Wednesday july 12 edition

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WEDNESDAY JULY 12, 2017

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Today Today

VOL.2 No. 29. N200

• While Kanu spoke to The Oracle Today, IPOB members amassed round his house (Inset, Nnamdi Kanu during the interview). Photos: Mazi Mike Onovo

‘God decreed Biafra’ From BONIFACE OKORO, Afaraukwu, Umuahia

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HE leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has said that the struggle for the actualisation of Biafra had divine endorsement and nobody could stop it.

•Heaven says that we must be free –Kanu

“God has decreed that Biafra will be restored. There is nothing any human being can do to truncate it. Once God decrees, it must come to pass. Our Father in heaven (Chukwu Okike Abiama) has decreed that Biafra will be restored. Now In less than a minute he dis- ing a personal ambition - beis the time for our freedom,” missed insinuations that the coming the President of Bistruggle was about him fulfil- afra. “If we return to Biafra, I Kanu said. will not be the President; that is not what God has directed me to do,” he told The Oracle

Today in an exclusive interview at his Afaraukwu, Umuahia home.

“His assignment for me is to actualise Biafra. Once that is done, my assignment would have been completed and I will Full interview on CENTRE SPREAD withdraw from the scene. And that is what I am doing.”

He said that it is only in Biafra that Ndigbo could maximise their potentials and be safe.

The many massacres of Ndigbo, is said, are more reasons for the agitation for the actualisataion of Biafra.

“We can no longer sit by and watch them continue to maltreat us, we cannot resign our-

Anambra 2017: Uba, Muoghalu, others under pressure to support zoning Under Buhari,

By THEO RAYS

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S political watchers look forward to the party primary elections of major political parties ahead of the 18 November 2017 governorship election in Anambra State, The Oracle Today can report that notable All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirants

from Anambra Central and South Senatorial Districts are under pressure to concede to zoning arrangement in the State.

Among those under pressure to drop their gubernatorial ambition to support the zoning formula and allow the North Senatorial District to complete two terms of eight years are Senator Andy Uba, National Auditor of the APC, Chief

George Muoghalu and Barth Nwibe from South as well as Iyom Uche Ekwunife from Central.

A competent source close to the National Secretariat of the APC confided to The Oracle Today that the pressure on Uba, Muoghalu and others stems from the recent

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Ndigbo are without honour – Ezeife Pg. 10

EU rules out furtherfinancial assistance to Nigeria

Cont’d on page 2

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS

‘God decreed Biafra’ Continued from Pg 1 selves to such fate, not minding that Ndigbo are scattered all over Nigeria and doing well in their respective fields of endeavour.”

Kanu reminded those who were concerned about their investments in Nigeria that their lives were more important than property.

“We must be alive first before we think about other things.

Ndigbo should return to Bi-

afra and build it up into a model nation better than most foreign countries so that we will win back our respect. That is what we want, not each time we venture into other parts of Nigeria, we will be hunted down and killed and even when we complain, no one cares.

“No one addresses our concerns. These are the things we can no longer condone. What we want is Biafra to enable us rebuild our nation in such

a manner that after school, there will be employment, children will receive quality education; not a place where you will have to worry about getting good healthcare services or where the next meal will come from.”

Kanu spoke about other issues including the governorship election in Anambra State on 18 November.

Full interview on CENTRE SPREAD

Anambra 2017: Uba, Muoghalu, others under pressure to support zoning Continued from Page 1 statement credited to former Vice President, Dr. Alex, former Governor Peter Obi and former Minister of Health, Professor ABC Nwosu asking Ndi Anambra to support zoning and allow the North to complete an eight-year two terms.

Although the source distanced APC as a party from the issue on the grounds that the party has not discussed zoning in Anambra, it said that some top chieftains of the party are persuading aspirants from central and south to allow the North to produce the candidate of the party ahead of the November election to balance and strengthen the zoning formula in the ‘Light of the Nation’.

According to the source, “former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme has made case for zoning, asking that Governor Willie Obiano from North be endorsed to complete two terms of eight years. Some chieftains of APC are buying into the idea of zoning and are putting calls across to the aspirants from Anambra Central and South District to give way for the North to produce flag bearer of the party for the election.”

The source said champions of the zoning formula have also asked APC aspirants from Anambra North to prepare to do a sin-

gle term of four years to ensure a concrete and sustainable arrangement regarding zoning and rotation of power in the politics of governorship election in the State.

One of the APC Chieftains, Chief Ralph Nwike who spoke to The Oracle Today on the issue said that picking the candidate of the party from North will not only stabilize zoning arrangement but also brighten the chances of the party to win the November election.

Nwike, a retired civil servant and former President General of Oraifite Town Union, said that a popular candidate from the north is all that APC needs to clinch the Anambra top seat in November, noting that women, youth and politicians from Anambra North have made it clear that they want another person other than the serving from their zone.

When contacted on the issue, Chief Muoghalu dismissed the allegation with a wave of the hand saying that it is the turn of Anambra South Senatorial District to occupy the Government House in Awka to enable the District fill the vacuum left by former Governor Clement Mbadinuju in 2003.

Muoghalu told The Oracle Today, “When you talk about zoning, you remember that Mbadinuju from South served for a term of four years, so the south still have our own four years left behind and we have to complete it before any

other zone can come up with the issue of zoning.”

Effort to speak to Uba and Ekwunife failed as their aides didn’t response to text messages.

Meanwhile, one of the APC aspirants from the Anambra North Dr. Chike Obidigbo has assured Ndi Anambra that he is ready to serve for a term of four years in respect of the zoning arrangement if given the mandate to lead them.

Dr. Obidigbo told our correspondent in an interview that he is ready to serve for only one term of four years in respect of zoning because he is a core promoter of zoning and rotation of power.

He said: “Former Governor Peter Obi raised the issue of zoning in Anambra State and myself and other stakeholders supported and promoted it and this gave way for Obiano from the North to become governor. Unfortunately, Obiano has failed to do well and the good people of Anambra North want to replace him and have designated my humble self to take over from Obiano.”

Dr. Obidigbo maintained that he respects the zoning arrangement because without zoning, the North couldn’t have mustered the political muzzle to defeat Central and South to win governorship election in Anambra State, adding: “I am ready to serve for years to make sure that zoning stands and sees the light of the day in the politics of Anambra State.”

Ugwuanyi is unique, exemplary leader –NULGE From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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HE Enugu State chapter of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi as a unique leader who has shown clear exemplary leadership by instituting good governance in Enugu State.

The group made the proclamation during special rally held at the Government Field, Nsukka, where they also poured encomiums on the governor for releasing 100 per cent of the first tranche of Paris Club Refund to offset backlog of salaries and leave allowances/entitlements owed local government workers in the state.

According to the organisers, the exercise, which was tagged, “Solidarity Rally for Good Governance,” was to appreciate the governor and

celebrate him for the worker-friendly attitude of his administration since inception.

Addressing participants at the rally, State President of NULGE, Comrade Kenneth Ugwueze, who was flanked by other leaders of the union said: “We are celebrating Governor Ugwuanyi and praising him for the good governance that he and his team have been rendering to our people since they came on board.

We are here to thank him for settling outstanding salary arrears and leave allowances owed local government workers.”

Comrade Ugwueze also said the union was happy with the governor for implementing new scheme of service for members of the union, adding that the move has removed the hitherto subsisting obnoxious ceiling barring them from rising to the post of directorship on grade lev-

el 16 in the system.

According to the NULGE chief, the union was as well impressed by what he called ‘aggressive infrastructure development, firm handling of security in both urban and rural areas, and the transparent and judicious utilization of the state’s scarce resources for various completed and on-going development projects across the state.’

“What we are doing today is a solidarity rally for good governance in Enugu State. When our governor says that the state is in the hands of God, some people may see it as political statement; but when you consider how the state is executing monumental development projects and paying salaries on the 25th of every month with lean resources, you would understand the efficacy of that pronouncement.

Why refineries are yet to impact on domestic supplies –survey From SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, Abuja

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LTHOUGH Nigeria’s three domestic refineries have resumed operations, The Oracle Today investigation reveals that they are yet to attain an optimal level of efficiency that could lead to the local refining of enough fuel to enable the nation cut down on PMS importation.

This means that even though they are back on stream, the local refineries cannot yet help the nation to effectively cut down on the high cost of imported fuel due to acute efficiency deficits at the process plants.

Inquiries by The Oracle Today at the weekend showed that whereas the refineries have recorded significant improvement in the volume of fuel oils they produce, the market is yet to see any measure of import displacement to relieve the strains on fuel supply channels.

The observation comes as parallel push by the government to lower prices of petroleum products in the domestic market by balancing supplies with volume output from the re-streamed refineries has yielded wider band, stretching price range from levels just above official templates to upper price limits.

The Oracle Today’s survey of the operations of the three refineries with cumulative processing capacity of 445, 000 barrels of crude oil per day located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna showed that not all the companies are operating at full capacity.

The 210,000 barrels per day double phase Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Limited is said to lead in plant availability with all its process units running at different efficiency levels.

The 150,000 barrels per day Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) Limited ranks second in process plant availability while the sour crude configured Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) Limited with 110,000 barrels per day capacity is last with limited plant availability and epilep-

tic feed supply.

Some leaders of blue jacket workers at the plants told The Oracle Today on phone that low efficiency level of the crude process units means that output is heavy with the bottom products comprising automotive gas oil (AGO) also called diesel, low pour fuel oil (LPFO) known also as black oil, high fuel oil (HFO) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also called cooking gas. High output of these products is a key signal that process efficiency at any refinery is very low.

A source at WRPC disclosed that the plants at the refinery mainly operate primary distillation the outputs of which comprise lean octane products like premium motor spirit (PMS), and AGO. The output contour, according to him, explains the hype about the role of NNPC in diesel production in the country, the improvement in availability and the falling retail prices, which have further stretched the range of retail prices for the product in the country.

NNPC had stated in a public statement weekend that price of diesel, which is the prime product from the suboptimal production at refineries operated by the corporation has dived to an all-time low of N155 per litre.

NNPC had stated that its mega stations and its affiliates across the country sold diesel for N160 per litre while other marketers in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Onitsha, Enugu, Makurdi and most major cities sold for between N160 and N165 per litre.

“In Port Harcourt the average price is as low as N150 per litre,” the corporation stated.

However, our independent survey showed that widening price range across the country as the retail price of automotive gas oil otherwise called diesel altered disproportionately across key market segments in different sections of the country.

The figures within the price range were collated by our field correspondents in Lagos State, which has the highest concentration of retail outlets in the country.

Unknown gunmen kill 2 in Rivers From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt rushed to the hospital by some of his boys. He had a machete NKNOWN gunmen have cut on his head and leg. There shot dead two men at Al- was so much blood on the ode community, Eleme Lo- ground.” cal Council of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the presiThe President of Eleme Youth dent of the Alode Youth Council Council, Mr Princewill Osaro- had been having a long-running gage, also known as Osaron- battle with another faction in wan, was said to have been hit the community. by bullets.

The Rivers State Police ComSources in Alode community mand is currently investigating said the youth leader was rushed the incident. to the hospital by sympathisers.

The Police Public Relations It was gathered that the attack Officer, Nnamdi Omoni stated occurred in the early hours of that men from the State CrimiMonday. nal Investigation Department A source said the youth leader have been deployed to Alode had machete cuts on his head and Eleme to investigate the and leg and was bleeding seri- circumstances that led to the ously. brutal attack and arrest those The source narrated: “The pres- suspected to have perpetrated ident of Alode community was the attack.

U

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Plateau govt opens 40 bids for road contracts

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he Plateau State Government has officially opened 40 bids for road contracts, according to the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr Pam Dongs, who also noted that the exercise was the first of its kind in the state.

Dongs said that the open bid process was part of the efforts of Gov. Simon Lalong to entrench transparency and accountability in the handling of contracts in the state.

The commissioner, who commended the efforts of other stakeholders, described the exercise as highly professional.

CHANGE OF NAMES I formerly known as MISS UGODIEGWU FAVOUR UJU now wish to be known as MRS NDIANEFO FAVOUR UJU This is to certify that AGHANU ROSY IFEAKACHUKWU, AGHANU ROSY ENUCHUKWU, IKECHEBELU ROSY IFEAKACHUKWU and AGHANU ROSYPRISCA ENUCHUKWU is one and same person. Now wish to be known as ARINZE ROSY IFEAKACHUKWU I formerly known as MISS OKONKWO PATRICIA NWAKAEGO now wish to be known as MRS NWAFOR PATRICIA NWAKAEGO. All documents remain valid, general public take note

Borno IDP camps record 3,000 births in 6 months

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he Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said it registered 3,000 births among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the past six months. The SEMA Chairman, Satomi Ahmad, who made the disclosure, Monday, in Maiduguri, the

state capital, said that the births were registered at various camps located in the state capital between January and June.

He explained that the birth records showed significant increase in view of the high number of couples staying at the camps.

“We recorded 3,000 births among IDPs in the last six months.

The mothers were supported with drugs and reproductive kits,” he said. The SEMA boss who said the agency was working in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Health to support expectant moth-

Apapa Wharf Road reconstruction begins July 7

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takeholders have reached an agreement to take necessary measures in Apapa area of Lagos State, to ensure commencement of reconstruction of Wharf Road leading to the nation’s major port on July 7.

The stakeholders agreed on several issues at a meeting held at the office complex of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing headquarters in Lagos.

Those in attendance include representatives of traffic regulatory and traffic management agencies, law enforcement agencies, transport unions, petroleum products unions, port terminal operators and the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

Others are telecommunication service providers, the Apapa Local

I formerly known as MOMOH JAMES now wish to be known as OGBOANOR JAMES. All documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as NWAIBE UKAMAKA JOSEPHINE now wish to be known as PHILIP UKAMAKA JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid .Banks and general public take note

This is to certify that AKABALU BLESSING CHIDIMMA and AKABALU PATRICIA CHIDIMMA is the same and one person NOW AKABALU PATRICIA CHIDIMMA. All documents remain valid, Banks and general public take note

I formerly Known as OKAFOR BENEDICTA NNEAMAKA now wish to be known as OKAFOR BENEDETTE UDODIMMA, all documents remain valid, Banks and general public take note

I formerly known and addressed as IGWENAGU AMALA DORATHY now wish to be known as NWEZE AMALA DORATHY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

I formerly known and addressed as OZUMBA VIVIAN Now wish to be known and addressed as OZUMBA VIVIAN NNEKA All former document remain valid BANKS and general public take note.

This is to certify that ORAGUNYE WILFRED and ORAGUNYE WILFRED NNANYELUGO is one and same person now wish to be known as ORAGUNYE WILFRED NNANYELUGO, All documents remain valid,Banks and general public take note

That my name was wrongly spelt as AKUH.T. HONDONA KINGSLEY instead of AKUH KINGSLEY AONDONA,now wish to be known as AKUH KINGSLEY AONDONA. All documents remain valid, Banks and general public take note

I Formerly known as JOY O. FREDRICK now wish to be known as FREDRICK JOY UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I Formerly known as NZUBECHUKWU IFEDILI OSELE now wish to be known as MRS NZUBECHUKWU IFEDILI OGUEJIOFOR. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note

Government, representatives of Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd, contractors on the project, among others.

The stakeholders, rising from the meeting, presented a communiqué read by Mr Godwin Eke, Federal Controller Works, Lagos and a consultant of AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd, Mr Kayode Opeifa.

They agreed that the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and NPA should collaborate to repair all bad roads and diversion routes, including Tin Can Island Road, Creek Road and Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, which will receive heavy traffic.

“After the meeting and the discussions and approval, it will be communicated to all stakeholders. Then,

we can ask the contractors to mobilise and begin the reconstruction of Apapa Wharf Road. We all resolve to ensure that parked trucks be removed from Apapa Wharf Road for construction works to commence in phases on 7th July; it will never be a total closure of all the roads, but only on sections of the road where work will be done,” the communiqué stated.

They agreed that stakeholders will corporate with any changes in time line of traffic management which will be communicated to all parties by both the NPA and the contractor through LASTMA, for effective traffic diversions during the period.

The two-kilometre road has a completion period of one year.

ers and enhance reproductive health management in the camps, added that SEMA had provided ambulances to enhance referral services and reduce mortality.

Earlier, SEMA said it registered 13,000 births in IDPs camps in the past four years.

Finland to build cyber security system in Nigeria

By VICTOR NZE

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inland has expressed its readiness to construct a cyber-security system in Nigeria and establish new ICT services in the country. In addition, the Northern European nation also plans to invest in infrastructure development, as it would facilitate changes in Nigeria.

Speaking during a visit to her Nigerian counterpart, Adebayo Shittu, Finland’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Anne Berner, said the meeting was aimed at discussing areas of synergy in ICT between the two countries.

She explained that the partnership would be beneficial for country in terms of trade and investment which would aid in job creation, increase the economy, amongst others.

Berner disclosed that Finland is partnering with both the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and calls for a favorable business climate with a reduced cost of production.

It would be recalled that earlier in June, the Federal Government announced plans to construct a $1billion ICT company to improve indigenous technology in the country.

ICT currently accounts for at least 10 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and has been considered as one of the vehicles that will drive the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government.

INEC receives 1,719 applications for replacement of PVCs in Oyo

National Electoral Ihasndependent Commission (INEC) in Oyo state received 1,719 applications for replacement of lost or defaced Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the last 60 days.

Acting Secretary of INEC in the state, Mr Surajudeen Junaid, who said this in a statement in Ibadan, Wednesday, also stated that 2,339 registered voters approached the commission for transfer of PVCs from their former locations to the current ones. He said a total of 43,963 new voters, comprising of 23,829 males and 20,134 females, had registered since the commencement of the Continuous Voters Registration exercise.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Nollywood gets over N420m additional grant from FG

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ederal Government, disclosed, Friday, it has released the sum of N420.2 million to the Nigeria film industry, popularly called Nollywood, to improve and support aspiring practitioners.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Patricia Deworitshe, in Abuja, the money, which is the second tranche payment will benefit 105 film distributors.

Federal Government had earlier

introduced the “Project Act Nollywood’’, with three primary components aimed at developing the movie making value chain.

The components are the Film Production Fund (FPF), Capacity Building Fund (CBF) and Innovative Distribution Fund (IDF).

The FPF and CBF have been fully implemented, while the IDF, which is the third component of the project, is on-going.

The IDF covers online, National, Regional and community catego-

ries of Nollywood Film distribution and exhibition.

The objectives of IDF are to improve the distribution network of Nigerian Audio-Visual contents, cut down on piracy, create jobs, and protect Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) within the Nigerian Entertainment Industry.

N1.8 billion was approved for disbursement to 106 beneficiaries in this component; and N1.335 billion was disbursed earlier in the year as first tranche to 105 beneficiaries.

Deworitshe said that before the release of the second tranche, the finance ministry had earlier carried out a successful monitoring and evaluation of the first tranche disbursement.

“Fifteen community cinemas and viewing centres have been established through the grant and this has improved the distribution network of movies in Nigeria. The programme has supported 18 firms in strengthening online distribution platforms, this has helped curb ille-

Ekiti 2018: INEC registers 35,909 new voters

Christianize Nigeria, Onaiyekan urges Christians

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State has registered 35, 909 new voters as part of its preparations for the 2018 gubernatorial election in the state, according to the Administrative Secretary of the commission in the state, Dr. Muslim Omoleke, Omoleke, in the statement, last weekend, signed by Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin, said the figure was generated from the ongoing continuous-voter registration in the state.

A breakdown of the figure shows that 35,909 eligible voters comprising of 18,193 males and 17,716 females were registered as at June 29, 2017.

He said the exercise which began April 27, 2017 in the state has been very successful.

Omoleke said that the commission also had 4,154 registered voters who were seeking transfer of their voting rights to new locations from within and outside the state.

He said that 1,048 permanent voter cards (PVCs) had so far been distributed in the state out of those initially left uncollected by voters, adding that six new registration centres had also been allocated to the state based on returns and agitation for more centres to ease the process.

According to the state INEC, the new registration centres are at St. Michael’s Primary School, Ajilosun, Ado Ekiti, for Ado Ekiti Local Government Area; Health Centre, Omuo-Ekiti for Ekiti East Local Government Area and CAC Primary School, Ipoti-Ekiti for Ijero Local Government Area.

Others are: Post Office building, Ikere-Ekiti for Ikere Local Government Area; LA Primary School, Ikosu for Moba Local Government Area and St. John Anglican Primary School, Ilupeju for Oye Local Government Area.

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•Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello (l) presenting the Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mohammed Babandede, with an award when he paid a courtesy visit to the NIS Headquarters in Abuja

Ambode to lead Lagos into world’s cleanest cities

State Government TforhehastheLagos expressed its commitment actualisation of its vision

of making Lagos to be among the cleanest cities in the world.

State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, disclosed this at a ceremony to mark the inauguration of Phase 1 of Visions-Cape Implementation in Lagos.

Visions-Cape is an environmental utility group which is to take over waste management in the state under a Public/Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement tagged: the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI).

He said that waste management in Lagos had become a big task due to the rising population, hence the need to introduce new operators with advanced technology to manage all types of wastes.

Ambode, who was represented

by Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, said, “we have always believed in VisionsCape and by the grace of God, Lagos is going to be one of the cleanest cities of the world’’.

The governor said that the desire to improve the sanitation in the state, in line with producing a friendlier environment for resi-

dents, had been a long desire that the inauguration of the CLI would actualise.

“To carry out a reform is not easy and we did not want to leave anything to chance,’’ he said.

On the litigation with Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, also known as the Private Sector Participation (PSP) Operators, he said that the contractual agreement with the operators to manage waste expired in July 2016.

Ambode said that being in court should not hinder waste management, adding that the state government was ready to partner with the litigants and was working on achieving harmony with them.

“This occasion is to make sure our city is not dirty. There are about 350 PSP operators and we have 25 million Lagosians. Do we want to satisfy 350 to the detriment of 25 million people?’’ he asked.

The governor explained that 600 compactors were being sourced from various countries, adding that the state plans to have about 5,000 within the next five years.

Earlier, Mr Harry Ackerman, the

Executive Director, Visions-Cape, said the company would eliminate dump sites in residential areas in the first phase of the project, adding that phase two of the project would target the total elimination of waste from households.

On her part, Visions-Cape’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs Motunrayo Elias, said the organisation had the manpower and equipment to keep Lagos cleaner.

While adding that the project would create several jobs for residents of the state, Elias said that Visions-Cape would commence Phase 1 of the company’s implementation strategy with ‘Operation Deep Clean’ on July 1.

“Visions-Cape has made provision to ensure that there would no longer be dump sites in the state. We have trucks and tricycles to run and collect refuse in every part of Lagos even the riverrine areas, and we run a 24 hours operations,’’ Elias said.

She also said that in a few weeks the company would roll out an advocacy programme to educate the public on better ways to handle wastes, especially harzadous ones.

The 5-star hotel, which is strategically placed to project the culture and history of the country, has also promised to host all visitors at its unveiling on July 6, at the new resort centre, in Yaba, Lagos.

Obasanjo is the Very Special Guest of honour, with Anyaoku the Distinguished Chairman of the

Occasion, while Ogunbanjo is Father of the Day. According to owners of the hotel, the Mbadiwes, the project was not set up for profit making, but to foster the development of the hospitality industry, as well as bring Nigeria’s history into peoples’ heart.

It was also learnt that the resort

was built in honour of the late Dr Kingsley Ozumba and Lady Cecilia Mbadiwe.

General Manager, Hassan Fawaz, noted that the relaxation centre is unique as it is offering classy treatment and conducive environment through its luxurious facilities, which includes 24-hour power supply and security.

Obasanjo, Anyaoku to unveil KingsCelia resort centre PEACE AKPAN

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ormer President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Chief Oladipo Ogunbanjo will lead other notable dignitaries to the official opening KingsCelia Hotel and Suites, a tourist centre, in Lagos.

gal downloads and piracy.

“Two hundred and fifty six permanent jobs and 544 temporary jobs have been created through the financial support provided to 105 beneficiaries by the programme,’’ she said.

Deworitshe said the programme had also aided the extension of the Nollywood Industry to sub-Saharan Africa through the funding of National distributors to expand their distribution capacity and network.

atholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has called on Christians to rise up and Christianize Nigeria instead of complaining that Muslims want to Islamise the nation.

Onaiyekan made the call in his homily at a Mass to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of Perpertual Help Parish, Gwarinpa II, Sunday in Abuja.

“So let nobody deceive you, I don’t think there is anybody who has plan to Islamise Nigeria, but even if they do, they have every right to do so.

“They have every right to do so provided they also know that I have the right to Christianise the whole of Nigeria. The answer is not in complaining and crying; stand up like a man and Christianise Nigeria,’’ the Cardinal said.

He said that Christians had the mandate to preach Jesus Christ to everyone without being distracted with material things.

Onaiyekan urged Christians to defend their faith by preaching the gospel in words and deeds without comprising the message of the Cross.

He said that the disciples of Christ preached the crucified Christ, accepted persecution and that many even died for their faith.

“People complain that Christianity is being persecuted; they are saying that some people want to Islamise the nation. Just know that nobody can’t Islamise you unless you agree to be Islamised. For as long as you are not ready to stand up and carry the Cross, you are on the verge of losing your faith; if you don’t want to lose your promotion for Christ sake, you are also not worthy to be a Christian.

“Anybody who presents another programme different from the programme of Jesus Christ on the Cross will lose, you will drop; you will just drop like an overripe apple.’’

According to him, Christians cannot achieve the feat by compromising their faith, it can only be achieved by carrying their cross and following Christ.

“You don’t Christianise the nation by standing up and looking for prosperity or material benefits. You Christianise a nation, if you are ready to stand up for the truth, preach the gospel, carry the Cross and follow the Lord Jesus.’’

He, however, said that the message of Cross is that of salvation, which was gradually being reduced to the message of prosperity, adding that it was natural to face suffering in the world.

The Cardinal said that Christianity had survived over 2,000 years and the religion became more established even when the apostles faced persecution and were even killed.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS Obiano’s security measures pay off as Police ‘harvest’ criminals in Anambra

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

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he security measure put in place by Governor Willie Obiano have continued to yield positive results as the Police in Anambra State have, in the last couple of days, arrested no fewer than 12 criminals, including a serial robber who has robbed about 20 victims in Fegge, a densely populated neigbourhood in the commercial city of Onitsha.

The other 11 criminals were arrested in Ogidi and other adjoining towns, which have of recent become a den of criminals in the Idemili North Local Council of the State.

According to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Fegge, in Onitsha South Local Council, Dr Garba Rabiu, the suspect, Chinemerem Elebeke, alias Meskana who has been terrorizing Onitsha and environs was arrested at the weekend somewhere at Odakpu following a tip-off.

His arrest generated a lot of excitement among the people, especially his victims who, on hearing that the dreaded armed robber had been arrested, stormed the Fegge Police Station, Onitsha, to commend the DPO and his men for the feat.

The victims, most of who were, on various occasions, dispossessed of their belongings and cash at gunpoints spoke to newsmen and described the armed robber as “one in a million,” stating that his name wherever heard, sent jitters down the spines of the people.

Rabiu, a Superintendent of Police (SP) said: “He has robbed about 30 innocent victims at different locations including Ogbaru, Fegge, Odoakpu, Inland Town and environs and got away with it. He has been a great terror to residents of those areas and for long we have been trailing him and I know that if we don’t get him my area will remain unsafe. As God will have it, on a tip-off that he was somewhere

at Odoakpu, we mobilized and on getting there, arrested him.”

Continuing he said: “Since his arrest, victims of his armed robbery escapades have continued to flood the station if only to have a glimpse of him and he has confessed robbing more than 30 people.

“His parents physically came in here begging for his release with N1million but you know money is not everything. This is somebody who has caused much trauma to the society including a pastor.

Among places he confessed to have robbed are petrol filling stations, shops, markets and some residential homes.

“Now people can heave a sigh of relief. He will be charged to court immediately, as soon as we are through with our investigation.”

In a related development, the new DPO for Ogidi Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili North Local Council, Mr Mark Ijarafu, has said that 11 armed robbery suspects have been arrested with six locally

made guns recovered within one month of his arrival at the Ogidi police headquarters.

Ijarafu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) made the disclosure while reacting to the incessant attacks on policemen in the Council and environs by armed robbers in which about five policemen are said to have lost their lives.

He said: “Within my one-month in office here in Ogidi, I have been able to arrest 11 armed robbers and six locally made guns recovered from them. It is either they leave this place or they will meet their waterloo. We go to their hideouts and we are in trail of those who killed a police Inspector at Ugwunwasike and other places “This place can not contain them and us. Most of those we arrested have been handed over to Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu, for further investigation.”

The criminals, he said, were arrested at Nkpor, Ogidi, Abatete, among other communities, adding

that most of the flashpoints like Umusiome, All Saints Road where suspected cultists recently killed a man, Attah Road, Ugwunwasike Roundabout axis and others, were being closely monitored.

He urged the people in the area to cooperate by giving useful information to the police in other to help flush out undesirable elements from the area. He assured that “the informant’s identity would be treated with uttermost confidentiality.”

He commended the local vigilante groups for their immense contribution to crime fighting in their various communities and reiterated his resolve to work with them and other security operatives to make the area a better place to live in.

The DPO also commended Governor Willie Obiano for his assistance to the police through the commissioner of police, noting that the state remains the safest in the country.

Lagos LG polls: APGA set to take overAmuwoOdofin

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

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s the campaigns for the Local Government chairmanship and councillorship in Lagos State intensify, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chairmanship candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Local government Area, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, has expressed confidence in winning the poll.

Nwoye, who was in Amawbia, Anambra State hometown of the embattled national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, to seek for his support, said that they were prepared for the election that will hold on July 22, this year.

“We are very much prepared to take over the chairmanship of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. APGA is now more than ever before popular. APC could not hold their primaries. There is no cause for alarm. There is no fear about rigging. We believe in Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). They have given us a level playing ground so far,” he said.

Nwoye urged his supporters to come out en masse to cast their votes, assuring that their votes would be counted in the 1, 202 polling booths.

He said anybody who attempted rigging is incurring the wrath of the people, stating that they have confidence in the credibility and integrity of the chairman of LASIEC. “Philips is conscious of his integrity. He has changed the face of LASIEC. We will change the face of politic in Amuwo- Odofin. If elected, we will partner with the private sector to uplift the local government. I will change the face of FESTAC town. We will repair the roads. We will not only create jobs for young people but make them to create jobs on their own”.

• Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, arriving at the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Where she made a symbolic appearance at the meeting of the Organization of African First Ladies on HIV/AIDS (OAFLA).

Politicians cannot fault Obiano’s flyovers –Maku From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka EX-information and communications minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said that only the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) can fault the three flyover bridges constructed by the Willie Obiano administration in the state capital, Awka,.

Maku said only certified engineers and not opposition elements in the state were in the position to determine whether the flyovers were of good standard or not.

The ex-minister, who made the clarification while responding to questions from journalists at Odene Bridge in Aguleri during a tour of state government’s projects recently, enjoined journalists to take the opposition to task and urge them to seek information from COREN or other regulatory bodies as to whether infrastructure instituted by government meets the required standards and not to engage in propaganda and hate

speeches.

The ex-minister said the Odene bridge in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, was a signature project as it was the longest bridge in the state.

He said that while he had toured some states across the country to see projects done by state governments, he was yet to see any state in Nigeria where such a gigantic project was executed except in Anambra state under Willie Obiano’s

watch.

He observed that “when governors are frugal, they manage their resources with sincerity, pointing out that it would be difficult for any state government to show a project of such magnitude in a recession even though Obiano did it in Anambra State.

National chairman of APGA and leader of the tour, Chief Victor Oye, disclosed that apart from the Odene bridge, there existed anoth-

er massive bridge at Iyiora Anam community in Anambra West Local Government Area also built by the Obiano administration connecting the oil producing area with the new airport being built by the present state government.

Oye declared that the APGA government would continue to govern Anambra State for another 100 years, stressing that no opposition party could gain political power in the state.

curity operation in the state.

Condoling with the bereaved families, he urged them to take solace in the fact that their departed loved ones would be remembered for their gallantry, assuring that the state would continue to support them.

The deceased personnel included Inspectors Cyril Onyia and Shuaibu Usman, Sergeants Ike Anari, Mathew Nguru, Mathew Julius and Mr Anthony Anaeto of the DSS. The governor, while presenting the cheques to the families, said the exercise was a continuous one through which the state government recognizes the efforts of security personnel who paid the supreme

sacrifice in the service of the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Garba Umar, acknowledged that due to its numerous constraints, the Force had not been able to do anything for the bereaved families and commended Governor Obiano for his humane disposition towards security operatives in the state, which he noted, was now widely acclaimed.

One of the widows, Mrs Sophia Nguru, who spoke on behalf of the others, thanked the governor for remembering them and giving them succour, praying God for more blessings and favour upon him and his family.

... As governor gives N5m to widows of 5 deceased security officers From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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OVERNOR Willie Obiano has handed out the sum of N1million each to the widows of the five officers of the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) who lost their lives in active duties.

He assured that the circumstances that led to their deaths had been noted and efforts being made to better protect security officers in future.

The governor revealed that the state government was taking care of the hospital bills of a police officer who sustained severe bullet wounds in the course of a se-

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS Ugwuanyi awards contracts for new projects From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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NUGU State Government has said that it awarded contracts for the construction of new projects across the state in furtherance of the determination of the Ugwuanyi administration to fulfil all campaign promises made during his electioneering campaigns.

While signing the latest contracts, Governor IfeanyiUgwuanyi explained that they were mostly rural-based and aimed at opening up rural areas in the state and giving the dwellers a new lease of life.

Among the approved contracts was the construction of AgbaniAfor-Amurri road in Nkanu West Local Government Area by Ambeez Services Limited at the cost of two hundred and forty million, four hundred and fifty five thousand, seventy-eight naira twenty kobo (N240, 455, 078.20).

The State Commissioner for information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, who briefed newsmen after the ceremony, said the approvals were part of the decisions taken at the State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Governor Ugwuanyi, adding that the decisions were in line with the vision of the present administration in the state to continue to open up the rural areas, give the dwellers a sense of belonging and enhance agriculture in the areas.

Also awarded was the construction of the Nkanu East Local Government Area Headquarters section of the Amechi-Idodo –Amauzam Amagunze road to Arab Contractors Nigeria Ltd at the cost of the forty million, seventy-two thousand, nine hundred and fifty-three naira thirty eight kobo (N40,072,953.38).

According to Udeuhele, other approvals were as well made by the council including payment of two hundred and forty million, nine hundred and eighty-seven thousand, twenty-eight naira, sixty-eight kobo (N204,987,028.68), covering all the outstanding payments to a construction firm, Setraco Nigeria Limited, in order to enhance good business relationship with the company.

The commissioner also stated that the council approved the award of contract for the external work at the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre, Enugu, to Ambeez Services Limited at the contract sum of two hundred and thirty-three million, two hundred and eighteen thousand, two hundred and sixty-two naira eightyone kobo (N233,218,262.81). He pointed out that the external work was to give a facelift to the diagnostic centre and improve the entire premises to give the centre a befitting status.

A’Ibom: New law compels LG officials to reside in council areas From ESSIEN ESEMA, Uyo

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t may no longer be business as usual for elected local government officials in Akwa Ibom State who are in the habit of residing in Uyo, the state capital, and other urban areas instead of their respective local government areas.

This is as the Local Government (Administrative) Bill passed into law by the State House of Assembly last recently has made it mandatory for elected council officials to live in their domains.

However, it is not yet certain if the law would compel council of-

ficials to reside in the security villages built for them across the 31 local government areas of the state, which are presently in various levels of decay.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Onofiok Luke, said the legislature injected the proviso in the law to compel council officials to live with and attend to the needs of people at the grassroots.

Luke said the essence of the third tier of government was to bring government close to the people and frowned at the practice whereby local government chairmen and councillors make themselves

almost invisible to the people they have been elected to serve.

According to the Speaker, “Akwa Ibom people will now be able to have direct access to their local government officials as the law has made it mandatory for elected officials to reside in their respective local government areas.”

He also said the Local Government (Administration) Law when fully implemented will give legal impetus to Section 7 (1) of the Constitution which guarantees the existence of democratically elected local governments in the state.

His words, “The law will ensure

• Traditional dancers at Onuora Nzekwu’s burial at Umuezialo village, Onitsha... last Friday.

Photo by Oliver Udeogu

transparency and accountability in the administration of local government for the benefit of the people at the grassroots in the state. It is our collective belief that innovations in the new law will be to the best interest of our people.

“It stresses our commitment to upholding our democratic values through strengthening the very institutions which define our democracy.

“Suffice it to say that the local government administration law is a fundamental legal document which will consolidate the efforts of government towards the delivery of good governance at the grassroots.

“The 6th Assembly is conscious of the myriads of challenges plaguing our local government administration system in Nigeria in general and Akwa Ibom State in particular.

These challenges call for nothing but serious legislative reforms. It is therefore in this direction that we have made a step today”.

Meanwhile, occupants of houses in the security villages originally built for elected local government functionaries are now jittery following the new law as they fear that they may be evicted.

Some of the occupants, who spoke with our correspondent, said that since the law compels the councils officials to live in their respective local government areas, there is the possibility that they might be evicted from the security villages to make way for the council officials.

Why we want Biafra – MASSOB From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

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OLLOWING the meeting of the South East leaders in Enugu where they rejected the call for secession and backed restructuring of the country, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has lambasted the Igbo leaders, describing them as insensitive to the current plights of the people.

“Their decisions are not the true minds and positions of the people of Biafra, we want Biafra and nothing but Biafra. Nigeria must disintegrate; her faulty foundation has broken beyond repair”, MASSOB said.

In a press release signed by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, MASSOB insisted that the Igbo leaders held their meeting to please the presidency even as they accused the leaders of sidelining the reasons for Biafra agitation.

MASSOB explained that “the non-violence struggle for Biafra actualization and restoration is a reactionary revolution against the continued neglect, political injustices/imbalance of federal structures against Ndigbo by successive governments of Nigeria since 1970. We are in this self-determination struggle because of political, economical, academic,

religious slavery which the government of Nigeria subjected Ndigbo into in Nigeria.”

They also accused the Igbo leaders of “tactically helping Nigeria government in postponing the explosion of the inevitable and unstoppable ticking time bomb which Nigeria comfortably sat on.”

