Wednesday august 9 edition

The

The Oracle SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

VOX POPULI SACRUM

racle www.oraclenews.ng

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9, 2017

NNPC’s N3.85tn debt drains JVs’ output

ISSN: 2545-5869

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Today Today

VOL.2 No. 33. N200

From SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, Lagos

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UGE funding gaps in the nation’s oil and gas exploration and production joint ventures between government and a multiplicity of private companies form the primary cause of production decline in onshore petroleum assets.

The funding deficits evolve from the inability of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to defray backlog of government’s equity financial contributions for its overriding 60 percent interest in the JV operations.

Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, admitted in a presentation delivered for him at the 2017 Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) hosted by the Nigerian Council of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos that

NASS Darkens Nigeria Cont’d on Page 2

From TONY ALIEMEN (Abuja), CHUKS EZE (Enugu), COLLINS UGHALAA (Owerri), NATH OMAME (Port Harcourt), CHRIS EZE (Yenagoa), EMMA OGOIGBE (Warri) and JONATHAN AWANYI (Asaba)

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AST week’s repudiation, by the National Assembly, of structuring as a lifeline for Nigeria currently wracked by separatist forces threatening its sovereignty, has been described as the greatest setback to the country’s quest for nationhood since the end of the Civil War. In near unanimous but separate decisions, the Senate and the House of Representatives last week threw out a bill seeking devolution of more powers to the States as federating units. Essentially, the bill sought to increase items on the concurrent list to enable States deal with matters that were hitherto on the federal exclusive list, thereby reducing what has been described as “the overarching power of the Nigerian federal government.”

But, taking a rather dim view of the increasing strife and agitations for self-determination in the polity, fuelled largely by belief that Nigeria’s political structure as presently constituted lacks the progressive features that should become of a modern State, the National Assembly shot down the bill, insisting that Nigeria as

it is at the moment is good enough.

But, Chief Nathan Egba, former Commissioner for Information in Bayelsa State while commenting on the development said: “It is just unfortunate that they (Members of NASS) could not take this window of opportunity, especially against the backdrop of strident calls all over the country for restructuring and use this opportunity of constitution amendment to also work for the restructuring of the country, to do the right thing. “Most of all these clamours and agitations going on in the country would have perhaps been taken care of, you know in the process of restructuring.”

As if to take it out on the State Chief Executives, NASS also shot down the provision on state police and voted in favour of local council autonomy. The State Governors voted for State Police but opposed local council autonomy.

Indeed, in the midst of the shattered expectations of the times, Nigerians had hinged their future on a restructuring of the country to dismantle the strictures that hamper its growth and kindle the hopes of its peoples that a generation of Nigerians could take the country to great heights, if they cannot make it great.

Incidentally, restructuring is a plat-

‘Biafra for Kanu, Oduduwa for us’ Page 2

form on which the ruling All Peoples Congress, APC, rode to power, selling the people on a future that would make Nigerians free to pursue their dreams with the active backing

of government policies that would, through economic, political, and social measures, offer them the facilities for the realisation of personal ambitions, for the good of Nigeria.

Igbos in Nigeria before Fulanis –Chekwas

All through last week, as the National Assembly commenced the amendment of the Constitution, the document majorly mentioned as the obstacle to the change Nigerians crave, most of the amendments have

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS

NNPC

Cont’d from page 1

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ORUBA Liberation Command, YOLICOM, wants restructuring to mean the South East getting and Oduduwa Republic for the South West, which according to them is the desire of the Yorubas. The group, press conference at International Press Centre, Lagos, said Nigerian was past the era of restructuring.

Without a peaceful resolution of the issues that are defining Nigeria, the challenges of peaceful co-existence, it said politicians were in government for their selfish benefits.

The group said it was in support of the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra for self-actualisation, not minding the hate speech he has used. It said it wanted an end to marginalisation of some regions in the country and sought for a relation with the Biafran nation by the Oduduwa Republic. The Yoruba group demand edOduduwa Republic, saying it was too late for Nigeria to restructure.

It wants the Federal Government to maintain the international laws and allow the Igbo nation to go and form Biafra. Restructuring, the group said, was a ploy by the APC government to

‘Biafra for Kanu, Oduduwa for us’ re-organise Nigeria for the selfish in- of Nigerians as individuals and collec- violent crimes and now violent religious extremism.

“The so called democracy is nothing but the imposition of individual will through an orchestrated mass corruption where the poverty of the voters is exploited for electoral gains by politicians seeking political offices.

Democracy is not about the interest of the few elected people and their cronies.

“Democracy is now government of the party for the (party leaders and by the party members). Since 1914, the recurrent question has been: Should Nigeria remain one or not? Should the bottled up energies free s and liberate themselves from the shackles of misery, the fetters of iron and the muddy mess of agony or they should remain in eternal servitude? The question has come up again in the past few months with various groups making demands.

“You will agree with me that the self-determination groups in Nigeria are the engine of our history today.

We have the largest population with which all the members of the main political parties in Yorubaland combined together cannot equal. Our members are not in these movements for personal gains like we have in the political parties. Our members are in these organisations to make sacrifices and if necessary lay down their lives for the Yoruba nation.

“We wish to announce to this important gathering, that we in YOLICOM representing some of the finest leaders of self-determination groups from across the Yoruba nation, has weighed the options extensively. For the past three months, we have been consulting with all the Yoruba self-determination groups, meeting poor and malnourished Yoruba people, talking to our people in the villages, towns and on the hills and mountains in the rural communities of Yoruba nation.

“In the light of the foregoing, and in response to the occurrences in Nigeria of the past few months, including but not limited to the releases, utterances and comments certain groups representing the Igbo nation in Nigeria, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB), Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, among others to the effect that they desire to leave Nigeria and cease to be country so much and now come up called Nigerians; and certain groups with what will satisfy them, that they representing the (AREWA) people of should have immunity,” James said. Northern Nigeria, to the effect that “You see the craziness of these the Igbo people should vacate the people. That is why I said they are territory of Northern Nigeria before mend for new Constitution or amend- anti-people. They have been quoting October 1st, 2017.

“That we support the aspirations ment to the Constitution. Once the theories and constitutions all over recommendations of the Constituent the world in America, Europe and all of the Igbo Nation irrespective of the Assembly are accepted, they are sent the places, but I have never heard of unfortunate hate speeches, infantile to the National Assembly. That is the immunity for members of their Na- savage utterances of a certain Nnamway it should be because what they tional Assembly.” James wondered di Kanu, who appears to have singled are doing now is ultra vires their pow- what “people like Ekweremadu out Yoruba Nation for ridicule and ers.” whose people are agitating for Biafra revulsion. We take solace in the fact In his own reaction, Chairman Civil would go back and tell them as the that we work with many large-hearted, better-exposed, principled and Liberties Organisation, CLO, Bayelsa number two man in the Senate.” chapter, Chief Nengi James described “We should be talking about refer- consciousness Igbo leaders who have the action of the National Assembly endum. Do we want to stay togeth- a richer sense of history and underas “anti people”. “If you look, what er? Now you have given Bayelsa eight stands better the complex nature of people expect them to do first is local councils, but you don’t want to nation building and who also realise devolution of power because major- talk about local councils, state cre- that importance of alliances, networking in statesmanship and international ity of Nigerians if we vote, definitely ation and boundary adjustment. devolution of power is what they “You have taken my oil wells and friendship and solidarity. We look forwant,” James said, but noted that you don’t want to put a clear bound- ward to a viable and mutual relationNASS members are not interested ary, let me know. So, with what they ship to the future Igbo nation, based because they are selfish. are doing, they are becoming so self- on cordial respect within the frame“They are not only using the Na- ish and so disappointing that they work of international best practices.

“We observe the panic measures of tional Assembly to undermine the are not working for the interest of Nigerian State, but also as their busi- the Nigerian State because the cry, the government which has been to atness house and private environment aspiration and dream of Nigerians is tack proponents of self-determination

government debts have hindered tively as a society, have continued to terests of its members. industry programmes and resulted wage and fight wars of survival charfinancial losses to both operators acterised by extreme hunger and lack The full release reads and government.

“You will recall that since 1914, of the essentials of life like housing, He did not state the value of govwhen Nigeria was amalgamated good water, shelter, health and drinkernment’s debt on the industry at gun point, the country has been able water. but an oil industry executive at the “It has been most traumatic for the thrown into one turmoil or the other. event told The Oracle Today that the Yoruba Nation, which, between 1953 For over a century, Nigeria has failed debts which was haggled down and to meet the international benchmark and 1966, raised one of the most adnipped at the top with promises of of socio political and economic de- vanced political economies in Africa full payment have grown back to velopment. “The only references to and in the entire black world, parring over $10 billion due to cost of fundNigeria’s grandeur were the striking on the same level with many couning. achievements of the then three re- tries in Europe by the standard of Following the crippling debts, opgions of South West, South East and the time. “ The Yoruba educational, erators have been forced to drop the North. Since the collapse of feder- cultural and political institutions were a number of production optimizaalism and the three tiers founded to not only some of the best in Africa, tion and reserves replacement programmes while fresh exploration in a large extent on the civilisations and the then Western Region gave hope the mature terrains have zeroed out. values of the ethnic configuration in to the entire black world with the Consequently, crude oil producthe country, Nigeria was remained in highest Human Index development in tion from onshore, swamp and shalthe tunnel of misery, pangs and pains, Africa by the rating of the UNDP. “The low water assets has plunged from including the fact that the country destruction of the regional system of over 2.0 million barrels per day to was plunged into an avoidable civil government has turned Nigeria into mere 800,000 barrels per day. war that took now fewer than I mil- a unitary state dotted with a savage Checks by The Oracle Today vulture of corruption, ineptitude, ineflion lives. showed that major multinational “Since the end of the war, millions ficiency, moral degeneration, deaths, oil companies in the country have preferred divesting from their brownfield portfolios where slow government response to operations exigencies has escalated costs, delayed processes and impacted huge financial losses.

Indigenous investors who mopped up and assumed operatorship of the divested assets have repeatedly appealed to government to totally defray all its huge cash call commitments to the joint ventures in order to restore investors’ confidence and save the sector from total collapse.

The debt which accumulated across years of regular underpayments currently stands in excess of over $10 billion (N3.85 trillion), industry sources say, with foreign multinational oil majors that operate the huge joint venture assets suffering the biggest impacts while other companies receive impacts according to size of operations.

Although NNPC has made initial moves towards alleviating the cash call burden on operating companies, most of them still groan under lingering debts and associated rising cost of funding.

The corporation through the assistance of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources had made a highly hyped • Chudi Offidile, receiving the United Peoples Party, UPP, governorship nomination form for the Anambra goverattempt at offsetting the debt, but norship primary scheduled for the 19 August 2017 from the National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie. The election is scheduled for 18 November 2017 Cont’d on page 41 Cont’d from page 1 shown the legislators again as a pampered, distant and selfish collection of men and women who appear to have lost touch with the needs and aspirations of the very people they were elected to represent.

Acting ostensibly on the need to preserve the ‘unity’ of Nigeria, the legislators resoundingly voted against the restructuring of the country, in a call that offered no alternatives to loosening the shackles that hamper development, constrain justice and equity.

However, a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Mike Ahamba has dismissed NASS’s action as null and void, as, according to him, the National Assembly had no power to accept or reject restructuring as a constitutional amendment proposal.

Said Chief Ahamba, “They did not reject restructuring because they did not know what they were doing. They cannot vote it down because they don’t want to do what they are supposed to do. Everybody is allowing them to wallow in ignorance.”

NASS Darkens Nigeria

He called on members of the National Assembly to advise themselves accordingly, insisting that “what they are doing is ultra vires their powers”.

“Going forward, the members of the National Assembly should advise themselves because the way our Constitution is now, they cannot vote in or out restructuring,” Ahamba stressed.

“The reason is that doing so goes against the powers vested in them to carry out only alteration of provisions in the Constitution.” Which means that the powers to inject ideas, new ideas like restructuring, reside elsewhere, with the people.

He added, “What the National Assembly should do is to enact an Act establishing a Constituent Assembly.

The National Assembly should also enact an Act making provision for a referendum where the people would then vote to accept or reject what the Constituent Assembly provided.

“The Constituent Assembly would to satisfy a clique of past leaders Cont’d on page 7 be empowered by the Act to recom- and Governors who have looted this

Cont’d on page 5

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Adewale surrenders Lagos secretariat to PDP BoT C hairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Segun Adewale, has formally handed over the state’s secretariat to the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party.

Adewale, the factional state chairman of PDP loyal to ousted national chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif, addressing journalists shortly after moving his possession from the secretariat, Saturday, said the decision was in line with the directive from the national headquarters of the party.

Adewale who said that a letter from the party headquarters had directed him to hand over to BoT

members in the state, explained that the National Caretaker Committee of PDP had ordered that the state secretariat be handed over to the BoT chairman, Chief Bode George and other members of the party’s Board in Lagos.

He said that the order was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary, National Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ben Obi, and addressed to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni.

“The attention of the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the occupation of the PDP Sec-

retariat at No. 56, Adekunle Fajuyi Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, by a group.

“Section 32(5) (e) of the PDP Constitution (2012 as amended) states that the Board of Trustees shall be vested with the assets of the party and shall serve as custodians of such assets. This is to avoid negative consequences that may arise from the tussle for the secretariat and in keeping with the PDP Constitution.

“The National Caretaker Committee hereby requests that you hand over the secretariat to Chief Bode George and other members of PDP Board of Trustees ( BOT) in

Lagos State,” the letter read.

According to Adewale, I am going to hand over the key to the BoT as instructed in the letter.

“As you can see me, I have packed out my things. I am going to drop the key now,” the PDP factional chairman said.

He instructed all his supporters to stay away from the secretariat in the interest of peace, even if the key is given to someone else.

“It is quite unfortunate that those, who as at last week Saturday, were campaigning against PDP while in Labour Party, now want to take over the secretariat.

I was the one mobilising for the

party during last Saturday local government elections in the state.

“Even at that, I am ready to leave the secretariat, the police asked us to sign an undertaking that there will be peace in Ikeja. I am not fighting with anybody, because if we continue this way, we will continue to lose elections in Lagos,” Adewale said.

Crisis rocking the party at both the national and state levels had forced members loyal to state factional chairman loyal to Sen. Ahmed Markafi, Mr Moshood Salvador, to enter into an alliance with the Labour Party.

385,654 PVCs Enugu police nabs herbalist over fatal concoction yet to be he Enugu Pol¡ice Command Metropolis, on Friday, July 28. tions prepared by Oseni. she was confirmed dead,’’ the a continuous voters’ registraTAdekunle has arrested a herbalist, He said that the woman, “From our findings, the statement said. tion (CVR) exercise unlike precollected in Oseni, who alleg- Ukoro Onyinye, a resident of deceased met the suspect The PPRO said that the vious years. edly prepared a concoction Ugbodogwu Trans Ekulu, had through a neighbour identi- corpse had been deposited at He said the last registration Imo –REC for the detection and arrest of taken the concoction which fied as Alesinloye Nuru, after the hospital mortuary for au- began on April 29 and ended

he Independent National T(INEC) Electoral Commission in Imo has disclosed

that it has 385, 654 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) yet to be collected by residents in the state.

State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Francis Ezeonu, who disclosed this at a one-day Stakeholders Forum held in Owerri, the state capital, Wednesday, said that only 1,435 PVCs, which is about 0.004 per cent of the total 397,089 PVCs, had been collected so far.

Ezeonu expressed worry that registered voters were not desirous to collect their PVCs. “The commission is not also very satisfied that the women are not turning out in droves to register. The commission’s gender policy focuses at creating platforms for equal access and participation of both men and women in the electoral process,” he said.

On the ongoing voters registration, Ezeonu gave the total number of registered voters as 39,803 with more registered males of 23,158 PVCs (58 per cent) against 16,645 (42 per cent) females.

Giving a further breakdown, he said that 491 persons had requested for replacement with 332 PVCs recorded as displaced, while 159 PVCs were misplaced.

thieves, which allegedly killed a 30-year-old woman.

Its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Ebere Amaraizu, in a statement on Saturday in Enugu, said that the incident took place at Ugbodogwu area of Trans Ekulu in Enugu

was prepared with a goat heart, to enable her detect and arrest thieves that had persistently broken into her shop.

“Investigation into the woman’s death revealed that she took some herbal concoc-

From VICTOR NZE ollowing the conclusion of the Local Government / Local Council Development Areas’ elections in Lagos, penultimate Saturday, the State Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade has inaugurated two tribunals to examine complaints from aggrieved party members.

Atilade, Friday, said that the inauguration of the Election Tribunal was very important to the completion of the electoral process, adding further that it was part of efforts to ensure fair-hearing and justice for all aggrieved parties in the poll.

“The Local Government Elections held on July 22, 2017 in Lagos State remains inconclusive without providing a platform as prescribed by the Electoral Law, for aggrieved parties or individuals to seek redress through a seamless legal process,” the judge said.

While describing members of the committee as men and

women of proven integrity with vast knowledge in relevant laws, Atilade charged the committee members to see their new task as a call to service and ensure that the oath of office remains their guide.

“I urge you to see this as a call to service and to know that people are watching, all eyes are on you. Your oath of office should remain your guide,” she said.

Justice Olateru Olagbegi was named as Chairman of the first tribunal and Mrs. Folashade Adetiba as the Chairman of the second tribunal.

The resident electoral commissioner said that 1,628 persons in the state requested for transfer comprising 1,320 persons for interstate transfer and 308 persons for intra state transfer.

He gave the local government area with the highest registration turnout as Owerri Municipal with 4,539 pvcs, followed by Aboh Mbaise with 2,638 PVCs and Ngor Okpala having 2,544.

He said that the companies include, Fugro, Sterling Global, Indo rama Petrochemical Company, Baker Hughes and General Electric.

Others he said are: Universal Energy, Frontier Energy, Vam Onne, Neconde Energy and ObiJackson Group, SDF, Ciscon, Tecon, Obax, Pan Ocean, NNPC Retail Limited, Exxon-Mobil and Petrobras.

Obi said that the decision to go on strike after the 21days ultimatum was reached after a meeting with the Central Working Committee

(CWC) of the union.

“The union gave the ultimatum due to persistent unfair industrial relation’s practices by the management of the companies in the sector,’’ he said.

He, however, called on the relevant stakeholders to endeavour to address contentious issues affecting its members within the stipulated days to avert the strike.

According to him, PENGASSAN in the last three years has not only been stretched, but equally over-burdened.

Lagos inaugurates two election tribunals for council poll

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Resolve all industrial issues within 21 days -- PENGASSAN

and Natural TtionheGasofPetroleum Senior Staff AssociaNigeria (PENGASSAN)

has given a 21-day ultimatum to some oil and gas employers over anti-labour practices.

PENGASSAN’s Public Relation Officer (PRO) Mr Fortune Obi who said this in a statement issued in Lagos weekend, said the union would shut down activities of the companies nationwide if they failed to resolve the industrial issues with the workers.

she (deceased) complained of constant raids into her shop.

On July 2, the deceased contacted the suspect who, after listening to her complaint, prepared a concoction which will enable her detect and arrest the thieves.

“In the early hours of July 28, she (the deceased) started vomiting and was rushed to Colliery Hospital, Enugu where

topsy, while the suspect was helping the police in their investigation.

Onuimo LGA, he said, had the least number of registered voters with just 341 persons; Idiato South LGA and Ohaji Ebgema LGA trailed with 622 and 792 registered voters, respectively.

Ezeonu said that INEC, for the first time, was instituting

on July 20, adding that the list of those registered had been displayed in INEC offices in local government areas for claims and objections, just as he urged the people, as major stakeholders in the Nigerian democratic project, to go and check their names, collect their PVCs even as the second phase of the exercise would resume on July 31.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Boko Haram: FG to rebuild destroyed Heritage Site

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he National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM), says it is exploring ways to rebuild the Sukur world heritage site in Adamawa destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.

Director-General of the commission, Malam Yusuf Usman, who made the disclosure this, Monday in Abuja, added that efforts were also on to address conservation challenges at Osun-Osogbo Grove in Osun State.

“Provisions have been made in the 2017 budget to address the conservation challenges of the Sukur site and Osun-Oshogbo sa-

cred grove. These are both national monuments.

“Secondly, UNESCO has also made provisions for assistance to Nigeria to address these challenges.

“So in the coming weeks, you will see lot of activities around Sukur Cultural Landscape to address those conservation challenges following the attack of Boko Haram insurgents,’’ he said.

The NCMM boss added that the target was to restore the conservation status of the sites, ensure they attain cresting stage and become well maintained enough to attract tourists.

The director general said he expects other agencies to popularise the Sukur site to attract tourists from across the world.

“Our major concern is maintaining the conservation status of the sites and that is what we want to address. We also have plans for tourism development and tourists in case of disaster and so on at the sites,’’ Usman said.

Sukur is a stone-age iron smelting community whose history dated back to the Dur Dynasty in the 17th century.

The Dur had established a major supply link for raw materials needed

for iron manufacture to north eastern Nigeria which continued into the first decade of the 20th century.

UNESCO had designated it a World Heritage Site because of its cultural heritage, material culture and the naturally-terraced fields.

Sukur is the first African cultural landscape to receive heritage list inscription in 1999 at the 23rd Session of UNESCO. The landscape is located on the hill above the village of Sukur in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa. It is situated on the Mandara Mountains close to the border with Cameroon.

administration, it may not yield the desired result.

Another lawyer, Mr Victor Oziegbe, said separating the office of minister of justice and that of the attorney-general was in the best interest of the country.

“Those two offices merged into one as provided by Section 150 of the 1999 Constitution and it is propelled with political consideration. What I mean by this is that when you are a party loyalist and you are made attorney -general , sincerely speaking,

the professional aspect might be taken out of you because there will be party sentiments at play when issues come up.”

According to Oziegbe, if the two offices are separated, one will be professional while the other can be political.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr Ogbu Oche, said that separating the two offices would strengthen the office of attorney-general to act more independently without interference from the politicians.

From OJOACHELE EJIGBO

“The delay in payment of salary shortfalls experienced between January and May 2017 as well as outstanding shortfalls from 2016. The cloud of poor working conditions and poor remunerations that our members in the state tertiary health institutions have endured despite our appeals to relevant stakeholders and having proffered viable solutions to the quagmire.

“The recent attempts by official of some federal government parastatals to erode the proper placement for resident doctors on their appropriate grade levels and steps which was noted with dismay. The activities of some past and current top officials of the ministry of health who are our life members which are viewed as inimical to the welfare and progress of the association.”

The decision, it was learnt, was reached at the end of the national executive council meeting of NARD in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The aggrieved doctors as also referred the Minister of Health, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, to the disciplinary committee of NARD for sanction.

“That in view of the negative actions and stance of the following life members of our association on the aforementioned issues, Adewole, Dr Wapada Balami, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, are hereby referred to NARD disciplinary committee for adjudication and further action,” the statement continued, adding: “In the light of the foregoing, NARD gives the federal government of Nigeria 21 days to address these issues in total, failing which NARD cannot continue to guarantee industrial harmony.”

From VICTOR NZE

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Life electricity polel along St. Stephens Road, Inland Town, Onitsha, covered by grass.

PHOTO: Modestus Igudobi

Lawyers upbeat over autonomy of AG’s office

egal practitioners in Abuja have Lproval continued to react to Senate’s apto separate the office of the

Attorney-General of the Federation from that of the Minister of Justice.

The Senate on July 26, voted in favour of altering Sections 150, 174, 195, 211, 318 and the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. The vote was to separate the office of the Minister or Commissioner of Justice from that of the Attorney-General of the Federation or state.

Reacting, Monday in Abuja, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) said that separating the two offices would not make a difference if there was no attitudinal change.

“I see that in Nigeria, we are just changing laws but we are not changing our attitude. The law will not operate itself. It’s the attitude of the people, the vision of the people and the leadership that will drive the nation, not necessarily the law.

“So separating the office of minister of justice from that of attorney -general will not perform any magic, unless we are ready to change our attitude,” he said.

Jacobs argued that if the attitude was right, the separation would make the office of attorney -general more professional as the person occupying the office would be insulated from politics.

“So if the intention is to create an institution, it will be good for us, but if it is not so, and it’s just to create an office so as to extend the cost of

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he Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has commended the National Assembly for the successful completion of the first step toward the amendment process of the 1999 Constitution.

They noted particularly, that the depth of work done would deepen democracy and improve on the quality of governance at all levels in the country.

In a statement by the Conference Chairman, Alhaji Ismaila Kamba, the speakers urged the National Assembly to quickly forward the items approved by both chambers to the states for expeditious deliberations and actions by the 36 States Houses of Assembly.

Kamba, who is also the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, said that since the National Assembly had at different stages of the debates and discussions on the amendment process involved the Conference of Speakers, it should not be difficult for the 36 states legislative houses to vote on the issues and revert back to the National Assembly.

He praised the ingenuity and innovations introduced in the process by the National Assembly during the voting on the issues put forward by the Joint Committee on Constitution Amendment.

“The Conference of Speakers is happy as the National Assembly separated the issues into different Bills, such that it is easy to vote on different issues in a clear manner. “ We will enjoin all our colleagues to borrow a leaf from that in the voting on the amendment to the constitution. Same procedure can be used by speakers during voting on other thorny and sensitive issues that may come to our respective chambers in the future.

“We are also happy that issues that can help improve governance at all levels, strengthen the judiciary, aid the anti-corruption war of the government, entrench separation of powers, develop the legislature at the state levels and improve on the performance of the local government authorities and many important issues have been taken care of in the constitution amendment.

“With this constitution amendment, the National Assembly has prepared the ground for the emergence of a new Nigeria with a more solid democracy. “The Speakers are eager to lead other state legislatures to create a better country. The National Assembly should quickly send the amendment documents to us so that we can play our part, “Kamba said.

Katsina, firms launch farm-to-folk initiative pringfield Agro Limited, a Kewalram Chanrai Group company, in partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a part of the US $ 19 billion Mahindra Group with a growing global presence, has announced its collaboration with the Katsina State Government, to launch the FarmTo-Folk Initiative.

An end-to-end farm mechanization solution, the Farm-To-People initiative, will develop agriculture and farming ecosystems in Nigeria and provide customized farming solutions for every need of the farming community.

The Gromost Center will be a one-stop-shop to empower farmers with the knowledge of soil, seeds, micro-irrigation and harvesting as well as the relevant method for caring of crops.

Farmers from every region and capacity will benefit from these Gromost Centers. This will in turn drive Farm Tech Prosperity and contribute immensely to the growth of Agriculture and Farming in Nigeria.

The launch agenda will also include the commissioning of 225 tractors by the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, in line with the government’s efforts to encourage agriculture and increase support for the growth of farmers’ unions and other agro-based associations.

Executive Governor, Katsina State Alhaji Aminu Masari, represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu at the launch said: “Our intention is to deploy adequate farm machineries and mechanization to a level that will boost agricultural productivity to at least 50 percent of international standards.”

Speaking on the Farm to Fork initiative, Ashok Thakur, Vice President & Head of Operations - Africa Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said: “At Mahindra our core belief is that an informed farmer is an empowered farmer and we are delighted to provide them with resources to reap the most from what they sow. Infact we have moved beyond just selling tractors and the idea is to enrich the farmers’ knowledge and ultimately drive Farm Tech Prosperity and help them Rise. The launch of the Gromost Centre in Katsina state is in line with this philosophy.”

Constitution amendment: Speakers Conference lauds NASS

Resident Doctors threaten nationwide strike

R

esident doctors in Nigeria have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet their demands or risk a nationwide strike.

The doctors made this known in a statement signed by the president of their umbrella body, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Onyebueze John; along with Secretary General, Aneke Emmanuel, and Publicity Secretary, Asinobi Ugoeze.

In the statement, the resident doctors called on the government to address; “The circularization of house officer entry point despite various collective agreements on same. The plan of the federal government to stagnate the promotion of resident doctors.

5

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS

Igbo language, culture to become extinct in 2050 From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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ollowing the prediction by the United Nations of the likelihood of Igbo language and culture to become extinct in the year 2050 due to the language being forlorned by the owners, Igboezue International has expressed its avowed commitment toowards saving the language from extinction.

Igboezue International, an Igbo sociocultural group whose burning desire is to promote, protect as well as preserve Igbo cultural heritage and seek Igbo unity and cohesion, has taken the bull by the horn to revive Igbo customs and traditions.

The organisation at its 1st International Summit held in Awka, the Anambra State capital maintained that there is need for Ndigbo to have a common front to pursue their cause in the Nigerian nation, stressing that Igboezue as the flagship of the Igbo nation will stop at nothing to emancipate the Igbo from all forms of marginalisation and injustice.

National president of Igboezue International Mazi Pius Uchenna Okoye said the organisation seeks a meeting point for Igbo people to take vital decisions regarding progress as well as the way forward for Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.

Okoye explained that Igboezue International has no political undertone but is a pressure group that brings politicians to accountability.

Also national woman leader of the association Chief Mrs.Amaka Okeanyanwu Okonkwo told participants at the summit that Igboezue International seeks to revive the Igbo ailing language and culture predicted for extinction by the 2050.

Okonkwo further explained that the organisation seeks not just to resuscitate Igbo language but also imbibe the moral standards there in adding that the Igbo custom is like a bible . She said Igbo custom frowns at amoral lifestyle like homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, samesex marriage, to mention a few emphasing that Igboezue International also kicks against intimidation, indecent dressing, marginalisation as well denigration of the Igbo nation in Nigeria.

The national woman leader of the association also disclosed that they were in constant laison with traditional rulers in the Eastern region of the country; prevailing on them to say no to using English and other foreign languages to perform kola nut rituals and to address their subjects as such was a denigration of the Igbo rich cultural heritage.

Okonkwo who stated also that Igboezue International prevails on monarchs in Igbo-speaking states of Nigeria to help curb social menace like kidnapping, maintained that the organisation has equally tasked members of the state houses of assembly in the southeast to set a day aside when legislative proceedings would be done in Igbo language and a day when Igbo traditional attire would be worn in the offices and work places to showcase Igbo rich cultural endowment .

Meanwhile legal adviser of Igboezue International Barr.Francis Onwuachi said the organisation pursues Igbo agenda with a view to fostering peace, unity and progress among the entire Igbo race .Though Onwuachi noted that the association has no political affiliation but plans to hold town hall meetings where candidates for the November 18th Anambra governorship elections would be screened to ensure credibility saying it was no longer an all-comers affair .

Though the summit recorded huge success but governors of the southeast, their deputies, high profile personalities like the deputy president of the Nigerian senate Senator Ike Ekweremadu including the Governor of Anambra state Chief Willie Obiano and his deputy Dr.Nkem Okeke, were all conspicuously absent from the summit.

• Chief Osita Chidoka collecting his UPP nomination form from National party chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie

Cont’d from page 2 and even exterminate them. We also note the setting up of a committee to handle the issue of restructuring as led by the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam El Rufai. OUR DECLARATION, the Yoruba Liberation Command, YOLICOM, the core of the authentic representatives and defenders of the values, rights and demands of the Yoruba Indigenous people, rejects the deceitful and self-serving tactics of the Nigerian political leadership, an extension of the Fulani oligarchy. We now make the following declarations: “That what we want as a people of Oduduwa Republic. We have no apology for this. That the Yoruba people

‘Biafra for Kanu’ wish to see an end to the over 100 years of bitter acrimony, ethnic rivalry, savage killings, blackmail of the Yoruba nation by some recalcitrant ethnic groups, herdsmen killings, forcing millions of our people to stop going to farms and the excruciating burden of coming from a country with the stigma of terrorism.

“That our people have endured for a century the misery of Nigeria, her destruction of our values and the inestimable cultural genocide inflicted on our heritage by the rogue Nigerian country. It is time for the Yoruba Na-

tion to exit from this axis of evil.

“That we totally reject the idea of RESTRUCTURING as proposed by the Nigerian state and the political elite.

It is an attempt to restructure Nigeria on their own terms and not on the terms of the people. Nigeria will never be genuinely restructured by the present crop of political leaders who are themselves beneficiaries of the same skewed system.

“That even if the country will be restructured, it will still pass through

Cont’d on page 41

CHANGE OF NAMES I formerly known as CHINWENDU CYNTHIA OKECHUKWU now wish to be known as CHINWENDU CYNTHIA ADIJE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note

I formerly known as NDUBISI IGWE now wish to be known as EJEM NDUBISI CHINEME. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known as MISS ONOJA MAUREEN EBERE now wish to be known as MRS CHUKWUMA MAUREEN EBERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

I formerly known as NNAWUIHE EMMANUEL CHIBUZO O now wish to be known as OKORIE NNAWUIHE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known as KINGSLEY MOSES ONYEJIUWA now wish to be known as UGWU ONYEJIUWA KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known as KINGSLEY MOSES ONYEJIUWA now wish to be known as UGWU ONYEJIUWA KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known as CHIZOBA ROSE NWOBODO now wish to be known as CHIZOBA ROSE EZE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

I formerly known as MISS NKIRUKA ADLINE EGWU now wish to be known as MRS NKIRUKA ADLINE EZEH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

I formerly known as IGWE EBERE ABIGAIL now wish to be known as OBASI ABIGAIL EBERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known as REMY OZOEMENAM NWACHI now wish to be known as OZOEMENAM REMY ONYEMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

My name was wrongly written as OGBONNA CRESCENT ODINAKACHUKWU instead of OGBONNIA CRESCENT ODINAKACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

My name was wrongly written as GEORGE ECHE FRANCIS instead of ELAIGWU GEORGE ODIHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

This is to certify that ENWEANI OKWUNNA PRUDENCE and OKOYE PRUDENCE OKWUNNA is one and same person,now wish to be known as NWABUNWANNE OKWUNNA PRUDENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

This is to certify that EGBUTU AGATHA CHIDIMMA and EGBUTU CLARA CHIDIMMA is one and same person, now wish to be known as EGBUTU CLARA CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

This is to certify that AMAKOR PATRICIA NWABUAKU; OKONKWO PATRICIA NGOZI and CHINENYE PATRICIA OKONKWO is one and same person, now wish to be known as MRS OKONKWO PATRICIA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid, general public take note

I formerly known as OKOYE SUNDAY now wish to be known as OKOYE ANTHONY. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known as GEORGE ASARE now wish to be known and addressed as GEORGE ASARE SAKYIAMAH. former documents remain valid. general public take note.

This is to certify that NWUGURU JUDE OBINNA, UGURU JUDU AUNCHI, JUDE OBINNA is one and the same person now wish to be known as UGURU JUDU AUNCHI. former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

That my name was wrongly written as NWEKE NWAKPA MAGNUS instead of NWAKPA MAGNUS UKPAI.Now wish to be known and addressed as NWAKPA MAGNUS UKPAI. former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known as NWARUSI UMAHI STEPHEN now wish to be known and addressed as FIDELIS UMAHI STEPHEN. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known as OBI MILLICENT AMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU MILLICENT AMAKA. former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as MISS ORABUEZE ESSENTIAL ONYINYE now wish to be known as MISS ORABUEZE SUCCESS ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known as BISONG BENEDICTA BARONG now wish to be known as BISONG BERNARDETTE BARONG. All former documents remain valid . Banks, institutions and general public take note

I formerly known as UCHE NANCY CHINELOBI now wish to be known as PRINCEWILL NANCY CHINELOBI. All former documents remain valid,general public take note

6

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS

Strange couple disappears with host’s 2-yr-old boy From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

A

MIDDLE-AGED MAN from Ogbodiukwu in Umuopara clan of Umuahia South Local Council of Abia State is now running from pillar to post in a bid to find his two-year old son allegedly stolen by a ‘strange couple’.

Mr Okezie Emmanuel, a father of three, said his family’s ordeal started penultimate week when a young man who introduced himself as Chinonso enlisted his assistance to secure accommodation in Ogbodiukwu, adding that Chinonso and a woman he claimed to be his wife, ended up disappearing with Destiny, his only son.

Already, the village authorities, including the Police, who are working on the theory that Okezie and his wife of 11 years, sold their child for cash, have issued a one-month ultimatum to the embattled couple to produce Destiny or face severe sanctions.

Narrating his ordeal to The Oracle Today at the weekend in Umuahia, Okezie said Chinonso approached him late on Friday, July 21, 2017 while he was doing some clearing at the village square and requested for his assistance in securing accommodation within the area.

Okezie said he took his working tools home in company of Chinonso who claimed he was from Ebonyi State, before taking him to a nearby building where there was a vacant room.

Unfortunately, the room had been rented out before their arrival but they were directed to another building where a room was avail-

L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, Tony Attah; Country Chair, Shell Gabon, Osa Igiehon; and Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Bayo Ojulari, at the Shell stand during the opening ceremonies of the 2017 edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers annual conference and exhibition in Lagos… on Monday able and they held a fruitful discussion with the landlord, Okezie said.

He said they concluded around 10 p.m and Chinonso appealed to him to quarter him for the night so that he (Chinonso) could invite his wife over the following morning to inspect the new place Okezie said he rejected the appeal

because his family was putting up in a one-room apartment but said Chinonso persisted and he permitted him to sleep in the passage of their building.

“We even fed him with the rice we had for supper,” Okezie said.

At dawn, Okezie continued, apparently in a confidence-building

Food Security: NiMet presents rain-gauges, trains Foundation officers From CHIDI UGWU, Abuja

The Federal Government Food Security programme received a boost when the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), presented raingauges and measuring cylinders to the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF).

