Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5th, 2020 Edition

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Abia opposition, out to demonize Senator Orji, family – AUF

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Monday March 30, - Sunday April 5, 2020

COVID- 19:

Today

ISSN: 2545-5869 VOL.5 No.6

N200

National lockdown begins

Crisis rocks Auditor $70 bn General’s office in Imo deepwater

Oil price crash: Page 24

•Auditor General accused of employment racketeering, salary

padding, failure to comply with government whitepaper, others •I am innocent. You cannot remove me with a whitepaper, replies Page 2 Auditor General

Page 34

oil projects threatened

2 months after wedding, husband stabs pregnant wife to death

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS

Crisis rocks Auditor General’s office in Imo

By COLLINS UGHALAA

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he current occupier of the Office of the Auditor General of Imo State, Mr. E.O. Osuji, is in the eye of the storm once again, following a smouldering battle in his office over allegations of falsifications of results, salary padding, illegal employment of staff, disobedience to government whitepaper, intimidation of workers and sexually harassing female workers.

The Oracle Today gathered that trouble started in 2014 when Mr. E.O. Osuji was promoted to the position of a Deputy Director on Level 15, against Mr. A.U. Nwachukwu who had petitioned the state’s Civil Service Commission, claiming that Osuji could not be his senior since both of them started work with HND at the same time and he was Osuji’s senior. The petition was sustained and Mr. Nwachukwu was subsequently promoted ahead of Mr. Osuji in 2017/2018.

The development did not go down well with some senior staff at the Auditor General’s office as Mr.

A.I. Iwuajoku and Mr. E. O Osuji also petitioned the Commission asking them to reverse Mr. Nwachukwu’s promotion, alleging that he did not have the requisite qualification for the promotion.

The Commission was said to have reversed Nwachukwu’s promotion, and it annoyed him. Our findings showed that he had petitioned the Secretary to the State Government, Sir George Eche, through the Head Office Service alleging that the Commission was compromised in their reversal of his promotion.

Consequently, the former Secretary to the State Government, Sir George Eche, was said to have set up a panel which investigated the matter. Members of the panel comprised of the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, the state’s Auditor General, the Chairman of state’s Civil Service Commission and three permanent secretaries. Three persons: Mr. E. O. Osuji, Mr. A.I. Nwajoku and Mr. A.U. Nwachukwu, were said to have been invited from the Office of the Auditor General to ap-

COVID- 19: National lockdown begins

From our correspondents

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ollowing massive build up of restriction of movements by various states of the federation, President Muhammadu Buhari last night declared federal lockdown on Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The curfew which was contained in a presidential broadcast made available to newsmen last night declared the need to lock down Lagos State and Abuja to enable health authorities and security agencies pin down and isolate potential coronavirus carriers for controlled monitoring and treatment.

President Buhari stated that shutting downs of the two most populated areas of the country followed the observation that few confirmed cases of the COVID-19 outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres. He added that government was restricting movement in the locations to ensure such interstate and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.

“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.

“The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We

will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.”

The president clarified that the order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution. “ Furthermore, commercial establishments such as food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities; power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted,” he directed, adding however that “although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.”

Also exempted, according to the president are workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home.

On the fate of seaborne cargoes en route Nigeria, President Buhari said all the nation’s seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines issued earlier, while vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from the ports to other parts of the country would be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.

“Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.”

With the closure of all airports in Lagos and Abuja, the president directed the Minister of Health to redeploy all health authorities at the ports to hinterland to assist with disease spread control along the roads in the areas under curfew.

“Accordingly, the Hon. Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit

pear before the panel.

Mr. Nwachukwu was said to have opened up a can of worms before the panel, alleging that Mr. Osuji was not qualified to hold the office as he claimed to be more qualified than him academically. He was said to have accused Mr. Osuji of acquiring a Postgraduate Diploma on Finance from the Imo State University, Owerri, in 1997 as a full time student without study leave, noting that it was against the civil service rules to acquire degree with government time.

The documents obtained by this medium indicate that the Postgraduate Diploma was for the 1995/1996 academic session.

The panel was said to have found merit in the petition against Mr. Osuji and decided to post him out of the Office of the Auditor General to the Ministry of Finance, instead of retiring him. The decision of the panel was said to have been adopted by the state government under Governor Rochas Okorocha, and the government issued a whitepaper to that effect.

In an interview with the Auditor General, Mr. E.O. Osuji, in his office on Monday, March 9, 2020, he said that he is innocent of the allegations against him, describing the government whitepaper report against him as a witch-hunt by former Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

While denying the existence of the panel, he described it as a kangaroo panel. He said that his posting to the Ministry of Finance was done by “unscrupulous people” whom he said ganged up against him.

Mr. Osuji told The Oracle Today that even though the government whitepaper was contrived in furtherance of what he termed the Mbaise agenda by former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, no one could remove the Auditor General though a whitepaper. “The Office of the Auditor General is a constitutional office. The Auditor General of a state or that of the federation cannot be removed by any whitepaper. What you do to a permanent secretary, you cannot do it to an Auditor General”, he said.

However, describing the case

as a celebrated one in the state, our sources said that Mr. Osuji’s removal as the Auditor General of the state followed due process and that he personally honoured the invitations of the panel where he was interrogated, adding that apart from the whitepaper that removed him, the 8th assembly of the Imo State House of Assembly in their valedictory session in 2019 cancelled all appointments made in the last two months of the Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration and empowered the incoming Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, to make all necessary changes.

Moreover, sources in the Civil Service Commission said that the state house of assembly has the power to remove the Auditor General and that the 8th Assembly exercised the power before leaving.

Refuting the claims of the Auditor General that he was removed by former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, our sources said that the former Governor did not have a hand in his

Cont’d on page 8

•NNPC GMD, Mallam Mele Kyari (2nd left) unveiling donated items to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT.

points to these restricted zones.

“Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.”

He stated that the containment measures deployed was part of the contingency plans evolved in the event the coronavirus disease hit Nigeria, adding that the “whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.”

With 97 cases of COVID-19 in the country and a death, the president lamented, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.

“As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.”

President Buhari commended the Director General of NCDC Dr Ihekweazu on his personal efforts and sacrifices at gaining rare insights into the nature of the pandemic by risking a travel to China. “ Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria

to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.

“Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities,” pointing out that government has since introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in response to the situation.

He stated that government would continue to rely on guidance of medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.

“As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can. So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of adhoc staff to man our call centers and support our tracing and testing efforts.

“Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately. I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate Doctors and Nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational

response to the virus in case it spreads to other states. This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.

“As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation,” he said pointing out that all inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies would be eliminated.

The president pledged that government would in coming weeks deploy relief materials to ease the pains of residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods would surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures.

He also stated that the school feeding programme would continue despite the closure of schools nationwide.

On the impact on businesses and loan traps, the president reported that he has directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.

“I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.

Cont’d on page 8

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday 5, 2020

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday 5, 2020

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Lagos Govt takes delivery of 110-bed Isolation Centre jointly built with GTBank

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agos State Government has taken delivery of a 110-bed isolation facility on the Lagos Island, where confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State can be managed and treated. The facility was conceived and built in collaboration with the management of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank).

Managing Director of GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, on Saturday, personally handed over the hospital facility to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, five days after the bank started the construction of the isolation centre sited on the main bowl of the Mobolaji Olufunsho Johnson Stadium in Onikan.

Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the bank’s management for the speed with which the structure was built,

disclosing that the facility was equipped with “world-class” equipment and medical supplies that would aid the State Government to deliver adequate care to those infected with COVID-19.

He said: “I am very excited to take possession of this 110-bed isolation facility which the Lagos State Government and Guaranty Trust Bank have put together. In our assessment, it is a world-class facility which has been achieved within a week.

Contractors at multilevel worked tirelessly to put up the structure.

“This is a reflection of strong cando spirit of Nigerians, especially the brand called GTBank. I am happy that the GTBank saw the need for this collaboration. We are going through trying times globally, which

is occasioned by unprecedented level of a pandemic. What we are doing in Lagos is that, we are building excess capacity in the event that we witness a spike in cases of COVID-19 infection.”

The Governor allayed the fear of the residents over the growing cases of the disease, saying the State was working assiduously to stem the rate of transmission, especially by those who returned from abroad.

The Governor hinted that there had been improvement in the recovery of some patients currently isolated at the State’s Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Yaba. He said the State would continue to build capacity to enhance its response strategy and actions towards con-

taining the pandemic.

Agbaje hailed the State Government for accepting the collaboration offer in building the structure, noting that half of the resources used to build the facility was donated by Africa Finance Corporation.

He expressed optimism that the effort would strengthen the capacity of Lagos to stop the spread of the virus.

The isolation facility, which sits on an expansive area in the stadium, is divided into operational sections, including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), regular-bed wards, pharmacy department, doctors’ quarters and consulting rooms. The facility is also equipped with ventilators for the use of patients that may develop acute respiratory symptoms.

Covid-19 scare forces postponement of ANA election in Makurdi

By VICTOR NZE

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he much-publicized election into the national executive committee of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) earlier scheduled for March 28, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, has been postponed indefinitely due to the spreading covid-19 pandemic.

The Emergency Congress Meeting/Election, according to the Dr Jerry Agada Committee charged with organizing the poll, has now been moved to a time ‘that would be deemed more appropriate for the exercise.’

A statement issued by the committee, Thursday, said the postponement is in line with events surrounding the coronavirus pandemic in the country, as, according to it, going ahead with the event ‘will unnecessarily expose writers to the possibility of being infected by the virus.’

It would be recalled that the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, in response to the spread of the virus on the heels of the report of one positive case of the covid-19, Saturday, shut all borders leading into the state, as well as imposing a mild lockdown in the capital city Makurdi.

“The ANA National Electoral Committee has been keenly monitoring the global Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our dear country.

The Committee is worried that the scope of Covid-19 continues to widen in the country while government has rolled out various measures (including an advice against public gathering) to contain its further spread.

“Following a thorough assessment of the unfolding scenario, and after due consultations with State Chairmen of ANA and other stakeholders, members of the Committee resolved that going ahead with the Emergency Congress Meeting/ Election of national officials for the Association will unnecessarily expose writers to the possibility of being infected by the virus.

“Consequently, the Committee hereby announces the postponement of the Emergency Congress Meeting/Election earlier scheduled for March 28, 2020 in Makurdi, the

Oyo under dusk-to-dawn curfew

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ollowing the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the state

by Governor Seyi Makinde on the heels of another confirmed case of the coronavirus, the state’s COVID-19 Taskforce health advisory sub-committee, Sunday, embarked on public enlightenment markets and public places within Ibadan for break the chain of transmission campaign on the pandemic.

Alongside the sensitization, preventive materials were also distributed to people.

The enlightenment exercise is part of measures put in place by the Oyo State Government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

It will be recalled that Oyo State has recorded more confirmed positive cases of Coronavirus disease which led to a directive of a dusk to dawn curfew (from 7pm to 6am) and suspension of inter-state transportation into and out of the state with effect from Sunday night (March 29, 2020) by the governor.

In order to complement the effort of the Oyo State COVID-19 taskforce, the designated State infectious Disease Control Hospital, with 100 Isolation bed is now being equipped, and it is 80 percent ready.

Immigration boss, Babandede tests positive for coronavirus

C •Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Managing Director of GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, and state commissioner for Health, Prof Akinola Abayomi during the official commissioning of the 110-bed isolation facility on the Lagos Island, where confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state can be managed and treated. The facility was conceived and built in collaboration with the management of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Saturday

Benue State capital, till such a time that would be deemed more appropriate for the exercise.

“Meanwhile, the Committee wishes to remind all members, friends, associates and partners of ANA that for now, the Association has no elected executive committee until such a time when the election being postponed would have been conducted and those elected duly sworn in. Therefore, anyone who parades him/herself as an elected national official of ANA should be ignored.

“Rest assured that this Committee will do everything possible to ensure that a new national leadership of ANA emerges through a

free, fair and transparent electoral process. It counts on all well-meaning members of ANA to deliver on this critical responsibility,” read the statement signed by Dr Agada.

It would be recalled that last month, the Board of Trustees (BoT) had inaugurated a steering committee charged with overseeing the affairs of the writers’ body as well as organizing an election into the executive committee following the failure of the Annual International Convention in Enugu, last November to elect an administrative team on the expiration of the Denja Abdullahi-led committee.

This is also as the association of was compelled to disassociate itself

A’Ibom Govt shuts varsity over Covid-19

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ollowing the directive of the State Government that workers should stay at home for one week with effect from Monday, March 30, 2020, the Vice-Chancellor has approved that Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) be closed for normal business for one week commencing Monday, March 30, 2020.

“However, all staff members on

essential services will continue to perform their duties as scheduled.

The Vice-Chancellor has further advised that staff members should observe the Government approved precautionary measures for their safety while the stay-at-home order subsists,” read a statement signed by the Registrar of the institution, John Udo, Friday.

from a new executive committee purportedly elected into office at a meeting in Abuja, same month describing the development as ‘unconstitutional and outrageous.’

“The ANA Board of Trustees has viewed with dismay the act of indiscipline of a deviant group which purportedly elected what it called a ‘new ANA Executive’ at Abuja on Saturday, March 7, 2020. This unconstitutional action is outrageous and must be ignored by all responsible members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

“The Board of Trustees is aware of the need for ANA to have a duly elected EXCO after the botched election at the Enugu Convention in October/November 2019. The Board of Trustees commends the ANA Advisory Council for its efforts towards a resolution of the impasse following the path of the ANA Constitution, by the establishment of the Prof. Jerry Agada Committee to organize and conduct the election of the next ANA EXCO to direct the affairs of the Association,” read the statement by the ANA Board of Trustees and signed by Prof. Ernest N. Emenyonu (PhD).

omptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Muhammad Babandede, has tested positive for the coronavirus (Covid-19). The test result came in Sunday having recently returned to the country after a trip to the Uited Kingdom.

He is said be in self-isolation in accordance with protocols for management of the virus.

According to Mr. Sunday James, the Service Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Babandede has adhered to the NCDC instructions to self-isolate and undergo test.

“The result of the test came out positive, hence the need to make it public, he conveys his goodwill to all and he is in stable condition responding to treatment.

“The Comptroller General is active and directing as expected the affairs of the service online, while the Deputy Comptroller General Overseeing the administration of the service is in touch online to keep service activities running within this period.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service community will continue to deliver on its mandate for the nation even in this trying time as we pray the whole world get over it, Nigeria inclusive,” said the NIS spokesman, Sunday morning.

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Covid-19: 46 African countries report 4,282 cases, 134 deaths, 302 recoveries 46 countries in Africa have now reported a total of 4,282 cases, 134 deaths, and 302 recoveries from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

As Nigeria reaches a shocking 97 reported cases, a breakdown of the figures by region is as follows: Central Africa; (214 cases, 9 deaths, 6 recoveries): Cameroon (99, 2, 2), Central African Republic (6, 0, 3), Chad (5, 0, 0), Congo (19, 0, 0), DRC (65, 6, 1), Equatorial Guinea (13, 0, 0), Gabon (7, 1, 0).

East Africa; (324, 4, 6): Djibouti (15, 0, 0), Eritrea (6, 0, 0), Ethiopia (16, 0, 4), Kenya (38, 1, 1), Madagascar (28, 0, 0), Mauritius (102, 2, 0), Rwanda (60, 0, 0), Seychelles (8, 0, 0), Somalia (3, 0, 0), Sudan (5, 1, 0), Tanzania (13, 0, 1), Uganda (30, 0, 0).

North Africa; (1,716, 98, 211): Algeria (454, 29, 77), Egypt (576, 36, 121), Libya (3, 0, 0), Mauritania (3, 0, 0), Morocco (402, 25, 12), Tunisia (278, 8, 1).

Southern Africa; (1,230, 2, 31): Angola (3, 0, 0 ), Eswatini (8, 0, 0), Mozambique (8, 0, 0), Namibia (6, 0, 0), South Africa (1,170, 1, 31), Zambia (28, 0, 0), Zimbabwe (7, 1, 0).

West Africa; (798, 21, 48): Benin (6, 0, 0), Burkina Faso (207, 11, 21), Cape Verde (5, 1, 0), Côte d’Ivoire (140, 0, 3), Gambia (3, 1, 0), Ghana (141, 5, 2), Guinea (8, 0, 0), GuineaBissau (2, 0, 0), Liberia (3, 0, 0), Mali (18, 0, 0), Niger (10, 1, 0), Nigeria (97, 1, 3), Senegal (130, 0, 18), Togo (28, 1, 1).

COVID-19: Ogun shuts borders with Lagos, Oyo, others

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gun State Government has announced the closure of all borders with neighbouring states and the international border with the Republic of Benin.

States in the South-West including Lagos and Oyo with high COVID-19 cases would be affected by the border closure.

The government, which said this on Saturday, explained that the closure would be effected at 12 midnight on Sunday, 29th March 2020.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, the government said the border closure would be in force for two weeks in the first instance.

The statement read, “With this restriction order, movement in and out of the state has been banned as a further measure to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

“The state is constrained to effect border closure in order to stem and flatten the curve of the spread of the dreaded coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, not only in the state but in the country and in the West African sub-region.

“The position of Ogun State is peculiar. It not only shares an international border with the Republic of Benin, but it also does so with all other states in the South West (except Ekiti), including Lagos State, which has understandably recorded the highest number of infections in the country largely because it hosts the busiest air and seaports and it’s the nation’s economic capital.

“The border closure will not only be beneficial to Ogun State but the national efforts to curtail and con-

FG grants Air France permission to evacuate E.U citizens in Nigeria

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he Federal Government has approved a request by Air France to fly its aircraft into Nigeria to evacuate European citizens following the outbreak and continued spread of Coronavirus in the country.

In a letter dated March 25, 2020 and addressed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Air France asked to airlift Europeans from the country on March 26, April 2 and 9.

The letter reads: “Air France hereby

submits its request to operate three essential flights on March 26, April 2 and 9, 2020 from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

“These flights will not disembark any passengers or crew. It is only designed to ensure European citizens return to their homes.”

Acknowledging and approving the request, Director, Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation, M.S Noibi, said, “I am directed to acknowledge

receipt of your letter dated March 23, 2020 and to convey the Honourable Minister of Aviation approval for your airline to operate essential flights from Lagos to Paris.

“I am further directed to inform you to undertake the operation strictly based on the protocol guiding this operation under COVID-19 as issued by the Nigerian Aeronautical Authorities.”

As a result of the approval, Air France has started airlifting Euro-

peans out of Nigeria as Coronavirus cases continue to be on the rise in the country.

At the moment, Nigeria has 97 confirmed cases of the pandemic and one recorded death.

However, foreign diplomats have warned of a significant rise in the number of infected persons to around 10,000 in the coming days especially going by the poor handling of the situation by the Nigerian Government.

Sanwo-Olu hails Asiwaju at 68

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•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, representing President Muhammadu Buhari, in attendance at the funeral service of former Kenyan President, Daniel Arap Moi, in Nairobi, Kenya, along with other continent’s leadersthe apex bank, with RIFAN National President, Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Goronyo signing on behalf of the association

Covid-19: FG committed to further decongesting prisons – AGF Malami

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ederal Government says it has taken bold steps to further decongest Correctional Service formations across the country.

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN made this known in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu on Friday.

Malami disclosed that President Muhamadu Buhari has been mindful of the need to decongest Correctional Centres with particular regards to the fact that around seventy percent of the inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service Centres are awaiting trial.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted the Presidential Committee for the decongestion of the Correctional Centers across the country. The Committee which is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Justice has recorded great success.

The Committee comprising Minister of Interior, Attorney-General of the Federation, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Correctional Service Reforms and Decongestion; Chief Judge of the FCT High Court and the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correc-

tional Service, in order to reconsider what measures could be put in place for decongestion of Correctional Service Centres in view of the present health challenges.

The Committee recommended that Courts, Federal Ministry of Justice, the Correctional Service formations, Governors, AttorneyGenerals of States, among others be encouraged to intensify actions to ensure that the Correctional Service formations are not further congested taking into consideration the prevailing health challenges associated with Covid- 19.

The Committee requested that the President may wish to consider his powers of Prerogative of Mercy in speeding of decongestion, while State Governors and their CJs are encouraged to visit correctional service formations for the purpose of decongestion.

The Committee is also of the view that the Federal Executive Council and the State Governments be encouraged to consider payment of fines in respect of minor offences for those categories of inmates that could not afford paying of same in respect of offences that attract fines arising from the convictions.

Part of the resolutions were also

agos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 68th birthday.

Sanwo-Olu in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the former governor of Lagos State as a pathfinder, a visionary leader and a rare mentor, who has contributed in no small measure to the socio-political and economic development of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

Sanwo-Olu said, ‘‘what do you say about a man of many parts on the occasion of his birthday? A visionary leader, with exceptional abilities in various areas of human endeavours. Indeed his achievements are almost impossible to capture in a single book, not to say in a mere statement”.

Asiwaju as a pathfinder, navigated and charted the developmental course of modern Lagos and raised the bar of governance as well as public service in the State.The statement described Asiwaju as ‘‘ a welfarist, a cheerful giver and an epitome of humility and humanity.” ‘‘Asiwaju’s strength lies in his firm belief in a united and indivisible Nigeria that is without religious and ethnic bigotry. This has enabled him to provide the right leadership, make the right decisions in the overall interest of the country most of the time.’’

Describing the Jagarban Borgu as an astute politician, Sanwo-Olu said, ‘‘it is no news that the story of Nigeria’s democracy today cannot be told without Asiwaju’s name boldly written in gold.’’

The Governor wished Asiwaju a birthday full of joy, even as the country and the rest of the world battle the ravaging COVID-19 crisis.

He said: ‘‘as you march on in life, may the Almighty go with you every step of the way and support you to accomplish more in the service of humanity.’’

that Correctional Service should, as well, consider the possibility of moving inmates from congested Correctional Service Formations to centres that are less congested and have space for accommodation of inmates, among others.

By way of long term measures, the possibility of amending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by way of considering an amendment that will move the Correctional Service formations from Exclusive to Concurrent Legislative List among others is equally considered.

The categories of inmates that will be considered most are those that stayed in Correctional Service Centres for a period above ten years, those that stayed as inmate for a longer period without any documentation relating to their detention, those that have the option of fine, those that have been in the Centers on holding charges in respect of offences that the Magistrate that sent them to Correctional Service Formations do not have the jurisdiction to try the cases, among others, but excluding those inmates serving jail terms for capital offences such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and treason among others.

•Tinubu

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS

Okowa congratulates new ICAN President, Onome Adewuyi

Covid-19: Igbo leader urges nonclosure of inter-state borders

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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By THEO RAYS

S some state governments embark on closing their borders, a traditional ruler and Igbo leader has appealed to them to drop the plans because the closure would be detrimental of the welfare of the people.

Speaking to journalists in Oba, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka (Ogilisi Igbo) said, he is uncomfortable with the reports because the masses may face an unbearable hardship as a result of the closure because the states exchange goods and services.

While commending the governors

for the efforts they have made to stem the spread of coronavirus in their areas, he explained how traders from Benue State and their counterparts in Onitsha travel both ways to buy provisions, cosmetics, electrical and electronics goods and food stuffs.

He suggested that instead of closing state borders, governors should adapt preventive measures such as reducing the number of passengers transiting from one state to another, ensure that mass transit companies observe hygienic measures and approve vehicles to convey goods on waybill from one state to the other.

“As a spiritual leader, I want to

HE Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Mrs Onome Adewuyi on her election as the 56th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Adewuyi, from Emevor in Isoko North Local Government Area, was recently elected at an ICAN Council meeting held online.

Prior to her emergence, Adewuyi served as Vice President of ICAN and member of the Governing Council of the apex body for accounting professionals in the country since 2007.

A statement in Asaba by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, described Adewuyi as an illustrious daughter of Delta who has brought honour to the state.

He stated that Delta was proud of her accomplishments in a career spanning over 35 years and the governor was certain that all the positions Adewuyi had held in ICAN prepared her for the current task.

Stated Okowa, “she has held several positions in the Institute, including Chair of the Membership Affairs, Staff and Organizing, and Investigation Panel Committees.

“Her previous services to ICAN include three terms as Treasurer, Chair, Professional Examinations Committee, 2017 and Chair, IT and Image and Publicity Committees and President, Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (2013-2015).

“These positions no doubt prepared her for the task of leading the great Institute in the years ahead.

“God will grant you wisdom and knowledge to lead the Institute to greater heights.”

Governor Hope Uzodimma and Speaker of the Chiji Collins at the retreat.

Okowa salutes Tinubu for his consistency, patriotism at 68

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

T

HE Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on his 68 years birthday.

Okowa said that Tinubu’s role in the attainment of democracy in the country and promotion of peace and unity as well as his leadership role in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must be appreciated.

In a statement Saturday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the governor recalled with gratitude Tinubu’s unrelenting service to the nation, describing him as a worthy leader with great vision.

According to him, Tinubu deserves some commendation for his leadership role in improving the nation’s political space by leading the opposition to take over power at the centre.

He urged members of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to learn from Tinubu’s consistency and loyalty to APC’s course by remaining committed to ensuring that the party returned to power in 2023.

“As leader of APC, Tinubu has continued to play significant roles in the growth and development of the nation as political bridge-builder.

“Members of my party, the PDP should learn from the consistency and loyalty to the course of opposition as epitomised by Tinubu.

appeal to the state governors to reverse the plan of closing inter-state borders because it will bring untold hardship on the masses. You can close the borders linking Nigeria with other countries but the idea of closing inter-state borders is not advisable because of the nature of the states. There are daily needs between the states which we don’t have to interrupt,” he said.

He also demanded for improved power supply for the people to be able to cope with possible lockdown noting that lockdown without power supply will make life uncomfortable for the people.

Ebonyi community banishes woman suspected of poisoning husband

BY CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

A

middle aged woman has been banished by her community, Ndiakpurata Igbeagu, in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, after she was suspected of poisoning her husband with rat poison.

The woman, identified as Mrs. Eddie, was paraded penultimate week by the villagers, who stripped her naked and took her round the community before she was banished.

It was gathered that the woman allegedly gave her husband the poison for beating her over her alleged extra-marital affairs.

A source in the community disclosed that, “when she returned home late on Sunday night, the husband confronted her, and a quarrel ensued. In the process, the husband beat her. Angered by his action, she took her revenge when prepared his meal with rat poison, which led to his death.

“She threw the remaining food away so that people will not know, but God has exposed her evil act.

“What the woman did is an abomination, so the youths stripped her naked and paraded her around the village.

The State Police Public Relations

Officer (PPRO), DSP Loveth Odah, said the command was yet to get the report, but assured that they would find out the truth.

“If we find out that the report is true, we will arrest the perpetrators.

Do you know what it means? They have violated the person’s rights.

Everybody has the right to wear cloth. So, anything contrary to that is a violation of the person’s right.

“The DPO of that area is busy investigating the authenticity of the information. If we find out that it is true, the perpetrators will be prosecuted for it”, Odah said.

COVID-19: Why we are locking down in Delta - Aniagwu From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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he Delta State Government has restated the necessity of a lockdown, as the way to protect the lives of citizens against the coronavirus.

At the end of a meeting between the Central Committee on Prevention of COVID-19 Pandemic in Delta and chairmen of local government councils in the state, in Asaba, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, told newsmen that as custodians at the grassroots, the chairmen should sensitize the communities and ensure full compliance of the directives by the government.

According to him, the need to shutdown has become imperative because if people don’t move, the virus will not move and we appeal to our people to assist the government in averting the spread.

“Emphasising the need for people to stay at home, the governor directed that from 6am Sunday, no vehicle will be allowed into or out of the state, while on April 1, all markets will be closed.

“We need the cooperation of the local governments to take the messages to the people and ensure that they cooperate with the security agencies with a view to ensuring effective implementation of these decisions by the government.”

The Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Delta, Mr Itiako Ikpokpo, said that it was in the best interest of everybody to stay at home and maintain social distancing.

“Where we are now is that we are preparing for a total lockdown or shutdown and we have taken very far-reaching decisions, which include time and hours when filling stations can operate, because people really need to stay in their homes.

“Markets need to be shut down; essentials like food can only be sold in large spaces like primary schools where wares can be sold and shut by 4 p.m.

“We also agreed that marriages with more than 20 people in attendance can’t hold.

He assured that the police, the DSS and other stakeholders were ready to enforce the directives, “for the health and safety of our people.”

A final year undergraduate drowns in hotel in Ebonyi

BY CHINEDU NWAFOR, ABAKALIKI

A

N final year undergraduate of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AEFUNAI) has drowned at the Sandiego Hotel, located along old Enugu road, Abakaliki.

The student, who was identified as Christian and said to hail from Imo State, was drowned while swimming with his friends inside the hotel’s swimming pool.

It was gathered that his friends immediately raised an alarm when they discovered that his condition inside the pool was no longer normal.

He was brought out of the swim-

ming pool and rushed to Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where doctors confirmed him dead.

A source who witnessed the incident described it as “mysterious, because everything happened so suddenly and everyone at the pool was taken by surprise.”

Meanwhile the hotel Manager, Mr. Austin Egbude and the friends of the deceased, who were later taken into custody by the security agents from Kpirikpiri police division, Abakaliki, for questioning, were later released.

Egbude, confirmed the incident, but argued, “this is not the first time that this type of thing is happening.

It has happened in other hotels in Abakaliki and it was not reported anywhere. What is so special about this one? What happened was not a hidden thing and it was reported to the police.”

The Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odah, also confirmed the incident, adding that the hotel management reported the matter to the police.

She confirmed also that the body was deposited in the hospital’s mortuary waiting, “so when the family arrives and they said they don’t want any case, they can take the body for burial.”

• Gov Ifeanyi Okowa

8

The Oracle Today Monday February 24 - Sunday March 1, 2020

NEWS

COVID- 19: National lockdown begins Covid-19: Air Peace evacuates Cont’d from Pg 2 “For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.

“For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.”

In preparation for massive quarantine of infected people, President Buhari declared that all gederal government stadia, pilgrims’ camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.

He directed all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralized by the Presidential Task Force to ensure efficient and impactful spending.

The presidential address culminates stranded measures by state governments like Rivers, Kogi, Ondo, Enugu, Bayelsa and many more that announced total lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.

In Enugu, our correspondent reports that the State heightened the apprehension of the people over the COVID-19 scourge with announcement of two new cases that flew in from London.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi, said the two patients had “voluntarily contacted the State Ministry

of Health, on arrival from the UK, and requested for the COVID- 19 test, which came out positive.

“They have been isolated, while the State Multi-Sectoral Rapid Response Team immediately commenced contact tracing.”

Soon after the confirmation, Benue State reportedly recorded a COVID-19 index case, further raising anxiety in Enugu.

Meanwhile, a statement signed by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, on March 28, quoted Bishop Callistus Onaga as suspending all public Masses effective from 6pm, March 31.

Ahead of the March 31 commencement of partial lockdown in Enugu, residents have embarked on panic-buying to brace up for all eventualities. Various markets and major supermarkets, especially in the state capital have been hysteric, with sellers, buyers and cart pushers in agitated movement.

Several traders and major supermarkets were seen dishing out humongous price slash to prospective buyers, in a bid to sell out products whose shelf lives were drawing near.

In Abia State, government has commenced temporary shutdown of eateries and shopping malls that fail to comply with the preventives measures outlined by the government.

The enforcement team of the State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19, led by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Solomon Ogunji, and his Trade and Investment counterpart, Dr. Cosmos Ndukwe, explained that the essence of temporary shutdown of affected organisations was to ensure full compliance with the pre-

ventive measures already outlined by the government.

Also, Delta State Government restated the necessity of a lockdown, as the way to protect the lives of citizens against the coronavirus.

At the end of a meeting between the Central Committee on Prevention of COVID-19 Pandemic in Delta and chairmen of local government councils in the state, in Asaba, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, told newsmen that as custodians at the grassroots, the chairmen should sensitize the communities and ensure full compliance of the directives by the government.

In Ebonyi State which had closed all land and sea borders, Governor David Umahi announced stringent guidelines as measures to safeguard the people of the Atate against coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, announced that religious gatherings and all markets that don’t deal on essential commodities shall be shutdown, effective from 30th March, 2020.

The Oracle Today reports that almost all states in the country has since announced full or partial lockdown before the presidential address which announced lockdown of national entry ports.

The drastic measures came after top government functionaries and close associates of President Muhammadu Buhari tested positive for the COVID-19, raising concerns that the disease is spreading from political leaders responsible for implementation of containment measures.

