country?

Can the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and the more than 40 other existing parties be regarded as brands in the manner UPN, NAP and PRP in particular are deemed so by most pundits? Do the dramatis personae of the present parties exhibit the kind of mien that distinguished UPN as a reference point for party organisation, discipline and decorum?

Since news of the demise of Braithwaite filtered through to the public, most political leaders have literally been falling over one another to pay tributes to him. They have set aside seeming political barriers to cry more than the bereaved, ostensibly for the purpose of achieving political relevance. Suddenly, they have realised the good side of a politician they might have seen as a rabble rouser in the murky waters of Nigerian politics. Beyond rhetoric, what has ever been the takeaway of the political elite each time the nation loses a political hero, a role model and proven leader?

Perhaps, this could be an opportunity for the ruling class to have a rethink about what the society demands from them based on what a lot of eminent citizens perceive as Braithwaite’s legacy to mankind. In his tribute, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said the deceased was a most outstanding Nigerian patriot who lived a life wholly committed to scholarship, service to God and humanity. He said: “He remained one of the very few Nigerian politicians who played and practised politics of ideology and national rebirth. He never cross-carpeted from one party to the other, as most of our politicians do without any qualm. He was a radical with a difference and distinction.”

Another legal luminary, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), noted that the death of Braithwaite had further depleted the members of patriots who had fought for the political emancipation and development of Nigeria. Ngige noted: “He was a progressive politician, a fighter against dictatorship and tyranny. He was a conscience of the nation and highly detribalised.” Similarly, rights lawyers, Mr Festus Keyamo, said Braithwaite “used his revolutionary ideas to challenge the status quo and all anti-people policies of all regimes,” adding, “Nigeria has lost a loud voice against oppression, against bad government and against the status quo.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said he particularly admired Braithwaite because of his unwavering commitment to constitutional reforms, especially his agitation for restructuring of the country. He added that he shared in Braithwaite’s passion for creating a fairer federal system that would reduce the fear of too much power and resources at the centre at the expense of the federating units. In the opinion of Atiku, the deceased was not “your typical Nigerian politician that opportunistically changes his opinions to ingratiate himself with the new powers that be. These are extraordinary virtues for which I admire him deeply and regard him as a role model.”

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politics&policy

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Imperatives of the change mantra

By Isiaka Adeleke

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HERE is nothing more difficult to carry out, not more doubtful of success, not more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.

The reformer has enemies in all those who profited from the old order and only lukewarm defenders in all those, who would profit through the new order. This lukewarm arises, partly from the incredibility of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new, until they have actually experienced it. It is in this situation, that President Muhammed Buhari, found himself when he came on the scene, on May 29, 2015, when Nigeria’s progress was at its lowest ebb. But the Daura-born politician, was determined to go the whole hog of making Nigeria an Eldorado, no matter what. Only an administrator with the heart of steel and grim resolve could accomplish such feat.

Setting out to achieve his avowed goals, expectedly met with resistance from those, who profited from the old order of doing things in Nigeria. To the glory of God, President Buhari has opened up the country to certain level of socio-economic development.

One of the most important decisions for those in authority is defining the roles of their personal staff and those in the cabinet. No general rules can be laid down, because no game plan will work unless you have the players to carry it out. An official or staff member is not useful to the President or Governor because of the position he occupies, but because of the qualities he brings to it.

Cabinet members at all levels of government, should have strength, loyalty, as well as brain to understand, that it is their onerous responsibilities to represent the President to the bureaucracy and not the other way round. Sometimes, ministers or commissioners with unquestionable loyalty to their bosses, could unwittingly become captive of their civil servants also.

If what President Buhari told us on May 29, 2015 is anything to go by, government cannot be business as usual. I want to state further, that politics in business is science, whereas, politics in government is an art. Even the strongest-willed businessman or contractor, will become lilylivered or chicken-hearted in the hands of skilled bureaucrats, who are masters at buttering up the bosses.

For one thing the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a disciplined and organised party, that conducts its affairs with absolute decorum and high sense of responsibility. It is therefore, to the glory of God, that President Buhari was elected to take Nigeria out of economic woods and give her citizens, real value for their lives.

President Buhari has for long sent out signals that he means business to provide the right leadership at the centre with a view to solving her multi-faceted problems, using the country’s endowed abundant human and natural resources, just as he shook his head in disappointment, when in 1984 he got to Agbabu, in the course of his official tour of the old Ondo State as military Head of State, and saw bitumen oozing out “annoyingly” without being put to advantageous use. The situation remains so, even today.

This important natural resources should be forthwith exploited. Over to you Dr Kayode Fayemi.

President Buhari has come a long way to be elected President. His watchwords are transparency and accountability in the conduct of government affairs. In his months as military Head of State, he ensured financial prudence, religious harmony, security of lives and properties, because he had the strong will to do so. Buhari sees religion of whatever persuasion, as an avenue to be a good human being, as against what his detractors would want the public to believe, that he is against a particular religion.

He is a principled politician, whose nationalistic zest and zeal cannot be negotiated. Believing in him, a girl who was nine-year old, endorsed him in Lagos, during the campaign and donated her personal savings of N9, 000 to his campaign. If such a little girl could believe in the President’s ability, no one should be left behind in giving fullest support to his ‘change mantra’.

Nigeria is presently on the throes of economic strangulation, caused by uncaring leaders in the past; leaders that inflicted a lot of unwarranted economic hardship on the voiceless majority. We are still trudging on today, because

Buhari Nigerians are resilient and long distance runners. Buhari, together with other patriots in APC are already breathing a fresh air into our lives since May 29, 2015.

Despite various hurdles mischievously placed on his ways by his predecessor, President Buhari has remained undistracted from his set goal of giving excellent services to Nigerians and Non-Nigerians alike. But as a saying in Yoruba goes, “an enemy does not kill a fat grasscutter-literally translated – “Ota Oni, ki ipa odu Oya” President Buhari as the proverbial cat with nine lives, is pragmatic and full of wisdom, to make life more abundant for the generality of Nigerians.

Every human being is fallible. There is no perfect being, except God Almighty. But we learn through our mistakes to evolve with better attitudes. President Buhari’s detractors should not live in illusion, that he is a spent force in the political firmament. The President has since 1984, remain as constant as a shining star, refusing to quit the stage, when it is glaring, that even without a war-chest, he made it to the presidential seat.

At the loss of any presidential contest, he withdrew to his arsenal to re-strategise. He is what we call in Osun State, a quintessential Omoluabi, ready to identify with those liv-

President Buhari is the driver on the seat of the nation’s ship.

He is driving us slowly and steadily, so as to take us to the promised land of prosperity safely. He should not be stampeded to rush the affairs of the nation, for slow and steady wins the race.

ing below the poverty line and give them succour, through meaningful and populist welfare programmes in its totality. President Buhari is a remarkable personality in his own right. His political acumen, sagacity, brilliance, wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s problems know no bounds. He is no doubt facing the challenges, that the likes of Mathama Gandhl, Abraham Lincoln, Wiston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Kwame Nkwema passed through in their quest, to serve their people when it mattered most. But just as these great nationalists surmounted their problems and emerged their countries great leaders, President Buhari will perform excellently and write his name in gold in Nigeria’s hall of fame.

Between him and patriotic Nigerians, it is a bond forever, a bond, that will see Nigeria returning to the enviable path of greatness; a country where basic infrastructures, shall be taken for granted. That time has come for us all to give President Buhari, the opportunity to give his best to us. We cannot afford to miss the golden chance.