BATNF was established with the sole objective to provide support for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

The Assistant General Manager, Public Relations, of NiMet Mrs. Ushie, Tessy, in a statement said the presentation is in fulfilment of the agreement signed earlier in the year to provide technical support, weather information as well as training for BATNF Field officers.

Speaking during the formal presentation of the rain-guages at the Leaf Head Office, BAT Iseyin Agronomy Limited, Iseyin, Oyo State, the Director General/CEO NiMet, Prof.

Sani Abubakar Mashi, who was represented by the General Manager/ Head of Weather Forecasting Services Department, Mr Ibrahim Ishiyaku, said the event is not just a demonstration of the agency’s support for the Federal Government Food Security Programme but also a practical commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with BATNF. He disclosed that NiMet is not only presenting the raingauges and

measuring cylinders but will also train field officers of the BATNF on the use of the weather instruments for climate monitoring. Prof. Mashi said the event would translate to better forecasts for farmers and guarantee improved yields. He then admonished BATNF to ensure that the equipment are well manned and to commit to transmission of the data to NiMet for improved weather forecasting services.

Earlier, the Executive Director, BATNF, Abimbola Okoya noted that the Foundation has a long history of collaboration with NiMet, which was officially sealed with the signing of MoU in February this year.

She revealed that the event marked a significant milestone in gathering data on rainfall at the selected communities where BATNF support rural smallholder farmers in Oyo state.

Abimbola also disclosed that NiMet, through the partnership, has supported the Foundation to train farmers and Extension agents in Niger, Benue, Kaduna, and Gombe States this farming season.

She expressed gratitude to NiMet for the unflinching support and commitment in making the collaboration a success and putting smiles on the faces of farmers.

Speaking at the event also, the Head, Leaf Operations, BATN Mr. Thomas Omotoye observed that

the collaboration between NiMet and BATNF has effectively addressed the challenges they face from lack of adequate rainfall data to support their operations.

Thomas described the event as empowerment opportunity because it will not only impact positively on the integrity of the BATNF, but also on Farmers’ expectations in terms of production, loan repayment as well as expected profit.

trick, Chinonso offered to accompany his hosts to the farm to purchase cassava.

Okezie said when he disapproved of Chinonso’s gesture, his guest reminded him of how helpful he had been to him and queried why it would be a big deal for him to render a little assistance to a family that had been very hospitable to him.

Okezie said he acquiesced but related that on getting to the farm, the cassava was not ready yet, so he gave Chinonso’s mobile phone number to his wife to ring him when the commodity was ready, and returned home with his guest.

According to Okezie, by the time his wife called, the woman Chinonso claimed to be his wife had arrived, adding that while he headed to the farm, his guests went to inspect their potential new accommodation.

Upon their return from the farm, Chinonso and wife conveyed their approval of the accommodation, with Rose, Chinonso’s wife, requesting Okezie’s spouse to accompany her to the bank to withdraw

cash for the rent of their new room.

Okezie consented and his wife took with her, their two-year old Destiny along.

While the women were away, the men went to a relaxation spot, from where the proceeded to a barbibg salon, where Chinonso who settled the bill for their drinks, also paid for the hair cut.

Okezie said while he was still having his haircut, Chinonso disappeared.

“When the barber was through with me, I searched for Chinonso, but he was nowhere to be seen.

I went back to the house only to see my wife going to take her bath.

When I asked her about Destiny, she replied that Chinonso’s wife was returning with him. Enraged, I slapped her. To my greatest shock and surprise, she hit back at me with a ferocious blow. This has never happened in our 11 years of marriage. I wanted to beat her up, but neighbours intervened, warning me that what was happening was not ordinary. Since that day, we have not seen our son and Chinonso no longer picks my calls while the community is on my neck,” Okezie lamented.

He said the Police swiftly nabbed his wife, accusing her of selling the child.

“Later, the Police also arrested me and took me to D7 where I was tortured to confess that we sold our child. I was later granted bail,” Okezie said.

His wife said she could not recollect what transpired that fateful day, except that at the bank, she effected corrections on the withdrawal slip and did not even look at the amount to be withdrawn.

With the bank transaction done, Rose offered to help her carry Destiny and she could not explain whatever happened afterwards.

Okezie said he has reported the matter to the Department of State Security.

Sources at Ogbodiukwu hinted that the youth group has slammed a one-month ultimatum on Okezie to bring back their son or face dire consequences.

When contacted on phone, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Police Command, DSP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he was not aware of the case, stressing that Okezie should have reported the matter to the Police Station nearest to their place.

Obiano’s N10m Market Projects to be completed this month –Ezenwankwo • Asks traders to support governor’s second term bid

By THEO RAYS

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he President-General of Amalgamated Markets Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, has assured that Governor Willie Obiano’s N10 million-a-piece projects in all the markets in the State will be completed by the end of this month.

Chief Ezenwankwo spoke at the Electrical Dealers International Market (EDIM), Obosi,

during the one year anniversary celebration of the new executive led by Evangelist Peter Obi. He said work is seriously going on, on the projects across the markets, with some completed, some in advanced stage, others have reached 50 per cent and 20 per cent, while a few others are yet to take off due to some minor hitches.

Ezenwankwo, therefore, called on the traders in the State to reciprocate Governor Obiano’s good gestures by pay-

ing taxes and levies to the state Government as and when due.

He also challenged the traders to rally round the governor in his second term bid, so that he would complete the good works he has started in the State and in the markets in particular.

The President-General also commended Evangelist Obi led executive for the tremendous achievements they made in their one one year in office, particularly restoring peace in the Market.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS

NIMET issues flood alert on Niger, Rima, 6 other Rivers • Anambra places 6 councils on 24-hr watch list From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

T

he Anambra State government has, through its Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) issued a red alert warning to six of its councils, including -Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North and Onitsha South.

Already, a compact sensitization tour and awareness campaign round the state, especially in the six identified flood-prone council areas in line with the early alert warnings and predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has commenced.

In a media briefing at the SEMA headquarters yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Paul Odenigbo noted that because this warning was specific about the riverine

councils, “there is need to create awareness and promote public and promote public information sharing on the preparedness for flooding at the communities level.”

He pointed out that NIHSA’s prediction shows that eight rivers across the country would witness intense flooding, hence advised residents within the flood prone areas to relocate.

Anambra’s SEMA has, therefore, asked riverine communities in the listed council areas and other flood-prone areas of the state to be on the alert in preparation for the impending flooding. He emphasized that the sensitization and warnings were aimed at raising awareness on the likely floods to avoid being taken unawares.

SEMA boss, Chief Odenigbo called on residents to generally make arrangements to avoid the dangers of flash flood this

Dr Chike Obigbo,middle one of the Anambra 2017 Governorship Aspirant under All Progressive Congress (APC) dancing at the party’s national secretariat at Abuja along with his numerous supporters yesterday when he submitted the nomination form. Picture two Dr Obidigbo in a shake hand with a Party official at the Secretariat.

rainy season and assured that the state government, through the agency, has already made contingency arrangements to give succour to likely victims of the predicted flood.

He hinted all stakeholders and citizens of the state to assist spread the warning and sensiti-

zation for the flood-prone areas to mobilize people for evacuation to safe areas, advising those who might be adversely affected to take advantage of the 28 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state.

The Director General of NIHSA, Dr Moses Beckley, ac-

cording to Odenigbo, named Rivers Niger, Anambra-Imo, Cross River, Niger Delta, Benue, Sokoto Rima, Ogun Osun and Komadougu Yobe as those likely to flood and overflow their banks and endanger lives of persons living in riverine communities in the country.

Tension looms in Bayelsa community over Agip pipeline explosion From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa Youths of Ayamassa community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have threatened to shut down the operations of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NOAC), over a pipeline explosion that occurred in the community last week.

The youths claimed that the explosion, which rocked the area devastated the community’s means of livelihood.

The Oracle Today gathered that the trunk-line, which is said to be owned by Agip, reportedly exploded last Tuesday and was allegedly in flames for two days before the firm’s contractors came to put out the fire without due consultation with the community leaders.

It was further learnt that the community has given the management of the oil major oneweek ultimatum to comply with due process following the pipeline fire, saying that non-compliance might be visited with shutdown of activities of the oil company.

The Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council, Central Zone, Tare Porri, who spoke on the development noted that youths from the community were currently ‘’spoiling for war,’’ threatening to shut down the operations of the platform.

“Ayamassa end of the trunkline got exploded and the fire was on for two days before Agip’s pipeline contractors put it out and left the community

without a word. ‘’Up until now, the community has not heard from them and the community folks are now threatening to shut down the operations of that platform,” Porri said.

The president lamented that

neither Agip nor government agencies visited the site or the community to access the damages caused by the explosion.

According to him, most of the pipelines that pass through the entire zone had expired, calling on the oil companies to replace them in the interest of peace

and security.

Porri stressed: ‘’ Most of the things that happen in the environment are not caused by Ijaw youths. Ijaw youths are law-abiding, Ijaw youths are not fighters and we are hardworking. ‘’I want to say that all the

multinational oil companies that are operating in our zone, should please, as a matter of urgency commence process of replacing all the pipelines across the central zone that have expired as we will no longer tolerate corrosion, explosion and equipment failure. ‘’

operations.

He called on Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and the federal government to prevail on Agip to respect the MOU it entered into with its host communities in order not to create room for unnecessary

conflicts.

The IYC leader also called on Agip to respect Nigerian laws on environmental protection and payment of compensation to communities affected by oil pollution from the company’s operations.

…As host communities seek IYC intervention to bring Agip to negotiating table From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa Leaders from Ogboinbiri and Azuzuama communities of Southern Ijaw Local Council of Bayelsa State have appealed to the president of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eric Omare, to prevail on the Nigeria Agip Oil Company,(NAOC) to honor the memoranda of understandings it enters into with host communities to avoid shut down of its oil facilities.

The leaders made the appeal at the weekend when they protested to the factional IYC leadership over Agip’s disregard for them, threatening to disrupt the company’s operations in their area.

Tari Okoso and Walter Job-Molo who spoke on behalf of the leaders informed the IYC leader that Agip has refused to comply with the MOUs it entered into with their communities to carry out development projects in the communities.

They complained that when the communities attempted to enforce the terms of the agreement, the oil major sent military

personnel to intimidate them and stop their action.

They said the communities had been pushed to the wall and had given Agip an ultimatum to shut in and evacuate its workers without delay.

The communities also complained of persistent oil spillage

by Agip in the affected communities without payment of compensation, but frequent harassment by troops.

The Oracle Today learnt that in 2007, the alleged mismanagement of MOU by Agip in Ogboinbiri area led to the death of more than 67 persons, including security personnel.

Also, a fire incident at Azuzuama community from the alleged negligence of Agip in 2015 was said to have led to the death of several persons including late Linus Epunumokumor for which Agip has reportedly refused to pay compensation to the family till date.

Addressing the protesters, Omare urged the oil companies to always fulfill any agreement they have with their host communities to guarantee peaceful

NASS Darkens Cont’d from page 5

their opinion and preference for restructuring, so why the APC-dominated National Assembly voted against it is still a shock given that the party won the last elections mainly on their campaign on restructuring.”

According to Chief Nduka Eya, an Ohanaeze Ndigbo chieftain and one time Commissioner for Local Government in old Enugu State, “The issue is that the exercise that was embarked by the NASS was needless in the first place because the 2014 Conference addressed the problems of Nigeria in a wholesome manner – political, social and economic problems of Nigeria – including that of the amendment of the - Constitution, for instance, as regards the issue of local council autonomy.

that devolution of power may be an alternative to further crisis. But as they did not talk about devolution of power, that National Assembly to me is a charade.”

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ikenga Mayor Eze said he was shocked that the APC-dominated National Assembly voted against restructuring.

The “end point of democratic process is the welfare of the people”, Eze declared. “With the above in mind, it’s no longer in doubt that the majority of the citizens of Nigeria have “I was the last Commissioner for Lothrough action and words conveyed Cont’d on page 41

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS

A’Ibom people now enjoy 18 hrs power supply –Information Commissioner From ESSIEN ESEMA, Uyo

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NDIGENES of Akwa Ibom State, in recent times, have experienced development in the State, significantly in the power sector as there has been an average of 18 hours electricity supply coming from the recently commissioned electricity power sub-station in the State Capital.

This and other developmental projects executed by the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, are geared towards providing enabling environment for the industrialization drive of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Charles Udoh, while speaking on AIT breakfast programme, KAKAAKI, unveiled some of the achievements of Mr Udom Emmanuel in his two years in office as Governor of the state, saying that agriculture and tourism are part of the main industrialization plans of the state.

He said that Governor Emmanuel’s focus on road construction is aimed at connecting production communities to the economic nerves, as well as agricultural centres to the commercial centres of the state, maintaining that, “With this, people who have farms in the State can transport their farm produce easily and faster.”

The Commissioner explained that, “one of the major challeng-

es we are having is price of food stuffs. If you remove agriculture, price control will not work; we are simply applying the law of demand and supply. That’s why the Government is investing in agriculture, providing free fertilizers and seedlings to farmers and also ensuring that the farmers are well trained.”

Mr Udoh said that, “the state Government has trained over 400 indigenes on Cocoa production. We want to go back to that point in Nigeria when Akwa Ibom State played a major role in agriculture.”

Commenting further on the industrialization drive, the Information boss said; “Statistics show that Nigeria consumes about 16 billion syringes per annum, and where do we get this syringe from? We get them from South Africa. We don’t have syringe factories in Nigeria but we are building in Akwa Ibom, and it will produce 400 million syringes per annum, creating job opportunities and boosting the economy of the state.

“If you also look at the coconut plantation and refinery, coconut is an investment of Gold, and we are tapping into that opportunity. We have a 2-million coconut plantation. To complement that, we have coconut refinery. The idea is to have the coconut refinery ready to roll once the coconut plants are matured.”

From left, Chief Okey Mou-Aroh 2nd left, representative of the State governor, Dr. Amaka Akudo and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Manata, 3rd right and others at the service. Photo: Modestus Igudobi.

“Also in industrialization, we have the flour mill which His Excellency recently flagged off.

We also have the Electric Metering Factory, which is to complement the Government’s effort in power distributions.

Police to build 7 additional secondary schools in the country From ESSIEN ESEMA, Uyo

P

lans are underway to build and equip 7 additional police secondary schools in the country, the Force Education Officer, DCP Rabiu Ladodo has disclosed.

DCP Ladodo, who made the disclosure at passing out parade of students of police secondary school, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, mentioned that states to benefit from the facility include Abia, Gombe, Bayelsa, Bauchi among others.

He stated that of all the geopolitical zones in the country, the Northeast is yet to have a single police secondary school in any of the states in the zone, adding that one will be built in the area soon.

The FEO also said that approval have been given for the construction of more police primary schools across the country even as he revealed that renovation works have been carried out in police primary schools in most states in the country.

DCP Ladodo mentioned that another police primary school would be sited in Eket local government area of the state, but lamented challenges from the host community was delaying its take-off.

Earlier the Chief Education Officer/Head Teacher of Police Children School, Uyo Lady Ndy Akan called on the federal and the Akwa Ibom state government to intervene in the ravaging flood situation threat-

“It could be recalled that earlier in the year, we were informed that Nigeria is nursing plans to commence the production of pencils in 2018, while Akwa Ibom State in 2017, is producing pencils and toothpicks.

Pray for the leaders, country”, Okowa Urges Nigerians From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

ening the school.

“Inspite of all the successes recorded this school year; we are still faced with some challenges. The biggest one being the terrible flood situation which has threatened to shut our school down and dim our lights.

“But I am here making a passion-

ate appeal to government to come to our rescue and help us channel the water behind our school to a safer place”, she said.

Lady Akan also said the school needs more sets of computers to cater for the increase in the number of pupils in the school, re-roofing of nursery block and general renovation of the school blocks.

elta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians to embrace intercession as a way of life for the unity and development of the country.

The governor also decried the

From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

of APGA and for the purpose of selecting/nominating any gubernatorial candidate of APGA for the forthcoming 2017 Anambra State Governorship Election.”

But reacting to the decisions of the High Courts, Chief Agbaso told newsmen that there was a Court of Appeal Order against Oye, which he said rendered the verdicts of the lower courts meaningless.

However, Chief Oye issued a press statement debunking Agbaso’s claim as fallacious.

The APGA Chairman stated that there was no Oder of any Court of Appeal against him, describing Agbaso’s claim as “wishful thinking.”

“The true position is that the Order of Mandamus which Chief Agbaso obtained through fraudulent means at the Enugu High Court is being challenged

at the Court of Appeal in Enugu,” said Chief Oye. The APGA chairman enumerated the grounds on which his party filed the case against Agbaso at the Court of Appeal.

He said that both the Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not served any court processes in the case and neither was represented.

Secondly, he said that the plaintiffs had no locus to sue.

Finally, Chief Oye argued that commencement of trial by motion on notice, by which Chief Agbaso got a judgment at the Enugu High Court was unknown to law.

He advised Chief Agbaso, in his best interest, to turn his attention to more fruitful endeavours as his malevolence will amount to an effort in futility.

D

Court of Appeal order against me a fallacy --Oye

T

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Ike Oye, has described as a fallacy the claim

by Chief Martin Agbaso that there is a Court of Appeal Order against him.

It would be recalled that on July 28, 2017, Mr. Justice Dennis C. Maduechesi of Awka High Court delivered judgment against Agbaso by declaring Chief Oye the authentic National Chairman of APGA. On the same day at the Nnewi High Court, Justice Chukwudi C. Okaa issued an interlocutory injunction restraining Agbaso and four others from “organizing, conducting or holding any congress, conference or primary election...in the name

He said that, “There are states in the federation that depend on us for these pencils. Those industries are not gigantic structure but what comes out from them,” he further stated.

lack of unity among Christian leaders and clergy occasioned by their foray into partisan politics.

Speaking at the weekend in Abuja when he delivered the keynote address at the unveiling of the International Cathedral of Elohim Christian International Centre, Abuja, Senator Okowa urged Christians to “embrace intercession as a lifestyle, spurn division, pursue unity amongst ourselves, generously extend grace to those who do not share our faith, while praying for our leaders and holding them accountable to the tenets of righteousness, equity and justice.”

Quoting copiously from the bible Senator Okowa emphasized that “intercession is a divine command; it is not optional neither is it a suggestion from the great Apostle Paul, intercession is the act of standing in the gap for another, in calling us to intercede for our leaders, God has but one goal – “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness,” The governor reminded Christians that it would be ungodly for them not to intercede for their leaders, stressing that “the Lord will use our prayers - and cries - to enable those in authority to make the right choices and wise decisions that promote good governance, inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, he uses it to prevail on those in authority to initiate good policies and legislation.

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Roswitha Chukwuma (with Agency reports)

Potential new U.S. anti-Russia sanctions violates Int’l Law: German Minister

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he potential new round of US sanctions against Russia violates international law, and therefore the European Commission should consider countermeasures, German Minister for Economics and Energy Brigitte Zypries said Monday.

“We consider this to be a violation of international law.

“The Americans cannot punish German companies because they operate economically in another country,” Zypries told the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung.

“We do not want a trade war, of course. That is why we have repeat-

edly and on different levels insisted that the Americans do not abandon the policy of common [anti-Russia] sanctions .. `[Since they did] it is therefore the right thing to do for the EU Commission to look into countermeasures,” the minister added.

NAN reports that the U.S. Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly endorsed a bill that places restrictions on President Donald Trump from loosening sanctions on Russia, a measure that could tie his hands if he seeks a reset in relations with Moscow.

Senators voted 98 to two to pass

the legislation, which also imposes a new round of sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea.

On July 25, the House passed the bill 419 to three.

The legislation now goes to the president’s desk for signature.

NAN reports that on Thursday, the EU delivered a stern warning to the U.S. over the new sanctions on Russia, opening up the prospect of a rift between the two allies over how to deal with Moscow’s foreign interventions.

EU President Jean-Claude Juncker said the bloc would act “within days” if it does not receive reassur-

ances on the potential impact of new sanctions on European interests.

The bill, drawn up largely in response to Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 US election, calls for new measures against Russia, North Korea and Iran.

It also limits any effort by the White House to weaken such penalties.

The EU has previously coordinated with the US over sanctions in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

The union feared that the latest measures could hit companies that

are involved in the financing of a controversial new pipeline, Nord Stream II, that would carry natural gas from Russia to Germany.

NAN reports that France called the US bill “unlawful” due to its “extraterritorial reach,” saying it could impact Europeans if enacted.

“We have challenged similar texts in the past,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“To protect ourselves against the extraterritorial effects of US legislation, we will have to work on adjusting our French and European laws.”

Japan, U.S. agree to take further action to deal with N Korea

J

apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday and agreed on the need for more action on North Korea.

Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, said in a statement China must decide if it is willing to back imposing stronger U.N. sanctions on North Korea over Friday night’s long-range missile test, the North’s second this month.

Any new U.N. Security Council resolution “that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value”, Haley said, adding that Japan and South Korea also needed to do more.

Abe told reporters after his conversation with Trump that repeated efforts by the international community to find a peaceful solution to the North Korean issue had yet to bear fruit in the face of Pyongyang’s unilateral “escalation”.

“International society, including Russia and China, need to take this seriously and increase pressure,” Abe said.

He said Japan and the United States would take steps toward concrete action but did not give details.

Abe and Trump did not discuss military action against North Korea, nor what would constitute the crossing of a “red line” by Pyongyang, Deputy Chief Cabinet spokesman Koichi Hagiuda told reporters.

A White House statement after the phone call said the two leaders “agreed that North Korea poses a grave and growing direct threat to

the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other countries near and far”.

The white house said Trump “reaffirmed our ironclad commitment” to defend Japan and South Korea from any attack, “using the full range of United States capabilities”.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the talk between Abe and Trump lasted for about 50 minutes.

“The role that China can play is extremely important,” he told a news conference.

“Japan intends to call on those countries involved, including the UN, the United States and South Korea to start, but also China and Russia, to take on additional duties and actions to increase pressure,” Suga said, declining to give details about what those steps might be.

North Korea said on Saturday it had conducted another successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile that proved its ability to strike the U.S. mainland, drawing a sharp warning from Trump and a rebuke from China.

Trump later wrote on Twitter that he was “very disappointed” in China and that Beijing profits from U.S. trade but had done “nothing” for the United States with regards to North Korea, something he would not allow to continue.

Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Qian Keming, asked at a news conference in Beijing about Trump’s tweets, said there was no link between the North Korea issue and China-U.S. trade

Officials say 24 killed in fighting between AU, Al-Shabaab

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fficials said 24 people were killed on Sunday in fighting between al Shabaab fighters and Somali government troops and African Union peacekeepers.

Al Shabaab ambushed a convoy carrying troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) early on Sunday in the Bulamareer district of the Lower Shabelle region, about 140 km southwest of Mogadishu, Col. Hassan Mohamed told Reuters Ali Nur, the deputy governor of Lower Shabelle region, said: “We have carried 23 dead AMISOM soldiers and a dead Somali soldier from the scene where al Shabaab ambushed AMISOM today,”

Abdiasis Musab, al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, said: “We have in hand 39 dead bodies of AU soldiers including their commander.”

The casualty figure could not be independently verified.

The numbers al Shabaab and officials give usually differ.

Uganda’s defence ministry said its soldiers were part of the AMISOM convoy and an unspecified number of its soldiers had been killed.

Al Shabaab wants to force out the peacekeepers, oust the Western-backed government and impose its strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia

• North Korean Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un acknowledging cheers from his soldiers after the successful launching of another intercontinental ballistic missile—the second of such test in less than a month

New law in Iran could spare 5,000 drug smugglers from being executed

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bill making its way through the Iranian parliament could spare 5,000 convicted drug smugglers from the death penalty, the ILNA news agency reported on Monday.

“As soon as the new drug law is passed, the death sentence of more than 5,000 prisoners could be converted into prison sentences,” said Hassan Norouzi, a spokesman for parliament.

Norouzi said lawmakers are still reviewing the draft legislation, and it will not be in its final form until after they return from summer recess.

Skepticism has grown in Iran over the effectiveness of the death penalty in deterring drug smuggling, with government reports showing it has had no impact on reducing the volume and variety of drugs in Iran.

Instead, many are calling for long prison sentences combined with forced labour.

Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world. Amnesty International says 319 people have been put to death this year, including 183 for drug-related offences.

The human rights group said the legislation does not go far enough in reducing the scope of

crimes eligible for the death penalty.

“Instead of abolishing the death penalty for drug-related offences, the Iranian authorities are preparing to adopt a deeply disappointing piece of legislation,

which will continue to fuel Iran’s execution machine,’’ said Magdalena Mughrabi.

Mughrabi, the Amnesty’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said this in a statement.

Arrested Myanmar journalist transferred to prison

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veteran Myanmar journalist, arrested after criticising an ultra-nationalist Buddhist monk, was on Mondaytransferred to prison in Mandalay, where he would likely be charged with criminal defamation.

Swe Win, Chief Editor at a local news website, Myanmar Now, was detained at the airport in the commercial capital of Yangon on Sunday night as he attempted to board a flight to Bangkok.

He had been facing lawsuits filed by supporters of powerful Buddhist nationalist group Ma Ba Tha earlier this year after he shared a Facebook post that accused the firebrand monk Wirathu.

This violated the Buddhist code of monastic discipline.

Win was set to meet with police to discuss the charges in August, but was not fleeing the country at the

time of his arrest, his legal advisor, Khin Myint said.

The lawyer said Win is likely to be charged under 66D of Myanmar’s Telecommunications Law, a controversial statute increasingly used against journalists and activists in Myanmar.

State counselor, Aung Kyi has said that government is considering amending the law, but human rights groups have called for it to be scrapped.

Speaking after his arrest on Sunday, Win said that he hoped his case would pressure the government to get rid of the law, the Democratic Voice of Burma reported.

“It is good that this has happened.

I have got to tackle this. The law should not exist,” he reportedly said.

“It will be good for the citizens as well.”

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Bold ‘n’ Blunt

Quit Notice: Let Fulani return to Senegal first; Ndigbo In this no-holds-barred interview with some journalists in Enugu, recently, founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and now the National Chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP), CHIEF CHEKWAS OKORIE (Oje Ozi Ndigbo) speaks on a wide range of nagging national issues. CHUKS COLLINS was there and brings the excerpts.

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HERE ARE a lot of stories about the relationship between the UPP on one hand and MASSOB, IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu on the other…

First and foremost, UPP is a political party registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with Nigerian laws to acquire power and for the welfare of the Nigerian people. And in that registration, UPP like other political parties has a constitution derived from the constitution of Nigeria. It also has a manifesto. But, it is the manifesto that stands it out from all the other political parties.

Having said that, there is no special relationship between UPP and pro-Biafran agitators because we are aware that the Nigerian law does not permit a political party to have a direct relationship with any group whatsoever.

The only way a group can be part of a political party is by the individual members of the group registering as members of the political party. That is to say that the point of entry of anybody including, my humble self is the ward where I come from and so nothing like group registration. The law does not also forbid endorsement. A person who is not a member of your political party can endorse you. A group that is separate from your party can endorse your party and ask her members to support this party.

A group can support a political party without being members of the political party.

And how do you do that? During election you go and vote for the candidate of that political party. This is because you think that, that party represents your views.

The UPP, from the very beginning, from the inception of the party in 2012 always emphasized true federalism. It has always been in our manifesto--devolution of power, citizenship rights, state police and community policing.

Those who followed my very brief presidential campaign, especially those who monitored the presidential debate where I lined up with former President Goodluck Jonathan and a few others, I even went further to propose an exit clause in the Nigerian constitution as it exists in the constitution of Ethiopia. Section 31 of the Ethiopian Constitution has a provision for the exit of any nationality that has reasons to opt out of the federation.

So when we saw that President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC had jettisoned every of the 607 recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, we felt that it was the greatest disservice a government could do to the Nigerian people; and it is not an issue for which any party or individual could rush to court to go and challenge the presidency for taking such tragic decision. So, we decided as a political party to bring back those fine recommendations to the front burner and to update our manifesto to incorporate the highlights of those recommendations.

We now have to include self-determination, referendum, unconditional release of prisoners of conscience whose only offense was their views in the exercise of their fundamental human rights as allowed by all international Convention including the Nigerian Constitution. So, naturally the various pro-Biafran groups and others found in UPP a political party that is approximately close to what they are agitating for. UPP is not a party that preaches secession. The party gives our people the political liberty

• Chief Chekwas Okorie that they are lacking. And so, they began to endorse UPP, one after another. The first to endorse UPP is Ralph Uwazurike’s MASSOB, and then a group that is a pro-biafran groupthat is more politically inclined called Movement of Biafrans in Nigeria (MOBIN) also endorsed UPP and a few others. So, that is how all these endorsements came.

posed to the Igbo location in Nigeria. I have had the privilege of traveling round this country for a minimum of 15 times in an effort to reach out to our people. I have had the privilege of meeting the Igbo settlement in northern Gusau in 2000 where they have lived for over 400 years. And that was the year I was invited as special guest of honour to the Igbo Day celebration in Gusau. The late Odumegwu Ojukwu and Dr. Alex Ekwueme were also invited.

But, remember that the year 2000 was the height of Sharia, so it was risky for most people to travel to the north, because of fear.

But, I said to myself that there are people living there and they are human beings. I was the only one from the South East that honoured that invitation and I never regretted it till tomorrow; because it really opened my eyes.

I found out that it was the same year that the caliphate had their bi-centenary celebration in Nigeria. That means 200 years of entering Sokoto to establish the Caliphate by their leader Uthman Dan Fodio who migrated from Senegal through Niger Republic then to Sokoto.

What about Nnamdi Kanu?

As a person, Nnamdi Kanu is more like my political son and he does not dispute that.

I gave him political limelight and exposed him politically and appointed him the chairman of APGA UK in 2002 and he remained loyal to my own chapter of APGA even during the crisis and up to 2011. The last town hall meeting that we convened in London on Nov 2, 2011, he was there presiding as the UK chapter chairman. It was a large gathering of Igbo people.

It was also in 2012, a month or thereabout after that he became fully engaged with the IPOB radio station as director of Radio Biafra. It was also in 2012 that I and my other associates surrendered the certificate of APGA to INEC and founded a new party called UPP. And the only point of departure is the new orientation he has canvassed and conThen you ask yourself, who actually owns tinued to canvass which is, we want to exit the land? Is it the one that came into Nigeria from Nigeria, that is secession. That is where 200 years ago or those who had lived there we differ. Because I do not think secession 200 years before the Fulanis came? will do the Igbo man any good at all.

When you look at Nigeria again, you’ll see He is a young man who has not been ex-

the way the Igbo people have settled across the country. If you look at Nigeria again, you will see that we had Zamfara Empire. If you go back to the 14th and 15th century, you will see in an existing Portuguese map that there was Zamfara Empire and that was why Gusau was the capital of Northern Nigeria.

Then we had the Borno Empire, which many of us read about in history books.

Then the Benin Empire and there were the indigenous people of Biafra that cut across parts of Cameroun.

It was as a result of that, that those early Portuguese explorers named it the Bight of Biafra-the shore of the sea of Biafra. It was only in 1974 that the military government at that time Gowon renamed it the Bight of Bonny. But it was Bight of Biafra for more than five centuries, which was only changed in 1974 just to obliterate any record or history that would remind Nigeria that Biafra existed before in Nigeria. So, when people become unduly afraid of using the word Biafra I say no. I always tell them that there is no reason for that and that was the point I was trying to make in the just held UPP Convention.

You have indigenous Fulani people; you have indigenous Hausa people, Ijaws, Yoruba and so on. And there have been indigenous Biafrans. They have been there. If you are talking of the geographical Biafra, it is a different ball game altogether. That one started in 1967 and ended in 1970. But, that does not remove the identity of the indigenous people. I say to people, yes I am a Nigerian citizen, but am a Biafran by indigeneship. I am an Igbo by origin. These are my identities, and nobody is going to take that away. Because the day your identity is taken away from you, you cease to be a human being.

Is it true the DSS is investigating UPP’s relationship with IPOB? Well, let me just put it this way, because I do not want to put the DSS on the spot: I was not invited and there is no reason to do that really. The DSS is entitled to investigate and verify whatever that is not clear to them. But, I am aware that DSS went to the INEC and demanded the UPP constitution and manifesto which INEC did not have readily available. Because when you supply them these things, they put them in the store and when they are needed, it takes time to retrieve them. So, they had to call on us to give them fresh copies and we did and I believe that they have studied that.

There is nothing in the party’s constitution or manifesto that attaches it to secessionist tendency.

This is because the issue of Biafra is different from secession. If you talk about who is a Biafran, all of you here are Biafrans, but do you want to go out of Nigeria, you say no.

At your party’s 2017 Convention, you announced that UPP will continue to field a presidential candidate of Igbo extraction.

Why? Can you please throw more light on that somewhat unusual policy?

That was actually the motivation that led to the formation of APGA because I have found out that Nigeria has a political structure that will never allow an Igbo to become a presidential candidate no matter his credentials. Because the laws of Nigeria are such that before the presidential candidate will emerge during a presidential primaries delegates from the 774 local councils in the country will be drawn on the basis of equality. So, when you now have delegates from North West where they have 188 local councils and delegates from the South East where there are only 95 LGAs, tell me how in a Nigeria with the type of primordial sentiments that we have an Igbo man will win to become a presidential candidate. That was what happened to Dr. Alex Ekwueme and to so many other Igbo people in Nigeria. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu tried on several oc-

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Bold ‘n’ Blunt

lived in Gusau 200 yrs before Dan Fodio came

casions and even deployed two private jets in the process and Chief Arthur Nzeribe tried but none of them made any impact.

When you talk of ANPP, even the President General of Ohaneze tried, that is Nnia Nwodo, Rochas Okorocha tried, Chuba Okadigbo tried. Even Chief Edwin Umezoke tried and each of them paid N10 million nomination fees to the party.

In the case of ANPP, it was worse. Over night, they assembled all the aspirants at the Sokoto Governor’s Lodge and the then Gov Attahiru Bafarawa unscrupulously and so brazenly told them that the Sultan of Sokoto has decreed that it is Mohammadu Buhari that will be the candidate and that was the night before their Convention. On that day, remember that Nwodo took the microphone and said that his heart was bleeding, at the Eagle Square. So, Gen Buhari who probably did not pay the N10 million nomination fee, became unopposed presidential candidate and he appointed Dr. Chuba Okadigbo his running mate. That was what happened. Before then, I was asking myself, ‘is this what we shall continue to go through in this country?’ So, I said the best way to go about it is to have a political party that would provide a platform for Ndigbo to contest. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe achieved his own due to his personal status, not that Nigerians would have given him the opportunity on the grounds of true democratic activity. His stature was such that you couldn’t wish him away. He was the father of Nigeria. That was why he was the one that led them to a coalition with the Northern political party (NPC) and it made him what people called ceremonial president. He entered NPP a smaller political party and the founder of NPP left the party to form another political party -the Great Nigerian People Party (GNPP) and that was Alh Waziri Ibrahim. And after him, no other Igbo man has achieved that height by going into an existing national political party and dominating it. So, we now said let us go and establish a political party and the way to solve this problem is to zone the presidential ticket to the South East. That was how it was possible for the late Odumegwu Ojukwu to become the presidential candidate of APGA. Even at that, they sponsored somebody else, an Igbo man, to contest the presidential ticket with Ojukwu who could have beaten him in the primaries because delegates from the North were asked to vote for that person and they were more in number. So, what we did was to disqualify the gentle man. People did not know how Ikemba became presidential candidate of APGA. That was exactly how Ojukwu emerged.

So, when we founded UPP, the first thing we did was to zone the Presidency to the South East and I was asking Igbo people to come and use it but everybody chickened out. Unfortunately we have lost self-esteem.

It was just forty-eight hours to the exercise in 2014 that the NEC of my party said who are we actually looking for after all?

Which Igbo man is more qualified than you and they resolved that I should be the presidential candidate of UPP in the last election. I ran for president practically unprepared; only to make sure that my red cap was on my head.

Now, the party is beginning to blossom with revolutionary and fresh political underpinnings. So many people are now trooping into the party. And we made it clear early that the position of our party on presidency remains sacrosanct and can neither be changed nor challenged.

So, be it known to all the political parties in Nigeria irrespective of their affiliations that an Igbo man will lock horns with their own presidential candidates come 2019.

You earlier said that Nnamdi Kanu is your political son and today he is after Biafran

disrespect. This is because he knows what I will tell him and it is not what he is prepared to hear. But he is going to come because he has mismanaged it. He said no election in Anambra State and Anambra people reacted and disagreed with him, instead of trying to unite Ndigbo his statements are dividing Ndigbo.

Anambra people said if this is the kind of Biafra you are talking about then we are not part of it. How can you stay in your father’s house to tell us if it pleases you to vote for our candidate to govern us or not?

That has introduced a lot of bad blood that is not good for the struggle. So he turned around to say that he didn’t quite mean that there would not be election, which was a very smart move. But that it is the Pro Biafra people that would elect who would lead them. That is an improvement and when he comes full circle, he will come back to the master of the game.

• Chekwas Republic without consulting you. Does that mean the Igbos are singing discordant tunes?