Four men arrested for flouting restriction on movement in Zaria

T

he zonal command of Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KadVS) in Zaria has arrested four bridegrooms for allegedly flouting the ban on large gatherings by the government.

Bala Galadima, Zaria zonal commandant of the KadVS, disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists. He said the four persons were arrested within Zaria metropolis.

He also said the alleged offenders were picked up within Lowcost, Mangwaron Babayo, Magaji-

ya, and Bakin Kasuwa settlements following the ban on large social gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the arrest had come just after the service had earlier apprehended a bride, her groom, and other guests at a marriage ceremony in the city on Wednesday, despite the lockdown.

“Four bridegrooms with few of their friends were arrested and are in our custody. They will soon be prosecuted. The arrests were effected at Tudun Wada, Layin Yan

Izala and Nagoyi areas,” he said.

Governors in the northwest region, including Kaduna state, had earlier shut down schools and campuses as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Kaduna government had also imposed a curfew just after it had banned public gatherings involving more than 50 people.

On Saturday, Nasir el-Rufai, the state governor, had announced that he tested positive for coronavirus.

274 Israelis to Tel-Aviv

I

ndigenous carrier, Air Peace, Sunday, evacuated 274 Israelis from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA) back to Tel-Aviv, in Israel.

The flight, which airlifted 65 passengers from Lagos and later flew to Abuja for another batch of 209 was operated by Air Peace Boeing 777-300 with registration number 5N-BWI. Commenting on the development, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who described the flight as historical, said it is the first time Nigeria and Israel would have a direct flight arrangement, even as he expressed hope that subsequently the two countries would have scheduled direct flight between Lagos and TelAviv.

“It is a historic day for both Nigeria and Israel. History has been made today. 60 years of diplomatic relations, no direct flight has been conducted between Nigeria and Israel till today.

So this is the first time Nigeria and Israel will have direct air connectivity.

So it is a historic day and it is going to portend greater things that will come. Both countries have a lot to gain by having direct flights. Nigeria is a land of huge potential, which Israel may be willing to tap into, while Nigeria will want to tap into science and technology, which Israel is known for.

“I really want to thank the federal government of Nigeria for making this possible. Previous administrations were unable to pull this through, but this government did it.

We have a compassionate government; that I can tell you. It is difficult to get flight permits even during this critical period of emergencies from other countries, but Nigeria did not waste a second to approve this flight.

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika approved the request the moment it was presented to him. All the heads of aviation agencies gave their support, which made the flight possible. So it is the federal government that made the evacuation possible,” Onyema said.

He said the Israel government also gave its support and allowed for the first time a Nigerian airline to operate direct flight to the Israel, noting that this is something good for both countries, good for our diplomatic relations.

“So I feel proud, I fell privileged to be part of this history and I thank God almighty for it. We have to build from here now going forward,” the Air Peace Chairman said.

“This COVID-19 storm will be over someday. When it is over we look forward to do scheduled direct flight to Israel; at least twice a week to Tel-

Aviv; this will help boost business relations between both countries.

So there is a lot to be gained instead of people going through different countries before getting to Israel.

For Israelis to get their country they spend about 18 hours for just about five hours flight from Nigeria. They were happy and clapping for the Nigerian government and for the Israeli government for making this happen today. So I say kudos to the Buhari administration for making this come through.”

Also commenting, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Shimon Ben-Shoshan expressed happiness over the successful evacuation of his compatriots in Nigeria and commended the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema for ‘his invaluable contribution in making the airlift possible.’

“Thank you so much for this cooperation with us. We will work together. During this operation I will work with you hand by hand. I can say that you are the darling of the Nigerian people but you are my hero. Thank you so much,” Ben-Shoshan.

An Israeli official who superintended the airlifting process from Lagos and who wished not to be named, said it was because of the Coronavirus pandemic that Israel decided to evacuate its citizens because they would have access to better medical facilities and personnel in Israel than in Nigeria.

“We are evacuating because of the coronavirus and the situation in Nigeria, which could become serious. You see what is happening all over the world. So for us to protect our citizens better we take them home to get a better health service. If something happens to you here you go to private hospital, not government hospital but in Israel we have government hospitals. By God’s grace we hope to have direct flight subsequently,” the official said.

The Air Peace Station Manager at MMIA, Lenard Olisakwe expressed happiness that Israel chose Nigerian airline to evacuate its citizens to Israel.

It is not easy to be patronized by Israelis who are highly security conscious, having to say, yes I am handing over the lives of my citizens to a particular airline is a big one. I was excited too because for them to choose Air Peace they must have done a lot of homework because they are not frivolous people. We are operating from both Abuja and Lagos. It is a transit flight. We will take them to Abuja international where the other passengers will join and from Abuja to Tel-Aviv. It is about five hour’s flight. We are using one of our B777-300 BWI. It is one of the best we have,” he said.

“In view of the foregoing, I am further directed to inform you to revert to the post of Deputy Director where you were, when you were appointed Auditor General and handover to the next senior officer.

Please be guided accordingly.” The letter was signed by Mrs. E.A. Ogudoro, Permanent Secretary in the Imo State Civil Service Commission, on behalf of the Chairman. The letter added that Mr. Osuji should comply with the directive without further delay.

In a similar development, some staff in the Office of the Auditor General had on 2nd March, 2020, petitioned the Secretary to the Government of Imo State and the Head of Service over sundry allegations. The petition which was cop-

ied to the Commissioner of Police, Principal Secretary to the Governor and the Permanent Secretary Civil Service Commission, and obtained

by The Oracle Today in Owerri, accused the Auditor General of abuse of office, salary padding, intimidation of workers, sexual harassment and employment of workers without approval.

But Mr. Osuji said that the allegations contained in the petition was a conspiracy. He said: “The petition did not pass through due process. No petition from this office is genuine without passing through my office. Why I won’t take the petition serious is because it was not routed through my office. The petition is unprofessional.

Most of the issues in the petition are vague, some are not.”

Crisis rocks Auditor General’s office in Imo Cont’d from Pg 2

removal, insisting that it was the Okorocha administration that indicted and removed him. They added that the Ihedioha administration was only asking him to comply with the whitepaper, and that it was nowhere an Mbaise agenda.

Staff at the Office of the Auditor General said that it was unfortunate that Mr. Osuji returned to the Office of the Auditor General at the eve of the Okorocha administration, adding that he had already been posted out on punitive measure. They said that Chief Ihedioha’s administration merely qualified the whitepaper, necessitating a letter from the Secretary to the State

Government asking him to vacate office. This was said to have been followed by a letter from the Civil Service Commission also asking him to vacate office. The workers said that Mr. Osuji’s continued stay in office amounts to a clear case of insubordination.

Our investigations, however, could not establish any letter from the current administration quashing the whitepaper as workers said that Mr. Osuji’s claim that the current government had thrown away the whitepaper is false and misleading.

It was further gathered that Mr. Osuji did not comply with the directive from the government to revert to his former position, leading to

follow-up letters from the Secretary to the State Government, dated December 20, 2019, and the Imo State Civil Service Commission, dated January 8, 2020.

The letter from the state’s Civil Service Commission dated January 8, titled: RE: REVERSAL TO FORMER POST ARISING FROM GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER – MR. EBENEZER OBIDIKE OSUJI, which was obtained by this medium reads: “I am directed to refer to letter No.SGI/S.0082/VT.2/X dated 20th December, 2019 from the Office of the Secretary to Imo State Government, and inform you of Government’s decision in a white paper which states that your appointment as Auditor General for the state did not follow due process.

9

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS

Address by H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Covid- 19 Pandemic Sunday 29th March, 2020

1. Fellow Nigerians, 2. From the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19 was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a world-wide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.

3. The whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.

4. Nigeria, unfortunately, confirmed its first case on 27th February 2020. Since then, we have seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.

5. By the morning of March 29th, 2020, the total confirmed cases within Nigeria had risen to ninety-seven.

6. Regrettably, we also had our first fatality, a former employee of PPMC, who died on 23rd March 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time.

We also pray for quick recovery for those infected and undergoing treatment.

7. As of today, COVID-19 has no cure. Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine.

8. We are in touch with these institutions as they work towards a solution that will be certified by international and local medical authorities within the shortest possible time.

9. For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.

10. As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.

11. Since the outbreak was reported in China, our Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries.

12. Indeed, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was one of ten global health leaders invited by the World Health Organisation to visit China and understudy their response approach. I am personally very proud of Dr Ihekweazu for doing this on behalf of all Nigerians.

13. Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.

14. Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.

15. In Nigeria, we are taking a two step approach.

16. First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.

17. To date, we have introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in our response. We shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.

18. Some of these measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.

19. In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.

20. Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.

21. I therefore urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.

22. As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to

•Buhari

support other states and regions in the best way we can.

23. This is why we provided an initial intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15b) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.

24. We also created a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to develop a workable National Response Strategy that is being reviewed on a daily basis as the requirements change.

This strategy takes international best practices but adopts them to suit our unique local circumstances.

25. Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.

26. So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of adhoc staff to man our call centers and support our tracing and testing efforts.

27. I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate Doctors and Nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational response to the virus in case it spreads to other states.

28. This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.

29. As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation. All inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies will be eliminated.

30. As I mentioned earlier, as at this morning we had ninety-seven confirmed cases.

Majority of these are in Lagos and Abuja. All the confirmed cases are getting the necessary medical care.

31. Our agencies are currently working hard to identify cases and people these patients have been in contact with.

32. The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres.

33. We are therefore working to ensure such inter state and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.

34. Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

35. All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully

closed during this period.

36. The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

37. We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.

38. This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.

39. Furthermore, commercial establishments such as; a. food processing, distribution and retail companies; b. petroleum distribution and retail entities, c. power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and d. private security companies are also exempted.

40. Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.

41. Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.

42. All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.

43. Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.

44. Accordingly, the Hon. Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones.

45. Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.

46. We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death, if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France and Spain.

47. However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus. I will there-

fore ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice.

48. As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against COVID-19.

Many other countries have taken far stricter measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.

49. For residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, we shall deploy relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks.

50. Furthermore, although schools are closed, I have instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with State Governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding program during this period without compromising our social distancing policies. The Minister will be contacting the affected States and agree on detailed next steps.

51. Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.

52. I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.

53. For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.

54. For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.

55. We also call on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.

56. As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.

57. This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadia, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.

58. My fellow Nigerians, as a Government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country.

59. We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.

60. At this point, I will ask that all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralized to ensure efficient and impactful spending. The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response.

61. I want to assure you all that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response are working hard to bring this virus under control.

62. Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus.

63. I will therefore implore you again to strictly comply with the guidelines issued and also do your bit to support Government and the most vulnerable in your communities.

64. I will take this opportunity to thank all our public health workforce, health care workers, port health authorities and other essential staff on the frontlines of the response for their dedication and commitment. You are true heroes.

65. I thank you all for listening. May God continue to bless and protect us all. •President Muhammadu Buhari 29th March 2020.

10

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS Corps member sensitizes community on proper child upbringing

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corps member serving in AkwaIbom state, has reiterated the importance of quality child upbringing by parents, charging them to be mindful of their responsibilities.

At an educational seminar “Beyond the roots: The raising of a successful Child,” Oguocha Chukwuebuka Chukwuma, who is serving with the Government Secondary School Afaha Eket, Eket Local Government area

of Akwa Ibom State said that the Seminar tends to educate parents, prospective parents and teachers on some ingredients needed to raise a successful child.

The Akwa Ibom NYSC coordinator, Mr Julius Amusan described the seminar as a welcome Idea especially when it is geared towards educating host community on the importance of raising a quality child by putting

into consideration, and applying what was learnt.

The state coordinator, who was represented by the Eket NYSC Local government inspector, Mr. Oka Okoi, said that one of the goals the NYSC is set to achieve is to train youths on the importance of community service and development.

He admonished youths and other corps members to emulate the good

work done by Oguocha as well as do things that will positively affect the lives of other people, rather than spending their service year in their host community, without making any impact or contribution.

Another Speaker, Dr. Clement Obadimu said that the behaviour of a child cannot be used to determine what a child will become while the belief system may stop a child from

COVID-19: Anambra task force shuts bars, clubs, restaurants in Awka

COVID-19: Anglican Church suspends all activities in Anambra

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he Anglican Church in Anambra State has suspended indefinitely all Church activities with immediate effect.

The Archbishop of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, who announced this in Awka, said it was in line with the directive of the state government over the coronavirus pandemic, ravaging the globe.

Archbishop Ibezim said the coronavirus, had actually terrorised the entire world but, “God is still God.” His words: ‘’We appreciate the Governor and the Government of Anambra State for the concerted efforts in combating the deadly disease.

“In line with Government directives, we want to restate that all actions of the Church should be in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.”

The Archbishop added: “All Church activities in the Diocese that usually attract large crowds have been suspended until further notice.

“These include, Elshaddai Monthly programme, Palm Sunday Processions, Diocesan Lenten Prayer Convention, Collation of Archdeacons and Installation of Canons, vigils, weddings, burials, and other forms of celebrations.

“The Diocese had earlier banned the celebration of peace, which includes shaking of hands, hugging, e.t.c.

“The use of a common cup for wine-distribution in Holy Communion Services has been banned. Churches have been directed to procure and use small disposable cups henceforth.

“Vicars and Parish Priests are encouraged to maintain office hours with prayers said at the usual intervals.

He concluded that “the Church depended on the Mercy of God for His divine intervention while we continue to offer prayers for this scourge to pass over.”

knowing what he needs to know.

Earlier, Oguocha said that he garnered success through strength, determination and his commitments to stand out. He said, “in the journey of life, there are hurdles, but it requires strength and focus or commitment to get to that destination.”

The seminar was followed by public presentation of his new book “Happy at Last.”

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• Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma giving directives on the closure of the markets in the state

Covid-19: Anambra State govt closes Niger Bridge Onitsha

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nambra State government has announced the closure of the Niger Bridge in Onitsha, against all vehicles coming into the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu stated this in a press release made available to journalists on Sunday evening.

He said, “This is to notify Ndi Anambra and motorists in the state, and those wishing to pass through Anambra state that the Government of Delta state has announced closure of all its land borders with effect from Sunday, 29th

of March, 2020.

“The government of Anambra state is also announcing the closure of Onitsha Head bridge with immediate effect to discourage vehicles queuing up on the bridge.

The security agencies are hereby directed to enforce this.

“Motorists are advised not to travel through the Niger Bridge Head, Onitsha to avoid putting pressure on the bridge. Motorists will not be able to drive into Delta state as a result of the border closure order in place.

“Only vehicles transporting food items and medicines will be al-

lowed passage.

The government of Anambra state hereby reiterates its earlier directive for people to stay at home and observe strictly the coronavirus advisory and directives earlier issued.”

COVID-19: Anambra Government places border areas under watch Fashola takes tour of projects in Southeast, confirms second Niger Bridge project is still at 30% completion level Motorists, commuters groan as tipper drivers block Enugu-Onitsha expressway

HE Anambra State COVID-19 Task Force has deployed its taskforce to enforce state government directive on the closure of bars, clubs and restaurants.

The Task Force, comprising the Police and other security agencies, started the raid at club road Awka through Okpuno-Mgbakwu road down to St. Joseph De Worker, UniZik temporary site, Awka and terminated at Kwata Junction off Uche Ekwunife Crescent.

They sealed clubs, restaurants and bars while warning street traders to adhere to the directive or have their goods confiscated.

According to the task force, the directive was that all kinds of ceremonies should be suspended or offenders will face the full weight of the law.

The team reminded the people that this is not a period for negotiations, cutting corners or reciting their fundamental human rights rather a time to obey government directive as the primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the security of lives and property of its citizens at all cost.

In separate interviews, Mr. Victor Anyinka who runs a club at the area, Joseph Ebeneme, a Club supervisor and Dozie Ejionye praised the move by the task force as they were dully notified.

The Government had in its publication exempted pharmacies, food sellers and sellers of other essential commodities from the ban order and advised them to strictly observe social distancing and provision of hand washing facilities and use of sanitizers.

NMA, NANNM demand COVID-19 test centres in S’East From BONIFACE OKORO, Umua- Aba General hospital, to com- professional associations on hia memorate the World Tubercu- how to manage developments

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HE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have urged on the Federal Government to immediately provide coronavirus test centres in the South East.

Making the call in Aba, they said that it has become imperative for the Federal Government to set up testing centres in all the geopolitical zones of the country to ease the diagnosis of coronavirus.

Addressing newsmen at the

losis Day, the state Chairman of NMA, Dr. Mrs Carol Iwuoha, faulted the absence of testing centres in the South East.

“There is no testing centres for COVID-19 in the South East presently. We are calling on the Federal Government to provide a centre in each of the geopolitical zones because it will help to speed the diagnosis and enable others know their status,” Mrs. Iwuoha said.

She said that the health workers in the state decided to use the Tuberculosis Day celebrations to update the society as

during the coronavirus pandemic.

“NMA advocates for the regular hand washing. We are letting the public know that the disease exists but can be prevented,” she said.

The state Vice Chairman of NANNM, Dr Lady Stella Okore, lamented that the health sector was at risk as a result of the COVID -19, and “we are asking those in authority to consider it necessary to protect the health workers, insure them and pay them their salaries to enable • Gov DAve Umahi them work effectively.”

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS COVID-19: Religious leaders agree on social distancing, others in Delta

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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he Delta State Government says it has reached an agreement with religious leaders to enforce the social distancing protocol in worship centres in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu told journalists in Asaba after a meeting between the State Task Force on COVID-19, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim groups in the state that the government had directed that not more than 50 persons should gather in any worship centre.

“The Governor has been very busy taking decisions and proactive steps with a view to ensuring that we are not caught unawares with respect to the COVID-19.

“The Governor felt there is need to consult with the Muslim and Christian communities and it has been agreed that on no account should any group gather more than 50 persons at a time.

“There is need to practice social distancing and in future we will have cause to review some of these decisions but we are praying that the state remains as safe as it is

now.

“We have also made it known to them that there should be regular washing of hands, sanitising as much as possible and also maintaining a very clear distance among and within people.”

The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Delta Chapter, Apostle Sylvanus Okorote, said “first social distancing was agreed upon and it is the most important aspect and no shaking of hands.

“We agreed actually to reduce the church service as much as possible down below 50 persons per service.

“We could even ask people to pray from home because it might come to that.“ The leader of the Muslim community, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur, assured that decisions reached at the meeting would be implemented to the letter to ensure that the virus did not spread to the state.

“The Governor has been up-anddoing since the outbreak of the virus and we will do everything possible to support the state by enlightening our members on the need to maintain personal hygiene at all times,” Tukur said.

COVID-19: Abia declares readiness to contain coronavirus

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HE Abia State government says that with the establishment and equipment of isolation centres in the state, among other measures, the state is 100 per cent ready to contain the dreaded coronavirus should it manifest in the state.

On a tour of the isolation centres in the Amachara Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, one of the three designated hospitals in the State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji, to 7,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), treatment room, and consulting room among others.

He said that apart from the two five-bedded wards, there is provision for one 100-bedded extension in case of an overflow of patients with additional 2,500 PPEs at the location.

He explained that the Government made attempts to procure testing kits but was advised by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to shelve the idea, as according to centre, most of the kits in circulation were fake.

The Commissioner appealed to the Federal Government to provide kits for and other states, as availability of the kits remain key to quelling rumors on cases of the virus.

He also called on the people not to panic but adhere to the guidelines on how to prevent the infection.

The Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, disclosed that the PPE produced in Aba have been delivered to the Government and would be handedover to the health Commissioner to ascertain their fitness for use.

Okiyi said that the State was still hopeful the virus will not visit, adding that the Governor Okezie Ikpea-

• Abia Gov’t Bans Night Clubs, Restricts Religious gathering to 50 Persons

COVID-19: FG told to provide test kits at polling units, ward levels

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idemili chapter, in Anambra State, Ben Okoko, has charged the Federal Government to make available coronavirus test kits at polling units and ward levels to enable the grassroots be tested.

He also charged governmentowned hospitals to get involved in the testing arrangement, to enable people know their status easily so that they are either quarantined or learn to take precautionary measures.

Speaking to newsmen at his

• Mr. John Okiyi Kalu zu, was ready to deploy all available resources to protect the lives of the residents of the State.

The Information Commissioner warned that COVID-19 does not know any political party and called on stakeholders ready to assist the State to approach the health Commissioner.

The state Epidemiologist, Lady Peace Nwaogwugwu, disclosed that, at the moment, the state has enough sample bags to dispatch samples to Edo State for analysis and assured the people that with the measures put in place by the government was good enough to handle any eventuality.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as MOLOKWU NWANNEKA PAULINE now wish to be known as CHUKWUMA NWANNEKA PAULINE. All former documents still remain valid. Please Banks and General Public take note.

I formerly known as AROHSON MODESTA UZOAMAKA now wish to be known as AROHSON UZOAMAKA PRECIOUS. All former documents still remain valid. Please Banks and General Public take note.

law chambers at Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area, near Onitsha, Okoko lamented that government has not been doing enough to justify the stayat-home directive, adding that inasmuch as staying at home might mitigate the spread of the virus, there is need for government to do more in terms of providing financial stimulus and kits to test the populace.

According to the legal practitioner, “if test kits were provided in the neighborhood, it will go a long way to assuage the pandemic to the extent that when people know their status, they would be

able to take precautions and be on the lookout to avoid spreading it to other individuals.

“A lot of people are willing and able to submit themselves for testing, but due to lack of facilities, they won’t be able to know their status.”

Okoko contended that it would be necessary for the government to provide financial grants to families through their BVN to cushion the effects of the stay at home directive because, “it will not only augur well for people to stay at home and then die of hunger arising from shortage of foods and other basic necessities of life.”

COVID-19: Anambra State to introduce economic stimulus package

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HE Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development has announced that the state government will soon introduce an economic stimulus package to help cushion the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the people.

According to Mr Mark Okoye, “this is already being worked on.

So far, fortunately and unfortunately, Lagos is the worst hit during this pandemic, that has strategically positioned them from a funding stand point with a N10bn grant from the Federal Government, with banks and oil companies building makeshift hospitals, etc”.

Continuing, he said that, “Nigeria is being hit harder than most countries given the nation’s reliance on one export product. So not only are we dealing with a public health emergency, revenue is likely to drop by 45 per cent.

This sets up a pretty interesting situation for all.

“The Governor is not relenting in spite of the challenging fiscal environment. He currently chairs the COVID-19 response committee tackling the pandemic in the state and has demanded a draft emergency multi -faceted economic stimulus package for the people for his review. The economic team is currently working tirelessly on this. The key objective will be to ameliorate the impact of the loss in economic activity on the state and its people, especially the poor and vulnerable”.

In another development, the Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, stated that Obiano instructed that each of the 179 communities in the state be given 200 bags of the popular brand of Anambra rice for distribution to people up to 60 years.

Though there are 179 communities in Anambra, an additional 400 bags will be distributed because Onitsha and Obosi are given dou-

ble of what every other community receives on account of their large populations.

He said the distribution will start on Wednesday.

The statement read in part: “We will start with any community that first sends its list of elderly men and women in our society. ‘’Obiano has consequently asked the traditional ruler in every community and the president general of every town union as well as the women leader of the Association of Anambra Town Unions (ASATU) in the community to quickly send to the Ministry of Local and Chieftaincy Affairs a list of qualified men and women, which has to be signed by them. ‘’Chief Damian Okeke, president of the Anambra State branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, has lauded Obiano for the initiative, which he called “a clear demonstration of solidarity with vulnerable groups in society in these hard times”.

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

NEWS Ignore customer who fail to sanitize hands, Commissioner charges traders

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• Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi briefing on the closure of borders in the state

COVID-19: Delta acquires ventilators, bans public gatherings From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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HE Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has said the government had acquired 19 ventilators, monitors and other critical equipment for the management of COVID-19 cases if the need arises in the state.

In a radio and television broadcast, Okowa in Asaba, announced that public gatherings, burials, weddings, conferences and seminars, with over 20 persons in attendance were suspended.

The ban, he said is part of measures to protect the people from contracting the deadly coronavirus.

He directed civil servants from Grade Level 1-12 to stay at home till further notice, and stated that workers on essential services were exempted from the order.

Addressing the state for the second time in a week, he noted that although the Federal Ministry of Health confirmed 42 cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, there was no confirmed case in Delta, but, “we must take some precautionary measures to prevent, as well as limit infection, if it occurs.

He called on the people to adhere to instructions to “wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap

and water for at least 20 - 60 seconds and use alcohol-based sanitizers.

“Maintain at least two metres (six feet) between yourself and anyone, especially those coughing or sneezing.

“Anyone who has recently returned from high-risk countries such as China, USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, UK, Iran, South Korea and Japan, must self-isolate from friends, family and others for minimum of 14 days.

“All, who have had close contact with those who visited these high incidence countries are also advised to self-isolate for the same period.

“We have taken certain steps to mitigate the impact if and when cases are detected in Delta. A multisectoral committee has been put in place and the State Emergency Operation Centre activated. Health staff have been trained adequately, and the Government has completed a purpose-built Isolation Centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

The centre is ready for use.

“Three other Centres at the now completed Central Hospital, Asaba; Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara and Central Hospital, Warri, are being prepared as additional centres.

“To protect healthcare personnel

and increase capacity, Personal Protective Equipment for health staff are in stock and we have continued to scout for more.

“The State Government has also packaged incentives for critical health staff who will be engaged in COVID-19 treatment and management.

“Other critical needs, including dialysis machines, dedicated for COVID-19 case management will be installed.

“Don’t panic or spread false information on social media,” he stated.

The governor closed “all institutions of learning for a period of 30 days from Wednesday, 25th March.

Malls, market leaders, supermarkets, restaurants, banks, hotels and bars must provide sanitizers at various entry points. Failure to do this will attract sanction from the Government.”

He shut night clubs, lounges and cinemas, and burials, political gatherings and conferences, summits and gatherings involving more than 20 persons are banned until further notice.

“All political gatherings and conferences, summits and gatherings involving more than 20 persons are banned until further notice.”

Fight against Covid-19, group wants FG to use private hospitals

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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HE Abia State chapter of the Christian Hospitals Association of Nigeria (CHAN), has appealed to the federal and state governments to include private hospitals in their anti-coronavirus health measures.

The State Chairman of CHAN, Rev. Fr. Christian Uche Anokwuru, said it was imperative that governments consider providing essential materials that protect people from being infected to private hospitals to enable them serve people who may approach their facilities.

The Priest, who is also the Administrator of Madonna Hospital, Umuahia, told journalists that for the collaborative efforts towards curbing the coronavirus to record resounding success, there should

be no segregation between publicowned and privately-owned hospitals.

“I expect government to use hospitals whether private, or missionary hospitals by providing basic hospital needs like non-contact thermometer, facial masks, sanitizers and soaps. This is not the time to be selective about health hospitals.

He feared that private hospitals lack the kind of resources to respond to the fight against the coronavirus essentially because the costs of materials like facial masks and sanitizers and others have gone up by over 200 per cent.

He said: “The facial mask we used to buy N7, 000 now costs N27,000, just as sanitizers have also gone up.

We need help.

“If faith-based and centers were not involved at this time, it will not

augur well on the fight against coronavirus. Many people might have easier access to private hospitals if there is a high rate of infection.

Anokwuru who doubles as the Health Coordinator of Catholic Diocese of Umuahia urged every state and the Federal Government to ensure that enough isolation centres were provided in the proactive march against COVID-19.

He called on governments to upscale sensitization especially in the rural areas where according to him, people were not too aware of the virus.

“It is unbelievable that some people do not believe that coronavirus is real. Serious enlightenment is needed, I call on the government to intensify efforts now that the cases are still in single digits.”

HE Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Solomon Ogunji has charged traders not to sell goods to any customers who fail to wash or sanities their hands at the market centers The Commissioner gave the charge while monitoring the monthly clean up excercise in Aba as he described proper hand-washing, application of hand sanitizers and social distancing as key to preventing the outbreak of coronavirus.

Ogunji, who used the occasion of the monthly sanitation excercise to sensitize traders on the coronavirus instructed them to ensure they put in place buckets with running water as well as provide sanitizers and ensure they sanitize their

hands on an hourly basis.

The Commissioner, who is also the sub Committee Chairman on the enforcement of various coronavirus preventive measures in Abia, visited Ehere market, Ahia Nkwo market, Umungasi market, abattoir at Waterside, Ahia Umunwaeke at Seven Up Road among other places.

He warned operators of commercial vehicles and tricycles to adhere to goverment directives and disclosed that mobile courts would be used to ensure full implementation of the directives.

He said the government may decide to lockdown on markets if people do not adhere to the preventive measures already marshalled out for them.

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

water.

The commissioners, who visited Abia shopping mall, Crunchies, Hoefers, De Choice and Jovit, which operate in the state capital, Umuahia, commended the proactive measures being taken by some of the eateries and malls and insisted that it must be sustained by their managements. They stressed the need for maintenance of high standard of hygiene among the shopping malls and eateries.

Those whose business centres were sealed temporarily, were told to report to the Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, to sign an undertaking that they would henceforth comply with the protocol of the preventive measures, including ensuring that not more than 20 customers are allowed into the mall at the same time and they must maintain 1.5 metres standing or sitting distance.

COVID-19: Abia shuts shopping malls, eateries

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N a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Abia State Government has commenced a temporary shutting down of eateries and shopping malls that fail to comply with the preventives measures outlined by the government.

The enforcement team of the State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19, led by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Solomon Ogunji, and his Trade and Investment counterpart, Dr. Cosmos Ndukwe, explained that the essence of temporary shutdown of affected organisations was to ensure full compliance with the preventive measures already outlined by the government.

They regretted that some of the eateries and malls have no infrared thermometer with which to check the temperature of customers while others have only hand sanitizer without buckets with running

COVID-19: Anambra State to introduce economic stimulus package

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HE Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development has announced that the state government will soon introduce an economic stimulus package to help cushion the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the people.

According to Mr Mark Okoye, “this is already being worked on.

So far, fortunately and unfortunately, Lagos is the worst hit during this pandemic, that has strategically positioned them from a funding stand point with a N10bn grant from the Federal Government, with banks and oil companies building makeshift hospitals, etc”.

Continuing, he said that, “Nigeria is being hit harder than most coun-

tries given the nation’s reliance on one export product. So not only are we dealing with a public health emergency, revenue is likely to drop by 45 per cent. This sets up a pretty interesting situation for all.

“The Governor is not relenting in spite of the challenging fiscal environment. He currently chairs the COVID-19 response committee tackling the pandemic in the state and has demanded a draft emergency multi -faceted economic stimulus package for the people for his review. The economic team is currently working tirelessly on this. The key objective will be to ameliorate the impact of the loss in economic activity on the state and its people, especially the poor and vulnerable”.

POLITICS The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

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Judiciary: Facilitator of, or hindrance to, democracy in Africa?

In this gripping analysis, Media and communications specialist, PAUL EJIME asks a very pertinent question: Is the judiciary in Africa, especially in Nigeria, a facilitator of, or hindrance to, democracy in Africa?

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n political science, the ‘trias politica’ model for the governance of the state, popularised in modern democracy recognises the separation of powers, the division of state powers into three branches - legislature, executive and the judiciary. The idea contrasts with the fusion of powers in the parliamentary system, where the executive and legislative branches overlap.

The ‘tripartite system’ is commonly ascribed to the French political philosopher Baron de Montesquieu, who in his 1748 famous book, ‘The Spirit of the Laws’ espoused the theory of ‘distribution’ of powers. According to him, “When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person or the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner.”

Montesquieu and other political philosophers/scholars made a special case for the judicial arm of government as a critical pillar of the tripod of democracy. He emphasised: “there is no liberty if the judiciary power be not separated from the legislative and executive.” “…There would be an end of everything, were the same man or the same body, whether of the nobles or of the people, to exercise those three powers, that of enacting laws, that of executing the public resolutions, and of trying the causes of individuals.” Specifically, he argued that “the independence of the judiciary has to be real, and not merely apparent.”

It is against this background that we can situate the role or function of the judicial arm of government within the context of the consolidation of democracy in Africa, based on the recent pronouncements by Supreme Courts or Constitutional Councils/ Courts on electoral disputes in a growing number of African countries - Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Guinea Bissau, and counting.

Political historians and legal experts will recall the “twelve two-thirds” legal mathematics in the Awolowo v. Shagari lawsuit instituted by the then opposition leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo against Presidentelect Alhaji Shehu Shagari following Nigeria’s 11th August 1979, presidential election during the Second Republic.

