Wednesday October 31, 2018 Edition

How I escaped, by Nnamdi Kanu

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eader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi has explained how he beat the apparent manhunt for him by the Nigerian security agencies and escaped from the country.

In a broadcast on Sunday evening on Radio Biafra and streamed live on the Internet,

Kanu, who surfaced in Jerusalem, the Israeli capital a few days ago, vowed not to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he was standing trial before he left the country.

The FG had charged him with treason but Binta Nyako, a judge of the Federal High court in Abu-

The

ja, had granted him bail after 18 months in detention. Although Kanu was thought to have flouted the terms of his bail, the bail was yet to be revoked by the court before the military invaded his Abia residence on September 14, last year, allegedly killing several people in the processw.

In the broadcast, Kanu boasted: “I promised the Zoo that I will be coming to Biafra and I came. I do not recognise the court of the Zoo. I want the people of the Middle Belt to rise and join IPOB. “IPOB Military intelligence evacuated me from my compound, when the

racle Cont’d on page 32

www.oraclenews.ng

North in dilemma over Atiku VOX POPULI SACRUM

WEDNESDAY October 31, 2018

•Nmandi Kanu

ISSN: 2545-5869

•Nobody today can defeat Buhari in the North-Jubril Aminu •Restructuring resonating with Northerners too •Support for Atiku by key Northern leaders significant •Support by the Generals positive signal •North won’t dump Buhari-Igwe –P.2

Today

VOL.3 No.43 N200

Five firms penned down for NLNG Train-7 jobs …Buhari approves accelerated expansion to Train-15

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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t least five local technical service providers have been penciled down for participation in the construction phase of the multi-billion dollar project for seventh train of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

The development came with the revelation that President Muhammadu Buhari has given the company express approval to drive its expansion plans from the current seven trains with 30 million tons per annum (mtpa) to as much as 15 trains.

According to information provided by the NLNG, Dorman Long, Modec West

Africa/Nigeria Foundries, PCMN, I.O Furniture and EngRypac may have already been listed as companies that have developed capabilities to provide services to the liquefaction company on the project.

Information gleaned from the public workshop on the Nigerian Content scope of the NLNG Train-7 project held in Abuja holds that the $7.0 billion or N2.52 trillion project offers huge opportunities for indigenous and foreign service firms that have in-country capacity for job delivery.

Both NLNG Limited and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring

Cont’d on page 2

Buhari decries disregard for sanctity of life

By IZUNNA EZENWA (with agency reports)

P •Buhari

Page 17

•Atiku

resident Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent killings of 55 people following a communal violence in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State, describing as “unacceptable” what he called “disregard for the

sanctity of human life”.

The President noted that violence is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good, insisting that no religion supports bloodshed.

The President said on his Twitter handle on Sunday, October 21: “The violence

Cont’d on page 44

Gas players lay N18.4tr agenda for the economy

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS From NATH OMAME Jr, Port Harcourt and BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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ormer Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s general election may have put Northern Nigeria in a big dilemma: whom to support, between him and President Muhammadu Buhari.

But in what appears to be the thinking within the mainstream northern establishment at the moment, former Minister of Petroleum Resources and Education, Professor Jubril Aminu, in a statement attributed to him and posted on social media, said only the late Ahmadu Bello, Premier of the defunct Northern region and the late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa could, were they alive, beat Buhari in the north, a certain indication that Buhari enjoys greater support in the core north than Atiku.

Both Buhari and Atiku are strong candidates with broad appeals across the political and geographical divides in Nigeria, Atiku probably more so, and have promised to move Nigeria to the next level if elected or re-elected president, according their different visions.

Atiku is running on the message of restructuring and devolution of more powers to the federating units, a theme that seems to resonate more with voters in the southern part of the country and in the Middle Belt States than in the core north.

Buhari, on the other hand, does not support restructuring, his argument being that what Nigeria needs is not restructuring but improvement in the governance processes.

The President’s view enjoys support among core Northern opinion and political leaders, including Professor Ango Abdullahi, Prof. Aminu, Mallam Nasir el-rufai, among others.

In his New Year address to the nation in January this year, Buhari dismissed calls for a holistic new look at Nigeria’s political structure, saying he did not see it as a priority.

“When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure,” the president said, adding, however, that “no human law or edifice is perfect.”

In the address, which lasted for less than 20 minutes, President Buhari said Nigeria should continue to operate its current presidential system, but welcomed ideas on how to make it less extravagant, wasteful and corrupt.

“There is a strong case for a closer look at the cost of government and for the public services long used to extravagance, waste and corruption to change for the better. I assure you that government is ever receptive to ideas, which will improve governance and contribute to the country’s peace and stability,” he said in the address, his first to the nation in six months.

To that effect, the president urged Nigerians to be patient with the current presidential system and allow it to evolve until it becomes suitable enough to accommodate the country’s peculiarities.

For his part, Atiku’s argument in favour of restructuring is hinged on the belief that the current powers of the central government are overarching and stifling and that too much government at the centre takes initiative away from the federating units all of which have become lazy and look up to the centre for virtually everything to

North in dilemma over Atiku sustain their existence.

In remarks at the annual Prof.

Ademola Popoola Public Lecture, at the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in March last year, Alahji Abubakar said: “There is no doubt that many of our states are not viable, and were not viable from the start, once you take away the federal allocations from Abuja. We have to find creative ways to make them viable in a changed federal system.”

Stating that collaboration among states in a region or zone will help in this search, the former

Vice President said: “We can examine the possibility of using the existing geo-political zones as federating units. We can also find other ways to determine the viability of states, for example by introducing a means test such that a state that is unable to generate a certain percentage of its expenditures internally for a specified period of time will be deemed unviable and collapsed into another or a group of states.

“We can constitute a body of non-partisan experts to suggest other ideas. But in all, we must devolve more powers and resources

from the federal government and deemphasize federal allocations as the source of sustenance of states. We need to start producing again and collecting taxes to run our governments in a more sustainable way with greater transparency and accountability.”

Explaining his own concept of restructuring, Abubakar inveighed against the idea of councils being seen as federating units and receiving allocations from the centre.

“The restructuring that I have been calling for involves changes to the allocation of powers,

responsibilities and resources among the states or zones and between them and the federal government. I do not see local governments as federating units and, therefore, they should not derive their powers from the constitution,” he said.

“Likewise ethnic nationalities are not federating units and any attempt to restructure the country along those lines will be unworkable. Some of our roughly 300 ethnic nationalities are big enough to constitute independent countries while some are too small to even constitute local government areas,” he added.

Lamenting that many of those against restructuring are from the North, Atiku pointed out that the major factors against the change

Cont’d on page 44

Buhari decries disregard for sanctity of life Continued from Pg 1

•Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State receives PDP Vice-Presiential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi at the government Enugu

... Penned down for NLNG Train-7 jobs Continued from Pg 1 Board (NCDMB) hinted in Abuja that such capabilities have already been demonstrated by identified companies that participated in the fabrication of process modules for the Egina deepwater field development project driven by Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited.

NLNG stated in even programme that the five companies were already qualified based on previous projects they delivered in the industry.

The scope of jobs mapped out for local delivery is currently not certain but the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has since declared that government expected over 70 percent of local content performance in the project.

The Oracle today reports that NLNG has reputation for sound industry process polices that compete with global best practices.

The company which lays model for incorporated joint venture with government has prided itself on high Nigerian Content performance while holding firm on global best practices.

Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, told participants at the workshop that the Train-7 project would provide Nigeria yet another opportunity to derive comprehensive economic value from its vast natural gas resources, adding that the country’s liquefaction

capacity would grow by 35 percent or 8.0 million tons per annum (mtpa) from current 22 mtpa to 30 mtpa when the seventh train is commissioned.

He said the Train-7 project would not only return Nigeria to its third position in global LNG export but also provide the country with more than cash benefits to emphasize high Nigerian Content during the plant development.

He said government has given approval to NLNG to drive sustainable capacity development in order to achieve the 15th train in the short to medium term.

Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, stated at the event that while government and NLNG have started implementation of Service Level Agreement (SLA) earlier signed, beneficiaries of the Nigerian Content scope of plant developments must be globally competitive with quality if service delivery.

Mr. Wabote said the workshop was planned to create platform for identification of local supply chain capabilities that may have been developed since the last tendering round on the project, stressing that participation criteria are firm on domiciliation and domestication of industry jobs.

He stressed that the Nigerian Content Act also welcomes international contractors and protects their investments in the country, adding that the thrust is to ensure quality and standards in local job

job execution.

He explained that the [partnership between the NLNG and NCDMB was built to maximize utilization of in-country capacity and capability, deepen local content, ensure transparency, establish legacy infrastructure and expand the scope of opportunities.

The Oracle Today reports that NLNG Limited is driving fast track processes in its Train-7 project after years of advocacy for the approval of the project finally paid off with trends in global energy demand transition to cleaner sources.

The company had in July awarded front end engineering design jobs to two consortia of world class companies; it exited its legacy debts; and initiated processes to secure fresh $7.0 billion funding for Train-7 development, ancillary infrastructure and enhanced gas feedstock.

The FEED contracts would provide clarity for the company to call for bids for Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract the outcome of which would lead to final investment decision later in the year.

Mr. Attah had stated in London that the company would borrow about $7.0 billion or N2.52 trillion to cover construction of Train-7 and investment in the upstream gas sector to ensure the sustainability of feedgas supply to existing Trains 1, 2,3 ,4, 5 and 6; as well as feedgas for the new Train-7.

in Kaduna, which has resulted in the deaths of 55 innocent people, is condemnable. The Police have been authorized to do everything possible to restore calm. A Special Intervention Force has been deployed to the flashpoints and the IG will provide regular updates.

“I am reassuring everyone that the Fed Govt will continue to do all within our power to protect not just humanitarian workers but also everyone working or living in the North East. I salute our military, who continue to fight and strive hard to permanently neutralize Boko Haram.

“The disregard for the sanctity of human life is unacceptable.

Violence is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good. I appeal to community leaders and citizens to always choose dialogue, patience and tolerance, to prevent crises from escalating into violence. ‘ “Let me also commend the Kaduna State government for its rapid response to the crisis. The Federal Government and its law enforcement agencies will work with the State government and community leaders to ensure the full restoration of peace and security.”

President Buhari lamented the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully, calling the situation worrisome.

“No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” Buhari stressed. “Peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.”

He noted that without communal harmony, the environment for the conduct of “our everyday businesses would be impossible to achieve.”

Kaduna imposes 24-hour curfew

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has imposed a 24hour curfew on Kaduna town and environs with immediate effect.

Senior Special Assistant to the State governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan stated this on Sunday in Kaduna…

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Fresh 24-hour curfew imposed in Kaduna as crisis boils over

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HE Kaduna State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna town and its environs.

This was made known by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan, via his Facebook page.

He said the curfew is with immediate effect.

A senior security officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the situation is bad, “but we are trying to put it under control.”

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Taiwo Lakanu, to lead a police intervention force to Kaduna to ensure that normalcy return to the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 55 people were killed on October 18 crisis at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

NAN also reports that a similar crisis in February left more than 10 people dead in Kasuwan Magani, while 65 suspects involved in the crisis were arraigned in court but the case is still ongoing.

Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, the Force Public Relations Officer, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the violence on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that the police deployed included four Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Conventional policemen, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and Technical Intelligence (TIU) among others.

Moshood said that the operations would cover the entire Kasuwan Magani and its environs and other flash spots in the state.

“The intervention force will be working in synergy with the Kaduna state police command to ensure that peace and normalcy returns to the area.

“To achieve success, the force will be proactive and strict in the

enforcement of its mandate, police standard operations procedures and rules of engament,” he said.

He said that the force would carry out a 24 hours surveillance and patrol, stop and search, continuous raid of identified criminal hideouts and black spots.

The spokesman said that operation would cover communities, towns, villages, vulnerable points, government and private infrastructure.

He enjoined traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, parents and guardians to support the police in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Moshood said that 22 suspects directly involved in violence have been arrested and are in police custody assisting the police in the investigation.

The spokesman said that some prominent personalities kidnapped during the violence have also been rescued and reunited with their families.

Buhari to visit Seme Border Tuesday President Muhammadu Buhari and his Republic of Benin counterpart, Patrice Talon will on Tuesday perform the official hand-over of the new Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Border Posts at Seme-Krake and Neope-Akanu in Badagry.

In a statement on Sunday, the Lagos State Government said all necessary arrangements to ensure hitch-free unveiling ceremony had been firmed up, while President Buhari would be accompanied to the venue by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

According to the statement, the President would be received at the Airport by the Governor, while the duo would thereafter proceed to the venue.

“Already, all necessary security and logistic arrangements have been firmed up by the State Government in partnership with relevant federal government agencies.

“To this effect, the Lagos State Government is soliciting the usual support and cooperation of resi-

dents throughout the visit,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command, said on Saturday that the abductors of the traditional ruler of Adara chiefdom had killed four people on his entourage before going away with the monarch. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Agom Adara, Mr Maiwada Galadima and his wife were kidnapped at Maikyali village along Kaduna -Kachia road in Kachia Local Government area of the state.

The Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo told NAN in Kaduna that the incident happened on Oct 19, at about 6:30

V

with him, but you are never in doubt of his sincerity of purpose and capacity to act consistently on the side of his conviction,” Osinbajo said.

He described the Alafin as a worthy Yorùbá leader and father, whose intellectual prowess and commitment to the Yorùbá cause was unparalleled.

Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan, said the monarch was a father and quintessential leader, whose contribution to national development was impressive.

Jonathan, who was represented

by Mr Seyi Makinde, PDP governorship candidate in Oyo State, urged the monarch not to relent in the promotion of Yorùbá culture and tradition.

In a similar vein, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said that the

mobilised to comb the general area and mount surveillance with a view to rescuing the victims and arresting the criminals. ”The IGP IRT were also contacted for technical assistance in tracking the bandits.”

He appealed to the general public to assist the police with useful information towards ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdur-Rahman had commiserated with the families of the victims and vowed to ensure that the perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

(NAN)

•(From left): Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke and Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode at a special dinner to draw the curtains on the activities marking the 2018/2019 New Legal Year of the State Judiciary held at City Hall in Lagos, Friday evening.

Remove Rev. Kukah from Abdulsalami peace committee – BMO insists

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HE Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has demanded for the withdrawal of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, from the National Peace Committee led by former

Osinbajo, Jonathan, others eulogise Alaafin @ 80

ICE President Yemi Osinbajo has described Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as a true leader who has served the Yorùbá race with complete faithfulness and sacrifice.

He made this known on Saturday in Ibadan during the launch of a book ‘The Alaafin of Oyo’ in commemoration of the monarch’s 80th birthday.

The 278-page book was a compilation of memo, papers and speeches of the monarch. The book which also contained seven sections was reviewed by Prof. Anthony Asiwaju.

“The Alaafin of Oyo had in the past 47 years on the throne by words, deeds and personal sacrifice demonstrated true leadership.

He has time and time again stood on the side of truth.

“He has really served the Yorùbá race. You may not always agree

pm.

According to him, some armed men intercepted the convoy of the traditional ruler and opened fire, forcing them to stop.

“In the process, his police orderly and three others in the vehicles were shot dead. The bandits took away the royal father and his wife Mrs Victoria to unknown destination.”

He disclosed that a team of policemen led by the DPO in Kachia rushed to the scene and evacuated the victims to Kachia General Hospital.

“Also combine teams of Police, Military and local Vigilante alongside the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were

monarch’s wisdom and persuasive skills contributed immensely to the achievements of his administration.

Ajimobi said that the monarch had in the last seven and a half years of his administration also helped in enthroning peace and stability to the state.

Gov. Umar Ganduje of Kano State thanked God for the Alaafin’s life, saying the monarch has contributed meaningfully to national integration.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC National Leader, said that the Alaafin has contributed a lot to the promotion and sustenance of Yorùbá culture as well as tradition.

Tinubu, who was represented by Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, charged the monarch to bring together all royal fathers in Yorubaland in the interest of the region.

Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

The group made the demand in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke in Abuja on Wednesday.

The group said that the demand became necessary as a result of Kukah’s open display of support for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

But Kakah had earlier explained that his involvement was spiritual, and not political.

It noted that the Abubakar-led committee is one that should be seen to be non-partisan because of the role it was meant to play in the run up to the 2015 and 2019 general elections.

“We are surprised, like many Nigerians, to see Bishop Kukah in the company of the opposition candidate at a reconciliation meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo,’’ the group said.

The BMO also observed that Kukah later on claimed to be the strategic mind behind the reconciliation which it believed was tar-

geted towards bringing the two parties together to fight President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“This is not expected of a clergyman who is seen in some quarters as the alternate head of the National Peace Committee.

“He has shown his bias and as such cannot be trusted to be nonpartisan,” the group said.

BMO dismissed claims by the Catholic Bishop that he was not aware of the political nature of the gathering as tales that no one will believe.

“The clergyman was the key figure behind the reconciliation and did this knowing that Atiku was a PDP Presidential aspirant.

“And if it is true that Bishop Kukah is insisting that he was only exercising his right to free movement, we are also demanding that having shown his hand, he has no reason to sit on a panel that is meant to be non-partisan,” the statement read in part.

The organisation added that it fully supports Buhari’s admonition that religious leaders abstain from partisan politics.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Nigeria, others lost $7bn to 2014 Ebola epidemic – WAHO

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EST African Health Organisation (WAHO) says there is urgent need for countries to prepare for emergencies to prevent economic, human and other losses, especially as the region lost 7 billion dollars in terms of cost during the 2014 Ebola epidemic.

Prof. Stanley Okolo, the DirectorGeneral of the organisation, disclosed during the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) sub-committee meeting in Lagos on Friday.

The sub-committee meeting started on Oct. 15 REDISSE project is a regional project funded by the World Bank, covering all the 15 ECOWAS countries and Mauritania in five-year phases from 2016 to 2023.

The first phase covers three countries, including Guinea, Senegal and Sierra Leone, the second phase covers four countries of Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Togo.

Its implementation is in the third phase, covering four countries – Benin, Mali, Niger and Mauritania.

Okolo said: “I am challenging the 15 countries in West Africa to be ahead of the curve because those involved in epidemic and emergencies know it has huge economic problems.

“We were involved in the 2014 Ebola epidemic and had nearly 7 billion dollars in terms of lost productivity, lost income, lost tourism and aid that came.

“This nearly 7 billion dollars is probably only in cost; we are not talking of the nearly 12,000 brothers, sisters, children and women that died, we must not have that again,’’ he said.

“So, a lot of work is going on but what I am really charging us to do is get ahead and challenge each

other; and also to our leaders, that they imbibe and acquire the models and tools so as to be prepared and fight diseases.

“Our responsibility in our region is to make sure that countries are brought together, challenge them, give them support and promote the right things that will give us that epidemic preparedness.’’

Okolo added that: “It is important to say that the first 48 hours in outbreak of any epidemic is critical and what is done then is dependent on how prepared you are within that 48 hours.

“Epidemic responsibility is dependent on the easiness of preparedness and the system in each country; in other words, the preparedness in response depends on preparedness of each and every country.

“So, we are looking at how our countries, individually, are setting up their system, their people in terms of surveillance in getting information from all the districts, all the public health communities and how they are analysing those information.

“Also, how they have set up laboratories that will support the surveillance so that we can do the test to know when to suspect an illness.’’

The director-general said that the structure of REDISSE is important because “through it, the World Bank gives loan at zero or very low interest.

“It is trying to support our region so we don’t have the problem we had in 2014, for us to be prepared.

“Therefore, it is an opportunity for our region to get that preparedness in place’’.

On the measures that have been put in place to checkmate future epidemic outbreaks in the region, Okolo said: “The global commu-

•(From right): First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu; Governor Abubakar Bagudu and the Director of Government Relations for Africa, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Temitope Iluyemi, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kebbi State and P&G to empower and train women in Kebbi, Friday.

nity, physicians and everybody have learned the lessons from 2014.

“That is why in a lot of these projects, governments like that of Germany, are supporting us in terms of preparedness and finances.

“Also, in the region, we have set up super regional laboratories; 12 of them in West Africa for human reference analysis and another two is for veterinary.

“We have veterinary because we are looking at it that sometimes too some of these diseases and epidemics come through animals.

“We are also looking at how to

train people, epidemiologists, to support the countries; we have 3,000 to support across West Africa.

“These are part of the things we are talking about in boosting capacity in terms of human resources.’’

Okolo underscored the need to improve on the lessons learnt from the 2014 Ebola epidemic, including poor disease surveillance infrastructure as well as poor information sharing and collaboration.

According to him, poor emergency response, inadequate financing and leadership are also take outs to

be learnt from the 2014 Ebola epidemic in the sub-region.

Also, Mr John Paul Clark of the World Bank said: “This is our opportunity to discuss the challenges we face openly.

“From this meeting, we will map out strategies to utilise the resources that will help WAHO. “We also seek to provide the technical support and assistance in more timely manner that will help the bank overcome some of the bureaucratic obstacles presently being encountered as well as streamline the procedures.’’

Ekiti: Tribunal admits 11 LG, 109 wards No extension for submission of candidates’ list – INEC rules NDEPENDENT National Elec- on Friday in Abuja. timetable and schedule of activielectoral materials as exhibits toral Commission (INEC) says it Oyekanmi said that the Commis- ties for 2019 general elections. No

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KITI State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on Friday in Abuja admitted as exhibits, electoral materials used in no fewer than 10 Local Government Areas and 109 Wards for the July 14, governorship elections.

The materials were tendered by Prof. Olusola Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate at the elections, through his counsel, Mr Yusuf Ali (SAN), as part of evidence to prosecute his case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that electoral materials from Efon (10 wards), Ekiti East (12 wards), Ekiti West (11 wards), Ekiti South(11 wards), Emure (10 wards), and Gbonyin (10 wards), had been admitted as exhibit so far.

Electoral materials from Ido Osi (11wards), Ijero (12 wards), Ikole (12 wards), Irepodun Ifeladun (11 wards) and Ilejemeje (10 wards) had also been admitted as exhibit.

The defence team, however, objected to the admissibility of the documents, stating that they were not pleaded and that some of the wards mentioned were not in contention.

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Charles Uwensuyi (SAN), maintained that some of the documents tendered, were not certified

true copies and should therefore, not be admitted.

Justice Suleiman Belgore, Chairman of the three-member tribunal, who admitted the documents, said all objections should be reserved and incorporated in the final addresses of the various defendants.

He further said that documents admitted as exhibits could still be expunged at the end if necessary.

Counsel to Gov. Kayode Fayemi, Mr Akin Olujinmi (SAN), objected to all the polling units and voting points not in contention in the petition.

Ali in his response said he pleaded all the documents and certified true copies of the electoral materials attached to prove his case and promised to bring evidence of payment to all Certified True Copies of documents tendered.

NAN further reports that Ekiti State had 177 wards with 2,197 polling units in 16 Local Government Areas while electoral materials from 11of Local Government Areas, with 109 wards had been admitted as exhibits.

The PDP and its candidate, Kolapo, had approached the tribunal, challenging the declaration of Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the July 14, governorship elections.

The case was adjourned until Saturday, Oct. 20, for continuation of hearing.

I

will not extend the deadline for submission of list of candidates’ names by political parties for the 2019 general elections.

Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

sion had scheduled the submission of candidates’ names for the Presidential and National Assembly between Oct. 10 and Oct. 18, and deadline for the Governorship and State Assemblies election for Nov. 2, and there is no extension.

“The Commission is following its

Buhari, IGP mourn former CJN, Idris Kutigi

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the Kutigi family on the passing of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, on Sunday morning in London.

Buhari, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday, commiserated with members of the judiciary and legal profession.

The president also condoled with the government and people of Niger State on the death of the eminent jurist, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1992 and named as Chief Justice in 2007.

According to him, the late CJN will be long remembered and honoured for his visionary roles and contributions in the advances our country has made towards building a strong, independent and impartial judiciary, which is sine qua non for democracy to thrive.

He also believed that Kutigi’s “bold and articulate judicial decisions, advocacies on access to justice for all and protection of judicial independence are extant signposts for the advancement of the noble profession in the country and beyond.

The president urged all who mourned the late jurist to honour his memory by working for a better and just society.

He also enjoined them to uphold the virtues associated with him during his lifetime of long and dedicated service to the nation.

He prayed almighty God to comfort Kutigi’s family, friends and associates, and grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed.

Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has commiserated with people of Kutigi, Niger and Nigerians over the sudden demise of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN) Justice Idris Kutigi, describing him as humble and a complete gentleman.

extension of deadline for submission.”

Rotimi, who was unable to give the precise number of political parties that met the deadline as at the time of filing this report, said “over 80 political parties made it but I am still waiting for the precise number.”

NAN correspondent, who also visited the Aso Hall, International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, the venue of the submission after the deadline, reports that some officers of political parties, who got tallies on Wednesday night were still going through the submission process.

A staff of the Commission, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that given of tally to political parties stopped Thursday night.

He said due to the last minutes rush by political parties, INEC staff, security officers and other personnel on duty at the venue were unable to go home.

He said that they had reached about 70 out of over 80 political parties that had so far submitted their candidates’ list.

He also confirmed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had submitted their forms.

NAN reports that as at 4p.m., on Friday some political parties’ representatives were seen in front of the hall waiting for their turn to submit their forms.

5

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

News

Niger Delta loses 30% of farmland to floods – Uduaghan

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VER 30 percent of farmland in the Niger Delta region has been lost to this year’s ravaging floods, the immediate past governor of Delta State, Mr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has disclosed, warning that this development poses a great threat to the nation’s food sufficiency drive.

Uduaghan, in a statement to commemorate the 2018 World Food Day, lamented that this year’s flooding had led to premature harvesting and destruction of farmland including fish ponds in the country, particularly in the oilrich region.

He said the situation would not only result in great losses to farmers but also negatively affect the already improving food self-sufficiency drive of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

Uduaghan, therefore, called on the governments, corporate bodies and individuals to render assistance in order to alleviate the plight of farmers caught in the web of the natural disaster.

“Over 30 percent of our farmlands have been overtaken by the floods, including fish ponds.

“As shown on AIT on Monday, some of the farmers have had to hurriedly harvest the immature farm produce, and are selling them at less than 40 per cent of their market value.

“Their future seems to be hopeless. As we mark the day, let us remember the losses and sufferings of these our farmers.

“Whatever we can do individually, as organised groups, or as a government will go a long way in alleviating their plight,” he said.

Flood sacks 35 Edo communities, kills 6

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LOODING killed six people and sacked no fewer than 35 communities in the Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo this year.

Chairman of the council, Mr Victor Emuankhangbon, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ubiaja, the headquarters of the council.

He said that the flooding also affected many farm lands.

Emuankhangbon said that the flooding was severe at Ilushi and Ifeku Islands, lamenting that the development might re-

sult to food shortages.

He, however, said that government was looking at ways to encourage dry season farming, to mitigate the effects of envisaged food shortages.

According to him, the Federal Emergency Relief Management Agency and the Edo State Emergency Relief Management Agency have since provided assistance to people affected by the flooding.

Emuankhagbon said that people affected by the flooding had started returning to their homes with the water level reducing in the flooded communities.

•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State touring IDPs camps in various local governments areas in Rivers and Bayelsa states affected by floodingto meet people affected by the floods.

Okowa presents N367bn budget proposal for 2019

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ELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has presented a budget proposal of N367, 095,083,451 to the State House of Assembly for the 2019 fiscal year.

According to the governor, capi-

Ayade introduces waste-to-wealth programme to boost clean environment

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ROSS River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has announced the introduction of a waste to wealth programme commencing from the first quarter of 2019.

The Programme according to the governor is meant to create employment opportunities for youths and generate organic fertilizer for the farmers in the State.

Addressing Journalists shortly after mounting one of the newly acquired thirty mowers for the cutting of grasses at the Ayade Industrial Park in Calabar yesterday, Governor Ayade said the initiative was to bring the State at par with modern cities where waste generation is seen as wealth creation.

The effort, according to the Governor, was to improve the cleanliness of the environment using the mowers meant for the greenery of Calabar Metropolis.

He promised to improve on the green and clean nature of Calabar, the Cross River State capital before the annual Carnival Calabar in December.

Governor Ayade also announced plans by the State Government to establish an organic fertilizer plant, adding that shipment of the said plant’s components has ready been done, and now awaiting arrival in Nigeria.

In his words, “Indeed there is a new system coming into Calabar, it has already been shipped. In few weeks’ time you will see people struggling to sell their refuse because we are installing a plant that processes urban refuse into bio fertilizer to do away with the inorganic fertilizer that has cumulative negative impacts on human health.

“In no distant time, once you have your refuse, you will hold back the bag until you are paid before you release. So, Calabar will naturally become clean and once we achieve that level, once everybody has imbibed the habit we will then move to the next senatorial district”.

Continuing, he said” we just launched the process of motorized mowing and we are deploying more of these machines round the city because the dry season is setting in and it is important that we keep our lawns clean preparatory to our annual Carnival while ensuring that it stays green all through the season.

“We cannot continue to create jobs by creating slaves. There is no amount of job provision that will reduce our people to want in body and in muscles, spirit and soul.

“With this launch today, I want to assure you that you won’t find any person from Cross River having to use a machete to cut grass in a very slavish and atavistic manner because it is old fashion and a wrong way of creating jobs.”

According to Ayade, “For a man to take a machete and work a whole day under hot sun in the name of cutting grass just because you have a landscaping department in the Ministry of Environment is wrong and I think it has to stop and Cross River State must always live in line with world’s styles which is what informed the deployment of the mowers to save workers’ energy.”

Further justifying the initiative, he explained that, “when you decide that you want to create jobs and you choose to ask your people to go and manually cut grasses as a way of creating employment, that will be a

forced job, there will be no job satisfaction, no efficiency and so, in order to make them enjoy the pleasure of a digital era, we have decided to order hundreds of mowers from Germany just to ensure that grass cutting in Calabar, maintaining and keeping of our lawns tidy are properly done thereby moving the workers away from the manual effort to a motorized process.”

While encouraging members of his cabinet to emulate him in ensuring greenery restoration, he stressed that, “ I am proud as a governor to mount the mower because it gives me great sense of pride and joy each time I see those beautiful green lawns. So, if I can do this I believe everyone should join hands with me to succeed in this campaign to keep Calabar as the cleanest in Nigeria”.

tal expenditure in the projected budget will gulp the sum of N209, 999,054,198 which is 57.21 while the sum of N157, 096,029,253 or 42.79 per cent of the budget would be spent on recurrent expenditure.

It would be recalled that the year 2018 had as its total budget size, N308,888,558,898 (three hundred and eight billion, eight hundred and eighty-eight million, five hundred and fifty-eight thousand, eight hundred and ninety-eight naira), comprising N147,273,989,898 (one hundred and forty-seven billion, two hundred and seventy-three million, nine hundred and eightynine thousand, eight hundred and ninety-eight naira) recurrent expenditure, and capital expenditure of N161,614,569,000 (one hundred and sixty-one billion, six hundred and fourteen million, five hundred and sixty-nine thousand naira.

Presenting the budget, Friday, at a well-attended session of the Delta State House of Assembly which had the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori presiding, Governor Okowa disclosed that the projected 2019 budget christened, “Budg-

et of sustainable growth,” would enable his administration consolidate on the successes and achievements of his administration.

“Despite the fluctuating fortunes of the economy in the last three-and-half years, I humbly note that our State has continued to forge ahead; workers are paid regularly, thousands of previously unemployed youths are gainfully employed, and many of our people now enjoy better facilities in terms of roads, water, education and health.

Agriculture has received a strong boost with many cluster farms springing up in different parts of the State and, even more importantly, our people remain committed to peace and harmonious living,” he said.

He asserted, “we shall build on this stable growth to position Delta State as a dynamic economy for the future; indeed, a Stronger Delta beckons.”

Road Infrastructure took the greatest chunk of the budgetary proposal with sum of N79.6 billion while the Education Sector would gulp the sum of N26.8 billion.

According to him, the extent of flooding in homes and most villages indicate that the disaster is enormously required.

“We over flew the whole of Ahoada West and we saw so much of the damage and disaster.

“Most homes, most of the villages are under water and it is very clear this is a disaster of enormous proportions.

“No doubt there is need for immediate intervention as I thank the state government for what they have done so far in trying to curtail the problem. “Fortunately NEMA has also been working very hard alongside the state emergency

agency. Myself, the Minister of Environment and the Director-General of NEMA are here to see things for ourselves,’’ he said.

He promised that the federal government would give all the support necessary to ensure the comfort and proper resettlement of the IDPs. “I am glad to say Federal Government will give all the support necessary to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible under the circumstances here.

“More importantly, to also ensure that you are resettled properly when in the next few weeks you are about to go back home,’’ he said.

Flood: VP Osinbajo visits IDP camp in Rivers, calls for immediate intervention

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ICE President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday landed in Ahoada West for an on-the-spot assessment of Okogbe Camp where people displaced by flood in Rivers are currently taking refuge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice president flew to the camp in a helicopter after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport where he called for immediate intervention.

He said that he was in the area to assess the extent of damage, understand the nature and enormity of the disaster for the Federal Government to “react appropriately’’.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS

IPOB: Abia Community demands whereabouts of Nnamdi Kanu’s father

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he Afaraukwu-Ibeku community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia has demanded the whereabouts of Eze Israel Kanu from the community in the aftermath of the 2017 “Operation Python Dance II” in Abia.

The community had declared Kanu missing after the alleged attack on his palace in September 2017.

Kanu is the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Autonomous Community and father of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia on Wednesday, Chief Emeka Ezebuiro, the President General of Afaraukuwu Ibeku Development Union, said that the community was still at a loss over the disappearance of their royal father.

Ezebuiro said that the community had been passing through psychological trauma since the monarch got missing.

In a statement jointly signed by the president-general along with the traditional rulers of Okwulaga and Enyiukwu Autonomous Communities, Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi and Eze Philip Ukaegbu, respectively, the community called for the immediate release of the missing traditional ruler.

The community further distanced itself from the newspaper publication alleging that Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu “was playing politics with the plight of our traditional ruler.”

It absolved the governor of complicity over the continued disappearance of the octogenarian monarch.

It said that Ikpeazu had at different meetings with the community leaders promised to engage other South-East governors to facilitate the return of the traditional ruler.

The president-general said that the governor had openly resisted alleged pressure to dethrone Kanu on the grounds that the monarch did not commit any offence against the laws of the land.

“We wish to state that our people have never accused Ikpeazu of being the mastermind of the attack on our community. We were privy to the efforts he made to stave off the attack as well as his exemplary post-crisis management efforts.

“We, therefore, wish to call on politicians and their hirelings to desist from meddling in our matter for cheap political gains,” the community said.

Abia Govt to EFCC: We will not shield anyone From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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bia State government says the ongoing investigation of officials of its Ministry of Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would help in plugging leakages in its financial system.

Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu and his Finance counterpart, Mr Obinna Oriaku, said at a joint Press Briefing in Umuahia, last Thursday evening that the EFCC investigation was necessitated by a petition from Barr. Guy Okite, a Commissioner in the Abia State Civil Service Commission, who alleged that some staff of the Audit Department of the Ministry of Finance were stealing salaries of workers.

Acting on the petition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited five officials of the Payroll and Salary Verification Unit of the Abia State Ministry of Finance to its Port Harcourt office which now covers Abia State.

As at Thursday, the Commissioners disclosed that two officials were already being interrogated by the operatives EFCC while three were expected to report to the ant-graft agency’s office by Monday for questioning.

In the petition, entitled; “A case of fraud and stealing of state/public funds by Mrs. Charity N. Ukonu and Mr.Chinenye v. Ukonu; civil servants and staff of State Audit Department and Bureau of Statistics of Abia State Civil Service respectively,” Okite said he received several complaints from

various civil servants against one Mrs. Charity Ukonu of the Audit Department of the Abia State Civil Service who was accused of “using her office as a member of a purported State Salary Enhancement and Audit Committee to defraud, embezzle and to steal monies from the State/Public funds designated for salaries … by making spurious inclusions to salaries of her proxies and cronies who make returns of the surplus of the salaries to her.”

Okite said that his “shallow observation and investigation into Mrs. Charity Ukonu’s alleged fraudulent activities revealed that she “payrolls herself and receives double and/or multiple salaries from Abia State Government in various ministries and departments.”

He explained that as a civil servant

• (From right): Head of Commercial Department, Uche Igbokwe; Head, Technical Section, Arinze Okwuosa; CEO designate, Ijeoma Oduonye; Outgoing CEO, Ifeanyi Uzodike; Company Secretary, Chinwe Nwokporo; and Deputy General Manager/CFO, Chima Nwosu, during the Pre- AGM briefing of cable manufacturing company, CUTIX Plc, in Nnewi, Tuesday

Ex-Ebonyi Commissioner petitions Oshiomhole over fake delegates’ lists

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ormer Commissioner for Education in Ebonyi State, Mr Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo, has protested the alleged use of ‘fake’ delegates’ lists in the conduct of the APC primaries in the state.

Chibueze-Agbo, a House of Representatives aspirant for Ohaukwu and Ebonyi local government areas federal constituency in the 2019 elections protested via a petition written to the National chairman of the party, Mr Adams Oshiomhole dated Oct. 17.

A copy of the petition was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Thursday.

The APC chieftain criticised the electoral officials sent to Ebonyi to conduct the party’s primaries for compromising the integrity and outcome of the exercise.

Chibueze-Agbo alleged that the electoral committees empowered to conduct the various primary elections in Ebonyi ‘imported’ lists containing names of fake party executives and delegates which were unknown to the party.

He further alleged that the leaders of the party in the state were excluded, neglected, disrespected and were not consulted during the party primaries.

“Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology and former Ebonyi Governor, Chief Martin Elechi were excluded from actively participating in the exercise.

“That the party should carry out its activities in the state without their inputs or knowledge is to say the least an aberration.

“None of these great leaders were allowed to vote nor con-

tribute to the selection of those that will represent them in their constituencies,”Chibueze-Agbo said.

The former commissioner noted that the faulty party primaries had caused mayhem and havoc to the party in Ebonyi and called on the national chairman to take urgent steps to redress the anomalies The petition reads in part: “I write as a bonafide and ardent supporter and promoter of our party, APC in Ebonyi.

“I have suffered personal losses more than any individual in the state, if not in Nigeria as a whole as three of my educational institutions have been closed down for over a year and property thereto revoked by the state government in my proactive bid to build our party.

“However, the apparent display of impunity, illegality and wanton departure from all known laid down guidelines of APC in the purported primary elections is a thing of regret, disbelief and characteristically anomalous.

“This is unacceptable by the supporters of our party in the state who are itching for a positive leadership change in Ebonyi and I urgently beg for your quick and timely intervention to safe our great party from collapse”.

Chibueze-Agbo, who lamented the imposition of fake delegate’s lists on the party, also regretted the alleged killings of over seven members of the party at Onueke, Ezza South local government area during the party’s national assembly primary election held in the area.

“It is very absurd that the electoral committee which had the mandate

to conduct our primary elections was powered with fake and contentious executive/delegate lists.

“These lists were different both in character and substance from that known and approved by the APC national secretariat approved as working and operational documents for the exercise.

“The use of the fake lists against the original lists made mess of the entire exercise as our genuine executives/delegates were disenfranchised, while those allowed to vote were not known to our party here in the state.

“I am also aware that some aspirants of our party have petitioned your office as a result of this action.

Our party is in a state of quagmire,” he said.

He added: “For the first time in Ebonyi lives were lost in the conduct of primary elections.

“This is just intra party crises. It is better imagined than experienced as about seven or more persons were killed and many maimed in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government area in the name of APC primary election.

“This is not the change we envisaged; this is totally unacceptable, if party politics has gotten to a level where people are slaughtered like chickens, then the change we are preaching has a very big question mark.

“This is a very sad disappointing development”.

He called for cancellation of the Ebonyi primary elections, urging the national chairman to order for fresh elections with authentic executive and delegates lists.

on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14, Mrs Ukonu’s “monthly take-home pay is about N 80,000.00,” but he alleged that she “payrolls herself and receives N 180,089.00 as gross while the gross due is N 80,089.00.”

The petitioner further alleged that one Mr. Chinenye Victor Ukonu “connives” with with Mrs. Ukonu in the alleged fraudulent activities as he “also receives double salaries from Abia State Government establishments from July 2015 but with more particular emphasis from September 2016,” naming the government establishments/agencies as “Ministry of Health and Bureau of Statistics.”

Okite was peeved that when he confronted Mrs. Ukonu, on her alleged “reckless financial activities,” she called his bluff and “boasted before me and to my face that I can go to hell. That she can choose to pay anybody, even myself, in the manner she chooses to and nothing will happen.”

“To give life to her threats, Mrs. Charity Ukonu stopped paying my salaries for months even as a serving Commissioner in the state. And when she decided to pay me, she paid me less than 30% of my pay. All my attempts to get my full pay for about three years now have yielded no success. This is in line with all her threats.

Nobody controls her when it comes to Abia State finances,” Okite stated.

He therefore invited the EFCC to carry out detailed investigation into Mrs. Ukonu’s alleged financial misdeeds.

“Sir, having exhausted several means of trying to call Mrs. Charity N. Ukonu to order or check her excesses, like bringing complaints personally to the Commissioner for Finance, officially bringing complaints to the Chairman and fellow members of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, bringing complaints to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, and even complaining to the office of the Auditor General of the State and all of which complaints yielded no positive outcome. All of whom confirm that Charity Ukonu is out of control and this makes me afraid of her boasts.

“I therefore bring this case of stealing and embezzlement to your office knowing that you work with integrity and without fear or favour... I crave you, therefore, to use your good offices to do a careful and thorough investigation with the facts I have hereinabove presented to you including the documents herein attached and the quoted bank account statements of the duo of Mrs. Charity N. Ukonu and Mr. Chinenye V. Ukonu.

Your deep and thorough investigation shall reveal more,” Okite wrote to the Zonal Head of the EFCC. Commissioner for Finance, Oriaku, told newsmen that in the course of the EFCC investigation, it has been discovered that “some things were not ethical based on double salary, those paying themselves above their salary and those also crediting others.”

“For us as a government, we welcome that development. It has helped us to know some of these weaknesses and it is an opportunity to strengthen and re-jig our process,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information said that the position of the state government was that the investigation would run its full course and anyone found culpable would face the consequences.