I will differ a little bit because this is the view the rest Nigerians have about us. This is not true, by our nature we are Republicans and even if you go to the village level and you come to where people are holding meeting you will think that it is a war of words and at the end of the day a decision is arrived at and once that is done, it becomes binding on all. And that is why even when a leader of a group has presented their views at a forum, he will turn round to ask his group whether what he presented was the agreement of the group and if he has forgotten something somebody will say it. It’s

‘

The Yorubas said this is an opportunity for Odua Republic; the Niger Delta gave the same deadline as day when they will declare their own Republic and the Middle Belt say that they will consider joining Ndigbo into Biafra. Those who sponsored it were shocked. They now found out how land-locked they will be once there is a break-up at the end

‘

not only a dead person that you straighten his neck, but also a man that is alive.

So at any point that there is a national issue, Igbos have always gone there with one agreed document as our memorandum.

That does not mean that we do not have few individuals who can go off the handle with their own separate viewpoint or opinion, but those people do not last.

Now to Nnamdi Kanu; you should know that even Chief Ralph Uwazurike also was under my tutelage and I made him one of the officers of a political party that I wanted to form in the past, which is Peoples Democratic Congress (PDC). But when Uwazurike came out, he was uncontrollable and was saying those things like not participating in census not doing this and that. At that initial time he could stop a town from functioning due to his mere presence. He couldn’t manage that popularity.

Now, here we have Kanu who had also evoked so much emotions and he is almost like a cult hero and unfortunately he is being mismanaged rapidly. This is because he has not been here. But he is very conversant with this my sitting room.

His father in-law is the chairman of UPP in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. I have very close relationship with the family. I have got Nnamdi released from the incarceration of SSS twice; when Col Kayode Areh was the Director General of the Service. He knows it and his family people know it too. But I am not the type that goes about talking about it. And when he was arrested I was the very first person in my class that said release this man and I have made contact with the Presidency twice without making public show of it.

The unconditional release was my proposal and I told government to engage him, not while in detention but after he had been released but government has not done that. You will discover that he has visited some people but he has not visited here and I can tell you that it is not out of

The quit notice against the Igbo by the Arewa Youth Council is still raising huge dust. Do you see it as a fluke or something serious?

No. It is a serious issue but I am glad the way it fizzled out. And it didn’t fizzle out because those who sponsored it wanted it to fail. It fizzled out because the backlash following it was unexpected. It was a welloiled attempt to undermine Igbo political and economic interests. Their anger was as a result of the hate speech in the country from the Radio Biafra, which was really very unfortunate. That radio was creating security issues for their own people who are living elsewhere. I told you that some of our people have been living there for centuries before the Fulanis came. As far as Nigerians are concerned, the latest entrants into Nigeria are the Fulanis because others were there before them.

Therefore, when you talk about who should go, the question then is who should actually go from where to where? If everybody must go back to his place of origin, the Fulanis will have to go back to Senegal and that is where they came from. The Igbo people will remain in Nigeria because they have been here from creation. But, asking people to go is more of introducing anarchy in Nigerian. The Yorubas said this is an opportunity for Odua Republic; the Niger Delta gave the same deadline as day when they will declare their own Republic and the Middle Belt say that they will consider joining Ndigbo into Biafra. Those who sponsored it were shocked. They now found out how land-locked they will be once there is a break-up at the end.

Also the Igbos have remained on their guard. When they told you that they are not going anywhere, that tells you that the quit notice is of no effect whatsoever. That also indicated early that they are prepared to defend themselves. If they are there defending themselves, it is easier to send them logistical support than to have them cornered in one area where you have Nsukka sector, Opi sector and the rest of them.

So, if this kind of thing happens, the entire Nigeria will be a theatre of war.

Bear in mind that disintegration is not anywhere in the UPP Constitution, manifesto and agenda. The UPP government will allow every section of Nigeria to explore and exploit areas of its comparative advantage and benefit from its efforts; not depending on oil and gas. Even if it is only the South East that we control, we have the intention of turning it to one large industrial park because it is easy to do that when the State governments of the zone have that synergy.

The proposed electronic voting…

The electronic voting system that is coming soon will to a large extent ensure that people’s votes count. If well applied, it will even eliminate rigging.

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

POLITICS

Anambra 2017: Onunkwo, voice of the youth, poised to deliver APC at the poll THEO RAYS, in Onitsha, after an encounter with youthful Electrical/Electronic and Computer Engineer and politician, Johnbosco Obinna Onunkwo from Umuchu in Aguata Local Council of Anambra State, says that he is a strong voice of the youth who is poised to make a huge difference in the race to Anambra Government House

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CCORDING TO a political observer and rights activist Comrade Rachael Agu, one of the negative things that have characterized democracy in Nigeria is marginalization of the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow.

Agu, a renowned youth leader in Okpoko, a densely populated suburb in Ogbaru Local Council of Anambra State, observed with dismay that in some cases, the youth are completely neglected and consigned to the back seat only to be used as thugs by political desperadoes.

Agu is, therefore, of the opinion that as leaders of tomorrow, the youth have to be carried along today so as to get them prepared for tomorrow. He lamented that the old folks have failed to do the right thing by holding tight to the system and refusing to give the youth a chance to prove their mettle.

He said: “Youth as the leaders of tomorrow have to be given chance today. If you give a youth chance to be a councillor, you are preparing him to be a local council chairman tomorrow. As a chairman today, he is being prepared to be governor tomorrow and as governor today he is getting ready to be President tomorrow and that is the philosophy of being tomorrow’s leader.”

“You cannot consign the youth as leaders of tomorrow to the back seat. You have to give them the opportunity to get prepare for tomorrow, so the situation we find ourselves in this country is no longer acceptable and it is either we take the bull by the horns to change the situation or we keep silent and remain at the back seat,” Agu added.

Certainly, it is in the context of taking the bull by the horn that Onunkwo declared his interest to run the race for the governorship seat of Anambra State against the high and mighty in this November 18 governorship election in the State.

Onunkwo, in his thirties and a product of St Theresa’s College Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, is aspiring to be governor of Anambra on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is among the APC aspirants who have purchased the party’s nomination form ahead of the primary election during which the party’s flag bearer for the November election is expected to emerge.

Bold, courageous and optimistic, the APC aspirant, who currently works as Assistant Coordinator in the Maintenance of Delivery/Booster/Fire Pump and General Material Assistant Coordinator at Nigeria Agip Oil Port Harcourt is telling the good people of Anambra State that not minding his age, he has got enough experience and is, therefore, well-equipped to lead them, starting from March if given the mandate to do so at the November polls.

Aspiring on the platform of the APC, which has other aspirants like the current national Internal Auditor of APC Chief George Muoghalu, leading political gladiator Senator Andy Uba, popular industrialist Dr Chike Obidigbo and a sitting member of the Federal House of Representatives Hon Tony Nwoye, among others, Onunkwo is optimistic that his chances of clinching the

APC ticket at the primary election as well as winning the main election is very bright.

His optimism stems from the fact that he parades quality credentials and enough experience in theories and practice with long-standing contributions to APC as a party, and selfless service to the society through philanthropy. More so, he comes from the youth constituency, which constitutes the largest chunk of the electorate.

In a recent interview with the press, the engineer, philanthropist and politician explained: “I am the oldest member of APC from the side of Action Congress to Action Congress of Nigeria that merged with other political parties to form APC, while George Muoghalu stands as the oldest from All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP).

“I have worked under Ngige since inception of Action Congress and served as South South coordinator of Ngige Mandate Movement; I have made tangible contributions in building my party at the ward, local government and State levels

coupled with the fact I have a vast experience in leadership, starting from my days as a student where I served well as deputy president of the Senate.”

Going further, he added: “I have also served as the President, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt District 9140, I am the current President of Aguata Intellectual Forum and many others too numerous to mention. I have many awards and titles like Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary Club and a Chieftaincy title as Ochendo Ndigbo from the His Royal Majesty Eze Obidiegwu Onyeso, the traditional ruler of Nri kingdom and Custodian of Igbo culture and tradition.

“What I am saying is that I have all it takes to deliver my party at the polls in November. I am very popular among the youth; in fact, I was inspired to join this governorship race by the youth, who gathered in groups, about 30 different groups, at Awka and asked me to come out. So, I have their support. Moreover, I am a Catholic and I am sure that if given the mandate to stand for APC, the church will support

me.”

The former Rotarian President stressed that he has a well-articulated action plan to take Anambra to the next level if given the mandate to lead the State, pointing out that he has the best plans ahead of others on security of lives and property, job creation, mechanized agriculture, quality education, power supply and healthcare delivery, among others.

The APC politician said he would use his vast experience in the oil sector to device means to generate electric power and create enabling environment for businesses that would boost the economy of the State through investments in mechanized farming and manufacturing.

Under his reign, Onunkwo added, he would encourage the emergence and growth of medium and large-scale farmers and industrialists, who will add value and create job opportunities for the teeming mass of the unemployed in the State “I cannot be a governor that wouldn’t raise his finger to revive an ailing industry,” he promised. “I cannot be a governor who would sit in office doing nothing but drinking and dancing at functions and parading awards while large-scale industries are dying at Onitsha and Nnewi for lack of access to soft loan, lack of access roads and epileptic power supply.”

“As a governor, I will revive industries and new ones will spring up in Anambra State,” he assured.

Onunkwo also promises that as governor, he will introduce a digital system of leadership by bringing modern digital equipment and applications to bear on government activities in the State, lamenting that a big State like Anambra is still yet to go digital in the 21st Century when modern technology has turned the world into a global village.

Said he: “Anambra at the present is analog but as a governor I will make it a digital State. Being a digital State, there will be no gap between the those in the city and those in the remote rural areas at Nzam in Anambra West or Omasi in Ayamelum or Ogwuikpere in Ogbaru. That is what digital applications can do for you.

He added: “You can use a digital applicant to teach a set of students in all the schools in the State in a particular subject at the same time. You can use it to enhance security of lives and property, enhance accountability and transparency in governance. As a governor, I will create a website where people can visit and see how the resources of the State are being used, how the governor uses the monthly allocation, the internally generated revenue and how he spends his security vote.”

The Ochendo of Igbo land argued that the chances of APC at the poll come November largely depends on the candidate the party would fly, maintaining that flying a candidate who has the support of the youth and a well-articulated programme of action on security of lives and property, job creation, power supply and others as listed above is what the party needs to oustt Governor Obiano and take over the reins of power at the Government House, Awka.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

POLITICS Why Rivers APC LG Congress ended in fiasco

• Rotimi Amaechi

• Magnus Abe

The botched Rivers APC LG congress came as a cleamanifestation of the disagreement between former Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Senator Godwin Abe on the 2019 governorship ticket.

From P/Harcourt NATH OMAME reports.

T

HE LONG-RUNNING TIFF between the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe, provoked by Abe’s desire to vie for the 2019 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), burst up the seams, at the weekend, in the conduct of the Rivers State Local Council Delegates’ Congress.

The congress is important to Amaechi and Abe because the delegates so elected are the one who will, among other delegates, participate in the selection of the candidate that will represent the APC in the 2019 gubernatorial election. And this is a thorny issue that has torn the once cohesive Rivers APC down the middle.

On Friday, July 29, some stakeholders of the party, carefully selected with the approval of the Amaechi met at the premises of the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), at No.120, Woji Road, Phase 2, Port Harcourt. ESI is the social project that Amaechi’s wife, Dame Judith, superintended while she was First Lady of Rivers State for eight years.

Snippets of information filtered to some other big wigs in the APC sympathetic to Senator Abe’s governorship ambition, and he was duly informed of a stakeholders’ meeting taking place at the ESI premises along Woji Road. Abe rallied some of them and together they drove to the venue of the meeting.

To their surprise, the meeting was, indeed, in progress. And to Senator Abe, that a stakeholder meeting of that magnitude was holding in Rivers State without the knowledge of or, he put it, “without informing or inviting the National Assembly caucus of the APC in Rivers State,” was decidedly wrong.

Abe and those who came with him were surprised that members of the committee sent from the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja were present at the meeting. Abe and the other stakeholders that he came with registered their dismay and asked why members of the National Assembly caucus, some former commissioners, some former local government chairmen, some former political office holders and some other influential grassroots mobilisers who were part of the Rivers State APC caucus were not invited for the expansive stakeholders’ meeting.

Senator Abe and the other APC top-notches who came with him were told the meeting had been moved to the State party secretariat along Forces Avenue, GRA Phase 1, in the State capital.

Abe and his group then moved to the state secretariat where they waited for the members of

the committee from Abuja, including stakeholders who had been at meeting with them at the state secretariat.

But no one present at the meeting held at the ESI showed up. After waiting for hours, Senator Abe spoke to an expectant press.

“We got information that leaders of the party were meeting and we went there only for us to get there and find out the meeting had ended.

Then someone said no, that they relocated the meeting to the party secretariat. Here we are at the party secretariat. No one is here. It is under lock and key,” he declared.

“But, you ask how can leaders of a party be holding a meeting and members of the party at the National Assembly are not in attendance?

The leaders who came to supervise the election are holed up in a hotel in the capital city of Port Harcourt.”

Later in the evening, the Chairman of the Rivers State APC, Chief Davis Ibiamu Ikanya, issued a statement informing members of the public and the media that the party would hold its local council congress the next day, Saturday, July 29, in all 23 local councils in the State. He added that the venue of the congresses had been communicated to the leaders of the party at the councils.

On Saturday, July 29, the day the local government congress was slated to hold, nuggets of information, again, filtered in that names of delegates were being purportedly written at the Novotel Hotel, along Stadium Road, now renamed Ken Saro-Wiwa Road, by Governor Nyesom Wike. Again, Abe and his supporters drove to the hotel.

At the hotel, members of the committee who were delegated to organise the local council congresses were holed up in the hotel. As stated

by Abe and other members of his group, the materials that would have been used in the conduct of the congresses were still in the care of the committee from Abuja. According to them, none of the materials has been distributed to the 23 local councils in the state.

At about 10.am on Saturday, over 200 supporters of Senator Abe were seen outside the State Secretariat of the APC along Forces Avenue, in GRA Phase 2. At about 10.30am, operational Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger vehicles began arriving with a reinforcement of regular, Mobile Police and officers of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS).

At about 11.45am, about 20 Police operational vehicles had arrived with more reinforcement of security personnel. The number of Senator Abe’s supporters had equally bludgeoned.

Armed Policemen at the sentry post of the Police Officers Mess, three buildings from the APC state secretariat came out and asked those standing in front of the Police Mess to move towards the APC secretariat or move away from the ambience of the Police Officers Mess.

The armed security officer at the sentry post at the official residence of the naval commander also came out of the sentry post. He also asked all those standing in front or beside the edifice to move to the APC secretariat where the committee from Abuja was being expected. Representatives from the 23 local councils who had arrived in buses were seen waiting to collect materials for the delegate congress.

Senator Abe had late Friday evening raised an alarm that there was a hideous plan by some persons to “write the names of handpicked delegates without subjecting the choice of party members to a free, fair and credible democratic process.”

As the waiting game at the APC state secretariat along Forces Avenue, at GRA, Phase1, continued, information seeped in that Senator Abe and other members of the APC National Assembly caucus, some former lawmakers, former commissioners, formers local council chairmen and some members of the Rivers State APC caucus that have been sidelined from the elective process were at the Novotel Hotel, along Stadium/Saro-Wiwa Road, where members of the electoral committee delegated from the APC national secretariat, were lodged.

At 2.45pm, on Saturday, Senator Abe, Hon. Chidi Wihoka, Member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Bara Mpigi, also a Member of the House of Representatives, Chief Tony Okocha, former chief of staff to Amaechi in his second term as governor of Rivers State, Chief Allwell Onyesoh, a former commissioner of sports, some former lawmakers, some former local council chairmen, were seen outside the gate at Novotel Hotel.

It was gathered that Amaechi had directed that they should not be allowed into the hotel.

The security was a combined team of the army and the Police. Fearsome security dogs were seen inside the premises of the hotel. Abe and all other topbrass of the APC that came with him, or came to find out what had delayed the materials for the congress were all seen standing outside the hotel.

Members of the electoral committee that had been delegated by the national secretariat in Abuja to conduct the congress were holed up in the hotel. And none of them came out up to 7.30pm. As dusk set in, more detachment of the army, navy, Mobile Police, FSARS, and other specialised units of the Nigerian Police arrived at Novotel Hotel.

As members of the APC and supporters of Senator Abe swelled, and members of the electoral committee unable to venture out of the hotel, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki

Ahmed, sent a senior Police officer from the state command to speak with Senator Abe and his team. The Police officer after speaking with Abe and his team for about 10 minutes went into the hotel where he was said to have also spoken to members of the committee form Abuja.

A truce was struck. And Senator Abe and members of his team and members of the committee that came from Abuja proceeded to the state Police command in different vehicles. The police gave maximum security to the members of the electoral committee because furious members of the APC that had thronged the hotel, about 300 of them, were now visibly angry, and tempers were patently charged.

Senator Abe spoke to the press before he left for the Rivers state Police command.

“Well, as you can see, there has been no congress in the State. The so-called stakeholders meeting in the State on Friday ended in a fiasco.

The committee from the national secretariat did not come to the party’s secretariat on Forces Avenue since morning yet people have been here waiting. So, nobody should stay in a hotel and use any list for Rivers people.”

He lamented: “This should not be happening in the APC. This is not what the APC stands for.

The APC stands for change. And if we are honest in our resolve to change the way we have been doing things in the country, then, we must change the way we do things. We, too, must change. I am sure the national leadership of the party in Abuja will not allow this to stand.”

It was gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed, elicited an undertaking from Senator Abe and his supporters on the one hand, the leadership of the Rivers APC and members of the committee form Abuja on the other hand, that no group would do anything that would cause a breach of the peace, considering the charged atmosphere that the untoward event had already generated in the State.

At about 8.pm, on Saturday, Publicity Secretary of the APC in Rivers State, Chris Finebone stated that the party’s local government congress was very successful. He added that Senator Abe and his supporters could not participate in the congress because the election was taking place while they were at the Novotel Hotel where they spent the day monitoring the movements of the committee as well as the electoral materials that would have been used for the local government election that clearly ended in a fiasco, thereby, thoroughly diminishing the vaunted democratic credentials of the ruling APC. The Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Safety and Administration Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who was the APC candidate in the 2015 governorship election, and which sources say is still angling to fly the party’s flag in 2019, applauded the outcome of the congress and profusely commended Amaechi for his sterling leadership qualities in leading Rivers APC.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

POLITICS Sources of Paris Club refunds, uses to which they are put

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LAST YEAR, a new political and economic lexicon found its way into the nation’s political dictionary. The new entrant is the Paris Club Refund. It was the APC-led federal government of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari that made the new lexicon popular with the piecemeal releases of the refund made by the Paris Club to the State governments as a way of stimulating the economy that had gone into recession. From Owerri, COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri.

• Gov. Okorocha

F

OLLOWING the neck-deep recession in the country, it became commonplace for State governments to fail to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners and others. This expectedly led to the collapse of some State economies, no thanks to funds mismanagement and the inability of State governors to engage in any viable venture that could strengthen the local economy.

Consequently, in order to stem the embarrassing and ugly situation, many of them rushed into poorly thought-out policies that became anti-people, while others engaged in stimulus packages to ameliorate the harsh effects of the recession on the people. Some of the poorly thought-out anti-people policies by some of the governors in the midst of recession were pay cuts, mass sack in the civil service, inability to pay salaries and pensions, etc.

This led to several protests against their State governments by those affected, while others embarked on strikes.

It was in the light of the foregoing that the federal government moved to rescue the States and thus try to stimulate the economy.

Following this, the State governors had marathon meetings with the federal government on the best way out, and in the end, it was agreed that the Paris Club overpayments, which had been returned to the federal government be remitted to the various State governments in the form of bailout packages.

But what is Paris Club, some may ask. Established in 1956, and with about 22 member countries with headquarters in Paris, France, the Paris Club is a group of officials from major countries whose role is to find coordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties faced by debtor nations. They provide an appropriate debt solutions to countries that embark on reforms for stabilizing their economies, such as debt rescheduling or debt relief as achieved by Nigeria during the PDP Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In the case of concessional debt rescheduling, the Club provides reduction in debt services for a given period.

With regard to debt relief or cancellation, the Club offers total debt forgiveness. In order words, it provides a structured slowing or stopping of the debt incurred by any debtor

country from further accumulation.

However, the State governors have now received the tranches of the repayment of the over deducted Paris Club debt. The Paris Club debt was incurred on behalf of the State governments by the military during the military regimes. But the PDP administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo started its repayment and eventually struck a debt relief deal with the Club.

The payment of the debts also affected many of the States negatively as their various debts were deducted from source. Oftentimes, after the deductions some States were left with almost zero revenue. And considering how the military mismanaged the economy and the fact that the States depended more on federal allocations, it became a wonder how some of the State governors managed their States and paid salaries of workers.

For example, in Imo State, the Achike Udenwa administration during which the deductions were made was said to have used all ingenuity available to ensure the State’s economy did not collapse but continued to meet all obligations to contractors, workers and pensioners, etc.

“It was a surprise to us how the Udenwa administration was able to embark on huge legacy protects such as the state secretariat, rural and urban roads, expansion of governance structures, such as the establishment of development centres across the 27 local councils and running democratically elected local council system, which is very expensive to run. The establishment of new areas for residential, estates, healthcare, agriculture and education remain a wonder to those of us who were part of that government,” said a top official of that Udenwa administration who spoke to The Oracle Today in Owerri on Friday.

“The first tranche of the Paris Club Refund was about N516bn, out of which Imo State was said to have got about N15bn. In the second tranche, which was announced (last) week, Imo State government got about N7bn.

And when you put them together you would see that the Udenwa administration saved about N22bn for the state, which is now being used by Governor Okorocha,” he added.

• Gov. Obiano He noted that it would be unfair in the face of the Paris Club refund for Governor Okorocha to continue to cast aspersions on the Udenwa era for alleged failure, saying that it is very obvious now that the PDP era, especially the Udenwa administration, did not fail, “because you can imagine what more he could have done with N22bn available to him. Also, think of what the Okorocha government could have done if there was no additional N22bn for it. The state could since have died.”

That notwithstanding, former Chairman of Orlu Local Council and Chairman of Imo State ALGON, Hon Ikenga Mayor Eze, has said that “the APC-led federal government should come open clearly and let Nigerians know what the Paris Club refund that all tiers of government share periodically means.”

While pointing out that money does not fall from trees, he said that many people do not know the source of the Paris Club refund, which the State governors now have access to.

“I bet you that so many people do not know the source of the windfall. Money does not fall from trees. I honestly believe they (government) owes Nigerians more education on it so that credits and blames should be properly allotted,” he said.

According to media reports, the federal government and the State governments had agreed that about 25 to 50% of the first tranche of the Paris Club refund would be used to offset outstanding salaries and pension. But there were cases of alleged misapplication and diversion of the fund. This has led to claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating some of the governors.

It was not shocking, therefore, that one of the conditions for the second tranche of the Paris Club refund disbursement was that the States would have met the conditions set out for the first.

“This time around, the Presidency had made up its mind that any State which breached the agreement (for the first tranche) will not be entitled to the second tranche.

“We have feedback from the states on how some of these governors diverted and misused the first set of funds. Some of them did

not spend up to 15 per cent on salaries and pensions. The records are there to prove the breach.

“We also got reports from security agencies, labour, pensioners, concerned leaders in various States and many whistle-blowers on how the governors spent the first tranche,” a national daily quoted a presidency source as saying.

But on the second tranche, a presidency source said the federal government has “a benchmark which we mutually consented to.”

However, the Commissioner of Finance in Benue State, Hon David Olofu, threw more light, saying that “During the negotiation of the debt cancellation in 2006, states were not carried along, so when the governor’s forum met, it was agreed that a consultant be engaged to reconcile the account and both the consultant and federal government have come to conclusion.

“The money is the first line charge of the loan from Paris and London Club debts between 1995 and 2002.”

But smarting from the controversy that rocked the first tranche of the Paris Club refund in Imo State owing to the secrecy with which it was handled, Governor Rochas Okorocha has confirmed the receipt of N7bn as second tranche of the Paris Club refund by the federal government, promising to use same to clear arrears of 2017 pensions.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hon Sam Onwuemeodo, in a press statement last week, said: “All things being equal, the good news at the moment is that, with the current Paris Club Fund, government would clear the 2017 outstanding pensions but would also not leave any stone unturned to find out why it appears people retire on daily basis in the State but nothing goes out from the fat pension bill and figure, thereby giving the impression that all those who retired in the State since its creation are all still alive.

“The government would also use part of the Paris Club money to pay salaries although the State government does not have any outstanding salary to contend with, because it has paid salaries up to month of June 2017.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

POLITICS

NDDC’S neglect of Abia oil communities won’t deter us –Chilaka, ASOPADEC boss Abia State is one of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and States with two local governments Ukwa East and Ukwa West as its oil and gas producing communities. Abia accounts for Nigeria’s largest deposit of natural gas. On a visit to these areas reports little or no presence of the NDDC, the body with the statutory responsibility for oil communities, existed... BARR. HENRY GOODLUCK CHILAKA, the Sole Administrator of ASOPADEC, Abia State interventionist body, shares with us why his agency is not perturbed by NDDC’s abdication of responsibility…

By UCHECHUKWU UGBOAJA

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HAT DOES ASOPADEC represent?

Did your appointment as its Sole Administrator surprise you?

ASOPADEC is Abia State Oil Producing Communities Development Commission, and its primary mandate is to provide intervention services and projects which are meant to improve the living conditions of our people in the oil producing areas as well as mitigating the impact of exploration activities on the rural people.

Well as regards my appointment did not come to me as a surprise because the Governor has always insisted that the only reward in Abia State for hard work is more work, and as a member of the board of ASOPADEC before 10 May 2017 I had devoted major part of my time to learning on the job of serving humanity from several leaders which include the Governor himself, and so as a young person I had this passion and enthusiasm towards handling more demanding responsibilities, so my appointment didn’t come to me as a surprise but as a fulfilment of dreams which I have had and so when it came I felt this high responsibility to deliver to make the Governor proud, to make the people of Ukwa West proud, to make Abians in general proud and also to touch my staff here. So the feeling was sort of mixed in terms of fulfillment and that of responsibility.

With your being involved with the agency even prior to your new position, we believe that you have had the rare privilege of assessing the major needs of these communities. Can you share with us these particular areas, which you intend to focus urgently?

Just like I said earlier ASOPADEC is all about providing services to the people of the oil producing areas as you know owing to the activities of oil exploration the people are exposed to several forms of environmental degradation which lead to economic deprivation and pollution of our soil and water ways which consequently results in the unwholesome outcome of our farm produces, health and physical challenges among women, children and the elderly all as a result of the exploration of oil and gas in these communities. ASOPADEC was created to look into such areas and then provide basic amenities and in most cases palliatives to the people.

I have to admit mildly that although ASOPADEC ought to be an interventionist agency according to its mandate, in the past ASOPADEC deviated so much from its primary responsibility but I have made a commitment to restore it to its core responsibility and bring it under focus as we have even begun to concentrate more on intervening to ensure we ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

Like the saying goes ‘Rome was not built in one day’. We started by immediately blocking leakages and areas that funds were erroneously channelled towards things that were not relevant to the mandate and now we have rechannelled funds to the plight of our people because our people have a chance of living better than they are doing at the moment. Remember we cannot touch everyone all at the same time so the best to touch the lives of majority is to set out projects that will impact on them in strategic areas such as agriculture, education, health, economic empowerment in an innovative manner.

In agriculture we have engaged experts to establish ASOPADEC Farms. Our objective is to train and retrain people of oil producing areas in modern farming procedures as well as how to apply basic science and technology skills, which will enhance their productions.

We are alive to our responsibilities in health

• Chilaka care. We have embarked on a robust equipping of some strategic health care centres across the various communities with the aim of making health care centres accessible to women, children and the elderly when they need them.

The focus in education is scholarships. The strategic reason is that we believe that our duty to these communities will not be complete if we don’t encourage them to acquire formal education. Remember when you train one individual you have empowered a whole community and so we are focused on scholarships to deserving students who will be sponsored to institutions either at home or abroad, depending on their discipline. As for our pupils in primary schools, we have commenced the procurement of chairs and desks for some schools to ensure that the learning conditions in our schools are enhanced for better performance by our kids. Also note that the furniture is being produced by some of our youths who we are training under the competent guidance of a local furniture manufacturing company.

I can also tell you that we have recently engaged an indigenous steel manufacturing company domiciled in Abia, to train some of our youths in steel works. This is essentially to ensure that they acquire the skill and knowledge needed to achieve self-reliance in this area and we have even decided to give them some stipend with which they would use in starting something for themselves as soon as they are competent enough to stand on their own.

Grading and maintenance of rural roads to aid easy access for both goods and services are on going. We have also provided pipe-borne water in various locations. We have also built some civic centres and town halls for these communities because there have been an age long practice of mortgaging their palm trees to raise money as a collective to have some of these community infrastructure built. However, I thank God that we have intervened in this area and the practice of leasing out their palm trees to agricultural merchants from neighbouring States like Cross River

and Akwa Ibom has been checked, because we found out that they end up not being able to complete any of the projects on their own for as long as five to 20 years in some cases and this is how the cycle of poverty continues. We are happy that ASOPADEC has come to their rescue today to build these town halls for them. Two of them are ready for commissioning, one at Ekpoku and the other at Imiku-Ozara.

I may also add that on a personal level it excites me to be a part of the touching of lives of indigent members of these communities such as widows. As a practicing lawyer I used part of my salary to build houses for the poor and vulnerable in our areas and even sometimes in collaboration with other privileged friends who I won’t like to mention on this platform. The most recent is a three-bedroom flat that would soon be handed over to the widows which is the third of its kind using my salary as a lawyer and my allowances here as the then Commissioner. This is not ASOPADEC, but my personal effort at making a difference in the lives of people.

Having heard how much you are committed to serving this people it is important to ask if you also enjoy an equal level of goodwill and support from the people from these communities?

I must tell you something important first of all my driving force so far has been has been the kind of solidarity I receive whenever I am at any public function is really cheering. You know when you touch the lives of people and they show this appreciation it has a way of making you do more. The feedback has been very wonderful and it makes me re-energised to do even more.

To emphasise what I’m saying there have been a plethora of groups including youths and community leaders from within the oil producing areas and outside who have shown me tremendous goodwill since my appointment inspite of my being a youth. Vote Okezie Again Group, Abia Youth Assembly, AYA, Supreme Council of Ukwa-Ngwa Youths, All Citizens Forum and Ohaneze Ndigbo

Youths, have felicitated with me. Others are National Association of Ndoki Students, NANS, and Federation of Ngwa Students. Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government Traditional Rulers Council paid me a very prestigious visit with a 13-man delegate. The PDP state executives also came calling which included former PDP State Chairman Senator Emma Nwakpa as well as Chief Uzodinma Okpara, the former State Chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, simply to encourage me to keep the good works going.

I don’t expect anyone to be surprised because I am a student of the dynamic and innovative school of thought of Governor Ikpeazu. I’ve learnt from him and I’m still learning from him.

There is a call by youths for the legislature to reduce the age limit for access to available political positions. Your case is a clear example that youths can fit in properly if given the chance.

What will be your response to those who might be insisting that you might be lacking the prerequisite experience to deliver on the job?

First of all, I’m a trained lawyer with a sound background in Energy and Natural Gas Law. Apart from that, I have been a Councillor twice in Ukwa West Local Government Council in 20062007. I have also been a Supervisor for Health in the same Local Government Council and I was Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Political Matters in 2010/2011. I became an ASOPADEC Board member in 2014 until my present appointment. It is important to note that the Board was made up of 11 persons, which included former federal and state legislature, former commissioners, former permanent secretaries and other renowned personalities that I drew various leadership experiences from. So if as a young person I represented the people of Ukwa West in such a board for three years with such calibre of persons around, not forgetting my background as a lawyer what more experience do I need to lead ASOPADEC? Overall I thank God and the visionary Governor Ikpeazu for finding me worthy for this role.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is established by Act of Parliament to provide intervention services and projects for oil producing communities. How can you assess its contributions?

I will be very frank with you on this. NDDC have not lived up to one percent of its responsibility to the oil producing communities in Abia State. In fact there is no presence of NDDC either in Ukwa East or Ukwa West Local Government Areas.

The last time we heard anything about NDDC was at its inception when Mr. Okechukwu Nwaubani represented Abia State in the board of NDDC. I can tell you authoritatively that if you go round that the only projects you will find were either during the tenure of Mr. Nwaubani, which is nearly over a decade ago, and they are abandoned because the contractors collected the money and disappeared. It is quite unfortunate Abia State has had it so rough because NDDC has not lived up to its responsibilities to Abia State and its oil producing communities in particular.

So how has ASOPADEC been able to manage agitations from youths when they arise as a result of the exploration activities of these multinationals?

One very important thing is the ability to build confidence in the people one leads. I have been able to build that confidence in our youths not just because I’m one but there is a level of understanding and belief in what I do, which is not different from what I tell them. I can assure you that if there is any group that I have the widest support in these communities, it is from the youth and student bodies because they have followed me and they know that this ASOPADEC leadership is that of truth and sincerity so that makes it easy to manage them.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

POLITICS

16

‘We will reawaken consciousness of Bayelsans to take back their State in 2019’ DR. KONRAD EKIYOR WELSON is a university don and Director, Campaign for Development and Democracy in Bayelsa (CDDB), an NGO seeking good governance in the State. In this interview with CHRIS EZE in Yenagoa, he said Bayelsans have had enough bad leadership over the years, stressing that CDDB has the vision to restore power to the people in 2019.

The first impression one got about you in this town is that you had excellent media relations when you were in government. Till today journalists in the state still speak very well of you. Let’s share your experience in government; perhaps those in the saddle today may have one or two things to learn.

Twenty years after, they have not seen one per cent of their dream and even the State government itself could not celebrate.

In a few more years, we will be talking about 25 years--the silver jubilee. This State government cannot celebrate because when you have failed, you don’t celebrate. When you have failed, you become sober.

So you rub ashes on yourself and you mourn and so I said every Bayelsan should cry for a minimum of one hour every day because we have failed. Bayelsa people have failed Bayelsa State; as a people and as leaders they have failed their State. And generations after now will hold them responsible.

That was why I said Bayelsa people should weep.

Basically what you hear about my legacy in government is a legacy based on love.

When I came into this State, I came with the mindset that this is Ijaw land and we all must love Ijaw land and so, must do things or take actions that must promote its progress. It started with my being chairman of NUJ. The first thing that came to my mind was how to make the lot of journalists better. It started from there and within 11 months that I was chairman, the reputation of journalists in this town changed. It changed from that of ruffians to respected and respectable professionals. We established that.

Then I went into the Ijaw struggle. I was the National Publicity Secretary of INC and it was the same mindset of doing everything possible to create better environment for journalists because even as the publicity secretary I worked with journalists because that was my primary constituency. And by the grace of God, when Jonathan invited me to work with him, I continued. It wasn’t because I didn’t like money or I didn’t like to do what others were doing which was why you don’t hear about them. They basically took care of themselves, but I didn’t take care of myself. I took care of my immediate constituency.

My foray into government was out of love. I wanted to assist Jonathan to create a kind of image that will attract goodness to Bayelsa. Mine is a story of love, I love to the extent that I sacrifice, and that is the summary of my experience in government. I went into government out of love and I came back worse, but I came back fulfilled that I played my role.

You are now in the academia and a lecturer in the state owned Niger Delta University,( NDU). But of late, we have been hearing a lot of stories about NDU many of which are not very palatable. The ASUU chapter there in fact is saying that this administration is bent on crippling that university. What is your experience in NDU? The problem with NDU is that NDU was badly midwifed from the beginning. The concept was wrong, and I am beginning to think that they didn’t have a genuine intention for setting up the school. I visit so many States and I see their State-owned universities. You could see from the beginning that they had the mind to help their people. The whole idea of creating NDU was not to help Bayelsa people.

It was to create a conduit pipe to steal money. For those that did it, they succeeded; they made so much money from NDU in the name of NDU without putting anything on ground. If you look at the records and see the amount of money that has been spent on NDU and go to NDU, you will put some people on the stake and shoot them. You will say firing squad should be returned because these people were wicked.

Now currently, I think there is a deliberate plan to kill the university because the current administration has not done anything to make NDU better. Deliberately, money is not

sent to NDU. Deliberately, salaries are not paid. These things are not accidental, they are deliberate. Now, what we are seeing is a situation where the university can’t even generate revenue because every money that is paid to the school goes into a government account. So, you ask yourself if you don’t send subvention to the school, you don’t pay salaries, what are you telling them in the school? So, the experience we have now is a very, very horrific experience. Now you have the opportunity of correcting it through your union, but you see the man come in with a Machiavellian principle. The Machiavellian principle of the present administration is to make every friend an enemy and every enemy a friend. Unions naturally agitate against the government, they are people that put government under pressure. But, what the government has done is to buy over all of them. All the unions in Bayelsa State have been bought over, including ASUU. ASUU’s leadership has been compromised and there is nothing they can do about it. They can deny it, they can argue against it, but we know they have been compromised.

And lecturers on their own are like sheep without shepherd. Now the rottenness they have been avoiding is completely fledging

Is it that failure that led to the concept of CDDB (Campaign for Democracy and Development in Bayelsa) you are championing?

Now what we have in CDDB is an attempt by civil society to reawaken itself. What we are doing now is that we want to awaken ourselves because we are sleeping. Bayelsa is almost 50 years behind Lagos State.