Awolowo had mounted the legal challenge on the grounds that Section 34 A (i) (c)(ii) of the Electoral Decree No 73 of 1977 was not met (winning one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of all the states of the Nigerian federation). The Election Tribunal dismissed his case and the Supreme Court presided by Justice Atanda Fatai Williams in a majority verdict affirmed the decision of the tribunal on 26th September 1979, with Justice Kayode Eso, giving the lone dissenting judgement. That apex court rul-

ing remains a precedent in Nigeria’s jurisprudence.

There have also been numerous equally controversial, judicial pronouncements over electoral disputes since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 after a prolonged spell of military rule. There was the Chibuike Amaechi’s case following the Rivers State governorship election of 2007.

Amaechi had contested and won the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary, but his name was substituted by the party, an action which he challenged in court. That case progressed to the Supreme Court, which on 26th October 2007, ruled that Amaechi was the rightful PDP candidate and therefore the winner of the April 2007 poll, eventhough his name was not on the ballot.

Nigeria’s former labour leader Adams Oshiomhole also ran in April 2007 for governor of Edo State under the Action Congress Party, with which his Labour Party had entered an alliance. PDP candidate Oserheimen Osunbor was declared the winner by the electoral commission, but on 20th March 2008, an Edo State election tribunal nullified Osunbor’s victory and declared Oshiomhole, the winner. A Federal Appeal Court sitting in Benin City on 11th November 2008 upheld that ruling based on several voting irregularities cited during the election proceedings.

In Cote d’Ivoire, the spill-over effects of the 2010/2011 post-election conflict are still festering. While the Ivorian Commission Electorale Indépendante (CEI), had announced provisional results declaring Alassane Ouattara winner of the second round of the 2010 election against sitting President Laurent Gbagbo, the Ivorian Constitutional Council (or Constitutional Court in some African countries), insisted that the CEI had no authority to announce any results, because it had already missed the deadline, and consequently the results were to be invalid.

At the heart of the dispute is article 94 of the Constitution of Côte d’Ivoire which states that: The Constitutional Council shall control the regularity of the operations of the referendum and proclaim the final results of presidential elections. The rest they say is history. Cote d’Ivoire ended up with two presidents and descended into unending constitutional and political crises. President-elect Ouattara is in power with the support of the UN and French Forces while Gbagbo ended up in prison at The Hague after his conviction by the International Criminal Court.

Following the 2007 post-election violence that killed more than 1,000 people in Kenya, the country in 2010, adopted a new constitution, which in addition to entrenching the concept of separation of powers with checks and balances, sig-

nificantly reduced the powers of what had been perceived as an imperial presidency.

The country’s 2013 presidential election in which President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner was eventully settled by the Supreme Court after his veteran opposition rival Raila Odinga challenged the result.

Again, the August 2017 presidential contest between the two perennial political opponents also ended up at the Supreme Court, which this time, nullified the victory of candidate Kenyatta, citing irregularities, and ordered a vote re-run which Kenyatta eventually won.

Malawi, a southern African country, has also not been spared judicial intervention in its national election. The county’s Constitutional Court on 3rd February 2020 declared the election of sitting President Peter Mutharika a nullity. On 12th February the same court threw out Mutharika’s appeal and insisted on a re-run of the 21st May 2019 vote within 151 days. While Mutharika remains in power until a new election takes place, Malawi is in political anxiety.

Voters in Guinea-Bissau also went to the polls on 29th December 2019 to elect their president but it only took the decision of the Supreme Court to affirm the people’s will by rejecting a challenge brought by the runner-up Domingos Simoes Pereira of the ruling party, against the victory of opposition president-elect Umaro Cissoko Embalo. Politial observers fear that that legal victory is unliktely to end the perennial political instability in that country.

Back in Nigeria where the 23rd February 2019 presidential contest involving sitting President Muhammadu Buhari and 72 other candidates also ended up at the Supreme Court at the instance of the main

opposition candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. The apex court upheld the lower courts’ verdicts that declared Buhari victorious and like the presidential poll, several results of the 29 out the 36 states’ governorship elections held on the 9th of March 2019 also received the attention of the Supreme Court.

However, the Supreme Court’s verdicts on the election disputes in the Eastern state of Imo, and the Southern state of Bayelsa stood out, not only for their surprise or shock but also for their potential conseuqences on the polity.

On the Imo poll, the Court of Appeal had earlier upheld the election of PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha, but the Supreme Court on 14th January 2020, overturned that decision and gave victory instead to APC’s Hope Uzodima. The Supreme Court in reaching its decision appeared to rely on the argument by Uzodima’s legal team, which canvassed the addition of votes from more than 300 polling units, which were excluded from the original tally.

Reactions to that Supreme Court’s decision, both local and international are as diverse and varied as those offering them, but more telling is the implication that adding the excluded votes would mean there were more votes cast than the number of registered voters in Imo state (overvoting), which is an infringement of the electoral law. The PDP candidate has since returned to the Supreme Court, seeking a review of the case.

But while Nigerians were still waiting for the final word on the Imo gubernatorial poll dispute, the Supreme Court on the 13th of February 2020 dropped another Continue on P14

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

POLITICS

Judiciary: Facilitator of, or hindrance to, democracy in Africa?

Continued on Page 13 controversial verdict on the 16th November 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa.

That state’s APC governor-elect, David Lyon, and his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, were already preparing to be inaugurated on 14th February, when the Supreme Court nullified their election and ordered the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Nigeria to withdraw the Certificates of Return issued to them.

The Court cited inconsistencies in the qualification certificates tendered by the APC deputy governor-elect Degi-Eremienyo.

The PDP candidate Douye Diri and his running mate Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the beneficiaries of the that Supreme Court’s decision have since been sworn in as governor and deputy governor of Bayelsa state.

The APC has also returned to the apex court for a review of its ruling.

Before then, the Supreme Court had previously intervened in disputes over the governorship elections in Nigeria’s northern state of Zamfara and southern state of Rivers, by upholding the verdicts of the lower/appellant courts that disqualified the APC candidates that emerged from flawed party primaries.

Doubtless, the involvement of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes is well-intentioned and derives from the provisions of national constitutions or electoral laws, but the frequency of such interventions is becoming a troubling ‘new normal’ in Africa, raising a fundamental question whether judicial verdicts, which in some cases, are based on ‘legal technicalities’ can deliver democracy? Or whether through these controversial decisions, the judiciary is playing its role as the bulwark, facilitator or a hindrance to democracy in Africa?

Some might argue that the recruitment process of judges or judicial officers could or do in fact encourage the intervention of the judiciary in politics and therefore, the electoral process. For instance, some constitutions confer on the executive arm of government the power to appoint and dispense with the judges and judicial officers.

Therefore, political interference no matter how subtle, cannot be ruled out.

It could also be argued that the judiciary is not entirely to blame for the hijacking of the political process, more than politicians who stand accused of corrupting the judicial system or “buying” court judgements.

Indeed, it has become fashionable for politicians to undermine or manipulate the electoral process, claim ‘electoral victory’ and then ask aggrieved opponents to go to court to seek redress, knowing that they would ‘get their way’ in the courtroom.

And where do the electoral commissions, the scapegoat of every politician who loses any election stand in this equation vis-à-vis their core function of delivering credible elections and the spiralling costs of elections in Africa? For instance, Nigeria’s INEC is made to attend to more than 800 different legal suits emanating from electoral disputes within one electoral cycle, some of which are deliberately orchestrated by politicians to buy time. The tactic is not only time-consuming but costly and unhelpful to the conduct of credible elections or consolidation of democracy.

But the bottom line is that while the executive and legislative arms of government can afford to falter, and they should not, the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and to whom much is given, they say, much is expected.

According to late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, one of Nigeria’s legal luminaries,

“ “

Their Lordships of the apex courts in any country that practices democracy do not only interpret the law; they make laws. Judges in all cases, and more so on electoral matters, bordering on the control and distribution of coveted state power and national resources, the rule of law and human rights, must be apolitical, independent and beyond reproach described by former Chief Justice Mohammed Bello as “the Socrates of Supreme Court:” “If the legislature is corrupt, you go to the judiciary for redress. If the executive is corrupt you go to the judiciary for remedy. (But) If the judiciary itself is corrupt, where do you go from there?

Their Lordships of the apex courts in any country that practices democracy do not only interpret the law; they make laws.

Judges in all cases, and more so on electoral matters, bordering on the control and distribution of coveted state power and national resources, the rule of law and human rights, must be apolitical, independent and beyond reproach. This is because their judgements are legal precedents that guide the evolution of law and jurisprudence. Hence, Justice Oputa in a famous lead judgement in the Adegoke Motors Ltd. v. Dr Babatunde Adesanya & Anor (1989) emphasised that: “(The Supreme Court verdicts) …are final not because we (judges) are infallible; rather we are infallible because we are final.”

of the judiciary when he insisted, while commenting on the wrongful convictions of the Birmingham Six in 1988, that: “… It is better that some innocent men remain in jail than that the integrity of the English judicial system be impugned.” That view might be controversial but only goes to demonstrate the esteem at which the judicial arm of government is held.

The framers of national constitutions and electoral laws could not have contemplated that the exceptional intervention of courts to resolve electoral disputes should become “so frequent, normal and overwhelming” such that the courtroom will replace the ballot box or render elections inconsequential in a democracy.The trend if unchecked could lead to disillusionment and disenfranchisement of voters. Votes may no longer count if politicians can obtain from courtrooms what they fail to get through the ballot box.

It cannot be over-emphasized, that the judiciary is the light, which dispels anti-democratic darkness. A miscarriage of justice, bias, corruption or transactional justice facilitated by court or the judiciary, is like lighting a candle and hiding it under the bed made of combustible materials. The room and the entire house (in this case, democracy and nation-state), are emperiled!

And God forbid that Their Lordships or the judiciary, the bastion of hope and beacon of light should engage, or become a tool for a catastrophic arson against the state and citizens they have sworn to protect.

It is not for nothing that the statue of justice is depicted as a blindfolded woman (Themis, the Greek Goddess of Law and Justice) holding a sword or scroll in one hand and scales in the other. Under the Greco-Roman mythology, the Scales of Justice represent the balance of the individual against the needs of society and a fair balance between the interests of individuals. The Scroll, on the other hand, represents learning and knowledge; while the Sword of Justice is the active force, a symbol of power, protection, authority and vigilance. The Blindfold, symbolizes Blind Justice, equality, knowing no differences in the parties involved.

While the executives operate from Mansions or Villas, and the legislature from hallowed Chambers, the court is the ‘Temple of Justice,’ and the temple here connotes sanctity and closeness to God! The celebrated British Judge, Alfred Thompson Denning, or Lord Denning, *Paul Ejime is a Media and Communicacould not have been more brutal in defence of the integrity and independence tions Specialist.

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

POLITICS Abia opposition, M ixed reactions have continued to trail publications of allegations of fraud against Senator Theodore Orji and his son, Chinedum Orji. Chinedum is currently the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly.

The media reports were based on a 2015 petition a group known as Fight Corruption: Save Nigeria Group sent to the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing Senator Orji and his son of diverting about N525 billion when the Senator held sway as governor of Abia State between 2007 and 2015.

“According to the details of the petition, such monies were N383 billion revenue from federal accounts, N55 billion from Excess Crude Revenue, N2.3 billion Sure-P, N1.8 billion Ecological funds, N10.5 billion loan from First Bank of Nigeria through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs and N4 billion Loan from Diamond Bank.

The reports also listed N12 billion Paris Club refund, N2 billion Agricultural loan for farmer and N55 billion ASOPADEC funds which the petitioners were received by the Abia State government but nothing could be shown to prove that the funds received were well used.

The reports further alleged that since EFCC has discovered, since it commenced investigations, that the former governor was drawing N500 million monthly purported to be security vote but were “being converted.”

The publication set Abia on edge with many groups calling for the heads of Senator Orji and his son while many other groups rose in stout defence of the accused, asking the petitioners to allow EFCC to conclude its investigations or even proceed to court.

One of the groups pushing for the resignation of the Senator and his son from their current positions to face prosecution, Abians for Equity, has asked EFCC to show serious commitment to the investigation and prosecution of the duo.

In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Okezie Egwuatu, the group reminded EFCC that on many occasions, it was reported that T.A Orji family was being investigated by the agency, but that nothing is usually heard after the said reports, fueling suspicion that the family appears to be above the law.

The group advised EFCC to tidy up their documentary and other evidences against the Orji family and ensure that the family has their day in court as justice delayed is justice denied.

Similarly, another group, Abia Coalition Against Corruption (ACAC), is pressing for the Senator and his son to step aside while investigations are going on.

The group intended to drive home its demand for the resignation of the duo through planned protests marches in Abia and Abuja simultaneously on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

The much publicized protest, however, did not materialize after all and no explanation was given by the sponsors. Even when the planned protest became public knowledge, the National Network for Good Governance ( NNGG), a Civil Society Group, kicked against the protest, saying it would send wrong signals to the world.

“We, however, observed with dismay that a group, which goes by a self- styled name: Coalition Against Corruption, with no known address anywhere across the country, has scheduled to hold a protest on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, to, as it were, offer “solidarity” with the EEFC to continue an investigation against the former Governor of Abia State, Sen. T. A.Orji and his son, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, Speaker, ABIA State House of Assembly,” the group said in a statement endorsed by its President, Comrade Idika Okoro Ibe; Secretary, Comrade Okonta Udeogu Simeon and Publicity Secretary, Comrade.

Matilda Orji Ada. “As innocuous as the position of the aforementioned group may seem, we are, however, worried that its so-called solidarity rally, however well-intentioned, may end up sending the wrong signals to the world to think that a reputable crime and corruptionfighting institution like the EFCC, which has in recent times secured many landmark anticorruption convictions to the applause of the world, is now being assisted, influenced by

out to demonize Senator Orji, family – AUF Opponents and pro-Senator T.A.Orji and his family activists have occupied the Abia political scene, locked in an intense battle of wits since the media published allegations contained in a petition accusing the Senator and his son who currently is the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, of looting about N525 billion state funds. While the opponents are calling for the Senator and his son to resign their various position, pending outcomes of investigation and possible prosecution, those rooting for the T.A.Orji family insist that EFCC will be submitting itself to global ridicule should it succumb to the whims and caprices of those urging it to speed up investigations, even as those close the family are optimistic that the Senator and his son are innocent and would be acquitted at the end of the whole drama. BONIFACE OKORO reports on the growing intrigues that has characterized politics in Abia in the past few days.

•T.A.Orji

public demonstration of hate or condemnation, to do its job!,” the group added.

Other groups that kicked against the protest by the ACAC included the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) and Abia Unity Forum (AUF). Both groups maintained that the protests were malicious manipulations by the opposition in Abia.

President of COSEYL, Mr Goodluck lbem, said in a statement, that protest was found on falsehood. “Our attention has been drawn to a protest (planned for) Wednesday 19 February, 2020 by the opposition in Abia State against our distinguish Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji and his family over a baseless and unfounded allegations by some disgruntled opposition elements who wants to take advantage of our gullible youths and women to cause disaffection and destroy the peace and tranquility being enjoyed by Abians and its residents,” Ibem said.

According to Ibem, only brainless people would believe that a governor embezzled all the money he got while in office and did not discharge any single state obligation with such funds. “Only misfits will write such a petition,” he added.

In its 23-point detailed reaction, the Abia Unity Forum (AUF), in a press statement

signed by its president, Barr. Prince Paul Enyioma Okpanku, Secretary, Barr. Chimereze P. Onuigbo and Publicity Secretary, Ambassador (Comrade) Chidiebere Kanu, the group said the petitioners have not been able to provide any shred of evidence that the Speaker or any of his authentic companies received a kobo from Abia State coffers while his father was Governor.

Giving background to the whole drama, AUF recalled that in July 2015, a group known as Save Abia Initiative forwarded a petition to EFCC with the sole aim of stopping the inauguration of Chief Orji as Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial Zone as he was then elected, on the basis “that he allegedly looted all the N474bn revenue that accrued to the state government in the period between 2011 and 2015.”

“As far as the petitioners were concerned, then immediate past Governor of Abia state did not pay one kobo as salary, did not construct any road or other infrastructure and, indeed, did not defray any cost associated with running the government for that period,” AUF said.

The group claimed that the petitioners and, indeed, the recent report published by some sections of the media also sought to

15 criminalize the collection and use of monthly security votes which they said was N500m per month for 48 months, adding that it was the same security vote that the president and all 36 state governors still collect to date and which was still legal in Nigeria to date.

AUF said the Senator collected less security vote than other three South East Governors then, adding that the funds were duly appropriated by the State House of Assembly.

AUF noted that since the investigation began in 2015, “at all times, “the accused persons presented themselves to EFCC with documentary and other evidence to prove their innocence. No case has been filed in any court against them by EFCC.” AUF also disclosed that the original petitioner has since written EFCC to withdraw the petition and apologized to the former Governor for being misled into endorsing the petition, arguing that since most former governors were under the searchlight of EFCC, isolating the Senator and his son’s case for syndicated publications amounted to “subjecting the targets to media trial only.”

It also added that most of the listed bank accounts with humongous figures attributed to them were fictitious and unknown to the accused persons, stressing that “a court room trial will prove that in due course.”

AUF, however, agreed that one of the accounts listed as belonging to Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji “is actually his salary account opened in 2015 after he was duly elected as Member Representing Umuahia Central State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.

“Whoever released the toxic fake account balances is obviously on a mission to demonize the Senator Orji and his family.

For the accounts actually belonging to the Speaker, we noted that all the transactions in the account were apparently added up and declared as if they are current balances or the sum total of the alleged looted money from yet to be stated sources. If that is not mischief making, we wonder what it is,” the group said.

AUF further disclosed that the major company belonging to the Speaker has been in business since 2001, long before his father became Governor in 2007; and that no single payment, through draft, transfer or cheque deposit, was ever made to the company account from Abia State Government or its contractors; neither did the company transact any business with government during same period. They contended that if such had happened, the petitioners would have provided evidence.

AUF lashed out at those calling for the resignation of the Speaker and the Senator, accusing them of being in league with those trying to “demonize the family for political reasons.” “Otherwise, it is trite to state that every citizen is innocent until proven guilty by a law court, and that no action ought to be taken based on mere allegations,” it countered.

Further accusing these groups attacking the Senator and his son, AUF pointed out that “the recently convicted Senator representing Abia North Constituency, Orji Uzor Kalu, was under criminal trial by a court when he got the ticket of the APC to run for the seat. Not even one of those now posturing in public complained or even whimpered in protest. Even after his conviction, he is yet to resign from office and the same people pushing the current resignation argument are yet to publicly ask him to resign.”

“Is it the new normal in Nigeria that whoever is accused of any crime will have to resign his/her office to satisfy sore losing politicians and schemers?” AUF queried.

The state government said it maintains a policy of non-interference in investigations bordering on fraud, neither will it deny people their rights to protest. But it warns that protests in that regard must not threaten the peace of the state.

“We will continue to assure our people that this administration has zero-tolerance for corruption and we believe that every Abian is free to ventilate his views by any means legally possible,” Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu told The Oracle Today in an interaction.

Abians are watching the unfolding drama.

16

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

POLITICS

NASS: Always self, never people’s interests

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

T

he coming of the 9th National Assembly (NASS) - from the ashes of the 8th NASS that’s more an opposition to than a co-partner of the government of the day - evoked the kind of scepticism that attended the time Jesus was recruiting.

Because “Jesus is from a back-water town like Nazareth,” with a population of about 500, Nathanael, who’s with Philip, was doubtful if anything good, like a miracle-performing Jesus, could be ascribed to Nazareth.

The Bible, in John 1:46, records the conversation between Nathanael and Philip, thus: “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?

Philip saith unto him, Come and see.”

As bibleref.com explained, “Nathanael’s question is more than a little sarcastic. He assumes that Nazareth couldn’t produce much of worth, let alone the Promised One. Philip’s response is not to argue, but simply to invite. He knows already that talking about Jesus is nothing like meeting Him in person.”

Though not in the same context, most Nigerians had greeted the inauguration of the current NASS with “nothing good” would come from the chambers. They had past experiences as a guide!

Since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, it’s been the national lawmakers’ endless tales of “let’s serve ourselves instead of the people that elected us into office.”

They advanced this self-interest with unexplained humongous allowances for each legislator; endless renovations of the NASS; purchase of exotic vehicles for their comfort; and passing of bills and resolutions that favoured their positions and pockets.

And what did the lawmakers on both sides of the aisle - the ruling party and the opposition - spare for the people, while they swam in affluence? Untold hardship in all ramifications: unemployment, high cost of living and general insecurity in the land!

So, it would have been a great surprise to Nigerians if members of the 9th NASS - many of whom were in previous sessions - were to toe a different path from their predecessors since 1999.

Let’s take the lawmakers’ craze for new,

exotic vehicles in the midst of foreign cash crunch, and availability of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles to serve as replacements.

In late December 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari, in his first televised Media chat, criticised the plans by members of the 8th NASS to buy 400 new vehicles at over N4.7 billion.

Prior, Buhari had rejected moves for him to deploy N400 million for new vehicles for his fleet because, in his words, “the vehicles I am using are good enough for the next 10 years.”

“If I can turn down N400 million for the presidency - that I do not need any new car because of the economy - I can’t see the National Assembly spending more than N4.7 billion to buy cars, on top of transport allowance they collect,” the President said.

Buhari promised to “look conscientiously” at the budget for transport allowance for the lawmakers that had “gone up to N100 billion,” and revisit the car issue, “and see how we can live within our means.”

Well, Buhari wasn’t able to stop the 8th NASS, led by Senate President Bukola Saraki and House Speaker Yakubu Dogara - who

Boko Haram, Chibok Girls – The political intrigue

By PAULINUS NZEKWESI

W

hen Boko Haram first announced its ferocious presence, the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shetima and Northern Elders called them “a ragtag bunch of impoverished and illiterate folks” radicalized by the teaching of Mohammed Yusuf.

President Goodluck Jonathan was led to believe it was a small matter. The Group, now known as Boko Haram attacked two military barracks and an Airforce base where fighter jets were destroyed. There were reports that airplanes were dropping supplies to the Group.

President Jonathan realized this was no small matter, but the 19 Northern States Governors, led by Dr. Aliyu Babangida of Niger State prevailed on Jonathan to dialogue with and offer amnesty to Boko Haram which he did, but no one came for dialogue or accepted amnesty.

Now Jonathan set after Boko Haram.

Northern elders and politicians cried out that Jonathan was killing only Muslims and threatened to drag him and the Chief of Army Staff, General Ihejirika to the International Criminal Court. They said that Jonathan was trampling upon the fundamental human rights of Boko Haram members!

General Muhamadu Buhari said that Jonathan had declared war on the North.

On the strength of the above, the issue of Boko Haram evokes some questions: 1. From where did Boko Haram recruit, train and arm their members and established their strongholds, even the Sambisa Forte, that escaped notice of the security agencies?

2.From where do they spring with convoy of vehicles and weapons and where do they usually varnish to that no villager, farmer, hunter, fisherman, palm wine taper a drunkard or a loafer cannot proffer any information about them?

3.There are Emirs, District Heads, Heads of Wards, DPOS, DCOS, Council Chairman, Councilors, State Assembly members, members of the National Assembly, all of whom enter into every nook and cranny of the areas they represent to garner votes, yet, are not able to give useful information to security agencies that could help to fight Boko Haram!

•Chibok Girls

4. What is the power of Boko Haram that has withstood the Nigerian Army for years now?

5. Of all the arrests made of Boko Haram members, is there not one among them that knows something about their sponsors and modus operandi that could help the Army to make a short walk of this insurgency?

6.How is it that instead of prosecuting arrested members of Boko Haram the government of Buhari chose to rehabilitates such high profile criminals and murderers with tax payers money?

Similarly, the Chibok girls’ abduction carries some question tag: 1. Why did the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shetima refuse to relocate the girls to the State Capital, having been requested to do so by the Head of WAEC office in Nigeria?

2. Why is the School authority shifting the figures of the number of girls kidnapped from 200, 234 and 276? Do they not have a register of the girls under their care?

3. On 17 April 2014, the Principal of the Government College from where the girls were abducted, Hajiya Kwambura told the Associated Press that she personally handed the girls over to the “Soldiers” presuming them to be Nigerian Soldiers. But on 27th April, she told the Punch Newspaper that it was her daughter that handed the girls over to

the “Soldiers”. Now, which of these statements is the truth?

4. If her daughter handed her peers over to the “Soldiers”, and the “Soldiers” were there to carry off girls, why was she spared?

5. Most of the released girls could not speak English Language, and yet were sitting for WAEC! 6. Why were the girls so closely protected by the Government that they could not speak to the Press?

7. Why is it that up till date, none of the girls has been able to talk to the Press on their experiences in Boko Haram camp?

The late maximum leader, General Sani Abacha, once said that any insurgency that lasted more than 24 hours has the backing of government, could this be why our gallant young men are being wasted in Borno State, billions of Naira being pumped into a war that has not shown any slightest sign of ending?

Could this explain why instead of prosecuting and executing arrested Boko Haram murderers, they are instead being relocated back into the society? Surely somebody is pulling the wool over our eyes.

•Nzekwesi is Director of Spiritual Programmes Catholic Men Organization (CMO) St. Mathew’s Catholic Church, Karmo – Abuja. He can be reached on 080-68695556

emerged as Presiding Officers in spite of the opposition by the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

But if the 8th NASS acted as an unnecessary counterweight to the policies of the Buhari administration, should the 9th NASS carbon-copy, and even strive to surpass the 8th NASS’ nuances?

Recall that Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila were the lawmakers the presidency and APC rooted for in June 2015, for the positions they now occupy.

Thus, why would the Gbajabiamilaheaded House want to buy 400 exotic vehicles - 2020 models - some costing over N34,000,000 a piece? And to think that the lawmakers rejected the products of Innoson Motors manufactured in Nnewi, Anambra State!

It boils down to self-interest that binds political officeholders. In four years, those vehicles would revert to them at give-away prices. Considering that some lawmakers have been in the NASS since 2003, they would have collected six cars each by 2023!

Nigerian legislators - via bills or resolutions - have never really worked for the people they purport to represent. If otherwise, why is the 9th NASS pursuing immunity for its Presiding Officers?

This pursuit flows from the “Legislative Immunity” that the 8th NASS enacted, to give lawmakers unfettered freedom to say anything - no matter how damaging to individuals, groups or institutions - on the floor of the two chambers.

The 8th NASS also mooted or commenced the amendment of the amended 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, to grant immunity to the Presiding Officers - Senate President, Senate Deputy President, the House Speaker and Deputy House Speaker.

Section 308(1)(a-c) and (2) of the constitution grants immunity to “a person holding the office of President or Vice-President, Governor or Deputy-Governor.”

The essentials of Section 308 are that during the period of holding such office, (a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the person; (b) the person shall not be arrested or imprisoned and (c) no process shall be applied for or issued by any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom the section applies.

Perhaps, sensing obstacles in the passage of the bill by State Houses of Assembly, the NASS has extended the “immunity” to the Principal Officers - Speakers and Deputy Speakers - of the 36 States of the Federation.

If the Bill passed, Nigeria will now have 150 public officeholders that enjoy immunity from arrest, forced appearance and prosecution in court - either for civil or criminal proceedings - while in office.

The worry is, if the trend isn’t checked, the NASS, in the pursuit of the principle of Separation of Power, and “Co-equal” of the three arms of government, will extend the privilege to the Judiciary.

This will benefit the Chief Justice of Nigeria, President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judges of the State High Courts and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), President of the Customary Court of Appeal, and Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal.

And what stops the Chairmen and ViceChairmen of the 744 Local Government Areas and Area Councils from agitating to be granted the constitutional immunity?

It’s a vicious circle that would further the alleged impunity in the executive branch of government, which has necessitated the calls for abolishing of immunity in the constitution.

Instead of tackling this request - and faced with a yawning gap in legislation to better the conditions of Nigerians - the 9th NASS members have engaged in the preservation of class interests. And nothing good has yet to come from the chambers!

•Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

17

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

POLITICS

The politics of homecoming in Imo State

By COLLINS UGHALAA

T

he impression given out in the media exchanges by former Governor Emeka Ihedioha and his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over his aborted homecoming on Thursday, March 12, 2020, is that he is being victimised for the political exigencies of the incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma.

The former Governor and his handlers go on to make the impression that he has been exiled from the state by the incumbent government. The claim was reinforced by the State Secretary of the party, Hon. Nze Ray Emeana, on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday morning, March 13, 2020. He claimed, among other things, that Ihedioha was banished from the state.

The true position of things on the ground in the state does not agree with the mindgame as played by the PDP and the former Governor. This has been reiterated by several commentators in the state and beyond who insist that the PDP may be playing to the gallery with the claim of banishment.

Even among the chieftains of the PDP, there is sharp disagreement on the claim.

Some say that the party hierarchy played into the hands of their opponents, the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Others say that the arrangements for the return of their leader were mismanaged by the party hierarchy and some other interests.

It is common knowledge that the former governor was billed to return home after being away for close to two months, since January 14, 2020. He left actually on 12 Jan. The party and his supporters decided to give him a heroic welcome. It is difficult to think that anyone would ordinarily have a problem with any sort of welcome given to anyone, especially a former governor. But in this case, while the plans for the heroic welcome was going on, the police in the state said they had intelligence report that “some group of persons have concluded plans to use the intending return or visit of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha to Imo State to foment trouble and cause breach of public peace in the state”.

It could be presumed that the state government, through its own intelligence gathering mechanism, might have got the same or similar intelligence report. In a press release by the Chief Press Secretary/SA Media to the Governor, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, on Wednesday, March 11, the state government said that they were “aware of plot by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to stage protests tomorrow, Thursday, during which they will again pour insults on the Supreme Court Judges for refusing to reverse their earlier judgment on the Imo governorship case.”

Mr. Nwachuku added that “The government is fully aware of the plan by the PDP to hide under the guise of welcoming ousted Governor Emeka Ihedioha back to Imo to stage the protests. Their plan is to make it look like Imo people trooped out to welcome him and hide under that cover to display placards condemning the Supreme Court Justices for refusing to reverse their judgment in favour of Ihedioha and the PDP….

“From the airport they plan to proceed to Owerri, the state capital to continue with the protests….

“Government is also aware that they have

imported thugs from neighboring states for this purpose because the few members left in their ranks cannot make the impact they crave for.”

Arguments on the matter are that no serious minded government or governor would ignore serious intelligence pointing to possible breakdown of law and order. Thus, it behooves the governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to act in such a manner as to maintain public peace and further secure the lives and property of the citizens of the state.

But did Governor Hope Uzodinma banish Ihedioha from the state? Did the police ban the PDP and their supporters from receiving their leader? Evidence points to the contrary.

Spokesmen of the governor insist that instead of behaving arbitrarily, the state government had called on the security agencies to take note of alleged plot by Ihedioha and the PDP and take necessary steps to ensure that there was no breach of peace in the state.

The state government also reiterated that “Imo people cherish the peace which the coming of Governor Hope Uzodimma has brought to them and will not take kindly any act geared towards truncating it, more so if such acts are deliberate.

With a governor that claims responsibility for public peace, the state government added that it would “no longer tolerate unbridled affront on constituted authorities in the name of the exercise of freedom of expression,” noting that “there must be an end to every litigation and that of Imo governorship tussle which came to an end on 3rd March 2020 cannot be an exception.”

The State Police Command speaking through its Public Relations Officer, SP Ikeokwu Godson Orlando, the Imo State Police Command consequently banned rallies and assemblies in the state, saying “there should be no rally, gathering or assembly of any kind in relation to the visit.”

It stated that the reason for the ban on rallies and assemblies was “to avoid such being hijacked or used by mischief makers to cause such rallies, gathering or assembly to snowball into breach of peace.” The police also warned the supporters of both the PDP and the APC, the former governor and the incumbent to maintain decorum and law and order.

In spite of the foregoing, there are complaints in the media as to how a reception for a cherished leader by his people could become violent or disrupt peace and order in the state. The PDP claimed that it had organized protests before and did not take to violence.

Several persons have pointed at a number of scenarios. The state government cited a statement made by the former governor recently.

“From the statement released by Ihedioha after the refusal of the Supreme Court to reverse its earlier judgment, where he said that the Judges of the Apex Court will not go unpunished, it was obvious that he was still up to some ... This planned protest is only part of it”, said the APC. The party pointed at another scenario, saying that on Wednesday, March 4, then Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, in an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, vowed that the PDP, Ihedioha and their supporters would not recognize Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State, describing him as “a Supreme

•Emeka Ihedioha Court-imposed Governor of Imo State”, adding “that is what he would remain for the period he would be in office”.