MASSOB also said that their agitation for Biafra was because of the “grand plan to Islamize the people of Biafra with subtle and harsh economic policies against Biafrans”, even as they explained that their agitation for Biafra was to serve as counter and corrective measure “to the evil plot to enslave our children and their fu-

ture”.

According to MASSOB, another reason for the agitation for Biafra was to “re-establish and revive the tenacity, economic independency and industrial nature of Ndigbo which astonished the world in 1950 – 70s.

“Truly, we are in the struggle to restore the dignity, culture and integrity of Ndigbo. In this struggle, numerous sacrifices have been made, supreme prices being paid, we have been tortured, mesmerized, killed, incarcerated for the sake of Biafra and glory of Ndigbo, yet we are neglected, abused and abandoned by people who benefit from our exploits”, the group added.

They compared themselves to Boko Haram in the North, the Niger Delta militants and OPC in the South West, assuring that they still had high respect for few Igbo leaders “who unflinchingly and boldly defend the interest and cause of Biafra agitators”.

They regretted that “Majority of Igbo leaders have brazenly betrayed Igbo cause and [shown] interest in Nigeria”, warning that “the reawakening of the spirit and consciousness of Biafra among the people of Biafra can never be demoralized again, the Biafra revolutionary struggle can no longer be betrayed by personal or group interest”.

Osinbajo has reduced harassment of traders by customs –Importers’ boss

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

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CTING President, Prof Yemi Osinbanjo’s approach to socio-political and economic issues has provided a new lease of life to businessmen in the country particularly Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial nerve centre.

Chairman of Millennium Importers Market, Onitsha, Tochukwu Adiah, who stated this in a chat with The Oracle Today, said this had manifested in the less aggressive harassment of Importers (his members) by

the men of the Nigeria Customs along Lagos-Ore-Benin- AsabaOnitsha Expressway.

He said since Vice-President visited Anambra State whereupon Governor Willie Obiano tabled the complaints of harassment and intimidation of traders on the high way by the Customs and his subsequent promise to look into it, things have significantly improved on the Lagos road.

“Osinbajo has reduced our suffering from the Customs to a certain level, but we are demanding that they should to-

tally leave the road and go to the borders, seaports and airports. It is unfair to pay duties on goods imported for clearing and they will come on the road to compel you to pay another duty,” he said.

Appiah lauded the Federal Government’s effort to bring up the value of the naira to dollar but stated that it can do better by bringing it further to N200 or even N50 per a dollar.

The chairman said this will no doubt have tremendous positive impact on the economy and the living standard of the citizen.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS “Dead” people still receive salaries in Benue – Ortom From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

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ISTURBED by huge wage bills paid in Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom has declared that his government has embarked on table payment to weed out ghost workers, disclosing that even “dead” men still receive salaries in the state This is just as he lamented that the alarming wage bill of N7.9 billion paid out monthly in the state was unsustainable Ortom, who insisted that the Benue State government could not sustain such monthly wage bill, disclosed that the administration had commenced a comprehensive audit of staff to fish out ghost workers Speaking with State House Correspondents after a meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja, he explained that the administration was currently applying a modified table payment system that would last through the period of the staff screening.

“What we are doing now is modified table payment. No cash will be involved but we do it and you collect your money through the bank, and we have already started making discoveries,” he said.

He disclosed that monthly wage bill at the state level was currently N4.2 billion while that of local government council stood at N3.7 billion.

He said his administration inherited a monthly wage bill of N8.2billion from the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswan but reduced it to N7.9billion which he wanted to further scale down.

“You will recall that I declared state of emergency on payment of salaries, and I want to have the capacity to pay salaries as and when due because a worker deserves his wages. We discover that there were so many leakages on our payroll and ghost workers and infiltration here and there.

“I think that a wage bill of over N3.2 billion is too much at the state level. Then when you add pensions and gratuity you are talking about N4.2 billion; it is too much for Benue State. And at the local government you have a wage bill of N3.7 billion. So, if you are talking about N7.9 billion for a state, it is not descent enough.

“Ghost workers, those who were due for retirement are still in the service, those who are dead are still collecting salaries and all that. So, we believe that at the end of the day we will be able to scale down to a level that we will be able to pay salaries.”

He also applauded the Federal Government for the flag-off of yams exports to United Kingdom and United States of America, adding that the new policy would help boost government revenue and diversify the economy He said that Benue State government and farmers would take full advantage of the yam export programme and other agriculture schemes.

“Of course, the Chairman of yam exportation is from Benue State, a professor from the Federal University of Agriculture and we are deeply involved in it. We believe that this is the way to drive the economy,” he said.

Cross River: Strike not politically motivated – Labour From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HAIRMAN of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Cross River State have debunked the allegation that the recently suspended industrial action had a political undertone.

The labour leaders stated this in Calabar while announcing the suspension of the two weeks old industrial action in the state.

Chairman of the State Chapter of the NLC, Comrade John Ushie, insisted that the strike had no political undertone whatsoever and that

it lasted for two weeks because government was indifferent to the concerns of the workers.

“The essence of strike is not to destroy the government but to achieve a definite aim and this is usually a last resort.

“When we do all we can and the management of government proves to be insensitive then strike inevitably ensues.

“We have finished two full weeks at home because government refused to listen to the grievances of workers.

“The labour union is neutral and has no political affiliations. There is a difference between labour lead-

ership and political leadership.

“The fact that we gave the governor an award does not mean that if he goes wrong we should not tell him.”

He contended that, as labour leaders, they owe a duty to workers to protect their mandate and not shortchange them irrespective of the disposition of government.

Also speaking, the chairman of TUC in the state, Comrade Clarkson Out, disclosed that the strike lasted this long because an earlier agreement was not implemented.

“We hope that government will keep faith this time around. We went on strike because an earlier

resolution was not implemented.

“After the earlier Memorandum of Understanding, the issues that were supposed to be addressed were not.

“This time, timelines have been set for its implementation so we hope government will keep faith with it,” he said.

Highpoints of the understanding between the labour unions and the state government included the full payment of salaries to the recently appointed permanent secretaries, payment of outstanding pensions to deserving pensioners and the release of imprest to MDAs on the first week of every month.

• ONICCIMA President, Pharm Uche Apakama (Standing 4th right), Chairman of the Occasion, Sir IK Osanakpo (Standing 3rd right) and the Awardees during the 29th Annual General Meeting and Presentation of Awards by Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) took place at Sharon House, All Saints Cathedral Onitsha Photo by Modestus Igudobi

Police in dilemma over kidnap of principal’s wife in Bayelsa From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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OLICE authorities in Bayelsa State have said they have no clues on the whereabouts of Mrs. Edith Moron, the wife of the Principal of Gbanrainowei Grammar School, Okolobiri, who was kidnapped by gunmen last Friday.

Spokesman of the police command, Asinim Butswat, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who confirmed this to The Oracle Today in a telephone interview, also denied knowledge of the N3 million ransom said to have been demanded by the

kidnappers.

However, Mr. Moron Pereowei, husband of the kidnapped woman, said that the abductors of his wife had established contact with the family and demanded N3 million ransom.

Mrs. Moron was kidnapped at about 2.03 am on Friday in their residence at Azikoro Village, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the gunmen numbering about 12 gained access into the house of the school principal through a window.

Sources said after opening the

window, the hoodlums pointed gun at Edith’s brother, whom they used to lure the principal and his wife out of the bedroom.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said when the principal and his wife came out, their attackers shot at the house repeatedly to scare them and any other person around.

They also shot the victim on the leg before whisking her away.

The family source said the 12-member gang divided themselves into two groups with two going inside for the operation, while 10 persons mounted guards on the premises

Bayelsa youths urged to key into $20 billion fertilizer plant From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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AYELSA youths, particularly those in Brass Local Government Area, have been admonished to shun violence and position themselves to benefit from the Brass fertilizer project coming on stream in the area.

Mr. Kenedy Tonjo-West, President, Niger Delta Youths Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP), gave the charge while addressing youths of Brass over the crisis arising from youth election in the area.

He said that any breach of peace at a time the Federal Government and Bayelsa government was putting final touches to a plan to bring a $20 billion fertilizer plant to the area

would spell doom for the people.

West noted that the Brass LGA chapter of Niger Delta Youths Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) comprising of non-violent youths was reaching out to stakeholders in the area to promote peace and harmony.

“Everyone in Brass, should be involved in peace building, the youths should eschew violence because a lot is in the offing at this time the attention of the Bayelsa and Federal Government is focused on Brass.

“The youths should see the proposed $20 billion private investment being worked out as a lifeline and pursue skills and career development to be gainfully engaged in the projects lined up.

“This not a time to fight because the issue of violence and infighting amongst the youths can send the wrong signals and scare away the investors that both governments are wooing to Brass.

“The current efforts being made to harness the oil and gas resources in the Niger Delta region should be encouraged by all and sundry because of its economic benefits and potential to develop the region,” Tonjo-West said.

The youth leader stressed that policy to liberalize modular refineries to drive development of oil bearing communities was another policy to show the renewed commitment to engage the youths involved in local refining.

and outside the residence.

According to the source, the kidnappers allegedly ransacked the house, stole some money and other valuables before whisking away their victim to an unknown destination.

“The hoodlums came early in the morning on Friday. They broke in through the window as they could not gain access to the rooms because of the security of the doors.

“They used his wife’s brother to make them come out. At a gun point, they (husband and wife) opened their doors and gate and came out.

“The bullet fired at the house touched the wife on the leg. They took the wife and left the husband.

About 12 of them came for the operation, 10 persons were outside, while two were in the house,” he said.

On the demand for ransom, the source said: “The family of the victim has been discussing with them.

The abductors said they should come with N3m.”

At the Azikoro Police Division where the matter was reported by the family, a police officer who did not want his name mentioned in print confirmed the incident.

He said the victim was in her 40s and hails from Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA of the state.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS Delta assembly ratifies N13.6bn for secretariat construction From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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ELTA State House of Assembly has authorised the financing of a proposed N13.6 billion Central Secretariat Complex in Asaba as requested

by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa even as the lawmakers equally approved a 15-day vacation request by the governor.

Okowa, in a letter read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, said the State Executive Council had considered and approved the project to be handled by North China Construction Group Limited at an agreed amount of N13.645, 131, 243, 47 on a contractor-financed basis along with the attendant financing cost.

According to the letter, the governor sought the consideration and approval of the House on the decision by the executive council directing the project to be financed by borrowing the sum of N8 billion, equivalent to $18.5 million in line with the terms and conditions.

The terms of the agreement further stated that the Delta State Government shall guarantee the loan of N18 billion to be obtained by North China Construction Group Limited [NCCG] from the United Bank of Africa [UBA] and to issue Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders [ISPOs].

The governor noted that since the creation of the state in 1991, most government ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs] had been operating from rented residential apartments, which were not conducive for office use, adding that the situation had denied the state the advantage of proximity of government offices to one another.

The Majority Leader, Hon Tim Owhefere, in moving for the approval of the governor’s request, argued that the move was apt as government was spending N7 billion yearly on rent. He was supported by Hon. Samuel Mariere, Emeka Elekeokwuri and Reuben Izeze.

The request was approved and adopted by the House when put to a voice vote by the Speaker.

Biafra: UPP under security probe – Chekwas From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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ATIONAL chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has confirmed being aware that the party has been under the searchlight of the various security agencies in the country.

Recall that The Oracle Today had exclusively reported that the UPP was being investigated by the Department of State Serviced (DSS) for possible links with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Okorie, who was the founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before crises set in and he was forced out, admitted that recently security agencies had been snooping around and through relevant records to see if the party had any open

or secret relationship with any illegal group, individual or association, especially the pro-Biafra groups.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recently requested and obtained additional copies of the party’s constitution which he believed were to avail the security agencies copies with which to study their laws and rules of membership and ascertain if any infringed on the laws of the land.

But he was quick to point out that neither he nor any officer of the party had ever been directly interrogated yet.

Chief Okorie, popularly addressed as Oje Ozi Ndigbo, spoke exclusively to The Oracle Today.

He described Kanu as his political son who unfortunately had veered off course with some of his recent

pronouncements including the call for boycott of the Anambra State governorship election.

He stated that Kanu’s call for session was totally unacceptable and therefore not in line with his own ideas. He insisted that his position had always been for the restructuring of the nation for equity, fairness and justice.

He pointed out that “UPP constitution is derived from that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, just like other political parties. It’s our manifesto that stands us out from all other political parties.

“There is no special relationship between the UPP and any of the Biafra agitators or any other agitators in the country for that matter because we are aware that the Nigerian constitution does not allow any political party to have a direct relationship with

NGO laments spate of killings, maimings in hinterlands Raymond Ozoji, Awka

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• From left, Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of South East Governors Forum, Engr. David Umahi, addressing newsmen at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel after a Special South East Stakeholders Meeting in the early hours of today. He is flanked on the left by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and Govs of Imo and Abia on the right - Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Chief Okezie Ipkeazu. Photo by CHUKS EZE.

Floods: Anambra places 6 councils on red alert From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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NAMBRA State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has issued a red alert warning to six of its council areas; Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North and Onitsha South following the predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) regarding flooding this rainy season.

Already, sensitization tours and awareness campaign had commenced round the state, especially in the six identified flood-prone council areas.

In a media briefing at the SEMA headquarters, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Paul Odenigbo, noted that since this prediction was specific about the riverine councils, “there is need to create awareness and promote public information sharing on the preparedness for flooding at the community level.”

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

The SEMA chief asked riverine com-

any group whatsoever. The closest any party can get is for the individual members of a group registering as members of the political party. And the point of entry into any political party for anyone including myself is the local ward where you come from.

There is no group registration.

“The law also does not forbid open endorsement of a party or individual whether the person or group endorsing you is a member of your party or not,” Chief Okorie disclosed.

He pointed out that UPP had from onset emphasized true federalism and devolution of powers and that during the last presidential campaign debate, he suggested an exit clause in the constitution to allow any ethnic nationality to go if it so desired just as obtained with the Ethiopian constitution.

munities in the listed council areas and other flood-prone areas of the state to be on the alert. He emphasized that the sensitization and warnings were aimed at raising awareness on the likely floods to avoid being taken unawares.

Odenigbo called on residents to generally make arrangements to avoid the dangers of flash flood and assured that the state government, through the agency, had already

made contingency arrangements to give succour to likely victims of the predicted floods.

He urged all stakeholders to assist in the sensitization 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.

Odenigbo asked families to get ready their “family disaster kits”

which would contain all the basic necessities like flashlight, sanitary packs, toilet rolls, soaps and other personal hygiene materials, as well as important documents like bank notes, certificates and cheque books.

The state Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, assured that the Ministry would rise to the challenges of the anticipated flooding and provide supports to the victims.

Anambra lawmaker evacuates 10-year-old refuse dump From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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RADERS at Nkwo Oraifite Market in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State have heaved a sigh of relief as the lawmaker representing Ekwusigo State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Onyebuchi Augustine Ofor, has evacuated the 10-year-old refuse dump site at the market.

The situation had become so bad that traders at the market were left with no option than to contend with the excruciating

smell from the heap of refuse.

Ofor said public health in the area was in great danger and that the presence of the refuse dump could lead to an outbreak of epidemic. He maintained that it was for these reasons that he decided to remove the toxic waste from the market and convert the dump site to a motor park.

The lawmaker, who stressed that he was touching lives in his constituency through projects, recalled that in 2015, he renovated the FRSC office in Oraifite.

He noted some of his projects

to include building an abattoir at Ugwuoye Market Ozubulu, nurses’ quarters at Ichi, six classroom blocks at St. Christopher Anglican Church Oraifite, renovation of a community hall at Egbema Ozubulu, six classroom blocks at Ozubulu Community Secondary School, perimeter fencing of Umuabu Central School Ihembosi, and fencing of Akwa Primary School Ozubulu.

“Even those who voted and campaigned against me can tell you what I have done in Ekwusigo ,” he said.

LLICIT Drug Abuse Education, a non-governmental organization, has alerted the general public over the spate of killing and maiming of people in the hinterlands by irate youths under the influence of illicit drugs.

They said the youngsters sometimes storm burial ceremonies and disrupt the occasion, smoking marijuana and dispossessing people of their belongings with weapons.

Addressing newsmen in Awka during a sensitisation rally against illicit drug, the state chairman, Illicit Drug Abuse Education, Mr. Anene Gregory Onyilogbe, disclosed that youths used what he described in local parlance as “igbo” and “monkey tail” to disrupt funerals in the villages and killing people at will.

Anene said the organisation had extended advocacy to interior communities and villages meeting community leaders, village heads, traditional rulers and primary and secondary schools to join the battle against illicit drug intake amongst youths in Anambra State.

The Public Relations Officer, Mr. Damian Anekwe, stated that the drug situation in Anambra state had reduced drastically when compared to other states across the federation following aggressive campaigns against narcotics and other hard drugs dangerous to the wellbeing of youths.

Anekwe emphasized that the organisation was fighting various types of illicit drugs like canabis sativa, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana among others, pointing out that the ones which use was on the increase at moment were “monkey tail” and marijuana as many of the abusers could not afford expensive ones like cocaine and others .

Declaring the sensitisation roads how open, state commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Sule Mommodu, said the agency would stop at nothing to rid the state of illicit drugs and other hard substances injurious to human health

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Trump talks North Korea threat in calls with China, Japan leaders

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he threat posed by North Korea was a key topic in phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of China and Japan, along with trade issues.

The White House said in a statement that Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ahead of expected meetings with the leaders of Asia’s two biggest economies at a Group of 20 nations summit in Germany.

The summit is scheduled to hold Friday and Saturday.

The White house said: “Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a denuclearised Korean Peninsula,” the White House said of Trump’s call with Xi from his resort property in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where he is spending a long weekend.

“President Trump reiterated his determination to seek more balanced trade relations with America’s trading partners.”

China’s state media reported that Trump and Xi had discussed the “peace and stability of the Korean peninsula”, the report said, without elaborating.

“Negative factors” have affected Sino-U.S. relations, and China has already expressed its position to the United States, Xi told Trump, according to a read-out of a telephone call between the leaders carried by state television.

China hopes the U.S. can handle the Taiwan issue appropriately, in accordance with the “one China” principle, Xi told Donald Trump, the state television report said.

On Thursday, the U.S. targeted a Chinese bank and sanctioned Chinese individuals and a firm for dealing with North Korea and approved a 1.42-billion-dollar arms deal with Taiwan,decisions that angered Beijing.

On Sunday a U.S. warship sailed near a disputed island in the South China Sea claimed by China, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Trump and Abe, in their call, reiterated their commitment to increase pressure on North Korea.

“They reaffirmed that the United States-Japan Alliance stands ready to defend and respond to any threat or action taken by North Korea,” the White House said in a statement.

Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda told reporters that Japan, the United States and South Korea will have “a trilateral leaders summit at the G20 meeting.”

He said the two leaders agreed that they will urge China to work on the North Korea issue.

Trump, who held talks with Abe earlier this year at the president’s Mara-Lago resort in Florida, has forged a united front with the Japanese leader on the need to exert pressure on North Korea to curb its nuclear and missile development.

Trump’s separate conversations with the two Asian leaders followed White House talks with South Korea’s new president, Moon Jae-in, on Friday in which the U.S. leader called on Asian powers to implement sanctions and demand North Korea “choose a better path and do it quickly.”

During and after a Florida summit with Xi in April, Trump praised his Chinese counterpart for agreeing to work on the North Korea issue and has held back on attacking Chinese trade practices he railed against during the presidential campaign.

Trump has recently suggested he was running out of patience with China’s modest steps to pressure North Korea, which is working to develop a nucleartipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. Trump has also been weighing new quotas or tariffs on steel imports for national security reasons and plans to discuss his concerns at the G20.

Washington sees excess global production capacity, particularly in China, administration officials say.

Compiled by Roswitha Chukwuma (with Agency Reports)

Bello New York hospital shooter abandoned last job – Dr Omotosho

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ore facts have emerged about Dr Michael Henry Bello, the gunman who shot seven people at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Centre, New York on Friday, and identified as a Nigerian.

Dr Bola Omotosho, the Community Board Chair for The Bronx 5, New York, told the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Bello hailed from Auchi, Edo State.

Bello, 45, shot dead a woman on the 17th floor and injured six others on the 16th floor, before allegedly killing himself, the New York Police Department Commissioner James O’Neil, said.

He went into the hospital, his former workplace, wearing a white lab coat with an AR-15 machine gun hidden underneath and asked for a specific doctor on the 16th floor.

However, when he was told the doctor was not there, he started shooting at everyone and tried to set himself on fire before allegedly committing suicide.

Omotosho said: “He (Bello) is a Nigerian, he’s from Auchi, virtually not

that I knew him personally but he had his medical education in the Caribbean, came back here – U.S. “He left the hospital and up till recent, was working with the HRA – Human Resources Administration – here in the Bronx, after he left the hospital.

“But he left that place, the HRA where he was working, unceremoniously. The relevance of this is there are several Nigerians in the HRA, New York City Human Resources Administration.

“So he just abandoned the job and when he did not show up after a couple of weeks even up to a month, he was recently terminated from there about two or three weeks ago or so.

“But of course, he must have had his own challenges, while he was planning something.

“And in addition to that, very recently, as at this past week, less than two weeks ago, was when they notified the HRA Police as part of precautionary measure.

“That any ex-staffer who has been dismissed or terminated, should not be allowed into the building; just this

past two weeks or less than that.

“It is unfortunate that hospital has no metal detector; we don’t use metal detector in the office.

“That’s the last place you expect a disgruntled worker to come back and do such a heinous crime or retaliation”.

Omotosho, who has been elected the Community Board Chair for Bronx 5 for 10 years, just got re-elected during the City Council election on June 21.

“I’ve held that position now for 10 years. I’ve been re-elected every year; this is the eleventh year,” the Nigerian-born medical doctor told NAN. According to him, when the incident involving Bello occurred, he responded as the Committee Board Chair, as it was part of the process expected of him as the representative of the people.

“The officer from my 46 Precinct, who responded to the 911 call, is in my District.

“So part of the verification process is for the Public Affairs Officer to call me, being the Committee Board

Chair, that ‘this is what’s going on, somebody is killed in your District’.”

Meanwhile, there have been some controversies as to whether Bello killed himself or was actually shot dead.

It was believed that shooters who committed suicide usually shot themselves on the head and not on the chest as it was in Bello’s case.

At Bello’s home in the Bronx, investigators recovered the box the rifle had been packed when he bought it on June 20, reports said.

Of the six people wounded in the shooting, two had been transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital by Sunday as they had injuries to the brain and liver and remained in critical but stable condition.

Four patients – medical residents, a medical student and a patient – remained at Bronx-Lebanon, where they were in stable condition recovering from injuries to the abdomen, neck, thigh and hand, hospital officials said.

President Mugabe donates $1m to AU Foundation

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• North Korea’s Hwasong-14 missile in a photo handed out by North Korean state media.

Arab countries extend Qatar deadline by 48 hours

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our Arab countries have agreed to give Qatar 48 more hours, in a deadline extension proposed

by Kuwait, for the Gulf emirate to comply with a list of demands, local media reported early Monday.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt agreed to extend the deadline after Kuwait’s government urged them to do so late Sunday, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

Earlier, as the original deadline expired, Saudi-owned television Al Arabiya reported that Qatar could be hit by further sanctions from the countries that have cut ties with the Gulf emirate over its alleged support for terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt were “studying” a list of potential political and economic sanctions against Qatar after it rejected the list of demands, Al Arabiya said.

The Dubai-based broadcaster said that one possible punishment would be suspending Qatar from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a U.S.-allied bloc.

The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.

Potential trade penalties against

Qatar could be extended to include countries and companies dealing with the energy-rich emirate, Al Arabiya added without elaborating.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will meet in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss “future steps” in dealing with Qatar, a spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said late Sunday.

On Friday, Qatar disclosed a list of 13 demands issued by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt.

The demands were conveyed by Kuwait which is acting as a mediator in an attempt to defuse the ongoing dispute.

The demands include downgrading ties with Iran, a regional rival of Saudi Arabia; stopping support for Islamist groups; and shutting down the Dohabased broadcaster Al Jazeera and its channels.

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed Al-Thani is due to deliver his country’s official reply on the demands to Kuwait’s Emir Sabah Al Ahmed on Monday, according to Al Arabiya.

There was no immediate confirmation from either Qatar or Kuwait.

Mohammed had earlier said the demands violated his country’s sovereignty, but called for dialogue.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, who initially claimed credit for sparking the rift between the Gulf nations, spoke separately with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Al-Saud, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Hamad and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed AlNahyan.

The president “underscored that unity in the region is critical … to defeating terrorism and promoting regional stability,” the White House said in a statement.

“President Trump, nevertheless, believes that the overriding objective of his initiative is the cessation of funding for terrorism,” it continued.

In June, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic ties and transportation links with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism, a charge that Doha denies.

Later, the four countries placed on terrorism lists 59 figures and 12 groups with alleged links to Qatar.

Doha has called the boycott a “siege” and “collective punishment.”

In 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain temporarily withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar, accusing it of breaching a regional security pact.

That dispute was resolved through Kuwait’s mediation.

resident Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe on Monday delivered a one million U.S. dollars check to the African Union (AU) Foundation, a “humble gesture” to help push the regional block toward financial independence.

Mugabe made the donation during the opening of the 29th AU summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

He was fulfilling a pledge made during his tenure as rotating AU chairman, at the 25th AU summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Handing over the check, Mugabe said the “modest” donation “demonstrates what is possible when we apply our mind to the most urgent task before us, … of funding our union and in particular Agenda 2063.”

Launched in January 2015, the AU Foundation is tasked with finding new ways of generating domestic resources to fund African development programs and support Agenda 2063, an ambitious blueprint for future development of the continent.

Mugabe said funding independence is vital to Africa’s future.

“Unless and until we can fund our own programs, the African Union will not be our own,” he said, referring to a decision made in 2016 at the 27th AU summit to eventually be able to finance 100 percent of its operational budget, 75 per cent of its programmes budget, and 25 per cent of its peacekeeping budget.

The decision requires that member countries contribute 0.2 per cent of their import levy to AU coffers.

Mugabe said: “It is never going to be easy to wean ourselves from the ‘donordependency syndrome,’ but we need to forge ahead for our sake and that of our future generations.

“This modest contribution… is a symbolic step in that direction.

“Let us build our continent brick by brick, stone by stone.”

According to Moussa Mahamat, chairman of the African Union Commission, the 0.2-per cent import levy requirement, originally scheduled to come into effect in January 2017, has yet to be fully complied by all member countries.

The AU hopes to be able to meet all its operational funding needs by the year 2022.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Bold n Blunt

Ezeife: Blame Buhari for current Biafra agitation as

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ORMER governor of Anambra State, CHIEF CHUKWUEMEKA EZEIFE (Okwadike) has condemned the attitude of some northern leaders over the quit notice given Ndigbo resident in the North by the Coalition of Arewa Youths. Ezeife regretted that rather than condemn the action of the northern youths and advocate for peace, some northern elders are fuelling the situation by making inflammatory, provocative remarks. On the issue of rising agitation for Biafra, the former Presidential Adviser told CHUKS EZE, in Awka, Anambra State, where this interview was conducted, that President Muhammadu Buhari is to blame. In his view, Ndigbo are suffering the worst neglect, marginalisation, suppression and intimidation under the Buhari administration in the history of Nigeria, adding that the situation is there for all to see. According to Ezeife, “During President Obasanjo’s era, MASSOB was there but there was no serious quest for independence or self-actualisation. There was little pressure during the time of Yar’Adua until he died, and there was none during the time of Jonathan. Any intelligent person must ask ‘why now, why now?’ I think we all know why?

What do you make of the three-month ultimatum given to Ndigbo by a coalition of northern youths to vacate the north, which is fast running out?

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HAT I make of it is that there is God in heaven; and that God made a promise to us – Igbo people, who believe in Him that He will protect us and direct our ways. Sometimes, we are proud as if it is by our ingenuity that we are so successful everywhere. The Igbo will go to a strange town empty handed – whether it is China, America, Kano, Katsina, Lagos or anywhere. We, the Igbo, could start with any kind of business and still make it work. In the olden days, we used to carry faeces on our heads, and somehow we would succeed. With our success, we build houses. In the house we live, sometimes we stay in a very easy chair in front of the house and exude more confidence than the original owners of the land. And if it happens to be an Anambra person like I am, we talk without caring how the other person is feeling. Now, what do you expect to happen when you appear to exude more confidence than the original owners of the land? Obviously, we are drawing jealousy. From jealousy, it gets to hatred, then to shedding of blood. I read Fani Kayode’s interpretation of the pogroms in the north, especially that of 1967. He said the Igbo would get to a place belonging to other people and behave as if they are the owners of the place.

And as I said, with so much confidence that the original owners of the place would begin to doubt whether we remember that we came to join them.

But the truth is that God in heaven is the one who gave us the characteristics that make us succeed; and we are humans. When the Igbo are successful, they behave like successful people, which can be annoying to the people in whose homes, villages and towns we live – their communities. That is the first thing people should understand. But I would add that we, the Igbo, must realise that it is time to make friends with our host communities. You lose nothing making friends and you lose nothing hold this country together. Without them, may age of the country is currently being orchesinvesting in lasting projects and investing in be, we would have since been over as a country. trated by the youths?

My brother, I have never thought that the human beings in your host community. Give How do you feel that the call for the breakthem schools – Primary schools, secondary schools et cetera, they would never forget. We should start making friends more with our host communities to ensure that this jealousy and hatred do not come at all. But, as you can see, there are sayings in our tradition that make us behave the way we do. One says, ‘Ebe onye bi ka ona awachi’. The proper literary interpretation of that statement is that, ‘you mend where you live’. That is why the Igbo have more modern houses in Abuja and Kano than any other group in this country. And what obtains in Abuja and Kano is the same everywhere whether in South West, North or the Middle Belt, which we have been tending to neglect.

Is the Middle Belt being neglected?

O yes, very well. The Middle Belt is being neglected and it is the one holding the North and South together. It is like a bond between the north and south, and that region should be given the credit for that. The Middle Belt helps to

There is no question of North and South; it would not work.

If we have six geopolitical zones, we must rotate among the six zones and create six packages of power that rotates evenly so every zone knows that it will reach their turn over a number of years

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youth of Nigeria can be problem of Nigeria. I do not see Nnamdi Kanu or members of MASSOB as the problem of Nigeria. If you look carefully, then you would find that they are reacting to the injustices of Nigeria. And again, there is a statement in Igbo, which says, ‘Eji ndu eme gini?’ meaning, ‘Life without honour is not worth living’. The life that Igbo people live in Nigeria is not with honour; it is a long time ago when it was with honour. But, for so long now it has been life with neglect, injustice, humiliation, harassment and inequity – life not worth living. And it has never been like this all the time. During (former President) Obasanjo’s era, MASSOB was there but there was no serious quest for independence or self-actualisation. There was not much pressure during the time of Yar’Adua until he died, and there was none during the time of Jonathan. Any intelligent person must ask ‘why now, why now?’ I think we all know why?

Does the why have anything to do with alleged lopsided appointments?

It has everything and more to do with it. Firstly, (President Muhammadu) Buhari came to power and talked about 97 per cent to 25 per cent, which is incoherent, senseless and cannot make 100 per cent. He started making appointments and after over 40 appointments, no position was given to the South East. Then another set of appointments was made and again, the South East was virtually vacant in the list. They started removing people from the Military, Custom and the rest; we looked at the list of people being removed, the south especially South East was dominant. Then if you look at the budget as regards the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt federal roads respectively and compare the provisions, if any, to their equivalent elsewhere, you would weep. The most recent is the issue of railway where they borrowed over 5 billion dollars to improve the railways and there is nothing for the rail sector in the South East, yet we are expected to fund the loan repayment. Sadly also, the Igbo have no membership in the National Security Council and so, the Igbo is not represented at National Security meetings in this country, yet the Igbo are the untouched nous in Nigeria. You perceive Fulani/Hausa in some countries outside Nigeria and they were grown there and not visitors; you also find Yoruba in some countries outside Nigeria but you would not find an Igbo in any country outside Nigeria, who is not a Nigerian. Yet, you hold National Security Council meetings and the Igbo are not represented.

But we all know that Buhari allocated ministerial slots to the South East, didn’t he?

Yes, he sure distributed ministerial appointment and we got science and technology, labour, Trade and Investment; and foreign affairs – to deal with foreigners! Look, I was a federal Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and I know what obtains there. I do not know whether he wants us to be jealous of the Yoruba when he assigned three major ministries to one person, although that is what it seems like. But the point I am trying to make is that if you digest all these, you would know that the person doing it hates you. These are

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Bold n Blunt

Ndigbo, under his Presidency, are without honour Igbo, who are always proud of our achievements when it is God who made us successful.

demonstrable facts. Then coming to Buhari’s body language, some young boys in Aba (Abia State) were having a peaceful march; they had no machetes, guns or anything that could hurt a fly. The police and soldiers mowed them down and killed them. After that, Buhari made a statement that while they are alive (those who fought the Biafra war), nobody should raise a voice (from Biafra land). Then some Igbo youths decided to hold memorial service for those that were slain during Biafra war, including none-Biafrans, in Onitsha. They were holding copies of the Holy Bible, performing memorial service. They were mowed down; and some confusion sponsored by the federal government in an attempt to pass the blame to our people who made efforts to put the situation under control. Then, we were all here when (Donald) Trump won American Presidential election and some people who liked his victory were carrying solidarity placards to celebrate Trump’s victory in Port Harcourt. They were mowed down, killed in the midst of their merriment. I can state many more instances because I even had a personal taste of their penchant for harassment and intimidation of innocent, defenceless citizens in Igboland.

Are you saying that you had been harassed by the Buhari administration?

Look, I have said so many things in this country and I have never said a single lie. I once went out, in a motorcade, with some relations and friends during the 2015 Christmas return.

As we were coming back around past 11pm, we saw some soldiers in my compound. They came with various vehicles. When I saw them, I thought they had come with a prominent man who must be waiting for me upstairs; so I rushed up but found nobody. On coming back, I saw them blowing siren and zooming off one by one. Maybe they left after seeing that we were so many that came back at the same time. People asked me to raise the alarm but I kept calm and kept quiet. Another case was when some young Igbo people invited me to chair the launch of a book written in honour of (the late Odumegwu) Ojukwu. While driving down to the venue in Awka, I got information that the DSS had taken over the venue. I drove straight to the governor’s house and he was not around. So, I went to the Commissioner of Police who directed me to the DSS, and on reaching there, they told me that they were acting on orders from above. I then asked the young men to move to another venue and inform me. But before they even contacted me, the police and army had gone to the new venue and forcefully dispersed everybody. When I returned to Abuja, I had to talk; and when I spoke, they reacted in some way. Let me just leave it at that. But, the thing is that we need understanding in Nigeria, we need peace. People should do away with superiority complex.

The Fulani man has no superiority over the Igbo man, both locally and internationally.

Many people are of the notion that recent inflammatory utterances of some northern leaders are indications that they couldn’t care less whether their actions can hurt anybody or not; do you feel so too?

Maitama Sule is a disciplined intellectual; politician and socialist, just as Justice Mamman Nasir is a consummate, sagacious politician. But we also have the likes of Junaid Muhammed, who talks like he speaks from the ‘Yansh, the same with Ango Abdullahi – a Professor, former university vice Chancellor, and one of my greatest friends in the north. They are all from the north. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand what motivates Junaid’s statements. It was he who said the north is ready for Nigeria to break up. What is the literacy rate among the Fulani that he is talking about; or when did education become inferior to anything in the course of development of a nation? So, when you see people that you respect talk what looks like senselessly, you become dumbfounded. I apologize, but that is the thing that comes to my mind. Now, even the youths,

What is your position on the reactions of various interest groups to the situation, especially the South East Governors’ Forum, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and others?

We are still one country – Nigeria; the constitution is there. Some people say the South East governors should mobilise trucks and luxurious buses to move our people home. Those are bright ideas, but as far as I am concerned, nobody is coming home. I would advise our people to stay put. God will bring solution because the quit notice in itself is illegitimate and unconstitutional, not recognised by any known law. But, our people should not behave like a tree. If you tell a tree ‘I am going to kill you’, it stands there. But if you threaten to kill a human being, he would behave otherwise.

This time, there is no question of running back home. No way! I would not support anybody to run home, we must get ourselves ready to defend ourselves. It had happened before. We were used to running when they killed us in Kano, but the last time it happened, we did not run. Some of us died but those who wanted to do damage to us for no just cause saw real damage too; so that if there is commotion in the north, everybody – Hausa, Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba – everybody begins to run. It is no longer a situation where only the Igbo run with hands on their heads creaming. We still have enough time to organise ourselves to defend ourselves, if it comes to that. But in the name of God, in the name of Allah, it will never come to that.

• President Buhari whom I used to think that our hopes must be higher with; the Arewa youths now call us, the Igbo, hooligans. I am certain that the meaning of that word has not changed. Of all people in Nigeria you call Igbo hooligans? Is it for their achievement-orientation? Is it for their success records internationally? How much discipline does a person display when he calls another person hooligan or vagabond? I hope we are not dealing with Muslim extremists. I can state unequivocally that those extremists are not true Muslims. What they are doing are

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The life that Igbo people live in Nigeria is not with honour; it is a long time ago when it was with honour

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not from the Koran. A good Christian behaves according to the bible, especially the gospel, likewise, a good Muslim, who lives his life in submission to Allah, behaves according to the Karan. But what we see in the world today such as the incidents in London Bridge, Manchester, Paris, Germany, Iran, Nigeria and other places that have experienced terrorist attacks; such attacks have no foundation in the Koran.

They are actions of those that have been brainwashed by people who do not understand the depth of the religion they profess. Allahu Akbar means God is great; therefore, you cannot kill God’s children for God. I am Emeka Ezeife and I have children. You cannot kill my children and say you are pleasing me. God is the father of all of us. You cannot go killing people and say you are pleasing God. That is insult to God. If you do that, you will pay for it dearly. In fact, the kind of torment you will meet in hell fire would be so unbearable.

All this brainwashing that is used to prepare terrorists is nowhere near God’s or Allah’s words. You are told that when you die in suicide bombing that you would end up in Paradise; that is balderdash. You are going to the deepest hell because when you embark on suicide bombing, you don’t know who would kill.