All leaders of men, whether political figures, all of those who can get the best out of others, have identified themselves with high ideals, and this has given added scope and strength to their influence. Followed in their lifetime, because they stand for greatness of mind, rather than self interest, they are later remembered for the usefulness of what they have achieved and for the sake of their endeavours.

Nigerians should be very patient with President Buhari. I remember a story of a commercial cab driver and his passengers, who were on a journey from Lagos to Ibadan, a journey of one hour. However, the cool and calm driver was making the journey on a steady speed of 100 kilometers per hour. But the impatient passengers kept complaining that he was too slow. On getting to Sagamu after 30 minutes drive, the passengers requested the driver to take them back to Ojota Park in Lagos. For a driver who could drive them at a speed of 180 kilometers per hour, they got one. But before getting to Ogere, the suicidal driver crashed the vehicle and all of them lost their lives. President Buhari is the driver on the seat of the nation’s ship. He is driving us slowly and steadily, so as to take us to the promised land of prosperity safely. He should not be stampeded to rush the affairs of the nation, for slow and steady wins the race.

He will take the ship of the nation to a safe shore.

As the Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, I found it compelling, that a lot needs to be done to make the capital market very effective. The need to attract new listings to address the shallow status of the market cannot be ignored. This stems from paucity of tradable shares in the market. It is regrettable to note that less than two per cent of the registered companies in Nigeria quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange right now, even though the Exchange was established in 1961. Today, Singapore had over 500 (established in 1979), Kuala Lumpur 757 (established in 1973), Hong Kong 695 (established in 1986) and Istanbul over 900 (established in 1986). They were all established over 13 years after Nigeria, and all emerging economies. Today, there are less than 250 listed companies on the Nigeria Stock Exchange. We shall strive as members of Senate Committee on Capital Market, to ensure that more viable companies in Nigeria, particularly the telecommunication giants are listed in the Stock Exchange.

President Buhari is making tangible efforts to develop good personal relationship with members of the National Assembly. He is forging a good rapport to make the three arms of government succeed in their different constitutional duties without interference, as against what is being said in some quarters. He has been using his constitutional power wisely and effecting the right changes in all spheres of our endeavours, so as to give us the much needed economic prosperity.

President Buhari should know that he has a purpose larger than himself and he should pursue them without hesitation. Win or lose, he will have the ultimate satisfaction of knowing, that he did not stand on the sidelines, when others were making decisions, affecting his fate and that of his country.

Adeleke, the first executive governor of Osun State, is Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market.

news Rivers rerun: INEC now a parastatal of APC —PDP 41

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

It’s false —INEC Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

F

OLLOWING the epileptic release of the results of the last National Assembly and State House of Assembly re-run in Rivers State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the electoral body of becoming an arm of the ruling

All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, on Wednesday, the deputy national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, decried the selective release of the results of the March 19 elections.

INEC had initially released nine state constituency and one federal constituency results before suspending the collation exercise after its conduct,

citing security reasons.

On Tuesday, it again announced the result of three federal constituencies and two state constituencies.

Secondus alleged that INEC has refused to release the results of the exercise in full because it was taking instructions from APC, which he said, lost the elections overwhelmingly to PDP. Listing the conduct of Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers

Exempt varsities from TSA, ASUU tells FG Naza Okoli - Lagos

THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked the Federal Government to exempt the nation’s universities from the Treasury Single Account Policy (TSA) .

The chairman of Lagos zone of ASUU, Dr Sola Nasir, said this on Wednesday, at a media briefing held at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. According to Nasir, the policy was at variance with the principles of university autonomy, which the union had been championing, adding that it had become a big burden on the university system, affecting the pace of development and

day-to-day administration of the institutions.

He said: “In recent times, one of the consequences of the failure to heed our union’s call has started to manifest on the system, especially in the federalowned universities. It has now become the norm for the Federal Government through its Ministry of Finance to release less than the amount needed to pay staff salaries on monthly basis. We are at a loss on the basis for this affront on the system. This shortfall in personnel cost started in December and has remained so till date.

“Another fundamental challenge with the universities is the frustration being en-

countered in the funding of researches by universities. Local research funds have been trapped while funds from international funding agencies are also rendered unavailable by certain bottlenecks created by the policy,” he said.

The national president of the union, Dr Nasir Issa Fagge, joined the meeting. There were representatives from the various branches of ASUU within the zone: Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State; Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Ogun State; University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka; LASU, and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun State.

states, he observed that all the elections conducted by INEC under the current administration and the new chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yaquub, have been inconclusive.

The former acting national chairman of PDP stated: “Now in Rivers, because PDP won all the elections, despite intimidation by the military, the results are being released piecemeal because APC has failed woefully in all the constituencies.”

He further alleged that the commission has not fixed a date for fresh election because it was waiting for instruction from APC, saying: “They haven’t fixed a date for rerun because of APC. INEC is now being supervised by the leadership of APC and the Buhari -led administration.

“They are no longer independent and we are losing confidence in INEC. “In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), election date was announced but suddenly, because they knew APC was going to lose and because of that, they postponed the election after we had spent money and time.

“All these show that INEC is now a parastatal of APC. The danger is that this current leadership that will conduct the general election in 2019 has been compromised.

In his reaction, INEC deputy director of Public-

ity and Voters’ Education, Nick Dazang, explained that the piecemeal release of the results was justifiable.

“The comission is not under the influence or direction of any party or interests,” he said.

Police foil bank robbery in Bayelsa Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa

BAYELSA State Police Command, on Wednesday, foiled an attempt to rob a commercial bank along the busy Mbiama/Yenagoa Road in Yenagoa.

Incessant cases of robbery have become worrisome in the past few months, even as life has become difficult for Bayelsa people owed three months salaries by the state government, while those at the local government are being owed nine months salaries.

It was gathered that the five unknown gunmen had scaled the fence of the commercial bank at Kpansia suburb in Yenagoa and engaged the policemen on duty in a gun battle with a view to overpowering them

and carting away money.

However, their plan failed as they fell and gave in to the superior fire power of the policemen on duty at the bank premises.

While the gun duel lasted, the police shot dead one of the robbers, while others fled with bullet wounds.

The police, it was learnt, recovered a single barrel cut to size locally made gun from the slain member of the gang and deposited his corpse at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC)Yenagoa.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.

The PPRO said that the policemen fired back at them, killed one and recovered a single barrel cut-tosize locally made gun.

42

news

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Why we are hosting national events in Rivers — Wike Promises to inaugurate several roads before May 29

R

ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the state government is hosting national events to prove to the world that contrary to sponsored negative propaganda, the state is peaceful.

Inaugurating the Local Organising Committee (LOC), for the 2016 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), conference at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, Governor Wike said that business interests are flourishing in the state because of its calm atmosphere.

He said that the state will host NBA national conference in August, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention in May and the Federal High Court Legal Year celebration in September, adding that these events will attract visitors to the state.

“We are hosting high profile conferences to attract thousands of people to the state. These people will witness the ambience, security and beauty of Port Harcourt first hand.”

“They will understand that the stories they are told are false and sponsored

negative propaganda. In the last few months, we hosted four international football matches with our guests enjoying the peace and beauty of the state,” he said.

The governor charged members of the LOC to ensure that the 2016 NBA conference turns out to be the best in the history of the association.

He charged members of

the LOC to put in their best in the interest of the legal profession and the state.

