Wednesday August 23, 2017

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The Oracle SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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Today Today

Kanu back in Kuje if...

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www.oraclenews.ng

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

VOL.2 No. 35. N200

By MIKE ONOVO, Special Correspondent, Umuahia

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NAMDI Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has threatened to return to Kuje Prison, Abuja, if his colleagues who are still in detention are not released by the end of the year.

Kanu was released on April 25 under bail conditions that many thought were not attainable.

In an exclusive interview with The Oracle Today at his Afaraukwu residence in Umuahia, Kanu debunked allegations that he had abandoned his colleagues, narrating the efforts that he is making to ensure that they are freed.

He said that all IPOB members in detention are getting legal assistance.

Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, and Bright Chimezie are still held with Kanu in Kuje.

The court has not granted them bail, though theyare said to have medical conditions like Kanu.

They, along with Kanu, are facing an 11-count charge of terrorism, treasonable felony and publication of defamatory materials.

Kanu said that he had sent doctors to Kuje, to Cont’d on page 2

Obiano is APGA candidate From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

M •Kanu during the interview with The Oracle Today

EMBERS of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) under the leadership of its national Chairman, Chief Victor Ike Oye at its 2017 governorship primary held at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre during the week, overwhelmingly voted to elect the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano as its flag Cont’d on page 2

Uwazurike’s census regrets Pg 2

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

NEWS

Uwazurike’s census regrets

By MIKE ONOVO, Special Correspondent, in Owerri

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HE disruptions of the 2004 census in the South East is one of the regrets of Ralph Uwazurike, the founder of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. Uwazurike expressed the regrets in an exclusive interview with The Oracle Today, where he admitted that the low population of the States in the South East from the census had affected the area.

He explained what happened, in trying to free him for blames for the incident that MASSOB used as a test of power with the South East Governors.

“I regret that boycott,” he said. “MASSOB is not totally to be blamed. We had told the Governors in the South East what they should do, they refused. They dared the might of MASSOB that was what caused the trouble, he said in his Owerri home.

“By the time of the census I was in detention. My colleagues went on with the plans that we had made because the Governors had a bet with me that the census would hold. They did not take us serious.”

People, scared by MASSOB’s threats, boycotted the census.

It gave States in the South East lower figures than a full count should have produced.

“You cannot blame MASSOB alone for what happened,” he said in his defence. “The Governors dared MASSOB, so they are to blame too”.

(Watch out for the full interviews in The Oracle Today, the video, in Igbo, would be run on Ugwumba Television next week. Kanu and Uwazurike, for the first time, spoke extensively about the struggles for the realisation of Biafra, their differences.)

Continued from Pg 1

•Uwazurike speaking to The Oracle Today

Kanu back in Kuje if...

Continued from Page 1

attend to his colleagues, but the prison authorities turned them back.

“There is no IPOB person that is held anywhere who does not have a lawyer, all of them have lawyers, “ he told The Oracle Today, adding: “Those of them held with me in Kuje (prison), I make efforts daily to cater for them. It is not everything that I will tell the public.

“Some of the things that we are doing for their release,

I have to emphasise, are not for public consumption. The only thing I will say is that we are making efforts daily to ensure that they are released. I want to make that very clear.

“A few days ago, our lawyers and the media had an interaction on this matter. I ensure that they are well fed; I send money for their meals daily. We see to that everyday.”

“They are sick. I sent them doctors to cater for them. The prison authorities refused the

doctors access to them,” he stressed in the interview that dwelt on other issues about IPOB. “If I wait for their release until the end of the year and they are not out, I know what I have to do to return to prison and be with them,” Kanu said.

He refused to0 disclose what he would do.

(Watch out for the full details of the interview in The Oracle Today, the video, in Igbo, would be run on Ugwumba Television next week)

Igbo-Eze North Progressives raps Rep over poor performance, divisive politics

By ROSWITHA CHUKWUMA

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gbo-Eze North Progressives, a body of professionals from Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has taken a swipe at the Member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Sir. Dennis Agbo for what the group described as ‘his poor performance’ and ‘tendency to play divisive politics and dishonor the spirit of rotation even when he rode to power on the wing of rotation’.

In a release signed by its national coordinator, Nze Ezike Ngwu, the group alleged that Hon. Agbo in two years of representing the federal constituency has not inaugurated any visible constituency projects, but appears instead to have

APGA picks Obiano as flag-bearer for Nov 18 governorship poll

pocketed the N10m-a-month constituency allowance he collects as the elected representative of Udenu/Igbo-Eze North Fedral Constituency, using same for self-aggrandisement.

“While other reps execute projects that everyone sees and are inaugurated every now and then, our own Rep. Hon Agbo, has done virtually nothing. We hear he plans to share out keke but he is doing business with it because he will give out the tricycles on hire purchase basis. Whoever will get it will make a down payment of N100,000 and subsequently pay in installments until he has finished paying. So, it’s business for Dennis,” INP agonised. “He has not given a single scholarship to anybody—Gburugburu, whom he replaced as our Rep, gave our

hundreds of them. Others at least pay WAEC fees for candidates in their Constituency, not Dennis.

We hear he reconstituted a primary school in Udenu—very good if that is true—but we understand he did the job himself. Dennis is a mistake. The guy is selfish.”

INP expressed dismay at what happened at last Saturday’s non-elective PDP Convention in Abuja. “While others were hosting their delegates or at least subsidizing their transport fares, our own Honourable Member unabashedly simply brushed aside any suggestion of monetary expenditure on the delegates. In the end, the Member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North could not buy even a bottle of coke for any one of the delegates. What a Rep Member!” INP stated.

The group added: “Only recently, Agbo had reason to take traditional rulers from his Constituency to the United States for a programme but guess what, he found only two of his kinsmen eligible for that! And he goes about telling anyone who cares to listen that rotation of elective positions in Igbo-Eze North must be sustained, as if that is an end in itself, a gift to whoever is lucky to be so elected for family-only empowerment. Rotation or no rotation, are people given positions not expected to perform? Does it mean actually that Dennis wants to go back? We don’t think so because he is too self-centred, too self-serving to be given another opportunity to lead our people?

We won’t be deceived again.”

bearer in the forthcoming governorship election slated for November 18 this year.

In a process adjudged to be very transparent, the party conducted its accreditation of all delegates at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, while specialized vehicles chaperoned the delegates under tight security cover to the voting venue.

It was indeed very peaceful as all party faithful sat calmly under the well-arranged canopies and filed in council after council to cast their votes without any form of pressure or observable inducement or intimidation.

A large number of security operatives was on hand to maintain peace, as everyone who approached the main gate to the Prof Akunyili Centre was thoroughly frisked and screened for weapons, before being allowed in or be turned back if found to have no genuine business at the Centre.

The Police Anti-bomb squad was on ground with their heavyduty equipment while Channels Television transmitted the proceedings live.

According to votes, the number of accredited delegates was 1,092, with 1,070 ‘yes’ votes in favour of Governor Obiano while 11 voted ‘No’. Invalid votes were also 11.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the Court of Appeal Enugu Division threw out Chief Martin Agbaso’s objection to the primary conducted by

Watch out Watch out for the full interviews in The Oracle Today, the video, in Igbo, would be run on Ugwumba Television next week. Kanu and Uwazurike, for the first time, spoke extensively about the struggles for the realisation of Biafra, their differences.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Hate speeches: It’s time to restructure Nigeria –OPC T

HE National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has said it’s time to restructure Nigeria to curb hate speeches currently being experienced in the country.

Adams in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that hate speeches indicated that all was not well with the country politically. “With the present hate speeches, it is an indication that all is not well with us politically and we need to do something fast about it before it degenerates into crisis.

“I have been hearing from the government that there are lots of hate speeches in the country from different groups, even from the political players. “I believe that under democracy, the government must learn the civil way of addressing such anomaly because of freedom of speech as entrenched in the constitution.

“Also, if anyone says anything that contravenes the law, such an individual is liable to face the full weight of the law but that does not mean government should go overboard,’’ he said. Adams said that various groups

agitating within the federation are reflection that injustice is prevailing in the country, adding that only restructuring would help douse the tension.

“We can’t cow people.

I am aware of the various interest groups such as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Arewa Youths and other groups. “With Arewa Youths giving Oct. 1 as deadline; I believe that in any society, when injustice prevails, they will be experiencing the same situation as ours. This country needs restructuring. “The only problem we have is that we

are not well structured from the time we had our independence which warrants all these hate speeches flying around.

“In our society, if the right thing is not done or delayed, it may bring anarchy; I appeal to the Federal Government as a matter of urgency to restructure Nigeria now,’’ he said. Adams said that if the country continued without restructuring, many groups will rise to agitate more for their rights.

“This country cannot continue without restructuring because people will express their rights for liberty and

we cannot avoid this. They will continue to agitate. “If we consider what happens during the military we will see that we cannot stop agitation from people. We fought the military through agitation and we won. “At the end, the wish of the people will prevail, so to reduce all these ugly incidences and to sanitise our society, the government have their responsibility. “Government must do the wish of the people because democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people. We cannot call the peoples bluff,’’ he said.

Lagos soon to roll out first set of 5,000 new commercial buses

By VICTOR NZE

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. AkinwunmiAmbode, has said that the first set of 5000 brand new buses under the Bus Reform Initiative would be flagged off within the next six months. Governor Ambode, who spoke when students of the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government, United States of America, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said that his administration was working round the clock to revolutionalise the transportation system in the State and improve the way and manner 23 million Lagosians commute daily. Fielding questions from the visiting students, Governor Ambode alluded to the fact that an integrated transportation system was key to growing the economy of the State, Governor Ambode said the 5000 new buses would be the first step by his administration to change the existing transportation system predominantly driven by the yellow buses, popularly known as danfo.

“In the last one year, we have decided that we must integrate rail, road water and air transportation systems in such a way that the system of connectivity is improved upon and I would like to have a direct partnership on how that can actually be actualised.

“Right now we are cleaning out all the yellow buses you see in the State. As we proceed in the next six months and a span of three years, we are introducing 5000 new buses of European standard to actually clean up the city because if you want to grow the economy of Lagos, transportation is key and then it’s a major infrastructure for tourism itself.”

Governor Ambode noted that the dependence on road

transportation in the last two decades, as the major means of transportation in the State has given rise to a chaotic system where about eight million Lagosians commute across the State every minute. “The question is how do you move 23 million

people on a daily basis from point A to point B with ease and comfort? So the way the city has been so designed in the last few years, the city has actually concentrated on only one mode of transportation, which is road transportation. There has not been

any comprehensive planning to integrate all the modes of transportation in a way that makes it easy.

“There are eight million people walking on the streets of Lagos every minute, did we create more points for them. The answer is no. We

have one-fifth of the State on water, are we doing effective water transportation, the answer is no. The rail system is still under construction in such a way that it can move mass number of people from one point to another. That is why we have a whole lot of congestion on the road,” the Governor said.

Besides, Governor Ambode said that State Government had made series of intervention to improve road transportation network through the creation of more bus terminals, lay bys, bus stops to accommodate the eventual take off of the Bus Reform Initiative. Earlier, immediate past Vice President, International Affairs of Harvard Kennedy School, Mrs. ToyosiAkerele-Ogunsiji said the team was proud of the exploits of the Governor in the last two years, noting that despite the major challenges of urbanisation Lagos was facing, there was appreciable level of progress.

NEMA evacuates 170 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon

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HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has evacuated another batch of 170 Nigerian repatriated refugees mostly Women and Children from Cameroon.

The Director-General of the Agency, Alhaji Mustapha Maihaja, disclosed this at Mubi International Transit Camp, Adamawa on Sunday.

Maihaja, who was represented by Idris Garga, NEMA Coordinator in charge of Adamawa and Taraba, said that the evacuation exercise was the second in three months.

“Today, we are evacuating another batch of 170 Nigerian repatriated Refugees from Cameroon Republic, the first evacuation was conducted in May 2017 and involved about 300 Nigerians.

“The refugees were intercepted along NigeriaCameroon boarder by teams of Nigeria security operatives and after thorough investigation and screening they were confirmed to be Nigerians.

“The refugees are indigenes of Gomboru- Ngala in Borno who escaped Boko Haram attacks and ran to Cameroon for safety in 2013,” he said. Terry Igue, the Yola office Head of Search and Rescue of the agency, said the refugees had undergone several medical check-ups at Mubi camp and had been “well taken care before their evacuation to their local government and state of origin to meet their relatives.”

NYSC begs Oyo people to accommodate corps members

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he National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to the people of Oyo State to “warmly play host to corps members’’ posted to their communities.

The call was contained in a statement by NYSC’s Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, MrsFunshoOlusoji, which was released in Ibadan.

“The NYSC management enjoins the good people of Oyo State to warmly play host to corps members in their various communities as most of them are visiting the South West for the first time,’’ Olusoji said. She said the 2017 Batch “A’’ Stream II orientation course for over 2,000 Corps members posted to Oyo State would end on Aug.15.

Olusoji said that the closing parade would take place

at the NYSC permanent orientation Camp, Iseyin. “Gov. AbiolaAjimobi of Oyo State will preside over the terminal parade where he will deliver an address and declare the orientation course closed,” she added. The corps members deployed to the state were inaugurated on July 26 by Justice Solomon Akinteye, who represented the state’s Chief Judge, Justice MuntaAbimbola.

Olusoji said that the corps members posted to the state had undergone rigorous military drills, citizenship and leadership training, professional lectures as well as personal development exercises. She commended the zeal and enthusiasm with which the corps members embraced the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development training.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

FG to make civil service more efficient T

HE President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will do everything possible to reposition the civil service for effective and efficient delivery of services to Nigerians. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo stated this at the 2017 Nigeria Civil Service Week Dinner and Award Night held at the old Presidential Banquet, Abuja.

The acting President, who was represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Muhammad Bello, noted that nation’s civil servants had worked against all odds to drive government’s agenda in its efforts to meet the needs of Nigerians.

He, therefore, challenged them to continue to work hard so as to achieve meaningful results in the implementation of the agenda of the Federal Government aimed at uplifting the quality of life of all citizens. “It should be our collective resolve to go all out in hard work to implement the agenda of this administration.

“This is centred on stabilising the micrographic environment, achieving agriculture and food security, ensuring energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, improving transportation infrastructure, driving industrialisation with focus on SMEs and promoting the informal markets with particular attention to production and consumption of made in Nigeria goods and services,’’ he said.

The acting President stated that the government was also committed to the promotion of local industries, stimulating national economic growth and creating better environment for business to thrive in line with its

DFID partners Jigawa Govt. on good governance

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he UK Department for International Development (DFID) has reiterated its support to the Jigawa Government in promoting good governance in the state. DFID new Head of Governance Team in the country, EnakemBassey, stated this when the team visited the Secretary to Jigawa Government, AlhajiAdamuAbdukadir, in Dutse.

A statement by the secretary’s spokesperson, AlhajiIsma’il Ibrahim, on Friday said that Bassey reiterated the DFID readiness to maintain its relations with Jigawa government. The statement quoted the outgoing Head of the DFID Governance Team, Mr Oliver Blaike as saying that the DFID would continue its partnership with Jigawa government. Blaike said the organisation was already in partnership with the state in the areas of Education, Health, Agriculture and other critical sectors towards enhancing good governance. It disclosed that Abdulkadir thanked Blaike and the new head, Bassey for their continued interest in the enthronement of good governance in the state.

The secretary also requested DFID support in the state’s Systematic Land Title and Registration, which is being supported by the Growth and Employment in State (GEMS-3).

economic diversification policy.

He said: “The Executive Orders that were issued recently is a further attestation to this and they are meant to drive the Made in Nigeria Initiative with a view to increasing the demand for locally manufactured goods and services.

“The support of government for local content in public procurement will further strengthen the naira, create jobs and expand the country’s entrepreneur capacity leading to greater competitions among local manufacturers and service providers. “This we believe will drive down costs, improve quality and

enhance ease of doing business in our dear country. “All these will not be achieved without a confident and motivated workforce to run with the agenda of this administration.’’

He, therefore, stressed the need for all the civil servants to embrace the new culture of anti-corruption, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their respective duties. “Your position as civil servants is therefore very, very important considering that you are the representation of government and as such government will be judged by your actions or inactions,’’ he added.

The acting President commended the organisers of the annual event especially the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, adding that such events served as morale booster to workers. In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, noted with delight the efforts of the Buhari administration to reposition the civil service for effective service delivery.

She stated that the office of the Head of Service was committed to building a new federal civil service that would be all inclusive with utmost considera-

tion for welfare and career development for all civil servants.

“Consequently, our goals is to achieve the following; a new efficient civil service producing the maximum possible output with the minimum amount of input or resources provided by the government. Oyo-Ita, however, stressed the need for collective support and cooperation of all civil servants, the Permanent Secretaries and all stakeholders to achieve this vision. “We must continue to collaborate and work as a team to achieve government’s set goals and objectives” she said.

•L-R: Mr Reuben Muoka, Head Public Relations; Mrs. Helen Obi, Head Zonal Operations; and Mr. Austin Nwalunne, Director Spectrum Administration, all of Nigerian Communication’s Commission at the Commission’s consumer outreach programme held in Port Harcourt recently.

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Obiano promises women empowerment

OV. Willie Obiano of Anambra has said his administration would give more priority to women empowerment. Obiano made the promise after his screening in Abuja at the secretariat of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on which platform he won the governorship election.

“If you look at my present cabinet, women constitute 27 per cent, so I am coming up and in the coming year women would be given more priority. “Out of the N1.5 billion that we gave to farmers in the state, women farmers got 60 per cent of the money, so we are paying attention to women generally including their health. “We tried to reduce the maternal and paternal rate in Anambra and in my administration we got accreditation for the school of nursing and they have graduated more than 300 midwives,’’ he said.

The National Chairman of the party, Mr Victor Oye, said the governor went through a rigorous screening process and the report would be submitted to a panel for assessment. He said the party’s conference would hold we hold on Aug.15, observing that

the party was confident that it would go on smoothly. “APGA is the only political party in Nigeria with a clean bill of health because

the party is intact without a crisis. bers will continue to stick togeth“Though some impersonators er until victory is won in Novemtried to hijack the party, their ber elections,’’ he said. plans have failed and party mem-

Erosion: Umunze community demands FG’s intervention

By VICTOR NZE

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MUNZE community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has raised an alarm over the menace of flooding occasioned by severe soil erosion, just as the people also appealed to the Federal Government ‘to urgently intervene in the wanting loss of their farmland, homes’ in the central business districts of the area.

Making the call in a desperate appeal to the Federal Government through the member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituencies, Hon. Ben Nwankwo, the community decried the manner in which erosion has been ‘silently encroaching on their buildings, farmlands, reducing trade, communication and other means of relationship’ among the Orumba communities in both local councils of the state. “Recently, flooding occasioned by the erosion has also escalated to the extent that it threatens the existence

of the popular Umunze Market, a market that boosts inter-state trade and commerce. The negative social and economic effect will be far reaching and gruesome,” the community said in the appeal to the Federal Government,” Nwankwo said.

The community recalled that a fact-finding team comprising legislators from the state Assembly sent by Nwankwo, had last Monday, visited the communities along with some journalists to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the floods and erosion.

During that visit, a community leader, Mr Casmir Ilechukwu, had berated the lack of attention by past governments as earlier calls for assistance had proved abortive, even as he further explained that the town through her illustrious sons has contributed enormously in checking the disaster and reducing its adverse effects, ‘but it has now escalated to an unbearable level that the town had to start crying out louder to the Gov-

ernment.’

“The rampaging flood and the gully effects are better seen than told. Scores of homes have been deserted; about 60 hectares of farmland have been affected. Business is put on hold at the slightest sign of rainfall.

“A major road leading to the permanent sight of the Federal College of Education Umunze is now at mercy of the flood and the cruelty of the erosion, forcing students of the school to take to bush paths just to make it to class, thereby endangering their lives.”

The Trunk A road connecting Imo State and Abia State is also at the danger of being swept away along with the recent rapidity of the current situation,” Ilechukwu said.

Ilechukwu therefore, used the occasion of the legislators’ visit to call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the area to save it from further degradation.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

NEWS Anambra 2017: 8 parties release Ozubulu: Anambra Police formally invites Ikeagwuonu (Bishop) * Youths protest as church reopens 30 candidates for primaries From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

4. Chris Orazulike -South

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APC - 11 aspirants: he names of aspirants 1. George Moghalu -South already cleared by their 2. Andy Uba -South political parties to par3. Bart Nwibe -South ticipate in the Anambra gov4. Obinna Uzo -South ernorship election primaries 5. JohnBosco Onunkwo -South beginning this week have been 6. Madu Chukwunonso -South released.

7. Chike Obidigbo -North In a briefing earlier, the state 8. Tony Nwoye -North headquarters of the Independ9. Paul Chukwuma - North ent National Electoral Commis10. Donatus Okonkwo -Central sion (INEC) has charged both 11. Ada Kate Uchegbu -Central candidates and their various *Some of those who dropped opposing political parties to en- by the wayside: deavour to play by the laid-down 1. Ralph Okeke -North rules and procedures.

2. Charles Odedo -Central The Commission assured all that it is committed to a very PDP – Seven aspirants: free and fair contest to ensure 1. Prince John O. Emeka -North the most popular candidate 2. Dr Alex Obiogolu -North emerges victorious at the end of 3. Mr Oseloka H. Obaze -North the day.

4. Miss Lynda Ikpeazu -North Incidentally, most parties in5. Sen. Stella Oduah -North cluding the APC and the PDP 6. Dr Patrick Ubah -South were scheduled to hold their pri7. Mr Akolisa Ufodike - South maries this Saturday, Aug 19.

Baring any other developUPP – Four aspirants: ment, only about eight parties, 1. Osita Chidoka -Central according to records, would 2. Chudi Offordile -Central field candidates for the Nov 18, 3. Ifeanyi Okonkwo -Central 2017 poll.

4. Ejike Obumneme -Central The final list of victorious candidates at the various primaries PPA – One aspirant: would further be screened and Mr Goody Ezeemo -South certified by the INEC to stand for the poll.

MPPP – One aspirant: The list which has about 30 HRH Chief Ojukwu -Central names is as follows: APGA – four aspirants: APDA – One aspirant: 1. Gov Willie Obiano -North ( Paul J. Obiora -North the incumbent, seeking reelection) YDP – One aspirant: 2. Barr Chinedu Idigo -North Ogbuevi Ozoemena -North 3. Dr Elo Afoka -Central

From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka The Anambra Police Command has formally invited Aloysius Ikegwuonu, the alleged target of the Sunday, August 6, 2027 attack on St Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, for questioning.

Chief Ikegwuonu reportedly returned to Ozubulu on Saturday night and attended Mass at the embattled St Philip’s Catholic Church in his village.

Although the Police authorities in the state, through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra State, Nkeiruka Nwode, said the Police were not aware of his (Bishop’s) return, they said

he had been invited to the state headquarters this Friday, “...and he must come because failure to honour our invitation is an offence.”

And as if to get the people to live normal life again so soon after the shooting incident in which over a dozen worshippers died, a visiting priest was said to have held mass at St. Philip’s last Sunday.

This, however, did not go down well with the youths of the town youths of the community who demonstrated against the reopening of the church. They claimed they were anticipating some more days closure in memory of the late parishioners who were shot and killed gruesomely in the dawn raid by yet-to-be identified gunmen on

Aug 6,2017.

Also, the families of the victims have reportedly commenced burying their dead beginning Monday this week.

Families were said to have taken dates in turns within the week to bury the victims, contrary to earlier speculation that the community would choose a day to bury them.

The calm-looking ‘Bishop’ was reported to have used the opportunity of his return to the community to visit the wounded who are receiving treatment at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi where he sympathized with them for unfortunate the attack.

Accompanied by friends who accompanied him on the hospital

visit, Ikegwonu reportedly went round the wards sympathising with the victims and also asking questions from them how the incident happened.

He was also said to have given out some assistance to the victims who were apparently happy to see him.

The ‘Bishop’ was reportedly away to Lagos on a business mission when the St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Amakwa Ozubulu, which he was said to have built for the community, was attacked by unidentified gunmen who were believed to be after him.

His father, Pa Ikegwuonu who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, later died in the hospital.

• Governor David Umahi, his wife Rachael, deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe and wife and Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly during the 2017 Uburu Women Summit at the weekend

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

NEWS PDP will flush out APC in 2019 – Ukpai • Says APC has inflicted hunger on Nigerians From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the party will flush out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the centre in 2019.

Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, told The Oracle Today in an exclusive interview in Umuahia that with the successful nonelective convention of the party in Abuja, PDP has put its house in order, preparatory to taking over power from APC. He said the greatest achievement of APC has been to inflict hunger on Nigerians, adding that immediately after the Supreme Court verdict that affirmed Ahmed Makarfi as the authentic Acting Chairman of PDP, Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief, an indication that they were desirous of PDP’s return to power.

“Nigerians are desirous, so hungry for a change because APC is taking everybody to poverty, in fact, to zero level. There is hunger all over the place,” Ukpai said.

The Deputy Chief of Staff said APC toyed with the fate of the country while the PDP crisis lasted, and applauded the Supreme Court for saving Nigeria’s democracy.

“First of all, the Supreme Court judgment was a saving grace for this country in the sense that while we were in that confusion as PDP, the ruling party, the APC, had the country and toyed with it the way they wanted,” he remarked.

Ukpai, a former Zonal Chairman of PDP in Abia North senatorial Zone, added: “Immediately after the judgment, you can find APC coming together now, because they were not minding their balkanized situation but they are now coming together, knowing that PDP, given this judgment, has come back as a strong and very powerful opposition to the government of the day.

“And you know that there is no government that will function well without an effective opposition which is what PDP is now. That is the importance of that judgment.”

He attributed the current agitations in the country to bad leadership. “The reason Nigeria has not been able to actually unite itself as an entity is bad leadership,” he said, adding: “Nigerians have been pushed to the wall, to the extent that almost all the components are now worried.

“The leadership structure of this country was so designed in a manner that a particular group now presents itself as the owner of this country and that is what is giving rise to agitations.

“So except and until we get the leadership right, we will not have a united Nigeria.”

On the performance of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Ukpai said the governor has “improved on all his predecessors had done before now,” adding, “he is doing very well and at the end of the day, he is going to do better.”

He ruled out the possibility of APC winning Abia State in 2019, saying “they are not on ground but thriving on propaganda.”

From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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imon Ortuanya, a professor of law at the University of Nigeria (Enugu Campus) was unveiled during the week as the pioneer Director General of the South-East Governors’ Forum, alongside other directors-nominees from Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, to coordinate and direct the affairs of the forum.

The Directors, as announced by the Chairman of the Forum and governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi include Orlando Nweze (Ebonyi-Finance and Administration); Michael Udah (Anambra-Media and Communication) and Chibuike Amaechi (AbiaProjects Initiation and Execution).

It was gathered that the representative from Imo State is to be announced at a later date.

Prof Ortuanya, a former Commissioner for Education in Enugu

How Prof Ortuanya emerged DG South East Governors Forum State, and one time Personal Assistant to former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, hails from IgboEtiti Local Government Area of the State.

Ortuanya is said to have emerged DG after a competitive interview conducted by Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID), in addition to his riche resume and strong recommendations.

The inauguration ceremony, which held at the Government House, Enugu, was witnessed by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, and attended by all the South East governors, with the exception of Willy Obiano of Anambra, who was

represented by his deputy, Nkem Okeke.

Speaking during the ceremony, which took place after rigorous deliberations on sundry issues concerning the South East, Chairman of the Forum and Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, also ceased the opportunity to clarify certain issues and as well condole with the people of Ozubulu and Anambra State in general, over the recent killing of worshipers in a catholic Church in that community, during an early morning Holy Mass celebration.

Umahi, who described the new directorate as timely and worthwhile, also noted that the task before the forum is enormous and

• The out going president of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture, Pahrm. Uche Apakama and the Incoming President, Chief Donatus Ebubeagu (right) during the handover ceremony. Photo by Modestus Igudobi

challenging, especially considering the present condition of Ndigbo in Nigeria.

He added that now behoves on the directorate to offer impeccable support and direction to the Forum to enable it pull through its enormous obligations and challenges.

“The task before us is enormous, especially at a time our people are very badly challenged in every part of the country and beyond. It has become imperative to rebuild the South East. And we rely on you to give us support and direction,” he said.

On the backlashes that had greeted governments of Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi States over their recent expression of interest in obtaining loans from an Islamic Bank, Umahi explained that the arrangement is totally un-Islamic and not capable of compelling any Islamic agenda on the concerned states or any part of the South East, as the case may be.

The loan moves by the three State governors had had elicited attacks and counter-attacks on the governors, from citizens, most of who expressed fears that the move could amount to indirect imposition of Islamic agenda on Ndigbo.

Umahi, who expressed delight at the quality of members of the directorate, however, commended Professor Ortuanya and his colleagues for scaling through the selection and screening processes, which he said were very demanding and strenuous, and urged them to live up to expectation.

He praised the DFID, which he said had carried out the screening and recommendation of the candidates, for doing a good job.

AGN holds peace congress in Enugu From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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he long embattled Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) may soon experience lasting peace as the Nollywood’s strategic arm is set to hold a special peace congress in Enugu.

Themed, “AGN Must Have Peace”, the congress is aimed at resolving all outstanding infighting and differences to usher in a brand new body that would strive to restore its lost glory.

Speaking to The Oracle Today, in Enugu after their meeting held on Tuesday, Chairman Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the event, Chief Remi Ohajianya expressed optimism that the one-day congress, which is slated for August 22, 2017, at 10: am, would restore peace in the guild and open up a new channel for the much-desired rebirth.

According to Ohajianya, all members of the Board of Trustees, State Chairmen as well as various factions and warring parties, had indicated interest to be part of the exercise and even re-confirmed their attendance as at Tuesday, August 15, 2017.

“The current mood among us is that everybody – including various warring parties and factions, is bothered. The deteriorating state of AGN is both horrendous and shameful. It is incomprehensible that a guild that had shot many Ni-

gerians to instant wealth and fame; and as well, put enormous smiles on the faces of many families not only in Nigeria by globally, had been allowed to crash pitiably due to mere clash of interest,” he said.

He boasted that the body is now ready to bounce back better, greater and more determined.

It is expected that a National Steering Committee (NSC) would emerge from the congress, which is also expected to be graced by Emeka Ike and Chief Mrs Ibinabo Fiberesima, who had been locked up in a fierce and unending tussle over the control of the Guild’s leadership.

Ohajianya also disclosed that Enugu State Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Owoh would host the event, adding that all accommodation and logistics arrangements had been made for many veterans, stars and emerging stars, including Chief Pet Edochie and Olu Jacobs, among others ahead of the event.

Delta govt addressing environmental challenges holistically - Nani • Says flood control measures yielding positive results

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overnor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to addressing the peculiar environmental needs of every community in the State, assuring that that it has carried out baseline studies of all environmentally impacted communities in the State as a first step towards addressing the problem.

According to him, numerous challenges already identified and various remedial mechanism are being harnessed to place environmental degraded communities in the state on the path of prosperity.

The State Commissioner for Environment, John Obukohwo Nani, a lawyer, gave the assurance when he went on tour of some waterways in the state with a view to as-

sessing the extent of the mechanical problems facing waterways and creating new ones across the state to allow for easy flow of water in flood prone areas of the state.

“The State government’s proactive approach has resulted in the massive opening of canals including creation of new ones in Isheagu, Ewulu, Agbor, Asaba, Sapele, Oghara, Ughelli, Warri, Osubi, Effurun, Aghalokpe and other towns in the State,” the Commissioner said.

Nani, however, appealed to Deltans to be patient with the government, stressing: “Though the environmental challenges are burdensome and cannot be comprehensively addressed immediately, with the flexible arrangement in place, we are poised to bring all

interventionist agencies and the World Bank to work with us in the implementation, which will not only ease implementation task but will also bring about a robust implementation of the flood control strategies.”

He pointed that the baseline studies have identified gully erosion, coastal erosion, land degradation and lack of proper system as well as pollution as the most threatening and disturbing environmental challenges that the State is presently facing.

He however explained that the state government has keyed into the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Projects, a World Bank-assisted programme aimed at addressing all pressing environmental problems in the state.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

News Constitution amendment: Niger Delta group urges NASS to revisit devolution of power From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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he Niger Delta People’s Congress has urged the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, revisit the issue of devolution of power to States.

Chief Mike Loyibo, Convener of the group who made the call in an interview during the week in Yenagoa contended that the action of the federal lawmakers voting against power devolution had heated up the polity, insisting that right steps should be taken to restore confidence and trust among Nigerians.

Loyibo called on the northerners and the Yoruba living in the region to disregard the October 1, 2017 quit notice given by a Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators.

According to him, the statement allegedly made by the militants’ group was not a true representation of the position of elders, leaders and people of the region.

He said the Niger Delta leaders believed in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live visit or do business in any part of the country.

Loyibo stated: ‘’The good people of the Niger Delta region have always been peace-loving and accommodating. We see strengths and opportunities in diversity rather than divisions. ‘’The statement allegedly made by a Niger Delta militants’ group is not a true representation of our position. We believe in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live, visit or do business in any part of the country. Hate speeches will never take us anywhere. ‘’Despite years of oppression, our region has remained resolute and committed to one Nigeria where justice, equity and peace reign. ‘’The statement should be disregarded and all Nigerians should feel free in the Niger Delta region.’’

He also expressed disagreement with the issuance of quit notice by the northern youths on the Igbo people.

Loyibo added: ‘’We of the Niger Delta are peace loving people irrespective of the trauma we have gone through over the decades. We still believe that peace is the only way forward. This type of peace can only be achieved through reasonable dialogue by engaging acceptable and strategic stakeholders from the affected communities. ‘’Our suggestion is that such a dialogue should be conducted urgently in a transparent manner. Meanwhile, we will still like to advise the northern and Yoruba group to renounce their statement on Igbo quit notice and allow peace to reign in our country. ‘’Note that when the youth make statements, they are speaking for the silent elders. I am appealing to all concerned that we need peace.

Without peace, the oil companies we are expecting developmental progress from will not come. ‘’Let all the regions respect and stop treating the others as a second class citizen. Our youths should tread with caution and support the current Federal Government led by Muhammadu Buhari to bring development to the region and address all the issues we raised with them.’’

Don’t include kidnappers in our programme...HOSTCOM begs Boro, FG From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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eaders of Host Communities of Oil and Gas Nigeria (HOSTCOM) has petitioned the Presidency over alleged plans by the Presidential Adviser on Amnesty Programme, Brigadier-General Paul Boro to give oil pipelines surveillance contract to “kidnappers and criminals”, saying his action would spell doom for the oil industry.