“At the end of the day, Abia will be better off from this process. We want to make sure that the era of cover-up is gone in Abia State. If you run afoul of the law, you face the full weight of the consequences; no one will protect you under the Dr Okezie Ikpeazu administration. We will not shield you, you will be allowed to face the law and whatever is the legal outcome, you will carry it on your head,” Okiyi emphasized.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS Ihiala: Siblings arraigned for murdering cousin

By Oge Onyeanusi Nnewi

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n Anambra State High Court sitting in Ihiala under Justice R.O Onunkwo, Friday, October 19, arraigned two brothers, Chidiebere Okeke, male, 45; and Monday Okeke, male, 48; both of Umuihe Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area, over alleged murder of their 39-year-old cousin, Okwuchukwu Okeke.

Prime Witness (PW 1) in the matter, Ibuadinma Benjinus, had told the court that the duo of Chidiebere Okeke and Monday Okeke had protracted land dispute with the late Okwuchukwu, which, for long, could not be resolved.

He said the dispute brought ill feelings among them; and that on a certain Tuesday, May 11, 2017, in the evening hours, the late Okwuchukwu Okeke ran to his house and told him that Chidiebere and Monday were after his life; and that he was seeking refuse.

Ibuadinma further told the court that the next day after Okwuchukwu’s report to him, Okwuchukwu got missing only to be found dead within their compound on the14th day of May, 2017.

According to him, when the de-

ceased decomposing body was found and police invited, the duo of Chidiebere Okeke and Monday Okeke took to their heels only to resurface two weeks later; before they were arrested by police.

Meanwhile, Barr Ernest Okafor, Chief State Counsel, who was prosecuting the matter, had pleaded with the court to give him time to liaise properly with the prime witness so that he would be able to give guided evidence in the matter in a next adjourned date.

After listening to the testimony of the witness, and considering the pleading of the prosecuting counsel, the presiding Judge, Justice R.O Onunkwo, adjourned the matter to 12th, 13th and 28th November, 2018, for continuation of hearing; while the suspects were remanded in prison custody.

In a brief chat with newsmen after the court, counsel to the accused persons, Chief ( Barr) Oseloka Osigwe, expressed worry how men of the Nigerian Police would point accusing finger on individuals without doing thorough investigation on a matter before them. He said he would get to the root of the matter, and cause justice to prevail on the accused.

Group launches ultra-modern recreation centre project in Nnobi

By Uzo Ugwunze, Ojoto

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he Ifeadigo Afe Grade, Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State has marked the celebration of their its Jubilee by launching a multi-million Naira ultra-modern recreation center.

The 25th anniversary celebrationcum launching of sports center which took place recently at Umegbu village hall Ngo, Nnobi hosted the high and mighty of Nnobi people and non-indigenes.

Speaking during the occasion, the President General Ifeadigo Afe Grade, Nnobi, Chief Justin Pat Okonkwo appreciated God for sustaining the age grade over the years and helping them carry out developmental projects in Nnobi community.

The developmental projects in Nnobi include: Construction of Nnobi Boys Secondary School Gate, contributing to the building of the General Hospital Nnobi, molding of blocks for proposed Nnobi High Court assisting widows and orphans, others.

Others include always engaging yearly in domestic works during celebrations like: Ikpo ji Isiana and Ofala Igwe &New yam Festivals, Nnobi women summit, others.

Moreover, Chief Okonkwo said that the age grade resolved to build an ultra-modern sports center which will house lawn tennis and table tennis courts, car park, Gym, restaurant and Bar center, dressing/ changing room, occasion and conference hall, etc.

He said that it would create an atmosphere for people to come and unwind after undergoing stress from their various fields of endeavor saying it would serve as a place to meet for further business opportunities.

Earlier in his welcome address,

the Secretary General, Ezisi Ezeugoabata Michael revealed that the Ifeadigo Age Grade Nnobi which comprised of age mates born from 1960 to 1965 started officially in 1990.

“It started like a joke in 1990. First official outing held at Central school Umuru, Ebenesi Nnobi. It was an effort to identify ourselves, improve the welfare, unity and progress to develop our town”, said Ezeugoabata.

Our age grade is currently survived by three foundational branches: Aba, Onitsha and home branch because of the non-recognition of age grade in Nnobi town”, Ezeugoabata lamented.

The chairman planning committee/Vice president, Mazi Barnabas Umeji (BBC) said that they needed to present honorary cum meritorious awards and post humus awards in recognition of the achievements of the awardees in developing Nnobi town and its people.

Umeji said:”when someone is appreciated for doing well, he will do more. The recognition will motivate them as well as others who want to emulate good works” Some of the recipients, Chief Sunday EzeObidi (Dike nachualili Nnobi) and Chief John Okakpu(Eze ononenyi Nnobi) received Humanitarian service Award and Solid pillar of Ifeadigo award respectively.

In their separate speeches they promised they will continue to alleviate the plight of widows, orphans and the needy in the society calling on Ndi Nnobi to think home and be truthful always Other awardees include Igwe Engr. Nich Obi of Nnobi, PG Nnobi, Dr. Edokobi Ofodile , commissioner for Basic Education, Prof Mrs. Kate Omenugha, and others.

They all made donations for the proposed ultra-modern sports center.

•Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe (r) with Prof Oseloka Osadebe during the latter’s solo art exhibition which held at the National Museum Onikan, Lagos titled; ‘The return of the last of the Zaria Rebels’

Council chairman warns youths against drug abuse

By Uzo Ugwunze, Ojoto

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hairman of Idemili South Government Area (IDSLGA), Hon. Don Unachukwu has called on youths to stay off hard drugs as future leaders of Nigeria.

Hon. Unachukwu made the call recently at the occasion of the Independence Day celebration at IDSLGA headquarters, Ojoto.

He said that a drug free society is a crime free society saying that a lot of crimes were committed when perpetrators are high on illicit drugs.

“If a society is drug free, violent crimes like armed robbery, homicide, kidnapping, rape, prostitution, wife battering, and others is nonexistent”.

“Also, there are series of dysfunctional homes which produce juvenile criminals. Availability of drugs encourages cultism where members get high on drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities”, said Unachukwu.

Moreover, he said that commonly abused drugs such as marijuana,

Methylenedioxyl methamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), cocaine, opium, heroine, steroids are both harmful to the individuals and the entire society “Drug users make the street unsafe. Driving under influence of drugs can cause accidents. When drug users contract disease like HIV/ AIDS, they infect others who have carnal relationship with them”.

“Female drug users who contract HIV can also infect their unborn babies when they become pregnant” said Unachukwu.

He urged the youths who are the future of leaders of Nigeria, who have been recently encouraged to run for political offices with the signing of the ‘Not too young to run bill’ to stay off drugs.

Unachukwu inferred that Nigerian nationalists like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Herbert Macaulay and others who fought for Nigeria’s Independence could not have achieved it were they abusing drugs.

Earlier in his address, Unachukwu noted that Nigerian has not been able to achieve their potentials saying it may not be unconnected with the leadership of the country.

“Nigeria is blessed with numerous mineral resources but corrupt leaders driven by greed has made the majority of the people of this country suffer untold hardship and made the economy unstable”, he said.

However, he called on Nigerians to persevere in prayers so as to keep the country together and growing saying that with God Nigeria will overcome chaos and instability.

“As we celebrate this 58th independence anniversary, may we not lose sight of the fact that united we stand, divided we fall. Prayers is our means of escape from our numerous detractors”, Unachukwu said.

Highlights of the occasion include, match past and cultural dances by both private and public schools, match past by the Nigerian legion, Area Council IDSLGA, Red Cross Society, Award Presentation and others.

Coordinator of Atiku/Obi presidential campaign in the southeast. It is also completely false the allegation that the Governor chose not to brand rice for the PDP presidential candidate and chose to brand it for the APC presidential candidate.

“There is no shred of truth in these allegations; otherwise it is a waste of time to be asking this unserious elements to desist. But we feel it is just necessary to tell the innocent citizens of Ebonyi State, Nigerians and the world in general that the rumors that are being peddled on social media remain product of unserious minds and those things should not be taken seriously.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State is deeply committed to PDP. He is committed to working for the realization of the mandate of all the contestants in the PDP, both within Ebonyi state and at the federal level”, he said.

On the intractable boundary crises between the state and its neighbors, Onwe said the state government has directed the council chairmen and the Developmental centre Coordinators to hold security meetings.

“One of the resolutions was the mandate given to the council chairmen to be holding a security meeting at the local government level every

two weeks while the Coordinators of the Development Centres are to be having similar meetings every week and minutes of such meetings must be submitted to the Governor every two weeks by the council chairmen and every week by the Coordinators.

“This is a way of averting transborder crises and criminality within the state. Few days ago, five persons who are indigenous people of Ohaukwu local government by criminals operating from Benue state.

“A special tribute was paid by the chairman of council to Coordinator of Ohaozara East Development Centre who aided the arrest of some persons who are going about collecting permanent voters card from unsuspecting Ebonyi citizens in the name of empowerment program. Council directed any group or organization embarking on any programme either from federal or state must get approval from the state government”.

The state government warned people indulging in illegal collection of taxes and levies should desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law if apprehended; recalling that government two months ago banned collection of such illegal revenue in the state.

I’ll work for Atiku/Obi victory -- Umahi assures

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

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overnor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has assured that he would work for the realization of the Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi Presidency as well as other candidates seeking political positions on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), come 2019 general elections.

Umahi spoke while debunking reports that he rejected his appointment as Coordinator of Atiku/Obi campaign in the Southeast because he is supports the reelection of President Muhammad Buhari.

The Governor who spoke through the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, after an enlarged state security council meeting at government house Abakaliki, said there was no truth in the rumor flying on the social media that the Governor had during the state executive council meeting resolved to brand some bags of rice with president Buhari’s picture in support of his reelection campaign.

“I can categorically refute the allegation that the Governor either in council or any other location rejected his meritorious appointment as the

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS

APC primaries: Ucha denies linking Elechi to killings in Ebonyi

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

S

enator Julius Ucha, Ebonyi Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Friday, denied media report credited to him that former governor Martin Elechi was behind the killings recorded during APC senatorial primaries held at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area.

Ucha who made the rebuttal after he was quoted in some media reports that he accused the former governor of being behind the crisis that led to the death of less than three party members, described the report as a misrepresentation of fact.

“I think the report is a misrepresentation of fact. I never made a statement alluding such publication to anybody, let alone the former Governor to be behind the killings because I did not know who is behind the killings. That matter is for

the security personnel to unveil.

Senator Ucha who was the 2015 governorship candidate of APC in the state while giving more insight to what happened on the day of the primaries said, “what I know is this, as we were going to Onueke I was called by Comrade Chinedu Ogah to come to the party office along Abakaliki-Afikpo Road. So, I went there and listen to arguments of the primary election committee and some leaders were there.

“The impression was that they were going for direct primaries. But I said direct primaries cannot hold in Ebonyi because the party has passed a resolution and communicated INEC that Ebonyi state was for indirect primary.

“And I questioned the validity of the direct primaries and why election committee were at the party secretariat. Because the business of primary election was for the committee to pay courtesy call to the party

and they go away to do their job.

“They were not to be dictated for by anybody. I was surprised that the primary election committee was at the party secretariat and was arguing weather to do direct or indirect primaries when they have a mandate from the national secretariat.

“I said the primary election committee has no power to change the goal post at the middle of the game.

For them to talk about direct primaries they must go back to Abuja, convoke a meeting of the national working committee and make a resolution and communicate back to INEC that Ebonyi central senatorial zone was to use direct primaries, otherwise nobody would change the position of the party, not even through a telephone conversation.

“For them to talk about direct primaries they must return to Abuja and follow due process. Neither the party at Abakaliki nor the primary election committee has the author-

ity to communicate to INEC on mode of the elections that was my argument.

“But after that argument the primary election committee saw reasons and decided to move. Just as they were trying to leave the party secretariat, one of them, I think the acting chairman of the election committee said the file he was holding was snatched from him and one of them escaped, left and the other one was arrested. I think the acting chairman said he was rescued by the Directorate of State Security Service.

“That was what happened and then we left for Onueke. As we were at Onueke, accreditation had finished and voting commenced. Then, we started hearing gun shots, people were killed, vehicles were burnt, the primary election was halted by hoodlums who started shooting guns and killing people.

“We thank the Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS and

Corpse of 2 Pastors, woman discovered in Umuahia

Osisioma pipeline explosion: Buhari regrets loss of lives

P

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

S

hock and anguish enveloped Umuaobia Housing Estate, a suburb of Umuahia as residents watched in disbelief when a team of detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Abia State Police Command stormed the area Saturday to evacuate the decomposing bodies of two pastors of a new generation church in the state capital and a woman.

The bodies were found at the residence of Pastor Blessed Kelechi who lives in the estate and was among the dead.

Kelechi was the pastor of a new generation church known as the Winds of Glory Church located at Ohokobe village in Umuahia.

Also found in the residence were the decomposing bodies of his Assistant Pastor, Ambassador Kalu Ikeagwu and one Ruth Andrew said to be the Church’s women leader. The cause of their death is still shrouded in mystery.

Relatives and some members of the Church who were at the scene said the Pastors and the Women leader were not in the church last Sunday and strongly suspect that the deceased may have been murdered that day by unknown assailants.

They disclosed that they discovered that the pastors and Women leader were dead last Friday evening when they visited Pastor Kelechi’s house and saw the dead bodies.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID, Patrick Edung, who led the Police operatives to the scene to evacuate the bodies, said the Police have commenced investigation in the incident.

Edung added that some relatives of the deceased reported the incident to the Police before they arrived the scene to evacuate the bodies. The decomposed bodies have been deposited in a mortuary in Umuahia.

other security agencies for their role in calming the situation. The party also at that time decided to change venue of the election and it was held peacefully and the votes were counted.

“When we were at the party secretariat, the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi was there, I didn’t hear him say anything even when I was speaking and when I finished speaking, I did not hear him say anything.

“The only person that I heard who was saying something was the acting chairman of the electoral committee. He was saying that a certain old man was saying that if the direct primaries did not hold, there would be war, so I did not hear the former Governor say anything. I never heard the former Governor say that heads will roll. If somebody attributed that to me, I have been quoted out of context”, he stated.

• (From right): Former Director-General/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Prof. Ndi OkerekeOnyiuke, receiving an award for her contributions to the development of the Nigerian Capital Market from Sir Sunny Nwosu, founding National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), at the maiden CAMCAN Nigerian Capital Market Performance Awards recently, in Lagos

2019: Catholic Bishop calls for prayers, evangelism in Nigeria

By Uzo Ugwunze, Ojoto

T

he Auxiliary bishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Dennis Isizor has called on Christians to pray for Nigeria’s polity, and politicians towards a successful general election.

He made the call recently on the occasion of his pastoral visit to St. Mary’s Catholic parish, Alor, Idemili South implying that prayer would ensure a peaceful election void of bloodshed.

The prelate also admonished Christian faithful not to relent on spreading the good news of the salvation brought to mankind through Jesus Christ till the end of the world.

His Lordship advised politicians who make gigantic manifestoes to endeavor to deliver on their campaign promises to alleviate sufferings of the poor masses and bring development in the country.

“Let us continue praying for this country. Our prayer is that these elections would be peaceful and successful, Politicians should alleviate the plight of citizens by living up to their campaign promises”, said Rev. Isizor.

Most Rev. Dr. Isizor also charged Nigerians to arm themselves with

their permanent voters card (pvc) as a weapon which when backed with prayer would enthrone the right candidates during the 2019 general elections “Everyone who has registered should go, collect your PVC and protect it. During the elections come out en masse and vote the candidate who you are convinced will do the things we can see,” he said.

Moreover, the Parish priest, St. Mary’s Catholic parish, Alor, Rev. fr.

Martins Onukwuba also called on politicians to be sincere to themselves and Nigerians who voted them into power.

“I am very skeptical about Nigerian politics because we are not sincere.

But all the same we shall keep praying for this nation as my Lordship said previously”, said Onukwuba The parish priest expressed his delight for hosting the bishop saying that apart from the Episcopal blessings for everyone, 152 children received confirmation while 6 couples wedded that day.

Moreover, the president general; Alor women, lady Grace Uche Nwoye (JP) who was a special guest to the occasion also encouraged the Christians faithfuls to strive to win souls for Jesus Christ

“This pastoral visit is an evangelical work to encourage the Christians to be prayerful, move out and get souls. God rewards laborers in his vineyard”, said Nwoye.

Earlier in the welcome address presented by the parish council, they narrated many achievements of the parish and its members asking the prelate to bless the land donated by Sir D.D.C Onyechi (K.S.M).

They said that the land would be developed as a WE-CARE HOME for the aged which on completion would have a clinic and other recreational facilities for the aged.

The parish council leaders which include the parish priest Rev. Fr. Onukwuba, vice chairman, Barr.

Oraekwe Bona and Secretary Mrs. Azuka Anunobi requested that the prelate continue to pray for peace in Alor town.

“Your Excellency, we need peace and love in Alor. We also pray, trust and hope that your pastoral visit as usual shall bring more peace.”

The duo of the chairman of the occasion, Chief Paul Ifeanyi Ibeneme and the vice chairman parish council, Barr. Oraekwe thanked the Parishioners for coming out in masses to receive his lordship.

resident Muhammadu Buhari has expressed regret over the unnecessary loss of lives and property as a result of the pipeline explosion in the Osisioma Ngwa community of Abia State on Friday.

The president’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday.

President Buhari sympathised with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident.

He urged communities and state governments hosting oil pipelines to be more vigilant and rise to combat the challenge posed by pipeline vandalism.

He also appealed to host communities to collaborate with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to tame oil pipeline vandalism in their areas.

The president noted that the “Enugu depot of the NNPC has been repaired and ready to function, but remains idle today because of the vandals.’’

Preliminary reports by the NNPC had indicated that the incident was not an accidental explosion, but a result of vandals who pilloried the pipelines to scoop the products.

The reports further shows that “despite repeated warnings, these unscrupulous people have vandalised that particular pipeline 684 times in the last six months alone.

“Each time the pipeline is repaired, they resume their activities, even collaborating with security agents, who are reported to have set up toll gates collecting fees from the vandals.

“A fight broke out as a heist was going on and there was shooting, which is believed to have ignited Friday morning’s explosion, during which three security personnel also lost their lives.’’

POLITICS

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

“The situation we found in those communities is agony, hardship, wailing, and grief.” This was the lurid picture Senator Theodore Orji painted before his colleagues in the Red Chambers of the Senate last Wednesday.

The Senator representing Abia Central was relaying to the Senate in plenary the tragedy that befell Abia State following the pipeline explosion that hit some communities in Osisoma Ngwa Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives on Friday, October 12, 2018.

A visit to Umuimo and Umuaduru communities, scenes of the unfortunate (or is it avoidable) inferno caused by the pipeline explosion, will convince you that agony and grief hung thickly in the air.

Sources said a leakage from a pipeline belonging to Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which has not been in use for about three years aroused the interest of residents of the area. They became attracted to the black gold gushing out from the pipeline.

By the dusk of the fateful Friday, they thought they were headed for a brisk business. They reportedly hastened to scoop the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) leaking from the pipe. By dawn, what assaulted their eyes were the charred remains of as many a person that had engaged in the fuel scooping business.

Many were burnt beyond recognition.

Nearby houses and vast farmlands were equally razed.

Accounts of the fire outbreak are multiple and varied. A version says the fire was ignited by a handset while another had it that two motorcycles driven by soldiers allegedly caused the fire outbreak. The fire left in its trail, wanton destruction of life and property, agony and aguish.

Today, Umuimo, Umuaduru and Umuemere are counting their losses just as they have become a Mecca of sorts, attracting sympathizers who are promising assistance of various forms to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, during his maiden visit to the areas affected by the disaster, was shocked to the marrow by the magnitude of deaths and destruction.

The governor described the incident as disheartening and unfortunate and commiserated with the families of victims who lost their lives as a result of the pipeline explosion.

He directed the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Hon. Chizurum Kanu, to immediately inaugurate a Commission of Inquiry to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the explosion. The Oracle Today gathered that the Commission is already in place and headed by a retired Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Enyinnaya Appolos, said in a statement released in Umuahia after the governor’s visit to Osisoma that Ikpeazu also directed the Commissioner for Heath, Dr. John Ahukannah, who incidentally hails from Osisioma, and the Chairman of Osisioma Local Government Area, Chief Ihenyinna Mgbeahuru, to visit the survivors in various hospitals and ensure that government provided them with adequate medical treatment and pay their medical bills.

Also, Senator Orji came calling after learning of the calamity that has befallen his constituents.

Speaking during the visit last Sunday, the Senator, while lamenting the tragic explosion and its trade mark, said “I came and I have seen a lot of damage. So many lives were lost; houses and farmlands destroyed.” He described the incident as “a disaster of unimaginable magnitude.”

However, he noted, no excuse justifies

Atiku’s action on Obi was 2019 governorship: mild misdemeanor – Prof Rivers APC and the Obasi Igwe legal Complexities Pg 10

Pg 12

Controversies trail Osisioma pipeline explosion •Over 200 burnt to death, houses, farmlands razed •Youth accuse NNPC of negligence •Fire caused by vandals - NNPC •Atiku donates N10 million Abia State was, on Friday, October 12, 2018, thrown into mourning as over 200 persons were burnt to death in a pipeline fire at Osisioma. BONIFACE OKORO reports that while relations are mourning the death of their loved ones, the Nigeria National Corporation (NNPC) and youths of the areas are locked in a bitter argument over what actually caused the fire.

•Peter Obi, Ikpeazu, Abaribe the action of locales who were allegedly scooping fuel from the leaking pipe, considering the high risk involved.

He was to take the matter to the Senate where he accused some officials of NNPC and men security operatives of complicity in the gory incident. Adopting the motion table before it by their colleague, the Senators directed its Committees on Petroleum (downstream) and Police Affairs to investigate the pipeline explosion in Osisioma communities.

They also mandated the committees to critically investigate the causes of the inferno and recommend appropriate compensation for the families of the victims; while urging the National Emergency Management Agency to immediately send relief materials to the affected communities.

The Senate equally called on NNPC and the Department of Petroleum Resources to commence immediate repairs on the leaking pipeline. Prominent among sympathizers that have besieged Osisioma is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 general elections.

In a display of empathy and sympathy, Atiku who was out of the country, on learning of the ugly incident, quickly dispatched his running mate and former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, to visit Abia to obtain first hand information.

Obi, in company of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (representing Abia South) and

Solomon Adaelu (representing Obingwa/ Osisioma/Ugwunagbo federal constituency in the House of Representatives), and led by their host, Governor Ikpeazu, visited Umuimo and Umuaduru. The Waziri Adamawa commiserated with the people and government of the state over the fatal pipeline explosion. According to Obi, the news of the fire disaster was very devastating and it was particularly touching that so many lives were lost. Obi said that the incident should raise the red flag for proper safety measures along all pipeline beds across the country.

“Whatever God is not aware of cannot come to pass. He is the only one that can explain what has happened. There is nothing that would be done to obliterate the effects of what has happened. The dead could not be restored. All that can be done now is to alleviate the weight of the impact of this incident on the victims and assist them to cope with life,” Obi told the people.

“I am here strictly on the directive of the PDP presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who on receiving the sad news of what happened in Abia, directed that I come personally to condole with the governor and the people in Abia..

“He has also asked me to ensure that we visit the sites, condole with the people and make a token donation to support the efforts of the Abia government.

So, I have already informed the governor that we are going to, as a campaign or-

ganization, make a token donation of N10 million to support whatever the Abia State government is doing,” the PDP Vice Presidential candidate announced.

In his speech, Governor Ikpeazu said that all precautionary measures would be put in place to prevent a recurrence of such bizarre incident, adding government would act with dispatch in assisting victims, immediately it receives an official report of the incident from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“If I receive detailed report about the victims, those who lost their properties, shops, we will start examining it, so that in the next three weeks, we will decide on how to alleviate their sufferings,” he promised.

“When we receive and study the official report from the NSCDC, we will make sure that those whose carelessness resulted in this tragedy will face the consequences because somebody’s carelessness and inactivity cannot bring this magnitude of suffering on our people and we allow it to continue. I am assuring you that we will follow this mater to its logical conclusion,” the governor added.

The Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kalu, has earlier paid a visit to the devastated communities and promised that the State Government would probe the incident. The Speaker, while commiserating with those that lost their loved ones in the fire, also

Cont’d on page 14

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

Bold ‘N’ Blunt

Atiku’s action on Obi was mild misdemeanor – Prof Obasi Igwe “…We want a proper restructuring that would grant the Igbo contiguous regional autonomy to the coast, and enable our businessmen to resume their industrialization and import-export activities from inside Igboland. That is the best way to reintegrate the Igbo into Nigeria, fruitfully engaging and prospering them to such an extent that many will stop imagining any better life elsewhere…”

What is your view about the complaints

by Igbo political leaders over the nomination of Peter Obi by Atiku Abubakar as his Presidential running mate. Could there be something about the former governor that the leaders are afraid of?

Please, do not generalize. The leaders in question were actually three governors and a few others. The complaints over Atiku’s VP choice of Peter Obi were uncalled for. If it’s true they have confidence in Atiku, they should extend to him the courtesy of choosing his running-mate. Yes, he may at least have preinformed Iwuanyanwu of his intended move, not for the latter to counter it, but as a mark of respect for his campaign chief, but, with the shortness of time to the election, and the 24/7 busy situation for people struggling against the power of incumbency, for such mild misdemeanor, if indeed it was, to be openly elevated to a sin translates to campaigning for the adversary. And, we should not forget that almost all of those individuals “won” their positions in less than noble ways, and are suspected to be appealing to Buhari to be permitted to “win” again in exchange for assisting him win in the East. So, the protest looks more like a cynical pretext for treachery than a just and legitimate demand of honest players. Unfortunately, that is the type of Igbo “leaders” we’ve been having since the end of the civil war.

Atiku gave the Igbo great respect; the issue is that he was more tactical than strategic. Obi is a good choice, but Okonjo-Iweala, a Riverine Igbo, in that order, could have been better, as far as I am concerned. The lady will attract automatic domestic gender and international support for Atiku, and help wipe away any negative baggage there; a Riverine will reinforce Wike, etc, and make it less easy to rig out the PDP in the South-South. Obi will be lucky to win even his Anambra base: Anambra APGA stronghold has to deliver the state for their presidential candidate; APC strong-

• Hatred, calamity of Buhari’s regime will take long to heal Former Head of Political Science Department (HOD), University of Nigeria (Nsukka), Professor Obasi Igwe, is given to offering undiluted views on issues of public discourse.

In this interview with CHUKS EZE, the author, social critique and apostle of true federalism, took a swipe at Igbo political leaders for failing to keep, what he described as former VP, Atiku Abubakar’s “mild Misdemeanor” over Obi’s nomination process.

He also declared that it would take long to heal the quantum of hatred and calamity that the Buhari administration has foisted upon the country, adding that the ultimate clamour of Ndigbo is not President of Igbo extraction but rather, “equal treatment, respect in a level-playing field”.

•Prof Obasi Igwe

men have to give Buhari at least 25%; and there are complex denominational matters that may further complicate issues if not properly handled. But, we still wish Obi well.

Although some of the leaders have reportedly reneged from their earlier alleged opposition to Atiku’s choice of Obi; but what is your candid advice to the leaders? My personal position, and advice to almost all the Igbo political leaders is to individually and collectively apologize to the Igbo nation and Nigeria for their corruption and betrayal that are at the heart of the underdevelopment, poverty, and youth restiveness in the region. Any of them seeking re-election and purporting to “win” again, will be insulting everybody. They should immediately give way to honest and ideologically focused men and women of whatever age, to come rescue the people, espe-

cially the youths whose lives and future they have been destroying since 1999.

Most of Igbo land is now a disaster zone, thanks to those you call Igbo leaders.

As an ardent proponent of restructuring and federalism, would you say that giving the VP slot to the South East is a positive move towards addressing issues of alleged long neglect and marginalisation of Ndigbo by successive Nigerian federal governments?

An Igbo Vice President in the context of demands for restructuring and true federalism? All that the Igbo need to address issues of neglect, injustice and marginalization is not necessarily to have an Igbo as president or vice; this also applies to other nationalities in Nigeria. What is required is a broad-minded and civilized leader of whatever ethnic extraction that sees the Igbo as human beings de-

serving of equal treatment and respect in a level-playing field. But, since Nigeria seems uninterested in that civilization, an Igbo in such a position might probably help in articulating such problems at the highest echelons of power, together with the appropriate recommendations for a solution; hence, “Igbo presidency” or, at least, vice presidency, even though the latter is associated more with constitutionally denominated influence than actual power.

But, does Peter Obi understand restructuring, so as to give appropriate advice to his master; is he aware that there are both genuine and counterfeit Igbo positions on the matter; does he understand Atiku’s choice between the two; and on which side is Peter Obi himself?

The true Igbo position was published in a widely-circulated ‘Memorandum to the National Constitutional Confer-

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

Bold ‘N’ Blunt

•Obi

•Atiku

ence Commission’, dated Tuesday, 8th February, 1994, and signed by various Igbo leaders from Abia, Anambra, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states. The Memorandum called for a true federalism of “Six Regions based on ethnic/linguistic groups viz: Eastern; Western; Southern; Central; Northeastern; and Northwestern Regions – and Abuja Federal Capital Territory”. That is in page three. On page 11, the memorandum explained the Eastern Region as “made up of Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo States together with the Igbo-speaking people of Delta and Rivers States”. This modest demand harmed no minority groups, but merely a re-affirmation of Igbo contiguous homeland to the coast and centurieslong maritime traditions, confirmed everywhere by ancient Europeans, including the British Willink’s Report of 1957/58. In pursuit of this pan-Igbo goal, one of the signatories from Rivers state even wrote a book, “The unfinished motion” that was as popular as ever.

But, one Igbo man, an actual signatory to this document, prodded by some interests, went behind to fraudulently alter the East into a “Southeast”, and South into a “Southsouth”, and by this confusing counterfeit tearing the Igbo into three mutually-exclusive weakened parts: the Anioma and Mbamiri with no contiguity between them in a so-called Southsouth, and the central Igbo isolated from the rest – all, with dangerous consequences for the Igbo future. Is Peter Obi part of the corrupt and compromised “Igbo leadership” suborned and blackmailed into propagating the ethnic-cleansing counterfeit, so as to be admitted into “government”; or, will he persuade Atiku to implement the original, so as to facilitate development in Igboland, the East, Middle-Belt, and even up to the Northeast, at least?

What form of restructuring would you advise Obi to push for?

We want a proper restructuring that

That is the best way to reintegrate the Igbo into Nigeria, fruitfully engaging and prospering them to such an extent that many will stop imagining any better life elsewhere.

“

would grant the Igbo contiguous regional autonomy to the coast, and enable our businessmen to resume their industrialization and import-export activities from inside Igboland. That is the best way to reintegrate the Igbo into Nigeria, fruitfully engaging and prospering them to such an extent that many will stop imagining any better life elsewhere.

The original pan-Igbo Eastern Region, not the curtailed and counterfeit Igbo “Southeast” is the restructuring that will help the Igbo, and the Igbo are expecting of Atiku or whomsoever, not a devolution of powers that would actually strengthen the very unequal and unfair units (states and LGAs) that are issues in contention today.

What else would you expect from Atiku/Obi Presidency should they triumph at the 2019 Presidential polls?

As a patriotic social democrat and lover of the hard-working common man and his humble aspirations, my prayer and fasting are that neither the APC nor the PDP rules Nigeria again. See the poverty and hunger in the land, the orchestrated bloodshed everywhere, the hatreds and divisions issuing from the highest of places – are these the reasons for which anyone should wish the APC to continue in office? For sixteen long years the PDP was in power, and still continuing in some states; if not elsewhere, come to

parts of Igboland and see the tragedy and mayhem they would have left behind by 2019. These men think of nothing but their pockets; they are leathery of conscience, and derive joy in seeing their people suffer while they carry the loot to distant shores. Are these the people that should be governing an educated population like Nigeria? People can commit class suicide, such that corrupt and exploitative elites transform into a truly patriotic and just one; a clientele or comprador bourgeoisie may also transform into a national bourgeoisie and revolutionary force. To this extent, one may squeeze out to both the Buhari and Atiku factions of the corrupt class, a modicum of possibility of change for the better, because according to C. WrightMills, independent of the structures that seem to straightjacket them, personality-types can create a meaningful difference in politics and governance. We live to see whether and to what extent that this hypothesis can apply to the Atiku/ Obi government, if they win. For now, the choice before Nigerians is between the Lucifer they know and the Satan they know.

President Buhari’s supporters say that he is the best thing that ever happened to Nigeria and they are want him to be re-elected, but other Nigerians are saying that he should be voted out over

abysmal performance; which divide do you belong to?

My side of the story is that at no time had Buhari confidently claimed that he had done or been doing well; his argument and that of his megaphones have always been that all their problems were caused by either Jonathan, Gaddafi, transhumance, Lake Chad, farmers, cattle rustlers, international assessment, rating and ranking agencies, and so on.

They also blame Nigerians for failure to notice the giant strides in infrastructure development, for which he is steadily committing unborn generations to slaving indebtedness, while the roads so “developed” deteriorate from bad to impassable. This abysmal performance is because of Buhari’s primitive mentality; his belief that you can in the 21st century use force to bludgeon people into compliance with feudal tenets and its administrative economics. By his actions, Buhari believes in and glorifies the feudal system; he lives in the 21st century, but seems nostalgic of the 10th.

Given the disaster that corruption by Igbo political leaders brought to the society, some of us speedily ran to his support once he promised to make the fight against corruption his basic objective. But, once the killings intensified to create an unlawful lebensraum for his tribesmen, almost everyone started to see the real man and his motives. The divisiveness, hatreds, and calamities under the Buhari regime may take very long to heal, and the best option for peace and unity, as well as development, remains that Nigeria restructures before and instead of elections, which have to be substantially rigged to enable him win.

Recalling the expectations that brought him to office, and the disastrous corruption for which the PDP was known, there was no reason why Buhari shouldn’t have been Nigeria’s greatest executive president, but, that opportunity seems lost forever.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

POLITICS

2019 governorship: Rivers APC and the legal Complexities

T

hese are trying times for the Rivers State chapter of the APC. Two governorship candidates emerged from two parallel primaries: Tonye Dele Cole through indirect primary and Senator Magnus Abe by direct primary.

Cole, an architect, is the product of the pro-Amaechi group being propelled by former two-term governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, while Abe, a lawyer, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District is the main cast for about 80 per cent of elected and political appointees that served in Amaechi’s government.

For the record, all elective candidates in the pro-Amaechi camp were elected through indirect primary while the proAbe’s group chose its candidates by direct primary. Instructively, a Rivers State High Court has nullified the outcome of the indirect primary, and consequently, nullified the selection of candidates that were the product of indirect primary.

According to the court, the indirect primary were conducted in fragrant disobedience of an existing court ruling that faulted the process through which the delegates were elected on May 19, 20 and 21, respectively.

Justice Chiwendu Nworgu, had on May 30, nullified the ward, local government and state congresses through which the delegates were elected. That substantive suit was still pending in court when the pro-Amaechi group went ahead to conduct its indirect primary.

The pro-Abe faction of the Rivers APC, however, selected its candidates for elective positions for the 2019 general elections through direct primary, which was earlier recommended by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in Abuja.

Barely a week after the NEC of the party ordered that Rivers State should choose its candidates for elective positions through direct primary, the National Working Committee (NWC), issued a contrary directive ordering Rivers APC to select its candidates for the 2019 general elections by indirect primary.

It was in a haze of two conflicting orders from the leadership of the party that both the pro-Amaechi and pro-Abe camps organised two parallel governorship, National and State Assemblies primaries in the state.

Both camps are laying claim to either of the orders from Abuja that favours its interest. As it is, the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who heads the party’s NWC has submitted the names of Tonye Dele Cole and that of Victor Giadom as governorship and deputy governorship candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Anticipating that the high court in Rivers State might nullify the process that produced its State Working Committee (SWC), the Rivers State Chairman, Ojukaiye Flag-Amachree of the APC approached a federal high court, in Abuja, to secure a perpetual injunction, preventing its national chairman from dissolving the state Exco.

What is clear is that the suit filed by 23 aggrieved APC members was on and pending months before Ojukaiye went to the federal high court, in Abuja, to obtain the perpetual injunction restraining the national chairman from dissolving the state SWC. There are about four cases concerning the Rivers State APC filed by pro-Amaechi and pro-Abe’s supporters. Some of the matters have inched their way to the Court of Appeal.

From Port Harcourt, NATH OMAME Jr. writes on the intrigues and legal gymnastics dogging the fight for the Rivers State APC governorship ticket.

•Rotimi Ameachi

•Tonye Dele Cole

•Senator Magnus Abe

The judgment of the Rivers State High Court, on Wednesday, October 10, has further complicated the complex web of intrigues that the Rivers APC appears entangled in. The pro-Amaechi group says it will appeal Justice Nworgu’s judgment.

Although, the national leadership of the APC has not made any pronouncement on the thorny situation as it concerns Rivers State APC, it appears Cole’s name is still at INEC as its candidate for the 2019 governorship election, pending the eventual outcome of the appeal.

Going by the judgment of the Rivers State High Court, Cole’s candidate is defective by law. And that situation can only change if the pro-Amaechi group wins at the Supreme Court. The same legal interpretation applies to the SEC of the Rivers State chapter of the APC. Justice Nworgu in his judgement cited the case of Amaechi versus INEC in 2007 which stated that Amaechi in the mind of members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to which Amaechi belonged at that time regarded him as the party’s authentic candidate because he emerged through a proper elective process organised by the party.

So, how does the Amaechi versus INEC case apply to Senator Abe who emerged from the direct primary held by its group?

In the direct primary through which Abe was chosen, over 4, 000 card-carrying

members voted in the 319 wards in the 23 local government areas of the state.

During the fratricidal skirmish that severely polarised the PDP over who was the authentic national chairman between Senator Ali Modu-Sherrif and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the court ruled that the NEC of the party was the superior organ of the party. And, therefore, its decision superseded that of all other organs of the party.

Senator Abe’s group is holding on tenaciously to this judgment. According to the chieftains of the pro-Abe group, it conducted its direct primary in adherence to the instruction of the party’s NEC, which it claims is superior to the party’s NWC. According to Elder Chidi Wihoka, representing iKwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, he and Senator Abe were present at the NWC meeting where the decision was taken that Rivers State should conduct its governorship primary using direct primary.

As far as they are concerned, they are on the right path of the law because from judicial precedence, the NEC of a political party supersedes the NWC of the party.

Both groups will still have to go back to the courts for a final judicial pronouncement on the matter.

While the pro-Amaechi group will approach the courts to set aside the judgment of the Rivers State High Court that nullified the ward, local government and

state congresses, and consequently, the candidature of Cole, the pro-Abe group will apply to a Federal High Court, asking the court to grant an order of mandamus, compelling INEC to accept and publish Abe’s name as the governorship candidate of Rivers State APC. And since Cole’s name was submitted before INEC’s deadline, it appears that a window of opportunity exists for Senator Abe should his group win at the highest at the court to replace Cole as the authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State. Abe insists he was legally and procedurally elected to be the party’s governorship candidate for Rivers State in 2019 having been chosen in a direct primary ordered by the NEC of the APC. Judgments relevant to politics and politicians from Rivers State are bound to well up in legal citations as the current imbroglio in Rivers State APC as the various cases pick their way up to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court judgment of Amaechi versus INEC, involving Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was Abe’s boss as governor and another Supreme Court judgment, involving Modu-Sherrif and Makarfi, that Amaechi’s successor, Governor Nyesom Wike, also played a prominent role in enlisting lawyers, will be crucial in deciding who will fly the APC flag in the governorship election in Rivers State in 2019.

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

POLITICS

As police, vigilante confront the criminality of Rivers waterfront shanties Despite the concerted efforts of the Rivers State government, the police and other security agencies to reduce the level of crime, there appears to be a renewed upsurge in deadly clashes among rival cult gangs and violent crimes in some communities in Rivers State,writes NATH OMAME Jr. from Port Harcourt.

S

o, what could be responsible? In August and September, violent clashes between rival cult groups claimed some lives and residents fled from their communities for fear of being cut in a crossfire of reprisal attacks. The latest wave of killings that has sent shock waves through the state capital, Port Harcourt, is the recent upsurge in violent crimes and reprisal attacks by rival cult gangs in the the Diobu Area, a densely populated residential and commercial axis. Due to the unrelenting attacks of residents and business people in the Diobu Area by criminals, a group of young men took the initiative to set up a vigilante group to complement the effort of the Police. To lubricate the wheels of the group who patrol streets in the area from 7.pm to 6.am daily, residents were asked to pay a voluntary security levy of N200 per apartment and shop. Considering the risk and the enormity of the task at hand, N200 is just a stipend.

Members of the Vigilante group who have cars do fuel their vehicles in which they patrol the area at night. Members of the Diobu Vigilante are said to be known to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) as well as police personnel posted to the popular Mile 1 Police Station, along Ikwerre Road, opposite the Rumuoji Market, by Emeneki Junction.

While the residents applaud the efforts of the young men who have chosen on their own volition to provide security for the sprawling densely populated community, criminals - armed robbers, cultists and kidnappers saw the vigilante group as a body set up to challenge their nefarious dominance of the area. So, a vicious attack on members of the vigilante group began. In one month, criminals killed four members of the Diobu Vigilante while they were out on their duty post in the night.

Secretary and Spokesman of Diobu Vigilante, Prince Amatiri Ibipilede, narrated what transpired on September 20. According to him, the hoodlums invaded his home with weapons to attack and possibly kill him but, luckily, he was not at home.

“I escaped assassination this morning when some hoodlums numbering about seven invaded my compound but on realising I was not around, they left to Ojotu Street where they shot a vigilante member by name George. They also went to Saint Thomas by Ikwerre Road and shot another of our members (Chimele Amadi) who died in the hospital.”

He recalled: “The day they came for me, two members of our vigilante were killed.

Before the hoodlums came to attack me in my house, a member of our vigilante was shot. The bullet is still in his body. Nobody came to our aid.”