So, in the next 50 years, Lagos State would have gone 100 years, you understand, so we are yet to start the idea of building a State.

But, where is that failure coming from? The failure is not coming from government; the failure is not coming from these leaders. The failure is coming from the people because they allow nonsense. The reason they perform in Lagos is because the Lagos man will not take nonsense. Ogun State man will not take nonsense; the Oyo State man will not take nonsense. They go to governor and they tell governor, come down.

There are people that can bring governor down. But, you see Bayelsa people go to governor to patronize. The culture of the Bayelsa man is not to challenge the governor, but to go and patronize the governor.

What we want to do now is to tell ourselves that what we have done for the past 20 years should stop. Let us now take back our state.

It is a campaign and I am just the Campaign Director. Let us bring back Bayelsa and give now in the university. All manners of ills are it to the people so that development and degoing on in the university and the quality of mocracy can favour the people. education in the university now is falling beSo, what is the way forward for Bayelsans? cause the source, which is the governor and The way forward is new political orientathe Visitor of the university, is not interested in the growth and we are not surprised be- tion, new political dispensation, new political cause they are creating another one (Univer- philosophy in Bayelsa. That is the way forward. Everything must be new. sity of Africa) in their backyard.

Now, if you are creating another one in Who will drive that philosophy? your backyard, what do you do with the one The people are driving it. We are coming; you already have, it must die. It’s so unfortunate. The Bayelsa people hate their State and you will see a new Bayelsa by God’s grace. In 2019/2020 by God’s grace, you will see a new hate their people. That is the story of NDU. dispensation, a new political philosophy, a Last year when Bayelsa celebrated 20 new political leadership, and a new political years of its creation, you said instead of roll- arrangement in the State, a leadership that ing out the drums to celebrate, Bayelsa peo- is based on knowledge. Right now, they run ple should put on ashes and weep. I wonder Bayelsa without knowledge. They run Bayelsa based on emotion, and they call it politics. why you made that statement.

They don’t understand politics. You unI made that statement because when Bayelsa was created in 1996, the agitation derstand, they are emotional, they are senstarted almost 10 years before the state was timental. So, we are looking at a situation created. And I had the privilege of speaking where knowledge will be introduced, politiwith one or two founding fathers and they cal knowledge, economic knowledge, social told me the kind of dream they had. They knowledge, environmental knowledge, inhad a master plan for Bayelsa especially in frastructural knowledge. This State will be Yenagoa. They had taxi colours, they had all returned to the people and the people will kinds of designs on how the State and the create a Bayelsa of their dream by God’s grace. city should be run.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

W/Bank: FG’s fiscal policies, institutions spur recession The average CPIA score for the 38 African countries assessed in the 2016 review edged lower to 3.1. Rwanda again led all countries in the region with a score of 4.0, closely followed by Senegal and Kenya, both with a score of 3.8. Although some countries saw a strengthening in policy and institutional quality, the number of countries with worsening overall scores outpaced improvers by a margin of two to one.

According to the report, a common pattern across countries that experienced a weakening in their overall policy and institutional quality was slippage in economic management including monetary and exchange rate, fiscal, and debt policies.

This, it said, can in part be explained by unfavorable economic conditions like deteriorating terms of trade, sluggish global growth, and difficult economic conditions, that continued to take a toll on countries across the region, deepening macroeconomic vulnerabilities. Weakening of fiscal and external buffers constrained the scope for macroeconomic policies to mitigate the effects of adverse shocks to economic activity.

“Governance underpins all sectors of World Bank Group engagement, and moving forward, despite these slight gains, it will remain critical that Sub-Saharan countries implement or expand governance and public-sector reforms that will upgrade financial management systems, increase transparency, reduce corruption, protect rights, and improve public services,” notes Albert Zeufack, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), it would be recalled had raised the alarm over the increasing fiscal deficit estimated at N2.51 trillion in the first-half of 2017 and the crowding out effect of high government borrowing on the private sector.

The committee had, for the fifth consecutive time, retained of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at a

By VICTOR NZE

T

he recently-released World Bank Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) Africa analysis may have indicted the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which, penultimate week, revealed that rising fiscal deficit has now hit N2.51 trillion in just the first-half of 2017 alone.

The World Bank, in its report, released Monday, had described as ‘weakened’ the quality of policies and institutions in Nigeria as well as those in other sub-Saharan countries.

The CBN revelation is also worrying considering that the 2017 budget which was benchmarked on $42.5 per barrel crude oil price, has already exceeded the N2.36 trillion budgeted fiscal deficit for the whole of the 2017 financial year of N7.298tn, which itself was 20.4 per cent higher than the 2016 estimates.

Crude oil prices have hovered above the $50 benchmark for much first quarter of 2017, same period under review, bolstered further by an increased output by the country to over two milliion barrels of oil per day (bpd).

The physical barrel output is well above previous output levels of a little under 1.5 million bpd for much of last year.

The World Bank Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) Africa analysis which scored the progress which Nigeria and others are making on strengthening the quality of their policies and institutions low, also noted that this weakened trend was observed in 40 per cent of the region’s countries, notably commodity exporters and fragile states.

CPIA scores are based on 16 development indicators in four areas: economic management, structural policies, policies for social inclusion and equity, and public sector management and institutions. Countries are rated on a scale of 1 (low) to 6 (high) for each indicator. The overall CPIA score reflects the average of the four areas of the CPIA.

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 304.7 Pounds Sterling 400.65 EURO 356.4685 SWISS FRANC 317.2967 YEN 2.7352 CFA 0.5218 WAUA 426.5058 Yuan/Renminbi 45.2014 RIYAL 81.2468 DANISH KRONA 47.9299 SDR 428.4082

305.2 305.7 401.3075 401.9649 357.0535 357.6384 317.8173 318.338 2.7397 2.7442 0.5318 0.5418 427.2057 427.9056 45.2761 45.3507 81.3802 81.5135 48.0086 48.0872 429.1112 429.8142

Indorama streams $1.5bn fertilizer plant e-Platform Why Nigeria may miss 30% broadband target –ATCON

Aviation

•CBN Gov, Godwin Emefiele

MMIA, NAIA certification dates not certain – NCAA

Insurance FUG Pensions targets N0.5trn Assets under Management

Continues on P18

CBN EXCHANGE RATES JULY 21, 2017

Energy

Stock Market Highlights As At 28 July, 2017

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME

VALUE CAP

Most Traded S/N Coy (By Volume) Volume

36,864.71 5,799.00 525,596,090.00 8,137,975,429.34 12,705,446,827,912.26 Value

5 Top Gainers Company Last Close Current Change NESTLE 955.5 1003.27 47.77 PRESCO 71 73.2 2.2 DANGSUGAR 9.88 10.86 0.98 WAPCO 60 60.75 0.75 INTBREW 31.5 32 0.5

5 Top Losers Company Last Close Current Change 1. FBNH 96,861,563 548,645,946.73 DANGCEM 244.99 235.51 -9.48 -2.15 2.

DIAMONDBNK 88,086,783 117,024,410.79 NB 173.77 171.62 -1.2 3. TRANSCORP 57,846,125 83,680,521.63 FO 62.9 61.7 65.05 -0.95 4.

ZENITHBANK 46,197,370 1,224,604,770.53 GUINNESS 66 11.2 10.45 -0.75 GUARANTY 46,001,762 1,895,096,292.76 CADBURY 5.

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

BUSINESS

Union Bank unveils upgraded digital solutions

By VICTOR NZE

U

nion Bank unveiled a plethora of digital banking solutions at an interactive media event at the Heritage Place, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The solutions include a new version of its mobile banking app, UnionMobile, and *826#, a unique USSD code which will allow customers perform banking transactions through short code messaging on their mobile phones.

The Bank, Wednesday, also revealed its upgraded online banking platform, UnionOnline, with aesthetic improvements, new features and targeted offers for its customer segments. With *826#, Union Bank joins a growing finan-

cial industry trend which hopes to extend banking services to less tech savvy customers, and customers who want to avoid internet banking which requires data, as well as the financially excluded.

Speaking at the launch event, Emeka Emuwa, Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, spoke effusively about the Bank’s new banking solutions and its commitment to delivering on its brand proposition.

“Simpler, Smarter banking is not just a tagline for us. We have worked tirelessly for nearly two years to deliver the solutions we are presenting today because we invested time and resources to understand what our customers really need and how we can deliver

the right solutions to meet those needs.

This investment in understanding our customers’ needs has led to the innovations and first-tomarket features we are unveiling today. Our new platforms marry simplicity, functionality and aesthetics to deliver a seamless and improved user experience for our customers” Emuwa said.

Borrowing from the UBER innovation concept, Union Bank has introduced a ‘Locate An Agent’ feature on its banking app, designed to bring its mobile banking services directly to its customers.

Using the mobile app, customers can locate the Union Bank Direct Sales Agent (DSA) closest to them and request cash collection for

deposit or withdrawals. Agents can also open accounts and assist customers with other banking services at a location convenient for them.

According to Union Bank’s Head of Retail Banking, Carlos Wanderley, this new feature is designed especially to support small businesses.

“The ‘Locate an Agent’ feature was developed to provide a much desired convenience for small businesses and sole entrepreneurs. This is an on-demand service which allows them conclude basic banking transactions at a time and location most convenient to them. It saves them time and provides one-on-one VIP service they would likely not get at

the branches,” he said.

Bucking the industry standard which relies on a shared USSD code for mCash merchant payments, Union Bank has become the first bank in Nigeria to enable its own unique USSD code for the mCash payment system.

This means that customers of the Bank can use the bank’s short code, 826, to make mCash payments at participating merchant locations, whereas other banks do not use their own codes but rely on a shared short code from Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) which owns the mCash platform. mCash is a real-time mobile payment solution which relies on short code messaging for payments of goods and services.

9mobile empowers Abuja SMEs with ‘Market Access’ 9

mobile in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University has bolstered the growth of local Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) by hosting budding entrepreneurs in Abuja and adjoining states at the 17th edition of the company’s Market Access Forum.

Market Access Forum is a quarterly business networking and empowerment platform for young entrepreneurs to interact with large corporations in order to share knowledge and strategies that can stimulate business growth. The theme for the Abuja edition of Market Access Forum was, “Access to Sustainable Market for SMEs, Challenges and Opportunities”.

Speaking at the forum, Director, Enterprise Segment, 9mobile, Eric Uwaoma, said Market Access is one of many ways 9mobile supports startups and encourages Nigerians to pursue their business goals.

“9mobile Market Access enables budding entrepreneurs to gain the requisite knowledge by bringing them in contact with other entrepreneurs to share knowledge and ideas

Enelamah elected Vice Chairperson, Africa, WTO Ministerial Conference

By VICTOR NZE

M

inister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, has been elected the ViceChairperson representing Africa, for the 11th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference A statement by Mr. Constance C. Ikokwu, the Strategy and Communications Adviser to Minister said the minister’s election was decided at the meeting of the WTO General Council on July 26th.

“The General Council acts on behalf of the Ministerial Conference on all WTO affairs. It meets as the Dispute Settlement and Trade Policy Review Body to oversee procedures for settling disputes between members and to analyse members’ trade policies “The Ministerial Conference, which meets every two years, is the topmost decision-making body of the WTO. It brings together members of the organisation, who are countries or customs unions and can take decisions on matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.

for running successful businesses.

Through an array of innovative enterprise solutions and platforms such as SME Arena, MoreBusiness 2.0, Millionaire Hunt, KwikCash, 9mobile Prize for Innovation and 9mobile Prize for Literature amongst others, 9mobile has also been and will continue to be at the forefront of promoting the growth of SMEs”, he said.

Uwaoma who was represented by Head, Enterprise Market Segment, 9mobile, Chinelo Mbanefo, reassured SMEs owners of the telco’s unwavering commitment to enterprise development through the launch of more innovative solutions and the delivery of quality services.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, commended 9mobile for its passion for the growth of Nigerian SMEs and said the telco’s demonstration of support for small businesses aligned with the Federal Government’s policy of economic diversification.

“We commend efforts such as 9mobile’s Market Access and many other SME activities geared towards the growth of the Nigerian economy. We encourage other organisations and SMEs to key into the new economic drive to grow the Nigerian economy through local content development”, she said.

The minister who was represented

by John Opaluwa, an Assistant Director in the ministry, also assured of government’s readiness to partner with public and private organisations to develop micro, small and medium enterprises as part of government’s economic restructuring plan.

Manager, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Aisha Dasuki, corroborated that the key objective of Market Access Forum was to empower SMEs with the right knowledge they need to overcome some of the barriers that inhibit their growth and profitability.

“The common challenges most growing businesses in Nigeria face include limited access to the market, low access to credit facilities, complex process of obtaining regulatory approvals and multiple taxation amongst others. Platforms such as Market Access Forum therefore offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other players”, she noted.

Market Access initiative launched in May 2011 is a collaboration of the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University, 9mobile and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Since its inception, the platform has aided SMEs in networking and developing productive and beneficial relationships.

NEXIM MD Abba Bello and Indonesia Eximbank MD Dwi Wahyudi at the signing of an MoU to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two organizations in Abuja, Monday

...FG’s fiscal policies, institutions spur recession

By SAMSON AKINTARO

Continued from P17

highly controversial 14 per cent; Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) at 22.5 per cent; Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent; with the Asymmetric corridor at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR. On his part, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, called for fiscal restraint to check the growing deficit, pointing out that the committee welcomed the proposal by government to issue sovereign-backed promissory notes of about N3.4 trillion for the settlement of accumulated local debt and contractors’ arrears.

“On the outlook for financial system stability, the committee noted that despite the resilience of the banking sector, the prolonged weak macro-economic environment has continued to impact negatively on the sector’s stability. The MPC reiterated its call on the CBN to sustain its intensive surveillance of deposit money banks’ (DMBs) activities for the purpose of promptly identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.

“The committee also called on DMBs to support economic recovery and growth by extending reasonably priced credit to the private sector,” Emefiele explained.

Reacting, Deputy General Manager at Access Bank Plc, Chukwujekwu Ozoemena, called it ‘a potential problem.’

“We have already exceeded the N2.36 trillion budgeted fiscal deficit for the full 2017 financial year,

even with higher returns from oil above the benchmark rate. I alluded to this potential problem a few days ago,” he said.

While, Bergen, Norway-based George Ikwuka advised the Federal Government to reduce expenditures, borrow more or increase tax revenue in the absence of high oil prices.

“One or combination of the following will need to happen - reduce expenditures, borrow more or increase tax revenue. In absence of high oil prices with any enhanced production level, the least politically expensive option is to borrow more,” he said.

The 14% MPR has been a subject of controversy for long which has pitched the CBN with the Ministry of Finance that has called for its reduction with the former insisting on the rate. This in addition to the irregularities in statements credited to the CBN, the Finance ministry on one hand, and the national Bureau of Statistics (NBS) over actual projections on Nigeria’s economic recession.

“I think for the World Bank, they are actually looking at some of the statements as well as body language of our economic decision makers and it appears they are not convinced as to who is actually formulating these policies. The Finance ministry says one thing today; the CBN says another, while the Bureau of Statistics flattens everything with its own forecasts. And when our investors read these they

are confused.

“Nobody knows for sure who is influencing fiscal policy decisions.

A clear case is the date of exit from economic recession. You can see all the various projections. Another one is the multiplicity of exchange rates. It’s things like these that signpost uncertainty especially for key investors,” said Ikwuka, a financial analyst.

Only last Friday, Federal Government kicked off process of submitting the 2018 budget proposal of about N7.9 trillion to the National Assembly, according to the Minister of Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, even as many have expressed worry over the level of implementation of the 2017 document.

“Resilient economies are made of several performing sectors, whole enough to attract elaborate investment. That the Nigerian economy is a monolithic one, and that the resource bonanza has thinned out in value, presents a question. What next?

“The policies adopted so far, being ineffectual for short term results, in the ever hostile business environment with unbridled economic liberty are issues for concern. We do not expect that sound and resilient economies are made of wishful economic projections and misguided contradictory policies,” said Economic Rights Activist at Africans Rising and Program Officer at Kasoma Africa, Mr. Mark Lekan Lalude.

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

BUSINESS

GTBank celebrates 10th anniversary of listing on LSE

By SAMSON AKINTARO

G

uaranty Trust Bank plc, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its listing on the London Stock Exchange when it became the first Nigerian bank to be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the first to dual list on an international exchange and the first Nigerian company to raise international capital using

listed Global Depositary Receipts.

To mark the pioneering feat, the MD/ CEO of GTBank, Mr SegunAgbaje led the Market Open Ceremony at the LSE, Friday, July 28, 2017, accompanied by senior representatives of the Bank and other institutional partners.

The London Stock Exchange is a diversified international exchange that offers international business, and investors, unrivalled access

to Europe’s capital markets.Since its listing on the LSE, GTBank embarked on a decade of unparalleled growth, leading the financial industry in profitability and products and service delivery.

Commenting on the anniversary, MrAgbaje, said: “To be listed on the London Stock Exchange, one of the most illustrious exchanges in the world, was a pioneering feat which remains

fresh in our minds. We are deeply gratefulto all our investors and partners for the integral role they played and their confidence in our ability to pull of that giant leap. Ten years on, we remain committedto maximizing shareholders’ value and delivering superior and sustainable return, guided by our founding values of hard work, discipline and integrity.”

to celebrate 50 years of excellence in research. Dignitaries attended the event from across the continent.

The Institute recognized Adesina’s immense contributions to improving agriculture and named a newly constructed building after him. The US $700,000 Akinwumi Adesina Youth Agripreneurs Building is a new Training Facility for Capacity Development for Youth Agripreneurs funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and IITA. The training facility comprises two major training rooms that can conveniently accommodate 50 trainees each, two big offices for 30 interns each, and 20 standard sized offices.

“I am humbled, and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to lend my

name to this well-equipped building which will be used by young Agripreneurs to learn, set up and launch their own businesses, and create a prosperous living for themselves, their families and those they will employ,” Adesina said “Africa is today spending $35 billion a year importing food. That is US$35 billion that should be kept on the continent. This is a US$35 billion market that young people can tap into to create new wealth each year.

To do that requires totally changing the lenses with which we look at agriculture. Agriculture should no longer be seen as a way of life or a development sector, but rather as a business for wealth creation,” he emphasized.

State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said that Ltheagos N25billion Employment Trust

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (r), with a top Executive of Bühler AG, in Zurich, Switzerland, at the signing of an agreement with the Swiss firm for the acquisition of a 32-tonne per hour rice mill on Friday.

Dangote Cement records 12.6% sales volume increase in H1 2017 across Africa umes from Nigerian operations fell from 8.8Mt to 6.9Mt, occasioned by the onset of rains which stalled many construction projects.

Reflecting on the half year results, Dangote Cement’s Chief Executive Officer, Onne van der Weijde expressed satisfaction that the company’s revenues have continued to grow despite low sales from the Nigerian operations noting that the revenues grew on the strength of sales from other African operations “Our revenues have continued to grow despite the lower volumes seen in Nigeria, especially because

F

of the recent heavy rains. Our margins have improved significantly, helped by improved efficiencies and a much better fuel mix in Nigeria.

We are using much more gas and increasing our use of coal mined in Nigeria, thus reducing our need for foreign currency and supporting Nigerian jobs.

The Company reports that it estimated that Nigeria’s total market for cement was 10.2 million tonnes (Mt), 23.2% lower than the estimated 13.3Mt sold in Nigeria in the first half of 2016. Of total market sales in the first half of 2017, just 0.1Mt was imported.

By VICTOR NZE

Dangote Cement has announced its unaudited results for the six months ended 30th June 2017, posting a 12.6 percent increase in sales volume across Africa.

In the financials released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange indicated that the increase in sales volume showed a growing capture of Pan-African market as Dangote Cement continues to gain grounds.

Revenues from operations in Nigeria increased by 34.5 percent to N291.4 billion while Pan-Africa revenue increased by 63.7 percent to N124.4B from N76.0B mainly as a result of increased volumes and foreign exchange gains when converting the sales from country local currency into Naira.

Analysis of the half year result revealed that sales volumes of African operations increased by 12.6 percent to 4.7 million metric tons with Sierra Leone making a 53 kt maiden contribution.

Record of sales from its operations scattered around the African continent revealed that a total of 1.1million ‘metric tons of cement was sold in Ethiopia, almost 0.7 million metric tons sold in Senegal, 0.6 million metric tons sold in Cameroon, and 0.5 million tons in Ghana.

Also, 0.4 million metric tons of cement was sold in Tanzania and 0.3 million tons in Zambia. Sales vol-

By VICTOR NZE irst Bank of Nigeria has expanded its Financial Literacy program to the South East with the launch of its Financial Literacy programme for Secondary Schools in Ebonyi State, under the auspices of the FirstBank FutureFirst Program.

The initiative launched in 2013 in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria and the Lagos State Empowerment & Resource Network (LEARN) is designed to empower students of secondary schools with requisite knowledge of financial literacy and career counseling to equip them with knowledge of money management, early entrepreneurship skills, and financial independence whilst stimulating the development of a savings culture at an early age.

The FutureFirst Financial Literacy Program is an ongoing Corporate Responsibility initiative of FirstBank which aligns with the Bank’s Sustainable Finance objective, a key focus area of the Bank’s Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Strategy. The Bank has recorded immense success in implementing the program in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Abuja which saw staff volunteer their time and resources to teach students in over 80 secondary schools, impacting over 60,000 students and committing over 220,000 staff volunteering hours since the programme was launched.

In order to further expand its reach with the financial literacy agenda to Nigerian youths, FirstBank has spread its tentacles to Ebonyi State, launching the FutureFirst Financial Literacy Programme in the State with the Commissioner for Education; the Secretary to the State Government; Head of the State Board of Education; 30 principals of selected schools and staff of the Bank in attendance.

Subsequently, FirstBank staff volunteers were trained by Junior Achievement Nigeria as part of the requisite train-the-trainers exercise and assigned to schools. School teachers in the state were also trained to ensure sustainability of the program. Thirty schools are currently participating in the financial literacy exercise in Ebonyi State with more schools to follow.

FirstBank’s Future First Financial Literacy Program is in line with the CBN’s drive for financial inclusion which seeks to ensure financial inclusion for the unbanked having a strong bearing on financial stability, economic growth and development for the citizenry.

N25bn employment fund has empowered 4000 SMEs -- Ambode

Fund (ETF) set up by his administration has successfully empowered over 4000 small and medium scale businesses in the last two years as a means to boost the economy of the State.

Governor Ambode, who spoke when he received a delegation from Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Tuesday, said deliberate efforts have been made by his administration to aid businesses and encourage budding entrepreneurs in the State.

“There is no way under this economic recession that we have found ourselves that we can actually employ all the people under that age bracket. So the best thing is to create a framework that would allow them to dissipate their energy and creativity into the things that they would love to do.

“That’s why we set up the Employment Trust Fund with a budget of N25billion to be able to touch those younger ones that would not necessarily have the capital to recreate their skills and so far so good in the last two years we have done almost about 4000 entrepreneurs and we are doing more,” he said.

Welcoming the partnership prospects with MIT, Governor Ambode said he was excited that the Legatum Center had finally discovered the importance of the African continent as a key part of the map to driving innovation as well as entrepreneurship and Lagos as one of its major city partners.

Earlier, in her remarks, Executive Director, MIT, Mrs. Georgina Flatter said the team was in Lagos to liaise with entrepreneurs in the State and build sustainable partnerships going forward.

She said the MIT team had spent the last few days touring eco systems and visiting entrepreneurs and ventures across Lagos, describing the experience so far as most inspiring.

FirstBank’s Financial Literacy Program berths in Ebonyi

AfDB to invest $24b in agriculture in the next 10yrs

By VICTOR NZE

T

he African Development Bank (AfDB) will invest US $24 billion dollars in agriculture as part of its Feed Africa programme- a strategy for agricultural development in Africa.

President of the Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, who said this in a speech he delivered at the 50th anniversary celebration of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria, emphasized that the goal of the Bank is to “ensure that Africa feeds itself within ten years, and unlocks the full potential of its agriculture.”

The IITA hosted a series of events

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

ENERGY

Indorama streams $1.5bn fertilizer plant Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

I

ndian petrochemical behemoth, Indorama, has successfully commissioned the $1.5 billion greenfield fertilizer plant the project stages of which was kept in the wraps to allow enough room for best practices in cost management, health, safety, quality and environmental impact.

The Oracle Today reports that the 4000 metric tons (MT) per day plant located in Eleme, near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has potential to displace the country’s total annual fertilizer import bills, enhance local content value in the production chain, boost local agricultural output and catalyse upswing in Nigeria’s gross domestic product.

When fully operational, the plant is expected to pump out 1.5 million MT of nitrogenous fertilizers per annum.

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who inaugurated the giant world-class fertilizer plant reminded all Nigerians that has provided them the opportunity to exit food importation by boosting crop yields.

With the fertilizer plant, he said, Nigerians could now grow whatever they eat and produce whatever they consume.

“What Indorama is accomplishing today is very much in line with President Buhari’s vision for a country that produces what it consumes and grows what it eats. If you had to sum up our vision for the Nigerian economy in a few words, these would suffice. Grow what we eat, produce what we consume,” he said.

Prof Osinbajo commended Indorama for keying into the Presidential Fertilizer initiative which President Buhari launched last year to make fertilizers cheaper nationwide.

“At the end of last year, the President launched a Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, to ensure the availability of cheaper fertilizer to our farmers, to support what we’re doing in agriculture, in the production of rice and wheat and other staples.

“That Fertilizer Initiative, now well underway, has created significant economic opportunities for companies like Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited.

“I have been informed that Indorama will this year alone supply about 360,000 Metric Tons of Urea to Fertilizer blenders, which, in turn, will produce NPK fertilizer for the benefit of farmers across the country.

“This is the kind of economic progress we’re after, in which every unlocked opportunity proceeds to unlock several others, across multiple sectors of the economy.”

He said that the Buhari administration would continue to support Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, which was privatised in 2006 by the Federal Government.

According to him, the company has turned out to be a huge success story. “I am glad that we’re here today to see one of the success stories of the Federal Government’s privatisation programme,” he said.

“We will continue to support Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited’s expansion ambitions. Our commitment to the privatisation programme is equally assured, and

we will continue to do everything to support investors to maximise the potential of their assets,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Indorama Corporation, Mr Sri Prakash Lohia said that the plant which has capacity to produce 1.5 million metric tons of fertilizer per annum is the largest single-train Urea plant in the world.

The Acting President also presented a Certificate of Discharge to the Chairman of Indorama Group, Mr Lohia and the Managing Director, Mr Manish Mundra for successfully accomplishing the post purchase agreement entered into with the Bureau of Public Enterprises on behalf of the Federal Government

of Nigeria.

“Following the 2006 handover, the BPE carried out routine monitoring on the enterprise to ensure that the core investor adhered to and implemented the post-acquisition plan it had laid out for the company.”

“Today is the culmination of that process of monitoring and oversight by the BPE. I am delighted that it is taking place on an inspiring and hopeful note, and that we are all here today celebrating a thriving and promising company. We should not take this state of affairs for granted,” he said.

The Plant has a production capacity of 4000 metric tons (MT) of nitrogenous fertilizers per day or 1.5 million MT per annum. The world-

scale plant has been built with an investment of USD 1.5 billion, a huge Foreign Direct Investment, funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and a Consortium of 15 European and African banks and Financial Institutions.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, in his speech said that for Indorama to invest a whopping $1.5 billion in the state, it shows that the state is safe for investors and their investments. He called on other investors to emulate the footsteps of Indorama.

The fertilizer plant is well supported by Port Terminal at the nearby Onne Port Complex, and a Gas Pipeline of 83.5KM for gas supply.

The plant will bring about a green

revolution in the agriculture sector not only in Nigeria but also in other parts of Africa and world at large.

Besides, making the fertilizer products to be available at affordable cost, the plant will boost crop yield to farmers and greatly help in minimizing the food grain deficit in Nigeria.

The plant has also generated lots of job opportunities contributing to the economic prosperity of Nigeria.

The construction of the plant commenced in April 2013 and completed in December 2015. The commissioning activities were concluded in March 2016 and the commercial production started in June 2016.

plug back Nigeria into global industry investment map.

“Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry cannot operate in isolation,” he said.

The Oracle Today reports that the Senate had earlier passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which was part of the units unbundled from the PIB. The three bills, all drawn from the PIB, address other critical aspects of the petroleum industry not captured in the PIGB. In his lead debate, the Chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Kabir Marafa, noted that the Petroleum Host Community Bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the host communities in Nigeria.

Marafa said the host community bill is structured to bring direct funding for the development of the petroleum host communities under the direction and control of the commu-

nities themselves.

When enacted into law, the bill will create the much desired harmony and partnership among the various stakeholders in the petroleum operations process and engender huge cost savings, extensive investments and overall transformation of the Nigeria oil and gas industry, he said.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, said the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill is to make for “fully developed fiscally sustainable, safe, secure, environmentally friendly, efficient and integrated petroleum operations for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”

He added that the Bill further seeks to establish a fiscal framework that will guide the planning and development of petroleum resources in a rational and sustainable manner.

“The measurable objectives of this

bill shall include but not limited to establish a progressive fiscal framework that encourages substantial and progressive investment in the petroleum industry balancing reward with risk and enhancing revenues to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“It will institute a forward looking fiscal framework that is based on core principles of clarity, dynamism, open access and fiscal rules of General applications” and (c) “provide clear distinction between legislative aspects of the fiscal regime and negotiable aspects of contractual obligation,” he said.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Bassey Akpan, said the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill, 2017 seeks to provide for a new legal framework for the administration of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the nation’s petroleum industry.

Three PIB units scale second reading in Senate T

he Senate has concluded second reading on three units of the unbundled Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) inherited by the past administration of the federal government, paving way for eventual resolution of the disputes with commercial players over governance clarity in the sector.

The three bills unbundled from the PIB which scaled second reading weekend include the Petroleum Host Community Bill 2017, Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill 2017 and the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill, 2017.

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, stated that conclusion of second reading on the bills was to ensure the swift passage of all legislations related to the PIB the first unit of which was passed last month.

He said the bills would bring in more investments into the country, provide Win-Win opportunities for government and stakeholders and

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Sir Ugochukwu Udemezue, President General, Nzuko Ora Nnewi tells THEO RAYS that despite all the challenges that confront industry and business in Nigeria, Nnewi, the commercial/industrial city in the south of Anambra State, has lived up to its billing as the ‘Japan of Africa’

I

N THE EARLY 70’s, shortly after the civil war, Nnewi, the Anaedo Kingdom located in the Southern part of Anambra State, was tipped to become the ‘Japan of Africa’. As if the war didn’t happen, Nnewi was, in those heady years of the 70’s, witnessing exponential growth in industrial and trading investments in a manner that was thought practically impossible for a town and people that had just come out of a devastating Civil War. Although Nnewi businessmen were hitherto big-time importers of sundry goods, especially motor spare-parts, they began to build industries in the town soon after the war as if they had finally come to the realisation that industrialisation was a better business option for the town from which the great Louis Ojukwu, the man who co-founded the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), came. Thus, the likes of Ibeto, Omata Holdings, Luis Carter, Curtis, Ngobros, Uru and others became pioneer industrialists in Nnewi. They were to be closely followed by Chikason, Edson Dansars, Cosharis, Babynet, Innoson and others.

However, plagued by deficit in essential infrastructure and other factors that help business growth—lack of quality access roads, poor power supply, lack of pipe-borne water and, even more importantly, lack of access to soft loans and unfavourable government policies and even outright government neglect— Nnewi has witnessed, to say the least, a decline in the competitiveness of many of its pioneer industries. And many now ask, whatever happened to that dream of the Anaedo kingdom as the emergent Japan of Africa? Is it as good as dead?

No, certainly not, says Sir Ugochukwu Udemezue, a prominent indigene. Although Mr Gozie Akudolu, former chairman of Nnewi Traders Association (NTA) believes that Nnewi’s Japan potential is yet to realized because of the aforementioned factors militating against industry, Udemezue, President-General of Nzuko Ora Nnewi, the umbrellea organisation of town unions in Nnewi, argues that the potential has, indeed, been realised.

He told The Oracle Today in an interview that for the fact that all types of auto spare parts are today produced in Nnewi and full-fledged vehicles, such as security vans, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), commuter buses, luxury buses and the rest of them are being manufactured by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Nnewi, Nnewi’s Japan potential has, to a large extent, been developed.

“We have realized the Japan feat, there is no argument about that,” he declared. “Nnewi is now the Japan of Africa because Innocent Chukwuma from Nnewi is manufacturing all types of vehicles at Innoson motor manufacturing plant here in Nnewi, so Innoson is like every other motor manufacturing company in Japan and one can get those things they do in Japan here in Nnewi.”

The Nzuko Ora boss, who is also the Chairman of Nnewi Electronic/Electrical Dealers, further argued that those who share the opinion that Nnewi is still far from being the Japan of Africa in reality are mistaken as, according to him, achieving the feat of manufacturing vehicles, which Japan is known for, is remarkable enough.

He also speaks on a number of other issues.

How are you coping with the dual positions of PG Nzuko Ora Nnewi and Chairman of Nnewi Electrical/Electronics Market The two positions are really tasking but as the saying goes, no matter how old a woman is, she will always fare well in dancing her familiar music. The issue of leadership is what I started way back in 2001, so I have enough experience on leadership and that is helping me a lot. So far so good, God is helping me and I am

The

CEO

Report

With Oguejiofor Phone: 08076290498 (SMS only)

We have developed Nnewi’s potential as Japan of Africa – PG, Nzuko Ora Nnewi

• Says Obiano deserves 2nd term

working well to the satisfaction of the people.

Nnewi is a very big community with four giant quarters and made up of wonderful people namely Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi and you have to take care of them as a community. Nnewi is calm and peaceful. Right now, we are about to execute the first phase of Governor Willie Obiano’s N40million community development grant project. The first phase is N20million and we are about to start off the project. I am just coming from a meeting I hosted in respect of that. On the other hand, we have a new ultra modern Nnewi Electronic/ Electrical Market completed and ready for business under my administration as Chairman. As you can see the market is a large shopping mall and one of its kind in this State. All Electronic/ Electrical dealers are relocating to the new market from Onitsha road. There is opportunity for petty traders like food vendors, provision dealers and all that.

While Obiano’s community and Market grant projects are on going, some people are saying that he has not done much in the area of road construction...cuts in Who is saying such a thing? Obiano constructed the biggest road project in Awka the State capital with flyover bridges and other places before the community and Market grant projects were initiated. Development is not about road construction and that is what people don’t know. Before Ngige and Peter Obi constructed roads, we had existed and survived the era of bad governance without road and without nothing from government. We have to appreciate what Obiano is doing. Let me tell you Obiano’s performance is being commended all over Nigeria and in Diaspora. Before this

saying allow Obiano who is from the North to continue and complete eight years for the North and then the south would have their turn. Let us allow Obiano to complete and balance the zoning formula. Zoning will guarantee a more peaceful political atmosphere and save the cost of electioneering campaign. Election in Anambra State is too expensive and we have to put a stop to it.

interview, somebody called me from the United States. The chairman of Nnewi USA Ik Oformata called me from Las Vargas where where they are having Nnewi USA meeting and told me that Obiano sent a representative and from what they have heard, the governor is doing well. He mentioned the community and Market grant projects and told me that they are happy with the governor’s performance on security, agriculture, regular payment of workers and all that. So what l am saying is that Obiano is doing well. It is not easy to execute a project worth millions of naira in each of the 179 communities and in each of over 60 markets in the State. That is a big project at this time of economic recession in the country. For me Obiano is doing well and we should be grateful to former Governor Peter Obi who brought him from the United States to succeed him.

As the head of Nnewi town union your position could be viewed as the position of Nnewi as a community. George Muoghalu from Nnewi is in the race for the Government House in Awka and from all indications you have endorsed Obiano for second tenure. People would like to know: is Nnewi behind Muoghalu or not?

To be frank with you, as the PG of Nzuko Ora Nnewi, Muoghalu has not informed me that he is running for governor. I am speaking from the realities on ground that Ndi Anambra want Obiano to remain there for another four years.

The town unions in the State of which Nzuko ora is one, have endorsed Obiano for a second term. First is that he has done well. Two is that we want to give way for zoning and rotation of power in Anambra State. Peter Obi from Central was there for eight years and we are now

Way back in the 70’s, Nnewi was christened the Japan of Africa based on its industrial potential and some people are saying that due to Government insensitivity and neglect the potential has remained in cocoon. Do you share this view or do you think that Nnewi’s potential has been realized?

Nnewi has realized that potential 100%. There is no argument about it. One thing people should know is that Nnewi man believes in selfhelp and that has been our driving force. Most often, we don’t wait for government. We don’t sleep and wait for government like others do.

We go before and ahead of government and by the time government comes, they will appreciate and support us. Louis Ojukwu, our father and role model did not wait for government instead he was ahead of government.

Nnewi people were the architect of the potential of Nnewi as the Japan of Africa because of our breakthrough in business. From Ibeto, Louis Carter, Omata Holding, Uru, Edison Dansar, Chikason, Ngobros, Coscharis Babynet and Innoson among others, we have industries that manufacture spare parts, full fledged vehicles, cement and other things. All they manufacture are evidence that Nnewi is the Japan of Africa.

