Wednesday July 18 2018 Edition

Wanted: Executive Order on killings . . . by herdsmen The Oracle Today Comment N OTHING is wrong with an Executive Order. In the United States, where it has been in use since 8 June 1789, (with George Washington), its purpose is for the federal government to instruct agencies of government to act expeditiously in certain ways to tackle certain issues. It has been contentious for its tendencies to allow a President act outside constitution-

al powers. The Orders also lean on express or implied Acts of Congress that delegate to the President some degree of discretionary power, hence Executive Orders are also called delegated legislation.

WASHINGTON’S order addressed

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

to the heads of the federal departments, instructing them “to impress me with a full, precise, and distinct general idea of the affairs of the United States” in their fields, gives an idea of what an Executive Order does. Initially, they were not

WEDNESDAY July 18, 2018

publicised, as they were addressed to government officials.

THE US Supreme Court ruled, in 1986, that all Executive Orders from the President of the United States must be supported by the Constitution, whether from a clause grant-

ing specific power, or by Congress delegating such to the executive branch. Specifically, such orders must be rooted in Article II of the US Constitution or enacted by the Congress in statutes. Attempts to block such Orders have been successful, where Orders exceeded the authority of the President or could be better handled through

racle www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

Cont’d on page 24

Today

VOL.3 No.28 N200

2019 Coalitions excite politicians, civil society

From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri; BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia; CLEMENT ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa; EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri; THEO RAYS, IBE NWACHUKWU, Onitsha

P

OLITICAL stakeholders, members of civil society, other have expressed delight at the “the formation of coalitions to fight next year’s general election,” describing the development as a good omen for Nigeria’s democracy.

They said the coming together of “so many parties under one umbrella” is an indication that “enough strong parties would not only join the fray to engender a keen contest but would also be strong enough to even checkmate the pervasive incumbency advantage in the nation’s political process to the ultimate ad-

• CUPP, new group, tells Buhari to go • New name makes decamping easier • Alignments an Abuja affair

Cont’d on page 2

HIV drug: Ezeibe seeks TETFund grant •Expresses gratitude for N300,000 FG grant From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

W

ith a paltry N300,00 grant from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in the kitty, HIV/AIDS drug inventor, Prof Maduike Ezeibe has appealed to the federal government to assist him access funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Ezeibe, the scientist who invented the Nigerian HIV/AIDS medicine,

Cont’d on page 2

•Crowds at the final rally of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election

See Story on Page 47

France in World Cup final beat Belgium 1-0

2

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS Continued from Pg 1 vantage of the polity.”

According to a former Permanent Secretary and prominent Imo politician, Barr. Austin Otuokere, the mass movements across the political parties were “healthy and natural,” saying they would awaken some dying parties while some others would die naturally. “The crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC), for instance, is natural and healthy for Nigeria’s political development and progress,” he stressed.

Thirty-five political parties during the week formed a coalition against President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid. They said they were bent on ousting Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general elections. Led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is acting as the rallying point for the alliance under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect at the end of an enlarged meeting at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, where they also resolved, among others, to field a joint presidential candidate against President Buhari.

The coalition also resolved to agree on common candidates for Governorship, National Assembly

2019 - Coalitions excite politicians and State Assembly elections across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

The MoU, which was read by Chief Tom Ikimi, also resolved to promote core values for the restructuring of the country and sharing of political offices among persons and groups across the six geopolitical zones.

The coalition also promised a unity government in the event of winning the election with a joint manifesto that will usher in a well-structured economic and fiscal federalism.

Besides the PDP, other parties in the coalition include the Action Alliance (AA); Alliance for Democracy (AD); Africa Democratic Party (ADC); Action Democratic Party (ADP); All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP); Action People’s Party (APP); Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD); and Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP).

Others are the Democratic Alternative (DA); Democratic People’s Party (DPC); Grand Democratic Party of Nigeria (GDPN); Green Party of Nigeria (GPN); KOWA Party; Labour Party (LP); Mass Action Joint

•Crowds at the final rally of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election

Continued from Pg 1

Alliance (MAJA); and Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN).

Also in the group are the National Conscience Party (NCP); New Generation Party (NGP); National Unity Party (NUP); Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM); People’s Alliance for National Development and Liberty (PANDEL); Peoples Progressive Party (PPP); People for Democratic Change (PDC); Providence People’s Congress (PPC); and the Reformed All Progressive Congress (RAPC) Others are the Restoration Party of Nigeria (RPN); Social Democratic Party (SDP); Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN); All Grassroots Alliance (AGA); National Interest Party (NIP); Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP); Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA); and Young Democratic Party (YDP) among others.