According to the body, the federal government should adhere strictly to the Strategic Implemen-

tation Work Plan (SIWP) on the security of the Niger Delta Region.

Leaders of the group drawn from the nine (9) oil producing States of the region who stated this yesterday during a press briefing in Warri, Delta State, condemned the plans by General Boro (Rtd) to bring in “abductors of Lagos state school students and other notable criminals” into the surveillance programme.

“We condemn in totality the plan

by Brigadier-General Boro to engage 10,000 youths most of who are criminals. We are very much

aware of his manipulation of the Amnesty Programme and his payment made,” the group alleged in their statement read by the acting national chairman, High Chief (Dr) Style Benjamin Tamaranebi.

“We, therefore, condemn the statement credited to Gen. Boro in the media as an aberration, a staunch vomit, an affront to the Host communities and should be visited with stiff opposition,” said the embittered HOSTCOM members added.

According to them, both the

NNPC, federal government including the ex-militants are in support of HOSTCOM to execute surveillance contract, pointing out that they are collaborating with ex-army Generals from the Niger Delta region.

While calling for federal government’s “urgent intervention”, the body stressed that General Boro should concern himself with the Amnesty Programme and leave surveillance of oil and gas pipelines to Host Communities who have always been handling the programme.

Police gun down suspected armed robber in Delta From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

HE Ozoro Police Division in Tsuspected Delta State has shot dead a armed robber who has

Pandemonium at Wuse market as some Traders MAKE to escape as Charley Boy took his protest to the Popularly Wuse market in Abuja...on Tuesday

Anti-Buhari protest: Charles Oputa narrowly escapes death in Abuja •Police shuts Wuse 11 market

From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja anti-Buhari’s protest emTagoHEbarked upon about 10 days by popular musician cum hu-

man rights activist, Mr. Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, took a new dimension Tuesday, as he narrowly escaped being lynched by an irate mob.

It all happened at the popular Wuse 11 Market, in Abuja, as Mr. Oputa and his group who have being carrying out the protest at the Unity Fountain, decided to move their “Buhari, resume or resign, our mumu don do” campaign to the market.

Perhaps, the group, irked by the regular disruption of their campaigns at the Unity Fountain by a pro-Buhari campaign group, which recently sprang up to counter the Buhari, Resume Or Resign campaigners at the Unity Fountain, decided to move their campaign elsewhere to the Wuse 11 Market.

The anti-Buhari campaigners were said to have met strong resistance at the market, from some sympathizers of ailing President Buhari, who has been out of the country for close to

100 days now.

When The Oracle Today visited the market, security operatives had taken up positions at strategic places around the market, preventing people from moving close.

Although police had restored normalcy in the area at the time our correspondent visited, the market gates were securely shut, ostensibly to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

One of the shop owners who spoke to The Oracle Today after the incident, said Charly boy was rescued by security agents operating within the market.

According to the trader, who did not want his name in print, the security personnel assigned to the market, sensing the danger in bringing such campaign to the market, made several unsuccessful attempts to prevent Mr. Oputa and his group from entering the market.

“The security personnel here had initially tried to prevent him and his group but they refused to listen. This place is definitely not the right place to come for such a protest, knowing full well that if there is any breakdown of law

and order, looting would follow,” he said.

“As soon as he entered, some of the shop owners closed down their shops; the next thing we saw was a group of people came with stones and sticks to attack them. But, for the quick intervention of the security agencies made up of police and others, they would have killed them here,” he said.

Charly boy had suffered similar attacks in Abuja Tuesday last week, when police unleashed security dogs on his campaign group.

Mr. Oputa and his handful group made up of about 10 people, mostly young men and women had gathered to share ideas on pressing national issues at the Unity Fountain located in the heart of Abuja, when the incident occurred.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the police, then, Mr. Oputa detailed how about 20 dogs of the Nigeria Police were let loose on the small group of protesters, who had gathered at the Unity Fountain located within the precinct of the Abuja central business district.

been terrorizing Ozoro and its environs in the past few months, The Oracle Today has learnt.

The killed armed robber was said to belong to a gang that specialised in kidnapping, rapping and armed robbery in the Ozoro area and environs.

The suspect, who met his Waterloo while operating with others now at large has been terrorizing the area on motorcycles along with his gang members.

Acting on intelligence, the police, in collaboration with Ozoro OPASCO security outfit swung into action and intercepted the armed robbery suspects who were going for an operation and engaged them in a gun battle, during which the suspect sustained gunshot wounds.

However, before he gave up the ghost, the suspect confessed to the crime and gave his name simply as Ubaka Wisdom a HND 1 student of Science and Laboratory Department of Delta Polytechnic, Ozoro, disclosing that he hailed from Emu-Obedeti in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

A source from the Police station maintained that, the Police had been trying to fish out the hoodlum and his gang who had earlier been reported by one Mrs Shelly Moses whose bag containing a mobile phone and undisclosed amount of money was snatched from her at about 11:20pm while she was returning from the market along Urude street, Ozoro.

The suspected robbers, in a bid to escape, opened fire on the patrol team from the Ozoro Police Division, and in the ensuing battle the deceased, however sustained several gunshot wounds while other members of the gang escaped.

Items recovered from the suspects include red motorcycle with registration number Enugu, AGN 448QE, 6 guns, cartridges and gun charms.

When contacted, the Ozoro Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ngwu Samuel Attah, gave glory to God and commended resident and OPASCO security outfit of Ozoro community for the gallantry, urging them to always give the Police vital information that would enable them act fast whenever the need arises

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Roswitha Chukwuma (with Agency reports)

Ethiopian airlines targets $10bn revenue, 146 destinations by 2025

China urges all sides to put out fire, not add to flames, in N. Korea standoff

thiopian Airline says it is working to be a 10 billion dollar profit making organisation, fly 120 international and 26 domestic destinations by 2025.

Mrs Seble Azena, Manager Ethiopian Airlines Holidays, disclosed this while addressing Nigerian Journalists and Tour Operators, during a tour of the airline’s facility at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa.

Azena said the airline’s current revenue for 2016 unaudited stood at 2.71 billion dollars with 100 international destinations and 17 domestic destinations.

She added that the carrier currently transported 8.8 million passengers annually with a total of 92 aircraft in its fleet while 59 aircraft have been ordered.

The manager also disclosed that the airline also transport about 238,000 tonnes of cargo annually using 39 wide body freighter aircraft across the globe.

“As the leading pan African Airline, we are targeting 10 billion dollar revenue by 2025 and we also target “Today Ethiopian airlines is the second fastest growing carrier in the world. We transport 8.8 million passengers and about 338,546 tonnes of cargo per year.

“The revenue is 2.71 billion dollars revenue, our current fleet is 92 and we have 59 aircraft in order.

“Beyond the number of aircraft that the Ethiopian airlines have, the most interesting element is that the average age of aircraft is five years.

“We use Addis Ababa as our main hub and as such there is more congestion at the airport.

“To alleviate this and facilitate passengers movement within the continent and the globe, the airline has established two more hubs, one in Lome in west Africa and the other is in Lilongwe in Malawi in south Africa.

“We currently have 100 destinations, for cargo, we have 39 dedicated cargo freighter and 19 dedicated domestic destinations,’’ she said.

Azena disclosed that the airline’s new cargo terminal in Addis Ababa was the largest in Africa and second in the world, adding that the terminal would become the world’s largest by 2025.

She said the cargo terminal was designed as an automated terminal with the capacity to process 600,000 tons of cargo annually.

The airline’s official said the airline was currently contributing 11 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, adding that the country had invested so much in aviation industry.

According to her, the airline is willing to assist any African country to develop their aviation sector especially in setting up a national carrier through partnership.

She said that Nigeria had been the biggest market for the airline in the continent, saying that the country stood at number one in terms of volume of passengers.a “Nigeria got her independence in October 1960 and we commenced operation unto the country in November, just a month after the independence.

“Since then we have continued to operate there, Nigeria has our great ally and currently we are operating a number of destinations in the country.

“Nigeria is one of the leading economies in the globe followed by South Africa. So today, Africa is known for positive things with double digit economic growth,’’. She said.

hina on Tuesday reiterated calls for restraint on the Korean peninsula, saying it hoped all sides could put out the flames, not add oil to the fire, with their words and actions.

Speaking at a daily news conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying urged a peaceful resolution of the standoff.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has delayed a decision on firing missiles towards Guam while he waits to see what the U.S. does next, the North’s state media said on Tuesday, as South Korea’s president said Seoul would seek to prevent war by all means.

NAN reports that Pyongyang’s threat to strike near Guam prompted a surge in tensions in the region

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on Aug. 9, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning he would unleash “fire and fury” on North Korea if it did so.

Analysing the North Korea crisis Kim said the U.S. should make the right choice “in order to defuse the tensions and prevent the dangerous military conflict on the Korean peninsula”.

Trump spoke to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe late Monday to discuss North Korea.

“President Trump reaffirmed that the United States stands ready to defend and respond to any threat or actions taken by North Korea against the United States or its allies, South Korea and Japan,” a White House statement said early Tuesday.

South Korean President Moon

Jae-in said on Tuesday there would be no military action without Seoul’s consent and his government would prevent war by all means.

“Military action on the Korean peninsula can only be decided by South Korea and no one else can decide to take military action without the consent of South Korea,” Moon said in a speech to commemorate the anniversary of the nation’s liberation from Japanese military rule in 1945.

“The government, putting everything on the line, will block war by all means,” Moon said.

North Korea is angry about new United Nations sanctions over its expanding nuclear weapons and missile programme and annual military drills between Washington and Seoul beginning later this month

that Pyongyang condemns as invasion rehearsals.

A Guam official said he was “ecstatic” as North Korea appeared to back away from its threat.

“There doesn’t appear to be any indication, based on what we’re hearing, that there will be any missiles attacking in the near future or in the distant future,” Lieutenant-Governor Ray Tonorio said.

U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis warned on Monday the U.S. military would be prepared to intercept a missile fired by North Korea if it was headed to Guam.

Mattis told reporters that the U.S. military would know the trajectory of a missile fired by North Korea within moments and would “take it out” if it looked like it would hit the US Pacific territory.

Egypt opens Rafah crossing to allow Gaza pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia

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• White supremacists walk through the town after their rally was declared illegal near Lee Park in Charlottesville, USA. Photo Credit: Aljazeera

2 Canadians killed in Burkina Faso attack -Canada Foreign Minister

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wo Canadians were among 18 killed in an attack on a Burkina Faso restaurant, Canadian Foreign Minister, Chrystia Freeland, said on Monday.

Though she gave no information regarding the victims’ identities.

Suspected Islamist militants opened fire on patrons at a restaurant in the capital of Ouagadougou, killing at least 18 people and wounding several others.

Six Canadians were among those killed in an attack on a hotel in Burkina Faso in January, 2016.

The incident happened late Sunday when suspected Islamic extremists opened fire at a popular Turkish restaurant in the country’s capital.

Freeland says “the heartfelt condolences of our government go out to the loved ones of those targeted and the victims of this tragic attack.”

She says Canadian consular officials are working hard to provide assistance to the families of the victims.

Local authorities say other foreigners killed include two Kuwaitis and one person each from France, Senegal, Nigeria, Lebanon and Turkey.

Seven Burkina Faso citizens were also killed and authorities said three other victims had not yet been identified.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the violence, which continued into the early hours of Monday.

The attack brought back painful memories of the January 2016 attack at another cafe that left 30 people dead.

Burkina Faso, a landlocked na-

tion in West Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world.

It shares a northern border with Mali, which has long battled Islamic extremists.

“Canada strongly condemns the attack,” said spokeswoman, Brittany Venhola-Fletcher.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those affected by the terror attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.’

gypt on Monday opened the Rafah border crossing to allow intending pilgrims from Gaza Strip leave the blockaded coastal enclave to travel to Saudi Arabia, a local media reported.

The first group of about 800 intending pilgrims crossed the Rafah crossing to go to Cairo International Airport from where they would fly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

A total of 2,508 Muslim pilgrims from the Gaza Strip are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to attend the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage for Muslims from across the world, the report said.

Gaza had been under blockade

by Israel and Egypt since 2007 after the Hamas movement took over the enclave from the Palestinian National Authority.

Egypt opens Rafah crossing and the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing with Israel, only when the need arises for humanitarian reasons, the report said.

Meanwhile, EgyptAir has announced that it would start transporting Palestinian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia as of Tuesday.

The pilgrims would be airlifted via three flights that would take off from Cairo International Airport to Jeddah, the Egyptian official news agency MENA reported.

UN chief condemns Ouagadougou terrorist attack

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he Secretary-General of the UN, Mr António Guterres, has condemned Sunday’s terrorists’ attack on Ouagadougou.

Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Burkina Faso and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, in a statement issued by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

The UN chief stressed that there could be no justification for such acts of indiscriminate violence.

He reiterated the support of the UN to Burkina Faso in its fight

against violent extremism and terrorism.

He also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to the countries of the G5 Sahel as they scaled up efforts to tackle multiple security challenges in order to promote peace and development in the sub-region.

No fewer than 18 people, including eight foreigners, were killed in the terrorists attack on a Turkish restaurant in the the Burkina Faso capital.

At least three of the terrorists were killed by the country’s security forces later on Sunday.

• Mr. António Guterres,

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

POLITICS

Prof ABC NWOSU: We must Upsurge in cult killings restructure now to save in Rives State: Fallout of Nigeria politics or plain criminality?

Pg 12 & 13 Pg 10 & 11

‘Why Anambra election is important, must hold’ “Kanu and his Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) cannot stop election in Anambra State. If he (Kanu) wants to stop election in the Southeast, let him prepare to start it in Abia his own State in 2019. Let him start from Abia and not in Anambra and that means he has to wait till 2019.” This reaction came from Odinfe Ezenwekwe, a Chieftain of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), to calls by the IPOB for boycott of federally-conducted elections in the South East, starting with the November 18 Anambra governorship election. In this report, Anambra State Correspondent THEO RAYS examines this lingering controversy and, piecing together interviews with different sources, concludes that, as justified as the push for actualisation of Biafra may be, boycotting the election may ultimately do more harm than good to ‘Biafran’ territory.

F

ROM Onitsha to Port Harcourt, Owerri to Abakaliki, Nnewi to Awka, members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been spreading their message of zero election in the South East geo-political zone of Nigeria. Specifically, the message is this: in order to demonstrate the seriousness of the agitation for the creation of an independent state of Biafra via a UN-supervised referendum, members of the IPOB and their supporters should boycott all elections conducted by ‘Nigeria’ until the referendum is conducted.

For instance, IPOB members had recently stormed Achebe Stadium, Onitsha, to campaign against the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra, to affirm their position that the election will not hold. Similarly, the pro-Biafra group also stormed other places of events, including churches, to register their position against the election.

In an encounter with a journalist, the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu said with members of the group perceivably constituting majority of the voters in Anambra, there would be no election when they decide to sit at home on the Election Day. Asked if he is •Gov. Obiano not bothered that Ohanaeze Ndigbo the electorate and other Igbo leadto boycott the ers have distanced Anambra election themselves from his stand the test of call for the Anambra time, considerelection boycott ing the fact that Kanu said Ohanaeze Ndigbo, “No, I’m not because political leaders, the people are with us. community leaders, We control the people religious leaders and 100 per cent. And come other relevant staketo Anambra on the 18th of holders including the PoNovember, 2017, the whole lice have said no to election world will be amazed,” he said in boycott?

•Mazi Kanu response to the question.

Obviously, Kanu and IPOB have From his statement after statement all these segments of the people to conmade at different times and places, there tend with most especially politicians who see is no gainsaying that Kanu is optimistic that the election as their season to make fortune. his call for total boycott of the Anambra poll To politicians, stopping the election is as come November would be a huge success bad as blocking a thirsty man from drawing just like his May 30, 2017 sit-at-home order in water from the tap. Thus, politicians will defimemory of Biafran fallen heroes was. nitely fight back to ensure that the election is The question now is, can Kanu’s order for held as scheduled.

Reactions after reaction from different groups and individuals have consistently shown that it is not possible to stop the election or compel the electorate to completely boycott it. In fact, people are ready to dare Kanu and his group and others with fire for fire approach over the election.

Speaking on the call to boycott the election, the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) compared the call by IPOB to boycott the election to a shot to one’s own leg. The group, in a statement issued last week, said boycotting the election would not be in the best interest of the Igbo people for whom the IPOB is obviously fighting.

According to the group, people should be allowed to freely vote for their leader who would in turn collaborate with governors from the South East to do what the people want.

“In this case, ASATU considers the call for boycott of the governorship election as, not only unfortunate and misinformed, but cer-

tainly a call for a shot in one’s own foot, a call for a goal in one’s own net and accordingly, a call to be seen as counterproductive and a dance to the gallery,” the group said.

ASATU applauded IPOB for bringing the unconscionable marginalisation of the Igbo to the limelight more forcefully than ever before but said boycotting the Anambra election is not the best move. “While the championing of the Igbo cause is appropriate, it is imperative that all arguments and agitations are made within the ambits of the law. We wish to express confidence in the IPOB leadership to see things in their true perspectives in line with an Igbo adage that says that “a man whose house is on fire does not chase rats,” ASATU said.

“Anambra State is of great importance to Ndigbo just as other States in the Southeast and, it is of the utmost importance that Igbo Stakeholders, especially the politicians, do Ndigbo some good by refraining from inclinations that are targeted at distorting the facts of the peace, good order, security of life and property and signs of wellbeing across the State,” ASATU added.

Similarly, a member of APGA Board of Trustees, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka has called on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra not to scuttle the forthcoming November 18 election in Anambra.

Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, Chiarman of the popular Rojenny Tourism Village Oba, Idemili South Local Council of Anambra State, said the no-election-in-Anambra song by the agitators is both illogical and out of tune with reality.

Ezeonwuka, who is also the Ogirisi Igbo said it would amount to cutting off one’s nose to spite his face, as not holding election would further worsen the plight of not just the agitators but the innocent people in Anambra State and, by extension, Igboland.

He said: “The call for no election is not in tandem with modern democratic practice.

Why would you destroy what you already have because of what you are looking for? It amounts to cutting off one’s nose to spite “What are they even clamouring for? If it is Biafra, they already have it because their councillors, local government chairmen, even governors are their own people.

“What they (IPOB) should be doing now is to see how they can add value to the economic, political and security well-being of the region rather than disturbing the businesses and peace of their brothers and sisters.”

Ezeonwuka, who is the founder of Ogirisi Foundation, a socio-cultural group, blamed the army of youths available for IPOB agitations and rallies on joblessness.

The cultural leader said successive government had been unfair to the youths through their inability to provide business and economically viable environment for them to be gainfully busy.

He said that if the youths calling for Biafra and agitating against democratic election had something to keep them economically busy, they would not abandon it.

Ezeonwuka said: “What you see is a sign of frustration; they (youths) have been deprived of their rights by governments in the South-East.

“My opinion is that leaders in the zone should not just talk with the youths but device a way to build the regional economy for youths just like Taiwan is a big economy under China.”

Also reacting, the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State Hon. Rafael Asha Nnabuife expressed fear that the no election move may lead to declaration of State of Emergency in Anambra upon which a stranger would be appointed as administrator of the State.

Nnabuife said: “The move to stop the governorship election scheduled for November 18, is not going to work in our interest, because if anything happens to the contrary, we will be at the receiving end. The Federal Government can declare a state of emergency in Anambra so long as the State is under the territory of the Nigeria state.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Bold ‘n’ Blunt WHY, in spite of the traumatic experiences that the nation passed through between 1967 and 70, do you think the drums of war are beginning to sound once again; is it that we did not learn any lesson from the Civil War? God created us with certain rights and freedoms--and certain actions. The human soul rejects injustice and unfairness. In 1966/67, it was unfairness, injustices and trying to right wrongs that led us to what happened (Civil War). There are copious injustices currently going on in the country.

Why do you think that there was no clamour for Biafra in 1970? I was not allowed to graduate in 1970; I graduated in 1971. But I also won Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigeria, in 1971, and I left in 1972. I later came back to teach for Nigeria in 1975. I taught at St Gregory’s College (Lagos) in 1971. The likes of Jimmy Agbaje and (Senator) Ben Bruce were my students. Why didn’t I stay back in London? I mean, was it about Biafra then? In 1979, when we were with the late Chinua Achebe and the rest, we were discussing politics. We were the hot heads at the UNN. Chinua Achebe was trying to persuade us that the best place to go was the PRP; he later became a national officer for the PRP. Now, you ask, why wasn’t there Biafra then? Eventually, Alex Ekwueme emerged as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. After that, there were military incursions. Why wasn’t there (agitation for) Biafra in the 1980s? In 1986, I became (a federal) Commissioner. I was commissioner for health under four different military governors. I started the Nigeria Guinea-worm Eradication Programme; it was not Biafra Guineaworm Eradication Programme but Nigeria Guinea-worm Eradication Programme.

We later formed the PDP and Obasanjo became President. Why wasn’t there Biafra under President Obasanjo? When MEND threatened under President Umaru Yar’adua, he knew exactly what to do. I wish Yar’Adua had lived. He solved the problem and Nigeria started enjoying development again. And right now, we are here, we should ask why. And I can address that question. It is injustice! You cannot have members of a family and you begin to treat an individual in that family as though he is a pariah. You cannot! Anybody who comes here, in the South East, and tells you he doesn’t know where the problem started, he is either looking for a job from this government, or he is a contractor.

You have talked about injustice, you have talked about the absence of this agitation before now, which indicates that whatever is stoking the agitation is something that is with us now. Would you say that demand for a secessionist Biafra is the best approach towards this agitation?

It is not the answer. But all of us know the history of the civil rights movement in America. In the 60s when some of my classmates went there as American scholarship holders... if you remember, the black man did not even have the right to vote. It was until Rosa Parks refused to get up and Martin Luther King and his colleagues took it up, and Martin Luther later paid with his life. But Rosa Parks, who is now regarded as the mother of civil rights movement, and whose statue is now in the capital Ohio, said something. She said, ‘I am in favour of anything that my people do to bring it clear to the American public that they are unhappy with the situation in America’. That is what is happening in the South East.

What is happening in the South East is also that many elders, including I, do not just think that secession is not the answer; we know that secession is not the answer.

We are convinced and know to our marrows that secession is not the answer. But how else can you bring it to your fellow citizens, that your people, more than 30, 50, 60 million Nigerians, are being unjustly treated in Nigeria. I do not use the word marginalisation, it is not marginalisation; it is sheer wickedness. And anybody who is fighting for his right, in his family where he is certain that he is his father’s son, and is not shaking about it, should he be asked to go for a DNA test. We are bona fide Nigerians. We have accepted completely, we never rejected Nigerian citizenship. We just want to express full citizenship of Nigeria, and when this is denied you, it hurts.

Prof ABC NWOSU: We must restructurenowtosaveNigeria

Former Minister of Health and Presidential Adviser, Professor ABC Nwosu, has urged the federal government to make haste and address the wrongs that have put the country in its current apprehensive state. He prescribed restructuring of the country as one of the sure ways to heal the nation’s wounds and allow every group to “take charge of their future and their welfare,” adding that part of the wrongs in the country is national injustice against, and unfair treatment of Ndigbo, by the Buhari administration. In this interview, he warns against current youths disregard for elders across the country, where they now ignore elders to take own decisions and actions, describing it as a dangerous trend. He spoke on O&A Show on AIT, which was monitored by CHUKS EZE in Enugu. Excerpts…

What has happened is that the youth think that I, ABC Nwosu, am a coward.

They think we no longer speak for them.

The youths of the South East now worship a new god (Nnamdi Kanu). They think that we do not speak for them – we are cowardly, we have accepted to be slaves in Nigeria, to be secondclass citizens in Nigeria, and they will not accept it because they were not born during the war. So, if I am telling them that I got hurt, it means nothing to them. This injury I was telling you about happened to me at Ogidi Water Tank, near St Philips, Iyienu, during a battle.

But I have put that behind me – I am not bitter about it at all. It is behind me. But if I talk, they would say Oh, he has come with his war story. We have heard about it; thank you for very much for what you people did at that time, but we do not know anything about it and we do not care a hoot. We just know that we are better qualified than this person and was taken instead of us; why should it be so? This our brother that was qualified has been removed, and the other person that is not even qualified has been appointed; why should it be so? You have over 30 appointments and our people are not there. They know all these, and they say to us: You people can accept that you are a defeated people, but our generation is not; so do not make us accept that we are a defeated people. And that is the situation that we are facing. That is why I keep saying that Umaru Yar’Adua is the best President that Nigeria did not have for long. Not only that he declared his asset publicly, but from Katsina, when the people (of Niger Delta) went to the creeks and said they want to control their resources, under the auspices of MEND, (the late) President said, ‘let us talk to them’.

They went to the creeks, people disarmed, they were given amnesty programme, and the militants are now having first class honours from various reputable universities across the world. They also got the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. They agitated, though they had a point, and the government listened and went to the creeks. The generals who led the youths are still being addressed as generals today.

But the issue is that government listened to them, there was peace, our oil production topped up and Nigeria benefitted.

When somebody complains, from any part of the country, that the position he is in is wrong and not acceptable, it is the duty of government to listen to the governed. It is not the duty of the President to behave as His Imperial Majesty. Nobody is imperial

anything because, if you were not elected you would not be President. So, you should listen to people’s complaints. And why it is so painful to many of us is that right before our eyes, the thing we did not want, the thing we do not want, the thing we prayed will never happen in our own time, is happening, not because we want it to happen, but because we are helpless to go and do it because people did not consider the consequences of their actions.

Some people say that the injustices that the people of South East complain about are not real but perceived; yet there are others who claim that the alleged injustices of today were the same complaints that led to the civil war in the late 60s. What are some of these pockets of injustices, if they are actually real and not perceived?

It is laughable when people say there is no injustice, because the person you have been unjust to knows that you have been unjust to him. You that have been unjust to that person know that you have been unjust to him. If you don’t know, then you haven’t been created in God’s image. Every human being created in God’s image is created to know good and bad, right and wrong. When in your extended family or in a polygamous setting, you are the first child and something comes, you distribute it to only the people from the same mother as you, ignoring the others, and when they complain you say it is perceived injustice by those people! That is sophistry.

I disregard such nonsense. Let me give you concrete examples. My pride in PDP is that it has produced a President from the West, North, and from the East—the minority.

And one of the things we fought for in PDP is power shift to the South. It wasn’t perceived injustice to Abiola; it was injustice to Abiola. It was not perceived! And all sections of the country saw to it. So, we had only the Presidential candidates from the South West during the 1999 presidential election. That is how you correct injustice.

What is the injustice is that you have over 40 national appointments and one of the largest populations and most homogenous groups in Nigeria – the Igbo – does not merit any slot? Where and when have you ever seen the Presidency run by excluding a major group?

On May 29th, 1999, I was appointed political adviser to President Obasanjo because he had not chosen his Vice and he needed something to reassure people that we were all included in this country – inclusiveness. So, I became Political Adviser. Did I study political science? In fact,

many people get confused they think I’m a political scientist. Where? It’s my colleague, friend and brother, Prof Humphrey Nwosu, the chairman former NEC Chairman, who studied political science. I was representing a group and he would send me to the members of that group. That is how you build in a plural society. You don not rule a plural society as if people do not exist.

But, I think I have dwelt much on this and the point has been made. So, let us dwell more on the other side: that if you want harmony, then all members of the family should be brought into the home. If you have members of the family, please do not point to me and tell me we have been given ministerial slots because that is a constitutional requirement.

We have 36 ministers by constitution, no doubt, but that was not the problem, under Obasanjo. The problem was in the kitchen cabinet. His chief of staff was a General from the north; the Secretary to the Government (SGF) was from AkwaIbom, for eight years. He spread appointments like that so that all members of the family came together to build the family.

I think what is there is to tell Nigerians that today is still early to start correcting mistakes of the past few years. You bring members of the same family, so that when you call a Security Council meeting, it is a Nigerian Security Council – a Council that has all the geo-political zones represented.

When you go into your kitchen cabinet, you have all. And there is a critical one; many people still remember what happened in Jos (Plateau State) during the primary election that brought in Obasanjo.

Obasanjo won the primaries convincingly.

What did he do? He went with Chief Solomon Lar, against the zoning formula of the party, to request that Dr. Alex Ekwueme be the President of the Senate. Why did he do that?

It was because he realized that he was already from a section of the country, his vice was from another section of the country and he needed the South East to show it was one big family; and he approached Alex Ekwueme. Understandably, Alex Ekwueme, having been number two citizen of this country, could not go back to become number three. So, he requested to be allowed to have a say on who takes the slot. But you noticed that throughout that era, the number three man was always from the South East. That statesmanship got the system stabilised. It does not matter whether the Senate President (position) changed severally. It was still from one member of the family to another

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Bold ‘n’ Blunt

•Professor, ABC Nwosu

•Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo member of the family.

Was such arrangement the case under Yar’Adua?

Look, under President Umaru Yar’Adua, his vice was an easterner from the minority – Goodluck Jonathan. These are demands for managing a plural society which when you go against then you start facing all sorts of problem. But, look at this one that happened in 2015; (President Goodluck Jonathan conceded victory before the final result was announce – no law court or tribunal. Yet, there is no south easterner no Igbo anywhere in the Villa. There is none anywhere at all when they take decisions.

All that the zone has are its ministers.

Almost all the parts of this country feel marginalised in some way, but to some people, the Igbo are becoming professional complainers. Why are the Igbo making it look like there is a ground conspiracy of the rest of Nigerians to undermine their race?

I do not know how to begin to explain to you that the Igbo are not professional complainers at all. You know I told you that I hate the word ‘marginalization’ because when we talk of marginalization you trivialise the matter. It looks like you are begging for appointment. The Igbo are not begging for appointments. I am here speaking very strongly to enable whoever is listening to have a better appreciation of what the Igbo problem or situation is! The Igbo are not begging for appointments and are also not begging for accommodation. There is

must watch.

What are those dangers?

One is when a people are dissatisfied with government and they think they do not need the government anymore. We see how the life of many Nigerians is a misery as government cannot take care of them and there is disenchantment here and there. It is a bad sign. The second one is when the youths disregard the elders; and this disregard of elders is all over Nigeria as we speak. The northern youths that gave the Igbo quick notice disregarded the elders, never mind the likes of Ango Abdullahi, but the majority do not like the quit order. But they gave it anyway, and they are not retracting it. On the other hand, Nnamdi Kanu is giving his IPOB, and the elders are not seeking for Biafra. But the youths – Biafra agitators - are not listening to the elders who are telling them that that is not the way to go. When NEND took to the creeks, even up till now, the elders are still saying no, that is not the way to go.

So, you are getting a disconnect between the elders and the youths and it is fuelled by unemployment. The economy is bad, we have mass unemployment and a large number of people are out of school, which is terrible because it will grow in geometric proportion. People out of school will beget people out of school and, and on and on, and you cannot discuss with them. These are danger signs that all of us should be trying to solve.

• President Buhari

•Mazi Nnamdi Kanu no begging! If you do not want me, that is ok. Now, allow me to go my different way now; a person rejected does not reject himself. The Igbo are not complaining about being rejected; they are not even in the do-or-die battle for the presidency as we speak, no! They are in a do-or-die battle to get this Nigeria structured appropriately so that even if you don’t like me it should not lead to friction. Am I making myself clear?

Are you talking about restructuring?

Correct! That is what is uppermost in the Igbo man’s mind now – restructuring! It is not about presidency of Nigeria, it is not about presidency, I repeat. You notice that when my boss (Obasanjo) said that the Igbo should contest in 2019, I begged him to leave us alone, that we are not interested and that if we were interested, we had enough people and we were quite capable of reaching that decision by ourselves.

Restructuring is important. It is good for the east, it is good for the west, just as it is good for the north and the south; and that is the focus of the Igbo today. What we are seeing is the Igbo person telling you: “I am not happy with where you have placed me.

I don not know what I have done to earn it. I am very free with you, very relaxed with you; I would like to contribute my best to Nigeria. But why are you stopping me?

When I am ready to do this you stop me, when I am in the position to do this you delete me from it”. I am not going to mention specifics. But when Ihejirika was made Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), it was one big deal. But we have had the northerners hold

that position severally and it was never a big deal. A westerner is now the Chief of Defence Staff, and I ask you: was his appointment a big deal? If you say you cannot have the Igbo in this or that, check the populations of Nigeria till independence and the time we agreed to come together even to form one nation, you would find that the Igbo were not a minority group. They were a very large group, very homogenous. If you create states appropriately, the Igbo should have up to seven states, with complete homogeneity. So, that is the group that is almost as if you are giving them tokenism. If they become Chief of Army Staff, you celebrate, if they become the inspector general of police you celebrate it; and it is not because of incompetence; it is not because they have committed crimes. So, that is at the root of it. The situation now is that while we, the elders, understand the situation, and are prepared to leave it out, our children are not; and they will create problems when this generation of mine will all die away; we will not be there. It is best that we solve the problem that started with us. So, the neglect of Igbo in this country is not ‘perceived’, and their reactions are not complaint. But I am saying that the current situation of the Igbo in this country is a dangerous trend. If you saw when Nnamdi Kanu was detained, you saw that those that refer to the Igbo as perpetual complainants were wrong. The Igbo are not complaining anymore. You saw the large number of youths that were always there showing solidarity with him. You will see that there are two dangers that we

Some of the fears being expressed by people about restructuring is that it may confer some kind of autonomy on a region or a state. Some people say, look, that was what they were trying to avoid even before the war, which was what led to the creation of 12 States. If you want to go back there again, would that not be an easy route to breaking up Nigeria?

If there is anything I would say in this conversation with you, let it be that Nigeria has no other choice than to restructure. We must restructure. This autonomy you are saying that people are afraid of is what we must give to the people. People must be in charge of their future and their welfare.

The day of big brother deciding for you, where and how you should have a road and how your children should be educated, is over; it is not a Soviet Union. The only country trying it now is North Korea. Except if Nigeria wants to be like North Korea; what is wrong with autonomy? Let us take the church for example. I am a Catholic and am sure it is in other Christian faith; there is what we call principle of subsidiarity.

When you want to go get married, isn’t it the parish priest that takes charge? Doesn’t the parish priest have the autonomy to marry couple, to bury the dead, and to do all the things in that parish? Is it the bishop or the archbishop that does those? Is it the archbishop who must take decisions on those? Nigeria did better when there was autonomy. Why must a borehole be sited in Agu-Ihedi in Nnewi South Local Government Area, how many know where it is?

But the decision will be taken in Abuja; that is where we went wrong. That is why the restructuring being clamoured for is more about devolution of power than the structure you devolve the power to. Restructuring is all about devolution of power, the configuration to receive the power, the physical arrangements to sustain that structure.