Japan is known for manufacturing vehicles and at Innoson motor plant located here in Nnewi and owned by Innocent Chukwuma, all types of vehicles are being manufactured including trucks. Go to Innoson you will see trucks including waste management trucks which shows you that Japan is here with us.

Do you think that government both State and federal have appreciated and supported Nnewi enough?

I would say yes, considering the challenges of governance and the way things are done in the country. Most often, things don’t go as we hope they should go. I would say yes because successive governors in Anambra and the incumbent Chief Willie Obiano (Akpokuodike) are doing well and Nnewi is benefiting from his performance. It is the same thing at the federal level. Presidents recognize Ibeto, Chikason, Cosharis, Innoson and the rest of them. Virtually all the big time industrialists from Nnewi have national honor awards like OON, CON, CFR and what have you. That is recognition and appreciation. More so, we have technology incubation centre established by government among other things which I cannot give off hands. If you talk about the impact of government in Nnewi on the issues of power supply I wouldn’t say that government has failed because that is a national problem. I wouldn’t know if there is anything that government at any level could have done differently or specially to improve power supply in Nnewi. So going by the way things are done in this country, government both Federal and State appreciate and support Nnewi.

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday August 9, 2017

e-Platform

Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

W

ith broadband penetration in the country currently put at less than 20 per cent, there is no hope that the Nigeria would meet its target 30 per cent penetration by 2018, the Association of Telecommunications Company of Nigeria (ATCON) has said. ATCON President, Mr Olusola Teniola who, expressed concern that the country has not done well in the implementation of its National Broadband Plan, said the slow pace of the country might make the target unrealizable, even as the country continues to miss out the huge opportunities of growing its economy with the technology.

“The NBP 2013 has the following ambition in mind: Good Health, Education, Agricultural Service, Economic Growth and Cross-Industry Linkages and Improving Efficiency with a target of 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018. According to a study carried out by NCC, Nigeria Broadband Penetration in 2014 was 6 per cent, 2015 was 10 per cent and in 2016 was less than 16 per cent. If we are to go by the trend we can safely conclude that the target set for 2018 may not be met” he said.

Secretary-General of Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Mr. Shola Taylor recently noted that broadband is widely recognised as crucial catalyst for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He added that broadband is an enabler of innovative solutions in e-government, e-business, e-education and e-health, and in helping to make information and services readily available to millions of people.

But according to Teniola, sectors such as agriculture, insurance, health, food and beverages, among others, which could have been turned around with broadband are yet to have a feel of the technology in Nigeria. “One sector that broadband has impacted is the banking sector as the sector can now boast of 23 per cent bank account penetration through 107 per cent telephone and 55 per cent

Why Nigeria may miss 30% broadband target –ATCON internet penetration. This should be extended to other various sectors” he said.

The ATCON President noted that when Nigeria adopted the broadband policy in 2013, with plans of broadband delivery; enthusiasm was high, adding that that enthusiasm has now been dampened as implementation becomes stalled.

He added that while the acclaimed broadband plans of the country envisaged open access as a key instrument in delivering affordable, high speed broadband services to fulfill

its economic and developmental potentials, the country has not implemented the mandatory open access broadband strategy within the four years since the plans were adopted. “Furthermore, the failure to establish functional open access or public ownership models, or to continue to enable or encourage commercial operators to expand and upgrade their networks and services, has resulted in the country being unable to meet its broadband targets to date” he said.

While urging all agencies of gov-

ernment, including NITDA and NCC to expedite actions towards the delivery of broadband to Nigerians, Teniola said Nigeria has a lot to gain when this is achieved.

“Broadband will create employment in various sectors; the one important part of this is the employment of our Youth and the support of Local Content within the ICT industry. As we know, broadband is an enabler of economic growth. In the 21st century, it is impossible to imagine our lives without the web. It has proven to

be tremendously useful for all facets of life”.

As part of the NBP implementation plan, the NCC was to license infrastructure companies to bridge broadband infrastructure gaps across the country and to aid quick deployment. However, two years after licensing two out of the seven companies required to render infrastructure services, the regulator has not been able to conclude the process, a situation which many stakeholders have expressed worries about.

FG, Google partner on youths’ training

•Adebayo-Shittu

he Federal Government has Topportunity said it would avail itself of the being provided by global organizations like Google to train the teaming technology

savvy youths in various level of ICT capacity development deployed

by Google, as this will further open up the accessibility of turning around the nation’s economy and making ICT the main stay.

Communications Minister, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, who disclosed this in a goodwill message delivered at the event closing of ‘Google For Nigeria’ held in Lagos, said that Nigeria as a nation has so much more to learn and gain from the digital revolution being championed by the search giant. The minister commending the commitment of Google Nigeria to implement ambitious reforms and bring about macroeconomic stability in the context of the country’s ongoing Smart Digital Nigeria transition process stressed that the efforts are bearing tangible results and have laid the foundation for a credible path to fiscal sustainability and collaboration. He added that Google, being one of the tech giants in computing and the web, has been at the centre of this digital penetration, with the popularity of its open platforms, powering lots of smartphones with android

and other digital tools.

“A lot has changed in Nigeria since the huge wave of Internet and mobile adoption globally.

Today, access to smart phones and the web is growing. Indeed, there are about 149 million mobile subscribers and 97 million internet users, 76% of them can access the internet on their phones.

“The growth in adoption of these trends amongst Nigerians presents huge opportunities for businesses which is important for Government’s ambition on economic diversification. However, only a small number of Individuals and enterprises are currently taking full advantage of new digital opportunities available.

“It is also worthy to note that through critical partnerships and collaborations, support of Government and leveraging on Google’s strong community relationships, the goal to train one million people in Nigeria and Africa at large has reached its target. The plan to train more Africans in digital skills in the coming year is therefore commendable. “It is also instructive to note that the web

is a driver of economic growth, and is transforming society as a whole. People must be equipped, through training and re-skilling to make use of the tools and take advantage of it for entrepreneurship, employment and e-inclusion.

The minister said there was no better time to collaborate with Google Nigeria and to harness the benefits of ICT than now when the Nigerian economy is in dire need of diversification, adding that ICT is strategic in driving productivity and efficiency in all sectors of the economy and that virtually all sectors leverage ICT for optimal performance. To this end, I charge you to key into the ministry’s mandate and collaborate with my Ministry.

“It is only logical that Government is determined not only to create policies and incentives but also collaborate with global tech leaders like Google to ensure smart digital Nigeria initiative and to make technology more accessible and useful to drive more businesses and in turn, contribute to a richer and diversified economy.”, he said.

The minister who look forward to where all Nigeria’s major languages would have web portals recalled that Google in 2016 announced its commitment to training One million young people in Africa in digital skills as part of their contribution to growing digital economy across Africa and shortly after the announcement, launched digital skills web portals in English, French and Portuguese as a way to reach individuals in areas where physical training was unavailable.

“Having over one million digitally skilled young people in Africa is not good enough; you can do more than that. If many young people have the right skills, they will build businesses, create jobs and boost economic growth across the continent”, he charged Google. Shittu promised that the ministry will continue to support the establishment of companies or organizations in the areas of hardware and software development by ensuring that they are protected through requisite regulations.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

e-Platform

NCC: How we saved over 2000 jobs, 20m subscribers Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said its efforts in resolving issues surround unpaid loans of 9Mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, helped in protecting over 2000 workers of the company, who would have lost their jobs and saved over 20 million subscribers of the telco from service disruption.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who disclosed this while receiving the management of 9Moile at his office, said the telecoms regulator

took the interest of investors, subscribers and employees of Etisalat into consideration to align with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in order to resolve the issues with the consortium of 13 banks.

Danbatta said “the over $2B Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), by Mubadala of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was hanging, while 20million Subscribers and over 2000 workers would have been affected if we did not intervene in the matter with a view to finding an amicable resolution” Resolving the issue was also partly to forestall any form of disincentive to the FDI, Danbatta ex-

plained.

According to him, if the company had gone under, this would have created a social problem especially with the job of over 2,000 Nigerians on the line. He added that such a situation was capable of creating security challenges for the Country. Prof. Danbatta further stated that NCC collaborated with CBN to avert a looming economic disaster adding “we want to see a viable and thriving 9Mobile and we want to cooperate with you so that things can move seamlessly and be successful”, he said. Danbatta further assured

the 9mobile team of the Commission’s cooperation to grow its network.

Earlier, the Chief Executive of 9Mobile, Mr. Boye Olusanya, thanked the EVC and the NCC Management for its cooperation that led to a seamless change and asked for concessions especially in the area of spectrum assignment, revisit of data floor price, review of interconnect rates to asymmetric platform, concessional foreign exchange access, national roaming and others “in order for 9Mobile to shore up its revenue and meet its financial obligations accordingly.”

•L- R: Mr. Sunday Dare, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta Executive Vice Chairman, NCC; Mr. Boye Olusanya, Chief Executive Officer 9mobile (formerly ETISALAT); and Ibrahim Dikko, Vice President Regulatory and Corporate Affairs 9mobile during a Courtesy Visit to the Commission in Abuja.

Samsung Academy graduates 72 technicians

T

he Samsung Engineering Academy in Lagos recently graduated another 72 technicians from its class of 2016. They join the 257 graduates who have passed through the institution over the last five years, and who are expected to deepen the pool of welltrained technicians in the country.

With over 170 million people and a high rate of population growth, the World Bank estimates that Nigeria needs to create an additional 40 to 50 million jobs between now and 2030 – a compelling reason for both the public and private sectors within the country to sit up and take notice.

It was with this challenge in mind that Samsung established the West Africa Engineering Academy in 2012, to create a pool of technically-skilled graduates who are either eligible for employment or are able to start their own businesses.

These new graduates are trained to become employees in repair centres, and assembly lines, or to be-

come independent entrepreneurs.

Some of Samsung’s services partners also help employ these graduates. “Samsung’s aim is to build successful partnerships in Nigeria to equip the country’s youth with the technical skills they need to transform their lives and contribute to the development of the country,” says Mr. Changwook Lee, Managing Director for Samsung West Africa. He adds that the Samsung Engineering Academy revolutionizes traditional education by providing technical and vocational training for school leavers, tertiary students and unemployed youth.

Since its inception, the SEA Lagos has trained over 800 students across the three trade areas (Household Appliances, Information and Mobile, and Audio Visual) under Basic, Intermediate and Advance Trainings. The academy’s most recent set of graduates have all been provided with tool boxes in line with their specialised trade area, to better equip them

for the future as entrepreneurs or as part of a skilled workforce.

The top three achievers were also awarded prizes comprised of various Samsung electronic products.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, said that the Samsung Engineering Academy is a great initiative which has given hope to youths with technical skills and equipped them to become technicians in electronics engineering.

According to Mrs Erogbogbo, these technical skills will not only help the engineers to build a better future for themselves, but will also contribute towards Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

The academy was established to empower indigent Nigerians and positively impact communities, says Judith Kelechi Osuji, Corporate Citizenship Manager at Samsung West Africa. “Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we

believe education is the seed of innovation. Our hope is that through initiatives like the Samsung Engineering Academy we can empower the youth by creating opportunities that will lead to sustainable employment.”

This year’s top graduate, Ozurumba Kelechi, said: “As a direct result of my training at the academy, I am now better equipped as a technician. Using the Samsung Engineering Academy as a platform to empower young people like myself is rewarding, not just for me, but for the people around me - my community, Nigeria and Africa as a whole.” The Samsung Engineering Academy enrolls over 1000 students yearly across various countries in Africa with the aim of closing the gap between skills and demand in the job market.

Graduates have a 40% job placement track record, while others go on to pursue further higher education, training or start their own businesses.

Airtel Africa’s subscriber base hits 80 million

I

ndia’s Bharti Airtel has recorded 80 million mobile subscribers in its African operations. This represents four per cent increase compared to 77 million it recorded last year.

Out of this, Airtel Nigeria, which is the third largest mobile operator in the country, is accountable for 34 million subscribers.

The company’s fiscal first quarter 2017 announcement, also reveals that Airtel’s Africa operations, where the company has networks in 15 countries, saw revenue growth of 1.5 per cent to reach $736 million, up from $732 million on a constant currency basis.

Data revenue for the region reached $138 million, up by 11.3 per cent year over year, and now contributes to 18.7 per cent of the region’s total revenue. Data traffic in the region also grew by 75 per cent. However, the group, Bharti Airtel reported a 14 per cent decline in revenue and a significant slump in profit, as India’s market leader continued to feel the force of Reliance Jio’s entry into the market.

Gopal Vittal, MD and CEO, India and South Asia, said that the “pricing disruption in the Indian telecoms market caused by the entry of a new operator continued”, with industry revenue declining 15 per cent year over year, and “creating further stress on sector profitability, cash flows and leverage”.

The company’s net income for the period reached INR3.7 billion ($57 million), a 75 per cent drop from the same quarter last year, when it stood at INR14.6 billion. Total revenue fell to INR219.6 billion, from INR255.5 billion, while revenue in its home market India dropped a total of 10 per cent, reaching INR172.4 billion.

Mobile revenue in India dropped a total of 14 per cent to reach INR129.1 billion, despite a 9.7 per cent growth in subscribers. The company reported a total of 280.6 million customers in its home market, and 379.8 million across the group (including Africa and South Asia), representing 6.2 per cent growth year over year.

•Raghunath Mandava, Airtel Africa CEO

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

Checking menace of tanker, trailer drivers T

HE instinct of most Nigerians would be to ban tankers and trailers from plying the nation’s roads. The menace they constitute on Nigerian roads is all too evident. We agree that they are avoidable evils on our roads. But, the rising voices aside, the solution to curing headaches, no matter their intensity, cannot be decapitation.

YET, something has to be done quickly if the country would not inherit another crisis that could be worse than the recurring ones. Nobody seems to care. Nobody seems to be listening. All the regulatory authorities seem to have thrown up their hands in despair.

WE suspect compromise is central to the laxities that are applied in dealing with the recklessness of the drivers. They seem to be aware that their road rages have the imprimatur of their owners, highly placed Nigerians who have no scruples about abusing their positions.

THEY are the masters of entitlements, from waivers to farming out of choice government businesses to them. Their contributions to the welfare of Nigerians are becoming more suspect by the day. What do they really contribute to Nigeria when it is even doubtful if they pay taxes that match investments that are ceded to them or destructions that some of their labour and industrial practices unleash on Nigerians?

OUR highways are under heavy punishments from the weights of trailers and tankers bearing different products across Nigeria. They are providing services, yes. But, the recklessness of the drivers and their aversion for all traffic laws are legendary. The situations are worsened by the fact that security agents – who spend most of their time harassing other road users – treat the drivers as if they are above the law.

THE damage to infrastructure from lampposts to the roads is becoming accepted as a norm rather than an aberration. They damage infrastructure and go scot-free. Road surfaces dissolve from the heat of bonfires they make to alert other road users of their broken- down trailers and trucks. They pay nothing for the damage.

PLACES like Lagos made laws restricting trailers and trucks’ movements to a particular period of a 24-hour day. But, these laws are observed in the breach, as the times of countless accidents, from containers falling off trailers, or their reckless drivers ramming into other road users, have proven. Nothing has been done to prosecute them under those laws.

BLACKMAIL is part of the fare. The drivers are ready to declare a strike if a member is apprehended for prosecution. The offence is irrelevant.

The point is that the law is neither for the owners of the trucks, nor for the drivers who regard other Nigerians as their foot mats. They immensely enjoy the dangers they pose to everyone.

Their unchecked recklessness has spawned other impunities like parking anywhere they please and driving with poorly maintained vehicles.

ILL-maintained vehicles have been numerously cited as a major reason for accidents. As a matter of fact, few law enforcers dare stop these drivers. When they do, it is to get some money off them. If a thorough check of the vehicles is done, it is unlikely that more than half of them would be road-worthy.

TIME was when only tanker drivers had the privilege of lawlessness. Trailer drivers have formed an unholy alliance with them to make life hellish for Nigerians. A first consideration, if it is really a concern, is that a strike would result in shortage of petroleum products. Reckless drivers rule us on that sole score.

IT is commonly known that since the law looks away from their transgressions that it makes sense for Nigerians to understand that they cannot win a case against them. Therefore, it is an unstated law not to have anything against those drivers, whether they

wronged you or you are in the wrong. The law rises up on their side, tilting the scale of justice dangerously beneath equity.

THE comfort that such compromise of the law provides for them is a major reason for the conduct of the drivers. They cause deaths.

They damage property. They cause obstructions. The unwritten rule is that their vehicles would not be towed away, not minding the danger and damage to others. If the drivers are above the law, definitely the owners of the vehicles are too big for anyone to contemplate suing them for the danger they pose to the security of lives, some of which had been lost from vehicles that broke barriers and careered into business premises, and sometimes homes.

WHERE aggrieved communities are incensed enough to attack the offending drivers, it becomes a communal clash, treated in the same manner as when Fulani herdsmen reduce peoples farms to grazing fields. The communities become victims and targets for further attacks by security agents who would accuse them of breaching the peace.

IF deaths are involved, they are dismissed as the will of the Almighty. There is no sympathy for the families of the dead. Compensations are usually not paid because the might and connivance of the law are employed in intimidating victims.

What to do about this? A RETURN to the railways would obviously minimise the use of tankers and trailers and ultimately the powers their drivers wield, but we cannot wait so forlornly.

IT is time the law reined in these drivers by holding them, and their owners, liable for the damages they are doing to Nigerians. No excuses can any longer suffice for the fragrant abuses of traffic laws and the resulting carnage on our roads.

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 9, 2017

OPINION Oseloka H. Obaze: Amidst the possibles and the probables

By CHIAGOZIE UDEH

A

NAMBRA people will go to the polls on 18 November 2017 to elect the next governor. It will be a crowded field of political notables and recurring candidates, including the incumbent, Gov. Willie Obiano. But, it is clear that the fight won’t be so much about the choice parties--APC, PDP, APGA and the rest--but about the candidates.

All the aspirants are supposedly qualified.

Most meet the nomination litmus test. But, as regards Anambra’s needs and development, only a few stand out and ought to be seriously considered.

Usually, incumbency is a critical plus in elections. This may not be so in Anambra 2017.

The polarization of the electorate is vast. Despite the claim that the Obiano government is doing well, many observers no longer believe so. There are accusations of governance by advertisement.

The fissures within the ruling APGA continue to expand, as Martin Agbaso and Victor Oye wrestle for leadership. The expanding crisis may rob the incumbent of a ticket. The APC does not have a foothold in Anambra and it seems most improbable that it will gain any.

At the same time, UPP will seek to exploit the crisis in APGA and make inroad as the new Igbo bastion for Igbo politics. PDP, which for long remained factionalized, seems to have overcome that challenge with the Supreme Court ruling of 12 July.

What this says is that parties or party loyalty will be important but not paramount. Aspirants and candidates will, most likely, drive the choice and outcome, more so with the vagaries of Anambra politics.

The legion of candidates includes the possibles and the probables; the known and less known; the qualified and the not so qualified and the recurring and incumbent, among others. The race may be open, but as usual,

those with deep pocket will try to dominate.

Interestingly, the 2017 election may not be the usual money-driven and war chestinfluenced campaign. Several variables will be key. There’s a silent but solid groundswell resistance to APC; the crisis-prone PDP will be seeking a new and lifesaving political mandate after losing in Edo and Ondo. A loss in Anambra may be a death knell.

Anambra can boast of an eclectic crop of politicians. Many aspirants have emerged, each claiming a prim bona fides. Of the lot of candidates from the three senatorial zones, one individual seems to stand out as being capable of meeting Anambra’s governance needs. That person is Oseloka H. Obaze of the PDP. Obaze seems to some observers a dark horse on account of not being a moneybag. But, many acknowledge that he is an issues, policy and good governance man.

His vast experience in federal and State governments’ matters as well as in the international arena, counts massively in his favour. He is also hands-on, pragmatic and a known problem solver.

Obaze, has spoken and written passionately about good governance and about Anambra’s challenges and needs. As he is wont to say, “we can’t only think, speak and act on present challenges confronting Anambra; we must think, speak and act for Anambra’s future. That’s an imperative of good governance.”

On moving Anambra State forward, Obaze has observed that “We lack elite consensus,” explaining that while some members of the elite “insist things are working optimally, since their interests are being served, we will be better off when the elites agree on what really makes Anambra work for all.”

In this context, Obaze has always in-

sisted that he will only undertake a task or project, where he is certain his involvement will add value. Such a disposition tallies with his mantra, “Anambra Deserves Better.”

Obaze has focused on youth issues more than any other aspirant. His unalloyed support for the Not Too Young to Run bill has been profound.

It’s evident that his long diplomatic and United Nations experience predisposes him to global perspective of critical issues including youth welfare and empowerment. He has mentored so many, including some currently occupying lofty leadership positions across the world, of which Anambra State’s Hon. Mark Okoye, the youngest Commissioner in Nigeria is one.

His track record of mentoring is solid and has many current beneficiaries As regards the bleak challenges confronting Nigeria, Obaze has observed that “as Nigerians we can talk and remain united or we can dissemble and allow our nation to disintegrate.”

Having lost his father less that a month to the end of the Biafran war, his mother struggled to train six of them all even through university. “I don’t know how she did it but I know she wore and prayed her rosary everyday,” Obaze would often say.

Obaze is widely seen as an epitome of good governance and quite many have wondered why such a high profile diplomat is not engaged at the highest level of government in Nigeria. Indeed, I have sat through, at least, two informal discussions where political observers felt strongly that Mr. Obaze is too good to be just a governor.

I was shocked when I heard he

was appointed Secretary to the Anambra State Government by Governor Peter Obi in 2012. I didn’t expect a man of his profile to accept such position until I was told how long it took to convince both him and his employers at the UN. The story, I later discovered, was that Peter Obi, with over two years to the end of his tenure, became worried about the possibility of getting a competent successor who will sustain and even better his legacy. When he got wind of Obaze at the UN, he threw everything at getting him back to Nigeria. After over a year of negotiations and pleading, Obi had his way. A stickler for positive and proactive details, Obaze was instrumental to the Obi administration finishing strong.

Unknown to many, Obaze took an early retirement from the UN and started off as the SSG before the succession plan was then truncated by the selfish ambitions of some people within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who disqualified him prior to the party primaries in 2013.

He sacrificed so much, a comfortable life in New York with his family, an enviable job and nearly 900 per cent of his salary to serve Anambra.

Since he returned to Nigeria in 2012, he has remained an Awka resident.

“Governance is about service delivery, it’s about adding value,” Obaze would always say.

Anambra State missed him in 2013. The performance rating of the current government has ensured that many people in the State will work to make sure Obaze emerges victorious at the polls. He is in a class of his own in virtues and competence. The onus is on the electorate to see clearly.

• Chiagozie is a clean environment and good governance advocate. He writes from Awka and can be contacted on Twitter via @Chiagozie_Great.

Imperatives of a campaign for restructuring (1)

By ANDY AKPORUGO Jnr.

O

N Thursday last week at the highhatted Radisson Blu Hotel, I sat in the company of some of the finest Urhobo minds mainly resident in Lagos.

We were guests of ‘‘The Urhobo Foundation’’, sobering over a lecture, one in a series, delivered by perhaps the foremost Urhobo ‘nationalism-intellectual’, the redoubtable Professor G. G Darah, under the theme ‘‘The Urhobo Nation and the Restructuring of Nigeria’’.

As discussants was a carefully selected assemblage of the very best of the varied expertise of the Urhobo tribe: Prof. Joe Abugu, Professor of Commercial Law, University of Lagos; Mr. Ese Onosode, who amongst many descriptions, is the Chairman of a very ambitious Delta Economic Summit group [about which purpose I shall return to, somewhere in this offering] and son of the very venerated Dr. Gamaliel Onosode, who as an individual perhaps had more corporate business experience than the whole of Delta State did; Mr. Ede Dafinone, accomplished professional and scion of the very accomplished Senator D.O Dafinone’s family and Professor Mrs. Okobia, Vice Chancellor of the Western Delta University, Oghara. I now struggle to recall the name of the last discussant.

At the end of the presentation of what was a very well received paper, I had been able to pen down a few pieces of education, some of which I now volunteer as follows: i. The Urhobos comprised in 24 kingdoms, 9 local government areas in Delta

State and also settling in parts of Bayelsa State, are the 5th largest ethnic group in Nigeria; certainly large enough to own their own state, their land area measuring almost double the size of Lagos State’s 3,577 sq. kilometres ii. Its area is rich with the finest crude oil (especially from Kokori), 400 oil wells, 8 huge rivers that directly access the Atlantic ocean, a refinery, a steel plant, a power plant, vast agrarian land. It is said that if you savoured an orange and carelessly spat its seeds outside your house in the evening, you would require a cutlass to weed an orange plant the following morning instead of a broom to trash the seeds! iii. Lagos which bridges we still count today, was built majorly up till the 70s, almost exclusively from the revenue of a richly producing ‘Urhobo oil block’, OML 30, an unthankful provision which was similarly enjoyed by the whole of Nigeria in its successful prosecution of its civil war and the gluing of its disparate parts. iv. The Urhobo people are true federalists, being already congregated for many years along its tenants within its 24 kingdoms and the first ethnicity to break-off from the Benin kingdom, in search of its own destiny. v. The first hostility towards the Urhobo people by Nigeria was in 1968 when the Gowon government scapegoated them for Ojukwu’s intransigence, when it ordered oil companies to relocate out of Urhobo land to Lagos State for safety vi. A further act of belligerence was soon to follow in 1969 via a directive that

every revenue from oil and gas should be owned by the Federal Government, at a time when other tribes owned their own natural resources. The expropriation has since received consistent constitutional protection and now nestles in Section 44[3] of the 1999 Constitution. vii. Currently, all the Urhobos are allowed is only a part of a measly 13% of the revenue from oil, which they have 100% ownership of! The rhythmic representation of this travesty was expressed in choruses of ‘‘13% derivation being 87% deprivation’’! viii. The Urhobo demand is that Nigeria must return to its constitution of 1963 by which the regions had considerable autonomy, the proposed revenue sharing formula for emphasis, being 50% to the regions, 20% to the Federal Government and 30% to a pool from which we shall again share.

I produce the above being my paternal Urhobo claims, mainly to buttress the Ijaw claims to which I associate (being myself grand-maternally of the purest Bekederemo stock) as well as those of tribes of the Niger Delta area, which insist on justice principally on the basis of a restructuring premised on the devolution of more powers to the states truly only a pretentious phrase which in fact, starkly translates to more or total control of the oil revenue from the area.

While I recognise that the above arguments for restructuring/resource control may be premised differently elsewhere, especially in the Southeast where their natural resources lie more

in their commercial venturing than in their earth, I do however believe that the relevant good governance issues I shall raise here do not diminish by the difference of premises.

To be cont’d next week

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

26

The Oracle Today, August 9, 2017

Travel & Hospitality ‘Rehabilitate nature, wildlife parks to grow domestic tourism’

By VICTOR NZE

T

o say that Nigeria’s nature and wildlife parks as tourist destinations are in dire need of attention is understating the obvious, even as operators in the industry have continually raised the alarm over the precarious and dilapidated state of infrastructure in these destinations spread across the country for years.

And while for some of these destinations, especially those located in the North East geo-political zones like 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.

Recently, a study commissioned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO) on its natural World Heritage Sites found out that 46 percent of these sites including the Sukur Cultural landscape had no active tourism management plan. The research also found about 105 sites of the 229 natural UNESCO sites lack tourism management plans.

Sukur Cultural landscape, which is one of the Nigeria’s only two UNESCO acclaimed natural heritage sites, rarely gets a look-in from government quarters, a problem further compounded by the fact of its not having any major national festival attached to it.

Few visitors dare the destination for accessibility and security factors, with no attempt by the state or federal government to improve accessibility with the retention of its natural topography still protected.

“In terms of years since listing, newer or more recently inscribed World Heritage sites were more likely to have extensive planning or at least moderate tourism planning, compared with sites that had been listed a very long time ago,” the UNESCO report said.

Only last month, management of the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, in Benin City, Edo State, rushed to the Edo State Government to appeal to the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to intervene in what the management described as the destruction of its facilities by vandals in addition to the ‘conversion of the land for private development.’

Director/CEO of the Ogba Zoo & Nature Park, Mr. Andy Osa Ehanire had also urged Governor Obaseki to quickly set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss of nearly 70 per cent of the company’s land to land grabbers.

“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 judgement.

“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. We have absolute confidence in the integrity of the Governor to do justice

•Western Lotto’s Managing Director, Mr Elvis Krovokuca, (third left) flanked (r) by comedian Ayo Makun, popularly as AY along with Nollywod icons; Alex Usifo, Zack Orji, Ramsey Noauh, and (l) by musician Tuface Idibia with another Nollywood veteran, Paul Obazele at the official launch of the entertainment and gaming company in Nigeria, Friday in Lagos

to these disturbing issues plaguing Ogba Zoo, as only a panel set up by the Governor can guarantee neutrality, rather than the intended investigation by the House of Assembly,” said Ehanire.

Commendably, Obaseki has since acceded to the appeal of the Zoo’s management with the setting up of an investigative committee to look into these complaints.

However, in other states, the case is not the same, as Nigeria continues to lose huge revenues at the expense of out-bound tourism following the unattractiveness of local destinations, some of which have either been overgrown with weeds, or closed shops.

The case becomes even worrisome when viewed against Federal Government’s expressed commitment to grow the tourism sector and make it a major revenue earner for the country, and also with the new policy

statement by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to focus on developing domestic tourism.

Only last week, Members of the Plateau House of Assembly Committee on Culture and Tourism decried 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 obvious that this park needs government special attention to make it regain its past glory. We are blessed with so much tourist sites, but sadly, they have been neglected by successive administrations in the state.

“So, if the government is serious about revenue generation, then it must go back and fix the tourism sec-

O

Tourism Night is an expository digital tourismtainment, which will savour the offerings of different tourism destinations around the world and Nigeria.

“Our focus is to showcase the hidden tourism destinations in Nigeria to the world. We will achieve that through a digital platform, so that participants can appreciate and savour the tourism offerings of all these notable sites,” he said.

Omotoso said that the expo would be used be an opportunity to send signals to local and international investors, tourists, public and private sectors about the huge tourism potential in the country.

“Some call domestic tourism low hanging fruits but to me, it goes beyond that. It is a virgin sector opened

tor and make it more attractive and viable,” Dareng said.

The conditions inside the park was so appalling, members took turns to carpet the tourism sector in the state.

While, a member of that committee, Mr Jacob Kassam, decried the poor feeding pattern for the animals in the park, and also calling on State Governor, Simon Lalong, to also visit the park to assess the situation, another member of the committee, Mr Eric Dakota, called on the government to ensure prompt release of funds for the rehabilitation of the park.

Earlier, General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Cooperation, Mr John Doi, equally called on the government to revive the park without further delay.

It would be recalled that earlier this month, President of the Hotel Owners Forum, Abuja (HOFA), Dr.

Destination Tourism Night to showcase Nigeria’s assets –Omotoso

rganizers of the forthcoming Destination Tourism Night have said that the planned exhibition will serve as an avenue to showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets to the rest of the world.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Travelogue Communications Ltd, Mr Ayo Omotoso, disclosed, weekend, in Lagos, added that the aim would be ‘connecting values.’

“The more our people cross paths, the better our social, cultural and economic life becomes. It will also connect destination values, people from different backgrounds, race and culture together,” he said.

Omotoso said that the one-day expo would hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites on September 22.

According to him, Destination

for development and investment.

It opens up new worlds, new vistas and greater understanding. There are lots of people who have not visited some of the tourism sites in the country.

“The expo will encourage Nigerians and international tourists and investors to visit the numerous tourism sites that the country is blessed with it,” he said.

He said that South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and some other neighbouring countries as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps are being expected to participate in the event, just as he urged the Federal Government to improve on tourism infrastructure and other basic amenities needed to facilitate domestic tourism development.

Chike Ezeudeh, urged the Federal government to institute a development fund for tourism and hospitality for private sector investors to help expand the sector.

“The loan can be given at a single digit interest rate to genuine investors in the sector. The fund is absolutely necessary because presently, you cannot get loan from the bank; also even if you build a hotel, it needs constant renovation,” he said.

According to the hotelier, the fund could help investors develop tourist venues to encourage inbound tourists to support these sites across Nigeria, while further stressing that maintaining good hotels and tourist destinations in the country would encourage Nigerians to remain in the country for vacation instead of traveling to destinations in other countries.

Experts posit that any move by government geared towards developing domestic tourism in the country without rehabilitating the various wildlife and nature parks would fail as these destinations constitute the biggest draw in terms of revenue earnings.

This is just as many also believe that privatization of these sites should also not be ruled out in the quest to diversify the economy and grow the tourism sector.

“With the abject state of our parks and nature reserves, it will not be out of place for the government to declare an emergency in the industry so that these iconic sites can get the attention they need. I don’t even understand why state governments build hotels in the middle of nowhere in their states as if a tourist will leave his home just to come and stay in your five-star hotel. There has to be attractions like parks and games reserves where people can come and see while residing in your hotels,” opined Ms Gladys, CEO of MGs Travels in Ikeja, Lagos.

27

The Oracle Today, Wednesday August 9, 2017

AVIATION

MMIA, NAIA certification dates not certain – NCAA Stories by VICTOR NZE

T

he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is not sure of both the readiness of the Lagos and Abuja international airports’ full with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) certification.

This is just as the agency also stated that it will not certify any airport in the country which fails to meet the required ICAO standard.

Fielding questions by the media, midweek, Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, said despite his agency having already defaulted on the ICAO deadline for full certification of its five international airports in the country, the Murtla Muhammed International Airport was one step away from full certification.

“Specifically, I may not be able to give you percentage. I know we have had deadline but unfortunately, we have not met because we will not certify anything that is not up to standard. But those challenges are being addressed and I believe within a very short time, very short time, based on what we have in place now, Lagos will be

certified.

“The certification process is in five stages and Lagos is about fourth stage. The fifth stage is just the signing of the certificate. So, we can say it is almost at the point of certification. Abuja too once Lagos is finished, we will concentrate more. Even though Abuja, some of the things that we needed to put in place were taken care of during the closure of the Abuja airport.

“As I said, there are 5 stages: the pre-application stage, formal application stage, document and evaluation of document stage, operational demonstration stage. At this stage, all the documents you put forward, the way you operate, we want to see. And what you say you have in place are there and finally we sign the certificate.

“As I said, signing of certificate is just the beginning. You have certificate and it comes with privilege and you can only access the privilege if you continue to maintain the standards.

On the level of cooperation of other government regulatory agencies in the aviation sectorin the certification process, Usman assured that the NCAA was working in tandem with the Federal Avi-

ation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as well as the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) in the process of certifying the five international airports across the country.

“We have been working closely from the beginning, because we have to interact. We have no reason not to cooperate in the first place, because they are desirous of getting airports certified and we are also desirous of certifying the airports. Our common goal is to get the airports certified, in line with the international standard and we have been cooperating.

“They have to show interest first and intent, and formally they will come and put in for the application, the documentation will followmanuals and so on. At almost every stage, we interact and they have to demonstrate that what they have in place are workable. Where we have areas where we put limitations, we will put limitations because there is hardly any airport in the world that is operating without some forms of limitations.

“Where there are genuine issues and things are put in place to ensure those safety concerns are addressed. And they are properly

laborate? I challenge every other agency to see how we can all collaborate. No more a stand-alone business. We should find a way how we can benefit on one and other. You don’t need to have all the resources, competence or the technical expertise by yourself, it is all about collaboration.

“We need to develop the manpower to be able to run the laboratory effectively and that is why I think this MoU is a grand breaking event and I will like to see more of it not just in aviation, but in the country at large. This is something we are giving our 100 per cent and Nigerians would benefit from it.”

He also explained that AIB hoped to lure more academic institutions to make use of the facility, stressing that it would also form part of its Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs).

Remarking, leader of the delegation and Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Engr.

Prof. Yinusa A. Jimoh, noted that it was the first time the institution would sign an MoU with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the country and expressed hope that it would be mutually benefited to parties involved.

“Nigeria has a lot to gain through this partnership because Nigerians go to every part of the world for research purposes.

We still send materials to overseas when we are doing some

•L-R: AIB Legal Adviser, Mrs. Maureen Tsenongo, Director of Operation, Captain Dauroka, Commissioner/CEO, Accident Investigation Bureau {AIB}, Engr. Akin Olateru, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Engr. Prof.

Yinusa A. Jimoh, Dr. Jamiu Kolawole Odusote, H.O.D, Department of Material and Metallurgical Engineering and Mrs. Farida Sheriff during the signing of MOU on the Bureau’s Metallurgical Laboratory at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja

Unilorin, AIB strike laboratory deal T

he University of Ilorin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) for the usage of the recently-commissioned $5.8 million Safety Laboratory equipment belonging to the aviation agency in Abuja.

Speaking at the MoU signing which took place, Wednesday, at the AIB’s headquarters inside the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos complex, Commissioner of AIB, Engr. Akin Olateru said the partnership would be beneficial to the agency and the university.

He maintained that the usage of the facility would lead to human capital development in the country while the laboratory would also give students more opportunity to practice whatever they had been taught in the classrooms by their lecturers.

“This is a very important occasion for us and I believe University of Ilorin too should be proud of this occasion. I have about 30 years’ experience in aviation and this is the first that I know of that an aviation agency is signing an MOU with any higher institution in this country for the benefit of Nigerians.