On Tuesday, October 16, four persons were killed in the course of a deadly clash between two rival cult gangs. Two persons, a woman and a middle-aged man, were reportedly killed around Mechanic Garage, near St. Thomas Church, Ikoku Junction, Mile II Diobu.

Two members of the Vigilante Group were murdered at Lumumba/Emenike and Nanka Streets, all in the Diobu Area of Port Harcourt. Sources said the woman, who was a gin seller, was shot dead during a su-

•Gov. Nyesom WIke

•Zaki-Ahmed, Police Commissioner Rivers State

•Police arrest a criminal premacy gun battle between the two cult groups operating in the area.

Sources said the woman, who was pregnant, was killed when a cultist ran to where she was selling locally brewed gin, Ogogoro, to shield himself from rampaging bullets. Commercial activities were paralysed as shop owners and residents shut their doors for fear of being hit by stray bullets.

Security operatives were later drafted to the area to restore normalcy. Residents, business and shop owners stayed away

for fear of arrest by the police who were patrolling the area in search of members of the cult gangs.

Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nnamdi Omoni, has appealed to members of the public to assist the police with useful information that can lead to the arrest of the cultists and criminals that have been terrorising the area for years.

So, is the Diobu Vigilante willing to cooperate with the police by providing useful information since the hoodlums live

amongst them? And if they are willing to, then, why have the Diobu Vgilante not given the information they have on these criminals and cultists to the Police?

Ibipilede responded: “Sharing information with regard to criminals is very sensitive and delicate. You can only give out information to someone you trust. The recipient of the information should be able to build confidence in you before you can trust him with such information.

“We have given the information we

Cont’d on page 15

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

POLITICS Controversies trail Osisioma pipeline explosion Cont’d from page 9 promised that government would initiate necessary measures to forestall a recurrence. Forestalling future occurrence and bringing everyone culpable to book would derive from establishing what went wrong and how.

Locals and NNPC are not on the same page as to what caused the pipeline fire.

Villagers said the pipeline in question has been abandoned and alleged that PPMC, all of a sudden, pumped PMS through it.

Speaking on the cause of the incident, Chairman of Osisioma Ngwa local government area, Mgbeahuru, blamed the PPMC for pumping products through a pipeline it claimed was abandoned without checking its ability.

“We had invited the PPMC Depot Manager more than three times in our security meetings to give us some update on why we are having fire incidents every time along our pipelines, but he ignored those invitations,” he said. “They (PPMC) claimed that this pipeline is abandoned, but every time they pump products, it catches fire. We must get to the bottom of it this time around. This is not the first time. PPMC and Federal Government are not helping us. They don’t come to repair those lines. They claimed it is abandoned, but how do products go in there?” he queried.

A pipeline guard, Chuks Uzoije, who reportedly lost a bungalow to the fire, blamed the PPMC for not heeding to their calls for repair work to be carried out on the broken pipeline. “We have been complaining about the leaking pipeline, but the authorities were not interested in rectifying it. Now, people have been roasted,” Uzojie lamented.

The position of the Coordinator Imo/ Abia Operations office of the the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Evans Ugoh, seems to strengthen claims by the indigenes. He blamed the Osisioma pipeline fire on “inappropriate routine pipeline maintenance.” After visiting the scenes, Ugoh explained that the pipeline had ruptured but needed maintenance before the incident. “My team has visited the scene of the explosion and we discovered that victims of the incident took advantage of the pipelines leakage and were scooping the oil before fire caught on them,” he said.

For Eze Godswill Mgbarime, traditional ruler of Umueze, one of the affected communities, security operatives are to blame for the high casualty figure.

“When the leakage occurred, some security men arrived the place and, instead of doing their job, they were collecting N1,000 from each person that came to scoop fuel there. We learned that three of them also died when the fire started,” Eze Mgbarime was quoted to have told Senator Orji during his condolence visit.

This claim was yet to be confirmed by press time.

However, the NNPC has washed its hands off the Osisoma pipeline explosion, saying it was caused by vandals rather than negligence on the part of its officials. NNPC spokesman, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in a statement last Thursday, said the incident was triggered off by suspected oil thieves who had hacked into System 2E pipeline network of the corporation with a view to intercepting the flow of petrol from Port Harcourt to Aba. He argued that the presence of items such as jerrycans, among others, at the scene of the incident as contained in the preliminary report on the matter indicated that the activities of vandals in the area ignited the flame.

The NNPC position has pitched the corporation against Osisoma Ngwa youth who issued the orgnisation an ultimatum to refute the vandalism claims. Acting

•osisioma fire

•osisioma

under the aegis of Osisioma Ngwa Youth Congress, the youth blocked the gates the NNPC Deport in Osisioma during a peaceful protest last Monday, insisting that the said pipeline has been out of use for over three years. They equally maintained that there has never been any issue of vandalism in the affected communities and questioned what NNPC stands to gain by blackmailing the communities.

The youth carried placards some of which read: “The explosion was not as a result of vandalism,” “What happened was planned mass killing of our people by NNPC,” “NNPC should stop pumping fuel through abandoned pipelines,” “Since Enugu depot is not functional, where was NNPC pumping fuel to?” “Enough of these deaths caused by NNPC’s carelessness.” Public Relations Officer of the group, Mr. Nwabueze Princewill, blamed

NNPC’s ‘negligence’ for the incident, explaining that the leakages which led to the deadly explosion that black Friday were observed and reported to NNPC the previous Thursday. According to him, NNPC did nothing about it till the explosion occurred on Friday.

“There is no issue of pipeline vandalism here in Osisioma. We have led different teams of security personnel to the various sites, and the evidences confirmed our position,” Nwabueze said. “This incident is purely a consequence of negligence by the NNPC. And to vindicate us further, there’ve been more leakages detected, and despite several calls to the NNPC, there has been no response, even in the wake of the recent tragedy that has cast a dark cloud over the community,” Princewill said in a statement.

What is needed now are not actions

and speeches that would inflame passions at this period of high emotions and grief in Osisoma, nay Abia State, but fast-tracking of official steps to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the fire explosion. It would be human if succour can come the way of the victims and requisite remediation effected within the shortest possible time.

Recall that in 2003, Amaiyiuhu in Isuikwuato experienced a similar deadly pipeline fire that claimed hundreds of lives.

To date, nothing suggests that anything tangible was done to erase the scars left that incident. Though human lives could not be replaced, serious and genuine steps should be taken to ensure that Osisioma does not live with the painful cleft inflicted on it by the sad, avoidable pipeline fire of that black Friday, October 12, 2018.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

POLITICS

Cont’d from page 13 have on these criminals to the Police. The Police should raid all the waterfronts in the Diobu Area of Port Harcourt. For the raids to be successful, the waterfronts should be raided every 30 minutes.”

Stressing that criminals and cultists use the waterfronts as their hideout, Ibipilede added: “They keep their arms and ammunition there, too. So many things happen at the waterfronts. I am speechless, I don’t know what to say.

“These waterfronts should be continuously raided by the security agencies: Ibidason; Nwachukwu; Andozie; Eshewei; Timber; Ukwatu; Ekwele; Egede; Akokwa; Uruela; Aba; Elechi and the Slaughter axis of Mile 3.”

Asked if he did not think the police were already aware of this development, Ibipilede said: “Well I am helpless. I am helpless. I don’t even know what to say, anymore. If these waterfronts are raided in the next 24 hours, crime and criminality will be drastically reduced. If the security agencies raid the waterfronts, many valuables will be recovered: phones, tablets, laptops, wrist watches, bags, necklaces, among others. Where do they get them from? Snatching and robbery.

“The way Diobu is now was what necessitated the setting up of the vigilante. No sustainable development can take place in any community or society when there is insecurity. So, we decided to do something as landlords and residents.”

He emphasised: “The essence of Diobu vigilante is borne out of insecurity. No one will invest his money in a society that is not secure. Would there be any need for vigilante if there is no insecurity? No. We have vigilante because of insecurity. There will be no need for vigilante in a crime-free society.”

Ibipilede explained why they formed the Diobu Vigilante: “We formed the Vigilante because the government and the security agencies have failed us. So, the community took it upon itself to set up the vigilante.

We started shouting and telling them from the day the vigilante came into existence of our challenges and predicament. Nothing has been done.

“Before the criminals came to my house to carry out their plan to kill me, one of our vigilante was shot. Up till now, the government has not bothered to send any emissary to find out how we are faring. No government agency has assisted us in paying his medical bills, considering that a bullet is still lodged in his body.”

How, then, is the operation of the Diobu Vigilante is funded? According to Ibipilede, residents of the area who want the vigilante group to cover their streets and houses usually contribute funds so as to benefit from the services of the vigilante. The amount contributed ranges from N200 per apartment or room. Asked if he was not afraid for his life, now that the criminals who operate in Diobu see him and other members of the Vigilante as constituting hindrance to their criminal activities and source of livelihood, Ibipilede explained: “We came together to set up this vigilante group because we are landlords and residents of Diobu. If I run away, what about my tenants? What about my friends? What about those who come to Diobu to do business? What about those who come to Diobu as visitors?

“Diobu is centre of attraction. Even if I run away, my sister or brother can come to Timber Market to buy plywood; they can go to Ikoku Market to buy vehicle spare parts. What the criminals want to do is to turn Diobu into a place where robbery and burglary will be going on 24 hours of the day.”

Ibipilede further narrated: “Last night, some criminals armed with AK-47 came to one of our duty posts and pointed their guns at the vigilante in- charge of that, threatening him that he would be

...Vigilante confront the criminality of Rivers waterfront shanties

•Wike

shot dead if he alerted other members of the vigilante that they were carrying out a robbery operation in the area. Our members carry only machetes.”

The Rivers State Police Command has through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Nnamdi Omoni, appealed to members of the public to avail the Police with information that can lead to the arrest of the criminals operating in Diobu. Could it be that the Diobu Vigilante hasn’t given the police enough useful information to enable them apprehend these criminals?

Ibipilede stated: “I don’t know what other special information that the Police needs from us. We have given the Police all the information that we have about these criminals, even the information we gathered the night they came to assassinate me.”

Lamenting that because “the PPRO is at the top while we are at the bottom” and, therefore, “it’s often very difficult to reach them and even see them,” Ibipilede said: I had earlier suggested that the commissioner of Police exclude the Mile 1 Division; the Olu Obasanjo Division; the Nkporlu Division and the Azikiwe Division from convoy patrol.”

And what purpose will this information achieve? Ibipilede declared: “Let the responsibility for patrol convoy be taken over by Mopol 19. One, the Diobu area needs more manpower. Two, it needs more patrol vehicles. When manpower and vehicles are deployed from these divisions for night patrol, they don’t return to their primary bases until about 2.am in the night.

Amatiri Ibipilede stressed: “Criminals are very intelligent people. They do their investigation before they go for any robbery operation. In fact, Diobu direly needs more patrol vehicles; we will tell them the strategic areas to station them when they

are made available.”

Diobu as it is now is a breeding ground for criminals. How can this unhealthy phenomenon be thoroughly checkmated?

“First, the Mile 1 Police Station needs to be properly equipped with personnel, arms and ammunition.

“Second, Eagle Island needs at least, three patrol vehicles. For now, just two patrol vehicles are covering Eagle Island; covering part of Elebueshi; covering part of Ojotu; covering part of iKwerre Road; covering part of Elechi; covering part of Azikiwe. How can that strategy be effective? One of the patrol vehicles is in a state of disrepair. So, how can the Police be effective in policing that part of Diobu.?”

The sordid crime wave in Diobu is not new. So, why is it that no one has been arrested, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to serve as deterrent to other mushrooming criminal elements?

He lamented: “The Vigilante were really very helpful before now and that was why they came to attack the vigilante to weaken its cohesion and commitment to rid the area of criminals. Mark my words: the next set of people the criminals will attack will be the Police. But we must not allow that to happen.”

“On September 20, the criminals came to my house to kill me, but God being so faithful, I was not home. Up to now, no government official has reached out to me to ask how I am faring? Or to enquire if my family are safe and well. The criminals are still looking for me.

“Since then, four members of the vigilante have been killed. No one has asked how we are managing to pay for mortuary bills for our members whose remains have been deposed in the mortuary.”

Ibipilede continued: “Four of our members have been killed since September 20.

When the criminals left my house, they

went to Anozie by Elebueshi and cut the head of a vigilante with a machete. He survived. His name is Chukwuemeka.

“They left there and went to Timber and shot John Minima, who is covering Ojotu by Timber. From there they went to Ikwerre Road by St. Thomas and shot Chemele Amadi dead. These criminals killed these young men the same day they came to my house.”

Are the Police aware of these casualties?

“Yes. The Police are aware.”

Can you spell out the duties of the Diobu Vigilante group in your capacity as the secretary?

“We protect our residents. Before we established the vigilante, criminals operating in Diobu will come to your house, shop or business place in the day or night, point a gun at you and ask you to give them your money.

“In the night, they will knock on your door, ask you to open it and come in and take whatever they want and leave. If you resist, they shoot you. It was that bad. So, we came together and agreed among ourselves that the situation would deteriorate into a lawless society if we do nothing.

“At first, we started by protecting our streets. We later realised that those streets that didn’t have security became their exit routes. So, we called a meeting and those of us that have cars decided that we should fuel our cars and assist the other streets without security by patrolling them at night to ensure that they are covered.

“That is how Diobu vigilante came into existence. That is the essence of community policing that we are talking about. When these criminals realised that the presence of our men in the night was hampering their criminal activities, they came for me.”

Have you ever arrested anyone?

“The funniest thing here is that the lawyers and the judicial system are not helping us to make progress. Some of the criminals that we apprehended, took to the Police station, prosecuted them in court, were convicted and sentenced and taken to prison have been released from prison.”

Who released them from prison? “I don’t know. Lawyers go as far as the prison to effect the release of these criminals.

From what we heard, if a genuine list of prisoners to be released is prepared, the lawyers will even go as far as adding the names of their clients who are still doing their time to the list. Our lawyers are not helping matters.”

How do the lawyers include the names of criminals who are supposed to be doing their time in prison to the list of criminals to be officially released from prison? “I don’t know. I really don’t know. “ Mr. Ibipilede appealed to the Rivers State government to intervene as the function of the vigilante group is to assist security agencies to secure lives and property in the state.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed that the recent deadly skirmish in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt was a clash between two rival cult groups stated that the Police had evolved a new strategy to combat incessant violent cult clashes in the Diobu area of the capital city.

“The commissioner of Police has put in place a new strategy aimed at decimating the rings of criminal gangs in Diobu. In no time, the wave of insecurity, robbery, kidnapping and cultism in the area will be effectively curtailed.”

However, traders, shop owners, business people and residents are still in fear.

Some traders and shop owners in Diobu say they now lock up their shops at 4.pm to avoid being taken unawares by criminals and cultists in the area. They lamented that the latest killings have scared customers from coming to do their purchases at Diobu.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS APC support groups drum support for Buhari in Anambra

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

C

oalition of All Progressives Congress Support groups, Anambra State Chapter, has commenced grassroots mobilisation for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the general elections.

Chairman of the Coalition, Chief Onyebuchi Osakwe who disclosed this after their meeting in Onitsha yesterday said the coalition has a formidable structure from the state, local government and ward levels to achieve its objectives.

Osakwe noted that the task at hand is very much achievable and called on the Igbos rejoicing over the choice of running mate of Atiku Abubakar of the PDP to hold on because Buhari is coming back in 2019.

He said President Buhari’s untainted integrity and character stands him out any day above all other contenders to the presidential seat in Nigeria promising that Buhari will not only sweep the votes in Anambra but the entire country.

“As an APC coalition of support groups, we have structures across the 21 local governments, three senatorial zones and the 4621 polling units in Anambra State. We also have capable manpower on ground to deliver on our mandate.

President Buhari will win landslide in Anambra and we shall make it possible with our grassroots appeal and support of the relevant stakeholders” he said.

2019: South East students back Atiku/ Obi ticket

Abia cancels extension of service for civil servants S I From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

n a move to reposition the Abia State Civil service, the Head of Service (HOS), Sir Onyii Wamah, has announced the cancellation of Extension of Service and directed all Public and Civil servants on extension of service in the Service to serve out their periods and leave.

Similarly, Wamah has given Civil and Public servants in the State who have been given political appointments 14 days to apply for leave of absence.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia and endorsed by the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the HoS, Adaeze Ralph Igbokwe, Wamah, explained that Extension of Service has affected the performance and moral of serving officers whose prospects of attaining enviable career heights in the service were hampered by the continued stay of officers who ought to have retired from service.

The Head of Service made it clear that government has critically reexamined the extension of service

and the overall negative impact it has caused and harped on the validity of Public Service Rule No. 02809 which provides that “no officer shall be allowed to remain in the service after attaining the retirement age of 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service whichever that is earlier.”

Wamah expressed disappointment on the regular practice of retiring officers besieging the Office of the Head of Service, requesting extension of service rather than turn in their papers and proceed on retirement.

He further observed that the practice encourages wastages of the lean state resources as the officers who ought to have retired stay on and are paid.

He regretted that the officers in question go extra mile in using highly-placed Nigerians or their kinsmen to influence government with a view to getting their request granted and asserted that government, according to civil service rules, would consider only contract appointments in technical areas where there is no immediate re-

placement.

In a related development, the HOS has given civil and public servants on political appointments 14 days to apply for leave of absence.

According to the statement by Mrs. Igbkwe, anyone who fails to comply would be deemed to have left the service.

“The Head of Service in a Circular HAS/S.001/SUB.1/16 wondered why public servants given political appointments should not apply for leave of absence before accepting such appointment and declared as unacceptable, a situation where such officers receive monthly salaries as public servants and as political officer holders,” the statement added.

“The Head of Service further reaffirmed that it is expedient for the affected officers to apply appropriately so as to preserve their terminal benefits and continuing of their services in the state service, even after serving as political appointees for pension purposes,” the statement read in part.

APC will revolutionise tourism, agriculture in Enugu – Ayogu Eze

By IZUNNA EZENWA

T

he APC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Senator Ayogu Eze has promised to make agriculture and tourism income and employment-generating sub-sectors in the State’s economy.

Fielding questions on Channels Television Sunday Politics, a Seun Okinbaloye Show, Sunday evening, the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works and Information lamented that agriculture, education and infrastructure have become comatose in Enugu State, adding that Enugu and Nsukka, the two cities in Enugu State also need pipe-borne water, which his government would provide if voted into power.

On the reported crisis in his party, Eze said there was no crisis in the party as far as he knew because “there is not a single petition at the party headquarters against my candidacy as we speak.”

He said he won the primary election fair and square adding that his name has since been submitted by the NWC of the APC to INEC as required by the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

In answer to a question, Eze said he is a bonafide member of the APC in his Umuozzi ward 7 in IgboEze North Local government area of Enugu State and insinuation to the contrary was an act of mischief from persons aggrieved at the loss of election in the party.

• Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, representing Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, at the 9th edition of Tradesmen and Artisans’ Week & Graduation Ceremony for Retrained Artisans at De Blue Roof, LTV 8 Compound, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Wednesday

Nigerian Army equips school in Abia

I

n the spirit of civil-military cooperation aspect of the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has donated large quantities of tables, desks/chairs (100 pieces each) and sporting equipment to the Onu Ibina Primary School, at Onu Ibina Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

A statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, said the items also included: 4 footballs, 3 handballs, 3 volleyballs, 2 volleyball nets, 3 basketballs and 1 table tennis table with 4 pairs of bats, 2 tennis net and 10 table tennis balls.

The COAS further approved the immediate renovation of three classrooms of the school especially the ones with worn out roofs and dilapidated structure and ceilling.

The presentation was made on behalf of the COAS, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major Gen Emmanuel Kabuk on Thursday the 18th

of February, 2018 during the closing ceremony of the NA Sports Festival, 82 Division Chapter.

Receiving the items, Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, handed them over to the school authority, on behalf of the community, just he thanked the COAS for the kind gesture that will definitely enhance the Civil Military Cooperation between the NA and the good people of Abia State.

“I thank immensely the COAS and the entire NA for this generous donation. I believe, this good gesture and the Sports Festival will foster good Civil Military Cooperation which I consider necessary, to enable NA operate successfully in the state and wherever it finds itself,” he said.

It would be recalled that Onu Ibina community was where the opening and closing ceremonies of the NA Sports Festival 2018, 82 Division Chapter was successfully conducted from the 16th to 18th of October 2018.

During the time, it was observed that in some few classrooms, the roofing were worn out/ dilapidated.

Above all, some pupils were without seats, desks and tables.

The school has little or no sporting equipment. Consequently, as part of the Civil Military Cooperation Line of Operation of the NA – under the current leadership, the GOC 82 Division NA, Major General Emmanuel Kabuk briefed the COAS who authorised the prompt purchase and delivery of the items to the school and also directed for the immediate renovation of the dilapidated buildings and roofing.

Commanders 14 and 34 Brigades as well as 82 Division Garrison, some members of the Abia State Executive Council, Chairman Bende Local Government Area, traditional rulers and other important dignitaries attended the closing ceremony of the NASFEST 2018, 82 Division Chapter as well as witnessed the presentation of the items to the school.

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki outheast students under the umbrella of Student Community Voters (SCV) South East have backed the nomination of former Governor Peter Obi as the running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The group who commended Atiku for picking Peter Obi as his running mate said Obi is eminently qualified and has the solidarity of youths across the nation particularly the students who he has won their hearts.

A statement signed by Right Hon Ezeukwu Christopher Formula , Chairman Student Community Voters , SCV and Speaker, Students Representative Council (SRC) , Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka , Anambra state and Comrade Chimezie Fortunatus Izuchukwu, Secretary, Student Community Voters and the President, Students Union Government University of Nigeria, Nsukka , Enugu State. ‘’Arising from our meeting on 15th October, 2018 at the King David’s hotel Awka , Anambra state on the emergence of His Excellency Chief Peter Obi , the former Governor of Anambra state as the chosen Vice Presidential candidate to His Excellency , Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

We the Student Community Voters (SCV) ,South East zone formarly congratulate Chief Peter Obi, ‘The Rock’ , ‘Okwute Ndigbo’ on his new position as the Vice Presidential candidate of PDP in the 2019 Presidential election. ‘’In the same vein, we laud the exercise, the leadership and members for their political sagacity on the choice of Peter Obi, a resourceful personality.

Chief Peter Obi’s leadership qualities has endeared him to many particularly, the voting youth population, students inclusive across Nigeria. Obi’s managerial skill is not in doubt as he is an expert in fund and human management.

‘He is as well a public friendly politician whose humility in and out of office was rated awesome. Obi has so many things to offer Nigeria, and at the same time he is energetic, charismatic, dynamic, amiable, transparent, accountable, fair, credible and a trusted man of the people. These and many more are reasons why the character and personality of the man called Peter Obi stood him out as the VP for Nigeria to be greater. Be assured of our bloc votes in South East and Nigeria at large. ‘’The Student Community Voters (SCV) South East has so much to say about Chief Peter Obi’ 8 years in office as Executive Governor of Anambra state and beyond but we cannot continue, as the best thing we can do is to galvanize our bloc vote for Atiku Ababukar and Peter Obi election victory. ‘’The National recovery project bestowed on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi has our overwhelming support. This we promise with every sense of patriotism.

The statement concluded: “Once again, we say a very big congratulations to Chief Peter Obi as victory awaits him, a landslide victory indeed. God bless you, the awaiting Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Gas players lay N18.4tr agenda for the economy

•Tourism

Energy

Shell leads $380bn jobs exports

P20 e-Platform

ICT contributions to GDP at 11.8% in Q2 2018 – NITDA

P22

Travel

MICE tourism in Nigeria, others worth $23.4bn

• From left: ES NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote; Incoming President of NIgerian Gas Association (NGA), Mrs Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; GMD NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru; and outgoing President, Mr. Dada Thomas; drung the NGA Award Night at Transcop Hilton, Abuja.

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

G

CBN EXCHANGE RATES OCTOBER 19TH, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 305.5 POUNDS STERLING 398.0971 EURO 350.378 SWISS FRANC 306.7577 YEN 2.7158 CFA 0.5167 WAUA 424.9129 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.0758 RIYAL 81.4189 S/A RAND 21.288

306 398.7486 350.9514 307.2598 2.7202 0.5267 425.6084 44.1484 81.5522 21.3229

306.5 399.4002 351.5249 307.7618 2.7247 0.5367 426.3038 44.221 81.6854 21.3577

quired investment for the sector, reduce lead-time between policy formulation, legislation and implementation in order to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria as a preferred gas investment destination.

On gas-to-power, NGA declared that resolution of commercial issues in the sector could leverage delivery of 32 gigawatts (GW) of power. It advised government to address legacy debts in the power sector, resolve exchange rate mismatch in transactions and uphold sanctity of contracts and agreements that form the bases of investments.

“The illiquidity of the power market requires urgent attention. We suggest a rethink of the quality and capitalization of current players and a readjustment of the tariff structure may be required. Without a doubt, we must find creative securitization mechanisms that improve bankability,” NGA stated.

The producers in the group strongly canvassed for direct commercial relationship with buyers to encourage sustainable flow of gas from the reservoir to the consumer.

They also called for enhanced access to exploration assets in order to increase national proven reserves and facilitate access to such

reserves by competent operators.

On operating environment, “the conference recognized the threat of security in the Niger Delta and acknowledges the progress being made to address the menace. We agree that the sector must join hands with Government to support intelligence-based security arrangements.”

In throwing support behind the alternative funding arrangements in the industry, NGA pointed out that prevailing NNPC JV funding continues to constrain rapid development.

It also drummed hard on the need to evolve collaborative model to fast track processes and solutions for evolving a gas industry that meets local and export demands.

In pointing at acute infrastructure deficits in the industry, NGA panelists stressed that the needed $51 billion investments in infrastructure would be easier if the right conditions for success are set.

The group identified some of the conditions to include fixing the gaps in the value chain, avoiding policy summersault, honoring sanctity of contracts, stabilization of the exchange rate, and longterm view of fiscal policies.

OVERNMENT and commercial players in the Nigerian gas industry must invest over $51 billion or N18. trillion in new gas projects to position the country’s economy for the next 50 years.

The first ever female President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, told hundreds of delegates who gathered in Abuja for the group’s international conference and exhibition that the investment is mandatory to secure the future for the Nigerian economy.

For the investment to happen, the NGA insists that government must seek agreement with the industry on policy, fiscal, security and infrastructure concerns that hamper commercial decisions.

Th group stated in a communique at the end of the biennial conference government’s draft gas policy should provide a win-win consideration in order to attract the required level of investments in the sector and guarantee supply sustainability.

In pointing at the strategic position of the power industry as the key market for domestic gas, the NGA called on government urgently resolve the illiquidity in the

gas-to-power programme, fix the dysfunctional gas to power value chain, address legacy debts and enforce sanctity of contracts and agreements.

Conclusions of the conference articulated in a position paper endorsed by the outgoing President of NGA, Mr. Dada Thomas, hold that approximately $51 billion of N18.4 trillion investment is required to cover gas exploration, processing, transportation and general infrastructure.

“Whilst acknowledging the funding constraints of government at this time, we still agree that such investments must be government led. It might require creative schemes to leverage the existing assets and infrastructure, the industry experts recommended.

They group maintains that time has come to harness gas as catalyst for sustained economic development which requires the right regulation and policies.

The document pointed at the emerging government’s gas roadmap as potential source of needed clarity on the issues of ownership, infrastructure development, gas gathering and pricing.

The association pledged to provide a proactive review of the Draft Gas Policy to provide a win-win document that will attract the re-

P26

Insurance

Nigeria Airways: FG extends verification of ex-workersP28

Equity & Capital Market

United Capital, Proshare partner to provide investors’ seamless service viaP30 online Money Market

FG to reduce borrowing in 2019 fiscal year

Cont’d on Page 19

P31

Stock Market Highlights As At 19th october, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP S/N HMARKINS FIDELITYBK ACCESS FCMB ZENITHBANK

32,841.69 2,385.00 212,649,910.00 N1,456,551,436.78 N11,989,752,856,961.66 N10,120,023,541,998.10 N0.00

Coy (By Volume)

Value(N)

91,217,435 N25,540,899.04 14,533,143 N27,338,525.62 10,486,456 N84,133,838.20 9,251,849 N14,466,841.16 8,545,234 N194,121,634.20

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close DANGCEM N206 ACCESS N7.8 GUINNESS N79 UNILEVER N43.5 ZENITHBANK N22.55

Current Change %Change N210 1.94% N8.3 0.5 6.41% N79.5 0.5 0.63% N43.9 0.4 0.92% N22.9 0.35 1.55%

Five Tope Losers Symbols NESTLE FO CAP GLAXOSMITH

Last Close Current Change %Change N1400 N1370 -30 -2.14% N22.2 N20.15 -2.05 -9.23% N31 N30.05 -0.95 -3.06% N13.5 N12.7 -0.8 -5.93%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

BUSINESS

Senate directs CBN to halt ‘card maintenance’ charges

T

HE Senate has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to suspend the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card maintenance charges pending outcome of investigation into alleged sharp practices by banks.

The senate also resolved to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, to appear before the committees on Banking Insurance and other Financial Institutions to offer explanations.

The resolution followed a motion

by Sen. Olugbenga Ashafa (APC-Lagos) at plenary on Wednesday.

The Upper Chamber further directed the committees to carry out a thorough investigation into the propriety of the ATM card maintenance charges in comparison with the international best practices.

Ashafa in his motion, said card users were charged N65 per withdrawal from the ATM, after the third withdrawal from an ATM outside that of the domiciled bank of the ATM users.

He further alleged that most banks deliberately manipulated their ATM machines not to dispense more than N10,000 per withdrawal He added that it was to attract more bank charges from customers who were forced to carry out more transactions due to the manipulated machines.

“There have been several complaints from Nigerians generally

and on social media concerning illicit and excessive charges by Nigerian commercial banks on customers’ accounts.

“This is with particular focus on ATM maintenance charges and ATM withdrawal charges “It is worthy to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2017 increased the maintenance fees charged by banks on debit and credit card maintenance.

“It was increased from N100 a year to N50 per month (N600 a year) as contained in its Guide to Charges by Banks and other Financial Institutions “This has led to a viral campaign that began on social media on Monday, Sept. 3, by many Nigerians, calling for reforms of the banks.

“And a campaign tagged #Reform9jabanks began on twitter when a UK Based Nigerian medical doctor, Harvey Olufunmilayo, lamented about the state of banks in Nigeria compared to those abroad,” he said.

The lawmaker further noted that,”another Nigerian, Eniola who lives in Qatar, stated that banks in Qatar do not charge customers for the use of ATM. “It is worrisome that most banks have deliberately manipulated their ATM Machines not to dispense more that N10,000 per withdrawal in some cases and in most cases not more than N20,000.00 per withdrawal.

“This is a deliberate ploy to manipulate the ATM machines which are ordinarily manufactured to dispense as much as N40,000 per transaction, in order to attract more bank charges from customers.

“Unfortunately, it appears that the CBN is becoming insensitive to the plight of Nigerians who are already complaining of excessive charges by commercial banks.

“If the CBN is trying to encourage a cashless Nigeria, why should they be making it more difficult and expensive for Nigerians to do transactions.”

Ashafa called on the senate to direct committees on Banking In-

surance and other Financial Institutions, and Finance, to conduct investigation into propriety of ATM Card maintenance charges in comparison with international best practices and report back to Senate.

He also asked the senate to mandate the committees to invite the Governor of CBN to explain why the official charges as approved were skewed in favour of the banking institutions as against customers.

He further urged the CBN, “to suspend the ATM Card Maintenance Charges being deducted from customers’ accounts pending the outcome of the investigation by the committees.

“The Consumer Protection Council should be up and doing in taking up the plight of ordinary Nigerians by looking into the various complaints of excess and unnecessary charges.”

Contributing, several lawmakers frowned at the bank charges.

They urged the senate to urgently intervene in the interest of Nigerians.

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, directed the committee to do a thorough job in view of the pains ordinary Nigerians were going through due to the charges.

He commended the sponsor of the motion, saying it was timely.

UBA posts N61.7b Q3 profit

U

NITED Bank for Africa Plc has posted N374.8 billion gross earnings in its third quarter operations, representing 12.3 per cent rise over N333.9 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2017.

Specifically, the bank’s unaudited 2018 third quarter results showed impressive growth in gross earnings, which berthed at N374.8 billion, an 12.3 percent increase when compared to N333.9 billion recorded in 2017.

According to a statement by the bank, its net operating improved 1.7 percent year-on-year to N227.7 billion, when compared to N224 billion achieved in the similar period of 2017.

Amidst inflationary pressures and uncertainties undermining the business environment in Nigeria and a few other countries in Africa, the bank’s operating expenses only increased by 2.3 percent to N149.1 billion, compared to N145 billion recorded in the same period of last year.

“The low cost profile can be better appreciated when put in the perspective of double digit inflation rate in Nigeria. Overall, the Bank posted a Profit Before Tax of N79.1 billion whilst Profit After Tax stood at N61.7 billion. This profit performance puts the bank’s annualized return on average equity at 16 percent and 20 per cent at pre-tax and post-tax profit level respectively.”

The bank’s total assets stood at N4.51 trillion, an impressive 10.8 per cent year-to-date rise over the N4.07 trillion total asset recorded as at December 2017.

“Another strong indication of the growth of the Bank and more so, acceptance of the franchise across Africa is the remarkable 16.2 percent year-to-date growth in Customer Deposits, which grew to

N3.18trillion, compared to N2.73 trillion as at December 2017. The shareholders’ fund remained very strong at N509.3 billion, even as the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9, moderated the Group’s equity by 3.8 per cent year-to-date.”

•(From left): Senior Advisor, Private Banking, Private Wealth Management, Heritage Bank Plc; Funmilayo Lukman; Advisor, Private Banking, Private Wealth Management, Abiodun Sangotade; Head, Health Safety & Management of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Eng. Fredrick Ugo; Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; CEO, Occupational Health and Safety Managers, Ehi Iden; Group Head, Private Banking, Private Wealth Management , Victor Amakwe at the Annual Maritime Administration and Safety Enforce (MASE) HSE Workshop, sponsored

by Heritage Bank Plc, Thursday in Lagos.

PZ blames cost of borrowing on slow growth in sales

C

HAIRMAN, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Kolawole Jamodu has said the organisation is making efforts to boost its profits, even as shareholders of the company approved a lower dividend for the year ended May 30, 2018, The company witnessed a decline of about 44 per cent in profit after tax (PAT).

Speaking at the 70th yearly general meeting of the group, Jamodu, who said the company was passing through a trial time, urged the shareholders to work together with the firm to boost profitability.

Unlike last year when the shareholders were paid about 50k dividend per share amounting to the sum of N1.98 billion, the firm paid N595.572 million or 15 kobo per share this year.

According to him, a number of measures have been taken to guarantee a more sterling performance in the next financial year.

“These include further streamlining and optimisation of products to improve key brands, consolidation of existing infrastructure and facilities towards improving supply chain efficiencies, optimization of operating model to reduce overheads and speed to market for new products,” Jamodu said.

The company’s revenue for the year under review stood at N80.553 billion, up by 3.0 per cent from

N78.216 billion recorded in 2017.

He said cost of borrowing hovering around 20%, which increased cost of goods as well as illiquidity, and dampened growth in sales affected the company’s performance.

Jamodu said the overall perform-

ance was a reflection of the country’s economic performance with GDP growth of about 2 per cent, adding that improved forex earning, stability and access enabled the company to import critical raw materials.

According to him, while the com-

petition in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) remains strong, the company’s balance sheet remains firm with total assets of N88.1 billion.

He added that the firm will continue to maintain a strong cash position.

Heritage Bank, NIMASA partner on global safety standards

H

ERITAGE Bank PLC, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have joined forces to educate stakeholders about the maritime enforcement global benchmarks.

The training session, which had as its theme: Maritime Enforcement Safety: Current Global Benchmarks, had representatives of these organizations present: Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos State Safety Council, Shippers Council, Marine Insurers, Maritime & Dockworkers Safety Inspector and Marine Police.

Addressing participants at the workshop held at the premises of NIMASA in Apapa, Victor Amakwe, Group Head, Private Banking, Private Wealth Management, Heritage Bank; said at Heritage Bank,

we understand the importance of health safety, which implies that every working environment or workplace is kept in an organized, uncluttered, and hazard-free condition.

According to him, the benefits of doing this are far-reaching, and affect not only workers’ safety but also their health and productivity.

“Improvements in worker health and productivity, in turn, lead to lower operating costs thereby providing benefits to both the workers and the employer”, he stated.

Amakwe commended the NIMASA for its commitment to the enthronement of global best practices in the provision of maritime services in Nigeria, whilst ensuring effective maritime safety administration using modern tools that guarantee efficiency and effectiveness, towards developing

indigenous capacity and tackling hindrances on our waterways.

He therefore assured the audience at the occasion that as a generational bank with excellent service culture hinged on working with each customer to create a name and heritage for today and future generations, Heritage Bank will continue to support and partner NIMASA on its drive for maritime safety and enforcement.

Remarking, Director-General/ Chief Executive Officer, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, noted that his agency cannot enforce safety under an unsafe environment, emphasizing that the safety standards are globally set and managed for the benefit of all nations.

“We are itching closer to it every day’, he stated, adding: “At NIMASA, we are determined to give you every support you require to ensure a new culture is put in place in our workplaces”, he concluded

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

BUSINESS

CUTIX Plc posts 71% profit in FY 2018

By OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

L

EADING cable manufacturing company, CUTIX Plc, Nnewi, has posted a revenue and profit before tax of N5.1 billion and N661.6 million respectively in first quarter (FY) 2018 which ended in April 30, 2018.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Ifeanyi Uzodike, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Nnewi during a Pre- AGM briefing.

According to the CEO, when compared to FY 2017 figures of N3.7 billion and N370.1 million, respectively, the growth represents an increase of 38% in revenue and 71% in profit before tax.

He said that the company’ s overall performance was fair taking into consideration the economic situation of Nigeria; adding that even in the face of the economic reality in the country, the company had maintained its normal staff strength of over 200 persons.

Uzodike, who is billed to step down as CEO of CUTIX Plc in November this year, also informed his audience that between the time he took over as the CEO of the company at the second half of 2019 and April 2018, the company’s revenue profile rose from N1.32 billion to N5.1 billion; adding that profit before tax grew from N134.1 million

to N661.6 million; just as profit after tax rose from N78. 3 million to N440.3 million.

Net assets of the company, according to him, grew from N400.1 million to N1.3 billion; while dividend payout grew from N63.4 million to N178.1 billion.

While introducing Mrs Ijeoma Oduonye, former Company Secretary of CUTIX Plc as the CEO designate for the company, he said his greatest challenge as CEO over the ten year period had been attending to office duties on daily basis, managing both human and material resources, and keeping the company afloat.

In her brief remark during the event, Ijeoma Oduonye, former Company Secretary, and CEO designate, CUTIX Plc said her vision for the company would be to look outside in to bring the best for the company without compromising on the quality for which CUTIX Plc is known. She also called on government to give boost to the power sector as, according to her, diesel take chunk of the company’s profit.

The new Company Secretary, CUTIX PLC, Chinwe Nwokporo, thanked all stakeholders, who supported and cooperated with the company over the period to keep it afloat.

•(From left): Director General, Ghana Securities and Exchange Commission Rev Daniel Tetteh, Director General Nigeria SEC Ms Mary Uduk, Commissioner, Industry and Private Sector Promotion, ECOWAS Mr Mamadou Traore and Secretary General CREPMF Mr Mony Soumahoro during a Meeting of ECOWAS and West African Securities Regulatory Authorities (WASRA) in Abuja, Wednesday.

Royal Exchange upbeat on greater market share

N

IGERIA’S premier insurance and financial services group, Royal Exchange Plc is looking into the future with great optimism, having positioned for increased market share that will offer its teaming shareholders good returns on investment, even in the medium term.

The Company believes that taking advantages of growth initiatives available in the industry while leveraging in technology will expand its revenue base and stronger bottomline.

Chairman, Royal Exchange Plc, Kenny Ezeanwani Odogwu, who dis-

closed the firm’s future growth plans during the Company’s 49th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos said “Royal Exchange continues to stay abreast with many of the initiatives mentioned above in our quest to grow market share and attain market leadership position.”

Odogwu said the group is presently streamlining major components of her businesses, service delivery, processes and operations to deliver superior returns in the medium term to our shareholders through a digital transformation process we embarked upon recently.

“This we believe will reposition our great company as not only a major industry player but as a potential game changer. To sum it up, your board is confident about the future of our company irrespective of the current challenges besetting the company in the short term.”

On the Company’s agricultural insurance initiatives, he said “we are looking at ensuring our partnerships with government agencies, such as NIRSAL, as well as deepening our working relationships with relevant state governments and groups across the country to ensure we take full advantage of the opportunities

that arise in the agriculture space.”

“Agriculture and retail insurance, we believe is the future of insurance and at Royal Exchange, we will continue to develop products and services to ensure that we remain relevant in this space.”

Alhaji Auwalu Muktari, Group Managing Director/CEO of the Company said the board and management has very high expectation for 2018.

“We remain resolute to bring in our best to the table even though various analysts’ expectations for economic growth remain modest.

The focus would be on achieving long-term sustainable growth for our company through the deepening of our revenue base, improving service delivery support systems and

at same time keeping a lid on our group-wide costs.”

According to Muktari, “Royal Exchange Plc envisions a situation where the retail insurance market should be able to contribute between 50-60 percent of our revenues in the future, as the retail market is the future of insurance in Nigeria, considering the population of the country.

He further said, “As a group holding company with five subsidiaries across the insurance and financial services landscape, it has become of vital importance that we seek to improve our efficiency across the group by leveraging on cost discipline, astute capital allocation and investments.

Gas players lay N18.4tr agenda for the economy •Cont’d from Pg 17

The conferenced also reached a decision that Nigerian Content, saying that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) must introduce speed, simplicity and collaboration with the industry whilst focusing on in-country value addition.

“Local Content must become a strategic resource that ceases to be an excuse but one capable of ultimately reducing costs in our sector.

The emphasis must shift to developing competent operators that are encouraged to work collaboratively for the industry. There must be strong commitment by all stakeholders to train and build real capacity in the local industry.

The group argues that that there must be collaboration on research and development “between stakeholders such as the academia, service companies, oil and gas producers and NCDMB to enhance, align and maximize the impact of local capacity development.”