These three key elements are important.

The devolution of power; I know that native authority police began in Nigeria before the Nigeria police. Why are people now shivering when you mention State police? But they do not shiver when you mention FBI, New York police department, Los Angeles police department, Chicago police department – these are not even states. Why? Why can people not see that when a state government has the power to legislate, it should also have the power to enforce that legislation and have its own police? When you concentrate everything and make them Nigerian police, and then Inspectors General of police must come from a particular state or a particular city; don’t you see that that is wrong? That is what brings protest. So, we must restructure, we must devolve, we must give greater autonomy to the federating units.

That is what it was at independence.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

POLITICS

V

IOLENT cult clashes in Rivers State resulting in multiple killings, beheadings and the like have become a source of worry to law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders. Iceland, Greenland and Deygbam have over the past three years turned out to be the most violent groups among other less known cult groups in the State.

Although, there were violent clashes among some youths in the State days, weeks and months preceding the 2015 general elections, many attributed the ugly situation then to political intolerance on the part of overzealous members of the two leading political parties in the State, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Before the 2015 general elections, the political temperature in the State was remarkably high. The APC, led by the immediate past governor of the State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and his major political adversary, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, then a Minister of State for Education and, subsequently, the Supervising Minister of Education, were entangled in an explosive and long-running political slugfest, throwing political brickbats, jives and barbs at each other.

Some months before the general elections, Amaechi, exercising his constitutional powers as a sitting governor, granted pardon to 55 criminals, some of them already convicted and serving their time at the Port Harcourt Prison, and others who had been on the long queue of awaiting trial for even upwards of three years or thereabout. The PDP, a party on whose platform he served as a Speaker of the State House of Assembly for eight years, and as a two-term governor, which he later left to join the newly formed APC, accused him and the APC of releasing the criminals to deploy them as foot soldiers to rig the elections in favour of the APC. Amaechi and the APC also accused the PDP and Wike of fraternising with known former militant warlords, who were prominent in the Niger Delta struggle for resource control before former President Umaru Yar’Adua’s government granted them amnesty in 2010, to quell the combustive agitation, to restore peace and order in the region, ostensibly to enable the oil companies prospect and explore for oil and gas, whose activities are concentrated in the Niger Delta.

The accusations and counter accusations between the PDP and the APC exacerbated towards the months preceding the 2015 general elections. About three months before the general election, scores of people across the political divide were killed and maimed. And the violence that led to their deaths was attributed to the struggle for political supremacy between the APC and the PDP in the State.

After the 2015 general elections, the APC claimed that it lost upwards of 97 people in the course of the violence that preceded the elections. The Rivers APC, which said it lost more members during the political fray, assiduously detailed the violence and the gory pictures of some of its members who were killed, into a documentary, which was shown to journalists and, eventually, submitted to the Electoral Petition Tribunal that sat over the conduct of the general elections in Rivers State.

Members of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal that sat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, subsequently, accepted the video and the accompanying photographs as exhibit during the course of its deliberations. The pictorial and documentary video presented by the APC coalesced to influence the judicial opinion of the electoral panel to rule that the tribunal would sit in Abuja.

In its judgment, the tribunal ruled that it was not safe for its members to sit in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital because, in its words, “Rivers State was a theater of war during the 2015 general elections”. The Rivers State PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal but lost. Thereafter, it appealed to the Supreme Court. Again, the PDP lost. Finally, the Rivers State Petition Electoral Tribunal sat in Abuja, up to the Supreme Court, that ultimately declared in its final judicial opinion, on January 26, 2016, that Wike was appropriately elected by the electorate in Rivers State as governor, on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

The Supreme Court’s judgment, temporarily, dulled the accusation from the APC that the PDP was, allegedly, responsible for the death of its members killed prior to the

Upsurge in cult killings in Rives State: Fallout of politics or plain criminality?

As PDP and APC trade blames, NATH OMAME Jr., in Port Harcourt tries to find out whether the spike in cult killings in Rivers State is politically-motivated or plain criminality.

2015 general elections. There was a lull in violent clashes and killings for some months after Wike was formally sworn-in, Friday, May 29, 2015, by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri.

The tension that pervaded the State before, during and a few months after the 2015 general elections diminished, tremendously, after the elections and some months after the Supreme Court judgment. But by June 2016, cult clashes had reared up their head again. This time, however, they added a rather frightening dimension to their deadly escapade.

Clashes among rival cult groups escalated in Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Emohua, Etche, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Kana, and Gokana Local Government Areas. While Port Harcourt Local Government Area witnessed more of kidnapping, the other local governments also became veritable grounds for armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities.

In one night alone, cult members stormed Ahoada West, killed and beheaded eight persons; hours after, the same cultists stormed Ahoada East, killed and beheaded another eight and left with their heads.

Killing and beheading of rival cult members became common among rival cult groups in some parts of the state.

In one instance at Egbema/Ogba/Ndoni Local Government Area, a senior Police officer and his orderly were killed and beheaded and their headless bodies buried in shallow graves.

And this heightened tension and spread visible fear in the state as the security agencies deployed their men into the local government to arrest the culprits and recover the bodies of the slain Policemen.

Unlike in 2014, and the months preceding the 2015 general election, violence and killings in Rivers State were attributed, largely, to the political rivalry between the PDP and the APC. With the upsurge in violent crimes being perpetrated in different local governments, residents of the State began complaining about insecurity in the State. And there were undeniable murmurs that the wave of insecurity would scare investors and business people from the State.

The APC and business people began criticising the state government for not taking the thorny issue of insecurity seriously. The APC on different occasions accused Governor Wike of refusing to publicly condemn the escalating incidence of cult clashes, killings and beheadings that has become a new and dangerous fad with cult groups in the state.

Worried by the escalating occurrence of cult killings in the state, Governor Wike, in September 2016, set up an Amnesty Committee, with Sir Kingsley Chinda, as chairman.

The governor directed that all repentant cultists and criminals who surrender their arms and ammunition to the Amnesty Committee would be granted amnesty and reintegrated into the society. Security agents such as the Army, Navy, Air Force and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), were also part of the amnesty committee.

The amnesty was in three phases. One, to retrieve arms and ammunition from repentant cultists and criminals; two, to train them in vocational skills; and three, to empower them with jobs, or avail some of them with equipment, implements, tools, and other ancillaries to enable them venture into entrepreneurial endeavours.

The Amnesty Committee visited all the 23 local government areas in the State out of which 19 local governments embraced the amnesty. Some of the cultists and criminals that embraced the amnesty later came out of hiding in the bush or creeks, and resettled in their communities, or relocated to the oth-

Both communities were said to have been at war for 20 years. Although, the war between both communities lessened, somewhat, a disagreement , which later blossomed into full-blown enmity between two youths of both communities over the sale of illegally refined petroleum products was imported from the creeks where they had, hitherto, transacted their oil business into Bomu and Lewe communities. And the fallout of the violent skirmish resulted in the death of many youths, men, women, and sadly, children.

Parents and guardians prevented their children and wards from going to schools for fear of being cut down by stray bullets or from being entrapped in the middle of a nasty crossfire. In the other three other local governments in Ogoniland, cult and criminal activities were also rife. Farmers were afraid to go to their farms for fear of being kidnapped, and the women among them, raped. Ogoniland acclaimed for bountiful annual agricultural products, has been unable to meet up with the demand for foodstuffs, essentially, garri, which price, has, consequently, shot up tremendously in Rivers State.

Ogoni remained a flashpoint for violence and killings even after the December legislative re-run election had been conducted and won by the two key APC candidates, Senator Abe, and Dr. Bari Mpigi, member representing the Tai/Eleme Federal Constituency. Following the frightening number of deaths that was being recorded daily in Ogoni as a result of cult war and criminal activities, Ogoni leaders made public appeals to Governor Wike to open a fresh window of amnesty to cultists and criminals from Ogoni so that illegal arms and ammunition in the area could be mopped up.

President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Leygbosi Pyagbara, the President of KAGOTE, an Ogoni socio-cultural group, Dr. Peter Meede, President of Ogoni Youth Council, Dr. Young Nkpah, among other prominent Ogonis appealed to Governor Wike to open a fresh window of amnesty to enable Ogoni youths submit their weapons and benefit from the state government amnesty programme. Traditional rulers, elders, chiefs and leaders in Ogoni were palpably desperate for illegal arms and ammunition circulating in the area to be reduced to abate the rampaging violence that had killed many men, women, youths, and innocent children that were unfortunate to have been hit by the bullets of the warring youths.

After much persuasion, Governor Wike, in March this year, opened a fresh window of amnesty to the four Ogoni local governments. It was clearly a difficult task for the amnesty committee. The amnesty committee ran into brick walls in Eleme, Tai and Gokana in their earlier visits. Chinda had to publicly accuse the traditional rulers, elders and

It is clear that political divisions have no influence in the current spate of killings and beheading of people in Rivers State. Apart from the usual media propaganda between the PDP and the APC, over road projects that Governor Wike has executed, or, currently under construction, there is no combustive political tension in the state between both parties.

”

er cities in the state to live normal lives, again.

The four local governments in Ogoniland namely, Kana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, shunned the amnesty committee. It was in Ogoni that political colouration was given to the workings of the amnesty programme.

The only APC Senator Representing Rivers South East, Magnus Ngei Abe, is an Ogoni, who is going back to the polls to contest for the Senatorial re-run election, on Saturday, December 10, 2016, as ordered by the Court of Appeal.

To the Ogonis, the amnesty programme was essentially targeted at the Ogonis to mop up the arms in the possession of some of the youths, to cow them politically, while youths in other local governments, would be merely glossed over by exhibiting disused arms in public while mopping up the active arms in the possession of the Ogoni youths.

However, when the amnesty committee visited Kana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, the Ogoni youths refused to submit their arms and ammunition. And the amnesty committee Chairman, Chinda, vowed that the State government would not grant amnesty to cultists and criminals in the four local governments. While the amnesty committee was mopping up arms and ammunition from the 19 other local governments, community skirmishes intensified in Ogoni, between Bomu and Lewe, in Gokana local government area.

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

POLITICS

•Gov. Nyesom Wike

•Rotimi Amaechi

• Commissioner of Police, River State, Chris Ezike

•Magnus Abe

chiefs of working in concert with the youths to deliberately frustrate the efforts of the amnesty committee.

On different occasions, the chairman of the amnesty programme, Chinda, publicly stated that the there were nine communities in Ogoni that had well-stocked armouries kept for use in community wars which had become frequent in Ogoni. In April, the amnesty committee declared a cult leader in Eleme, Samuel Ogoso, otherwise known as “Supreme” wanted for refusing to surrender his stockpile of weapons and embrace the fresh window of amnesty. He was given 24 hours to surrender his weapons or forcibly arrested by a combined team of security agents. Another cult leader, “Pastor” from Tai Local Government Area was also declared wanted by the amnesty committee.

The dangerous leader of the Degbam cult, ‘Supreme’, was later killed in May in a shootout during a military raid in Sime community in Tai Local Government Area, following a tip-off by troops from the 29 Battalion deployed to the Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area, and the Anti-Robbery Team of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army deployed along the Port Harcourt-Akwa Ibom Road.

‘Supreme’s death was announced by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu IIiyasu.

The Amnesty Committee came to the close of its first phase in May 2017. Up to now, the second phase that would have been dedicated to providing the repentant cultists and criminals vocational skills is yet to take off.

Some months ago, some repentant cultists in Egbema/Ogba/Ndoni Local Government Area, complained that they are becoming restive because they have become idle since

they willingly accepted the state’s government amnesty programme.

Social commentators in the state have bemoaned the delay in ushering the repentant cultists into the second phase of skills acquisition. The first figure of repentant cultists that was reeled out by the state government at the close of the amnesty programme, without the involvement of cultists and criminals from the four Ogoni local government areas of Kana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, was said to be 22, 430. The number is set to increase with the addition of the repentant cultists and criminals from Ogoniland.

Before and during the 2015 general elections, an overdose of political colouration was given to the killings that happened. The APC pointedly accused the PDP of tactically killing its members to inspire fear in their members from venturing from their homes to vote, while it also claimed that some ardent members of the APC were killed to decimate the party. But Governor Wike dismissed the accusations, insisting that members of the PDP were also killed before and during the 2015 general elections, adding that the APC was crying wolf because the APC knew it was not popular in the state.

So, what could be responsible for the current upsurge in cult violence in the state after the 2015 general elections and at the close of the first phase of the amnesty programme in May 2017? It is clear that political divisions have no influence in the current spate of killings and beheading of people in Rivers State. Apart from the usual media propaganda between the PDP and the APC, over road projects that Governor Wike has executed, or, currently under construction, there is no combustive political tension in

the state between both parties.

And the level of political tolerance between members of the APC and PDP is a mile away from what transpired before and during the 2015 general elections. Instructively, cultists and criminals in the four Ogoni local government areas who shunned the amnesty programme, allegedly, because they wanted to be armed for the legislative re-run as claimed by some people appears to have also fallen flat on its face. Even after embracing the fresh window of amnesty graciously granted by Governor Wike, there have been reported cases of violent clashes between rival cult gangs in Ogoni.

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Ahoada West; Ahoada East; Emohua; Ikwerre; and Etche local governments where the PDP is firmly rooted with a widely pronounced support base, violent cult clashes have been very severe, including frequent cases of kidnapping.

None of the violence and killings has been traced to political differences by the security agencies. Most of the youths involved in cult clashes have no political leanings. From Police records, most of the cult groups are involved in kidnapping and armed robbery.

Disturbed by frequent cult clashes that have led to the killings and beading of rival cult members, in Emohua Local Government Area, the Rivers State government, recently inaugurated a 36-man peace committee made up of representatives of repentant cult groups, youth groups and some stakeholders. Chief of Staff, Chief Emeka Woke, while inaugurating the committee, in Port Harcourt, enjoined members of the committee to work diligently to restore lasting peace so as to attract development to the local government.

Speaking on the spate of violent clashes among cult gangs, in Rivers State, leader of the defunct Niger Delta Peoples’ Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujaheedin Asari Dokubo, lashed out at the youths of Rivers State saying “they don’t want to work.” He debunked widespread insinuations that the youths were being sponsored by politicians who are desperate to win elective positions at all cost.

Asari stressed: “I have heard some people saying the youths are tools in the hands of politicians. Which politicians? The percentage rate of our youths who are working or are ready to work is infinitesimal. These young men are not being used by politicians.

They are forming very dangerous and satanic cult groups to perpetuate crime. They just don’t want to work. They should work. They must cultivate the habit to work.”

He emphasised: “Everybody is aspiring to be rich without working. Our youths must purge themselves of the get rich quick syndrome and retrace their steps from their continued involvement in demonic cult gangs. Asari asked: Rivers youths don’t want to work. I grew up to see some of our fathers as fishermen. Most of our mothers were farmers. Tell me what Rivers people are known for, today?

“If you talk of trading, our markets and shops are dominated by the Ibo traders. If you turn to the fetching of water, the Hausas are there. Even the pushing of carte to carry garbage from markets and trading outlets and residential areas, the Hausa’s are there, too. “ He fumed: “All you hear our youths saying is: I am not being taking along. Take you along to where? Why must our youths wait to be taking along? Why can’t it be the other way round? Rather than wait to be taking along, why don’t you be the one to take some other persons along?”

The former militant leader regretted that Rivers youths are more predisposed to forming and belonging to violent cult groups to terrorise innocent and hardworking people who are working hard to earn legitimate incomes, than working hard to earn legitimate income. Asari recalled: “These are the things we fought against when they first reared their head in Rivers State. Poor parental care is largely responsible for the upsurge of cult groups and violent crimes in Rivers State, today.”

He noted: “Due to the dislocation of parental care, they want to get rich quick without working. You have no good education; you have no good handiwork; you have no vocational skill; you don’t want to work, yet, you want to be a millionaire.”

Asari counseled: “The percentage rate of our youths who are working or are ready to work is infinitesimal. Everybody is aspiring to be rich without working. Our youths must purge themselves of the get rich quick syndrome and retrace their steps from their continued involvement in demonic cult gangs.”

To buttress Asari Dokubo’s assertion, some armed repentant cultists who had embraced the state government amnesty programme, at the weekend, clashed with members of members of a newly recruited community vigilante group set up to tackle insecurity in Egi community, in Egi Land, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

The cultists invaded the community searching for members of the vigilante group, which was set up by the local government council. The mission of the cultists, it was gathered, was to kill members of the vigilante group who just returned to the community after completing their training programme. Buildings belonging to three members of the vigilante group were riddled with bullets. The cultists were vexed that they did not meet the security men at their respective homes. The rampaging cultists also broke into three lockup shops and looted the wares and goods inside the shops.

President-General of the Egi Unity Organisation, the umbrella socio-cultural organisation of the community, Mr. Kenneth Avra, condemned the incident, stating that the attack was unwarranted and against the unity and peace and development of the Egi people. The timing of the attack by the repentant cultists, their target and the aim of the attack showed, clearly, that there is no political undertone to their vicious attack on the members of the newly formed community vigilante group.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

POLITICS

Keeping military out of government is Nigeria’s best political progress –Ukpai

CHIEF UKPAI AGWU UKPAI, Deputy Chief of Staff to governor of Abia State, is a political scientist. A former Executive Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, he has held several appointive positions, including Security Adviser, Commissioner, several times Special Adviser and three-time Transition Committee Chairman of Ohafia LGA prior to his current appointment, among others. He told BONIFACE OKORO in this interview that Nigeria’s underdevelopment and the agitations currently rocking the fragile peace and unity of the country should all be blamed on inept leadership the country has experienced over the years. But he insists that the country is making progress, politically, as the people have resolved not to allow the military to grab power again. He scoffs at the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State for boasting that it will dethrone the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) come 2019. He holds that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has done well enough to deserve a second term. country because people are yearning for good governance in Nigeria.

AS a political scientist, would you say Nigeria is making progress, politically, since she got independence?

Yes, given the situation today, I will say we are making progress, in the sense that Nigeria has taken a position not to allow the military to come back again.

That is a very remarkable stand taken by Nigerians. Now, if you, as the Igbo adage says, put a baby on the bed, the baby will keep repositioning herself until she assumes a comfortable position.

So, I think we are repositioning ourselves, realigning ourselves on the bed.

We will get there one day. The important thing is that Nigeria and Nigerians have sworn not to allow the military to come back into political governance in the country, which, for me, is a great achievement.

Many had expected that Nigerians would be speaking and acting as one, united entity since the 1914 amalgamation of ethnic nationalities. But till date, that has not been achieved. Rather, agitations for self-determination have taken the front burner in our national discourse. What do you think gave rise to this?

The amalgamation of Nigeria brought the North, comprising the Old Northern Region of the Hausa extraction and South, comprising Igbo, Yoruba and other tribes in the South, together. The reason Nigeria has not been able to actually unite itself as an entity is because of bad leadership. If we had got our leadership right, by now we would have gone beyond where we are not. Now, we have pushed Nigerians to the wall, to the extent that almost all the components are now worried. No component of this country is allowed free hand to exist. The leadership structure of this country was designed in such a way that a particular group now presents itself as the owner of Nigeria and that is what is giving rise to agitations across the country.

Immediately after his election, the leader made a pronouncement that led us to the situation that we now find ourselves in, when he said he was only going to honour and give dividends of democracy to those who voted for him.

And that is a very terrible policy statement from a Nigerian leader. He is supposed to be for everybody that voted and everybody that did not vote for him.

As the father of the nation, as the Number One Citizen of the nation, you should have carried everybody along. And that is Nigerian politics for you.

So, because of the type of leadership we have produced in this country, that is the reason why we are where we are today. So, except and until we get the lead-

• CHIEF UKPAI

ership correct, we will not get a united nation called one Nigeria.

The PDP has been having its intra-party squabbles and many believe that the Supreme Court verdict, which affirmed Senator Ahmmed Makarfi as the authentic national Chairman of PDP will lay that to rest. What is your take on this?

First of all, the judgment was a saving grace to this country, in the sense that while we were in that confusion as PDP, the ruling party, the APC, had the country and toyed with it the way they wanted.

Immediately after the judgment, you can find APC coming together now because they were not minding their balkanized situation, but they are now coming together knowing that PDP, given this judgment, has now come back as a strong and very powerful opposition to the government of this country and you know there is no government that will function well without an effective opposition, which PDP is. That is the impor-

we have pushed Nigerians to the wall, to the extent that almost all the components are now worried. No component of this country is allowed free hand to exist.

”

tance of that judgment.

Secondly, with PDP coming together now, in fact, if you see the faces of Nigerians, you will know they are very desirous, so hungry for a change and that is the slogan of the PDP now: changing this very change with which APC is taking everybody to poverty, in fact, to zero level. There is hunger all over the place. The PDP, after their convention, will take over the governance of this

From your resume, you have been around in the governance of Abia State.

We would like you to assess the growth of Abia, as well as the performance of the current administration?

Government is a continuum. We started from where the military stopped and, if you ask me, my assessment is that we are progressing, especially with the governor on ground now. He has done so well. Look at what is happening in the country with the rainy season. Before now, the media would have gone public to say Aba has been swallowed by flood.

But today, we are happy to announce to you that of all the flooded cities in the country, Aba has never been mentioned and Aba has not seen any flood, unlike what it used to be those days. It is because of the leadership of the present government of Abia State.

The governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, took it upon himself to go to Aba and ensure that all those blocked areas and places--blocked manholes, service lanes built upon by people, houses built on drainages and waterways--were all brought down and those manholes were now opened and that is why Aba is very flood-free this rainy season.

As I said, government is a continuum.

He started from where others stopped and has improved on whatever they had done before now. He is doing well and at the end of the day, he is going to do better.

2019 is around the corner and the APC in Abia is boasting that it will take over the reigns of power in the state from PDP. Do you believe this will happen?

You know that politics is full of propaganda. Before you take over an administration, you will point at what you have done. The electorate is now so wise that it is no longer a question of you coming from anywhere to say you want to take over governance when you have nothing to point at. You first of all point at what you have done. So, if you don’t have anything on ground, how do you take over?

The government of Abia State is a structural thing: PDP is the government in Abia State. There are no two parties in Abia State. As I speak to you today, you can’t find APC anywhere in Abia. Those going about are just doing propaganda, just like what we see on the television where they say they will give you N100 billion and they are giving you N5 billion from the Paris Club Refund. It is all propaganda anyway. Abia State is a PDP State--there are no two ways about it.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

POLITICS

‘At least 40% of oil wells should be allocated to Niger Deltans’ MR. UDENGS ERADIRI is the immediate past president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

In this interview with OBIRE MEVAGEN, he says that Nigerians must start looking for homegrown solution to its problems; that illegal refining began as a result of failure of leadership to address genuine concerns of the people; that if illegal miners in the Northern part of Nigeria are organized into cooperatives to add value to federal government of Nigeria, then illegal miners in the Southern part ought also to be allowed to contribute to nation-building by being organized and controlled by the federal government to add value. Eradiri supports a plan in form of a programme to address the menace of illegal refinery operators but he

doesn’t want to use the word ‘Amnesty’. He insists that Niger Deltans must participate in the oil largess of Nigeria and that 40% of oil auction be made exclusively for people from the Niger Delta only if we must continue this present structure of Nigeria otherwise 100%. He said the federal government should show seriousness by relocating NNPC, NAPIMS and DPR to the Niger – Delta to show commitment; that Lagos being an oil producing state poses no challenge; that if shell operates majorly in Lagos, then the head office should remain there, but if its major operation is in the Niger Delta, then it makes no sense to be in Lagos. He spoke on a whole lot of other issues.

Excerpts

WHAT are your views concerning the renewed interest of the federal government in the Niger-Delta? Is it a step in the right direction?

Yes, it is a step in the right direction in the sense that we had all along demanded civil engagement of Niger Delta people rather than the military option employed by President Muhammadu Buhari initially. You can see that hostilities have ceased.

What would be your reaction to the Acting president’s pronouncement that the federal government is going to work with illegal refiners?

Nigeria must start looking for homegrown solution to its problems. Illegal refining began as a result of failure of leadership to address genuine concerns of the people. Since people had to survive, they resorted to oil theft, resulting in the loss of revenue to the federal government and the pollution of the environment. This must stop and if illegal miners in the Northern part of Nigeria are organized into cooperatives to add value to the federal government, then southern illegal miners also deserve to contribute to nation-building by being organized and controlled by the federal government so they can add value.

And do you think it would create more jobs and increase the economic fortunes of Nigeria?

Jobs are already being created illegally; so with government control, this will add to National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while saving the environment and reducing criminal gangs that operate in the area today.

A coalition of Niger Delta Youth has called on the Federal Government to grant pardon and amnesty to operators of artisanal refineries otherwise called illegal refinery operators. That the relevant federal agencies should adopt the model used in the presidential Amnesty Programme for ex-militants. Do you concur?

Well, with the government statement on working with illegal miners, it’s already a pardon of sort but modalities for operation are still being awaited.

Amnesty is a different issue compared to the bush refineries but ultimately, government must have a plan in form of a programme to address the menace.

So, I support a plan but I don’t want to use the word amnesty.

How do you see to the $20 billion Gas Revolution Industrial Park (GRIP) Project to be sited at Ogidigben in Warri South-West Local Government Area?

Would you commend Vice-President – Osinbajo for that?

oil blocks to indigenes of Niger-Delta states?

Absolutely, our people must participate in the oil largess of Nigeria. So, I suggest 40% of oil auction be made exclusively for people from the Niger Delta if we must continue this present structure of Nigeria otherwise 100%.

There are agitations for oil companies operating in the South-South region to relocate their headquarters to Niger Delta. What does the region stand to benefit from this? And now that a place like Lagos State where we have a large concentration of these oil companies’ headquarters has equally become an oil producing state, what do we now do?

Oil companies’ relocation order is a good thing. Jobs and sense of belonging will return to Niger Delta and ultimately development and peace will return. The federal government should show seriousness by relocating NNPC, NAPIMS and DPR to the Niger Delta to show commitment. Lagos being oil-producing State poses no challenge. If Shell operates majorly in Lagos, then the head office should remain there, but if your major operation is in the Niger Delta, then it makes no sense to be in Lagos.

Whoever is operating the Lagos fields must remain there. You don’t expect coal-mining companies to keep their offices in Kano when the coal is in Enugu.

It’s like the “New Delta Avengers (NDA)” sounded a battle cry against the Delta Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and other oil agencies. How do you see to this?

Agitators should focus their grievances on agencies at home and their state governors and not federal government of Nigeria alone; these agencies are a disgrace to humanity especially in the Niger Delta.

How do you view the three-month ultimatum issued the South Easterners by the Arewa Youth groups? Don’t you think this placed the country on the edge?

Obviously, Nigeria is becoming a failed entity because of its faulty foundation and you can’t put something on nothing.

All these threats are signs and a reason that we must go to a roundtable to determine whether to continue or not.

If you make peaceful change impossible violent change may be inevitable. That’s where we are heading!

• Mr. Udengs Eradiri

The EPZ project started during the last administration is lying fallow. I will prefer to hear work has commenced on that gas project or contractors back to site; then I will celebrate. Commending Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for that statement will be another dance to gallery!

How committed is president Buhari to Niger Delta development?

President Buhari’s commitment is what the Vice – President is manifesting through the peace initiative that have brought promising moves and pronouncements.

How would you advise the federal government – Acting President Osinbajo on transparency on Niger Delta dialogue between the federal government and the Niger – Delta region?

The Acting President is showing enough sincerity and honestly; I think we don’t need any dialogue team anymore. On the 1st of Nov. 2016, PANDEF

Oil companies’ relocation order is a good thing.

Jobs and sense of belonging will return to Niger Delta and ultimately development and peace will return.

”

already a group of leaders across the region martialed out some demands.

All that is needed is for government to meet those demands just as the Vice President is working seriously to meet and have committed government on most of the demands.

What is your view on the allocation of

How do you view the threat of NigerDelta militants to declare the Sovereign Republic of Niger Delta on October 1, 2017?

If Arewa, Igbo and Oduduwa are threatening to declare their own republics, do you expect Niger Deltans to fold their hands and be used as guinea pigs?

Is Buhari really winning war against corruption, insurgency?

It’s work in progress but the approach must change so far as you can see cases being lost on a daily basis. It’s because the apparatus for fighting corruption is not in sync with today’s realities in dealing with such menace. For insurgency, fairly only for Boko Haram, we still have other forms of threats to stability that portend more danger than insurgents. The government needs to step up its game.

What is your assessment of Niger-Delta governors’ administrations two years down the line, with emphasis on your State governor?

Niger Delta governors are yet to understand that they are in opposition and need to work together to create a viable economic environment in the region for growth and development.

There is rather too much politics of self as against politics of the people and regional development. Four years will soon finish but our people are seriously suffering and I hope we have suffered enough that N5000 will not determine our votes in 2019.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

LIFE

Shola wants a divorce…

“I want a divorce” her loud thin voice could be heard blocks away from their “face me I face you” apartment. Little children playing around had gathered in front of the widely opened door as spectators in that field of drama. She must have opened the door wide enough to attract the attention of the neighbors...but why?

She held him tightly by his chest, squeezing his neatly ironed blue packet shirt which had turned almost white from too much washing and had dark spores from too much ironing, but it was his best and only outing wear and now she was squeezing it so, what if it gets too rumpled or worse… torn?

Why was she behaving like a mad woman?

Holding him with one hand shaking him back and forth vigorously and had the other hand rested on her waist, with her nonstop feet tapping the wet floor endlessly.

Their son Jide, scraggy looking Jide had poured the last water in the house away while trying to support his unsteady feet by leaning against the white turned brown paint bucket. That was the bone of contention today; Kola had noticed his wife’s sudden change in behavior. Lately, she would nag over every little thing, and try to pick up fights from the tiniest of misunderstandings. Her innuendos were endless.

Their marriage had gone from piquancy to indifference and finally, now to insipidity.

Now she was asking for a divorce just because Jide poured water? What devil possessed this woman? His former sweet loving and caring wife.

Now kola slept with one eye opened every night, his wife had threatened to one day press a pillow over his face until he was no longer breathing. But since they didn’t even have a pillow she might resolve to greater weapons like a knife or the iron rod they used to keep the door from closing.

“Divorce?

Where’s that coming from?’ he managed to ask. Hoping she would release her grip.

“Look, kola, I am tired, I can’t take it anymore, I want a divorce” she held on tighter.

She had stopped calling him those names like baby, honey, my husband

and was now calling him by his first name….

What impetus! Why was she even asking for a divorce, when she could just pack her things and leave, poor men like them didn’t need go to court to end their marriages.

It was just the official ritual of their wives carrying their bags on the head straight out of the house, and they are never heard of again. Not that he wanted that anyways... or did he? “ehm..Shola look, I don’t want a divorce, let us sort things out” he said mildly neither trusting nor believing his own words. Since she had decided to call him by his first name, he too would call her Shola; he would be a fool to call her baby. “Besides where is the money to file for a divorce or you think it is for free?” he added, mocking her little, but wasn’t he mocking himself even more?

Wasn’t he the bread winner of the family?

‘Bread winner indeed’ he thought, could he even provide literal bread for them?

“You see, that is my problem with you, I don’t have money, I don’t have money, when will you ever have money? Eh tell me...Stupid man” she let go off his shirt just in case he got offended by the insult and wanted to practice some kung fu on her.

Kola bit his lip, his face tightened with anger; he had an appointment with his friend Clinton, no not appointment, and not a date... Appointment sounded too official and date too romantic. An agreed time perhaps… and now the woman he called his wife, a woman he should have control over was keeping him hostage and was beginning to insult him. “It is your father who is stupid” he said out of frustration and cupped his mouth with his palm, showing a sign of remorse.

“Ah!” Shola shouted, with her mouth still wide open, wide enough for a swarm of flies to get in, she had started searching her cerebrum for all the abusive words she knew.

“Honey I’m sorry, I did not mean it” kola apologized.

Shola began to tighten her wrapper, probably preparing for a fight. Women... it was their thing, as if the wrapper helped in any way, they still ended up the victims, why won’t they ever learn. Maybe the saying from the bible ‘Hell has no wrath than a woman’s fury’ got into their heads too much.

“You must mean it o!” she said faking a laugh “it is better you kill me today o, so you now insult my family abi? I don’t blame you because it is your father that is stupid, your mother is stupid, your siblings stupid, your whole family bunch of stupid people, your generation and generation to come are stupid people...useless man” Kola just watched her rant, he wasn’t hearing anything, and maybe he didn’t want to, by now the neighbors should have come to his rescue, they always did, where had they gone to? Or could they not hear the incisive ranting of this mad woman standing before him? Maybe....But the neighbors could hear them alright their voices were almost as loud as the agbero boys calling for passengers at the bus stop, so did they choose not to interfere? Choose not to interfere? Those gossipers? That would be the day fish would live on land.

There was a reason they didn’t come, maybe they had suddenly learnt a lesson from Madam ABC, the worst gossiper in the whole of Lagos. Her strong nose for news and gossip got her the name madam ABC, by the many men, women and children she had put in trouble, especially the children, the ABC stood for Amebo Business Center.

She would have made a

perfect journalist if she had gone to school, She was also nicknamed Mama B by her customers, the B stood for blackmail. If you wanted to blackmail someone, Mama B was the person to come to, she would give you hot news that would leave your enemy at your mercy. It was so that these nicknames made it very difficult to know what her real name was, nobody knew and no one really cared; mama B suited her just fine.

Amidst all she did nobody could beat her up or punish her for her gossips, because she always had one or two things against you. She always had leverage, always had insurance. People sometimes said she was a witch who appeared invisible in your deepest privacy to get her gossips, it was believable, but was probably a speculation and wasn’t true.

She was the least favorite person in the whole compound consisting of over twelve families and probably the most wicked, but nobody was “holier” than Mama B., she was the one who would wake up the whole compound and even the next, with her, Holy Ghost fire prayers and spirituals battle songs like ‘God of Elijah send down fire ‘. But no one could stop her, except you wanted your deepest secret exposed. ‘Everybody has something to hide’ she would always say.

Everyone knew she was a sinner, the worst kind, but who were they to judge, only God sees the heart.

But Mama B’s luck ran out one day when she peered her head through the window of Mr. Eze, the compound Bully, he was a huge man, he had a wife and one kid. He and his wife were in a fight that day and as usual madam ABC wanted to grab what she could, until a wooden stool meant for his wife came flying through the window hitting her on the face almost blinding her right eye. There was blood, people gathered, they reluctantly took her to a clinic, they knew she deserved it, the chair wouldn’t have gotten her if she didn’t stop to do ‘amebo’ as they called it. But she lied that she was just passing by and that it was probably her enemies from the village who wanted her blind. Nobody believed her make believe paranoia.