In his remarks at the ceremony, national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus lamented that Nigeria had witnessed all forms of intimidation under Buhari, aimed largely at stifling the democratic spirit in the country Decrying what he described as “frame-ups, arrest and total break-

See Story on Page 47

down of law and order in some States like Zamfara where the Governor had to relinquish his position as the chief security officer,” Secondus added: “Just last week, the APC conquest regime came up with Executive Order which all political watchers, including civil society groups likened to Decree 2 of the military era.

In his speech at the event, elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae, said there is need for the coalition to produce overwhelming majority in the federal and state legislatures to form the required majority for the restructuring of the country.

For his part, national chairman of the R-APC, Alhaji Buba Galadima said his presence at the event alone meant a lot.

“I am highly delighted and elated by the presence of the crème de la crème of the Nigerian society seated here. What we are about to do will send the shivers not only to those on the other side but to the entire world,” Galadima said. “We are witnessing a significant event, most diplomats and leaders of other countries of the world keep wondering whether there are men and women of courage and integrity in this country.

“Let me say that since we made a declaration of the formation of the Reformed All Progressives Congress, R-APC, we have received unprecedented messages of support, solidarity from all over the world.

“I am confident that if we put our acts together, should we talk together, if we are fair to ourselves, do things transparently and bring up one man or woman, we will provide future for our children and grandchildren.

“This is not going to be a tea party, there are demands we will be facing. He (Buhari) is a military General, but we know him and you know that I know him. If I were him and if I were his adviser, I would advise him not to attempt to contest.

“I have my reasons. If what I know, if what I have access to and I know, I assure you that General Buhari will not only will lose the election but will lose his deposit.

“I said it is not going to be a tea party because from the day we announced the formation of the Reformed APC, a lot of people received threats, a lot of people received gratification and a lot of people received the pressures from all quarters to persuade them to back

HIV drug: Ezeibe seeks grant from TETFund

the Medicinal Synthetic Aluminum-magnesium Silicate (MSAMS), also appealed to the federal government to make funds available to designated hospitals for HIV/ AIDS treatment to facilitate clinical trial of MSAMS on at least, 320, 000 HIV patients in the country.

The appeal by the Professor of Clinical Virology is contained in a statement he issued in Umuahia, thanking the federal government for giving him a grant of N300, 000.

Ezeibe was among inventors/ innovators selected by Ministry of Science and Technology to receive N300, 000 in the Ministry’s 2018 support for researchers scheme.

Ezeibe, the Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, said the appeal has become necessary to fast-track the test of MSAMS on many patients since TETFund provides limited funding for any single project.

The Oracle Today reported last week that an inter-ministerial com-

mittee set up by the federal government to verify claims by Ezeibe that he invented a drug for HIV cure, had recommended that Ezeibe source funds from TETFUND for further research to be conducted on his research result,” adding that “if necessary, the Inter-Ministerial Committee should forward a letter to TETFUND recommending him in order to facilitate the provision of grant for further research.”

In his statement dated July 8, 2018, entitled “I thank the federal government,” which was made available to The Oracle Today in Umuahia, the scientist said he has been financing the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients from his salary, noting that about N40, 000 was required to treat an HIV patient over a 10-month period.

“May I use this medium to appeal to the Ministry of Science and Technology to help process the application to TETFund so that the money could be released to my university for us to expand the clinical trial being presently financed with my sal-

ary. A dose of the medicine is only N71 per day and average treatment duration before cure is 10 months which means that cost of the medicine for treating a patient would be about N21, 300,” part of the statement read.

“If cost for laboratory tests and supportive therapies are added, the cost for getting a patient cured may be about N40,000,” the he added.

He suggested that funds should be made available to Medical Centres/ Teaching Hospitals of all Nigerian universities, Medical Centres of all Research Institutes, all Federal Medical Centres and all Military and Paramilitary Hospitals, so that each could try the medicine on at least 2000 patients.

“That way, we may be able to test the medicine on at least, 10 per cent (320,000 patients) of the over 3.2 million HIV/AIDS patients in the country. This would give us enough data to prove to the world that Nigeria has invented cure for HIV/AIDS,” he said.

Ezeibe who was effusive with his appreciation, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the media, for assisting and supporting him since the announcement of his discovery was made.