Eminent industry factors that delivered presentations at the conference argued that time has come for the country to pay serious attention to gas investments in order to secure

the nation’s future economy.

Managing Director of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Mr. Tony Attah, pointed at medium to long term demand projections as major commercial opportunity for monetization of the country’s vast gas resources.

He cited a report by the Energy Information Administration (EIA)of the United States which forecasts that world population will grow from the current 7.0 billion to 9.0 billion people by 2040.

“Our world is changing!! Changing, faster than we can imagine with massive disruptions going on around us, quantum leaps in technological advancement and changing energy mix exacerbated by the energy transitions.

“With this population growth, the world will need much more energy to support global development and growth. However, the world now only wants energy that is clean to help counter the effects of climate change, rising global temperature with a 20C limit and of course assurance of a cleaner environment for the next generation.

“That is why we at Nigeria LNG believe it’s time for gas! Gas is cleaner, Gas available in abundance and is much cheaper than other energy

sources. More importantly Nigeria is blessed with so much gas we are now known as a gas province with little oil. Today we have over 190TCFof proven gas reserves with scope for an additional 600TCF which should propel us from the extant no10 in the world to fourth position once proven.

“Gas can drive development as a catalyst through power generation, industrialisation, manufacturing, and agriculture. The hope of Nigeria’s development amongst the committee of nations lies underground in the abundance of gas reserves we have and also through innovations in renewables. Gas will boost industrialization of our pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, Agro-based businesses through fertilizer and even LPG for domestic use in homes for day to day cooking etc. The opportunity is immense as we have seen in other countries like Qatar where they have grown from GDP per capital of below USD$2,000 to more than USD$150,000, all on the wings of gas.

Essentially, gas is our future, but that future is now, as tomorrow is now today.” Mr. Attah said.

I projecting gas investments as profitable, Mr. Attah said liquefaction and export business of the company has since 1999 generated over $100

billion in revenues, paid over $15billion in dividends to government and well over $6 billion in taxes to date.

“With the demand for cleaner energy, the time is now for NLNG to increase its output. Our Train 7 project which is currently going through FEED is set to deliver final investment decision (FID) to increase capacity by 35% from the current 22mtpa to 30mtpa in the next four years. We have to utilise Nigeria’s resources to lift the economy going forward having ridden on the back of oil for the last 50 years, we are set to fly on the wings of gas into the future,” Mr Attah declared.

Also in his presentation, the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, declared that government has stepped investments in production, transmission and distribution of gas.

He said the industry has driven gas production up to 8.5 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d), adding that investments in gas transmission and distribution infrastructure is now required to use gas energy to stimulate industrial growth and economic development.

He said government is leading in new gas pipeline development in order to promote parallel programmes

on food sufficiency and growth of gross national productivity.

In dropping numbers, Dr. Baru declared development of some 500 kilometres of pipeline in the past six years, listing them to include the 2.3 bcf/d Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3), the 1.2 bcf/d second Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELGP II) among others.

He also stated that a total of 42 trillion standard cubic feet of reserves are in the process of development to guarantee supply sustainability in the domestic and export markets.

Dr. Baru made it clear that Nigeria cannot achieve its industrial goals without gas, explain that the objectives of the corporation’s seven critical gas projects are to galvanize industrial growth.

Mrs Joe-Ezigbo who delivered the concluding remarks at the end of the conference said, apart from the global energy transition and the receding role of oil in the Nigerian economy, gas has taken the lead not just as key revenue driver but also as indispensable catalyst for domestic economic growth.

With global campaign for cleaner fuel, need for domestic industrial growth and rising demand for gas, she pointed out, government must provide policy and commercial incentives for rapid development of Nigerian gas industry.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

ENERGY

Shell leads $380bn industry job exports •Total’s Egina project sets official NCD standard

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

F

EDERAL government has declared that its oldest traditional partners in upstream petroleum industry operations applied Nigerian funds in financing foreign job executions for over 50 years.

Within the period, huge annual industry budgets for exploration, development and production activities delivered no leverage in the local economy since the Nigerian content of the industry and its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) were almost zero.

According to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the tradition of roundtripping highly celebrated investment funds by partners in Nigeria’s biggest on assets operated by Shell deprived the country’s economy of linkages that hold whopping $380 billion or about N137 trillion of potential patronage.

The NCDMB regulates the industry on implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act enacted in 2010 to harness opportunities in the huge budget upstream operations to leverage local industrial growth through enhanced patronage.

However, the Nigerian Content policy and its implementation came after 50 years of annual upstream petroleum industry budgets were spent on the services of foreign oil service companies.

The NCDMB said the full economic benefits of oil and gas exploration and development operations in the country were repatriated by multinational oil companies through sustained job exportation, pointing at Shell as having established the enclave that detached the domestic economy from patronage for over five decades.

Executive Secretary. Mr. Simbi Wabote who spoke at a local con-

tent opportunity fair in Abuja lamented that the volume of funds used by traditional partners of government in patronizing foreign companies could have built a robust industrial base for local production of industry goods and services.

According to official figures on funding pattern in the upstream exploration operations and development projects in the country, Nigeria runs annual average capital and operations expenditure of $20 billion.

Mr. Wabote lamenyted that the huge project funds that accompanied decades of foreign investments in exploration and development operations by Ango-Dutch Shell, its partners and some other foreign companies actually flew out of the country through award of contracts to exclusively foreign service firms.

He stated at the Nigerian Content Opportunity Workshop, hosted by the Nigeria L N G Limited for

“

contractors, that leading multinational oil firms that held sway in the country never gave consideration for the local economic development until the Nigerian Content Act was enacted in 2010.

He narrated how Shell championed full industry content importation in its operations and has refused to engage in further development investments since the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) Act was enacted in 2010.

According to him, Shell’s deepwater Bonga field development which came online in 2005 recorded the least Nigerian content performance among all recent offshore developments in the country.

And Shell has refused to lay out funds for new deepwater developments since the NOGIC Act came into force, Mr. Wabote said. He listed some development projects stagnating in Shell’s operations to include Bonga Southwest and Aparo, Zabazaba, among other approved proposals.

The Nigerian Content regulator pointed out that the field development plans have remained in Shell’s custody for over 20 years.

He commended the NLNG for hosting the Nigerian Content opportunity fair for local and international oil service firms, stressing that the Train 7 project of the Nigeria LNG Limited presents realistic opportunities for Nigerian stakeholders, pointing out that opportunity exists for galvanizing global capital and technology in delivering world class services in every stage of the project.

He said whereas government remains vehement on local job

The foreign companies that fight Nigerian Content policy, he said, did not just award contracts to compatriot service companies but also ensured that real job deliveries were executed in their home countries

delivery the policy does not translate to Nigerianization of contracts.

He made it clear that the Nigeria Content policy holds zero tolerance for substandard services, warning that all bidders for jobs captured in the Nigerian Content scope of the Train 7 project must have the requisite capacity and capability to compete globally.

He also informed the contractors that waivers have been given for participation of non-contributors to the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), pointing out that the NLNG is a midstream company while the law on fund contribution applies to upstream projects.

Mr. Wabote, who cited the Nigerian Content performance benchmarks set by Total on the development of the operated Egina deepwater field, said new upstream field developments in the country could only exceed the 71 percent Nigerian Content bar set by the French oil major.

He pointed at the Egina Nigerian Content performance as clear and conscious policy compliance strategy that plugs directly into government target to lay standards for industry facility development in Nigeria.

He said Total had through the Egina project delivered 21 million hours of engineering jobs, 58, 000 metric tons of fabrication jobs, 5000 square meter quay for Africa’s first ever local integration of floating production, storage and offtake vessel.

More importantly, he said, Total pooled and situated Nigeria’s first ever local deepwater project team in-country. This, according to him, contrasts with Shell’s location of its Africa project team in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

“Egina is now the new benchmark for Nigerian oil and gas industry projects,” he said, adding that Total laid the basis for the NCDMB to grow Nigerian Content of the industry from current 5.0 percent to 70 percent by 2027.

Mr. Wabote regretted that Nigeria is running late with capturing non-revenue economic benefits of its petroleum industry operations, saying that Anglo-Dutch firms in the country stridently fought the Nigeria

Content policy right from inception.

The foreign companies that fight Nigerian Content policy, he said, did not just award contracts to compatriot service companies but also ensured that real job deliveries were executed in their home countries.

The industry content importation

by Shell operated ventures and production contracts, according to the NCDMB, had contributed greatly to dearth of industry skills in Nigeria, high unemployment rate in the country, 50 years of massive capital exportation and the enclave nature of the upstream petroleum industry.

The Oracle today reports that the observations of the NCDMB fall in line with the reputation of Shell in Nigeria. The company has earned notoriety for operations impunity in Nigeria. From fraudulent falsification of reserves figures in the country, allegations of involvement in host community conflicts that led to executive of the Ogoni 9, massive oil pollution, OPL 245 scam allegations to accounting issues with NNPC, Shell has led affrontery on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Yet, the company remains the oldest petroleum industry operator in the country, holding vast exploration and production assets.

Shell had taken the imperial entitlement of exclusive exploration license over the entire Nigerian territory from colonial Britain before Nigeria’s independence. It remains the first company to activate petroleum exploration and production in Nigeria and held over 80 percent of Nigeria’s petroleum asset licensed until early 1980s.

The company currently operates the biggest production agreements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) including joint ventures and production sharing contracts. It maintains control over the largest industry assets and infrastructure in the highly impoverished but heavily polluted Niger Delta region.

The company is also at the center of host community crisis and armed agitations in the Niger Delta. Shell companies are directly indicted by the United Nations Environmental Program in its report on environmental devastation of the Niger Delta.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

ENERGY

FG constitutes Nigerian Content R&D Council Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

F

EDERAL government has constituted representatives of industry groups and the academia into an advisory board to work with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in developing local technical capability for implementation of Nigerian Content in the petroleum industry.

According to a statement from NCDMB, the Nigerian Content Research and Development Council is chaired by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB. Other members include Engr.

Patrick Olimna, representing the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS); Mr. Uzochi Nwagwu, representing the Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS); Dr. S.B Ramon Yusuf from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Mr. Isa Yusuf Maikanma from the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).

Other members include Dr. John Erinne, representing the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN); Mr. Dele Aikihonbare, representing Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) and Mr. Tandama Adamu Abu from the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu on Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated the Nigerian Content Research and Development Council (NCRDC).

The Council is expected to advise the Nigerian Content Development

and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on matters relating to Research, Development and Innovation strategy for the oil and gas industry.

The council’s terms of reference are to “advise the Board on criteria and methodology for prioritizing market cum demand-driven research projects, advise the Board on the appropriate strategies and governance arrangements to attract funding for research projects and advise the Board on criteria for the award of research grants and review progress on impact of such grants on Research projects, Product development and Innovation.”

Inaugurating the council, Kachikwu commended NCDMB for accomplishing the commitment it made at the 2017 Research and Development Fair. He described the R&D council as a timely innovation that would deepen the achievements recorded in Nigerian Content implementation.

He charged the members to deliver on their mandate, which will help redress the fallings of the oil and gas sector to the Nigerian economy.

“After 50 years, we still cannot refine enough petroleum products and we cannot provide enough electricity for our 190 million populace. In the eyes of the general public, oil is failing the country. Some of the bold steps NCDMB is taking, to create research and create focus will internalize growth and development.”

The Minister underlined that NCDMB had transitioned from just being a policy maker to also functioning as a project promoter. He commended the Board for investing in the Waltersmith Modular refinery, developing

• GMD NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru. accompanied by the NGA executive officials vist the exhibition stand of Nipco Plc at the NGA Interhational Conference and Exhibition in Abuja. industrial parks in Bayelsa and Cross River States and catalyzing the partial integration of the Egina FPSO. Kachikwu added that the NCDMB is focused on increasing Nigerian participation in oil and gas projects and engendering business opportunities locally. “The new NCDMB is more dynamic and focused, to a point where the National Assembly is now considering whether Local Content should be implemented across sec-

tors because of the success we have brought to the oil and gas industry.

Even the world, especially African countries have taken notice.”

In his comments, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote explained that the framework of the Board’s research and development provides that all research topics or thematic areas must be based on industry challenge or needs.

Wabote challenges gas players with incentives •offers funding, site for investors

N

IGERIAN Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is laying funding and industrial park incentives for players in the oil and gas industry who are willing to scale the barrier of postulation into concrete investments in local production of industry products.

Executive Secretary, Mr. Simbi Wabote, declared at a conference in Abuja that the board is willing to assist players with funded partnerships in any credible project that delivers the objective of Nigerian content development policy.

Mr. Wabote, an eminent engineer, was delivering a presentation to industry audience whom he challenged to take proactive steps in venturing into local production of goods that would displace foreign substitutes currently being imported into the country.

He pointed out that players in the industry should press for speedy implementation of existing policies and also grab advantage of identified opportunities in the industry, arguing that more energy should be channeled into harnessing future opportunities than lamenting the losses of the past.

He said investors would take commercial opportunities and prevailing policy incentives to launch into industrial production in order to substantially displace imported items in the industry.

“I implore you to make this happen. It does not have to be a gigantic, big bang project that overwhelms everybody and does not

get delivered at the end of the day.

Let’s take one or two aspects of the value chain and channel all energies on them so that in two years’ time we are here to celebrate value addition to our hydrocarbon resources.”

He told the investors that NCDMB had begun implementing some of its initiatives, including the $200 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) managed by Bank of Industry for the provision of loans to oil and gas service providers at single digit interest rates for the acquisition of key assets, manufacturing and other activities.

He also listed the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS) currently under construction in Bayelsa and Cross River states, saying, “the parks will be operated using the sites and service model with provision of electricity round the clock to enhance manufacturing activities.”

He said the NCDMB would support any investor willing to deepen local content practice in the gas value chain.

According to him, “part of our 10year strategic roadmap is to support credible proposals from local businesses that want to key into opportunities in the hydrocarbon value chain. Let’s move beyond talk into action. Our recent deal to support the construction of a 5,000 barrels per day modular refinery was done in less than six months.

“If you are interested in manufacturing of cylinders, clips, hoses, burners, regulators, lighters, or in the provision of other services in the gas value chain, please approach the

Bank of Industry with your applications. A key requirement is that you must be a contributor to the Nigerian Content Development Fund.”

Dwelling on NOGAPS, Mr. Wabote invited interested investors to liaise with the NCDMB on how to participate in the scheme, explaining that the board would sign Memorandum of Understanding with such investors before the end of 2018 and early birds would enjoy the first mover advantage.

He also confirmed that the 25 megawatts independent power project (IPP) being developed by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in partnership with the Board in Bayelsa State would be commissioned in December 2018.

The IPP would power the Bayelsa NOGAPS and the Board’s 17-storey headquarters building, which would be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

Chevron backs ‘willing buyer-willing seller’ gas pricing model Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, (CNL) Jeff Ewing has called on stakeholders in the gas industry to support and enable the willing seller – willing buyer gas pricing model, to ensure the viability of the sector.

Mr. Ewing who spoke at a forum in Abuja also called for the privatization of the various value chain sectors as part of measures to untangle the bottle necks in the industry.

Meanwhile, Chevron which operates a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), received a Special Recogni-

tion Award for its role in the Nigeria gas industry at the NGA Conference and Exhibition held in Abuja.

In presentation delivered for him

by Director, Downstream Gas, Mr. Sanjay Narasimhalu, Mr. Ewig posited that opportunities for investments into the Nigerian gas sector were enormous.

The opportunities, he stated, include, “transitioning from an oil-based economy to a more integrated oil and gas economy and end routine gas flaring, deliberate exploration for non-associated gas to support the Nigeria Gas Master Plan, with a focus on high liquid yield non-associated gas resources to optimize the gas development project economics.

He also canvassed for price correction in the domestic gas market in order to ensure supply flow for growth of new industries.

Mr. Ewig noted that Chevron has contributed immensely to the Nigerian government’s gas master plan through the various gas projects, pointing out that the company has remained the highest contributor of high quality gas to the Nigeria domestic market since 2015.

While appreciating the talents in the industry, the workforce that make things happen he stated that through investments in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 90% from 2008 to 2017 in the company’s operations.

He said the company has made significant effort in the gas sector development in Nigeria, adding that “CNL is optimistic about the future of oil and gas business in Nigeria.

We have been making significant in-

He added that “the Board will be more involved in applied research to give room for product development and would encourage prototype development of products.

“The Board would be involved as well as encourage commercialization of products or research endeavors.

The Board would ensure that every product that is commercialized at the back of oil and gas activities is accepted and utilized.” vestments in the country for over 50 years and expect to do so for many more years to come”.

Meanwhile the recognition award to Chevron was received by Sanjay Narasimhalu, Director Downstream Chevron Nigeria Limited on behalf of the company.

Speaking on the award, CNL’s General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, (PGPA) Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, said the company has a comprehensive and aggressive gas development programme that is driven by good environmental stewardship to eliminate gas flares in its operations, help meet Nigeria’s energy needs and convert Nigeria’s huge gas resources into wealth for the benefit of the nation.

According to Brikinn, “the NNPC/ CNL Joint Venture is a major oil and gas producer and has provided substantial revenue to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Federal Government and State Governments for over 50 years. NNPC/CNL Joint Venture is a key domestic gas supplier in Nigeria and contributes over 40% of the gas supplied to the domestic market in the country.

He stated that Chevron has made great strides in putting out gas flaring and increasing gas supply to the domestic market through its integrated gas development projects.

“CNL has contributed immensely to the Nigerian government’s gas master plan through the various gas projects it has embarked on and that the company is the highest contributor of high quality gas to the domestic market in Nigeria since 2015,” he said.

“Through investments in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 90% from 2008 to 2017 in CNL’s operations,” Brikinn concluded.

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

e-Platform

ICT contributions to GDP at 11.8% in Q2 2018 – NITDA

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HE National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that the contributions of the Information and Communications Technology sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew to 11.8 per cent in Q2, 2018.

NITDA, which said the figure actually increased by 1.58 per cent from Q1, noted that the Federal Government was working to ensure that the economy expands to accommodate more growth.

NITDA’s Director-General, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, who stated this at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Technology Week 2018 holding at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE, said investment friendly policies and laws have been put in place in the country to encourage investments.

While wooing investors at GITEX in company of lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives at the African Investment Forum (AIF), Pantami said all hands must be on deck to reposition the country as an investment destination.

Pantami, including Senator Foster Ogola, vice chairman, Senate Committee on ICT; Honourable Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, chairman, House Committee on ICT said the Nigerian ICT sector is an investor’s haven boasting of a thriving ICT sector, innovative and youthful population, as well as a business-friendly environment.

Pantami, in his welcome address said Nigeria was a gateway

to sub-Saharan Africa, giving investors easy access to close to 190 million Nigerians, another 200 million West Africans.

“He said investing in Nigeria can provide access to 150 million Central Africans. It also gives you access to one of Africa’s largest economies with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) valued at $405 billion in 2016, according to the World Bank.

“The Nigerian ICT sector contributed 11.81 per cent in Q2 2018, up from 1.58 per cent in Q1 2018 to the GDP. This is very positive and we are confident that we can experience even greater growth in the coming years. As such, this is an opportune time to invest in the Nigerian ICT sector,” he stated.

On the key attractions to the Nigerian market, he said, a ready pool of young “digital natives” with an average age of 18.2 years await investors in the ICT sector.

“Investors can be assured of accessing a large pool of youthful and skilful employees at a fairprice, more cost-effective that engaging employees in other parts of the world” he said.

“Innovation is part of our DNA as Nigerians and there are several stories of innovation across the globe that has the imprint of Nigerians. HopStop, an online city transit App acquired by Apple for a whopping $1billion, was owned by a Nigerian-born Entrepreneur. In August 2018, a team of Nigerian teenagers won the first place in the junior division of the Technovation World Pitch Summit that took place in Silicon Valley.

•Some beneficiaries of the mobile phone-driven ‘Trader Moni’ collateral-free loan initiative of the Federal Government under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), during the activation of the programme at the Sango Ota Market in Ogun, Thursday.

NCC tasks states on broadband investment as penetration remains at 20%

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XECUTIVE Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Dambatta, has tasked state governments to invest in the implementation of broadband policy of the Federal Government.

Dambatta made the call on Thursday in Kano, at a one-day stakeholders’ broadband engagement forum.

He said that state governments had a vital role to play in ensuring

Visa, Netflix partner to improve digital payments experience

B

UILDING on a pilot programme that began in 2017, Visa has announced an expansion of Netflix’s use of the Visa Token Service, with a key focus of improving card-notpresent authorization rates and enabling a more seamless and secure merchant and customer experience globally.

Visa and Netflix are working together to realize the benefit of higher authorization rates resulting from global issuer lifecycle management of Visa tokens.

With the Visa Token Service, card details can be replaced with a unique digital identifier used to process payments without exposing the cardholder’s sensitive account information.

For those Visa tokens, issuers around the world can push dynamic updates on lost, stolen or expired credentials to enable a frictionless merchant and customer experience. As part of the effort to expand these benefits more broadly to issuers and cardnot-present merchants generally, Visa is now working with Netflix and other token participants to measure these improvements and set milestones for industry performance.

“As the Visa Token Service and associated payment frameworks continue to scale, we believe low risk, trusted merchants, like Netflix, can realize authorization approval rates and a customer experience on par with the face-

to-face environment. We look forward to our continued work with Visa to consolidate that potential under a broader digital merchant acceptance program and further improve the payment experience for Netflix members globally,” according to Vickie Gonzalez, global head of payments, Netflix.

“We believe tokenization, in association with other enhancements in digital payments, will create the framework for seamless processing and significantly higher authorization rates in eCommerce in the near term,” says TS Anil, global head of payment products and platforms, Visa. “By expanding our partnership with Netflix, Visa is further demonstrating its commitment to making digital commerce easier and more secure.”

Netflix was the first merchant to begin using the Visa Token Service to tokenize its cards-onfile when the companies’ initial pilot began in 2017. Visa also recently announced 20 Visa Token Service acquirer gateway and technology partners who will help scale tokenization around the world. Since the launch of the Visa Token Service in 2014, Visa has added over 60 global token requestors—including mobile and wearable manufacturers, issuer wallets, online merchants, payment service providers and acquirers—from 40 markets onto the token platform. The re-

cent addition of 20 acquirer gateway and technology partners will bring scale globally and support Visa’s commitment to security and convenience of online and mobile payments from both traditional eCommerce as well as card-on-file transactions.

the successful implementation of the broadband implementation efforts of the Federal Government.

“With successful accomplishment of the broadband policy, there will be improvement in terms of infrastructure, economic and social status of states,” he said.

Dambatta said that the commission had already approved seven licenses to broadband operators across the six geo-political zones of the country including Lagos.

Explaining the broadband framework, Dambatta said it was a plan by the Federal Government to put together and define how broadband would attain 30 per cent penetration in the country.

According to him, the commission has set up a broadband monitoring committee to sensitise critical stakeholders on the framework.

He said though the country’s Internet access is fast-growing with

160 million network subscribers and 100 million people with access to Internet connectivity in Nigeria, broadband penetration still stood at 20 per cent.

Danbatta, who hinted that seven companies were recently licensed to provide critically-transmission and infrastructure required to power the ecosystem, said the seven firms issued regional operational licence would deploy their infrastructure across the zones, including North-West, Lagos, North-East, North-Central, South-West, SouthEast and South-South.

“In line with the Federal Government’s directive to ensure equitable deployment of infrastructure to attain the required level of broadband penetration in the country, NCC has engaged and issued licence to seven companies who have the capacity and technology,” he said.

ties – required flexibility and innovation from both a technology and financial perspective.

“We are looking to connect 200 million households to electricity – 75 million of those will be off-grid,” Shonibare, said.

“Conventional grids cost, on average, US$2,500 per connection in rural communities, whereas minigrids cost between US$500-1,00 per connection,” he added.

In Cote d’Ivoire the Bank’s approval of a credit guarantee covering part of a guaranteed loan facility to Zola EDF Côte d’Ivoire (ZECI) (http://bit.ly/2ykVh3S), a 50/50 joint venture between OffGrid Electric (OGE) and EDF, paved the way for them to provide access to approximately 100,000 rural households with pay-as-yougo solar home systems by 2020, Shonibare said.

This operation is the first largescale local currency financing structure using the securitization technique for the off-grid renewable energy sector in Africa.

Energy projects in Rwanda and Nigeria which had obtained Bank

approval, were additional examples of the Bank partnering with the private sector to bring service to end users in innovative ways, Shonibare said.

Other panelists in the session weighing in from backgrounds in law, private sector and development finance, discussed new and green technology, the digital economy, social media and innovation.

Sarquis Jose Buainain Srqis, Vice President for Economic Research, Risk and Strategy and Partnerships NDB, warned that the contribution of MDB’s would still depend on conventional infrastructure -roads, healthcare access, which is why innovation was particularly essential.

Also speaking, Jiang Yang, an entrepreneur from China who has developed a map-based public participation platform focusing on space quality and livelihood issues said data would be essential to the process of creating opportunities for doing business inclusiveness, and improving the livelihood of people.

Technology, innovative finance key to reach end users -- AfDB

T

HE African Development Bank (AfDB), during a session at the Global Infrastructure Forum 2018 in Bali, Indonesia, has said that “New technology and blended finance will help to bridge the “last mile” of the infrastructure gap by getting goods and services to end users, and connecting underserved populations to business value chains”.This year’s forum themed “Unlocking Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Technology-driven Infrastructure,” took place on the sidelines of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund annual meetings.

The “last mile” was a crucial topic of discussion during a main panel session of the GIobal Infrastructure Forum 2018, entitled “Achieving the last mile through technology.”

Nigeria’s Wale Shonibare, AfDB’s Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation, said the Bank’s commitment to connect millions of households under its New Deal On Energy For Africa – a core component of its Light Up Africa High 5 development priori-

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

e-Platform

Lenovo to launch foldable tablets with LG-made display Y

OU might already be tired of reading rumors about foldable smartphones being imminent - after all, they’ve been in the news for years without one single such device actually shipping yet (or being announced). Well then, how about foldable tablets?

Apparently those are going to exist too, at some point in the future. And the first one might be a Lenovo tablet, with an LG-made foldable screen. That is, if a new report from South Korea is to be believed.

The Lenovo foldable tablet will have a 13” display when it’s opened, and 8” to 9” when folded.

It should be sold in China, at least at first. LG Display sees more opportunities in the foldable tablet

market than in foldable smartphones, allegedly. That is because with a phone the screen is hidden when folded. But that downside turns into an advantage with tablets - they would be less bulky and easier to carry when folded.

It is also easier to make durable panels for tablets, since phones need to be folded and unfolded dozens (if not hundreds) of times a day, whereas with tablets there will be a much lower frequency of folding.

LG Display also wants to sell the same 13-inch foldable panel to Dell and LG Electronics. All of this is in unconfirmed rumor territory for now, as LG has understandably declined to comment.

Samsung brings Exynos chips, ISOCELL cameras to cars

S

AMSUNG launched its inhouse chip business back in 2010, but it gained traction in recent years when the Exynos SoCs powered many of Samsung’s handsets on the global market.

The same goes for the ISOCELL CMOS camera sensors that make Galaxy flagships one of the best camera phones on the market.

And today, the Korean giant announced that it’s bringing Exynos and ISOCELL to the automotive industry.

How will Samsung’s mobile technologies benefit today’s car makers, you may ask. With the push for smarter and safer cars, the industry needs more advanced sensors and computational performance.

Here’s where Exynos Auto and ISOCELL Auto come into play.

In a blog post, Samsung briefly explains what the Exynos Auto chips and ISOCELL camera sensors are capable of. The Exynos Auto SoCs are tested in the harshest

conditions making them extremely reliable. They are also grouped into three sub-categories - Exynos Auto V takes care of the in-vehicle infotainment system, Auto A is used for the advanced driver-assistance systems while the Auto T-series are used for the telematics.

The ISOCELL Auto sensors want to become your car’s eyes. Samsung brings its a-game by implementing all the know-how from its ISOCELL cameras - the company promises that the ISOCELL Auto sensors are capable of capturing more details in the dark resulting in more precise object identification and better low-light visibility.

Applications allow the vehicle to perceive potential road hazards even in tunnels and “other highcontrast environments.”

The Exynos Auto and ISOCELL Auto products were showcased during the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg, Germany on October 16.

Caviar adds a skeleton watch to iPhone XS, XS MAX

T

HE Russian company Caviar, known for its custom premium iPhone redesigns just announced another over-the-top version of the recently released iPhone XS and XS Max. This time the company slapped an open-mechanism skeleton watch on the back. They are part of the company’s new Grand Complications Skeleton lineup.

The customization comes in three different colors - Pink Gold, Titanium and Black & Gold. As the name and prices imply, the models are made of real titanium

• The new Lenovo foldable tablet

and gold. The body is engraved with decorative gears of polished titanium or gold, depending on the model while the skeleton watch carries a transparent face that lets you peek inside the clockwork mechanism.

As you could expect, these don’t come cheap - the Pink Gold variant sells for $6,490, the Titanium version asks $6,320 and the Gold & Black skin will set you back $7,160. That’s if they are based on the XS - if you want the iPhone XS Max you need to add $230 on top of those.

•Caviar-designed Skeleton iPhone XS and XS Max

CBN redesigns cybercrime, risk regulations

R

ISING from observed exposure of financial institutions to cybercrimes and technology risks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started work on the redesign of regulatory templates on cybercrimes and associated risks.

It would be recalled that from recent reports on data breaches in Nigeria, the financial sector has continued to suffer great loses due the observed lapses in the regulations arising from emerging modern financial firms in the country.

Explaining more during a recent seminar organized by Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) in collaboration with Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), in Lagos, the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, represented by represented by Executive Director, Banking Supervision Department, CBN, Mr. Christian Okoye, said time to be more proactive is now.

According to him, “There is compelling need to redesign regulations that will address risk that may emanate from the new emerging and increasing modern class of financial firms.”

“The outlook of risk functions in banks and financial services firms would be fundamentally different on what they are today and at such calls for timely actions to guide against banks being overwhelmed by the new requirements. This is consequent upon the modern technology which has ushered in complex security challenges, cybercrimes and varying other forms of risks. For instance, the emergence of new competitors” he added.

Continuing, CBN averred that: “With the emergence of new competitors there will be increased customer expectations which will cause massive alterations in banking as the future of banking is entirely encapsulated in technology mostly offered by

financial technology firms (FinTechs). ”The apex bank added that apart from the emergence of new competitors intensely exploring technologies, competitive mobile apps, online services, interconnected networking and unregulated virtual currencies have led to a rise in the global cause of cybercrime.

“Furthermore, the range of highly competitive mobile apps and online services offered by local and international fintech firms, make it incredibly simple for customers to execute the entire banking transactions without going through banks thus making it difficult for banks to have a full view of a customer transaction and thereby maintain customer relationships.

“This form of open banking makes or will make our banks susceptible to money laundering, terrorist financing risks since all these transactions still pass through their networks to malicious beneficiaries which will have a damaging effect on our nations’ reputation.

Furthermore unregulated virtual or digital currencies open doors for criminals to unanimously conduct illegal activities online while limiting the abil-

ity to track movement of such frauds. The banks are also faced with cyberattacks following today’s interconnected networking which does not simply stand at one location and end at the other rather it is borderless in so much access methods.

“These developments have led to significant rise in the global cost of cybercrime. While a variety of organization is exposed to cybercrime, the financial sector is particularly vulnerable given its critical role in financial intermediation in a highly connected global financial system. In his remarks, President of RIMAN, Mr. Magnus Nnoka said the seminar theme; ‘The future of risk management in Nigeria,’ has been going on for the past six years, stressing that “What we are seeing today is a projection of what has been going on in the past five to six years because this idea has gone through three presidents both from RIMAN side and the CIBN side”.

Industry analysts say future challenges bordering on new global financial services will continue to hobble the sector unless regulators continue to come up with marching digital security systems.

Apple to announce new iPads and Macs on October 30

A

PPLE is holding a brand new launch event on October 30 in New York City, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

As usual, the company has only released a cryptic teaser image alongside the invite, and you can see it below.

Obviously this will be a product launch, and since new iPhones and Apple Watches were unveiled last month, what could this possibly be about? Oh wait, it’s new iPads. Specifically, the 2018 editions of the two sizes of the iPad Pro. These tablets have been leaked quite a few times already - they will have very small bezels and

rounded screen corners, Face ID and no Home button, and from the leaked renders we expect them to be very thin.

It is also possible (and high time) that Apple unveils a spiritual successor to the incredibly old MacBook Air, still the entrylevel laptop in the company’s lineup. Perhaps a design more reminiscent of 2018 would be in order? And a processor from this era too?

Rumors also talked about the long overdue Mac Mini update happening at this event as well, and we may even see new AirPods. So it looks like it will be a busy one for Apple.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

Now that campaigns are about to begin…

W

ith the primary elections and the disputes arising therefrom done with, the coast is now clear for the 2019 electioneering campaigns to begin. Soon, politicians will mount the soapbox and campaign for fresh election or re-election. According to INEC timetable, the 2019 election campaigns will begin this November 2 with the governorship election campaigns. The presidential and legislative elections campaigns commence thereafter.

The campaign period affords elected political office holders the opportunity to showcase what they have done in the preceding years and why on the strength of such performance, they are seeking e re-election. Similarly, campaign period affords new entrants or those seeking fresh mandates, the opportunity to sell themselves and their vision to the electorate.

In all, it is a very important period in the electoral calendar for all stakeholders in the electoral process—the candidates, the party/parties and the electorate. It is the best time for the candidates to seek to win the hearts and minds of the voting public.

In the past, campaign rallies had been fraught with a lot of dangers, not least because thugs often operated almost unfettered--either to prevent intruders from disrupting such rallies or to, in fact, disrupt such rallies! There is no reason to assume that such things don’t or won’t happen these days. For all the world knows, they may even become worse, if the language of social media political communication at the moment is anything to go by. We are, however, consoled by the fact that with the selfsame social media as a veritable platform for politicking, the need

for physical campaign rallies with their associated logistics problems may well have become greatly reduced, such that the oft-debilitating misgivings about thugs unleashing mayhem on participants at rallies may no longer be as debilitating. And yet, there must be campaigns and rallies, come to think of.

As tumultuous as the recently concluded party primary elections were, we are delighted to note that they ended in most cases without major incidents. Except in a few instances, like in Nnewi, Anambra State, where ‘we no go gree’ boiled over into physical assaults and people sustained some injuries in the ensuing melee, the primaries were generally peaceful and seemed to signpost the shape of things to come in the polls of next year:

by His grace, a peaceful, generally acceptable election does seem to beckon. It is instructive also that despite the baiting of the general public by security agents who openly aided vote buy/rigging and, with thugs in tow, viciously harassed ‘non-official’ party members, even preventing many of them from casting their votes, the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections were generally peaceful, especially, in the case of Osun State, the first election held on 22nd of last month.

In the light of the foregoing, it is expected that as the campaigns begin, political leaders and party apparatchik would be guided by the nation’s most recent experience in politicking and elections in pitching their messages so as to further promote the cause of electoral peace in the country.

Candidates and their campaign organisations must endeavour to dwell more on issues than on personalities. And even where the emphasis inevitably turns on personalities, effort must be made to dwell more on the positives or negatives of such personalities in very decent ways. For, the point must be made that all human beings, politicians especially, live in glass houses one way or another and so must avoid throwing stones indiscriminately. Communication directors of campaign organisations must, therefore, make it a point of duty to strictly gate-keep in order to avoid all manners of insidious materials that libel opponents and impugn their characters getting into media campaign platforms.

The underlying phrase here is ‘use of language’. We have observed that many ‘journalists’ who operate on social media tend to insult rather than criticise their principals’ opponents. Such words as evil, wicked, devil, satanic among other such expletives, have been freely used to describe certain persons whose only crime is that they dared to pick their party’s ticket (yes another political party’s ticket) to challenge those ‘journalists’ principals to electoral contest.

Such ugly words/terms must never be allowed free reign in social and political communication in the modern era. They belittle both the users and the targets of such expletives.

Indeed, what we say about others must edify rather demean us. Therefore, to continue on the path of peaceful and decent politicking that the primaries and the two recent elections in the South West, imperfect as they may have been, have signposted, it is imperative for communication/media directors of campaign organisations to bridle their attack dogs so that at the end of it all, win or lose, we shall all still have friends and friendly socio-political environments to return to.

One unattributed post trending on the social media has this to say about our brand of politicking.

Entitled ISSUED IN PUBLIC INTEREST, the text says: “People are losing friends over political ideologies.

Just remember that whenever you are in need and want support, you will need friends and not government.”

How apt. It is appalling that many, indeed most, of us these days, in a bid to show loyalty to, and please their principals, go all out to destroy relationships they had built over time and which had hitherto served them well. But, more often than not, such overzealous supporters turn out to be the ultimate losers—they usually lose everything—because these politicians they fight for, these people who unabashedly tell you there are neither permanent friends nor enemies but interests, will sooner or later turn around to make up with their opponents leaving their ‘foolish’ supporters to sort themselves out, in most cases to stew in the stench of their eternal enmity with people they had unnecessarily disparaged in the name of partisan politicking.

The point bears repeating that politics is no war but only a game. As every game is played by the rules, so is or should politics. When games—football, lawn tennis, even Rugby—are played according to the rules, they bring nothing but joy and ecstasy to the spectators. In the same vein, when politics is played according to the rules of engagement— respect for the rights of others to vote and or be voted for, especially—the result, almost always, comes in the form of a nation experiencing peace and harmony, socio-economic development and progress.

What the candidates and their supporters do or say as the campaigns soon begin will go a lot way in determining how far the nation will go in its effort to midwife another peaceful transition from one civilian to another in Nigeria’s unfolding 20 unbroken years of democratic governance. A lot will depend on what communication directors of campaign organisations do or fail to do in this regard.

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.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

OPINION

How the rules of the game are changing in Africa’s banking sector

By SUNIL KAUSHAL

W

e are fortunate to witness a period of monumental progress in Africa. The changes are visible across all sectors. African start-ups have raised a record breaking $560 million in 2017, an increase of 53% from the previous year. African governments have welcomed technology into the continent, hoping to inspire a revolution across all industries and sectors. Some of the brightest minds are determined to rewrite the rules of the game by harnessing technology to tackle some of the continents greatest challenges – with one of them being the distinct lack of access to banking services for large parts of the population. Only 4 years ago, an astounding 66% of Sub-Saharan Africans (http:// bit.ly/2PDboRb) did not have a bank account. Now, Africa has been described as a “leapfrogger” with the application of a technology driven economic model to reach the unbanked.

FinTech remains to be the most appealing industry for investors as African startups look to bridge the financial gap. Several of the largest deals in 2018 involved African FinTech companies: Kenyanbased Cellulant raised close to $50 million from investors this year, while microfinance company Branch received another $20 million investment to continue funding their mission to bring digital financial services to the Sub-Saharan continent.

While some banks may feel threatened, an abundance of opportunities are hidden within this transformation, most of which come down to partnering with the disruptors. There is a clear chance to leverage existing customer relationships and a deep understanding of the sector in the form of a forward-looking collaboration, which can fundamentally improve ways of doing business on both sides.

Think exponentially, not incrementally It is a reality that the financial industry is experiencing disruptions on all fronts. As banks, we have a choice as to how we approach and address this change. One of the most important principles to master this evolution is to move from managing people and processes to managing purposes and principles with an entrepreneurial mindset.

US-based Singularity University, one of the world’s leading incubators and thinktanks in the field of technology, stresses that the greatest challenge for established institutions is to reinvent themselves using a digital mindset by thinking exponentially and not incrementally. This doesn’t mean the core of what companies do today has to be discarded, rather it is about innovating to foster sustainable growth.

Driven by unhindered obsession An impressively large number of companies as well as individuals are investing

in research, innovation and ideas for execution to keep up with the ever-changing demands of African consumers. Just in the first half of 2018, nearly 120 deals between investors and start-ups were signed. The time when start-ups were considered small, insignificant companies is long over: in fact, with their entrepreneurial spirit and unconventional approaches, they have the power and ability to shape the future of the continent. It can even be said that the people leading these small enterprises hold the key to growth by prioritising the greater good over personal goals. This is perfectly aligned with our bank’s mantra ‘Good enough will never change the world’.

During a recent trip to San Francisco, I had the opportunity to meet Patrick Collision, co-founder of Stripe (think PayPal).

Started only seven years ago, Stripe displaces the need to have a merchant capability and enables sellers and buyers in e-commerce to invoice and collect payments. He believes it can be a large company, but it would have to have the mindset where people prioritise the greater good over personal goals. I thought this insight was fascinating, as for this kind of culture to grow, there must be unhindered obsession about doing better every single day.

start-ups in Africa has increased by nearly four-fold compared to the first half of last year. Digital entrepreneurs are changing the Sub-Saharan continent, and we have an opportunity be part of this monumental transformation. However, it requires all of us to embrace both exponential thinking and the latest technology to the fullest. The banking sector has taken promising first steps in the right direction with a rage to think differently to support client needs in Africa. Our ‘Women-InTechnology’ incubator program in Kenya and the launch of our first truly digital Bank in Ivory Coast give me confidence we are on the right path. I am proud to see unhindered obsession and exponential thinking come to life despite the challenging hurdles of a global banking operation.

We must do everything we can to harness technology and champion the next generation of entrepreneurs in Africa.

We must put our faith in people who are on a mission to accelerate the continent’s development. In the words of renowned African entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, we have a responsibility to ‘collectively invest in our young people, and if they succeed, we all succeed’. I am inclined to agree.

Africa’s Bright Digital Future •SUNIL KAUSHAL is CEO, Africa & Halfway through 2018, total funding for Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank

APC primaries crisis: Blame governors, ‘strongmen’

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

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he outcome of the governorship and legislative primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has invoked memories, early in the year, of the ward, local government and state congresses, which triggered a mass defection of “aggrieved, dissatisfied and disgruntled” members to the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and some fringe political parties.

Already, naysayers are prognosticating another imminent “exodus” from the party to the PDP that managed to “bury” internal differences by appeasement with “automatic tickets” that couldn’t fly in the APC even when the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) wanted some exceptions to the rules.

The National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is under the hammer for allegedly igniting a “civil war” in the party. But that’s farther from the truth.