Mr. Eze knew he was in trouble...what did Mama B. Know about him?

A touch from Jide brought Kola from the thinking realm; he noticed his wife had been ranting all along, for how long? He thought, he looked at his worn-out watch, the second stick was gone, it was 3:58. But probably due to expansion, the time would be 10minutes faster yesterday, five minutes slower today, and twenty minutes faster tomorrow. His agreed time to meet Clinton was 4…… This woman! “look at you, your mates live at Lekki and you are here in face me I face you, shame on you, I don’t blame you it’s because I have managed to stay with you that is why you now have the audacity to insult my father, stupid man”.

“Are you done?” Kola asked a panting Shola, she stood bewildered, it was certainly not the reaction she was expecting, her face showed she was disappointed, but why? Why did she want a divorce so bad, Kola asked himself inwardly as he picked up Jide, the boy was very light in weight, his stomach swelled, people said it was kwashiorkor, but he forbade their evil prayers and maintained it was the effect of too much carbohydrates, yes, he too went to school he studied biology, the doctors don’t know everything, “What do you mean am I through? So you’re now trying to call me chattering dog?” she asked still trying to rekindle the fire of unrest.

‘Of course, what else are you’ kola said inwardly, he felt like giving her his own

tongue lashing too but he did not want to encourage her, he kept on extinguishing that fire of unrest. One way or the other he would find out why she wanted to divorce him.

He threw his son twice up in the air, the boy laughed, even between the meaningless words of the boy Kola knew he was probably asking for more swings, but there was no time, he kissed him on the chick and handed him to his mother, who was still standing frozen, still not believing her husband didn’t throw a punch, at least she would tell the lawyers he maltreated her. So kola was proving a gentle man to her. Gentle man my foot, she thought, if you like win a Nobel Prize for being the most gentleman on earth, if you don’t have money, that’s what you’ll continue to be, ‘a gentleman’ stupid man. She sighed a long hiss and took Jide from him.

Kola arranged his shirt it which was now rumpled at the chest area, and had lost its two first buttons from Shola’s man handle.

There was no time to iron, even if there was, where was the light? NEPA, the electricity company had disconnected them as a result of their inability to pay their bills.

He hurried out of the compound wondering why Clinton wanted to see him, he said it was important. But that was what he always says, and then he would start telling him his problems with one girlfriend or the other but this time he would tell him he had wife troubles too. Sometimes he wished he lived the kind of life Clinton did, free from all the troubles of marriage, he was just 29 and Clinton was 32, if he knew it was going to be so, he would never had said ‘I do’ that day, but that meant no Jide, but was Jide really worth all the troubles?....yes he was.

From nowhere he heard a loud piercing voice strike him; it was obi the compound comedian. “Uncle....How are we today?” the boy asked.

“What is it?” kola asked, obi was fond of looking for ways to extract money from people, and kola definitely didn’t even have money to spend let alone to spare.

“Nothing o, I’m just greeting you” he said still smiling swinging his hands wide, sideways and clapping them when they got to the middle. Kola knew he was not finished.

“You better say what is on your mind o, because I have somewhere I have to be” Kola demanded.

Obi stopped his waving arms and turned abruptly to Kola. “Hmm uncle, that your wife, she no gree o” he said and continued the annoying clapping of hands. Kola looked at him angrily.

“What do you mean?

“I heard that she told all the women in the yard not to interfere with una quarrel, if not say she go put mouth for their own matter too, hmm too bad”.

‘Oh so that’s why they didn’t come to my rescue’ he thought. “Thank you” kola said somewhat ungratefully and tried to leave.

Obi held him and scratched his palms.

“What again?” kola asked “I don’t have any money to give you o” “Ah uncle, at all at all no be market o, find me something na” he wasn’t begging he was telling.

Kola frowned “I will see you, later” “Uncle Uncle, I trust you na” he said and left.

Later? Which later? What’s happening later? Kola asked himself, where was he going to get money later? He didn’t even have money for commercial motorcycle, okada.

He trekked to bone house, the bar Clinton was waiting for him.

A tall thin man with a rumpled faded blue shirt and large black trousers walking on the road. Only if they knew his problems were much more than just fashion.

The Oracle Today

17

Wednesday August 23, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

PRA 2014: FG posts worrisome signal

By CHRIS EBONG

G

OVERNMENt may be setting a serious signal of executive effrontery at its own law on statutory employers’ pension contribution, raising concerns in the industry over enforcement of the law.

Players in the insurance dustry are surprised that government is reluctant to give effect to its own intiative to raise employers’ pension contribution to 10 percent.

The confusion in the industry follows government’s non compliance to the Act enacted in 2014 to raise employers’ pension contribution to 10per cent from 7.5per in line with the 2004 Pension Reform Act. This revelation came on the heels of further amendment by the National Assembly to increase to 12per cent employer pension contribution from 10per cent enacted in the 2014 Pension Act Reform Act. The new bill which is already in the second reading in the House of Representatives seeks to increase employers contribution to 12per cent, but the Commission said allowing such bill to have its way would amount to additional burden to the government and even the employers in the private sector who have been struggling to make their employees’ pension remittances over time.

Head, Research Unit of the PenCom, Dr. Umar Farouk who represented the Commission at the event further affirmed that between July 2014, when the new Pension Act was inaugurated and to date, the FG is yet to implement the provision of the law it sponsored while the organized private sector and some government agencies have complied. According to him, seeking to raise the employer contribution ratio from the current 10 per cent to 12 per cent is unnecessary giving the fiscal challenge of the government and burden the proposed law will pose on em-

•Tourism

Energy

Split of the Barrel: FG, Oil firms in secret war P20 e-Platform FG to increase ICT funding in 2018 budget

•Bukola Saraki, Senate President ployers if passed into law. “For example federal government sponsored an executive bill in 2014 that replaced PRA2004 and that why we have PRA 2014 today. In it the federal government proposed 10 per cent employer contribution and eight per cent employee contributions. Now if you look at private sector and some public agencies, they are all implementing but to date from July 2014 to where we are today, three years after federal government is yet to implement the 10 per cent employer contribution”.

He continued that laws should be made based on the capacity to implement such laws not for the sake of making laws. “Make a law so that that law is implementable we don’t make law just because we want to make a law, you make a law because it’s possible that you can implement it. Now the 10 per cent employer contribution, the federal government cannot pay talk less of adding so much burden on the government”, he argues.

For him Laws are supposed to be enacted based on thorough analysis and research to back up

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AUGUST, 11, 2017 Currency

Buying(NGN) Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR

304.55

305.05

305.55

POUNDS STERLING

395.85

41 396.504

397.1539

EURO

357.1458

357.7321

358.3185

SWISS FRANC

314.878

315.395

315.9119

CFA

0.5255

0.5355

0.5455

WAUA

428.2202

428.9233

429.6263

YUAN/RENMINBI

45.761

45.8366

45.9122

RIYAL

81.2006

81.3402

81.4735

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 22.7868

22.8242

22.8616

DANISH KRONA

48.0052

48.084

48.1629

SDR

428.8978

429.6019

430.3061

• Kemi Adeosun, Finance Minister whatever is proposed, adding tation thereafter, pension adthat law making should be in the ministration, management and interest of the nation and to solve regulation has been considerably general problems other specific streamlined. personal problem with someone.

The group added that since “Because you don’t make law for the inception of the new scheme a person it is made for a nation checks and balances has been and to solve a general problem entrenched in the framework of not specific personal problem the CPS by virtue of the triad of with someone. Some of these are the Fund Administrator (PFA), unnecessary and disoriented. the Pension Fund Custodian (PFC) While the Pension Funds Op- and the regulator, National Penerators of Nigeria (PenOp) recalls sion Commission (PenCom), this that the Contributory Pension Sys- has elevated the system to a level tem (CPS), introduced in Nigeria that has significantly addressed by the Pension Reform Act 2004 the ills prevalent in the old system.

(PRA 2004) was borne out of the According PenOp, the contribucrisis that bedeviled its unfunded, tory nature of the new system uncoordinated and fragmented as well as its unitized nature Defined Benefit (DB) precursor at makes the system personalised the time, pension administration by engraining ownership for its and management, at the time, contributors, adequately organwas characterized by the chaos ized, transparent and appropriof poor records of eligible benefi- ately funded. “It is no surprise ciaries, deficit in pension liabilities therefore that from a deficit of to the tune of N1.6trillion, cou- N1.6trillion at the advent of PRA pled with an alarming incidents 2004, the new’ CPS has grown of fraud and non-uniformity in to N6.42trillion in assets as at pension arrangements in both the end of March 2017. This has the public and private sectors. happened in a year period that The body noted that enactment has witnessed zero incidence of of PRA 2004, and its implemen- fraud”, it was stated.

P22

Aviation 5% PSC deduction: NAAPE backs FG on AIB funding P27

Insurance

Stakeholders frown at 75% lump sum bill P28

Stock Market Highlights As At August 11, 2017

Summary

ASI

DEALS VOLUME

VALUE CAP

S/N

38,198.60 4,079.00 353,645,485.00 6,301,038,739.32 13,166,018,346,824.49

Coy (By Volume) Volume

Value

5 Top Gainers Symbols WAPCO UNILEVER STANBIC NB GUINNESS

Last Close 60 43.05 40 190 91

Current 63 45.25 41 191 91.5

Change 3 2.2 1 1 0.5

5 Top Losers

GUARANTY 61,834,875 2,461,291,602.63 Company Last Close Current Change UBA 50,894,563 498,981,917.48 NESTLE 1216.01 1208 -8.01 34.3 32.59 -1.71 ZENITHBANK 49,365,399 1,185,609,251.92 CONOIL -1.04 ACCESS 40,982,006 428,662,612.56 7UP 98 96.96 39.6 -0.46 FIDELITYBK 20,379,879 27,943,751.10 GUARANTY 40.06 DANGFLOUR 6.67 6.38 -0.29

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

BUSINESS

Modular refinery scheme gets N360m U.S. grant T HE U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has approved a grant of $1 million (N360 million) for the detailed engineering design of 20,000 barrel per day (bpd) modular refinery in Lagos.

Mr Enyeribe Anyanwu, Head, Media Communications of Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd., disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.

Anyanwu said that the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, who disclosed this during the official signing of the agreement in Lagos, commended the initiative of Eko Petrochem and Refining Company’s management. Symington expressed the hope that the proposed 200, 000 bpd production refinery would attract more investments to the country and develop host communities. ‘‘The grant was meant for detail engineering design and development of the proposed refinery in Tomaro Industrial Park in Lagos. ‘‘I feel honoured to be part of the success story. I also promised to support the projects to actualisation,’’ he said. The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria commended the Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, for his commitment to the project.

He said Iheaneacho noted that the investment was coming at a time when the country needed it most. He also praised the Federal Government for believing in the power of the individual citizens and entrepreneurs to undertake laudable projects for the nation’s development. ‘‘He is doing it at a time with a government that believes Nigeria can do what can be done anywhere in the world.’’ Capt. Iheaneacho said the Eko Petrochem and Refining Company would complement efforts of the Federal Government in providing

lasting solution to the problems of importation of refined petroleum products into the country. He said that the U.S. Government, acting through the USTDA, has accelerated the process of the planned economic investments through the industrial development grant of one million dollars, which it had seen fit to bestow to us. ‘‘The grant is to be specially used to finance the completion of the detailed analysis of supporting technologies and engineering for the implementation of 20,000 bpd crude oil refinery.’’

The chairman stated that in making the proposal, it was reasoned that the localisation of refining capacity if realised, would facilitate the conservation of scarce foreign exchange whilst generating major export earnings.

He said that there would also be enhanced economic value added opportunities to be realised in terms of jobs, profits and technology transfer which would become manifest. ‘‘We are delighted by the USTDA award as it seems the U.S. Government and the trade agency have by this gesture, recognised the economic and development potential of our ongoing modular refinery project and the Tomaro Industrial Park/Free Trade Zone which today comes into formal existence. ‘‘By delivering this grant, the agency has demonstrated its commitment to the infrastructure development and economic growth of Nigeria, especially in the areas of export technologies and services that promote the country’s refining capacity,’’ he said. Iheanacho said that the company would continue to celebrate the delivery of the support assistance from the USTDA. ‘‘We also need to source investment funds, to fully actualise the built-up project. The scale of the cash investments required is of the order of $250 million. ‘‘We expect to raise this huge

•L-R: Mr. Reuben Muoka, Head Public Relations; Mrs. Helen Obi, Head Zonal Operations; and Mr. Austin Nwalunne, Director Spectrum Administration, all of Nigerian Communication’s Commission at the Commission’s consumer outreach programme held in Port Harcourt recently. sum from borrowing or from equity investment committed to the project.

For any potential investor, please contact me and trust me it will be money well spent. ‘‘The vision of Eko Petrochem and Refining Company is to develop a modular scalable 20,000 bdp greanfield refinery/topping plant. ‘‘Several studies including the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) as well as the Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) studies have been completed.’’

He added that, ‘‘the study for the Detailed Engineering Design will soon be ready, prior to applying for the Approval to Construct (ATC) from Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as well as other regulatory approvals required.’’ The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, commended the commitment of Iheanacho to the project.

He noted that finance was one of

the major challenges facing most of those that had been licensed to build refineries in the country. Kachikwu was represented by Mr Rabiu Suleiman, the Executive Director/Coordinator, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Refinery, Downstream and Infrastructural Development. He promised that the Federal Government would provide all the necessary support required by the company to make the refinery a reality.

184,979 retirees benefit from Contributory Pensions Scheme, says PenCom

T

HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said that no fewer than 184,979 retirees were benefiting from Contributory Pensions Scheme (CPS). The Acting Director-General of PenCom, Mrs Aisha Dahir-Umar, made this known in Abeokuta at the Annual Retreat of Pension Operators (PenOp).

She said that as at March 2017, the retirees were currently receiving pensions as and when due with an average monthly pension payment of N6.7 billion.

She commended the Federal Government for providing stable, predictable and adequate source of income for employees by the culmination of Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004.

Dahir-Umar, represented

by PenCom Head of Research and Management, Mr Aminu Farouk, said that the Pension Fund Assets had grown to N6.42 trillion. She said the total pension assets were equivalent to 6 per cent of Nigeria’s rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to her, the figure represents the total pension asset grown as at March with an average monthly contribution of N30 billion. Dahir-Umar said the number of registered con-

tributors also grew significantly to 7.4 million within the same period. She said that PenCom and its reform Act had gained public confidence within the short time of implementation.

According to her, PenCom has been able to pull about 200,000 private sector employers of labour into the scheme and have contributed about 60 per cent of the total pension asset. She, however, said that problems that bedevilled the old Defined

Benefits Schemes might reoccur if the bill seeking to amend the Pension Reform Act 2014 to exclude paramilitary agencies was passed and signed into law.

“The bill is seeking to amend the Pension Reform Act 2014 for exemption of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Custom Service.

“Also, Nigeria Prison Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (EFCC),’’ she said. She added that the bill went through the second reading on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

According to her, the total premium paid to insurance companies for monthly Life Annuity was N170.57 billion as at March 2017. “This has significantly assisted the growth of the insurance industry in Nigeria, which is a special focus area under the Federal Government’s Econom-

ic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). “Already, a lot of retirees of the paramilitary agencies are annuitants, thus exempting them would amount to political interference to contractual obligations as this annuities are contract between annuitants and insurance companies. “It will also negatively affect the flow of capital to insurance companies thereby undermining the ERGP.’’

access to Smile’s SuperFast, SuperReliable quality and affordable internet and voice services.

The offer is available to all customer segments.

Speaking on the initiative, Managing Director of Smile, Mr. Godfrey Efeurhobo, said “Smile is committed to creating opportunities that will enable our customers to enjoy the best broadband internet experience by providing differentiating solutions that will enrich their lives.

Explaining further, he said that the initiative was developed with the aim to reducing the burden of acquisition cost on

customers, extend connectivity and access to internet to more Nigerians, make quality internet access affordable and empower them to do more and succeed in their respective endeavours”.

Also speaking on the initiative CEO, RenMoney Microfinance Bank Limited, said “Partnering with Smile on this project was an obvious choice as it aligns with RenMoney’s objective of providing inclusive, convenient and simple payment solutions.

We have, therefore, developed a convenient customer experience that is open to all. It is something we have a passion

for, and we are excited about this partnership to provide access to SuperFast, SuperReliable and affordable 4GLTE service to all Nigerians”.

Acclaimed as the pioneer of 4G LTE technology in West Africa, Smile Nigeria is famous for continuously enhancing services to expand on the existing market offers in a bid to provide real value adding products and services. This aligns with Smile’s global vision and mission to be the mobile broadband provider of choice in its markets, whilst enabling its customers to do and achieve more.

RenMoney launches data financing initiative

By SAMSON AKINTARO

R

ENMONEY, the simple money solutions company has announced the launch of a flexible financing initiative in partnership with Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, the leading mobile broadband telecommunications service provider. This initiative offers everyone the opportunity to own a Smile 4GLTE device that includes a data plan, especially for individuals and families.

This unique collaboration provides ease and flexibility of payment for everyone to have

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

BUSINESS

Zenith Bank to sponsor more students to global Microsoft Championship Z

ENITH Bank has said it would encourage more Nigerian students to participate in the annual Microsoft Office Specialist Championship.

The annual Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship is a global competition that tests students’ skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Miss Katherine Eta, a Nigerian secondary school student, came third in the last championship held in California, US. Zenith International Bank sponsored five Nigerian students to the last championship. Mr Peter Amangbo, Zenith Bank Group Managing Director, made the promise when he received Eta and Mrs Edna Agusto, the Vice Chairman of ReadAmana, organisers of the championship in Nigeria. He said that the bank would work with ReadAmana to ensure that more Nigerian students would participate in future editions of Microsoft Championship. Amangbo said the objective of the competition aligned with the bank’s strategy on corporate social responsibility which had youth empowerment through ICT at its core. “It was good to hear something refreshing coming from Nigeria. From that perspective we are indeed pleased

that our children can actually distinguish themselves in such a global event.

“I want to assure you that for us in Zenith, technology is what we are known for. “When it comes to supporting the younger ones, when it comes

to initiatives like this, we are willing to partner with others like you to make ICT education accessible. “Our own objective is to see how we can spread this to more children to have the opportunity not just in this part of the world, but almost all

over.

“I believe that over time we can extend it to children outside Lagos and help the growth of ICT,” he said. Amangbo promised the bank’s support for the planned enlargement of the competition to enable

L – R: Pai Gamde, Ag. Head, Corporate Services Division, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Ibrahim Magu, Ag. Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Willie Sam Ndata, Doyen of Stockbrokers at the EFCC visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange recently.

more students take part in the Nigerian competition and earn the chance to represent the country in future world championships. The last championship was contested by about 1.1 million students from 140 countries out of which 157 students from 50 countries eventually qualified to compete in the world finals.

Read Amana, which organises the Nigerian competition, has already declared its intention to enlarge the competition.

“You know you will be able to stand and be able to do more things, it is a solid foundation in this ICT world because today, digital literacy is the language of the economy. “So, if you don’t know how to speak this language you are at a disadvantage. “So we decided to start at the grassroots, work with the schools so that these children can have the right foundation and from there, they can move on to more advanced computer certification and knowledge,” Agusto said. Amangbo announced additional cash prizes to the award-winning Katherine (N750,000) and her teacher Mrs. Rukayat Adebayo (N250,000) who had earlier won a N250,000 ReadAmana Chairman’s cash prize.

IEA predicts LASG to begin audit of base stations September CBN extends BVN global increase L deadline for OFIs in oil demand

By SAMSON AKINTARO

G

LOBAL oil demand will grow more quickly than expected this year, the International Energy Agency said. The agency revised its 2017 demand growth forecast to 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) versus 1.4 million bpd in its previous monthly report and said it expected demand to expand by a further 1.4 million bpd next year.

“Producers should find encouragement from demand, which is growing year-onyear more strongly than first thought,” the Paris-based IEA said. “There would be more confidence that re-balancing is here to stay if some producers party to the output agreements were not, just as they are gaining the upper hand, showing signs of weakening their resolve,” the IEA added.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is curbing output by about 1.2 million bpd, while Russia and other non-OPEC producers cut half as much, until March 2018. The IEA said OPEC’s compliance with the cuts had fallen to 75 percent in July, the lowest this year.

AGOS State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) has announced plans to embark on a state-wide regulatory inspection/ audit of base transceiver station, masts and towers from Sept. to Dec.31. MrBabajideOdekunle, the General Manager of LASIMRA, who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos, said the inspection was to ensure orderly development of infrastructure deployed by telecommunications tower and

mobile network operators.

He said that the exercise would also enable the agency to develop comprehensive database of telecommunications cell sites including towers and masts. According to him, the exercise would be carried out by duly certified site inspection representatives of the agency between 8.00 a.m and 5.00 p.m from Monday to Saturday.

Odekunle advised operators and owners of properties hosting telecommunication cell sites, towers, masts, roof-mounted telecommunications antennae to provide the

inspection representatives with unhindered access to the infrastructure site. He said that the activity had already started in Ikeja and its environs where about 95 masts and towers had been decommissioned.

Odekunle said a task force had also been set up to comb the entire length and breadth of Lagos Island to discover substandard as well as illegal or unpermitted masts and towers. “The task force, constituted two weeks ago, has been able to identify over 20 masts and towers that either do not meet accept-

ecommunications company places a high value on Nigerian youths because of their vibrancy and the important role they play in the development of the country.

He said, “As a company that is passionate about empowering youths, we at 9mobile celebrate Nigerian youths as the world marks the United Nations International Youth Day. In line with the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, which is ‘Youth Building Peace’, we urge Nigerian youth to endeavor to promote sustainable peace as the country cannot prosper without peace.”

“On our part, 9mobile will continue to partner with the youths by supporting education, entrepreneurship, literature, photography, sports and other endeavors through which Nigerian youths can express their innate talents and abilities. We see greatness in Nigerian youths and by harnessing cutting edge technology to create innovative products and services, we

will continue to provide avenues for the youth to achieve great feats.”

Onafowokan added that with its recent brand migration, 9mobile has been repositioned for a future that is powered by innovation, to which the youths belong, and has re-established itself as a prime driver and avid supporter of the Nigerian spirit of excellence.

He noted that historically, 9mobile has excelled in youth engagements from developing youth-centric products and services such as More Cliq (formerly easycliq), to organizing festivals of education, entertainment and sports in campuses across the country and engaging youths in skills acquisition and career counseling programmes. He said in the bid to stay true to its corporate and brand values, 9mobile retained all of its programmes that are targeted at the youths, which the telco long identified as a critical segment of the telecommunications market.

International Youth Day: 9mobile praises Nigerian youths

By SAMSON AKINTARO

N

IGERIA’S most innovative and youth-friendly telecommunications company, 9mobile has commended Nigerian youths for their exceptional resourcefulness and can-do spirit, and urged them to continue to engage in ventures that foster peace and development.

Joining the United Nations in the commemoration of the International Youth Day 2017, 9mobile restated its commitment to empowering the Nigerian youth through its support for education, arts, entertainment, sports, entrepreneurship and other avenues for youth development.

The theme for the International Youth Day 2017 is Youth Building Peace, which is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

The Head of Youth Segment, 9mobile, LayiOnafowokan, said the tel-

By VICTOR NZE

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the deadline for registration into the Bank Verification Number (BVN) project for Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) to December 31, 2017.

The apex bank had turned its focus to capturing the biometrics of customers of OFIs, after completing the process in commercial banks, in continuation of efforts to unify banking system operations and ensure proper identification for all banked Nigerians. The decision was the result of appeal by the sub-sector operators and stakeholders, made up of the Fianancial Inclusion Secretariat, National Association of Microfinance Banks and Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria, as well as assessed efforts on their part to comply. In a statement signed by the Director of OFIs’ Supervision Department at CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, warned that there may not be further considerations after the new deadline and customers without BVN would no longer be entitled to withdrawals.

She also tasked OFIs to utilise appropriate Know-Your-Customer requirements, sustain progress reports to CBN, sensitise customers on the need to comply and continue to display the notice in the banking halls.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

ENERGY

Split of the barrel: FG, Oil firms in secret war

• Maikanti

• Osagie

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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overnment and commercial investors in the Petroleum industry currently manage very delicate relationship over vehement disputes arising from interpretation of the best formula for sharing proceeds from different production agreements that govern operations.

The agreements affected in the raging dispute include the popular joint venture (JV) arrangements, Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), and other less complex fiscal and operations agreements that determine sharing of cash proceeds.

In the upstream exploration and production operations, such proceeds are shared in terms of allocation of crude oil volumes, measured in notional barrels, at agreed market prices.

Our investigations reveal that the two parties have specifically sustained heated arguments over key cost templates that arise from funding patterns for each agreement, interpretation of production sharing agreements for deepwater operations, alleged barrel grabbing at export terminals by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), multiplicity of taxes in the upstream sector, and delays in approval processes.

In the JVs, operators complain loss of money in the lingering cash call debts by NNPC which holds government’s overriding 60 percent interest in all the operations, except in NNPC/Shell/ Total/Eni joint venture in which government holds overriding 55

percent stake.

Industry sources told TBI Africa that the debt which accumulated across years of regular underpayments currently stands in excess of over $10 billion (N3.2 trillion), with foreign multinational oil majors that operate the joint venture suffering the biggest impacts while other companies receive impacts according to size of operations.

Investors in the JVs have relentlessly appealed to government to quickly defray its huge cash call commitment to restore investors’ confidence and save the sector from total collapse. The debts, they say, contribute to their poor financial performances, contractor debts and failure of JV work programmes.

On its own NNPC has consistently questioned the cost models adopted by the operators to determine cash calls made on government, stressing that the industry operators must adopt cost cutting measures.

A cross section of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of foreign and indigenous companies told TBI Africa that inability of NNPC to meet its funding commitments to the joint ventures has remained the main cause or falling reserves and production volumes due to project delays and cuts in capital expenditure.

The JVs had for years accounted for over 70 percent of the total national oil and gas output and controlled proportionate percentage of industry’s annual operations budget.

Trapped in endless debt burden, operators have continued to seek exit cash call arrangement

with NNPC by adopting creative funding models that fill funding gaps with capital from the money market.

Proposals for migrating the JVs to the PSC model are trapped in the fiscal components of the unbundled Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), but operators have continued to evolve several carry arrangements to keep the ventures going.

NNPC has, instead of defraying the debts, has taken political side to the problem by extracting commitments from the oil companies to concede discounts on the debts.

The NNPC had in December 2016 secured $1.7 billion discount from the $6.8 billion, cutting down its obligation to operators to $5.1 billion for 2016 cash call debt. Pre 2016 debts still stand at $1.2 billion. In sum, total outstanding debt hovers around $6.3 billion after discounts.

In response to a spate of industry outcry, government had through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources put up a show of intention to address the cash call debts by making a hype of $400 million remittance to NNPC to cut down the debts.

Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated at a conference in Lagos that NNPC would clear all cash call debts before April 2018.

He said: “We have to pay our arrears of about $6 billion that were incurred pre-2016 and we are also paying up a tranche of about $1 billion 2016 arrears. We started in April 2017 with the payment of $400 million and we will pay the balance before the an-

niversary of the first payment.”

In the Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), government and operators are bitterly disagreed over realization of the 1993 deepwater licenses that currently account for over 1.2 million barrels of crude oil per day from prolific gushers like Shell operated Bonga fields, ExxonMobil operated Erha fields, Chevron operated Agbami fields, and Total operated Akpo, Usan and upcoming Egina fields.

Crash of JV production at a time of rising PSC output especially in a low price cycle means that commercial investors are likely to have enhanced fortunes in the deepwater in terms of proceed sharing. But government had activated review of existing agreements with the authoring of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which the industry operators vehemently oppose as disruptive to active agreements.

Since 2008 when it was introduced in the National Assembly, the PIB has suffered legislative impasse, leading to its unbundling to allow the less contentious non-fiscal issues to progress into law. But while the PIB stalemate subsisted, contention raged at the crude oil terminals where NNPC is accused of deploying sovereign powers to grab barrels at will.

The Oil Producers Trade Section of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) puts the worth of government’s over-lifting at the export terminals at over $10 billion. The group which comprises major oil multinationals in the country accuse NNPC of operating outside confines of the law and also re-

fusing to submit to international arbitrations on global industry practices. Consequently, the group has declared intention to seek judicial arbitration.

At a conference in Abuja, the OPTS pointed at countries like Venezuela and Ecuador as examples where recalcitrant and greedy governments with neither capital nor industry technology reneged on agreements, suffered investment exodus that consequently crashed their oil industry and forced the economy into recession.

Our investigations show that activity in the deepwater is slanted towards development and production with little progress made in exploration and reserves replacement. Besides ExxonMobil’s deepwater arm, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL), which announced billion barrel Owowo field discovery last year, oil find declarations have silenced out.

Experts agree that government has to win back the trust and confidence of the deep pocket multinational investors in the industry in order to attract the right volume of funding required to drive high risk exploration activities in the uncertain terrain.

With new petroleum plays popping up with the aid of improved technology, weak long term demand outlook for crude oil market and evolution of alternative energy, competitioin for limited global industry investment funds has gone tough.

Commercial incentives form the key attraction for global investment funds.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

ENERGY FG drives gas feed projects for 10GW by 2020

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

F

ederal government says it is working to ensure adequate gas feed to support generation of 10, 000 megawatts pof electricity by 2020.

Government said it has laid and commissioned 1,000 kilometres of major gas pipelines with an additional 470km currently in construction phase as part of the plan to push enough gas to the power sector and ensure adequate generation of electricity.

It said a further 1,400 kilmeters of pipeline is intended for construction before the end of this year.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) stated in a release that a strategic plan is running to deliver 5.0 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (scfd) to the domestic market by 2020 to ensure enough gas for the domestic market.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Maikanti Baru, said commercial frameworks are being put in place to support the growth of the domestic gas market.

He further said based on a projected domestic gas supply deficit of 3.0 billion standard cubic feet per day (scfd), the corporation identified seven critical gas de-

velopment projects which can be delivered in the short and mediumterm, to bridge the impending gas supply shortfall.

He that funding for the identified projects would be provided.

Dr. Baru also told a delegation

of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) led by its President, Engr.

Dada Thomas, that plans are running for development of key gas distribution facilities.

He said improvements in funding the corporation’s stake in oil and

Shell, communities trade allegations …Flow Stations shut as youths demand better jobs

I

t was a cross fire of allegations weekend when hundreds of local youths breached a Shell operated flow station to protest poor treatment by the oil company.

The protesters caused a safety breach that forced the invaded flow stations to be shut down.

Shell responded by accusing the protesters of insincerity and calling their entry into the facility illegal.

Protesters accused Shell of neglect in operated social responsibility programmes, pointing at high level of pollution in the area.

The youths invaded the Belema Flow Station in Rivers State, but Shell reported no impact on oil production since most flow stations are on automated production.

While Bonny Light crude oil is currently under force majeure due to the closure of the Trans Niger Pipeline, exports continue via another export line.

Shell’s spokesman, Mr Igo Weli, dismissed the protesters as insincere, saying the company was still committed to development of host communities, debunking allegations of neglect of Kula and Belema communities He described the occupation of Belema Flow Station and Gas Plant by protesters as illegal.

“SPDC has informed the authorities of the illegal occupation and is working towards resuming safe operations,” he said.

Debunking allegations of neglect of communities in Kula kingdom and Belema in Rivers State, SPDC said it had implemented a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) in the area that led to a wide variety of social investment projects including university scholarships awards.

It explained that, the Rivers State Government initiated a mediation process for the resolution of the disagreements in the community, which had resulted in the creation of the Kula Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee (PIMC) in 2012. The PIMC served as an interim platform for the delivery of social investment initiatives and programmes worth N263 million in the Soku-San Berth Project. These projects are separate from the GMoU projects initiated by communities using funds provided by the SPDC JV. A GMoU was eventually signed in 2014 for the Kula Cluster but has not been implemented because of continuing intra-community disagreements. As at 2015, there were a total of 11 court cases involving different groups with SPDC as a co-defendant in all of them.

“Sadly, these legal suits and disputes have rendered it impossible to implement more planned development projects in the affected communities,” said SPDC’s General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, while commenting on the allegations of neglect.

“Notwithstanding that SPDC has divested its equity in OML 24, which covers most of the communities in Kula and Belema, the SPDC JV has continued to implement agreed Social Investment programmes such as scholarship and entrepreneurship schemes for the communities there.”

Despite the challenging environment, the SPDC JV set aside more than N600 million for a five-year period beginning 2014 for development initiatives at Kula and the satellite communities of Belema, Of-

foinama and Boro. SPDC JV has also invested over N352 million in Improvement of school infrastructure, sanitation and health outreach programmes, construction of walkway for the community and electricity supply in Kula Kingdom in the past 10 years.

The host communities of OML 25, including Belema and Offionama have continued to benefit from contract awards, employment of unskilled labour and our social investment programmes, including yearly award of regular and special scholarships to eligible candidates from the area. With the divestment

gas joint ventures would enhance development in the gas industry by freeing some dedicated funds for the sector.

“We have the aspiration of government to raise power generation to at least 10 giga watts capacity, not just 10GW in terms of installed capacity, but one that will be steady in the grid by 2020.

All these will drive our activities to ensure that the gas business is expanded and government’s aspiration to earn as much revenue from gas as oil will definitely be realized”, Dr Baru stated.

He said efforts were on to connect the eastern part of the country, where there are a lot of gas reserves with toher parts of the country where high consumption demand exists.

He added that a lot has been achieved in the contracting process of the $2.7billion AjaokutaAbuja-Kaduna-Kano pipeline project, dubbed AKK Pipeline Project.

“We have gone far with the development of the project using the same paradigm shift of Public Private Partnership (PPP) financ-

ing. We have also gone far with the contracting process, part of which is to ensure that money meant for the project is raised from the private investors,” the GMD stated.

He explained that the feat recorded in the project would bring to the fore, a new dimension in gas projects execution in the country, nothing that this would signal a regime of private investors funding for such projects.

The GMD recalled recent financing agreements signed in London wherein, for the first time, the Chinese banks contributed $250m towards the projects.

He disclosed that Chinese banks had made commitments to bringing in as much money as might be needed to finance oil and gas investments in Nigeria.

“On that occasion, I did challenge the Chinese Banks that since they have now come on board, they should move from the back seat to the driver’s seat and they gave me their commitment that they have plans to bring in as much money as we need to execute our projects. And if the Chinese tell you that they are going do it, definitely they will do it and we will give them a run for their money,” Dr. Baru enthused.