“I want to thank the Minister for Science and Technology and the Minister for Health who jointly constituted an inter-ministerial committee to authenticate the claim, that MSAMS is effective for treatment of HIV/AIDS. “I also thank the Ministry of Science and Technology for selecting me as among inventors/innovators to receive N300, 000 only, in their 2018 support for researchers scheme,” he said.

Ezeibe also expressed gratitude to Senators T. A. Orji, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Mao Ohuabunwa for insisting that his claim be investigated, as well as the MOUAU Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta, and the Chairman and members of the inter-ministerial committee that investigated his claim

out. But one person that most people could not approach I don’t want to mention names.

“Some of us are old soldiers and history said they never died. We are ready, prepared to take on this fight despite any deprivation, intimidation and even torture because this country belongs to all of us.

“They are thinking of setting aside public money which they accused others of using during elections for this purpose. They can use the big stick because you know a desperate person can do anything.

He can kill, if he has power, he can arrest and detain but whichever one they choose to do, we are prepared to lay down our lives to save our nation “They can say anything, they say we are inconsequential, they said we don’t matter, they said we are inconsequential but when we were forming the party, the APC of which I was one of the nine signatories, those people that are making this noise, we did not see their faces neither did we see their signatures. So how could they say we are inconsequential?

“And if we are inconsequential, why would they run heater skelter, from pole to pole going to the National Assembly to persuade my people that they should not leave?

So this is a challenge to them and I assure you seated here that if we put our acts together, talk together, discuss together, the sky is our limit and success is ours”.

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu who also spoke at the event said signing the MoU would rescue Nigeria in 2019 and restore her to the path of democratic freedoms, joy, security, and development. “For three years, what I see on the faces of Nigerians is frustration and anguish. But for the first time, I tell you that I saw joy. I saw people laughing and smiling for the first time in three years. Those our brothers and sisters, and investors, who left Nigeria in the last three years are also rejoicing with you because by this time next year, they will all be back,” he said.

In a chat with The Oracle Today in Owerri, Otuekere described as “obvious” the fact that “the APC is made up of strange bedfellows who could not possibly coexist in peace. The party has been a patchwork from the beginning”.

Noting that the party is “dead on arrival”, he added that “Power exposed the true nature of the collaborators and the alliance broke down irretrievably”.

He continued: “The ruling APC in Nigeria is dead. When you cut a tree the leaves continue to look fresh and healthy, but we know that they are finished. The spirit of power has left APC; the pillars that set it up have been removed.

“Buhari has traded the mandate to lead Nigeria for Fulani imperialism and lost the support of key collaborators and national patriots”.

An APC Chieftain in Bayelsa, Barr.

Duomo Igbomani, however, opined that the ongoing alignments and realignments are mainly Abuja-based.

“Those things do not exist at the grassroots. We are seeing ADP, this, that, that. Even the so-called SDP is not here. So what are we talking about here. Where are the alliances or realignments? The alliance is just by people who do not even know the route to their villages. So how will it work?” he asked.

“Even at the national level, it is just a fiction. People are just running for their selfish interest because they are out of power. Their monies are stuck, they cannot

Cont’d on page 47

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

3

The Oracle Today

4

Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Return to ‘vibrant’ PDP – Fayose tells Saraki

By VICTOR NZE

S

ENATE President, Bukola Saraki has commissioned the iconic Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road in Port Harcourt, with the declaration that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has made Nigerians ‘proud through the signature project.’

This is also the Ekiti State State Governor, Ayodele Fayose told the senate president to retrace his steps back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a ‘spent vehicle.’

Commissioning the road reconstructed by Wike, last weekend, the Senate President noted that the project is important because it will enhance investment opportunities in the state.

“This is a road that is significant in the sense that it is from here that investors will come into the state.

If you stand here and look across, you will be proud to be a Nigerian.

Looking up there, I can see Nigeria is working and it can work better,” Saraki said.

He said from the projects commissioned in Rivers State within the period, it is obvious that Governor Wike is focused with the Rivers people fully in support of him, just as he urged Nigerians not to lose focus and hope, saying that the country will eventually work.

“We are determined that there will be peace in this country. Those that don’t do the right thing will be sanctioned for not doing the right thing. We are determined that from every part of the country, this

country belongs to us”, he said.

He regretted that three years were wasted trying to fight him. He noted that the three wasted years would have been used for the development of Nigeria.

Saraki charged Nigerians to continue to fight for the development of the country, eve as he declared that Rivers State is safe for major investments as exemplified by the presence of Indorama.

On his part, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is behind Senate President Bukola Saraki.