Besides being drafted in to arrest the cataclysm that the “political nomads” from the PDP had planned for the APC with their defections, thereby leaving it an empty shell; part of Oshiomhole’s strategy was to return the party to the ordinary members through direct primaries, to elect people for executive and legislative portfolios.

And that would mean breaking with the norm: from the over-bearing influence of serving and former governors, and other political heavyweights, who want everything their way or the highway. The resistance to this “new normal” was manifested in the APC primaries.

Owing to the shenanigans of the political combatants, it’s a tale of crisis, confusion and controversy in many states. In extreme cases, blood flowed in an otherwise “family affair” to choose a community of representatives.

As the primaries held in the states, to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline of midnight of October 7, the power-brokers wanted to produce their “preferred” candidates, and also ensure that “antagonistic” aspirants did not emerge for governorship or legislative assemblies at the national and state levels.

Through inducement or intimidation, they majorly succeeded in imposing candidates, and mollifying the opposing or divergent voices. But from all indications, many aspirants and their backers that stood up to the governors were equally strong-headed, and prepared to bring the house down on everybody, no matter the political consequences for themselves and the APC. Consider what transpired in Zamfara and Rivers states, and you would see the level of desperation of politicians!

To prevent the “strongmen” in the party from disenfranchising many aspirants, the NWC adopted direct primaries. And despite its stand on aspirants going to the grassroots to test their popularity, it bent over backward to offer “automatic tickets” to “loyal” and “endangered” aspirants.

Thus, it would be an “unkind cut” to slam Oshiomhole for allegedly favouring some with automatic tickets, and not extending same to others. From the standpoint of loyalty to the APC, and the “endangerment” of some aspiring members, those that were “rewarded” merited it.

For instance, Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), notwithstanding all pressures, refused to defect, along with his colleagues, to the opposition in the National Assembly. Sani staying back stymied the exodus from the APC. Yet, he faced a determined opposition to return to the Senate from Governor Nasir elRufai, who defied reported entreaties from

President Muhammadu Buhari and Oshiomhole to rethink his position on Sani. In the circumstances, would it be out of place to offer the senator an automatic ticket?

What about Lagos State? Serving senators were reportedly given automatic tickets, but the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, one of the architects of direct primaries, kicked. He said all aspirants must go to the voters, not minding that the “largesse” would have benefited his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Having put the aspirants through direct primaries, Mrs. Tinubu (Lagos Central), though unopposed, polled 89,494 votes to get affirmed. Olamilekan Solomon (Lagos West), emerged winner with 378,906 votes. But Gbenga Ashafa’s case had a “k-leg.” An alleged “uncleared” House of Assembly member, Bayo Osinowo, was drafted in, and he polled 247,743 votes for Lagos East. Ashafa eventually dropped his third term bid.

In Niger State, there’s controversy over alleged automatic tickets to incumbent senators, David Umaru (Niger East), Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North) and Mustapha Sani (Niger South), who, however, claimed that they won handsomely at the primaries, but that those they defeated were cleared as the candidates. They protested to the APC national headquarters, to remedy the situation.

It’s the same story in Ondo State. The automatic tickets offered to Senators Ajayi Borrofice (Ondo North), Yele Omogunwa (Ondo South) and Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo Central) did not cut ice with the locals. The eventual primaries produced Tunji Abayomi (Ondo North), Alasoadura (Ondo Central) and Lucky Aiyedetiwa (Ondo South). But the NWC stood by its initial offers to the incumbent senators!

There’s Adamawa State, where the APC needed to protect, and compensate the only female senator in the entire Northern Nigeria in the current National Assembly, Binta Masi

(Adamawa North). Still, local politics held sway, and she was elected unopposed.

In all these cases, there’s a clash of “local politics” with the desire or otherwise of members of the NWC. Should Oshiomhole be blamed for trying to ensure a fair game in the states?

The issue of favouring some and disfavouring others shouldn’t arise. The “automatic tickets” were not for all comers. The NWC only came in where it perceived great injustice was in the horizon or to protect the interest of very loyal members - and not the ambitions of others that wanted to ride to office because of their closeness to those in power.

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

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

26

MICE tourism in Nigeria, others worth $23.4b Stories by VICTOR NZE

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HE Events Industry Council (EIC) has announced that business events in Africa are worth a whopping 23.4 billion dollars for the year 2017 according to its preliminary results released recently.

MICE is meetings, incentives, conferences and events.

A press statement by the global organization said the preliminary results are an unprecedented worldwide study on the economic significance of face-to-face business events.

It said the Global Economic Significance of Business Events, conducted by Oxford Economics is the first-ever comprehensive study on the impact of business events. The

research according to the organisation was made possible by groundbreaking industry collaboration with the EIC in partnership with IMEX, Hilton, the MPI Foundation and the PCMA Education Foundation.

The trillion-dollar (USD outlay reflects the direct spending attributed to planning, producing, attending and/or hosting business events which include meetings, conferences, conventions, exhibitions and incentive travel. As a commercial engine, this would rank the business events sector alongside consumer electronics in terms of size and scope.

“IMEX America, which brings together more than 13,000 of the industry’s leading decision makers and influencers, is the ideal place

to share the powerful effect business events have – economically, socially and culturally,” said Tina Wehmeir, CMP, CAE, Chair, Events Industry Council.

“This research will be a critical tool in demonstrating why business events are key to growth and development in every corner of the world.” In 2017, business events brought together more than 1.4 billion participants in over 180 coun-

tries.

The EIC expects to make the full research report available on its website 9 November, which will also include the total economic impact of business events, including jobs and GDP, as well as ranking of the top 50 countries. EIC is also sharing the link via #BE1TrillionStrong.

Events Industry Council CEO, Karen Kotowski, CMP, CAE noted “The Global Economic Significance

of Business Events offers a compelling snapshot of the broad reach, scope and strength of our industry. The findings will help us tell a more complete story of how and why business events serve as a major economic generator. We are especially fortunate that industry champions Hilton, IMEX, the MPI Foundation and the PCMA Education Foundation made it possible to quantify the real value of business events.”

Stop selling Tanzania tour packages – NATOP directs members

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RESIDENT, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) Hajia Bilkisu Abdul has directed members of the association to stop selling Tanzania tour packages for now until the new visa procedure is clarified.

The directive is coming on the heels of the deportation of Nigerian tourists by Tanzanian Immigration Authorities.

The President stated that until October 7, 2018 Nigerians travelled to Tanzania with Visa on Arrival, but that Tanzanian authority suddenly changed the law without informing the airlines and the tour operators.

She added that airlines from all over the world still carry Nigerians based on the information available on the Tanzania Immigration Website.

The NATOP boss said that many Nigerian tourists, who were already on their way to Zanzibar were taken unawares and were consequently deported to countries of departure.

The embarrassment, she said caused the tour operators and clients not only huge losses but that the tour operators’ image were also at stake.

She said that flowing from that, she asked members of NATOP to tarry until the new policy is well understood.

According to her, Nigerian tourists to Tanzania would require a letter of invitation by Tanzanian Tour Operator and will wait for three weeks before getting an approval to travel or go to the Embassy in Abuja.

She urged those who want to send clients to East Africa Nation to seek other options.

This, action by the Tanzania authority, she stated would force more Nigerians to spend holidays in Nigeria, as this would grow domestic tourism.

She said that this will serve as a clarion call to both Federal and state governments to develop the rich tourism potential abound in Nigeria.

Abuja photo festival: Cameramen take over FCT

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ROFESSIONAL photographers stormed Wuse market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to highlight its tourism potentials on Wednesday.

This was part of the activities for the 2018 Abuja International Photo Festival themed; “Photography for socio-economic development”.

While at the market, the photographers interacted with the traders and took pictures of possible spots that would attract tourists.

Osaze Ekhator, the festival director told NAN that the photo walk was a necessary tool to highlight the socio-economic potential of Wuse market.

“Photography is more than fun. It is a veritable tool in shaping conversations and telling stories in ways that words cannot.

“This is why we have embarked on this photo walk to show the world all the beauty that Wuse market has, as one of the largest commercial hubs in the FCT,” Osaze said.

He also added that this is the second photo walk the festival had em-

barked on.

In 2017, participating photographers went to Daki-Biu village, a satellite town in the FCT. Similarly, some of the participating photographers told NAN that the photo walk is their own ways of giving back to the society by using pictures to tell stories.

Samuel Olatunji, a photographer said: “People do not understand that the purpose of photography transcends beyond covering events. This is why photo walks like this are important.

“From things like this, the world will get to see Nigeria and Africa at large for what it truly is; and our tourism value will improve,” he said.

Meanwhile, some of the traders at Wuse market expressed their joy at the attention the photographs might bring to their trades.

The Abuja International Photo Festival featured a network of industry professionals and other stakeholders discussing ways to integrate photography in nation building.

•Traditional dancers performing during the official unveiling of the mascot and theme song for the 2018 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) at the Government House Port Harcourt, lat Wednesday.

Farah to headline 2018 Ake Festival in Lagos I N a departure from previous years, the sixth edition of Ake Arts and Book Festival will take place in Lagos at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, from October 25 to 28, 2018.

This year’s theme is Fantastical Futures and events and conversations will focus largely on a reimagined African future, whilst exploring the exciting wave of Afrofuturism across the continent.

Organised in partnership with

Sterling Bank and Annoying Logo UK, Ake Festival will once again host mostly African writers, artists, filmmakers, poets, dancers and thinkers flying in from all over the world to advance our goal of developing, promoting and celebrating creativity on the African continent. As such, the finest of contemporary African literature, music, art, film and theatre will be showcased in over sixty different events.

The festival will feature 8 book

Dana Air sponsors first-ever Cabin Crew contest

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ANA Air has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and professionalism in the aviation industry with her sponsorship of the first ever Cabin Crew Contest in Africa.

The Cabin Crew contest which is the first of its kind in sub Saharan Africa is an initiative of the Crew Training Institute (CTI), launched on the 18th of November, 2016 to train and impact prerequisite knowledge and soft skills needed for aspiring Cabin Crew.

Commenting on the initiative, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air , Mr Obi Mbanuzuo said, ‘Dana Air has scored another first in the aviation industry for headlining the sponsorship of the first ever cabin crew contest in Africa.

We are boundless in our orientation as an airline and we will con-

tinue to impact the industry, aspiring aviators and of course our guests positively as always.’’

Speaking further Obi said, ‘When we decided to sponsor the contest, we considered the fact that somebody will be empowered, exposed , we also considered the platform it will give aspiring aviators and we felt it was another opportunity for the flying public to have a better perception and understanding of the industry.’’

Also speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Crew Training Institute, Katheryn Lademo, said, ‘we are a thorough institute with a passion for what we do. We appreciate Dana Air for taking the challenge of sponsoring this contest which is the first of its kind in sub Saharan Africa.’’

chats with 16 exciting authors, 4 art exhibitions, 1 stage play, 1 indepth interview with Nuruddin Farah, 8 school visits, 20 stimulating panel discussions, 12 films and documentaries screenings, 1 exhilarating poetry performance with 10 poets and a thrilling music concert with 5 international stars. Sterling Bank will also facilitate seminars for on ‘How to Become a Commercially Successful Writer’.

Renowned novelist Nuruddin Farah will sit in conversation with author and editor, Kunle Ajibade to talk about his writing process, his feminist stance, living in exile and what it means to be a writer 48 years after the publication of your first book.

In partnership with the British Library, Ake Festival’s Memory Room will be open to registered visitors throughout the festival.

Attendees will be able to step into the past and experience the digital sounds and images that illustrate the history of writing, symbolic communication and oral literatures in West Africa and its diaspora.

Our panel discussions will engage both new and established voices and will focus on identities, race, gender, spirituality, conflict, music as a vehicle for change, recollections of the civil war, Afropolitanism and so much more.

27

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31 2018

AVIATION Air Peace to deploy fifth Embraer jet on Sokoto, Katsina routes Stories by VICTOR NZE

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IR PEACE has taken delivery of its fifth Embraer 145 aircraft and has announced its readiness to deploy the aircraft to re-launch flights services on Sokoto and Katsina routes.

The airlines, which had earlier received four of the six 50-seater Embraer 145 aircraft, said its goal of unifying Nigeria through air transport and extending its flight operations to unserved and underserved cities was fast being realised under its subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Chris Iwarah, said the latest delivery touched down at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 6.30 p.m. on Sunday.

“We have now received a total of five of the six Embaer 145 air-

craft we recently acquired as part of our fleet expansion project. We are delighted that with the arrival of the aircraft, we will relaunch our Sokoto operations and start our Katsina service in the next two weeks.

“Air Peace is committed to our no-city-left-behind project under our subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.

We are honoured that our involvement in the aviation industry is fulfilling our goal of uniting Nigeria through air transport, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities and lifting Nigeria’s economy.

“We assure the flying public and Nigeria that we will continue to deliver exceptional flight services and create massive employment opportunities for the people with our domestic, regional and international operations. We our indeed grateful to our valued

guests and solicit their continued support as we take greater steps to make our dear nation proud in the global aviation community,” Iwarah said.

Meanwhile, Air Peace has officially signed a multi-year aircraft spare parts deal with planemaker, Embraer.

The deal, the airline confirmed in a statement, would cover more than 250 components for the six Embraer 145 jets it recently added to its fast-growing fleet in line with its drive to connect unserved and underserved domestic and regional routes under its subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.

The deal was unveiled at the ongoing MRO Europe 2018 summit

in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Air Peace currently has the biggest fleet of Embraer 145 jets on the West Coast of Africa.

Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide described the deal as a guarantee of “efficiency and competitive results”.

She said: “The Pool and EPEP+ Programs are natural fit and the best options as they offer sensible, cost effective and practical parts solution to our business, guaranteeing efficiency and competitive results. We recognise very good performance of Embraer’s services and support.”

The deal, she said, would make spares readily available for the air-

line’s maintenance needs, heavily cut down the time spent on maintenance and increase the number of serviceable aircraft available to operate the airline’s flight schedules.

On his part, Embraer Vice President, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Commercial Aviation, Mr. John Linn said: “We are humbled to have Air Peace as our customer in Africa, further reinforcing Embraer’s commitment to customers in the region with TechCare portfolio of solutions.

Embraer’s Pool Program leverages increased competitiveness providing repairable solutions through reduced lead times and costs.”

IATA report confirms declining airline profitability

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HE International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s recently-released final second Quarter 2018 airline financial data has now confirmed a decline in airline profitability compared to the same quarter a year ago.

Industry-wide cash flows are better than a year ago, but this masks considerable regional differences.

Global airline share prices eased lower in September, despite a 1.0% gain in the North American sub-index and notwithstanding a small gain in global equities overall. Over the

past year, North American airline shares continue to outperform the wider equities market.

Oil and jet fuel prices both moved solidly higher in September, driven mainly by supply concerns. Oil prices have risen by around 40 per cent over the past year and jet fuel prices averaged more than US$90bbl in September.

Global (total) passenger yields (base fare only) have moved a little higher in recent months, with premium cabin yields continuing to show more resilience than those of the economy cabin and helping to offset some of the impact of rising input prices.

Air transport employs 65.5m, yields $2.7tr economic activity

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NEW research released by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) has revealed that the global air transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs and $2.7 trillion in global economic activity.

The report, Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders, explores the fundamental role civil aviation plays for today’s society and addresses the economic, social and environmental impacts of this global industry.

Launching the report at the ATAG Global Sustainable Aviation Summit in Geneva, ATAG’s Executive Director, Michael Gill, said: “Let’s take a step back and think about how advances in air transport have changed the way people and businesses connect with each other – the reach we have today is extraordinary.

More people in more parts of the world than ever before are taking advantage of safe, fast and efficient travel.”

“There are over 10 million women and men working within the industry to make sure 120,000 flights and 12 million passengers a day are guided safely through their journeys.

The wider supply chain, flowon impacts and jobs in tourism made possible by air transport show that at least 65.5 million

jobs and 3.6% of global economic activity are supported by our industry.”

The report also looks at two future scenarios for growth in air traffic and related jobs and economic benefits. With an open, free-trade approach, the growth in air transport will support some 97.8 million jobs and $5.7 trillion in economic activity in 2036. However, if governments create a more fragmented world with isolationism and protectionist policies, over 12 million fewer jobs and $1.2 trillion less in economic activity would be supported by air transport.

“By working with one another, learning from each other’s cultures and trading openly, we not only create a stronger economic outlook, but we also continue the conditions for peaceful interaction across the globe.

Aviation is the key driver for this positive connectivity.”

According to the report, over 10 million people work directly for the industry itself, while air travel carries 35 percent of world trade by value ($6.0 trillion worth in 2017), but less than 1 percent by volume (62 million tonnes in 2017), with 57 percent of world tourists travel to their destinations by air.

•(From left): Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muktar Usman and the Managing Director/CEO of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Mr Basil Agboarumi, during a visit by the SAHCOL Managing Director to the NCAC office in Lagos.

Delta announces record revenue of $12b for Q3 2018

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ELTA Air Lines has reported financial results for the September quarter 2018. Highlights of those results, including both GAAP and adjusted metrics, show adjusted pre-tax income for the September quarter 2018 was $1.6 billion, and adjusted earnings per share were $1.80, at the high end of guidance.

Also, adjusted earnings per share were up 16 percent compared to the prior year quarter, driven by revenue momentum, tax reform benefits and a four percent lower share count. Results reflect a $30 million negative impact from Hurricane Florence.

“Our solid eight percent revenue growth, combined with flat non-fuel unit cost performance, helped offset 85 percent of the $655 million fuel cost increase in the quarter. These achievements are a testament to the strength of the Delta business model and the hard work of the Delta people, and I am pleased to recognize their performance with an additional $395 million toward 2018 profit sharing,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer, adding: “Our commercial

momentum and improved cost trajectory give us confidence that we are on a path to deliver continued top-line growth and expand margins as we move into 2019.”

Delta’s adjusted operating revenue of $11.8 billion for the September quarter improved eight percent, or $912 million versus the prior year.

This quarterly revenue result marks a record for the company, driven by improvements across Delta’s business, including a nearly 20 percent increase in premium product ticket revenues and double-digit percentage increases in cargo, loyalty and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul revenue.

Total unit revenues excluding refinery sales (TRASM) increased 4.3 percent during the period driven by strong demand and improving yields. Foreign exchange benefit of approximately half a point was offset by the impact of Hurricane Florence.

“We generated record revenues in the September quarter on strong demand across the business and a favorable yield environment. In the December quarter we expect total unit

revenue growth of three to five percent, driving full year revenue growth to eight percent, the high end of our guidance,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s president. “The benefits of our brand, industry-leading network, and relentless focus on the customer are driving revenue growth, improving margins and accelerating the pace of our recapture of higher fuel costs.”

For the fourth quarter ending December 2018, Delta expects pre-tax margins to driven by continued top-line growth and improving cost performance despite an expected 30 percent increase in fuel price.

“The September quarter marked an important inflection point in changing our non-fuel cost trajectory, and we expect to deliver on our full-year target of one to two percent non-fuel unit cost growth,” said Paul Jacobson, Delta’s chief financial officer, who added: “Continued focus on cost control, along with incremental efficiency gains from refleeting and One Delta, give us confidence in our ability to keep our non-fuel unit cost growth below two percent next year.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION Nigeria Airways: FG extends verification of ex-workers

•As tales of omission trail exercise Stories by VICTOR NZE

F

EDERAL Government has announced the extension of the verification process for the payment of severance benefits of the Nigeria Airways Limited exstaff in liquidation stating that payment for those verified would commence next week.

Government also said that verification will not end until all beneficiaries are captured.

A federal government delegation led by the Secretary of the Presidential Institute of Continuous Audit (PICA), Dr. MK. DIkwa mni made this known as they visited Kano and Enugu to monitor the verification process firsthand.

According to the Ministry of Finance, whose website has the information, assured that complaints would be addressed and cases should be filed officially with PICA. However, after finally agreeing to the demands of aviation labour unions over the plight of ex-workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways, the Federal Government’s plans to pay off their accruing emolument on conclusion of a verification exercise has been greeted by complaints of omission of names of beneficiaries.

The exercise is being conducted

by PICA in Lagos, Kano and Enugu ahead of the disbursement of the N22.6 billion approved as part payment of their entitlements by the federal government.

This is also as the Federal Government announced an extension of the verification exercise as it also said more desks and personnel will deployed to fasttrack the verification of ex-workers of the defunct airline.

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Nigeria Airways Branch, Friday, raised an alarm over the omission of some names of its members currently undergoing verification in three centres across the country.

National Vice Chairman of the union, Muhammad Adamu, who made the complaint in Kano on Fri-

day, alleged that the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Auditing (PICA) expunged some names of the retirees from the original list.

“There were committees set up by different governments and at different times but only this committee (PICA) expunged the names of some of the retirees from the list,” he said.

He said that the quick intervention of the leadership of the union calmed fray nerves, and eventually saved the situation from degenerating into a serious crisis.

He, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the issue to ensure that all the affected retirees were paid their entitlements.

“These people have suffered enough even when we took the matter to court they were in the list but suddenly the committee removed their names,” he alleged.

Adamu, who commended President Buhari for taking the necessary step to ensure that they were paid their entitlements, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing verification exercise in Kano centre.

“We are appealing to whoever is concerned to see reason and ensure that all those affected are paid their entitlements to alleviate their sufferings,“ he said.

Meanwhile, Member Ministerial Committee on the verification of payment of retired Nigeria Airways workers, Capt. Shu’aibu Alfa, Friday revealed that 900 retirees have so far died nationwide from 2004 till date.

Alfa, who is the Supervisor, Kano Verification Centre, made the disclosure in Kano.

There are three centres where the ongoing verification exercise for the Nigeria Airways retirees is being conducted.

He said during the 15 years, no fewer than 900 of the retirees died, while the medical cases of some of them became worse, homes were broken and some were in situations beyond human imagination.

“The verification exercise has been going on very well, we made sure retirees were former staff of

(From left): Vice President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Barr. Rotimi Edu; Deputy President, Dr. (Mrs) Bola Onigbogi; President, Mr Shola Tinubu; Hon Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Lola Akande and Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association, Mr Tope Smart at the 2018 National Insurance Brokers Conference & Exhibition held in Lagos on Thursday.

Nigeria Airways and we have their records. We ask questions and when they are certified, we clear them to start the verification process.

“In the verification team, we have people from the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Finance, Accountant General’s Office, Head of Service, EFCC, ICPC, PITAD and we also have our representatives on each desk,” Alfa said.

Alfa, who was the Secretary, Nigeria Airways Pilots Association, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Aviation and the Minister of Transportation, for approving the payment of their long awaited entitlement.

He also commended the support of the traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders and many other well-meaning Nigerians.

He appealed to the retirees to exercise patience during the exercise, as the committee was doing everything to ensure they were promptly screened.

In a related development, the Federal Government in a bid to fasttrack the exercise is to create more desks and deploy more personnel in the ongoing verification exercise of former workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways Ltd. in Lagos.

Secretary, Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), Dr Mohammed Dikwa, gave the assurance on Thursday while monitoring the exercise at the Skypower Aviation Catering premises at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Dikwa, who noted the concerns of the aged pensioners, said apart from increasing the number of PICA staff, arrangements had also been put in place to increase the personnel of the anti-graft agencies participating in the verification.

“The process is encouraging compared to the report that we got as at Monday. We were made to understand that there were some technical issues, but that has

LASACO Assurance eyes tier 1 status with N10bn capital inflow

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ASACO Assurance Plc is planning to raise additional N10 billion capital from its existing shareholders and new ones, as part of plans to attain a Tier 1 status, under the new Tier-Based Minimum Solvency Capital (TBMSC).

The company plans to raise the additional capital through public offer, special placement or right issues and preference shares.

Already, the Insurance firm has N5 billion from its existing 10 billion shares, with plan to create additional 10 billion shares at 50 kobo per share, translating to a new N5 billion to be raised through public offer, special placement or right issues.Moreover, LASACO Assurance intends to raise another additional N5 billion from its proposed 10 million preferential shares at

N500 per share, thereby, bringing the expected funds to be raised to a total of N10 billion.

Speaking at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the company in Lagos, the Chairman, Mrs. Aderinola Disu, said the tierbased recapitalisation exercise being initiated by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) was responsible for the move to upgrade its capital base, which would help it to play at top levels of the sector.

While addressing the shareholders at the event, she urged the shareholders to authorise “the board, subject to the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities, to raise additional capital through the issuance of up to 10 billion ordinary shares of 50k each

at 50k per share either by way of public offering, special placement or rights issue and/or up to 10 million preference shares of 1,000 each at N500 per share.’’ .

The board had earlier, proposed to raise its Authorised Share Capital from 10 billion to 50 billion, with the creation of additional 40 billion authorised shares, which the shareholders vehemently rejected, thereby, calling for amendment to reduce the volume of authorised shares to be created to 10 billion with the addition of 10 million preferential shares.

The founder of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, advised the company to adopt the option of preferential shares, while reducing its ordinary shareholders,

saying it would allow shareholders get good returns on investments, especially, through the preferential shares. The board of directors of the firm later agreed to this, thereby, amending the Special Business of the meeting to include the aforementioned plan.

Under the TBMSC, insurance industry is divided into three. Tier One is for the highly capitalised operators; Tier Two is for fairly capitalised underwriters, while Tier Three is for the least capitalised firms. With LASACO Assurance being a composite insurance company, it would have to raise its capital base from N5 billion to N15 billion to operate in Tier One class of the industry, which was the reason for the additional N10 billion call.

already been rectified.

“Going forward, the verification exercise will be smooth and we are expecting that before the week runs out, we will do more. We have increased the number of personnel that will do the verification.

“We will also be increasing the number of personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”

According to him, the involvement of the anti-graft agencies is to give transparency and accountability to the process and to prevent the release of the money into wrong hands.

He disclosed that the 50 per cent payment of already verified pensioners would begin by this week, with their bank accounts being credited by the government.

Dikwa said the second tranche of the payment would be made in a few months’ time as soon as funds were available, and would not require another round of verification exercise.

He advised those whose names were not on the list to exercise patience, as a new desk had been created to address their complaints.

The PICA secretary said arrangement was also being put in place to make payments to the former workers of the airline in the diaspora.

“For those in the diaspora, we have also made arrangements to capture them in a month’s time.

We are thinking of having a location within the West Coast. But those who are already here will be verified now. We are looking at doing the verification in Ghana or other nearby countries so that they can get their benefits as well.”

The verification exercise for the ex-workers of the national carrier, which was liquidated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime in 2004, began on October 15.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

PTAD payrolls 9,125 ex-workers of NITEL/MTEL Stories by VICTOR NZE

P

ENSION Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has included 9,125 ex-workers of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), and its mobile subsidiary, MTEL, to its monthly pension payroll.

A statement by management of PTAD in Abuja on Saturday disclosed that the addition of the pensioners to the payroll was coming after 12 years of uncertainty post privatisation of NITEL/ MTEL. PTAD said the inclusion of the ex-workers was in fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment in ensuring that all pensioners get their entitlements.

PTAD also announced that payments to 1,385 Next of Kins of deceased pensioners would follow shortly as soon as the Directorate concludes the computation of the deceased pensioners’ benefits.

The directorate also noted that it

has so far verified and recently payrolled Delta Steel Company (DSC), Nigeria Reinsurance and NICON Insurance pensioners.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that PTAD Executive Secretary, Ms Sharon Ikeazor, had in August, assured the ex-workers that they would be put on the monthly payroll for onward payment of their pensions for life.

Ikeazor had said that the greatest injustice was not to pay workers their wages after meritorious service to their father land.

She had assured pensioners that payment of their pension arrears would be made as soon as funds are allocated and released to the directorate.

PTAD had between Jan. 15 to Jan. 26 carried out the verification of pensioners of NITEL and MTEL under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

The exercise was conducted across the six geo-political zones of the country.

Delta Govt. approves 33 per cent increase on pensions

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ELTA Government has approved 33 per cent increase on the pensions of retired workers in the state, bringing them at par with those received by retirees in the federal civil service.

The state Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah, disclosed this to newsmen in Asaba on Wednesday.

Ukah said the increment was part of the resolutions reached at the State Executives Council meeting on Tuesday.

He said those to benefit from the 33 per cent increment were those who retired before May 2000, adding that it was meant to ameliorate the sufferings of the pensioners.

The commissioner said that the council approved the contract for the completion of the perimeter fencing of Asaba International Airport.

“The council also approved the procurement of third party services for the development of gasbased industrial park in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area (LGA).

“Another approval is the contract for the construction of 32 cluster houses of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows at Oboghoro-Utolina communities in Warri North LGA,” he said.

He said also that the council approved the award of contract for the construction of Uzougba link road to Issele Uku and Otulu road in Ubulu Okiti of Aniocha South.

Ukah said others approved were contracts the construction of old Okpe road, Jeddo, Okpe

Local Government Area and Ogwefe-Ugbenu-Koko road Phase II, Oghara, Ethiope West.

The commissioner said the contract for the construction of an access road to the Nigerian Maritime University, Kurutie Campus, Okerenkoko in Warri South-West LGA was also approved He said the council approved the implementation of an automation of tax administration process by ICMA Professional Services which

•(From left): Director General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Richard Borokini; President, Eddie Efekoha; Council Member, Dr. Sakiru Oyefeso; Chairman, Activities Committee, Edwin Igbiti at a media parley held Wednesday in Lagos.

PenCom develops ECRS IT infrastructure for micro pension

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ATIONAL Pension Commission (PenCom) has developed the Enhanced Contributor Registration System (ECRS) to facilitate the enrolment of participants in the Micro Pension Scheme when the scheme is rolled out, according to Mrs. Aisha DahirUmar, acting director-general of the commission.

Dahir-Umar who spoke in Calabar said the ECRS was developed to clean-up data in the Contribu-

Osinbajo to flag-off RIMSON’s confab

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ICE President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo is to flag off the 2018 National Risk Management Conference under the aegis of RIMSON, the pioneer Risk Management Society in Nigeria.

The two-day conference has as its theme; ”Risk Management and Nation Building: Transforming National Challenges to Opportunities,” and scheduled for Wednesday, October 31 and Thursday, November 1, 2018.

The conference is a convergence of Risk Managers across the different facets of the national economy.

The risk management practitioners comprise Risk Management professionals in government agencies and parastatals, the oil & gas sector, insurance, banking & finance, agriculture, manufacturing sector, telecoms sector, State and national disaster management agencies as well as Pension and Health Management Organisa-

tions amongst others.

President of Risk Managers Society of Nigeria, Engr Jacob Adeosun, FRMN, in a press release, said that the invitation of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo as the Special Guest of Honour and to declare the conference open, underpins the national importance of the 2018 Risk Management Conference, stating that “the conference is part of RIMSON’s contribution to Nation Building, especially in the clarion call for the enthronement of Risk Management awareness and culture in national planning and development”.

Adeosun, a seasoned Chemical Engineer and lndustrial Risks Surveyor and Analyst, is the flag bearer of a committed crop of risk management professionals seeking to move forward the Risk Management landscape in Nigeria and ultimately in the West African Subregion.

CIIN plans millennial assembly to mentor young professionals

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EADERSHIP of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has affirmed its readiness to engage the youth in the country in finding ways of revamping the Miss Insurance pageant so as to meet the project’s set target.

President of the CIIN, Eddie Efekoha who disclosed this at a media parley held, Thursday, in Lagos,said the institute has arrangements to rebrand the Miss Insurance pageant and educate contestants on the details of their office so they can perform better.

tory Pension Scheme (CPS).

She stated that the clean-up will enable the Commission to not only facilitate the enrollment of participants in the Micro Pension Scheme, but to also facilitate the transfer of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders from one Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) to another.

She stressed that the Micro Pension Scheme will take off fully once the ECRS is fully tested and deployed.

He also said the Institute has concluded plans to host a millennial assembly aimed at equipping young professionals and charting better ways for the insurance sector.

The proposed assembly, according to him, is open to professionals within age 21 to 30, adding that the institute had written underwriting firms to send their staff within the age bracket to attend the event and that 31 companies had so far indicated interest to participate.

He noted that the institute is mindful of the fact that the future of the

industry rests on the shoulders of the youth, hence the institute has to prepare them for the jobs ahead.

He assured that his tenure will focus on his key mandate of advancing insurance education and professionalism to propel the insurance sector forward.

He noted that the partnership programmes initiated with some tertiary institutions are already yielding results as the Senate of University of Lagos had last week approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the parties.

The Annual Risk Management conference will be graced by topechelon Guests and Speakers, including: Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru,, FNSE, Alhaji Mohammad Musa Bello, FCT Minister,Alhaji Mohammed Kari, Commissioner for Insurance, Engr. Peter Onyeri, internationally acclaimed Aviation Safety expert, Hajia Aisha Dahir-Umar, Ag Director General, National Pension Commission ( PenCom) and Mr Sola Alo, Group Insurance Manager, Dangote Group.

Others are Mrs Aderonke Adedeji, President, Pension Operators (PenOps), MD/CEO Leadway Pensure, Prof Usman Yusuf, Executive Secretary/CEO, National Health Insuran e Scheme, Mrs Folashade Joseph, MD/CEO, Nigeria Agric Insuran e Corporation(NAIC), Mr Sunday Oludare Thomas, Deputy Commissioner for Insurance and Engr.

Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, Managing Director, National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) amongst other eminent Guests and Speakers.

Other highlights of the conference include the inauguration of Abuja Branch of RIMSON, Induction of new members and the conferment of the Society’s Fellowship on deserving Nigerians who are epitomes of Risk Management in their respective jurisdictions.

The conference planning committee has assured that delegates will have a rewarding experience coupled with the ambience of NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, venue of the conference.

She disclosed that the Commission released the guidelines on micro pension, the first step in giving effect to Section 2(3) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA), 2014, which provides that employees of organizations with less than three employees as well as the self-employed persons shall be entitled to participate in the CPS in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Commission.

TIB to partner insurance industry on PPP investments

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he Infrastructure Bank (TIB) is to partner operators in insurance industry to select Private-Public Partnership (PPP) projects to enable insurance companies make profits to meet long-term liabilities.

Its Managing Director, Mr Adekunle Oyinloye, said this in Lagos on Thursday at the just-concluded 2018 National Insurance Brokers Conference and Exhibition organised by Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

Oyinloye said that enormous opportunities existed for insurance operators in infrastructure development and finance in Nigeria.

According to him, the Federal Government’s infrastructure blueprint named “the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP)” stipulated that an average of $25billion per annum is needed for the next five years to kick-start infrastructure renaissance.

According to the TIB boss, the $25billion is about seven per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that the NIIMP also estimated a total investment of $2.9 trillion to build and maintain infrastructure for 30 years forecast period.

“Presently, annual investments in infrastructure is estimated at USD $10 billion per annum, indicating a significant shortfall of US $15billion annually.” he said.

Oyinloye said that the shortfall indicated that government’s funding sources were inadequate to bridge the deficit. “However, an estimate of USD $82billion in investments could be realised from the private investments and capital providers.” he said

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market United Capital, Proshare partner to provide investors’ seamless service via online platform Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

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NITED Capital Plc, an investment banking group is in collaboration with Proshare, a financial information hub, to engage the investing public on the ‘InvestNow’ service.

InvestNow, is a product of United Capital and is an integrated online investment platform created to make it easy for users to learn how to invest, about investing and choose the right investment tools and products to meet their short-long financial goals, and start investing seamlessly either from a mobile phone or a computer.

United Capital explained that the ‘tweet meet’ is an opportunity for

Nigerians to engage United Capital through the Proshare platform, on the objectives and features of the redesigned ‘InvestNow’ platform.

The company allayed the fears of prospective investors, stressing that the platform is safe, secure, and easy to use. It added that in order to access the service, the step to take is by hitting the link investnow.ng or by downloading the InvestNow mobile app available on the android app store.

Responding to a question on the reason for redesigning the InvestNow platform, United Capital said that “The new and improved InvestNow is designed to help Africans start investing at their own

pace. InvestNow was developed out of the need to help more people take advantage of the opportunities available in the different money markets”.

Giving more details, United Capital said that the InvestNow is a platform that brings the opportunities of the markets to an investor (you), and makes it easy for you to become an investor. It emphasized that access to fixed income, money market, equities and stock,

family estate and trusts that have never been this easy in Africa is now made easy.

Explaining more, the company disclosed that the goal of InvestNow is aimed at giving people a chance to grow their money over time by simply making the best guided investment decisions.

According to United Capital, regarding savings, it stated that InvestNow can be used to save for high capital projects like the purchase of a car, or a house, or even capital for a new business. Also, the Private Investment Trust, you can save and invest consistently towards your future projects.

In respect to the issues of accessibility to mass market, the United Capital InvestNow app was designed to be easy to use by everyone.

However, United Capital stated that for enquiries there is a dedicated call centre on 07000INVEST and Whatsapp channel on +2348168282396 for texting to handle any question.

The company advised that to download InvestNow app , investors should access android play store or visit investnow.ng on their mobile phones. Click on products, choose a product and open an account.

The InvestNow platform is secured by EV-Level 3 online security protocols. This is the highest safety certificate internationally.

If the process is followed as being directed; Nigerians can invest their money on the platform without any worries. The minimum amount for investment for now N1,000.

NSE mourns Apostle Hayford Alile, ex D-G

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) mourns the loss of its erstwhile Director-General, Apostle Hayford Alile, OFR who died at the age of 80.

Apostle Alile was the DirectorGeneral of NSE from 1976 to 2000. His outstanding achievements at the Exchange include the physical movement of the Exchange’s operations to its current location in the hub of the Nigerian financial district; trading automation, which significantly improved international access to the Nigerian capital market; and the launch of the All Share Index (ASI).

The NSE said that even in retirement, Apostle Alile constantly made himself available to the Exchange. “Most recently, we remember his wise counsel and measured contributions during his meritorious service as a Member of the Exchange’s Membership Verification Panel, whose activities assisted the National Council in finalizing the Exchange’s Membership Register.”

The NSE, said.

Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, said, “This is a great loss to the Nigerian capital market and the country at large. Apostle Alile’s contributions to the capital market and organised private sector will continue to be referenced. He was indeed a visionary leader, whose foresight and impact on the operations of the NSE remains evident several years after the end of his tenure as Director-General of the

Corporate Actions

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Exchange”.

Also speaking, the President of National Council of the NSE, Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, said, “Nigeria has lost one of its most patriotic and visionary corporate leaders. Apostle Alile was an outstanding authority on the stock market and its operations and he rightfully laid a solid foundation for the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

As an Exchange, we shall remain grateful to him for providing the inspiring leadership required at the formative stage of the Exchange”.

In mourning his passing, the NSE observed a one-minute silence in his honour during the trading hours, recently. The NSE said that the thoughts of the National Council, Management, Staff and indeed the capital market ecosystem are with the entire Alile Family.

• From left: Mrs. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Head, Information Security, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Dr. Greg Jobome, Board Member, Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN); Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Shared Services Division, NSE; Mr. Magnus Nnoka, President, RIMAN; Mr. Kola Ajimoko, 1st Vice President, RIMAN and Ms. Funmi Adewole, Deputy Treasurer, RIMAN during a Closing Gong Ceremony in honour of the new President of RIMAN at the Exchange.

FBN Eurobond (USD) provides diversification benefits to investors – Onyia

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HE Managing Director of FBNQuest Asset Management, Mr. Ike Onyia has disclosed that investors in FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund stand to reap multiple benefits.

He said that the Fund provides diversification benefits, as the portfolio invests in Eurobonds from different issuers have reduced risks. According to him, “when you compare the returns on this Fund with returns on an offshore savings/checking account or USD domiciliary ac-

HE Board of Directors of ‘ The Initiates’ has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) that the 29th Meeting of the Board of Directors of the above named Company shall hold on Friday, the 26th day of October, 2018 by 2:00pm at Conference Room of The Initiates Plc, Plot 400, Location Road, Umuebule 4, Off Aba-PHC Expressway, by Oyigbo Junction Port Harcourt, Rivers State to consider among other things: The consideration and adoption of the third quarter Management Accounts of The Initiates Plc. Consideration and approval of The Initiates Plc 2019 Annual Budget.

count, you will find that the FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund offers competitive returns.

The Managing Director reiterated that the Fund is also not only for individual investors, but is open to corporate organisations who have USD liabilities and are looking for dollar investments that can offer competitive returns. Corporate organisations can subscribe to this Fund with a minimum amount of $100,000.

“If you are looking for new ways to invest your US Dollars

Corporate Actions

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

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HE Board of Directors of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has in a statement signed by the company secretary, Chidi Okezie,notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) that a meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled to hold on Friday 26 October 2018 at 10:00am.

According to the statement, the meeting will discuss amongst other items, the Company’s Consolidated and Separate Unaudited Financial Statements for the third quarter ended September30, 2018.

(USD) in the ever-changing economic environment, the FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund is a credible option.” He said.

Onyia recalled that the Fund, was Nigeria’s first US dollar-denominated mutual fund, invests in Eurobonds (USD denominated debt instruments) issued by Nigerian Sovereign and Corporates.

According to him, the Fund generates income as well as capital appreciation, so customers can invest their USD directly and expect to receive attractive returns in the same currency as their initial investment.

Corroborating the Managing Director, a Market Analyst said “The Nigerian investment market is rich and viable, with the money market yields relatively high and quite attractive compared to global interest rates. There has never been a better time for Nigerians, as well as foreign investors, to tap into the strength of the Nigerian investment story.”

On the hand, the bonds market is on a strong growth course, equities have a strong long-term

potential, and investment options are attractive for offshore investors.

Meanwhile, statistics revealed that the FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund, delivered strong and consistent performance, recording returns of 7.0 percent in its first year and 12 .2 percent in its second year. The total return from inception in January 2016 to September 20, 2018 is 24.6 percent USD. This simply means that USD invested in the FBN Nigeria Eurobond Fund has returned positive growth in that time period, which the investors have enjoyed.

At the moment, with a minimum requirement of only USD2, 500, an individual or corporate can invest through the fund in a broad range of Eurobond instruments which typically would require a minimum investment of USD200, 000. The FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund also provides a hedge against foreign exchange risk, and supports investors’ objectives to maintain portfolios across currencies.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

MONEY Market

FG to reduce borrowing in 2019 fiscal year

STORIES By KAYODE OGUNWALE

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HE Federal Government is planning to reduce its borrowing spree in the 2019 fiscal year, as the nation is trying to manage the struggling economy.