“Let’s look at it very well, Federal Government owns AIB and University of Ilorin is equally owned by the federal government. Why can’t we col-

research work. Our facilities still require improvement and this is a good facility for us and we are taking good opportunity of this.

It would be recalled that at the commissioning of the facility, last week, in Abuja, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) stated that Nigeria and six other countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will utilize the $5.8 million Safety Laboratory equipment belonging to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in Abuja.

The ICAO’s Commissioner for

documented. It is a requirement that we certify those international airports.

“Currently we have five international airports, where we operate regular international flights. We started with Lagos and we hope Lagos will be finished in a very short time. Abuja also on course. Whatever lessons we learn in the certification of Lagos will be applied in the certification of Abuja. And whatever we learn in the process of certifying Lagos and Abuja, will be applied towards certifying Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu airports.

And subsequently, we intend to go beyond the international airports,” he said.

On what measures the NCAA has put in place to ensure the process is transparent, Usman said: “The NCAA is set-up to meet all with International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and we will not go below that to certify the airports. We have been working very well with the relevant airport operator to ensure that those things required are put in place for us to certify the airports at the reasonable time.

“We will not certify any airport

Banjul Accord Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), Mr Caj Frostel, also listed the BAGAIA member states that would make use of the facility to include: The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone.

Frostel who said the revitalised equipment would help boost safety not only in the sub-region, but Africa in general, noted that apart from those countries, other countries on the continent could also make use of the facility, which he described as“ a world class equipment”.

that is below standards. We will ensure that airports that have met international standards as specified will be certified. And we will also mount surveillance to ensure that they continue to meet those standards and recommended practices with them, to continue to exercise privilege of the certificate issued to them.”

Usma who further listed the benefits of the ICAO certification for the country’s international airports to include boosting patronage by foreign airlines entering the country, said the process is based on safety which is required by ICAO to assure international airlines coming into Nigeria that standards have been met.

“That is not to say that what we have now is unsafe, because we have been operating. The airports as they are, are safe and they will be even safer, if we bring it in line with standards and recommended practices- because ICAO wants to bring in uniformity as fuelled

by Standard and recommended practices. We have been operating safe, we want everybody to be on the same page, that is why this certification has to be done in line with ICAO standards,” he stressed.

“Much of what we did during the week was that we needed to establish that the equipment works. We have a BAGAIA interest that the AIB facility in Abuja becomes the centre of excellence in reading out flight recorders for all the seven countries.

“With BAGAIA, we have the ambition to cover the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as well as countries in Central and Southern Africa. There is no other flight-recorder-read-out facility elsewhere in the sub-region as you have in Abuja.

28

The Oracle Today Wednesday AUgust 9, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

FUG Pensions targets N0.5trn Assets under Management Stories by CHRIS EBONG

A

fter 10 years of sterling performance powered by hard work, resilience and perseverance, Future Unity Glanvills Pensions Limited (FUG Pensions) says things are now looking good as it targets N500billion pension Assets under Management (AuM) in its medium term strategic plans. The firm’s current assets under management have grown from zero position in 2007 to over N57billion in 2017.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Usman Suleiman during the 10th anniversary celebration held at the Company’s Head Office in Lagos on the 17th July 2017.

According to him, the Company has put in place both short, medium and long term strategic plans that would see the firm grow its portfolio in Assets under Management to N120billion by 2019 and N500billion within the next seven years of its medium term operation.

To drive its expansion programme, the Managing Director added that the Management of the Company has commenced discussion with some pension funds administrators with a view to acquiring one to actualize the expansion plans.

He said further the last 10 years of the firm’s operation was challenging given the fact that the Company came into the market as one of the late entrants, noting that with resilience, zeal, perseverance and hard work on the part of members of staff, coupled with the confidence and support of the Board and Shareholders, FUG Pensions has risen to the occasion as one of the notable pension funds administrators (PFAs) in the marketplace.

“10 years of resilience, yes it has really been a tough journey but we give glory to God for seeing us through it. It has been a lot of sacrifice, patience, hard work and perseverance but of course, the end result of those attributes is success and that is what we are seeing today. We started from nothing to what we are today,

over N57billion in Asset under Management.

Asked what to expect in the next 10 years of the Company’s existence, Mr. Suleiman said “FUG Pensions in the next 10years is going to be a PFA that cannot be overlooked by pension the industry and in the larger economy as we are moving into three stages over the next 10years. The first stage being our short term strategic plan of 2017 to 2019, of which we are moving from the present N57billion to over N120billion Asset under Management. And we are looking at a situation that by the time we get to two-third of that period, that is next seven years, we should be able to hit half-a- trillion naira pension assets under management”, Mr. Suleiman said.

The Managing Director described the 10th anniversary celebration as a celebration of dream and vision, noting that the dream of the pioneer shareholders has

come true 10 years after.

According to him, there wouldn’t be a better place for celebrating the 10th anniversary of the company than in its own premises-the FUG Pensions House, a symbol of its success.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the company, Mr. Farouk Lawal Yola noted that the 10years anniversary day was remarkable in the history of the company, according to him, the journey was challenging for FUG Pensions, adding that out of 27 PFAs licensed by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), within the period of review, 6 have either merged or been acquired and that even among those still operating, just few have survived in their original form.

The Board Chairman noted that though FUG Pensions was one of the late entrants into the industry but it has been able to weather the storm, now having to its credit, in

excess of N57billion Asset under Management with over 120,000 Retirement Savings Accounts holders (RSA).

Alhaji Farouk Lawal Yola added that efficient and effective system and structure put in place by the Board and Management earned the company an internationally acclaimed ISO certification in Quality Management System (QMS) in 2016, assuring that the Company is working relentlessly to sustain the standard in the subsequent years.

The Chairman assured the staffs he described as resourceful and assets of the Company, that their welfare would always be a priority to the Board and Management.

Licensed by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) in 2007, as a pension fund administrator, FUG Pensions is one of the frontline PFAs with over N57billion pension assets under its management subscribed by over 120,000 Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) holders.

AIICO Insurance rewrites annuity business A

IICO Insurance, one of the biggest insurance companies in Nigeria has resumed the writing of Annuity business following an approval by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

According to the management of the underwriting powerhouse, AIICO Insurance and its appointed First Pension Custodian (PFC), has obtained the nod from PenCom to recommence the sale of the product nationwide.

The head of Retail, Mr. Sola Ajayi stated “We are open for business nationwide and have already started booking new annuity sales from all Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs)”.

AIICO Insurance is one of the pioneers of Annuity in Nigeria, having started Annuity sales since 2013. The business has over 7,500 annuitants who are being paid their monthly annuities. The AIICO Annuity product is designed to pay customers for the entire duration of their life, no matter how long they live. We are committed to the eradication of old age poverty in Nigeria, one person at a time.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos weekend, the company said AIICO Insurance asset backing annuity liabilities is in excess of N30,000,000,000 which is a testament to AIICO’s commitment to ensure that all future commitment will be met as at when due.

“We thank all our existing customers; we will continue to be there for them and say a hearty welcome to all our intending customers” said the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun.

AIICO Insurance Plc. is the leading life insurer in Nigeria.

Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and health insurance, general insurance, investment management and pension management services as a means to create and protect wealth for individuals, families and corporate customers. AIICO has the •L-R: Shehu Ibrahim; Farouk Lawal Yola, Board Chairman; Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi (Centre); right Adetunji Omisore, Gambo Shuaibu largest agency workforce in the cutting FUG Pensions 10th anniversary cake at the company’s headoffice in Lagos recently. industry and has branches in 20 states across Nigeria.

Electric grid need risk transfer –Report

R

isks associated with electric grid due to severe weather, natural catastrophes and climate change can cause losses in the billions of dollars, according to agency report.

While threats make energy future more uncertain there, experts say there is a role for risk transfer and potentially the capital markets in helping to stave off economic disruption.

A new report published by reinsurance firm, Swiss Re which was authored by students at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced Interna-

tional Studies (SAIS) explains that the electric grid is among the most important pieces of critical infrastructure, but is also one of the most exposed to natural disasters, weather and climate related threats.

These threats aren’t always covered effectively either, with electrical utilities often retaining risks related to peak catastrophe or severe weather events and rarely carrying enough business interruption coverage to ensure they have the financial liquidity required post-disaster and are able to offer continuity

of service to their customers.

The report states that ordinary physical threats, related to weather and catastrophes, have the potential to be much more damaging to the electric grid’s ability to provide reliable power than even the much-discussed cyber risk.

Data shows that out of 2,428 unplanned electric grid outages in the western United States in 2015, almost a quarter were caused by extreme weather events and environmental variability.

Additionally, data from the U.S. insurance industry shows

that there is a US$20 billion to US$55 billion annual financial loss caused by power outages due to flooding, hurricanes and extreme temperatures.

Factor in the physical costs of damage to electric grid infrastructure, as well as business interruption and contingent business interruption costs, and the sector is clearly in need of robust risk transfer mechanisms to assist in recovery from disaster, and to finance a rapid recovery of service.

Climate change increases the risk, the report states, as weath-

er risks become less predictable and models struggle to forecast the potential scale of disasters.

“Climate change is expected to increase the incidence and severity of extreme weather conditions, putting the structural integrity of America’s ageing electric infrastructure under greater strain,” the report explains.

The potential for higher average temperatures, more destructive storms and hurricanes, and an increased risk of wildfire are all expected to increase the risk exposure for electrical utilities.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Export Platform

By CHINYEMIKE TORTI

Export trading opportunities in Kuwait T

RADITIONALLY, Nigerian exports, have been focused on four regional markets of Europe, Americas, ECOWAS and Southern Africa. But given the rigours of penetrating the European, American and South Africa, in terms of standardisation, competition, logistics, non-tariff barriers, which at the best of times could be overwhelming for many Nigerian exporters, who lack technical and managerial capacity to engage these sophisticated, metropolitan markets, it is best for the relatively new exporter to either start with the ECOWAS or Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait which have less stringent requirements.

Kuwait is an extremely prosperous State endowed with oil revenues that make up (52% of the GDP and 94% of export revenues in 2013). Her nationals enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes of over $49,000 in 2013. The country commands 10% of the world’s oil reserves and registered, for the 14th consecutive year, in 2013, a budget surplus estimated at around $270 billion over 14 years. It is trying to position itself as the gateway for investment in the region.

The public sector dominates the economy and concentrates three quarters of the country’s wealth. In February 2010, a 20102015 plan to develop infrastructure was been, worth $100 billion, with the special aim of opening the country’s economy to the private sector. Thanks to the increases in the price per barrel of oil and the increase in production, Kuwait’s financials in the coming years is guaranteed, with budget surpluses of about 25% (30% in 2013). The country grew by 2.5% in 2013 (after 6.2% in 2012) and for now is highly dependent on foreign trade, which represents nearly 95% of the GDP. It depends particularly on imports of food products, consumer goods (over 40% of the total in 2013) and semi-finished products (38% of the total), which ranks it among countries with the highest per capita import rate. The imports have been increasingly quickly due to the country’s undertaking of large projects and a high private consumption demand.

Kuwaiti market is cooperative in structure, in the sense that companies band together to form import-export conglomerates; and it is instructive that any foreign trader desirous of penetrating the market needs to work through these links. The profile of Asian traders and shopkeepers and Africans is quite pensive as they serve as distributive and retail outlets.

As a rule, the market is price and quality conscious. If you price your product out of the market; you would have a glut on your hand. Once an opinion is formed by two or three indigenes, concerning the quality or price of a product, that view percolates the wider society. By the same token if a negative appraisal, is put out, the effect could be devastating.

The Nigerian exporter is enjoined to be mindful of the international standards, so as to be able to complete from other competitors. Products like honey, non-alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, sculptural pieces made of wood, bronze and other materials sell like hot cakes. Other products are fertilizers especially urea, petrochemical products, agricultural commodities like rice, maize, yam, pure water solid minerals and precious stones (odour free processed leather and leather products) It is important that visitors are mindful of the cultural sensibility of the Kuwait. A Kuwait host would find it impolitic if a guest

rejected a cup of tea or the local drink. Good business depends on good relations any where in Kuwait. It is all the more important to go beyond business relation to personal relations. The hard sell approach does not appeal. An attractive brochure, product videos, samples, low-key presentations, pleasantries and patience are essential.

Hospitality is an integral part of local culture and to refuse a first cup of ghwa or chai, when visiting an office, would be impolite. Decisions are made only at the top but a Kuwaiti will expect a visiting businessman to be empowered to make decisions.

When discussing business with a Kuwaiti in his office, it is likely that the meeting will be continuously interrupted by telephone calls or the coming and going of staff and any show of irritation at the time wasted is unlikely to be appreciated.

Kuwaitis are patient in the evaluation of business opportunities and tend to bide their time while these mature. For the firsttime visitor, the friendly hospitable way in which he is received and the leisurely pace of negotiations makes it difficult whether there is a genuine interest in the goods or services he is promoting, as local etiquette, and perennial curiosity about all novelties, mean that he is unlikely to receive an abrupt rejection.

The rules of commerce are in general similar to west European practice.

Any Kuwait or GCC national over 21 years of age may carry on commerce in Kuwait provided he or she is not affected by a personal legal restriction. But a foreigner (nonGCC national) may not carry you on a trade unless he or she has one or more Kuwaiti partner(s) and the joint business is no less than 51% of the total capital (60% in the case of companies). A foreign firm (including a partnership) may not set up branch activities in the country except through a Kuwaiti agent. Foreign individuals and firms may not acquire commercial licences in their own name may be incorporated after its implementation, Non-Kuwaitis may participate in the establishment of these companies in accordance with the provisions of the law.

In August 2000, the Kuwaiti cabinet approved regulations necessary to implement the bill allowing foreigners own stocks and trade on the bourse. The legislation allows foreign investors and expatriates living in Kuwaiti to own up to 100 percent of the stock of Kuwaiti companies listed on the KSE, except in bands where the ownership will be limited to 49 per cent.

The regulations provide complete freedom for foreigners to buy, sell and own stocks like Kuwaitis. KSE also has plans to introduce trading through the Internet soon to enable foreign investors easy access to Kuwait stocks. Article (3) of the law states that the rules applicable in the Kuwait Stock Exchange will be applied on the shares possessed by non-Kuwaitis in the shareholding companies that are enlisted with Kuwait Stock Exchange.

The right to import goods into Kuwait on a commercial basis is restricted to Kuwaiti individuals and firms who are members of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry, KCI, and who have import licences issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, MCI, which must be renewed annually, allow any amount of a variety of products from any country to be imported any number of times. But special licences are needed to bring in regulated products such as arms, ammunition and explosives, ethyl alcohol, drugs, pesticides, jewellery and precious stones, weights and weighing

•Yousef al-Ali, Kuwait Minister of Commerce & Industry.

machines, vintage cars, these too must be renewed annually.

Special licences are also needed to import industrial equipment and spare parts; these are issued to industrial firms upon the recommendation of the Public Authority for Industry and are valid for a single use only.

To protect local morals, alcoholic beverages and materials used in making them, pigs, pork, pigskin products (such as handbags, wallets and shoes), narcotics and associated plant and seeds, pornographic and subversive materials, are, among other items prohibited. To protect local trade and industry’, items such as vehicles over 5 years old and goods manufactured locally are prohibited. Items injurious to health, such as air-guns, asbestos and cyclamates, are banned. Imports from Israel and Iraq are banned absolutely.

All imports, as well as locally made items, must comply with Kuwait standard specifications, KSS. If there is no KSS for a particular product then Gulf standard specifications, GSS, a set of common standards being devised under the GCC’s Unified Economic Agreement, apply, and if there is no suitable GSS. The product must adhere to international standard.

To clear goods imported into Kuwait, a minimum of four documents are needed: a.

Commercial Invoice, b.

Certificate of Origin, c.

Official Delivery Order, and d.

Packing List The invoice, certificate or origin, and the delivery order (bill of lading or airway bill) must be in three original copies and must be certified by a chamber of commerce in the country of export, preferably a joint local- Arab chamber, and certified by the Kuwaiti consulate in that country. If there is no Kuwaiti Embassy in the exporting country, the consulate of Saudi Arabia (preferably) or any other Arab country (except Iraq) is acceptable. As well as being shown on the packing list, the country of origin must also be marked on each packing unit. To clear customs additional certificates showing that they comply with health and safety regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Health the Municipality and the MCI must accompany many products. Goods failing to clear customs must be re-exported within a month. The minutiae of import regulations tend to change frequently and these changes are published in Al-Kuwait Al-

Youm, the official gazette.

Kuwaiti customs duties are the lowest in the region, though there are protective tariffs on some goods. However commercial samples worth up to KD5, 000 may be brought in temporarily. Duty is levied as a percentage of the CIF value of the goods up, but excluding unloading in, Kuwait. It is calculated and must be paid in Kuwaiti Dinar, KD. Where importers are invoiced in foreign currencies, customs use a list of ‘standard’ exchange rates to translate the CIF value into KD. These rates change frequently and a list in Arabic is available for 250fils from customs.

The standard rate of duty is 4%. But most goods may be imported duty free, including: Food products, medicines, essential consumer goods, live animals, printed matter, etc, except where these (such as bread) are manufactured locally: Industrial and farm products from other GCC States provided they have at least 40% added value in the GCC exporting country; and raw materials, semiprocessed goods, equipment and spare parts for new industrial establishments provided exemption has been obtained.

But imported hydrocarbon products that are also manufactured locally, such as lubricating oils, are subject to duties of 100%. The duty on cigarettes and tobacco is 75%. But some goods of Arab origin are subject to only 50% or 75% of the duty imposed on similar goods of non-Arab origin.

Many locally made products are protected by tariffs. They qualify for protected by tariffs. The qualify for protection, an industrial firm must show that it meets, or will be able to meet, at least 40% of the demand in the local market for the products concerned- The tariff varies according to the value added by domestic productions.

Only Kuwaiti individuals or firms may act as commercial agents in Kuwait. While foreign individuals or firms, except for GCC national, are not allowed to carry on commercial activities in the country except through a commercial agent.

Many Nigerians are already proving their mettle in the downstream distributive subsectors.

• CHINYEMIKE TORTI, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Nigerian Exporters, Alumnus, World Bank Institute, Washington DC, Resource Person ITC/WTO, Geneva Switzerland. Moderator, EXPORT ADVOCACY GROUP exportgazette@gmail.com

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

WALTON GATE ESTATE You’re gonna love it at WALTON GATE, a newly introduced estate welcoming you to a new level of luxury living imbibed with simplicity, technology and class. Walton Gate which will feature the best residential infrastructures Real Estate industry has ever imagined.

Walton gate estate, inspired by lifestyle and dreams is set to carve a niche of its own among estates located at Sangotedo with sophisticated and luxurious retreat that reflects that magical merging of inspiration and architecture and is poised to be one of a kind and next to none.

WHY CHOOSE WALTON GATE ESTATE SANGOTEDO? • Multitudinous Investment Benefits: The developer of this estate has proven itself in the real estate business and can guarantee Walton gate as one of the best real estate opportunities the industry has to offer.

• 150% increment on Investment in 6 months Guaranteed • Trust and Performance: When we commit to a project, Walton gate will be no • exception.

• Modern Estate Arena: we will avail you the best of facilities while incorporating the • flare and glare of the modern day society. The estate brings to you a relaxed and secure environment that fits just right with your family and business endeavours.

NEIGHBOURHOOD • Novare Lekki Mall • Emperor Estate • Golden Park Estate • Debiruss School • Lagos Business School • University View Estate • Readington School TITLE: Gazette.

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For more details please contact PREMIUM PARTNERS +234 (803) 887 2988, +234 (803) 300 7069 25 Remi Fani Kayode Street G.R.A Ikeja, Lagos State

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

URBAN BASE ESTATE BOGIJE Introducing....URBAN BASE ESTATE. Have you ever wished for a home space which inculcates luxury, comfort, technology and style? Look no further, we are bringing you exactly that which you pictured in your mind and much more, in the form of URBAN BASE ESTATE, BOGIJE. In this Estate, you do not have to worry about uncertainty of presence of basic amenities such as light, guess why?? ... We’ve got you covered. This means that the estate would thrive as a commercial as well as residential estate.

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32

The Oracle Today, Wednesday August 9, 2017

Crime

Police gun down five kidnap suspects

By XAVIER NDAH

I

t was the end of the road for five alleged kidnappers as a reprisal attack by the Police led them to their early grave in Ogun State.

The suspects we gathered had ambushed a police corporal on Siun-Ogere Road last Friday and succeeded in the abduction of the officer.

The abducted police corporal, Stephen Adesokan, was on his way to Abeokuta enroute SiunOgere Road on the fateful day when he ran into his abductors.

The suspects we gathered had put a call across to their victim’s family members of the policeman and made a demand of N10 Million Naira ransom, unknown to them that their days were numbered.

It was gathered that the state’s Police Commissioner, CP Ahmed Iliyasu, who saw it as the height of affront on the police, gave a marching order to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Owode-Egba Division, CSP Sheu Alao, as well as other special units comprising FSARS and Anti Kidnapping/

Cultist Section to go after the hoodlums and ensure they were brought to book.

However, in compliance with the CP’s order, crack detectives swung into action and their efforts paid off.

The kidnappers were said to have sighted the men and engaged them in a gun battle, which lasted for about an hour, but they paid for their heinous crime with their respective lives, having bowed to the superior fire power of men of the Ogun State Police At the end of the encounter, five of the six-man syndicate were shot dead while one escaped with bullet wounds while the police corporal was rescued unhurt.

Recovered from them were four single barrel guns, assorted charms and weeds suspected to be Indian hemps.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Iliyasu, has commended the gallantry display of his men, even as he reiterated his earlier warnings to criminals to relocate as the state would never be a conducive place for them.

•Kidnappers

Three caught with human skulls …says it cost N30, 000 at Benin Republic

hree men arrested for being T in possession of two human skulls by the Ogun Police Com-

mand have confessed that they bought the fresh heads at the neighboring Benin Republic for N30,000 each.

The suspects Saibu Popoola, Aliu Ajiroba and Jimoh Ijiola were arrested when Policemen attached to Ayetoro Division were on a routine patrol and they were accosted on a Bajaj motorcycle along Idagba Olodo road with a bag which looks suspicious.

Police sources said the men were given out when they became jittery on sighting a police patrol van and they were unable to make a U-turn because the policemen were already positioned as they ran into them and they immediately accosted them.

It was gathered that when asked of the content of what they were carrying they responded that the bag contained some working utensils adding that they were going to a construction site.

Police sources said the eagle eye police patrol team insisted on seeing the content of the bag and

a quickly search revealed two human skulls which were carefully concealed in the bag.

It was gathered that the duo were promptly arrested and taken to Ayetoro Police Station where they told the Police that the skulls was given to them by one Jimoh Ijiola who live in Erinpa area of the town.

Based on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ayetoro Division CSP, Makinde Kayode led detectives to the resident of the suspect where he was also arrested. In his own statement, he denied being the person that gave them the skulls but they all bought it from neighboring Benin Republic and their intention was to use it for money rituals.

The suspects revealed that the human head was demanded by a ’ babalawo’ (herbalist) for the preparation of ritual that will make him extremely rich.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered that the case be transferred to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.

•The suspects

Man arrested for raping 13-year old daughter 41-year- old man, Sikiru OdeA jide has been arrested by men of Ogun state police command for

•Odejide

subjecting his own 13-years- old biological daughter (name withheld) to frequent marathon sex.

The man was arrested following a complaint from the mother of the victim who had been separated from the man years back.

Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police ,ASP, Abimbola Oyeyemi said the victim who had been suffering in silence had gone to the mother’s house at ijeshatedo area of Lagos and laid a complain that she was no longer willing to live with the father as she is tired of the frequent marathon sex.

It was gathered that the mother then went to Sango police station

and reported that her daughter came to her house at Ijeshatedo area of Lagos to inform her that the suspect has been having sexual intercourse with her since December 2016.

According to her, the child also alleged that the father also threatened to kill her if she disclose the matter to anyone and she has been living in fear and could not tell anyone because she has nowhere to run to.

The mother further told the police that her daughter said she could no longer bear the frequent sexual assault from her father hence she decided to inform her.

It was gathered that based on the report, the DPO Sango police station, SP Akinsola Ogunwale detailed detectives to effect the arrest of the randy father who lives in Oni-

hale area of Ifo local government area of the state.

The suspect, on interrogation owned up to the commission of the crime but attributed it to the devil handwork stating that he was tempted to do it because the wife had left him and he doesn’t have money to patronise women outside.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police CP Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered that the suspect be transferred to anti human trafficking and child labour unit of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for further investigation and possible prosecution of the suspect.

The CP equally directed that the victim be taken to hospital for proper medical attention.

Man nabbed for stealing baby

ut for the quick intervention of B operatives of the Lagos State Task Force a young man would have

been lynched to death by irate mob for alleged abduction of a six-month old baby in Lagos.

A 31-year-old man Idama Endurance has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force for alleged abduction of a six-month old baby in Lagos.

The suspect, Idama Endurance, 31, who lives in the same compound with the child’s parents on House No. 55, Oshodi Road, Oshodi, Lagos, allegedly took advantage of the family’s unlocked entrance door to sneak into their one-room apartment at night and attempted to escape with the baby when miracle happened.

Mother of the child 29-year- old, Mrs. Banke Akinyemi, said the suspect sneaked into her room at mid when she was fast asleep and took the baby girl who was sleeping beside her on the bed but luck came her way when the girl simply identified as Darasimi cried thereby forcing the suspect to dump her and escaped.

She lamented that the suspect would have succeeded in his wicked act if the baby, had not cried and the suspect was apprehended by neighbors, who had formed a wall round him with the aim of lynching him to death.

The emergence of men of the Lagos State Task Force on midnight patrol saved the situation, as the suspect was rescued from the angry mob and whisked to the agency’s office in Oshodi.

Idama, who hails from Obiakuruku area in Delta State, however denied the allegation, and hinged his argument on the fact that he got back home drunk, from a birthday party, at mid night and had to scale the fence, as the gate was already locked, adding that “it was after I scaled the fence that I entered into their room, looking for the key to the gate, more so that their door was not locked”.

Idama, in his confessional statement to the operatives said, “since I moved into the compound a year ago, I have been eyeing the baby’s mother but had to retreat when our landlady told me she was two months old pregnant”.

Apparently full of praises that he could, after all, live to tell his own side of the story, Idama who claimed to be trading on ‘linen clothing’ materials at Kairo market, Oshodi, however, confirmed that the presence of men of the Lagos State Task Force saved him from being mobbed.

He said his neighbours and passers-by had started beating him for alleged abduction, as everyone passing and heard that he was a kidnapper, was filled with rage and ready to manhandle him.

•Idama

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Love and Living

... With Ireto Temofeh

Oracle Girl of the Week

LOVE NEWS

Teacher faces jail for spying on wife

A

Name: Oge Tel: 0809 347 3190 • Do you want to be our next Oracle Girl? Send your photos to ireto007@yahoo. com and call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

Baby born ‘pregnant’ with his twin brother

A

baby boy was born ‘pregnant’ - with his own twin brother.

Doctors discovered the half-formed baby - complete with a brain, arm and legs - behind the otherwise-healthy baby boy’s stomach after he was born.

They successfully operated to remove the 7cm mass, which they suspect was a rare ‘foetus in fetu’ twin pregnancy - one of around 200 ever recorded in the world.

Radiologist Dr Bhavna Thorat, who spotted the problem during a routine scan, said: ‘It was inside a fetal sac of the newborn.’

The unnamed baby and his 19-yearold mother from Mumbra, in India, are both healthy and doing well.

‘I could see a tiny head with the brain inside’ Dr Thorat noticed the abnormality during a routine scan of the pregnant woman at Bilal Hospital in Mumbra in early July.

When the baby was born nine days later on July 20 he scanned the baby and found ‘another small baby’ inside the newborn’s abdomen.

Dr Thorat said: ‘It was inside a fetal sac of the newborn.

‘I could see bones of the upper and its nutrition. lower limbs of the fetus.

‘It can be implanted in skull, abdo‘The unique thing about it was I could men or tail bone of the host. see a tiny head with the brain inside.

‘Sometimes it can also lead to the ‘However, this parasitic twin didn’t death of the host because both get nuhave a skull bone.’ trition from a single cord.

The new born was taken to Titan ‘The parasitic baby was lying behind Hospital in Thane for surgery. the stomach deriving its nutrition from Dr. Nichlani added: ‘The baby is now the host. doing extremely well and the mother He said: ‘The parasitic baby has been will begin feeding him soon.’ sent for further testing, reports are ‘It can lead to death’ awaited.

Gynecologist Dr Neena Nichlani said: ‘The parasitic baby is a male of about ‘It is a case of monozygotic twin preg- 6-to-7cm in length, weighing around nancy sharing single placenta, where 150g (0.33lb) and of abnormal develone fetus wraps itself around and en- opment.’ velops the other and robs the host of Courtesy: DAILY MAIL.

teacher who wrongly suspected his wife of having an affair spied on her with secret cameras and tracking devices on her car.

Gavin Bowditch, 37, was convinced partner Helen was seeing someone else and turned to surveillance in a bid to find proof.

He attached a tracking device to her car and concealed a secret video camera under the couple’s TV, Taunton Magistrates heard.

Bowditch, a supply teacher, also accessed her emails and sent Facebook messages purporting to be from his vet wife to a man he believed she was seeing, the court was told.

He is now facing jail after she discovered his scheme and reported him to police.

Bowditch, of Fiddington, Somerset, admitted his actions but denied they amounted to stalking which had caused serious alarm or distress.

But the teacher, who worked at The Castle School in Taunton, Somserset, was found guilty following a trial and faces ‘immediate custody’ when he is sentenced at a later date.

District Judge David Taylor said today: ‘There is no doubt Bowditch posed as Mrs Bowditch to contact a male in an attempt to find out information.

‘THe installed a tracking device in her car. In interview he made clear it was to monitor her movements to see if she was having an affair.

‘Allegations about a certain camera device underneath the TV, it seems to me that admission also demonstrates the intention Bowditch had, the intention to monitor and track his wife.’

The judge added: ‘The target is plainly Mrs Bowditch. That’s the reason he had gone to the extremes of covertly installing a tracking device in her vehicle.

‘It matters not she was unaware these things were happening, the fact she learned about it later on is relevant, when she did find out I’m quite satisfied it led to alarm and distress.

‘I’m sure there was a course of conduct, conduct that can be described as improper, oppressive and calculated to produce alarm and distress.

‘I’m quite satisfied that posing as her on Facebook and installing a tracking device are actions that

can be described and associated with stalking.’

The court heard Bowditch and his wife had been married for seven years and lived together until March this year. They are now getting divorced.

Mrs Bowditch told the court her husband’s actions has left her feeling constantly tired, led to her making mistakes in her job as a veterinary nurse and caused her anxiety and panic attacks.

She has moved house to a secret location, insists the gates are locked at her place of work, stopped using Facebook and her phone and changed her route to work.

Bowditch told police he had suffered a number of medical problems last year leading to him suffering from paranoia, the court heard.

His lawyer James Mumford previously told a court that he recognised his behaviour was ‘not acceptable and not justifiable’ and said any normal person would think he was ‘a lunatic’.

A court heard, Mrs Bowditch conceded she had given her husband non-secure access to her social media account, letting her have an old mobile phone.

Mrs Bowdtich also admitted that she did not ‘fear physical harm’ and was initially reluctant to contact police.

COURTESY: DAILY MAIL.

• Gavin Bowditch,

Romantic Joke Thinking About Getting Married “Honey,” said this husband to his wife, “I invited a friend home for supper.”

“What? Are you crazy? The house is a mess, I didn’t go shopping, all the dishes are dirty, and I don’t feel like cooking fancy meal!”

“I know all that.”

“Then why did you invite a friend for supper?”

“Because the poor fool’s thinking about getting married.”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

True Confession

‘My husband married my house-girl’

You mean so much to me.

M

y name is Theresa and I hail from Kwara state. My father was a lecturer in the university while my mother was a secondary school teacher. I grew up just like every other child from an average family and I graduated from the University of Ilorin when I was 25 years old. I was posted to Sokoto state for my NYSC and while there, I fell in love with one of the staff of UBA where I served.

Ola contacted an agency which provides domestic servants, and within one month, we had a young, tall, busty and beautiful from Calabar.

She was about 23years old and knew how to work.

His name is Ola and he seemed to be a very charming personality. He had that air of boldness and confidence around him, and his poise was breathtaking.

He swept me off my feet right from the first day I resumed at UBA. And he offered to drive me around Sokoto to spent the weekend in the hotel with see how beautiful the state is.

Ola. He seemed to have so much money to spend and I like guys who have I hadn’t had such a view of the ancient money to spend. I really enjoyed the Islamic city before, and I felt that the weekend with Ola in the hotel. We place was quite exotic with its ancient made love so many times and had so history and evidence of Islamic aes- much to eat and drink that I wished our thestics. Ola told me not to stay in the stay would never end. corper’s lodge as it was quite crowded, and helped me get accommodation in The world seemed to stand still the an elite part of the city. He paid for my moment Ola proposed to me. When he apartment and I moved in, and we be- asked me if I would like to marry him, came lovers. Our days of beautiful ro- I said yes one million times. I kept on mance were my happiest moments in saying yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, until he life. I was on top of the world and really started laughing and planted a kiss on acted like a woman in love. my lips. Ola’s kiss was softer than butOne evening, Ola took me to a hotel where we had dinner with dessert. He said that it would be fun spending the whole weekend in the hotel and asked me to spend it with him. I agreed and

married a rich guy. We had three daughters in three years, and after that my husband suddenly lost interest in my sexual appeal. Ola complained I was getting too fat and was no longer as attractive as I was when he married me. I told him that it was because the housework was too much for me and that I needed a house-girl to help me look after the children.

in the sixth month of her stay, my housegirl got pregnant for my husband. I screamed and cried and asked her to pack her things and leave. But my husband refused, saying that the scan revealed that the housegirl was carrying a baby boy for him and that he was going to marry her as his second wife since I had only three daughters for him.

Ola contacted an agency which provides domestic servants, and within one month, we had a young, tall, busty and beautiful from Calabar. She was about 23years old and knew how to ter and sweeter than honey and I cher- work. It was around this time that I got ished every moment we spent locked a job as a secretary in one company in the embrace of a kiss. and I had to leave home very early in the morning and close late at night.

I married Ola and became the happiest woman on earth because I had I don’t know how it happened, but

Now the housegirl has given birth to a boy and my husband has paid her dowry. He says that if I can’t tolerate her as his second wife, I’m free to pack out with my daughters. But I know that she cast a love spell or used a love potion on my husband. And I’m also going to use a love potion on him too to win back his love. We shall see whose love spell or potion is the strongest!

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Relationships and Love Advice

‘How can I save my marriage?’

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 4050 years for marriage. 08180072310.

Peace, 33, fair, HIV positive, from Imo, needs an educated, HIV positive Igbo man of 3542 years from East or Delta for marriage.

07065323282.

Christine, 45, wants a loving and caring man for a serious relationship, preferably a widower or divorcee. 08136054294.

Blessing, 33, from Imo, in Lagos, fat, busty, single mother, needs a matured man of 45years+ for marriage. 08025117116, 08053407885.

Blessing, 38, from Anambra, tall, slim, good-looking, needs a dark, slim, Genotype AA, responsible man of 40years+ for marriage. 08164325554.

Stella, 34, a graduate, needs a businessman for marriage or somebody who can help her get a job in Lagos or Abuja. 08132807532.

Chioma, 27, tall, homely, graduate, from Anambra, wants a hard working, understanding man of 28 years+ for a serious relationship. 08066521152.

Dear Love Doctor, The last two months I have been separated from my husband. I married him when I was 19 years old and fell head over heals for him. We now have two children together and a love that I cannot let go. When we first were married we both were young and like to go out drinking and of course there was no problem.

But when I first got pregnant we split up because of an infidelity he had with one of his ex girlfriends. Now 8 years later and a lot of arguing, not coming home at nights by him, and another infidelity with the same woman I finally got tired of it. He has quit drinking now but I can’t seem to let go of the past in order to save our marriage.

I love him and I don’t want to get a divorce. I think what we have is worth saving but how do I forgive him and let all of the anger go that I have for him? Not only do I have anger for him but it seems to be for everyone else too. Please help if you can.

Ayo, 29, gentle, sexy, needs a reliable and sexually active man of 30-45years for a lasting relationship. 08066642286.

Augusta, 33, tall, graduate, needs a well educated, working or businessman from Anambra or Enugu for marriage. 07080991716.

Tolu, 33, nice, humble and principled, needs a gentle, mature man of 40-52years for a serious relationship. 08037435805.

From Nkechi.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage

Love Doctor’s Advice:

Onyeka, 38, from Imo, businessman in Lagos, fair, needs a lady of 28-36years for marriage.

07033467234.

Dear Nkechi,

Obi, from Anambra, tall, fair, needs a lady of 18-32 years with a very large bust, in Anambra, for marriage. 08066671433.

If you want to save the marriage and discharge your anger, it seems to me that you need to figure out what sort of behavior you can live with from your husband and what you cannot, and then communicate those limits to him, and get his buy-in that he can abide by those limits. And then time has to go by, perhaps a lot of time, and you have to see that he actually does what he has said he will do. In essence, you have to start over rebuilding trust from below zero where it is today. Though this is a long process most of the time, if the both of you are dedicated to making it happen, it honestly can happen.

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.