There is also the issue of creating two governors in the state at the same time, a kind of putting two captains on one ship. The PDP had mounted large billboards where it boldly described Ihedioha as the People’s Governor. During his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Nze Ray Emeana referred to Ihedioha either as governor. He added that though Uzodinma was imposed on the state by the Supreme Court, the people of the state were free to choose their Governor.

These scenarios, coupled with the police intelligence and the allegation that some thugs were hired, was enough for the police to stop rallies and protests.

On the other hand, some people claim that the PDP has forgotten recent history.

They argue that the party wanted Governor Uzodinma to accept what they did not accept when they were in power in the state.

According to this school of thought, following the activities of the assets recovery team set up by Ihedioha and the skirmishes that accompanied it, Ihedioha’s predecessor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, had returned to the state on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, and addressed his supporters. He was quoted in the media to have said that he was giving Ihedioha what he termed the last warning over his “intimidation of Imo citizens.”

According to media reports, Okorocha said: “I have returned back. Everywhere will be calm. It is time to know who is stronger.

You think I am not hearing what is happening. I am hearing but I just keep quiet. I hear how they are destroying my projects. It is not my fight. It is the fight of God.” The state government then led by Ihedioha did not take lightly the reception given to Okorocha and the statements he was quoted to have made. The next time Okorocha

was billed to return home, the PDP and the state government had mobilized thousands of youths to the Sam Mbakwe Airport. The crowd led by Hon. Uche Onyeagucha arrived Sam Mbakwe Airport and waited for Okorocha’s arrival. Okorocha deferred his return but never claimed banishment.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the airport, Onyeagucha said: “We heard that Rochas said he was coming to Imo State today. That was why we asked you all to come together, ka kpokirikpo gbaa n’ihu n’ihu.”

“We are proud of the way you responded.

We directed each local government chairman to come with his people. We have waited for him till 1pm. But we cannot postpone this fight. We are aware that he might have boarded a flight going to Enugu, Port Harcourt or Asaba. But that won’t save him. If he likes let him run to Ogboko, we will pursue him to Ogboko. If he likes let him run to Spibat, we will pursue him to Spibat. If he runs to his house beside Concorde Hotel, we will pursue him to that place. What we are sure of is that he must leave Imo State, so that we would rebuild it for keke drivers, okada riders, civil servants and traders, youths, children, the aged and pensioners and for even the dead.

“But since we have waited till now and he hasn’t returned, I want to beg you, the matter is not over yet. I want all of us to go back home. We will proceed to IICC. We will sit there and wait, to find out whether he had diverted to Port Harcourt, Asaba or Enugu, in order to come by road. But by whatever means he is coming, once we get the information, we will pursue him to that place. Even if he is in a hotel, we will meet him there.”

The question stakeholders ask is when the political gladiators will sheet their swords, put the past behind, unite and focus on building the state.

18

The Oracle Today Sunday 16 - 22, 2020

POLITICS

Uko: Tackling Abia’s salary arrears palaver seamlessly Biometric verification of pensioners in Abia State took place from March 16 – 27, 2020, across the 19 sub-treasuries in the state where the Senior Citizens trooped out to be captured electronically. All who participated could now relax as they are confirmed as genuine pensioners. Those not captured and have not shown up at the Ministry’s headquarters to be captured would now be tagged as ghost pensioners, or technically, “irregular names.” This is part of measures to ensure regular salary and pension payment in Abia, reports BONIFACE OKORO

•Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Information, Abia State

FOR the Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Dr Aham Uko, the conduct of the verification exercise is a dream come true.

After his swearing in as Commissioner for Finance on October 16, 2019, Uko outlined measures to tackle the nagging issue of salary and pension arrears. It was a touchy issue at that time. As at then, pensioners were grappling with 24 months arrears while that of civil servants ranged from three to 11 months.

“I will ascertain if we actually have that number of pensioners and civil servants in the state. The implication is that I will spearhead a reform and ensure that imaginary pensioners are taken out of our books. Let’s know who are the true pensioners and let them be the ones to demand for their pension,” he said in an interview after his inauguration.

He has kept to his vision. Today, Uko is on the path of addressing the salary arrears in Abia, with the support of the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Since Uko was appointed last October, salary and pension payments have remained stable. But several pensioners have been complaining that they were not receiving their pension alerts from their banks while the Ministry was dancing with numbers in terms of the actual pension bills.

Uko said that when he assumed office,

•Dr. Aham Uk, Commissioner of Finance, Abia State

he met a monthly pension bill of N510 million, and “before we started our manual verification exercise we sieved it, using the officials of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to ensure that they identify for us, their genuine members, and matched it with the records we had from Establishments and asked people to bring their BVN. “We were able to reduce it to N380 million. That was the first payment we made in December. But there were complaints because we found out that there were some people that retired and didn’t go to regularize their retirement at Establishment. They were also genuine pensioners.

“Some were genuine pensioners but they were not registered with the NUP. So we said, everybody should come and those who retired up until February, 2020, should come. By the time everybody came, the monthly pension bill came to N480 million.

“So, we now said let us also dig into the records. We have to get Auditor-General’s figures, not just from Establishment and Pensions, and now remove those who ought to have stopped receiving pensions by virtue of natural consequences. And so, we need to now remove those irregular names so that we get sizeable number of pensioners who ought to receive these pensions.

“So, we now asked every pensioner to

regularize after which the figure given to us now rose to about N540 million (monthly).”

He now set out to correct the discrepancy, most importantly, to determine the actual number of pensioners in Abia through the biometric verification.

“The administration of Ikpeazu decided to conduct a biometric verification of current pensioners in Abia. The benefits are two-fold: one, we need to ascertain who pensioners are because the intentions of the governor is to ensure that from December when we commenced this payment of pension, it will be regular and seamless, going forward.

“And so the government is mindful that there may be some irregular names in the payroll. And so we need to regularize it and update it, particularly those that are not supposed to be on that list, those who have passed on.

“Those who have passed on, ordinarily, their beneficiaries ought not to receive pension on their behalf beyond five years.

For those who have received pensions for two years of three years and they passed on, that means you have two or three more years left. The ceiling is five years for anybody who has passed on. Therefore, we need to update it because we still have names of beneficiaries running upward of 10 years.

“It is important we correspondingly determine the quantum of arrears because as you eliminate irregular names, you eliminate alongside what is said to be arrears in our books. “So, we need to know exactly what is the quantum of arrears to be able to appropriate how we can liquidate it in the coming months,” Uko told newsmen in his office on March 15, 2020, prior to the commencement of the verification exercise.

The Commissioner disclosed that from reports available to his Office, Abia owed N21 billion pension arrears. But he said the amount may climb down after the verification exercise.

“The first implication of the exercise we are doing is that our pension bill as at today, going by the report that we have, is about N21 billion pension arrears. The thing is that if we are able to conduct this exercise, and remove the irregular names, the irregular names will also go with the arrears. If we remove some of these irregular names, don’t be surprised that the arrears will come down to less than N10 billion.

“So, we need to do that so that we don’t keep carrying big figures. By the time we conclude this exercise, the actual number of pensioners and, correspondingly, the arrears will reduce,” he asserted.

One of the advantages of ascertaining the actual monthly pension bill is that it may also pave the way for gradual liquidation of gratuity arrears which have been accumulating over the years.

According to him, the state has mapped out plans toward offsetting the gratuity arrears which include saving money from revenue earnings, in addition to the sum that may be saved through the biometric verification, all things being equal.

“By the time we conclude the exercise, the actual number of pensioners and correspondingly, the arrears will reduce.

“Whatever we now get, all of these savings will translate into what we will now use in paying gratuity. That (gratuity) is a big chunk. We cannot pay all at a go. What we intend to do is that we will be reducing it gradually.

“What we intend to do is that we will be reducing it gradually. If your pension, for instance, is N1.5 million, we can say okay, every month we give you N100, 000. And if we do that, that means that in a year and three months or so, we would have liquidated it.

“When people see that government is committed and doing something, they will show some level of tolerance. I think that if we start that process of the gradual liquidation of whatever is the gratuity arrears, before the end of this tenure, we would have done something substantial,” he explained.

Since he assumed office, Uko has insisted that at the end of the month, “it is good for everybody to go home with something.” This explains the across board payment of salaries to civil servants in Ministries, Departments and Agencies and pensioners. This, relatively, is reviving the Abia economy, and appears to be taking hunger out of the streets.

“When you take hunger away from the streets, crime rates must reduce because that is the beginning of the crime, most times,” he observed.

“Since we came in December, everywhere is quiet; this is because, at least, everybody has something to eat. Sort out that issue of hunger first and there will be tranquility and it will give government the enabling environment to begin to build infrastructure. We are running as fast as our legs can carry us, to make sure that we catch up,” he said.

The salary issue will stabilize if the Commissioner realizes his objective of automating salary payment in Abia, which will make salaries to be paid on or before the 25th of every month as promised by Ikpeazu. That also is in the works.

19

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Lockdown: Nigerian banks activate full electronic capacity

ENERGY Oando pioneers Africa’s oil industry ISO 27001 certification P24

…Fintech firms, online malls sustain transactions

By Sopuruchi Onwuka

T

Insurance Number of insurers to shrink by over half -- Study

P26

AVIATION

larly assess the safety situation in the country and the “impact our ability to serve you.” He said the bank has reactivated it ebola disease era hygiene protocol across branches and equipped bank workers with masks and gloves to enable them serve customers.

While assuring the customers that the bank’s branches would remain open “as long as it is safe to do so,” he hinted that physical transactions at the banking halls might be limited. According to him, “we anticipate that in-person branch services will become limited as more confirmed cases (of COVID-19) emerge and as states take proactive precautionary measures.”

In directing the bank’s customers to the electronic platform, Mr Emeuwa listed all the bank’s mobile and electronic channels for safety and comfort of all parties.

“We have reinforced our platform capacity and are enhancing our processes to ensure you are able to migrate easily to self service on our mobile and online for our personal and business customers.”

CBN Exchange Rates FEBRUARY 23, 2020 Currency Buying(NGN) Central (NGN) Selling(NGN) US DOLLAR 306 306.5 307 POUNDS STERLING 396.117 396.7643 397.4115 EURO 330.6636 331.2039 331.7442 SWISS FRANC 311.609 312.1181 312.6273 YEN 2.7346 2.7391 2.7435 CFA 0.4842 0.4942 0.5042 WAUA 415.9771 416.6568 417.3365 YUAN/RENMINBI 43.5107 43.5823 43.6538 RIYAL 81.5761 81.7094 81.8427 SA RAND 20.2452 20.2783 20.3114

In a separate message, First Bank announced to customers that whereas its branches would remain open nationwide, some branches would be reduced to skeletal functions following the directives for partial lockdown in several States across the country.

“We have implemented all necessary health and safety measures across these branches to keep you safe at all our locations,” the bank declared in emailed messages to customers.

It recommended customers to explore its services at agent locations in their neighborhood as well as other alternative channels during this period.

Other banks including Fidelity Bank, UBA and Zenith also reached out to customers weekend with advisories on how to continue their financial transactions as city lockdowns cast gloomy shadow on the social economy.

The handy electronic platforms and technology applications that now support off-contact banking services amplify the role of small private players play in the time of national emergencies in sustain-

ing trade, commerce and payments across transactions.

Beyond banking transactions, ecommerce platforms have helped people observing social distancing and stay-at-home directives of the government procure basic services and supplies to keep life running.

For instance, Jumia, Konga and other online market platforms are not just making big business in the troubled times, they are also helping traders and manufacturers trapped at home sell products to consumers locked up in their homes.

These online transactions, The Oracle Today reports, also provide huge opportunities for banks to conduct their own businesses with little overhead costs and risk exposure under the prevailing pandemic scare.

Again, the triad of banks, technology developers, and electronic platforms currently forms leaders in social corporate response in ameliorating the pains inflicted by the raging coronavirus pandemic.

he coronavirus plague in the country and the gradual lockdown measures being deployed by authorities are beginning to give momentum to implementation of the cashless policy for commercial transactions.

The situation has amplified the huge value creation in the nation’s underestimated financial technology and online commerce, a sector government has actually neglected to evolve by creative innovations driven by small firms.

The Oracle Today reports that small financial technology players and online commerce platforms currently form a triad with the banking industry to provide electronic channels that would support economic activities, trade and payments as the country begins to succumb to the imperatives of social distancing.

Weekend, all banks in the country pumped out messages to their millions of customers, pledging unwavering commitment to satisfactory services while also advising them to comply with the social distancing measures deployed across the world in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, the pathogen for the dreaded COVID-19 disease.

All the banks, including First Bank, Union Bank, United Bank for Africa, Fidelity Bank, Zentih Bank and numerous others advised their customers and clients to plug into all electronic channels in driving their transactions while staying at home.

In a message personally signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Emeka Emeuwa, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc stated that it is responding the to the pandemic situation “to ensure safety while doing our best to serve you in this constrained environment.”

Mr Emeuwa stated that the bank has raised a task for to regu-

•Tourism

Covid-19: Nigerian airlines risk 853,000 drop in passenger volumes, $170m loss in base P28 revenues e-Platform

Huawei reaches 400m active users, 1.3m developers P29 Money Market

Fidelity Bank profit rose by 24% as PBT hits N30.4bn in 2019 P30

Continued on P 17

STOCK MARKET REPORT AS AT FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP Five Top Trades S/N ZENITHBANK UCAP FCMB FLOURMILL UBA

27,388.62 4,423.00 421,275,510.00 N5,552,493,905.14 N14,268,247,277,020.90 N13,484,039,928,748.50 N0.00

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close JBERGER N22.5 UBN N7.1 ZENITHBANK N19.4 BUACEMENT N36.05 CUSTODIAN N5.45

Current N24 N7.6 N19.85 N36.45 N5.65

Change 1.5 0.5 0.45 0.4 0.2

%Change 6.67% 7.04% 2.32% 1.11% 3.67%

5 Top Losers Coy (By Volume) 112,476,440 64,835,942 59,748,555 50,078,001 34,840,741

Value (N) N2,242,752,012.25 N231,251,833.95 N113,531,200.52 N1,150,862,483.35 N261,598,400.00

NESTLEN NB UACN ACCESS SKYAVN

1242 N51.5 N9 N9.7 N2.91

N1130 -112 N48.45 -3.05 N8.4 -0.6 N9.4 -0.3 N2.62 -0.29

-9.02% -5.92% -6.67% -3.09% -9.97%

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday 5, 2020

ISSN: 2545-5869

The

racle www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

Today

20

VOX POPULI SACRUM

Lame response to predictable plague

T

he disarray that currently overwhelms Nigeria on arrival of the avoidable coronavirus pandemic mirrors a lamentable state of the country’s healthcare and emergency response systems.

From the first case of coronavirus disease involving an unnamed Italian who visited the country on February 25 till the declaration of top government officials as COVID-19 positive last week, it is certain that neither appreciable level of precaution was taken nor contingency plan put on ground at all tiers of government against the virus whose journey to Nigeria started in Wuhan, China since December 2019.

With the description of the pathogen as one the most ruthless novel mutations of coronavirus genii, global health agencies had left no one in doubt about the severity of peril posed by the new coronavirus to humankind given its novel status and proven resistance to all available medicines.

With its rapid spread across China and neighbouring countries including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and the whole Southeast Asia, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the pathogen and the plague it brings-COVID-19- a global pandemic.

A declaration of that nature by WHO becomes the strongest health alert for any living thing; and the stringent contagion containment measures deployed by governments across the world emit stronger warnings for countries and governments to be prepared.

The most frightening alert which transcends official declarations is the cumulative global human toll afflicted by pathogen which is still under study by world’s greatest scientists that form concerts and make frenzied efforts to arrest the virus from inflicting fatalities of apocalyptic proportions.

Given the scary rate of spread, the mortality rate and absence of cure, Nigerian government had ample opportunity and time to mobilize contingency measures to stamp out the pathogen on arrival.

Again, the coronavirus strain has since defied all bandied myths about its weakness against hot climates, black Negro genes and alcohol. From black people afflicted as it spreads across the globe through the large human casualties inflicted on scorching Middle Eastern states to early deaths in Sudan, there was no doubt that coronavirus was a clear threat to Nigeria’s dense population.

Yet, like Patrick Sawyer that brought Ebola to Nigeria, the Italian index case arrived in February and freely passed through port authorities without undergoing any protocol to detect his infection status even when it was clear that Italy was battling the virus with everything it has.

Besides, the index case failed to activate national response mechanism across entry ports to forestall further slips; leading to repeat cases that passed undetected. Today, all efforts being mobilized by private, corporate and public agencies are geared towards containment and possibly avert the worst explosion of the pandemic in the country.

Expectations were that with all global alerts about the pandemic; its signals, characteristics and mode of infection ought to have provided working information for federal government on how to expect and deal with coronavirus outbreak.

Malawi, a poor African country with everything smaller than Nigeria is providing a good proactive example for the continent. Even with no reported case of the coronavirus infection anywhere in the small country, the government has shut it boarders, banned flights, closed all schools and imposed movement restrictions.

Alas, besides regular information updates on the rising number of cases in the country, agencies of the Federal Ministry of Health including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Federal Medical Centres and sister parastatals appear to be increasingly confused on any line of action. It now takes the Central Bank of Nigeria to lead corporate donations into a N120 billion fund to battle pandemic.

The matter is worse in states and local government councils in the

country where hospitals lack basic medical facilities even for primary healthcare services. And apart from executive orders banning movement and closing markets, there is no coordinated contingency plan linking containment measures across local government councils, states, zones and the federation.

The government of Lagos State which has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases is in the middle of building isolation centres with the assistance of corporate donors and federal grants.

It is in the foreground of the prevailing disarray that we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately deploy measures to quickly track, identify and isolate people with risk exposure in well equipped centres where all Nigeria’s medical experts should be assembled to explore opportunities of evolving remedy for the disease.

Whereas we applaud the efforts of the Lagos State government at contagion containment, the state which hosts about 10 percent of the country’s population still needs more help at this critical period to cope with case tracking, facilities and medical supplies.

Again, other states do not need to confront the Lagos situation before putting measures on ground for immediate and future deployment.

The health sector is critical and essential for economic and social wellbeing of every nation. Time has come for governments at all levels to rise to the challenge of elevating our healthcare delivery infrastructure to world standard.

More importantly, there is urgent need for the National Assembly to enact a legislation that criminalizes medical tourism for public officials in the country.

Political office holders and senior civil servants must realize that unless we all have efficient public healthcare system, they cannot escape a time like this.

Our Vision TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values--hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

21

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday 5, 2020

OPINION Coronavirus: How political spin worsens epidemics T

By EVANS OSNOS

he virulent germ we now call the Spanish flu happened to strike at a diabolical moment in the history of politics and propaganda. The previous spring, in April of 1917, the United States entered the First World War, and President Woodrow Wilson launched a dubious campaign to shore up popular support and suppress criticism. He established the Committee on Public Information, whose chairman, George Creel, set out to promote what he called “propaganda in the true sense of the word, meaning the ‘propagation of faith.’ ” Wilson also signed the Sedition Act, which criminalized “disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the form of government” or anything else that might impede the war effort. The government put up posters around the country urging citizens to report anyone “who spreads pessimistic stories.”

In early 1918, the virus—which would eventually kill more people than all the military deaths of both World Wars combined—infected a large number of men at Camp Funston, an Army base in Kansas, and spread rapidly to other bases. As it slipped into the civilian world, publichealth officials “lied for the war effort, for the propaganda machine that Wilson had created,” John M. Barry writes, in his detailed history of the pandemic, “The Great Influenza.” A Navy ship carried the virus to Philadelphia, and sailors started dying, but the city’s public-health director, a political appointee named Wilmer Krusen, dismissed it as “old-fashioned influenza or grip.” As the toll grew, Krusen assured the public that the city was on track to “nip the epidemic in the bud,” and some news organizations became allies in maintaining the façade.

A headline in the Inquirer declared, “Scientific Nursing Halting Epidemic,” when, in fact, local hospitals were collapsing under a crush of new cases. The week of that headline, forty-five hundred and ninety-seven people in Philadelphia died of the flu.

In New York and Los Angeles, officials gave similarly false assurances, until the reality became inescapable. Cities and towns were running out of coffins. The clergy started patrolling the streets with carts, Barry writes, calling on the public to bring out their dead. Eventually, it was named the Spanish flu not because it originated in Spain but because when the king, Alfonso XIII, fell ill, the Spanish press was not bound by restrictions against reporting it.

Throughout history, diseases have posed an unsparing test of political leaders and their fidelity to the facts. According to Howard Markel, a medical historian at the University of Michigan, “From the political to the purely mercenary, secrecy has almost always contributed to the further spread of a pandemic and hindered public health management.” In 1892, the German government hid, and thus exacerbated, a cholera epidemic out of fear that sealing the port of Hamburg would be an economic disaster. In 1982, as AIDS was increasingly identified among communities of gay men, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared it an epidemic, but, when President Ronald Reagan’s spokesman, Larry Speakes, was asked to comment about it during press briefings, he made jokes. (Reagan finally spoke publicly about the disease in September of 1985.)

This year, in the first months of the coronavirus epidemic, governments in multiple countries have tried to shape the truth in order to maintain control and deflect criticism. In China, after Li Wenliang, a doctor in Wuhan, drew attention to the new disease, police criticized him for spreading “rumors.” When he died from the virus, the government censored online posts demanding free speech. Even weeks after the virus emerged and started to spread, the local government in Wuhan ordered news organizations to suppress the information and allowed an estimated five million people to leave the city before it was placed under quarantine, on January 22nd.

Theatrics of Trump’s State of the Union Address

In Iran, the national government maintained as recently as Tuesday that only twelve people had died of the virus, even though a local health official from Qom had told reporters that, in his city alone, fifty people had died from it. In a moment of cruel farce, on Monday, Iran’s deputy health minister, Iraj Harirchi, appeared on television to downplay the risks, even as he coughed and wiped his brow with a towel. That evening, he learned that he had tested positive for the virus.

When the coronavirus reached the United States in earnest, this month, it became entangled, almost instantly, in political posturing and manipulation. On Monday, Rush Limbaugh, on whom President Trump recently bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, told his audience, “It looks like the coronavirus is being weaponized as yet another element to bring down Donald Trump. Now, I want to tell you the truth about the coronavirus. . . . The coronavirus is the common cold, folks.” On Tuesday, as stock markets collapsed around the world, Larry Kudlow, the White House National Economic Council director, told CNBC, “We have contained this. I won’t say airtight, but it’s pretty close to airtight.” Investors were not reassured; stock markets continued to fall, especially after Kudlow’s optimism was undercut by comments from Nancy Messonnier, the head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, who warned Americans to prepare for a period of working remotely, teleschooling, and other measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

By midweek, the Administration was straining to rebut warnings from public-health experts.

Trump tweeted, “Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) & @CNN are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus [sic] look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible. Likewise their incompetent Do Nothing Democrat comrades are all talk, no action.

USA in great shape!” But the concern was coming not only from Democrats. On Tuesday, when Chad Wolf, the acting Homeland Security

Secretary, testified at a Senate budget hearing, he described the death rate from the coronavirus as similar to that of the flu, although, in fact, the coronavirus appears to be more lethal.

Senator John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, rebuked him. “You’re supposed to keep us safe, and the American people deserve some straight answers on the coronavirus, and I’m not getting them from you,” Kennedy said. Facing bipartisan criticism, the Administration asked Congress for an emergency $2.5 billion to fight the coronavirus.

The Administration is also under pressure to fill vacancies that it had created in the government institutions capable of handling such an emergency. During the past two years, it cut the federal ranks of experts involved with infectious-disease emergencies. In February of 2018, the C.D.C. announced plans to stop epidemicprevention work in thirty-nine out of forty-nine countries that it was monitoring and supporting, leaving ten “priority countries.” China was not one of them. In May, 2018, John Bolton, then the national-security adviser, disbanded the global-health-security team at the National Security Council. Top officials left, and the posts were never refilled.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, called on Trump to appoint a “czar” for the federal response—“an independent, non-partisan, global-health expert, with real expertise.” Instead, on Wednesday, Trump appointed the Vice-President, Mike Pence, to oversee the effort. One of Pence’s first moves, according to the Times, was to “tighten control of coronavirus messaging by government health officials and scientists, directing them to coordinate all statements and public appearances” with his office. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the respected director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who has advised six Presidents, told associates that the White House “had instructed him not to say anything else without clearance,” the Times said. (A spokesperson for the Institute denied that report.)

COVID-19 and vile criticism of Buhari

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

T

hose who take the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a plaything - and they seem to be in the majority in Nigeria - certainly had comic reliefs the past week, to strengthen their unbelief in the pandemic.

The leading “thriller” was President Muhammadu Buhari, who many Nigerians had urged to address the nation on the virus that has infected close to 600,000 and over 26,000 deaths, globally as at the weekend. The other “characters” were, at least, two members of the National Assembly (NASS).

First, the NASS lawmakers. I can’t vouch that the first legislator I watched on WhatsApp was a senator or representative, but he’s contributing to the debate on COVID-19, and had difficulty in pronouncing coronavirus. Instead, he repeatedly called it “coronavarsity” - a “Corona University” of some sorts.

I didn’t see in the members a sign that their colleague’s gaffe meant anything serious. But it’s an instant hit on YouTube, where a Nigerian female “blogger” turned it into a sensation.

As for the second lawmaker, his action was the antithesis of the times. Surely, he wore a face mask. But when pressed by nature, he drew down the mask to the jaw level - exposing the nose and mouth - and released a bombshell of sneeze.

What’s the mask meant for? Isn’t it to prevent uncontrolled sneezing and thus the spread of COVID-19? Well, the lawmaker’s action caused laughter rather than a rebuke from his colleagues!

But on Thursday at the Imo State House of Assembly, when a member started “coughing and sneezing,” and some members abandoned seats, and went for their face masks or handkerchiefs, the Speaker, Collins Chiji, ordered him out of the chamber. Two days prior, the Speaker had advised another member to self-isolate after his recent return from the United Kingdom, where the virus infections have affected Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Let’s come to President Buhari. When issues of national importance occurred, Nigerians had

always craved for him to address them not just headlong and timeously, but in person through broadcasts.

The president had not been forthcoming in such critical times. Rather, he would address the matters via his media aides - core professionals and great guys - but who people think do not suffice for Buhari’s voice or image, as the Commander-in-Chief.

In the wake of COVID-19, Nigerians reminded Buhari about the popular address to the nation.

But the president, or his handlers elected to go to Twitter - a platform for the “elite” in the society.

And what did we get? Oh dear! As I write, only a negligible percentage of Nigerians maybe able to recall the message Buhari passed on to an anxious and a frightened citizenry.

But many, through the social media, and by word of mouth, have retweeted, shared and spread - “have you heard what President Buhari said,” as if he committed an awful sin or upbraided Nigerians for calling on him to address them directly on the killer virus.

His offence? That he pronounced COVID-19 as “COVID-1-9,” thereby setting Twitter on fire - the medium he chose to speak to a limited, instead of a wider audience on radio and television.

Many, who assume “infallibility,” jubilated, and judged the scenario as Buhari’s alleged educational deficiency, even as they blamed his media handlers as incompetent in moulding and presenting the president’s image to the public.

Now, the questions: Was Buhari wrong in pronouncing COVID-19 the way he did? Certainly! If he’d been watching the news - just only on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) - he would have grasped the pronunciation correctly.

Does the president’s “faux pas” warrant the attendant glee? Of course! Does it also necessitate the insults on and denigration of his person and character? Absolutely NO! The indulgers went too far.

But who to blame for the fiasco? First, Mr Buhari. He didn’t make, and hasn’t made “speaking to the people” his administrations’ bedrock - as a military Head of State and a civilian President.

In a military dictatorship, that could be excused, as the Decrees the hegemons roll out to hold on to power are louder than voices, and

any breaches command severe consequences.

But not so in a civil regime, whose laws can be flouted under the guise of protecting citizens’ fundamental human rights. So, the leader needs to reach out to, and convince the people.

In his nearly five years in the saddle since May 2015, President Buhari has failed in this regard.

As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect,” which he probably doesn’t fancy.

If he’s been engaging regularly with Nigerians, in flesh and blood, and through broadcasts, mistakes, such as mispronunciation, would be made, and corrections learned along the way.

But not doing so would make any slip the news of the season, and beyond. And exactly what’s transpired aftermath of “COVID-1-9” misspeak that went viral.

Yet, what’s the responsibility of the president’s media handlers in the episode? It’s to ensure that there’re no mistakes in the speech, and its delivery flawless. Were they more attentive, they could have detected the miasma and corrected it before hitting Twitter.

Perhaps they did, but were afraid to point it out, or more interested in getting the message out nonetheless, which, of course, was mired in the hoopla that accompanied the president’s address.

Whichever, the media aides - individually and collectively - should bear the odium of getting Buhari into the public scorn that could be mitigated in an open, and not “secret” address to the nation.

Going forward, they should encourage - they must have done that countless times - and impress it on Buhari the imperative of talking to the people directly. It’s a better and more effective way of communicating his message to the grassroots.

World leaders are burnishing their sagging ratings with COVID-19. Watch how President Donald Trump has turned the virus into advantage through his daily press conference, taking his message to Americans that have awarded him high marks since 2016.

President Buhari may not mimic Mr Trump’s made-for-the-cable braggadocio, but he shouldn’t censor himself from talking to Nigerians, especially at critical junctures, the likes of COVID-19 that’s escalating in confirmed cases in the country.

Buhari’s voice, no matter how some loathe it, serves as the needed direction, and a soothing balm in times of crisis. He should seize that pedestal and address “Fellow Nigerians” regularly!

Last Line: The novel coronavirus has shown that humans are equal. It doesn’t distinguish between man and woman, old and young, black and white, married and single, straight and gay, rich and poor, the able and disabled, and Christian and Muslim.

More importantly, the virus has indicated it’s a “big man” disease, and that our big men and women are afraid to die. But if they must die, let it be in Nigeria, whose rundown health system they’ve wilful neglected. Perhaps, COVID-19 may change all that!

•Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

THE GROUP Managing Editor/COO Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Managing Editor/COO Sopuruchi Onwuka Chairman Editorial Board Igwebike Mbanefo Political/Production Editor Kodilinye Obiagwu SE/SS Editor Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Acting BDM Kelechi Nze Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

22

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

BUSINESS Afreximbank Announces $3bn facility to cushion impact of Covid-19

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

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he African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a $3-billion facility, named Pandemic Trade Impact Mitigation Facility (PATIMFA), to help African countries deal with the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PATIMFA, approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors, will provide financing to assist Afreximbank member countries to adjust in an orderly manner to the financial, economic and health services shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to information released by the Bank.

It will support member country central banks, and other financial institutions to meet trade debt payments that fall due and to avert trade payment defaults, said Afreximbank. It will also be available to support and stabilize the foreign exchange resources of central banks of member countries, enabling them to support critical imports under emergency conditions.

In addition, PATIMFA will assist member countries whose fiscal revenues are tied to specific export revenues, such as mineral royalties, to manage any sudden fiscal revenue declines as a result of reduced export earnings. It will also provide emergency trade finance facilities for import of urgent needs to combat the pandemic, including medicine, medical equipment, hospital refitting, etc.

The facility will be available through direct funding, lines of

credit, guarantees, cross-currency swaps and other similar instruments, according to Afreximbank.

Explaining the rationale for the facility, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it considerable suffering and major economic disruptions.

“Besides its worrying effect on human life, the pandemic is projected to cost the global economy up to $1 trillion and to result in a significant 0.4 percent decline in global GDP growth, which is expected to drop from 2.9 percent in 2019 to 2.5 percent in 2020,” he said.

“A rapid and impactful financial response is required to avert a major crisis in Africa,” he said, pointing out that “Africa is exposed in many fronts, including significant declines in tourism earnings, migrant remittances, commodity prices and disruption of manufacturing supply chains.”

Afreximbank had already seen sharp pandemic-induced declines in commodity prices, a sudden significant drop in tourism earnings, disruptions in supply chains, and closure of export manufacturing facilities, said the President. The impact on medical supplies and medical systems in many markets had also been unprecedented.

He said that Afreximbank would work with multilateral development banks that had put in place financial assistance programmes in order to secure support to help African countries deal with adverse external shocks and crises arising from the pandemic.