Nigeria’s penchant for borrowing in the past few years has seen the nation’s debt stock soared in the past few years.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, revealed this at a public consultation on the 20192021 Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) in Abuja.

He explained that borrowing was critical when the country was short of funds to bring out the economy from the recession it entered in the second quarter of 2016, but that the Federal Government will greatly slow down on borrowing next fiscal year.

According to the him, “Borrowing was directed at capital projects and it worked. That is why you see activities on LagosIbadan rail lines and others.

However, for that level for that level of borrowing, we are taking it down because as revenue picks up, we will rely less on borrowing.”

It will be recalled that the Federal Government through Udo Udoma only a few days ago, at the IMF and World Bank Group meeting in Bali, Indonesia claimed

that the nation might seek for more loans, if the need arises, describing Nigeria as one the countries with the lowest debt profiles in Africa.

However, the decision of government to reduce its borrowing might be as a result of International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently in Bali, Indonesia warned Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan countries to check their rising levels of debts, diversify their revenue bases or face economic crisis.

The Bretton Wood institution also advised the most populous black nation to guard against the temptation to let higher oil prices delay reforms, warning that despite the recent recovery, oil prices are projected to remain below the 2013 peak.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt report for the second quarter of 2018, Nigeria’s total debt stock as at the end of June 2018 (36 States and Federal Government debt) stood at $73.21 billion (N22.38 trillion), compared to $74.28 billion (N22.71 trillion) in the first quarter of the year.

According to the NBS report, Nigeria’s total external debt stock stood at $22.08 billion (N6.75 trillion) as at the end of the period ending June 2018. This shows a quarter on quarter debt growth of 0.05 percent from $22.07 billion in the period ending March

FG to reduce borrowing in 2019 fiscal year

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HE Federal Government is planning to reduce its borrowing spree in the 2019 fiscal year, as the nation is trying to manage the struggling economy. Nigeria’s penchant for borrowing in the past few years has seen the nation’s debt stock soared in the past few years.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, revealed this at a public consultation on the 2019-2021 Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) in Abuja.

He explained that borrowing was critical when the country was short of funds to bring out the economy from the recession it entered in the second quarter of 2016, but that the Federal Government will greatly slow down on borrowing next fiscal year.

According to the him, “Borrowing was directed at capital projects and it worked. That is why you see activities on Lagos-Ibadan rail lines and others.

However, for that level for that level of borrowing, we are taking it down because as revenue picks up, we will rely less on borrowing.”

It will be recalled that the Federal Government through Udo Udoma only a few days ago, at the IMF and World Bank Group meeting in Bali, Indonesia claimed that the nation might seek for more loans, if the need arises, describing Nigeria as one the countries with the lowest debt profiles in Africa.

However, the decision of government to reduce its borrowing might be as a result of International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently in Bali, Indonesia warned Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan countries to check their rising levels of debts, diversify their revenue bases or face economic crisis.

The Bretton Wood institution also

advised the most populous black nation to guard against the temptation to let higher oil prices delay reforms, warning that despite the recent recovery, oil prices are projected to remain below the 2013 peak.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt report for the second quarter of 2018, Nigeria’s total debt stock as at the end of June 2018 (36 States and Federal Government debt) stood at $73.21 billion (N22.38 trillion), compared to $74.28 billion (N22.71 trillion) in the first quarter of the year.

According to the NBS report, Nigeria’s total external debt stock stood at $22.08 billion (N6.75 trillion) as at the end of the period ending June 2018. This shows a quarter on quarter debt growth of 0.05 percent from $22.07 billion in the period ending March 2018.

However, out of Nigeria’s total foreign debt of $22.08 billion as at the end of the second quarter of 2018, Federal Government accounts for $17.83 billion, which is 80.76 percent of the total foreign debt stock. The 36 states and the FCT account for the remaining 19.24 percent of the nation’s total foreign debt portfolio, with a joint debt of $4.25 billion.

2018.

However, out of Nigeria’s total foreign debt of $22.08 billion as at the end of the second quarter of 2018, Federal Government accounts for $17.83 billion, which is 80.76 percent of the total foreign debt stock. The 36 states and the

FCT account for the remaining 19.24 percent of the nation’s total foreign debt portfolio, with a joint debt of $4.25 billion.

Meanwhile, the report equally indicates that Nigeria’s total domestic debts as at June 2018 were N15.63 trillion ($51.12 billion).

• From left: Ms. Tinuade Awe, Executive Director, Regulations, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Shared Services Division, NSE; Ms. Mary Uduak, Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE during the NSE Market Data Workshop 2018 held in Lagos.

AfDB approves $50m Fidelity Bank facility to support SMEs, women owned enterprises

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ernment of Nigeria’s long-term development strategy, as espoused in its Vision 20:2020 agenda. Aligned with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-2020 (ERPG), the funding will ultimately boost enterprise competitiveness and expand Nigeria’s economic base. The ERPG seeks to stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth, catalyse macroeconomic stability, foster diversification of the economy, and enhance social inclusion as well as governance.

SMEs account for 30 percent of Fidelity Bank’s loan portfolio. The selection of the tier 2 Nigerian bank for this seven-year credit facility (with a grace period of two years) is based on its strong niche presence in the SME and mid-sized corporates space. It is also in recognition of the bank’s credit management and strong track record with the African Development Bank.

The Nigerian lender has previously received $18 million and $75 million lines of credit from the development finance institution in 2001 and 2013, respectively.

“Fidelity Bank is a niche player, focused on the SME space and this $50 million credit line will contribute to strengthening its presence in its key market segments,” said Ebrima Faal, Senior Director, Nigeria Country Office at the African Development Bank.

“The Nigerian financial institution also continues to meet its ongoing credit obligations under the terms of previous support received from the African Development Bank.” The line of credit to the Nigerian financial institution is consistent with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2013–2022). It also aligns with two of its High 5 priorities Industrialize Africa and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), last week unveiled an exposure draft to regulate the operations of Mortgage Guarantee Companies (MGCs), as part of efforts to promote mortgage financing and advance home ownership in the country.

This, according to the accompanying circular signed by Kevin Amugo, CBN’s Director, Financial Policy and

Regulation Department said, is also to deepen the mortgage market, is also in a bid to promote affordable financing, while ensuring a safe and sound financial system.

Companies seeking licences as MGCs, the CBN proposed in the exposure draft, shall maintain a N6 billion minimum capital, in addition to N100,000 non-refundable application;

begin the decline.

Between May 11 and last Monday (October 15, 2018), Nigeria’s reserves have suffered a $4.845 billion or 10.13 percent decline from its $47.848 billion peak.

Defending the decision to allow the reserves depletion at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual meetings, which ended in Bali, Indonesia, last week,

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, said it was a choice between maintaining stable exchange rate to avoid depreciation of the naija and building foreign reserve buffers.

He said ensuring the Naira’s stability against other major currencies of the world was a choice, at a time all frontier and developing markets had suffered not just depreciation, but reserves depletion.

non-refundable licensing fee of N1 million; and N50,000 change of name fee.

Permissible activities of MGCs include: Full or partial guaranteeing of residential mortgage loans, investing in government securities, among others, in addition to assuming ownership of residential property in the event that a lender is unable to dispose of a foreclosed property.

If proposal is approved, MGCs can also issue bonds and notes to funds their operations; provide technical assistance to lenders on credit and business development related activities to increase pool of development expertise; in addition to other activities as may be prescribed by the CBN from time to time.

MGCs are allowed to invest in government securities, deposits with licenced banks, deposits held at the CBN; and other investment specifically allowed by the apex bank.

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $50 million line of credit to Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank Plc to support small and medium sized, and women-owned enterprises in selected transformative sectors, including close to a hundred SMEs in manufacturing, health and education.

Approved by the Bank’s Board on 10 October 2018, the facility is fully dedicated to financing micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a minimum of 30 percent going to women-owned enterprises.

The loan will enhance Fidelity Bank’s liquidity and help meet the demand for medium-term funding to players in the target sectors, contributing to improved quality of lives, job and wealth creation and tax-revenue generation.

The facility complements the Gov-

CBN sets N6bn minimum capital for proposed mortgage guarantee firms

T

Nigeria’s reserves drops to $43bn, sheds 2.94% in 15 days

N

IGERIA’S foreign reserve pool continued its steady decline, falling to $43.002 billion on Monday, October 15, 2018, according to data on the website of the Central Bank on Tuesday evening.

The reserves level was down $1.302 billion, or 2.94 percent from $44.305 percent on September 28, 2018, returning to where it was on March 5, while approaching its May 11, 2018 peak of $47.848 billion from when it

This shows a quarter on quarter growth of 24.24 percent from N12.58 trillion in Q1 2018.

The 36 states and FCT accounted for N3.47 trillion ($11.37 billion), while the Federal Government was responsible for N12.12 trillion ($39.75 billion).

32

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS

How I escaped Continued from Page 1

Army of the Zoo attacked me. I am in Israel and the efficiency of MOSAD will be replicated in Biafra.

We shall hunt everyone down to avenge the death of IPOB members.

“The Governor of Abia State directed the assault on my father, who is a Monarch. I thank Donald Trump and the government of Israel, who stood by IPOB in our time of need. I thank Prof Ben Nwabueze who stood by me.

“I want to send my solidarity to Ayo Fayose and assure him that Biafra will stand by him in this hour of need. We will have a special place for him in Biafra. “I thank all my sureties that stood by me. My unavailability was forced on me. “The Army of the Zoo killed my dog, Jack and few other people in my compound. I am sorry for what my sureties are passing through, but I want to assure them that they will have a special place in Biafra.

“I shall not be honouring the Court. The notion that I jumped bail is a fallacy in Law. I did not jump bail. On the 14th of September, 2017, the terrorists of the Zoo came to kill me. They know if I go to court Nigeria will burn and I was forced to leave. I did not jump bail.

“The Zoo called Nigeria cannot jail me. I will fight till the last day. Binta Nyanko court failed to ask the Nigerian Army why they invaded my home. Nigerian court is a Kangaroo court. I did not jump bail. I left because the court failed to protect me.

“I am not a Nigerian. I already renounced Nigeria in 2015. I am a Biafran with British nationality. I cannot be tried by a court I do not recognise. I do not recognise Nigeria. I can only come to the court with UN supervision.

“IPOB will liberate Biafra and we will not take part in any election, until we get a referendum and this is not negotiable. We will achieve this by every necessary means. We thank Isreal for all the contributions they made to IPOB. “I owe my survival to the State of Israel.

“I decree that there is no longer South East or South South Nigeria.

It shall be known as Biafra. Without referendum, nothing will happen in Nigeria. IPOB will not participate in any election and that position will never change.

“IPOB is the largest mass movement in the whole world. We will not stop until Biafra is fully restored.

“Chukwu Okike Abiama has assured me that Biafra shall come.

All collaborators will feel the full weight of the anger of the Biafran people.

“I am coming back to Biafra land soon and I will bring hell with me, the way it has never been seen before.”

• Kanu

Stay away from Rivers, if...

-- Wike tells Amaechi

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ivers State Government has advised the Minister of Transport RT Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to stay away from Port Harcourt if he feels the State is unsafe.

Reacting to a statement by the Minister during a thanksgiving Church service in honour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Tonye Cole, in Port Harcourt that Rivers State is unsafe, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications Barr Emma Okah, in a statement, Sunday, said Amaechi should show his anger by hosting his party activities, Church programmes, birthday parties etc i Abuja outside the State since he says Rivers State is unsafe.

“Normal people cannot take Amaechi serious anymore because he lives in bitterness. Evidence abound to show that the Rivers State Government and the security agencies are doing their best to secure lives and property in Riv-

ers State and only a deluded or mischievous mind denies this fact” Okah said.

Condemning the reckless manner Amaechi talks, Okah said that in normal climes, a former governor and a serving Minister qualifies to be a stateman but the case of Amaechi is a harvest of shame as he maliciously discredits everything the Rivers State Government is doing to develop the State and provide security for the people.

“Amaechi needs to know that any failure of security under our democracy where the Governor has played his role is an indictment on the Nigeria Police and the security agengies who are under the control of the Federal Government and Amaechi should ask the heads of security agencies he posts to the State why there are lapses if any” he said, noting that Rivers State Government will not join him in the journey to perdition by condemn-

ing the hard working security agencies.

Instead of Amaechi to empathise with those who sadly, lost their loved ones, he was spitting on the graves of the deceased and mocking them because he knows he is seeking political mileage with the blood of the innocent and has not supported the State to fight crime since he became a Minister.

Rather than allow security agencies to do their work unhindered, Amaechi has continued to politicise the security architecture to achieve only political ends since his stooge lost the guber elections in 2015.

He must explain to Nigerians why security challenges still exist in all states in the Country. Are those Governors also not doing enough or should that also not be the reason they and the President should lose elections? Okah asked, noting that even the APC led Federal Government has not been able to ad-

• President Buhari with (from left): HRM Oba Oludotun Aremu Gbadebo Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Governor Ibikunle Smosun of Ogun State, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo Former Minister of State for Education and HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland when he received in audience the Governor and Leaders from Ogun State in State House, Sunday

SPDC distributes M32m start-up capitals to 100 entrepreneurs in Bayelsa

S

hell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Thursday presented N32 million start-up capitals to 100 persons in Bayelsa who successfully completed a business management training organised by it.

Regional Community Health Manager, SPDC, Dr Akinwumi Fajola, said during the presentation of the packs in Yenagoa, that the gesture was to enable the beneficiaries engage in small businesses.

40 of the beneficiaries are uneducated markets women and 30 are graduates while the rest 30 are school leavers.

According to him, the programme tagged “Ogbia Special LiveWIRE programme’’ is targeted at Ogbia Local Government Area where SPDC struck oil in commercial quantities at Oloibiri over 60 years ago.

Fajola represented by Mrs Ufuoma Ovwigho, Clinical Surveillance Lead, SPDC, noted that the programme was an income generating intervention.

The manager said the oil firm had spent $5 million to commemorate the 100 years anniversary of its oil prospecting activities in Nigeria.

She said that the company realised the historic value of Oloibiri in the oil and gas exploration in Nigeria, hence the sponsorship of the Oloibiri health project.

“As part the centenary commemoration of Shell’s oil prospecting activities in Nigeria, the Shell group in 2015 committed $5 million to a novel health project in Nigeria.

“This initiative gave birth to the ‘Oloibiri Health Programme, (OHP) which is a three-year social investment initiative named after the Oloibiri community.

“It aims to improve healthcare within the Ogbia LGA in a holistic way beyond treating illnesses but including access to potable water, sanitation and education.

“OHP achieved upgrade and integrating health facilities, training and supporting local healthcare and community workers, ensuring a reli-

able supply of medicine.

“It also aims at improving social determinants of health by galvanising economic activities through the Live WIRE programme and building a knowledge/research centre in Ogbia LGA,” Ovwigho said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms Patricia Nicholas, applauded SPDC for the support, and urged the company to extend the gesture to more people.

Earlier, Chief Benson Agadaga, President, Ogbia Brotherhood, a socio-cultural group, commended Shell for the support and urged the beneficiaries to endeavor to create more jobs to impact the larger society.

Agadaga said that Ogbia communities had enjoyed social amenities provided by the oil firm such as roads in the past, urging it to provide more social support to the host communities.

He appealed to the company to provide electricity to the people to enhance the businesses of the beneficiaries and others.

dress all security challenges in Nigeria despite their superior war chest, resources and imprimatur.

On the issue of people leaving the State, Okah said Rivers State is the leading investment destination in Nigeria and dismissed Amaechi as blowing hot air, talking without facts and statistics.

“Amaechi should explain why over 12 million Nigerians lost their jobs since 2015. Is he also alerting Nigerians that his boss is inefficient as President? Okah said

2019: Stand for free, fair polls – Okowa urges Deltans

D

elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged the people of the state to stand for a transparent, free and fair elections come 2019 general elections.

The governor, who made the call while swearing in two new commissioners, four members of the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADEC) in Asaba, urged the people to protect their votes.

He sworn-in Chief Takeme Julius and Mr Freeman Fregene as commissioners, while the members of DESOPADEC are Chief Ejaefe Odegbala, Mr Mofe Pirah, Chief Talib Tabite, and Dr Samuel Ossai, who would serve as the Executive Director of the commission.

He also announced that Mr Kelly Oghenekevwe would serve as member of the state Board of Internal Revenue.

Okowa said that the government would remain loyal and committed to serving the people of the state.

He urged the appointees to be resolute and give in their best to sustain the tempo of development by providing fresh ideas and new drive to governance in the state.

Okowa said that the government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have done well to delivering credible, free and fair primaries for the party.

The governor, while congratulating the winners, urged those who lost to remain faithful and work for the success of the party.

He called on the appointees and other stakeholders to go back to their respective local government areas to partner with their people and to inform them of government’s achievements and programmes.

“There are more to be done for the people but with our performance, we believe that we shall have victory in the coming elections.

“I expect that those appointed today should give their best, provide fresh ideas and new drive in government.

“I want to call on Deltans to stand for transparent, free and fair elections where every votes count.

“I also urge members of DESOPADEC to inject free ideas to the commission and I urge you all that bring in desirable winning ideas,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Odegbala thanked God and appreciated the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve.

He pledged members’ commitment to support government and deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Also Tabite lauded the governor for the new DESOPADEC team, adding that the members would contribute their quota to reposition the commission for greater productivity.

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Prince Harry shares his and Meghan’s ‘ personal joy’ of forthcoming parenthood

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he Duke of Sussex shared his ‘personal joy’ of soon becoming a father and hailed the ‘Invictus family’ as a symbol of strength, honour and optimism as he opened the competition in front of crowds of adoring fans.

The couple were greeted by crowds of adoring fans before Harry took to the stage to praise the ‘selfless duty’ of the athletes taking part in the contest, which he launched in 2014.

Just a few hours earlier, Harry and Meghan were spotted enjoying a rare moment of solitude as the Duke practised his speech for the fourth Games at the empty venue.

During the speech itself Harry said: ‘First of all, thank you for the welcome you have given Meghan and I over the last few days.

‘I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you and we have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest addition with you all.’

Supportive Meghan took a front row seat to watch her husband of five months take to the stage during their official 16-day Autumn tour.

They are visiting cities in Australia,

Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

Some 500 competitors, taking part in 13 sports, and more than 1,000 of their friends and relatives gathered to watch the Invictus Games.

Harry’s speech continued: ‘A new generation - the Invictus generation - is defining what it means to serve.

And we are all taking notice.

‘The Invictus generation has chosen to serve their countries in conflicts that are complex and dangerous and far too often this dedication goes unrecognised.

‘They have reminded us all what selfless duty really looks like.

‘With the help of medical science, the Invictus generation has not only survived injuries that in past conflicts would have been fatal, but has also chosen to fight back from the darkest of places to be here tonight.

They have shown us the true meaning of resilience.

‘When they have been open about their hidden emotional and mental wounds, the Invictus generation has shown us that in today’s world being tough means being honest about how we feel - both inside and out.’

Name: Nkechinyere Tel: 08177193564 • If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

‘We will never allow a cover-up’: Turkey’s ruling party will soon reveal its evidence into Jamal Khashoggi’s death • As Saudi Arabia finally admits journalist died ‘after a fight at its consulate’

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urkish police detained two Georgian nationals after a woman was caught trying to smuggle herself into the country curled up inside a tiny suitcase.

Customs officials working at the Sarpi border crossing, close to the city of Artvin, ordered officers to inspect a suitcase belonging to a 25-year-old man after he was spotted acted suspiciously.

Upon opening the luggage officers were shocked to discover a 22-year-old woman curled up inside. She later told officers that she tried to smuggle herself in to the country because a previous conviction in the country meant she had been banned from travelling there.

Turkish police detained the

pair after customs officials made the discovery on Monday, but they were both later released, sent back to Georgia and ordered not to return.

The woman told investigators that she had an outstanding ban on her travelling to Turkey after being convicted of an unspecified offence.

It was not immediately clear what had attracted customs officials to the 25-year-old Georgian man, but the suitcase in which the woman was hidden was barely large enough to hold a human body.

The tight squeeze forced her to curl up into an uncomfortable-looking fetal position.

The border crossing where the couple had tried to smuggle themselves in Turkey lies near

Sarp - a tiny town on the Black Sea, around 50 miles north of the city of Artvin.

Although Sarp is home to just 212 people, it is one of only three official border crossings along the 170-mile long Turkey-Georgia border.

The Sarp border crossing, in the District of Hopa, Artvin Province, opened in the late 1980s, when Georgia was still part of the Soviet Union.

After independence in 1991, post-communist Georgia suffered from civil unrest and economic crisis for most of the 1990s.

Georgia covers a territory of 26,911 square miles, and its population is almost five million.

Courtesy: Daily Mail.

ROMANTIC JOKE BEWARE OF WHAT YOU SAY!!!

This is a great example of “did I say that out loud???

This happened at The University of Western Ontario last year. In a biology class, the professor was discussing the high glucose levels found in semen, which gives the sperm all the energy for their journey.

A female freshman raised her hand and asked, “If I understand you correctly, you’re saying there is a lot of glucose, as in sugar, in semen?” “That’s correct,” responded the professor, going on to add statistical info. Raising her hand again, she asked, “Then why doesn’t it taste sweet?” After a stunned silence, the whole class burst out laughing. The poor girl’s face turned bright red, and as she realized exactly what she had inadvertently said (or rather implied), she picked up her books without a word and walked out of class, never to return. However, as she was going out the door, the professor’s reply was classic. Totally straight-faced he answered her question. “It doesn’t taste sweet because the taste buds for sweetness are on the tip of your tongue and not the back of your throat. Have a good day.”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

True Confession

We found love at a police checkpoint

A

few years ago, the Inspector General of Police issued an order dismantling roadblocks across the country which many people considered as a good one. Police ought to patrol the roads instead of mounting road blocks.

Traveling on Nigerian roads is largely regarded as a horrible experience because Nigerian roads are very bad.

In those days of checkpoints you couldn’t travel even a range of 100 meters without coming in contact with a bad spot on the road or a police checkpoints.

However, it is said that every disappointment is a blessing. I met the love of my life when the bus I was traveling in was forced to stop at a police checkpointyears back.

I’m a businessman and traveler. A few years ago, I was traveling a bus which took off from Lagos. The bus was headed for Onitsha.

It was one of the regular trips I made to the east in other to supply products to my customers across the Niger, meet with my business partners and purchase some important goods for sale back in Lagos.

I silently prayed for the police not to delay us for too long so that I wouldn’t miss my appointment with my customers and business partners.

The police ordered the driver to stop and park by the side of the road

for a search. All the passengers of the bus had to come down and the police began to search everyone’s bag.

Many passengers complained loudly that their time was being wasted by the police. They gathered in small groups close to the bus and patiently watched the policemen search the bus thoroughly.

We thought that our bus was the only one the policemen were going to search that afternoon.

But to our surprise, as our bus was being searched, the policemen ordered another traveling bus to stop for a search and the passengers in that bus had to come down too.

As I watched the passengers of the second bus alight from their vehicle, my eyes met with those of a pretty young lady who was among those alighting from the bus.

Her face looked so familiar. It was as though we had met somewhere before. But I couldn’t quite figure out where. I walked up to her and we got talking.

She was nice and friendly and before our buses resumed their trips, we exchanged phone numbers and addresses.

And of course, by the time I returned to Lagos, I first went in search of Nkechi using the Festac Town address she had given to me.

When I got to her place in Festac

Town, Nkechi received me very warmly as if she had been expecting me all along. She prepared a very sumptuous dish of pepper soup with pounded yam for me and I ate to my satisfaction.

After the meal, Nkechi said to me: “I know very well that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

That’s why I wanted to show you that I am a very good cook. In fact, if you need a woman in your life who can cook, you can surely count on me.”

It was as though she was openly offering me her love and friendship and waiting to see my reaction. To tell the truth, I was overjoyed to hear her speak to me in this manner because she had now clearly revealed her mind concerning me.

Previously, I had been a little afraid to open up to her and tell her that I wanted her for a wife. I was scared that she might turn down my proposal. But now, after hearing her words, I felt great relief in my heart and that encouraged me to open up and express my feelings to her.

One of the things I told Nkechi was that I am not a womanizer and that she should not think that the way I fell in love with her is the same way I fall in love with other women and flirt around.

I told her that I am a one woman man, which simply means that I date

and remain committed to one woman at a time. I told her that since the first time I set eyes on her, she stirred something deep within my soul and I know that I have found my life partner in her.

After only six weeks of knowing Nkechi, I made up my mind completely to marry her. My family members said that I was being too hasty with my decision to marry her.

They claimed that I was in too much of a hurry to marry her and warned me that if I rushed to marry her, Nkechi could just disappoint me in the end.

I remember that during our family meeting, my elder brother warned me, saying: “Do not rush into marriage. If you rush into marriage, you will end up rushing out.”

However, even though some members of my family and friends advised me to postpone the marriage and allow for some more time to know her better, I refused to postpone the marriage because I knew that Nkechi was certainly not going to disappoint me.

And I was right. I went ahead to wed Nkechi and ever since I have known peace. We now have three children and are living happily ever after.

Your say: Call 07031028714.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

My wife calls any number she sees on my phone

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Funke, 44, needs a man (widower or divorcée) of 50-55 years for a serious relationship. 08185083988.

Ngozi, 28, fat, jovial, fair, in Onitsha, Anambra state, needs a God-fearing and buoyant man of 45 years and above to take good care of her. 08022792682.

Busayo, 33, single mother from Ogun, needs a hardworking Yoruba man between 34-40 years for marriage. 09096187179.

Uchechi, 36, a graduate, tall, fair, needs a tall, fair, graduate, Igbo evangelist, pastor or God fearing Igbo man for marriage.

08052366993.

Jenny, 38, Big, Busty, Needs An Igbo Or South - South Man Above 50 Years In Lagos Who Is Romantic And Caring. 08117340383.

Dear Love Doctor, I am a married young man in my late thirties. I have this problem of having to see my wife frown each time I receive a phone call. My wife is always very anxious to find out who I was on the phone with, and if the person was a female you would see anger visible on her face. It got to a point where she would call any female number she saw stored on my phone, warning the person to stay away from her husband. That is after calling the person all sorts of names. How do I handle this?

From Patrick.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Patrick,

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our wife appears to fall into the category of a jealous and possessive spouse or lover. She is apparently having feelings of insecurity and distrust in her marriage with you. She is afraid that you might be dating some other woman outside. She might have a good reason to suspect your activities. As a result, she does not trust your every move. This kind of situation is a time bomb waiting to explode. Jealous and possessive spouses constantly need assurance that they are loved and will always be loved. You need to constantly assure your wife of your love and care. Make her realize that your feelings for her will never go away and that you will never love another woman besides her.

Again, stop doing anything that would make her suspect you or question your loyalty to her. Stop cheating, if you’re cheating on her.

You need to build trust in your marriage by keeping away from women, as even the slightest trace of flirting on your part might cause a row with your wife. If your job brings you in contact with many

females, try to make your wife understand so that she can put herself in your shoes and back down from her confrontational posture.

It is definitely wrong for your spouse to call any female number in your phone, warning the person to stay away from you. Supposing the person is your business partner? Do you think such a person would like to retain your services after what your wife has done?

This kind of attitude can cause great embarrassment to you and push you emotionally further away from your wife. In the long run, such an unruly attitude from your wife would only help destroy your marriage rather than build on it.

Make your wife understand that she is over-reacting and that her over-reaction will not help matters, but will only compound whatever problems already exist between both of you. She should employ dialogue with you in order to resolve issues. Communication is the key in marriage. Your wife ought to devote herself to doings things that please you, rather than things that displease you. The fact is this:

if a wife continues to shower her husband with love and care and do the things that make her man happy, it would be practically impossible for any other woman outside to snatch her husband. Your wife should wake up to her responsibilities as a good lover to you, instead of fighting people outside. That is because no matter how hard a wife fights, an unfaithful husband will always be unfaithful to her if he is not happy in the marriage.

Self-examination would help both of you at this point.

The two of you ought to look inwards now. You should concentrate on building up your affair and spicing up your marriage. If you look inwards and spice up your marriage, the fear of insecurity will go away, at least to a large extent. Your wife should only be concerned about making you happy, and you too must always assure her of your constant love and loyalty in marriage and stop cheating on her, if you’re cheating. That way, both of you would rest assured of each other’s love and fidelity. Good luck!

Joy, 38, HIV positive, graduate, needs a young widower or single man from 43 years and above with the same status, for a loving and caring husband. 08184889175.

Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage. 08090925014.

E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com Go to foodstuffs.com.ng. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage Ugochukwu Raphael, 26, needs a rich sugar mummy who will help him financially.

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS

I have not defected from APC – Ogun Gov

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overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has dismissed as mischief the insinuation that he had defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and is planning to dump the party over political developments in the state.

Amosun stated this when he fielded questions from State House correspondent of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Sunday.

Prior to Sunday’s meeting with the president, Amosun had visited the presidential villa for over four times within the past three weeks where he met separately with the president and the vice-president Yemi Osinbajo.

The APC National Working Committee is believed to have forwarded the name of Prince Dapo Abiola to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s governorship candidate in the 2019 general elections.

Abiola was declared winner of the Ogun State APC governorship primary by the APC NWC panel sent to conduct the primary in the state.

This declaration was against Gov. Amosun’s preferred candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, who was elected as the governorship candidate of the party in another primary conducted by the state’s APC officials.

Amosun had allegedly accused some political interest group of `misinforming’ President Buhari about `political equation’ in Ogun.

But, the governor pledged his political loyalty to the president and vowed to support his political ambition in 2019, saying, however, he would hand over the mantle of leadership to his preferred candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, in 2019.

Amosun, who was accompanied on Sunday’s visit to the presidential villa by the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III and a former Minister, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, renewed his allegiance to the APC. He said: “We will stalk with (President Buhari) him. So, I want them to know that we are not going anywhere.

“I’m going to be with the APC, we are in the APC and even after his second term, which by the grace of God and the support of all Nigerians he will win.’’

Oba Gbadebo, who also spoke after the meeting, said his visit to President Buhari, whom he described as his boss in the army, was a routine one.

Anisulowo, onetime minister of state for education, said the people of Ogun would vote massively for President Buhari and all APC candidates in 2019.

“Ogun is very peaceful and is a very progressive state. Ogun is Baba Buhari’s state and we cannot allow anything to happen contrary to our wishes for him for his second term in office,’’ she said.

My VP position won’t conflict with Obiano -- Obi ..Says nomination will ennoble his people

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ice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Peter Obi, has assured that his position would not clash with that of the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, if elected.

Obi who gave the assurance in a statement issued by Mr Valentine Obienyem, his media aide, Saturday, said that his job and that of the governor of Anambra would be parallel and complementary, adding that the interest of the common people of Nigeria would override all other considerations.

According to Obi, while Obiano will pilot the affairs of people of Anambra, he will be in Abuja ensuring that the federal government carries

out its obligation to the generality of Nigerians.

“The work of the governor and that of the vice president are parallel but complimentary.

“While he will be in Anambra tending to state needs, I will be in Abuja making sure that the Federal Government carries out its obligations to all the states in Nigeria, including Anambra State.

“While he works on state roads, for example, the Federal Government will work on Federal roads, the Second Niger Bridge and other federal projects.

“In matters like this, the welfare of the people should be the leading principle and our individual concern.

“I thank God all the Igbo leaders we have visited are on the same page. From our interactions with them, it is clear they see it as a task that requires unity of purpose because its success will be ours as well as that of the entire country,” he said.

Obi said Nigerians should eschew hate attitude towards one another and realise that every part needs the other for better welfare of all.

“Now is not the time for exhibition of hate,” he said.

It would be recalled that Obi, a two term governor of Anambra on the platform All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was instrumental to the victory of Obiano in 2014.

There has been no love lost be-

• Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Government House and Protocol, Mr. Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, speaking at the send-forth ceremony for the 2017 Batch B Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Asaba, hosted by the Directorate, Friday

State-of-emergency in Education: NUT, ASUP want speedy implementation

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igeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has commended the recommendation of the National Economic Council (NEC) that state governors should declare ‘state of emergency’ in the educational sector.

The decision was reached at the just-concluded NEC meeting in Abuja chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

NEC also recommended that the Federal and State Governments should allocate 15 per cent of their allocation to education.

Chairman, NUT, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Adedoyin Adesina, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos that the recommendations should be speedily implemented.

Adesina said that the declaration of state of emergency in the sector was long overdue, taking into consideration all the challenges confronting education.

He said the recommendation was timely; adding that government at all levels should prioritise their needs.

“Education is the bedrock of any economy; any country that fails to take its education seriously will have itself to blame.

“The recommendation is a welcome development because that is what we have been advocating for, that government at all levels should allocate 26 per cent of their annual budget as stipulated by UNESCO standard.

“In 2014, when the National Education Summit Group met, they told the government then that for the economy of this nation to grow, we must invest heavily on our teachers.

“If you want to get a Banker, Doctor, Nurse, Lawyer, Journalist, Engineer and others, who are supposed to create wealth and boost the economy, they are to pass through teachers at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

“The 15 per cent recommendation is not yet there, but it is better than what we have now. UNESCO recommended between 15 and 26 per cent. To set a good standard, it must not be less than 15 per cent.

“In the 2018 budget, only Lagos State allocated 12.07 per cent to education others including the Federal Government are single digits,” he said.

Adesina said the state of emergency should focus on curriculum planning, policy somersault, frequent change of textbooks, poor remuneration, training of teachers and infrastructure.

“Ordinarily, state of emergency is supposed to be declared so that we do not have half-baked graduates that cannot read or write.

“No nation can develop beyond the level of its education, our governments are not priortising their needs,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Usman Dutse, President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), said that the implementation of the recom-

mendations would determine the impact.

Dutse said many policies and recommendations had been made in the past to revampe the sector but received little or no commitment from government.

According to him, in the past, we have received fantastic and brilliant recommendations and policies that can help shape the system, but implementation has always been the problem.

“Many of these recommendations die natural death, they were never implemented.

“It is a welcome development but our concern is the implementation.

Most of the time they are political statement, a pronouncement that government will just make without fulfilling it,” he said.

Speaking on the 15 per cent recommendation, Dutse said that the percentage was not significant, adding that it would not make significant changes required in the sector.

“UNESCO already set a benchmark and our thinking is that any pronouncement by government should be in line with it.

“Actually, if you see any country that has improve its education system, it’s either their budget is higher than UNESCO recommendation or it is 26 per cent.

“If truly they will implement what has been recommended with serious commitment, I believe it will bring a little succour to improving the sector,” he said.

tween the two gladiators following some seeming misunderstandings.

Obi withdrew his support for Obiano in the 2017 governorship poll in Anambra for Mr Oseloka obaze, candidate of the PDP in that contest.

Obi’s reassurance was in response to questions on how his relationship with his successor would not conflict with their official positions if elected after he met with the national president of Ohanaeze and some political stakeholders of the Southeast.

Meanwhile, the former Anambra Governor has declared that his choice as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to ennoble his people.

Obi said this on Friday in Enugu during a visit to the state governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

It would be recalled that the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Oct. 12 announced Obi as his running mate, a situation that generated mixed reactions from party chieftains in the area.

Governors of the PDP and party chieftains from the zone subsequently met and expressed their dissatisfaction that they were not consulted prior to the announcement.

However, Obi, who said he was in the state to seek the support of Ugwuanyi, pointed out that his candidacy, was about Ndigbo in particular and Nigeria in general.

The former governor said that the success or otherwise of his nomination would depend on the leaders of the South East.

Obi said that if elected into office, he would attract meaningful development to the area, adding that the time to address the yearnings of the people was now.

“This nomination is about our own area. We cannot continue to say we are marginalised. These are some of the opportunities to address whatever we think is not in our positions,” he said.

Obi said that his record as governor was not in doubt, adding that he believed in the masses.

Responding, Ugwuanyi described the former governor as a `trusted’ party man and a household name in the zone as well as in Nigeria.

The governor said that the PDP enjoyed great followership in the state, adding that they were appreciative of the massive support the party enjoyed during the 2015 general elections.

Ugwuanyi said that he had no doubt that the party would also do very well in the forthcoming elections in the state.

The governor congratulated the entire PDP on their successful and peaceful convention in Port Harcourt.

Obi also visited the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo in his Enugu residence.

Nwodo, while receiving him said that the apex Igbo socio cultural organization would soon convene a meeting to take decision on the direction of the people in the coming election.

He described Obi as humble and incorruptible adding “your incorruptibility in government speaks volume.

“I look forward to when Ohaneze will take a decision on which party the Igbos will vote for and I wish it will be yours,’’ he said.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Defamation

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ost people do not realize the implication of what they say or write. They do not know that such words are tantamount to a crime or an offence which is punishable by law. They believe that with their position in the society, they have the right to say or write anything they deem fit without recourse to the law of this country. Don’t forget that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says that no one is above the law. It is on this note that I decided to discuss this topic.

Defamation is a tort which protects a person from loss of reputation by prohibiting the production of information likely to attract negative attention for others.

The publication of defamatory matter is both civil injury and criminal offence but it is usually ranked amongst criminal offences since it has the tendency to arouse angry passion, provoke revenge and likely to cause the breach of public peace. However, it is not necessary for the prosecution to show a breach of peace was likely to result from or is calculated to lead it as in R. v. Holbrook (1878) 4 QB. 42 at 46.

Defamation is defined in section 373 of the code as matter likely to injure the reputation of any person by exposing him to hatred, contempt, or ridicule or likely to damage any person in his lawful profession or lawful trade by an injury to his reputation.

Furthermore, defamation is the publication of an untrue statement of another person which reflects on that person’s reputation and tends to lower him in the estimation of right thinking members of the society generally or tends to make them shun and avoid him.

Defamation may be expressed in spoken words which are usually very difficult to proof or in any audible words or by any sign or object signifying such matter and may be expressed either directly or by insinuation or irony.

There are two distinct types of defamation namely; ❖ Slander and ❖ Libel The difference between these two can be explained thus; i. LIBEL: In libel, the statement must be in a permanent form. It is usually refers to by a written statement but can include television broadcast, cable programme and theatre, etc. see Metro Godwin Meyers Ltd (1934) 50 TMR 581. Here, the court held that the defamation statements contained in a talking cinematograph film was a libel in the words of the court. Libel is actionable per se which means that it is the conduct which is wrong irrespective of whether or not any harm is caused in the claimant as a result.

ii. SLANDER: The statement must in the respect of defamation be in a non-permanent form that is transitory – which generally involved spoken words but could not if they are broadcasted falls within libel. A gesture may suffice. Slander requires special damage. The claimant must establish loss(es) or harm(s) that is quantifiable in financial terms. Such as loss of a job or damage to business interest. In NTHEND v. Alade (1974) 2 ES CRP 109, the court held that “in an action for libel, the plaintiff need not proof malice in Law and need not proof any actual damage as the result of the publication, but malice and damage are resumed from the publication itself in the absence of lawful excuse……..once a publication has been found to be a libel, the law presumes damages.”

Slander is actionable per se in the following situation i. Any imputation that a claimant has committed a serious criminal offence. ii. That the claimant is unchaste or has committed adultery (female claimant only). iii. That the claimant has a contagious and infectious disease that prevents others from associating with him. iiii. That the claimant is unfit, dishonest or incompetent in relation to his trade, profession or business.

Note that, libel may be criminal but slander is only civil

injury. See section 374 and 375 of the Criminal Code. Further to this is that the imputation or obscene conduct to a person is defamatory of that person. To allege that a person is a thief, an Armed Robber, a Kidnapper, or even a criminal or to impute him the commission of any offence which is found out to be false is also defamatory. See, Monson v. Tussands Ltd (1894) 1 Q.B. 671; Webb v. Reavan (1883) 11 Q.B.D. 609.

One interesting any of defamation is that it seems that merely to publish of another that he owes money is not defamatory but if an inability to repay is implied it becomes defamatory. See Arayi v. Ojubu (19955-56) WRNLR 145. In this case, the magistrate found that the Olu of Warri has said nothing of the kind and that words were defamatory. But an appeal, the High court held that the words spoken were, without an innuendo, not defamatory of the Olu for they could not reasonably be said to expose him to hatred, ridicule or contempt, etc.

VULGAR ABUSE Mere vulgar abuse does not constitute actionable slander. Whether an utterance constitutes a vulgar abuse or not depends on the circumstances of the case.

In Bakare v. Ishola, 1959, 106 where in the heat of anger that led to a fight, the defendant in the on-looker said in Yoruba “ole ni ooo iwo to sesede lati ewonyi”meaning (you are a thief, ex-convict), Jibowu C.J.held that the words were vulgar abuse as they were spoken while the parties were exchanging words which led to blows. “It is a matter o common knowledge of which this Court takes judicial notice that people commonly abuse each other as a prelude to a fight, and call each other “ole elewon” which abuse no one takes seriously as they are words of heat and anger.” See also Ajala v.

Oyimade Adeladun (2979) 123 CCHCAJ 263. However, in Ibeanu v. UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR, 194Egbuna J. held that the words “Josiah, omgi kpo mdi ori bia zulu ewu…….. etc.” meaning (you brought the thieves with whom you stole my goat and now you’ve come to ask) were not mere vulgar abuse as it was clear from the evidence that there was no quarrel between the parties.

INNUENDO In Morrison v. Riteline (1902) 393 COTLB 432, the Court stated that a statement that X “has given birth to

twins” is innocent in itself but it carries a libelousinnuendo if published to persons who knows the extrinsic has been married only a few weeks ago. InAkintola v.

Anyim (1962) ALL NLR, an apparently harmless publication about the P in a booklet that he was a “son of a Chief Sawe of Ilesha and Alice” was held defamatory because the publication was capable of conveying the imputation that the plaintiff was a liar to the people who knows that the P claimed to be an Ogbomosho man. In Sketch Press Ltd v. Ajagbemokeferi (1989)1 NWLR pt.