He told the Senate President that APC is now ‘a spent vehicle that can no longer take him to the expected destination,’ adding: “It is high time you returned to the vibrant PDP.’ Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike stated that with the Senate President, Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliation, will continue to fight the forces of darkness.

He called for the upholding of the rule of law across all tiers of government, saying that is the only way to attain progress in the country.

“Any Government that does respect the rule of law is the most corrupt government. This is because you cannot fight corruption without the rule of law,” said Wike.

While berating the Federal Authorities for using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to illegally probe the finances of Rivers State despite a subsisting court judgement yet to be vacated by a higher court, Wike condemned the Executive Order on

Chevron’s CPFSP has curbed pipeline vandalism in Nigeria – Brikinn

By VICTOR NZE

G

ENERAL Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, (PGPA), Mr. Esimaje Brikinn has emphasized the value of participatory partnerships in combating the menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.

Brikinn made this known while contributing to the panel discussion on “Innovative Strategies – Combating Crude Oil Theft & Pipeline Vandalism” at the just-concluded Nigerian Oil and Gas conference and exhibition (NOG) in Abuja, last Wednesday.

While noting that every IOC in Nigeria has been affected in one way or the other by activities of oil thieves, engaging in illegal bunkering and “local refining” operations, the Chevron chief added that their activities continue to cause significant damage to the environment and affect revenue streams leading to loss of benefits.

He stated that Chevron evolved a proactive approach to combating the issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalism by involving relevant stakeholders including the government security forces, the relevant state governments and the Regional Development committees (RDCs) under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-driven multi-stakeholder participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development in our areas

of operations.

According to him, the platform known as the Community Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (CPFSP) with strong governance has become a model for enhancing the fight against oil theft and pipeline sabotage, enhancing multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaboration and providing sustainable social license for oil and gas operations.

He said that in the 13 years of its implementation, the GMoU has recorded significant achievements especially in areas of education, health, and economic development. The NNPC/CNL JV has contributed over NGN20.6 billion to the RDCs to implement projects and programmes for about 600,000 beneficiaries in more than 400 communities.

“In terms of managing conflict and enhancing peace in communities, the GMoU story is one we are very proud to tell, and has resulted in very impressive footprints in various communities and the model has helped improve CNL’s relationship with its neighboring communities, as it created a clearer and more predictable channel for dialogue,” he noted.

He commended the commitment of the traditional institutions, the Government security forces, the community and RDC leaders for driving the multi-stakeholder collaboration for asset protection and stressed that CNL continues to work to strengthen relationship with these stakeholders.

corruption which he said is unconstitutional.

Wike told the Saraki that his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has not kept its promises to Nigerians, while also thanking

the latter for commissioning the 12.2-kilometre dual carriageway, stating that despite distractions his administration continues to deliver meaningful projects.

Wike who congratulated the Sen-

ate President on his victory at the Supreme Court, said that Rivers people will always stand by him. He said that the frame-up of the Senate President for armed robbery has negative consequences for the country.

•Third left: Chairman, APC National Working Committee, Ekiti Gubernatorial Campaign and Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Kayode Fayemi, former Abia Governor, Orji Uzo Kalu, Governor of Ogun state, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and others during a meeting with the Ekiti Igbo Community’s Ohaneze Ndigbo chapter, Monday.

Benue Gov Ortom dissolves cabinet

B

ENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom has approved a partial dissolution of the Benue State Executive Council.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, said only four commissioners and seven special advisers, however, retained their portfolios.

The four Commissioners are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Michael Gusa; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Dennis Ityavyar; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Olofu; and that of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr. Bernard Unenge.

According to the statement, the Special Advisers who have retained their portfolios are those of Development Cooperation, SDGs and NEPAD, Dr Magdalyne Dura; Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Matthew Mnyam; Special Adviser on Gender, Employment and Labour Matters, Chief Ode Enyi; Special Adviser on Government House Administration, Mr. Thomas Anajav; Special Adviser on Media, Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Tahav Agerzua; Special Adviser on Security, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hemba (retired); and the Special Adviser on Special Duties,

Mr. Joseph Odaudu.

The statement explained that the partial dissolution of the executive council takes immediate effect and that the outgoing members are expected ‘to handover to their Permanent Secretaries or most senior direc-

tors as the case may be.’

The SSG quotes his principal as expressing profound appreciation to outgoing members of the Benue State Executive Council for their service to the State and wishing them well in their future endeavors.

Third Mainland Bridge to be closed for repairs

F

EDERAL Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Adedamola Kuti, said, Tuesday that consultations had begun for the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for repairs.