He said NNPC would make inputs into the National Gas Policy recently adopted by the Federal Executive Council as well as the Fiscal Bills on gas being worked out by the legislature, with the view to ensuring that gas takes its rightful place in Nigeria’s domestic energy mix.

While commending the NGA for its efforts to develop the gas sector, Dr. Baru called on the Association to extend its advocacy to the power sector being the major consumer of gas in the country.

He said another project that would increase gas consumption in the country was the Ogidigben Gas Industrial City project, on which he said, NNPC was committed to seeing it come to fruition, stressing that what was remaining is getting the developer to bring in the various investors to put their industries in place.

WAEC partners NNPC on Quiz Competition

N

igerian National Petroleum Corporation Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, has expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the 2017 edition of the NNPC yearly Quiz Competition.

Receiving briefs on the status of the 15th edition of the competition in Abuja, Dr. Baru said the engagement of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) as well as Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) for the exercise, promised to enhance the integrity of the competition.

He described as catalytic, the one-off grant of N100,000 for state winners and the scholarship award of N300,000 per session for the overall winner at the grand finale, redeemable upon presentation of evidence of admission into tertiary institutions, saying it would enhance the competitiveness of the yearly event.

“As a Corporate entity, we are passionate about impacting lives positively through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. The annual quiz competition is a flagship project for NNPC that was designed to encourage science and technology education among the youth for the purpose of lending a hand in building future manpower for the Oil and Gas Industry,” Dr. Baru stated.

Emerging details of the just concluded state level event indicated that of the 36-state and FCT winners, 15 came from public schools, while 22 were from private colleges.

The data from the yearly competition which started exclusively for participants from the Niger Delta in 2000 but morphed into a nationwide exercise in 2001, also indicated a gender mix among the winners, with 8 and 29 female and male state-winners respectively.

NNPC Group General Manager,

Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, who spoke at the briefing, described the overall performance of the exercise as excellent.

Explaining the details of the results, Ughamadu said 19 winners scored 80 per cent and above in the exercise, adding that 13 of them had scores that ranged between 60 per cent and 79 per cent, with the five others emerging with marks below 60 per cent.

The Group Public Affairs Division which coordinates the yearly event sent its personnel who are members of the quiz committee to observe the exercise in some selected states of the federation, including Kogi, Plateau, Enugu, Rivers, Oyo, Zamfara and the FCT. Designed mainly for students in the nation’s secondary schools, the competition has impacted positively on the intellectual attainment of young Nigerians. It has provided financial socour to successful contestants .

22

The Oracle Today, Wednesday August 23, 2017

e-Platform

FG to increase ICT funding in 2018 budget Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

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N its bid to bridge technology gap in the country, the Federal Government has said it would allocate more funds for the building of ICT infrastructures in the 2018 budget. The Acting Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who gave this assurance at the just concluded ‘Smart Cities Summit Nigeria’, said the government was now set to come into the technology space and help transform the sector by providing the necessary infrastructure and enabling environment.

For a start, Osinbajo said the government had developed and approved a new ICT strategic road map that would make affordable broadband access as an essential part of national economic planning in pursuance of the vision 20:2020 as laid down by the current administration in order to make Nigeria a top 20 global economy by 2020.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria recognizes the urgent need to increase access to, and usage of, internet and broadband services in Nigeria. Going forward, the country’s ICT development blueprint and National Broadband Plan (NBP) would be implemented holistically for the next two to three years to address the obvious gap. Efforts will be made giving the resources available, to increase funding for ICT infrastructural developments in next year’s budget to help drive all these initiatives” the Acting President said.

Speaking against the backdrop of the summit, which focused on Smart City Initiatives in Nigeria, Osinbajo said Nigerian cities have remained analogue and disconnected for a long time, thus missing huge opportunities to prosper. “However, we cannot take this trend for granted. The Smart cities initiative for Nigeria

according to the ministry of communications, will among others take a critical look at the preparedness, unique challenges and emerging solutions necessary for a sustainable Smart city initiative for the country. The government plans to encourage innovative technologies to spearhead Smart domestic production, Smart Agriculture, Smart e-government & Health delivery, Smart Mobility, Smart Energy & Environment, Smart policing, and indeed Smart cities” he said.

While noting that the journey to smart cities in Nigeria might not be an easy one and many might be skeptical about it, he said: “we that there has never been a better opportunity than now to turn the country in the direction of Smart digital Nigeria. Today, we have the best opportunity in decades for profound transition to Smart world. It is an opportunity in a generation whose time has come with ICT as a tool in achieving this”.

Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, admitted that the journey to smart Nigeria would be rough and tough as the country lacks required infrastructure. “It is a common knowledge that we are wrestling with both an infrastructure gap, after years of underinvestment, and an innovation gap from poor innovation performance in the business sector over the years.

We also know that going smart would not be easy. In fact, it is a huge challenge giving the lack of critical infrastructure in the country. Epileptic power for instance is a major challenge for any smart city initiative for the country.

Cheap, clean and dependable power supply is the bedrock of any smart city project. So also, is effective broadband penetration and affordable data service”.

He added that building smart

cities requires comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure, which are all important in improving the quality of life and attracting people and investments to the cities.

“That is why this administration under the leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR through the Ministry of Communications has developed cogent policies, frameworks and guidelines for combating these challenges and transforming and making our cit-

ies ‘smarter’. The Nigerian ICT Road Map 2016-2020, the National Strategic Plan 2016-2024, the broad band policy, the new Power Sector Reforms, and the Nigerian Smart City Initiative are some of the initiatives by government toward addressing these issues. Improving on all other sector is essential to improve our fundamental economic prospects. By linking infrastructure and innovation, we increase the potential to help close both our infrastructure gap and our innovation gap” Shittu said.

The Minister noted that the smart initiative discussions would not end after the summit, adding that the Ministry in collaboration with its partners and consultant would make the summit a yearly event designed to provide a common platform to review progress done, have a better understanding of emerging challenges, diagnose and articulate more responsive and pragmatic solutions, whilst evolving new strategies to take the country to the promised land.

• Acting President Osibanjo

USPF plots ICT market growth in Benue T HE Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), recently held a workshop in Benue State where it discussed with stakeholders ways of ensuring the growth and sustainability of Community Resource Centres (CRCs), School Knowledge Centres and similar projects and programmes facilitated by the Fund.

USPF is a department under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), created to support the provision of ICT services in unserved and under-served areas of Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta said that the workshop was to consult with beneficiaries of School Knowledge Centre Initiative from the zone. Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, Strategy Corporate Performance and Monitoring (USPF), Mr Kelechi Nwankwo said that the aim was to promote

innovation, investment, competition.

He said that the initiative would

• Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta

also ensure consumer empowerment in and on top of the communications platforms of today and the future.

“By doing this, we intend to maximise the power of the information and communications technology to grow our economy, create jobs and enhance national competitiveness through the deployment of broadband infrastructure.

“This infrastructure will facilitate the rollout of broadband services that will unleash op-

portunities and higher network quality service for all Nigerians,’’ he said. The NCC boss said that the workshop included a capacity development session to enlighten stakeholders on global trends and national objectives of NCC programmes. He said that the event was an opportunity for stakeholders to interact with Universal Service Provision Fund in identifying sustainability solutions for two key projects. The projects are Community Resource Centre (CRC) and School Knowledge Centre (SKC).

The Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Mr Ayuba Shuaibu said the agency is the Federal Government body responsible for the facilitating the achievement of national policy goals for universal access to ICTs in rural, un-served and underserved areas in Nigeria. Shuaibu said that the aim was for the people to contribute substantially

to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) objectives on telecommunications and ICT. He said that the ultimate objective of the system was to promote greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria and to contribute to national economic, social and cultural development on the nation.

“To achieve these objectives, USPF will continue to implement programmes to reduce the country’s Digital Poverty Status, which is the lack of means to access ICTs, lack of skills to use and adequate information about its usefulness.

“We also intend to deliver einitiatives and other services to provide universal access to information and communication services in un-served areas, link communities, facilitate trade and commerce, and empower rural communities socially, economically and politically.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

e-Platform

Why every Nigerian must enroll for NIN –NIMC DG T

HE Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Aziz, has urged Nigerians to enroll and obtain their National Identity Number (NIN) as it would soon become the criteria to obtain the Nigerian International Passport. While de-emphasising National Identity card issuance, which many would rather prefer to have, the DG said the NIN is the most important part of the new identification system for Nigerians.

NIMC was established by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, as an offshoot of the Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR), to create, establish and maintain a Unique National Identity Database, register persons covered by the Act, assign a Unique National Identification Number (NIN), provide authentication platform for identity verification, issue General MultiPurpose Cards (GMPC) and harmonise and integrate existing identification databases in Nigeria.

Speaking at his debut interactive media session in Lagos, the NIMC director-general reeled out the many benefits of the NIN, saying that these include “one person one identity, enhances participation in the political process, important tool for fight against corruption and terrorism, enables citizens to exercise their rights and facilitates management of subsidies and safety net payments such as apply to Internal Displaced Persons.” Other benefits of the NIN, according to the NIMC DG, are that it facilitates service delivery in Ministries, Departments and Agencies; enhances the work of Law Enforcement Agencies thereby providing public safety, policing, national security and border protection, helps launder Nigeria’s image, elimination of ghost and multiple identities and enhances ability of citizens to assert their identity. The “NIN also enhances access to credit from financial institutions, protects citizens

• DG NIMC Engr. Aliyu Aziz (middle) explaining the importance of NIN at the press conference while other officials looked on.

from identity theft thereby being an antidote to identity theft driven frauds, it expands access to other financial services including insurance, it enhances e-commerce by providing a means of payment, it is a tool for non-repudiation and security for financial transactions and it facilitates financial inclusion and hence cashless economy,” he stated.

Engr. Aziz went on to list some of the key achievements of the Commission to include the popu-

T

curity Network, Datacentre, DR Sites and the ISO 27001: 2013 Certification and Re-certification as well as the commencement of the enrolment of minors (children of ages 0 – 16). In listing the key challenges the commission faces in the execution of its mandate and targets, the Director General named funding as the overriding hindrance. He also lamented poor staff remuneration, which leads to constant loss of strategic human resources.

T

he Minister of Communications, Barrister AbdurRaheem Adebayo Shittu has called on the National Assembly to expedite action in deliberating and subsequently passing the Postal Reform Bill and other related bills pending before the legislators aiming at restructuring the nation’s postal flagship, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).

Barr. Shittu made this urgent call while launching two documents; Restructuring and Modernising Nigerian Postal Service and NIPOST Vision 2020 and inaugurating a steering committee for NIPOST reformation in his office. He said the present administration need the collaboration and synergy of the National Assembly to deliver on its campaign promises to Nigerians by expediting actions on bills targeted at social reformation of the Nigerian society, one of which is the services provided by NIPOST. The minister charged the law makers upon resumption from their current recess to give the bill serious attention, saying, “we will appreciate that the bill is considered expeditiously important to the socio-economic policy thrust of the Muhammadu Buhari administration”.

He stated further that the Bill seek the amendment of all the existing postal services laws to give effect to the recommendations of the NethPost Consultancy of The Netherlands and all other interest groups that worked with the Ministry, NIPOST and other stakeholders in the postal services.

Facebook challenges YouTube with video service

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HE social media giant, Facebook, has launched a video platform called Watch, which will feature original content created by partner publishers, in a move which analysts see as a challenge to Google-owned video platform, YouTube.

Facebook said it intends to fund

W.TEC wants girls to create more digital content

HE Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) has urged girls and women to be more confident in creating digital contents for developing technology. The Executive Director, W.TEC, Mrs Oreoluwa Lesi, in a statement in Lagos said creating digital contents would also enable them be at par with their counterparts in other countries.

According to her, the centre’s Girls Technology Camp, which is on its 10th year and has recently graduated 40 girls, is a forum where girls are given opportunity to grow technologically. “The camp, which started in 2008 with 15 girls for just one week, has grown to holding its 10th edition with 40 girls for two

lating of the National Identity Database, which currently boasts of about 18.5 million records, the establishment of up to 809 NIN enrolment centres nationwide, launch of the new electronic National ID Card with multiple functions, achievement of GVCP Certification and recertification of the NIMC Card Personalisation Bureau in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, Backend Infrastructures like the ABIS, NIDB Storage, Se-

FG seeks quick passage of NIPOST Reform Bill

weeks.

“For the first time also this year witnessed two separate camps held in Lagos and Ibadan and this is in line with the vision of W.TEC’s camp of giving more girls in Nigeria the privilege of world class, ICT skills empowerment. “The W.TEC Girls Technology Camp is a residential technology and education mentor programme designed to inspire girls from JSS2 to SSS2 in secondary schools (ages 11to 17).

“They are empowered to becoming more confident in creating digital content and developing technology,” she said. Lesi said that the focus of this year’s camp was for girls to be proficient in ICT and taking it a step further from applications, designing and building.

some shows itself “to help seed the ecosystem, gather feedback, and inspire others”. For now a limited number of publishers can post content, but in the future Facebook wants anyone to be able to do so to enable publishers to build a community of passionate fans and earn money for their work, it said in a blog post.

Examples of shows Facebook already announced include Kitchen Little, “a funny show about kids who watch a how-to video of a recipe, then instruct professional chefs on how to make it”, and Major League Baseball, which will broadcast a game a week. The service will initially be available to select groups in the US, with plans for a nationwide and then international rollout.

Content will be live or recorded episodes which follow a consistent theme or storyline, such as weekly cooking show or a daily vlog. Over time, creators will be able to monetise their shows through advertising breaks and can also create sponsored shows using a branded content tag. According to media reports, publishers will earn 55 per cent of ad break revenue while Facebook keeps the rest.

Facebook said it learned from

its Live feature people’s comments and reactions to a video are often as much a part of the experience as the video itself.

“So when you watch a show, you can see comments and connect with friends and other viewers while watching, or participate in a dedicated Facebook Group for

the show,” it said.

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s CEO, commented: “Watching a show doesn’t have to be passive.

It can be a chance to share an experience and bring people together who care about the same things.”

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

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www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL Ozubulu: Can it happen again?

R EACTIONS to the 6 August shooting at Ofufe Amakwa, Ozubulu, in Ekwusigo Local Government of Anambra State, proved that Nigerians could still be shocked. The contrary narrative is that they have “seen it all”, so nothing shocks them.

Nigerians remain human, and mostly humane.

TO many of them, it was unthinkable that criminals could invade a church, shooting worshippers. Many consider places of worship sacred, hallowed, and deserving respect due the Almighty at all times. Many violations of places of worship in Nigeria have not changed the opinion of most Nigerians about reverence for the Almighty, generally understood in our various religions as our Maker.

VIOLATIONS that stemmed from religious terrorism could be understood. The parts where the violations are found are known.

Attacks of places of worship in those areas, because of their frequency and the fact that causes of such nature take such courses, are seen as collaterals of the war against terror.

NOBODY expected Ofufe Amakwa, Ozubulu, hardly on the map until the incident, to have attained global prominence in notoriety, in matters of uttermost disrespect to the Almighty. The area is peopled with lovers of the Almighty, who exhibit their gratitude to their Maker in their magnificent places of

worship, and their dedicated presence there.

THE worshippers shot at St. Philip’s were at an early morning mass, an indication of their commitment to their God. There was more.

The place they worshipped, dedicated to the Almighty, only last May, but requiring cleansing less than three months into its use, stood as tribute to the Great One. NONE, young or old, could remember an incident where anyone attacked people in church, whatever the differences. A church was a place to settle a dispute, if there was any. August 6 changed all that – St. Philip became a place where a dispute was settled (?) in ways that were unimaginable.

SOME have dubbed it Murder in the Cathedral, parodying T. S. Elliot’s 1935 verse drama based on an eyewitness’s account of the 1170 assassination of the Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.

WHAT was the role of the killed in a dispute that was between two businessmen, as some would call them? How did the church become the choice location for settling a dispute in a manner that shunned everything a place of worship represented? Can there be any justification for the intensity of the brutality that was unleashed on worshippers at St. Philip’s?

FEW questions are being asked. Fewer answers are available. The consequences of the shooting at St. Philip’s include implications that may be lost in the treatment of the issue as a “normal” criminal activity. Some say it took a long time coming. Others speak of the inner dealings that resulted in the shooting in ways that exhibit gross ignorance of their complicity in criminal activities, since they knew about those activities, but kept quiet.

IT appears that the police would have few challenges in unraveling the causes of the shooting at St. Philips, if the information in the public domain is a guide. The more important thing would be what the police do with the information. We expect they should know what to do.

WE still suggest some. The investigation and persecution of whoever are involved in the St. Philip’s shooting, should focus on justice, which would be justice to the victims and the community. Justice would include measures that would see to safer neighbourhoods and the notice strongly served that criminals would face the law.

IF the shooters at St. Philip’s contemplated that the law could catch and kill them, would they have acted? If they had no assurances that if caught, their sponsors would rescue them, would they have signed up for the attack?

A GREAT part of what is wrong is that we have used decades en-

throning impunity. There is hardly any difference between lawlessness and lawfulness, particularly as the public watches the high, the mighty, and the connected, trample on the law. Their actions destroy the law, establishing new orders where the law acts after confirming that suspects are powerless.

CRIMINALS have long learnt to align with power.

They buy various layers of protection. They endear themselves to society through burnished philanthropic acts. Once the public gets the confusing signals of criminals associating with authority, it becomes circumspect about its judgment of the criminals.

IN many Nigerian communities, questionable characters are lords. They are to be found wherever there are vestiges of authority since any link to authority, no matter how tenuous, can be stretched to launder their status.

THERE is no confusion about what happened at St. Philip’s. A crime took place. People were killed. The proof is everywhere. While the focus is on why they were killed is important, it is more important to invest resources in apprehending the killers, so that they can lead to their sponsors. Arrest of the killers, not just suspects, would be steps to closing in on the beneficiaries of the dastardly incident.

IF there is no decisive dislodgement of the gang that perpetrated the killing, the authorities would have been emboldening others to act, either in reprisals or in furtherance of new crime locations. Beefing up security around churches is not a solution, as the measure would simply expose other places to attacks.

ST. Philip’s, Ofufe Amakwa, Ozubulu, today stands as the metaphor for unbridled criminality. We cannot wait to see the authorities turn the scorn, taunt and threat to opportunities that mark a new metaphor, namely, that crimes would be punished--always.

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.

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

OPINION Ozubulu catastrophe – Governor Obiano’s deft hand

By CHUKS ILOEGBUNAM

W

HEN news of the terrible development hit the Awka seat of power early that morning, many scenarios taxed the imagination. Nothing of the sort had previously happened in Igbo history. There was a bizarre angle to it, of course, that was of tremendous import: Anambra State, reputed to be an oasis of safety and security, peace and placidity in tumultuous Nigeria had taken a vicious bang on the jugular.

Who had done the violent action? To what end? Since it is often the case that “when it hits, it reverberates,” was the impunity set to spread? These were some of the questions Governor Willie Obiano tried to think through while, at the same time, receiving Security and Intelligence debriefing. Taking little time, the Governor’s convoy negotiated the 48 kilometres from Awka to Ozubulu, and hit the scene of the bloodbath.

Armed with both the truth of what had happened and the spins sprouting in the social media, Governor Obiano inspected the carnage inside the St. Philips Catholic Church, Amakwa, Ozubulu. Twelve congregants whose only “offence” was attending the 6am mass to worship their God had been brutally massacred in an orgy of gunfire. Eighteen others sustained gunshot wounds, some of them life threat-

ening.

Governor Obiano, sure of the proper course of action, addressed the disheartened inside the church premises, dousing the insidious apprehension that was creping in. Social media upstarts had falsely seen the hand of Boko Haram or Fulani herdsmen or else separatist agitators in the mayhem. Had there been any truth in this narrative, it would simply have meant that “water don pass gari.” But the Governor knew better. So, citing the outcome of preliminary investigation, he stated that the debacle was the work of feuding drug kingpins from the town domiciled outside Nigeria. Expectedly, he condemned the unspeakable crime, promising comeuppance for its perpetrators.

Next, the Governor visited the wounded in hospital, comforting them and announcing that his government would shoulder the financial responsibility for their treatment. He ordered 50 doctors, radiographers and ancillary medical personnel deployed to augment the efforts of their colleagues on the ground. This is trademark Willie Obiano. It will be recalled that on February 15, a petrol tanker had rammed into a gas station at Zik’s Roundabout in Onitsha, spilling fuel and setting off a conflagration that reduced a vast area of the commercial city to smoldering debris.

On the night of the fire outbreak, Governor Obiano had just arrived Abuja for a

meeting of the National Council of State.

But, the next morning, he caught the first available flight and made a beeline for home. Before noon he was at the disaster scene, inspecting the charred remains of buildings and vehicles, consoling the victims and speaking compassion to his people. He visited those hospitalized for burns.

He axed the situation of petrol stations in densely populated areas. He deployed N8.5 million into compensation, hospital bills and temporary accommodation for the affected. He imported three state-ofthe art fire trucks for the State Fire Service and enlarged its workforce.

The key point here is that Governor Obiano’s compassionate solidarity with Ndi Anambra is nothing to do with polishing media image. It is his nature. During June I had emphasized this attribute in an article entitled Governor Willie Obiano – Fit To Continue. My point then and now remains that Governor Obiano has fixed Anambra’s security, improved its infrastructure and resuscitated the investment climate.

He has in addition improved agriculture, education and health care delivery. But beyond these solid achievements, he has also made a mark in the intangible sector.

This sector refers to Governor Obiano foregoing salary and emoluments for the upkeep of society’s less privileged. It refers to the sanatorium he built to give a meaning to the lives of the sick and wretched of

the earth. It pertains to scores of prisoners who, on completion of their terms, receive N1 million each to start life on a fresh, clean slate. It has to do with the disabled who are automatically employed in the State’s Civil Service. It is connected to limbless folks issued with prosthetics. In short, it is all about exercising political authority with a human face.

These are the “intangibles” that situate Governor Obiano in the ranks of genuine leaders. In every condition, he epitomizes visionary leadership. He knew that jarred nerves had been soothed by his first-day intervention on Ozubulu. Nonetheless he consolidated that achievement with a statewide broadcast 24 hours later, declaring Monday August 7, 2017 a day of mourning for the slain, and calling for a noontime minute’s silence in their memory.

Unfettered by the distractions of conspiracy theorists, and disdainful of partisan opponents intent on riding on Anambra’s dead to score cheap political points, he declared: “We have chosen to stay awake that Anambra may find sleep!…All shadowy characters behind this crime shall account for it. This is the first and last of this appalling crime. Fellow citizens, I call on you today, to join hands with me to rid our society of crime and criminality.”

•Iloegbunam is the Chairman of Governor Obiano’s Media Team

NERC lethargy towards Lagos power project

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

I

N this era of preachment of “ease of doing business” in Nigeria, Lagos State’s determination to power the Centre of Excellence appears hamstrung by failure of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to give the necessary go-ahead.

The Governor Akinwumi Ambode-led administration plans to establish embedded power designed as the state’s flagship programme for direct intervention in the power value chain “towards achieving a 24hour power for Lagos” that’s striving for a Mega City.

It proposes to generate, within three to six years, up to 3,000 megawatts of power “through accelerated deployment of various power plants by private sector power providers in strategic locations across the state.”

To get this programme off the ground, the government needs approval of the NERC, which it has duly submitted to the draft of the Lagos State Embedded Power Bill finalised in May 2017. But the commission has yet to clear the application, thus delaying the forwarding of the bill to the State House of Assembly for endorsement.

The lethargic attitude of the NERC apparently stems from the skewed system Nigeria operates, which saddles the Federal Government with too many responsibilities that ought to be devolved to state governments.

For instance, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in the Second Schedule, Part I & II thereof, assigns 68 portfolios to the Federal Government in the Exclusive Legislative List and only 12 items to the states in the Concurrent Legislative List.

It is this lacuna that the ongoing amendment to the constitution was meant to cure - to move certain items from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, in order “to give more legislative powers (and resources) to states.” But the

Senate voted down the Bill on Devolution of Powers.

Meanwhile, the constitution lists “Electric Power” under the Concurrent Legislative List, on which National and State Assemblies can make laws. Hence, Lagos State is seeking the clearance of its draft bill on embedded power generation from the NERC, to avoid the House of Assembly making any law that conflicts with that of the National Assembly on the same item.

Thus, on Friday, August 4, Governor Ambode visited the NERC in Abuja, and laid out the power template: “The stakeholders’ meeting holding today (August 4) is a continuation of the ongoing engagement between NERC and the Lagos State Government on the Lagos State Embedded Power Programme,” he said.

Noting his government’s collaboration with other stakeholders to design and implement a roadmap for uninterrupted power supply to homes and businesses in Lagos State, the governor offers the Federal Government a helping hand in Nigeria’s quest “to achieve a stable power supply, to create a secure and prosperous nation that is globally competitive.”

“We are convinced that the offer by our government to deploy the state’s balance sheet in support of power generation, transmission, distribution, gas supply, metering, collection and enforcement in Lagos State will significantly relieve the national grid and free more energy for distribution to other parts of Nigeria,” he said.

However, proponents of decentralisation of production of electricity outside of the national grid argue that state governments shouldn’t be beggarly on the issue, but seize on constitutional provisions to generate electricity for their states.

This was their position on Thursday in Lagos at the launch of a 65-page report, “From Darkness to Darkness: How Nigerians are Paying the Price for Corruption in the Electricity Sector,” produced by the Socio-Economic

Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and presented to the media by Yemi Oke, an associate professor, Energy/Electricity Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

Even as he blamed the 36 state governments for abdicating their duties to the power sector, as an item on the Concurrent Legislative List in the Second Schedule, paragraph 13 and 14 of the amended 1999 Constitution, Prof. Oke urged the Federal Government to “consider fully divesting its stakes in the power sector and allow for efficient, decentralized sector-governance in line with the provisions of the constitution.”

Similarly, rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, who chaired the event, advised state governments to begin to exercise their constitutional rights by “challenging the control of electricity generation, distribution and transmission by the federal government.”

“Stop going to Abuja; stop begging the federal government to give you power to establish electricity companies in your state,” Falana said. “You have the right. If individuals can do that and generate electricity they needed, why should you go to Abuja to get a licence to generate electricity in your state?”

The NERC regulators should be reminded that Lagos State, pivotal to Nigeria meeting its goal of being among the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020 (or 2025?), is the country’s cash cow in terms of the revenue from the Value Added Tax (VAT). Figures supplied by the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, bear this out.

In 2016, according to her, Lagos generated 55 per cent of the VAT receipts by the Federal Government, while the balance of 45 per cent was generated by the remaining 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, which alone brought in 20 per cent.

Every patriotic agency of government should join in prayers with former President Olusegun Obasanjo who, in Lagos at the launch of a book, “Making Africa Work,”

which he co-authored, said the Brenthurst Foundation that he chairs would cooperate with Lagos State “to become Africa’s third largest economy (after Nigeria and South Africa) in a very short time.”

In all respects, Lagos is working, and leading the way. So, the NERC should expeditiously do the needful to assist the “Embedded Power Programme” initiated

by Governor Ambode and the state government “towards achieving a 24-hour power for Lagos.”

•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 Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Production Editor Henry Duru Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Advert Manager Andrew Udeh Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today, August 23, 2017

Travel & Hospitality

26

Bad policies behind unsustainable tourism tourism, says UNWTO

•The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State destroyed

by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.

By VICTOR NZE

W

ITH barely one month to September 27, this year when the international tourism community celebrates the 2017 edition of the World Tourism Day, set aside by the United Nations (UN) to recognize the industry’s capability to drive global peace and economic prosperity, the sector in Nigeria continues to search for effective policies to achieve the laudable goals of the agenda.

The United Nations General Assembly had declared 2017 as the ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development’ in order to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With this year recognized as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development, the UNWTO, on its part, has also aptly chosen as theme for this year’s event; ‘Sustainable Tourism: A Tool for Development,’ That theme becomes all the more important when viewed against the backdrop of the fact since December 4, 2015 when the UN General Assembly approved the adoption, not much has changed in terms policy formulations on the part of governments at all levels in Nigeria towards keying in into the tenets of the declaration as the country’s various tourist destinations continue to lag behind in attention.

“The declaration by the UN of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is a unique opportunity to advance the

contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“As the lead UN agency for this initiative, UNWTO is very much looking forward to proceeding with the organization and implementation of the International Year, in collaboration with Governments, relevant organizations of the UN system, other international and regional organizations and all other relevant stakeholders”, he added.

According to the UNWTO, sustainable tourism is tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future.

Rather than being a type of product, it is an ethos that underpins all tourism activities. As such, it is integral to all aspects of tourism development and management rather than being an add-on component.

The objective of sustainable tourism is to retain the economic and social advantages of tourism development while reducing or mitigating any undesirable impacts on the natural, historic, cultural or social environment. This is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with those of the destination.

Therefore, for sustainable tourism to work, everyone involved must benefit. But just as unsustainable tourism might be fine from the point of view of the tourist, it is unlikely to benefit or gain support from the host community.

Over the years, efforts by the UN-

WTO to grow the industry in Nigeria particularly through programmes and agendas has continued to hit the rocks courtesy of the Federal Government’s penchant for frequent changes and inappropriate policies misapplied in the industry.

Only last month, July, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) launched a new brand identity tagged; Tour Nigeria, which, according to its Director General, Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, essentially leverages on growing domestic tourism by promoting local destinations.

Before then, the corporation’s past DG, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, had also attempted promoting domestic tourism when she in July 2013 also launched her own initiative, ‘Fascinating Nigeria,’ which focused on promoting local destinations to replace the existing ‘Good People Great Nation’ rebranding campaign of the late Information Minister, Mrs Dora Akunyili, which was originally internationally-focused to correct image problems of Nigeria.

At the launch, Folarin-Coker also listed a strategic five-point action plan with the acronym ‘CHIEF’ which represents Corporate Governance & Regulations; Human Capital Development; Infrastructural Development; Events and Marketing; and Finance & Investment to drive the initiative.

All these policy unveilings took place regardless of the high-level of insecurity, youth restiveness and communal ethnic/religious clashes constantly ravaging states and communities hosting the country’s top tourist destinations.

Not much has been done in the area of wooing communities on the need to partner to protect tourist destinations, as, sadly, till date they still see themselves as not part of.

“We seek the intervention of His Excellency the Governor of Edo State, to set up a special investigative panel to look into the destruction of the Zoo Staff quarters and the conversion of the land for private development, in violation of a subsisting Arbitration judgment.

“This investigation should naturally extend to the scandalous incursions and destruction of nearly 70 per cent of the zoo, since we currently hold the unenviable record of being the most vandalized Zoo in Nigeria,” said Director/CEO of the Ogba Zoo & Nature Park, in Benin City, Edo State, Mr. Andy Osa Ehanire, who had to lay siege to the state governor’s office to get attention for the facility.

Late last month, lawmakers from the Plateau State House of Assembly Committee on Culture and Tourism had cause to decry the poor state of the Jos Wildlife Park.

According to Chairman of the committee, Mr Nyam Daren, who led other members on a visit to the park in Jos, this facility as one of the treasures of the state, has suffered so much neglect in the recent past.

It is the same with other destinations like the the Mambilla Plateau and the Sukur Cultural Landscape, all in Adamawa State, the Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba State, Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi State, their problems may well be rooted in the Boko Haram insurgency, however, for others, it has been

a simple case of institutional neglect and abandonment by all the tiers of government.

In evolving policies to grow domestic tourism, many have wondered why the conditions and plight of communities hosting these destinations are never taken into considerations. In the same way as issues affecting domestic tourism growth and development are never factored into any discourse centering on Niger Delta, Boko Haram, border clashes among communities, religious clashes, youth restiveness, and others.

“I’ve often wondered why for a country that says it takes tourism serious, that when it comes to resolving Niger Delta matter, it is just because of the crude oil; so that operations of the oil companies can go on undisturbed. It’s not because government wants foreign tourists to find it comfortable to visit the top attractions in the area. We have a lot of attractions in Cross River and Bayelsa, but it’s not because of these that government wants to find a lasting peace.

There’s a problem with that mindset.

So tourism continues to suffer under this situation,” said Enahire.

For sustainable tourism to thrive, the host communities must be part of the project, according to the UN, as it is, the earlier Federal Government reaches out to the people to woo them into the project, the better for any supposedly laudable domestic tourism promotion campaign evolved by government.

Also, any policy framework by government geared towards growing domestic tourism must first take into consideration the situation on ground at these destinations with a view to getting the participation of the communities which by implication guarantees the safety and well-being of tourists to the sites.

This, many stakeholders see as reason why outbound tourism is growing in Nigeria at the expense of inbound tourism, in the same way as travel agents and tour operators alike see the viability of promoting foreign destination as against the local ones which are considered no longer viable.

“Tourists are starting to avoid the Obudu/Calabar road to the mountain resort because of kidnappers, the Mambilla Plateau in Adamawa is a no-go area too because of Boko Haram, the Kwatarkwashi Rock in Zamfara is risky because of cattle rustlers-turned kidnappers, the Ogba zoo is systematically ravaged by land grabbers, so many destinations are threatened. Sustainable tourism may not be realized in Nigeria under this present condition,” said Kenneth Osuji, travel writer.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), approved by the UN General Assembly is included as targets under three of the SDGs - SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production and SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

27

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

AVIATION

5% PSC deduction: NAAPE backs FG on AIB funding Stories by VICTOR NZE

N

IGERIAN pilots and engineers have thrown their weight behind Federal Government’s plans to allot 5 per cent of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Passengers Service Charge (PSC) to fund the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

The professionals under the aegis of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), said media briefing called by the union’s President, Comrade Abednego Galadima, that its decision to back the FG move was informed by the fact that modern accident investigations remain costly which AIB cannot afford due to its presently limited resources.

According to Galadima, accident investigation cannot also be adequately budgeted for as the possibility to predict the number of accidents at a time is impossible and lack of funds during an occurrence can forestall findings.

NAAPE also argued that the activities of the AIB should not be commercialized so that the bureau does not end up fabricating results for the highest bidder thus jeopardizing the true reason of its existence which is accident investigation.

“The task of modern investigation is very exerting, requiring high-tech equipment and highcaliber personnel. This is inherently a costly venture which cannot be handled adequately in an atmosphere of limited funding.

“Most people who have commented on the matter did not countenance the fact that accident investigation cannot be effectively budgeted for, as it is impossible to envisage the number of accidents that would occur in a given period. Yet when those accidents occur, budgeted for or not; their investigation cannot be put forward therefore AIB must have a reservoir of funds to prosecute its mandate.

“The accident investigation bureau has absolutely no access to funding other than statutory grants and its activities cannot be commercialized for fear of the Bureau dithering to the highest bidder,” the union said, adding: “Even though the bureau’s proclaimed task is to investigate air accidents, its real objective is accident prevention.