You kill Muslims and the Koran says you should not kill fellow Muslim; you kill children and the Koran says innocent human beings should not be killed; you are killing women and the Koran says you should not kill innocent women. You also kill the lame, blind and other helpless individuals. Those who are brainwashing the terrorists are using words that are not contained in the Koran, and you will not find them recruiting their children into the fold because they know that after raping, killing people or blowing themselves up, they end up seeing opposite of all that they had been promised, when they die. So, may God forgive all of us including those who are calling us hooligans and we, the

Ango Abdullahi, recently berated northern governors and called them hypocrites for denying the Arewa youths after the Kaduna Declaration. On several occasions, he has declared support for the quit order, saying they (the entire north) were all part of the plan. Shouldn’t Ango have been removed as spokesperson of NEF if he has really not been speaking for the elders?

Well, even before he openly declared support for the quit notice, most of my friends who had assessed the situation had believed that Ango Abdullahi and Junaid Muhammed must have been privy to the action of the northern youths. They are free agents, not constrained by legalism, constitutionalism and responsibility. A governor is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of a State, according to the constitution. Even if the governor of Kaduna State (Nasir el’Rufai) knew about the plan to make the irresponsible, unaccommodating, inflammatory and inciting statements, there is a second thing; he has a duty, which Ango Abdullahi does not have, although as an elder he should have a duty. Ango Abdullahi is a very high cerebral person, highly achieving – a Vice Chancellor – but it seems his brain has disintegrated. He used his mouth to say that the north is ready for disintegration. No northerner with common sense and live brains will say the same thing because the North loses most by the disintegration of Nigeria. If we were to leave, it would be worse off for the north.

How do you mean?

Let me educate you a little. Araba was the word they used in 1966/67; you may not be conversant with the word. Araba means ‘no basis for unity’. The north had wanted to go, but the British asked them, ‘What do you think you are doing? What do you have where you are going? Illiterates are what abound where you are going! Stay longer; you have not built a base for your people. That was what stopped the North from leaving. We have large market in Nigeria, and that is what economists call economies of scale. Of all things, the strongest base for unity in Nigeria is economies of scale, which is the ability to produce cheaply, goods and services, for the satisfaction and welfare of the Nigerian citizens. Like every Igbo indigene,

Continued on Page 14

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12 2017

POLITICS

2019: I won’t leave APC, says Abe No matter the challenges that that may crop up in furtherance of his wish to contest the 2019 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives ( APC), Senator Magnus Abe says he will not defect from the party as being rumoured by some persons. From Port Harcourt, NATH OMAME reports…

S

ENATOR MAGNUS NGEI ABE, the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District has told the people of Ogoni at his hometown, Bera, in Gokana Local Council that he has no plans to dump the APC. He made this known to the people who had come to rejoice with him on his victory at the Rivers State Electoral Tribunal, which sat in Abuja and delivered its judgment, affirming his victory at the re-run legislative election, conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, on Saturday December 10, 2016, Abe emphasized: “If we are to be vilified for that; if we are to be crucified for that, so, let it be. We will not relent in our efforts and by the grace of the Almighty God that we serve; the right thing will be done. Let me also say here that you get to a point in life when what happens to you no longer becomes an issue. At that point,it is what happens around you that become more important to you.”

On media reports that Senator Abe has drifted away from Amaechi, the former two-term governor of Rivers State, he declared: “I want to repeat on record that I am the biggest investment of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in the politics of Nigeria.”

Spokesman of Senator Abe, Mr. Parry Saroh Benson, in a statement released in Port Harcourt stated that Senator Abe also addressed the reported division and perceived political disagreement between him and Amaechi, over his 2019 governorship ambition.

Senator Abe said: “Let me use the opportunity of this visit to address some issues in our great party, the APC in Rivers State. Let me say clearly and for the record that there are no members of the party, including myself, who are disputing the leadership of my friend, the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. We are not disputing with him who is the leader of the party. He is the leader and will continue to be the leader of our party in Rivers State.

“So, what are the issues? Some people are saying that my ambition to become governor of Rivers State in 2019 is the problem in the party. Some people are claiming that they have asked Senator Abe to wait and let’s build the party. And that Senator Abe has refused to wait.

Therefore, Abe is scattering the party because he wants to be governor.”

Abe stressed: “I stand in front of my people, here, today, and declare that I don’t tell lies. I am not a liar. The story that I am scattering the party in the state because of my governorship ambition is not true. The problem is simple.

We have heard some people saying all elected members of the party got their tickets because the (Amaechi) endorsed them, therefore, everyone who has an ambition should wait until he endorses him or her.

“The arguments some people are putting forward are that any person who would not wait for the leader, (Amaechi), to endorse him or select him, or her, to anoint him, or her, or who is saying something different is a bad person; or, a bad member of the party; the person should be removed, or suspended from the party; or the person should leave the party on his own volition.

• Magnus Abe Some of us who feel that stopping some persons from aspiring to become what they want to become is an infringement on their fundamental human rights are saying no.”

Senator Abe further explained: “Yes. We agree that it was the leader who gave us tickets and that the leader has always pointed to people and such per-

‘ We must also ac-

knowledge that other persons have a right of appeal in a matter, and if you want to stop a person from exercising his right, the person will see you as being unfair

‘

sons have gone to contest elections; but we also know that politics is dynamic; and that our APC offers change. How do we convince the people of Rivers State that we, too, can change?

“And some people said no! It is not that the leader will not have a say; it is not that the leader will not have a say in the selection of candidates vying for election under the auspices of the party; but some people felt the party should allow interested members and aspirants to make their inputs.

“And some members turned that position to be a move against the leader of the party. And that anyone who says anything contrary to anything said by the leader of the party is anti-party or worse still, fighting Rotimi Amaechi. For me, I think that position is wrong. It is undemocratic and totally against the change mantra of the APC.” Speaking on the resolve of the people of Ogoni to produce the governor of Rivers State in 2019, having been denied the opportunity in the past 50 years that the state was created by former Headof-State, General Yakubu Gowon, in May 27, 1967, by Decree 14, of the Federal Military Government, FMG, insisted that it was time for the Ogonis to produce the next governor of the state.

Senator Abe insisted: “Today, I don’t have to apologise for being an Ogoni son. I love my country, Nigeria. I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I love my country. I support my country, But if I was not from here, Ogoni, I will not be a Nigerian. It has been 50 years since Rivers State was created and

nobody of Ogoni extraction has been governor, deputy governor or Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

And some are saying that it doesn’t matter. I stand here; today, to tell Rivers people that it, indeed, matters and we have no apologies to offer to anybody.

“I hear that the PDP caucus in Ogoni has endorsed Governor Nyesom Wike that is their opinion. I also hear that the APC caucus has said that they have an opinion on the governor’s position, too.

But the people of Ogoni also have their opinion and that opinion is that there must be justice in River State.

The Senator representing Rivers South East stressed: “So, today, I want to use this opportunity to thank everybody. I don’t have problem with anybody. And anybody who knows me knows that I have reached a level, and even before I got to this level I could look anyone in the eyes and tell them the truth. At this stage of my life, I do not have to lie to anyone, or my people to achieve anything. Truth must remain the standard by which our actions are judged.”

Senator Abe said: “When we got to Gokana there was heavy rain. And our mothers, fathers, and the youths were dancing under the rain and I said no, I need to join my people; they can’t be in the rain while I remain inside the car.

“So, I joined them and walked with them until we got home. One thing is clear: the rain has a message for us and if you listen very well, you will hear the message. If you listen to the sun, you will also hear the message; if you turn to the sea, the message is the same; even the wind is saying the same thing. And nobody, absolutely nobody, can intimidate a people when it is their time. And the time is now.

“I am here, today, to thank the people of Gokana for the role they played in our return to the Senate of the federal republic of Nigeria. In delivering that thank you message, I will talk to you in our dialect and later speak in English on some issues. It is time to allow the people of our Senatorial District to focus on the democratic process so that they can collectively enjoy the dividends of democracy.

But, while we feel that way, we must also acknowledge that other persons have a right of appeal in a matter, and if you want to stop a person from exercising his right, the person will see you as being unfair. The right of appeal is a democratic process and if they choose to appeal they should not be vilified.

“On our own, we like to plead which may sound selfish because if we tell anybody not to appeal, we will benefit. But, we will like to appeal that it is time to let this thing lie; but if they want to appeal, we should not think that they have done anything wrong. They are merely exercising their right in a democracy and we should respect that right.

The statement by Mr. Saroh-Benson quoted Senator Abe as saying: “So, I want to say that everybody that was under the rain today should see it as showers of blessing. The sun is also sending the same message. If the storm comes, it is the same message. Whatever it is, and whatever it is not, our message is simple: forward ever, backward never!”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12 2017

POLITICS

New dawn in Ebonyi as Umahi tackles development challenges AMIDST the biting recession in the country, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State has surprisingly turned economic gloom to boom, writes CHINEDU NWAFOR, in Abakaliki.

S

INCE THE RETURN OF DEMOCRACY in 1999, Nigeria has never been faced with the kind of economic downturn as has plagued Africa’s most populous country since 2015. Not surprisingly, the States are the worst hit as the dwindling revenue from the centre means that there are not enough resources available to most of them to run their affairs. Some of them are finding it extremely difficult to pay workers’ salaries, let alone execute projects, because allocation to states from the federal government has drastically reduced.

Ebonyi State as Nigeria’s federating unit, has had its own fair share of the economic crisis, but Governor David Umahi has remained undaunted in the face of these challenges.

To him, the economic recession plaguing the country is an ample opportunity for great leaders to emerge and for great things to be done. That’s why he once said that what the situation requires is for people to think outside the box.

Two years down the line, Governor Umahi has been able to prove his mettle, through doing so much in the midst of recession. For instance, while other States and even the federal government are grappling to come out of the quagmire, with some States struggling to pay workers’ salaries and backlog of arrears of salaries and pension, Umahi not only pays Ebonyi workers between 15th and 20th of every month, he even increased workers’ salaries by 5 percent. He has also ensured that all other entitlements due to workers are being given to them as and when due.

As a worker-friendly governor, he initiated the policy of giving workers one month salary bonus otherwise known as 13th month every Xmas, and that he has done in the two years he has been in office. To reduce the cost of transportation, he donated three long buses to the leadership of Nigerian Labour Congress in the state to ferry workers at a cheaper rate to work everyday.

Nor did Umahi stop at just paying workers’ salaries. He also initiated massive projects and gave timeline for each of them to be completed. All these were geared towards bettering the lot of the people of the state.

Indeed, the Eboni State governor has matched his words with action in the area of projects execution to the utter amazement of Ebonyians, friends and visitors to the state.

Ebonyi which was called the dust of the nation, because of the bad road networks in both rural and the capital city before he was sworn-in as governor in May 2015 has become a centre of attraction to all. He has reconstructed and asphalted the entire streets in Abakaliki capital city and quickly moved into the Local Government Areas (LGAs) where he flagged off construction of 15km road in all the 13 LGAs, some of which have reached advanced stages of completion. He also reached agreement with Africa Development banks for the construction of all ring roads in the state.

Governor Umahi did not stop at constructing state’s roads, he is also working on all the federal roads in the state including AbakalikiAfikpo road. He is currently building three flyovers and one pedestrian bridge along Enugu-Abakaliki federal road and they are almost completed. According to him, his reason for constructing federal roads in the state is that, “even though these roads belong to the federal government, they are being used

by Ebonyians and we cannot be waiting end-

lessly for FG before they are constructed.”

He has also built many bridges and rebuilt failed ones to link communities hitherto cut off from their neighbors.

Abandoned roads in all the 13 LGAs are also being constructed. In fact, he has turned the entire state into a construction site.

In the area of power and energy, he has lit up Abakaliki capital city and sub cities of the 13 LGAs with street lights. This has boosted business activities and reduced crime rate in the state. His administration is also embarking on electrification of rural communities across the state.

Umahi, no doubt, inherited a neglected capital city both in terms of cleanliness and beautification, but he tackled it head-on and the city now is wearing a new look. Today, people coming • Gov. Umahi into the Abakaliki capital city almost miss their way courtesy of the massive renovation and beautification the city has received under his two years in office. And he has continually reiterated his readiness to make it one of the best capital cities in the country.

Governor Umahi is also making laudable achievements in the area of agriculture. His government initiated many policies geared toward re-launching agriculture as an alternative to oil as well as white kola jobs. He launched one-man-one-hectare and other schemes with the aim of encouraging Ebonyians to go back to farm. He gave soft loans and improved seedlings such as rice and cassava to farmers, including civil servants and purchased farming machines to aid farming activities in the State.

The Abakaliki rice hitherto derided by people has been transformed through his ingenuity to world class rice and has become the best selling rice in the country. In his quest to convince civil servants to key into his agricultural policies, he once said, “if you absent yourself from work and I found out you went to farm, you have no problem.” Interestingly, he has achieved a huge result in this direction as a greater number of Ebonyians including politicians have returned to farm.

Education has also been given adequate attention within the two years of his administration, following his declaration of free and compulsory primary and secondary education in the state. The moral of teachers has equally been boosted through prompt payment of their salaries as early as 15th of every month. His government has also embarked on equipping and renovation of schools across the state and has initiated policies that have improved teaching and learning, which is evident in the performance of students and pupils from the state in external exams and other competitions.

In the area of health, Umahi’s administration has made invaluable mark. Ebonyi State was one of the states badly ravaged by cholera and lassa fever, but on assumption of of-

fice, he put an end to the menace of cholera through preventive measures and has constructed and equipped ultra modern virology centre for easy diagnosis and treatment of lassa fever patient. He also procured 4 ambulances for ferrying patients to the centre from any part of the state.

General hospitals and health centres across the state are currently being reconstructed and renovated by the Stte government. He has also concluded plans to embark on medical outreach across the State and his administration is currently giving medicare to octogenarians of the state origin.

In point of fact, Umahi’s administration has given succour to indigent Ebonyians in no small measure. Through his wife’s pet projects, ‘Succour and Upliftment Programme’, and the office of his Senior Special Assistant on Religion and Welfare, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Abraham Nwali, a lot of indigent Ebonyians have benefitted so much from his government through free medical treatment and other sundry welfare packages. For instance, over 171 houses have been built for some widows and 855 widows are currently receiving N10,000 each, every month as stipends. He has also flagged off empowerment scheme through which over 1,000 widows would be given N100,000 each to start any business of their choice. It is significant to note that all these empowerment items are distributed equitably to widows in all the 171 wards of the state.

Governor Umahi’s human empowerment has become the highest since the creation of Ebonyi State. He appointed more than 624 persons to serve in different capacities in his cabinet. Over 4,000 youths and women are being empowered with each receiving N250,000 to start any businesses of their choice.

A lot of Ebonyians have also been sponsored by the government to learn their preferred disciplines/trades, some as Aircraft/ Aero plane Pilots in prestigious institutions

within and outside the country. Unlike what happened in the past where foreigners are hired to do government projects, thereby encouraging capital flights, the governor has made a paradigm shift by ensuring that a greater number of government’s contracts, if not all, are executed by indigenous contractors.

The governor has equally anchored his administration on God. He is a man who has a strong belief that as humans, our successes and failures depend on our commitment to God and that has indeed, been working for him. At the inception of his administration, he directed his Commissioner for works, Engr. Fidelis Nweze, to ensure that all roads leading to worship centres are accommodated in the areas where road constructions are ongoing and that has been carried out by the Commissioner to the letter.

The governor has done well in giving support to churches. Under his government, he has given the highest recognition and support ever to religious bodies such as Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim community in the state, through sponsorship of pilgrims and other welfare packages, hence he created department of Welfare and Religion Matters.

Governor Umahi’s administration equally made prominent achievements in peace building through crises and conflict resolutions. Before he came on board, the level of disunity witnessed among communities, clans and individuals was outrageous and a time bomb. But he has reunited the people and the people now see themselves as one. The resolution of the crisis between Ezza-ezillo and Ezillo communities that had led to bloody clashes was a rare feat achieved by the governor. These he was able to do through divine peace initiatives anchored on equity and fair hearing.

The unequal treatment of various communities and clans by the previous administration which hitherto fanned amber of disunity has been put to a stop. Now, all segments of people that make up the state are equitably and fairly treated, including political appointments and projects in the last two years of his administration. This singular achievement has made his administration the most popular in the history of the state.

Indeed, each time he is rolling out new projects, he has always told Ebonyians whom he leaves wondering where he is getting the money not to ask him where the money is coming from. According to him, God who brought him to power will always put him through. The good news is that so far, every project he initiated is at various stages of completion whereas some have been fully completed.

One of the good things that have happened to the state since Umahi’s emergence is that the image of Ebonyi man/person has been redeemed in the nation. Umahi has since corrected the impression that Ebonyi people are backward. Ebonyians now receive equal respect and recognition with their counterpart from other states of the federation. Again, Ebonyi is no longer seen as the least in the comity of states just as the rights of Ebonyi person is no longer trampled upon. This manifested in Governor Umahi’s election as the chairman, Governors Forum south-east region recently, the first time, the state is so recognized since its creation. His emergence as leader of southeast governors has equally brought unity and oneness within the region.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

POLITICS

Fiscal federalism, power rotation will guarantee

Continued from Page 11 With that arrangement, what happens to the issue of security, especially the State Police?

For me, my suggestion is that no more should security in this country be a federal responsibility. Federal responsibility for security should end with external threat. All internal problems must be sorted out by the zones without any reference from the centre. The idea of State Police may be attractive but I do not like it because governors are not angels. But, if many of them are responsible at the zonal level, they may structure it in a way that the zones would have control of the police.

I, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, am suffering rejection; I am suffering injustice, maltreatment of all kinds from a person who swore to keep our constitution and respect it. That constitution provides for Federal Character – balance in spreading jobs and other national benefits. But, I regret that some people have gone beyond their abilities in what they say. Junaid Muhammed is a little more balanced in his utterances. But my brother and greatest friend, Ango, I do not know what has happened to him. But quoting him is irrelevant. Quote for me Justice Mamman Nasir; quote for me Maitama Sule; quote for me, most of the time but not all the time, Tanko Yakassai. Quote for me thousands of other northern elders, out of whom two are very different – the ones who are talking. And of the two, one seems to have some evil spirits working in him, and that is my friend, Ango Abdullahi. Instead of an elder like him praying and suing for peace, he is inflaming passion and asking people to do wrong.

We hear that some Igbo in the north are already bringing their wives and children home in case the northern youths choose to strike before the expiration of the ultimatum. How do you react to that?

If they want to move their wives and children home, let them follow their hearts. You talk about some people striking before the deadline? And who are we? We are weaklings?

Oh, they struck in Kano, we replied and they stopped striking. If we want to destroy, even three months is more than enough for us. We can do it, but may God never give the spirit of destroying Nigeria to Ndigbo. Anybody who is fair, let him point out one lie in any statement that I have made, and I have made many in newspapers, television and radio. Let any human born by woman point out a lie in anything I have said. And if they cannot point out a lie, let them put themselves in the position of the South East person and see whether they will accept it.

The Arewa youths said that their action was prompted by the recent sit-at-home order issued by IPOB and MASSOB…?

(Cuts in) No, no, wait! You do not need to go any further. Some groups asked people to stay at home and people obeyed. What did they say stay back home to do? It was to mourn our dead heroes – those whose lives were mercilessly cut short, in very inhuman manner. Oh, do not let me remember all that! People were butchered. Pregnant women had their stomach slit open; their unborn babies including twins pulled out and butchered; people were beheaded. Look at your Whatsapp and see the kind of killings… (He breaks down and sobs)…

Have they got forgiveness for those people who were doing all those things? The northern youths are suffering from the effect of mild education and brainwashing. The Koran provides that those who are doing such brainwashing will go to eternal bonfire. We do not know what we have; we wait for the British to tell us not to move out of Nigeria, and now the British is no longer here to dictate to us. God created us for a purpose – to be big brother and rallying point for all black people on earth. For that, He gave us everything. Is it our climate? Very equable. I can be naked outside round the year and not die. Is it material resources? Any plant can grow somewhere in Nigeria. If it cannot grow in my village Igbo-Ukwu, it can grow in Ijebu.

Any Animal found anywhere can find a home in Nigeria. You talk about minerals? The ones we know are uncountable yet we do not yet know so many. Is it human resources? My brother, we may be stupid, mislead ourselves, but God gave us many talents from many tribes. Our ultimate manifest destiny is to wipe away the shame of slavery on the faces of all blacks on earth.

That is why we are the largest concentration of blacks on earth. We must think. God does not make mistakes. He designed us for unmatched greatness. Man can mess up God’s design only temporarily but not permanently.

•Alex Ekwueme Is that why you once said that you believe more in a restructured Nigeria than a Biafra nation; are you really for Biafra or restructuring?

No, you must have gotten me wrong. What I said, which I have kept saying, is that I prefer a restructured Nigeria that allows us to develop

‘

The Igbo are the untouched nous in Nigeria. You perceive Fulani/ Hausa in some countries outside Nigeria and they were grown there and not visitors; you also find Yoruba in some countries outside Nigeria but you would not find an Igbo in any country outside Nigeria, who is not a Nigerian.

Yet, you hold National Security Council meetings and the Igbo are not represented?

‘

and exploit the land markings that go to our homes, develop the same way and only be restrained by the markings.

If restructuring can provide answers to Nigeria’s problems, why then are some people uncomfortable with the term such that they grind their teeth whenever it is mentioned?

Those are the ones who do not seem to understand when we say restructure. We are simply talking about going back to the agreed Nigeria – Nigeria as agreed by our heroes past, who had interest of the country at heart, not interest in the funds of the country. Ahmadu Bello did not think about oil, Awolowo did not think about oil; they agreed on a federal system based on regions and federating units. What happened? There was a problem between the North and the East. The North galvanised a lot of the entity and said it was Nigeria versus the South. What am I driving at? It was the Military that changed the structure of Nigeria by creating 12 states – six in the north and six in the south. Then after the war, the military went further to create more states. Today, we have 36 states plus Abuja, which sometimes behaves as if it is a state. Then the wise council, in 2014 National Conference recommended even more 18 states for people to feel like human beings, so there would be 54 states eventually plus Abuja.

Why do we think that we want 25 federating unites plus Abuja? They think so. Even those who do not like the idea of larger units must accept that we should use the six Geopolitical Zones, which is already more than four original regions, as federating unites. For those who are suspicious about zones and regions, we should make it free for the states of every zone to work out their own quasi federal constitution – a constitution they are happy with, guaranteeing the permanence of the state and distribution of responsibilities, devolution of power between the zonal government and the state, in a quasifederal system, where even within the geopolitical zone, you respect fiscal federalism.

What about the issue of fiscal federalism and power rotation; would you say they are also veritable solution options?

Yes, thank you. In a fiscal federalism system, the States control their resources and contribute for the maintenance of the centre, and not this kind of arrangement where States rush to Abuja every month to beg for a share from the federation account. The States should control their resources and support the federal government with funds; that was what it was before the civil war. That is why when we say restructure, we mean mostly, going back to the agreed Nigeria, as I said earlier. I was Chairman Power Sharing Committee during the 2005 National Conference. The issue of rotation was problematic but in the end we reached consensus. We said that at the local government level, the local people should work out rotation so that Chairman of local government rotates in some sequence. When it comes to the governorship, it becomes so easy such that the office of the governor rigidly rotates among the Senatorial Zones. In Anambra State, the North, which has power now, is a product of rigid rotation. (Former Governor) Peter Obi must be praised because the North having power now completes the recognition of the rotation. He must be praised for insisting on that. I have on several occasions suggested and delivered lectures on rigid rotation of office of the governor among the Senatorial Zones. And the way I have it is that each zone should hold power for eight years. If the person in office fails to do well in his first tenure, let another person from the same zone take over with clear knowledge and understanding that he has only four years.

Then, coming to the national level, there is no question of North and South; it would not work. If we have six geopolitical zones, we must rotate among the six zones and create six packages of power that rotates evenly so every zone knows that it will reach their turn over a number of years. Rotation is the way to go and we would live in peace. We have several human beings that are qualified in every zone. In fact, no matter how backward Nigeria may be, in some local governments, we have many people who can be President, even in the North.

It will interest you to know that the North also has several youths who are very bright and can compete effectively anywhere in the world.

You see it when they go abroad. Our problem is our inability to provide opportunities for education; that is all. Nigeria is so blessed and gifted, and I seize this opportunity to thank the Middle Belt, Afenifere, the Niger Deltans and all kinds of groups that rose against the Arewa Youths after their quit notice declaration against the Igbo. By the way, it must be noted that when they say Arewa Youths, they are referring to Muslim Youths of the North. And I forgive those Muslim youths because their actions come from brainwashing and superiority psychosis given to them by their elders. They believe they control the affairs of Nigeria; that they can kill anywhere and they can carry AK47 anytime.

These are people that we should forgive whatever they do because they are doing it out of misguidedness.

I am a Nigerian, I love the North and I love the West as much as I love the East. For the West I can proudly beat my chest and say that no human being born of a woman fought more for Abiola than I did. He is in grave but I am sure that some people are alive to testify that. In

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POLITICS

peace, tranquillity in Nigeria –Ezeife ple where the so-called ugu was being; APC said it was fabrication. When I heard about it, I came home, asked around and they showed me. I was surprised; eventually, I met with the pilot who specialises in carrying the stuff. I was also told that the same pilot is also packaging other items such as yams, onugbu (bitter leaf) and the rest for Shoprite, from Anambra farms. These are things that, as a well-trained governor of Anambra, I never conceived such ideas. You know in politics, some people are always prepared to say that everything is a lie, but they have not been able to show me one lie. Then, everybody who passes through Awka can testify that those three flyovers there make the State capital look special – like London Bridge if you like. So, I have looked around and the young man is hard working.

the North, I have not had any opportunity of helping any person. On the contrary, a lot of people from that zone have helped me. During the era of (former Head of State, the late General Sani) Abacha, when my name was on the list of those to be killed, somebody from the north intervened and saved me. After that, they started calling me sacred cow in some quarters. I was not any sacred cow; I was not even more courageous than anybody. I was just living the life that God allowed me – to call a spade a spade.

Do you think that Biafra as an entity can be sustained assuming that the agitators are allowed to secede freely, on a platter of Gold?

The question is: if you are rejected, what chance do you have? Do you reject yourself?

And the answer is no. As a matter of preference, if Nigeria can be restructured and justice is made to prevail in the country, no group would not want to prefer to be in Nigeria, unless there are some emotional foolishness involved in the action of any group. The truth is that no group or section would walk out of Nigeria smiling. Naturally, the Eastern people do not care whether they are President or not; they only care to be treated on equal basis with others. They care to be treated fairly, and not when an Easterner imports a container load of goods, it would be seized; not when the Chairman of Capital Oil, Ifeanyi Ubah, is being owed by the NNPC, NNPC turns around to claim that Capital Oil is owing them too, even when what they claim is far lower than what they owe Capital Oil; and the Chief Executive officer Of Capital Oil is arrested and detained indefinitely because he is Igbo, even when the court says he should be released. This is the definition of injustice and rejection; this is what IPOB, MASSOP and many other people are fighting. Remove the injustices and see whether the Igbo are not more loyal than any other tribe in this country.

You are a strong advocate of rotation of offices; but there is a strong belief that the APC is determined to establish strong presence in the South East at all cost in future elections, especially in Enugu and Anambra States. Are you not worried that Governor Obiano may have problem at the polls?

Governor Obiano emerged governor because he is from the north. We can still keep rotation and have another governor from the north.

That is if other political parties agree to zone their slots to the north, isn’t it?

Just hold on… It does not have to be from the same political party, but we know ourselves; let nobody lie to himself. We know how APC started. We know the foundation of the party. APC is the central government of Nigeria today. That central government has not performed. Worse still, that central government seems to, if not executing the policies of Islamisation, that central government is not against Islamisation. They are not announcing it as a policy but also not hiding about supporting it, and helping herdsmen with the supply of weapons. Police and the military appear to be helping the herdsmen and turning against those who are the ones that are bearing their punishment. We hear all kinds of stories, and some of them may be wrong, but nothing have we heard that APC is anti-Islamisation of Nigeria. On the contrary, we see them being in charge yet, not fighting those who are Islamising Nigeria. Boko Haram seems to be wearing a new toga – Islamisation toga.

What do we mean by Boko Haram? First of all, it was a manipulation to get (President) Jonathan out of power. Now that Jonathan is out of power, most of those held as Boko Haram prisoners are being smuggled into the Nigerian Army and posted to the south. So, the issue is, as Igbo, I don’t react to APC take over the South East, starting with Anambra State. We know how they started like a Muslim Brotherhood, and we know that we are exact opposite of Muslim Brotherhood in Igboland.

So, some of my friends who are in APC, who al-

There are allegations that his projects are slanted to Anambra North; is that true?

My answer is that if we who had held power ignored that place, it is still part of Anambra; let him develop it. I went to Nsukka and I was so happy. You see, what is happening in Anambra is happening in Nsukka too, which is Enugu North, which is holding power now.

If you havent been to Nsukka in a long time, you would not recognise it today. So, I was the first elected governor of Anambra State but I never did anything for my area. By then, there was nobody to copy and I was doing the best I knew, not giving advantage to my place. If Willy Obiano faces his place and develops it, the next person will come from the South. Let him also face his place and develop it and before you know it, development will go round. It is that simple, and that is the beauty of rigid rotation of power. But on the whole, I think he has worked hard enough to deserve re-election.

•Olusegun Obasanjo ways try to defend Buhari know where I stand.

Are you referring to former Anambra governor, Chris Ngige?

Yes, I get disturbed whenever I watch him trying to defend President Buhari and ruining his political career. If I had access to him before he made those statements he has been making, I would have dissuaded him. (Senator) Ngige was my personal Medical doctor o, unpaid doctor. When I fell sick he would come and treat me, those days in Lagos,

‘

Even before he (Junaid Muhammed) openly declared support for the quit notice, most of my friends who had assessed the situation had believed that Ango Abdullahi and Junaid Muhamed must have been privy to the action of the Northern youths

‘

without asking for a kobo. Now, tell me how I can turn against Ngige, or Bath Omeife, who is from Igbo-Ukwu, my own village. The only problem I have is that the truth should be told. A spade is a spade and not anything else.

Talking about calling a spade a spade, which has virtually become part of your identity; would you say that Governor Obiano has performed well to deserve a reelection?

Let me tell you what I know, but mind you, I may be totally wrong in what I think I know.

I am a member of Anambra Elders Council and they include me when they call stakeholders; so I happen to know a bit. Our first meeting with Obiano after he was sworn in a governor, what he told us was that he was going to make security his first priority. I was the first to respond in that meeting because I don’t hide my opinion. I told the governor that those who talk about God and heaven said: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and everything else would be added unto you. I said to him that in politics, society, economy and the likes, seek thee first, security and people who feel secured in your place would do your bidding by investing, thereby propagating agriculture, manufacturing and all other things. But if they do not feel secure, nothing would happen. You are in Anambra right now and you can witness what is happening. Last Christmas, we came home and enjoyed. Last Easter, we came home and enjoyed as well. And long before then, after six months of his inauguration, we started to enjoy coming home.

Formally, our big men would stop at Asaba and pack their vehicles, if they had to come this way at all. They would hire taxi, come in the day and smuggle themselves away in the night. When he said his administration had started exporting Ugu (pumpkin leaf), abroad, some people started saying that it was a lie, a fabrication and all that. When I heard about it, I came back and asked peo-

Are you saying that there is no legitimacy in all the allegations against the governor?

No, that is not my position. In fact, there are criticisms in abundance against Obiano, and I see one as legitimate. That is the issue of having too many Special Assistants, who are also dominated by people from his area. We are all criticising Buhari for packing everything to his brothers and all that. You come to Anambra, the same nepotism plays out. If the governor wants to listen, for him to win election, he should reduce those people – remove several of them and balance the number. Let them come and attack me in my village, but I have to tell the truth. Then he should let Special Advisers be Special Advisers, let Commissioners be Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries be Permanent Secretaries. No Special Assistant should dominate a commissioner or a Permanent Secretary. Let positions be fairly spread across the state. That is the only point I see that can be legislative risk and I do not see anybody saying that is not true.

On the other criticism bothering on alcoholic intake, I was with the governor, Former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme, General Gowon (Rtd), (Iyom) Josephine Aneni, and a few others after the burial of Ukpabi Asika, and we were drinking at the lodge in Awka. I saw Obiano drink brandy and all kinds of anything; I drank a lot too.

Ekwueme and Gowon did not drink as much as I did. But contrary to what people say about drunkenness, the man never spoke out of point for the long hours we stayed together and dined together. So, if drink and can handle it, I am not the one to talk about it. It is not a defect if you can handle it, but know you are dying younger than you would have died if you are drinking very much. So, what I am saying is that we should endeavour to reduce the cost of running election at all levels; let us make sure that we get the right people who would govern us. Only rigid rotation is the answer.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12 2017

POLITICS

‘Alliance for New Nigeria promises freedom, transparency’ •We are against govt of tokenism From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

W

ITH recent registration of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), the country’s political space set to witness a new mass movement run by technocrats, with a strong philosophy that is hinged on openness, enthronement of genuine federalism and transparency in public service.

The Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), a new political party that was recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), plans to ensure a major shift from government of “tokenism and handouts” that is currently foisted on Nigerians.

Convener of the ANN, Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, speaking in an interview with The Oracle Today in Abuja, said he was amazed at the public response to its membership drive, adding that it is an indication that Nigerians are truly fed up with the current crops of politicians “The masses in Nigeria have shown that they are ready to retrieve their mandates from the current crops of politicians who have failed them so woefully, he said.”

Dr. Samuels who described the current political system as “government by tokenism”, said the absence of transparency and honesty in public service, as well as greed among the current politicians helped to bring the country to its current sorry state.

He said Nigerians have been mislead for too long, adding,” We grew up being told about all sorts of visions, including the Vision 202020 and here we are, almost approaching 202020 and nothing to show “Instead, what we do is to look back

• Osa Samuels with nostalgia at those good old days.

We have seen that things are worst off than before. It is not just that things are worst off; it also appears that the

“For me it should not be so because politics is not rocket science. There are basic things that can and should be done. But it seems that our leaders are being held down by other things that we do not know. So, Nigerians are taking back their mandates. For me there is no better time than now” Dr. Samuels however declared that there is hope for Nigeria as the country is well endowed with adequate human and natural resources to be allowed to suffer the current economic trauma.

He assured that the party would enthrone technical efficiency and transparency in handling the nation’s affairs.

“We are not just politicians. This is where we are different from the current moribund system that is characterised by inefficiency. We are technocrats who will prefer to be addressed as technoticians.

“Some of us have in way or the other participated in the past in government service and found that the current system cannot offer the people the kind of economic prosperity they deserve because of the way the country is being administered and they had to leave the system,” he said.

Speaking further on political restructuring, the leader of the ANN said some sections of the country are against restructuring because they do not understand what it entails. He declared that Nigeria had no reason for the current over dependence on revenue from crude oil as the country could do better economically by developing agricultural resources “One kilogramme of fresh potatoes sell for about $156 in the international market while a barrel of crude oil sells for less than $60. Yet we have neglectpresent crops of politicians have no so- ed agriculture and everybody is delution to the problems and they have pending on oil revenue which is dwineven demonstrated that they are tired dling fast,” he noted.” of even trying to proffer solutions

Give adequate publicity to confab report –Mbanefo • Says referendum costly, difficult

By IBE NWACHUKWU

F

ORMER Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), and one-time chairman of State and Local Government Creation Committee during the late General Sani Abacha’s military regime, Chief (Amb.) Arthur Mbanefo has called on the authorities concerned to give adequate publicity to the controversial report of the 2014 national conference whose recommendations Ndigbo and some other tribes want implemented.

He said if the confab report is adequately publicized in national dailies, Nigerians would read and understand it properly before deciding where it favoured a particular ethnic group and where it did not because according to him, as it stands now, many Nigerians do not know the details of the Confab

report.

Mbanefo who spoke to newsmen at his Onitsha country home, weekend, during the funeral of his brother-in-law, Odinigwe Onuora Joseph Nzekwu, advised Biafra agitators to concentrate more on clamour for restructuring of the country than on agitating for Biafra because the referendum they are talking about is not only very expensive but very difficult to come by.

He also blamed the mass media for giving an undue recognition to a number of young people who speak anyhow and try to heat the polity, adding that only himself and Dr. Sylvanus Kuki from Okpobo land are the surviving two persons, who served under the late Biafra war lord, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu during the civil war and knew the intrigues behind the war that are still alive today

According to him, “This country belongs to all us and we are not going anywhere. We are talking about restructuring based on the Confab report but out of 180 million People in the country how many people have seen the report? Why is it that the media doesn’t want to publish the report so that everybody would know the details in that report? If you want to do something, sit down let people know what you are doing, leadership is not by talking; it is by action. It is not a secret document, it is not a classified document why didn’t they publish it in the media even the Executive summary of the report?”

Mbanefo said that ignorance and money was 99 per cent of Igbo’s major problem.

“The northerners had just made a simple statement and all the Igbo lands

are shaking, because we are interested in wealth, anything that affects our wealth, we get worried. They said that on October 1, Ndigbo should go and people are shouting, is any thing wrong with that? People make careless stateents that are capable of costing lives. We should be careful on how we talk because war is not an easy thing.

“They said they are going to United Nations that they want referendum, do they know what referendum is all about? Will it come just like that, who is going to finance it? Referendum costs a lot of money. If you go for referendum tomorrow, all these boys that are making noise, nobody will side you. 90 per cent of Lagos is owned by Igbos, all the investment there, how many of them are going to leave all these things and come back to the East?” Mbanefo queried.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

By CHRIS EBONG

D

ESPITE the harsh business environment, cut-throat inflation coupled with insurgencies in some parts of the country and downward trend in oil prices, a major source of Nigeria’s revenue which collapsed to US$30 per barrel in the international market place, the insurance industry, in 2016 has announced an estimated N380 billion total sector’s premium income for that year.

The figure which was announced by the Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Eddie Efekoha during the association’s 2016/2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos weekend represents a 22.2 per cent growth as against N311 billion approximately under written in 2015.

The association said though the business period under review was challenging and difficult for its members due to a near comatose economy, it is optimistic that with the suspension of Financial Reporting Council’s Code of Corporate Governance, implementation and improved compliance with the No Premium No cover policy, especially by the federal government agencies as well as improved enforcement of the Compulsory insurances, insurance industry would continue attract players in the global insurance market.