100, 683, it was held that publication deals not only with what was said or written but also what is passed on to some other person. Thus, no action will lie for defamation unless the matter has been published. It is important to state that there are other forms of defamation apart from those I have discussed above. I shall list few and briefly discuss thus; a. Defamation of the dead: Dead person can be defamed in a way that if the intent is to injure the family if proved that a living member of the family’s reputation may have been injured by the publication. However, it should be noted that in this case no prosecution can be instituted without the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation. See section 373. b. Defamation of a class: Class here includes any company association or body of persons, corporate or unincorporated. Here, these classes of persons as in section 18(1) of the Interpretation Act can be the object of defamation. c. Publication: This is defined in section 374 as follows i. In the case of spoken words or audible sounds, the speaking of such words or the making of such sounds in the hearing of the person defamed or any other person; ii. In other cases, the exhibiting it in public, or causing to be read or seen or showing or delivered, with intent that it may be read or seen by the person defamed or by any other person.

It is clear therefore that from the above definitions that publication to the person defamed or a mere exhibition in public of the defamatory matter is deemed defamatory.

Note also that the Law stipulates punishments for these offence, so, avoid committing them.

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

With Douglas Omoyooma ENTERTAINMENT Winning Grammy Award a privilege – Lekan Babalola “I Grammy Award winner, Lekan Babolala put Nigeria on the world music think forever I will give God the glory for winning Grammy Award. Imagine the stone that was thrown away ending up the corner stone. For me, winning a Grammy is a privilege. It is like asking me how does it feel to be alive this morning,” the jazz peccussionist begins. “ I am not the first Nigerian to win Grammy Award as many people believe. There was a Grammy winner before me. His name is Sikiru Adepoju and he lives in Los Angeles.”

Born into a christian family, as he grew up, Babalola says he was attracted to Yoruba traditional religion at a very tender age.

Recalling those years he continued: “I had a great childhood growing up in the church community. I was into sports and I played football. I played for Under 17 in Nigeria and also played tennis. I was privileged growing up as a middle class kid. My parents were not rich but they were comfortable. I had a big church compound to play and I attended a good boarding school outside Lagos.

“At an early age I was attracted to Yoruba traditional worship of Ifa and my mum did not find it funny because she was a starch christian and then, my father who was a Cherubum and Seraphim pastor was dead. I think the way our fore fathers received the Christian religion from the Europeans was through mental whip and caning, and I think they passed it on to us like that. However, when Africans received Christianity from the Europeans, they brutalised their own way of life. You see, we don’t have religion in Africa but a way of life.

“We communicate with God and I think I encountered the way of life of the Yoruba and how they used to communicate with God and I developed an interest in it. So, growing up in a Yoruba Christian environment, I saw there was a conflict in the African way of life and the Christian way of life because the way of life of Africans was not properly translated into the new religion they found so, anybody that was not practicing it was bullied. I left Nigeria for England in 1980 after I got a scholarship from the Lagos State government to study Engineering in England and the rest is history today.

How did his mum take it? “My mum had no choice because I was always making reference to my grand mother who was a practitioner of the Yoruba way of life. She was from Iperu, from the royal family. So, my grand mother used to take me and my siblings to Babalawo when we were all young; we had a family Babalawo, mum had no choice and she accepted and blessed it before she died.”

What does Ifa mean to him? “Ifa is the word of God. Today, by virtue of slave trade, Ifa worship is practiced in the Caribeans, Cuba, Brazil and even in America and it all originated from here.”

Music Recalling how he discovered his love for music, he continued: “I developed a love for music when I went to arts college and film school. It had always been in me, I have always been playing bongos with rock and pop music bands just as an hobby around England.

“In Nigeria I wasn’t a professional musician so when I got here I started messing around with rock and pop bands and they told me that I had the skill. When I got back to Nigeria I started jamming with people like Fela Kuti and Tunde Kuboye at Jazz 38. It was at that point especially when Fela told me that I had the skill to be a great musician that I developed it.”

If there is anything Babalola is missing after 38 years in the UK, it is home. He says: “I wish I am living in Africa among my people. It is my wish I don’t know how it will play out. I have been living here now in and out for 38 years. I am privileged and I thank people like Ali Baba who honoured me with an award recently when I went to Africa. I thank him; he brought me on TV and gave me an award.

Any plans to relocate to Nigeria soon?

“Well, it is only God and time. It is only God that directs my activities now. I am not wor-

map when he won a Grammy Award years back. Today, the Nigerian jazz percussionist has released several albums and still counting, and in this chat with The Oracle Today, Babalola opens up on the joy of winning a Grammy Award, his love for Ifa and growing up.

• Lekan Babalola ried. I think I am coming to terms with the fact that yeah, I would like to return to Africa because I was signed recently with a management company, Temple Management, so, I am part of the family there. I think I have returned mentally but physically, I am not there yet.”

ing God’s message because it s a sacred stage where you prepare the communion.

“You are just privileged, a tool that is being used to prepare the holy communion. The holy communion is the music that you give the congregation. I feel privileged that God is using me.”

Happiest moment “My happiest moment is when I am on stage. That is the time I feel safe because I am performing, delivering it per second as God is giving me per second because in creation, when a woman is giving birth, the last push takes a second, not five minutes. So it is when God is giving me that message when I am on the band stand that is when I am feel-

Current project “I am touring Yoruba Sonnets. I have a new album dropping soon made up of of 11 songs.

The title is Mr Lakaiye. I have already released the lead single. It is part of the ongoing project I am doing which includes an art installation in honour of my muse, John Coultrain.

Mr Lakaiye is the icon of metal which is Ogun in the Yoruba pantheon and it is a tribute to

John Coultrain. and its 11 tracks are an amalgamation of Yoruba songs, English folk songs and songs about motherhood, civilisation and everything. It is coming out on Temple Music label. And also, I have a jazz festival I am curating.

“We are mixing at the moment. We have worked on about five songs. I am excited. I am producing. I just completed a big exhibition on the life and times of Fela Sowande at the Drum Festival in Abeokuta. I was commissioned by the Ogun State government for the job, Fela Sowande was the first Nigerian classical composer recognised worldwide.

Also I have exhibition that might travel to Nigeria called Odu of Ifa.”

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS Extra Ebonyi Govt inaugurates monitoring committee for VAPP Law

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bonyi Government, through office of the State Chief Judge, Justice Aloy Nwankwo, Friday, in Abakaliki formally presented the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law before the public.

The state also inaugurated the VAPP Law Monitoring Committee.

Nwankwo, who was represented

by Justice Destina Okoh, said that the law was meant to reduce some limitations and challenges encountered by law enforcement agencies.

The law 002 of 2018 passed by Ebonyi House of Assembly was signed

by Gov. Dave Umahi.

He said that the law would also take care of appropriate prosecution of gender-based offences, which were not specifically stipulated in both federal and state laws.

“The law is already in existence since January 2018 and will not affect court proceedings. This is a giant stride and we are happy that all stakeholders involve are participating in the campaign,’’ Nwankwo said.

Nwankwo said that the law addressed issues of harmful traditional practices, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, rape, incest and sexual exploitation.

Others are: spousal battering, harmful widowhood practices, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), indecent exposures, among others.

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, represented by his wife, Rachael, appealed to traditional rulers to inform and educate their subjects on the provisions of the law.

He said that the monitoring committee would be empowered to popularise the law in the rural areas.

“We will set up local government FGM monitoring committee to help identify and apprehend those who still practice the act.’’

Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Mr Musa Kimo, who spoke, assured the state government of support in the implementation of the provisions of the VAPP Law. Kimo, represented by DSP Kenneth Adokeme, urged stakeholders to educate family members and the public on the provisions of the law.

“We have mapped out strategies where offices will be opened for all to report cases of violence. The police will ensure that victims and witnesses are protected,’’ Kimo assured.

Mrs Stephanie Ekumankama, the chairperson of the monitoring committee, assured that the committee would popularise the provisions of the law as well as make them available to them.

The VAPP Act was passed and signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

The states were required to domesticate the law.

Though the law became effective in 2015, it was not gazetted.

The gazetting of the Act in 2018, was facilitated by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme of the British Council and funded by the European Union.

The Act prohibits all forms of violence against persons in private and public life and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.

Obi: S/East governors’ grievances ‘misconceived’ -- Anambra professionals

By VICTOR NZE

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mbrella body of professional in Anambra State, the League of Anambra Professionals [LAP] has described as ‘misconceived’ the attempts by some sections of leaders of South East geopolitical zone to scuttle the choice of former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi as the Presidential running mate of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at next year’s general election.

The group in a statement signed

by Mr Chijioke Okoli SAN and Mr Emeka Nwadioke, President and Publicity Secretary, respectively, Friday, said further berated the leaders, especially governors for escalating the matter in the public domain, even as it also agreed that consultation was key in finding an amicable resolution.

“While the Governors are entitled to ventilate any grievances they may

have against the appointment process, it is worrisome that they chose to escalate the matter in the public domain instead of first engaging in discrete consultations towards an amicable resolution.

“It is not as if they sought audience with Mr. Atiku Abubakar over the matter and were rebuffed. The issue was a very sensitive one and should have been approached accordingly especially considering that Atiku Abubakar as the PDP Presidential flag-bearer has the prerogative to choose his running mate. It is highly misconceived for the South East PDP Governors to attempt to deprive Mr. Abubakar of his right to nominate whoever he thinks he can work best with.

“At any rate, it has not been said that Mr. Obi lacks the capacity to discharge the roles of that office or that he has any moral handicaps that may imperil his performance in office. It is therefore difficult to

fault the appointment based solely on the allegation that the Governors were not consulted. Indeed, and as a matter of fact, Mr. Obi from all indications and on all reasonable indexes is a major asset to the PDP as part of its presidential ticket, as not many would argue that he has been probably the best Governor of any state of the Federation since the start of the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

“Democracy thrives best with a strong opposition, and Mr. Obi’s presence on his party’s presidential ticket for the coming elections obviously strengthens it. We advise all the stakeholders, the populace, the relevant organs of state like INEC and security agencies and political actors-especially the Governors-to close ranks in the interest of the country and work towards ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from the dividends of democracy,” the group

said.

The group, which is a non-partisan political organization said its statement follows its desire ‘to place on record its position on the entirely avoidable and indeed distracting controversy over Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s choice of Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) platform for the 2019 general elections.’

The south east governors had claimed that Atiku Abubakar did not consult them before making his choice of Obi as his running mate, a move which has seemingly clouded the prospects of the PDP at the 2019 elections considering that the party enjoys a huge following in the region.

However, the League of Professionals, in its statement, described consultation as a necessary ingredient of politics.

“The furore had been ignited by the complaint of a section of the leadership of the party in the South East zone of the country, led by the Governors in that zone, that it was not consulted by Mr. Atiku Abubakar before choosing Mr. Obi. “It is axiomatic that consultation is a necessary ingredient and indeed the handmaiden of politics, especially in a democracy. Therefore, absence of consultation of major stakeholders on a pivotal issue may raise concerns,” the group said.

Kalu emerges GPN guber candidate in Abia From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

G • Chairman, Strides Group, Mr. Moritz Abazie (left), Manager, Contract and Procurement Production, Shell Nigeria, Chioma Okpochi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Integrated, Steve Ayiyi, Representative of General Manager, S and E, Shell Nigeria, Obiorah Chidozie, after a panel session at Shell Nigeria Content Day Exhibition in Lagos, Wednesday

Skills acquisition: Ugwuanyi has changed our narrative – Trainees

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eneficiaries of the Skills Acquisition programme of the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), last Wednesday paid a ‘Thank You’ visit to the governor at the Government House for transforming their lives for better.

The jubilant beneficiaries were among the 750 trainees, who are now chief executives of their various businesses after they were assisted with N100,000 seed money each by the state government early this year, upon attending a oneyear free vocational training in focal areas such as Tailoring, Hairdressing, Haircut and Aluminum works apprenticeship.

Converging on the Government House Enugu, the empowered residents of the state, among who are non-indigenes, said: “we have come to say thank you for putting smiles on our faces”.

The self-employed beneficiaries stated that they “have shaken

off the cloak of despondency and dependency” through the governor’s empowerment programme, expressing joy that “we have been transformed into the prestigious ranks of chief executives of various businesses and viable money making establishments”.

They disclosed that prior to the programme, most of them “were merely marking time, depending dangerously on our parents, older siblings and neighbours for money to buy things as minor as soap to take our baths”, saying that today, they have not only been empowered by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s generosity, but most of them have become employers of labour”.

Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Tochi Aboh, disclosed that “as I speak, two formerly unemployed indigenes of Enugu State are busy attending to customers in my shop”.

According to her, “instead of begging for money to sustain myself, some of my friends who did not

have the fortune of benefitting from the widely celebrated Gburugburu generosity, now pass through my shop to ask for transport money to scout for employment”.

They, therefore, prayed for Gov. Ugwuanyi and unanimously pledged to rally support for the governor’s re-election in 2019 and his political ambition beyond 2023 “so as to be able to touch more lives the way you touched ours”.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who welcomed the elated beneficiaries to the Government House, told them that “it is God that has done this favour to you”.

While expressing delight that their narrative has changed for good, the governor assured them that more people will be empowered, stressing that the visit has motivated his administration to do more.

He, therefore, urged them to continue to pray for the success of his administration for the people to enjoy more democracy dividends.

reen Party of Nigeria, GPN has adopted Mr. David Kalu as its governorship candidate for the 2019 gubernatorial election in Abia State.

Kalu was the State chairman of GPN prior to his emergence.

Addressing members shortly after the GPN primaries held in Umuahia and witnessed by an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Ogbuehi Ifeoma, Kalu assured that he was ready to inject into Abia, educated and articulate personalities who are very much committed to serving humanity for effective resource management.

According to him, Abians were longing for GPN, as the party frowns at maladministration and corruption, adding that if given the mandate by the electorate, he would transform Abia within the first two years of governance.

He appealed to the electorate to shun money politics but should vote wisely for credible leaders who would serve the masses, which, he said, GPN was in a better position to do.

Mr. Ugochukwu Okoroafor; Maduabuchi Ihediwa, and Richard Ifeanyi were also adopted for Abia North, Abia Central and Abia South senatorial contests, respectively, during the primaries.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS Extra Wike berates FG PDP’s VP slot, a great honor – Anambra group for intimidating judiciary

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has berated the APC Federal Government for intimidating the Judiciary through unfounded allegations and trumped up charges.

Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Saturday during a courtesy visit by Class 1984 of the Nigerian Law School, Governor Wike said the illegal actions of the APC Federal Government has made it impossible for the dispensation of justice in the country.

“Where the country is heading to, there is little hope. The judiciary has been so intimidated. It is unfortunate that the Nigeria Bar Association buckled when it mattered most. Today, it is most difficult for any judge to be courageous to write fearless judgments. When they do, the security agencies will claim they saw money in the account of the judge”.

He said lawyers and other Nigerians should work towards the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.

“We must do everything to ensure that we have a country. If there is no democracy, we won’t have a way forward. Time has come when we must rise up and speak up against the failures of this government”, he said.

The First Vice President of the Nigerian Law School Class 1984, Bukhari Bello (SAN) commended the Rivers State Governor for his investments in the development of Justice sector infrastructure.

He urged other states to emulate Rivers State Government in the construction of befitting quarters for judges.

Bello also praised Governor Wike for quality projects across the state, especially the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.

Highpoint of the visit was the inspection of the Judges Quarters.

Flood sacks Otuoke, Jonathan’s community, in Bayelsa

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lood has taken over parts of Otuoke Community, hometown of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Otuoke is located in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa and one of the communities mostly affected by flood disasters.

Some residents of the community now use canoes to assess their homes following the overflow of River Orashi-Taylor and Epie creeks, situated in Rivers and Bayelsa States, respectively.

NAN recalls that the flood affected the house of Jonathan in 2012.

One of the residents affected by the flood, Mr Solomon Oru, called on the Federal Government and National Emergency Management Agency to come to their aid, as most of them now access their homes through canoes.

He said most of their properties have been damaged by the flood.

Oru also told NAN that the flood has dispatched reptiles around the communities, threatening lives.

Another resident, Mr Emmanuel Peter, said they can’t leave their homes, because thiefs are looting their properties.

He also called for the intervention of the state government and security agencies to support and protection.

A NAN correspondent who visited the Federal University Otuoke however reports that the institution was not affected by the flood as normal academic activities lectures were ongoing.

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

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he Anambra State Association of Past Presidents-General (ASAP) has commended the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for his wisdom and sense of equity in his choice of the former governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi, as his running mate in the 2019 presidential election.

Reacting to Atiku’s choice, the Association through its National President, Jude Ekwunife described the choice of Peter Obi as a very expedient and excellent decision in terms of national geo-political and

religious balance as well as in terms of competence and personal integrity of the former governor whom he described as an epitome of political ingenuity and administrative wizardry.

The association said Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State marked the high point of good governance, accountability, transparency and all-round grassroots development in the history of the State, a record that earned him Nigeria’s best governor of the year at the time.

They urged all Igbos at home and the Diaspora to support and rally round the duo of Atiku and Peter

Obi and speak with one voice, adding that zoning the vice presidential slot of the PDP to the South-East was a great honour and in the best interest of Ndigbo in Nigerian geopolitics which every Igbo should cherish and support.

The Association recalled that Peter Obi’s rural development approach marked the golden era of community development in Anambra State which translated to massive socio-economic empowerment of the communities that has greatly transformed the rural communities into semi-urban towns, adding that as former PresidentsGeneral of various communities in

Anambra State under Peter Obi’s administration, the Association is in position to affirm the choice of the former governor as a perfect and timely one.

The National President announced his Association’s plan, as a grassroots-based association, to commence a community-to-community mobilization campaign in Anambra State very soon to drum up support for the Atiku-Obi ticket towards total victory in the coming election as well enlighten the people on the merits and benefits of the Atiku-Obi ticket to Nigeria as a nation, the Igbo nation and Anambra State in particular.

Electing Ndigbo to national positions will end agitations – Uchegbuo From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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• Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike receiving a delegation of Class 1984 of the Nigerian Law School, at the Government House Port Harcourt who paid a courtesy visit, led by First Vice President, Bukhari Bello (SAN), Saturday

I was not summoned at Presidential Villa – Emmanuel

…APC making ‘political capital from a simple act of governance’

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kwa Ibom State Government has described as ‘petty and pedestrian’ reports in the media claiming that the state’s chief executive, Emmanuel Udom, was summoned to the Presidential Villa in Abuja over ‘billboard issues and alleged highhandedness against the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.’

A statement signed by Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary / Senior Special Assistant, Media to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Friday, said the state governor had only ‘requested an audience with the President to discuss important issues of the State, and the President had graciously granted the request.’

“I have read some news articles circulating within the media space claiming that the Governor of Akwa Ibom state was summoned by President Buhari over billboard issues and alleged highhandedness against the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“This news item is very petty and pedestrian. In fact that the news is peddled by members of the APC shows their disrespect for the office of the President and its occupant. The presidency of any country is the nation’s top job, with an attendant very busy schedule. It is therefore very infantile to allege that the President of a country like Nigeria will summon a Governor, for the purpose of discussing billboard locations in a state.

“The fact of the matter, is that His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor, Akwa Ibom State had requested an audience with the Presi-

dent to discuss important issues of the State, and the President had graciously granted the request. The purpose of the visit was strictly based on the above predicate, and had nothing to do with billboards or other such claptraps.

“It is our earnest advice that members of the opposition party in Akwa Ibom should to try to separate politics from governance and not bring the exalted office of the President of the Republic into disrepute by pushing ludicrous and vile propaganda,” the statement read.

Meanwhile Governor Udom Emmanuel has expressed dismay at the attitude of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, for attempting ‘to make a political capital from a simple act of governance.’

Speaking with Government House Correspondents at the Ibom International Airport, shortly on arrival from an official assignment in Abuja, Emmanuel said he was disappointed that the interaction he had with President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday could be misrepresented all over the media by some politically motivated writers.

“I read somewhere that the normal interaction, which is very normal, I do that very often with the President, was used to attack the office of the President for such petty things they are writing in the media.”

Governor Emmanuel said, “if APC members in Akwa Ibom have so much respect for their President who is the leader of their party, they can’t be using the President’s name on a petty thing.”

He admonished peddlers of such rumours to learn to show respect and exercise caution, since those publications were seen globally.

“So we just ignore them, it shows their mentality, they need to mature.”

On the recent landmark judgement by the Supreme Court, in favour of Akwa Ibom and two other oil producing states of the Niger Delta against multinational oil firms operating in the country, the Governor appreciated Nigerians and the rule of law.

He said the Supreme Court has really justified the confidence in them by the people.

“Let me first of all start by thanking Nigerians and also appreciating the rule of law. Without the rule of law, there is no democracy most especially the Supreme Court. I appreciate the Supreme Court and also Nigerians. At the end of the day, light must always triumph over darkness but that is the major milestone for the oil producing area.”

“The Law has always been there but it wasn’t interpreted to favour us but I think the interpretation and the judgment by the Supreme Court has put a final seal on what we are expecting.”

Emmanuel said it was “just unfortunate that things like that, instead of Akwa Ibom people celebrating, they are looking at it the other way round.”

Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa-Ibom states had approached the Supreme Court for interpretation of Section 16(1) of the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act.

resident General of Ahuwa-Oboro autonomous community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Engr. James Uchegbuo, has commended the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) for giving an Igboman, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, the chance to lead the union.

Uchegbuo maintained that such opportunities that would catapult Ndigbo into national elective positions would accelerate integration of the people into national polity and quell separatist agitations.

Isiguzo was elected the new National President of NUJ during the union’s 6th National Triennial Delegates Conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, earlier this month.

He defeated six other contestants, including the incumbent, Waheed Odusile, to clinch the coveted position.

Speaking with Newsmen in Umuahia, Uchegbuo said he has known Isiguzo, who, as the PresidentGeneral of Umukabia Autonomous Community, Ohuhu in Abia State, has displayed great leadership skills.

He called on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the NUJ by ensuring that former President Yakubu Gowon’s policy of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, which centered on the reintegration of Ndigbo into the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics, was achieved.

“For my fellow President-General to become the first duly elected NUJ President of Igbo extraction is something worthy of commendation.

“I must also commend the NUJ delegates for choosing an Igboman to be their National President. It will serve to show others (Nigerians) the best way to accommodate Ndigbo after the civil war,” Uchegbuo said.

“This will promote unity and one Nigerianism and serve as antidote to the pains and cries of IPOB and MASSOB members. I doff my cap for the members of Nigeria Union of Journalists,” he added.

Expressing confidence that Isiguzo would deliver on his new leadership task, the Ahuwa-Oboro community leader said “let me take assurance and insurance for the new NUJ President. He is a man I know too well and his capacity to deliver without fear or favour. I am fully aware that he won’t disappoint the members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

“He won’t disappoint anybody, because his position as a PresidentGeneral is enough cupola furnace that prepared his grounds for his future endeavours,” he noted.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS

Atiku will give SGF slot to South West – Daniel

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irector General, Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, Chief Gbenga Daniel, says the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) will go to the South West, if Atiku wins the presidency.

Daniel, a former governor of Ogun, made the declaration in an interactive session with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

The PDP had initially zoned its National Chairmanship to the South West, but later picked Uche Secondus from the South South.

Also, Atiku’s running mate, Mr Peter Obi hails from the South East.

“We need to understand that the candidate has control over who becomes his running mate during the election and who becomes the SGF if he wins. The decisions on major offices are being given serious consideration and no zone or region will be marginalised.

“The offices of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Reps will be decided after the polls and based on what plays out in both houses.

“Aside from major slots, I think what is paramount to the people of the South West is restructuring of the country, which Atiku is very serious about.

“So the issue for the South West is not personality or slot issue per say because personalities come and go but restructuring Nigeria is significant and more symbolic than zoned offices,” he said.

On Atiku’s manifesto, Daniel said that it would be published as soon as the campaigns kick off.

Port Harcourt bubbles as NAFEST kicks off

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he city of Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital has been thrown into a festive mood as the national festival of arts and culture [NAFEST] kicks off in the city.

The Rivers State Government planned a 2018 edition of a cultural festival, tagged NAFEST to hold in Port Harcourt from Oct. 20 to Oct. 27, to showcase the cultural heritage of Rivers and Nigeria.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Emmah Okah, told newsmen on Saturday in Port Harcourt that participants in the cultural festival had started arriving to register for the festival.

He said that the first few days of the festival would witness arrival and registration of participating groups from different States across Nigeria.

The Commissioner said that the festival was not only for Rivers cultural groups but for all cultural groups across Nigeria.

Also the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Oniyide, noted that Rivers’ culture would be exposed and showcased to the entire world through the NAFEST programme.

She stressed that the programme would also show that there was adequate security in Rivers.

Meanwhile, participating groups from the various states are converging on Port Harcourt and as well registering for the festival.

The festival is expected to boost the economy of Rivers within the period as business operators are full of praises for the government for organizing the programme.

GEF-SGP spends 4.9m dollars on environmental projects in Nigeria

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lobal Environmental FacilitySmall Grant Programme (GEFSGP) has supported Nigeria with 4.9 million dollars grant to fund 141 environmental related projects in 27 states between 2009 and 2018.

GEF-SGP National Coordinator, Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

Olubamise said that the grant was an additional fund to complement the environmental projects in about 200 communities.

“GEF operates in phases. Nigeria

joined GEF-SGP during Operational Phase 4 (OP4) in 2009. Presently, GEF is in OP6.

“The total number of projects supported by GEF-SGP since 2009 was 141 in about 200 communities in 27 states,’’ the national coordinator said.

She said that the grant was used to fund projects on biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, persistent organic pollutants and international waters.

“GEF-SGP provides grant, technical and coordination support to poor, marginalised and vulnerable

communities.

“This is through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Corporate Body Organisations (CBOs) to implement local environmental initiatives.

“Funded by the GEF, SGP is implemented by UN Development Programme (UNDP), on behalf of the GEF partnership and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS),’’ she said.

The coordinator said the GEF-SGP had supported alternative livelihood activities that helped to reduce pressure on the environment and

• Commissioner for Information, Ogbueshi Patrick Ukah with his wife during the Thanksgiving Service marking a successful 2018 New Yam celebration at St Michael Catholic Church, Okpanam, Sunday

NPopC plans 3 months birth registration campaign in C/River

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he Nigerian Population Commission (NPopC) says it will conduct a three-month birth registration campaign in Cross River due to low birth registration in the state.

Head of the commission in Cross River, Mr Gabriel Coker, said this on Friday at a two-day stakeholders meeting organised by NPopC in Calabar.

According to Coker, Cross River is one of the under-performing states when it comes to birth registration

like Imo, Ondo and Edo, among others.

He said the campaign would commence on Nov. 1 to the end of January 2019 to meet set target.

He explained that the campaign was planned to mop up the unregistered birth of children under the ages of five and one across the state.

“This shows that Cross River had not been doing well over the years and so UNICEF deemed it fit to sponsor this programme by giving us

Human trafficking: Task force embarks on door-to-door sensitisation in Edo

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do Government Task Force Against Human Trafficking, Sunday, embarked on a doorto-door sensitisation of residents at Uromi community, in Esan North East Local Government Area of the state.

The leader of the task force, Mr Endurance Uhunmwangho, disclosed that his team would leave no stone unturned in sensitising members of the public about dangers involved in human trafficking.

Uhunmwangho stressed the need to further educate people of the area not to be deceived into being trafficked overseas in the name of greener pasture, despite on-going efforts of the government.

He said that “We decided to engage in this door-to-door exercise because even with the efforts of our government and other stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking, people still fall to the

antics of traffickers and allowed themselves to be deceived about greener pasture abroad.’’

He appealed to parents in particular to help their children identify the gifts of God in their lives early enough, and make them useful to the society.

“For us as parents, I will advise us to encourage our children discover their God-given talents and gifts.

This will keep them busy and prepare them for what they want to be in future, because it is said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,’’ he said.

The Edo had received no fewer than 3,500 returnees from Libya within the last one year.

The task force had earlier in the year taken the advocacy and sensitisation campaign to public places such as churches, mosques and schools across the state.

more ad hoc registrars to work with us for this three months to see how we can gather this data from all the corners of the state.

“We are not happy with Cross River’s partnership with us in this business, other states are doing a lot to help themselves; we know we are a federal agency but we are in the state and the state is leaving us to do this all alone.

“If not for the help of UNICEF, we wouldn’t have been able to go this far, so our major challenge has been the lack of assistance from the state in the area of ad hoc staff, we have very few staff.

“Biase, Akamkpa and Yala, these are big Local Government Areas but they all have just two staff each, if we don’t have enough hands to assist, we will not achieve much,’’ he said.

Similarly, Mrs Gloria Okoronkwo, a resource person from NPopC headquarters in Abuja, said it was important to register a birth because a child that was not registered was like a child without an identity and so, does not to exist.

“This registration is very important for national planning, statistics and to disaggregate males and females in the society; it is so crucial that no society can do without it.

“In fact, any parent that refuses to register his or her child is denying the child his or her right to have a certificate of birth.

“We called this meeting with all the stakeholders so we can brainstorm to see how we can make sure that even children in hard to reach areas in the state are captured,’’ she said.

enhanced the quality of lives of the target communities, including widows and aged.

According to her, 800,000 poor rural dwellers, 65 per cent women and 35 per cent men have benefitted directly from the projects.

“60 per cent of communities have either never experienced or benefitted from any development support or participated in such a way as allowed by SGP. “GEF-SGP also demonstrates collaborative effort between NGO, community and private sector to address pollution. Many of SGP projects have been up-scaled/replicated.’’

In addition, she said the programme supported over 40 climate change mitigation projects such as tree planting to regenerate forests, energy saving stoves to consumption of fuel wood.

“GEF-SGP has supported projects in several states to address erosion and loss of farmlands to boost food production capacity with modern farming techniques.

“It assists in establishing skills acquisition centre to train beneficiaries especially women, widows and youth on alternative livelihood activities to discourage unsustainable land exploitation.

“It also supports the awareness creation and teaching simple techniques such as rain water harvesting to reduce stress of water and impact of drought; pitcher irrigation technology to reduce stress of irrigation on farmlands,’’ she said.

Olubamise, who said the grant also addressed the issue of biodiversity, said over 500 indigenous plant species were currently being conserved.

She said that it supported the establishment of Community Forest Management Committees and capacity building for forest protection.

The coordinator added that it also enhanced indigenous knowledge of biodiversity and revived interest in traditional medicinal values of plants species.

“In-situ conservation of the critically endangered Sclatter’s Guenon monkey (Cercopithecus sclaterri) that is endemic to southern Nigeria.

“The animal is internationally rated No. 4 in the 2006 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) global Red Data list of endangered species of fauna,’’ she said.

Olubamise said the grant also supported the protection and restoration of over 1.2 million hectares of land in Nigeria.

She, however, said that effective monitoring and evaluation of the projects were responsible for the successes GEF had recorded between 2009 and 2017.

“GEF in collaboration with NGOs/ CBOs conducts pre-monitoring and evaluation of these projects, carry out the evaluation during and after the implantation of the projects,’’ she said.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS

Kaduna Govt explains imposition of 24-hr curfew

Obey court order; return my mother’s car –Dismissed police woman tells PSC, IGP

aduna State Government on Sunday said the imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna metropolis and environs was a preemptive measure to avert breakdown of law and order.

Senior Special Assistant on Media to Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’I, Mr Samuel Aruwan, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that the action was based on the advice of security chiefs in the state.

He said that the government would give details on the security situation later.

NAN reports that 55 people were on Thursday killed in Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru Local Government Area of the state, which also prompted the government to impose curfew there.

A check by NAN reveals that the latest crisis was said to have began at Mararaba Rido, and spilled over to Sabon Tasha, Tudun Wada, Central Market and Ahmadu Bello way, the city center.

A resident of Mararaban Rido, Mrs Hanatu Simon said that the issue began at a Church in the area where a man was caught suspiciously recording the pastor’s sermon with his phone.

Simon said that the church officials reported the matter to the police and the man was arrested and taken away by the police.

“However, around 3 pm we heard gun shots around the market area with people running in all directions, houses were being burnt and everyone was running for his life. Although military and police officers are all over the place, we still hear gun shots all over the place,” she said.

Another residents, Julius John said: “I don’t know what is happening, I am in my house, but all I can here is gun shots with people shouting and running.”

At Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Market, a trader, Ibrahim Ya’u said that it was a spontaneous reaction as people “just started running when they heard there is crisis in town.

“Most traders quickly close their shops to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to steal our goods.”

Some youths who reportedly blocked the busy Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway and Ahmadu Bello Way burning tires, were later dispersed by security agents.

“In the pandemonium, a car ran over my brother, a fruit seller at Lagos street. We are trying to get the police to help us take him to the hospital,” a resident, Malam Abubakar Abdullahi, told NAN. In Janruwa community, a resident informed NAN that the youths there had barricaded the road, stopping and searching vehicles coming from both direction.

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

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...We have not received court order - PPRO

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hree months after a National Industrial court sitting in Enugu, Enugu State, ordered the Police Service Commission, PSC, Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Mr Ibrahim Idris and the Enugu state Police Commissioner, (CP), to reinstate a sacked police woman, Corporal (Miss) Hannah Markson,

return her mother’s Toyota Rav4 SUV they confiscated, payment of backlog of salaries, N2million compensation for general damages and wrongful dismissal and her transfer from Enugu back to Akwa Ibom state, where she was transferred from, the order is yet to be obeyed by the trio.

Crying for intervention through her counsel, B. C. Uzuegbu, for the

court order to be obeyed, she hinted that she has been incarcerated in detention, rendered jobless, frustrated and sacked by the trio for an offence that was not established until now that the court has come to her rescue by discharging and acquitting her.

The claimant’s case is that she joined the police force in February 2001 with Force No. 024795 and as

• Dr Peter Ngene, Soji Cole and Prof. Isidore Diala; Winners of the 2018 Nigeria LNG Prize for Science, Literary and Literature at a presentation, Friday night in Lagos (NAN Photo)

Atiku/Obi: Sheathe your sword – Cleric urges Igbo leaders

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

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takeholders and leaders of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have been urged to close ranks and work for the victory of their candidate in the next election instead of splitting heirs over issues that will set them back.

General Overseer of Bible Base Assembly, Rev. Jerry Nwachukwu, who gave the advice during an interactive session with newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra State said the opposition of the emergence of the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi was counter-productive, which will not augur well for the overall interest Ndigbo and the PDP as a party.

Rev. Nwachukwu advised those opposing the choice of Obi by the Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to sheath their sword and work for the success of PDP in February 2019 election.

He said “some of the so called leaders in the South East who are opposing Obi were doing that for individual interest, not for the collective interest of the East. So, as a Minister of the Gospel, I am urging them to remember that there is God and should stop using their personal interest to overrule the overall interest of Igbo nation”.

He condemned the manner with which they went about the opposition of Obi , saying it was “ bad, ab-

normal and unacceptable” The cleric reminded the South East Governors and PDP leaders in the zone to be conscious of the fact that their wealth and influence notwithstanding, it is God who is the ultimate builder of all things.

Rev. Nwachukwu said the combination of Atiku and Obi was a perfect match, stating that while Atiku was open handed, Obi was stingy and these qualities will work for the overall interest of Nigeria’s economy if they are elected.

“Atiku is flamboyant, Peter is conservative. So, we shall allow the two, so that this one can be spending , the other will be restraining the expenditure. If the two win the election they can help the country to come out of the wood” said Nwachukwu.

Continuing he said: “I think Nigeria is safe in the hands of the two.

Peter has managed businesses in private sector. He was successful.

He has also managed the economy of Anambra State for eight years.

We observed how far he did it. Atiku is also a job creator. I think two of them can stabilise our economy and reduce unemployment among the youths of this country. Both are business minded people”.

As the election approaches, the cleric said this is not the time for men of God and preachers of the gospel to expect money from candidates but the time to educate their

members and followers to come out and participate in their civic duties by voting according to their conscience. “ Ask your members to vote their conscience, not your candidate. We must encourage our members to do the needful. We should be bold enough to tell the people the right thing to do. I can tell you I am your pastor. This is the person I will vote.

Go and make your own choice and make the right choice too”he said.

The cleric said the political victory is not butter and bread but it is taken by force, saying “we should encourage, educate, direct and advise churches, believers and even Moslems in mosques because everybody loves good thing”.

He also said church leaders should critically look at the manifestoes of the political parties to tell the members which party has their interest at heart.

The cleric said; “so every pastor, especially the founders and leaders of big churches to read the manifestoes of political parties to their members and tell them the implication of each of them. We should also refresh, review the attitude and performance of past leaders to know how effective they were in the past, the blue-print of what they are going to do or done in the past. We should not ignore the past because who did not do well today may not correct it tomorrow”.

at June 2009 she was promoted to the rank of a Corporal. On the 29th March 2011 at about 10pm, she was arrested in the house of her fiancee along Agbani road Enugu, by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, Okeke and his team of policemen.

She was detained and later her family members were also arrested alongbwith her mother and variously detained at Eket Police Command, Enugu and later the claimant was transferred to Force CID Abuja, where she was released by an order of the Federal High court Abuja.

When she was first arrested on the 29th of March 2011, a Toyota Rav 4 SUV with registration No. TU716 KJA, belonging to her mother wasbconfiscated and taken to the police command Enugu. Despite the fact that the mother brought proof of ownership the police refused to release the car and the mother detained for days.

It was later that the police reportedly framed up charges of forgery against her and after one year and one month of trial at a Magistrate court in Enugu that she was discharged and acquitted.

The claimant at the point of her being released via the order of the Federal High court that she was informed that she has been dismissed from the Police force. Up to the time of filling this suit to the Industrial court the reason for her sack and detention of her family was not disclosed.

In the Industrial court she sort for the following reliefs, a declaration that the termination of her employment was wrongful and contrary to the rules of natural justice and an order for payment of backlog of salaries from April 2011 till date.

An order reinstating her to her employment and her transfer from Enugu Police Command to Akwa Ibom state Police command and compensation of N2million for general damages and wrongful dismissal.

She also prayed for her promotion to an Inspector of police which is the rank of her mates.

The Industrial court, Presided over by Hon Justice I. J. Essien (PHD) on making his order, granted all the prayers of the claimant (Plaintiff) except promotion to the rank of an Inspector.

According to the Judge, “the claimant did not lead any evidence to proof to this head of claim. The law is that the claimant ought to have led evidence and also establish evidence before this court that she ought to be entitled to an order promoting her to the rank of Inspector. This the claimant failed to do. In the circumstances, this head of claim fails and is hereby dismissed” he ordered.

Meanwhile her counsel, B.C. Uzuegbu, has written reminder to the trio authorities to obey the court order warning, “take notice that after 30 days from the receipt of this letter, we shall without fail, approach the court for necessary orders and sanctions to be imposed accordingly”.

The Enugu state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Ebere Amarizu, when contacted told The Oracle Today that the Command was yet to receive a copy of the Judgement.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS

2019: Senator Ita Giwa closes ranks with Ayade, pledges support From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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ormer Senator representing Cross River South in the National Assembly and Presidential Adviser, Senator Florence Ita Giwa has closed ranks with the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade and pledged to support the governor’s reelection.

Senator Ita Giwa who recently had a spat with the governor over relief materials meant for the displaced people of Bakassi in the state said her decision is in the interest of the peace, progress and development of the state.

She disclosed that the present zoning arrangement in the state particularly the governorship position which the Northern Senatorial District of the state presently occupies should not be jettisoned as it serves to address issues of marginalization.

The Senator who is also known as “Mama Bakassi” by her teeming supporters in the State said she considers it her duty as a political and community leader in the state to intervene at any time she feels that things are not going well in the state.

“Indeed recent events within the political space in the state is cause for concern because if care

is not taken the state could degenerate into a political war zone by one of the two major parties in the state,” she said.

The former lawmaker said she was convinced that the efforts of the Professor Ben Ayade led administration to develop the state will fast-track the development of the state, and called on leaders in the southern senatorial zone where she hails from to support his laudable initiatives.

The former presidential aide debunked speculations that her support for the governor is rooted in her desire to be the governor’s running mate in the next general elections said she does not need the office of deputy governor to impact positively on the fortunes of the state or to support the governor in the development of the state.

“I am very comfortable using the political platform as a leader to advance her avowed desire to serve humanity,” she said.

Her decision to throw her weight behind the governor has boosted the governor’s chances ahead of the elections as another influential group in the south, the Seven Alive had also thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of the governor.

Asaba Airport to be operational hub of Air Peace – Okowa

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ir Peace Airline is to make the Asaba Airport its operational hub, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said.

The governor made the disclosure, Friday, in Asaba while reeling out some of the achievements of his administration within the last three and half years at the presentation of the budgetary proposal for the 2019 fiscal year.

According to the governor who addressed legislators at the special session presided by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, “the management of Air Peace Airline has indicated interest to make Asaba Airport its operational hub, where it can quickly build its maintenance hangers.”

“We have made considerable progress in our quest to make Asaba Airport an international gateway; following the successful completion of the runway rehabilitation work, the airport has been approved and upgraded to

a Category 6 Airport to receive and dispatch large aircraft, by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,” he said, adding: “Nigeria’s premier carrier, Air Peace Airline resumed daily scheduled flight operations in and out of Asaba Airport on Monday, 8th October, 2018.”

He continued: “Work on our concession plan for the airport has also reached an advanced stage as we are confident that the concession will ensure that we realise our objective of turning the airport into a mega commercial and travel hub in this part of the country in record time in order to boost our economy and create more jobs for our people.”

“We have received strong interests from both local and international investors in the concession exercise and we expect the airport to be fully concessioned in 2019; in this regard, we published a formal “Request for Proposal” in national newspapers on Tuesday, 9th October, 2018,” Okowa stated.

THE ORACLE BUSINESS ARENA

• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Vice Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, who represented the Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu and Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe during the PDP flagbearer’s visit to affected communities in the recent pipeline explosion in Osisioma, Abia State

Minimum wage: Labour threatens strike, Nov. 6

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mittee did not agree on a figure during its last sitting. We accepted N30,000 as a compromise to demonstrate the willingness of Nigerian workers to make sacrifices towards nation building.

“Anything to the contrary no matter the quantum and character of the din or how well couched it may appear cannot be true.

“Resorting to Goebbelsianism at this time of national emergency, which requires men and women of integrity is rather unfortunate and cannot suddenly make the brazen falsehoods truths.

“We believe that it has become necessary for the Organised Private Sector (OPS) as represented in the Tripartite Committee to speak up on this matter.

“Keeping silent in the face of this apparent mischief does our nation no good. It can only help mischief, dishonesty and impunity to grow,” Wabba said.