It is NAAPE’s view that this task is all important therefore funding impairment should be far removed from its operations.”

Also, the labour union used the platform of the media briefing to carpet management of Bristow Helicopters for flouting recommendations made by the

Onyema bags NIM’s ‘Management Excellence’ award

T

HE Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has endorsed the management style of indigenous carrier, Air Peace, while further awarding the airline’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Allen Onyema, with its “Management Excellence” award.

NIM which said the award was in recognition of the Onyema’s ‘huge contributions to the development of Nigeria’s economy,’ also expressed satisfaction with the job creation and corporate social responsibility projects of the airline.

Onyema was one of the recipients of the “Management Excellence” award of the 2017 Management Summit of the South South Zone held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

“NIM has observed, with keen interest, your strict adherence to the application of best management practices in the run-

ning of Air Peace airline since its inception. In addition, we have noticed the immense contributions which Air Peace has made towards the physical and socio-economic development of states in the (South South) zone through the provision of employment and its palpable corporate social responsibility,” the citation read.

Speaking at the Gala Night of the South South Zonal Management Summit, the Deputy President of NIM, Prof. Olukunle Iyanda and the Chairman, South South Zone of the institute, Sir Emmanuel Okafor praised the recipients of the awards for contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation through their different ventures, even as they urged the recipients of the awards not to relent in deploying their management skills to transform the nation.

Qatar Airways hit by Gulf States’ sanctions

F

OLLOWING the sanctions imposed by member Gulf States on Qatar over alleged links to terrorism, the country’s national carrier has said it is considering whether to use air routes reportedly opened by countries embroiled in a political dispute with it.

Qatari-owned aircraft are blocked from using the airspace of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as part of economic sanctions enforced by the four countries in June.

According to Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker, at a Doha press, Wednesday, the airline is looking at “the flexibility and benefit” of one “very short route” while another route off the Egyptian coast was “useless” to the airline, conference.

Interior Minister, Abdulrahaman Danbazau’s committee on expatriate quota, as, according to NAAPE, the airline has refused to promote qualified Nigerians into vacant positions in its company.

NAAPE, therefore, urged the Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to work with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

to establish modalities for implementing the recommendations of the Danbazau committee to ease the pains of workers in the airline.

“We are aware, for example, that some airlines like Bristow Helicopters have refused to promote Nigerians into vacant positions despite that Nigerians with requisite qualifications and

experience abound in the company.”

“At the same time the company is seeking expatriate quota to fill these vacant positions.

NAAPE will no longer continue to tolerate this kind of situation and will embark on lawful action to force a remedying of such unwholesome practices in Bristow Helicopters.”

• Some of the 128 voluntary returnees from Libya disembarking from government-chartered aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, midweek

FG’s aviation policies inordinate –Makunjuola

R

ETIRED Nigerian Air Force chief and aero-medical practitioner, Dr. Owolabi Makunjuola, has condemned policies evolved by the Federal Government on the nation’s aviation sector, describing them as inordinate.

Speaking recently at a Leadership lecture of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Makunjuola who is the first specialist fellow in Aerospace Medicine and Human factors of West Africa College of Physicians and United States-based global Aerospace Medical Association, however, commended the use of drones in the country’s airspace.

The ex-service chief who cautioned Federal Government on policies in the industry, also warned that if the country is not careful about the way it handles things, there may be a series a series of unfortunate disasters in the next eight to 10 years, as ‘the country has done nothing to change its approach.’

“In aviation all over the world, 80 to 90 per cent of all problems; crashes and disasters are from what we call human factors and this is the area I specialize in. Human factor is about people who working in their natural environment whether politically, scientifically, educationally or technologically. Human beings need to know that to attain optimum efficiency and safety, by nature, we have certain limitations, which

can make us fail and those things need to be changed by training, by indoctrination.

“This is what we have been doing. So, it is that training that I do that makes me know the problem of Nigeria. During the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, there was a national stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja when everyone in the sector were called to discuss developments in the sector.

“Obasanjo even recognized my presence, but he didn’t even allow me to speak. What I would have contributed is what I have just given you, but he didn’t allow me to speak because of our impulsive and macho attitude. Once these matters are not addressed, it may take about eight to 10 years, and then we are going to have another spate of accidents because we are just deceiving ourselves; we have done nothing.”

According to him, core professionals have left the country because the system in the aviation industry is wrong and nothing has changed.

“In fact, most of the people that I have trained have left the country saying that if there will be no opportunities to reflect the changes that we know and we still engage in sharp practices, it is an accident waiting to happen because it is not a rocket science.

We are wasting our time because nothing has changed. How many of the ministers in the country

today are even knowledgeable about what to do?

“Look, Nigeria is like a football field where the football itself has been thrown out of the football pitch and here you have two teams still playing with each other and the referee is playing with one of the teams. That’s the story of Nigeria. Go and write it down, unless we change, another spate of air disasters is still coming because we have done nothing,” he stressed.

Makunjuola, therefore, called for the right people in position to drive the process and those people too should have the right people around them advising them in all spheres.

“What we should do is what President Obama told us in 2009 when he visited Accra, Ghana and refused to come to Nigeria. He said; ‘You guys are busy looking for strong men, macho men to rule us. People who don’t know that they are limited are the disasters waiting to happen.’ I am limited no matter the fact that I have trained myself 40 years in this area, but I must surround myself with people that are also trained in the same field and give them the authority to be assertive and all of us work together.”

For Makunjuola, all over the world aviation has led to developmental leaps and there is no way society can develop without aviation especially with the acceptance of air ambulances and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

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The Oracle Today Wednesday AUgust 23, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION Stakeholders frown at 75% lump sum bill

By CHRIS EBONG

T

he National Pension Commission (PenCom) and Pension Funds Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) have jointly opposed a bill at the National Assembly seeking payment of 75 percent lump sum to a retiree upon retirement as against the current 50 percent enshrined in the Pension Reform Act 2014 and regulations by PenCom. The bill was sponsored by Senator Aliyu Wamako, former executive governor of Sokoto State.

In a position paper, Mrs. Aisha Dahir-Umar, Acting Director-General of PenCom faulted the bill on the ground that it is based on a misunderstanding of the concept of pension payment under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

“It is trite that lump sum should not be fixed. Rather, what should be implemented is a minimum replacement ratio as monthly pensions. Accordingly, the retiree should keep an amount that can procure an amount of monthly pensions as replacement of salary over an expected life span.”

She also countered that the proposed amendment would mean leaving only 25 percent to

be spread over the life span of a retiree, which may be longer than 20 years whereas one of the objectives of the CPS is for people to save to cater for their livelihood during old age.

“Retirees will spend the money quickly and return to dependency and insecurity” if the 75percent lump sum bill succeeds while “retirees will return to active life rather than retirement, thereby reducing their life expectancy.”

PenCom also argued that the amendment will impact the national economy negatively by drawing large amounts out of the pool of pension assets.

In the same vein, the Pension Funds Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) warned that allowing retirees to draw 75 per-

cent lump sum will leave such retirees with meagre monthly pensions below the current replacement ratio of a minimum of 50 percent of last pay.

“It is doubtful if the 25 percent balance in a retiree’s Retirement Savings Account (RSA) after deduction of 75 percent lump sum, would, if spread through the retiree’s expected life span, be adequate to reasonably cater for his livelihood during old age.”

PenOp, which is the umbrella body of pension fund operators in the country, also warned that with 75 percent lump sum in their kitty, retirees will become targets for unscrupulous business opportunities due to their lack of experience in handling or investing such bulk sums, and will

spend the money quickly and return to square one.

“A 75 percent lump sum payment upon retirement is never the case in all jurisdictions operating the Contributory Pension Scheme the world over.”

According to PenOp “it is important that members of the legislature and indeed all arms of government are held accountable for the ill-informed decisions they take that have indelible effects on the lives of the people they govern. Also, urgent attention of the public and government needs to be drawn to convey the positive message of pension reform to all the publics and stakeholders of the pension system in Nigeria.”

Group tasks NAICOM to review stance on microinsurance

T

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has been urged to review its stance on microinsurance licence and product registration to allow more companies undertake micro insurance business.

This call was made in a report presented to the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) by its Micro Insurance Committee. According to committee, the inability of some member companies to secure operational licence and products approval is adversely affecting the industry.

The Committee which is headed

by Ogunbayo Kolawole, also posited that there are inadequate micro insurance products in the market, and therefore, called for capacity building so as to roll out more appropriate and client specific products to meet the market needs.

T

he Lagos State Government has celebrated the retirement of its Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions Mrs. Folasade Oluwatosin Ogunnaike from the civil service.

Extolling her virtues at the event, the Commissioner of the Ministry, Dr. Akintola, Benson, said Mrs Ogunnaike who is retiring at the age of 60 has been competent, resourceful and diligent.

He stated that she stood when duty called as able to break new grounds in her various career positions.

L:R- Company Secretary, NPF Pensions Limited, Ikechukwu Utazi; Managing Director, FUG Pensions, Usman Sulaiman; Head, Research and Corporate Strategy Department, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Dr Farouk Aminu; Pension Funds Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) Chairman, Mr. Longe Eguarekhide; Executive Secretary, PenOp, Susan Oranye; Executive Director, Investment, NPF Pensions, Nicholas Nnaji and Managing Director, AXAMansard Pension, Dapo Akinsanya at the just concluded 2017 Media retreat organised by the PenOp in Abeokuta, Ogun State at the weekend..

Global insurance M&A drops in 2017

T

he volume of completed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the global insurance industry continued dropping during the first six months of 2017 to 170 deals, compared to 186 deals reported for the second half of 2016.

According to Clyde & Co.’s midyear M&A report, activity is now down 24 percent from a recent high point in H1 2015 when there were 225 deals, the report said, attributing the more cautious environment in part to increased regulation in China, political uncertainty as a result of Brexit in the UK and the ongoing political and economic uncertainties in Greece, Italy and Russia.

Clyde & Co is a global law firm with a focus on five core sectors: insurance, energy, trade & commodities, infrastructure and transport.

The report, however, said that M&A activity was up in the Americas, Middle East & Africa, but down in Europe and Asia.

“The Americas completed 86 transactions during H1 2017, compared to 81 during last year’s second half. The Middle East and Africa also reported a slight increase at eight deals this year, compared to just two in H2 2016. On the other hand, European deals dropped 28 percent during the first half of 2017, which Clyde & Co. attributed in part to the distraction of Brexit.

“Completed M&A deals in Asia Pacific fell to 22 during the first half from 36 in H2 2016, partly due to temporary monetary controls in place in China,” the report reads.

Addressing the M&A scene in the U.S., Vikram Sidhu, a Clyde & Co. partner based in New York, said U.S. deal activity in the second half of 2017 may not be as robust as the first half.

“The caution is driven by several factors, including lesser clarity about what President Trump’s administration and the Republican Congress might be able to achieve with respect to issues such as tax reform.”

Staco Insurance assures shareholders of brighter future

T

he Board and Management of Staco Insurance Plc have been taking strategies steps to delight the company’s shareholders and ensure they get good returns on their investment.

The company’s chairman, Prince Samuel Turoti, stated this during

the firm’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, noting that were reviewing the company’s circumstances with a view to make it profitable as soon as possible notwithstanding the current economic situation of the country.

He informed that Staco grew its

shareholders fund from N3.4 billion in 2015 to N3.8 billion in 2016, representing a growth of 10.33 per cent.

The company’s gross premium income stood at N5.40 billion in 2016, while its net premium earned was N3.59 billion.

In keeping faith with its promise to

LASG eulogises Ogunnaike He said: “In Mrs. Ogunnaike, we are celebrating a well-rounded and vastly experienced loyal civil servant. Her career in the civil service has taken her round the entire gamut of the administration of Lagos State. She dutifully served at the then Ministry of Employment and Civil Service Matters as an Administrative Officer; she faithfully executed her duties at the then Office of Head of Service and Secretary to the State Military Government; and at the Lagos

State Council for Arts and Culture, she showed class and creativity as the Principal Personnel Officer and Board Secretary seconded from the Ministry of Information.

“She was appointed as an Assistant Director to head the Women Affairs Department in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, rose to the position of director, was appointed a Permanent Secretary in February, 2015 and now ends her illustrious career as the Per-

manent Secretary of the Office of Establishments and Training in the foundational and most important Civil Servants-focused ministry, the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions.

“As the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Establishments and Training, she had responsibility as the accounting officer for formulating establishments and training policies for the entire State Public Service among others.”

pay all genuine claims promptly, the underwriting firm paid N1.99 billion claims in 2016, of which a substantial part was paid in dollars.

Turoti added that despite the short-comings resulting from the high exchange rate, the company’s board and management were committed to turning things around for the better by continuously delivering value and positively affecting the lives of its stakeholders and leveraging best practices.

Reviewing the company’s activities, Sakiru Oyefeso, group managing director, said the company’s management is committed to improving on the fortunes of the organisation by continuously delivering value and positively affecting the lives of its stakeholders by conducting its business in a way that is friendly and ethical with best practices.

“The company intends to embark on strategic expansion aimed at exploring and capturing new frontiers, pursuing and driving the micro insurance concept for a better share of the market and increased market value,” he said.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

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30

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

New India Assurance to float shares

I

ndia’s largest general insurer, the government-owned New India Assurance owners’ of Nigeria’s Prestige Assurance Plc has filed a draft red herring prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India for a public listing.

The Initial Public Offer (IPO) comprises a fresh issue of 24 million shares by the company, and the sale of 96 million shares by the government. The flotation exercise is expected to raise around US$1.5billion.

The public issue will result in a 14.56per cent stake dilution for the government in the general insurance firm. The government will have a grace period of three years from the date of listing to meet the minimum public shareholding requirement of at least 25% shares held by the public.

The shares will be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.

New India’s IPO application follows close on the heels of that by state-owned GIC Re which on 7 Au-

PenCom queries bill on paramilitary pension scheme

T

he National Pension Commission (PenCom) has kicked against the bill seeking to exclude paramilitary organisations including the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The Acting Director-General of PenCom, Mrs Aisha Dahir-Umar, said in Abeokuta that the exclusion of the paramilitary organisations from the national pension scheme would not augur well for the officers and men of the outfits.

She spoke at the 2017 Annual Retreat organised by Pension Operators (PenOp) comprising 21 Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs) and four Pension Custodians.

A bill seeking to amend the Pension Reform Act, 2014 to exclude members of the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigeria Customs Service (NSCDC) from the Contributory Pension Scheme had on May 16 passed the seconding reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The bill, sponsored by Mr Oluwole Oke, is also seeking to exempt the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the scheme.

Dahir-Umar said their exemption would impact negatively on the country’s economy.

“The attention of the commission has been drawn to a bill currently before the House of Representatives seeking to amend the Pension Reform Act of 2014.

“Despite the position of the Federal Government that further exemption of its agencies from CPS should be stopped, the House continued.

“The bill has dire consequences not only on the pension reform, but on the other reforms of governments,” said the acting DG, who was represented by Mr Aminu Farouk, the Head of Research and Management in the commission.

“The Nigerian Pension Industry through PenOp and PenCom remains the model in African countries such as Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda that still come to understudy us.

“The Federal government further issued a white paper saying it will be unable to sustain pension payments under defined benefits pension schemes and directed that only the military intelligence and the state security services may withdraw from the contributory scheme,” DahirUmar said in her contributions to a position paper on the bill.

She said the Federal Government was already overburdened

with the payment of pensions as reflected in the 2016 Appropriation Act. According to her, about N200 billion was appropriated in the Act as pensions and gratuities which is still insufficient to fund pension liabilities of government.

The acting PenCom DG said:“For instance, the 2016 Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate’s (PTAD) total budget proposal indicated a total annual pension liability of the sum of N388.3 billion.

“Out of the amount, the sum of N255.8 billion constituted unfunded liabilities which were

inherited by PTAD mostly due to outstanding payments for 33 per cent arrears to pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme.

“PTAD had indicated that there had been no provision for unfunded liabilities in the past which now forms part of its core obligations.’’

Dahir-Umar, however, noted that the Nigeria Police pension scheme had recorded some progress.

“It is noteworthy that the NPF pension scheme as at 2017 has already registered 155,823 members with a total monthly contribution of N 238. 25 billion and total assets of N283. 90 billion”.

FBN General Insurance appoints Mimiko as ED •75% lump sum’ll destroy CPS – IEI Anchor Pensions boss

T

he proposal before the National Assembly seeking the payment of 75 per cent of retirees pension benefits as lump sum at retirement destroys the very essence of pension, the Managing Director, IEI Anchor Pension Limited, Glory Etaduovie, has said.

He disclosed this at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents (NAIPCO) in Lagos recently, stressing that many who may agitate for the 75 per cent lump sum in the name of business investment or building a house, may lose their money for not being skilled in business.

He maintained that managing bulk sum is not an easy skill – especially if it looks like your last chance for income at old age. “We will all get there. Aging is the alternative to dying.

We must not forget. Building a house should really not be with pension,” he said.

He noted that ignorance on

the activities of the industry is disturbing, adding that even many of our leaders show this symptoms. He urged leaders to cherish and grow the industry as pension is a social service and contributory Pensions is pro-government, pro-people, hence, we simply cannot play politics with it.

Etaduovie said pension funds is not a pool of funds that can be accessed easily, as thought by many, adding that they are individual accounts just like personal accounts. “No one can access more than he can.

It took a lot of planning, discipline and diligence to assemble the Pension funds,” he said.

He said; “75 per cent lump sum proposal destroys the very essence of pension – a steady income at retirement.

This looks exciting on hearing same but not futuristic. Steady pension payment is to both resettle a retiree into a new life without creating a radical difference, retaining income consistency and considering the length of time one may live, up

to 30 years of life after retirement.

“Children are less dependable as insurance when unemployment and under employment is high. But, many who may agitate for the 75 per cent lump sum in the name of business investment or building a house, may lose their money for not being skilled in business. Some may be duped of it. Managing bulk sum is not an easy skill – especially if it looks like your last chance for income at old age. We will all get there. Aging is the alternative to dying. We must not forget.

Building a house should really not be with pension.

“It must be emphasized that the common complaints of delayed payments are not from the PFAs but the effects of transition from the old scheme to the new one. The Government is making efforts to pay up the accumulation of the old scheme to update the individual retiree accounts. Hence, a lot of emphasis on using the Paris club fund for Pensions and salaries arrears,” he said.

gust filed draft red herring prospectus.

The two government-owned insurance giants are the first among state-owned insurers to launch an IPO. Currently, ICICI Prudential Life is the only listed insurer in the country. Other privately held insurers which are planning to float their shares include SBI Life, ICICI Lombard General Insurance and HDFC Standard Life Insurance.

New India, which was incorporated in 1919, has a distribution network across India that includes 68,389 individual agents and 16 corporate agents, bancassurance arrangements with 25 banks in India and a large number of dealership arrangements.

As at 30 June 2017, the company had 2,452 offices in India across 29 states and seven union territories.

Besides, it has international operations across 28 countries, through a number of branches, agency offices, subsidiaries and associated companies.

From 1 April 2011 to 30 March 2017, the company’s market share in terms of gross direct premium rose from 14.7per cent to 15.0per cent.

New India reported a consolidated net profit of INR8,393.6 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2017 on total net premiums of INR176,747.7 million.

New India says in the prospectus that with economic growth gradually picking up and structural drivers in place (rise in healthcare costs, growth in retail auto sector, agricultural reforms and schemes), it expects the growth trajectory of the general insurance sector to remain strong in the next five years.

An analysis of various general insurance product lines indicates significant potential for growth across the board as penetration in India is much lower than global benchmarks. For example, on purchasing a two-wheeler, buying an insurance policy is mandatory till the time vehicle is on the road, but many twowheeler owners do not renew their policy after the first year.

Consequently, insurance penetration rates on two-wheelers on road are estimated to be only 25per cent, much lower than the global benchmark of over 90per cent. In the case of cars more than 3 years old as well, penetration rates are estimated at around 60per cent vis-à-vis the global benchmark of 90per cent. Furthermore, as of FY2016, only 34per cent of Indians have a health insurance policy, either provided by the private sector or government schemes. The scenario is similar when one looks at the corporate-focused lines such as engineering, fire, and marine insurance, with penetration estimated to be less than 1per cent of industrial GDP. New India also cites various other factors which would contribute to the growth of the general insurance industry in the country. These include: GDP growth, rising incomes, increase in new vehicle sales, demand for crop insurance, increasing cost of healthcare, increasing need to cover natural catastrophes, increased online sales and supportive regulations.

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

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33

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Love and Living

... With Ireto Temofeh

Oracle Girl of the Week

LOVE NEWS

Being young at heart CAN help you live longer ...Researchers say those who feel younger die later

H

Name: Uche Tel: +234 814 395 2220 • Do you want to be our next Oracle Girl? Send your photos to ireto007@yahoo. com and call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

Goldfish turn to alcohol to get through winter in icy ponds Goldfish can happily survive on alcohol when oxygen is unavailable.

Scientists have figured out how goldfish produce alcohol to survive when trapped beneath the icy surfaces of frozen lakes and ponds.

Unlike most vertebrates which die within a few minutes without oxygen, goldfish and their wild relatives crucian carp are able to survive for months in oxygen-free water.

Biologically speaking, the fish convert their anaerobically produced lactic acid into ethanol which diffuses across their gills into the surrounding water.

The researchers from the Universities of Oslo and Liverpool have discovered the unusual molecular mechanism behind this unique ability.

They have pinpointed sets of proteins which are normally used to produce energy by channelling carbohydrates towards their breakdown within a cell’s mitochondria.

While one set of those proteins is very similar to what other species of vertebrate possess, the second set is uniquely activated by the absence of oxygen.

Dr Michael Berenbrink, an evolutionary physiologist at the University of Liverpool, said that the blood alcohol concentration in these fish can exceed the

drink-drive limit during the winter.

“During their time in oxygen-free water in ice-covered ponds, which can last for several months in their northern European habitat, blood alcohol concentrations in crucian carp can reach more than 50mg per 100 millilitres,” said Dr Berenbrink.

“However, this is still a much better situation than filling up with lactic acid, which is the metabolic end product for other vertebrates, including humans, when devoid of oxygen.”

Lead author Dr Cathrine Elisabeth

Fagernes, from the University of Oslo, said: “The ethanol production allows the crucian carp to be the only fish species surviving and exploiting these harsh environments.

“Thereby avoiding competition and escaping predation by other fish species with which they normally interact in better oxygenated waters.

“It’s no wonder then that the crucian carp’s cousin the goldfish is arguably one of the most resilient pets under human care.”

ow old do you feel? Think carefully - the answer might help predict how much longer you’ll live.

Researchers have found that people who feel younger than their actual age are more likely to live longer.

They found that it appears having a positive attitude to your age is the key to living a long and healthy life.

Researchers at University College London has found that older people who feel three or more years younger than their chronological age have a lower death rate compared with those who felt their age or who felt more than one year older than their actual age.

Feeling older was a predictor of death even when the researchers accounted for things that could affect death rates, including illnesses, wealth, education, smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity.

Older-feeling adults were about 40 percent more likely to die than younger-feeling adults.

‘This relationship has been shown before, but not in such a large scale study in which we were able to look at such a range of possible explanations,’ said coauthor Andrew Steptoe of the epidemiology and public health department at University College London.

‘We still don’t understand what the explanation really is.’

Using data from a previous study on aging, Steptoe and his coauthor Isla Rippon analyzed more than 6,000 adults who were at least 52 years old.

In 2004 or 2005, researchers asked the participants how old they felt.

More than two-thirds felt at least three years younger than their real age, while a quarter felt their real age and less than five percent felt more than a year older, according to the research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Following the group through March 2013, the authors found that about 14 percent of those who felt younger had died, compared to about 19 percent of those who felt their age and about a quarter of those who felt older.

‘The first thing we thought of is that people who feel older than their chronological age are sicker, and that is why they are at greater risk of dying,’ Steptoe told Reuters Health by email.

To account for that, the authors meas-

ured pre-existing health conditions including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis and other illnesses, which explained some of the link.

‘But when we had taken these illnesses into account in our statistical models, the relationship with perceived age remained quite strong,’ Steptoe said.

‘We also measured mobility problems, lifestyle factors such as smoking, depression, and cognitive function. But none of these explained the relationship we saw.’

Self-perceived age was associated with death from heart disease, but not from cancer, the authors found.

In the second half of life, most people feel younger than they are, averaging about nine years younger, Steptoe said.

‘But there is a great deal of variation in these feelings,’ he said.

‘The study is important because it provides further evidence that perceptions of aging can have real consequences for the health of older individuals,’ said Becca R. Levy, associate professor of epidemiology and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health in New Haven, Connecticut.

‘The findings show the need for society, which often influences these perceptions, to concentrate its efforts on enabling older individuals to view the process of growing old in a more positive light,’ Levy, who was not part of the new study, told Reuters Health by email.

People who feel older are less likely to go out and about, are lonelier, are less mobile and are less physically active, Steptoe noted.

People shouldn’t worry about how old they feel, he said.

‘But it’s certainly something that we as medical researchers should try and understand,’ Steptoe said. ‘Perhaps the beliefs and feelings that people have tell us something that our other measures of health and wellbeing do not capture.’

‘Those who feel younger than their real age have ‘greater resilience, sense of mastery, and will to live,’ the researchers said.

‘Self-perceived age has the potential to change, so interventions may be possible.

‘Individuals who feel older than their actual age could be targeted with health messages promoting positive health behaviours and attitudes toward ageing.’

Courtesy: Daily Mail.

Romantic Joke The Message A wife sending a short message to her husband: It was just said on the news that they found a hideous corpse with a hollow head, a cigar among ugly rotten teeth and a bottle of liquor in his hand. I’m worried about you!. Please, give me a ring...

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

True Confession

‘Marrying a second wife taught him to appreciate me’ • I still keep a rose between my breasts, • And I spend every day yearning for your touch

I

wonder why some men like learning the hard way. When I first met my husband, what made me first take interest in him was the similarity in our names. My husband’s name is Augustine while I’m Augustina.

However, 20 years into our marriage, my husband took a second wife. It was as though she had charmed him, because he drove me and the children out of the house for her to come in.

But within a year of their illegitimate union, my husband fell seriously ill and had to travel overseas where he spent up to six months recuperating. My husband’s second wifeleft with many of my husband’s valuables before his return.

She left with the documents of my husband’s houseslocated in Enugu and Abuja, and other landed properties.

She sold most of my husband’s properties and ran with her boyfriend to Canada where she is now enjoying the money. The only house she did not sell was the family house in Lagos.

On hearing the news that his beloved second wife had sold his properties and escaped to North America with her boyfriend, my husband collapsed and had to be revived in the hospital. It was more painful for him knowing that she had been cheating on him for long.

After he was discharged from the hospital, relations, including his doctor, counseled him, saying that although it seemed like he had lost almost everything because of a woman, that wasn’t the end of the world.

They encourage him to take heart and try and get closer to God. So, my husband started going to church again, something he stopped doing years ago. The pastor told me to continue to show him love so that he would notice the difference between me and his so-called second wife.

God opened my husband’s eyes at last, to see that the rejected stone has become the head of the corner. He now came to beg me for forgiveness.

He begged me to forgive him for all the wrongs he had done to me and my children. I told him I had forgiven him but that he should go and ask for forgiveness from my parents.

I also told him to beg our four children whom he had offended so much by not paying their school fees and by driving them out of his house.

I told him that it was an abomination for a father to drive his wife and children out of his house and that he had to make restitution.

My husband begged my parents and his children to forgive. He also asked us to move back into the family house and start living together again like a happy family, as we did before.

We moved back into the family house, and my husband became a new creature.

He had learnt his lesson the hard way, and he now came to appreciate me and the children. My husband, who was wicked in the past, is now a loving, caring and responsible husband and father.

He now realizes the importance of family. Thanks to his runaway second wife who dealt with him mercilessly.

“On hearing the news that his beloved second wife had sold his properties and escaped to North America with her boyfriend, my husband collapsed and had to be revived in the hospital.

It was more painful for him knowing that she had been cheating on him for long.”

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Relationships and Love Advice “My uncle wants me to stop schooling and get married”

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Roseline, 38, chocolate, from Cross River, living in Port Harcourt, needs a honest, mature, caring, god-fearing and well-to-do man of 40-50 years for marriage. 08180072310.

Peace, 33, fair, HIV positive, from Imo, needs an educated, HIV positive Igbo man of 35-42 years from East or Delta for marriage.

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Ayo, 29, gentle, sexy, needs a reliable and sexually active man of 30-45years for a lasting relationship.

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Dear Love Doctor,

M

y name is Jennifer. I am 20 years old and a second year nursing student in Imo state university. I’m from Ikeduru in Imo state, but I lived in Owerri with my parents until 18th May 2013 (a date that I will never forget) being Saturday. My parents went to Port Harcourt for a wedding and on

their way back had an accident in which both of them died, leaving only me and my kid brother.

My daddy’s only brother sold everything my daddy had and sent I and my brother to the village, where we have been surviving only by begging other people. The worst thing about it is that my uncle wants me to stop

schooling and get married. But I don’t want to stop schooling because education is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

What do I do now? Please help me before I become a dropout.

From Jennifer.

07069344543.

Love Doctor’s Advice:

Dear Jennifer,

I do feel your pain and know what you must be passing through at this moment. However, you must not lose hope. If you uncle no longer wants to sponsor your education, the practical thing for you to do now is to get somebody that he respects to talk to him to rescind his decision. If that fails, you can explore other avenues for the funding of your education. Look for other extended family members who can help. You can also discuss your predicament with your school authorities and your priest, pastor or spiritual director to see if or how they could help. You could also get a job that would help you finance your education. If all efforts fail, you could approach an NGO which assists and offers needy young girls scholarship to complete their education. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Note: If you have fertility problems like childlessness, inability to conceive or get pregnant, miscarriages, fibroid, low sperm count, STDs, or need a male child or female? Call 07031028714, 08131161840. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/relationship.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Note: If you have fertility problems like childlessness, inability to conceive or get pregnant, miscarriages, fibroid, low sperm count, STDs, or need a male child or female? Call 07031028714, 08131161840. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/relationship.

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

It happened to me:

‘I became a prostitute to survive, after a man broke my heart’

I

started working as a prostitute when I was 19. I was in my second year of college and struggling to make ends meet. Then, I had a boyfriend who was sponsoring my education because my parents were too poor to afford my school fee.

All my love was for Henry, my banker boyfriend. He was working in a new generation bank and earning lot of money. So he was comfortable and able to help me pay for my studies.

I looked forward to marrying Henry after graduation but he broke my heart when I was only in my second year at the university by getting married to another girl without even telling me.

I lost contact with Henry after he suddenly relocated without letting me know his new address. I was heartbroken and I didn’t know how I was going to survive through my remaining two years in the university. The only option I had was to go into prostitution.

Becoming a prostitute turned out to be pretty easy work for me, because I only needed to see clients one or two days a week to cover my expenses at school.

In my first few months of working as a prostitute, I was met with enough raised eyebrows, grimaces of disgust, and looks of pity to last a lifetime. Sometimes I received lectures about how I was promoting hatred and violence against women by choosing to be a sex worker.

I was derided and called selfish for choosing a line of work that encourages sexism against women, and I was accused of being a traitor to the feminist cause.

On many occasions, I was asked intrusive questions like “has a client ever hit you?” and “what’s the most disgusting thing you’ve ever had to do for a client?”

One friend – or someone I thought was a friend, at the time – told everyone in my social circle that there must be something psychologically wrong with me, because nobody in her right mind would ever choose to be a prostitute.

She said she had read that people in the sex industry are only there because they’ve been forced into it, or because they were sexually abused as children and then make warped decisions about their sexuality as adults.

Soon the rumour in my extended group of friends was that I had been sexually abused as a child and that I was mentally unstable. People pitied me. I was humiliated.

The reality is that I had a happy childhood that was completely devoid of abuse of any kind. I grew up in a very ordinary middle class family. My parents cooked dinner for me every night, helped me with my homework, and told me they loved me every single day.

My older sister lent me her clothes and let me hang out with her and her friends.

I believe I had an incredibly fortunate upbringing. I was just about the best any child could possibly hope for.

But everyone in my social circle came to think of me as deranged and messed up. I eventually grew apart from those friends.

As I met new people, I kept my work a secret. I had become uneasy around strangers. I didn’t trust them. Experience had taught me that people would judge, pity, or lecture me if I was open and honest about my life, and after years of enduring these reactions, I didn’t have the energy to cope with them anymore. So I withdrew.

Today, people are shocked when I tell them I used to be an extrovert. In secondary school and my first year of university, I was always the life of the party and the center of attention. I was the person who introduced people to other people.

I cracked jokes and goofed around. I sang out loud, laughed raucously, and danced wildly. I was outwardly happy and I felt free to express myself. I was never

self-conscious.

Now, I go out of my way not to draw attention to myself. I try to blend in, fade into the background. I don’t want to have to explain myself. I don’t want people to know who I am, to find out my secrets.

These days, people describe me with adjectives like “quiet” and “shy.” I keep to myself a lot. In my isolation, I am bombarded with negative images about sex work in the media, and that only makes me feel worse.

Sometimes I can choose to forget or shrug a lot of this off. It’s not like I’m depressed all the time. I have three really supportive friends in my life who know what I do and accept me the way I am. I also have a handful of work friends that can empathize with my struggles and offer helpful advice.

I can go months at a time without being depressed about any of these things. But lately, I’ve really been struggling with the stigma, and I’ve been feeling hopeless and uncertain about my future in life.

I think I’ve absorbed and internalized the societal hatred of sex workers. I am embarrassed to be a sex worker, even though I like my job, I’m good at it, and I think I’ve made exceptional progress in my career over the past few years.

Despite all my accomplishments, I feel like a loser. Sometimes I jokingly refer to myself as a “whore” or a “hooker” to try to re-claim these derogatory terms, but I often find myself thinking of myself as “just a whore.”

After almost a decade of doing this work and hearing all the negative messages about sex workers and getting bad reactions from people, I sometimes wonder if there is something wrong with me. Maybe everyone is right. Maybe I am deranged.

The terrible irony is that I am a graduate of Sociology. I, of all people, should know better than to think like this. I spent years of my life learning about how socialization works.

I am intimately familiar with how social norms develop and change over time, and how and why discrimination occurs against various groups of people.

I guess it just goes to show how intense social conditioning really is. All the book-learning in the world is not enough to combat the weight of social norms.

I wish I could feel proud of who I am and what I do. I’m tired of feeling embarrassed and ashamed. I wish other people could see me for everything that I am, and not focus so much on this one aspect of my identity.

There are so many things that make me who I am. I love animals, horror movies, and going on road trips. I’m passionate about gender equality and LGBTQ rights.