Mr. Efekoha said; “We are optimistic that in spite of the challenges posed by the economy, the suspension of FRC Code of Corporate Governance, implementation and improved compliance with the No premium No cover especially by the Parastatals and Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs), improved Anti-Money Laundering mechanisms, full implementation of IFRS, improved enforcement of Compulsory Insurances and the renewed vigour by the government to improve Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, the insurance industry continues to be the investment destination for reputable players in the global insurance market.

Meanwhile, the NIA’s statistics of gross premium income in life businesses, individual life and group life including deposit administrative schemes/secured funds for five consecutive years, 2011-2015 shows that the sector grossed a total of N54,551billion in 2011, N67,965billion in 2012, N80,415billion in 2013 and N108,576billion in 2014, and N135.067billion in 2015.

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Statistics of Gross Premium Income, Claims and Expenses of Life Insurance Comapanies (2011-2015)

•Tourism

Energy

Rising political tension threatens oil firms P16

Insurance industry total premium hits N380bn

The table also indicated that as the industry premium income progressed within the period, claims paying ability also improves as the claims paying ratio increased from 32.85per cent in 2011, to 38.64per cent in 2012, 42.66per cent in 2013, 33.11per cent in 2014 and 37.72per cent in 2015 respectively.

In the same vein, the industry had witnessed a jump in management expenses which grew from N5.313billion in 2011 to N23.082billion in 2015 representing a 17.22per cent hike in 2015 from 9.74percent in 2011.

Analysts are of the view that the industry has been grown over the past years in spite challenges associated with poor insurance culture, low awareness, and dismal market penetration among other negative indices such as unemployment and low income earnings.

Country partner, Actuarial Services, Ernst & Young Nigeria, Mr.

CBN EXCHANGE RATES JUNE 30, 2017 Currency Buying

(NGN) US DOLLAR 304.9 Pounds Sterling 395.8212 EURO 348.0738 SWISS FRANC 318.3337 YEN 2.7233 CFA 0.5114 WAUA 423.3099 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.953 RIYAL 81.2937 S/ African Rand 23.3318 DANISH KRONA 46.8033

•Stock

Central Selling (NGN) (NGN) 305.4 305.9 396.4703 397.1194 348.6446 349.2154 318.8557 319.3777 2.7278 2.7322 0.5214 0.5314 424.0041 424.6983 45.0272 45.1014 81.427 81.5603 23.3701 23.4083 46.88 46.9568

Rotimi Okpaise in an exclusive chat with the Oracle Today noted that the industry has been making progress in area of transparency given the enforcement of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), risk management and recently introduced financial conditions report within the sector.

“The insurance sector, I will like to answer from the financial position, premium income has increased in the past two years, may not be as much as one would want it to be.

In the recent times certainly 2017 and late 2016 insurance sector is focused on financial reporting and risk management and there is a lot of increased transparency within the sector right now.

We have what is recently called financial condition report within the insurance sector and this is educating the board of companies more about the businesses”. Mr. Okpaise said.

According to him, the financial condition reporting is aimed at educating the members of boards of insurance companies on the precision of the business.

The executive director (Technical) Anchor Insurance Limited, Mr. Nsimah Jeremiah assessing performance in the first half of 2017 noted that the industry was characterized with the popular recession and was posing enormous challenges on the operators.

According to him, the condition has been so bad that many families were unable to feed and pay their standing bills, saying that this had culminated to low insurance patronage which of course, is the last in the list of charges to consider.

Mr. Jeremiah asserted that it is only a company with innovative and creative mindset such as Anchor Insurance that has been able to weather the storm and remain afloat in such circumstances.

e-Platform Why we may not provide better services –Telcos P17 Aviation FAAN explains leaking roof at MMIA P20

Insurance PenCom conducts enrolment of retirees P22

Stock Market Highlights As At 30 June, 2017

Summary

ASI 33,117.48 DEALS 4,797.00 VOLUME 345,860,236.00 VALUE 3,348,413,933.82 CAP 11,452,118,248,061.74 Most Traded S/N Coy (By Volume) Volume 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Value

DIAMONDBNK 40,252,303 50,863,221.19 ACCESS 31,203,776 295,531,621.61 NIGERINS 29,221,272 14,610,636.00 TRANSCORP 27,974,331 40,733,200.52 UBA 23,273,793 209,871,572.69

5 Top Gainers Company Last Close Current Change TOTAL 272.1 280 7.9 NB 158.72 161 2.28 ETI 13.31 13.97 0.66 STANBIC 32.44 33 0.56 CADBURY 13.65 14 0.35 Top Losers Company Last Close Current Change NESTLE 910 901 -9 7UP 91 86.45 -4.55 UNILEVER 40.85 36.87 -3.98 FO 52.7 50.07 -2.63 JBERGER 39.45 37.48 -1.97

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

BUSINESS

PIGB decouples fiscal from structural reforms

By Sopuruchi Onwuka

P

ushing the first tranche of the lingering Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) through the National Assembly has successfully dismembered the nebulous bill which had sought to address all defects in the legal and regulatory frameworks that governed operations in the petroleum industry.

The first tranche of the bill which was authored by a team of past generation technocrats led by Late Dr. Rilwan Lukman in 2005 was passed by the Senate end of May. The section which is now termed Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) appears to have left the industry with no direction as it avoided all the thorny fiscal components that form disputed issues between investors and government.

However, the PIGB deals with benign side of PIB which addresses institutional reforms and restructuring of key government agencies that oversee the operations of commercial players in the industry.

This means that key government institutions like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and similar agencies that play key roles in policy compliance and enforcement have seen new names at least.

Whereas most of the institutions are still in place, some of them may have to be empowered with administrative and financial autonomy while some might see mergers and unbundling.

The NNPC is proposed for unbundling to give some of its business units autonomy while DPR and PPPRA which perform similar roles in the industry would now exist as one united entity.

PIGB 2017 proposes that NNPC be unbundled into: Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company (NAMC), National Petroleum Company ( NPC) and the Nigeria Petroleum Liability Management Company (NPLMC).

The Nigeria Petroleum Liabilities Management Company is proposed as a limited liability company that has the legal capacity to hold assets

including shares in the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company and the National Petroleum Company on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Funding of the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company shall be by appropriation through the National Assembly for the initial capitalisation and subsequent financing of the company. The Federal Republic of Nigeria Appropriation Act 2016 provides for the funding of NNPC through appropriation.

Part of the recurrent and capital expenditure components of the Appropriation Act 2016 which shall be received by the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company from the NNPC budget aforesaid shall be adequate to provide for the financing of the establishment of the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company. Therefore, no further financial requirements are needed for the establishment of the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company.

The PIGB would in effect displace earlier Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Act CAP N123, Laws of

the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (Projects) Act CAP N124 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Amendment Act N123.

The new bill also proposes that current DPR and PPPRA be transformed into a Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission which would be more independent in displacement of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Act, CAP P43, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The new Commission will be funded by appropriation through the National Assembly.

Meanwhile the PIGB offers no visible relief to the investors in the upstream petroleum industry who pro-

test a myriad of fiscal reforms that impinge on the terms of existing contracts in the assets currently active in the industry.

The commercial investors protest alleged government’s move to alter the terns of agreements that led players to stake huge funds in opening up the Nigeria’s deepwater acreages that currently yield about half of the country total oil and gas output.

These disputes and associated fireworks which led to legislative bottlenecks at the National Assembly for decades also caused freeze of fresh exploration investments in the nation’s deepwater terrains, worsened reserves replacement ratio and ultimate depletion of the nation’s proven and probable reserves estimates.

igeria’s manufacturing sector N has witnessed expansion for the third consecutive month, ac-

leum & coal products, appliances & components, textile, apparel, leather & footwear, furniture & related products. Electrical equipment, food, beverage & tobacco products and fabricated metal products also made the list.

The remaining four sub-sectors which declined in the order included nonmetallic mineral products, cement, chemical & pharmaceutical products and printing & related support activities “Composite PMI above 50 points indicates that the manufacturing/ non-manufacturing economy is generally expanding.

0“50 points indicates no change and below 50 points indicates that it is generally declining,’’ the data showed.

Manufacturing sector expands for 3rd consecutive month – CBN cording to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to the CBN report, the Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) which measures the size of the nation’s manufacturing sector rose to 52.9 index points at the end of June.

This figure showed a 0.4 per cent increase from 52.5 per cent of its value in May, 2017.

Also, 12 of the 16 subsectors reported growth in the review month in the following order: computer & electronic products; paper products; plastics & rubber products.

Others included primary metal, transportation equipment, petro-

Microfinance banks loans to MSMEs hit N214b –CBN Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN Ted hehas said that total credit grantby microfinance banks to the

• President of Afreximbank, Dr. Benedict Oramah, with the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during the signing of an MoU for $1billion to the African conglomerate Dangote Industries Limited in Kigali, Rwanda.

Opportunities exist for Nigerian investors in S/Africa -- Envoy

igeria’s High Commissioner to N South Africa, Mr. Martin Cobham, has called for more Nigerian

investments in that country, to enhance the balance of trade between the two countries.

Cobham in Pretoria, Monday, that the Federal Government should use the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission to open up avenues for more of such investments.

“Nigeria is a big market; South Africa has the technology, so, the two countries share an inclusive and collaborative desire to work together. The two countries are economic giants. Therefore, there should be joint ventures between Nigerian and South African investors.

“South Africa has a lot of companies in Nigeria, but there is a dearth of Nigerian companies here,” he said.

According to Cobham, the next meeting of the Bi-National Commission, should open doors for Nigerian investors to have similar

investments and enterprises in South Africa.

“For a start, we can have Mr Biggs, or a Nigerian bank to cater for the Nigerian community in South Africa. The South African banks have stringent measures,” he said.

The high commissioner suggested that relevant bodies like the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce, could also be used to open up avenues for such Nigerian investments.

“To date, only Dangote Cement has a substantive presence in South Africa. Currently, the balance of trade is in favour of South Africa. Beyond the area of investments between the two countries, flights to Nigeria from South Africa are dominated by the South African aviation industry. There are 10 weekly flights to Nigeria, seven to Lagos, three to Abuja and none from Nigeria,” he said.

Cobham also called for collaboration in the aviation sector, to

make the two countries jointly own planes to meet the needs of their people.

“We want to see a Nigerian telecommunication giant, like Globacom equally make forays in here.

We should also make a case for Nigerian farm produce to come in here without hindrance because we have a sizeable Nigerian population here and they love our native food. There should be more opening of doors in favour of Nigeria in South Africa,” Cobham added.

Trade between Nigeria and South Africa has increased steadily from N43.6 billion in 2010 to N1.3 trillion in 2015, which could be attributed to Nigeria’s demand for automotive parts since 2010. South Africa exports cars, vehicles, structures and parts of structure, uncoated paper and paperboard.

Nigeria presents a huge market with a population of over 170 million people and vast resources, while South Africa presents the technical know-how in developing industries.

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) hit N214.32 billion as at December 31, 2016 Director of Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department (OFISD), Mrs Tokunbo Martins, who made this known at the 2nd Annual Professional Training organised for Lagos State Microfinance banks operators, Friday, said the total assets of the subsector presently stood at N365.51 billion.

The seminar was organised

by National Association of Microfinance Bank, Lagos Chapter (NAMBLAG) in conjunction with CA Compusult and Associates with the theme “Sustainable Microfinance Banking in Nigeria’’.

According to martins, said the figures above was grossly inadequate given the country’s population of 170 million that largely consisted of people at the bottom of

the social pyramid that consisted a veritable targets of the banks “The industry is highly concentrated and unevenly distributed with the top 10 of the 991 Microfinance banks accounting for 37 per cent to 40 per cent of the total loans, deposits and assets as at March 31, 2017.

“The sub-sector is also under capitalised with high non-performing loans and characterized by a high spate of distress and failures with many institutions particularly unit Microfinance banks technically insolvent or inactive.”

Martins, who was represented

by Mr Bassey Ekpo, a Deputy Director in OFISD, said the bank has also expended 12 million dollars to register the 991 Microfinance banks and some finance houses with Credit Bureaux to enable them combat dubious customers.

Chairman of NAMBLAG, Mr Omololu Fatunbi, in his keynote address, commended CBN for its support to the banks.

FADAMA III wins World Bank award

By VICTOR NZE

T

he FADAMA III Additional Financing (AF) project has won the Africa VPU Team Award of the World Bank for achieving its objectives and promoting Nigeria’s agricultural development.

A statement signed by Mr Tunde Oladujoyelo, World Bank Media Consultant on FADAMA, in Abuja, Friday said that the World Bank Vice-President for Africa, Makhtar Diop, announced the award.

FADAMA II programme got the award in 2007, while the FADAMA

III programme received the same award in 2014.

The Africa Region Award of Excellence is an annual event instituted by the African Region of the World Bank to recognise excellence in project management and evidence of pro-poor impact of development projects.

According to Oladujoyelo, FADAMA III AF project was selected as an archetype of how client-driven agricultural and rural development projects could have significant development impacts on a nation’s economy.

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

BUSINESS

EU rules out further financial assistance to Nigeria

T

he European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Michel Arrion has said that the organization will not increase its financial assistance to Nigeria.

Arrion made this known in Abuja while delivering a Distinguished Lecture organised by the IBB Golf Club, with the theme “40 years of European union in Nigeria: Lessons learned and the way forward”.

The ambassador who said that EU was not promising further assistance to Nigeria, however, said that Nigeria remains the European body’s key partner in view of the role it plays in global affairs, stressing the Union would scale up its efforts towards the country’s institutional, political and economic development for a more prosperous future.

While expressing concern that on the economic level of the country

Arrion called for a more equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth to ensure growth and stability and unleash its enormous economic potentials.

Arrion explained that the combine aides to the country were about ten per cent of the country’s annual budget.

According to him, the Official Development Assistance (ODA) flow in Nigeria is about 2.5 billion dollars yearly, which correspond roughly to about 10 per cent of the federal budget (N7.3 trillion or 24 billion dollars).

“We are not offering more financial support; we are proposing more political and policy dialogue, technical assistance, capacity building, training, transfer of technology. We are also proposing more advocacies for more private investments and other innovative sources of funding,” the EU envoy said.

The envoy therefore called for improving in tax collection to finance the development of the country.

According to him Nigeria must find alternative funding to ODA including improved tax collection which must be improved at least five times more and also spend better.

“Nigeria collects about N5.5 trillion or 18 billion dollars per year. About 10 million people (10 per cent of adult population) are registered for personal income tax (half of them in Lagos). The rate of VAT compliance by registered entities is about 12 per cent. The rate is lower for corporate income tax nine per cent,” said Arrion who quoted the Price Water Cooper (PwC 2016) report.

He also said Nigeria must attract more foreign investment five times more, to reach the level of Angola or Vietnam for instance and put in place more and better Public Private Partnerships.

Budget ministry, ECA launch Country Profile for Nigeria

By VICTOR NZE

M

inistry of Budget and National Planning, in collaboration with the Sub-Regional Office for West Africa of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has launched the 2016 Country Profile for Nigeria.

The objective of this initiative is to provide analysis and recommendations specific to Nigeria, in its drive towards structural transformation that will foster sustainable growth and social development, as well as its performance in areas such as regional integration and the fight against social exclusion.

According to the country profile, electricity shortages in Nigeria (an average of 32.8 power failures per month in 2015) are a major problem for the country’s economy. Available infrastructure is not suitable and cannot meet current demand.

“Access to a sustainable and affordable energy is important for the creation of added value during the transformation of products into final consumer goods. Beyond its strategic role to foster industrial develop-

ment, an effective electrical system is fundamental to social development, considering that it affects all aspects of human life. Access to reliable electricity improves communication, favors scientific and technological innovation, and increases the standard of living of individuals,” according to the country profile.

On his part, Director of ECA’s Sub-Regional Office for West Africa, Mr. Dimitri Sanga, said: “We cannot envisage the structural transformation of African economies without addressing the energy issue. For example, hydroelectricity provides an important source of energy, largely unexploited on the continent: only 5% of the continent’s hydroelectric potential is exploited.

“In our efforts to achieve structural change in our economies, the energy issue is well ranked at the top of the process. Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Nigeria and Sudan have considerable potential in this area, which must be harnessed not only for national economies but also for Africa in general.”

A/Ibom govt. secures N32bn World Bank loan to control flood, erosion

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•Acting President Yemi Osinbajo (3rd from right) in a group photo with other leaders at the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, weekend.

Etisalat powers access to instant loans with ‘KwikCash’

By SAMSON AKINTARO

E

tisalat Nigeria, in partnership with Support Microfinance Bank, has simplified access to loans through the launch of its new service, KwikCash. The service, which is currently available only on the Etisalat network, was developed for subscribers who have bank accounts and need to access cash loans to settle urgent financial needs. It enables customers to get instant loans with ease using their mobile phones.

The chairman of the Bank, Dr. Ekechi Nwokah, described the partnership as a significant milestone for the banking industry in Nigeria.

“Many banks in Nigeria have been trying to address the goals of financial inclusion and access to credit, and with the launch of KwikCash, Nigeria’s first instant loan service, Support Microfinance Bank has taken a huge step towards those goals. We were fortunate to have a supportive partner in Etisalat and we are proof that bank-telco partnerships can be successful given the right focus and commitment”.

He added that just by dialing *561#, Etisalat subscribers can access loans of up to N100,000 anywhere, anytime and on any type of phone including feature phones.

The code (*561#) opens a whole new world to Etisalat subscribers where they can request a loan that is instantly credited to their bank account. Subscribers can also dial the

same code to check their loan balance, repay outstanding loans, and access lower interest rates if they recommend KwikCash to another subscriber who takes a loan and repays.

Director, Digital Business, Etisalat Nigeria, Adia Sowho, described KwikCash as an innovative service that utilises cutting-edge digital technology and Etisalat’s network to bring relief to individuals who are in urgent need of funds, and helps drive financial inclusion in the country. She said, “KwikCash is another example of Etisalat Nigeria continuously being

at the forefront of the latest applications in digital technology in order to solve problems and deliver value to our subscribers. We are glad to partner with Support Microfinance Bank to launch KwikCash service; this is revolutionary in empowering more Nigerians to access quick loans for their urgent financial needs.”

Sowho added that to repay loans on KwikCash is easy: the user dials *561#; follows the USSD menu to ’Pay Loan’; selects preferred payment option; follows the instructions accordingly; and the repayment will be processed instantly.

ANCHOR Insurance launches AnchorloEIS

By CHRIS EBONG

A

nchor Insurance Company Limited has officially launched its innovative insurance product, Anchor Loss of Employment Insurance scheme, popularly refered to as AnchorLoEIS. The event held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos weekend recorded a huge presence of captain of industries, Bank Chiefs, co-operative unions, insurance practitioners, insurance brokers, employers of labour, employees and the insuring public.

Welcoming his guests, the chairman, Board of Directors, Anchor Insurance Company Limited, Dr. Elijah Akpan revealed that Anchor Insurance Company Insurance is well known for its innovation and creativ-

ity in providing tailored made insurance product to the yearnings of the insuring public.

He said in doing this, the underwriting firm partnered and collaborated with some forward looking organizations to develop a uniquely and refreshingly brand new product for the company and the Insurance industry.

“Today we have an important opportunity and a need to address a real kitchen table issue for families all across this country. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to innovate and create an insurance scheme to protect employees employment income and in doing so to provide a measure of financial stability to millions of Nigerians who may be laid off in the most difficult economic time.

he Akwa Ibom Government said, last Thursday, that it has secured N32 billion loan from the World Bank to control flood and erosion in the state.

Gov Udom Emmanuel disclosed this in Uyo when he declared open a twoday workshop on “Enhancing Disaster Management in Akwa Ibom State.”

Represented by his Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, Emmanuel said that disasters do not respect climes or geopolitical locations, adding that they could only be subdued by knowledge and preparedness.

According to him, the state government has not relented in embarking on several measures to address the menace of erosion and flooding across the state to alleviate the plight of the people.

“The Government has successfully secured collaboration with the World Bank for a N32 billion project which would be executed in partner-

ship with the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management project to control flood and erosion in the state.

“My administration in the last two years has placed premium on efforts at interventions during moments of disasters such as fire outbreaks, building collapse, floods and windstorm,’’ Emmanuel said.

The governor added that the state government had spent about N100 million to provide relief materials to disaster victims in the last one year.

In his remarks, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Maihaja, commended the state government for organising the workshop.

Maihaja, who was represented

by Mr Ben Oghenah, official of the agency, said that lessons from the workshop should be used to encourage other states.

By VICTOR NZE

A second signing ceremony was for a $100-million facility to Heirs Holdings Limited, a pan-African proprietary investment holding company, to further support its cross border investment programme.

The facility brief notes that Heirs Holdings has a portfolio of investments in key sectors in 20 African countries, including energy, financial services, real estate and hospitality.

Also signed during the day was a facility agreement for a $10 million amortising term loan facility to the Development Bank of Rwanda Limited (BRD) to support the development of power and manufacturing projects in the country.

A note on the seven-year facility said that it would finance projects that were in line with Afreximbank’s strategy aimed at promoting industrialization and export development and would contribute to an increase in Rwanda’s electricity generation and consumption, thereby enhancing the growth of the country’s manufacturing and export sectors.

Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, signed the agreements on behalf of the Bank while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited; Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; and Alex Kanyankole, Chief Executive Officer of BRD, signed on behalf of their respective organisations.

Dangote to get $1b Afreximbank financing for intra-African trade

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he African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has in Kigali, Rwanda, signed agreements to provide financing facilities totaling $1.11 billion to support African entities engaged in intra-African trade, including $1billion to the African conglomerate Dangote Industries Limited.

The signing ceremonies, held as part of the ongoing activities marking the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Bank, are in support of the Bank’s strategy to facilitate the growth of intra-African trade.

The terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dangote Industries Limited provides for credit facilities, “which may be granted by Afreximbank to Dangote Industries Limited and its subsidiaries in an aggregate amount of up to one billion dollars”. The MOU provides for collaboration between Afreximbank and Dangote Industries Limited in respect of proposed funding of transactions, which could involve the provision of short and long-term liabilities for trade-related projects in Africa.

A brief on the MOU says that the utilization of the facility would boost intra-African trade volumes, enhance continental value chains and increase production and export of goods and services across Africa.

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The Oracle Today WednesdayJuly 12, 2017

ENERGY

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

Other indigenous companies affected by the TransForcados blast include independents like Energia, Pillar, Elcrest, Platform, Neconde, Niger Delta Western, Midwestern, Shoreline, Pan Ocean and Excel E&P. In the board of these companies are notable investors from northern parts of the country who are in partnership with friends from the south to float and run companies that compete in the natkion’s petroleum play.

If push comes to shove, will these oil firms with northern interests come under attack? And now that the industry is built on shared facilities, what vicarious liability will the industry transfer on non-northerners that also play in the sector?

T

he scramble for share of resource wealth which builds ethnic feuds among different interests in the country is attaining boiling point, pitching the southeastern parts of the country that host petroleum industry assets and facilities against the northern parts of the country that control every aspect of political power in the country.

The rising altercation expressed in the call for independence by Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the confrontational eviction order on people of the region by northern leaders is inherent with threat on assets enjoyed by people of each ethnic group in the opponent’s territory.

In issuing eviction order to people predominantly Igbo people of south east region, northern youths and elders pointed at the seizure of their property assets, business enterprises and liquid assets as the target. In reaction different youth movements in the south south and southeast region told northern businessmen with petroleum assets to be ready to forgo them.

Unfortunately, oil and gas assets are usually owned by investment partners that cut across geopolitical regions and countries, making almost all operational oil and gas assets in the country vulnerable in the event that the threats come into effect.

South Atlantic Petroleum (Sapetro) owned by Theophilus Danjuma, a notable northern leader, is in partnership with about five multinational oil companies in three operated deepwater production licenses. Dangote Group, owned

by Aliko Dangote, also operates offshore oil blocks in the Niger Delta and runs a distant underwater pipeline to feed its multibillion dollar greenfield refinery located in Lekki, Lagos State.

Besides, multiplicity of indigenous independent oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta host investors from northern parts of the country in their board, thus making them clearly vulnerable targets in the event of feudal attacks.

The rising tension between the east and the north is coming just at a time when the country restreamed key export pipelines which were brought down by mili-

Rising political tension threatens oil firms tant agitators to press home their demand for greater share of resource wealth.

Shell which operates the TransForcados export pipeline brought up the conduit stealthily in fear of attacks by local militants that target government’s revenue income arteries in the Niger Delta to protest political exclusion.

The current restoration of the TransForcados pipeline would be the third in two years as local militants battle government and op-

erator, Shell which arguably has the worst community and public reputation in Nigeria.

Shell had restored the TransForcados pipeline for the second time in November 2016, nine months after the original blast. But just as the company finished works on repairs and restarted the pipeline the militants defied massive security deployment in the zone and set the line going boom once again.

The TransForcados line was knocked down with an explosive

for over a year, cutting down Nigeria’s output by over 200,000 barrels per day and affecting Shell and other 11 companies that feed export volumes into the system.

With the attacks on TransForcados pipeline, indigenous companies including Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited had suffered negative financial performance and had to desperately search for alternative export conduits including costly virtual pipelines.

China invests $7 billion in floating LNG in Africa. gency reports have it that China A which is currently a net importer of natural gas is securing its en-

ergy future with over seven billion dollars investment in float8ing gas liquefaction projects in Africa.

The report did not disclose the investment destination but it would certainly not be Nigeria where fiscal dispute and operating conditions currently stall investments in expansion of existing plants.

It is still an emerging technology, but China is hoping to seize the lead in floating LNG terminals. To that end, it reportedly is planning investments of $7 billion in floating LNG in Africa.

While the LNG markets remain oversupplied, China is betting that by the time the projects come to fruition in the early 2020s, the market will have tightened.

At the same time, China is very hungry for imported gas so that it can shut down coal plants and clean up its air quality.

“We see a real commitment to FLNG in China both from the construction side and from the LNG consumption side where decreasing costs mean potentially lower cost LNG,” Steve Lowden, chairman of NewAge, a floating LNG developer in Africa.

Schlumberger dangles $700m loan for NNPC contract

n what appears to be a smart Iwith move to secure service contracts an oil and gas development

joint venture in which Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has overriding 60 percent stake, German oil service multinational, Schlumberger, is advancing a credit of $700 million in exchange for exclusive service contracts for the JV. The firm, NNPC and First Hydrocarbon, penned an agreement Thursday to give effect to the deal which would provide Schlumberger the opportunity covet a range of service contracts for development and production of two oilfields hosted in oil mining licenses (OMLs) 83 and 85.

The agreement was for the development of the Anyalu and Madu fields in the Niger Delta under Oil Mining Licence, OML 83 and OML 85, offshore Nigeria.

OMLs 83and 85 are located in

shallow waters 40 km offshore in the Niger Delta.

Under the terms of the deal, Schlumberger would close competition for jobs relating to reservoir management, oilfield services and project management services in the development of fields in the two oil blocks.

Target would be to lower development costs and maximize value for the partners.

NNPC holds 60 percent interest in the licences while indigenous FIRST E&P, the operator of the JV, holds the remaining 40% interest.

“Apart from providing funding for the development of the fields, Schlumberger would also provide other Oilfield Services to the JV on a limited exclusive basis. A joint project team would be established to drive technology transfer whilst leveraging on the global technical expertise of Schlumberger and the extensive local knowledge of the

JV partners,” spokesman of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu declared in a public statement.

Under the agreement, Schlumberger would provide the over $700 million development cost of the Anyala and Madu fields which would generate 193 million barrels of crude oil into the current reserves of 37.2billion barrels and an additional 800 billion cubic feet of gas into the nation’s proven gas reserves which currently stand at 197 Trillion Cubic feet of gas .

In terms of daily production, the fields will yield 50, 000 barrels of crude oil per day and 120 million standard cubic feet of gas per day by early 2019.

The deal however raises pointed questions on violation of the Nigerian Content Law which guarantees preference for oil service contracts to indigenous firms unless in areas where there is no local capacity.

Multinational firms in the country

have continued to argue that they are also beneficiaries of the Nigerian Content Law since, according to them, they operate in the country with local men and material resources.

There is no guarantee that the development contracts would boost Nigeria’s oil reserves as claimed by Mr. Ughamadu since there is no declaration of any oil find on account of the deal.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the innovative approach to funding JV operations would increase crude oil and gas production, reserves growth and monetization of the nation’s enormous gas resources.

He added that the projected increase in production of gas would sustain the supply of gas to the existing power plants as well as the planned power projects billed to come on stream within the period.

Managing Director and CEO, FIRST E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, who signed on behalf of FIRST E&P, remarked that the deal would introduce asset development model which combines FIRST E&P’s local knowledge and market position as an indigenous operating company, with Schlumberger’s financing and broad technical capabilities.

He added that the joint project team would strengthen FIRST E&P’s project delivery abilities and the model would offer the Upstream subsector a credible alternative funding and technical partnership model for growing production and adding reserves.

On his part, Patrick Schorn, Vice President, Schlumberger, who signed on behalf of Schlumberger traced the advent of the multi-national oil fields service company in Nigeria to the first commercial oil find in Oloibiri when Schlumberger played a role in Shell’s drilling effort.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Why market associations must embrace ONICCIMA, by Ajibo, DG D

OMINIC AJIBO speaks about his job as the Director General of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) with the passion of a trained communicator—which he is. After a first degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), he got a job in 1996 as a PRO with the ONICCIMA. Along the line, he earned a second degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Armed with the two degrees, Ajibo steadily walked up the ladder of the Chamber Movement, rising through the ranks over the years to become DG in 2007.

So, boasting a rather encyclopedic knowledge of the chamber movement, all Ajibo, 50, has done in the past 17 years is talk about the Chamber Movement and strategise for its growth and progress, especially east of the Niger.

Established in 1954, ONICCIMA is the oldest Chamber of Commerce east of the Niger and among the earliest in the country. A private sector initiative, it had the late Chief C.T Onyekwere, a prominent businessman in those days, as its first President and has had 12 Presidents since then. Only last week, on Thursday, June 29 to be precise, at its 29th AGM, the Chamber elected its 13th President in the person of Mr. Donatus Ebubeogu, MD/ CEO of Tiger Foods Ltd, Onitsha. Ebubeogu will take over from Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, the 12th and outgoing President, after the president-elect’s inauguration as the 13th President, on August 9, this year.

Although Ajibo believes that much progress has been made in the effort to position the Chamber Movement as a strategic vehicle for business development and growth east of the Niger, he is quick to point out that there are still a lot of hurdles to cross before the Movement would get to where it should be.

“For instance,” he said in answer to a question, “quite a lot of the traders do not believe that they have more to gain from belonging to the chamber than to their market associations. But, when they have, say, trade disputes with their foreign partners, they run to us. That is when they realize that it’s only the Chamber that can intervene on their behalf to get things sorted out with their foreign partners.”

In Onitsha, as, indeed, in any other part of the South East, market associations are as powerful as they come. Electoral contests for their executive committees’ membership are often fierce, sometimes even rambunctious. In Anambra State, for example, market associations’ elections are closely monitored by agents of government, as much to ensure the elections are peaceful as because any market leaders so elected acquire some political importance because it is through them that the government relates to market traders, who constitute the economic backbone of the state.

So, being a leader of a market association is big deal and being a member of any such association is equally a big deal. As associations, they ensure the security of traders and their wares in that line of business, look out for their members in times of trouble, especially when goods are seized, among others.

Thus, ensconced in this belief that the association can satisfy all his business needs, the average trader does not seem to believe so much in the Chamber movement and this is one of the downsides of his job that Godwin Ajibo has had to contend with—the lack of proper collaboration between the Chamber and the market associations.

“Indeed, before now, we had it very bad,” Ajibo said in answer to another question as to what he has done to enkindle the associations’ interest in the Chamber Movement. “Most of them completely closed their doors to the Chamber Movement.

But, through visitations to, and meetings with, leaderships of the associations by our Council Members, led by the President, we have made appreciable progress in our effort to get these associations to key into the

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•Dominic Ajibo Chamber Movement as the overall voice of the organized private sector in Onitsha and environs.”

He added: “Last year, we led delegations to visit many of the associations during their prayer days, requesting their membership of the Chamber Movement. We visited over 10 major markets under that sensitization programme.”

Adding that from time to time, he and members of his management team also visit individual company owners to talk to them about the need to formally enroll as members of ONICCIMA, Ajibo said the Chamber has also held several discussions with representatives of the State government with a view to letting them understand the importance of the government dealing with the Chamber as the representative and overall voice of the private sector in Onitsha and environs.

“We try to make them (the associations) understand that the scope of their operations ends in Onitsha,” the ONICCIMA DG contended. “We tell them that as a Mem-

ber of National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Member of International Chamber of Commerce, among others, ONICCIMA is the umbrella body of the Onitsha business community, the key private sector voice worldwide for the organized private sector and, therefore, that membership of their associations does not and must not preclude them from membership of the Chamber as they stand to gain more from identifying with the Chamber Movement. Truth is, if we need a policy change, we can achieve it if we were to act together through the Chamber Movement.”

On the surface, Ajibo has a herculean task on his hand as ONICCIMA DG. This is because he has to run such a business advocacy body in an environment where most members and potential members of the body are merchants who, as has earlier been pointed out, are eternally suspicious of institutionalized bodies like ONICCIMA that they have little or no control over. But, while this assumption may well be true, Ajibo, however, countered

that “the notion that Onitsha is only a trading hub is a thing of the past; it is no longer tenable.”

“Today’s Onitsha is as much an industrial hub as it is a commercial hub,” the ONICCIMA DG enthused. “There are a lot of manufacturing activities going on in Onitsha at the moment. There are so many industries, actually. In Harbour Industrial Area alone, there are teens of very large companies. To tell you how big some of those companies are, I am conversant with the operations of one manufacturing concern there, which pays as much as N20m monthly to EEDC in bills for power supplied. One of the paper factories there is the biggest in the whole of West Africa. So, so much is going on here in Onitsha industrially and we are really proud of that. And, as a chamber, we are prouder still because most of them are members of the Chamber Movement.”

When Ajibo is not busy organizing market visitations for Council Members or tours of some business establishments by the Chamber management, the ONICCIMA boss is to be seen planning for the next edition of the Chamber’s highly acclaimed annual lecture series. Instituted in 2007, the lecture series, according to the ONICCIMA DG, provides a platform for the Chamber to “look at the socio-economic dynamics of the times.” How would he describe what has so far been accomplished by the Chamber in that regard?

“Through that effort, we have contributed in providing issue-based platforms and steps that could be used by government and others to promote societal growth,” Ajibo said in the interview that took place in his office located at Oguta Road, Onitsha. “We discuss everything from monetary policies, bank credit and loans to agricultural value chain.

Last year, we looked at the imperative of making the Onitsha River Port work. At the end of each lecture, we circulate our communiqué.”

In Anambra State alone, there are three Chambers of Commerce, namely Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi. Ajibo was asked how the three synergize to work in harmony for the overall good of the private sector in Anmabra State.

The ONICCIMA boss explained that in order not to work at cross purposes with one another, especially when having to deal with the State government on matters of importance to the OPS in Anambra, the three chamber movements came together and formed the Association of Anambra Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AACCIMA).

“It is on the platform of this association that we deal with the State government on matters affecting the Chamber Movement or the OPS in Anambra State,” Ajibo explained. “It is also on this platform that we deal with the South East Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA) with headquarters in Owerri. Meeting three to four times a year, the South East Chamber Movement has created a forum where all of us come together and dialogue.

Hitherto, every chamber movement spoke for itself but the SECCIMA has created a platform that enables us to speak with one voice as a Chamber Movement from the South East zone.”

Eulogising Apakama, outgoing President and his Council Members for “making ONICCIMA work,” Ajibo predicts a rosy future for the Chamber Movement in Onitsha, Anambra State and the South East as a whole, assuring that “very soon, people will begin to see the fruits coming from the Movement.”

“We are not there yet,” he stressed. “The level it should be is where every serious businessman, market association, manufacturer and the like understands the importance of joining the Chamber.”

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

IPOB, Anambra governorship election E

VERY struggle seeks every strand to make a point about its place in the affairs of people it affects. The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), has appropriated the Anambra governorship election of 18 November 2017 for similar purpose. It is a big fight for continued relevance in the lives of the people.

AN election is too important to be used for a popularity contest, not in Anambra, not anywhere. IPOB does not think so. There are different reasons that are being given for the elections WE do not agree with its position for reasons that follow • A boycott of the election would unleash anarchy in the State • A boycott serves no useful purpose • A boycott would deny the people a government • A boycott denies the people a right to a political choice NONE of these denies the fact that the agitation that IPOB has been promoting centres on securing a better life for the people. The way to access that better life would not be to leave Anambra without a governor.

IPOB’s point is that if federal authorities can organise election in Anambra State,

they can organise a referendum on whether the people of South East want Biafra.

ANAMBRA is not where anyone would want to see IPOB on Election Day. There are several reasons for this. IPOB members were killed in Anambra last year. Accounts of the incident remain hazy as nobody has accepted responsibility for the killings. The official account was that nobody was killed. IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu has himself exonerated Governor Willie Obiano of any involvement in the killings.

WHILE many would be thinking that the disruption of the election would be IPOB’s revenge for the loss of its members, the unstated reason could be that IPOB has seen a situation to explore, and would not like to let it go. We do not think it would have mattered to IPOB if the election were to hold in a State where its members have no issues.

IPOB is not in doubt about the control it has on segments of South East people and Ndigbo living outside those five States. The crowds that amass daily at Nnamdi Kanu’s residence in Umuahia say something about the man and his following. There are few politicians with that type of following. Where they do, they are crowds rented for campaigns.

A FRIGHTENING character of most IPOB members is that they are waiting for Kanu to say a word and they would execute it. There is, therefore, a lot to dread in the IPOB declaration that there would be no election in Anambra on 18 November.

THE success of the 30 May sithome order that IPOB ordered changed the perception of many about IPOB. Where did the organisation get the resources to mobilise for 30 May? What type of organisation shut down the South East so peacefully? The possibility of repeating the May 30 performance could weigh higher in IPOB’s calculations than in mourning its dead member.

KANU is not one to waste the publicity mileage he could reap from May 30. He gets agenda and holds the public in suspense until the issues centre stage in national discourse. He has largely succeeded.

FIRST it was the May 30 sit-athome. Now, it is whether people should vote or not on 18 November in Anambra State. The election is the next big thing for IPOB. It is determined to milk it. While some would think that Kanu would unleash IPOB to disrupt the election, his tactics would be different.