COVID-19: NNPC, Seplat, Shell, Total, 30 oil firms donate $30 million to FG

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Petroleum Company, Dansaki Petroleum Development, Eroton Exploration and Production Company, among many others.

The GMD, who stated that Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) donated N120 million for the provision of 36 ventilators and 1,500 coveralls, while MRS donated 2,000 test kits, 1,000 coveralls and N100 million for acquisition of ambulances, added: “Matrix Energy provided N360 million for necessary medical equipment, Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) provided 50 ventilators and OVH Energy 200 ambulances for use.

He said: “Also, Eyrie Oil donated 1,500 coveralls and laboratory equipment for one diagnostic centre, Wien, test kits and lab equipment; Bono, Mocoh and Levene oil donated N18 million each.

In recognition of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian population and economy, the Nigeria oil and gas industry under the leadership of the Mele Kyari has embarked on an industry- wide collaborative intervention initiative to combat the pandemic and its attendant impact.

The intervention initiative is in alignment with the ongoing Federal Government’s efforts and in collaboration with the NCDC to curb the pandemic.”

COVID 19: First Bank chooses to solve education challenges facing parents

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he CEO of FirstBank Dr. Adesola Adeduntan has announced that the Bank in partnership with government and other stakeholders is extending its attention to immediate needs in our society in the face of the widespread COVID-19 by putting in place complementary efforts in education to support students and minimize the disruption to education resulting from schools’ closure.

This is following the activation of the Bank’s Business Continuity Process and subsequent deployment of safety initiatives and measures implemented across its business outlets nationwide, to help flatten the curve and ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff customers and other stakeholders.

Dr Adeduntan explained that many parents are concerned about children and wards whose education is truncated by the current crisis and are particularly worried about keeping children at home idle as all schools from primary through to tertiary institutions are closed across the nation. Emphasising the urgent need to ensure that our children are not disadvantaged, remain engaged

and stay safe during this period, he announced the Bank has concluded plans with the necessary authorities to enable as many children as possible access e-learning.

Speaking on the initiative to enable as many children move on to safe elearning, Dr Adeduntan said “we are warmed by the fact that different organizations have risen to the various challenges and are supporting in areas such as health and welfare, and we feel the peculiar needs of our children and youth must not be left out and have therefore elected to focus on contributing to solving the current education challenge. Education remains the bedrock of any society and we believe that when we educate our children we enable our nation and produce global citizens who provide ground breaking solutions for the continent and the world at large.So, building educational partnerships is an avenue to support our children to remain resourceful and fully engaged at this time so they can compete favorably with their peers internationally. It’s a responsible approach to empower them given that they are our future and the founda-

tion to build our country to greatness. By partnering on this we are solving a problem for families and for our future.”

To this end, we are working with the States; United Nations Global Compact; innovative technology firms such as Robert & John to provide e-learning solution with the Government approved curriculum for students across the country. The roll out begins first week in April starting with Lagos State where FirstBank will support the roll out of Roducate which has been adjudged a best fit solution by educators, teachers and all necessary authorities. This solution has the full curriculum on both the online and offline versions with the offline version of particular interest as it eliminates the challenge posed by data affordability.

We call on well-meaning organisations and individuals to join us and collectively rise to address the challenges this current pandemic presents to our children and youth and are reaching out to other organisations with complementary solutions to also partner on this initiative for the youth who are our future. They must not be lost in this pandemic’.

Lockdown: Nigerian banks activate full...

Continued from P 17 Mr Emeuwa stated in a corporate message to Union Bank customers that apart from being part of the Bankers Committee of the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19, the bank has also separately donated over N50 million in assisting technology companies assist government agencies scale up testing for the virus.

He said the money was donated to a Covid-19 Testing Support Fund set up by 54gene, a research and diagnostic company working with Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to scale up Nigeria’s testing capabilities, which is critical to control and stop the spread.

The one year-old 54gene has launched a $500,000 fund to boost

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and 33 oil and gas companies have contributed $30 million, about N11.4 billion to enable the Federal Government fight Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed that the donation was targeted at supporting healthcare delivery facilities in the nation.

According to him, 33 partners who made the contribution were drawn from the upstream sector, from the Oil Producers Trade Section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group.

The GMD, who said they included, Shell Group of Companies, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, ExxonMobil Group, Total Group, Chevron Group, Eni Group, Addax Petroleum and Aiteo Eastern Exploration, added that they also included Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited, Oando Oil Limited, Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Pillar Oil Limited, Platform Petroleum Limited, Shoreline Natural Resources, Suntrust Oil Company Nigeria Limited, Vertex Energy Limited, Waltersmith Petroleum Oil Limited and Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited, Amni International

• Senate House during pleanary

local testing capacity for coronavirus, a significant move especially given Nigeria’s alarmingly low number of tests.

Also Lifebank, a small health technology services company that finds and delivers blood to patients has turned its attention to seeking critical medical equipment for Covid-19 treatment and has created a national register to track hospitals with working ventilators and respirators.

The efforts of the company have inadvertently plugged gaps in Nigeria’s biggest healthcare shortcomings, with fewer than 100 ventilator units counted by Lifebank across the nation.

On its own, a hotel booking platform, Hotels.ng, is now working with some hotels to create isolation centers across Nigeria, an add-

ed buffer for the country’s limited quarantine facilities.

Popular online market provider, Jumia, has apart donating face masks to health ministry personnel also offered its logistics network to distribute health products for local authorities.

Ventures Platform, a local VC firm, has also partnered with the Lagos science and research agency to find and fund innovative techbased solutions that tackle coronavirus-related issues.

Helping the government fight a damaging pandemic might be seen as a low-hanging PR opportunity for some of these startups but ultimately, their actions will impact ordinary Nigerians for whom aid might have been otherwise out of reach.

23

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

BUSINESS Sterling Bank reports 15% growth in net profit in 2019

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terling Bank Plc, a full-service national bank, has reported an audited profit after tax (PAT) of N10. 6 billion on gross earnings of N150.2billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to a net profit of N9.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2018, representing a growth of 15 percent.

Commenting on the financial performance, Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sterling Bank said, “In the final quarter of 2019, our relentless commitment to improving education through micro banking was rewarded with ‘The Banker’s Award for Banking in the Community’ on the global stage by the Financial Times of London.”

He said the bank was also ranked ‘top 3 banks in retail’ by Nigerian consumers in a KPMG banking survey - a major accomplishment for the brand and overall, the bank delivered a 15 percent growth in profit after tax to N10.6 billion as at December 2019.

According to Mr. Suleiman, the bank recorded an increase in gross earnings, driven majorly by growth in fees and commissions by 24.3 percent, despite a steady loan base as it continues to diversify into key sectors of focus and a decline in trading income.

In 2019, the bank delivered more than 200 percent increase in loans to its retail and consumer segment with its Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR) above the regulatory limit all year round.

Notably, the bank’s digital lending product continued to set the trend with more than N45 billion disbursed to more than 50,000 customers. Also, interest expense declined by 10.9 percent driven by a 19.4 percent year-on-year increase in low-cost deposits as the Bank continues to grow its Retail & Consumer base, resulting in a 110 bps drop in the cost of funds and consequently, a 130 bps increase in net interest margin.

According to the CEO, the Bank’s cost-to-income ratio remained relatively flat year-on-year, even as operating expenses grew on the back of staff salaries and wages and spend on technology infrastructure as well as digital platforms.

Mr. Suleiman said the bank grew its deposit base by over N130 billion in deposit during the 12-month period, representing over 75 percent growth from its 2018 performance of about N75 billion, and shareholders’ funds grew by 22.2 percent at the end of the year.

Analysis showed that in comparison with its peers, Sterling delivered the highest percentage growth in terms of savings deposits and 2nd highest in terms of total low-cost deposits.

He also noted that investments in technology have also allowed the bank to continuously record steady growth in the instant payments market contributing to the bank’s transactional revenue. Also, the bank has continued to see traction in machine supported transactions, driven by the adoption of its digital channels. As a direct result, Sterling’s NIBBS Instant Payments (NIP) transaction volume grew by 78 percent compared to the previous year, faster than the industry growth while recording the fastest growth in Fees & Commission income in comparison with its peers.

Nigeria’s credit rating sinks further

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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ust few weeks after being downgraded by Fitch from B+ credit rating into the risk zone, another global rating agency, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), has also downgraded Nigeria’s credit rating from earlier “B/B,” further into junk category with a B- rating.

The downgrades take calculation of the country’s weak foreign exchange income projections and external position as the prices of crude oil and natural gas which jointly account for over 90 percent pf the country’s foreign exchange receipts take a deep plunge.

The Oracle Today reports that global benchmark prices for Nigeria’s crude oil grades have taken a dive below the $30 per barrel range, cutting the country’s financial projections by almost half and forcing the government’s economic planners to revisit the 2020 fiscal plan for the country.

Following the global energy demand fall imposed by city lockdowns brought about by the raging coronavirus disease across the globe, the oil

market is currently suffering unprecedented glut and price competition as producers scramble for deals.

Besides, Nigeria is neck deep in debts following a slew of borrowings by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari which has weakened the country’s capacity to service existing debts and even implement its fiscal plans.

Following the country’s predicament, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Nigeria further into junk territory just as the nation prepares to issue its first Eurobond since 2013 amid low oil prices and severe shortages of foreign exchange.

Standard and Poor’s lowered Nigeria’s rating one level to B, five levels below investment grade and in line with Kyrgyzstan and Angola.

Under the American financial services company’s rating, the ‘B’ rating is more vulnerable than the ‘BB’ rating, even though the sovereign has the capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, adverse business, financial, or economic conditions would likely impair the country’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments.

Nigeria’s long-term rating was low-

ered from B to B- and S&P said the FG’s policy responses are unlikely to be enough to mitigate the effect of lower oil prices which will hurt Nigeria’s external and fiscal positions and put further pressure on the foreign exchange reserve.

Junk bonds are typically rated ‘BB’ or lower by Standard & Poor’s; B is a notch lower than BB and a speculative grade. S&P had in early March lowered its outlook on Nigeria from “stable” to “negative” after Moody’s and Fitch slammed lower ratings on the country.

The latest down grade of B-, is only one notch above CCC which would mean that Nigeria is currently highly vulnerable to non-payment and S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

The latest downgrade came after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board adopted some immediate enhancements to its Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) to enable it provide debt service relief for its poorest and most vulnerable members in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, which has taken a huge toll on the global

Bears maintain dominance of equities market

By Kayode Ogunwale

T

he domestic equities market maintained its downtrend last week, despite recording gains on 3 of 5 days during the week.

Consequently, the benchmark index fell 1.5 percent to close at 21,861.78 points. As a result, year to date return fell to -18.6 percent while investors lost N174.8 billion as market capitalisation declined to N11.4trillion.

Activity level waned as average volume and value traded fell 48.3 percent and 54.2 percent respectively to 290.2millio units and N3 billion.

In terms of volume, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank led the chart while Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank and Nestle Nigeria led by value.

Performance across sectors was bearish as only 2 of the 6 indices under our coverage gained week on week. The Consumer Goods index led the losers’ chart due to losses in Nigerian Breweries, Dangote Sugar, Nestle Nigeria. The Oil & Gas and AFR-ICT indices trailed on the back of sell-offs in Total Oil, Conoil and MTNNigeria.

Similarly, the Industrial Goods index declined due to price depreciation in WAPCO. On the other hand, price appreciation in Wapic Insur-

ance, NEM Insurance, Sterling Bank and Access Bank pushed the Insurance and banking indices northward.

Meanwhile, analysts at Afrinvest believed that the market would continue on a downtrend due to a weak and uncertain economic environment.

However, the global economy and financial markets continue to reel from the unprecedented negative impacts of COVID-19 with early estimates of economic indicators suggesting an imminent global recession.

Last week, the total number of active cases rose to 462,684 from 209,839, with the number of deaths increasing to 20,834 from 8,778 across over 150 countries and territories. The US is now the epicenter of the virus as the number of cases has surpassed the count in China and Italy at 81,321 and is still rising fast.

With the implementation of social distancing measures in the US, the number of people that filed jobless claim in March rose to 3.3 million, the highest on record. The outsized role of the US in the global economy, means that the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 would continue to bite hard. Global leaders continue to respond to the crisis, with a $5.0tn stimulus announced to support the economy during the G-20 summit

that was held on March 26, 2020.

Performance across the developed markets was positive across board.

In the US markets, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ advanced 10.7 percent and 10.2 percent week on week respectively following rounds of economic stimulus provided by the US government.

In the BRICS market, performance was bullish as 4 of 5 Indices under our coverage trended higher. Brazil’s Ibovespa index led the gainers, up 11.5 percent week on week, while South Africa’s FTSE/JSE All share index closely followed with a 6.6 percent rise week on week. In Russia, the RTS index gained 3.9 percent week on week while China’s Shanghai Composite advanced 1.0 percent week on week.

In the African market, performance was bearish as 4 of 6 indices as Kenya’s NSE 20 and Nigeria’s All-Share indices led decliners with losses of 5.3 percent and 1.5 percent week on week respectively.

Similarly, Ghana’s GSE Composite and Mauritius SEMDEX indices slipped 0.8 percent and 4 basis points week on week in that order. On the other hand, Egypt’s EGX 30 and Morocco’s Casablanca MASI indices rose 7.7 percent and 1.4 percent week on week respectively.

economy.

The IMF noted that although the greatest health impact had been in advanced economies, emerging market and developing countries, especially low-income countries, would be particularly hard hit by a combination of a health crisis, a sudden reversal of capital flows and a sharp drop in commodity prices.

To this end, the Fund said “many of these countries need help to strengthen their crisis response and restore jobs and growth, given foreign exchange liquidity shortages in emerging market economies and high debt burdens in many low-income countries.”

The CCRT enables the IMF to deliver grants for debt relief benefitting eligible low-income countries in the wake of catastrophic natural disasters and major, fast-spreading public health emergencies. The COVID-19 outbreak and the associated global economic turmoil, according to the Fund, created a critical need to support the Fund’s membership, including exceptional balance of payments support for the poorest members especially impacted by the pandemic. According to the Washington based agency, well-targeted support would allow these countries to prioritise medical spending and healthrelated as well as other immediate needs in the challenging economic environment, characterised by sharp declines in income, lost revenue and higher expenses.

“In that context, the IMF Executive Board has approved changes to the CCRT that expand the qualification criteria to better cover the circumstances created by a global pandemic and to focus on delivering support for the most immediate needs. Specifically, the decision will allow all member countries with per capita income below the World Bank’s operational threshold for concessional support to qualify for debt service relief for up to two years. This would apply when a life-threatening global pandemic is inflicting severe economic disruption across the Fund’s membership and is creating balance of payments needs on such a scale to warrant a concerted international effort to support the poorest and most vulnerable countries,” the Fund said in a statement yesterday.

The IMF has also launched a fundraising exercise that would enable the Trust to provide about $1 billion for the current pandemic. The Managing Director of IMF, Kristalina Georgieva has called upon the Fund’s economically stronger member countries to help replenish the CCRT, which had only $200 million available for the world’s poorest countries.

“The UK has responded with a pledge for £150 million ($183 million).

Other donors, including Japan and China, are also coming forward with important contributions. “The IMF’s revamped Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust can now provide rapid debt service relief on IMF debt obligations to more of our poorest and most vulnerable members. This will help them to channel more of their scarce financial resources to their vital emergency medical and other relief efforts. Furthermore, we are calling on donor countries to replenish the Trust’s resources to help boost our ability to provide additional debt service relief to our poorest member countries,” Georgieva said.

The CCRT allows the IMF to support international debt relief efforts when poor countries are hit by severe natural disasters or battling public health crises—such as the current coronavirus pandemic—with grants for debt service relief

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

ENERGY

Oil price crash: $70 bn deepwater oil projects threatened T

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

he prevailing plunge in the prices of petroleum in the international market has raised commercial risks that currently threaten nearly $30 billion of N10.8 trillion worth of deepwater development projects in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

The Oracle Today reports that International Oil Companies (IOCs) that hold substantial deepwater assets in the country’s petroleum industry are yet to take final investment decisions (FIDs) for a total of seven development projects that could confer Nigeria with additional production capacity of 875,000 barrels of light crude oil per day.

With the seven deepwater development projects already sanctioned, FID on them would entail capital importation of over $70 billion or N25.2 trillion in the country’s upstream petroleum industry alone. And if the new field developments scale investment decisions and project stages, Nigeria could be pumping about 1.925 million barrels of crude oil and condensate from the deepwater province by 2022.

However, not all the approved deepwater development projects are in front burner, but all of them are at risk if the prevailing low price cycle becomes the new normal in the export market.

Some of the planned development projects currently threatened by oil price fall include the $10 billion Bonga Southwest-Aparo deepwater field operated by Shell in collaboration with Stardeep, the deepwater business arm of Chevron in Nigeria.

Another deepwater development project, whose investment decision is now a subject of commercial gamble under the prevailing low price cycle, is the controversial Zabazaba-Etan field operated by Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE), the deepwater business unit of Eni in Nigeria. NAE operates the field in partnership with Shell.

Zababzaba-Etan development project holds investment potential of about $12 billion or N4.32 trillion.

Also, Total which is optimizing production infrastructure at operated oil mining lease (OML) 130 deep offshore Niger Delta might also hold back investment on planned development of Porewei field in the oil block where bigger fields including Egina and Akpo are currently producing at full capacity.

The Porewei field development which is designed as quick win project that would tie-back subsea wellheads to any of the proximate floating production vessels in the block is largely seen as optimization project that would cut development cost by half.

However, over $5.0 billion or N1.8 trillion is estimated for the project.

Together, the three development projects and another gas project listed for Shell command estimated combined investment of over $30 billion or across two years to 2022.

The projects fall into the list of many of Africa’s largest planned offshore projects that now stand the risk of delay because, according to Rystad Energy, prevailing oil prices fall below their breakeven costs.

The industry investment advisory which has been pumping out gloomy notices to players stated that Bonga Southwest-Aparo project, the Zabazaba-Etan project, the Porewei project and the HA gas project in Nigeria are now axed by low price cycle in the export market.

Rystad Energy estimated that the Nigerian deepwater projects demand a minimum oil price range of between $42 per barrel and $59 per barrel to make commercial sense, pointing out that about 1.3 billion barrels of booked reserves in the Nigerian

deepwater is currently uneconomic!

According to the company, the 630 million barrels Bonga Southwest-Aparo with estimated $10-12 billion development budget would need a market price of $58.75 per barrel to reach an investment decision. The 510 million barrel Zabazaba-Etan with estimated $12-15 billion development budget would require an average market price of $45.95 per barrel to achieve final investment decision. And despite the cost advantage of not needing separate gloater to come online, development of the Porewei deepwater field with reserves profile of 145 million barrels still needs market price average of $43.30 per barrels to make commercial sense.

Besides, other approved project plans lined up behind the current ones might suffer similar fate should there be delays in reviving global fuel demand to support prices out of the current lows.

According to documents available at the corporate planning division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) the Bonga deepwater field development comes with production capacity growth for 225,000 barrels per day.

Again the Zabazaba deepwater field development, when commissioned, comes with nameplate production capacity for 250,000 barrels of light sweet crude oil per day.

Bonga Southwest and Aparo development was originally sanctioned by Ministry of Petroleum Resources to come online by this year using a stand-alone floater with nameplate production capacity of 225,000 barrels per day.

Development budget of about $10 billion or N3.6 trillion captures sub-

sea facilities; risers; floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel; and single point mooring buoy (SBM).

Shell and partners including Chevron, Total, Eni and Sasol severally called off FID that was expected to pave way for funding outlays and launch the field development into project stages. Although the partners have regularly restated their resolve to deliver the project, they were not able to do so until prices took a plunge.

Next is also the Shell operated Bonga North field also located northwards of Bonga Main in OML 118 in the deep offshore. The field was also scheduled to start producing 100,000 barrels per day by this year but the investment decision could not be reached.

Budget is estimated to hover around $10 billion or N3.6 trillion if a separate floater would be required.

However, the estimate is to fall by over 50 percent if production from the new development is to be tied back via subsea flowlines to the Bonga Main FPSO. The Bonga Main FPSO which started production in 2005, according to an official of the company, is already hosting output from Bonga Northwest.

However, the production vessel might still have space for Bonga North production if there is significant production drop from the maturing field. Bonga Main is Nigeria’s second deepwater field to come into production after Eni operated Abo. However, the Shell operated Bonga FPSO has never reached it nameplate production capacity, making it ready output host from proximate field developments in the deepwater block.

“Bonga Main is currently being regarded as brownfield asset,” our source said, adding that natural production decline after 14 years of production pressure could create space for production from Bonga North.

“As we speak, we are not certain when Bonga North will start production; but I know it will not come ahead of Bonga Southwest.”

ExxonMobil is totally silent on FID for three deepwater development programmes with combined capacity for producing 330,000 barrels per day.

The company which operates exclusively offshore assets in Nigeria holds cards for development of three deepwater fields including Uge in OML 145, Bosi in OML 133 and a group of smaller satellite fields offshore Nigeria.

All the development programmes have no visible budgets and project details even though approvals have been secured from government regulators in the industry.

Whereas the original 2020 production startup has been missed, Bosi field still holds prospect for nameplate production of 140,000 barrels per day when the FID is reached.

Budget might hover around $10 billion or N3.6 trillion given the possibility that an FPSO might be needed.

With the satellite fields which aggregate production from fields proximate to main production hubs, ExxonMobil plans to muster as much as additional 80,000 barrels per day.

Budget is uncertain until full development details are worked out.

The American supermajor also intends to add 110,000 barrels per day from deepwater Uge field, using shared floater with a third party

producer in the marine vicinity located 113 kilometres offshore in water depths of between 800 and 2,000 metres.

Project budget is placed at $10 billion or N3.6 trillion according to industry deepwater cost templates.

However, shared FPSO means that cost sharing will also beat down the figures for parties and government; as well as shore up commercial returns for stakeholders.

Lastly, Chevron’s local deepwater affiliate, Stardeep, is yet to declare FID on operated Nsiko field. Although production start up from the field targeted for 2020 is no longer feasible, Nigeria expects additional 100,000 barrels per day from the Nsiko field which was discovered in 2003.

Chevron and ExxonMobil are partners in the Uge field in OML 145, and the two American companies are already in discussion with other partners to unitize production with shared FPSO for both Nsiko and Uge. The arrangement also comes with cost sharing and lower budget for both development projects.

The Oracle Today reports that the three projects in the front burner are also critical to Nigeria’s short term economic goals of sustaining the role of petroleum revenue in meeting about 90 percent of the country’s total foreign exchange requirement, over 70 percent of total funding support to government’s fiscal plans and about 70 percent of gross domestic product as projected in the 10 year action plan of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Thus, with the risk of shift in the delivery timeline, failed expectations from the planned deepwater projects would now dim the country’s economic outlook by posting signals of acute shortage of foreign exchange revenue.

Unfortunately, the envisaged domestic economic stimulus expected from the projects and the associated local content quotient of the full investment values is becoming a mirage as commerciality of the proposed investments turn negative.

According to Rystad Energy, the Nigerian projects fall among many of Africa’s largest planned offshore projects that look set to be delayed with oil prices falling below their breakeven costs.

The Oracle Today reports that global crude oil benchmark prices have all plunged below $30 per barrel, and Rystad said top upcoming final investment decisions (FIDs) in Africa have a breakeven crude price of more than $45/bbl, with some closer to $60/bbl.

Senior Upstream Analyst at Rystad, Siva Prasad, said “The investments for major planned oil and gas projects will now see a timeline shift or even a spending cut altogether” and cause the continent’s liquids production to decline for much of the 2020s, with a major impact on the budget of some energy-reliant economies like Nigeria.

Rystad estimates that timeline delays for these pre-FID projects could typically cause a 200,000 b/d drop in Africa’s liquids production between 2021 and 2025.

Over the longer term the impact could be much higher, with production set to fall on average by close to 1.185 MMb/d between 2026 and 2030.

Hydrocarbon-producing African nations rely heavily on their oil and gas output to satisfy both domestic energy needs and exports. Nigeria based its 2020 capital budget on plans to produce 2.1 MMb/d of oil this year at a crude price of $57/bbl.

“An extended period of the current price scenario could therefore prove detrimental to the health of these economies,” Prasad said.

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

ENERGY

Oilserv deployed to Lagos pipeline leakage site

By Sopuruchi Onwuka

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Oando pioneers Africa’s oil industry ISO 27001 certification

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ndigenous energy group, Oando Plc, has become the first African oil firm to earn the ISO 27001 certification to amplify it leading processes in for information security management systems.

With the certification which was received from Certification Partner Global FZ LLC, Oando is confirmed to conform to international standard outlining best practices for information security management systems.

The company which is listed on both the Nigeria and Johannesburg Stock Exchange now holds security confidence assurances for its partners and stakeholders despite the challenging operating environment in the country.

Group Chief Corporate Services and Operations Officer, Oando, Mr. Zubairu Muntari said; “This is a significant achievement for Oando.

By implementing and following the necessary steps to comply with this standard, we can identify, control, and eliminate security risks, ultimately validating the security practices adopted within the organization. The certification also means that we are able to provide our stakeholders with a higher degree of confidence in the quality and sta bility of data security and further validating our commitment to the highest standards of information security.

The Head of IT, Oando Group, Mr. Idris Musa, who directed the project attributed the success to the commitment by management towards managing business compliance and operational risks associated with the use of information systems and digital assets. He said: “ The investment in ISO 27001 enterprise security framework have allowed us structure and implement modern security controls in a complete and cohesive manner thereby strengthening our data and information system governance.”

Commenting on the certification, the Chief Operating Officer, Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Obadare Peter said; “Essentially, the certification aims to establish and pu t in place good in f o r m a tio n s e c u rit y p r a c tic e s a c r o s s t h e O a n d o G r o u p . T h e c e rtific a tio n is p r o o f t h a t t h e Company’s systems and processes have been audited against international best practice, positioning Oando as operating to global standards.”

About ISO 27001 ISO 27001 certification is one of the most widely recognised and internationally accepted information security standards. ISO

27001 certification is the global standard for information security management system, part of the ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the joint ISO and IEC subcommittee. The certification specifies a management system that is intended to bring information security under management control and gives specific requirements. Organizations that meet the requirements may be certified by an accredited certification body following the successful completion of an audit.

Meanwhile, Oando partnered the Society for Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to sponsor the SPE Young Professional Forum (YP), themed; ‘ Positioning Young Professionals for the Transitioning Future of the Oil and Gas Industry: The Way Ahead’.

The event which held at the Wings Office Complex, Victoria Island, would be the second SPE event sponsored

by Oando in the year as part of a long term strategy to support platforms in advancing and building a more robust sector through mentoring, knowledge sharing and networking.

Through the YP programme, Oando aims to support SPE in the development of young oil and gas professionals of 35 years and below to become tomorrow’s industry leaders; and to establish a resource base of qualified professionals from which the SPE can draw upon to strengthen the organization and industry.

Commenting on the partnership with SPE, Ademola Ogunbanjo, General Manager, Business Support Group, Oando Energy Resources, who will be speaking on the topic “ Career Advancement’ at the event said; “The collaboration between SPE and Oando is pivotal to the creation of a knowledge based industry, one where technical expertise and know - how are freely exchanged across organization s through the leadership and coordination of the SPE. “At Oando, we constantly seek improved ways of working whilst still delivering value to all our stakeholders. T hough we recognize that the oil and gas industry is an old and traditional one, we do not a ccept that traditional ways of operating must prevail over new thinking and innovation and this is what our partnership will achieve.”

The YP program is one of many avenues Oando is exploiting to build capacity in the industry. Against a

backdrop of a shrinking employment market and rising number of graduates, the Company in 2019 decided to launch the Oando Graduate Accelerated Programme (O-GAP). O-GAP is a bi-annual scheme aimed at up scaling new graduates by giving them hands on experience and structured learning from some of the best minds the industry has to offer through an 18 month training programme. It is one of many ways that the Company believes as a private sector player it can strengthen the local oil and gas talent pipeline and in the medium to long term contribute positively to the economy..

In addition, the Company was selected by Strathmore University Law School, Nairobi, Kenya in 2019, as the preferred indigenous player for the academia to visit in its quest to acquire sector knowledge to better equip the students as they enter the new and burgeoning Kenyan oil and gas sector. The university’s visit to Nigeria was precipitated on a need to take learnings from leading private and public sector players to enable improved success for Kenya. The selection of Oando was on the basis of its knowledge pool gained from operational experience across the full energy value chain, success stories of pioneering initiatives within the sector, a diverse and experienced workforce and finally its impact on both the local and African oil and gas industry.

Ademola Ogunbanjo said; “To remain globally competitive, the onus lies on the continent and indigenous industry leaders both in the oil and gas sector and other sectors of the economy to collaborate for growth and innovation to move the continent forward. The hope is that this trend of knowledge sharing and transfer will continue amongst African countries and companies as part of local content development and capacity building.”

About SPE YP Program The SPE YP forum, aims to provide a forum to engage SPE members with less than 10 years’ experience, to allow them to stay active in the oil and gas industry and to bridge the gap between students and professionals. To achieve this goal the SPE organizes and promotes technical lunches, social networking events and career talks. SPE YP programs will aid the acquisition of professional and soft skills, and provide networking opportunities for career advancement.

ederal government has deployed indigenous oil service factor, Oilserv Limited, to immediately arrest leakages reported on a distribution pipeline in Ojo area of Lagos to forestall likely fire blast similar to the recent Abule Ado gas blast in the state.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which operates the nation’s domestic distribution pipelines stated weekend that pipeline expert, Oilserv Limited, has deployed two maintenance teams to site while arranging mobilization of a swamp buggy to ensure thorough excavation and repair.

Meanwhile, NNPC stated that it has activated all the security and safety logistics to remain on site, adding that the measures already deployed include HSE from operated Satellite Depot and the HSE and PROW team from Mosimi Area office.

Corporate Public Affairs Head, Dr Kennie Obateru, stated that all support teams were underway with Gully sucker, slurry pump and other relevant and necessary materials.

“We are equally getting mutual support from the NSCDC Lagos State Command, Navy and Operations Awatse, Lagos State Fire Service and LASEMA. The area has properly cordoned off to prevent hoodlums from the surrounding community gaining access to the area to. The Pipeline remains shutdown until the repair is completed,” he stated.

It would be recalled that NNPC received an alert that its pipeline along the axis at Ojukwu Street, Navy Town was leaking.

Lagos State government had contacted the NNPC which dispatched a repair team to the location.

“The agency and other first responders intend to remain on high alert until the repairs being carried out by the NNPC are fully completed,” a statement from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) read.

Director General, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu advised members of the public to proceed with extreme caution in and around the area to prevent any form of explosion or ignition from naked flame or other activity.

COVID-19: NNPC Hands Over Medical Equipment to UniAbuja Teaching Hospital

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s part of concerted efforts to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the Country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has handed over medical equipment to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospitals in Gwagwalada, the Federal Capital Territory.

A release by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, at the weekend listed the equipment handed over to the University Teaching Hospital by NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, to include: an oxygen generating plant; one brand new ambulance, six NNPC operational ambulance vehicles, one big ventilator, one small ventilator, patient monitor, hospital beds, bedside cupboards, overtop tables, air conditioners, fully automated 5-part hematology analyzer and semi-automated chemistry analyzer.

Other items handed over by the NNPC helmsman to the institution are: alert blood culture analyzer, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device, pro-express Samsung printer, binocular microscope, table top centrifuge and pipettes.

“Government cannot do this alone. Health systems, the world over, are getting overwhelmed.

Countries with stronger health systems are struggling to contain the pandemic. In light of this, the Oil and Gas Industry is collaborating to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the pandemic. These efforts, coordinated by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, will support Government agencies in providing urgently needed resources both human and materials required to curb this pandemic,” Mallam Kyari averred.

He added that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, had mapped out measures to respond adequately to the outbreak of the disease in Nige-

ria, saying a multi-sectoral team, led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), was at the forefront of effort.

Mallam Kyari commended the Honourable Minister of Health and the entire Ministry, the NCDC, the Public Health Department (PHD) of FCT, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the entire medical community in the Country for their efforts in combating the virus, stressing that the NNPC remained grateful for their dedication in safeguarding the lives of Nigerians.

“It is obvious that to fight this menace, we all have to collaborate to ensure that Nigeria defeats this virus,” Mallam Kyari appealed.