I’m interested in politics and current events.

I do yoga, I read a lot, and I stay in close touch with my family. But these traits are overshadowed by the fact that I am a prostitute. I don’t feel like anybody cares about any of these characteristics – all they would see is a whore.

Lately, I’ve been wondering how I could ever date someone again. It’s been three years since my last relationship. My ex-boyfriend knew me before I became a prostitute and my work was never an issue with him.

Now, I’m afraid to tell potential partners about what I do, because I’m nervous that they will make all kinds of awful assumptions about me. I worry that they will think I’m some kind of hyper-sexual nympho (I’m not), that I’ll sleep with them on the first date (I prefer to take it slow), or that I’m damaged and need to be treated like I’m fragile (which would be terribly patronizing and unpleasant).

I also wonder what any potential boyfriend would say to his friends and family about his relationship with me. How would the conversation go?

“I’m dating this girl I just met. She’s pretty great.”

“Oh, cool. How did you meet?”

“Mutual friends.”

“Nice. And what does she do?”

“Oh, you know. She’s a prostitute.”

I know I don’t have to come out as a sex worker. I do have a mainstream part-time job. I use it as a cover, so that I don’t have to reveal my occupation as a prostitute un-

less I feel comfortable doing so.

The job is loosely related to my academic field of study. But the fact that I pretend this part-time job is my full-time job makes me feel like a liar. I hate lying. I’m a very honest person by nature, and I desperately want to connect with people in a genuine and authentic way.

When I do muster up enough courage to tell people about my work, I notice myself glossing over it very quickly and hurriedly steering the topic of conversation toward my graduate degree instead. I hype it up and draw attention to it, as if to say, “yes, I’m a whore, but I’m also smart and normal, really, I promise!”

I find it pretentious and annoying when other people talk excessively about their university education, and I hate it that I have become one of those people. However, I feel an urgent need to communicate that I am more than “just a whore.”

In my darkest moments I am desperately overwhelmed with feelings of despair, and fear that I have made myself unlovable.

Sometimes I think the only way out of this mess it to stop working as a prostitute and leave the sex industry behind. It would be hard to quit, though, because the work is relatively easy, my schedule is flexible, and I make twice as much money doing sex work as I could doing any other job I’m qualified for.

Besides, I can never take back what I’ve done. I will always have a history as a prostitute. I will always be seen as damaged goods, whether I am a current sex worker or a former one. So I might as well just keep going, right?

I don’t feel strong enough to cope with society’s condemnation, but there’s nothing I can do about it now. I wish I’d known what I was getting myself into before I jumped into this line of work. But most of all, I wish I’d never become a prostitute in the first place.

•Do you have a comment about this story or have a story for us? Call or text 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Love & Living

I

N the eyes of a woman lies the truth about her man, strangely too, the man knows it deep within and even observers can tell when a man is only a SPERM DONOR. When marriage is simply considered as two people deciding to live together and having children as they go along, there are higher chances that the man would be merely a sperm donor and no husband. Husbandhood, if there’s anything like the word, is purely about taking charge and shouldering responsibilities but it is very common to see men who already passed the bulk to the women letting her make all the provisions even when they themselves have the means. Yes, she can assist the home but not take over completely.

There are exceptions though when the man has got financial challenges but he should be seen to be actively working on getting back to providing ways and not just relaxing because she’s got it covered.

Some men, for reasons best known to them, just refuse to care for theirs wives. Mike’s case wasn’t about the lack of means, he had a flourishing business and could afford to drive different cars and live comfortably but he never extended it to his wife, she was at best a pauper right in their big house. I met her at a friend’s place and hearing her experience was just discouraging.

A man who can hardly stand the sight of his wife’s younger sister because she would always eat food in his

Husband or sperm donor A sperm donor would make out with other women and even try to shatter his own wife’s emotions by rubbing his extra marital affairs in her face

”

house whenever she came visiting. A man who dares his wife to return to her poor family if she’s tired of staying.

A man that she stuck with through his trying years and later married now letting her into his bedroom only when horny. Her three children give her every reason to stay and she has grown to accommodate her pains and live with them. Sperm donor!

Aside attending to a woman’s financial needs and seeing to her emotional needs, ensuring her happiness is important. But rather than doing this, a sperm donor would make out with

Ify ARONU ifyaronu@gmail.com other women and even try to shatter his own wife’s emotions by rubbing his extra marital affairs in her face.

We seem to have more sperm donors than husbands all over the place these days. Although marriage may not guarantee happiness but it is possible to make it a life time to remember.

All that it takes is an extra conscious effort to enliven your home and make everyone feel at home. Time passes on us all and by and by we will find that family is all we really have. Sadly, many will not even have that because they never cared to build one earlier.

A woman’s role in home making is of key importance but let’s not forget that it is the man’s place to create the right atmosphere for her to do that, first she needs to feel naturally accepted. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who is so sure she is in her own destined home, give it to her and watch her transform your space into a palace. All you need to be is her husband.

•Please send comments to ifyaronu@gmail.com

Unguided Guidance Counsellor

M

While we are trying hard to demystify abuse, to talk about it, to help change the pattern of living for victims and to help them heal faster, while we are raising and pushing campaign against stigmatization and most importantly against rape, we cannot do these effectively if an integral part of our society – guidance counselors are silently and subtly ensuring our goal is not achieved.

e& ore

Maureen Alikor maureenalikor@gmail.com

O

N the 13 February, I cried. It was supposed to be a happy day for me since it was my birthday and also a day I chose to carry out one of my demystify abuse campaign, and this event as significant as it is always makes me happy and fulfilled. But this day was different.

So I got to the venue of my campaign, “DEMYSTIFY ABUSE CAMPAIGN”, a secondary school in Port Harcourt. During the counselling session, some students came to tell us of their experiences and of course ask questions on what next steps to take. While with them, a woman barged into the classroom we were using and rudely asked us all to move into another office where she called the guidance and counselling room.

I did not know who she was and it wasn’t till a few minutes that she arrogantly introduced herself as the guidance counsellor in the school, and I was shocked.

Shocked at how unruly she acted. She began by saying no such event should happen without her involvement and knowledge; that was when it dawned on me that it was an ego battle.

She said if the students needed to tell anyone about their problems, it should be her and the other counsellor and not just any other person – I understood her point, BUT…

”

I told a teacher to tell her that the way she was acting was enough reason to scare the troubled students from ever going to her, she overheard it and began to scream – asking me if I was about to teach her how to do her job. She did not fail to remind me that she has a PhD in counseling.

As she kept taking, my mind quickly conjured up the lady boss in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”.

The she went ahead to tell us how many

children she had in university. I kept wondering where all these fitted into the day’s agenda.

It was long enough before my team and I got to understand what her issue was and we went into the office. We were dealing with an insecure, inconsiderate and ‘unsympathetic’ guidance counsellor who really needs to be taught the place of self-control and empathy in the line of her Job_ one which she had no passion, zeal and heart for.

As made to enter, NONE OF THE STUDENTS AGREED to go with us – she told of how Godzilla-like she was and how one of them (a sexually abused student) went into her office to share her pain with her and the

counsellor flogged her and chased her back to her class and that was one of the students that came to seek a listening ear from us.

NOW, THE TEARS BEGAN to freely roll down my eyes and unto my cheek when I thought of the harm that her actions had done.

I cried because of the students.

I cried for the victims who have not been able to tell anyone about their pain.

I cried for the generation of growing children we are breeding.

I cried for that woman’s children and for those she is guiding.

I put my children in the shoes of these students.

I HAVE a growing beef with people who are in professions and vocations with out any passion for the profession.

Could you please imagine a medical doctor with no passion for his job, he would with his scapula kill more patients than the disease or the health condition that brought them to the hospital. Imagine that same doctor with little knowledge or no knowledge about medicine; also try to imagine this same doctor with no atom of empathy.

Now, imagine an ego driven ignorant passionless medical doctor Imagine a guidance counselor with no passion and with no atom of empathy for his or her phone.

While we are trying hard to demystify abuse, to talk about it, to help change the pattern of living for victims and to help them heal faster, while we are raising and pushing campaign against stigmatization and most importantly against rape, we cannot do these effectively if an integral part of our society – guidance counselors are silently and subtly ensuring our goal is not achieved.

While on the campaign, I noticed that it is not just parents that should reoriented on rape, sexual abuse and their role in the eradication of rape and stigmatisation for those previously rape.

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Employment and Contract of Employment T he ultimate aim of most people who are not self-employed is to be employed after acquiring one qualification or the other, or even after acquiring a skill. Many people pray for lucrative employment in fulfillment of their efforts in life. To some people, they do not belief in being self-employed to seek for white collar jobs. To some of them, their concern is just to be engaged so as to be seen by others as staff of one organization or the other to some others it is just to have some meals on their tables and others are just to show off. In some cases, they do not even bother to perfect their employments properly and legally. It is as a result of some of my callers who text messages to me regarding some sympathetic situation that they or their relatives found them into while in employment that I decided to discuss this topic.

Come to think of it, what are employment and the contract of employment? In a very simple language, one can say that employment is a contractual relationship between two parties, one called the employer while the other is the employee. The employer is seen as the master who hires the employee, makes provision for the work to be done by the employee as well as provides the tools for the employee to perform the work. The employer controls the employee whom he hires and the work according to the terms and conditions agreed upon. On the other hand, the employee plays the role of a servant in the contractual relationship, therefore is expected to obey the master’s instructions and be subordinate to the master in the discharge of his duties. The enjoyment of confidence as well as the sustainability of the type of relationship requires the applicability of the law. In Nigeria today, there are force sources of employment and labor law namely; the received English Law, the constitution, Nigerian Legislation and the last but not the least the Nigerian and foreign Case Law. The need to avoid problem and breaches arising at will without any means of compensating the innocent parties makes the laws on employment very necessary and important. This is a deviation from the past employment law which unduly favored the master. However today, the common law, statute, judicial orders make it that an employer is under the law to provide for the safety and security of his employees as the employees demanded.

Now that we have known who are an employer and an employee, it is necessary for us to know and understand what the contract of employment between them is all about. Come to think of it, what is a contract? There is no precise and concise definition of this term contract by many authors but we shall, for the sake of this work take just two. A renowned law author, Professor Sagay in his book entitled Nigerian Law of Contract defines contracts as “an agreement which the law will enforce or recognizes as affecting the legal rights and duties of the parties”. I wish to simply put it “as a voluntary agreement between two or more parties with the sole aim of creating either in writing or orally a legal obligation”. It should be noted that in all the definitions of the term ‘contract’ the reoccurring elements common to all are; I. Agreement II. Two or more parties III. Legal obligations and rights.

However, it is worthy to emphasis that contract is an envelope of promises which the law makes binding upon the parties involved. However, agreements which are just domestic or social in nature may not be enforceable by law because they are ab initio (i.e. at the onset) not intended to be binded legally. For instance, a father who promises his jambite son that if he meets up the university cut-off mark that he would buy him a screen-touch phone worth Two Hundred Thousand Naira and the son made it as the father promised, this type of promise cannot be legally binding if the father fails because it is a mere promise not intended for legal binding. Unlike this scenario, the agreement between an employer and an employee by its peculiar nature, is usually intended to be legally binded with just a few exceptions, hence is enforceable in law.

HOW IS CONTRACT CLASSIFIED?

Contract is classified by the courts into two namely; Formal and Simple contract. Simply put, a formal contract is one performed under seal, Deed and duly executed. This means that for a Deed to be valid and admissible in evidence as well as have full legal effect, it must be signed, sealed and delivered.

A simple contact is one not done as in formal but is made in other form of writing or orally. However, it must be noted that there are some contracts that are mandatory to be done in writing. Some of them are, lease above three (3) years sale of land, etc. But, some can be made orally and yet valid and enforceable both at law and in equity.

Such contracts include employment, tenancy, sale of goods, etc. however, Section 7 of Labour Act 1974 states that where a contract is not in written form, its particulars (terms and conditions) must be delivered by the employer to the worker not later than three months after the beginning of the worker’s period of employment with the employer?

FORMATION OF CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT No agreement is enforceable by the law unless it is a contract with such elements as offer, acceptance, consideration, intention, certainty and legality as well as the capacity to enter into such contract. Let me briefly explain some of elements of the contract. i.

OFFER: An offer in contract of employment takes place where the applicant (employee) is issued with appointment letter. The earlier procedures before the appointment letter is issued cannot be said to be an offer but invitation to treat. ii.

ACCEPTANCE: An applicant (employee) offered is required to accept the offer with the terms and conditions in which the employer (the owner of the work) stipulates in the contract without any introduction of new condition.

iii.

CONSIDERATION: Simply put, this is the paying of wages by the employer to the employee to reciprocate CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT for the services offered to the employer by the employThis simply is a contract between an employer and an ee. Consideration in a contract of employment can be employee in which the employer offers to employ the em- gleaned. ployee to work for him with terms and conditions which both of them agreed upon. If the terms and conditions iv.

INTENTION TO ENTER INTO LEGAL RELATIONS: suites the employee; he accepts. Then a contract of em- Here, the intention may be express or constructive or in ployment is made. It should be noted here that the em- cases absent. It may be absent where the relationship is ployee is a worker while the employer is the person who between an employee and members of his family. The enters into a contract to employ another person to work court will decide whether such relationship is binding. for him or for some other person.

The Labour Act only applies to workers so strictly dev.

LEGALITY: Employment law is based on legality. fined and does not apply managerial positions like man- Anything to the contrary to its legality makes the contract agers or such categories of staff regarded as a projection illegal. An employment to commit crime or to do anything of management staff. These later categories of staff men- prohibited by law is illegal, void and unenforceable by law. tioned, their employment conditions are taken to be regulated by the Common Law as in the case of David Olaja vi.

CERTAINITY: The contract of employment must v. Kaduna Textile Mills Ltd (unreported) No NCH37/69. be certain and agreed upon by the parties. The contract The big question then is who is a worker? Section 91 of the of agreement should be specific by making reference to Labour Act, 2004 defines worker as any person who has other documents like in public service rules, condition of entered into or works under a contract with an employer, service handbook, etc. and ensure there is no ambiguity or whether the contract is for manual labour or clerical work, dual interpretation of facts. or is expressed or implied orally or written, and whether it Please, do not always forget that the facts are not exis a contract of service or a contract personally to execute haustive herein but to give you knowledge of your rights, any work or labour. Therefore, a worker includes unskilled so consult a lawyer near you or text me to do more explalabours or semi-skilled industrial staff. nation.

• 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

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Entertainment With Douglas Omoyooma I will settle down when God says it’s time –Brian Okwara, model, actor Hunk and brand ambassador for Martini, Brian Okwara hit the limelight a couple of years ago after he emerged winner, Mr. Nigeria. Today, having starred in over a dozen blockbusters, the star of weekend Getaway has seamlessly married the world of a model with an acting career. In this chat with oracle Today, Brian talks career, marriage and what drives him.

You transited from being a model to a successful actor.

How did you pull it off?

Like I always say, a lot of people work very hard but it is God we give the Glory to because he is the one that will pick you out of the bunch and make you someone so I keep blessing God for it. It has not been easy. I have changed teams and rebranded a couple of times so it is just the passion you have of wanting to make it in life and being ready to take on success and not saying okay, I started out as a model I am going to die a model. Or I started out as an artiste and I am going to die as one. The entertainment industry is too big for anybody to be stereotyped in the confinement of what other people have lived so you need to explore yourself, you need to be bold and dare to be different and by doing this you are better understanding yourself and connecting with who you are and your situation. You know, when you are going down a street, if you don’t know where you are going, you will not know when you will arrive there. That is what happens to a lot of people. But if you have a mindset, even when you do a business that is not paying you, you will not stop because you know this is not here I am supposed to be, there is a bigger picture. A lot of people are afraid of dreaming big. They say haa! Me a millionaire?’ How will it ever happen? But for me I say ‘those that are millionaires, how many heads do they have? Some people need to dream big; that mindset kills a lot of dreams.

Which is more convenient for you, acting or modeling?

I would say that whatever I am challenged with I take it as it comes for me because for me, it is all work. So I really can’t say I prefer acting to modeling because I think modeling has a shorter range of work system. It is more convenient to model but when you are on set working as an actor, it is not that convenient because sometimes you have to work for months endlessly. I think what matters most is enjoying your work; how much you enjoy your work is very important.

I enjoy both jobs so I am not complaining.

What kind of movie would Brian not be caught doing?

Wow! Movies are movies and we are actors. We are supposed to play different characters... However, there are some characters that might be too challenging for me and you won’t see me play them and that is because I don’t normally play them.

What has been happening to Brian, when are the wedding bells ringing?

Wedding bells? Ahhh! Well I think anybody who is destined

to be a man will one day find a woman and get married but that is just God’s calling. When it happens it happens so I am just going with the flow. The day God calls me I will settle down.

Could you shave your trademark locks for love?

I don’t know but I guess, the decisions that made me put it on could be the same decisions that will make me take them off. Hmmm… love, love-o. You see, it is not everybody that finds love and who ever finds love definitely has found a good thing but for love people do crazy things. I think it is part of life and it is allowed.

Or could it be that you are you scared of what you would look like without the dreads Why should I be scared? Everything is a look and superficial. A man’s most valuable asset is his confidence and that comes from the inside.

The theme of this year’s MBGN is domestic violence themed. How can women best fight domestic violence?

I think information is the best tool for fighting domestic violence because if a woman is aware, instead of just walking into situations ignorantly she is armed and before armed is before warning. I think she needs information and we need to drive that message to a lot of women out there who pursue ambitions blindly without knowing the implications of what they are going into or who they are dealing with. I think young women need a lot of information so that they can be prepared for whatever challenges life brings their way.

If not entertainment what would you have been doing for a living?

Well, as an Igbo boy, if I had not gone through this path I would probably be selling cars and making all the money (laughter).

What is the secret to your success?

God, it is God all the way. You might say it is a cliché, fine.

A lot of people use it but for me it is God. I cannot quantify my success and say that it is by my power. It is God that has blessed everything I have ever done so I can’t stand and say my success is due to my personal hard work. And besides I am always hungry for success. The moment that hunger dies and you are satisfied with your condition, that is where you will be but if you keep striving, feeling that hunger for success, I think you will have that passion to get up and achieve, • Bryan Okwara you will leave your comfort zone and conquer the world.

Myro shines @ CityPeople Music Awards • Shoots Sugar video

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fro hip hop act, Myro (Ozah Oghenemairo ) was on song during the maiden edition of CityPeople Music Award held at 10 Degrees Event Centre, Billings Way, Oregun, Lagos. The Masterpiece Entertainment act, clinched two awards out of the three categories he was nominated for. The artiste won in the category for Best New Act of the Year and Most Enterprising Act of the Year.

Said a statement from his management: “This is Hot! Myro has proved that he is a force to reckon with as he has just won the award for Best New Act and Most Enterprising Act at the maiden

edition of CityPeople Music Awards. And following the success of his last hit single, Myro is raising the bar higher as he has unleashed yet another hit song, his highly anticipated follow up to Odi Ok entitled Sugar. And it’s as sweet as it sounds. Get ready to dance as Myro delivers rhythmic flows and sensual melody on the PrincetonBeatz produced track. It’s a club banger! This is one for the ladies all around the world.

Myro first came to limelight after he did the graffiti design for DJ Jimmy Jatts’ Style video shoot in the 2000s. He later designed Phyno’s Alobam merchandise shirts and to-

day, he has gained fame and recognition building a solo career in music.

“I am overwhelmed by the awards and encouraged to work even harder,” Myro said commenting on his awards.

“My intention is to conquer the industry within the next few years and to establish my design and merchandise outfit, which I will run alongside my music career. Sugar is a club banger. It is dedicated to the ladies all over the world.

Sugar is saying ‘after a stressful day just relax and have fun!’” Meanwhile, following the release of his latest single, Sugar, last week, the act shot the video of the song last week in Lagos.

• Myro

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Entertainment

Adaslim’s Triple release

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merican trained movie producer cum TV presenter, Adaslim has announced her return to Nollywood with the release of three blockbusters namely Kenny’s Divas, Papa Bomboy and How To Play A Player.

Speaking, Adaslim said: “Kenny’s Divas is one movie after my heart.

Aside going all out to get my godfather, Pete Edochie to star in the movie, I was awed by the sterling performance each act on the movie delivered and this I can say is what will keep the fans on the edge of their seats all through.

“I’ve been working for a while and not many knew what I was up to but it was indeed a lot of hard work with lots of resources also put to good use by my team. We have three movies shot and ready for the market and they are Kenny’s Divas, Papa Bomboy a comedy and a romantic drama, How To Play A Player,” Adaslim revealed.

Starring Pete Edochie, Adaslim, Juliet Ibrahim, Bryan Okwara, Oby Somina Okafor and Ruby Dabbour amongst others, Kenny’s Divas puts Adaslim on a whole new pedestal as a Nollywood producer that achieved an uncommon feat.

Written and produced by Adaslim, Kenny’s Diva was directed by Adim Williams, co-directed by Ifenna Eze, Malcolm Benson and Alexis Robinson.

Papa Bomboy tells the hilarious story of a landlord faced with two financially challenged single female tenants and several events that unfolded when he got entangled with one of the tenants. How To Play A

Player tells the story of a hardworking young man caught in a love triangle with three different women from different walks of life. Directed

by Kingsley Iweru, Papa Bomboy stars Eniola Badmus, Dayo Davies, Ejine Okoroafor, Randi Ossy, Uchenna Nnanna and Degri Emmanuel, is

written and produced by Adaslim for Afrolens Media Pictures. Also inger, Tiwa Savage, after written and produced by Adaslim surviving a scandal and the for Adaslim Productions, How To meltdown of her marriage Play A Player stars Alexx Ekubo, is back with a bang! The mother of Derenle Edun, Adaslim, Nora Rob- one emerged winner, CityPeople erts, Onyi Alex and Uche Nnanna.

Award for Entertainer Personality of The Year.

Dressed in a stunning bodak yellow outfit designed by Funke Adepoju, Tiwa Savage was the cynosure of attention as she received her

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Tony Okoroji is pillar of entertainment

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• Adaslim

or knowing what they really want in life, thinking that getting pregnant for a man will make him marry or love them. Love can’t be forced. Not Enough also sheds light on weak parental guidance and peer pressure.

It is a family story that teaches a lot of lessons.”

What are the basic challenges you face as a producer? “There are lots of challenges and like creativity and originality. There is also the challenge of trying to come up with something different from the norm because most people are into movie production now. Besides, funding a production is not easy because you invest a lot and with the recession things have gone south and being accepted as a producer is not that easy especially when you are a woman.”

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• Ebube Nwagbo

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mortar economy is going down and is being replaced by a new creative economy. He said that if the Nigerian economy must thrive in the new environment, the mindset of key players in the economy must change with the understanding that true wealth is no longer just in land, buildings or even oil but increasingly in the creative enterprise of the citizens like music, movies, fashion and beauty, publishing, broadcasting and content creation and software development.

According to Chief Okoroji, in the

OSON Chairman and exPMAN president, Tony Okoroji has added a new feather to his cap. On Sunday, August 6, Okoroji, at the Ten Degrees Event Center, Ikeja, during the maiden edition of CityPeople Magazine’s Music Award was decorated Pillar of Entertainment in Nigeria.

Receiving the award, Okoroji paid tribute to the publisher of CityPeople Magazine, Dr Seye Kehinde and dedicated his award to his personal driver. He said: “Abbey, this award is yours. You have laboured for it and won it. In several years you have never let me down, keeping pace with my unbelievable time schedule and never complaining of the many difficult demands I make of you. Thank you Abey.”

Okoroji who described himself as merely the lead singer in a band made up of many different people paid tribute to the management and staff of COSON. Earlier on, COSON was presented with a plaque in recognition of the revolution the organization has brought to music copyright collective management in Nigeria. The plaque was received by COSON General Manager, Chinedu Angus Chukwuji accompanied by the society’s director, Azeezat Allen among a host of other.

Guests at the event included Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono, Rugged Man, Salawa Abeni, Tiwa Savage, Kenny Saint Best, Muma Gee, Essence, KASI, Kenny Ogungbe, Femi Sowoolu, Azu Arinze and Adedayo Thomas, DG, National Film & Video Censors Board.

Tontoh Dike’s new crusade

Opportunities abound as COSON hosts banking chiefs n Thursday, July 10, COSON House, Ikeja, Lagos, hosted the first ever forum on copyright in Nigeria dedicated to the banking industry. At the forum were top representatives of several banks and senior officers of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) Welcoming participants, Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of COSON said that the forum had become necessary as the banking industry which is a critical driver of the nation’s economy needs to understand that globally, the brick and

award shedding tears of joy. Tiwa Savage said: “I want to thank Nigerians for their firm support, the media as well. I dedicate this award to them for their support. I am overwhelmed today by this gesture from CityPeople Magazine. They were the first to write about me when I returned to Nigeria in 2010. Thank you CityPeople, thank you Nigeria.”

• Tiwa Savage

Not Enough will expose dangers of seeking shortcuts-Ebube Nwagbo tar of Arrested by Love, Ebube Nwagbo has revealed that her latest movie production effort, Not Enough, would expose the dangers of taking short cuts in life. Speaking with Oracle Today, Ebube said: “I have just released my second movie entitled Not Enough. It is my second movie as a producer. It was the passion I have for what I do that I inspired it.

The movie is centered on the youths of today looking for shortcuts. They want to have the shortest cut to success and accomplishments in life.

We need to set our priorities right in life at an early stage in order to secure our future.

“The decisions you make today, the life you live today determines your future. The movie also sheds light on the young girls of today that get pregnant without prior planning

Tiwa Savage emerges CityPeople’s Artiste of The Year

new economy, the respect for intellectual property rights has become central and the banks must begin to understand the value of intellectual property and the various rules guiding the exploitation of creative works.

At the end of the forum, the participants were full of praise for COSON and called for similar events. Among the several banks represented at the forum were UBA, Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, Union Bank and Keystone Bank.

arely a week after she gave advice to the broken hearted on how to move on after their spouses dump them, actress, Tontoh Dike is proving that she has truly moved on as she has taken up a new course, protecting kids from uncensored materials in cartoons both online and on TV. After viewing an uncensored video of a naked cartoon character on a popular TV network, Tontoh Dikeh had posted the following message: “This makes me cry. I would have laughed at the sight two year ago but now this makes me more aware

that my son and so many kids out there need my protection. Children see children do. Our kids are like copying machines. Whatever we put in them is what they will imitate and portray. We must be careful of how and what we input into them. What we see must always be filtered.

“We live in times where everyone is exposed one way or another to things they shouldn’t be exposed to. This is not an excuse for us to be careless with our children. It is a responsibility we automatically signed up for when we chose parenthood.”

Orits Wiliki mourns late mum

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eggae music legend, Orits Wiliki is bereaved. The singer lost his mum to the cold hands of death a couple of days ago and to express his grief, heartbroken Orits Wiliki who was very close to his mum before she passed on shared an emotional message on social media.

“Woke up yesterday praying that everything that happened the day before is just a nightmare or another bad dream but lo, the phone conversation between my wife and another proved me wrong.

Really, l was so sure l will soon wake up

until l saw the ambulance.

“Nana or Malejoh, that’s what l call you. Should this be that dream that never ends? Male, you were a loving, charming and a happy mother that every child would love to have and to cherish. I will encourage the rest to cry only but a little because there is a greater joy knowing that you died in the truth serving Jehovah with all you have. l am certain in my heart that we shall meet again. Sleep on Malejo till we meet to part no more.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

NEWS

Eze Godson Ezekwesiri harps on Igbo unity

By OLIVER UDEOGU

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raditional ruler of Isuochi ancient kingdom, HRM Eze Godson Ezekwesiri KJW the Ochi 1 of Isuochi has called on the Igbo to close ranks and work together in peace and harmony, in order for them to be relevant in the scheme of things in the country.

He made the call during the New Yam festival in the Ochi Royal Palace Umuelem Isuochi on Saturday August 12th.

The event marked the New Yam Festival in Isuochi.

The monarch regretted the near extinction of some Igbo traditions particularly in Isuochi, describing such traditioons as sacred cultures and tradition, which were not necessarily idol worship but the people’s way of life aimed at organising the society for progress and the common good.

He charged Igbo Sons and daughters to live in peace and harmony wherever they are domiciled, and to always remember their root.

Speaking at the event, Chief Romanus Madu the permanent secretary Government House Umuahia

who told The Oracle Today that the new yam festivity is a big event in Igboland.

He said it is appalling that the Igbo culture and traditions is fast diminishing as a result of westernization as people hardly come home these days for cultural events unless during burials and marriage ceremonies, saying that that is not good enough.

He charged the Igbos to acknowledge their culture and tradition saying it’s no idol worship.

“I am a knight of the Catholic Church and it is great joy for me to

be associated with the New Yam Festival.

Speaking during the event, President General of Isuochi development union (IDU) Chief George Mgborurukwe thanked the revered monarch for his continued promotion of Isuochi culture.

The PG also appealed to all Isuochi people to help in building a united Isuochi where love, equity and fairness will reign.

At the colourful event, the executive chairman Umunneochi local government area Barr Okey Igwe was represented by Chief

Madubuike.

There were scores of Traditional Rulers and the clergy at the event.

Masquerade display and cultural dance troupes added colour also to the event.

Highlight of the event was the cutting of the new yam by the Monarch and conferment of chieftaincy titles on some distinguished personalities among whom was Chief Chukwuma Eziechina who was conferred with the Isuochi High Chieftaincy title of Umunna Nwezuoaku 1.

Constitution amendment: Niger Delta group urges NASS to revisit devolution of power From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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he Niger Delta People’s Congress has urged the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, revisit the issue of devolution of power to States.

Chief Mike Loyibo, Convener of the group who made the call in an interview during the week in Yenagoa contended that the action of the federal lawmakers voting against power devolution had heated up the polity, insisting that right steps should be taken to restore confidence and trust among Nigerians.

Loyibo called on the northerners and the Yoruba living in the region to disregard the October 1, 2017 quit notice given by a Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators.

According to him, the statement allegedly made by the militants’ group was not a true representation of the position of elders, leaders and people of the region.

He said the Niger Delta leaders believed in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live visit or do business in any part of the country.

Loyibo stated: ‘’The good people of the Niger Delta region have always been peace-loving and accommodating. We see strengths and opportunities in diversity rather than divisions. ‘’The statement allegedly made by a Niger Delta militants’ group is not a true representation of our position. We believe in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live, visit or do business in any part of the country. Hate speeches will never take us anywhere.

‘’Despite years of oppression, our region has remained resolute and committed to one Nigeria where justice, equity and peace reign. ‘’The statement should be disregarded and all Nigerians should feel free in the Niger Delta region.’’

He also expressed disagreement with the issuance of quit notice by the northern youths on the Igbo people.

Loyibo added: ‘’We of the Niger Delta are peace loving people irrespective of the trauma we have gone through over the decades. We still believe that peace is the only way forward. This type of peace can only be achieved through reasonable dialogue by engaging acceptable and strategic stakeholders from the affected communities. ‘’Our suggestion is that such a dialogue should be conducted urgently in a transparent manner.

Meanwhile, we will still like to advise the northern and Yoruba group to renounce their statement on Igbo quit notice and allow peace to reign in our country. ‘’Note that when the youth make statements, they are speaking for the silent elders. I am appealing to all concerned that we need peace.

Without peace, the oil companies we are expecting developmental progress from will not come. ‘’Let all the regions respect and stop treating the others as a second class citizen. Our youths should tread with caution and support the current Federal Government led by Muhammadu Buhari to bring development to the region and address all the issues we raised with them.’’

Cross River government decries rising cases of rape, domestic violence From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar working with the Police and the courts to arrest this trend.

The Cross River State Govern“Moreover, we are working toment has frowned at the rising cas- wards amending the Child’s Right es of rape and domestic violence Law and Act which will protect chilin the State. This trend it says is as- dren from being raped and domessuming an alarming ratio and the tically abused at. Those laws will be government has set machinery in amended and we will work with the motion to arrest this ugly trend.

Police to ensure that they are made Dr. Betta Edu, the Director Gener- effective. al of the State Primary Health Care “These days, we see old men rapand Development Agency disclosed ing young girls, women giving out this in Calabar while drawing pub- their children to old men to sleep lic attention to this rising menace. with them for money. So far, four of According to her, the incidences such men are in police net. All these of rape in the state are assuming must stop” she said. She added that alarming proportions and the gov- some culprits find nothing wrong ernment and people of the state with their nefarious acts and show find this completely unacceptable. no remorse for their action.

“We used to have the prevalence She also revealed that special rate as low as 3% before but it has lines have been dedicated from the gone all the way up to 9% which is Ministry of Social Welfare for peovery terrible for us. ple to report culprits of rape and do“All around the state, the gov- mestic violence to the government ernor’s wife has been putting bill- so that the culprits will be made to boards that is advocating against face the full weight of the law. domestic violence. Besides, we are

SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS FORUM: (From left) President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State during a meeting of the South East Governors at Government House, Enugu.

Cross River community faces extinction over gully erosion From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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esidents of Ikot Effanga Mkpa Community Estate 2, in Calabar Municilality Council Area of Cross River State are living in deep apprehension following a gully erosion that is gradually eating up the community.

Presently, no fewer than 120 houses are at risk of being submerged following the persistent rains that have affected the community.

One of the two main access roads to the community has been completely compromised and residents can no longer access their houses as a result of this.

Worried by the threat, residents of the area have sent a passionate appeal to the Federal and state Ministries of works, Environment, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission.

A traditional ruler in the area, Mr Okon Edet, disclosed that the gully erosion started as a result of the failure of the contractors handling the project to complete the secondary drainage which was supposed to run through the estate.

According to Edet, as a result of this, the gully erosion started expanding gradually in 2012 due to the high volume of water it receives from 8 miles, Ikot Effangha Estate 1 and other areas that are in close proximity to the estate.

Speaking further, the community leader explained that the high pressure and volume of water rushing through the secondary drainage was not properly channeled because the construction of the drainage ended abruptly.

“Over 100 buildings in this estate are under threat of collapsing while lives and properties are equally at risk.

“We are calling on the State and Federal Ministries of Environment, NDDC,

NEWMAP and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to come to our aid’’, he pleaded.

On her part, Mrs Victoria Eborty, lamented that residents in the area have collectively written to the state ministry of environment appealing for urgent intervention in the area.

“We wrote a letter to the Cross River Ministry of Environment in 2016 and officials from the ministry alongside the Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade came and inspected the site but up till now, nothing has been done”.

Engr. Kenneth Onyedire, a resident in the estate lamented that he can no longer assess his house using the main

tarred road, adding that he now uses a bush track to enter his apartment.