IN the interview, with The Oracle Today, Kanu confirmed that there would be no violence in stopping the election. He said that there would be no election because

voting would be at home. His position has created panic among politicians. Kanu and his version of the struggle to restructure Nigeria is the major national discourse.

OHANEZE Ndigbo President Chief John Nnia Nwodo addressed a special session of the Anambra State House of Assembly on the matter. A larger meeting of the South East Governors Forum with national legislators stated that the election would go ahead. Ohaneze Ndigbo added the proviso that it was the only body that would speak for Ndigbo, a measure that is intended to check Kanu’s utterances.

IT also promised to speak to the authorities about the imperatives of addressing the issues that are agitating Ndigbo, particularly the restructuring of the country. How these actions would play out in the next few months are important for the peace of the South East, and the entire country.

WE advise that consultations that would resolve the issues should continue. IPOB is increasingly becoming amenable to peaceful agitations.

Various initiatives are needed to get Nigeria out of its present state. Sadly, words that are being thrown about mean almost nothing to most of the political actors.

NIGERIA is in dire straits, with or without the IPOB agitation. Desperation and impatience are setting in on different fronts. However, those who think that the political equation favour them do not listen to calls to invest in more sustaining way of reviving the country.

WE call on our political leaders to address the issues that afflict Nigeria. They do not need Kanu and IPOB to realise that Nigeria is in search of a direction.

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.

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

OPINION

Nasir el-Rural lied, showed lack of grasp of issues (1)

By IKEDI OHAKIM

I

T IS ON RECORD that since I left office, I have refused to join issues with anybody in spite of several falsehoods peddled about me. Honestly, I never wanted to react to issues raised by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai about me in his book, “The Accidental Public Servant”. This is because I never really took a second look at the book, on account of its poor print quality and a rather pedestrian title.

But, inundated with a barrage of calls from both within and outside the country, I had to reluctantly but painstakingly go through the book.

Mark Twain may have had el-Rufai in mind when he wrote: “From the moment I picked up your book until the moment I put it down, I could not stop laughing.” That was the same frame of mind I found myself in after reading el-Rufai’s The Accidental Public Servant.

I considered it in the public interest not to allow el-Rufai get away with the falsehood he peddled about me in the book, especially given the fact that the book may find itself in the hands of generations yet unborn, who were not privy to the events of the era. Pleasantly, those other Nigerians who, like me, were victims of el-Rufai’s “accidental discharges” have faulted aspects of the book.

Again, from the reactions of these eminent Nigerians who were mentioned in one way or the other in the book, it appears Mallam never took pains to find out the truth about most of the issues outside those that pertained to his personal life. Simply put, most of the comments he made about people were accidental.

According to Babatunde Fashola SAN, “An accident is something that you don’t have any

control of in its entirety”. For a thing to be accidental means that it was not prepared for, something or an event into which no thought was put. True to the lead word in the title, the book is full of accidental discharges.

Here, of course, el-Rufai’s allusion to me and my administration on page 448-449 of his book fits in perfectly. Writing under the subtitle “October 2010: An Attempt at Humour Generates Unexpected Furore”, el-Rufai tried to give an account of what happened at the Leadership Newspaper’s 50th Independence Anniversary Lecture at which I was a guest speaker. In his narrative, el-Rufai wrote about me thus: “Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim gave a long, boring, unapologetic speech in defense of his decision, a week earlier, to lock out of the Concorde Hotel, Owerri personalities like the former Vice President Ekwueme and prevent them from holding a meeting that would have resulted in a statement inimical to Jonathan’s emerging presidential aspirations”.

He continues: “This gross violation of the rights of these South-East political leaders to associate and express themselves was further repeated when security men and the police prevented them from meeting in another privately-owned hotel in Owerri.” el-Rufai then proceeded to give his verdict: “Ohakim’s conduct was not only culturally disrespectful, democratically intolerant but out rightly illegal and unconstitutional.”

He further wrote of me: “He stood there justifying his act of impunity citing ‘security considerations’ as if the ever-peaceful and professional Ekwueme would be associated with anything violent or threat to security or

against the public interest.”

Apart from lying that Ekwueme and other Igbo leaders were prevented from holding their meeting at a privatelyowned hotel, the former minister demonstrated a crass lack of grasp of the issues in the way he muddled through the matter of security, which he, himself, raised. If el-Rufai were thorough, he would have gone ahead to prove that we were wrong in “citing security considerations”. For him to have asserted that the security reasons we gave were not cogent enough is a clear confirmation of my earlier assertion that the book was hurriedly put together without the slightest consideration for accuracy. If as a sitting governor, I cited security considerations, why did el-Rufai not give superior information to the contrary?

For the avoidance of doubt, my speech at the Leadership newspaper 50th Independence Anniversary Lecture was not in defence of the Concorde Hotel security incident. The title of my lecture was: “Nigeria at 50: Looking Back, Looking Forward….”. Besides, my speech could not have been “boring” because the organizers of the lecture were time specific for each speaker and I did not exceed the time allotted to me. The summary of my speech was that Nigeria must remain as one, irrespective of our perennial challenges; that we require the size and prestige of Nigeria for any meaningful development; that those who magnify our weaknesses instead of emphasizing our advantages are enemies of the na-

tion.

In other words, I tailored my speech to suit the overall theme of the anniversary lecture; not a response to issues that had to do with tribal proclivities. The issue of South East leaders and Concorde Hotel only came up during the question and answer session and my response was clear and unambiguous.

Looking back and taking that event in its totality, it would not be out of place to state that el-Rufai must have been instrumental to planting that question in order to achieve a pre-mediated objective, namely, to blackmail the entire South-East and its leaders. As narrated by the author himself, he sat with the crowd, having refused, he claims, to be called to the high table.

We may excuse el-Rufai’s ignorance on security issues because all the public offices he had held were mere appointments that gave him little or no exposure to the management of security matters.

It is important to recall that on Monday, May 7, 2007, as preparations for my swearing-in ceremony were in top gear, a mysterious explosion occurred at about 8.00am at Douglas House, the transit official residence of in-coming governors in the State. I nearly lost my three girls but for the gallantry of one police officer. Till date, the Douglas House steward who served us breakfast that morning has not been seen.

In the same vein, many Nigerians will recall that on Monday March 15, 2010, I and many other Nigerian leaders escaped death from three bomb blasts in Warri, Delta State while attending the Post-Amnesty Dialogue sponsored by the Vanguard newspapers.

Anambra Airport City and Osita Chidoka’s tales

By OKECHUKWU ANARADO

I

T GOES beyond rational doubts that one of the biggest stories of Governor Willie Obiano’s administration in the past three years is the Anambra Airport City project at Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area. Besides the 1,500 hectares of land on which the Airport City is designed to sit, the $2bn project is being domiciled in the state at no other cost to either Ndi-Anambra or the State Government. A consortium of Chinese and Nigerian firms bear the cost of constructing and managing the facility which, on completion, will comprise an international airport with two runways, shopping malls, industrial and business parks, a five star hotel and a well appointed Chinese neighbourhood. Apart from its function as an international airport capable of landing any size of airplane, Umueri would provide refueling facilities for international aircrafts on transit. The aviation fuel will be sourced from Orient Refinery, an indigenous firm in the locality.

Umueri Airport City project runs a BOMT plan where the financiers will Build, Operate, Manage and Transfer the project to the state in the course of time. The airport will provide over 1,200 direct jobs and well over 3,600 indirect jobs. Again, the Umueri community, on whose land the project is directly domiciled, will in perpetuity receive 3% of the net profit annually as the project manager’s response to corporate social responsibility international best practices.

Residents of Anambra heartily celebrated the flag off of the project on the 11th of April, 2017 at Ivite, Umueri. Noted across the globe as entrepreneurial, adventurous and resilient above their peers in any part of sub Saharan Africa, Ndi-Anambra are most enthusiastic and anxious about the fruition of this impressive initiative. They interpret the scheme as the boldest measure ever taken by any government in South East Nigeria to place the business world, with its

expansive opportunities, at their reach.

For this, the people are very eager to see the Airport City objectified within the projected thirty six months schedule.

When therefore some muffled voices that first found vent in the free windows of the social media started pigeonholing the efficacy of the airport project in enhancing the State’s economy and the citizens’, one wondered what economic rationales or political persuasions underpinned such argument. Until Chief Osita Chidoka recently declared the airport project a white elephant scheme, the puzzlement about the probable source of the earlier syndicated outbursts subsisted. His claim lends a proper angle to the muffled narrative.

Probably driven by the fancy of a fleeting moment of service as Aviation Minister, Chidoka thought of scoring a bull’s eye by picking holes in Gov. Obiano’s airport scheme; the conclusions would then be that the oracle of aviation has spoken, so Obiano’s airport and the people’s enthusiasm would be consigned to linger, if not languish, perpetually in limbo. But Chidoka might just have chosen to cut the nose simply to satisfy a malicious urge to spite the face. His languid stint with aviation and his fledgling political sentiments to govern Anambra State come 17th March, 2018 cast questions on the efficacy of this critique of his. The statement may have attracted odium to the Chief as it has compelled a reminiscence of the ex-minister’s presence in the ousted administration, during which he hardly attracted any marginal value to aviation either in the South East or elsewhere.

Now that Chidoka can stake anything within his reach to covet Chief Obiano’s seat, he has chosen to lead a childlike advocacy against a project he should have ordinarily leveraged on to gain mileage in his electoral stake. He simply went the way of the opposition in the state who still find it odd to acknowledge any good in Obiano’s

reign. Not even Anambra’s most sought after security/safety brand, the workers’ welfare priority schedule, the various aspects of grassroots economic mobilization and empowerments; not the growth in education, the infrastructural uplift (all achieved under excruciating national economic recession) merit any kind word from the opposition.

It would have been strange if the palpable joys Ndi-Anambra express in the Aero City missed the attention of those wishing Obiano’s administration poor performance as an excuse for their exegesis on alternative government. But Obiano would not falter in his strategic approach to governance. His economic enablers, with security of life and property on the lead, have continued to increase and improve private sector driven economic activities in Anambra State so much so that the squeeze of the national economic woe is ameliorated in the state. The security in Anambra has made Government’s economic and other policies flourish. It is the same stability in the polity that attracted huge private investments of over $3bn in the agricultural sector that has brought the consortium of Elite International Investment Limited, Sinoking Enterprises Investment Limited and Orient Petroleum Resources Limited to do the Umueri Airport City Project. And just as Coshed Farms, Anaku; JOSAN Farms, Ufuma; DelFarms, and Lynden Poultry Farm, both at Igbariam, operate at no incidental costs to either the Government or people of the state, the Umueri project is by no means any kind of mortgage as Chidoka and his co-travelers would want to make the world believe. The terms of engagement of these firms with the State Government encumber neither the present nor the future of their host communities or the rest of Ndi-Anambra’s.

By the way, should a shallow utterance on Umueri Airport City by someone

whose desperation to drive Anambra State affairs has ensnared and made vulnerable even in his earlier postulation that ‘People leaving PDP … are political jobbers with no character … with no principles … who have never won any free and fair election in Anambra’, constitute any perturbation to the lofty political values of the Anambra electorate? Osita Chidoka, a United Progressive Party’s proselyte today, will soon denigrate the party faster than he just did PDP where his cake was baked beyond doubts.

• Anarado writes from Adazi-Nnukwu

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 Advert Manager Andrew Udeh Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Special Interview From BONIFACE OKORO, Afaraukwu, Umuahia

G

etting to see the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Wednesday, 28 June 2017, was herculean. The road to his father’s Afaraukwu palace in Umuahia where he puts up was taken over by IPOB security operatives who cordoned off the area as early as 7am. The security personnel formed two lines along the roads leading to the palace and nobody was allowed to walk in the middle of the road or breakthrough the cordon.

Drumming and dancing by several youths drawn from different zones yielded an environment of cultural carnival of international standard, garnished with the yellow, black, green T-shirts spotted by the IPOBians and the ubiquitous Biafran flag at every turn.

Many climbed on treetops, waving their Biafran flags.

At the palace gate, security men cast hard gazes that warn you to keep off if you are a foreign element but they melt into ice the moment you tell them your are Ohamadike’s (Kanu’s title) guest.

By 10.23am, the whole place quaked with a thunderous ovation as Kanu emerged at the balcony of his storey building to greet his people. That done, the interview got underway a little afterwards and the whole environment was kept alive by the sounds of drums, trumpets, whistles and beagles.

Kanu revealed that he and other members of IPOB prayed for 16 years before launching the struggle for Biafra. He was emphatic that the agitation for Biafra was a divine project because God directed him to embark on the struggle, adding that no man can stop the restoration of Biafra.

He maintained his stand that unless a day for referendum on Biafra, no elections would take place in the South East, including the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 18, among other issues.

Excerpts: What motivated you to embark on the restoration of Biafra Republic?

It is because of the suffering Ndigbo were being subjected to in Nigeria, the maltreatment and marginalisation of the Igbo people.

It is very painful that since the end of the war, Ndigbo as a nation was destabilised and the people subjected to extreme hardship; lamentations and mourning became the order of the day; there is acute infrastructural deficit - roads were left to decay, hospitals were allowed to rot away and no one talked about schools.

Everything was turned upside down in Igbo land. People have to leave the South East in search of greener pastures and no one remained behind to look after the

Whatever my two kids will need to live a comfortable life, that is what I want for all children.

homeland.

We now said time has come for us to organise ourselves, rise and act as one united force and to call a spade a spade; reject and resist the marginalisation we have been subjected to, that time has come for us to free ourselves from Nigeria because we could no longer bear the insults that have become our lot in Nigeria.

How did you manage to achieve the great followership you have recorded through IPOB? Our cause is rooted in truth and justice.

I am fighting a just cause and I am working with the grace of Almighty God. At the appointed time, God sent me to begin the liberation struggle and we resolved that the time is now. We embarked on prayers for 16 years, praying for deliverance of the people of Biafra.

And God said to me, the time has come and my people are ready for the journey to freedom and they will follow and support you in the struggle. That is what we are doing today. This agitation is divine.

Some freedom fighters start this journey and fizzle out in no time but you are still waxing stronger, with many opponents now identifying with you. What is the secret?

It is the grace of God. This is the time God had destined the struggle to come through.

This is the time God has decreed that Biafra will be restored. There is nothing any human being can do to truncate it.

Once God decrees, it must come to pass.

Our Father in heaven (Chukwu Okike Abiama) has decreed that Biafra will be restored.

Now is the time for our freedom.

Many are worried that you are not carrying the elders along in this agitation. Do you listen to and take advice from them at all?

Yes, I listen to people. If you ask those who know me very well, they will tell you that I am a good listener. If the elders advice me, I will take their wise counsel if it is acceptable to the IPOB family because I am not working alone.

If you ask people of my community, my parents, they will tell you that I cannot hurt a fly. I am not given to quick temperament; neither do I talk too much.

My father cannot rebuke me and I will respond, I have never been disrespectful to my mum, no.

‘God has But the way Ndigbo is treated in Nigeria is heart rending. That is the kernel of the matter and nothing else.

There are many pro-Biafra groups, how do you intend to come together and work as a united family?

We are working together. We have good rapport. Very soon, leaders of other pro-Biafra groups will be here today for a meeting today.

Let me tell you that it is very important for everyone to air his or her views. We believe in democracy and it is vital to listen to all shades of opinion, whether such views are good or bad. If we accept your views, we work with it, if not, we say, brother, this is they way we are thinking this should be done.

Some people are calling for restructuring, believing that Ndigbo would be better off in Nigeria than breaking away, do you buy this idea?

No, what I want is Biafra. We should be an independent country and revert to our ways of life before the amalgamation of Nigeria.

The land of Biafra had a defined territory and culture before the coming of the Europeans who amalgamated us and decreed that we should now be called Nigeria and we accepted a name that has no meaning.

If I ask you to explain the meaning of Nigeria, will you? You cannot because it is meaningless. While should I abandon my original name and identity? What we are saying is that the foundation of Nigeria is faulty, so it cannot be a united country again.

Several atrocities have been committed against Ndigbo in Nigeria, our people have been massacred and we are still being annihilated, an agenda being executed currently by the Fulani herdsmen and people are saying Nigeria should unite and continue to live together. What manner of togetherness are we preaching?

They have severally demonstrated their hatred for Ndigbo. We can no longer sit by

We worship G should pray for God to de and watch them continue to maltreat us, we cannot resign ourselves to such fate, not minding that Ndigbo are scattered all over Nigeria and doing well in their respective fields of endeavour.

We must be alive first before we think about other things. That is why Ndigbo should return to Biafra and build it up into a model nation better than most foreign countries so that we will win back our respect. That is what we want, not each time we venture into other parts of Nigeria, we will be hunted down and killed and even when we complain, no one cares.

No one addresses our concerns. These are the things we can no longer condone.

What we want is Biafra to enable us rebuild our nation in such a manner that after school, there will be employment, children will receive quality education; not a place where you will have to worry about getting good healthcare services or where the next meal will come from. In Nigeria, people are dying of hypertension and heart attack daily.

Are you telling me that if we drop our agitation and accept restructuring those roads would be built, will our children be given quality education and healthcare services? No. I am extremely bitter with the maltreatment of Ndigbo that is why it looks as if I am zealous.

Why are Ndigbo the target of attacks and killings in Nigeria?

It is because they hate us. Our experience is akin to that of the Jews. This is how many nations hated the Jews and they were being massacred in

25 If we return to Biafra, I will not be the President; that is not what God has directed me to do.

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu speaking to The Oracle Today in his Afaraukwu, Umuahia residence on 28 June 2017 while a mamoth crowd jammed the streets around his residence.

Photos: Mazi Mike Onovo

s decreed Biafra’

God only. We y ceaselessly, eliver Ndigbo. many parts of the world.

In our time, we declared that we would no longer tolerate the massacre of the Igbo across Nigeria, it is better that we are being mowed down because we are fighting for our freedom, instead of waking up everyday to the sad news that an Igbo man has been killed for doing nothing.

You are aware that an Igbo man who was preaching in the North had his head cut off by the Hausa; it was not the first or the second of such bizarre incident. What other horrible experience should we be subjected to before we should rise to fight for our freedom? It is better we die fighting for our freedom than for me to remain in my house and a fellow man would barge into my abode and cut off my head. We will resist this type of dehumanisation.

We shall not continue to be the sacrificial lambs. We are on the journey to our freedom. There is nothing any human being can do to stop it. It has been decreed by heaven that we must be free and that freedom we must get in Biafra.

Many are opposed to Biafra because of their investments outside Igbo land. Recently, Arewa youths threatened to seize properties belonging to Ndigbo after issuing them with quit notice. Have you considered these things?

This type of fate befell Indians resident in Uganda in the past.

Ugandans asked the Indians to leave their country and they left, leaving their investments behind. But today, where is Uganda?

Wealth does not matter; life is very precious because if our people take their investments home, as a blessed race, they will do exceed-

ingly better and what they left in other lands will pale into insignificance.

You should also be aware that whatever you leave in another country is not lost. It will be better for you that the Government of Biafra fights for and recovers your property and investments in foreign lands than for you to embark on such venture as an individual.

This is what we suffered before. For whatever reason our people have failed to understand why late (Chief Obafemi) Awolowo gave Ndigbo only £20 after the war, that is their headache. How many times will you be victimised before you become wise? Only once! We are behaving as if we are no longer Ndigbo, as people bereft of wisdom.

Otherwise, how could you explain that somebody woke up one day, killed you and dispossessed you of your belongings and after a while, you returned to the same place. It is worrisome.

Many are saying that you want to become President of Biafra and that is why you are championing this cause.

People don’t understand me when they say I am stubborn. I am only fired by the injustices Ndigbo were being subjected to in Nigeria.

I would have preferred to stay abroad and visit home when I choose and enjoy myself; may be buy a little quantity of rice and share among aged women. But I don’t want to live such life. Whatever my two kids will need to live a comfortable life, that is what I want for all children in Igbo land, not just my children alone.

My concern is how our people could come together and rebuild Biafra and make it the pride and envy of all nations globally and we stop going to develop other places. We can only achieve this in Biafra and nowhere else.

If we return to Biafra, I will not be the President; that is not what God has directed me to do. His assignment for me is to actualise Biafra. Once that is done, my assignment would have been completed and I will withdraw from the scene. And that is what I am doing.

How would you stop Anambra governorship poll in November?

What we are saying is that we are not going to participate in elections until a day is set aside for referendum for us to decide if we should continue being in Nigeria or settle for Biafra. Without a plebiscite, there will no more elections in Biafraland.

During the time for Anambra election, they will see no one. They may have to go and import people from Abuja. Time has come for us to demonstrate unity of purpose and people should forget their personal interests and ego and think about the good of others. If I had wanted wealth, money or position, I would have got them long time ago. These are promises that have been made to me if only I will drop my agitation for Biafra. But that is not what I want.

During the secession that resulted in the civil war, many of our neighbours were involved. But now, they appear not to be interested. Are you now fighting for the liberation of Ndigbo alone?

We are fighting for the liberation of all, not just Ndigbo. In a short while, you will see people who will come here. People from Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom are here. I have been to see Izon (Ijaw) people in Igweocha and we had frank discussions. They discovered that brotherly relationship is far better than that of friends. That is what I explained to them and they understood it very well.

We are working with everybody. It is left for them to agree to work with us or not, but it is our duty to spread the gospel to them.

Is the non-performance of the governors responsible for the seeming non-cooperation between you and incumbent and former governors from the South East?

When late Sam Mbakwe was the Governor of the then old Imo State, seaports in Igweocha (Port Harcourt), train services were functional.

Do those things still exist now? These are the foundations of commerce and economy,

human relations. They are no longer there.

When Mbakwe was there, Aba Glass Factory, Ceramics Industry, Umuahia, Golden Guinea Breweries, Ulonna Farm Settlement, Ezinachi Clay Factory, Aba Shoe Factory and Standard Shoe Factory, Owerri, were all functional. We also had ANAMCO, Nigersteel and Nigercem, Nkalagu. But where are they today, they have all closed down.

They were not closed by the governors but the oppressive policies of the federal government, those who have sworn that no good thing shall come to Igbo land.

There is no company, which employs up to 100 persons now. There is no power supply now but there was energy. How can industries function when there is no power supply? These are the things that we lack.

It is only when we return to Biafra that we will be free from all these things and live like human beings.

You should ask yourself why the seaports around Port Harcourt and Calabar are not working. It would have been preferable for us to import our goods through these seaports to cut cost. But from Lagos, you see Customs everywhere and by the time you settle them till you reach your destination, you spend a fortune. Are there Customs check points in the North? These are the things that worry us. And we said no, enough of this marginalisation and we have to fight it and that is what we are doing.

Your message to Ndigbo We should be industrious wherever we find ourselves. We should not fear anybody, except God. We worship God only, not any human being. We should pray ceaselessly, asking God to deliver Ndigbo, just the way He delivered His people, the Israelites.

Post Script: The Oracle Today’s special thanks go to Mazi Mike Onovo, presenter of Ugwumba, an Igbo television programme, for his contributions to the interview.

26

The Oracle Today, Wednesday July 12, 2017

e-Platform Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

D

espite regulatory warnings and repeated ultimatums to telecom operators to improve their quality of services to the consumers, there may not be any hope of such after all, as the telcos said they have been boxed to a corner, where they can only wait for right policies and direct access to forex before they can begin any optimization works on their networks. The telcos who lamented about various challenges confronting the telecom sector said government policies have not been favourable to the sector despite its importance to the economy.

Speaking on behalf of all the telecom operators at a meeting with technology reporters, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chiarman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said the tecos are finding it difficult to settle many obligations due to high rate of forex. “We are in a country where every component of our operation is imported, even from the SIM cards and even when you make an international call, we pay our part of the termination rate in dollar to the networks abroad.

All these require forex, yet are not considered on the priority list of government for easy access to dollar. Many of our members are forced to source for forex at the black market and at the end of the day, operating costs becomes very high” he lamented.

Adebayo noted that with the forex challenge, operators have been unable to purchase new equipment to optimize their networks. “With the present situation, it would be difficult for any operator to optimize network. We must note that no industry is immune to failure and this is why we are telling the government that they should not allow telecoms to go the way of textile and tyre industries” he said.

The ALTON Chairman said while the government is giving priority to the manufacturing sector, it forgot that the telecom sector is like the backbone for every other sector of the economy. “Telecom is regarded as infrastructure of infrastructure and this is because telecom propels productivity in other sectors of the economy. Take for instance, the banking industry, most of their services today are riding on telecom infrastructure and that cuts across all sectors. We should be treated like the manufacturers”.

As a fallout of the general challenges facing the operators, Adebayo warned that if any of the operator fails, others would also have problem, noting that no operator currently has capacity to accommodate inflow from other network. Aside the forex challenge, the telcos also cited multiple taxa-

•L-R: Mr Emma Okonji, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA); Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); and Mr Gbolahan Awonuga, Executive Secretary of ALTON at a breakfast meeting with NITRA members in Lagos

Why we may not provide better services –Telcos

tion and multiple regulations as challenges and would want the government to come up with favourable policies to address those challenges.

Lamenting the impacts of current economic recession in the country as it affects the telecom sector, Adebayo said average revenue per user (ARPU) has dropped considerably as telecom subscribers now spend less on telecom services. “Our revenue has gone down because people don’t spend as much as they used to because of the recession. And then we have the Over the Top Services, whatsapp, facebook etc. dragging revenues from the operators. People now

prefer to send message or do video calls over the OTTs than making calls. All these are eating up our revenues.”

Asked if the telcos would want a bail out as was done in the banking sector few years ago, Adebayo said bail out would not address the problem of telecom operators.

“What we want is favourable government policies not bail out. Government intervention in form of bail out would not address our problems, it would only bring a temporary relief”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission, apparently in showing understanding with the telcos has not sanctioned

any operator in recent times over poor quality of service. The regulator, which gave the operators an ultimatum of first quarter to improve on their services or face sanctions have not taken any punitive actions after the ultimatum even when there has not been improvements in their services and the telcos also admitted same giving the challenges as the reason for the poor QoS. The NCC at a recent meeting with journalists also admitted that access to forex is one of the major challenges confronting the telecom players while promising to dialogue with the Cental Bank of Nigeria to find lasting solutions.

Revenues from apps to reach $6.3 trillion by 2021 –Report

pp developers are in for bigger A rewards in the next few years as the global app economy is pro-

jected to grow to a staggering $6.3 trillion by 2021. App Annie, a world renowned app analytics company, which made the projection in its latest report titled ‘The App Economy Forecast: $6 Trillion In New Value’ said the apps market, which is being fuelled by new business models and technological innovation is on a steady growth globally.

According to the report, global app economy in 2016 was worth $1.3 trillion across three major types of monetisation, namely; all mobile app stores, in-app advertising and mobile commerce. This figure was driven by the 3.4 billion people who spend a total of 1.6 trillion hours in apps. This level out to an average of $379 in apps across the three formats of monetisation per person in 2016. Astonishingly that equates to $0.80 per hour per person.

App Annie has predicted that the user base will nearly double from 3.4 billion people in 2016 to

6.3 billion in 2021. This combined with the predicted rise in time spent on apps, which will grow from 1.6 trillion hours to 3.5 trillion hours by 2021, will be the main contributing factors to the growth of the economy. The company has also predicted a growth in spend per user from $379 to $1,008 on a global basis, this is expected to be driven by innovation and the transition from physical transaction to mobile. These stats however don’t paint a full picture of the impact of apps, as businesses can also benefit without directly monetising apps. For example, the banking industry would undoubtedly benefit from the increase in mobile and online transaction will most certainly drive down operational costs.

App Annie highlighted three components contributing to the $6.3 trillion app market opportunity, which include: App Stores, In-App Adds and Mobile Commerce. The company said it expects consumer spend across all mobile to grow by 18% compound annual growth

rate (CAGR)to reach $139 billion by 2021. iOS App Store is expected to continue to be the largest single store growing to over $60 billion by 2021. While Google Play plus thirdparty Android combined stores will become the biggest combination stores by 2017. Games will represent the majority of this segment during the forecast period growing from $50 billion in 2016 to $105 billion in 2021. Game app spend is projected to triple in size from $11.5 billion to over $34 billion in 2021 as video, music, dating, education, ect drive app store purchases and subscriptions.

App Annie predicts that global inapp advertising will nearly triple in size from $72 billion in 2016 to $201 billion in 2021. The global average for advertiser spends is set to grow from $13 to $52 per user in the forecast period. According to the analytics firm, mobile commerce will be the single largest driver of growth in the mobile and app economy and represents a clear demonstration of the shift to mobile.

27

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

e-Platform

NITDA, NCC warn Nigerians over new cyber-attack ‘Petya’ N

By SAMSON AKINTARO

ational Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have raised an alarm over the latest wave of cyber-attacks, that shut down many systems in Europe, warning Nigerians to be extra-security conscious online. The deadly cyber-attack, which is similar to the recent ‘WannaCry’ attack, is known as ‘Petya’ ransomware or ‘GoldenEye’, and it not only encrypts files but also hard drives, rendering entire computer system inaccessible.

“The attack has paralysed businesses across the world and is spreading quickly with reports indicating that countries affected so far include Ukraine, Denmark, Russia, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the USA. The malware is spreading

using a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows that was patched in March 2017 — the same bug that was exploited by the WannaCry ransomware” the government agencies said.

“While our CERRT team are working round the clock along with other stakeholders to come up with effective defence mechanism for the Nigerian cyberspace, we are calling on Network Administrators in the public and private sectors as well as individuals to take the following measures recommended during the recent WannaCry attack: Isolate the system from your network to prevent the threat from further spreading; remove the system from Network; and do not use flash/pen drive, external drives on the System to copy files to other systems” the agencies advised.

It added, “as a general precautionary measure and as the security of

systems is our collective responsibility, we would like to recommend that individuals and organisations should: regularly update their operating systems with the latest patches; regularly update their software applications with latest patches; turnoff unnecessary/unneeded features; avoid downloading and opening unsolicited files and attachments; adjust security software to scan compressed or archived files; and avoid indiscriminate use wireless connections, such as Bluetooth or infrared ports”.

“We therefore call on all citizens, especially critical stakeholders in the IT industry, to support NITDA in this onerous task by always following best practices as well as being proactive in the way information and systems are handled. These will help in minimizing risks of attacks as well as possible loss of vital information” it said.

Police confiscates fake ICT products in Lagos T

he Nigerian Police, in conjunction with devices maker, Hewlett-Packard (HP), has seized 167,000 fake technology devices worth millions of naira. According to HP, which announced the success of a joint raid with the police authority, printing machines labeled as HP printers were among the confiscated items.

“The raided operation in Lagos was also involved in manufacturing counterfeit print supplies for HP printers, and providing components illegally bearing the HP trademark to other counterfeiting organizations.

The illicit items seized by officials included ready-for-sale counterfeit cartridges as well as fake components, such as security labels and packaging. Before and after the raids took place, experts from HP’s Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud (ACF) Programme supported the authorities by providing key intelligence and identifying the seized items as counterfeit” the company said in a statement.

While noting that counterfeiting is a crime against the OEMs and the users, HP added that using such products can cause multitude of problems that can cause performance and reliability issues. “Should your printer break because of using counterfeit printer ink or toner, you could also have issues with your manufacturer’s warranty becoming not applicable. In contrast, original HP products are designed to meet HP’s strict quality and reliability standards, based on a long history of inventing and testing. Authentic HP LaserJet and HP inkjet cartridges, unlike counterfeits, benefit from superior performance and consistent results” it said.

Reacting to the latest seizure, Olatunji Itiola, Country Supplies Business Manager, Nigeria and Ghana, HP, said “we are delighted that this illegal activity has been identified and the defrauding of thousands of innocent customers has been prevented.

“We are grateful to the Nigerian authorities for their cooperation in this matter. We are proud of the continued successes of the Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud Programme, and we will continue to work hard to protect customers from potentially dangerous fake printing products.” The company noted that Middle East and Africa, about 12 million counterfeits and components have been seized by local authorities over the last five years with its supports.

•Godfrey Efeurhobo MD Smile Nigeria

Smile introduces new device, bonus offers S

Facebook completes second drone test for broadband connectivity

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acebook has completed the second test of its Aquila solar-powered aircraft, which it plans to use in delivering broadband connectivity to the world’s most remote places. The test, which took place last month, according to the social network giant, saw the Aquila flying for 1 hour and 46 minutes before landing “perfectly” at the prepared site.

This is significant, as an earlier test, which involved a 90 minute flight, ended with a “structural failure just seconds before landing”, which led to additional wing damage. “Connecting people through high-altitude solar-powered aircraft is an audacious goal, but milestones like this flight make the months of hard work worth it,” the company noted in a blog post. “In the coming months, we’re excited to take the lessons from our successful

second flight to continue the Aquila programme’s progress to help bring the world closer together through connectivity,” it continued.

While the second test is significant, there is still some way to go before it is clear that Aquila can succeed in its goal to provide broadband connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. According to reports last year, the company is in talks with various governments to conduct connectivity trials in 2018 – with India a possible market. Such talks will need to address issues such as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in and across country border areas.

Facebook is not the only company working in this field. Google is piloting a project using balloons, called Project Loon, having stopped its investigation into the potential of drones.

mile, pioneer 4G LTE telecommunications service provider in West Africa, has announced its new device and bonus offers to reward their customers. According to the company, the offers would make it easier and more affordable for Smile customers to enjoy the benefits of its SuperFast, reliable internet without worrying about high costs of data.

“Through the offers recently introduced

by Smile, customers will upon purchase of a SMiFi or Router Starter Pack get 50 per cent bonus data on recharge for three consecutive months. Customers are at liberty to get 20GB/7GB plus SMiFi or UnlimitedPremium plan, which offers customers unlimited access to the internet, with a router to create their own hotspot, stream, download and connect with family and friends. Prices start from as low as N16, 500”it said.

“We recognize that the Internet is becoming more and more important for nearly everybody in their everyday lives, and as such, it is our goal to enable as many new connections as possible. These offers are yet another step towards realizing this goal,” said Lotanna Anajemba, Smile Nigeria’s Head of Marketing.

Emphasizing further, he said the need to have instant continued access to the internet has resulted in a higher demand from customers for data to be easily accessible at an affordable rate. The new device and bonus offers give customers great value and rewards them for their usage. The offers can be accessed via online shop at smile.com. ng, Smile shops and authorised distributors spread across the cities that they operate.

Applauding the offer, leading industry analysts opined that, through these efforts, Smile Nigeria has championed the goal to extend Internet access to the majority of Nigerians who still don’t have access to the Internet. Smile’s effort to get Nigerians on to the Internet is demonstrated by its aggressive investment in what is now the largest 4G LTE network in Nigeria, introduction of a wide and affordable bundle portfolio, affordable data enabled devices and now these offers.

The Oracle Today, July 12, 2017

Travel & Hospitality Four Points by Sheraton Lagos opens remodeled Office Bar

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he expansive 231-room Four Points by Sheraton, Lekki, Lagos has officially reopened its roof top bar, the Office Bar, which was shut earlier in the year for re-modeling works.

According to the General Manager of the Hotel, Mr. Marc Wozniak, the bar was temporarily closed to allow remodeling and refurbishment work to be carried out in order to give the facility a fresh look.

“Our Roof Top Bar popularly called-the Office Bar, was closed temporarily in order to allow the Hotel refresh the look and feel with an aim to continually fulfil our promise of being the perfect hangout spot in Victoria Island.

“Our customers can now enjoy the panoramic view of this venue while savoring well-seasoned barbecued jumbo prawns or our signature dodo (plantain) and snails alongside our amazing cocktails and lots more with friends or colleagues.

“Those visiting us can be sure to experience some enriching live music performances from our guest band every Friday and Saturday to spice up the evening; while our Office Bar team is ever attentive as they provide unrivaled service,” said Marc.

The Office Bar opens weekdays, as well as weekends and public holidays.

The hotel boasts of five additional F&B outlets, 8 meeting spaces, a beautiful spa and world class fitness facilities “Four Points by Sheraton Lagos looks forward to welcoming back its fun loving fans at the new look roof top bar to relax and unwind,” enthused Marc.

Work begins on tallest skyscraper in Africa

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he mighty peaks of Kilimanjaro and Kenya are the highest points in Africa, towering over the East Coast nations.

The mountains will soon be sharing a skyline with a man-made behemoth named simply: “The Pinnacle.”

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta recently laid the foundation stone for what will be the tallest building in Africa in the Upper Hill neighborhood of Nairobi. Construction is underway at the development site, and slated for completion by December 2019.

The ambitious project will see twin glass-facade towers rise above the city, the larger standing at 300 meters tall, far surpassing the continent’s current leader -- Johannesburg’s 223-meter Carlton Centre.

The Pinnacle has heavyweight backing in the shape of Dubai-based investors Hass Petroleum and White Lotus Group, which are ploughing around $200 million into the project.

The contract to build the towers has been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), which is among the world’s largest construction firms and has delivered a string of major projects including the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia and the Beijing National Aquatics Centre.

The complex will house a 255-room Hilton Hotel, the luxury chain’s third in Kenya and 50th in Africa. The towers will also include elite residences, business and leisure facilities, and a helipad on the roof of the taller tower.

Stakeholders are confident that the development has found the right location.

Hilton executives are also bullish, noting in a statement that the Upper Hill area is now home to offices of major international businesses and organizations including Cisco Systems and the World Bank.

“The striking new-build property...will be well placed to meet this growing demand in one of Nairobi’s most exciting and colorful areas,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president for development, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide.

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Nigeria’s hotel room revenue to hit $517m in 2021 –Report

By VICTOR NZE

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ospitality & Gaming industry firm, PwC, in the 7th edition of its ‘Hotels Outlook: 2017-2021,’ released, Monday, has forecast the hospitality market in Nigeria to be the fastest-growing from a revenue perspective over the next five years, with overall hotel room revenues hitting $517 million in 2021 from $261 million in 2016.

The report which further indicated a 5.2 per cent recovery in revenue terms for the country’s hospitality market in 2016, however, acknowledged that a number pipeline projects had been halted on account of the economic downturn which slowed growth projections.

The report which projects the hotel growth rate at 14.7 per cent compound annual increase in revenue, benefitting from an improving economy, and based on a continued growth in domestic tourism, with expansion in the number of available rooms, also ranked South Africa to be the next-fastest growing market with a 9.3 per cent compound annual increase in room revenue, most of which, it said, will be generated by rising average room rates and ‘continued but moderating growth in tourism.’