He said as chairman of the LOC, he will act as a general supervisor to monitor the process of organ-

From right, chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt branch, Mr Denis Okwakpam; Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and the state Attorney-General, Emmanuel Aguma, during the inauguration of Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2016 NBA conference by Governor Wike, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

Reason Kogi is yet to get bailout fund —Bello Leon Usigbe - Abuja THE immediate past administration of Idris Wada of Kogi State could not access the bailout fund offered by the Federal Government because it was unable to properly conclude the required processes.

This is according to his successor, Governor Yahaya Bello, who told State House correspondents, after a visit to the Presidential VIlla, Abuja, on Wednesday, that his administration was doing all that was necessary to get the fund for the benefit of the state.

Asked why the state had not got the bailout fund, despite its dire financial situation, he said: “Well, I think to the best of my knowledge, the last administration did not go on with the process properly, which we are doing now to correct whatever was not done properly so that we can access it for our people.”

He was hopeful that with the ongoing effort, the money would be released to the state soon.

“We applied for it and its under processing. So, right

now, I have not receive any bailout,” he said.

The governor also assured that the political crisis in the state, particularly, the problem in the State House of Assembly, has been resolved.

According to him, the executive and legislative branches of government in the state, were now carry-

ing out their responsibilities in a cordial atmosphere.

He noted that there was peace in the state legis-

lature despite its crisis, which led to the National Assembly taking over its functions.

Fire guts Ikom Main Market in A/Ibom Over 40 shops worth millions of naira, have been gutted by fire at the Ikom Main Market in Akwa Ibom State.

The inferno, which star-

ted at about 2.00 a.m. on Tuesday, was attributed to power upsurge from the public power supply which could not be contained in spite of efforts by the shop

6 professors jostle to succeed Omole at OAU Laolu Harolds SIX professors have been shortlisted for the race to succeed Professor Bamitale Omole as the vice chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Professor Omole’s fiveyear tenure ends in June this year (2016).

Four of the candidates are currently lecturers at the university, while the others are from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State.

The four professors from OAU seeking to succeed Omole are Professors Ayo Salami, E. O. Ogunmodede, I. Olabisi Aina, and E. A. Akinlo.

The two external candidates are Professors Afolabi

isation.

In his remarks, the Alternate Chairman and Attorney-General of the State, Mr Emmanuel Aguma, said that the main organising committee and the nine sub-committees have been programmed to deliver a historic national conference.

Meanwhile, Governor Wike has stated that several of the ongoing road projects in the state will be completed and inaugurated by the first anniversary of his administration on May 29.

Speaking on Wednesday, while inspecting ongoing road construction in Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Etche Local Government areas, Governor Wike said that the road construction projects will be sustained during the rainy season because of the technology being applied.

He said that the state government will also fund the road projects constantly because of their relevance to the state economy.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the Eliozu-OroIgwe Road, RukpokwuEneka Road as well as Igwuruta-Chokocho Road and urged the contractors to keep the pace of project delivery.

“By May 29, we shall commission another set of roads in the state. I am impressed by the progress of work on the roads we inspected today,” he said.

Akintunde Akindahunsi and Charles Oluwole Akinyokun.

Professor Akindahunsi is a Professor of Biochemistry and the Director of FUTA International Office. He is the leading officer for international events and collaboration, and member of the board of the Centre for Research and Development (CERAD), FUTA. Professor Akinyokun, a Professor of Computer Science, was formerly the First Bank Chair in Computer Science at FUTA and is the Director, FUTA Computer Resource Centre. He is currently the Head of Department of Computer Science and has supervised about 10 PhDs in Computer Science.

Professor E. O. Ogunbodede (an alumnus of the OAU) was the Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, OAU, between 1999 and 2002.

Professor Ayo Salami, an alumnus of the university, is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics).

He bagged an MSc degree from the university in 1989 with a specialty in Land Use and Natural Resources Management; and obtained a PhD also from the university in 1996.

He became a professor on October 1, 2003. He worked as a Senior Research Adviser, Corporate Environment Department, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria from 2010 till 2011.

owners to put it out.

The state Fire Service Station in Ikom, which was contacted for intervention, could not act due to lack of facilities.

The director-general of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr John Inaku, who visited the scene of the incident, expressed concern over the fire outbreak.

Inaku, who said he was there on a rapid assessment of the destruction, said efforts would be made by the state government to ameliorate the sufferings of the victims.

According to him, the burnt shops required full rehabilitation.

One of the victims, Augustine Chinedu, who said he lost goods worth millions of naira, said it was devastating and urged government to assit them.

However, the chairman of Ikom Main Market Traders Union, Mr Caleb Agwu, called on government agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to help in cushioning the effect of the disaster.

Nigerian Tribune

Ganduje destroys N31.8bn hard drugs in Kano Kola Oyelere - Kano KANO State governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has destroyed about N31. 8 billion worth of illicit drugs and intoxicants confiscated by the state command of the Nigeria Police.

The assorted drugs include 8, 974 cartons of hard drugs, 2,818 bags of compressed Indian Hemp, 11, 399 compressed warps of spirogyra and 1,259 cartons of rubber solution.

During the occasion, Governor Ganduje described the effort by the police as a demonstration of genuine commitment to prosecute government’s anti-drug war.

“This confiscation shows that we are winning the war against drug peddlers but we are not going to relent. We shall continue to support security agencies to tackle the menace more efficiently.”

He commended the outgoing Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammad Musa Katsina, for his commitment and sacrifice in fighting crime, hoping that his successor will sustain the zeal.

The outgoing commissioner, explained that the drugs were intercepted at different places in Kano, adding that the suspects apprehended would be charged to court.

Deacon Adeyi for burial

Deacon Oyetunde Adeyi is dead. He was aged 85.

He died on Friday, February 26, 2016.

There will be a wakekeep for him at his residence, Temidire Road, Fiditi, Oyo State, on Thursday, April 7, at 4.00 p.m while funeral service will hold on Friday, April 8, at Adegoke Memorial Baptist Church, Fiditi.

Adeyi, a retired commercial education teacher, sportsman and active member of the Royal Ambassador, was a devout Christian during his lifetime.

Interment is at First Baptist Church cemetery while reception follows later.

Deacon Oyetunde Adeyi

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communitynews

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

Share community wants FG to arrest, prosecute invaders Biola Azeez-Ilorin

T

he people of Share community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have appealed to the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute those indicted by administrative panels and judicial commissions of enquiry into the Share/Tsaragi communal clashes.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the National President of Share Descendants Union, Professor Suleiman Jamiu, said the development became imperative because the people now contend that the state government lacked the political will to arrest and prosecute indicted persons for political reasons.

Professor Jamiu, who decried the situation whereby those indicted by administrative and judicial panels still move about freely, called on government and law enforcement agencies to prosecute all suspected criminals to serve as deterrent to others.

Other members of the community were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as “President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly come to our rescue,” “Bring invaders of our town to book. “Arrest and prosecute those who burnt our houses and destroyed our schools”, among others.

It will be recalled that the people of Share and Tsaragi communities were engaged in communal clash on December 19 and 20, 2015.

Professor Jamiu, who was represented by the vice-president of the union, Elder Gabriel Jimoh, said Share was attacked twice in 2000, in 2008 and 2015, adding that the attack of July 2000 left six persons dead and properties worth

several millions of naira destroyed.

“The attack on Share on November 3, 2008, left eight persons from Share town dead, while properties worth several millions of naira were destroyed.