On his part, the Medical Director of NNPC Medical Services Limited, Dr. Mohammed Zango, said the corporation as a responsible organization, was making the donation to meet the urgent medical needs of the isolation centre in Abuja and to make the centre more effective in delivering on its mandate.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Professor Bissallah Ekele, commended the NNPC for rising up to the occasion by supplying the essential medical equipment to the hospital, noting that the gesture would go a long way in helping the hospital to save lives.

He observed that the teaching hospital had never been given such a huge and generous support in the 26 years history of its establishment, assuring that the equipment would be judiciously used.

Responding on behalf of the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who was unavoidably absent at the occasion, the Director of Administration of the NCDC, Alh. Yahaya Abdullahi, described the medical equipment donated by NNPC as the largest intervention so far received, even as he called on other corporate organisations to emulate the National Oil Company.

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

INSURANCE & PENSION

AIICO upbeat on recapitalization, concludes EOM

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• (From left): Mr. Kundan Sainani, Chairman; Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, MD/CEO; Mr. Ademola Adebise, NonExecutive Director; Miss. Folakemi Fajemirokun, Non-Executive Director; all of AIICO Insurance Plc., during the firm’s Extra Ordinary Meeting at the Muson Centre, Lagos, Thursday

Post-recapitalisation: Number of insurers to shrink by over half -- Study Stories by VICTOR NZE

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he number of insurance companies in Nigeria is forecast to shrink from 59 to around 25 by June next year when insurers have to meet new capital requirements set by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), according to Coronation Merchant Bank.

Head of Research at the investment bank, Mr Guy Czartoryski, said that while it is uncertain what the exact shape of the insurance industry will be in mid-2020, some general observations can be made.

These include: First, the industry is likely to have between six and eight foreign-backed, if not majority foreign-owned, leading insurance companies. This is significant because of the experience they have in rolling out insurance in Southeast Asia and India.

Second, it is likely to have between six and eight leading wholly indigenous Nigerian insurance companies.

So, the industry leaders will likely be evenly foreign and locally-owned.

Czartoryski said that Coronation Merchant Bank had analysed a sample of 38 of the 59 insurance companies in Nigeria (those for which sufficient information is available), and calculated how NAICOM’s reforms would affect them as things stood in May this year when NAICOM announced the new minimum capital requirements for insurers.

The bank found that of the 38 insurers, 37 per cent met NAICOM’s new capital requirements; 25 per

cent reached at least 75 per cent of NAICOM’s new capital requirements; 11 per cent met 50 per cent of the capital requirement; 27 per cent did not even meet 50 per cent of the capital requirement.

He said: “We reason that if an insurance company reaches 75 per cent of NAICOM’s capital requirement then it may find it possible to raise a small amount of extra capital, or retain earnings, in order to comply in full. So, we think that 62 per cent of our sample do not face significant difficulties.”

He said that this means that several other insurers are going to have to raise capital, of which at least eight are already doing so.

“However, some companies will not be able to raise capital on their own. The way forward for them will be to merge with other companies.

But even then, we expect at least some companies to be eliminated altogether. We think the number of companies will be reduced from 59 to around 25.”

He concluded that the strategic implication for the Nigerian insurance industry is to have, from mid2020 onwards, a much stronger capital base, far fewer companies, and the potential to grow rapidly.

Meanwhile, in a related development, industry regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has assured that insurers which do not meet its required regulatory standards for operation via recapitalization would not be liquidated.

Acting Commissioner for Insurance, Sunday Thomas, who said this, Wednesday, during the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) 2020 Business Outlook in Lagos, disclosed that the commission would offer regulatory forbearance which would provide an opportunity for un-recapitalised firms to team up together to enable them remain afloat.

Thomas explained further that NAICOM would provide an orderly exit for un-recapitalised companies.

Speaking on ‘Recapitalisation & Stability in the Insurance Industry – Role of the Regulator’, Thomas noted that liquidation of firms often turns out to be difficult to handle due to issues around it and that it never favours both the regulator and operators.

He also disclosed that the commission will issue guidance note on recapitalisation by the end of first quarter 2020, as he reiterated that the process is really necessary in helping to stabilise other sector.

Thomas maintained that the commission is committed to sustainable growth in order to enhance the stability of the Insurance Industry in Nigeria.

“We therefore invite the insurance sector to maximize the opportunities inherent in the 2020 Federal Government budget of sustainable growth and job creation whilst also ensuring seamless transition to the new capital regime of the Industry,” he said.

bond holdings are becoming problematic as the threat of recession grows and central banks’ interest rate cuts have sent yields plunging.

The $11 billion trade credit insurance market covers the risk that a company’s customers cannot pay for goods or services bought on credit. There was already a rising trend in 2019 in big corporate insolvencies, according to figures from insurer Euler Hermes at the end of the year.

Moody’s expects rising claims to hit three of the world’s biggest trade credit insurers Atradius, Coface and Euler Hermes. The ratings agency cited data from Atradius and Coface showing that for each, nearly 15 per cent of their total net

potential exposure is in Asia and Australia, two of the worst hit regions.

The insurers declined to comment, but Atradius said recently it expected corporate insolvencies to grow 2.4 per cent globally in 2020, “largely resulting from the coronavirus outbreak.”

Coface chief executive Xavier Durand told analysts two weeks ago that hotels and airlines in Asia would feel the worst impact, while Euler Hermes saw coronavirus costing $320 billion of trade losses every quarter this year.

The stress could spiral as governments lock down regions or whole countries and if major events such as the Olympics are postponed.

“It’s not a good time for anyone in the

IICO Insurance Plc. has recorded an extraordinary success in its recapitalization journey – with successful completion of its private placement investment by two strategic investors.

The company had earlier received shareholders’ approval to increase its authorized share capital to N18 billion through various instruments to meet the new minimum capital base for a composite insurer based on the NAICOM guidelines.

In compliance with the new minimum capital requirements, AIICO recently concluded the private placement phase of its recapitalization exercise with an uptake of 38.83 per cent of its shares by two strategic investors; LeapFrog Nigeria Insurance Holdings Limited acquired 28.24 percent stake while AIICO Bahamas Nigeria Limited acquired 10.59 percent stake. As a result, the paid up share capital of the company has increased from N6.1bn to N11.3bn and it intends to raise the outstanding capital from existing shareholders.

A statement by the Head, Strategic Marketing & Communications

Department, at the company, Mr. Segun Olalandu, said the shareholders demonstrated their support by voting in favour of the proposition to raise additional capital through a rights issue, at the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) which held on Thursday, March 5, 2020 in Lagos.

Speaking on the company’s recapitalization efforts, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun said: “The future looks bright for our company; we are making progress in positioning our company for long-term sustainability. Increasing our capital base, will enable us strengthen our balance sheet, provide additional capacity to underwrite more risks and deliver better returns to our shareholders.

“Our history of stability and reliability has earned us a place of admiration in the minds of our esteemed customers. We are putting structures in place to continuously delight and excite them with innovative products and superior service experience”.

AIO adopts preventive measures over Covid-19 spread, postpones Nigeria confab

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frican Insurance Organisation, (AIO) has adopted a series of measures aimed at protecting the AIO Secretariat staff and its members in a bid to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

According to a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Charles Moki, the measures include: postponement of the 47th Conference and Annual General Assembly of the AIO by the Executive Committee of the AIO. Earlier scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria from the 31st May to 03rd June, the Conference has been moved to the 03rd to 07th October, 2020.

“The temporary suspension of all meetings and other activities of the AIO that require the gathering of people.

Others are; the installation of hand

sanitizers at the AIO Secretariat as a protective measure for the staff and visitors; the sensitization of Secretariat staff on preventive measures both in and out of the office as prescribed by the Government of Cameroon and the World Health Organisation; and the encouragement of online business.”

The statement added that on behalf of the President and Executive Committee, the Secretary General of the African Insurance Organisation, Mr. Jean Baptiste Ntukamazina continues to send a message of support and solidarity to all members and partners affected in one way or another by the coronavirus pandemic and encourages them to strictly adhere to the preventive measures prescribed by their respective Governments and the World Health Organisation.

Lagos pays N1.8bn into RSAs of 418 retirees

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agos State Government has again paid the sum of N1.8 billion into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of 418 retirees from the mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments, State Universal Basic Education and Teaching Service Commission for the month of March, 2020.

Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga said the mode of distributing the Bond Certificates for March 2020 is different from the norm, in view of the order by Governor Baba-

jide Sanwo-Olu, to limit large gatherings in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease.

According to her, all Bond Certificates have been released to the Pension Fund Administrators who will invite beneficiaries in their tens for the exit meeting and grant access to their RSA for computation of their lump sum and monthly pension.

Onanuga, however, urged all retirees to stay safe and observe all necessary precautions needed to stay free of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Covid-19: Insurers now face huge investment losses, trade credit claims

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aving initially brushed off the potential impact from coronavirus-linked claims, global insurers are waking up to the prospect of a double challenge – a sharp rise in payouts at a time of big investment losses.

Due to the fact that epidemics are excluded from many business insurance policies, the early prognosis was for a low level of claims. But as recession threatens the global economy along with rising insolvencies, all sorts of companies with trade credit insurance, from airlines to retailers, are coming under strain.

Meanwhile, insurers’ investments are coming under pressure.

They manage more than $20 trillion in assets globally, but their big government

credit world,” said Jeremy Shallow, head of specialty at insurer Argo Global.

He added that a possible recession was factored into the firm’s underwriting of trade credit insurance.

The coronavirus outbreak is likely to have a bigger effect on the world economy than the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) some 20 years ago, European Central Bank governing council member Klaas Knot said last month, adding that SARS wiped $40 billion off world equity markets.

The prospect of a global recession was reflected in an index of European insurance shares which has tumbled to 3-1/2-year lows, losing 30 per cent from peaks hit on February 19 before concern

about the potential of the deadly virus took hold.

Trade credit insurers would be most cautious about sectors such as travel and entertainment, according to Bernie de Haldevang, head of credit, political risk and crisis management at Lloyd’s of London insurer Canopius.

Airlines have suffered badly. Analysts at Barclays warned last week that coronavirus losses for Munich Re were “potentially more material than we thought” after the global reinsurer flagged a 500 million-euro exposure if all the major events it covered this year were canceled.

Munich Re also flagged losses on life insurance policies as the death toll climbs.

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

Travel & Hospitality

27

‘We have to deal with realities of covid-19’ – says new NANTA president, Akporiaye Stories by VICTOR NZE

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he newly elected President, National Association Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Susan Akporiaye has assured operators and other stakeholders that the group would be united in addressing key issues affecting the industry.

Akporiaye who gave the assurance in a statement released shortly after being sworn-in as the 44th President of NANTA at the association’s headquarters in Lagos, also assured that the body is ’in safe hands under her watch.’

The brief swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by members of the Board of Trustees (BoT).

Akporiaye stated that the watchword under her watch would be teamwork, adding that she would ensure that stakeholders are given the platform to contribute to development of the association.

“As stakeholders you all have ideas not just the Excos. As President I will ensure you all have the right platform to provide inputs for continuous engagements whether physical or digital. But I reassure you as President my priorities will be your priorities,” she further assured.

Akporiaye, who was elected unopposed stated that the new executive committee would in due course address members of the association on the way forward, urg-

ing them to render the new Exco assistance, suggestions and presence in all the programmes NANTA would embark on.

Akporiaye assured of continuity, as, according to her, she was also a member of the outgone executive and also that ‘this is the birth of a new beginning.’

On the covid-19 pandemic, she said there was need to come up with effective strategies to address the challenges.

“We also do have some pertinent local challenges facing our members and their businesses which we must confront and come up with effective strategies to address.”

This is also she acknowledged the anxieties expressed by operators over the change of leadership baton at this period of the covid-19 pandemic, as she admitted that the botched Kano Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association could have afforded her the opportunity to present her manifesto to members as their incoming President and also to formally adopt the group’s established physical handover protocols.

“Nonetheless we all have to deal with the realities of a ‘Force Majeure’ situation that coronavirus has brought upon us. By God’s grace we shall overcome it. We have digitally taken over and all the legal protocols for handover have taken place as overseen by our very capable Board of Trustees,” She said.

Don’t permit gatherings of more than 25 people -- Lagos warns hotels

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agos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, has called on operators of hotels and other hospitality establishments to comply with the state’s directive banning gatherings of more than 25 persons at a time within their facilities as part of efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19.

Akinbile-Yussuf also urged hoteliers to ensure the observance of social distancing within their facilities, emphasising that there must not be any gathering of more than 25 persons in any hotel.

This is even as some hotels have been sealed off for ignoring the in-

struction.

According to her, the state government will continue to clamp down on erring organisations.

“If anyone flouts this order, the government will not hesitate to seal off such premises, which will not be opened until after the end of the pandemic and payment of appropriate fines,” she warned in a statement made available to Oracle Today newspaper, Wednesday.

The commissioner, therefore, implored all hotels, event centres, restaurants and bars, lounges, spas, amusement parks and entertainment houses to comply with the directive.

Covid-19: Tourists desert France, as homeless people take over Paris hotels

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ith no tourists left in Paris, hotel rooms are sitting empty. In an interview with Le Parisien on Wednesday, France’s minister of housing Julien Denormandie announced that the city will be renting out rooms to bring the homeless off the streets and into a safe space.

It is estimated that between 140,000 to 250,000 people live on the streets in Paris. Orders to self-quarantine and stay at home are meaningless for those with no home of their own.

So far, the city has rented out 50 rooms at the CIS Paris Kellerman hotel in the 13th arrondissement and plans to expand that number to 170 by the end of the week. Talks are also underway with hotel group Accor to open up 500 rooms for the homeless in Paris and elsewhere.

Located in the 13th district of Paris, on the edge of a natural parc of the 6-hectare park with an equipped fitness trail, the Hotel CIS Paris Kellermann welcomes in a green and leafy setting. Its 175 rooms, sober and luminous.

Given the importance of isolation and minimizing contact with others, the government is renting out single rooms rather than large spaces like gyms traditionally used during disaster relief efforts.

This week chef José Andrés also converted his Washington DC restaurants into “community kitchens” and soup kitchens, while booze makers like Pernod Ricard and BrewDog have turned their breweries and distilleries into factories for producing hand sanitizer.

• FDirector-General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Coker, receiving in audience the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, and other top officials of the Ministry, during a courtesy visit to the corporation’s headquarters in Abuja, recently

Park Vega in Delta set to launch West Africa’s largest water park

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ark Vega, a member of IAAPA (International Association of Amusements & Attractions) and WWA (World Waterparks Association), is now the first international standard water park in Nigeria, and West Africa.

A Water Park is a type of amusement park that features water play areas and facilities such as water slides for adults and children, wave pools, splash pad. Currently in Nigeria, Park Vega Water Park is the only water park with all the listed standard facilities.

It boasts of multiple water slides for adults and kids, splash pads and the largest pool in West Africa – The Wave Pool.

Sitting on 1,500m2 and containing close to half a million gallons of water, this wave pool mimics the ocean’s waves by pneumatically producing waves up to 1.1m height.

It is the most up to date technology in the international market and the centrepiece of the waterpark, offering hours of splashing fun for all ages and swimming levels.

Park Vega’s adult slides are aptly named: space-hole slide, free-fall slide, multi-surf slide, and black hole - wave combo slide. These slides offer different experiences to riders: The space hole slide is probably a favourite slide to many because of the twists and turns before being

thrown into a jumbo bowl where centrifugal forces keep guest riders high on the wall for several rotations, then they are plunged into a slash pool. Whether sitting on an inner tube with a friend or riding solo, this slide is so much fun that there are repeat rides.

The multi-surf slide takes riders on an electrifying head-to-head competition over a series of gut-wrenching bumps propelling guest riders to the finish line to see the fastest. This ride was installed for our competitive guests to enjoy a high-volume of fun.

The free-fall slide, an extremely thrilling slide that gives riders a momentary feeling of weightlessness and pushes fun-seekers valour to the limits. Park Vega believes the youths will be drawn to this slide. The freefall-slide is designed to have an extra enclosed tube at the top to build anticipation, this is a perfect recipe for those who appreciate the adrenaline rush.

Blackhole-wave combo slide both add remarkable experience to the traditional waterslide. It features a steep drop that takes riders up a nearly vertical wall for a moment of weightlessness before they are swish-swashed down to the shutdown lane. With this slide, guests can enjoy their double raft while sharing laughter with family and friends.

The children will experience a very

colourful Aqua tower and Splash pad fitted with over 50 interactive elements such as tipping bucket, bubbler jets, slides, umbrella jets, water guns, water wheels, the pipe falls, net bridge, net climber etc. The kid’s pools have very shallow depth and are finished with anti-slip tiles for allday safe play.

There is also an activity pool which has an obstacle course, water volleyball and water polo for activity fanatics. In addition to all these, Park Vega has a swim-up bar that offers cocktails and mocktails.

This park is an exciting and healthy way for families, and friends to bond and create unforgettable memories.

With Park Vega, Nigerians need not travel out of the country to experience world-class water park facilities. We can have this experience in Nigeria without breaking the bank and, of course, with no visa frustrations.

Park Vega is located in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria – a transit town that connects South Western to South Eastern, Nigeria. It is close to Benin, Asaba and Warri airports.

Park Vega, by developing this water park, has answered the government’s call for economic diversity but, it is the company’s goal to create memories that drive it, as it offers guests the best day ever experience.

in international tourism receipts (exports) of between US$300-450 billion, almost one third of the US$ 1.5 trillion generated in 2019. Taking into account past market trends, this would mean that between five and seven years’ worth of growth will be lost to COVID-19. Putting this into context, UNWTO notes that in 2009, on the back of the global economic crisis, international tourist arrivals declined by 4 per cent, while the SARS outbreak led to a decline of just 0.4 per cent in 2003.

“Tourism is among the hardest hit of all economic sectors. However, tourism is also united in helping to address this immense health emergency – our first and utmost priority – while working together to mitigate the impact of the crisis, particularly on employment, and to support the wider recovery efforts through providing jobs and driv-

ing economic welfare worldwide,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

Pololikashvili added that, while it is too early to make a full assessment of the likely impact of COVID-19 on tourism, it is clear that millions of jobs within the sector are at risk of being lost. Around 80% of all tourism businesses are small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the sector has been leading the way in providing employment and other opportunities for women, youth and rural communities.

Alongside this new assessment, UNWTO underlines tourism’s historic resilience and capacity to create jobs after crisis situations, while also emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and of ensuring the sector is made a central part of recovery efforts.

‘International tourism could nosedive by 20-30% in 2020,’ says UNWTO

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orld Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released its updated assessment of the likely impact of the COVID-19 on international tourism. Taking into account the unparalleled introduction of travel restrictions across the world, the United Nations specialized agency for tourism expects that international tourist arrivals will be down by 20 per cent to 30 per cent in 2020 when compared with 2019 figures.

However, UNWTO stresses that these numbers are based on the latest developments as the global community faces up to an unprecedented social and economic challenge and should be interpreted with caution in view of the extreme uncertain nature of the current crisis.

An expected fall of between 20-30 per cent could translate into a decline

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5,

28

AVIATION Covid-19: Nigerian airlines risk 853,000 drop in passenger volumes, $170m loss in base revenues

Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ith calculated 853,000 loss in passenger volumes and US$170 million drop in base revenues for airlines operating in the country, experts posit that now, more than ever before, the Federal Government needs to intervene in the aviation sub-sector of the nation’s economy to avert a more damaging effect to the industry by the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic, which has so far grounded operations of up to 90 per cent of domestic airlines in the country.

This is against the backdrop of the recently announced N1 trillion stimulus package for certain sectors by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the ravaging covid-19 pandemic on businesses.

It would be recalled that CBN, penultimate Wednesday, increased its intervention in local manufacturing and import substitution by N1 trillion against the backdrop of the continuous impact of covid-19 on global supply chains.

The second CBN stimulus package was announced as part of the bank’s response to the covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Apart from the N1 trillion intervention, the CBN in addition to the N50 billion soft loan to small businesses

announced on Monday, had increased its intervention by another N100 billion in loan to support health authorities to ensure laboratories, researchers, and innovators work with global scientists to patent or produce vaccines and test kits in Nigeria to prepare for any major crises ahead.

Lending its weight to the calls for intervention in airlines’ businesses, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) also appealed to the Nigerian government, as well as others on the continent and the Middle East to provide emergency support to airlines as they fight for survival due to the evaporation of air travel demand as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is the top priority of governments. But they must be aware that the public health emergency has now become a catastrophe for economies and for aviation. The scale of the current industry crisis is much worse and far more widespread than 9/11, SARS or the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

IATA said the disruptions from Covid-19 could result in 853,000 loss in passenger volumes and US$170 million loss in base revenues in Nigeria. The disruptions to air travel could also put at risk over 22,200 jobs in the country.

If the situation spreads further, approximately 2.2 million passengers and

US$434 million of revenues can be lost in Nigeria alone.

“Airlines are fighting for survival.

Many routes have been suspended in Africa and Middle East and airlines have seen demand fall by as much as 60 per cent on remaining ones. Millions of jobs are at stake. Airlines need urgent government action if they are to emerge from this in a fit state to help the world recover, once COVID-19 is beaten,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Extensive cost cutting measures are being implemented by the region’s carriers to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19.

However, due to flight bans as well as international and regional travel restrictions, airlines’ revenues are plummeting—outstripping the scope of even the most drastic cost containment measures. With average cash reserves of approximately two months in the region, airlines are facing a liquidity and existential crisis. Support measures are urgently needed. On a global basis, IATA estimates that emergency aid of up to $200 billion is required.

IATA, therefore, proposed a number of options for governments to consider, which include: Direct financial support to passenger and cargo carriers to compensate for reduced revenues and liquidity attributable to travel restric-

• Rotary Club of Ikeja Airport District 9110 Lagos State donating some sanitizers to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Headquarters Ikeja , Lagos, THursdayas part of their contribution in the fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic

FAAN disinfects Lagos airport

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he Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saturday, completed the fumigation of the Zulu and Alpha Wing of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA).

The GAT and MMIA2 are the two domestic terminals of the MMIA in Ikeja, Lagos.

The fumigation, according to

FAAN is response to the covid-19 pandemic spread in the country, which cases has so far risen to 61 most from passengers arriving at the international wing of the Lagos airport.

The disinfection exercise which included the Protocol and VIP Lounges of the GAT, according to FAAN, was ‘all encompassing.’

The airports’ regulatory agency,

did not, however, disclose when fumigation of other airports in the country would commence.

Nigeria has imposed total restrictions on international passenger travels following the covid-19 spread in the country.

Only essential, cargo or emergency international flight operations are permitted following the directive.

Covid-19: Emirates, Etihad, others ground operations

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mirates Airlines and Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and Fly Dubai have announced suspension of all flight operations. In addition, foreign airlines will no longer be allowed to land or transit through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In the UAE, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), have decided to suspend all inbound and outbound passen-

ger flights and the transit of airline passengers for two weeks as part of the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19.

This is based on a report published early Monday by Emirates News Agency.

In a statement Monday, the GCAA said cargo and emergency evacuation flights would be exempt, taking into consideration all the precautionary measures adopted as per the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

“Additional examination and iso-

lation arrangements will be taken later should flight resume in order to ensure the safety of passengers, aircrews, and airport personnel and their protection from infection risks,” said the statement.

It would be recalled that last Sunday, the Dubai-based Emirates Airlines first said all its flights would be canceled, later same day was revoked with a list of international flights that will operate. The second-largest airline is Etihad, the National Airline of the UAE.

tions imposed as a result of COVID-19; Loans, loan guarantees and support for the corporate bond market by governments or central banks. The corporate bond market is a vital source of finance, but the eligibility of corporate bonds for central bank support needs to be extended and guaranteed by governments to provide access for a wider range of companies.

Also included is Tax relief: Rebates on payroll taxes paid to date in 2020 and/or an extension of payment terms for the rest of 2020, along with a temporary waiver of ticket taxes and other Government-imposed levies.

“Several governments in Africa and the Middle East have already committed national aid for COVID-19 including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Nigeria and Mauritius. Our ask is that airlines, which are essential to all modern economies, are given urgent consideration. This will help keep them alive and ensure airline staff – and people working in allied sectors – have jobs to come back to at the end of the crisis.

It will enable global supply chains to continue functioning and provide the connectivity that tourism and trade will depend on if they are to contribute to rapid post-pandemic economic growth,“ said Muhammad Al Bakri, IATA Regional Vice President Africa, Middle East.

Africa’s air transport industry’s economic contribution is estimated at US$55.8 billion supporting 6.2 million jobs and contributing 2.6 per cent to GDP. In the Middle East air transport’s economic contribution is estimated at US$130 billion supporting 2.4 million jobs and contributing 4.4 per cent to GDP. So far in the country, up to six domestic carriers, representing nearly 80 per cent of the industry operators, have grounded flight operations as a result of huge drop in passenger volume and high operating cost.

Citing low passenger traffic and high cost of operations arising from the covid-19 pandemic fears, Arik Air, Azman Air, Max Air, Dana Air joined the likes of Aero Contractors and Air Peace to ground operations.

Arik Air in a statement Wednesday evening announced it is temporarily suspending all scheduled commercial flight operations effective 23:00hrs on Friday, March 27, 2020 a decision the airline said was ‘borne to mitigate the risk of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to its valued customers and staff, and hopes to resume services as soon as feasible.’

The airline stated that customers who have confirmed tickets can still use their tickets when the airline resumes flight operations as such tickets could also be modified at no extra charge.

“The safety and well-being of our valued customers is paramount at this period of health emergency. We implore everyone to keep safe and abide by all directives issued by governmental authorities.”

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this suspension may have caused our customers,” explained Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu.

Ilegbodu added that Arik Air would be available to support government emergency, humanitarian and charter flight requests during the period of suspension of air transport operation.

On its part, Azman Air in a statement released Wednesday also said it was suspending flights from midnight of the 27th March, which is Friday. ”The Management of Azman Air regrets to inform our esteemed custom-

ers and the general public that all our flight operations will be suspended for the period of two (2) weeks starting from midnight of Friday 27th March, 2020 to 11th April, 2020.

“This consensus was reached after a detailed consultation with stakeholders in the Nigerian aviation industry and in a bid to support the Federal Government efforts in curtailing the spread of the corona virus and to ensure its eventual eradication,” the Azman Air statement read.

Earlier Tuesday, Dana Air said it will consider halting flight operations from midnight of 25th March (Wednesday), for a period of two weeks.

“In response to the recent developments on Covid-19, and the need to support the efforts of the government to stem the further spread of the Covid-19 in our dear country, we have decided to suspend our flight operations for the next 14 days effective midnight 25th March 2020.

“Recently, there has been a huge decline in the passenger figures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and considering the need to avoid piling unnecessary costs at this difficult time, we had to take this huge decision in the interest of the industry, staff , customers and our nation. “ “While we apologise and regret any inconvenience this decision may cause customers on affected flights, we wish to reassure our guests that we will be available on all our channels to ensure seamless updates and communication,” Dana Air’s statement read.

For another indigenous carrier, Max Air, the airline explained that its suspension of flight operations will commence on Saturday, March 28.

The operator which cited same reasons for halting flight schedules in the memo to the general public titled: “Suspension of Operation, and signed by the Station Manager, Bello Ramalan said: “Due to the global pandemic COVID-19 also known as coronavirus currently affecting the country, I am directed to inform you that Max Air has suspended its operation from 28th of March 2020 to 11th of April 2020. We look forward to inform you the next action taken.”

Aero Contractors has already grounded flight operations, with new entrants, Ibom Air downsizing flights on its only three routes.

It would be recalled that earlier this month, IATA updated its analysis of the financial impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency on the global air transport industry, forecasting global revenue losses for the passenger business of between $63 billion (in a scenario where COVID-19 is contained in current markets with over 100 cases as of 2 March) and $113 billion (in a scenario with a broader spreading of COVID-19) this year.

No estimates are yet available for the impact on cargo operations.

IATA’s previous analysis issued on February 20 had put lost revenues at $29.3 billion based on a scenario that would see the impact of COVID-19 largely confined to markets associated with China. Since that time, the virus has spread to over 80 countries and forward bookings have been severely impacted on routes beyond China.

Financial markets have reacted strongly. Airline share prices have fallen nearly 25 per cent since the outbreak began some 21 percentage points greater than the decline that occurred at a similar point during the SARS crisis of 2003. To a large extent, this fall already prices in a shock to industry revenues much greater than our previous analysis.

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

e-Platform

9mobile expands 4G-LTE coverage in Kaduna

By VICTOR NZE

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igeria’s innovative telecommunication company, 9mobile, has added Kaduna to the list of cities that now enjoy superior quality service, thanks to the expanded coverage of the telco’s 4GLTE service in the historic city.

Amidst high-pitch entertainment, fun, games and showers of gifts that delighted the residents, 9mobile switched on its uniquely superior highspeed 4G-LTE service which enables new and existing customers of the telco in Kaduna and its environs to enjoy quality voice and data services.

The telco’s funfair train berthed at Barnawa, Southern Kaduna, for the 4G awareness campaign amidst fun, music, games and shower of gifts to the delight of residents, who trooped out en-mass to FMA Event Centre, along Algeria Road, Barnawa Phase 1.

Speaking at the fun fair, Head, Region North, Sales, 9mobile, Kabiru Kazaure, said as a caring network, the expanded coverage of 4G-LTE in Kaduna as well as the rewarding of new and existing customers through the presentation of valuable gifts items underscored the telco’s commitment to empowering subscribers to achieve more.

“At 9mobile, we are passionate and consistent in enabling individuals, families, businesses and communities to grow and advance their various interests, and the latest of such is the 4G-LTE coverage that we are expanding across Kaduna, “he said.

Not a day for lengthy speeches, there were live performances by popular hip hop and R’n’B singer and member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, Chibuzo Oji aka ‘Faze’, who thrilled the audience

with his popular tracks like ‘Kpopodikpo’, ‘Face Alone’ and Kolomental’, throwing them into a frenzy.

The event also featured upcoming afro hip hop rapper, Christopher Omenye aka ‘Yung L’.

Memorable highpoints of the day included the presentation of a 220-volt power generating set to Cephas Ketah, who emerged the grand prize winner of the day’s raffle draw.

An excited Ketah exclaimed, “Thank God!! It is just God! I thank 9mobile greatly for this generator.

I got my SIM card three days ago; ever since I have been praying to win something great in this event.

Now God has met this important need through 9mob¬ile. May God bless and increase 9mobile beyond expectations.”

Other amazing prizes won by customers included 5kg gas cylinders, 10kg bags of rice, cartons of groundnut oil, rechargeable standing fans, sewing machines, microwave ovens, electric kettles, pressing irons, cordless electric kettles, table refrigerator and free airtime.

9mobile is the only Nigerian network that provides its customers with 4G-enabled SIM cards right from the point of purchase since its entry into the Nigerian market over a decade ago; therefore, customers do not need to request a SIM swap or upgrade to enjoy 4G LTE services.

9mobile recently increased investment in the deployment of cuttingedge technology and creative solutions across its value chain to deliver improved quality of service, and to enhance availability of 4G network to subscribers in cities across Nigeria to open a whole new world of experience and possibilities for new and existing subscribers.

NCC denies giving N300m subventions to NITDA

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igerian Communications Commission (NCC) has debunked an online media report, which claimed it gave N300 million to the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Mr Henry Nkemadu, the telecom industry regulatory agency, which described the news item as ‘mere falsehood,’ stated that ‘no agency of the federal government gives subvention to another agency, as by extant laws of the government, every agency makes its budget and gets approval for appropriation from the National Assembly and such budgets are spent according to the appropriation of the National Assembly.’

“Our budget doesn’t contain any allocation for subvention let alone granting same to a sister agency.

We cannot create a provision in our budget for another agency to implement. Subventions to all agencies are done by the federal government with resources domiciled in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). Even salaries to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) come from there,” said Nkemadu.

According to him, NITDA as an agency of government also draws its budget and spends same to execute its own programmes as it deems fit.

He said since the advent of the new administration, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has always encouraged a working relationship and close synergy between all the parastatals under the purview of the Ministry and not crossfunding of any of the parastatals.

He said the Minister has also facilitated support at the highest levels of government to programmes and activities of the Commission, especially in facilitating meetings with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on issues of Right of Way (RoW) for expanding the telecommunications infrastructure and declaring telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

“We did not receive any directive from the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy on funding any activity of NITDA and no approval was given in that regard.

“Whoever thinks so simply threw caution to the wind by rolling up speculative information that we know nothing about let alone implementing,” he said, adding: “We have not done any partnership with NITDA to warrant any subvention for capacity building let alone implementing one. So, the aspect of creating a budget for subvention is not true.”