The report while commending the African hospitality market for remaining ‘resilient in the face of strong economic headwinds,’ posited further that South Africa is poised for further growth in the next five years, a projection, it said, was bolstered by inbound travelers amid a difficult and volatile economic climate.

PwC’s report features information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania, with this year’s edition focusing into Ghana and Ethiopia as emerging hotel markets.

Revenue for the five markets is project-

ed by the report to be at US$5bn in 2021 from US$3bn in 2016.

PwC’s ‘Hotels Outlook: 2017-2021’ which projects that South Africa’s hotel room revenue will grow by 10.1per cent in 2017 to R17.5 billion with overall hotel room revenue expected to expand at a 9.3 per cent compound annual rate to $1.9bn in 2021 from R15.9 billion in 2016, forecasts a positive outlook for 2017 as it sees an increase in the number of international visitors to the country in addition to domestic tourism anticipated to increase by 2.2 per cent in 2017.

“One of the positive outcomes for the hotel market in South Africa was the amendment of visa requirements that required foreign visitors from certain countries to provide biometric data in person.

International visitor numbers to South Africa rebounded significantly in 2016 with a 12.8 per cent increase as compared to the 6.8 per cent decrease in 2015.

“It is promising to note a growing number of new hotels planned for the South African market over the next five years.

The overall number of available rooms is expected to increase at a 0.9 per cent compound annual rate, thereby adding 2,700 rooms over this period, said Pietro Calicchio, PwC’s Southern Africa analyst.

According to the report, overall room revenue in South Africa rose 12.2 per cent to R15.8 billion in 2016, the biggest increase since 2013. Over the past five years, the occupancy rate has risen, surpassing the 60 per cent level and reaching 61.2 per cent in 2016. This gain has stimulated interest and a number of new hotels are expected to open in the next five years.

While for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, the report noted that a number of initiatives have taken place to promote tourism and positively impact the hotel market.

“The hotel market in Nigeria rebound-

“

Nigeria is projected to be the fastest-growing market from a revenue perspective over the next five years.

This is mainly due to an improved economy, continued growth in domestic tourism, and expansion in the number of available rooms.

“

ed in 2016 with a 5.2 per cent increase in total revenue. However, a number of projects in Nigeria have been delayed or postponed in the wake of the recent economic uncertainty. Consequently, we now expect a smaller expansion in the number of available rooms that we predicted in last year’s Outlook report,” Calicchio said, adding: “Nevertheless, there is still a lot of activity in the market for new hotels which will continue to expand overall hotel capacity.”

For the South African market, the number of available rooms is projected to rise at a 0.9 per cent compound annual rate to 63, 900 in 2021 from 61, 200 in 2016. Guest nights are forecast to increase at a 1.8 per cent compound annual rate to 15 million in 2021 from 13.7 million in 2016, with occupancy increasing to 64.3 per cent in 2021 from 61.2 per cent in 2016.

“Nigeria is projected to be the fastestgrowing market from a revenue perspective over the next five years. This is mainly due to an improved economy, continued growth in domestic tourism, and expansion in the number of available rooms.

Overall hotel room revenue is expected to expand at a 14.6 per cent compound annual rate to US$517 million in 2021 from US$261 million in 2016.

“Mauritius is projected to be the slowest-growing of the five countries, with a 6.2 per cent compound annual increase in room revenue. While there is a moratorium on new projects in place in the near term and relatively few rooms expected to be added through 2021, growth in the non-hotel inventory will ease pressure on average room rates.

Continuing, Calicchio said: “The hotel market in each country is affected by both the local and global economy, with some countries being more dependent on foreign visitors than others. We are also seeing certain local governments continuing to invest in infrastructure and implementing other plans to unlock the substantial potential that this industry has to bring.”

The report which said the emergence of peer-to-peer inventory from entities such as Airbnb, has bolstered growth in non-hotel accommodation, projected that ongoing growth in the peer-to-peer sector over the next few years will make the market more competitive, which may limit room-rate growth for hotels.

•Newly-elected Executive Council members of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) at the AGM/Election 2017 which held at Nanet Suites, Abuja, Thursday.

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday July 12, 2017

AVIATION

Air cargo growth needs renewed commitment to Lomé Declaration -- ICAO

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Director General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman presenting the ROC to Mr. Anthony Sawyer, Oando Plc’s General Manager,Operations, at the Aviation Hous in Lagos recently

FAAN explains leaking roof at MMIA

Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ederal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has explained that the leaking roof in a part of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, a video of which went viral, was due to ongoing construction works at the airport.

FAAN, in a statement signed by its Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Herrienta Yakubu in Lagos, said the upgrade was in compliance with the recent Executive Order issued by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

Yakubu, who was reacting to a viral video of the incident, denied claims that the facilities at the airport were in a deplorable condition.

“It is regrettable that the story, which was capable of creating fear in the minds of intending passengers, was not based on assessment of the said facility by the

T

he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued its first Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs)/Drones Operators Certificate (ROC) to the Oando Plc. At a ceremony which held at the Aviation House, Lagos, Thursday, the Director General, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, while presenting the certificate to the Oando management, noted that the organisation was pioneering the issuance of certificate to civil and private operators in the unmanned aircraft operations category.

“Oando Reservoir and Production Services Ltd. received the certificate having satisfied the requirements and found competent to secure the safe operation of the aircraft type Lockheed Martins SN 248-255.

“The certificate is for flights with the purpose of aerial work specifically Environmental Observation Monitoring and Protection,’’ he said.

Usman further advised Oando to ensure strict compliance with all the requirements covering the approval, as according to him, the company is expected to adhere to all operations specifications as contained in the approval document.

Usman also told the company to ex-

reporters. This is more so because the reporters could easily have cross-checked their facts with our Corporate Affairs Department before going public with such a sensitive issue.

“Following this malicious video clip targeted to tarnish the authority’s hard earned reputation, management wishes to put the records straight that the leaking roof was as a result of the on-going works at the MMIA. “This upgrade is coming at the heels of the Executive Order issued recently by the Presidency aimed at Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, and the authority is doing everything possible to improve the quality of her services in line with the order.’’

According to her, the management in compliance with government policies has since initiated practical steps to improve on safety and security architecture of the nation’s premier airport and also improve comfort and passengers

experience.

Yakubu noted that consequently, upgrade of facilities was on-going in different areas at the International Terminal building of MMIA Lagos with its attendant challenges to FAAN operations.

“Sequel to this on-going works, we recently experienced some leakages from the roof at the “D Wing” of the Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, owing to a heavy rain accompanied by wind storm.

“This is directly connected to the civil engineering works going on at the roof top at that location, which temporarily interrupted our engineers who are replacing the old roof members with new ones at that instance.

“It was practically impossible to work at that location due to its altitude and slipperiness while the rains lasted, but work immediately resumed after the rain subsided, and the integrity of roof was restored.

NCAA issues first drones operator certificate to Oando pect some initial minor challenges as it was a new initiative, adding that the NCAA would, however, was ready to respond promptly to the challenges.

“Taking cognisance of the rapid pace in technological development, the RPAs regulatory framework is a work in progress. Hence, we shall continually engage the industry stakeholders to review the regulations when necessary,’’ he said.

Usman said the RPAs Operators Certificate would remain in force till June 15, 2019 and should be carried on site during authorised and approved operations, adding that NCAA would continue to provide opportunities and level playing field for all prospective and existing

operators in the aviation industry and its allied services.

The certificate was received on behalf of Oando led Mr Anthony Sawyer, its General Manager, Operations, who, responding, commended the NCAA team for their professionalism and diligence during the process of the certification, which he described as rigorous.

“Oando will definitely abide by all the conditions attached to the certificate especially with our pioneer status,’’ he said.

To qualify for the certificate, applicants are expected to go through five phases including pre-application stage, formal application, document evaluation, demonstration and inspection, and final certification.

he International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has called for the implementation of the Lomé Declaration for the realisation of technological innovation, regulatory reform and investment in infrastructure.

A statement released by the organization, in Abuja, Thursday, revealed that the declaration is aimed at supporting air cargo growth in Africa.

According to the statement, Predient of ICAO Council, Dr Benard Aliu, made the call at the Second Meeting on Air Cargo Development in Africa, in Addis Ababa.

Aliu who said the key objective of the Lomé Declaration was the unobstructed flow and rapid release of goods through enhanced trade facilitation and custom clearance frameworks, added that the implementation of the declaration would impact on the significance of the current and forecasted contributions of air cargo to the continent’s economy.

According to him, in Africa today, aviation supports millions of jobs and 72 billion dollars in Gross Domestic Product.

“The importance of air cargo as a key enabler of international trade, is reflected in the fact that air transport carries around 35 per cent of world trade by value. The growth in African freight traffic outpaced the global average last year and that freight capacity offered by African carriers in the region surged by over 20 per cent in 2016,” he said.

Aliu said the progress in support of the declaration should be achieved through the ratification of the 1999 Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air. He stated that only 56 per cent of African states have so far adhered to the convention, noting that efforts should be made toward the realisation of the ambitious ‘E-Trade for All’ initiative, being undertaken by ICAO in collaboration with other UN agencies.

The ICAO chief added that the deployment of the Cargo Service Quality Index for measuring freight performance at the airport level, a project it was developing in close collaboration with the International Air Cargo Association, should be adhered to.

“The air cargo share of items purchased online grew from 16 per cent to 74 per cent between 2010 and 2015, and is projected to reach 91 per cent by 2025. The number of parcels flown by air has grown from around 130 million in 2011 to around 400 million in 2015, at a staggering 30 per cent average annual growth rate,” Aliu explained.

BA slashes fares for First Class Summer travellers

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ritish Airways (BA), has slashed its first class fares for First Class travellers who wish to travel to United Kingdom or Europe from Lagos or Abuja.

This slashed price is specific for those who intend to spend the summer holiday in first class style.

The first class fare to UK or Europe from Abuja or Lagos is pegged from $7,139 this period. The general public and customers of British Airways will have access to the first class slashed fare up until 30th June 2017. Outbound travel will be from 23rd June, up till 30th November 2017 with a minimum stay of 3 days and a maximum stay of 12 months.

“First Class on British Airways is a ticket to exceptional comfort and impeccable service in our most elegant surrounding and the airline is looking at making the experience an unforgettable one this summer,” said British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka.

The slashed fares will create an avenue for travellers who want to create a more robust first class experience this summer to UK or Europe. Early bird bookings are encouraged during the selected selling period.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

PenCom conducts enrolment of retirees Stories by CHRIS EBONG

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he National Pension Commission (PenCom) has concluded plans to embark on a nationwide pre-retirement enrolment exercise for retiring employees of Federal Government Treasury Funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the purpose of payment of retirement benefits.

The exercise is intended for employees in the service of the Federal Government Treasury funded MDAs who are due to retire between January and December, 2018 by virtue of attaining 60 years of age or 35 years in service whichever is earlier and 65 years

or 70 years of age for employees of tertiary institutions.

The exercise, according to PenCom, also involves those who have already retired but are yet to be enrolled.

The pension industry regulator implores employees who are thus due for retirement under the categories mentioned above to attend the enrolment exercise with the originals and photocopies of their letter of Appointment, Transfer and Acceptance of Service (Where applicable), as well as originals and photocopies of their Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age. Other documents required for the exercise include originals and

photocopies of promotion letters and pay slips including grade levels and step as at 30 June, 2004, grade level and step as at January, 2007, grade level and step as at July, 2010, grade level and step as at December 2013 as well as promotion letter and pay slip indicating current grade level and step.

Furthermore, the participants at the exercise, are to bring along a letter from the Ministry, Department and Agency signifying retirement and first appointment dates, grade level and step as at 30th June 2004, grade level and step as at January, 2007,grade level and step as at July 2010,as well as the current grade level and step, their staff identity card.

Other requirement for the exercise include an acceptance of voluntary retirement(in the case of voluntary retirees), authenticated past records of service, evidence of registration with a Pension Fund Administrator indicating Personal Identification Number(PIN) and one passport photograph.

The statement from the Commission signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Onuora added that in order to ensure a successful and hitch-free exercise, the Commission requires that Pension Desk Officers (PDOs) of each MDA should be available at designated centers to authenticate and endorse the document

of potential retirees.

“Medically unfit employees are exempted from the exercise but it is advised that their Pension Desk Officers come along with the documents mentioned above and a letter from a suitably qualified physician or medical board certifying that the employee is not physically or mentally capable of carrying out the functions of his/her office”. It was also stated.

The exercise will take place from 3 July to 30 August, 2017 at 15 centers across the nation. Employees are strongly advised to participate and adhere strictly to the dates, as only employees who have been enrolled will be issued Federal Government Retirement Bond.

NIID captures 8mn vehicles in 6yrs

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he Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) says over 8 million motor insurance certificates have been captured on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) in its six years of operations.

The Acting Director-General NIA, Mrs Lawunmi Idowu, disclosed this Thursday at the association’s annual general meeting in Lagos, adding that the NIID has run consistently hitch-free in the last 12 months.

She maintained that the motor module has effectively changed the face of insurance business in Nigeria as incidences of fake motor insurance certificates have drastically reduced.

According to her, the system features are constantly being enhanced to meet user’s requirements and expectations, stressing that in the period under review, additional features to the system include: upload of short term policies; SMS alert of claims upload; mobile app of ask niid and enhanced reporting facility.

She said the marine module is being populated by member companies pending its full utilisation by relevant agencies, adding that in the coming years, the association expectation is that the NIID platform will fully integrate with all government agencies portals for real-time verification and thereby become an indispensable tool in carrying out their statutory functions and process.

The Chairman of the NIA, Eddie Efekoha, stated that in the association’s desire to extend the coverage of the NIID to other states of the federation, it encountered the challenge of network coverage and Internet connectivity, adding that the association is taking steps to resolve the issue through the deployment of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code. He noted that the marine module has been running and member companies are daily uploading on the platform, adding that at the end of May 2017, 33 member-Companies have uploaded 65,000 marine policies.

He urged members to continue to upload their marine policies, stressing that plans are being made to bring other stakeholders into the scheme.

Technical Director, TAF Consulting Group in Dubai, Junaid Akram; Director of Supervision, National Insurance Commission, Opara Nicholas; Chairman, TAF Consulting Group, Debo Ajayi, and Partner, Accounting and Business Process Solutions, Deloitte Nigeria, Uwadiae Oduware, at a Breakfast Session on Actuarial Service Offering, Tagged: Unlocking The Value of Actuarial Skills for Improved Business Performance in Lagos.

NAICOM plans interaction with stakeholders The management of National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is set to hold interactive sessions with directors of insurance companies and major policyholders to apprise them of the implementation of its regulatory priorities for the industry in 2017 and as well, strategies to ensure the local retention of insurance business and premium within the country.

A statement by the Head, Corporate Affairs NAICOM, Rasaaq Salami, said the meeting is in furtherance of the Commission’s commitments to ensure all stakeholders are adequately informed

of developments in the sector and NAICOM’s plans for progress, adding that it is also intended to remind the directors of their roles and responsibilities in the effective and efficient management of their respective companies as key drivers of performance.

He noted that that interactive session will be held on separate dates in July and August, 2017, stressing that sessions will offer opportunities for exchange of information and ideals between the regulator and the stakeholders.

It is also an opportunity for insurance

Global reinsurers call for post-Brexit continuity

ome of the largest reinsurance compaSKingdonm nies in the world are calling for the United (UK) and European Union (EU) to maintain continuity, calling for existing access arrangements to be maintained between the pair, according to report.

For UK insurers and reinsurers, continued access to European markets after Brexit has been seen as vital, but the need for continuity also applies the other way, with major reinsurers calling on the European Commission (EC) to support their calls for disruption to be minimalised.

Report says that a letter from the Zurich headquartered Global Reinsurance Forum, a

group of the world’s largest re/insurers, sent to the EC asked for mutual access to be assured, between European companies and the UK market after Brexit.

“The UK’s withdrawal from the EU raises difficult questions about the future trading relationship between the two jurisdictions,” the report quoted the letter.

“If passporting arrangements for EU reinsurers into the UK and vice versa are not maintained, then national regulations will inevitably make cross-border reinsurance between the two jurisdictions more difficult and expensive,” it continued.

“We strongly support the position that the

UK should continue to operate an insurance regulatory regime which is consistent with Solvency II,” the reinsurers’ letter stated.

Reinsurance markets rely on the ability to transact and shift risks across borders. Part of the premise of reinsurance is that risks should be globally dispersed and diversified, meaning that market access issues can risk increasing the cost of reinsurance, and also its effectiveness.

Reinsurers are said to be concerned not just about market access for doing deals, postBrexit, but also regarding their ability to participate in the Lloyd’s of London re/insurance market.

consumers to directly interface with the Regulator and express their concerns with industry operators if any. Major insurance consumers from the manufacturing, aviation, oil and gas, marine, transport, construction, health and financial sectors of the economy are expected to attend the session, he said.

Issues bordering on appropriate pricing of insurance, risk based capital, corporate governance, service delivery, insurance penetration, local retention of insurance in line with NAICOM’s regulations and as well the local content Act, consumer protection, prompt settlement of genuine insurance claims amongst others, according to him, will be discussed at the meetings.

The meetings, he said are coming on the heels of the special training session on corporate governance and compliance endorsed by NAICOM for directors of insurance companies which was held recently.

It will be recalled that the Commission in January this year, issued an industry circular that highlighted its regulatory priorities for 2017. Recognizing the recent changes in the boards of insurance companies in compliance with the corporate governance code of the Commission, these interactions become more imperative in order to expose the new directors to the workings of the industry.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

EY partners Rotimi Okpaise on actuarial services Stories by CHRIS EBONG

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rnst & Young (EY) Nigeria has announced the appointment of Mr. Rotimi Okpaise, the founder/CEO of H R Nigeria Limited, as a partner in Actuarial Services. H R Nigeria Limited is a leading Actuarial consultancy in Nigeria and across West Africa.

EY’s West Africa Leader, Mr. Henry Egbiki, “Rotimi and his team of 16 exceptional client serving professionals will be moving across to EY Nigeria, effective from July 1, 2017, Mr. Rotimi has had a distinguished career in actuarial services over the past 20 years, with an extensive focus across life, general and health Insurance, employee benefits; and recently Enterprise Risk Management.”

Addressing selected journalists on the development Wednesday, Mr. Egbiki said; “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Rotimi and his team. Rotimi has a strong reputation in Actuarial services, with a broad client base in Nigeria and across West Africa.

The accumulated wealth of experience and skills offered by Rotimi and his team, allows us to deepen our current service offerings to our clients.”

Mr. Okpaise on his part expressed his acceptance for thr offer, according to him, EY serves has a veritable platform for his team to deploy actuarial services globally. He said his focus would be to establish EY in Nigeria as a leading actuarial service provider across the region.

“My team and I are very excited to be

part of a global organisation, which has an extensive footprint across Africa. My focus will be to establish EY in Nigeria as the leading Actuarial services provider across the region, and with the increased collaboration of the EY network we will have truly competitive advantage in the market.” Mr. Okpaise said.

Ernst & Young (EY) is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, delivering the insights and quality services. The firm says its cardinal thrust is delivering trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over, developing outstanding leaders who team to deliver on promises to all stakeholders and playing a critical role in building a better working world for people, for clients and for the communities.

•R – L: Christian Chigbundu; Bode Dinyo, Elizabeth Ehigiamusoe (Mrs); Chuka Onwuchekwa, Chairman, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ElAN); Andrew Efurhievwe, Executive Secretary, Chukwuma Ochonogor, Alfred Okugbeni, ElAN Board Member with Bosun Okusaga, MD/CEO Boctrust Microfinance Bank at the 22nd Annual General held in Lagos recently.

SAHAM Unitrust Insurance settles N318m claims in 2017 S

AHAM Unitrust Insurance Company Limited said it has settled claims worth N318 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to N315.9 million paid last year.

The Managing Director/CEO of the company, John Ijerheme disclosed this during the June 2017 edition of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) Members’ Evening held in Lagos last week.

Assuring the brokers’ fraternity of its commitment to prompt claims settlement and efficient service delivery, the chief executive officer of the company said; “we take claims payment as a key priority, we assure our customers that claims are paid promptly and we will continue to put smile on the faces of our

numerous customers through prompt claims and efficient service delivery”.

Ijerheme, who was represented by an Executive Director, Technical, SAHAM Unitrust, Yetunde Adenuga stated that the new management of the company was poised to reposition the firm to play a leadership role in the industry adding that in the last two years a lot of structures have been put in place to strengthen the firm’s internal process with focus on service to customers, prompt claims settlement among others.

He said that SAHAM Unitrust Insurance Limited was established and licensed in 1986 as Unitrust Insurance Company Limited to operate as an insurer and carries out all forms of general and non – life insurance transaction including Oil

& Gas adding that the change in its name recently was informed by the investment of SAHAM Finances in the company.

Ijerheme further explained that the company, from a modest beginning in 1986, with a share capital of N1 million has grown an authorized share capital of N5 billion, out of which N3.3 billion was fully paid up, and with shareholders’ funds standing at N7.17.

Commending SAHAM Unitrust for hosting the event, the President, NCRIB, Kayode Okunoren said; ” I thank our host, SAHAM Unitrust Insurance for accepting to host this event and assure that with this gesture, the company has registered itself in the mind of all Brokers here present with the estimated positive effects on the company’s business fortune in due course”.

Resolution Insurance partners SSP Pure on software design

R

esolution Insurance has partnered with a global insurance technology specialist SSP-Worldwide to provide a robust, flexible Information Technology (IT) system to underpin its expansion plans.

This, the firm said would aide its expansion drive following a private equity investment which has seen the insurer diversified into the general insurance market and expanded from its Kenyan base into Tanzania.

The deal, according to underwriter, will see SSP Pure Insurance deployed as a single flexible, end-to-end core insurance solution across Resolution Insurance’s operations in Kenya and Tanzania, with local account management support from the Kenyan office.

Resolution Insurance’s vision is to become the recognised leader and preferred provider of insurance services in Africa, with extended access to insurance for millions of low income people across East Africa, leveraging Kenya’s strategic position as a regional leader and gateway.

SSP Pure Insurance will provide Resolution Insurance with the selfsufficiency and agility to deliver new products and schemes that meet the needs of these customers, as well as web-based portals that make it easier for brokers and consumers to do business with the insurer.

Group Managing Director at SSP, Steve Lathrope, was quoted as saying, “Kenya is an important market for general insurance that has grown by 20per cent compound over the last year. I am delighted to be working with Resolution Insurance, a company that shares SSP’s commitment to delivering innovative and quality solutions to this market, with the roll out now extended to include its operations in Tanzania.

“Resolution Insurance is part of SSP’s African insurance community, whose user group continues to play an important part in driving the roadmap for our Pure Insurance product and strategic investment.”

Managing Director at Resolution Insurance, Tanzania, Maryanne Mugo, said: “We are targeting 100per cent growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP) over the next five years.

She was optimistic that general insurance portfolio will play a vital role in the firm’s growth plans by becoming the biggest element of the group, contributing around 60per cent of its GWP. The firm was originally launched as a healthcare insurance service providers.

In addition Mugo said: To be able to realise these plans, we needed a proven, functionally-rich software platform designed specifically for the short term insurance market and that is what SSP Pure Insurance delivers.

As SSP has provided solutions that support the differing requirements of the African insurance market for over 30 years, we will benefit from both its experience and Research and Development (R&D) investment in the platform.” She said.

32

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Export Platform

By CHINYEMIKE TORTI

Benefits of e-Commerce to exporters T

HE GLOBAL MARKET, which includes Nigeria, is undergoing a very silent revolution, which no business entity can resist.

Primordial ways of conducting commerce, buying and selling are giving way to the emerging trading platforms that are driven by new information technologies such as the Internet or electronic commerce. Can firms in Nigeria, nay the developing world, afford not to be a part of the digital economy? Many business executives today are happily surfing the world wide web for trade information, match making importers and exports in specific sector, latching on to international technical cooperation, tools and capacity building programs.

Needless to mention that the reality today is a global village and electronic commerce is an impetus to it. Although there is no universal definition, of “e-commerce”, it is generally used to cover the distribution, marketing, sale or delivery of goods and services by electronic means. The Internet is a network of computers worldwide linked up to the telephone. This is often referred to as the information superhighway. Electronic gizmos are increasingly being used by commercial firms to advertise and market both goods and services all over the world.

Manufacturers and retailers in far off countries can offer their product capabilities and benefits, content or components, prices, production schedules, delivery and payment conditions.

The information also allows consumers of goods services, whether they are manufacturers or individuals to order to order what they want from the most competitive of supplier.

This is the age of electronic shopping and on line transactions with aggressive marketing.

Poser is how do you use the Internet to boost your business, exports or commercial transactions? Each transaction is divided into three distinct stages - the advertising and searching stage, the ordering and payment state, and the delivery state. Any or all of these stages can be carried out on the Internet and may be covered by the concept of electronic commerce.

Thanks to the Internet, every participant and associated services of trade has been brought under a singular e-business marketplace through the supplier, buyers, shippers, logistics, finance, inspection services, marketing, news and software navigating through the internet is a herculean task, because the thousands of websites that contain business information are dispersed and not centralised. For the nonexperienced exporter there are several options and services, which can help in clearing the paths. Internet printed directories classify databases by subject, which could be retrieved on line and CD Rom. It is like the conventional yellow pages, which provides a user friendly compendium of fact sheet. Search engines help identify relevant sources by a combination of operative word such as country, sector or topics.

In market research they come very handy such popular search engines AHa Vista http:// atavista.digital.com Excite Inc http:// www.excite.com Hot bot http: // www.hotpot.com Infoseek http://www.infoseek.com Lycos Inc: http: // www. lycos.com Mta-crawler:-http://www.nisearch.com Northern lights http://www.v.nisearch.com WebCrawler http:// webcrawler.com Yahoo! Inc http://www.yahoo.com Mega sites run by promotional bodies like the World Trade Organisation, Trade Compass, International Trade Centre generally, offer a wide variety of Internet menus with insights, to business opportunities, market news and other trade information firms.

Example are: (1) ITC (http: //www, intracen.org (2) European Business Directory (http/ www.europages.com displays over 500, 000 companies from 36 countries and its freely ac-

ics are chasing out Nigeria equivalents in local supermarket shelves? E-commerce if pursued to its most logical conclusion, could spin off benefits to good governance and democracy.

The presidency could do with some benefit of edemocracy, which is about using technology to energise the political and democratic life of the nation. Information communication technologies could open up new channels of communication, breaking down barriers and broadening the political process via communication on line.

WEBSITES FOR EXPORTERS AFTA Onlirse.com http/wwwaftaonline.com This commercial site provides data of sale for about the 10 ASEAN economies, including country and company information. cessible.

(3) Kompass International database (http:// www2. kompass.com Contains the largest source of company profiles with detailed product classification over 1.5 millions in 60 countries. Event source contains a base of 55,000 trade shows, events and seminars (http:// Eventsource.Com) Trade show centre cover trade show, 35,000 conferences and seminars and 5000 vendors, (http: // www.tscentral.com) As an exporter, buyer or seller you can use any of the Internet mediums listed above to open your company register to a worldwide audience.

Information on technical standard, photo sanitary regulations, and the environment and consumer protection could be retrieved by exporters. For instance the International Organisation for Standardisation, ISO, the International Electro technical Commission, IEC, downloads read time information through the world standard service (http://www wssn.net/wssn) The following is a list of useful web sites available on the Internet. These sites contain information that may help the exporter in terms of outlining trade contacts in the countries mentioned.

1 Alibaba.com - Global Business-to-Business Portal 2 Made-in-China.com - China manufacturers directory 3 WorldDirectory.com - World Trade B2B directory 4 UKtrade.com - United Kingdom Wholesale Buyers and Suppliers 5 Eutrade.com - European Trade B2B Marketplace 6 Marketeo.com - Free B2B Marketplace 7 Imexbb.com - Import & Export B2B Trade Leads 8 TradeDirectory.com - Business Directory for Traders and Exporters 9 B2B.ExportFocus.com - Free Trade Leads B2B Marketplace 10 Exportpages.com - European leading B2B (Business to Business) Marketplace You can pry or “spy” on what your competitors are up to. It is perfectly “legal” to snoop, thanks to real time on line in­formation vide primary and sec­ondary web sources such as. www.metalbulletin.com if you deal with the metal industry or for those players in the UK food and drink industry, www.foodanddrink. co.uk.

But you must be alerted that few of these sites do not cater for free loaders as they charge subscription fees. Reuters business briefing, available at (www.briefingreuters.com) charges USD750 per 20 hour block for access to its database containing research reports from worldwide authorities in marketing, economic forecasting, company profiles and investment analysis. Other pay-per-view sources are Central Intelligence Agency (www.odcigov/’cia), which provides political, geographical, infrastructure

information and economic indicators on individual countries (on cd Rom $ 17, print $65). But for those who are tight with cash especially forex; there is no cause for worry as there are many sites offering free importer directories. Poser is: how do we in Nigeria carve out a sizeable slice of this digital boom? It must be stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria through its May 2001, National Information Technology policy, recognises small and medium enterprises should be the avenue for electronic commerce initiatives. The National Information Development Agency, NITDA, has brilliantly articulated the framework, direction and operative environment to promote electronic trade and business. NITDA is to network the Internet penetration to other ministries, and departments and has already set up a website http/ www.nitda. gov.ng NITDA’s Objectives and strategies are subsumed thus: •To cultivate a culture of electronic commerce, which makes business transactions easy, quick and cost effective for both national and international transactions.

•To positively raise the local and international visibility of Nigeria business.

•To encourage forging and domestic private sector led information technology services and consequently generating meaningful employment opportunities for Nigerians. Here it is very obvious the government’s objective is to make Nigeria one of the world’s leading knowledge economies. Thankfully, it is matched by an equally proactive synergy of private sector stakeholders like the Nigeria Internet Group, NIG. Information Technology Asso­ciation of Nigeria (1TAN) TELEDOM and ODU Vice President Nigerian Internet Group established the first IT Resource Centre on September 28, 2002 at Lagos. More of such initiatives dotted in the various geopolitical zones of the country could be a giant step towards reaping the dividends of the digital age. The current problems the areas have to be tacked are lack of equipment, limited connectivity, poor saloon infrastructure cost of ISP, cost of developing websites, etc.

Ghana has the largest Internet centre in African Busy Internet in Accra just is devoted to creating the sustaining value through information sharing. Busy Internet consists of three areas: a 60-seat learning centre for workshops and seminars. An access area with 100 flat-screen computer to public internet access and 4000 square feet of office space where small businesses and organisations can develop their internet related programmes and projects. Numerous Ghanaian artistes and producers are already marketing their creations around the world electronically.

Other developing world countries like Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Cuba, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela have promoted e-commerce activities to encourage SMES to sell more abroad.

In 1999, the Federation of Chinese Association of Malaysian registered an additional 4000 export enterprises, which were all downloaded in 600 search engines worldwide. Are you surprised at why Malaysia soaps, drugs, cosmet-

Consensus Economics - Asia Pacific http/www consensus economics com/apcf. htm this company provides digests of economic forecasts by region. Most of the information is fee based, however free sample downloads for several regions from last year are available.

Adobe Acrobat is required to view the data http://www.databeuro.com, Databuero specialise in supplying a vast range of authoritative publications and data from inter-governmental organisations, such as the OECD, IMF, WTO and Eurostat.

Kogan page. http://www.kogan-page.co.uk this site provides an online catalogue of the export related pub­lications that they produce, mainly the “Doing Business with ’’series, some of the publications are produced in association with Trade Partners UK. Political and Economic Risk Consultancy http://www.asiariskxom Commercial site specialising in risk analysis of East and South­East Asia Quarterly reports and economic indicators available, also chargeable in-depth analysis.

Gateway to economic and political sites in Asia Trade Fairs India: http/www.tradefairsindia. com/ this site hold’s information on trade fairs and events in India, and also Central, Asia Pacific including event news, links to global news.

India-Apparel http://www.lndia-apparel.com link: Apparel is a unique apparel and textile buying services company that facilitates apparel buying through a network of reliable suppliers, internet-based supply chain technology and an experienced team of sourcing and supply chain processionals Indian Mark http/www.indiamart.com this site provides information on Indian manufacturers, importers, exporters and suppliers. It gives company informa­tion and links to some company web sites.

Indian Exporters http/www.indianexporters.net/ a straightforward company in­formation directory. Search alphabetically by category. Indian Sources Online http/www.indiansources.com Today many exporters are deploying e-commerce tools to expand their customer base, tap into new markets, research competitors, find new products and evaluate country opportunities. At a click of the keyboard, I can source, develop and deliver an export contract/purchase order to cross border traders across the globe.

• 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

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Love and Living

... With Ireto Temofeh

Oracle Girl of the Week

LOVE NEWS

Four household items that destroy romance in the bedroom Sexpert Tracey Cox says there are four items that can instantly kill the romance. She says screens in bed are a no-no but equally even the firmness of your mattress can effect the mood.

They look innocent enough but these four, every-day items wreak havoc on the average couple’s sex life. Banish them from your bedroom and you’re instantly in store for a year of better, more frequent sex!

Foreplay should begin way before you take your clothes off and if your partner’s spent all night on their phone, giving other people attention, why would you want to give them yours?

One recent study found it’s especially harmful if one person uses technology more than the other - the second person feels ignored and insecure. Neither are emotions likely to trigger a bit of rumpy-pumpy.

YOUR TV Couples who have a TV in their bedroom have sex half as often as those who don’t: that’s a fact, supported by reputable research.

Why? It stops you both talking, it robs you of sleep (the better rested we are, the healthier and higher our libido) and it keeps you grounded in reality.

God help us all, but reality shows like The Kardashian’s suck some people into the trap of thinking what we watch on telly is actually real. It’s not.

Sex on telly is peppered with couples having more simultaneous orgasms than cups of tea. In real life, they’re actually pretty rare. this leads to unrealistic expectations and constant disappointment with our sex lives.

A SOFT, LUMPY BED The best beds for good sex are firm with no hard edges.

You need a firm foundation to master creative sex positions and to be able to sit or lean on the edges without hitting anything hard.

Clean, fresh linen is inviting; scratchy, balled-up sheets, not so much (though there is something undeniably sexy about a crumpled bed that you both have just had sex in!).

A few firm pillows are perfect for lifting and supporting body bits to make sex super comfy and those more adventurous positions more ‘doable’.

YOUR IPADS AND PHONES Ditching the telly won’t do a thing if you replace it with another device to distract you from sex and each other.

Slip into bed and pull out your ipad or phone and the effect on your relationship is even worse!

These gadgets are portable, so capable of destroying intimacy anywhere.

Name: Vikky Tel: 08175900535

SLOPPY SLEEPWEAR Well-worn, snuggly track pants and wooly socks might make us feel cosy when it’s cold outside, but they do little to get your partner hot and bothered.

I’m not suggesting tottering to bed in high heels and sexy stay-up stockings on Monday nights but aiming for a happy medium by choosing something that’s at least a little flattering isn’t too much to ask, surely?

Courtesy: Daily Mail.

• Do you want to be our next Oracle Girl? Send your photos to ireto007@yahoo. com and call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS Man shoots himself dead while playing Russian Roulette alone ...after his friend refused to join in

A

20-year-old blew his head off after apparently trying to play Russian roulette on his own.

Bryan Javier Aguilera Soto had taken a Taurus .38 revolver and gone to visit a friend in Coquimbo, a city in the western Chilean province of Elqui, where he proposed playing the lethal game.

His friend unsurprisingly turned down the offer before walking out of the house. Moments later he heard a shot ring out as Mr Aguilera shot himself in the head.

He was rushed to the San Pablo de Coquimbo hospital but despite the best efforts of doctors was pronounced dead at 11.50pm on Saturday, hours after firing the fatal shot.

Russian roulette is a potentially lethal game of chance in which a player plac-

es a single round in a revolver, spins the cylinder, places the muzzle against his head, and pulls the trigger.

With a six-shooter revolver, players have in theory a one-in-six chance of blowing their brains out; but in practice the force of gravity will probably make the full chamber come to rest at the bottom of the cylinder, altering the odds in favour of the player.

The term ‘Russian roulette’ first appeared in a story of the same name

by Georges Surdez, which describes Russian officers playing it in Romania in 1917, although it is claimed the game had been widely known in Russia since the early 19th century.

Mr Aguilera’s death came as the Coquimbo region’s chief of police, Colonel Julio Gordon, warned of the danger

Romantic Joke Will you marry me?

Bob, a hard-bitten man of early middle age, had evaded many a marital trap, but was now hopelessly in love with pretty young Sue. Finally he said, “Will you marry me, Sue?” She smiled and said, “Oh yes, Bob.”

of having guns in homes precisely because they could fall into the hands of the young and reckless.

Days before Mr Aguilera’s death he had launched a firearms amnesty in the city, asking any citizens with firearms to ‘surrender your weapon’ anonymously and with no legal repercussions.

Since Mr Aguilera’s death it has emerged that the revolver he used was stolen from a neighbour, who was registered to own it.

A police spokesman said they are looking into the matter.

Courtesy: Daily Mail

There followed a long silence, till Sue said, “Well, say something more, Bob.” And Bob said hollowly, “I think I’ve said too much as it is.”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

True Confession

‘My husband lost his business because of me’ W

hen I met Ola, I knew he was going to make a great father. Having grown up in a family without a dad, this was high on my list of prerequisites. Julian seemed to fit the bill perfectly — he was good with kids and spent lots of time with his nieces and nephews.

I knew he was a workaholic too at his hotel, but was sure that he would stop working too much in order to make time for his family.

By the time we had our second child, I knew our “perfect family” was in trouble. Ola returned to work at his hotel straight after the birth and after that, we hardly saw him. He went to work early, came home briefly for lunch and to see the children and returned to work until late in the evening, when everybody was in bed.

When the kids reached school age and weren’t home in the middle of the day, they never saw their father at all. Ola brushed off my complaints with reminders that he was working so hard for them in the first place, but I knew this wasn’t really the case.

The hotel was doing well and we’d always been good with money; there was more than enough room for Ola to take a few days off here and there. But it never happened and so by the time our kids had almost reached secondary school, we’d never even taken a family holiday together like traveling to the village for Christmas.

Besides, I had heard reports that my husband kept so many girlfriends in his hotel, which I believed was the reason he seldom has sex with me.