The attackers have not been brought to book for their nefarious activities.

This, no doubt, has encouraged them to attack us repeatedly.

“Though, we have participated in efforts initiated by the Kwara State government such as administrative panels and Judicial Commissions of Enquiry aimed at restoring peace, the inability of government to arrest and prosecute those indicted in the violent attacks on Share town is enough reason to express doubt that we may not get justice if the attention of the Federal Government and the public is not drawn to this injustice against our people which is almost becoming a norm,” he said.

The people, who said they believed in the sanc-

tity of human life and law-abiding and peaceful, added that these qualities should not be taken for cowardice.

“We strongly believe that

the only way to forestall the recurrence of such attacks is by ensuring that criminals who invaded our community, burnt our houses and destroyed our

schools are arrested and prosecuted without further delay.

“If this is not done and government at all levels fails to protect our lives and

Beneficiaries of Honourable Abiodun Akinlade Agro-Processing Empowerment programme. PHOTO: OLAYINKA OLUKOYA

Royal father, teachers, others rise against illicit drugs in communities Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

Participants and stakeholders at a two-day training workshop on drug abuse, cultism and youth violence have charged communities in Ekiti State to rise against the cultivation of cannabis in their localities and mobilise youths against drug abuse.

At the workshop organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Youth Saving Lifestyle Creation Initiative (YSLCI), in conjunction with Ekiti State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), it

was resolved that it was high time something urgent was done about drug abuse in communities, by all and sundry.

Speaking at the workshop held at Ola Oluwa Muslim Grammar School in Ado-Ekiti, the Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti, Oba David Olatunde, lamented that new societal trends had endangered the cultures of many communities while at the same time negatively affecting learning by young people.

Oba Olatunde noted that “children are the mirror of the society but behavioural patterns have changed from what we were used to,” adding that, “parents,

teachers, government and everybody must rise to the occasion and arrest the trends.”

The traditional ruler, who said he was “an advocate of reducing the bad trends in our communities because we had a very bad experience in my community recently”, charged participants to “play their roles otherwise our society is at a peril.”

Principals of secondary schools, who spoke under the aegis of All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), said the workshop which was for principals, counsellors, PTA chairmen of both public and private schools was apt “considering the rate at which social

vices are spreading in our communities, particularly secondary schools.”

ANCOPSS, which spoke through its acting chairman in the state, Mrs. E.F. Alade, lauded the initiative but lamented that drug abuse and addiction was “indeed very rampant among secondary school students hence the need to save young people who are the future of this country from total destruction.”

The Executive Director of YSLCI, Mr. Gbenga Oke, explained that the workshop was a “train the trainers”, saying students would be trained on drugs and effects of abuse on them and the society.

Oke said one of the objectives of YSLCI was to

world complement the efforts of government in addressing these issues.

“Government must provide the enabling environment for small scale businesses to thrive through provision of soft loans and materials.

“We cannot afford to close our eyes and assume all is well when the teeming populace are living in abject poverty. We cannot fight crime, when our people are idle. A programme like this will further bring hope to the people.”

In his remarks, the gu-

bernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, commended Akinlade for marking his birthday with people in the rural area and for giving them implements that would boost their economic activities.

Also, the founder of Omo Ilu Foundation, Prince Buruji Kashamu, represented by the state coordinator, Comrade Niyi Osoba, said the provision of 500 grinding machines as empowerment tools was a welcome development.

Ex-lawmaker empowers 500 in Ogun Olayinka Olukoya-Abekuta

A former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abiodun Akinlade, against his promise to continue to contribute his quota to national development, outside political office, has empowered 500 men and women in Ogun State.

Akinlade, a three-term member of the House, who represented Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, said his decision to empower the beneficiaries was borne

property, we won’t hesitate to defend ourselves if the criminals decide to come again to attack our people or invade our community,” he said.

out of the high level of poverty among people in the rural areas.

This was part of activities marking his 49th birthday.

The former lawmaker argued that providing able bodied people with tools that would earn them a living would boost their economic and social wellbeing.

The ex-lawmaker admonished spirited Nigerians to assist government in addressing the problem of poverty among the populace, by encouraging Small and Medium Scale Enter-

prises.

He also advocated that Nigerians should patronise home-made goods, so as to overcome the challenge of unemployment and poverty in the country.

Akinlade, who lost his bid to return to the lower chamber of the National Assembly in the 2015 elections, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the materials given to them.

He said: “I believe that the problem of unemployment and poverty can be tackled if we (politicians) and people in the business

ensure that youths quit smoking and drug abuse “and we have to engage the most critical stakeholders in the society in a bid to achieve this objective.”

In a paper entitled: “Drug Abuse in High School: Cause, Effect and Intervention”, a psychologist, Professor Lanre Adebayo, suggested that “intervention should begin from the family,” saying “parents should not encourage drug use by their children and should also be vigilant concerning the activities of their children within and outside the home.”

While noting that drugs in themselves were not bad but their abuse, Adebayo said students should caution themselves and not engage in antisocial behaviours just as he also advised that they should report fellow students who abuse drug to school authorities.

Ekiti State command of the NDLEA through the Head of its Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Mr. Peter Njoku, said YSLCI was one of the recognised NGOs working with the agency in its sensitisation against the dangers of drug abuse.

Njoku charged communities in Ekiti State to take steps against the cultivation of cannabis sativa in their lands as, according to him, drug abuse affects all and sundry in various ways.

communitynews Stay away from Mushin, One million boys, others warned 44

Olalekan Olabulo-Lagos

A

c o m m u n i ty leader in Mushin area of Lagos State, Alhaji Taoridi Faronbi, has warned members of the notorious One Million Boys and Awawa Boys to stay away from Mushin and neighbouring communities.

Alhaji Faronbi, popularly known as Alado, also called on the police (OP MESA) and other security operatives to urgently flush out criminals from Mushin.

The community leader, while speaking with Community News, also called on members of the community to report suspected members of the groups to the police.

“I want to begin by commending the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for the 4.8 billion naira security equipment donated to

Thursday, 31 March, 2016

the police, particularly the governor for the helicopter and the boats.

“I also want to reiterate my warning to criminals in Lagos State

to submit their arms and ammunition to the police. Gangsters, armed

robbers, kidnappers and other criminals in Lagos State are hereby warned

An expert testing the hand pump borehole presented to Ketting community in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State by Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps.

Refuse takes over Gasline Road in Ijoko Tola Adenubi-Lagos

Residents of Gasline Road area, off Sango-Ijoko road in Ogun State have turned the road into a dump.

During a visit to the area, Community News observed that heaps of refuse littered the road which connects Gasline Bus Stop to Itoki Bus Stop in Agbado area of the state.

Further findings revealed that the untarred road, which is usually graded through community efforts, is under the control and supervision of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area.

When Community News sought to know why residents have turned the road into a permanent dumping ground, a resident who identified herself as Mrs. Ruth Adigun, blamed lack of waste disposal facility around the gasline area for the situation.

“From Gasline Bus Stop along the Sango-Ijoko Expressway to Itoki where the Gasline Road terminates, you can’t see any waste disposal cans or site where residents can dump their waste for proper evacuation by the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area sanitation unit.

“Many residents used to burn their waste before now, but that was during the dry season when the

rains had not come.

Now, the rains are here and the refuse is wet and won’t burn. So, people are left with no choice than to dump their waste on the road.