Kuti disclosed that the ministry of works was going to hold a meeting with stakeholders tomorrow to discuss how to manage traffic during the repairs.

He, however, did not specify the exact date the bridge would be closed to traffic or how long the repairs would last.

According to him, stakeholders attending the meeting to discuss the repairs include traffic regulatory agencies, transport unions, truck owners and drivers’ unions, law enforcement agents, among others.

“The Federal Executive Council has approved the maintenance work on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State. The project has taken off al-

ready and in carrying out the work, we may at certain times be shutting down the bridge for maintenance. At the moment we may begin with tests on the bridge, so, we may shut it by 12 midnight on Thursday and carry out tests and some repairs and open it to traffic by midnight on Sunday.’’

He said that six other damaged bridges across the state were already undergoing maintenance and rehabilitation.

“We have contracts on maintenance of some of the bridges in Lagos. We are completing maintenance work on the expansion joints on the Coconut Bridge. We expect the contractor to start work on the Independence Bridge in Lagos. There is repair work going on currently on the Apapa Bridge, that is, Ijora/Leventis Bridge. Maintenance work is ongoing on the Ijora-7up Bridge, we are also changing the expansion joints.

DStv customers groan over subscription increment

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

I

n less than 13 months, MultiChoice Nigeria has increased subscription rate twice on its digital cable television, DSTv which triggered customers’ displeasure.

Some of the customers who spoke with Oracle Today expressed their anger with the attitude of the company without considering the economy situation of the country.

In her reaction, Mrs. Bukola, a Lagos based customer said, the yearly increment in DSTv subscription is bad omen of the company.

She said that, MultiChoice is taking

its customers for granted because of inability of other service provider to provide suitable service.

She therefore urged government to intervene and restraint the company from further increment.

Another customer, Mr. Smith said government silence on matters affecting its citizens is worrisome.

This is not a war we as citizen can fight alone, we need government intervention because there is no basis for this increment, he said.

The cable TV provider had in May 1, 2017 increased its subscription rate by five percent on DSTv and GOTv. The company on Monday, 9th of

July announced plans to increase prices on its digital satellite platform, DStv from August 1, 2018.

With the new tariff plan, subscribers on DStv Premium package will see a price increase from N14,700 to N15,800; Compact Plus from N9,900 to N10,650; Compact from N6,300 to N6,800; Family from N3,800 to N4,000 and on Access, N1,900 to N2,000. The increase according to the company is due to the spike in inflation rates. Multichoice has a history of increasing prices arbitrarily. Between 2009 and 2017, prices have increased eight times, averaging a change in their prices every two years.

PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME MAX. PRIME

AVE. INT. RATE AVE. INT. RATE AVE. INT. RATE

MAX. PRIME CONSTRUCTION MAX. PRIME INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION MAX. PRIME PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICALMAX. ACTIVITIES PRIME ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT SERVICE ACTIVITIES MAX. PRIME EDUCATION MAX. PRIME HUMAN HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK ACTIVITIES MAX. PRIME ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION MAX. ACTIVITIES OF EXTRATERRITORIAL PRIME ORGANIZATIONS AND BODIES MAX. PRIME POWER AND ENERGY MAX. PRIME CAPITAL MARKET MAX. PRIME OIL & GAS MAX.

GOVERNMENT WATER SUPPLY SEWAGE, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

GENERAL

FINANCE & INSURANCE

TRANSPORTATION & STORAGE

GENERAL COMMERCE

PUBLIC UTILITIES

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES

MANUFACTURING

MINING & QUARRYING

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHING

LENDING RATES

DEPOSIT RATES DEMAND DEPOSIT SAVINGS DEPOSIT TIME DEPOSIT

NAME OF BANK

ACCESS BANK

CITI BANK

15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50

15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 15.50 23.50 -

1.30 4.20 7.50

DIAMOND BANK

CORONATION BANK

23.00 23.00 -

18.00 22.00 16.50 22.00 16.50 23.00 19.00 20.50 5.00 5.00 -

20.00 30.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 27.76 20.00 28.97 20.00 28.72 20.00 27.89 17.77 18.00 20.00 30.78

15.00 30.00 20.00 30.00 20.00 28.78 20.00 31.91 20.00 28.00 20.00 27.76 20.00 29.00 -

0.42 4.20 12.69 10.41

EC0BANK

28.00 14.00 24.00 14.00 28.00 19.00 28.00 23.00 28.00 23.00 28.00 23.00 28.00 23.00 28.00 17.00 24.00 20.00 28.00 15.00 26.00