Ndubuisi, 38, fair, 5.8ft, from Imo, businessman in Lagos, needs a lady of 27-34years for marriage. 08140652557.

Uche needs a mature, working woman in Lagos as a confidante and for friendship.

08077821830.

Prince Kennedy, 31, 6ft, from Imo, in Lagos, needs a responsible woman of 25-35years with a good job that is ready to settle down.

08069162932.

Kunmi, 29, structural engineer, wants a sugar mummy in Abuja or Lagos. 08176088985.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

36

It happened to me:

‘One of my children belongs to my husband’s brother’

Sweetheart, life is nothing with- I stood up and went and sat on his out you. lap. Then he gave me a very soft kiss on the lips and brought out a ring f you’re a woman with five chil- and asked me: “Princess, will you dren for your husband, yet your marry me?” I melted and said yes. youngest child came from an And Chidi cupped my small breasts affair with your husband’s brother, in his hands and squeezed me. what would you do? My name is Princess and I’m a business wom- After our wedding, life went on an. I was in my shop when Chidi smoothly and I had four lovely chilwalked into my life. It was love at dren, three girls and a boy. We had first sight for both of us. I admired a wonderful sex life until my first his height, while he liked my gap- child was 13 and my husband started having problems with his mantooth. hood.

I can never forget the day Chidi slipped the engagement ring onto We went to hospital and were told my finger at a restaurant. It was that my husband contracted an so romantic. He had told me to STD several years ago and did not wear something sexy. So I’d worn treat it well. So the disease didn’t something sexy enough to kill him. heal completely and had now come It was a red dress with a sexy bra. back. My husband could no longer And I topped it up with an import- make love to me like before, and our sex life suffered. My husband ed perfume. told his elder brother what he was Chidi loved the dress and swore going through. never to look at another woman if I continued to dress like that for That was our mistake, because him. We were quietly enjoying our from that moment, my brother-indrinks when he told me to come law started trying to get me into and sit on his lap for a moment. So his bed. He was always mocking me behind my husband’s back, and

I

telling me that I needed a real man announced to my husband that now to perform my husband’s re- I was carrying his fifth child. My sponsibility. husband’s brother is still sleeping with me since my husband can’t The snake ate the egg because do it regularly. But I feel sick when the hen told him about the egg he I think of it. had laid.

Our mistake as a couple was that I stayed without sex with my hus- my husband told his brother his band for two years, and one day I problem. Now his brother has takwas fed up and depressed. And en advantage to sleep with me. when my husband’s brother start- That is why it’s not good someed mocking me again about my times to tell people your problem, husband’s condition, I didn’t know especially if you’re married and the when I allowed him to sleep with problem is with your spouse. me.

My advice to newly married couI later discovered I was pregnant. ples is to always try to resolve their What an abomination! I started differences with each other in sethinking fast and the only way out cret, without involving third parties was to force my husband to make and without washing their dirty linlove to me. So that night, I forced en in public. Marriage is a long jourmy husband by romancing him for ney which requires a high level of a long time, to have sex with me. maturity, patience and understanding.

It was difficult because we hadn’t had sex for about two years, but I hope my story teaches a lesson Chidi, my husband, finally managed to all those who trust too much or to get it up and had sex with me. confide too much in their so-called brothers and sisters and relatives, Soon after that, my pregnan- to the detriment of their husbands cy started showing and I proudly or wives.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Love & Living

U

CHE and I were friends right from my university days, he really liked me and I knew it. He wasn’t a student at the time though; he had just resigned from his banking job to seek a dream career in his main field with the ministry of foreign affairs. That period he visited me in school and made me serve as his mock interviewer; I was amazed at how much he knew. Uche is one of the few people I ever met who had smattering knowledge across fields yet he remained your everyday guy, humble and a people person.

On several occasions, I made new friends only to find that they knew Uche. I’m yet to meet someone else who has as much friend as Uche did. The curious thing is that he found time to nurture every single friendship, each one mattered to him and he would call to check on them, advise and assist them if there was the need.

Little wonder then that we remained friends even though the physical distance between us remained, he was in Abuja while I schooled in Awka.

We both wanted more but there was always this gulf in between, sometimes it felt like something but the next minute stark emptiness. I remember the times I visited his base in Abuja because we wanted to get something working, somehow I noticed that he seemed to like them fair and flashy and I wasn’t. Each time I left, it was back to square zero like nothing happened so we let it go. It was easy to let go of trying to date because we still had something to hold on to, our friendship. It was easy to stay friends because we kept intimacy out of it all the while since we wanted to be sure first. So, we stayed normal, seemingly dating but not quite.

Years passed and all the fair and flashy ladies failed to meet your high expectations. Above the show and shine, a rare breed like you needed more. I knew all along because you kept coming back to me each time the ladies proved empty. Problem was that I had begun seeing you in an uncertain light, how could I ever trust that you would stay for a life time, wouldn’t you someday wake up to desire a fair skin? Beyond that I had grown so unsure of you that I wasn’t sure if you could protect my heart and all. All these doubts took years to develop and it was going to take a life time to ease but I wasn’t sure I could stake that. I never harboured any doubt about the quality of your person, in fact I sometimes wondered if there was anyone else

Ify

ARONU ifyaronu@gmail.com

and

Life

This love was different quite like you. You were so rare with a rounded personality and stunning life. Now I know, only a shooting star could have been all that you were.

Anyone who knew me, knew you and every one who knew you, knew me, somehow we were constantly part of each other’s conversations. You had never met her but you located and went to my mum on one of those occasions when we had disagreed and I was ignoring your calls, you introduced yourself and asked her to help talk to me. You also talked to my siblings from time to time, they all loved you. You taught me that life was about making the most of the little that we have and in many ways you wrote your name right in my heart. How can I ever forget how you insisted that I stay over at your place each time I visited Abuja during my youth service year? You knew I could take care of it but you rather took it up.

The day you asked me to cancel an appointment you weren’t so clear on, I wouldn’t have done it if the request hadn’t come from you, I knew you knew better. I can’t forget our fights over money though because that’s where your diplomatic skills always came alive but we always found a way to stay even. And your custom-made pet names for me, I can still hear your voice in my head. Each time you phoned, you would hail me for the first 30 seconds; you saw in me things I never saw. I used to see your hype as political but how I miss it now. You taught me lots of life lessons and you would always counsel that I leave my comfort zone and that’s some-

thing I will still have to do for you no matter what it takes because I know you are watching.

About this time last year, I was mourning Uche Okeke, my friend and mentor. He died on Sunday, 31 July 2016 in an auto crash on Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway. It’s all fresh, how I ran from the venue of an event I was attending on hearing the horrible news. I was calling to check up on your journey back to Lagos only for a strange voice to inform me that there’s been an accident and many died. I sat up throughout that night at the hospital hoping for a miracle while they searched for you among the living and later the dead and that’s where they found you, gone forever. The journey back to our town for your burial was the worst ever...

That day you left, I lost a part of me and I’m yet to figure out how to live without it. One of your friends, Kelly, said he saw a falling star the night you left and I know it was you. I don’t know when these tears will ever stop but one thing is certain, you live right inside my heart.

Stay safe in the arms of Jesus till we meet again at Jesus’ feet. I love you, Uche. Adieu my diplomat and star.

Until his death at the young age of 30, Uche Okeke (aka Ginger) was a promising career diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Nigeria.

Please send your comments to ifyaronu@gmail.com

Structures in protecting the child – a survivor’s perspective

Maureen Alikor maureenalikor@gmail.com

Me & More

A

CHILD is someone below the age of 18. It’s a simple definition, right?

I would love to know those awesome persons who skipped childhood and became adults at birth; I would want to be like them. So we all agree that we were once children and at those times we were under the care of our parents and our guardians and we can say they did their best in protecting us from impending danger and harm, but today that there has been a massive decline in the family unit as it regards protecting the child and this is very dangerous.

We are going through a major wobble in our family unit and this has affected the society in a no small way. There is a sharp contrast between child training of the times of our parents and of now.

In the medical field, diagnosing a disease is always followed by prescriptions and these prescriptions are what I would call Structures in protecting the child, these areas have to be looked into if we are to help protect the child.

Family unit

I grew up to know that the family is the first place where a child gets the necessary emotional support and if this is not made available, we never can tell what can happen. Because of the economic situation, parents have to work harder and longer than usual and these always results in them being away from the house often. They are not often around for their children. And this is blamed on WORK. We should make time for our children, and if we fail to do this, we should be reminded that the media and peer groups will take our place and I am sure we would not want the results.

As parents, especially mothers, the bulk of the responsibility is on you to listen lovingly to our children, we should get pass the stage of PLAYING mother and actually being it and going a step further to being friends with our children, that way, it will pave a way for us to knowing our children better.

Listening is key There is a huge communication gap between parents and their children and most-

ly between guardians and the children in their care, and this has leads to the former not opening up on their fears, their questions and their experiences.

Many things are advocating for our attention and as a result of that we are lost in the noise and we do not hear what our children are saying or even when they are talking.

We have parents and siblings who are either too busy with work and other things of paramount importance to them and as such the children are left in the care of guardians. Sometimes the children cater for themselves. What do we breed when we have children breeding children?

And this is dangerous.

This art of listening is not just the responsibility parents alone, but for everyone who knows a child, owns a child or lives next to a child. We have to always put ourselves in the position where the children around can and will confide in us, because they know we will listen.

Sometimes, we erroneously listen without our full attention, and also we listen not to listen, but to correct and trust me, these children are smart. They know.

I remember the case of a guidance counsellor in a school I visited with my “Demystify Abuse Campaign” and how rash and uncultured she was, and within a few minutes, I knew that the children in her care would not be free to speak with her or share their experiences with her. One of the students who spoke with us confirmed my observation.

This left me wondering, if she, a guidance counsellor who is supposed to be one with a listening ear is this unapproachable, how then would she guide the wards in her care?

We should take our listening skills one

step higher, we should listen to what our children and wards are not saying, because many of these children may not be able to walk up to you and tell you when they need help. So as guardians and parents, we should strive to listen to their body language and also to their moods.

(To be concluded next week)

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Divorce in Statutory Marriage (Part 1) I

was compelled to go back to this topic by a desperate caller who I neglected, not deliberately, for some time because of crucial reasons happenings with one of our columnists which made me write more on criminal Law. I thank God that the attentions of the authorities concerned in that matter had been drawn and they are looking into it in line with the anti-corrupt practices embarked by the present government and I pray that they should leave no stone unturned to fish out and ruthlessly deal with the perpetrators of such crime. I shall talk more on this in subsequent editions.

By the way, before I digress to another issue not slated for this edition, let me go back to the topic at hand which is on marriage and divorce as in matrimonial causes Act. WHAT IS MARRIAGE As I earlier said in my previous edition on the question, it is a divine decree by God to bring a union between a man and a woman. A customary marriage is contracted under customary Law or native Law and custom of parties in existence and according to the various Laws of the parties involve. Statutory marriage, which I shall base my discussion in this edition is a marriage regulated by statue in Nigeria. Matrimonial causes Act and Rules governs this aspect of marriage. For the interest of some of us who are not learned in Law, I shall explain briefly on what constitute the matrimonial causes Act. This Act includes proceedings for a decree of dissolution of marriage, judicial separation, restitution of conjugal right and activation of marriage.

PARTIES TO A DIVORCE PETITION There are primarily two parties namely Petitioner and Respondent however, in case of adultery the third party co-Respondent manifest.

JURISDICTION OF COURTS ON THIS ACT It is only the High Court of the states that has jurisdiction (that is powers) to entertain the matter as in Order I rule 4 (I) and Section II 4 (I) MCA. However, some of the state Laws may empower a magistrate to entertain it. It should be noted that the basis of jurisdiction of a court on this matter depends on the domicile of parties as in Section 2 MCA CAP M7 LFN 2004. Note further that any person domiciled in any state within the Federal Republic of Nigeria may institute actions in any state High Court whether or not he is domicile in that particular state as in Section 2 (3) MCA. In same way, generally a wife’s domicile is that of her husband. This implied for instance that an American (or foreigners who marries a Nigerian can institute a matrimonial cause in Nigeria as in Section 7 MCA, Advocate v Jaffrey). Please, there are more to this and only the experts on this field, the Lawyers, can assist you further not to make mistakes or misinterpret the Law. Consult them for details.

MATRIMONIAL RELIEFS A) DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE: Section 30 (I) matrimonial causes Act and Orders IV of matrimonial causes Rules deals on the rule of time. It states that no proceeding for divorce may be instituted within two years of marriage except with the leaves of the country as in Fisher V Fisher (1948) probate 243. This rule (CA) is meant to curtail the mistakes of most couples who rush into marriages for what they experienced at the first phase of a relationship and without thinking properly and examining one another to see if they can blend together when they become husband and wife. Some couples, especially the female folks, are easily being deceived by intangible material things by the male folks to accept their hands in marriage and when the realities of life start unfolding in their marriage lives soonest after the marriage (probably, very society and lavish types of marriages) fighting, quarrelling and misunderstanding come in. The next step is for one of them or even both to seek for divorce. It is for the prevention of couples rushing into marriages due to ill-advice and love at first sight and in less than two years of the marriage start rushing out that the rule comes into being.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule of not dissolving a marriage within two years of contracting the marriage. These exceptions are; (1) The court may grant leave to institute a dissolution within two years if it (Courts) is convinced that its refusal to grant the leave would impose exceptional hard-

ship on the applicant (2) If it is a case involving exceptional depravity on the applicant.

(3) Where it is in the interest of the children of the marriage.

HOW SHOULD THE PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE BE? Proceedings in respect of dissolution of marriage must unless in recognized exceptions, be heard in open Court unlike in the case of Oviasu V Oviasu (1931) ALL NLR (Part II) 75. In this case, the hearing of the case took place in the Judge’s chambers. Neither the counsel nor the parties requested for such hearing. The Supreme Court condemned the action of the trial Judge in hearing the case in chambers suo motu because the petition and answer do not contain such matters which by Law, ought to be heard in “camera”. It further held that all that happened in the Judge’s chambers did not constitute a regular hearing of an action in a court.

ing and studying to understand these procedures?” She replied “NO” so I told her and which I still state that I only give out the general knowledge of the noble course for my readers to know their rights in Law and to approach Lawyers who are learned on the field to handle Legally their matters. So for the procedures, please consult any Lawyer around you or text me if you still need my assistance.

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE A party can present petition for dissolution of marriage on one of the following grounds that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

1.

Lack of consummation: This where the spouse sleeps together and no sexual urges and intercourse takes place regularly for a very long time without good reason(s). This to me is hatred.

2.

Adultery when this is intolerable.

3.

A partner’s irresponsible attitude/behavior, for example, drunkenness, being convicted for crime, negligence, as per support, etc.

THE PROCEDURE FOR SEEKING OF LEAVE TO DISSOLVE 4.

Presumption of death; WITHIN TWO YEARS 5. ETC. A caller asked me to explain this to her but I asked her one pertinent question: “Can you spend the number of Please, consult your Lawyer for detailed explanation beyears and sleepless nights that lawyers put into research- cause mere literal meaning may mislead you.

• 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 9, 2017

Entertainment

With Douglas Omoyooma

My kind of Woman –Fredrick Leonard, actor T

hough a graduate of Biochemistry, star of De Ja Vu and award winning actor, Fredrick Leonard dumped his degree and embarked on a sojourn to realise his dreams as an actor. His big break came after he starred in action thriller, Indian Doctor and ever since, he has never looked back! In this chat with Oracle Today, the indigene of Anambra State opens up on his career, Bimbo Akintola and the reason he scarcely grants interviews.

“I want to thank God that I’m everywhere in Nollywood” he begins. “It is not because I’m talented; it is a function of God’s grace. I have been around since 2010 and God continues to bless me. I’m also thanking Him in advance for the places I know he is taking me to. A couple of years ago I was a nobody in the industry but today, the story is different.”

Obviously one of the most sought after actors among the new generation of Nollywood male actors having starred in movies like When Love Wins, The Price of Marriage and MY true Love Choice among others, how has he been coping with fame? “Fame has not denied me anything. For some, fame has taken up their identity and made them stiff and rigid. It cannot make me stiff; I’m just a human being who happens to do a job that puts me in front of the cameras. It doesn’t mean that I’m better than you.”

“Sometimes it’s crazy when you grant an interview and they give a caption that almost makes you look bad so that they can sell their tabloids,” he continues opening up on why he seldom grants interviews: “It sometimes crazy that what an entertainer says is overblown. I granted an interview and it came up with the head line: My female fans propose marriage to me.’ It was just one crazy person from the States and we laughed about it off. It’s not like every female fan has proposed to me. Come on, who am I? Am I the finest living being on earth? I’m just a man who is humble enough to appreciate the love and support he’s geting from his fans.”

Women and marriage Frederick Leonard is a handsome dude with drop-deadlooks. How does he handle female colleagues especially when he is playing romantic roles? “I think it comes down to training. I got informal training from some of my mentors and then I was trained to be a consummate professional. I am there to do a job that I have been paid for; I’m not on set to frolic with anybody. I’m there for serious business, so switching off is not a problem.”

What are the qualities you deserve in a woman? “I’m not saying you should be the most beautiful woman in the world but at the same time, I’m not asking for an ugly duckling.

I want to have very good looking kids; an average looking woman is okay. I need to understand that you believe in the union called marriage, that it’s Christ like because even the Bible says a man and a woman will come together and become one.

“My woman must believe in marriage and its purpose because there will be trials; it is not easy for people who come from two different world to coexist for the next 50 or 60 years. I need someone who understands that if we start dis thing we don start am and there is no going back!

• Adedamola Samuel aka Adigun Olohun Iyo

A

• Fredric Leonard Can he marry someone from the industry? “Oh of course.

Nobody is from Nollywood. I’m from Anambra State, Nnewi. The other lady might be from Mbano in Imo State or Delta State. If I find a very good lady from this industry I’m going to put a ring on her because really, nobody is from Nollywood.”

The Nollywood hunk is not getting any younger. Any plans for marriage soon? “It’s far and near at the same time. Far because I don’t know what God’s plans are for me;man proposes and God disposes. So I might tell it is next week then God say it’s the end of the year. It is also near because I’m not getting any younger; I’m in my mid-30s and I think that it is about time.”

Secret to success Commenting on the secret to his succession he says: “Discipline. I tell people all the time that you cannot succeed in any sector if you are not disciplined because people are watching, they are looking. I try to interpret the characters that I am given an opportunity to play because really, if you do 10 different movies, you are playing 10 different characters or people. Actors are gifted in a lot of ways. I think working with Bimbo Akintola was really nice when we short Once upon a time. A lot of gifted actors I can’t begin to mention names have influenced me over the years.”

How we discovered Humblesmith-Alfada

H

Adigun Olohun Iyo drops Fi Rap So

umblesmith’s former manager, Henry Jegbefume and event hosting. It is also into charity and is partnering aka Alfada, Co-ordinator, New Act Creativity Founda- the Delta State government in an initiate to bring affordable tion (NAC), has opened up on how he and his part- medicare to rural area dwellers in the state. Currently he is ner, Oz Don Gaga, the CEO of DG Records discovered rave of managing new kid on the block Cyprex, who released his latthe moment, Humblesmith. est single entitled Money on Tuesday, July 25.

Speaking he said: “After graduating from school I moved to Lagos in 2009 in search of a job. I later hooked up with Dj Humility who is my cousin based on the love I have for music.

That was when I met Humblesmith through my friend, Oz Don Gaga, the CEO of DG Records. He introduced me to a group made up of six boys in Asaba, Delta State, and asked me to help him build an empire in the music industry using these youngsters as the pivot. After I assessed all the artiste, I fell for Humblesmith. I had to choose him above the other artistes because of the share talent and creativity I saw oozing out of him.”

That decision paid of as a few months after Osinachi was released by DG Records in 2016 and overnight it became a monumental hit.

On why he chose Humblesmith he revealed: “I chose him because he is good. I loved his courage and his determination; he has drive which a lot of young artistes lack today. He is focused and understands what music is all about.”

Alfada’s NAC Foundation is involved in entertainment • Humblesmith

tunda Entertainment’s rising star, Adedamola Samuel aka Adigun Olohun Iyo, has released his debut single entitled Fi Rap So.. An indigene of Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Adigun Olohun Iyo started out as a keyboardist but went professional in 2014. He started singing at a very tender age and displayed his talent at home, school and church.

According to a statement from his management: “His style is new and refreshing because it is an approach that cuts across all the ages and something that would certainly bode well both for the adult and the youth. The message is that ideation and creativity work perfectly if there is belief and the will power to try out something new as the artiste and his team have done with this new effort.

“It is a seamless effort with no technical glitches and the voice clarity and inflection of the artist are something very commendable with his sonorous voice serenading the listener. It is also very danceable and captivates easily the listener and makes you pay attention to the powerful sound getting at you. Olohun Iyo, who has been groomed over the years by Atunda Entertainment, has shown that he has come of age and ready to claim the podium and this new effort will certainly go far if given the right backing and push required,” the statement aded..

All set for AIFF 2017

T

he stage is set for the hosting of Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) as it has been revealed by the organisers this year’s event will kick-off on October nine and end on October 13.

Speaking, the festival organiser, Fidelis Duker revealed that 70 local and foreign films will be screened at this year’s edition which holds at the Silverbird Galleria and Sheraton Hotel, Abuja respectively.

“This year’s festival has as its theme: Film As A Tool For National Security and Patriotism. This year we will reward excellence in 15 competitive categories with five special recognition awards for deserving Nigerians for their contribution to the development of the Nigerian movie industry. The awardees for 2017 will be announced at the 2017 Nomination party scheduled for the 30th of August.”

Duker added that this year AIFF has witnessed an unprecedented 3,158 entries from over 70 countries with the largest number coming from India, the United States and Iran, He said: “India had 310 entries followed by the United States which had 258 entries and Iran (201 entries). Also, entries , he said were received from countries such as Trinidad, Tobago, Uzbekistan and Jamaica accounting for one entry each.”

Duker emphasised that the choice of the theme for this year’s festival has become incumbent on Nigerian filmmakers to begin to discuss the importance and role film can play in the area of national security which has become a major challenge globally.

He also said the theme is double prone in scope as security of any nation cannot be complete without patriotism of the citizens and this is where he thinks the filmmakers who shape perception of society through their films have a role to play.

Duker aded that the AIFF Market Exhibition will attract over 60 exhibitors from different sectors of the motion picture industry both locally and internationally.

40

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

Entertainment

AFRIMA 2017 beckons F

he 2017 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has received nearly 5,000 entries at the close of entry on Monday, July 17. Analysis reveal the regions with the highest entries are Eastern Africa with 47% of the total entries and Western Africa, with 30%.

Speaking, AFRIMA International Advisor and member of the International Committee, Rikki Stein stated that it was indicative of an increasingly healthy music industry across Africa, particularly from a creative perspective, adding that it is a source of inspiration and encouragement for the industry at large “As one by one, African artists are making their mark in the wider world, acting as ambassadors of their countries and their culture, the eyes and ears of that wider world are opening and turning towards Africa and providing an antidote to negativity and cynicism, offering a healing form for ailments of heart and spirit in what Fela used to call The Underground Spiritual Game.

Consequently, the screening and adjudication processes will run from July 18 to July 28 and August 2 to August 8 respectively as the 13-man AFRIMA Jury reviews the entries to determine the works which will make the AFRIMA 2017 Nominees’ List.

Meanwhile, AFRIMA has appointed new Jurors to the AFRIMA Academy of Jury that consists of a 13-man Jury and a 100-man College of Voters in line with the awards objective of an all-inclusive participation of Af-

rican professionals in its decision– making body last week.

The new appointees include Charles Tabu, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Cote d’Ivoire and Tanzania are also making their debut on the AFRIMA Jury through the appointment of David Tayorault and Joett respectively.

Olisa Adibua from Nigeria is the fourth Juror joining the team and representing Western Africa. Hadja Kobele, a US-based Guinean music professional at Universal Music Africa/Island Africa, has been appointed the AFRIMA Juror representing the Diaspora (North America).

Tontoh Dike’s inspirational message for the broken hearted

A

fter months of tears and lamentations over her failed marriage, it has finally dawned on actress, Tontoh Dike that it is time to move on.

On an IG post recently, the actress and mother of one shared the following message in which she advised the broken hearted on how to overcome.

“Today is the day you get up and leave that victim in our own story season. Stop being ashamed of your past that you miss the purpose of the pain. Understand that God needed that pain to get you where he wanted you to be. Stop being so focussed on who hurt you that you aren’t seeing the wisdom that came through the hurt. Maybe, just maybe, God was using was it to get you to an encounter with him. embrace his grace, stop punishing yourself for your truth.

Your story s going to set millions free. Everyone has a story, yours is going to be a best seller.”

Earlier in the year when word hit town that her marriage to her estranged husband, Churchill had packed up, her fans were in disbelief but as he weeks unfolded, Tontoh and her hubby had a field day washing their dirty linen in public to the disappointment of fans. The marriage packedup barely a year after they tied he knot in a society wedding ha attract the creme de la creme of NIgerian society.. they had a on together named King.

Shan George prays for friends who abandoned her and her bedridden mum in hospital

T

he veteran actress took to Instagram today July 31, to share the news that her mother who had been bedridden of six years had finally been discharged.

“This is the UCTH (University of Calabar Teaching Hospital) where my aged ill bedridden mother has been, She is getting discharged today. Since 2011 she has been bedridden and done series of surgeries.

Well, She is still in a wheelchair but we are going home.

As her only child, it’s been veery tough in the past six years.

Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family members who have helped over the years. And thank you to those who refused to help even when I came kneeling, crying and begging for their help. You made me stronger and more dependent on God. God bless our Parents.”

• Shan George

Majek Fashek to mark 30 years on stage

R

ainmaker, Makek Fashek, hit the music scene in Nigeria in 1989 with the release of his debut single, Send Down The Rain which was a runaway it. So resounding was the success he was compared to reggae legend, Bob Marley And now, 30 years later, the singer and multi-instrumentalist has wrapped up plans for the celebration of his 30 years anniversary on stage with will include a concert and the release of his next album.

Majek Fashek started playing music at a tender age after his mum bought him musical instruments. He later founded The Jastix Band before he was discovered by Orits Wiliki and got signed to Tabansi Records where he had earlier worked as a music producer. However, in the early 1990s, the singer inked a record deal with Intersope, an American label that had he likes of Tupac and Dr Dre among a host of others signed to its platform but to the great disappointment of his fans, his career took a deep amid rumours of drug addiction and alcoholism.

A couple of years ago, he relocated back home and went for rehab and lately he has played at numerous events across the country and is currently gearing up or a national tour.

BISCON TV berths

• Tonto Dike

Londonspec moves up with Hiya

N

igerian-born-London-based singer, Kingsley Inyiri George aka Londonspec is set to release a new video single entited Hiya, which has garnered massive airplay on UK TV stations and Youtube.

According to the 30 years old singer, he started playing music at the age of 11 in church. He plays the guitar, piano and conga.

Music began for him at an early age and a trip he made to Lome, Togo, was central to his traveling to

the United Kingdom to study music and Sound Engineering.

Commenting on his songs, Londonspec said: “As a musician, I have released many songs and featured with several acts in the UK which includes the multiple awards winning act, Gigg, Stainless D and a whole lot of others.

“I have songs like Play On, Easy Oh, My Number One Fan, No One Cares To Know, Sample, Am Not Alone, Wine Your Waist, Oyombi and Nwa Mara Nma.”

G

Otv has expanded its free-to-air (FTA) channel offerings with the introduction of BISCON TV available on GOtv Channel 108. A Lifestyle and entertainment television channel, it showcases sports, business, politics, lifestyle, culture, arts and entertainment and celebrates the Nigerian people.

“We are committed to giving our subscribers a variety of local content to choose from with the introduction of BISCON TV. Over the past year, we have grown our FTA genre to include a number of quality local channels that our subscribers have found informative, engaging and all-round entertaining,” said John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, on the addition of the channel.

BISCON TV is the latest FTA channel to come on the GOtv platform.

Other FTA channels include NTA I, Channels TV, Africa Independent Television (AIT), SilverBird Television, TVC, Lagos Television, ONTV MAX, Wazobia TV, Trybe TV, Galaxy TV and AREWA24.

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS

NNPC’s N3.85tn debt drains JVs’ output Cont’d from page 2 total remittances to the operators have remained below a billion dollars.

Annual reports of operating companies for 2016 all pointed at lingering NNPC debts as major business challenge in the year, while service providers now grumble that the debt owed operators have also transferred devastating cost impact on them.

A cross section of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of foreign and indigenous companies lament that the inability of NNPC to meet its cash-call commitments remains the biggest single challenge in the operating environment.

According to one of the CEOs, government had through NNPC failed to meet its funding commitments to overriding 55 percent stake in majority of the assets operated by Shell on behalf of partners that include Total and Eni. It holds similar

NASS Darkens

Cont’d from page 7 cal Government during the military regime,” he recalled. “We were holding a national meeting of the National Council of Local Government when a decree suddenly came and abolished local government, and I came home

stakes in smaller JVs operated by indigenous firms like Seplat, First E&P, Eroton, Aiteo, and a number of other companies that operate assets divested from Shell joint venture.

NNPC also holds overriding 60 percent stake in other joint ventures operated by ExxonMobil, Total, Eni, Chevron and small independent companies that operate smaller assets under the arrangement.

Inability of NNPC to meet its funding commitments to the joint ventures has remained the traditional burden of the industry as the assets operated under the arrangement should nominally account for over 70 percent of the total national oil and gas output and proportionate percentage of industry’s annual operations budget.

The government’s debt burden had also compelled evolution of creative funding options captured in several agreements under Modified Carry Arrangements (MCAs) to enlike a bishop without a cathedral. The local government is not supposed to be the business of the Federal Government.

“From the colonial days, the local government had been the local administration of the government. But, the military smuggled the local govCont’d on page 43

able new projects press forward.

However, most of the existing projects and operations are not captured in the MCAs, making it difficult for operators to recover costs incurred on behalf of NNPC. Our sources said NNPC’s huge debt in the industry has shaken the confidence of the private players in the industry and impacted their capacity to discharge their commitments to contractors, suppliers and sundry service providers.

According to them, the debt overhang has not only spread ripple effect across the full business loop, it is said to have started sparking a new wave of conflicts among key players in the sector, threatening fresh investments and frustrating realization national aspirations, value targets and policy objectives.

Already, some of the service providers are in court with the operators over debt service disputes.

Whereas some of the operating companies claim they wait on NNPC to discharge its cash-call commitments to the joint ventures before paying contractors, the litigants point at rising cost of contract funding as payments continue to delay.

“The situation has become so bad that even if they paid now, we are already suffering losses because the banks are not in sympathy with us.

The more interest accumulates the higher the cost of funding. Now who is going to take care of that?” an industry contractor asked.

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‘Biafra for Kanu’

Cont’d from page 5

the National Assembly which was created during the era of military rule of the Fulani to ensure an upper-hand for the Fulani North. The NA is an organ of the Fulani and their agents so also is the Nigerian military, which has continuously been used to repress, intimidate and humiliate Nigerians.

“Nigeria has become a burden on Yoruba people. We suddenly have been exposed to unimaginable threats of violence, wiping off entire families through clubbing to death, kidnapping of women and adults, savage killings, kidnap of school children, rape of infants, stealing of public wealth and the public display of the stolen wealth, with arrogance by the criminals, the complete annihilation and confrontation of the poor people by the Nigerian state and many other ills that were hitherto strange to our long-lasting ancient civilization and values.

“By here policies and material relations, the Nigerian state with her ruinous gene, is breeding a disastrous crop of younger generation of people in Yoruba land. This is unacceptable to us.

“That any referendum at this time will swing on the side of the corrupt and irresponsible political class who continue to use ill-gotten public wealth to bribe, influence and manipulate elections and all institutions of politics and economy.

“Democracy itself has become an element for all forms of crooks and criminals to seek legitimacy to continue to rape the people and steal their resources in the most brazen, inhuman, primitive and callous manner. A developed country can never emerge out of the charade of elections, form and content of Nigerian version of representative government.

“That we hereby and here, display the proposed flag of the Yoruba nation as a symbol of mobilisation of our long suffering people out of the huge slum and prison called Nigeria, a country built and sustained by corruption, blood shedding, malicious damages and total contempt for humanity.

“That the entire proposed Yorubaland Nation lies almost completely within the trough encompassed by the River Niger, to the North and East, River Volta to the West and the long stretch of the Atlantic Ocean to the South. This geographic space more or less roughly describes the totality of the area occupied by Yoruba people over the extent of our known history.

“This includes stretches of land from the West at the borders of Togo, through Benin Republic to the Delta end of Warri in the creeks of the Niger Delta (between longitude 2°30E and 6°30E). The upward sweep commences from the Atlantic Ocean coastline up to the immediate westerly bend of the Niger River, (below the confluence) (between latitude 6°N and 9°N).

“That we assert our right to self-determination as espoused in Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which recognises Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination, which includes the right “to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” “Article 4 affirms Indigenous peoples’ right “to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs,” and Article 5 protects their right “to maintain and strengthen

their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions.”

Article 26 states that “Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired,” and it directs States to give legal recognition to these territories.

“We in YOLICOM totally agree with the desire and demand of the Igbo to vacate Nigeria. It is within their inalienable rights to so demand. We shall do all within our powers to assist and encourage the Igbo to achieve this.

“In the same vein, we agree that the Arewa groups are within their rights to demand that all Igbo should vacate their territories within the time frame given.

“As the deadline approaches, we see the threat being actualised. We also see the quit notice is also directed against the Yoruba people. There are about 6.5 million Yoruba in the 17 Northern States minus Kwara and Kogi States.

“We only urge the international community to recognise that this expulsion order, however, has automatically grouped every other southerner, or non-Muslim northerner, together in the order, because there is no verifiable way to differentiate between the Igbo and the Yoruba, between the Igbo and the Ibibio, Efik, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw or the Northern Yoruba of Kwara and Kogi. The Igbo do not carry a mark on their heads identifying them as such.

“Therefore this is an expulsion order to all Southerners and people of the Middle Belt by the core north of North West and North East. By this order, the North has automatically asked its people resident in the South to vacate the South of Nigeria and go back home to the North.

“Southerners, and especially Yoruba people resident in any part of the North are advised and encouraged to come back home, to Yorubaland where they are guaranteed one hundred percent protection of their lives, limbs and properties.

“It is important you do not fall victim to the wholesale slaughters, massacres and all the horrendously horrible things the Hausa-Fulani are known for if we are to judge by past experience. In the confines of Yorubaland, they dare not try any of these crimes because they know we have the antidote to their madness.

“We hereby repudiate, repeal and destroy the amalgamation proclamation of 1914, bringing the peoples of Nigeria together by fiat has come.

“We hereby assert the right of the Yoruba people to self-determination.

This desire will be pursued using all local and international instruments until the Sovereign Nation of Oduduwa Republic is realised within the shortest time possible.

“We urge Yoruba people from all over the world to prepare for this battle which will be waged with all the power and energy within our disposal. This is the only way out of the political and economic quagmire we find ourselves as the Yoruba Nation.

“We call on the United Nations, UN, to immediately put the machinery in motion for the immediate dissolution of Nigeria. Set the captives free. If Nigeria fails to heed this advice to dissolve the unholy and cruel union, the perpetrators and beneficiaries of the blood sucking nation will have themselves to blame.”

42

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS Alleged N50m bribe: APC members attack Chairman over delegates’ list • Accuse him of buying and selling 1,700 delegates names From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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he Anambra State Chapter chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emeka Ibe was at the weekend attacked by members of his party over allegation that he unilaterally mutilated the governorship primary delegates’ list.

The members drawn from parts of the State led by Ibe’s Orumba South Council Ward accused him of removing names of bonafide statutory delegates numbering about 1,700 and substituting them with ‘strange’ names.

Ozoemena Unegbu, chairman of the party in Orumba South Council alleged that “Ibe replaced at least five names from each of the 326 electoral wards in the State, with members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of Andy Uba from whom he has collected a huge amount of money.”

They also accused him of collecting over N50m, a furnished mansion in Asokoro area of Abuja as well as a brand new Prado SUV, from Senator Andy Uba, one of the party’s governorship aspirants in the forthcoming primary tentatively scheduled for August 19 in the State.

Displaying placards with inscriptions such ‘Emeka Ibe is a threat to democracy’, ‘APC Orumba South passes vote of no confidence in Emeka Ibe’, ‘Emeka Ibe seeded 5 delegates in each of the 326 wards Anambra State for Sen. Andy Uba’, ‘Emeka Ibe and Senator Andy Uba have polluted APC with forged delegates list’, among others, the demonstrators besieged the J Jumac Hotels Awka, venue for the party’s stakeholders’ meeting and blocked Ibe from entering the hall.

Amidst solidarity songs, their spokesman, Mr Onyebuchi Ngwu, from Owerre Ezukalla in Orumba South Council also accused Ibe of embezzlement and conversion of party property to personal use.

Ozoemena Unegbu who identified himself as the party’s Council Chairman insisted that Ibe substituted their names with those who didn’t stand for or won the congress as a way to escape accounting for their money.

Accosted by journalists, Ibe admitted that the State Secretary actually wrote a petition against him, but that the National Working Committee has dismissed the allegations of forged delegates list or being frivolous and lacking in merit.

He said the petition also lacked credibility because the author (State Secretary) did not raise the issue in any of party’s State meetings before sending a petition to the National Secretariat.