“It is unfortunate that officials of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area visit shops located on the road to collect shop permit, yet their sanitation teams have not deemed it fit to find a lasting solution to the heaps of refuse that are fast constitut-

ing epidemic concerns to residents,” Mrs Adigun stated.

When Community News walked through the Gasline Road to Itoki Bus Stop, no single waste disposal can or site designated for dumping of waste was seen.

It was further learnt that residents empty waste on the road under the cover of darkness or in the early hours of the day.

Findings further revealed that apart from the rains

that spread the refuse on the road, cattle brought to the area by herdsmen also spread the refuse around.

When contacted, the Director of Information, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Mrs Ayorinde said she had notified

‘JCI to focus on rural poor’ by tolu olamiriki

The National President of Junior Chamber International (JCI), Ambassa-

Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps provides hand pumps to 40 communities Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps from the stable of Grand Oak Limited, recently partnered Tulsi Chanrai Foundation to empower communities to take responsibility for their drinking water sources by establishing village level operation and management system of hand pump boreholes in four local government areas in four different states in the country.

Communities that benefited from the CSR initiative were Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross-River State and Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The hand pumps were handed over to the benefiting communities to manage with their own resources by building capacity at the community level. In addition to the water project, sanitation and hygiene practices were also encouraged in the communities.

In each of the local government areas, a Technical Officer with expertise in repair and maintenance of hand pump boreholes and community sensitisation skills was positioned for a period of one year. The technical officer would coordinate with the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs) in the communities to develop the capacity of the

appropriate quarters of the local government on the issue.

She said: “I have informed the sanitation unit of the local government about the issue and they have promised to work on it.”

that the police (OP MESA) and other security operatives will not condone any act that could lead to breakdown of law and order in any part of the state,” he said.

The community leader added: “I heard that the One Million Boys and Awawa Boys are finding their way into Mushin and neighbouring communities.

“I want to drum it into their ears that Mushin is not their home. They cannot come and hide there and perpetrate evil or run away from justice. The law will surely catch up with them.”

He equally warned that “landlords, who harbour criminals in their houses, should also know that the police will come after them. They are, therefore, advised to report such criminals to the nearest police station.

“Residents of the state should also report any act capable of causing breakdown of law and order in any part of the state to the police control room and other emergency numbers.”

He called on Mushin residents not to allow the Awawa Boys and the One Million Boys to settle in Mushin by exposing them.

communities by training inhabitants in preventive maintenance, environmental sanitation and promotion of hygienic practices.

At the launch of the hand pumps in Ado Ekiti, the Media and Market Research Manager, Grand Oak Ltd, Linda Temienor said: “Since the handover is complete, we intend to do periodic checks and follow-ups to ensure the water remains safe for drinking. We will do this by conducting half-yearly bacteriological and pathological analysis of the focal water sources.”

Grand Oak Limited is a major distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.

dor Olatunji Oyeyemi, has said that the JCI would continue to give priority attention to the underprivileged in rural communities across the country as a way of alleviating their plight.

Olatunji made the declaration during the Easter party organised by Oyo State JCI (premier chapter) at Amusement Park, Ibadan, on Monday.

He stated that the mandate of JCI, as a non government organisation (NGO), is to reach out to communities and embark on development projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people.

While disclosing that the body is a youth organisation, he implored youths to join the organisation to enable them create positive change in their families, communities as well as the larger society.

Earlier, the premier chapter chairman of JCI, Mrs Adeleke Adeyinka, had said that the focus

of the party was to bring family members together as well as create awareness on the outbreak of Lassa fever in communities.

She said JCI would continue to provide development opportunities that will empower young people to create positive change in the country.

According to her, the premier chapter would not relent in putting the necessary machinery in place at ensuring that it takes the lead in the realisation of sustainable development goals like provision of healthcare delivery service as well as qualitative education in various communities in order to reduce rural-urban migration.

She, however, said that more emphasis would be on motivational talks in schools as well as project executive such as distribution of mosquito nets in rural communities as well as employment generation.

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Thursday, 31 March, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Hollande drops plan to revoke citizenship of terrorists

French’s President Hollande.

BLAMING his political opponents, French President Francois Hollande abandoned plans Wednesday to

push through deeply controversial constitutional changes that included stripping French citizenship from con-

victed terrorists and enshrining the state of emergency into the nation’s charter.

“Part of the opposition has been hostile to all constitutional revisions,” Hollande said as he made his announcement, adding, “I deplore this attitude.”

The move underscores the deep rifts over how to deal with terrorism four months after the attacks in Paris, and

just a week after the Brussels bombings. The two appear to be closely linked.

Both France and Belgium are grappling with how to respond to the terrorist threat, but Hollande’s push for constitutional changes and France’s current state of emergency — now in its fifth month — have been particularly divisive.

US allies seek to manage China on North Korean sanctions

W

HEN the leaders from the United States, Japan and South Korea meet in Washington (today) Thursday to address the growing nuclear threat in North Korea, much of the discussion will be about China.

U.S. President Barack Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye will hold a trilateral gathering on the sidelines of this week’s Nuclear Security Summit in Washington.

The trilateral will be the first time these leaders have met since the United Nations imposed harsh new sanctions on North Korea for conducting its fourth nuclear test in January.

Washington and its Asian allies are strongly committed to taking a tough sanctions-based approach

to pressure North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, but questions remain about Beijing’s level of commitment.

“There’s a unique relationship between China and North Korea economically.

The Security Council resolution really puts that front and center on the table and we hope that that collaboration with China on North Korea will continue,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Tuesday.

The United States worked closely with China in developing the new U.N. sanctions, which require mandatory inspections of all North Korean cargo and bans the export of most of the country’s mineral trade that has been used to fund its nuclear development programme.

Beijing’s enforcement of these international sanctions is considered crucial

Assad

because 90 percent of North Korean trade flows either to or through China.

China’s leaders have pledged to support the sanctions but have also worked to limit their impact.

Citing concerns that some U.N restrictions could cause undo harm to the general populous and increase instability,

his country’s five-year-long civil war.

Speaking with Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti news agency Wednesday, the embattled Syrian president said the international

otherNEWS

EgyptAir hijack: Egypt requests suspect’s extradition EGYPT has asked Cyprus to extradite the man accused of hijacking an airliner on Tuesday, Egyptian prosecutors say.

Seif al-Din Mustafa, described by Cypriot officials as being mentally disturbed, used a fake suicide belt to hijack the Egyptair flight and forced it to fly to Larnaca.

Egyptian prosecutors said Mr Mustafa should be hand-

ed over under a 1996 bilateral extradition treaty.

He has been remanded in custody in Cyprus for eight days.

Possible charges include air piracy, kidnapping and threatening behaviour.

Mr Mustafa did not speak at his court appearance, but gave a victory sign as he was driven away by police.

The hijacking is believed

Libya’s UN-backed unity government arrives in Tripoli MEMBERS of Libya’s United nation (UN) backed Government of National Accord arrived in the capital Tripoli on Wednesday, defying warnings by rival factions that it should not

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (right) shaking hands with China’s head of delegate, Liu Yunshan.

PHOTO: REUTERS.

Beijing has said it will only enforce sanctions specifically targeting Pyongyang’s ability to make weapons.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently said, “Blind faith in sanctions and pressure, actually, are not a responsible approach for the future of the Korean peninsula.”

New govt should include opposition, regime —Assad SYRIAN President, Bashar al-Assad, whose government has been bolstered by a series of recent military gains, is striking an optimistic tone about the prospects of peace talks aimed at ending

Fayez al-Sarraj is greeted upon arrival in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. PHOTO: REUTERS.