I was very angry with him and I knew that I had to do something drastic. Infuriated by his apparent lack of concern and remembering my own childhood with a dad who lived two states away

and didn’t care, I decided it was time to teach my husband, Ola, a lesson. And I knew just how to do it.

Ola had a good business going with his hotel here in Lagos, but I knew he was a bit clumsy in how he ran things. No one who worked for him received proper training, for example, because it cost too much.

One day, I anonymously rang the state Ministry of Health and made a complaint. I said I’d recently eaten at the hotel and had ended up very sick.

I told them that I had watched the preparation of the food and noticed some very poor hygiene practices from the chefs. I hung up the phone, knowing that Ola was going to get a visit from the health ministry.

What I didn’t know was that Ola had already been in trouble and fined for similar infringements. For example, his staff didn’t store food correctly, didn’t label expiry dates, check temperatures, wear gloves or even clean up adequately at the hotel!

I had no idea things had been this bad. I only wanted Ola to get a fine, to pay him back, but it was a long way past that. When the health inspectors paid my husband a visit, they found enough wrong to shut his hotel down. And it was all my fault!

It was a blessing in disguise, though. Out of work, Ola came back to the family begging for my forgiveness. I forgave him on one condition: he should spend more time with his family.

He accepted begrudgingly and said that whenever he reopens his hotel he would start spending more time with me and the children. I laugh inside me because he has no idea how far I’ll go to make sure he keeps to his promise!

‘I lied about being a lesbian’ C

hristian and I had been best friends for ages when he was horribly dumped by his long-term girlfriend. I’d just got out of a relationship myself and been absolutely crushed by it.

We were together in my apartment one night, drinking and complaining about how cruel love was, when one thing led to another.

By the end of the week, we were a couple.

Things were great at the beginning. It helped that we had a long history and understood each other, but then Christian began to get really needy. He began hinting about marriage and babies. It was just too fast for me. I knew it was a result of him being dumped, but as a friend, I felt really bad about discouraging his crazy ideas, so I didn’t. But I was slowly feeling trapped, so I subconsciously began to distance myself from him.

That made things even worse. He would text me up to 10 times a day. One day, he arrived on my doorstep and asked me what was wrong. I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was him, so I did the worst thing possible and said I thought I was a lesbian.

I lied and said that my last relationship had really made me distrust men and that I couldn’t picture a future with a man any more. I went on to say that I had been interested in women for a really long time but fear of rejection had made me never pursue the idea.

Christian was surprised, but took it really well

because it wasn’t his fault. He turned into my best friend again and was very supportive. He even tried to set me up with his lesbian friends!

I went along with it for a few months. We would go to the mall and “check out” girls together or we’d research articles on the Web

about lesbianism. It was really good to have my best friend back, even though I felt bad about lying to him. In the meantime, he was out and about and met a girl he really liked. After a few dates, they were an item. I was happy that he had moved on.

I eventually met a guy I was interested in and told Christian that the lesbian thing was a phase and I’d finally met the guy who could turn things around for me. At that point, he was so delighted with his relationship that he was happy for me!

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Relationships and Love Advice

‘My wife is now afraid of sex’

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Ngozi, 25, fair, chubby, lives in Onitsha, needs a responsible, buoyant man from 40 years and above who can take good care of her. 08147538320.

Lilian, dark and sexy, in Lagos, needs a hot and sexy sugar daddy. 07064482338.

Nkechi, 38, graduate, seeks a matured man and also a devoted christian from 40 years and above for marriage. 08112063224.

Loveth, 27, residing in Kaduna, wants a sugar daddy from Abuja. 09062373928.

Princess, 29, from Anambra, in Lagos, HIV Positive, needs a decent, working, healthy, HIV Positive guy from 30 years and above from Anambra for marriage.

09090675833.

Rosemary, 29, from Anambra based in Abuja, self employed, good looking & homely needs an educated God fearing, comfortable man from the East between 32-45 years strictly for marriage. 09092942483.

Rosemary, 31, from Anambra based in Abuja, self employed, good looking & homely, needs an educated, godly, comfortable man from the East between 32-45 years strictly for marriage. 08161186244.

Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage.

08090925014.

Dear Love Doctor, Please sir, I really need your advice. I’ve been married for the past sixteen years and I and my wife have six children, three boys and three girls. But the problem is that if I now want to have sex with my wife, she will not agree. If she agrees after much pressure from me, she will tell me that we can only do one round. And even that one round is war. Please, I think too much because I love her and I don’t know what to do. I don’t have a girlfriend. Please help me.

From Jimoh.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Jimoh, This is a delicate matter. However, you need to be patient with her. Have a frank talk with her and find out why she is so much against sex now, after 16 years of marriage. It could be that she is scared of getting pregnant again after having given birth to six children already. Maybe she’s tired of child-bearing. If that is the case, you might need to assure her that you don’t want to have any more children & will ensure that she doesn’t get pregnant again by practising safe sex. Find out the exact reason for her refusal and assure her of your help & support. If she has your assurance & support, she will get over her fear of sex and your sex life will return to normal.

Call Love Dr. 07031028714, 08131161840. E-mail: 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 or 08131161840. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/relationship.

E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840 for Counseling, fertility problems & Direct Hookup.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage Bayo needs a mature lady or young woman who is godfearing, pretty and financially okay for true love.

09037361906.

Edozie needs a responsible woman for marriage.

08033337285.

Rexos, from Enugu, needs a loving and caring sugar mummy of 35 years and below. 08096374374.

Desmond, HIV Positive, from Anambra, living in Lagos, needs a pretty, HIV Positive woman for marriage.

09092935581, 08127618536.

Goodheart wants a tall, fair, beautiful, working class Yoruba, Akwa-Ibom, Kogi or Port-Harcourt lady for marriage. 08030725296.

Love needs a mature working woman in Lagos for companionship. 08077821830.

Daniel, 25, student, needs a sugar mummy or a single mum in Minna, Abuja or Kaduna who can take care of his educational finance. 08167627446.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

It happened to me:

‘I was kidnapped and gang-raped on my wedding day’ W

hen Terry Gobanga - then Terry Apudo - didn’t show up to her wedding, nobody could have guessed that she had been abducted, raped and left for dead by the roadside. It was the first of two tragedies to hit the young Nairobi pastor in quick succession. But she is a survivor.

It was going to be a very big wedding. I was a pastor, so all our church members were coming, as well as all our relatives. My fiance, Harry, and I were very excited - we were getting married in All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi and I had rented a beautiful dress.

But the night before the wedding I realised that I had some of Harry’s clothes, including his cravat.

He couldn’t show up without a tie, so a friend who had stayed the night offered to take it to him first thing in the morning. We got up at dawn and I walked her to the bus station.

As I was making my way back home, I walked past a guy sitting on the bonnet of a car - suddenly he grabbed me from behind and dumped me in the back seat. There were two more men inside, and they drove off. It all happened in a fraction of a second.

A piece of cloth was stuffed in my mouth. I was kicking and hitting out and trying to scream.

When I managed to push the gag out, I screamed: “It’s my wedding day!” That was when I got the first blow. One of the men told me to “co-operate or you will die”.

The men took turns to rape me. I felt sure I was going to die, but I was still fighting for my life, so when one of the men took the gag out of my mouth I bit his manhood. He screamed in pain and one of them stabbed me in the stomach. Then they opened the door and threw me out of the moving car.

I was miles from home, outside Nairobi. More than six hours had passed since I had been abducted.

A child saw me being thrown out and called her grandmother. People came running. When the police came they tried to get a pulse, but no-one could. Thinking I was dead, they wrapped me in a blanket and started to take me to the mortuary.

But on the way there, I choked on the blanket and coughed. The policeman said: “She’s alive?” And he turned the car around and drove me to the biggest government hospital in Kenya.

I arrived in great shock, murmuring incoherently. I was half-naked and covered in blood, and my face was swollen from being punched. But something must have alerted the matron, because she guessed I was a bride. “Let’s go around the churches to see if they’re missing a bride,” she told the nurses.

By coincidence, the first church they called at was All Saints Cathedral. “Are you missing a bride?” the nurse asked.

The minister said: “Yes, there was a wedding at

10 o’clock and she didn’t come.”

When I didn’t show up to the church, my parents were panicking. People were sent out to search for me. Rumours flew. Some wondered: “Did she change her mind?” Others said: “No, it’s so unlike her, what happened?”

After a few hours, they had to take down the decorations to make room for the next ceremony. Harry had been put in the vestry to wait.

When they heard where I was, my parents came to the hospital with the whole entourage.

Harry was actually carrying my wedding gown.

But the media had also got wind of the story so there were reporters too.

I was moved to another hospital where I’d have more privacy. That was where the doctors stitched me up and gave me some devastating news: “The stab wound went deep into your womb, so you won’t be able to carry any children.”

I was given the morning-after pill, as well as antiretroviral drugs to protect me from HIV and Aids. My mind shut down, it refused to accept what had happened.

Harry kept saying he still wanted to marry me.

“I want to take care of her and make sure she comes back to good health in my arms, in our house,” he said. Truth be told, I wasn’t in a position to say Yes or No because my mind was so jammed with the faces of the three men, and with everything that had happened.

A few days later, when I was less sedated, I was able to look him in the eye. I kept saying sorry.

I felt like I had let him down. Some people said it was my own fault for leaving the house in the morning. It was really hurtful, but my family and Harry supported me.

The police never caught the rapists. I went to line-up after line-up but I didn’t recognise any of the men, and it hurt me each time I went. It set back my recovery - it was 10 steps forward, 20 back. In the end I went back to the police station and said: “You know what, I’m done. I just want to leave it.”

Three months after the attack I was told I was HIV-negative and got really excited, but they told me I had to wait three more months to be sure.

Still, Harry and I began to plan our second wedding.

Although I had been very angry at the press intrusion, somebody read my story and asked to meet me. Her name was Vip Ogolla, and she was also a rape survivor. We spoke, and she told me she and her friends wanted to give me a free wedding. “Go wild, have whatever you want,” she said.

I was ecstatic. I went for a different type of cake, much more expensive. Instead of a rented gown, now I could have one that was totally mine.

In July 2005, seven months after our first

planned wedding, Harry and I got married and went on a honeymoon.

Twenty-nine days later, we were at home on a very cold night. Harry lit a charcoal burner and took it to the bedroom. After dinner, he removed it because the room was really warm. I got under the covers as he locked up the house. When he came to bed he said he was feeling dizzy, but we thought nothing of it.

It was so cold we couldn’t sleep, so I suggested getting another duvet. But Harry said he couldn’t get it as he didn’t have enough strength. Strangely, I couldn’t stand up either. We realised something was very wrong. He passed out. I passed out. I remember coming to. I would call him.

At times he would respond, at other times he wouldn’t. I pushed myself out of bed and threw up, which gave me some strength. I started crawling to the phone. I called my neighbour and said: “Something is wrong, Harry is not responding.”

She came over immediately but it took me ages to crawl to the front door to let her in as I kept passing out. I saw an avalanche of people coming in, screaming. And I passed out again.

I woke up in hospital and asked where my husband was. They said they were working on him in the next room. I said: “I’m a pastor, I’ve seen quite a lot in my life, I need you to be very straight with me.” The doctor looked at me and said: “I’m sorry, your husband did not make it.”

I couldn’t believe it.er Going back to church for the funeral was terrible. Just a month earlier I had been there in my white dress, with Harry standing at the front looking handsome in his suit. Now, I was in black and he was being wheeled in, in a casket.

People thought I was cursed and held back their children from me. “There’s a bad omen hanging over her,” they said. At one point, I actually believed it myself.

Others accused me of killing my husband. That really got me down - I was grieving.

The post-mortem showed what really happened: as the carbon monoxide filled his system, he started choking and suffocated.

I had a terrible breakdown. I felt let down by God, I felt let down by everybody. I couldn’t believe that people could be laughing, going out and just going about life. I crashed.

One day I was sitting on the balcony looking at the birds chirping away and I said: “God, how can you take care of the birds and not me?” In that instant I remembered there are 24 hours a day sitting in depression with your curtains closed, no-one’s going to give you back those 24 hours.

Before you know, it’s a week, a month, a year wasted away. That was a tough reality.

I told everybody I would never ever get married again. God took my husband, and the thought of ever going through such a loss again was too much. It’s something I wouldn’t wish on anybody.

The pain is so intense, you feel it in your nails.

But there was one man - Tonny Gobanga - who kept visiting. He would encourage me to talk about my husband and think about the good times. One time he didn’t call for three days and I was so angry. That’s when it hit me that I had fallen for him.

Tonny proposed marriage but I told him to buy a magazine, read my story and tell me if he still loved me. He came back and said he still wanted to marry me.

But I said: “Listen, there’s another thing - I can’t have children, so I cannot get married to you.”

“Children are a gift from God,” he said. “If we get them, Amen. If not, I will have more time to love you.”

I thought: “Wow, what a line!” So I said Yes. Tonny went home to tell his parents, who were very excited, until they heard my story. “You can’t marry her - she is cursed,” they said. My father-inlaw refused to attend the wedding, but we went ahead anyway. We had 800 guests - many came out of curiosity.

It was three years after my first wedding, and I was very scared. When we were exchanging vows, I thought: “Here I am again Father, please don’t let him die.” As the congregation prayed for us I cried uncontrollably.

A year into our marriage, I felt unwell and went to the doctor - and to my great surprise he told me that I was pregnant.

As the months progressed I was put on total bed rest, because of the stab wound to my womb. But all went well, and we had a baby girl who we called Tehille. Four years later, we had another baby girl named Towdah Today, I am the best of friends with my fatherin-law.

I wrote a book, Crawling out of Darkness, about my ordeal, to give people hope of rising again. I also started an organisation called Kara Olmurani.

We work with rape survivors, as I call them - not rape victims. We offer counselling and support.

We are looking to start a halfway house for them where they can come and find their footing before going back to face the world.

I have forgiven my attackers. It wasn’t easy but I realised I was getting a raw deal by being upset with people who probably don’t care. My faith also encourages me to forgive and not repay evil with evil but with good.

The most important thing is to mourn. Go through every step of it. Get upset until you are willing to do something about your situation. You have to keep moving, crawl if you have to. But move towards your destiny because it’s waiting, and you have to go and get it.

Courtesy: BBC MAGAZINE. • Do you have a Survivor or inspirational story to tell/share? Send it to ireto007@yahoo.com or call 07031028714, 08131161840.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Love & Living

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LL for love, we do the strangest things. During my early years in the love business, I could die for love, I took it that seriously. I could give anything and everything and never get anything back. It was until that day at the beach when I lost quite a lot for the sake of love that my brain went through a very needful reset and I started seeing clearly.

We were both all loved up and young, you know how it can be, and outings were just for us. That day we were at the beach and the fun was at its peak.

I can remember that I was on an errand for my aunty that day to deliver a certain amount of money to her friend and business partner. It day a long distance from our base back then and that was my alibi, I and Bobo had more important plans and I was to run my aunt’s errand after our time out at the beach, putting my Bobo first was already a habit, all for love.

Ify

and ARONU Life I did this for love ifyaronu@gmail.com

him. We ran to safety and that was when we noticed that everyone else had left the water on sighting that wave, we were probably too loved up to notice.

After that incident, I was unsettled and more like recoiled, it was time to go. But Bobo was unshaken, a guy had now approached him and they were talking. After that near death experience, I couldn’t bring myself to do anything else. The next thing I noticed, he was talking with another guy He was the adventurous type and and soon, he was invited to play their soon asked that we get closer to the game, he went with them while I waitwater, I sensed trouble but I kept my ed in our hut. cool, all for love.

When he got back a while later, I I saw the angry wave first but couldn’t sensed that all was not well. Bobo exrun because he held me fast. In all plained that he was doing well in the my life, I have never screamed like I money doubling game until he lost all did that day. Thank God I did! When I his personal effects, now he needed turned to run, he was right behind me money to try again so as to get them because my piercing scream shook back. I told him I only had my aunt’s business money but he said, he would We had our hut and got suya and drinks. It was the first time I would be out with him at the beach and I was determined to make every moment count. When he asked for a walk along the shore, I obliged him and we set out.

definitely get it all back and to trust him, he looked straight into my eyes. I gave him the money, all for love.

I insisted on going with him, maybe I shouldn’t have because that made the pain worst. Before my eyes, Bobo lost the whole money. Desperate to have it all back, he asked for another round this time with my phone as investment. He still lost and that was when I started seeing clearly.

I cried as though bereaved but it was all gone already. It was so terrible that we didn’t even have transport fare to go home. To make my case worst, he didn’t have a dime in his bank account, apparently the little he had was deployed for that outing.

You can then imagine my woes as I thought of what to tell my aunt, I could only think of at least saying that the money flew away, or didn’t it?

Her mother flogged her when her uncle raped her

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VER since the inception of my campaign “Demystify Abuse Campaign”, I have become more aware about the many happenings within and around the home front as regards how many parents treat or react to rape and sexual abuse related stories. To be frank, it is rather too sad a discovery for me. I had least expected some of the things I have heard in the past few months.

I do not know who or what to blame for the things I hear. The entire thing often leaves me confused. Who do I blame? Do I blame ignorance or the non-chalant and I-don’t-care attitude of our parents?

The most annoying part of this discovery is the fact that our mothers are most guilty.

I often wonder what their concerns are.

What really interests our mothers these days?

So, I have been opportune to listening to stories of rape and sexual abuse from teenagers and from adults too of which I am inclusive, and many of them when asked what their parents did upon hearing of their ordeal, eight of every 10 reply in ways that reflect the ways we treat our children when they bring up serious issues to them.

They were heart-breaking stories for me.

They were revealing; they left me in doubt about the challenges that are ahead for the campaign. I write these things to express my concern; I write to create awareness about abuses, I write so that parents can learn.

Ours is a changing world that keeps shocking us daily. Some of the responses are enough to tell us that we are far from showing adequate interest in the affairs of their children.

“I told my mum, she flogged me for ac-

Maureen Alikor maureenalikor@gmail.com

Me & More cusing her brother wrongly,” the girl her uncle raped said. Her voice had traces of her sadness.

“I told my mum, she said I am lying,” another said. How does one deal with this one? I wondered to myself how mothers have fallen to such levels of little care for their children. Who would the children talk to, who would they trust?

“I told my father, he shut my mouth with his hand, and asked me never to say such again”. The girl who had this story had thought that her father would have felt her pains and acted.

“I told my aunt, and she said her husband can’t stoop as low as sleeping with me,” another girl said. I often battled with confusion at this type of response. How do wives know the ones their husbands would stoop low to sleep with them?

“I told my aunt, she starved for three days, before threatening my life, and warning me never to say it to another person”. There was always a chance that the victim could be punished, from beatings to starvation, and almost guaranteed, stigmatisation.

All these responses and much more came from adults who were supposed to be caretakers of these children, yet they who are supposed to be the first listening ears to the cries of these young ones, end up making life a living hell for them.

While we are trying so hard to put a stop to rape and its related offences, all hands must be on deck to make this dream a reality. It is a collective responsibility for every one of us, and most importantly parents.

These findings have gone a long way to show us how damaged and how unhealthy our homes are. We have a generation of parents who do not care about their children’s wellbeing.

We have a generation of parents who do not know their responsibilities as parents do not end in child bearing and provision of food and basic necessities like clothing, shelter and school fees. We have parents who are destroying their children by not caring.

We have a generation of parents who have become so encumbered with accumulating more wealth and looking picture

perfect for the public rather than pay closer attention to their homes and their children.

If we are to record the kind of success we envisage, then everyone MUST be willing to contribute a quota to the demystifying of abuse and rape. It is a long journey that starts with the commitment of each of us.

Attention is not so expensive that we cannot pay it to our children. They are the same children we claim are our future.

If we would listen more, we would record a massive decline in juvenile delinquencies caused by psychological traumas abuse victims experience.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Kidnapping and Abduction the taking of a child from his parent, irrespective of whether the person abducted consents or not. Also, it can be the criminal taking away of a person by persuasion, fraud, or by open force or violence.

Most people mix up kidnapping with abduction. Before I highlight their differences, let me first restate the key words that pertain to each of them.

ABDUCTION: (1) Taking away of a person (2) by persuasion (3) by fraud (4) by open force (5) by violence.

KIDNAPPING: (1) Taking away a person by (2) force (3) threat (4) deceit (5) without consent of the person (6) hiding the person in an unknown place or preventing his discovery to any other person of his hiding place (7) no access to the person.

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idnapping and abduction are offences under the Nigerian Law Earlier, I have discussed about arrest and I wish to state that arrest, kidnapping and abduction have different meanings in Law but may look alike in the eyes of many.

An arrest is a restriction, which is LAWFUL on an individual’s right to liberty as contained in section 35 (1) (c) of 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Arrest may be with or without warrant of Arrest.

A police officer can arrest any person without a warrant where he reasonably suspects him to have committed an offence in any of the circumstances listed in section 10 (1) CPA and section 26 CPC. Here commitment of an offence which makes the arrest LAWFUL is necessary. Which means that anything short of the lawfulness of a restriction of an individual’s freedom is not an arrest and may be the other two classes. When a policeman uses deceit, force and threat to take away a person, it is not an arrest.

Kidnapping is the taking away of a

person by force, threat, deceit, with intention to cause him or her to be detained against his or her will. This criminal act may be done for ransom or for political or other purposes.

Section 364 of the criminal code of Nigeria deals with this criminal act known as kidnapping which is now becoming very rampant in the country now. So many people do not understand the consequences of this act on the individual families affected directly and indirectly as well as to the image of this our great nation Nigeria. Some of the kidnappers and abductions see this act as business.

Business indeed with other people’s lives and liberty.

The same section 364 provides that any person who unlawfully imprisons any person or takes him out of Nigeria, without his consent; or unlawfully imprisons any person within Nigeria in such a manner as to prevent him from applying to a court for his release or from discovery to any other person of the place where he is imprisoned, or in such a manner as to prevent any person

What is the difference between abduction and kidnapping?

The key difference is that Abduction is when someone uses deceit or force in order to take a person or a child away from their home or relative. Kidnapping is taking away or forcefully transporting a person against their will and holding them in false imprisonment, a confinement without legal authority. Kidnapping is usually done for a motive or for ransom.

Abduction is the unlawful interference with a family relationship, such as the taking of a child from its parent, irrespective of whether the person abducted consents or not.

Kidnapping is the taking or detention of a person against his will and without lawful authority.

The terms abduction and kidnapping are sometimes used interchangeably. At common law, kidnapping consisted of the forcible abduction or stealing or carrying away of a person from one’s own country to another. Kidnapping is the taking away of a person by force, threat, or deceit, with intent to cause him or her to be detained against his or her will. Kidnapping may be done for ransom or for political reasons or by open force or violence.

entitled to have access to him from discovering the place where he is imprisoned, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for ten years.

It is to be noted that due to the gravity of this crime in the country, some states have put in place legislation with stiffer and harder sanctions as a determent. The question still remains: Does this stop or even eliminate this crime? To me as some have now tagged me “the legal pastor” it is greed, over-ambitiousness, without waiting for one’s God-chosen time to arrive. Stupidity, foolishness, laziness; idleness and lack of fear of God in the persons involved usually lead to the commitment of these crimes. If one is not lazy and unnecessarily idle in this country one must survive and become fantastically rich without involvement in crime, if it’s God plan that such a person must be rich. Always pray • Do you have questions or seek and wait for your time. legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, What is Abduction? property, etc? Call or send a text This is the unlawful interference message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, with a family relationship, such as 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@ yahoo.com

Sent from my iPhone with love. You can reach me via +2348131161840 or +2347031028714. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com. Thank you very much. May God bless you.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Entertainment Real reason Tontoh Dike’s family returned bride price

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re you a fan of Tontoh Dike’s? Do you have a crush on her? Have you been dreaming of hooking up with her? Well, the coast is clear as her family has returned the dowry her husband paid for her hand in marriage and now the actress is single and ready to mingle.

Speaking on why the family decided to return Churchill’s bride price, a source close to the matter said: “It is obvious that it is all over between the couple as a lot of water has passed under the bridge. Attempts by elders on both sides of the family to resolve the issue have failed woefully. And on their path, Tontoh and her estranged husband are not ready to accommodate each other, so both families decided that the best way forward was to totally dissolve the marriage.

“The refund of the bride price is the first step towards a divorce. It is so sad that a marriage which held so much promise and which was ‘advertised’ on social media so much could collapse so quickly in a blaze of sex scandal, accusations and counter accusation.”

Barely a year after their marriage, Tontoh Dikeh and her hubby, Churchill, took to social media to wash their dirty linen in public amid reports that Churchill was having a full blown affair with his secretary who also happens to be Tonto’s fried by the name of Rose Meurer. The couple have a two-year-old son named King.

I have achieved God’s unstoppable success in music – Okoli Sis Tochi C. Okoli, aka Apple of God’s eyes, is an up-and-coming gospel artiste. Recently, she released her third album, Decoration Praise in Lagos. The ever happy and smiling musician spoke with Oracle Today on her career and dreams.

When did you start music?

I have been in music but underground as an organist in a local band. When the inspiration came in 2013, I took it up.

This is my third years playing of gospel music and it has been awesome!

How many albums have you released so far?

I have released two albums, the Decoration Praise is the third.

Could you tell us about your new album?

Well, I feel so happy and ful-

filled that people supported me to launch the album. Decoration Praise has 10 tracks and I thank God that I made it finally after much effort and prayers to God. Many like me were not able to succeed. But God has made me unstoppable. My first album, Apple of God’s Eye had 10 tracks and it has both audio and VCD. The second is entitled He Answered Me By Fire, an 11 tracker. Presently, I am rushing to produce the VCD of my last two albums and very soon, they will out in the market.

How do you get inspiration for your songs?

Actually, it could not have been from any other person but God. He is my inspiration.

He opens my mind, eyes, ears and mouths to do what I am doing and without him, I will do nothing. In fact, he directs and I follow.

• Sis Tochi C. Okoli

How I made Oritsefemi-Danku, ex manager

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•Tonto Dike

Toa drops new singles

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ultiple award winning artiste, Italy-based-Nigerian singer, Timothy Ozemebhoya Asotie aka Toa, has concluded plans to storm the Nigerian music industry with some of his hit songs.

The up-and-coming musician who is already making waves in Italy with songs like Selese, Reality, One in a Million, Freedom and his latest hit single, Onyinye featuring Mr. Nature shared his dreams with Oracle Today in a telephone chat.

“I have plans of coming down to Nigeria to storm the music industry but I I want to get a reliable record label and platform to execute my talent. My songs have breakthrough around the world; I have other great songs that are yet to hit the music •Timothy Ozemebhoya Asotie aka Toa scene,” Toa said.

Ugboma says AMAA Rwanda nomination party unnecessary

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he recent African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nomination party, which was held in Rwanda last week has been described by some Nollywood practitioners as unnecessary, especially at this time of recession.

Veteran filmaker Eddy Ugboma who is also a former Nigerian Film Corporation boss querried: Why should they take the nomination party of AMAA to Rwanda? How does that benefit our nation? This is a huge waste of recourses.”

Similarly, Thelma Ikoko, another film maker, said the award organizers would appear to have lost direction and emphasized the need for them to go back to the drawing board if they want to remain relevant.

“When the award was founded years back, it was the beautiful bride of the industry and it set standards but now it has departed from its core values. Unless something is done soon, the award will lose its relevance.”

-list artiste manager, Accounting graduate and entrepreneur, Yusuf Adebola Adepitan aka Danku, has opened up on how he made Oritsefemi’s Double Wahala a hit.

In a chat with oracle Today, Danku, who has since parted ways with the self-styled musical Taliban and who has groomed artistes like Konga, Slim Joe, Racey and Oluwaseun opened up: “I am not the one that gave Oritsefemi the idea for Double Wahala but it was my money that pushed Double Wahala to where it is today. Oritsefemi was not my artistes. I was Terry G’s manager back then and I only gave Oritsefemi shows from the outside so at some point, another management came for Terry G and I decided to move on.

“The reason was I did not want to complicate things for myself so when the new management came, I did not want my reputation to be soiled so I moved on.

But Terry G and I are back together. He is working with Ijobanadanku. It is a team of seasoned professionals.

What attracted him to Oritsefemi: “I called him personally because I discovered him from afar. Oritsefemi is a bundle of talent. His singing and the texture of his voice is wow! I will give that to him any day. When I called him I only told him one word. I said Oritsefemi, ‘you are the next star’ and I cut the call.

“He had not even recorded Double Wahala then. Later on we booked appointment and he came to meet me and I started taking him around and introducing him to my clients and agencies I worked with. Some of the agencies refused to work with me because they said they preferred Terry G so I found that as a big challenge.

“That was the reason I spent all my money on Double Wahala. I pushed it from coast to coast, online and everywhere I could. I projected it with all my connections and Double Wahala clicked and before I knew it, all my clients were calling me for Oritsefemi. This happened in three months. I dropped Double Wahala in the last quarter of 2013, October to be precise. Oritsefemi was in Moscow when I was promoting Double Wahala. When he came back to Nigeria, right from the airport he started hearing his music and he was blown away. I took Double Wahala from the grassroots to the mainstream.”

Ijobanadanku He recently launched his own label, Ijobanadanku. He opens up on his new baby: “I have worked with both foreign and local artistes and I discovered that the Nigerian music industry is not well structured. Record labels don’t really know the business and a lot of artistes don’t know their duties as artistes. The major problem I have discovered in Nigerian entertainment is that a lot of entertainers only understand the show but fail to understand the business. So they misbehave and destroy their brands.

“Sometimes, they don’t see themselves as role models. Some don’t even know that there are millions of people out there looking up to them as role models and that is why they always misbehave and before you know it they lose everything.”

If is one man who has contributed immensely from behind the scenes towards the growth of Nigerian music, it is definitely Danku. Aside Oritsefemi and Terry G, he has worked with the likes of Konga and Racey as well.

Recalling how he started him continued: “I am somebody that likes sound; I love music. I am talking about any sound that comes with rhythm. I have always loved to use music to console myself. I come from a very wealthy home, my father is late now. He was a billionaire. He was the former Lagos State Chairman of Saw Millers Association of Nigeria.

“I learnt a lot because my father was a great leader. I learnt to be hard working and to be a good listener. He told me that if you want to be a good leader, first be a good listener. That is why I am able to manage artistes.”

According to the graduate of Accounting, after he finished SSS3, his parents discovered that if care was not taken he was going to be irresponsible. “Probably, I would end up a street urchin so my mother decided to take me away from Oyingbo where I was born to Oyo State, where I finished secondary school and got admission to The Polytechnic, Ibadan. I studied Accounting and graduated in 2003,” he revealed.

Danko says that ab-initio, he only just loved playing around with sound and never planned to end up a show promoter and artiste manager: “I started my ca-

reer as an entertainer in secondary school in Oyo State. I remember vividly DK Sexy and how we both competed as dancers.

At dancing completions, if I didn’t come first, DJ sexy came first. So I started as a dancer but I stepped up my game.

“When I was doing my internship I picked up another career as a printer. I am a graphic artiste. I was doing creative work designing CD jackets. I was the one that handled the album cover for Duncan Mighty’s first album. From there I was doing jackets and posters and then I picked interest in artistes. It was in 2004 and the first artiste I picked interest in was Konga. We started working together and brought out Baby Konga,”he added.

Baby Konga was a huge success. Could we say you were the brains behind the success? “Yes, but it was not only me.

There was DJ Midas; may his soul rest in peace. He was our godfather, brother and uncle for all of us at Ebutte Metta back then.

Success secrets “The secret is nothing but God and my father’s training because I come from a very big family, the Adepitan family. I must make sure the family name is not soiled by me.”

Adebola Adepitan aka Danku

40

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

Entertainment

Mr. Ag. President, engage Nigerian youths for national integration – Chioma Obiadi, Miss Nigeria

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iss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi, has called on Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo to engage Nigerian youths in order to curb the spate of hate speeches and distrust among youth groups in in recent weeks.

While commending Osinbajo for his engagement with leaders of thought over the quit notice slammed on Igbos by Northern youths, the beauty queen stated that it was high time the Presidency reached out directly to the youths for a ‘heart-to-heart’ meetings and discussions.

According to her: “I commend the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for the steps he has so far taken to calm the frayed nerves occasioned by the recent spate of secessionist agitations and counter-agitations.

urge the Acting President to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to engage the youths on peace-building through activities that interests them. The youths have shown times without number that in education, sports and entertainment, they can put behind parochial interests and ethnic sentiments and relate freely with one another irrespective of socio-cultural backgrounds.

“The youths should be encouraged to use their fertile minds and creative talents to become solvers of problems that affect the nation.

They could be encouraged to sing unity songs, shoot movies that centre on national integration, write storybooks that preach love for one another, and all engage in inter-regional cultural tourism and fairs.

These activities apart from building bridges could also stem the tide of “Let me use this opportunity to unemployment in country.”

• Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi

Behold Chibest Anele, winner, Life Continental Beer Hi-Life talent show

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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or Chibest David Anele, a 29year old final year Political Science student of Enugu State College of Education (Technical), emerging the winner of penultimate weekend’s grand finale of the HiLife Fest talent show organized by Life Continental Lager Beer which was held at Sonia Resorts Awada Layout, Obosi, Anambra State is an awesome experience and he is short of words.

Anele, who beat four other finalists to emerge was instantly handed a cheque of N1m, 20 cartons of Life Continental Lager Beer and a music recording deal.

for this opportunity,” Anaele said.

Speaking, Emmanuel Agu, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout, NB Plc.re-affirmed the brand’s commitment to the progress and culture of the people of the South-east while expressing his de-

light at the successful completion of the competition.

Runners-up were presented with cash prizes. They included Kingsley Onuoha, Umunakwe Nwayiaku, Roseline Akpan and Ogbonaya Stephen.

The indigene of Obibiezena, Owerri North LGA of Imo State told the mammoth crowd that he would use the money to sponsor up-and-coming highlife artists and also use part of the money to further his education in order to become a professional musician.

“I am overjoyed to have emerged the overall winner of this competition. I am so elated right now. I auditioned just like every other contes- • Winner of the Life Hi-Life Talent Show, David Anele flanked by Flavour tant and I still can’t believe I won. I (left) and Bright Chimezie (right) shortly after he was declared winner am grateful to Life Continental Beer of the contest.

My husband okay with my acting sex scenes-Omosexy

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fter a long hiatus, Time 100 Gal, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde aka Omosexy is back in Nollywood. The 39-year-old mother of four is poised to heat up Nollywood as she will be acting steamy and sexy scenes alongside Fred Amata, Wole Ojo, and Jide Kosoko in her new movie, Alter Ego. Hear her: “Some of the sex scenes in Alter Ego were down played because I’m married, but I wouldn’t play the sex scenes if it was not necessary to be included in the film. I know by starring in this movie that my fans would either hate me or love me forever.

“While shooting I knew I was doing something quite risky. There are several ways to shoot a sex scene tastefully and I’m all for playing a sex scene convincingly and my husband knows this. He understands but just like every other human being and the professional that he is, he too wants to be convinced that I played it well because it is necessary,” she explained. justifying her move further she added: “As professionals, we need to ask ourselves if it is necessary for a movie to have a sex scene and when it is, it should be done well.”

Horror flick, Ajuwaya hits cinemas today

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roducer of Couple of Days, Tolu Lord Tanner is poised to release a horror movie, Ajuwaya- The Haunted Village’ which will make its nationwide cinema debut on Friday, July 7.

According to Tolu Lord Tanner: “When I came into the movie industry, I wanted to make movies targeted at the age bracket of 18 and 25/30. I am talking about that vibrant age demographic that does not watch Nollywood movies and that is what we are

doing with Ajuwaya. One of the best experiences I ever had was during my youth service because I got to experience a different life in the same country called Nigeria.

Commenting on how he got the inspiration he continued:“The first time I heard the word Ajuwaya was during my days at the orientation camp. It was the name our trainers called us, I didn’t know what it meant until someone told me it actually meant ‘As you were.’ Many

young adults and the much older ones especially those who underwent the one year compulsory service will be able to relate with this movie and its story.”

Ajuwaya- The Haunted Village is the story of six corps members who were posted to a remote village in Osun State and unwittingly awakened an age-long evil. The movie features Timini Egbuson, Lanre Hassan, Etinosa Idemudia, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Northern sensation and Rahama Sadau among others.

• Omotola

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS Ebonyi not owing LG workers, Umahi replies NULGE national leadership From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

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bonyi State government has debunked media report credited to the national leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) that the State is owing local government workers four-month salary arrears.

In a joint press briefing held by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Barr Samuel Okoronkwo and the state President of NULGE, Comr. Leonard Nkah, in Abakaliki, the duo insisted there was no iota of truth in the report.

Okoronkwo said not only has Governor David Umahi never owed local government workers including primary and junior secondary school teachers since inception of his administration, he also pays them as and when due.

He challenged anyone in doubt, to disprove the government by making public any local government worker who has not been paid up-to-date.

The state NULGE President who corroborated the position of the Commissioner said the report was a misrepresentation of facts to the media.

Nkah described the national President and the General Secretary of NULGE as excellent gentlemen who enjoy good relationship with Ebonyi State government and cannot go out of their way to label falsehood against it.

He admitted that the local government workers have been paid up to date and the workers are enjoying cordial relationship with the State government.

“When I read it in the newspapers, I made effort to reach our national President, a man I know very well to be an honest man and he confirmed that it was printer’s devil. We the members of NULGE are not being owed any salary.

In fact, we receive our salaries earlier than any other staff in the state so; the report was full of error and should be disregarded,” he said.

Asked why the state government is yet to fulfill the promise of paying workerss pension and gratuities, Okoronkwo said they are awaiting the report of a committee set up to work out the modalities for payment.

Biafra: Kanu does not have mandate of Ndigbo – Group F From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

OLLOWING the recent wave of hate speeches in the country, particularly within the context of the quit order to the Igbo living in the North by a coalition of Arewa youths, a group of Igbo professionals known as Igbo Intelligentsia Forum (IIF) has written an open letter to the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

In the letter signed by the National Coordinator, Chief Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna; the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Katch Onunuju; the Coordinator Northern Zone, Chief Clement Aguiyi; the UK Coordinator, Nze Barr Sympathy Chiboko Nwosu; and four trustees of the organization, the Igbo group said that “Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB do not have the mandate of Ndigbo to seek for secession from Nigeria”, noting that Ndigbo could not be held responsible for what Kanu does or says, “just like the Niger Delta Region, the Yoruba people and

the Hausa/Fulani/Kanuri peoples are not being held responsible for the actions of Asari-Dokubo, Ganiyu Adams and Abubakar Shekau, respectively.”