• (From left): Manager, Regional Sales, 9mobile, Omolade Olajide; presenting the Grand prize of a generator to raffle draw winner, Cephas Ketah alongside Head, Region Sales, North, 9mobile, Kabiru Kazaure at the 9mobile 4G-LTE rollout funfair held at the FMA Event Centre, Kaduna, recently

Huawei reaches 400m active users, 1.3m developers

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espite being at the centre of the United State trade war which has seen the firm dnied of Google services on its smartphone production line, Chinese mobile company, Huawei has announced giant strides in its software ambitions with its Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) suite.

During the launch event of the new P40 series, Huawei Consumer Business CEO Richard Yu gave out an update on the situation surrounding the company’s Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) suite, which is its alternatives to Google Mobile Services (GMS) that also include the AppGallery store, Huawei Video, Huawei Music and Huawei Wallet, declaring that the apps are now used by over 400 million monthly active users across 170 countries.

In addition, Yu boasted there are now over 1.3 million developers on board bringing apps, games and other software tools for Huawei devices.

Huawei is also collaborating with both global and local partners to provide tailored content for its users.

An example given on stage is the collaboration with UK news and sports media outlets like The Sunday Times, News UK and Talksport.

On the video side, Huawei is partnering with the likes Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount, BBC Studios and other premium content channels to expand its content library. For music, Huawei is working alongside Warner Music Group, Sony Music and Universal Music Group among others.

Richard Yu also reiterated Huawei’s willingness to work with more app developers and warmly invited them to join the ranks of the HMS Ecosystem.

While these are all great steps in Huawei’s strategy to provide alternatives solutions to Google’s established app ecosystem, only time will tell if the ambitious project is going to make for a true contender. If you’re interested in the current state of Huawei’s AppGallery, check out this experiment we did recently.

Meanwhile, following the company’s unveiling of the Huawei P40 flagship line, the Chinese giant might just have to brace for even more setbacks from the ongoing US-China trade war and consequent sour relations.

Reports claim that American officials from various agencies met on Wednesday to discuss alterations to the Foreign Direct Product Rule. For the most part, that’s the legal framework that allows the US to regulate certain foreign-made goods that are based on US technology or software.

Up until now, this set of rules has been successfully leveraged to keep certain Huawei and subsidiary hardware and equipment, including smartphones, off of US markets in varying degrees. The US has been coupling these efforts with an ongoing campaign with its allies to limit Huawei’s global involvement in 5G infrastructure projects. The main justification being spying concerns.

Throughout all this, Huawei has managed to flex some impressive

muscle and work around many of the restrictions, especially solidifying its domestic market positions to insure its future. Clearly, a move not particularly enjoyed by certain US officials.

According to the reports, these new alterations to the Foreign Direct Product Rule will require foreign companies that use US chip making equipment to obtain a specific license, before they can supply chips to Huawei.

Some analysts believe this move is specifically aimed at the relations between Huawei and its own HiSilicon in-house division and the TSMC foundry – manufacturer of a large portion of modern ARM SoC units.

Apparently, TSMC, as well as most chip manufacturers utilize equipment in their fabs from US companies, such as KLA Corp, Lam Research and Applied Materials.

If the new rules do come into effect, Huawei might actually be forced to re-work a large part of its supply chain, to even get its Kirin chipsets manufactured for domestic use. As per our understanding, on a more positive note, it’s just the sophisticated SoC components that will likely be affected, with cheaper, mode common chips not affected by the new regulations.

Naturally, United States and China relations, as a whole, have been further complicated recently by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, president Trump’s most recent statements on the subject of the Huawei scandal have been signaling a readiness to re-negotiate terms and restore business relations.

Covid-19: Chinese tablet shipments to drop by 30% in Q1 2020 -- Report

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ccording to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets, the mobile tablet market is in for a grim quarter.

The IDC made some grim predictions about the tablet market even

as almost all markets are suffering due to the coronavirus outbreak.

According to its report, the tablet market will sink 30 per cent in the first quarter of this year, compared to Q1 2019.

The COVID-19 will likely affect the whole first half of this year as well, but the decline will slow down to 14 per cent in Q2 2020. In addition to the lower demand, the insufficient sup-

ply is also contributing to the decline.

Supply chains can’t deliver and even the few customers who want to buy a tablet can’t get them.

However, it is not all bad. IDC says that this is also a new opportunity for some OEMs. With users around the world working, learning and teaching from home, the demand for electronic devices will probably rise.

a nice 50 per cent increase. Unsurprisingly, this is connected to the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc through the world right now. A lot of people are stuck at home and so video calling and video conferencing are really taking off now like never before.

The new expanded functionality doesn’t require an app update, as

it’s achieved through a server-side switch, so there’s no need to anxiously keep manually checking for a new version. Just hang tight and you’ll get the new ability in a few days tops, if you haven’t already. The app still works exactly the same as before, it’s just that now you can fit more people into your group video chats.

Google Duo increases group video calling limit to 12 participants

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oogle’s Duo app is still alive, which is slightly surprising given the company’s propensity to release messaging and social networking apps and then shut them down afterwards. Not only is it still alive, but it now allows you to have group video calls that have up to 12 participants.

The previous limit was 8, so that’s

30

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

MONEY Market Fidelity Bank profit rose by 24% as PBT hits N30.4bn in 2019 …Proposes dividend of 20k per share

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idelity Bank Plc has delivered another impressive full year result, sustaining the sterling financial performance that has been witnessed by the top lender in recent years. The bank’s full year 2019 results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), showed strong growth across key income and balance-sheet lines. Gross Earnings grew by 14.0 percent to N215.5 billion from N189 billion in 2018, whilst Profit before tax rose by 21 percent to N30.4 billion compared with N25.1 billion recorded in the previous year. Similarly net profits surged by 24 percent from N22.9 billion from 2018 in 2018 to N28.4 billion in 2019. Buoyed by the performance, the bank plans to pay a dividend of 20 kobo translating to N5.8 billion compared to the dividend of 11 kobo paid in 2018.

In other indices, Net Interest Income increased by 13.2 percent to N83.1 billion in 2018. Net Operating Income rose by 15.6 percent from N97.2 billion to N112.3 billion whilst total assets grew by 22.9 percent from N1.719 trillion to N2.114 trillion in the period under review.

Commenting on the results, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo expressed delight with the performance “We are delighted at the results which clearly showed that we sustained our performance trajectory and continued to increase our market share driven by significant traction in our chosen business segments”, he said.

On Digital Banking he said the results were enhanced by new initiatives in the retail lending segment

and the deepening of the bank’s existing digital products. According to him “We now have 47.4 percent of our customers enrolled on the mobile/internet banking products, 82 percent of total transactions now done on digital platforms and 31.1 percent of fee-based income now coming from our digital banking business”.

He further revealed that the efforts aimed at strengthening the bank’s foothold of the retail market, is yielding significant results with savings deposits rising by 20.7 percent to N275.2 billion making it the 6th consecutive year of double-digit growth. “Savings deposits now accounts for about 22.5 percent of total deposits, an attestation of our increasing market share in the retail segment” stated Okonkwo.

Just as was seen with deposit growth, there was also a corresponding increase in the bank’s retail assets. Specifically, Retail loans grew by 42.9 percent to N53.8 billion driven by the bank’s new digital lending products and partnership with Fintechs. As at December 2019, the bank had disbursed over 70,000 micro-loans on our flagship digital lending product (Fidelity FastLoan) in partnership with Migo.

Conversely there was a remarkable improvement in Non-performing loans (NPLs). The bank’s NPL ratio dropped to 3.3 percent from 5.7 percent in the 2018 full year due primarily to the growth in the loan book and a 25.1 percent decline in absolute NPLs resulting from the loan write-offs of over N12 billion

CBN restricts banks from mass sacking

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entral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given a stern warning to all banks that they must seek its approval if they must sack more than five staff.

This was stated in the communique released by the Bankers Committee after its meeting on Friday.

The committee, in a circular signed by Director, Financial Markets Department of CBN, Angela Sere-Ejembi, emphasized that all banks should send sample of Contract Letter issued to outsourced staff + SLA with the company being used to run outsourced staff.

It stated, “Banks should note and be guided by the CBN circular in respect of laying off staff that is more than five. This requires apex bank’s notification and approval going forward.”

The Bankers’ Committee had said the mass sacking in banks would be reduced in the shortest time possible.

The committee noted that while it was working on how to reduce the level of job losses in the sector, there would always be reasons people would have to be sacked from their workplaces.

It explained that while the decision to sack bank workers had

• Head Economic Research Securities and Exchange Commission,Dr. Afolabi Olowookere; Head, External Relations (SEC);Mr. SufianAbdulkarim; Representative of SEC acting DG, Mr Okey Umeano; andChairman, Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN)Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, during theCapital Market Correspondents of Association (CAMCAN) forum themed: Strategies to deepen retail investors’ participation in the Nigerian Capital Market sponsored by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Lagos

Naira falls amid global pandemic, as gain resurface in the Treasury Bills market

By Kayode Ogunwale

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week released a circular which indicates a gradual transition to a uniform exchange rate.

Following the circular, the exchange rate between IMTOs & banks, banks & CBN, CBN & BDCs and BDCs & end-users were set at N376, N377, N378 and N380 respectively.

Meanwhile, oil prices continue its downtrend as it settled at $27.59/ bbl. while external reserves further moderated 0.1percent to $35.7 billion from $36 billion last week. With the pandemic affecting oil prices and investor sentiment, the prospect for accretion in reserves remains weak.

However, the CBN spot rate remained unchanged at N361/$1 from the prior week. At the parallel market, rates depreciated N30 eek on week to settle at N410.00/$1. At the Investors’ & Exporters’ (I&E) Window, the NAFEX rate opened at N380.55/$1 and closed at N381.50/ $1on Friday, depreciating N9.50 kobo

• Godwin Emefiele

reduced to N387.6 billion. On Thursday however, the OBB and OVN rates plunged to 2.70 percent and 3.30 percent in that order due to maturing instruments that brought system liquidity to N703.1 billion. At the close of the week, the OBB and OVN rate surged to 15.80 percent and 17.10 percent respectively as system liquidity fell to N529 billion.

Following the unsuccessful OMO auction in the previous week, the Central Bank did not conduct its weekly programme to mop up excess liquidity despite maturing instruments. Also, investors’ sentiment remained weak in the secondary OMO market due to concerns around Covid-19.

In the secondary T-bills market, average yield dived to 3.5 percent from the 4.3 percent previous week. The one year instrument was the most demanded asset, resulting in average yield decline to 4.5 percent.

Furthermore, the 91-day and 180day bills fell to 2.2 percent and 3.9 percent from previous week’s close of 2.9 percent and 4.5 percent respectively.

African Development Bank support African countries with $3bn to fight coronavirus

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elicited a lot of sentiments from both the public and private sectors of the economy, the banks understood the implications of having to relieve workers of their jobs in view of the current economic situation in the country.

week on week from N372/$1.

Activity level in I&E Window declined 72 percent to $827.3 million from $3 billion recorded in the previous week. The decision to stop FX sales to the BDC segment would widen the premium between parallel market and official spot rates.

At the FMDQ Securities Exchange (SE) FX Futures Contract Market, the total value of open contracts of the Naira settled at $14 billion, up $430.7 million from $13.5 billion in the prior week despite the maturity of the MAR 2020 instrument. The APR 2021 instrument (contract price: N386.46) received the most buying interest in the week with additional subscription of $49.3 million which took total value to $835.4 million.

On the other hand, the MAY 2020 instrument (contract price: N381.46) was the least subscribed, with an additional subscription of $70.7 million for a total value of $1.9 billion.

Last week, the OBB and OVN rates opened the week higher at 6 percent and 6.93 percent respectively from last week’s close of 4.80 percent and 5.30 percent as system liquidity

frican Development Bank (AfDB) on Friday said it has raised a 3-year tenor bond worth $3 billion to help alleviate the economic and social impact the novel coronavirus in Africa.

In a statement, the lender said it received bids exceeding $4.6 billion from central banks and official institutions, bank treasuries, and asset managers including Socially Responsible Investors for the bond.

“This is the largest Social Bond ever launched in international capital markets to date, and the largest US Dollar benchmark ever issued by the Bank. It will pay an interest rate of 0.75 percent,” the lender said.

The AfDB said it would provide flexible responses aimed at lessening the severe economic and social impact of this pandemic on its regional member countries and Africa’s private sector.

“These are critical times for Africa as it addresses the challenges resulting from the Coronavirus. The African Development Bank is taking bold measures to support African countries.

“This $3 billion Covid-19 bond issuance is the first part of our comprehensive response that will soon be announced.

“This is indeed the largest social bond transaction to date in capital markets. We are here for Africa, and we will provide significant rapid support for countries,” Akinwumi Adesina, President of the bank was quoted in the statement.

The order book for this recordbreaking bond highlights the scale of investor support, which the African Development Bank enjoys, said the arrangers.

“As the Covid-19 outbreak is dangerously threatening Africa, the African Development Bank lives up to its huge responsibilities and deploys funds to assist and prepare the African population, through the financing of access to health and to all other essential goods, services and infrastructure,” said Tanguy Claquin, Head of Sustainable Banking, Crédit Agricole CIB. Coronavirus cases were slow to arrive in Africa, but the virus is spreading quickly and has infected

nearly 3,000 people across 45 countries, placing strain on already fragile health systems.

The Bank established its Social Bond framework in 2017 and raised the equivalent of $2 billion through issuances denominated in Euro and Norwegian krone. In 2018 the Bank was designated by financial markets, ‘Second most impressive social or sustainability bond issuer” at the Global Capital SRI Awards.

“We are thankful for the exceptional level of interest the Fight Covid-19 Social Bond has raised across the world, as the African Development Bank moves towards lessening the social and economic impact of the pandemic on a continent already severely constrained.

“Our Social bond program enables us to highlight our strong development mandate to the investor community, allowing them to play a part in improving the lives of the people of Africa. This was an exceptional outcome for an exceptional cause,” said Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Treasurer, African Development Bank.

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32

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

BUSINESS FEATURE

Why Buhari is stuck with borrowing license

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

A

fter suppressing internal opposition, rejecting experts’ propositions and ignoring warnings from industry captains, President Muhammadu Buhari appears at loss on the next move towards his planned borrowing campaign.

With world’s richest economies battling multiple health, social and economic impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic, government of Nigeria is left with confusion on what to do with the legislative approval it won to launch off a new borrowing spree.

Creditor nations including Germany, China, Japan and others on which Nigerian had relied upon to regularly secure massive loans that form the principal revenue source for the President Muhammadu Buhari administration are now occupied with huge internal health and economic emergency crisis that also demand massive funds.

China Eximbank is proposed to advance some $17.06 billion or N6.142 trillion of the total loan package while the World Bank, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and German Development Bank were also to throw in significant bullions.

The new loans are dreaded to compound the country’s rapidly rising debt profile, impose heavy service obligations and inflict medium to long term liquidity crisis in the domestic economy. The new borrowing is also calculated to push total public debt to about N34.415 trillion and impose a debt service burden that would hold down economic growth in the long term.

According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), total public debt comprising the debts of the federal government, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stood at N26.215 trillion by September 2019.

The comparative figure for September 2018 was N25.701 trillion which implies that in the 12 months period to September 2019 the total public debt grew by 16.88 percent.

The DMO also stated that the total public debt as at September 2019 includes promissory notes in the amount of N812.650 billion which had been issued to settle the FGN’s arrears to oil marketing companies and state governments under the promissory programme approved by the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.

The debt office stated that whereas the 2019 Appropriation Act provided for a total new borrowing of N1. 605 trillion split equally between domestic and external, only the domestic component of N802.82 billion was raised due to the late passage of the 2019 Appropriation Act and the expectation that the implementation of the 2020 budget would commence on January 1, 2020.

The DMO also stated that based on the new of N850 billon and N744.99 billion external and domestic borrowings respectively in the 2020 appropriation act, new domestic borrowings would be raised through FGN Bonds, Sukuk, FGN savings Bonds and possibly Green Bonds.

For external borrowings, the agency declared that government would seek out lower rate and longer tenor concessionary and semi concessionary loans and then raise the shortfall from commercial sources.

“Thus, the new external capital raising for the year 2020 to part finance the 2020 Budget Deficit and refinance the Eurobond maturing in January 2021 is USD3.3 billion.”

Although Nigeria’s outstanding loans amount to 25 percent of its economic output, debt servicing toll on national revenue are above 50 percent. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) which not connected in the new borrowing plan warns that the country’ debt to GDP ratio could rise to 36 percent by 2024, with interest payments taking as much as 75% of government revenue.

Stakeholders in the economy including some government agencies have flawed government’s penchant for loans as primary revenue source when there exists various other efficient project funding channels. Since early January, a chorus of voices has stridently risen against the government’s fixation on the loans.

The highly influential Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has consistently expressed worry over the growing national debt, warning against a full blown debt crisis if President Muhammadu Buhari secured a fresh $30 billion loan.

Director-General, Muda Yusuf, who ex-

•Buhari

pressed bigger worry over the capacity to service the debts, chronicled that Nigeria’s debt profile grew by 104 percent from N12.6 trillion in 2015 to N25.7 trillion in second quarter of 2019.

“For instance, the debt service provision in the 2019 budget was a whooping N2.0 trillion; whereas the total capital budget was N2.9 trillion; this implies that the debt service commitment was 70 percent of capital budget allocation. Debt to revenue ratio was about 30 percent, which is also on the high side,” he pointed out.

According to him, “In the 2020 budget, debt service commitment and recurrent spending are beginning to crowd out capital expenditure. This trajectory is not consistent with our national aspiration to build infrastructure and a competitive economy.”

Also, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the end of the 2020 first quarter meeting warned government against using debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio as a reason for accumulating debts.

The committee raised alarm over the country’s rising public debts, which it noted, were growing faster than both domestic and external revenues.

In the communiqué read by the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the end of the twoday meeting, the Committee asked government to consider building buffers against the growing impact of the country’s high debt profile.

Also opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sharply condemned the borrowing agenda, saying it is injurious to the future economic wellbeing of the country. The party had pointed at existing loan obligation as too heavy for the nation, lamenting that going full scale on further borrowing would mortgage the wellbeing of unborn Nigerians.

Another strand of the overwhelming domestic protest is the agitation by the Southeastern states of the country that the purpose of the federal loan holds no value proposition for the five states of the region.

Federal legislators from the zone had raised the flag of non-inclusion but were overwhelmed by the complicity of colleagues from other regions of the country which are allocated huge infrastructural projects in the debt funding arrangement.

Arguments found strong logic in the fact that the projects to be funded with collective loan should have given regional spread to promote even development, an arrangement that have ruled other policy decisions in the country including the constitutional provision for federal character principle.

There is the solidifying perception that the APC led federal government is fixed to disadvantage the southeast region of the country; and prgrammes and policies of the Buhari government have been pointedly interpreted by regional leaders as anti-Igbo.

Thus, the exclusion of the region from the spread projects to be funded with President Buhari’s massive borrowing scheme plugs into existing indicators of marginalization in all the governance structures and social benefit arrangements currently funded with federal funds.

In a statement issued by Okeke Attorneys, the Board of Igbo Deputies had declared intention for a class action suit against the federal

government over the violation of the constitutional federal character principle in the allocation of the projects. It also warned the creditor countries and agencies against funding the loan package, arguing that honouring the loan request would empower the Buhari government to drive home its hegemonic agenda.

However, President Buhari’s government had ignored entreaties by stakeholders in the economy and pressed forward to get parliamentary approval to source the loans totaling $22.7 billion or N8.2 trillion. But a combination oil price crash, global coronavirus pandemic and massive restriction of movements across the globe appear to have pulled attention of the world governments away from Nigeria’s loan requests.

At the time of loan approval, China which is depended upon for the bulk of the loan was the epicenter of the global pandemic with 80,894 confirmed cases, 3,237 deaths and 69,614 recoveries. The country had pumped hundreds of billion dollars into implementation of city lockdowns, additional healthcare infrastructure, research funding and social benefits for hundreds of million citizens.

Japan which was hoped to provide part of the loan had 899 confirmed cases of the virus. The tiny industrial hub that manufactures nearly 40 percent of all export cars across the globe has suffered 29 novel coronavirus deaths. Some 144 people had also recovered from the disease.

Japanese government has since closed schools, social centers and restricted movements. Its industrial exports have since stalled as global trade links disconnect on account of coronavirus.

France, also in Buhari’s borrowing focus, had 9,134 cases of COVID-19. Some 264 people had died of the disease in the country while 602 patients recovered. France is currently on total lockdown and President Emmanuel Macron battles to enforce social distancing.

He said the French government would directly intervene in the fate of small businesses and employees with social benefit package with a purse $50 billion.

In addition, Macron was at the time providing firms over $355 billion guarantees to enable them stay afloat and keep workers. The French government is also looking at benefits from pan-European stimulus packages as the bloc declares full blown emergency measures against the pandemic.

Germany which was also hoped to advance loans to the government of debt ridden Nigeria was currently battling 12,327 cases of coronavirus with only 28 death and 105 recoveries.

Chancellor Angela Merkel had appealed to the country’s 83 million population to stay home after schools, clubs and restaurants were shut down.

In the European Union bloc, the 19 ministers had agreed to create an investment initiative totaling up to 65 billion euros to support small and medium-sized companies and health-care systems across the region; to set aside between 8 billion and 20 billion euros to lend to companies; and to create another investment program of 10 billion euros also to support businesses.

The European Central Bank sparked $820-billion economic stimulus scheme that would launch after the coronavirus pandemic to reinject vibrancy into the countries.

The programme came days after the ECB had unveiled a big-bank stimulus package that failed to calm nervous markets, piling pressure on the bank to open the financial floodgates.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said “extraordinary times require extraordinary action” in tackling coronavirus crisis.

Altogether, these countries have mapped out over a trillion dollars for research, social interventions, medical services and economic stimulus as businesses close down and people stay home to avoid spread of COVID-19. It is in view of these situations however that Buhari’s borrowing request might have crashed.

Besides, Nigeria is also not left out the pandemic scare even though infection figures are beginning to trickle in amid fear that the nation’s feeble medical infrastructure does not provide the right level of confidence in combating the global epidemic.

Wednesday, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, declared five new cases of the dreaded coronavirus in the country, raising concerns over the rising threat of the pandemic in Nigeria’s densely populated cities.

The rising threat of coronavirus spread in the country at a time government is facing most austere short term economic outlook also raises frightening concerns over Nigeria’s worsening capacity to meet repayment obligations if it continues with mindless borrowing.

Petroleum commodities account for nearly 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange income, over 85 percent of total balance of payments and over 75 percent of total funding support to government’s annual budgets.

However, city lockdowns across the globe have caused industries to shut down, and global demand for oil and gas has also dropped.

With oversupplied market and fierce competition for niches among big producers, prices of the commodity have since tumbled to record low, wiping the funding capacity of oil and gas in the Nigerian economy.

Government’s economic experts and financial managers are at work to sustain the domestic economy from total collapse as the Naira value continues to slide despite interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Fitch, the global credit rating agency, projected Nigeria on top of countries with worsening credit rating due to their dependence on petroleum revenue.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) which has remained most indignant to Nigeria’s borrowing penchant also declared that over 20 nations have inundated it with loan enquiries; but the IMF would likely not honour any lean request from President Buhari.

It is therefore in this grim credit outlook that President Muhammadu Buhari appears to be confused on the next step with the approval he won at the National Assembly to further plunge the country into the debt abyss.

Currently, the president has a borrowing plan. He has legislative approval. He is not lacking criticisms and opposition. What he evidently lacks is the global environment for loan shopping!

Meanwhile those the sharpened the borrowing plan for him, including the Finance Minister and leaders of the National Assembly currently make volte face.

They now appear to have suddenly realized the need to explore new revenue options to petroleum exports after President Buhari’s habitual borrowing inclination met global pandemic headwind in the international money market.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said on Monday that government had to suspend its $22.7 billion external borrowing plans due to current realities in the global economic landscape.

She said government would not go ahead with the borrowing programme despite securing the approval of the National Assembly, pointing out that market indices do not support external borrowings at the moment.

She however explained that Buhari government would still make use of the borrowing approval in future and would “go out when the timing is right.”

The Oracle Today reports that business stakeholders in the economy has severally canvassed policy platforms that would accommodate external inputs in sharpening government’s economic programmes to ensure that right steps are taken to recover the country from the debt slope.

33

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

Health

•President Buhari

•Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State

•Obiano, Anambra State

Coronavirus, a scary pandemic on the verge of sweeping generations

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

C

oronavirus is a respiratory disease that affects the upper respiratory system and the lungs. As scary as this disease may sound, and the number of souls it has taken, even while still on the prowl, the residents of Awka, Anambra State capital appear to be at ease without much care to the deadliness of the pandemic.

The disease which started in the city of Wuhan in China like a regular breakout that comes and leaves over time turned out to be an unprecedented pandemic that overwhelmed the powerful nation and killed thousands of people. Though China has announced a reduction in the number of cases, other gigantic countries like Spain, the US, Italy, France, etc are still battling to contain the increasing number of cases in their country.

At the moment, no part of the world is safe from the firm, the wicked grip of the disease. Even the world’s strongest, most feared nation’s of the world are on bended knees fighting the scourge. Nigeria, the largest country in Africa are not left out of the struggle as the nation recently recorded more than forty five confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Though the cases are mostly in Lagos, there are fears that it may spread to other states of the federation. For now, there is no recorded case of the disease in Anambra State, but, as a preventive measure, the state governor, Willie Obiano has identified measures to forestall spread.

But, despite the measures put in place, residents have continued to flout the directives. For instance, very few people are wearing face masks and hand gloves.

Social distancing is a far cry as people still cluster together, especially at banks and markets.

A trip to both UBA and Zenith bank along Ziks Avenue in Awka showed a crowd of people in close proximity to each other waiting to enter the banking hall. While there was no distancing among them, only two people were seen wearing face masks and hand gloves.

The majority of the people were more focused on getting into the banking hall for their transactions. The same thing was observed at zenith bank. At the ATM section of the banks, only few people ob-

•COVID 19

served social distancing, though without any mask or hand gloves. However, few used improvises like tissue, paper and stick to operate the machine. At the Eke Awka market, traders were busy with their business transactions without a care in the world.

Some were even making a mockery of a shopper that passed by with a face mask.

One of the traders who spoke to our correspondent said that the disease was the only fluke by white people and not a reality. The trader who identified himself as Emeka Orji said, “I don’t know what Coronavirus is and I don’t believe it is real but if it is, I’m not worried, one thing must kill a man. On her part, Mrs. Alice Okaro said, “I don’t know Coronavirus, it doesn’t know me either. My business cannot stop because of something I know nothing about, where do we feed from if I stay at home.”

Speaking on the pandemic, the former

governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Oseloka Obaze described the closure of public institutions and banning of public gatherings as salutory. He regretted that the national medical response capacity is far from efficient and sufficient for the scope of unfolding public health emergencies.

He added, “When the crisis unfolds fully in weeks or months ahead, and the rippleeffects manifest, individuals and communities will inevitably turn to state governments, which at this juncture are mostly ill-prepared and ill-equipped to respond efficiently and robustly.

Meanwhile, some private and public enterprise unit has started applying preventive measures to forestall the spread.

They include supermarkets, pharmacies.

Apart from wearing face masks and hand gloves, they have at the entrance of their shops running water in buckets, soap and

hand sanitizers for customers’ use. KEKE and shuttle operators have on their part started adhering to the state government directives of carrying two and three passengers respectively.

However, passengers are bearing the brunt of the cut in the capacity of passengers they each can carry. A drop from Dike street to Udoka which before the directive cost N100 now costs N200 while a N50 drop has been pushed up to N100.

Also, the prices of face masks have skyrocketed. A piece which before mow cost N200 has risen to N350 per piece while a small container of hand sanitizer has risen to N1200 from N600 . Despite the surge in prices however, people who know its importance are jostling for it as some shops are already running out of stock. As at Wednesday, the mask was sold for N250 but it increased to N300 on Friday. The pump bucket used by some shops for customers’ habd washing have also doubled the price to N1200, away from the known price if N700. With the 14-days market closure announced for Monday, panic buying have set in.

People are striving to fill their cart with necessary food items to forestall any eventualities. With the laisser-faire attitude of the people, there are fears that the presence of Covid-19 in Anambra State could spell doom for the people as it is a disease not written on the forehead, rather, a carrier can be asymptomatic for days and infect a large of number of people at that stage. There is also the issue of lack of test centers in the state.

The state government recently identified four hospitals in the state as isolation centers but it was gathered that while that of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Awka has been in existence for the hospital use without any new touch up or new equipment, that of Onitsha is still under construction. In the words of the Chief Medical Director, Dr basil Nwankwo “We have isolation wards. Four bedded isolation wards. It belongs to the hospital. we don’t have any isolation centre by the state government here.” A source at the General Hospital Onitsha who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the isolation center is still under construction at the moment.

34

The Oracle Today Monday March 30, 2020

Crime

Stories by VICTOR NZE

I

nspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary actions against criminal elements who might explore the emergency situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic to increase and diversify their criminal activities.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, Sunday, said the the IGP’s advice is informed by intelligence at the disposal of the police which suggests that fraud and cybercrime are expected to rise at this time owing to the lockdown emplaced by the Federal Government at all levels to contain the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

“Specifically, intelligence obtained from the INTERPOL Headquarters shows that scammers in Nigeria and other parts of the globe have begun to create and set up fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, fake social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver (covid-19) medical products.

“In some cases, they use the names of prominent companies involved in the production and distribution of these items. Victims are then asked to pay via bank trans-

Covid-19: Police alert Nigerians on emerging crime trends

fer,” the statement said.

The IGP, therefore, enjoined the public to strictly adhere to the following security tips: Avoid opening suspicious emails and clicking on links in unrecognized emails and attachments; Ensure proper back-up of online and offline files regularly and securely; Use strong passwords for securing your emails and social media handles; Keep your software updated, including antivirus software.

Other measures, according to Adamu, are: “Manage your social media settings and review your privacy and security settings; You are advised to be wary of scammers who use names of prominent companies to create fraudulent websites, ecommerce platforms, social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver medical products; You are advised to ignore and report calls purportedly emanating from a caller who pretends to be a relative currently being treated at hospital

asking you to pay for the cost of the medical treatment by transferring money or by paying cash to fake public health representatives; Do not open letters or emails related to the pandemic from unknown persons who claim to be health authorities, as often times criminals access sensitive information, steal personal information and steal funds of victims by tricking them into connecting to a specific webpage and logging-in with their credentials.

“Also, Be mindful of fake news, deliberate misinformation/disinformation and avoid circulating untrusted and unverified messages on your social media handles; Educate your family, especially your children, about how to stay safe online and offline; and If you become a victim, ensure prompt report to the police,” he said.

Mba said against the backdrop of the following, the IGP has placed the Commissioner of Police in

•Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) in a group photograph with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, after a one-day capacity building workshop on ‘Strategic Roles of PPROs in the full implementation of National Community Policing Programme’, held, Thursday, 19th March, 2020 at the Force Headquarters, Abuja

2 months after wedding, husband stabs pregnant wife to death A

man in Anambra State has reportedly stabbed his pregnant wife to death just two months after their wedding ceremony.

According to reports, the couple tied the knot on Saturday, January 10 in Anambra State. However, their love story quickly turned sour two months into their union.

The deceased identified as Rita Onyebuchi was gruesomely murdered in their apartment. Reasons for the heinous act are yet to be unravelled as the Nigerian Police are investigating the nefarious incident.

On Thursday morning, March 26, the deceased’s brother identified as Onyebuchi John Paul; had stopped by his sister’s house on his way to work and saw a crowd; including police officers, gathered in the compound.

The brother had suspected foul play when his elder sister failed to come to work on Wednesday, a day prior. He dialled her number several times, however, to no avail.

His sister didn’t show up at work and their mother, who is suffering

charge of the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja - Nigeria on red alert.

“The NCB which houses the cybercrime unit of the Force shall in the coming days and beyond work closely with other Interpol member states across the globe particularly to carry out intense monitoring of the internet highway in the most legitimate and ethical manner. This is to engender concerted efforts in cracking down on any individual or all forms of organized criminal gangs that may want to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to perpetrate crimes.

“The Force also enjoins commer-

Police nab 90 rioters for disobeying restriction order on Friday’s prayer in Katsina

K

atsina Police Command has rounded up 90 suspects who reportedly went on rampage and destroyed several property in the state following riots which broke out as a result of restrictions on prayer and religious meetings imposed on the state by the government.