The alleged hijacker, Seif al-Din (Middle), during his court appearance on Wednesday PHOTO: EPA

to have been motivated by a row between Mr Mustafa, 58, and his ex-wife, who lives in Cyprus. Cypriot authorities have said the hijacking was not terrorism-related.

talks in Geneva should result in a government that includes both opposition representatives and officials loyal to his regime.

It would be “logical that independent forces, opposi-

Recently Beijing negotiated an exception to the sanctions to reinstate four ships that were blacklisted for past ties to Pyongyang’s arms trade.

The Philippines, which seized one of these vessels on March 4, the 4,355-tonJin Teng, subsequently released it.

tion forces, and forces loyal to the state would be represented” in a a new government, Assad said. “This is the aim of Geneva — intraSyrian dialogue — during which we agree the format of the government,” he said.

move there.

The Presidential Council was formed under a UNmediated peace deal late last year in an effort to end the political chaos and conflict that has beset the country since the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi five years ago.

It is supposed to replace the two rival administrations - one based in Tripoli, the other in the eastern city of Tobruk - that have been battling each other for more than a year.

Tripoli’s self-declared government and armed groups that back it had in recent dayswarned the unity government not to travel to Tripoli.

But seven members of the council, including its head and Prime Minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj, arrived in the Libyan capital by sea and set up a temporary seat of power at a naval base.

The officials were prevented from flying into Tripoli by the rival government.

A post on the unity government’s website confirmed the arrival, the Associated Press reported.

Sarraj told the Reuters news agency that the council members had travelled in a Libyan navy vessel from the Tunisian port of Sfax, a 12-hour journey.

“There are challenges ahead of us, including uniting Libyans and healing divisions,” he said after arriving. “Young people are the ones we must bet on for Libya’s future.”

Father dies trying to save daughter from being electrocuted A father-of-three died on Easter Sunday saving his little girl, 9, from being electrocuted in a family swimming pool.

Jim Tramel was at a family fathering in Palm Springs, California, on Sunday when he noticed his eldest daughter being shocked in the water after she went in for a swim.

The 43-year-old dived in to save the youngster,

who was turning blue, and was able to pull her out of the pool to safety, NBC Bay Area reports.

Both Tramel JimTramel Trammel pictured with wife and and his daughter children. PHOTO: GOFUNDME were rushed to the nearby hospital where the nine-year-old away in Desert Regional remains in a critical condi- Medical Center as a result tion. of electrocution a short Sadly, her father passed time later.

46

Thursday, 31 March, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Nigerian football problem is beyond coaching —Kodjo

By Ganiyu Salman FORMER president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Anthony Kodjo Williams has said the problem of the Super Eagles is beyond coaching.

Kodjo, made this known while reacting to Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a 0-1 loss to the Pharaohs of Egypy on Tuesday night in Alexandria.

“I am not going to apportion blame to anybody. We need to move forward and look beyond the issue of coaching or no coaching, it’s beyond that. A lot of fundamental issues affecting the growth of our football must be addressed if

we want to move the game forward in Nigeria. That is the bottomline,” he said in an interview with a local television station.

Kodjo stated that he will equally make his input in reviving the downward trend of Nigerian football.

“I am going to meet with the president of the federation (Mr Amaju Pinnick).

There are a lot to discuss with him (Pinnick). I don’t subscribe to the idea that the coach or the players should be blamed.

“We must address a foundational issue and when we meet, I would point out what they (NFF) must put in place. This issue is not only about technical area,” Kodjo maintained.

NFF crisis cost Eagles AFCON ticket —Dalung Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja MINISTER of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has lamented the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) saying it is unacceptable.

He also blamed the Eagles’ woe partly on the crisis rocking the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Dalung, through his twitter handle Solomon Dalung @SolomonDalung made the remark as he pointed out that the administration of football in Nigeria calls for an urgent review.

“Nigerians cannot accept any reason for failure from anybody, so we either deliver or we give way to those who can deliver success.

“After this abysmal performance at AFCON qualifiers it’s important we return to the drawing board to plan the future of football in Nigeria,” Dalung said.

He added that: “We have no good reason not to qualify (for the 2017 AFCON) if we had planned well and

also organise ourselves rather it was crisis all the way rocking NFF. “I personally apologise to Nigerians for the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the campaign to AFCON. We must plan better again.”

Meanwhile, some Nigerians are calling for the resignation of the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF board.

Ex-international, Peterside Idah, had a few minutes after the Eagles crash in Alexandria said the NFF board should resign.

“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.

Former chairman of Football Association in the FCT Abuja, Emma Attah also urged the NFF board to bow out honourably.

“Amaju should resign.

It’s a shame. If I were him, I wouldn’t need anybody to tell me to throw in the towel after I failed for a second straight time,” said Attah.

NPFL Results Enyimba 2 3SC IfeamyiUbah 1 Nasarawa Wikki 4 Wolves El-Kanemi 1 Akwa

0 0 0 0

An Egyptian player (left) takes on the duo of Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho (right) and captain Mikel Obi during their 2017 AFCON qualifier.

Why Eagles missed AFCON ticket —Siasia

N

igeria interim head coach, Samson Siasia has expressed disappointment following the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Super Eagles will not feature at Gabon 2017 after they lost 0-1 to Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday night.

The ex-international while speaking on arrival from Egypt in the early hours of Wednesday said the Eagles were “broken” and unlucky to be stopped

by Egypt.

Siasia

It will be the second straight time in two years that Nigeria failed to qualify for the AFCON after missing the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea.

“We are very disappointed. We couldn’t do it. We inherited a broken team, but we worked so hard, but it was not to be.

“I’m proud of the boys.

We were not lucky right from the first game in Kaduna. And God knows why. We thank Nigerians for their support,” said the man who coached Nigeria to win the silver at Beijing 2008 Olympics.

It will be recalled, that

the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Siasia, the current U-23 Olympics team handler

to take over the Eagles a month ago in acting capacity after Sunday Oliseh called it quits.

... As Onigbinde laments FIFA and CAF instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has described the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as ‘unfortunate’.

The Eagles lost 0-1 to the Pharaohs of Egypt in the double header reverse fixture clash on Tuesday night at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

“It’s really unfortunate, we eventually lost the crucial AFCON encounter to the Pharaohs of Egypt but we did not lose the match this evening (Tuesday night).

“We have consistently failed in our developmental programmes, thus we continue to insult Nigerians and that’s what makes me angry.

“That’s why we pin our hopes on the foreign-based players to win matches for us.

“How do you explain a situation where we have key matches and the players ar-

rived on Tuesday to play on Friday?

“With players coming from Arsenal, Chelsea, CSKA, among others leagues, how do you groom the players to build a team in less than 48 hours. Team members are supposed to behave and think alike as well as perform as one man but ours are a group of players.

“I think anyone that decides to blame the present coaches and players for the unfortunate result are not being fair.

“Today’s (Tuesday) result is one of the results we have planned to achieve way back in the days.

“I’m not happy with the result but not disappointed as we saw it coming. We have depended on mere wishes and as it’s said if wishes were horses beggars will ride,” Onigbinde, a former Super Eagles handler told supersport. com.