They added: “We do not hold the vast majority of good northerners responsible for the actions of the unscrupulous politicians in their midst, and we wish to extend our hands of brotherhood and fellowship to all northerners who believe in equity, justice and fair play.”

The group assured the Acting President that the Igbo are major stakeholders in the country and as such have not indicated any interest in leaving Nigeria, stressing that the majority of the Igbo people prefer a restructured Nigeria.

The group, however, noted that Ndigbo “are tired of being used as Nigeria’s scapegoats and cannon fodder. One of the reasons fueling the discontent of Igbo youths as epitomized by the actions of IPOB/MASSOB is the routine killing of Igbos,

even for things they have absolutely no connection with. It is inconceivable that any group of people will be happy that the only solution to conflict resolution is the killing of their people. The action of the routine killing of our people is against equity and natural justice…

“The region is suffering severe infrastructure deficit and the absence of significant federal presence. For example, the only Federal Government commercial venture in the South East is the moribund Nigerian Coal Corporation, while other regions have petro-chemical, steel, aluminum, defence, fertilizer, iron ore, liquefied natural gas, power plant ventures etc. The initial national gas pipeline network was designed to by-pass the South East under the pretext that the demand for gas in the region is low. Out of over 140 nonministerial agencies, which exclude educational, health and research institutions, only two have headquar-

CBN warns farmers against selling farm inputs From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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• Dike Street, Awka, Anambra State capital, taken over by flood in the wake of the recent heavy downpours in the state. Residents of the adjoining streets have been forced out of their homes.

Photo by CHUKS COLLINS.

Army has no plans to truncate democracy – Burutai From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

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HIEF of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai, has assured that the Army will do all within its power to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

He stated this at the photography and arts exhibition held at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2017 Army Day celebration.

General Burutai disclosed that the Army Day celebration was one of the platforms used to project the contribution of hardworking individuals and to honour fallen heroes for paying the supreme prize in defending the nation.

He said that it was good to hear that over seven hundred Boko Haram terrorists had been captured by the Nigerian army who were currently engaged in the war against insurgency, assuring that more of the insurgents would succumb to the Nigerian army in the battle.

He opined that the photography and art exhibition would serve as an avenue to enlightened the public about the uniqueness of the Nigeria army “I believe that this photographic/arts

ters sited in the South East, namely the War Museum in Umuahia and Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority in Owerri. The issue with the location of headquarters of major agencies of government is that the capital and recurrent expenditures of such agencies have significant multiplier effect on the local economy. Something the South East is not benefiting from.”

The group called on the Federal Government to intensify actions to ensure that the peace building efforts of the government is sustained.

They urged it to caution all parties involved in the hate speeches.

They Igbo group also called on the Federal Government to reconsider its position on restructuring the country “in a manner that grants greater autonomy to the federating units”.

They assured that doing so would “douse tensions in the country and usher a new era of peace and prosperity for the entire country.”

exhibition will serve to set a benchmark for leaders particularly in the military as an institution and nation at large.”

Governor Kashima Shettima of Borno State who also attended the event commended the Chief of Army Staff for his efforts to curtail the menace of terrorism in the state.

He described him as “a man of honour and good reputation who looks upon the troops,” adding that “he has remained committed to his vision for the Nigerian Army which is to have pro-

fessionally responsive followers.”

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, who gave the keynote address, described the Nigeria Army as “a civilianfriendly organization,” adding that the celebration had become a good opportunity for the army to showcase its achievement and rich culture to the public The inception of the Nigerian Army is traced to 1863 when Sir Glover took some Hausa slaves and organized

them into a small local force referred to as the Glover Hausa or Hausa militia.

This small group later became known as the Lagos Constabulary and was saddled with the responsibility of military and police functions.

In 1910, they were incorporated into the West Africa Frontier Force and became the Lagos Battalion, from where it had since metamorphosed into the present day Nigeria Army. Effectively, the Nigerian Army is 154 years old.

Group accuses Okorocha of kidnapping member From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

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political organization in Owerri Zone of Imo State, Imo Equity Movement, which is championing the cause of the zone to produce the next governor of the state in 2019, has accused Governor Rochas Okorocha of masterminding the kidnapping of their Secretary, Barr Kingsley Ononuju.

Ononuju was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday, June 29, 2017 in Owerri at about 8pm.

In a press statement issued by Mr. Tobechi Chigbu, the Director Media and Strategy of the group, said that the “abductors have since contacted his family

members and are asking for six million naira ransom.”

The Imo Equity Movement, nevertheless, accused the governor of being behind the abduction of their secretary.

“We hereby accuse Gov. Okorocha of being behind the abduction of Hon Bar. Kingsley Ononuju for very obvious reasons and charge him to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of our secretary since this new wave of intimidation will, in our judgment, only heighten the already tense security situation in the state”, the group said.

The group noted that the police had on Saturday 1st July 2017 “recovered his vehicle which he was using at the time of

his kidnap in Elele, Rivers State from two occupants who, at the sight of patrolling police officers, abandoned the said vehicle and ran into the bush.”

Ononuju was said to have been kidnapped as he joined his colleagues in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State for the commencement of their Owerri Zone Town Hall Meetings for the sensitization of the people of the area on their clamour to produce the next governor of the state.

“This objective, since it was declared about three months ago, has been vehemently and viciously opposed by the serving governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha”, the group alleged.

RANCH Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Asaba, Dame Elizabeth Agu, has frowned at farmers who were allegedly selling farm inputs loan (feeds) given to them to grow their farms.

Speaking at a strategy meeting with members of the CBN state anchor/private farmers and other stakeholders held at the CBN conference hall Asaba, Agu explained that the essence of the meeting was to fashion out measures that could proffer solutions and also assess the progress of the Anchor programme in the state while urging farmers to desist from any act tending to disrupt the programme’s success.

“It is criminal for anyone to side-sell farm inputs which is a loan that is expected to be repaid. How do we pay back these loans if farmers continue to sell their inputs? Any farmer that side-sells input does not want the progress of Deltans, but only increasing poverty,” she said.

Meanwhile the Chairman of the Project Monitoring Team, Mr Mathew Badaiki, disclosed that the farmers were allegedly side-selling the feeds in Ughelli and Warri for five thousand naira and Camp 74 Anwai for four thousand naira. He therefore stated that a new strategy would be applied and that all the cooperative leaders under Anchor must provide irrevocable post-dated cheques and that farmers must confirm received inputs by signing before payments could be processed.

Also, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Austin Chikezie, urged Deltans to act differently, describing the act as criminal. He warned that anyone caught would be made to face the law and if convicted would be liable to face five years jail term, adding that the state governor had issued an order of arrest of any farmer who side-sells farm inputs.

He advised the input suppliers to do proper verifications and ensure they have the capacity to supply even as he maintained that the CBN Anchor had a guideline which could not be deviated from except if reviewed.

42

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

NEWS

Anambra CP issues quit notice to criminals From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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NAMBRA Police Commissioner, CP Garba Baba Umar, has issued a warning to criminal elements to depart forthwith as he was prepared to chase them out.

Umar said that his stewardship would bring greater honour to Anambra State as he was poised to bring his wealth of experience to bear in crime fighting in the state.

The new CP, who succeeded CP Sam Okaula, told newsmen at the police command headquarters in Awka that no threats would undermine peace in Anambra State.

He said that the citizenry deserved their right to peace and tranquil environment and that it was the obligation of the police to ensure that no threat undermined the quality of life the people should enjoy.

Umar pledged the commitment of the officers and men of the Anambra State police command to combating crime, stressing that they would not betray the confidence reposed on them by the Inspector General of Police.

He however made it clear that “we must face the future boldly and declare to the enemies of peace, criminals and their cohorts alike that there is no room for them in this blessed land called Anambra State...”

Delta wins healthcare award From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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ELTA State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme introduced under the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has won the 2017 Outstanding State Government Healthcare Programme of the Year Award for its innovative health insurance programme.

The award, which was presented at the just concluded Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) in Lagos, was in recognition of the state’s outstanding service delivery in healthcare in Nigeria and the State

Supported Health Insurance Scheme under the Delta State Contributory Health Commission which is now in its 6th month of operation.

Delta State Government commenced its State Supported Health Insurance Scheme on the 1st of January 2017, the first state to commence such a programme in Nigeria and now has over 60,000 enrollees registered and receiving healthcare services across the state.

Activities to scale up the scheme’s portfolio were currently at an advanced stage with emphasis on the vulnerable members of the society to ensure that no one was left behind.

The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) is an annual event which celebrates distinguished personalities and organizations who have contributed to the growth of the Nigeria health sector in the year under review.

Speaking while receiving the award on behalf of the state government, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, thanked the organizers for the recognition given to the administration of Okowa in its effort to institutionalize health insurance scheme in the state which he started

as Chairman Senate Committee on Health.

He assured that the Delta State Contributory Health Commission would ensure continuous advancement of the State Health Insurance Scheme for all residents of the state.

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Ben Nkechika, expressed delight in the recognition given to the state and enjoined all Deltans to get involved in the health scheme as the strategic roll-out activities of the scheme continued across the state.

Quit notice to Igbos ploy to frustrate Osinbajo – CSOs From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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IVIL Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Niger Delta region has described the quit notice given to the Igbos by the northerners as work of a cabal whose aim was to frustrate the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo.

The National Coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade, who spoke in statement in Warri on behalf of the CSOs, appealed to Nigerians irrespective of their religion, ethnic or political differences to eschew violence and hate speeches that were capable of dividing the country.

He said; “Importantly, we have observed a seeming play of politics with the current situation and the work of a cabal to frustrate the Acting President Osinbajo to freely take actions to douse the raging conflagration and insensitive statements from some quarters.

We warn that our collective fate as Nigerians should not be toyed with.

“We cannot afford a breakup. Never again must we fight, let us talk to ourselves, let us embrace peace at all times. Nigeria’s unity must be sustained.”

He also appealed for peaceful coexistence and unity among Nigerians, saying that “Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable and we should desist from hate speeches capable of throwing Nigeria into anarchy, chaos and civil war.

“Nigerians should shun hate speeches.

When we speak, it should be for the unity of the country and not for division. We should promote the peaceful coexistence in the country.

Mulade urged Nigerians to make the founding fathers of the country proud by preaching togetherness even as called for all to join hands to build bridges of unity.

He reminded them that they do not have another country to call their own and that it is in the best interest of the nation and the people for all to live together as one, saying “to live together as one big family is sacrosanct and will result in sustainable development of our nation.”

Comrade Mulade also advised Nigerians to do away with those things that could tear the country apart, adding that no one should issue quit notice to anyone as Nigerians are all equal stakeholders in the country.

• Proprietress of Jubich International Schools, Awada Obosi, Lady Ogechi Umeh presenting her welcome Address during the school graduation ceremony Photo by Modestus Igudobi

Osinbajo urges quick take-off of African standby force From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

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CTING President Yemi Osinbajo has charged African leaders to remove all impediments to the full take-off and operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF) and the Peace Fund.

Osinbajo stated this while declaring open the ongoing African Union summit in Addis Ababa where he led the discussion on peace and security as the Chairman of the AU’s Peace & Security Council, a continental equivalent of the UN’s Security Council.

The Acting President said this was necessary to ensure the full implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) especially the operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF) and the Peace Fund.

He declared that the Government of Nigeria would fully support efforts at ensuring that the Peace and Security Council work towards removing all distractions and impediments to the full attainment of operational capacity of the African Standby Force.

He said the objective was to ensure the effectiveness of the African Union peace support operations, adding that “the Regional Economic Communities and relevant international bodies, especially the United Nations, must remain strategic pillars of peace, security and development of the continent as envisioned in Agenda 2063.”

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “we need to rekindle our political will and de-

termination not to bequeath to the next generation of Africans the burden of wars, poverty and misery. It is therefore necessary for the Assembly to reaffirm the overriding importance of holistically addressing the root causes of violent conflicts in our countries.

“Our peace and security agenda must remain on the front burner of our deliberations. We have no choice; peace, security and stability are fundamental to the realization of sustainable devel-

opment and to assure our peoples of decent and happy lives.

“As we move towards silencing the guns by 2020, our collective resolve must remain solid and steadfast to effectively tackle conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“Pursuant to our 50th Anniversary’s Solemn Declaration, and under Nigeria’s chairmanship of the Peace and Security Council in the month of July, we

will prioritize the adoption of practical measures to address the current security challenges in South Sudan, Somalia, Guinea Bissau, the Sahel-Sahelo and Lake Chad Basin regions. Furthermore, Nigeria will strengthen the engagement with all AU Member states in confronting the menace of child soldiering and millions of out-of-school children in armed conflict areas. To this effect, I would like to urge your full support and cooperation in this endeavour.”

NDDC to complete east-west road in 3 weeks From NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt

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ANAGING Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, has assured that the emergency repairs on failed portions of the East West Road, between Eleme Junction and Onne Junction in Rivers State, will be completed within three weeks.

Mr. Ekere gave the assurance while inspecting work on the road. He was accompanied by the Executive Director Projects, Engr. Samuel Adjogbe, and other directors of the Commission.

The NDDC chief executive stressed the importance of the road, describing it as the gateway to economic activities in the Niger Delta region. He declared: “This road means a whole lot to the people of the Niger Delta.”

He assured that NDDC would ensure

the project was properly supervised to guarantee quality work. “So far, the quality of work here is impressive. I am not an engineer, but even as a layman, the fact that you have to excavate as much as 2.5 metres in some areas to remove unsuitable materials before sand filling, speaks a lot about the work.”

He commended the contractor for mobilizing promptly to the site and challenged other Nigerian contractors to work more for quality rather than profit.

“It is not as if the type of engineering we study in Nigeria is different from what is obtainable in any other part of the world.

It is just a question of our attitude to work.”

Ekere assured: “For us in NDDC, we are interested in quality. We want to shame our critics and we want to ensure that we deliver for the common good of the people of the Niger Delta. We are committed to delivering quality roads and other in-

frastructure that meet international best practices and standards.”

The NDDC boss said that the objective of the commission was to ameliorate the sufferings of motorists who ply the road, as well as improve the living conditions of the people of the region and urged the contractor to speed up work on the repairs.

Briefing the NDDC boss on the emergency repairs, the Project Manager, Engr.

Efe Eloho, said that they faced a challenge with the soil texture, but promised that the repairs would stand the test of time. He noted: “We excavate as much as 2.5 metres in some areas to remove unsuitable materials before filling with sharp sand and hard core.”

Eloho said that although the road was a major route for fuel tankers, he could guarantee that it would last for up to 20 years because of the high quality of work put into it.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

PASSAGE

Encomiums as Onuora Nzekwu, trail blazer, goes home

• Late Onuora Nzekwu

WHEN co-author of the classical children’s tale book Eze Goes To School and pioneer General Manager of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Onuora Nzekwu was buried in his Umuezialo village, Onitsha, Anambra State, last Friday, even the uneducated knew or heard that an intellectual colossus had departed to the great Beyond, writes OLIVER UDEOGU.

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HE remains of octogenarian and coauthor of the classical children’s tale book Eze Goes To School, was finally laid to rest at his home town Umuezialo village Onitsha Anambra State.

The funeral attracted the crème de la crème of the society from all walks of life, who came to wish the literary giant goodbye and witness his epochal burial according to Onitsha burial rites.

The body of the late elder statesman lay in-sate at his No 53 St Stephen’s Road Inland Town Onitsha residence, and was accorded full burial rites according to Onitsha customs and tradition. The ceremonies were performed by the Agbalanze society, the highly regarded club of titled men in Onitsha traditional society, relatives, in-laws, friends and well-wishers.

Son of the deceased, Mr Olisa Nzekwu described the departed family patriarch as an honest man who dealt fairly and freely with people, noting that the family would surely miss him.

Speaking in the same vein, one of the daughters of the deceased Mrs. Nora who described the late author as a friend she was always free to discuss with, reiterating that her father was, indeed, an honest man. She urged those who read the father’s book Eze Goes To School, to imbibe his virtues in their lives.

Although the highly revered Onitsha Monarch, Igwe Alfred Achebe was conspicuously absent from the funeral, she explained that, ‘’there are some issues indeed, which I cannot really explain here... But, since the Agbalanze society is here to accord our father the last respect, the burial has taken place according to customs and traditions of our people,’’ she said.

During the funeral rites of the deceased, his widow Justina Nzekwu relocated to her paternal home. This was to enable the Agbalanze society attend and actively participate in the burial of Pa Nzekwu.

In a chat with The Oracle Today, she reminisced on her days with her late husband: “We never argued on any matter all through our marriage,” she recalled. “In fact,

The late Nzekwu lying-in-state at his residence.

I did my best when he was sick because he gave me joy when he was hale and hearty.’’

On the family feud, which led to the absence of the Obi of Onitsha and why she had to stay in her father’s place while the husband was being buried, Mrs. Nzekwu sighed before saying the family did not wish to disclose certain things to the public.

But her brother, Engr. Charles Mbanefo, however, kicked against the treatment meted to his sister, describing as wrong because her sister and her husband lived together in peace for so many years, saying custom demands that a widow should be in her husband’s place during his funeral “but my sister was asked to relocate to her father’s place, to enable the Agbalanze society attend the burial. You know if the Agbalanze does not attend the burial, it is as good as having flopped.”

But Chief Arthur Mbanefo himself simply described the situation as ‘family feud’ that can be resolved easily.

From right, Dr. Clement Okafor, son of the deceased, The Izaga Masquerade displays at the funeral.

Mr. Olisa Nzekwu and a relative

• Justina Nzekwu, deceased’s wife

Nkwa Umuagbogho Dance Group from Afikpo, Ebonyi State entertains at the funeral.

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45

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

SPORTS

•Gianni Infantino

Onyekuru happy with new deal with Everton

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ewly capped red hot Nigerian striker, Henry Onyekuru who on Tuesday signed a five year contract with English Premiership side, Evertons Football Club of England has expressed his happiness over the new deal.

According to the Nigerian who is back in the country after penning his name and signature on the contract in England promised to do more than he did last season for his KAS Eupen, in Belgium. The 20-year old Anambra State born goal poacher explained that his five year deal and a lone deal with Anderlecht will enable him play in next season’s Uefa Champions League which is the dream of every player plying his trade in Europe.

The goal machine explained the loan deal will his career some good even as he promised to improve on his performance last season. He said he was looking forward to having a great season with Anderlecht in the coming season.

“I want to express my happiness over the new five year deal I signed with English club, Everton. The contract has a loan provision on it and I am going on loan to Anderlecht. It is a good contract I must say because it will afford me the opportunity of playing in next season’s Uefa Champions League,” Onye-goal began.

“My loan move to Anderlecht is a good step for me and welcome development because striking a deal is not all about the money involved,” he said.

“I am looking forward to another great season in Belgium as well as to feature in the Champions League.

“I hope to do more than I did last season with KAS Eupen.”

It is recalled that Henry Onyekuru inspired KAS Eupen by firing 24 goals last season in all competitions which helped the modest Belgium club finished 13th on the league table.

How youths conquered the world for Germany Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

I

t is no longer news that Germany on Sunday emerged champions of the 2017 FIFA Confederation Cup tagged ‘Russia 2017’, but what is news is that the world champions did it in style by using relatively unknown youth players to achieve the feat.

There is no gaining saying that the decision by German national team coach, Joachim Low to jettison the much established national team players and go to the championship with almost new set of young players is

because he knew the quality the players he took to Russia were made off.

His decision was not to discard the older players but to ensure that Germany remain relevance in world football by preparing for the exit of the much established players and it paid off handsomely as the youngsters ended up making history by winning the country’s most elusive trophy, the FIFA Confederation Cup in grand style.

The young Germans did not lose any match en route winning the

trophy for their country for the very first. Germany had won every available trophy in world football but have failed to win the FIFA Confederations Cup, that is why the victory they recorded against very enterprising Copa American champions, Chile is historic.

It is important that despite the fact that Germany lifted the 2017 FIFA Confederation Cup trophy for the very first time in the annals of their football, Chile gave a very good account of themselves throughout the duration of the match. The game could have been won by Chile but for luck and discipline, Germany won via Lars Stindl’s first-half goal. It was that goal which came as a result of defensive slack that made the difference between the two teams.

Among the teams that participated in the 2017 FIFA Confederation Cup in Russia, the German side was adjudged the youngest when you consider the average age of the players. It is true that other teams equally came with young players but the Germans remain the youngest and through dent of hard work, discipline and determination, they

Amaju sure of Eagles’ AFCON ticket

T

he president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and CAF Executive Committee member, Melvin Amaju Pinnick has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagle will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations that Cameroon will play host to in 2019.

Speaking to sportswriters, Amaju assured Nigerians that they should not fear over Eagles’ qualification for the Africa Nations Cup. He explained that despite the faulty start of the team in their qualifiers, they will qualify.

He explained that it was not only that the Super Eagles are going to qualify for the Afcon 2019, they are equally going to qualify for next year’s World Cup tagged “Russia 2018”.

He said the Federations were not sleeping in their commitment to the

team to ensure that all necessary measures to make their qualifying campaign smooth are put in place and as a result, Nigerians should not panic.

“I believe that there is no need for anyone to be panicking because of our Africa Cup of Nations Qualification,” Pinnick began.

“Of course I am aware that Nigerians are not happy that we lost our first game of the AFCON Qualifiers at home against South Africa against all expectations, but that has come and gone. We have to move on and focus our attention on the remaining games.

“The Nigeria Football Federation are not sleeping on the issue of our qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of

Nations which Cameroon will be playing to.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that all the necessary things that the team required to get the job done are provided.

“I promise you we will not only qualify for the AFCON but, we will beat South Africa in South Africa,” Pinnick said.

“As the President of the Nigeria Football Federation I feel the pains of football loving Nigerians. I can assure you that God being on our side Eagles will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations despite the misstep of our first match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

“All we need to do is win all our five remaining matches in the Afcon qual-

ifier and we will be through. So, I am very positive that we will qualify for Cameroon 2019.

“We are not only going to qualify for the Afcon, we are equally going to qualify for the World Cup. These two competitions are very dear to the heart of this Federation and we are going to do everything possible to ensure that Eagles work in conducive environment to get us the tickets,” Amaju assured.

It is recalled that since the home defeat of the Gernot Rohr boys at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Nigerians from different walks of life have continued to express fear over the team’s qualification to the continental premier football fiesta.

emerged victorious at the end of the tournament.

It is also recalled that the German Under-21 on Friday lifted the European Under-21 championship trophy after seeing off Spain in a very tactical game that left many football followers wondering whether it was the FIFA World Cup final that was played on Friday the youthful teams of Germany and Spain.

What the German double achievements mean is that the future of the football and sports in general lies with the youth. It also shows that German have a very solid youth development programme for their players to have conquered Europe and the world in a space of three days.

Nigeria must wake up from her slumber by ensuring that the national team; the Super Eagles are beefed up with young enterprising, dedicated, and gifted players who have the potential to don the national colours for at least 10 years for the good of the country. Gernot Rohr has started that he should be encouraged by all stakeholders if we must be relevant in the committee of football nations.

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

SPORTS

CNS likely to hold in August –Williams

By MADUABUCHI KALU

T

he annual Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming Championship is likely to hold in August all things equal. This is the declaration of the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) Fatayi Williams in exclusive telephone chat with The Oracle Today Sports.

According to Williams, the Federation had already intimated the naval authorities the sponsors of the annual swimming championship of the desire of the Federation to stage the championship in August.

“Well, we are hoping to stage this year’s annual Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming championship in August. As we speak, we have informed the naval authorities of our desire to have the championship take place in August though we have not heard from them.

“We are hopeful that their response will be positive because they are the sponsors of the annual elite swimming competition.

Of course our athletes are looking forward to the championship including the officials.

“Of course the venue of the championship will still be in Lagos. You are aware that Lagos hosted the last edition and at the end of the championship, they pledged to stage this year’s edition as well following the success recorded by the last edition.

“Lagos was a good just like other previous hosts like Delta State. Lagos is like following the footstep of Delta because Delta hosted in 2013 and at the end of that championship pledged to host the 2014 which they did successfully.

“So, we are waiting for the Nigerian Navy to give us the go ahead then we will start mobilizing our athletes and other stake-

holders to enable us have a successful championship as usual,” William said.

Meanwhile, Williams has disclosed that the country will be participating in FINA organized World Swimming Championship which will be taking place in Budapest, Hungary with three swimmers made up of two males and a female.

He explained that the three swimmers that will be representing the country at the World championship include Yellow Yeiyah, Ifeakachukwu Moore and Faith Edorodion.

According to him, apart from the swimming championship in Budapest, there will also be a FINA Congress which normally takes place during World Championships. He further explained that the last Congress took place in Barcelona, Spain four years ago during the last World Championship.

Sunderland starlet, Asoro, could play for Nigeria

Caf Confederation Cup: Rivers United technically out •Club Africain tops Group A

S

weden youth international, Joel Asoro, says he’s open to representing the Nigerian senior national team, the Super Eagles.

The 19-year-old striker was born in Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm to Nigerian parents and he has played for the European country’s Under-17 and Under-21 sides.

Asoro, who is on the books of English Championship side, Sunderland AFC, confirmed that he has been contacted by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

“They (Nigeria) have contacted me” Asoro is quoted as saying on SVT. “We will see what happens if I do not get into the A national team in Sweden. I’ll probably choose Nigeria.

“England is also a possibility. If I live in England for two more years, I can play for their national team.”

Asoro made his professional debut during Sunderland’s 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in an English Premier League (EPL) game on 21 August 2016.

The highly-rated attacker became the youngest player to play in the EPL for both Sunderland and Sweden.

•Fatayi Williams

N

igeria’s only remaining representatives, Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt are technically out of this year’s continental competition after they were humbled by visiting Club Africain of Tunisia on Sunday.

Before the match, the River State financed side, were placed third on their group, but with the home defeat in the hands of their visiting superior opponents, the Stanley Eguma tutored side are technically out of the race to progress in the competition.

The North Africans brushed aside Rivers United by 2-0 in their CAF Confederation Cup Group A match at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt in the presence of their home fans.

The victory took the Tunisian giants to the top of Group A standings with nine points, Nige-

•Joel Asoro

Doumbia joins Portuguese giants

I

•Alan Doumbia

vory Coast international, Seydou Alan Doumbia is ecstatic after joining Portuguese giants, Sporting CP. This will be the 29-year-old forward’s fourth consecutive loan spell since moving to Italian Serie A giants, AS Roma.

“It is an enormous pleasure to join this great club,”Doumbia told the Sporting’s official website.

“I am very happy because I only arrived a few days ago and received a warm reception from everybody.

“I don’t want to create false ex-

pectations but I have not come here to spend my holidays,” he said.

“I will prepare myself in the best way during pre-season, and after that we will see.”

Since joining Roma from Russian club CSKA Moscow in 2015, Doumbia has been loaned out to Moscow, English side Newcastle United and Swiss club Basel.

Doumbia remarkably netted 20 goals from 25 Swiss Super League appearances for Basel during the 2016/17 campaign.

•Tunisian giants

ria’s Rivers remain fourth with six points.

The home side started brightly with Bernard Ovoke looking lively for Rivers in the Africain half in the first 20 minutes.

However, it was Africain, who broke the deadlock through Haddad’s powerful free-kick which beat Thomas to make it 1-0 in the 62nd minute. The Nigerians will need to score as many as 7 goals if they must make any impact in their next engagement against their opponents.

A late counter attack led to Mokhtar Belkhiter scoring with a deflected shot - sealing Africain’s hard-fought 2-0 away victory. If at the end of the Group A matches, Rivers United crashed out, it then means that all the Nigerian flag bearers have exited the continental championships.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 12, 2017

SPORTS

N

ineteen-year-old sprinting sensation, Sydney Siame, is set to appear before the Cork City Sports crowd at CIT stadium on July 18, it has been confirmed.

The young Zambian has set one of the fastest time in the world this year - 9.87secs.

It was a show of intent from Siame when he clocked the time at an all comers meeting in Lusaka, which has garnering him the tag as ‘the new Usain Bolt’.

He further underlined the potential he had displayed since winning the Youth Olympics gold three years ago in Nanjing, and now he has set a new National Record (NR), eclipsing his previous Personal Best of 10.18s.

Siame has now qualified for the World Championships in London, which will be his second appearance at the biennial event, having debuted in Beijing two years ago at age 17. Sunderland starlet Asoro could play for Nigeria Sweden youth international, Joel Asoro, says he’s open to representing the Nigerian senior national team, the Super Eagles.

The 19-year-old striker was born in Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm to Nigerian parents and he has played for the European country’s Under-17 and Under-21 sides.

Asoro, who is on the books of English Championship side, Sunderland AFC, confirmed that he has been contacted by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

“They (Nigeria) have contacted me” Asoro is quoted as saying on SVT. “We will see what happens if I do not get into the A national team in Sweden. I’ll probably

‘New Usain Bolt’ set for Cork City Sports

T

•Sydney Siame choose Nigeria. “England is also a possibility. If I live in England for two more years, I can play for their national team.”

Asoro made his professional debut during Sunderland’s 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in an English Premier League (EPL) game on

NPFL table Team

Horn rejects ‘naysayers’ after beating Pacquiao

P

W

D

L

Pts

GF GA

+/-

1

Plateau

27

14

6

7

48

38

19

19

2

MFM FC

27

14

4

9

46

33

32

1

3

Akwa

26

12

7

7

43

32

20

12

4

El-Kanemi

27

14

1

12

43

29

30

-1

5

Lobi

27

12

6

9

42

30

23

7

6

IfeanyiUbah

27

12

5

10

41

31

25

6

7

Enyimba 27

12

5

10

41

27

22

5

8

Tornadoes

27

12

4

11

40

24

24

0

9

Nasarawa

27

10

8

9

38

26

19

7

10

Pillars

26

11

5

10

38

27

25

2

11

Abia

27

10

5

12

35

30

28

2

12

Rangers

27

9

8

10

35

27

32

-5

13

Katsina

27

10

5

12

35

21

27

-6

14

ABS

27

10

5

12

35

23

35

-12

15

Wikki

27

10

4

13

34

25

29

-4

16

Rivers

25

9

6

10

33

17

18

-1

17

Sunshine

27

10

3

14

33

26

34

-8

18

Shooting

27

8

8

11

32

22

28

-6

19

Gombe

27

8

7

12

31

24

35

-11

20

Remo

27

7

6

14

27

21

28

-7

21 August 2016. The highly-rated attacker became the youngest player to play in the EPL for both Sunderland and Sweden.

he former schoolteacher who stunned Manny Pacquiao to win the WBO world welterweight title has dismissed suggestions he did not deserve to win.

Jeff Horn beat Pacquiao, an eight-time world champion, following a unanimous points decision in Brisbane, Australia.

Pacquiao’s coaches and celebrities including Lennox Lewis and Kobe Bryant were critical of the judges’ call on the result.

But the relatively unknown Australian, 29, said he was worthy of the win.

“There will always be a backlash where people say I got lucky, or whatever,” he told reporters on Monday.

“There will always be the naysayers saying I did not win the fight, but I felt like I won the fight. A lot of Queenslanders think I won the fight and people around the world.”

Pacquiao’s Australian coach, former heavyweight boxer Justin Fortune, had described the referee as “sketchy” and the judges as “crazy” following the bout.

Terry signs for Aston Villa J ohn Terry has joined Aston Villa on a free transfer, the club’s owner, Dr. Tony Xia, has confirmed on Twitter.

The former Chelsea defender called time on his 21-year association with the Stamford Bridge club this summer when his contract expired.

Terry made 690 appearances in total for Chelsea, scoring 65 goals, as he won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.

However, he is now set to move down a division in search of even more silverware, with Xia confirming that a deal will be officially announced imminently.

“Welcome JT to Birmingham city...

Aston Villa. Announcement shortly,” Xia wrote on Monday.

Reports suggest that Terry will sign a one-year deal at Villa Park, with a bonus of around £4 •John Terry million if they are promoted to the

Premier League.

Terry is said to have rejected proposals from Galatasaray, West Brom, Swansea and a number of other clubs from across the globe.

Thus, his signing for Villa will represent something of a coup for Villa boss, Steve Bruce.

The www.oraclenews.ng

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Today

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48 This Space is for Sale For Details Call: 08033043458 Or 08033007069 Wednesday July 12, 2017

By Martin Ike-Muonso (Ph.D, DBA) 08033148722

Rule of law and Nigeria’s economic development (1)

I

T WAS Andrew S. Natsios who wrote that “without good governance and a strong commitment to the rule of law and a genuine will to control corruption, all of which are essential for accountable government, development would be difficult if not impossible”. Nothing can be truer. In conjunction with monetary stability (or instability) and fiscal equilibrium (or disequilibrium) the rule of law defines the conditions of stability or otherwise of any economy. Established and known set of rules for governing people in such a way that people’s private property are adequately protected will invariably have strong influence on people’s investment decisions and promote productive investments and overall economic growth by orchestrating socio-political order. Generally, the attractiveness of a country as a place conducive enough for investment actually starts with the levels of secure private property rights and strong legal system, which exists in that country. Investors are equally concerned about the capacity of the legal system to enforce contracts, degree of official corruption etc. Accordingly, the respect for private property and life is in turn strongly built on the following three basic laws namely (a) stability of possessions (b) transfer by consent and (c) keeping of promises.

These laws have consequently underscored the heights attained by the developed nations of the world.

Discretion supplants the rule of law, which is propped and sustained by constitutional checks, which the independence and counterbalancing pressure of the three arms of government provide. In the absence of constitutional governance, the discretion of one dictator forms the basis upon which governance runs. For up to four decades, the military ruled Nigeria. But it is also a fact that any government that obtains power through force has in effect carried out a coup d’etat against the rule of law. Thus, the very first provision of the constitution demonstrates the unacceptability of coup d’etat, which usually starts with the suspension of the constitution, basic rights and freedom of the people as well as the overthrow of the Supreme Court.

On the other hand, the checks and balances arising from the trichotomy of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary ensures and limits the exercise of the power of each arm within the defined ambit of the constitution so as to avoid any abuse of power. Each arm is, therefore, expected to enjoy constitutionally defined institutional autonomy.

Under the military, the rule of law was jettisoned as dictatorial discretion reigned supreme.

This eventually nurtured massive corruption, led to inappropriate policies and constant policy reversals which consequently marred the effectiveness of good policies. Aside this disadvantage, there are also uncertainties that characterize political processes built on immediate and

•CJN Onnoghen short-term imperatives that are often implicated by such reversals. Obviously, these reversals do little to generate and sustain investor confidence, which is germane to attracting resources for longterm growth. This spate of reversals galvanized weak and poor macroeconomic performance for several decades. That trend does not seem to have been eliminated even at present. Reversals in government economic policies jeopardized planning and gave fillip to other related anti-growth problems such as infrastructure deficiencies, poor security of lives and property, pervasive corruption and rent-seeking, poor access and high cost of finance, weak institutions, ill-defined property rights and abysmally poor enforcement of contracts.

Representative or constitutional government gives majority of the citizens - in line with the levels and degree of dispersion of power - a seeming equivalent of the power and authority which is enjoyed by dictators. That way everybody becomes a ruler through the constitution. Ideally, no man’s rights and privileges are infringed upon.

In summary, therefore it bestows legitimacy and authenticity on social, political and economic actions as laws are enforced within the frameworks of the constitution accepted by the citizens. This is the fulcrum of liberty: the propeller of develop-

ment and growth.

However, while this is wished by every country or socio-political setting, it rarely manifests fully in reality because many forces are opposed to it. Constitutional government therefore requires that the authority of the executive and legislative arms of government be exercised within the confines defined by constitution and through appropriate institutional trajectories. Every country has a constitution but that does not make the government of the country, a constitutional government. Likewise, Nigeria has a constitution, but does Nigeria truly have a constitutional government? Although experience has shown that constitutional government has never been achieved in full anywhere, this varies in degrees across country and across regions as the case may be. The degree of success in achieving such government will in turn depend on the political space cornered by power seekers, ideological antagonists, special interests etc.

Abuse of office by various arms at various tiers of government has made the separation of powers in Nigeria seemingly ineffective and consequently impossible for the achievement of desired levels of constitutional government. For instance, because the military has held power for several years in executive capacities, acted on

behalf of the legislature and consequently controlled the judiciary, it appears that the tradition got so entrenched that even under democracy, the executive arms dominates and often wants to control the legislature and has largely succeeded in many instances at buying up the judiciary and where it is impossible to do so, it totally disregarded its legal interpretations and verdicts.

The legislature on its own has tried very much successfully at different times to encroach into the exclusive terrains of the executive such as in budget making as well as in encroaching into the terrain of the judiciary such as in trying to interpret the laws. One thing is very clear, the motivations behind the attempts to infringe on the independence and separate powers of the various arms by the other are fundamentally self-serving. This abuse of power is primarily one of the reasons there is no appreciable degree of the rule of law in the country.

The role of the judiciary as an integral part of the governance system, as well as the guardian of the constitution is indispensable. It is the court judicial system that will ensure a Nigerian society where the constitution is obeyed: a society that is free of corruption and abuse of official privileges and authority. While in recent times this arm of government deserves some applause in the way they intervened in curbing the excesses of the previous administration, it is still important to draw attention to the fact that the judiciary is still affected by same rot, which is making the executive and legislative arms function at below the desired levels.

In 2007, Femi Ajayi wrote that “there have been some concerns among Nigerians about the integrity of the Judiciary.” In addition to allegations of corruption up to the Supreme Court, accusing of a Chief Justice of corruption, right to his face in 2005, it has been alleged also that Court paper works would disappear from the Court room without any trace. In such circumstances, only God knows how the case would be determined since the Judge has to determine his judgment on the evidence before him….In some cases, it has been alleged that lawyers front for some Judges for cases in their courts. Is there any way by which a Judge would make a ruling based on the gift from the government, the plaintiff or defendant through the lawyers to influence the case?

The corruption sleaze, which has equally tainted the judiciary is not only the challenge to its true independence and capacity to sustain constitutional governance. There are the other worrisome issues of the hijack of the judiciary by the executive arm. When executive governors arbitrarily remove or appoint Judges contrary to constitutional provisions and such appointments or removals subsist, it all means that there is no authentic legislative independence.

(To be continued).

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited, 116 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State. 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.