“This erosion site has become so bad that we don’t usually sleep at home in most occasion because of fear of collapse of our buildings.

“I have decided to move major items in my house to another place for safety.

“We appeal to the relevant government agencies to alleviate our plight by addressing this ravine which is now a dead trap’’, he said.

As a result of the erosion, and the fear of imminent disaster, the residents of the community have started deserting their apartments and the community is gradually becoming a ghost town”.

Nigerian bishop resumes in Ireland as Vatican’s envoy • Archbishop Jude Okolo is a member of the Igbo community at the centre of Biafra conflict

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he new papal nuncio to Ireland Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo was greeted by former Catholic primate Cardinal Seán Brady on arrival at Dublin airport on Monday.

Also there to meet him were Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonacnoise Francis Duffy, and Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty, as well as staff at the nunciature in Dublin.

The Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin is leading pilgrims from the Armagh archdiocese on a visit to Fatima to mark the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady there.

From Nigeria, Archbishop Okolo (60) is the first African to be papal nuncio in Ireland. As is traditional, he becomes dean of the diplomatic corps while here.

Ordained in 1983, he was a priest of the Nigerian diocese of Nnewi, where 13 people were shot dead while attending Mass at St Philip’s in Ozubulu on Sunday August 6th in a drugs related massacre.

Archbishop Okolo is a member of the Igbo people who, during the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970, seceded as the

short-lived Republic of Biafra.

Irish Spiritan (Holy Ghost) missionaries, particularly the late Fr Jack and Fr Gus Finucane, played a major role in helping the beleaguered Igbo at the time through food aid as attempts were made to starve them into submission.

Such efforts led to the establishment of Ireland’s largest humanitarian agency, Concern.

Following training with the Vatican’s diplomatic service Archbishop Okolo’s first assignment in June 1990 was to Sri Lanka. Since when he has served in Haiti, the Antillean Islands (including Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas and Jamaica), Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Australia.

He first appointment as papal nuncio was to the Central African Republic and Chad in 2008. In 2013 he was appointed nuncio to the Dominican Republic and apostolic delegate in Puerto Rico.

Archbishop Okolo speaks Igbo, English, French, Italian, Czech, Spanish, and German.

Culled from Irish Times

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday August 23, 2017

HRM Eze Godson Ezekwesiri, the Ochi I of Isuochi Ancient kingdom, Abia State recently marked The New Yam Festival at the Ochi Royal Palace Umuelem Isuochi. Below are pictures of the colourful event. Photo by Modestus Igudobi & Oliver Udeogu

• HRM Eze Godson Ezekwesiri The Ochi I of Isuochi Ancient Kingdom performing libation for the New Yam Festival at the Ochi Royal Palace, Umuelem Isuochi, Abia State.

• HRM Eze Godson Ezekwesiri with Kparu 1 HRH Eze Cyril Ejim applauding performers on stage

• Ochi 1 dancing during the event

• The Ogugu masquerade at the event

• Young Stars Women dance group performing at the event

• From left Comr Sunday Ikpegbu, Ejim Smith Enwere and Amb. Uchenna Obi

• Member reprensenting Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri acknowledging cheers from the crowd

• Members of the Chrisnak fans club at the event

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday August 23, 2017

Conferment of Chieftaincy title of Umunnanwezoaku on Chief Chukwuma Eziechina by His Majesty Eze Godson Ezekwesiri, Ochi I Isuochi Ancient Kingdom, Abia State at the Ochi Royal Palace, Umuelem Isuochi on Saturday August 12 Photo by Oliver Udeogu

• Chief & Lolo Eziechina with their son during the citation period

• Chief Eziechina being confered with the title Umunnanwezuoaku I by His Majesty Eze Godson Ezekwesiri, Ochi I of Isuochi

• Chief Eziechina displaying the Chieftaincy certificate

• Group photograph with relatives, friends and well wishers

• EXTREME RIGHT & LEFT: Oluchukwu & Onyebuchi Eziechina in a group photograph with their parents

•Group photograph with Aghamanya Women

• Chief & Lolo Eziechina with HRH Eze Wilson Egbo, Chatu I

• Chief & Lolo Eziechina dancing with relatives friends and well wishers

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

Crime

Court jails 21 okada riders, consficates 146 motorcycles to Lagos Stories by XAVIER NDAH

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he Lagos State Mobile Court, sitting at Oshodi, Lagos,Southwest Nigeria, has sentenced 21 motorcycle riders to two weeks imprisonment each for allegedly violating the Lagos State traffic laws..

The court also ordered that 146 motorcycles impounded by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences be forfeited to the state government.

Delivering his judgment, Presiding Magistrate of the court, Lateef Owolabi, however, gave each of the accused persons an option of N5, 000 fine.

According to the Prosecuting Counsel, Barrister Adedoyin Odukoya, the convicts all pleaded guilty to the twocount charge leveled against them.

The charges, Odukoya said, were riding on restricted routes and conducts likely to cause breach of peace, offences contrary to and punishable under scheduled (1) item (22) of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 and section 166, Sub section (1) (d) of Lagos State Criminal Laws of 2011, respectively.

Speaking on the operation that led to the arrest of the accused persons and confiscation of the motorbikes, Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi,

•The confisticated motorbikes (okada) through the Agency’s image maker, Adebayo Taofiq, said, “operatives of the Lagos State Task Force, impounded 146 motorcycles and arrested 21 riders at 2nd Rainbow area, along Mile 2, Lagos.

According to Egbeyemi, “today’s enforcement operations were carried out based on series of complaints to my office by members of the public on the criminal activities of motorcycle operators around Mile 2, Orile-Iganmu and Coker-Aguda area”.

He disclosed that the criminal ac-

tivities of the motorcycle operators were on the increase day-by-day, saying “they terrorize innocent members of the public, dispossessing them of their valuables such as phone, jewelries and bags.

The Taskforce Chairman, however, advised commercial motorcycle operators to properly screen out criminals amongst their membership, charging them to also caution their members against plying any of the restricted 475 routes, which include highways and bridges across the state.

gathered had been carrying out their operations at weekends and were able to defraud their victims to the tune of over N150m.”

Meanwhile, the gang leader, Salami, denied his involvement in the fraud, adding that one Moses had contracted him to get the ATM cards. Audu said the suspects are members of an organized internet-fraud syndicate, operating between Lagos and Ibadan.

“Ten of the gang members were earlier arrested and charged to the Federal high court, Ikoyi, Lagos on july 20,. The unit will not relent on in her efforts to check the activities of internet fraudsters and bringing them to book. Member of the public are advised to be more careful in handling their ATM cards and also to report to the unit any act of fraud brought to our knowledge” he stated.

•The suspects

•Egbeyemi, Commander Task Force

Egbeyemi called on Powerbike riders (200cc and above), particularly corporate bodies, to warn their dispatch riders to desist from engaging in commercial activities, threatening that anyone caught violating any sections of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 would be prosecuted.

He, however, stated that after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni, had been briefed on the operation, he directed that all those arrested be charged to court for prosecution.

Three bankers, others arrested for N150m fraud I

n a continued effort to crackdown on the ravaging internet fraudster and hackers who specializes in defrauding unsuspecting banks customers’ three bankers and eight others have been arrested by the police for allegedly hacking into bank customers account and diverting a total sum of N150m.

The suspects Oyelade Shola-Isaac, Osuolale Hammid and Akeem Adesina, were apprehended along with eight other suspects in connection with the fraud.

Three of the accomplices, Okpetu John, Chukwumnoso Ifeanyi, and Salako Abdulsalam were said to be MTN agents, while others were identified as Ismaeel Salami, Akinola Oghuan, Sarumi Abubakar, James Idagu, and Sunday Okeke.

Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police Force (SFU) spokesperson Lawal Audu disclosed that five of the suspects, including the kingpin, Salami, were rounded up by operatives of the at the Bode Thomas area of the state.

He said 13 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards belonging to the victims were reportedly recovered from Salami’s car.

They were said to have led operatives to Kwara and Oyo states, where other members of the gang were apprehended.

Audu, who paraded the suspects at the unit’s office in Ikoyi, said the bankers carried out the fraud on the accounts of customers, who did not subscribe to Internet banking.

According to him, one of the suspects was to assist the bankers to swap the SIM cards of the targeted bank customers so that they were unable to receive alerts of any transactions on their accounts as at the time money were withdrawn their accounts.

It was gathered that the suspects had transferred the money into about 40 different accounts to avoid being detected. The suspects we

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EFCC nabs fake online shopping operator

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Afolabi Ojo, who allegedly specialized in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through phony online shopping.

Ojo, a student of the Polytechnic of Iree (Iree-Poly), Osun State, was arrested following a petition alleging that sometimes in June, 2017, while window shopping on Instagram, the petitioner came across some slippers and shoes on a page “Best Classic Store” purportedly owned by one Kemisola with WhatsApp number 08106802815 displayed on the page.

According to the petitioner, a sum of N53,000 (Fifty-Three Thousand Naira) was paid for some items purchased on the online store (Best Classic), into an account purportedly owned by one Oyebola Olasunkanmi with account number 0027735703 domiciled in one of the first generation banks.

Strangely thereafter, the suspect not only refused to deliver the goods, but went incommunicado and the suspect was reported to the EFCC. The suspect has confessed to being the one posing as ‘Kemisola’ on the online platform to deceive people especially ladies into patronizing him.

He said “I do not have any goods.

I only pose as a lady using the name ‘Kemisola’ with the handle “Best Classic Store” on Instagram.

Some of the items I used to display for sale include female shoes, slippers, hand bags and wallet. After I have lured my victim to pay, I will disable him from my chat so that he can no longer reach me”. EFCC said the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Meanwhile, members of the public are advised to be cautious when buying goods online as not to fall victim of phony online stores with heinous motives.

Fake policeman arrested

he Police in Kano State command have arrested one Yakasai Mohammed who impersonates both as a policeman and court official to defraud innocent Nigerians.

Assistant commissioner of police, Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU),ACP Abayomi Shogunle said the suspect was in the habit of defrauding members of the public whose friends and family members are arrested by the police particularly when they are in police detention .

It was gathered that the suspect deceived them that he is a police officer and can influence their quick release from police cell if they can settle his bills.

The illegal activities of the said Yakasai came to the fore following a complaint by the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) via a telephone call from a female resident of Kano city that a team of policemen on patrol raided a place call Kwana Hudu area in Kano and arrested her

son (name withheld) for an alleged robbery case.

The complainant stated that her son was taken to the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) office in Kano from where he was subsequently charged to court for alleged robbery and the trial Judge had ordered her son to be remanded in prison custody pending the next court date.

According to her, one of the Investigating Police Officers (IPO) known as Yakasai whom she met at the court premises collected the sum of N100,000 for bail and promised to release her son but he failed to do so as her son was taken to Kurmawa prison from the court hence her complaint.

She also said that she picked the PCRRU contact phone number from a leaflet dropped by police helicopter in Kano on Wednesday, 26th July, 2017 and decided to call.

According to Shogunle the case was immediately registered, tracking number PCRRU426434 issued and

matter referred to the Commissioner of Police Kano state for investigation and to report in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris.

He said investigation carried out by the Kano State Police command reveals that the arrest of the complainant’s son and subsequent prosecution in court is pursuant to an investigation into a reported case.

“The said Yakasai was arrested and it was discovered that he is not a police officer or court official but an impostor who goes around courts in Kano metropolis pretending to be a police officer and a court worker.

He confessed to the crime and the extorted N100,000 cash was recovered from him. The money has since been handed back to the complainant. Yakasai has also been charged to court for prosecution accordingly and he has been remanded in prison custody pending the next hearing date”.Shogunle explained

•Ojo

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

SPORTS WCQ: Moses, Iwobi’s form excites Ikpeba

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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ORMER Super Eagles’ attacker, Victor Ikpeba says he is confident that Eagles will overcome the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in when the two African giants lock horns on September 1 and 4 in their Group B games of the Africa Zone of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier that will be hosted by Russia.

Ikpeba explained that his confidence stems from the fact that Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi are in terrific forms at the moment. He said after watching the two Nigerians represent their respective clubs in the Community Shield game at Wembley penultimate Sunday, he was full of admiration for both players.

He said based on what he saw of two attackers, they will certainly be handful for the Cameroonians when they visit for the first leg of the 2018 World Cup Qualifying double header next month.

“I must confess to you that I am a happy man as we speak, reason being that I am confident that with the form I saw Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi during their Community Shield game at Wembley, they will certainly be a handful for the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon when they visit Uyo,” Ikpeba began.

“After watching both players; I was extremely excited because I know with their present form, they are going to torment any defence that comes their way and the Indomitable Lions are not exempted. My prayer is that other players should also hit form like Moses and Iwobi.

“I know that the matches in Uyo and Yaoundé are not going to be an easy task, but I am confident that Eagles will have upper hand when the two matches would

have been concluded.

“Again, there is need for us to commence preparations for the two games on time. Thank God that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are already planning ahead by getting a good hotel and good travelling arrangement for the team.

“All things being equal, I believe that Eagles will perform well against Camer-

oon in the two games. Cameroon are beatable. I don’t know why people seem to be scared about Cameroon. That Cameroon won the Nations Cup does not mean that they are going to beat us. The World Cup Qualifier is a different ball game from Africa Cup of Nations and there are no two matches that are same. As for me, I don’t see the need for us to be scared of Cameroon,” Ikpeba declared

Musa likely to join Hull

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

N

IGERIA and Leicester striker, Ahmed Musa is likely to join Hull City if report from England is anything to go by.

The EPL club are said to be the latest among clubs to have shown serious interest to sign the former CSKA Moscow forward.

The Tigers’ odds of recruiting the Nigeria international have been slashed to 3-1 with various bookies, placing Hull at the top of the market ahead of West Brom and previous favourites Fenerbahce.

Turkish side, Fenerbahce are understood to have made a £16m bid, while West Brom are said to be interested in taking Musa on a season-long loan. Hull may also prefer a loan move, but Leicester will want to recoup at least most of the £17million they shelled out for Musa last July.

It is recalled that since arriving at the King Power Stadium, Ahmed Musa has

not been able to really proved himself or integrate himself with the squad even before the man who spent about £17million on him in order to ensure that he is at the King Power Stadium, Claudio Ranieri was booted out of the club for poor run of form by the former champions.

However, his compatriot, Wilfred Ndidi has since seamlessly made himself an indispensable member of club despite joining the club in the January transfer while Musa joined at the beginning of the 2016/17 season.

Again, his matter was even made worse by the arrival of Super Eagles’ teammate, Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City to the King Power Stadium. There is no gain saying that Iheanacho is preferred by the manager, Criag Shakespeare to Musa.

Meanwhile, report at the disposal of the Oracle Today Sports is that Musa is desperate to stay in England, and a reunion with former CSKA Moscow coach, Leonid Slutsky could be on the cards. Musa endured a frustrating season at City after his switch from CSKA Moscow last summer, making just seven Premier League starts.

Bolt fixed on retirement

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

D

espite his disappointing 2017 International Athletes Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships held in London, Jamaican born athletics legend and world fastest man, Usain Bolt, has declared that there is no going back in his decision to quit the sport that game him fame and fortune.

According to Bolt who couldn’t his final race at the just concluded athletics world championship due to injury said he was saying “goodbye to everything” and “almost cried” as his successful career came to a close at the World Championships in London.

The Jamaican eight-time Olympic gold medallist, retired from athletics having illuminated the sport like few others.

“It’s really sad that I have to walk away now,” said the Jamaican, who completed a lap of honour of London Stadium on Sunday’s closing night.

“I was saying goodbye to the fans and saying goodbye to my events also.”

When asked if he would consider a return to racing, he replied: “I’ve seen too many people retire and come back just to make it worse or to shame themselves.

“I won’t be one of those people.”

Bolt could only manage bronze in his penultimate race - the men’s 100m - before pulling up injured just as he began to hit top speed in his final event, the 4x100m relay, on Saturday night.

It meant the 19-time global champion, recently described by Lord Coe as “a genius” akin to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, bowed out in unfamiliar fashion - helped off the track by his team-mates, barely able to stand upright.

“For me, I don’t think one championship is going to change what I’ve done,” he added.

“I remember after losing the 100m, someone said to me, ‘Usain, no worries, Muhammad Ali lost his last fight also, so don’t be stressed about that’.

“I’ve proven myself year in, year out, throughout my whole career. I was saying goodbye to everything. I almost cried. It was close, but it didn’t come.”

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

SPORTS

Okocha tips Neymar for future face of football

By MADUABUCHI KALU

CNS Swimming Championship gets new date

By MADUABUCHI KALU

F

ORMER national team and Bolton Wanderers of England captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has backed Brazilian Captain, Neymar Jnr. to become the face of football in near future.

According to the Delta State born midfield maestro, the PSG newly signed Brazilian super star has all it takes to take the football world by storm and like every human endeavour, there is always a time for change. And that change in football is likely going to be the Brazilian who made headlines for his record transfer from FC Barcelona to PSG in deal worth 196million Pounds, the first of its kind in football annals.

He predicted that Neymar is going to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who have been the face of football in the last couple of years.

Okocha, who serves as the Chairman of Delta State Football Association stated this while reacting to the world record signing of the Brazilian Super star to his former club, Paris Saint Germain.

“Well, I think that Neymar’s move from Barcelona to PSG in a world record deal is good for football and for both clubs and even to the player,” Okocha began.

“I believe he is going to be the face of world football in the next couple of years. He has talent, he has the charisma and he is young. He has a lot to his advantage.

“Just like everything in life, there is time for everything under the sun. I have no doubt that he is going to take over from the like of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who have dominated the world football in the last couple of years.

“The two have shone like a million stars and just like I said, in no distant time some other players would take over from them and Neymar is probably one of the stars that is most suitable to wear their big shoes,” Okocha said.

It is recalled that Okocha was signed by PSG in 1998 after distinguishing himself at the 1998 FIFA World Cup otherwise tagged ‘France 98’ for earth shaking African record of $17.5million.

T

Dalung disappointed over London poor showing

By MADUABUCHI KALU

N

igeria’s Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Solomon Dalung has expressed disappointment over the poor showing of the Nigerian team to the just ended International Athletes Athletics Federation World Championship which ended on Sunday in London.

It is recalled that the Nigeria’s woes in athletics continued from where it stopped four years ago when the same world athletics championships were held in Moscow where Nigeria did not return with any colour of medals.

The high hope the country reposed on her elite athletes like Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume etc was dashed as all the athletes ended up not even making it to the final of their respective events.

According to Dalung, there is

need for the country to return to the basis by going back to the grassroots to discover and nurture young athletes that will replace ageing athletes such as Blessing Okagbare and others.

He equally solicits for adequate programmes and training for the athletes to enable them give their best for the country.

Meanwhile, Dalung has equally expressed dismay over the statement credited to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Distinguished Senator Obinna Ogba to the effect that he was reckless with money.

Dalung explained that it was unprofessional for the Distinguished Senator to accuse him of financial when he is to appear before the Senate Committee on Sports saying the statement credited to the member of the National Assembly was aimed at destroying him before the eye of the Nigerian people.

He alleged that what Senator Ogba was quoted to have said amount to media trial which is quite unprofessional.

he Nigeria Aquatic Federation (NAqF) flagship annual swimming championship, the Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming Championship (CNS Open) slated to hold from August 21-27 has been shifted.

The championship is now to hold from September 4-11 according to one of the board members of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation Rev. Samuel Jesimiel.

According to him: “The date for this year’s Chief of Naval Staff Swimming Championship which is the flagship competition of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation has been shifted from the previous date of August 21-27 to September 4-11.

“The new date was arrived at after our meeting with the Lagos State Government and the representative of the Chief of Naval Staff.

“The date was shifted because we discovered that there are many sporting activities that Lagos State is currently playing host to and apart from that, the forthcoming Moslem festival is yet another reason for the shift in date for CNS,” Jesimiel explained.

Speaking further, the former chairman of the Facilities Committee of the last board of the NAqF also revealed that they want to have a successful championship just like what happened last year; when Lagos State played host to the championship for the very first time.

“We also want to ensure that this year’s edition will be as successful as the last edition which Lagos also played host to. It was their first time and it was a huge success and we want to move a step further to make it even better.

“Of course you are aware that this is our flagship competition which everybody has been looking forward to. So we can’t afford not to toy with it,” Jesimiel explained.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 23, 2017

SPORTS

Barca must buy –Busquets

CHAN: Eagles walk tight rope

B

•Lose to Squirrels of Benin Republic by lone goal

By MADUABUCHI KALU

T

he Super Eagles ‘Team B’ on Sunday lost to Benin Republic in their first leg of the Africa Nations Championship Qualifier played on Sunday in Stade de I’Amitie in Cotonou by a alone goal.

The Squirrels edged past the Super Eagles for a crucial three points in Sunday’s African Nations Championship qualifier.

A Mama Seibou penalty saw Benin Republic to a vital 1-0 win over Nigeria in an African Nations Championship qualifier on Sunday.

The US Krake midfielder struck from the penalty spot in the

• Amaju Pinnick

90th minute at Stade de l’Amitié in Cotonou to hold a slim advantage over Salisu Yusuf’s men.

Meanwhile the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Melvin Amaju Pinnick has blamed the home based Eagles’ lost on Sunday to poor officiating from the centre referee.

The NFF arrow head expressed displeasure over the defeat of the Nigerians saying the federation are not taking the poor officiating lying low as they have already made up their mind to

petition the relevant authorities over the poor officiating of the match by the Algerian centre referee.

Amaju, however, expressed confidence that the CHAN Eagles would qualify despite the setback occasioned by the poor officiating of the match. The Salisu Yusuf tutored home Eagles returned to the country on Monday via road to Lagos, where they took a flight back to Kano to resume training for the return leg.

arcelona have to strengthen a squad depleted by the departure of Neymar, influential midfielder Sergio Busquets admitted after the Catalans suffered a 3-1 home defeat to rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month for a world record 222 million euro fee, but Barca’s attempts to replace the Brazilian have so far fallen short.

“It is a question of renewal and always trying to get better.

We have to (sign) whatever happens.” Busquets told Spanish TV station, Telecinco.

Cristiano Ronaldo was at the heart of the action at the Camp Nou despite only appearing as a second-half substitute, scoring a sensational goal and being controversially sent off.

Lionel Messi’s penalty had cancelled out Gerard Pique’s own goal early in the second-half to give Madrid the lead.

Ronaldo then curled into the top corner 10 minutes from time, but was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration.

And that proved costly two minutes later, when he saw a second yellow card after being adjudged to have dived when trying to win a penalty.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Madrid extended their lead late on when Mar-

Costa: Chelsea treated me like common ‘criminal’

D

iego Costa has described his treatment by Chelsea like that of a “criminal” and confirmed he wants to join Atletico Madrid.

The striker, 28, last played for Chelsea in the FA Cup final in May, and was sent a text in June by boss Antonio Conte telling him he would not be part of the squad for next season.

Costa says the club are now demanding he return to train with the reserves.

“Why won’t they let me go if they don’t want me?” he told the Daily Mail.

“I have to do what I have to do. I have to think of myself. I’ve been a good boy here and tried to do the right thing. My desire is to go to Atletico.”

Costa joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in 2014 and has won two Premier League titles and the League Cup with the London club.

In January, he was left out of the Chelsea side for an away match at Leicester after he was involved in a dispute with a fitness coach.

It followed reports of an offer from China that would have been worth £30m a year in salary.

“In January, things happened with the coach,” said Costa. “I was on the brink of renewing my contract and they put the brakes on it. I suspect the manager was

behind it. He asked for that to happen.

“His ideas are very fixed and clear. I have seen the sort of person he is. He has his own opinion and that will not change.

“I respect him as a great coach.

He has done a good job and I can see that, but as a person, no. He is not a coach who is very close with his players. He is very distant. He doesn’t possess charisma.”

In June, Costa said Conte sent him a text telling him he would not be part of the squad for next season.

“I have not deleted the message,” he added. “If people accuse me of lying, I can show them. It was clear, saying that he didn’t count on me and wishing me the best for the future. Full stop.”

The Spain striker was given extra time off by Chelsea last

month, but now claims he is being fined for his absence and is considering legal action or seeing out the remaining year of his contract unpaid in his native Brazil.

“You know that the manager doesn’t want me,” added Costa.

“I am waiting for Chelsea to set me free. I didn’t want to leave. I was happy. When the manager does not want you,

Lukaku announces Old Trafford arrival with brace

R

omelu Lukaku announced his arrival at Old Trafford by scoring twice on his Premier League debut for Manchester United as they embarrassed West Ham. Jose Mourinho’s team were a constant threat against a poor Hammers side, offering excitement and encouragement to their supporters on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

Lukaku, a £75m summer signing from Everton, put the Red Devils ahead with a rising drive off the post after racing onto Marcus Rashford’s pass.

The Belgium international doubled the lead after halftime, glancing in a header

from Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s inswinging free-kick.

United teenager Rashford curled against the inside of Joe Hart’s left-hand post before substitute Anthony Martial ended the match as a contest with a slick finish.

There was still time for a fourth, however, as Paul Pogba curled in from distance.

The Hammers offered little going forward in a passive performance, although new signing Marko Arnautovic did flick a header onto the top of the home crossbar at 2-0.

The Red Devils have now lost only one of their 14 opening-day Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford, while West Ham’s season began with a record 11th defeat.

co Asensio fired home in style from the edge of the box.

“It will be difficult to turn it around,” added Busquets ahead of the second leg at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu today, (Wednesday).

“They have made it difficult, almost impossible.”

Barca have been heavily linked with moves for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele of Borussia Dortmund and coach Ernesto Valverde.

And after the disappointment of defeat in his first game in charge, Barca boss Ernesto Valverde said his aim was to have the best team possible by the time the transfer window closes on August 31.

“We are Barca and we want the best possible team,” he said.

“Until August 31, like every other team, the market is open to us.”

By contrast, Ronaldo’s 10th red card of his career was the only negative of the night for Madrid coach, Zinedine Zidane as he closes in on a seventh trophy in less than two years in charge.

“What annoys me is the sending off for Cristiano,” said the Frenchman.

“Even if it is not a penalty, the card is harsh.”

Yet, Ronaldo could be slapped with more than a one-game suspension as he lightly pushed referee Ricardo de Burgos Ben-

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Wednesday, AUGUST 23, 2017

GUEST COLUMIST

n this report, former Petroleum Minister, DIEZANI ALLISON-MADUEKE, debunks all allegations of financial malfeasance levelled against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying all the anti-graft agency has done in the past two years is witch-hunt and try her by the media. She challenges the EFCC to prove all the allegations against with concrete, irrefutable evidence and not resort to ‘eternal’ blackmail against her person. She responds to the allegations seriatim:

THE $153.3MILLION ALLEGATION I am deeply disturbed and bewildered by recent media reports claiming that by virtue of an order of the Federal High Court, I have forfeited to the Federal Government, the sum of $153.3m, which I purportedly stole from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

“I wish to state that I cannot forfeit what was never mine. I do not know the basis on which the EFCC has chosen to say that I am the owner of these funds as no evidence was provided to me before the order was obtained and they have not, in fact, served me with the order or, any evidence since they obtained it.

“Let me restate categorically, as I have always maintained, for the record, I have NOT and WILL NEVER steal money from or DEFRAUD the Federal Government of Nigeria. I am willing to respond to any charges brought against me that follow duly laid down procedures. However, in its typical manner and style, the EFCC has gone to the media to attempt to prosecute its case as trial by TV and other media, rather than go through the onerous but tried and tested means of court process.

“In the face of the obvious falsification of facts and misinformation, it is only right and proper that the EFCC should publish the details of the $153.3m lodgements, the bank account numbers and the account beneficiaries showing proof of my link to them. Having also alleged that the said $153.3m was ‘wired’ from NNPC, the EFCC should also publish details of the NNPC accounts from where the said $153.3 million was taken, with proof that I authorized such a transaction or transactions, acting either in my private capacity or as the Honourable Minister of Petroleum.

MALABU OIL SCAM With regard to the various news reports published in both the online and print media, insidiously inferring that I was indicted by Italian prosecutors for, as they put it, ‘sharing in the Loot’ of the $1.3bn OPL 245 oil block deal that involved Malabu and the Joint Venture Multinational partners, ENI (AGIP) and Royal Dutch Shell, let me once again state for the record, that this is another figment of the author’s imagination, which given the persistent bid to ensure my destruction and stick all of the sins of the corruption-plagued oil and gas sector of over the last 30 years upon my head, probably emanated from the EFCC itself!

“In 2010, shortly after I was appointed as Minister of Petroleum Resources, the issue of OPL 245 was brought to my attention. I looked into the case and immediately became aware of the inherent and long-standing sensitivities around this issue. It became clear from the outset that this case was not within the direct purview of the Minister of Petroleum Resources but in the main was centred around issues of law.

“By this time, there was already an ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment

Diezani:

Onus of proof against me is on the EFCC

Disputes) investigation and claims against the FGN running into billions of dollars. Therefore, we took directives from the Chief Legal Officer of the Nation; the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. In all of these matters, due process was followed to the letter at all times.

“I wish to categorically state that I have never held any discussions on this matter, with any individuals or entities outside of official channels.

As Minister of Petroleum Resources, I did not participate in any activity relating to financial payments on the Malabu matter, other than those statutorily mandated to the Minister of Petroleum Resources by the Petroleum Act. My role in this matter was a purely statutory one as required by Law in the Petroleum Act.

THE ALJAZEERA REPORT – $18MILLION MANSION On the 13th of June 2016, the EFCC once again took their well-trodden path to the media, this time claiming that they had ‘discovered’ a mansion in Asokoro, Abuja, worth $18million (approx.

N9billion), which they purported to belong to me. The EFCC went to the extent of bringing in Aljazeera, an International TV Station, to air a damaging documentary against me in this regard, showing a particular residential building in Asokoro, Abuja, which they told Aljazeera belonged to me. The EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, personally took the Aljazeera reporter to the building, alleging that it belonged to me. It has since become apparent that the house belongs to a company owned by Mr Kola Aluko.

If this is not a witch-hunt or personal vendetta against me, how is it that one of our country’s premier investigative agencies was unable to avail itself of facts that are freely available in the public domain.

Since the EFCC claims that the alleged $18million Asokoro property belongs to me, then they should kindly produce the authentic Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and Land Registry information and any other relevant information, as proof of my ownership of the property.

•Diezani Allison-Madueke cannot by any stretch of the imagination be a “multi-billion naira” palatial estate, as the newsmongers would want to portray.

The EFCC was taken on a tour of the compound which consisted of a main house, and two outhouses – an Obi (meeting bungalow) and staff quarters (BQ) building – above which we built 3 guest rooms and a parlour. The only other 2 structures are the gate and generator houses. Construction began in late 2011 and was handled in phases. During the visit, the EFCC was given the bill of quantities, which up until the time construction stopped in early 2015, due to my illness, was at approximately N394million, which was declared in the Code of Conduct documentation, attached (the costs were partially funded by a loan – the work is still uncompleted and the contractor is still being owed). Building costs escalated as a result of delays in construction and external factors such as the extreme flooding of late 2012, that covered most of our areas in the Niger Delta. $700 MILLION CASH FOUND IN MY HOUSE Stories were circulated by unscrupulous agents of calumny that the EFCC found a mind-boggling $700million in cash in my home in Abuja. Would the videos of this $700 million cash discovery not have made good viewing? Or should those who recovered this money not tell the public where exactly the money has been kept? Perhaps, the Central Bank should corroborate that it is in custody of these monies allegedly found in my house? But then, it is now patently apparent that Nigerians are no longer easily led to believe fables and sensational untruths.

FAMILY HOME – YENEGOA, BAYELSA STATE On the 9th November 2016, the EFCC visited our family home in Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) as pre-agreed and they were escorted around the premises. I was, therefore, completely shocked to once again see my name sensationally splashed across the front pages of newspapers and widely circulated on the Internet.

It is an accepted tradition across the length and breadth of Nigeria, for people to own country homes. Given the size of the land and the location of the compound, the buildings thereon “THE MISSING $20 BILLION

In late 2013, NNPC was accused by the then CBN governor of misappropriating first $49.8billion, then it changed to $12billion and finally it was said to be $20billion. And in the twinkling of an eye, that accusation was turned around and directed at me, personally. I was accused of stealing/misappropriating the unfathomable amount of $20 billion.

In a CNN interview in March 2015, the former CBN Governor stated that “there was this gap of $20 billion after reconciliation between what NNPC exported and what it repatriated to the federation account and I raised a number of issues that I think have not yet been discussed and addressed sufficiently. One of them is billions of dollars being paid in kerosene subsidy without appropriation by the National Assembly and against a presidential order and we don’t know who authorised these payments yet. Nobody has owned up to say I authorised these payments, I made a mistake, it will stop…”. He went on to say that…. “…It could be $20 billion at the end of the day, after reconciliation they could account for 10 or 12…”. So, as he pointed out, there was indeed a reconciliation that at first stage had begun to close the purported gap.

He had stated severally that a large portion of the $20billion was constituted of illegal approvals for subsidy payments that I had given and that the late President Yar’Adua had directed that the said subsidy payments be stopped and that I did not comply with President Yar’Adua’s directive.

I have said it before but let me say it again.

President Yar’Adua’s directives were made in a presidential memo dated June 10, 2009, to the late Petroleum Minister, Rilwanu Lukman, not to me. I was not the Minister of Petroleum Resources at that time. My tenure as Petroleum Minister began in April 2010. Those directives were not complied with by Rilwanu Lukman, not Diezani Alison-Madueke.

I made several attempts when we came into office in April 2010, to get to the real truth of the matter. Even before we came in, the GMD who served under Rilwanu Lukman, Alhaji Barkindo, who is today the Secretary General of OPEC, had written to the then Minister of Finance, Alhaji Mukhtar, to enquire for clarity on the matter, to no avail.

Finally, I had to write to President Jonathan to get to the truth of the matter. President Jonathan pointed out that although he and President Yar’Adua had wanted to cancel the entire issue of subsidies, the unions had objected and therefore the payment of subsidy had never been stopped. He directed that in the meantime, we should continue the payments but with the proviso that we prepare for complete deregulation as soon as possible (Annex-2C), which I, of course, moved to implement on Jan 1st, 2012.

Today, we all know that the PWC report that was published cleared me of any wrongdoing and no one up till now has been able to controvert the PWC report, nor has anyone been able to show that the $20 billion is actually, or was ever, missing. In addition, the Makarfi-led committee in the Senate of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, in a series of publicly-held hearings, also vindicated me on the matter of the purportedly missing funds.

•DIEZANI, former Minister of Petroleum, released this statement in response to various allegations of financial impropriety levelled against her by the EFCC

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.