47

tribunepools

DR. J.K POOLS 07039275802 (28XX 33) 14–15–37–43–44

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EDITOR: 33 — 34

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NAZAR MASTER APPRECIATES STAKERS

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TRIPLES PERFECT SEQUENCE FALLS ON (20-25-38)-21/22 (08035324990)

The usual sequence at work again resurfaces as we enter the last quarter of the season. He who laughs last laughs best, so the saying goes. Mark 4-5 Drs from the given games on 20 – 25 – 38 – 21/22 unfailingly. It takes courage to take risk.

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The above numbers must give you a least draws. Hope got 3 draws correctly last week on 2x 9x 40xxx.

Call Hope naps for details. Payment to Gbadebo Stephern A. at First Bank acc number – 3088328923.Your winning games will be sent to you after payment confirmation. Bank 17 and v28 for the week. GOD BLESS. OBINYAN CELEBRATED EASTER IN SYLE.....

The Indomitable Pools Compilation and computation in Africa and Chairman Managing Director of king and Georgeg group of forcast papers Prince Ehi Willy Obinyan frenzy promoters in all his fortune paper in page 2 of shoot pointers Gold pair on 5x 22x and 2 and 40. And the late News 2 bankers on 16 and 19 as 2 Bankers. Pools Telegraph Traditional got 1f 02x 22x and page 2 sequence shine on 22x 05x 40xxx.

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OLA – CITY WEEK 38 RELEASE. (Pairs 31xxx32xxx) Phone 08140575314,08085005634.

The compiler of Ola city international of Arowolo’s house, Oke-Are, Ibadan assures stakers of his 3 fixed draws for this week 38 cost #10,000 cash which wil get all correct. Pay to First Bank Plc in the name of Olafenwa R.Ola-city, Account no 3033318854 and collect the draws on phone after the confirmation of your payment. Phone 08140575314,08085005634.

SUNDERLAND SYSTEM 09038460009= 32 NAP 33 END OF SEASON RELEASE WK 38, 39. 40 4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 38 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP WITH 35. 36 4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 39 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP WITH NAP NAP 4 Special Draws wk 40 No Nap Nap Nap Nap with Nap Nap Two Bankers N3000 WK 38 NO NAP NAP PAIR. 35.36 Two Bankers N3000 Wk 38 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Time to win Pool this wk 38 Sunderland system 4 special draws this wk 38 will play = 4/4. Correct hurry up to get your copy to day two Bankers cost N3000 wk 38. No 07 NAP NAP WK 39 NO NAP NAP WK 40 NO NAP NAP. Send MTN card 09038460009.

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HUDDERSFIELD ON 17 (AWAY & HOME).

Away in week 31 and 36.

Home in week 17 and 38.

Week 31 – 14x 20x Dundee Utd. 46 – 8drs Week 36 – 14x 20x Dundee Utd. 47 – 14drs Bonus - Sunday date of play a must draw.

Week 17 – X X X – 11drs.

Week 38 – X X X - ?drs.

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WEEK 37 XRAY.

Whoa ! Last week was promoters week, losers opinion. No, depending on your view with confirmed winners, while most of our experts added to their clients Easter celebration on IBK, pair and NAPS. Israel bail out Hope Naps & Akins top the winning table confirmed by Mr. Johnson & Adeoye that benefitted from their Naps. One banker medal won by Dr Ekondo, and many pair experts were recorded Luck man, Triple spices, Ikechukwu, 022 code, Sunderland, Mid week, Innocent, Hope Nap and Solomon Resort. Others experts promised good outings this week. Embrace them and win. Good luck.

TOTTENHAM VS PROMOTERS= WEEK 38 STATUS. 09038633666 = 08166222529.= EKO – 2, 11, 13, 18 11XX 11XX PAIR 14. 22 4 special draws wk 38 N6, 000. two LKO – 05 bankers N3000 PP – 23 2 special draw N3000 Wk 36 No 23x 32x Pair 1x 11x. Key every wk 38 Bank SUNDAY – 4, 6, & 47 Game under the first Bar to draw wk VOID – 20 – 42.

38 No 11. 11 11. plus 3 others. Send M.T.N Card= 09038633666.

DOSA 08072216644 (27 PAIR 29) WEEK 27= 5XX 13XX 24XX (14XX PAIR 15) with God all things are possible, also with Dosa pool is very easy to win. Dosa has done it in big way last week and he is set to do it like he did last week 37 as he scored 3 over 3 and the pair produce a draw.

Send to me N5, 000 MTN recharge card for this week 38 and laugh to your bank on Monday.

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OUR POLICY ON NO ADVERT NO WRITE UP STILL IN PLACE — MANAGEMENT

Thursday, 31 March - 6 April, 2016 MODUPE (08033566694) 19/32/45. 2drs Call for your special Nap.

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DR EKONDO (08034483290)

NAP 16XXBK DRAW PLUS 2 OTHERS COST YOU N10, 000= cash. In week 36 key draw was 31CBK – week 37 – 13 cbk congratulations to all those who celebrated Easter with me as I predicted in this week 38 another chance is waiting for you.

Try me and be connected for a special discussion takes note draws are fixed.

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29th Dec 2012, 22th Feb. 2014 and 2nd April 2016.

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MAGIC EXPERT BEST COMPILER TIP PAIR 48X 49X. CALL:- 08160742266 As we commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord; May he restore your soul, till your cup of blessings and multiply you financially – Amen. Our week Nap and win operation still @ N20, 000. Nap Nap Nap Pair 48x 49x best winning ever await you.

IKECHUKWU FULL RECOVERY NAP 08168157259. (40XX 44)5X 13X 22XXX 16X Our special Easter win on 11 draws is now talk the town tagged silence breaker Naps after a while silence.

To God be the glory.

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FORTUNE DONOR DONATES 16 – 20 (08099111828) The selfless and hardworking fortune donor International was completely off target last week duo to preponderance of Friday games.

Punters should go all out for a draw in coupon Nos 16 & 20 this week combine them with our 1BK and get your 2/3. Our 1BK still remains at N1, 500. 00, 2 draws cost N3, 000.

00 and 3 draws cost N10, 000. 00.

MOLLY ONE BANKERS GROUP= 08055230300= 35X 36XX With God one Bankers N1000 Wk 33 No. 22x Wk 34 No 26X Wk 35 No 6x. Wk 36 No 20X Wk 37 No WK 38 NAP NAP. Molly one Bankers N1000 Wk 33 No 45x Wk 34 No 08X. Wk 35 No 17x. Wk 36 No 32x Wk 37 No 24X Stakers try Molly one Banker Group.

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AKIN MR AKIN – 07067202291. 02X 09X = 16XX - alt 28 – 40x.

Confirmed winning manager.

Week 37 – nap. The first 2 omitted numbers in week 27 and number 9 as a standing banker. Week 27 – 1x 3x and 15x – 17x. —Week 37 – 2x 16x 09xx= 40.

Bi-annual winning statement on Wycombe and Wimbledon – 2/2yrs.

Week 40 – 2012 – 08x 25x 37xxx 20x. Week 14 – 2014 – 01x 14x 27xxx 20x.

Week 38 – 2016 – x x x – After the Easter merriments your winning is sure again with your darling 2 in one experts - N50,000. Good luck.

SIDELINES

NO 16,469

N150

THURSDAY, 31 MARCH, 2016

“A situation where budgetary allocation to the judiciary continues to drop while the general government budget is on a steady increase every year is clearly an impediment to effective dispensation of justice.”