It would be recalled that the Katsina state Government issued restriction orders Nos. SEC.2/T/3 and SEC.2/T/14 dated 25th and 27th March, 2020 respectively, directing total closure of its borders and suspension of large gatherings for the weekly Friday prayers and Sunday Church services.

This is also as marriage ceremonies were expected to be conducted in a low key across the state as part of measures taken to curtail the spread of the Corona virus pandemic.

“However, yesterday 27/03/2020 some disgruntled youths under the leadership of one Mallam Hassan tested the will of the state and conducted a Friday prayer in one of the Kusada jummaat mosques.

“Subsequently, he was arrested

from high blood pressure, was already worried.

He went home, then called the husband but his number was switched off.

He was led into the house where he saw the lifeless body of his sister; lying in a pool of her own blood.

John Paul revealed that his sister was two months pregnant at the

time of her death. Thereafter, he took to Facebook to call for justice for his murdered sister and her unborn baby.

He also revealed that the husband was arrested on Thursday, March 26 and held at Central Police Station Awka. On Saturday, March 28, he was transferred to the state CID Amaubia, Anambra.

for questioning at Area Commander’s office, Malumfashi which did not go down well with some of his followers.

“Consequently, today 28/03/2020 at about 09:00hrs, this particular group organized themselves in such a tumultuous manner, rioting, attacked and over powered the policemen on duty at Kusada Division, set ablaze the police station and DPO’s Quarters.

“They also burnt down seven motor vehicles and ten motorcycles in custody of the police station. The Commissioner of Police, Katsina state Command, CP Sanusi Buba, ordered for the deployment of police patrol teams and a special joint security task force on the Enforcement of public gathering in the state led by DC Operations, to the area which have already restored normalcy.

“90 suspected rioters have been arrested while one of the rioters losing his life as a result of the encounter. Investigation is ongoing,” read a police statement by state Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah.

IGP orders zonal AIGs/Command CPs to enforce social restriction order

F

•From left: John Paul and the deceased Rita Onyebuchi

cial bank operators to strengthen their online banking security systems and report promptly any suspected case of fraud and other cybercrime related activities in their banks.

“While reaffirming the determination of the Nigeria Police Force in providing support services to relevant agencies saddled with the task of curtailing and containing the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGP assures the public that the Force is unrelenting in clamping down on criminals who may want to take advantage of the situation to perpetrate criminal acts,” the police statement said.

ollowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has directed all Zonal Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police and Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure that all legitimate orders given in pursuant to the containment efforts are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdiction.

The IGP, while urging officers to observe personal safety measures, further directs the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned.

He reiterated that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention. The IGP further directs that adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody.

The IGP further enjoined Nigerians to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered Command CPs to immediately publicize phone numbers of their Command Control Rooms, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other Tactical Commanders using the conventional and non- conventional media in order to facilitate alternative interacting and reporting options between the Public and the Police.

Similarly, Adamu has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut.

The Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitization programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country.

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

LIFE

By EMEKA ODOGWU EMEKA

A

t the popular Eke Market, in Awka, Anambra State, twenty-two year old Nwanna Happiness Chidiebere fashions out foot-wears. With her apron strapped behind her, she feels at home among the racks of shoes, bundles and scraps of leather, and miniature machines.

With a smile, she off handily turns on a decode to smoothen the sole of a shoe she was working on.

There is nothing sexist about her presence in the crowded workshop. Her dexterity raises many questions, and for an instance she looks like she has a long story to tell.

A huge sigh and she opens up. Shoe making wasn’t her first trade. She tried to be a seamstress in Aba, but her boss, a man, was circumspect about letting her into the trade secrets. She left. An opportunity to be a salesgirl with a monthly salary beckoned, but she dismissed that. The urge to make her own money was enticing.

Then cobbling appealed to her. She left Aba and with the help of a friend, found a place in Awka. They saw Ejioffor’s shoe making workshop and negotiated to be an apprentice.

Then, with a hint of mischief, she said, “I also like football.” She plays for Queens Club Awka.

What happened to education? She tells the story of her aspiration for a university education.

In 2018, she nursed the ambition to study Mass Communication in the university. She scored 235 in JAMB examination and 46 in the Post UME score 46, but could not secure admission in either Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (Unizik), or Federal Polytechnic Oko, and Anambra State University.

A mix up had conspired to deprive her.

According to her, “when I wrote my post UTME examination, normally four subjects are made mandatory which consists of the subjects I wrote during my JAMB examination.* *“I noticed that subjects were mixed up. I am an Art student, but they gave me science subjects to write. Most of the art students were given science subjects to write and vice-versa. *“There was no way any student would have done well. *”I never offered science subjects during my secondary school days, I knew absolutely nothing about science.

“I knew my post UTME score would have been better than what I had. *“Those of us affected wrote letters to the Vice Chancellor and I made reports on the day of the exam when I noticed what was happening but the supervisor I met said I should write what was given to me or leave the hall.* In 2019, she scored 276 in JAMB and scored 49 in the post UME, but could still not secure her admission to study Law at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka where the cut off score was 250.

At Capital Secondary School, Awka where Happiness graduated with the overall best WAEC result in 2017, she was the deputy Senior Prefect. At school, she championed campaigns for sex education and the virtues of chastity for teens. At an event hosted by the wife of Enugu State Governor, Monica Ugwuanyi, she addressed delegates from over 120 schools.

Today, her immediate concern “is to be successful,” after she took the bold step to be apprenticed to a renowned shoe maker, Mr Ejioffor Odizo, who praises her diligence.

To be an apprentice, Happiness was required to pay N20,000.

“It was hard raising that money because nobody was picking my bills. Luckily my master Ejiofor was considerate to allow me time and I

Happiness, the young girl from Awka who makes fine shoes for men

•Late Dora Akunyili is my role model.

•I will be fulfilled if I can live according to standards of my mother

raised N15,000.”

An amiable girl, she has some distractions and according to her, “frustrations at some points from family have almost made me lose focus.”

Her father, Dr Nwanna Mathew Kanayochukwu has been ill in the last 7 years. A Pharmacist at Amudo Awka, his other businesses collapsed following his predicament. His ailment has defied all medical solutions, “but through the mercy of God, he has started healing.”

A sense of sadness crept into her voice as she narrated how her brother Nwanna Chukwuemeka Collins had a strange experience in the bathroom when when a cat jumped on his chest. Three days after, he slumped and died at the hospital.

Late Chukwuemeka was into ICT and a talented phone repairer with clients from far and near. He started the business without any formal apprenticeship when his admission into the university was delayed. He got married at 25. “At his death, I took care of the children for three years without doing anything myself,” she said.

Her sense of fear deepened when “out of the eight of us, two boys and two girls died prematurely under mysterious circumstances.”

Happiness is very grateful to God for sparing her life and that of her other siblings.

She doesn’t regret the family issues, because, “I am alive. I give God the glory. I am actually happy to be alive’.

She is proud of her mother, Mrs Nwanna Felicia Chioma, a retired teacher and now a caterer.

Hitherto, . Happiness was holding private home lessons, “until the stress nearly killed me.

Then on her way home after a private lesson one evening, “I was taking a call when two men accosted me with a gun. I surrendered my phone and appealed to them to allow me go with my bag containing some expensive phones my brother had worked on for people, and my teaching kits. They took everything.

Then they wanted to rape me. I fought, and survived it with injuries.”

A Christian, Happiness insists that “every human being needs grace to get whatever she or he needs in life. That’s the grace am asking God to grant me to actualize my dreams of setting up my own business as an entrepreneur.”

She wants equal rights , opportunities and privileges for young girls to enable them survive the unhealthy competition in the society.

Her boss praises Happiness for her doggedness and diligence, but cautions her to bend down more to learn so many things she has not captured to enable her stand on her feet after her graduation.

“I am surprised she is committed to the job even as the craft is dominated by men. I even tried to discourage her but when I saw she was serious, I picked interest in her and decided to support her fully. Other girls who came to learn never lasted more than two weeks. Her stay has brought another girl, which I know she is going to influence,” he said.

Happiness is certain of how the future will unfold for her: ‘’It is a shoe making business based on unisex. I have this feeling to start this business here in Awka. Then within two to three years, if I’m able to work on my papers, I want to travel abroad to learn more techniques including mechanized ways of doing things. I get their knowledge and improve on them for the industry here. I see myself doing this business internationally. The machines and everything are here. I’m good in hand making of shoes and even in using the machine. I also want to have many employees and apprentices. I want to create employment for everyone. I believe that once I teach people the ways of making shoes, they can open a shop of their own and the cycle will be going on. Before long, there will be jobs everywhere.”

Is she regretting missed opportunities like not going to university?

“No. I am very proud of the business and of myself. People have told me to try my hand at hairdressing or sewing and that cobbling is for boys but I tell them that what a man can do, a woman can do it even better.

“Nobody forced me to do this. My father doesn’t know what I am doing but my mum knows. My brothers don’t know too but I had to tell my mum so that she won’t be worried when I leave the house.

“I want to be independent financially; hustling for myself and I have plans of going back to school. Going to school is a problem because my late brother left three children. They are in school and need to be taken care of. So for me, I don’t want to be a burden to anybody. I should be in school but circumstances changed the narrative. The least I can do is help out in the family and not be a burden and I’m very proud of doing that now.”

Going forward, she said: ‘’Of course I need help. If God sends a helper, I shall remain indebted. I want to be a lawyer because I have seen several cases of people being maltreated.

I don’t mind having a non- governmental organization where I can speak out for people.

That has always been my dream.

“I advise the girl child to hustle and stand on her own. Anybody that has handwork helps a lot in the society.”

Does she think she is a source of inspiration or an object of laughter from her friends?

Happiness said: ‘’As far as I can say, none has come over to laugh at me. Except one girl. She was the dumbest person we had back then in the school. She passed across our shop once and was like ‘so Happiness, you of all people and with your intelligence, this is where you ended up?’ I smiled and I remember telling her “you won’t understand. Everything is just for a reason.”

She didn’t blink to mention the late Prof Dora Akunyili as her role model. “I looked up to her when she was alive; she did wonderful things. I’m very proud of her. She is my heroine.

Also if I I’m able to live up to the standards of my mum, I will be a fulfilled woman. As a teacher, my mum raised so many prominent men and women in the society and has also saved so many from living a bad life.”

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

INTERVIEW

here. The only thing the woman can do is to resist or feign illness but when she does that, the man can beat her. That again is domestic violence, which is against the rights of a woman. Women are facing a lot in the society. And who will the she report to? The father-in-law or to the mother-in-law or the society?

Third parties would just laugh at her and tell you to give to him what he wants?

Women are in a dilemma in our society due to culture

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shekinah Hospital and Maternity, Awka, Dr Ifeanyi Onyeka spoke with The Oracle Today correspondent, ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU, on the celebration of International Women’s Day. He discussed issues concerning family planning and choices of women to sex among other issues.

Excerpts:

Women are bearing a lot in the society and homes; they deserve better, says, Onyeka The world recently celebrated the International Women’s Day. Would you say that the women folk have been able to find the kind of parity they have been seeking in politics, appointments, even in the homes?

I don’t think so. To be frank, the men have not been fair to the women. They have been domineering in all aspects.

That notion ‘that women are to be seen and not heard’ has made men perpetuate all kinds of mistakes in their homes. In the political space political appointments are still lopsided in favour of the men and even in the traditional setting, the women don’t have much say. In everything, the decision of the man is final. The opinion of the women are not considered objectively.

I believe this is unfair to women because most of them are good at what they do. They are good managers, some far better than most men; they are hardworking, can handle responsibilities given to them with sincerity. For instance, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili did a wonderful work at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) when she sanitized the drug industry. Few men would have been able to do what he did. She did well too as a minister. Most of the women who have held positions in Nigeria have excelled and I dare say that if they are given more opportunities, we would have seen an improvement in the running of affairs of the country. It is possible that corruption might not be as

high as it is today.

What do you make of this discussion going on in most circles and home about reproductive rights?* Women have rights to know when they want to get married and the time they want to have children. And these rights should be respected. They also have the rights to determine the number of children they would like to have and the time they would like to have sexual contact with their husbands.

enlightened women in Nigeria that are getting access to these reproductive rights. For the majority who don’t get it, it is because the husband is stifling them.

And, this is not good enough. You can imagine a case where the husband and wife can’t agree on how many children to have. The man wants more children and the women, who bears the physical brunt, refuses, it still the man gets his way because he is the husband. Would you say that she still has her rights?

Is it possible to enforce or for a women to be accorded these rights especially in a place like Nigeria?

No! The gap is still there because sometimes we may think that the difference is not there but when you get to places like the North, you find out that even to go to school is a problem. Women are so much restricted in the North. But in the South you can’t really stop a woman to go to school, unless she doesn’t want to attend school. A lot needs to change in Nigeria in favour of women.

Women have rights for family planning because everything happens inside them, they bear the entire thing. They bear the pains of miscarriages, labour, etc. Men don’t go through the physical and emotional pains women go through in the family. When a woman passes through excessive stress especially when they are the breadwinner, it is difficult for them to cope. We should respect the rights of our women always.

It is sad that only some of the

All kinds of arguments go on in the confines of the home. Can any of these arguments lead to a situation where a man be said to have raped his wife?

Yes! A man can rape his wife. In actual sense, the issue of rape has to do with lack of sexual satisfaction. If the woman doesn’t give him the opportunity to have it and she is being forced into it, then it is rape and it isn’t the right thing to do. When a woman doesn’t want to have sexual contact and is being forced to into it, it is rape and condemnable.

What happens if a man gets to rape his wife?

Rape in our setting is not recognized.

A woman can’t stand to say that her husband forced her into having sexual intercourse. It is often said that even if he asks for it 20 times a day, the wife should make herself available. This means that even the society doesn’t give the woman her rights to decide on what she wants or not. It is never an issue

What do you think is the immediate solution or doesn’t the woman have a right also to enforce her rights?

The solution is public enlightenment especially of the men folk so that they will know the implications of denying women their rights. Also, social talks will make men see that inasmuch as their wives are their companions in the marriage, but going to them for sexual activity when they are not in the right frame of mind is not ideal. Actually, the man doesn’t have the right to force his wife into sexual contact if she says no because the woman has a right to take him to court. She has the legal right because she must say yes before the man goes ahead. There might be reasons the woman may have either she is not emotionally okay or she is sick to say no.

Quite often, women, not necessarily married women, have been blamed when they are raped. Why does this happen?

It is the carelessness of the women because if you have a minor definitely you have to know the kind of housemaid you have. Know the places they go and what kind of school they should attend.

In fact, they deserve proper supervision so that they are not exposed to danger.

Many children have who are sent by their parents or guardians to hawk have become victims of this lack of supervision. It should a crime for parents to send out underaged children to go and hawk. Secondly, women should make sure they take adequate care of their husbands emotionally and sexually so that there won’t be much room for their man to look outside.

Where do you place abortion among the reproductive rights of a woman?

Why should anyone expose herself carelessly by engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse knowing she can get pregnant? Why should the person then go for an abortion? If you go for abortion, it becomes a sin. But it is not a sin when a woman is pregnant and you find out that the pregnancy may cost the life of the woman. So you would have to terminate it because here you are more interested in saving life.

Is this legal?

I am not a legal practitioner, I’m telling you what is right in the medical profession.

Should the law on abortion be amended or is it relevant as it is It should stand as it is. If you remove it, you will be embarrassed at the rate people will be procuring abortions. It is a kind of check to reduce the number of abortion going on in the country every second.

37

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

SPORTS

Nwangwu heads committee for rehabilitation of ex Rangers widows

By MADUABUCHI KALU

V

ictor Nwangwu has been named chairman of the Coordinating Committee of ex Rangers Players Association, Oracle Sports can report.

The committee is aimed at shoring funds for the rehabilitation of an estimated 40 widows of the club’s former players.

The Nwangwu Committee would also source for funds to rehabilitate some of the ex Rangers players who are found to be in dire stress and financial assistance.

Nwangwu is also a retired Secretary of Anambra State Football Association, member NFF Match Commissioners Committee and also NFF Finance

Committee member.

Oracle Sports understands that the committee had earlier swung into action with visit to former Inspector General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo.

“They will also meet other prominent sons and daughters of the South East including President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State”, an official of the ex players of the foremost Nigeria club said.

“They will bring to focus, what Rangers, as a club, stands for, a ‘movement’, its role in reintegrating the Igbos into the main stream of Nigeria polity through victory on the football pitch having lost out on the gun battle front in 1970.

“We have lost about 40 members

Anozie explains reason for N20, 000 Donation C

hinedu Anozie, Plateau United’s first choice goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie has explained reason behind his N20,000 donation for the fight against Coronavirus Pandemic.

Anozie, who once stood behind the sticks for NPFL sides, Abia Warriors and FC Ifeanyi Ubah before a move to the 2019/2020 domestic top flight leaders, Plateau United, said the fight against Coronavirus should be a collective one, saying its total elimination should be the concern of all and sundry.

“Its not about how much but the spirit. No amount is too small because little drops of water make an ocean”, starts the goalkeeper.

“Coronavirus is a deadly disease. It has claimed lives across the globe and paralysed everything including football and the earlier its gotten rid of, the better”.

Convid-19 has forced the suspension of the NPFL and other leagues across the globe. It has also led to the shifting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games to 2021 with CAF and UEFA equally suspending their inter club championships.

Though only a case of one death has been officially reported in Nigeria, no fewer than 71 cases had been reportedly confirmed by the National Center for Disease Control, NCDC, as at Saturday March 28, 2020.

Nigeria, like its counterparts in Europe, has been on lockdown, with churches, markets, gatherings of more than 50 persons suspended even as inter state movements has been put on hold, forcing citizens to stay indoors.

of this our ‘football soldiers’ and their families, though forgotten, are also suffering unbearable economic hardship.

“Some don’t even have anywhere to lay their heads. Even some of us who are still alive are also undergoing severe hardship with many bed ridden by one form of sickness or the other.

“It can’t continue like this. We need to come together, seek for a way out so that the labours of these our great heroes past will never be in vain.

“That’s the reason for our humble appeal to our well to do sons and daughters, corporate organisations and governments, especially of the South East extraction to harken to our cries and come to our aid”, the former Rangers player said.

VICTOR-Nwangwu

Plateau Utd GM Appeals For SupportTo Government Directive

P

ius Henwan, General Manager of NPFL leaders, Plateau United, wants citizens of the State to support governor Simon Lalong’s directive for people to stay at home in a bid to halt the spread of the Coronavirus Pandemic which is fast ravaging the world .

The Tin City outfit’s boss stated noted that adhering to the governor’s directive has become necessary in order to stop the spread of the virus which is gradually affecting the country.

He explained that the pandemic which has no cure for now except precautionary measures has killed thousands of people in other parts of the world and Nigeria , particularly Plateau State is not an exception .

Henwan, while wishing those affected speedy recovery, appealed to citizens especially Plateau United’s teeming fans to adhere to the governor’s directive to enable them celebrate with the team as they aim to win their second Nigeria Professional Football League title at the end of the season.

He disclosed that Plateau United has worked hard right from pre season to win the league title, describing the recent break as a result of the Convid-19 Pandemic as a temporary setback which will not affect the team’s chances of winning the league title.

In order to cushion the effect of the government directive, the General Manager has distributed foodstuffs to inhabitants of Kangam, a suburb of Jos South Local Government Area where he lives.

The football administrator used the occasion to appeal to other individuals and public spirited organisation to complement government efforts in providing succour especially to the less privilege who will be seriously affected with the lockdown.

Dakkada Players On Handed Pay Cut

T

he hierarchy of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL debutants, Dakkada International, have handed players of the club pay cut, Oracle Sports reports.

The club are currently 8th on the standings before the league was put on hold over the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

Dakkada’s brightest moment in the top flight so far remains their incredible 2-0 win at Rangers inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Prior to that magnificent result, Dakkada, then known as Akwa Starlets, had dumped Shooting Stars 3-0 at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, in a promotion match.

But a dip in form in recent games has forced officials of the club to wield the big stick, slashing the players salaries.

“I have been paid half salary since I came here”, revealed one of the players without wanting to be named in print for fear of victimisation.

“We are happy to play for the club but the club has not done well to encourage us”, another player added.

It was also learnt that the management of the club promised to pay the players full entitle

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The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

SPORTS

Mayweather’s rant after ESPN named Muhammad Ali greatest boxer ever Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

I

t’s very common for boxers, journalists and fans to name Muhammad Ali as the greatest fighter the sport has ever seen.

The American legend is possibly the biggest sporting icon of all time and his fights with the likes of Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston and George Foreman were epic.

Ali was the face of the sport during the 1960s and 1970s, so much so that his reputation is as prominent as ever in the present day.

Of course, there are a few other names that are always mentioned

when asked to name the greatest boxer of all time. Mike Tyson, Joe Louis, Ray Leonard, Ray Robinson and Rocky Marciano to name a few.

There’s also Floyd Mayweather, a man who boasts the impeccable and frankly ridiculous record of 50-0-0.

He’s without doubt one of the greatest to have laced a pair of gloves on the professional circuit and he’s also one for believing in his own hype.

Back in 2017, when he was 49-0-0, Mayweather was a guest on ESPN and was fuming when he heard

that hosts David Lloyd and Carl Champion had named Ali ahead of him as the greatest boxer ever.

“What are we judging fighters on?” he asked in response to the rankings, with both Lloyd and Champion placing him fourth.

“Because if we’re judging fighters on standing for a cause, then it’s Ali hands down. But if we’re talking about taking the least punishment and breaking records, it’s Floyd Mayweather.

“Muhammad Ali paved the way for me to be where I’m at today, he’s a legend. But when we talk about record breaking, we’ve got

to talk about Ali losing his world title to a fighter with only seven fights.

“I have to take my hat off to Ali, but I didn’t give this sport 40 years to say that there’s another fighter better than me.”

Lloyd then argues that Ali’s bouts against the likes of Frazier, Liston and Foreman are the reason why he’s number one, stating that Mayweather hasn’t been involved in fights of the same calibre.

The Money Man hits back by saying: “That’s not cool. That is not cool.

“What I’m here to teach fighters is this: The name of the game is to

hit and not get hit. It’s not about taking punishment.

“And I love Ali, but sitting on the ropes, taking punishment as far as doing a rope-a-dope - that’s not cool.”

Does Mayweather have a point? After all, this is a guy who’s schooled Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao and many more world-class fighters.

At the end of the day, picking between a pair like Ali an Mayweather is nigh on impossible.

They’re completely different fighters from separate eras, so maybe it’s best to just say ‘two of the greatest of all time’, eh?

Covid-19: Current football season could be lost, warns UEFA president

ollowing the month-long suspension of most football Fleagues across Europe, President

of European Football Association (Uefa), Aleksander Ceferin, has warned that the current season may never be completed if it cannot be restarted by June.

The majority of competitions in Europe have been suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic, with English football suspended until at least 30 April, though many Premier League clubs are resigned to that suspension being extended further.

Ceferin said behind-closed-doors games would have to be considered if leagues were to finish across Europe but dismissed the notion that Champions League or Europa League finals could be played without fans present.

So far, the Belarus league remains the last man standing in a continent has seen nearkly all football action halted over the covid-19 pandemic.

Ceferin said this season could be “lost” if games are not re-

sumed before June. In the event of such a scenario, the ramifications remain unknown. “If we don’t succeed in restarting, the season will probably be lost,” he told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, adding: “Nobody knows when the pandemic will end. There is a plan A, B and C. The three options are to start again in mid-May, in June or at the end of June. There is also the possibility of starting again at the beginning of the next [season], starting the following one later.

We will see the best solution for leagues and clubs.”

Professional football is at a virtual standstill across the world and, as it stands, there are nine outstanding games to be completed by the majority of Premier League clubs, and up to 12 in the Football League. Conversations between the Football Association and professional leagues are ongoing and staging matches behind closed doors is one of several contingency measures being explored.

The Premier League’s stakeholders are set to reconvene for a conference call on Friday, with the resumption of the season, wage deferrals and player contracts likely to be key talking points. The FA has already taken the unprecedented step of ex-

punging results for the 2019-20 season for non-league divisions below the National League, leading to a backlash from several member clubs.

“It’s hard for me to imagine all the matches behind closed doors, but we still don’t know whether

we’ll resume, with or without spectators,” added Ceferin.

“If there are no other alternatives, it would still be better to conclude the leagues. I can say that I’m not thinking about staging the European cup finals behind closed doors,” he said.

39

The Oracle Today Monday March 30 - Sunday April 5, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

Ololade Oluwatosin – Miss Tourism

There is no man in my life for now, says Ololade Oluwatosin

By Douglas Omoyooma

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HE reigning Miss Nigeria Tourism International, Ololade Oluwatosin has announced that there is no man in her life.

During a recently when Sisi Chinese Restaurant held an event to create awareness about the rampaging coronavirus, Ololade declared: “Are you talking about the man in my life? I Have been living my life to the glory of God in the best of my knowledge. I am engrossed with the challenges of my office.

Every day, I work hard. And for now, let me categorically state that there is no man in my life. I only have valuable friends that are men who I can count on.”

Born and raised in Oro, Kwara State where she had her primary and secondary education before moving to Oyo State for her tertiary education, Oluwatosin says growing up was fun. She was not born with a sliver spoon, but she enjoyed every bit of her childhood.

After emerging Miss Nigeria International Tourism last year after a keen contest, she said, she “was overwhelmed” when she emerged Miss Nigeria Tourism Tourism?

She recalled that, “I started shaking from within. Though I knew I could win, but hearing my name being announced as winner was a moment I will never forget. I believed I could win that was why I gave it a try. However, my faith was shaken in camp when I saw other contestants but to God be the glory I emerged winner.”

Has it always been your dream to be a queen? “I had mixed feelings about being a queen but my passion for fashion is unshakable. The experience was fun and if I could have my way, I would like to have more of it. Sometimes it could be stressful but camp was remarkable and full of memories. Every one of us that contested was up to the task and ready to compete; I will say that all the other girls deserved to win, they are all queens.”

Speaking on the perks of office, Oluwatosin continued: “Being a beauty queen has generally been of help as it has opened doors and also connected me with the right people and still hope for more. I will say a big thank you to the platform (Mr. and Miss Nigeria international) for giving me the privilege to per take in this.”

How is she coping with the challenges of the crown? “Challenges push you to sit tight and forge further. I like to overcome challenges as it help me to build my self-esteem. The office has been challenging because it has more to do with the public, but to God be the glory, His Grace has kept me.”

On her advise to Nigerians amidst the ravaging coronavirus. She said: “It is so sad that this is happening at this point in our lives. The whole world has been united like never before to fight this virus. We need to take precautions and that is why I must congratulate the Lagos State Government for being proactive.

We should maintain social distancing and use soap and hand sanitisers in order to curb the spread.

“It is sad that the entire world is shutting down, but this is the prize we must pay because COVID-19 is virulent. Let us pray to God for the healing of our land.

I know that like everything, this will pass sooner or later but we must learn the lessons and build a stronger society going forward.”

Pet project

Every beauty queen has a pet project. Oluwatosin shares hers: “My pet project is christened Taking Children off the Street: A Case Study of Lagos State.

This project is basically prepared for children from the age of three to 18. The objective is to attack the root causes of homelessness and how to fix them and make sure these kids end up being useful to themselves and the country at large. I am looking forward to support and assistant from governments, individuals and the general public for the achievement of this project.” next level.

MONDAY MARCH 30 - SUNDAY April 5, 2020

The

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Coronavirus and Anambra’s Proactive Response

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he Coronavirus, known as COVID-19, which has been devastating the world since late last December, has not reached Anambra State, Nigeria’s safest state. Still, on Monday, March 23, Governor Willie Obiano shut down schools, directed civil servants not on essential services to work from home and limited the number of passengers in tricycles and buses, but also set up a 23-person Coronavirus Attack Team to work against the contagion in the state.

To underscore the importance of the team’s work, Governor Obiano chose to head the team himself. Other members include the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Commissioner for Health and his counterpart in the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, the state Commissioner of Police, heads of the two teaching hospitals in the state and specialists from relevant fields.

The Anambra State government has once again demonstrated its belief in the old aphorism that prevention is better than cure. The cost of preventing the viral outbreak is, in every sense, far cheaper than the cost of managing the crisis if it erupts. If the contagion could wreck Europe, China, South Korea and the United States, with all their sophisticated advances in medicare, it is not difficult to imagine what could be the fate of African countries if the virus spreads here.

Had the Italian, American and British leaders, for instance, acted promptly as the Anambra State government when the contagion was reported in their respective nations, the situation would not have been as cataclysmic as it is in each of these places today. Italy records on some days over 700 deaths. No wonder open religious services have been closed all over the country, including the Vatican. In the United Kingdom, the British prime minister has issued a stay-at-home order to all, just as 16 American States have done.

Some countries are on lockdown.

Anambra State has in the last few years displayed uncanny leadership, and its latest attempt to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus in Nigeria since the nation’s index case was reported on February 27 is just the latest brave effort to grapple with the pandemic.

The Anambra State administration is the first government in the country to call citizens’ attention to the grave danger which the contagion poses. It played this role because it is fully conscious that its people are the most travelled in the whole country, and they frequently visit China and other nations hit by the pandemic for business. The government has also taken other measures like suspending burials of up to 30 persons, parties and title taking

GUEST COLUMNIST

C. Don

ADINUBA

•Governor Willie Obiano

ceremonies till the situation improves.

Ndi Anambra need to cooperate fully with the government in the campaign against the COVID-19. There are a lot of markets and motor parks as well as churches in the state which record very large numbers of people. The Onitsha Main Market is reputed to be the largest open market in West Africa. Movement in the market is difficult because of the large crowds of people who buy and sell there daily, including those who come from West and Central Africa. In other words, the markets and motor garages in Nigeria are potential areas where the virus can spread fast, since it is contracted mostly through person-to-person contact and physical surfaces.

There are unfortunately people who are not yet aware of the virus. This ignorance is more pronounced in rural areas. Worse, there are people who are aware of the

highly infectious disease, but strangely believe that it cannot get to Nigeria because of the false belief that it cannot survive in our hot climate. This belief persists despite that the fact that there are already over 40 COVID-19 patients in Nigeria, including the son of a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar. More disheartening is the large group of Nigerians, many of them educated, who believe, for superstitious and other strange reasons, that they cannot be infected. There are, in addition, those who believe that the disease can be treated easily with honey, garlic, ginger and hot water.

Ndi Anambra are enjoined to seek proper treatment from doctors and other medical staff members trained to manage viral outbreaks like the Coronavirus.

Symptoms of the disease are high fever, vomiting, cough, sneezing and difficult breathing. Any person showing any of

these symptoms should not indulge in self medication on the assumption that he or she is afflicted by malaria or any common disease but should rather immediately contact the state’s Public Health Emergency Operation Centre via telephone numbers 08030953771 and 08117567363. It has to be noted that a person may be a carrier without showing any of the symptoms.

This is why the government has been advising persons who have in the last two weeks visited any of the countries with up to 1000 recorded cases of COVID-19 to isolate themselves for 14 days. The earlier the disease is detected the easier it is to treat.

The government will bear the treatment cost.

There are three hospitals in the state with isolation centres. They are Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka and Onitsha General Hospital. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Ekwulobia General Hospital in Aguata Local Government Area and Umueri General Hospital in Anambra East LGA have surge centres, that is, they can absorb patients who may not be accommodated in the three hospitals with isolation centres based on existing facilities.

Traditional rulers, presidents general of town unions, market groups, transport unions, trade unions, professional groups, the organized private sector, civil servants as well as religious leaders should be on the frontlines of the spirited campaign to ensure that our state is spared COVID-19. It is not the job of the government or medical doctors to fight this monster alone, but that of every person.

Each of us can contribute meaningfully to the campaign by washing our hands regularly with water and soap for 20 seconds which must be poured away if it is in a bowel, by airdrying our hands instead of drying them with towel or handkerchief because it may be contaminated, by using hand sanitizers always, by not shaking hands or hugging each other, by keeping away from people by some six feet, and by regularly cleaning door handles and rail surfaces with liquids containing up to 60% alcohol. It is reassuring that a lot of hotels, hospitals, offices and homes have been observing these rules. Churches, markets, motor parks, transport owners and operators have also joined in observing these rules.

The Anambra State Government has shown the light, and the people are happily finding the way. God bless Anambra State, the Light of the Nation.

•C. Don Adinuba is Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, Anambra State.

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