He said the allegations against him, the national chairman Chief John Oyegun and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige were seen as being fuelled by fears of failure in the coming primary by those who may be behind the demonstration.

Dismissing the allegations against him as frivolous, Ibe noted that the way he was accused of collecting N50m from Senator Andy Uba, one of the party’s governorship aspirants, is the same way the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun and Minister of Labour and Employment and a leader of the party, Senator Chris Ngige, were also accused of collecting N500m and N300m respectively from Uba to aid his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate.

He described all the allegations as unfair, false and malicious and a calculated to tarnish their image.

State-Church partnership in education, health, social welfare will benefit society — Obaze From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

A

s public policymakers continue to debate the propriety or otherwise of close collaboration between the church and the state, a respected public policy expert has said the society stands to benefit a lot from such relationships.

Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, a leading PDP governorship aspirant in forthcoming 2017 election in Anambra State, said the state can partner with the church to address unmet needs in critical sectors such as education, healthcare delivery and social welfare.

Obaze made the remarks yesterday, while speaking at Awka Diocesan Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria 2017 Interactive Session with His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor (Bishop of Awka Diocese), held at St. Joseph’s ProCathedral, Ekwulobia.

Obaze said that while the Constitution calls for a separation of the church and state, such provisos do not preclude both entities working together to achieve common good and for the benefit of the society.

He called for inclusive partnerships between the state and missions in providing qualitative and affordable education, stressing the need for Anambra and, indeed, Nigeria to implement the United Nations’ recommendation of 26 per cent budgetary allocation to education.

Sokoto and Kwara States, are the only states in Nigeria to have met the United Nations’ recommendation.

The PDP gubernatorial aspirant also advocated that 10 per cent of the recommended allocation should be set aside to support schools run by missions.

Obaze expressed concern that Anambra, which hitherto led the

nation in WASSCE and NECO examinations has slipped to the sixth position.

In the area of healthcare delivery, Obaze said the society continues to experience immense deficits as Nigerians still die of preventable causes, noting that since the churches assist in affordable healthcare delivery through mission-run hospitals, they should receive more support from the government.

The public policy expert said the society must show a duty of care to the needy, poor and the vulnerable.

He recalled that when he served as the Secretary to the State Government under former Governor Peter Obi, the State established a social welfare scheme for the elderly, with a view to alleviating the economic condition of those who were 75 and above, and had no pension or retirement income, by

• Bring Back Our Girls campaigners led by Oby Ezekwesili protest at the Aso Villa...during the week

assisting them with a monthly cash transfer.

He regretted that the scheme no longer fulfils the objective for which it was designed.

The Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, in his remarks, agreed with Obaze’s submissions, noting that society would be better if the government collaborates with the church in the delivery of services relating to education, healthcare and social welfare.

He argued that the schools and hospitals run by missions and churches “also train our kids” and “take care of the infirm in the society” respectively.

According to Bishop Ezeokafor, the difference would be felt if faithbased educational and healthcare institutions receive government support, however little.

He said that every Nigerian ought to live comfortably had Nigeria’s leaders properly managed the enormous resources the country is endowed with, pointing out what obtains in some western countries which, through various social welfare packages, take care of the aged, the vulnerable and the unemployed, can also be done in Nigeria, if properly nurtured people are in positions of authority.

In answer to a reporter’s question, Obaze described as “vacuous, disingenuous, near-reckless and most unfortunate” claims by the Anambra State government that it was “magic centers” that contributed to Abia State coming tops in O’Level examinations.

He said that rather than bellyache over a sister State’s success, the Anambra State government should be introspective and review those policies that contributed to the slide in educational performance in the State in which Anambra had hitherto excelled.

Boko Haram: We won’t chicken out of oil search - UniMaid VC • NNPC announces short-term palliatives for family of victims CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA

T

he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi has pledged the commitment of the institution towards collaborating with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the search for commercial hydrocarbon deposits in the Chad basin despite the recent insurgent attack.

According to a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, the don stated this over the weekend in Maiduguri while receiving a delegation from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the NNPC led by Engr. Saidu Mohammed, Chief Operating Officer in charge of gas and power unit of the Corporation. .

Prof. Njodo told the delegation that though the entire University community was dis-

traught by the cruel incident of July 25th 2017, the University cannot ‘’Chicken out’’ from doing what it is supposed to do when eventually the NNPC reorganizes and return to exploration work in the area.

Tracing the University’s partnership with the Corporation to over 12 years ago when the NNPC teed-off exploration activities in the Chad Basin, the UniMaid VC described the cruel attack on the Frontier Exploration Services/Surface Geochemistry Sampling team comprising the NNPC, Consultants from University of Maiduguri, Consultants attached to the Integrated Data Services Limited, (IDSL) a subsidiary of the NNPC and Civilian escort team, as an act of God. He noted that the situation painful as it might appear must be seen as a necessary sacrifice for the development of the country.

NjodI, however, called on the NNPC to stand firm beside the

University and the families of the bereaved and provide the muchneeded support to overcome the massive setback wrought by the insurgent attack.

Responding, Engr. Mohammed said that as a responsible corporate entity, the NNPC would do everything within its means to support the university and the families of the victims of the attack.

“We have been great partners with the University of Maiduguri for many years and certainly when losses like this happen and under this circumstance, we cannot abandon our partners to their fate,’’ Engr. Mohammed said.

He promised to return to the University after conferring with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC. Earlier, the high-powered delegation paid a similar visit to the Governor of Borno State at Government House Maiduguri

where the deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, charged the NNPC not to allow the attack to dampen its morale in the quest for new oil finds in the region.

Before leaving Maiduguri, the Delegation paid a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters of operation Lafia Dole where a formal condolence letter from the HMSPR was handed over to Brig. Gen. Stevenson Olabanji who stood in for the theatre commander.

General Olabanji restated the readiness of the military to perform its statutory role of providing security cover for exploration activities in the Chad Basin and beyond.

Meanwhile the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru upon return of the Delegation over the weekend, announced some shortterm palliatives for victims of the attacks.

43

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

NEWS Cont’d from Page 41 ernment system into the constitution as an imposition. Everybody wants to be on his or her own and manage things the way he or she wants. People say give us our self-determination, you call them secessionists. Why wouldn’t they secede if you are not treating them fairly and taking care of them? That is why I commend the former Vice President for his relentless push for restructuring. He had since seen the handwriting on the wall.

“What I am saying is that if the NASS wants to amend the constitution, it should not be a question of picking and choosing. You do not amend the constitution in a piecemeal manner. They should set up a Constituent Assembly that is charged specifically with the job of reviewing the nation’s Constitution. And afterwards, they would make recommendations, and the document should be passed to the people to adopt. Right now, what they are doing is not only needless but unacceptable. The conference of 2014 covers all areas of dispute and disagreement. In fact it almost wrote a brand new Constitution. There was no need al all, for the latest exercise by the National Assembly in the first place.”

Addressing restructuring specifically, the Enugu-Ezike born technocrat and former Permanent Secretary in old Anambra State said, “It is a pity that virtually everybody is agitating for restructuring but sadly, we are having a situation in Nigeria where the horse riders are the majority, and they want to remain the horse riders at the risk of the risk of us all. Restructuring, that is devolving powers to the weaker states, will take away some powers from the centre, which is wielding enormous strength. We are saying that the centre is too powerful and overcentralised. We want some of the powers to be dispensed to the states so they can rise and move on.

“Nigeria worked when we were in regions – Northern, Western, Eastern, and Mid-West Regions. If we return to that old arrangement, the nation will work. The present arrangement was imposed on us by the military when they joined us as a unified system; we are not a federation. Like I said earlier, you don’t amend a constitution by picking and choosing. If you want to review the constitution, you pick it up and review it from beginning to the end.

“The referendum, which the IPOB is demanding has its own procedures. But, the good thing about referendum is that if there is so much agitation, government should be able to find diplomatic way of addressing the issue. You cannot beat a child and prevent him from crying. I am sure that if those agitating for referendum get equity, justice and fair play, nobody would want to leave Nigeria. There is a mutual benefit for Nigeria being one.

“But the issue is that you cannot reject yourself when you are rejected, and you cannot reject me and refuse to allow me to go home, at the same time. I hereby make it clear that those saying that the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable are very wrong. It is very much negotiable. We really need to seat down and agree on how we can live in this country together.”

For Eugene Odo, former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, “My take is that while people are condemning even the amendment as a whole, I would say that what Nigeria needs is a new draft constitution which will be precipitated through a referendum, whereby people can vote for or against the type of government they want.

“It is only when the people vote for the type of government they want that the NASS can give it legal backing and also give legal backing on convoking a conference for people to discuss the modalities of how that type of government that they want would be scheduled. But the worst part of the whole thing is that even the concept of devolution is now downplayed. You therefore, see that the NASS in itself are not even legislating for the people of Nigeria but for themselves. If you are representing people, part of representation is for you to know what the people want. Every part of the country is clamouring

• DPO, Ijarafi (left) Nnabuife (middle) and Tochukwu Mmegbuanaeze (right), member representing Idemili North constituency in the state House of Assembly.

NASS darkens Nigeria for restructuring, even though the type of restructuring they are clamouring for is not defined, but at least, the concept of devolution of power is a semblance of restructuring, in a way, which simply means reducing what is in the exclusive list and adding more to the concurrent list so that the component units would have more powers to manage their resources and pay contributions to the centre, just like the 1963 constitution, which in my own opinion, appears to be the best constitution Nigeria has ever promulgated.

“So, to me, if the NASS cannot embark on an exercise that will give Nigeria a brand new constitution, I think they should revisit the issue of devolution of powers. In my opinion, some of their amendments have no direct impact on the people of Nigeria. For instance, what is the essence of promulgating former leaders of NASS to the Council of State? How would it impact on Nigerians?”

The refusal of the Senate to include restructuring and devolution of powers to the state in the bill to amend the Nigerian constitution will further put pressure on the federal government by regions and ethnic groups clamouring against marginalisation by the centre. For the Executive Director of Voters Network, Kingsley Adonis Pepple, restructuring and devolution of powers would have reduced pressure on the federal government.

“The reconstruction and devolution of powers will dilute agitations for separation on the federal government and shift such pressure to the states to which more powers and concomitant responsibilities would have been given,” he said, adding, “We should not over look the harsh reality that we live in a class society. Restructuring and devolution of powers will not necessarily improve the lives of those at the lower rung of the society. It will put more power and wealth in the hands of the ruling and privileged class.

“Therefore, agitations for restructuring and devolution of powers by regions and ethnic nationalities who feel marginalised and short changed by the federal government will continue and the federal government will have to deal with it. The Senate got it wrong,” he stressed.

Noting that restructuring Nigeria does not meaning balkanising the country, former Secretary to Delta State Government, Comrade Ovouzorie Macaulay queried, “Why should Delta state make so much money and yet be so poor? What is the business of the President of Nigeria with a hospital being constructed in Owhelogbo, my village, or any part of the country? In my perception,

restructuring must be hinged on devolving power from the central. The federal government should be made less attractive.” He suggested that true fiscal federalism would solve the various agitations in the country.

He said, “We have been saying it for so long yet nobody seems to listen, but that is the way to go. Let States control what they produce. I said it when I was even in labour leader in Delta that any man who wants to become governor does not have to put on any thinking cap because the thought is once I am elected, in every 30 days, my commissioner for finance will go to Abuja to bring money. I am not saying Governors have fared so badly; because that is what they met on ground. Lagos state makes so much money on value added tax and the money is supposed to go to the central purse? You who said you don’t consume alcohol why should you share from the money, which comes from alcohol? Akwa- Ibom, Bayelsa or even Rivers produce so much oil and all of that money go to the central purse.”

In his own contribution, former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Otuekong (Air Commodore) Idongesit Nkanga said restructuring is the answer to the myriad of institutional problems and injustices plaguing the country, most of which have led to agitations and dissensions by groups in the country.

“Nigeria should be restructured in such a way that allows the regions in the country to enjoy a least 50 percent of their God-given resources; that is the true meaning and spirit of fiscal federalism,” he said.

The foremost leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) also reiterated the call for the full implementation of the 2014 National Confab Report, saying therein lie the solutions to cries of marginalisation and injustices by some sections of the country.

“The 2014 National Confab Report represents the voice of Nigerians because the report is the product of over 400 people from different parts of the country who represented diverse interests and groups. The report has 607 recommendations capable of addressing the challenges faced today in the country,” Nkanga said.

Also speaking in the same vein, Obongiwaad (Pastor) Godwin Williams, PresidentGeneral of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, a foremost socio-cultural organisation in Eket Federal constituency of the state, said there is no better time to reorganize Nigeria than now.

Obongiwaad Williams opined that he is in

support of restructuring, but maintained that nothing should be done to tamper with the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.

The implication is that those who are agitating for self determination have been proven right, in the sense that many of our leaders especially the Igbo leaders decided to embrace restructuring without first thinking about the northern leaders to know what they have in mind. Some of them are disparaging IPOB and MASSOB saying that the solution lies on restructuring, without taking time to study the crisis in the nature of the Nigerian politics. Some of them failed to understand that the northern hegemonic leadership is an anti-democratic trust and they don’t care what happens to other people.

According to Chief Abia Onyike, former deputy national president of NUJ and former Commissioner for Information and State orientation and current General Manager, Ebonyi Printing Press, “NASS should play no role in the search for a new constitution for Nigeria. It is not the role of NASS to make a new constitution for the Nigerian people.

They were elected to make laws for the good governance of Nigeria. They were not elected to make the constitution of the country.

The constitution that Nigerians want is the one that will dismantle the structures that were put in place by the Military and that constitution should also renegotiate the basis for the unity of the country.”

However, the implication of what NASS has done is that those who are agitating for self-determination have been proven right, in the sense that many of our leaders especially the Igbo leaders decided to embrace restructuring without first trying to know what the northern leaders have in mind.

Some of them (Igbo leaders) are disparaging IPOB and MASSOB saying that the solution lies in restructuring, without taking time to study the crisis in the nature of the Nigerian politics. Some of them failed to understand that the northern hegemonic leadership is an anti-democratic thrust and they don’t care what happens to other people.”

Similarly, Barrister Emeka Anosike, a private legal practitioner and Ebonyi State Chairman, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) said, “It is not unexpected that majority of them (NASS Members) will vote against restructuring. And so, having done that the result will be an increase in agitations in the land, which restructuring would have doused the tension therefrom. But having failed to do this, they have put more fire in the whole agitations in my opinion. I am not holding brief for anybody but I feel that the rejection will put more fire in the growing agitation in the country. The NASS may have inadvertently put more fuel in an already burning fire.”

44

racleToday

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45

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

SPORTS

•Gianni Infantino

Alloy Agu’s job on the line

Emenike scores on Olympiacos debut

•As Rohr hires new goalkeeper trainer for Eagles

F

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

F

ORMER Super Eagles’ goalkeeper and the current goalkeeper trainer of the national, Alloy Agu needs to put his chaplet in water for serious prayers if he must retain his job with the national team.

This is because from the look of things, Agu may probably say bye bye to his job following the arrival of a foreign goalkeeper trainer that the Super Eagles’ gaffer, Gernot Rohr has hired to perform his job.

It is no longer news that when the Eagles lost their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the visiting Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo, many attributed the lost to poor goalkeeping by Eagles’ goalkeeper, Daniel Akpenyi. The hiring of the foreigner to take over Agu’s job may not be unconnected with what transpired during the AFCON Qualifier against South Africa in Uyo. The new goalkeeper trainer is expected to start his job with home-Eagles, who are already in Kano preparing for the 2018

•Rohr

Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifier against the Squirrels of Benin Republic. Rumours are rife that the new goalkeeper trainer may likely take over Agu’s job at the national team at the end of the day.

The Media Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire confirmed the appointment of the new goalkeeper trainer while fielding questions on Brila Fm but refused to mention the name of the new goalkeeper trainer.

In his words: “I may not be specific but what I can say is, he’s expected to see the CHAN team in Kano,” Olajire began.

“He wants to be there to see what they are doing and especially to look out for home based goalkeers, one of whom could be in goal in the match against Cameroon and probably Zambia,” Olajire said.

“A new coach will be joining and supporting Mr. Alloy Agu in building up the confidence of the home based goalkeepers.

“Rohr will also be around to monitor the team and sanction which goalkeeper will be selected for the clash against Cameroon next month,” he explained.

At the moment Nigeria is under serious pressure to secure a competent goalkeeper for the Super Eagles after shocking news that first choice goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme was diagnosed of acute leukemia some few weeks ago.

•Alloy Agu

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report ORMER Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Emenike who recently move to Greek champions Olympiacos from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, was among the players that help they Greek champions secure an important 3-1 away victory from home against Partizan Belgrade in a first leg UEFA Champions League 3rd round qualifying match.

It was the first game that the former Nigerian international would be playing in his new club and was able to register his name on the score sheet.

The game it will be recalled was even until the halftime which ended 1-1, before the Greek champions on resumption of the game turned things around right from the blast of the whistle in the second half and earned a deserved victory at the end of the game.

It did not take the 30-year-old former Nigerian striker to register his first goal for the Greek champions at the Tuesday game at Partizan Stadium, Belgrade.

El Fardou Nabouhane opened scoring for the Greek Super League outfit inside six minutes but they were quickly pegged back by the hosts, courtesy Cameroon’s Leandre Tawamba.

Yusuf appoints Ezenwa CHAN captain

T

HE head coach of the home based national team the Super Eagles Team B and assistant coach of the main team, Salisu Yusuf, has appointed FC Ifeanyi Ubah goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa as the captain of the home based national team that are preparing for Championship of Africa Nations against the Squirrels of Benin Republic.

Ezenwa will have Enyimba International Football Club defender, Chima Akas as his vice-captain as the Nigerians prepare for the away battle against neighbours, Benin Republic on August 12.

It is recalled that Ezenwa is one of the two players that featured for the home based when in 2014 when the home based Eagles featured last in the tournament in Rwanda. The Nigerians did not go beyond the preliminary stage of the championship.

Ezenwa it is also recalled is a member of the main team the Super Eagles. He is always invited to the national team whenever Eagles are having any match but most times he plays on the bench as he doesn’t get playing time but he is always there.

The appointment of Ezenwa as home based Eagles’ captain was announced by the NFF via their twitter handle @thenff.com on Wednesday.

Rangers made Jim Nwobodo governor – Prince Oduah

F

ORMER member of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and Anambra State Sports Council, Prince Isidore Oduah, has declared that Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo became the governor of old Anambra State on the strength of his association with Enugu Rangers.

According to Prince Oduah, it would not have been easy for the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain to become the governor of Anambra State at the time if not that his name was synonymous with the Flying Antelope as the club’s chairman.

Prince, a bosom friend of Chief

Nwobodo explained that despite the love the people of Anambra had for the former leader of the defunct Nigeria People Party (NPP), Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Owelle of Onitsha which made it possible for those who associated themselves with the party in the old Anambra, Imo and Plateau states to be loved, Nwobodo was loved due to his association with Rangers.

“I want to tell you on good authority as a man who knows Enugu Rangers in and out that Rangers made Chief Jim Nwobodo governor of old Anambra State. You can quote me any-

where,” Prince Oduah declared.

“I am a part the golden era of Enugu Rangers and Nwobodo too played a major part as the chairman of Rangers. He is a good football administrator. He was passionate and committed as the arrow head of the Rangers management team.

“As the Chairman of Rangers, he never allowed the team to suffer any lack. The players were attended to at any point in time. He never allowed Rangers challenge to fester even for a minute; he would find solution to it.

“So, when it was time for politic and he showed interest, it was not

difficult for the party to nominate him as their governorship candidate.

“Of course he everybody know that Jim was a very handsome, charismatic and intelligent young man who has done well as the chairman of Rangers. So when he indicated interest in being the governor of Anambra State, it was easy to nominate him and he went ahead and won the election and became Governor in 1979.

“So, if not his association with Rangers, I tell you I don’t know whether it would have been easy for him to get the nomination and at the same time win the election.

“He rode on the strength of be-

ing Rangers chairman to become the governor of old Anambra State. And as Rangers chairman, Jim did extremely well for Rangers. I am telling you this because I was a part of the Rangers management team at the time and Chief Nwobodo is my very good friend.

“We were so close though for more than two years now we have not spoken and we have not met but all I want you to understand is that it was his association with Rangers that paved the way for him to become the governor of old Anambra State,” Prince Oduah declared.

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

SPORTS

‘Dalung, Amaju want to destroy NFSC’

By BEN NWACHUKWU, Abuja

his is not the best of time for Franco-German Nigerian tactician, Gernot Rohr after news filtered in that Nigerian and Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo suffered an injury during Chelsea friendly game against a fourth-tier club Bergerac Pergord FC in a preseason friendly at the Gaston Simounet Stadium on Saturday.

This is coming barely a month before Eagles’ all important double header World Cup Qualifier against the African champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon that would determine whether Nigeria and Nigerians would be able to realize their dream of seeing Eagles land in President Putin’s country next year.

The Nigeria international played through the pain barrier before he was substituted at halftime, according to Canal+ English football television pundit Sébastien Chapuis.

“In possession, Omeruo – who had a quiet game overall in the centre (and went down injured during the first half only to be subbed at the interval) – essentially played the ball across the back three to let Colley and Ampadu play the ball forwards,’’ Chapuis stated in his match report on thechels.net. ‘’ Cole Dasilva came on for the (likely) injured Omeruo.’’

Omeruo’s fitness will be a major concern for Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, with the German set to announce his roster for two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon as from next week.

The central defender has been maintaining his fitness by training with Chelsea loanees and U23 squad, before a decision is made on his future by The Blues hierarchy.

M

Shakespeare eager to unleash Iheanacho on Arsenal

By MADUABUCHI KALU eicester City Manager, Craig Shakespeare has expressed his desire to conclude the signing of Nigeria and Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho to enable the Nigeria join his squad as they prepare for their first 2017/18 English Premier League season.

Speaking at the weekend to Sky Sport News about Iheanacho after his side’s 0-0 friendly draw with MK Dons on Saturday, Shakespeare said: “I’m hoping so, but I am like every other manager at the moment. I think we all find it frustrating but it is the current market.”

“You saw with the Harry Maguire one,

we got that done quick, when he is in the door we can announce it.

“At the moment, of course, we are interested in players as most of the Premier League is, but you can see that clubs won’t really talk about it until they are over the line.”

Iheanacho, 20, has scored 21 goals since making his Manchester City debut in 2015.

It is recalled that Iheanacho since the end of the season has been linked to different clubs including West Ham United where he even went for medical and passed.

The only thing that prevented his move to West Ham was the insertion of the “Buy Back” by Manchester City, a condition which

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

T

INISTER of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung and the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick have been accused of working hard to destabilise the Nigeria Football Supporters Club. The President General of the Club Dr. Rafiu Ladipo and the national chairman Rev. Samuel Ikpea made the accusation at the Club’s FCT election in Abuja.

Dr. Ladipo while fielding questions from the sporting media said the NFF President wanted to stop at nothing in his bid to destroy the Supporters Club adding that his attitude and action towards ensuring that the Supporters Club disintegrates would spell doom for the country’s football.

According to him, “The first ever defeat at the hands of Bafana Bafana of South Africa by the Super Eagles right on our soil is a result of his divide and rule policy he introduced in both the NFF Board and NFSC.” The NFSC President General argued that it was foolhardy for Amaju to think he had control over the Supporters Club He said the club was a registered non-governmental organisation with the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission and he has its Certificate of Incorporation, so no efforts by Amaju can destroy the Club because it was not one of the departments of NFF. Ladipo insisted that the support Amaju was giving to disgruntled, dismissed members led by someone because he was from Delta State was the height of administrative immaturity.

In a related development, the National Chairman, Rev. Samuel Ikpea said the Club’s investigations revealed that the fight to destroy the club was a joint effort of the Minister of sports Solomon Dalung and the NFF President, Amaju.

Ikpea maintained that the NFSC had uncovered the reason why Dalung joined Amaju in a fight to destroy the Club but warned that if the Minister did not respect his office as a Minister of the Federal Republic, they would make public their findings.

L

Injury knocks out Omeruo from W/cup qualifier

the Hammers rejected.

He was also linked to Crystal Palace, Everton and finally to Leicester City where talks have gone advanced stage to get him join compatriots, Ahmed Musa and Wilfred Ndidi who are already settled at the King Power Stadium.

The FIFA Under-17 FIFA World Cup Most Valuable Player is expected to move to Leicester where he is expected to command regular playing time and at the same time rediscover the form that earned him the FIFA Under-17 Most Valuable Player in 2013 in United Arab Emirates.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 9, 2017

SPORTS

Okumagba backs appointment of foreign goalkeeper trainer

By MADUABUCHI KALU

P

RINCE Vincent Okumagba, the Chairman of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles Manager, Gerhot Rohr in his appointment of a foreign goalkeeper trainer for the national team the Super Eagle, thereby putting the job of former international, Alloy Agu on the line.

According to the Delta State-born Eagles’ No1 supporter, there must be reason behind Rohr’s decision to recruit the expatriate. Okumagba opined that if recruiting the foreigner is what it will take to get Nigerians result which they desire, he has no problems with that.

He described the mistake made by Eagles’ goalkeeper, Daniel Akpenyi as inexcusable; saying what the mistake showed is that Akpenyi does not really understand the game.

Okumagba explained that the best option left for the goalkeeper when the South African was racing to his goal post was to clear him which would not have resulted in a penalty as the clearance would have happened outside the 18 yard box.

“Well, it is only the coach that can answer

the question why he recruited a goalkeeper trainer.

This is because for him to have left Alloy Agu and go for a foreign goalkeeper trainer, he must have his reasons,” Okumagba began.

“You will recall that when we lost that match everybody was calling for his head, at a point we even had a rumour that he has resigned but he came out to debunk that.

“What I am trying to say is that the success and failure of that team depends on him. And if he feels that a particular department is not giving him what he wants, he has the right to go for what

he will do to make us succeed.

“What we want to see is result and not excuses. If a goalkeeper should make such error, a very big error as far as I am concerned in the match against South Africa, it’s like he lacks understanding of the game,” he said.

“So, it means that there is a deficiency in that department, so for what he has done, if that will help our football move forward, I don’t have any problems with that. Like I said, it’s only Gernot Rohr that can answer that question,” Okumagba declared.

Arsenal win Emirates Cup despite Sevilla defeat A

Ronaldo in court over tax charges P

ORTUGAL and Real Madrid footballer super star, Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at a Spanish court amid allegations he evaded millions in tax.

Prosecutors accuse Ronaldo, reported to be the world’s highest paid athlete, of evading €14.7m ($17.3m; £13.1m) in tax since 2010.

The Real Madrid star has previously denied the allegation, saying his “conscience is clear”.

Ronaldo, 32, is the latest in a string of footballers to be pursued by the Spanish tax authorities.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona, was handed a 21-month prison sentence after being found guilty of the same charge last year.

Earlier this month, the court ruled he could pay €252,000 in place of jail time.

However, Messi was only accused of evading €4.1m in tax, €10.6m less than Ronaldo.

Ronaldo arrived to give evidence at a court in the Madrid suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcon just before 11:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Monday.

According to prosecutors, Ronaldo allegedly took “advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities” which was a “voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain”.

Ronaldo’s management have also denied the allegations.

But if the case is sent to trial and he is found guilty, the Portuguese forward could face a fine of “at least €28m” and a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years, the Ges-

RSENAL won the ninth edition of the Emirates Cup in front of a sell-out home crowd Alexandre Lacazette scored a first home goal for Arsenal since his £52m move from Lyon as the Gunners lost to Sevilla but retained the Emirates Cup. The France international, 26, tapped home following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross.

Sevilla had taken the lead through Joaquin Correa, while Steven N’Zonzi’s long-range strike ensured a 2-1 win.

But the Gunners still claimed the trophy on goals scored - despite Sevilla winning both their matches.

The La Liga side overcame Germany’s RB Leipzig 1-0 in their

opener, while Arsenal beat Benfica 5-2.

Each team earned a point for every goal scored, meaning the Gunners finished top of the table.

Lacazette was taken off 10 minutes after scoring against Sevilla as he appeared to be troubled by a leg injury, but manager Arsene Wenger said the change had nothing to do with that.

Lacazette’s first goal for his new club came against Sydney FC in their pre-season opener.

Arsenal face Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley on 6 August, before starting the Premier League season against Leicester City five days later.

Bolt’s departure great for rivals, bad for athletics

U

SAIN Bolt’s rivals will, for once, be glad to see the back of a man who has dominated global sprinting for the last decade but the sport of athletics will be far less enthusiastic about bidding a final farewell to the charismatic Jamaican.

Bolt has completed the sprint double at the last three Olympics and had he not been disqualified ahead of the 100 metres final at Daegu in 2011, the 30-year-old could have matched that feat at the last four world championships.

In an era blighted by doping scandals, the Jamaican has almost single-handedly kept the sport afloat but his commanding reign will come to an end when he retires after next month’s world championships, finally allowing other sprinters a look-in.

In the simple matter of who will take his place at the top of the 100 metres podium either at or after London, Canada’s Olympic sprint medallist Andre de Grasse appears to be just ahead of the pack as the leading candidate.

SuperSport to beam ‘The Money Fight’ to DStv viewers

By VICTOR NZE

C

able television network, SuperSport, has concluded plans to show the Floyd Mayweather Jnr versus Conor McGregor - the richest, most-hyped and over-the-top boxing fight in history - to viewers across Africa.

‘The Money Fight’ will be broadcast only on DStv – and will air live and in glorious HD on SuperSport 2 and Maximo 1 in the early hours of Sunday, August 27.

DStv Premium customers will be treated to a ringside view when SuperSport crosses to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 2am for the action-packed undercard, with the main bout expected to start after 4am.

Unlike in the United States where the fight will be available on payper-view in HD for $99.95, DStv customers will enjoy the event as part of the DStv Premium offering, at no extra cost.

In keeping with the tradition of showcasing super-fights, from Marvin Hagler versus Tommy Hearns and Mike Tyson versus Michael Spinks to Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao, SuperSport has been in the forefront of delivering the most-anticipated events in the world of sports.

“This has been at the top of our list ever since the fight was announced,” said Gideon Khobane, chief executive of SuperSport.

“People continue to talk of the great fights we brought to viewers in the 1980s and beyond. But this is more than a fight; it’s a mega-event with layers of controversy, excitement and intrigue. We’ll also be putting together great background programming for our valued DStv customers around the fight.”

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ISSN: 2545-5869

Wednesday, AUGUST 9, 2017

By Martin Ike-Muonso (Ph.D, DBA) 08033148722

Referendum for the independence of Biafra I

T appears that the clouds are gathering strongly for the eventual rain with MASSOB’s declaration of its readiness to commence pre-referendum sensitization for the actualization of an independent state of Biafra. MASSOB believes that a referendum is a peaceful approach to realizing its goal—at least the approach latches onto a constitutional latitude provided by the 2007 UN Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. This declaration is apparently the only legal leeway for the recognition of a secessionist state by the international community. It is, however, debatable whether this route, albeit seemingly ‘peaceful’, is indeed truly so. The possibilities of war and other skirmishes with Nigeria still remain high unless MASSOB and other groups championing this cause do the needful. That said, there is no doubt that the self-determination agenda enjoys massive goodwill and sympathy among Ndigbo, particularly among those living inside Igboland and many in the Diaspora as well.

But, the questions really are whether the Biafran separationists alone can determine the terms of the secession and by extension the referendum for independence. Is Nigeria ready to enter into a comprehensive peace pact with Ndigbo regarding the proposed Biafran referendum? What is the possibility that the referendum will not trigger more conflicts rather than stave them off?

One major challenge to the separationists is to quickly clarify and harmonize the shades of understanding as well as approaches hitherto adopted by various groups in the whole self-determination project. There doesn’t seem to be an agreement on exact demands of Ndigbo man and the form of struggle to adopt towards actualizing those demands. To many Igbos, what they see are efforts by disparate groups geared towards restoring the place of the Igbo man as co-equal in all respects to his counterparts from other ethnic groups in Nigeria. An extended version of this demand appears to be an independent Biafra. The greater the differences in the underlying objectives and approaches adopted by these varying groups in pursuit of this cause, the greater the internal confusion. This confusion appears suppressed but needs to be discussed in order to have a clarified, commonly understood and harmonized cause.

It seems – from my several interviews – that young Igbo artisans and traders, junior

civil servants and generally grassroots people who live in the South Eastern parts of Nigeria will support any means adopted to ensure the actualization of an independent Biafra.

This may include re-enacting the previous civil war. On the contrary, many older persons appear not keen on a violent approach to the realization of the cause. The horrors of the past civil war are still fresh in their minds. Thus, as much as most people in this group seemingly support the self-determination cause, they are opposed to any action that may eventually drag the Igbo nation into another war.

Those who are successful and are in the Diaspora do seem to have a totally different opinion about the approach to the Biafran/ Igbo agenda. Igbo Diasporans are those living outside the Igbo nation. This group of persons who live in Nigeria appear to be apprehensive of the short/medium or even long-term destabilizing consequences on their economic life in the event of a Biafran independence. Many of them in this group are much more interested in the restructuring of Nigeria to give equal opportunities to the various ethnic groups. Accordingly, to them, Biafran secession from Nigeria is only necessary if the Nigerian government in power refuses to restructure the country into six federating units. This group is largely comprised of old Igbo leaders who do not, however, diametrically oppose the ideas of MASSOB and IPOB.

‘

While those sympathetic to the Biafran cause do not need the Nigerian government to conduct a referendum, there are levels of involvement and agreements that must be signed between the seceding nation and the extant country before the referendum can successfully hold and considered binding on both parties.

The UN and other international agencies’ supervision and monitoring of the proposed referendum will not necessarily make it binding on Nigeria

‘

As much as their ultimate pursuit and the approach to it differs in many respects from that of MASSOB and IPOB, they may not categorically say so. At least not now. There are many reasons for this. First, giving a veiled support to IPOB and MASSOB’s self-determination will help orchestrate the pressure needed to possibly get the government to submit to the proposal to restructure the country into federating units. Restructuring the country still protects and gives them access to their wealth in other federating units. An independent Biafra threatens all that. Second, such support albeit lip service is necessary if any so-called Igbo leader does not want to court the wrath of the average young Igbo man who is in high spirits about the possibility of realizing the Biafran dream through any means possible.

It is, however, difficult to determine the group where the governors of South Eastern states belong. They do not seem to either expressly defend the restructuring agenda or the outright secessionist plan. As a matter of fact, even radical decisions that can save the Igbo man but may be considered not to go down well with other ethnic groups are jettisoned or taken only after due consultations with, and approval by, the leaders of those other ethnic groups. Managing the Fulani herdsmen menace in Igboland is a good example. While Governor Fayose of Ekiti State did not need to consult with the Presidency to deal with the menace, the Enugu State governor, on the other hand, in spite of the killing of tens of the citizens of the state, had to consult and await clearance from the Presidency, to act.

In any case, now that the sensitization programme for the referendum is announced to be at the entrance door amidst these obvious confusions, clarification and or harmonization of the approaches being advocated by differing groups is very important and strategic for its success. Take, for instance, the position of Ohaneze Ndigbo. Reading in between their statements, it does seem that they are saying: let us push Nigerian government to restructure into federating units using all peaceful means available to us and if that does not work, we may use any other means that will eventually lead to secession. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages in this approach. The key advantage is the strategic sequencing which makes it easy to read what the next steps are. But the disadvantage is that one cannot say with certainty when the government in power will yield to the pressure to politically restructure Nigeria.

That uncertainty around when the re-

structuring may happen makes Ohaneze Ndigbo’s strategy somewhat unattractive to groups populated more by younger persons–including IPOB and MASSOB–who believe that the Igbo man has waited for too long a time and can no longer trust or continue to wait for the Nigerian government to restructure. To some of them, the breach by Nigeria of agreements during the Ikemba Odimegwu Ojukwu’s era that would have prevented the civil war and led to confederacy makes the Nigerian government no longer trustworthy. This mismatch in strategy and timing of potential actions is not good for the actualization of the cause.

Back to the referendum. It is important that as much as those pushing for the Biafran cause can leverage the UN window to launch the referendum, it is evident that Nigeria will not fold its hands and watch.

The body language of the presidency is opposed to any referendum. Now, while those sympathetic to the Biafran cause do not need the Nigerian government to conduct a referendum, there are levels of involvement and agreements that must be signed between the seceding nation and the extant country before the referendum can successfully hold and considered binding on both parties. The UN and other international agencies’ supervision and monitoring of the proposed referendum will not necessarily make it binding on Nigeria. High stakes lobby to get the Nigerian government on a table for pre-referendum negotiations is one way to go if that would not be undermined by Igbo leaders whose own goal is to see a restructured Nigeria rather than an independent Nigeria. This negotiation if it works should also consider the terms of secession after a successful referendum. My thinking is that a lot more work needs to be done to get these ends properly knotted.

Who is organizing this referendum? Is it MASSOB alone or in conjunction with IPOB and other groups campaigning for the independence of Biafra? To what extent are organizations such as the Ohaneze Ndigbo or its likes involved in the proposed referendum? The need for answers to these questions is to ensure that the agreement needed even among various Igbo groups to activate this proposal is procured at the right level. Differences in tactics to the cause will undoubtedly affect the level of acceptance of each group’s agenda by other groups regardless of the fact that the cause is same.

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.