T

WO weeks ago, I highlighted the need to adequately fund the judiciary and and pay Judges well so that brilliant minds at the Bar would be encouraged to seek a career on the Bench. I compared the pay of Nigerian Judges with their counterparts in South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States of America and suggested that the authorities in Nigeria adopt a similar policy and place a premium on paying Judges wages commensurate with their work and attractive enough to encourage qualified lawyers to aspire to the Bench.

I made those comments in the hope that Government would eventually see a real need to take adequate funding of the Judiciary seriously and regard it as a necessary step towards the economic development of the Country. However it appears, with the passage of the 2016 Appropriation Bill that the Judiciary in Nigeria is in for a really difficult time as by all accounts, the allocation of 70 Billion Naira to the Judiciary across the Federal and State levels is the lowest in recent times. This sum represents about 1.15 per cent of the N6.06trn total budget of the Federal Government.

The figure approved for 2014 and 2015 was 73 Billion respectively. This year, it is reported that the National Judicial Council which coordinates budget matters for the judiciary across the country proposed a budget of 143 Billion but had to adjust this to comply with a ceiling of 70 billion stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Finance. While it is not disputed that the earnings of the Country have been adversely affected by the drastic drop in the price of crude oil, the fact remains that the annual budget has steadily increased over the years without any commensurate increase in the amount allocated to the Judiciary. As far back as 2013, the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Murhktar made this point when she stated as follows: “A situation where budgetary allocation to the judiciary continues to drop while the general government budget is on a steady increase every year is clearly an impediment to the quick and effective

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

A distinguished senator recently advised Nigerian men to show love to women by marrying more wives instead of retaining them as girlfriends. However, while contemplating that distinguished and eminently patriotic suggestion, the men may wish to note that ordinary ‘pure water’ is now double the normal price.

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

Justice: Loss of public confidence — Inadequate budgetary allocation to judiciary and effect of dispensation of justice (9) dispensation of justice in Nigeria and, on the whole, a setback to the current effort at transforming the Judiciary…..Over the years, funding of the courts has remained a challenge, as evident in the conditions of many courts in Nigeria today.

Writing on the same subject, Yusuf Ahuraka, the media aide to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, stated that: “A cursory glance again at budget figures in the reference period shows that while the country’s budget witnessed a geometric incremental pattern annually, the third arm of government saw a slow but steady paralysis, brought about by a downward trend in its yearly allocation. Indeed it has been debilitated by this funding gap. Why do I say this?

Well the figures tell the story once again. Let us examine this poser- while the 2011 allocation to the Judiciary represented 2.2% of that year’s budget, in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, the nation’s budget shares for the Judiciary were 1.7%, 1.3%, 1.3% and 1.6% respectively. The proposed N70 billion for the Judiciary in 2016 (out of the N6.08 trillion total proposals) is 1.1%. By the time the yearly supplementary appropriations are added, the percentage figures of the nation’s budgeted shares to the Judiciary would be less than one percent of the total. “ He has been proved right and there is indeed serious cause for concern. An examination of most court buildings across the Country will reveal that they are in states of disrepair. Some Judges even sit in dilapidated structures totally devoid of essential amenities for any meaningful adjudication. There have been reported instances in which Lawyers have on their own application or upon the intervention of Judges been permitted to remove their gowns and

even jackets when the court rooms became too hot owing to power outage and lack of backup generators. In many states judges still record proceedings in long hand. Realising the need to do away with such outdated practices, the judiciary has in recent years identified the deployment and utilisation of Information technology as a catalyst for improved productivity. Regrettably its budgetary proposal in this respect was slashed. Despite these all, judges at all levels continue to brave great odds to carry out their constitutional duties. In the 2014/ 2015 Legal Year, the Supreme Court reportedly heard 1578 matters, consisting of 1009 motions and 569 substantive appeals and delivered 262 Judgments in that period. They deserve to be encouraged.

More importantly brilliant lawyers should be encouraged to join them. In the United kingdom, judges are appointed from Lawyers who have attained the rank of Queen’s Counsel (QC) the equivalent of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This is possible as a QC upon being appointed a Judge will not suffer any significant reduction in earnings if at all he encounters any. The same cannot be said of the situation in Nigeria.

The Government must particularly act in manner that suggests it is serious about independence of the judiciary. A situation in which the judicial arm of government yearly gets pittance in terms of budgetary allocation is not one that will portray Government in good light. Government may be perceived as punishing the judiciary for any perceived wrong doing and this will never augur well for the polity. Jesper Wittrup in an article titled “Budgeting in the Era of Judicial Independence” stated as follows on this very point:

“…governments should not only care about maintaining an actual high level of judicial independence, but they should also care very much about how their actions toward the judiciary, however well-intentioned these may be, are perceived by others. Rumors may easily arise that the government tries to use the budget to punish or reward the judiciary for its actions…In Denmark, for example, there was a consistent rumor that the government’s demand for reductions of the total judicial budget in the beginning of the new millennium was a kind of punishment for a famous Supreme Court verdict (in the so- called Tvind case) which had declared unconstitutional a law passed by parliament banning schools run by a certain “sectarian” movement (Tvind) from receiving public funds. If a government stand on the total judicial budget is enough to raise concerns over possible violations of judicial independence, this becomes of course even more critical when the government does also have the power to allocate the judicial budget among courts, because it can then in theory direct funds to those courts and those judges it likes, and away from those it does not like.

To address the urgent needs of the Judiciary I suggest that the government takes another look at its allocation for 2016. As stated earlier there is a real link between a strong and independent judiciary and economic growth and prosperity. No investor will for example invest in a country in which it will take years to resolve the simplest of business disputes. It is not too late to act.

AARE AFE BABALOLA SAN, CON

Government interference cost Eagles AFCON ticket—Pinnick •Says I won’t resign Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja EMBATTLED president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick has blamed the Federal Government for being partially responsible for the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Pinnick, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday, pointed out that the government ordered the NFF board to reverse its earlier decision to sack coach Stephen Keshi.

“With all due respect to every-

body, I don’t think we have done badly yet. People should understand the challenges we face on this job. We fired a coach and I was called upon by the highest decision making in the land to reverse the decision and I believed that was the beginning of our problem,” Pinnick said.

The former boss of the Delta State Sports Commission also noted that the Eagles were destined to miss the 2017 AFCON. “We did everything humanly possible to make sure we qualify. We did not leave any stone

unturned. We were initially scheduled to travel on EgyptAir, but by Friday which was Good Friday when we got security concern about going on EgyptAir, we decided at that very point to go on a charter flight just to make sure that we didn’t leave anything to chance.

“If you look at the game in Kaduna, there was no way we shouldn’t have won that match.

But as we were about to celebrate, their goal came in the last minute. I just see it as destiny.

We were not destined to qualify

for 2017 AFCON. “Also, Chad incidentally pulled out when we were thinking that even if we amass 11 points, we might end up qualifying as one of the second best losers. Chad withdrew and there was rule which was enacted before the qualifiers that once a team pulled out, that group becomes disadvantage. So, destiny counted against us and none was our fault,” Pinnick stated.

Meanwhile, Pinnick says he will not resign as NFF president,

adding those calling for his resignation were very unfair.

“I have heard calls by some persons asking me to resign but that is very unfair knowing the achievements this board has recorded during my tenure.

“We won the Africa Women’s Championship (AWC) in Namibia, the FIFA U-17 World Cup and we also qualified for almost all major competitions during this period.

“I was elected by the congress with a four-year tenure and it will be very unfair for anyone to ask for my resignation,” he said.

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