The NLC president, however, said it was time for the OPS to rise to the occasion by telling Nigerians what transpired in that meeting.

Wabba added that they should tell Nigerians whether there was a motion that was seconded on a final figure.

“If there was a document signaling this agreement that had already been signed by some parties? If also the N30,000 figure was ours or a compromise figure based on proposed scenarios,”’ he said.

rganised Labour says it will embark on nationwide strike on November 6, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demand on the new National Minimum Wage of N30,000 agreed upon.

President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, made this known in a statement jointly signed by his counterparts, Mr Bobbio Kaigama, President, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Mr Joe Ajaero, President, United Labour Congress (ULC), Sunday.

The Organised Labour had said that the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage had concluded its negotiations and agreed on N30, 000 following an appeal made by Organisation Private Sector (OPS) as what they could afford.

Governors had made a proposal of N20,000 while the Federal Government had offer of N24,000.

The Federal Government had also initiated a clause “No work, No pay” during strike.

According to Wabba, we the organised labour in Nigeria having not seen any sign that this government is willing to demonstrate honour and integrity in relating with Nigerian workers and masses.

“So, we have resolved to organise a one-day of National outrage and mourning, which would be used to sensitise Nigerians on our plight and on the issues at stake.

“This shall take place in all states of the federation including Abuja on Tuesday, the 30th day of October, 2018 and a meeting of various organs of the Unions will hold as appropriate.

“On Friday, November 2, a Joint Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of all the Labour Centres in Nigeria shall hold to receive reports and make final preparations for our ultimate engagement with the Federal Government on this matter.

“This is the first time in the history of this nation in recent times that such meeting will take place and this goes a long way to show the seriousness with which Nigerian workers and its leadership hold this matter.

“If nothing is responsibly done by the Federal Government to meet our demands, on Monday, Nov.6 we shall embark on a nationwide strike,’’ he said.

He added that this would compel government to show more sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and the suffering that is decimating our people on daily basis.

Wabba also called on Nigerians and workers not to be discouraged in the struggle for the new National Minimum Wage.

He explained that it was not true that organised labour had proposed N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

“It is also not true that the com-

I formerly known as OKORO ONYEDIKA ANASELLER now wish to be known as OKORO ONYEDIKA ANSELM. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as MISS AGODI ROSEMARY NDIDIAMAKA now wish to be known as MRS IFEANYI CHINEDU ROSEMARY NDIDIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and Genera public take note.

I formerly known as AGBALIZU FLORENCE. now wish to be known and addressed as AGBALIZU FLORENCE NKIRU. All Former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as Miss OKEREKE IFEOMA THERESA now wish to be known as Mrs, AJAEGBU IFEOMA THERESA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

This is to confirm that the names: EZEBUIRO ALEX and NWALA ALEX NWALA refer to one and same person and I now wish to be known as NWALA ALEX NWALA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as OBIANWU NONSO DANIEL is still wish to be known as OBIANWU NONSO DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. Please General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

44

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS Cont’d from page 2 are issues of dependency, fear and mistrust.

“If we cut out all the sophistry, posturing and pretensions, it is clear to me that the resistance against restructuring is based on three interrelated factors, namely dependency, fear and mistrust.

Dependency of all segments of the country on oil revenues, fear of loss of oil revenues by non-oil producing states or regions and mistrust of the motives of those angling for restructuring.

“This can be seen in the regional patterns of the advocacy for and opposition to restructuring. The bulk of the calls for restructuring comes from the south while the bulk of the opposition to it comes from the north. This tells me that it will be critical for all parties to put their cards on the table, give one another the necessary reassurances and make the necessary compromises in order to secure a restructuring deal. Denials and insults by both sides are not a substitute for these.

“Although arguments against restructuring come mostly from the North, there are, however, elements from the other regions who are in government and who argue against restructuring, claiming that it is only good leadership (ostensibly theirs) that is needed to resolve our nation’s challenges. Opponents also argue that restructuring is a ploy to break up the country. They insist that national unity is non-negotiable and claim that the matter has been resolved by the civil war.

How the current structure is the only guarantee of unity is never really explained, neither is it demonstrated that devolving more powers and resources to federating units would lead to a breakup of the country.

“Only our First Republic Constitution came close to the US’s Constitution in terms of the process of federal constitution-making and allocation of powers between the federating units and the federal government.”

But, according to Prof. Abdullahi, leader of the Northern Elders Forum and former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, restructuring of the country the way it is being pursued is suspect and would be resisted by the North.

In an interview early this year this year, Abdullahi said: “If we want Nigeria to be restructured, the only thing that is required is for us to call

North in dilemma over Atiku a Sovereign National Conference.

It is the only conference that Nigeria has not experimented.

“But can you call a sovereign national conference while there is a sitting government? And there is a sitting National Assembly, there are sitting State Assemblies and governments and so on?

“They have to step aside. They have to be brushed aside for a sovereign national conference to take place and the verdict of the sovereign national conference must be binding.

“But, as long as these are enshrined in our constitution, the only way is for amendments to be proposed to the appropriate bodies that have the responsibility of amending our various provisions.

“That is the only sensible thing to do but if this would be discussed sensibly without apparent blackmail and furore about so and so forth, we have all personalised restructuring with a view to targeting a section of the country and this is the area that we feel very sensitive about and we will resist it. Even if we don’t resist it objectively, we can resist it politically.”

Atiku’s emergence as PDP’s presidential flag-bearer may again have ignited debate on the pros and cons of restructuring and the best way to move Nigeria forward.

Informed political sources told The Oracle Today that Prof.

Aminu’s innuendo about Buhari’s invincibility in the North is an indication that the core north is still deeply divided over restructuring even though the proposal is coming from one of its own.

Other sources who spoke with The Oracle Today, however, contended that the question of the ‘North’ resisting restructuring does not arise any more.

Said a lawyer and politician in Port Harcourt who did not want to be quoted: “I don’t think there is a monolithic North anymore whose politics is determined by a few. What we have are the interests of people, political parties and States.”

According to him, “there are hunger and terrorism in the land.

People want to see stability and an improvement in these areas.”

“Atiku Abubakar is a Muslim northerner and is perceived as be-

ing able to bring about the needed improvements. That’s all that matters now. The matter of lopsided appointments and so-called northern interest are secondary even though many believe that he’ll still favour the North. So that settles that,” he added.

“But I don’t think the generality of the people feel any particular advantage from those appointments especially as there has not been any real improvement in their lives.

“The Northerners also want change and they appear to trust Atiku more than Buhari in terms of changing the country and still ensuring that the North remains politically relevant in the scheme of things in the nation’s polity. Buhari has failed in the areas of economy and security and the North believes Atiku can do far better than Buhari on these fronts.”

Arguing in the same vein, Victor Young, a Port Harcourt-based democratic advocate said: “My take on this is that it depends on whom you refer to as the North because I believe the average northerner will prefer a restructured country that works. The lopsided appointments do not confer any benefit on the man on the street in Kano, Gusau or Sokoto and they really don’t care. There really will be no interest to protect if things are allowed to disintegrate to the point of no return.

“And don’t forget Atiku is a northerner no matter what anyone says. I believe there are northerners who really believe that restructuring is the way to go, too.

The northern elite might want the status quo to remain but they are just a fraction of what the north really is.”

Said Austen Young, a journalist, public policy analyst and former Rivers State Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC: “The election is not about North and South; it is about political parties and whoever God will show mercy to emerge as president.

There are Nigerians in the North at home with restructuring. Remember Jonathan’s conference of 2014 and its recommendations?

Northerners were involved. It was a huge political and campaign issue for the APC back then in 2014/2015.

•PDP Vice-Presiential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi with others during a courtesy call on the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo at his office in Enugu

They had the backing of the South West people who are the major protagonists of restructuring. They came to office and reneged. Check the APC manifesto.

“So for those who believe in restructuring, it is about who can be trusted to do it. If the APC made so much hue in 2015 and could not do it in four years and could not advance reason for their failure, how will they be able to assuage the feelings of growing disappointment in the country? Atiku is the only Presidential candidate, besides Donald Duke of the SDP that appears focused on his commitment to restructuring. He doesn’t intend to make a jamboree out of it; he is already clear on what he wants: propose some constitutional amendments, which will address the yearnings of the people.

“Concerning the voting pattern, majority of Nigerian voters may not necessarily appreciate the dynamics of restructuring.

What they understand is bread on their table. If they have been hungry for a good part of four years and suddenly you start dolling out money and welfare packages at the twilight of your administration, you cannot fool them. They are bound to ask questions. They are bound to look beyond the elections and ask, what happens tomorrow?

Hunger does not know region, tribe or language. A hungry MSN is an angry man. Majority of the voters are angry. The elites hardly vote, even among the political class people vote because they have something to gain. The village man who has nothing to gain wants a better condition of living and will cast his vote to whom he believes can guarantee that.”

However, while Uwaoma, Uche, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication, believes that recent declarations of support for Atiku since his emergence as the Presidential candidate of the PDP leave no one in doubt as to where the support of the Northerners would swing come 2019, a businessman, Eyninnaya Igwe, who resided in the North for decades, said conservatives in the North would continue to root for Buhari because of several factors.

According to him, the restructuring mantra, which Atiku is dangling before Nigerians is a sour grape for the North as they would not want anything that would alter the current political equation of the country, which is in their favour.

“The emergence of Atiku Abubakar will appeal to the progressives; but the conservatives will not welcome it very well because Buhari appears to hold better attraction for the conservatives than for the progressives, Igwe said. “Atiku has been harping on restructuring. But, whether we like it or not, the political equation of the country as it is today, favours the North and they would not want anything that would alter this equation as currently obtains. That is to say, they don’t want restructuring.

“I think Atiku will have problem explaining to the North what he means by restructuring and they will not welcome it. The system favours them: they have more votes, more states and local government areas and control of the resources of the country, even if indirectly, by taking the lion share from the common pool of the

country.

“What restructuring will mean is that there will be equity, there will be an understanding of the confederating units, should it be by states or local government, which the North may not want. So restructuring will be a very hard nut for Atiku to crack, so it will not be to his advantage.”.

Uche’s hope for Atiku’s triumph is hinged on the support of former Presidents and leaders of Nigeria from the North, including Abdusalami Abubakar, Generals Yakubu Gowon, T.Y.Danjuma, Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and lately, Senator Shehu Sani from Kaduna State, all of who appear to prefer Atiku to Buhari.

There is also former President Olusegun Obasanjo who recently reconciled with his former deputy and has thrown his weight behind Atiku.

He also named the influential Arewa Youth as having throne their weight behind Atiku because of his democratic credentials.

“You can see that if all these people and bodies that matter in Northern Nigeria are opposed to Buhari, so who does he (Buhari) has,” he asked, pointing out that “all these people were instrumental to his emergence in 2015. The level of the dumping of Buhari is at the level of quantum leap per second and per day. So, nobody is really with him.”

The Associate Professor and public affairs analyst also argued that another factor that would prompt the North to look away from Buhari is that he does not represent their interest.

“I want to first say that the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the Presidential candidate of the PDP in Nigeria is actually an albatross for the cabal in Northern Nigeria.

Buhari never represented the interest of Northern Nigeria, rather Buhari represented the interest of a vindictive agenda of certain groups who were out to, in every form, try to avenge whatever they had against former leaders who came from the North and South and that is what Buhari actually came to achieve,” he argued, pointing out that “Buhari cannot be said to be a true Northern leader because even the North are not in support of his moves.”

Uche added: “From a recent research I conducted, the announcement of Atiku Abubakar as the Presidential candidate of PDP raised the joy of Nigerians to 97 per cent. And the North themselves were jubilant. The interesting thing is that Atiku Abubakar is Hausa Fulani, Buhari is also Hausa/ Fulani.

Kingsley Adonis Pepple, a public policy analyst isn’t so optimistic however.

He is of the view that the North will not choose Atiku over Buhari in any accounting.

“Before asserting and accusing Buhari in this aspect, I do recommend that you do a statistical breakdown of all the appointments by Buhari and be able to back up your claim,” he told The Oracle Today in Port Harcourt.

“They already know that Atiku is just deceiving Southerners with such restructuring talk. Have you taken your time to unbundle the details of his restructuring plan It’s easy to promise restructuring because that is what people who do not even understand what restructuring means are clamouring for. Restructuring should be clearly defined and details provided on the procedures and overview.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

SPORTS

•Gianni Infantino •Gianni Infantino

We’re happy Ighalo repaid confidence – Ibitoye Omokaro bombs Rohr S

•Says “Mikel still team leader” Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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UPER Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, has expressed delight at Jude Odion Ighalo’s five star performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya. It is recalled that Ighalo pumped five goals against the Libyan in two games helping Eagles to rescue their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying campaign.

According to Ibitoye, he is delighted that the confidence the technical crew led by Gernot Rohr reposed in him has been repaid in the two games in played for the country in five days.

He explained that despite the reservations many Nigerians expressed over the invitation of Ighalo after he could not score a goal at the World Cup in Russia as the country’s top striker, Ibitoye said they had to keep faith with him because they know his quality saying that he is happy that he has been able to paid for the confidence reposed on him.

Ibitoye made his feelings known while fielding questions on a radio sports programme on Star FM on Friday.

“We believe that Odion Jude Ighalo is a good player. We have always have confidence in his ability and I remember speaking to a few people that what we need is to get behind him and give him support. And I am happy that he has repaid that confidence by scoring those crucial goals,” Ibitoye began.

“Odion is a key member of this team. He works very hard for the team in training and his rating mark is 100 per cent. So, it is gladdening that this is happening for him.

On the two remaining games the Eagles’ image maker said: “The remaining games are very important for us. We are in control of the group now. We don’t want to lose that control, we don’t want to assume that it is done and dusted.

“We still have to stay focused and stay humble as our coach will say.

Stay committed to preparing for those two games. They are very important games and we want to go out there and win for Nigeria.

“We are happy that things have

turned around for us from being third in the group penultimate week ago, to being first now in the group.

So, we can now maintain that position and qualify for the Nations Cup as group leaders. And for us to do that we have to go to South Africa and get a good result and then come home next March and finish it up.

“I believe all these are very achievable for us. If we can achieve them, we must work towards achieving them and I believe everything will turn out well for us.

Speaking on the absence of the team’s captain, John Mikel Obi, Ibitoye said: “We pray he plays a part in the remaining matches because he is a very key member of this team. He is the leader of the team and he is a great player.

“We really missed him but his health is far more important to us than the football match. His fitness is very key.

“He has been in and out of injury.

We pray he gets consistent run of games and stays safe, match fit.

“Of course if he is fit and he is able to give that quality to us without any hindrance; we will always have him.

He is always with the team, he is a great leader.

“We pray that he overcomes this little setback and match fitness and he is able to play some key role for us in the remaining games.

Speaking lastly, Ibitoye said: “Of course the team is being improved upon. If we see players of quality anywhere, who are better than those who are already with us, Rohr will always open his doors to them.

“The national team is not closed. It is always open for players who can bring quality to the team whether they are based abroad or based at home.

“Therefore, we keep watching and we keep scouting looking for who to improve the team, so that the team can get better and get more competitive because the more competitive the team get the better we play and the better the result we get.

“So, we keep watching. These guys have done so well and we just get our fingers crossed. If they stay in shape, stay in-form without injuries they will be able to do more for Nigeria,” Ibitoye concluded.

•Odion Ighalo, Super Eagles goal poacher.

Eagles’ double over Libya excites Lawal

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OLLOWING Super Eagles double victories over their Mediterranean Knights of Libya, former Eagles utility players, Garba Chindo Lawal has expressed excitement over the national team gallant performance that has left in the driving seat of Group E of the African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Lawal expressed his excitement in exclusive telephone interview with the Oracle Today Sports on Friday.

World Youth Olympics: Nigeria placed 48

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HE World Youth Olympics has come gone with the most populous country on planet earth placing 48 on the medals table after winning 1gold and 3silver medals.

The Nigerian Youth who have returned to the country from Bonus Aries, Argentina defiled all odds to place the country on the medal’s table. The World Youth Olympics is organised for athletes who are not more than 19 years in a bid to encourage them and prepare them for future development.

It is important to note that 93 countries participated in the competition and Nigeria managed to place 48. Russia were the overall champions after garnering a total of 19 gold, 18 silver and 12 bronze medals making a total of 59 medals.

Russia was followed by China who won 18gold medals, 9silver

and 9bronze medal to bring Team China total medal haul to 36. Japan placed 3rd with 15gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals to bring their total medal haul to 39 medals.

Among Nigerian athletes that won medals for Nigeria is a 400 level undergraduate of Federal University of Technology Akure, who won silver and people doubt the possibility of his being within the 19 years age bracket as stipulated by the organisers and FUTA Akure has been agog as they celebrate the feat achieved by one of their student at the global competition.

It is doubtful if a 400 level student in Nigeria will be within the age range knowing full well that for anybody to be admitted into any of the country’s universities, that person must be at least 16 years and considering the challenges that confront

Nigerians, most people are above 16 years before gaining admission to the universities.

The Oracle Today Sports believe strongly that Nigeria could do better than this though it is 50/50 chance.

• Rosemary Chukwu

According to him, as far as he is concerned the most important in any competitive football match is victory and that was the Eagles got in the encounter.

“Well, I must say that I am excited over Eagles’ double victory against Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier,” Lawal began.

“Of course, you and I know that there are no more minnows in world football and Africa is not exempted.

What is important is the maximum points we garnered over the two legs over Libya.

“I do not understand what people mean by saying that victory over Libya should not be celebrated and I ask why? As far as I am concerned Eagles did well by winning the two legged encounter thereby catapulting us to the top of our group.

“Do not forget that for two consecutive edition of the continental football showpiece, we have been absent owing to our inability to qualify. And you know what means to our football. So, I am excited because our qualification for the 2019 AFCON is in our hands,” Lawal said.

Speaking of what he feels that needed to be done to ensure that Eagles are strengthened, Lawal said that is responsibility of the Gernot Rohr as he disclosed that he knows better than him and every other person as he knows what he want from his team.

UPER Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has come under fire for trusting solely on himself on the issues of the national team, the Super Eagles. This is not the first time the Franco-German football tactician will be condemned for not heeding or considering other people’s view when it concerns the Eagles.

Former international, Bright Omokaro, otherwise called 10-10 by his admirers during his hay days as national team player, has descended heavily on Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr for his inability to listen to meaningful advise.

The former Eagles’ midfielder said the Eagles’ Manager, should do well by listening to people’s opinions instead of trusting only in his own instinct. He is of the opinion that the coach should be able to analyse the performance of his players after every game and listen to opinions about each player so as to help him in the next game.

It is recalled that most people were of the opinion it was his inability to make substitution on time that cost the Eagles a draw against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup and same scenario that almost affected the team against Libya as the hosts came from two goals deficit to level score before Odion Ighalo’s second goal of the night secured the maximum points for Nigeria.

“I believe that the coach gave people the impetus to make noise. If I were him, I would always go back to the drawing board after every game,” Omokaro began.

“As a coach, you have to imagine the match yourself properly, feel the reactions of the players, and work on your plans.

“He should listen more to others because the masquerades that dances outside, it is those that sees it that can assess it,” Omokaro said.

“It is what you give them that is okay during the hour, listening to outsiders makes you build your team well.”

Meanwhile, the former Shooting Stars of Ibadan coach has called on the Super Eagles players to work for each other in subsequent games as he described the team’s victory against Libya on Tuesday as a great escape, saying they almost lost due to their carelessness.

Speaking further the former international disclosed that the team were in control of the game from the beginning only to capitulate even as he absolved Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho from blames for the two goals.

“There is something we call consistency and psychology in football. It is the coach that needs to build winning instinct in the players.

“It is possible that the consistency of unity might not be among the players; if a defender is eluded, the attackers and midfielders are supposed to fill that gap and do the job.

“There should be a connection among the players, this isn’t a magic and this was what kept us going during our days.

“It is not only the job of the defenders to stop the ball, but a collective action. They need to work together, to know each other capability so that the progress will come; they need to know they are one family.”

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

SPORTS

Settle all Enyimba’s indebtedness, Oduah task Ikpeazu, Anyansi

Okeke to fight American Hamilton for LBF December 30

C

• Enyimba Int’l FC of Aba Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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HEAD of the October 24 return leg of Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup semifinal match between Nigeria’s representatives, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba and Morocco’s Raja Casablanca, former member of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Prince Isidoreh Oduah, has tasked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the Chairman of Enyimba, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu to ensure that all

outstanding financial obligations to the players to enable them give their best in the match against Raja in Casablanca, Morocco.

According to the former member of Anambra State Sports Council, Enyimba have all it takes to upturn the deficit they had in Aba in the first leg.

He maintained that having been in football administration all his life, clearing players’ entitlement serves as a tonic hence the call to ensure that players financial indebtedness are cleared before they embark

on the journey for the return leg in Casablanca.

“I am concerned about Enyimba’s return leg match against Raja Casablanca because this match is very crucial to either Enyimba making it to the final or not,” Prince Oduah began.

“With my experience in football over the years, I have implicit confidence in the ability of Enyimba to upturn the 1-0 home defeat in Casablanca. I have seen it done time without number.

“As a part of former Enugu Rangers management, there were oc-

Obuh gives out daughter in traditional marriage

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ORMER Flying Eagles and Enugu Rangers coach, John Sam Obuh will on 27th give out his daughter, (Icethonia Nneoma John Obuh) in marriage to her heartthrob, Hugo Ndoma Igba, the son of the former Senate leader and the current Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Ndoma Igba.

This much was exclusively disclosed to The Oracle Today Sports by no other person than Coach John Obuh in a telephone interview following an invitation extended to The Oracle Today Sports for the Traditional wedding.

According to the 2011 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations winning coach, the Traditional marriage of his prized jewel, Icethonia Nneoma John Obuh will take place at his country home in Ndi Uduma Awoke Ohaofia, in Ohaofia Local Government Area of Abia State.

“I and my family humbly wish to remind you of our daughter’s coming traditional marriage date coming up on the 27th of October 2018 by 10am in Ohaofia,” the text message reads.

“You are by this text message cordially invited to this special occasion of our daughter’s traditional marriage in my family home at Ndi Uduma Awoke in Ohaofia, Abia State.

“My daughter is 24 going to 25 and she is currently a part time Master Degree student in one of the tertiary institutions in Kaduna.

“His heartthrob is the Hugo Udoma Igba, the former Senate leader and currently the Chairman of the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). We are looking forward to seeing you, thank you,” the former Enugu Rangers sweat merchant said.

Speaking further, the coach who led national Under-20 team, The Flying Eagles to FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Columbia explained that the white wedding will hold in December 15th in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

“For the white wedding, it is going to hold on December 15th in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. You are also invited to grace the occasion,” the Ohaofia, Abia Stat- born football tactician said.

There is no gain saying that come 27th, the Ndi Uduma Awoke in Ohaofia, Abia State will be a beehive of activities as who is who in Nigerian Football and the country’s political heavyweights will converge on John Obuh’s country home to honour and witness the traditional wedding of Obuh’s first daughter, Icethonia Nneoma and her heartthrob, Hugo Ndoma Igba, the son of former Senate Leader who is currently the chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

It is going to be an opportunity for those who will not be making it to Dubai come December 15th for their White wedding to rejoice with them

as they are formally pronounced husband and wife in accordance with the customs and traditions of Ohaofia, the land of the warriors.

It is important to note that traditional wedding is the ultimate in marriage institution as the white wedding cannot take place without the traditional wedding where the father in the presence of all and sundry will hand over his daughter to her husband after the traditional rites have been performed and it is one marriage that the courts pay premium today than white wedding.

The Oracle Today Sports joins millions of the John Sam Obuh and Senator Ndoma Igba families to wish the new couple the best of married life.

•Coach John Sam Obuh

casions where Rangers were considered to have lost out having lost their home games but at the end of the day, you see Christian Chukwu marshaled Enugu Rangers upturning their earlier deficits to emerge victorious at the end of the day.

“I also believe that this is not the first time that Enyimba will be finding themselves; in this type of situation. They have the experience and I believe that they have the right caliber of players to redeem the image of the country.

“If there is any club in the country that have the capacity to salvage this situation, it is Enyimba. That they lost at home does not mean that it is all over for them. All that they need is to remain focus and determined in this patriotic assignment.

“Enyimba are representing Abia State or Ndi Igbo, they are representing the entire country that is why every well-meaning Nigerian should wish them well because they are flying the flag of the country.

“You are aware that Enyimba are the only club from Nigeria that are still in the continent and in the race for a continental trophy. So, every effort should be made to help them achieve the desired result and the starting point is clearing all indebtedness owed them if any,” Oduah declared.

Speaking further, the Ochuche Prince from Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State disclosed that the responsibility funding Enyimba’s continental campaign should have been the responsibility of the Abia State Government recalling that during his time as a member of the board of the Nigeria Football Association, once any Nigerian club qualify for any continental or subregional competition the then NFA will take over the funding of their campaigns because they consider it as a Nigerian project.

He said he does not know whether that is still obtainable under the current leadership of the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) saying if it is not, they board of the NFF should endeavour to reserve to that

HINEDU Okeke, the current HBE Light Middleweight Intercontinental Champion, will come up against a United States of America’s veteran naval officer, Prince Shawn Michael Hamilton, in a HBE Middleweight International Championship. The fight is billed to hold at IfeanyiUbah Stadium in Nnewi, Anambra State.

According to a release from the promoters of the fight, Heritage Promotions, the fight will come up on December 30, 2018, at Nnewi and it will be partly bankrolled by Capital Oil and Gas, owned by Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, who indicated interest to host the event in Nnewi.

Director of Heritage Poductions, Samuel Opara, said that the Nigerian boxer, who was based in Senegal, would be entering the ring on the back of his recent triumph over Abdulkareem Ba of Senegal, whom he defeated in the Middleweight international fight in July to earn the intercontinental championship.

The promoters noted that this is an LBF (Legend Boxing Foundation); one of the world’s sanctioning boxing association, with promotional and other incentives at stake for the eventual winner between the Nigerian and his American challenger.

Meanwhile, speaking on the fight, the Nnewi Anambra State born pugilist, Okeke said he had prepared for his challenger, expressing full confidence of overcoming Hamilton.

“There is no fear because this is all what we know how to do. I am looking forward to the fight with high optimism,” he said.

On his own Dr. Ubah said that, “this is a welcome development for African Boxing which Heritage Entertainment is poised to redefine.”

Okeke hails from Nnewi in the South East Nigeria.

Rohr should start planning for South Africa match – Ka’oje

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ON. Bala Bawa Ka’oje, former minister of sports, has charged Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr to start planning his strategies on how to engage South Africa in the next match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ka’oje, who says he is very happy to see Nigeria in the verge of qualifying for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations that will be staged by Cameroon, disclosed that he expects Rohr to start mapping out his strategies on how to get victory against the Bafana Bafana, who shocked millions of Nigerian Football loving fans with a 0-2 victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

With Nigeria now top of Group E table, and set to play South Africa away on November 17, Ka’oje recalled how Bafana Bafana shocked the Eagles in Uyo, and stressed that it is time to pay them back in their own coins.

A 2-0 result back in November 2017 marked Rohr’s first defeat in charge of the Nigerian team, the first time South Africa would beat their rivals in a competitive match and on the Eagles’ home soil for that matter.

In hi9s words: “I expect the Super Eagles technical crew to have learnt a lesson from the defeat in Uyo in the first leg against Bafana Bafana.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 31, 2018

NEWS World Peace Day; Rotary, Red Cross, NBA, FRSC on road show against polio

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

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n their bid to intensify the campaign for the eradication of polio in Anambra state and Nigeria, Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis, in conjunction with Nigeria Red Cross Society, Nigeria Bar Association, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Market Traders Association andvNigerian Television Authority, NTA, weekend, embarked on ‘three kilometre Peace Walk’ (road show) from New Tarzan Junction Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, to the Chuba Ikpeazu stadium, Onitsha.

The exercise which commenced about 6.30am, took over the busy Onitsha/Enugu Expressway as it was a beehive of professionals in their hundreds, walking and sharing fliers to people, on the need to eradicate polio.

According to the President of Rotary Club Onitsha Metropolis, Ifeanyi Onwuanyi, “now Nigeria has celebrated two years without polio. It is a lot of efforts and money that runs into millions of dollar. The challenge we have in Nigeria is basically for good spirited individuals, organizations and corporate bodies to donate money to make Nigerian Rotary to make its own contribution to International body so that more vaccines will be produced to ensure that polio virus is eradicated finally from the surface of the world” According to him about 500million dollar will be needed to eradicate polio in the world while 200million dollar will be needed to eradicate it in Nigeria. Contributing, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM, Igwe Alfred Achebe, who was ably represented by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Hon Agha Mba, while commending Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis, for honouring him with award, said that Rotary has been in the forefront in polio eradication and urged it not to relent.

Commissioner awards scholarships, donates motorcycles to community

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ommissioner for Information of Delta state, Chief Patrick Ukah Foundation (PUF) on Saturday, empowered the people of Okpanam community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state by donating 6 motorcycles to enhance the security of the Area.

Chief Ukah said the gesture was to complement the various empowerment programmes of Dr. Okowa saying that the youth empowerment components is working in Delta State as youths across the state have been trained and empowered and they are now job creators.

He also announced annual scholarship of awards to two indigenes of Okpanam regardless of their religious and political affiliation.

Chief Ukah added that getting the youths engaged was in line with Okowa’s administration’s commitment to making the youths job creators through the different youths employment and wealth creation programmes of his administration.

He also urged the people of Oshimili local government and Deltans to massively support and re-elect Dr. Okowa in 2019 general election.

Similarly, the monarch of his kingdom, the Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, supported by his counterpart from Akwukwu-Igbo kingdom, Obi Azuka JP, described Ukah as “Enyi designate of Okpanam”, said the commissioner had used his position to bring development to Okpanam and the council area, where he hails from.

PDP, Atiku, Saraki, Okowa eulogize late former CJN, Kutigi

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eoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Kutigi, as a huge loss to the nation and the Judiciary.

PDP in statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Sunday in Abuja said it was saddened by the news of the death.

He described late Justice Kutigi as an outstanding administrator; a fearless, impartial and firm judicial officer, who upheld justice and the law in all his assignments at the bench.

“As the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kutigi ensured the independence of the judiciary as an arm of government and contributed in no little way in providing direction to our nation at very critical moments in our national development.

“Beside his incisive judgments,

Nigerians will always remember Justice Kutigi’s forthrightness as the Chairman of the 2014 Constitutional Conference, which made far-reaching recommendations for the development and stability of our nation.

Ologbondiyan said that the PDP was grief-stricken that this noble Nigerian left the stage at the time his wealth of experience was needed the most.

He consoled late Justice Kutigi’s family, the government and people of Niger state and the judiciary for the irreparable loss, praying the Almighty Allah to grant him Aljanat firdausi.

Similarly, the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar said that the death of Kutigi, had robbed the country and the judiciary of one of the best legal minds whose contribution to democracy could not be easily forgotten.

Abubakar in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Paul Ibe, in Abuja said that late Kutigi was a great Justice, who avoided controversy throughout his judicial career.

He said that the commitment of the deceased to law and justice and democracy would be remembered for years to come after his death.

Abubakar recalled that as chairman of the 2014 National Conference, Kutigi demonstrated admirable wisdom and remarkable leadership in handling such delicate national assignment.

“By successfully chairing such gathering of Nigerians from diverse backgrounds,” Atiku said, “Kutigi showed a great capacity for leadership and broadminded disposition.”

Also, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Sunday, expressed sadness over the death of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon.

• Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ivara Esu, cutting the tape to declare open the 1st Carnival Calabar Dry Run, as President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) Hajia Bilkisu Abdul and Senator Florence Ita Giwa watch, Sunday. The event precedes the Power Week of December 26th to 30th of the carnival

Protect nurses, midwives in crises-prone areas -- Association tells FG

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ational Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called on government and security to protect its members from attacks, killings and abductions across the country.

The President of the association, Mr Abdulrafiu Adeniji, made the appeal at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

Adeniji condemned the killings, maiming and abduction of his members in the North East by Boko Haram insurgents.

He described the recent murder of Saifura Ahmed, a midwife, and Hauwa Liman, a health worker with ICRC that were abducted in Rann and later killed by their captives as a rude shock.

“The spate of kidnapping, maiming, rapping, dehumanising activities are becoming too much, unfortunately targeted against a group of innocent and peace loving, harbinger of comfort and those who work relentlessly to alleviate suffering and soothing frail nerves.

“The leadership of the association is concerned by the gruesome killings on terrorist ridden areas of North Eastern Nigeria, those who are victims of communal and civil wars even in the North West and North Central,” he lamented.

Adeniji noted that the killings would further worsen the health system in the North East region that was initially poor.

The president however appealed to the federal government to ensure protection of nurse Alice Loksha and other victims still in the custody of the insurgents.

He further urged the insurgents to release Loksha, a mother of two, adding that some of their members captured by the military are taken care of by the nurses and midwives and other medical and healthcare providers.

Adeniji identified nurses and midwives as critical health workers professionally trained to save lives irrespective of political, religious, socio-economic and ideological position and focused in their primary assignment of caring for the sick and wounded.

He emphasised that they are harmless, healthcare providers whose primary assignment is caring.

He emphasised that nurses and other health workers are not part of the fight and therefore not deserving of being murdered on a platform of a theatre of war.

“Nurses and Midwives render selfless service to humanity hence the reason our colleagues who are victims of cross fire in Borno and some other parts of the North East were recruited by the international organisation, International Red Cross, among others.

“It is therefore sad and unacceptable by nurses and midwives in the country that professionals

who have the health and well-being of the populace at heart could be made to pay the supreme price of being sacrificed in line of their duty.

“Our hearts go to the family of our colleague, Khorsa, who was murdered some weeks ago while caring for the vulnerable.

She actually became vulnerable and lost her life while providing essential antenatal care to the committee in Rann.

“There is no religious, ideology or law that could justify the condition our colleagues have gone through.

“The situation has put our colleagues in the North East region in jeopardy; therefore make ways for the mass exodus of nurses, midwives and other health workers to leave the region to other parts of the country for safety,’’ he said.

Besides, Adeniji urged the federal government government to compensate families of murdered health workers.

He enjoined all nurses and midwives to wear black bands for three days effective from today (Oct. 19) and as well declared a three days fasting by members across the country to ensure safe return of all nurses and midwives presently in horrible situations of captivity.

“We also appealed and call on operators of acts of terrorism to consider the prayers of Nigerians and international community to have a rethink and end this act,” he said.

Justice Idris Kutigi.

In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Saraki described Kutigi as a honourable jurist, who spent his life in the service of his country and humanity.

He described the death of the former CJN as a colossal loss, particularly coming at a time when his experience, dedication and knowledge were needed in the service of the country.

The Senate president stated that Kutigi would be remembered for his high sense of integrity, incisive judgements, reform-mindedness and immense contributions to national development.

“It saddens me that we have lost a vivacious, humane and tireless jurist.

“Even in retirement, he was called upon by former President Goodluck Jonathan to chair the Sovereign National Conference in 2014. We shall all miss him,” Saraki stated.

He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased and urged them to be consoled by the praise-worthy lifestyle of the departed statesman.

He also condoled with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Nigerian Judiciary, the people and government of Niger State over the “irreplaceable loss”.

Saraki prayed God to grant the soul of the former CJN “a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus and his family and loved ones the grace to bear the loss”.

In his condolence message, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State commiserated with the government, people of Niger and the Kutigi family over the demise of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi.

The governor’s condolence was contained in statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu in Asaba.

Okowa said that the late Justice Kutigi contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth and the development of the judiciary.

He lauded Kutigi’s contributions, experience and diligence as Chairman, Nigeria National Conference, which was convoked by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Justice Kutigi, former Chief Justice Nigeria, who served Nigeria diligently and meritoriously even as he left a legacy of discipline, brilliance and selflessness for the younger jurists to emulate.

“My condolences go to the government and people of Niger State, the Judiciary, as well as the late CJN’s family,” he said.

According to Okowa, the late Kutigi was a Minister in the Temple of Justice, who bestrode the bench with unquestionable integrity, dignity and contributed immensely to the growth of Nigeria’s jurisprudence.

He said that the country would miss the wisdom and wise counsel of the late CJN. “We are left with the consolation that he served Nigeria creditably.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with His Lordship, Hon. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, JSC, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), and the Judiciary for this irreparable loss,” Okowa said.

WEDNESDAY October 31, 2018

The

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In defence of President Buhari T

he emergence, a fortnight ago, of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appears to have thrown some uninformed observers of Nigeria’s political trajectory into wild excitement.

But those schooled in this country’s political intrigues and who desire the best for her received the news with caution. It is the constitutional right of every qualified Nigerian to contest for any political position in the land. All the 12 presidential aspirants of PDP and, indeed, candidates of other parties are backed by law.

However, a deeper reflection of the multifarious challenges and the forces of darkness holding the nation down from making progress for the past 58 years of its independence would compel any informed patriotic Nigerian to support President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term to complete the sanitization work he is doing in the country.

It’s pertinent, therefore, for the Igbo, particularly the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo to do a deep reflection and review its position ahead of the 2019 general elections. Every well-meaning Igbo adult should, indeed, join hands in appealing to Ohanaeze to be circumspect, as difficult as it might be because of the appointment of their son, Peter Obi as running mate to Atiku.

Ohanaeze should rather support President Buhari’s re-election bid.

This is the moment for the leadership of Ohanaeze to prove that it has the interest of Ndigbo at heart and also the capacity to drive the destiny of the Igbo entrusted today somehow in their hands. For strategic reasons, Ohanaeze must jettison sentiments and demonstrate maturity and patriotism by mobilizing Ndigbo to support Buhari. This is not about the political party one belongs to but about the soul of the country and the strategic political interest of Ndigbo. There is no doubt that President Buhari is a leader Nigeria needs today, despite the challenges. He demonstrated this in 1984 as a military head of state, even though his regime was short-lived. His famous ‘War Against Indiscipline’ was felt in every part of the country.

President Buhari has proven time and again that his is a divine mission. His vision is to create a corrupt-free society or at least a society that will punish mindless looting of national patrimony and where corruption will be reduced to the barest minimum, if not eradicated.

The abysmal failure of successive regimes necessitated President Buhari’s second coming, voted into office again in 2015 to continue his divine mission from where it was terminated in1985. And as his trademark, he again went into the business of clearing the deep mess created by economic and political buccaneers.

For any objective observer of political and economic trends prior to 2015 general elections, there was no doubt that the economy was already in recession due to mindless looting and mismanagement of our national resources. Nigeria was virtually a fiefdom in the hands of a very few highly placed individuals who turned themselves into neo-colonialists holding Nigeria down, cascading the presidency, the states, the

GUEST COLUMNIST

MATTHEW

ONYEBUCHI AGU

•Buhari

local governments and wards.

President Buhari’s mission must not end without liberating Nigeria from the claws of neo-colonialism molded in the garb of god-fatherism and the transgressional descent to deceit and criminality that have pervaded our national political firmament since1999.

In my write-up of March 29 this year, I exhausted my frustration and do hope Mr. President must have taken judicial notice of my admonition against his bowing to the criminal scheming over the realignment of the opposition forces against his government on his second coming.

Therein, I also enjoined Mr. President never to allow himself to be deceived by the niceties of democracy as none has ever existed in Nigeria since1999. Senator Ibrahim Mantu, a PDP stalwart was fair to his conscience in this respect and the local government elections where governors shared the local government authorities

to individuals they consider powerful to aid their elections and appropriate resources meant for rural/grassroots development in the provision of government patronage to such individuals without any consideration for the down-trodden masses in the rural areas. This has been on and on since1999 and it is only President Buhari that can extricate the nation from this awful malady.

Mr. President should recall also that in the same outing, I referred him to the great Russian Republic where President Vladimir Putin is committed to turning around the Russian economy. Rodrigo Duterte of Philippines and Burundian President Piere Nkurunziza are all patriots and nationalists, whom our dear President Muhamadu Buhari should emulate and ignore totally the tantrums of the heartless and criminally-minded hawkers who parade as politicians in Nigeria without any atom of leadership and patriotism in majority of

them.

Mr. President must not leave until and only when he must have re-instituted the smeared politics of dichotomy in the nation’s administration, which gave rise to the unbridled access to the vault without the due process of the bureaucracy.

No nation can survive with the current mode of administration in Nigeria where bureaucracy is almost non- existent, having been stripped of it independence and the capacity to ensure accountability and financial discipline.

Unfortunately, our dearest President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would be confronting this herculean task almost alone. The entire segments of the society have compromised in the scheme of conspiracy that destroyed the foundation of Nigerian economy: the public service, civil service, the private sector and the business community. Worse still, the religious organisations are not left out in these many years of looting and bastardization of the national treasury. Our leader, therefore, must maintain his increasingly impatient disposition to put a stop to this national hemorrhage, ignoring a segment of the nation in memory inertia in order to be able to turn around the moribund fortunes of the Nigerian citizenry. The masses are behind you our President. Above all, God is your inspiration.

As earlier stated, the moment of truth is now and Ohanaeze Ndigbo should for once since the inception of the current executives, demonstrate leadership, patriotism, maturity, sincerity of purpose and nationalism. Let the mantra of the President of America in his famous “America First” resonate in Ohanaeze with “Igbo First” by aligning fully with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari if only for the obvious fact that the government of President Buhari has not left out Ndigbo in infrastructural and human development. Evidence abounds in the entire South East of the presence of government patronages. Critical aspects that deserve the support of the Igbo is the President’s legendary effort in reducing and or eradicating crime against the state of Nigeria and the diversification of the economy, which are fundamental in our current political, social and economic problem.

There is no shying away from the obvious fact that Ohanaeze Ndigbo should be calculative and firm in mobilising the Igbo population to bear on the 2019 general election as this will prove that Ndigbo do not resent the President who had demonstrated his unequivocal love and commitment to the Igbos in his choice of Dr.Chuba Okadigbo in2003 and Chief Edwin Umezoke in 2011 Presidential elections respectively. Massive electoral support for President Buhari and the APC will certainly guarantee the enabling environment and capacity to contend and attain the vision and aspiration of Ndigbo to the Presidency come 2023. This is an obvious fact, which Ndigbo and the Ohanaeze must critically reexamine and adopt.

•AGU, a chieftain of APC in Enugu State, lives in Enugu, the Enugu State capital

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.