17.00 25.00 21.00 24.00 14.00 24.00 19.00 28.00 14.00 24.00 17.00 28.00 18.00 24.00 21.00 28.00 18.00 30.00 17.00 21.00 18.00

0.01 4.20 9.86

27.00 19.00 28.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 30.00 19.00 27.00 20.00 28.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 28.00 19.00 27.00 9.00 27.00 20.00 28.00

9.00 27.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 28.00 20.00 27.00 19.00 28.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 30.00 19.00 28.00 20.00

0.00 4.20 7.50

FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA

For further information, call: 07005522556 Signed: Management

30.50 16.00 30.50 18.00 30.50 15.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 16.50 30.50 16.00 30.50 15.00 30.50 15.00 30.50

17.00 30.50 14.00 30.50 15.00 30.50 15.00 30.50 14.00 30.50 18.00 30.50 18.00 30.50 16.00 26.50 20.00

0.05 4.20 9.99

FCMB

FBN MERCHANT

17.64 26.04 11.80 23.04

17.50 18.00 13.00 26.00 22.00 23.00 23.00 23.00 14.00 14.00 30.00 21.00 27.00 6.00 24.00 20.50 30.00 10.23 27.50 18.00 30.00 7.00 23.00 3.00 30.00

4.20 30.00 5.79 30.00 5.00 27.00 5.00 30.00 25.00 26.00 2.00 28.00 1.00 30.00 1.00 9.00 1.00

0.50 4.20 10.52 11.50

FIDELITY BANK

36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00

6.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 40.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 36.00 19.00 40.00 19.00 36.00 19.00

3.00 4.20 11.00

FSDH

16.00 21.00

16.00 21.00 16.00 21.00 16.00 21.00 16.00 21.00 16.00 21.00 16.00 21.00 16.00 21.00 -

10.50

HERITAGE BANK

GUARANTY TRUST BANK

16.00 26.00 16.00 25.00 16.00 26.00 20.00 25.00 17.00 26.00 15.00 25.00 23.00 23.00 22.00 22.00 7.50 26.00

7.00 21.00 12.00 24.00 18.00 23.00 17.00 25.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 25.00 13.00 26.00 18.00 18.00 30.00 27.00 31.00 27.00 29.00 27.00 31.00 27.00 30.00 27.00 30.00 27.00 30.00 27.00 32.00 27.00 26.00 27.00 30.00

27.00 30.00 27.00 31.00 27.00 30.00 27.00 33.00 27.00 32.00 27.00 28.00 27.00 33.00 9.00 9.00 27.00

3.75 0.00 4.20 4.20 6.98 13.88

KEYSTONE BANK LTD

34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00

19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00 34.00 19.00

0.42 4.20 12.96

NOVA MERCHANT BANK

-

-

10.40

PROVIDUS BANK

25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00

9.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 28.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 22.00 25.00 19.50 25.00 22.00

0.00 4.25 9.05

Rand Merchant Bank Nig. Ltd

15.97 15.97 -

17.50 20.46 24.81 24.81 18.88 20.68 18.50 25.00 15.20 15.20 -

5.00 0.00 13.23

Standard Chartered Bank

25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00

20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 25.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 25.00 21.00 25.00 20.00 27.00 20.00 20.00 20.00

0.00 4.22 6.81

SKYE BANK

26.00 34.00

9.00 31.00 28.00 34.00 28.00 34.00 28.00 34.00 28.00 36.00 18.00 34.00 28.00 34.00 9.00 31.00 -

4.20 10.12

STANBIC IBTC

30.00 18.00 29.00 15.97 36.00 18.00 30.00 11.00 30.00 18.00 33.00 23.00 30.00 18.00 30.00 18.00 30.00 19.00 27.00 11.00 28.00 11.00 30.00

7.00 36.00 7.00 36.00 16.71 24.00 11.00 30.00 10.00 36.00 11.00 30.00 20.50 28.00 7.00 36.00 19.00 21.00 24.00

0.67 4.20 7.99

STERLING BANK

33.00 21.00 29.00 21.00 33.00 21.00 29.00 21.00 29.00 21.00 31.00 21.00 29.00 21.00 29.00 21.00 0.00 21.00 25.00 21.00 27.00 21.00 33.00

24.00 33.00 21.00 30.00 21.00 30.00 24.00 30.00 21.00 27.00 22.00 33.00 21.00 31.00 21.00 31.00 21.00 33.00 21.00 29.00 21.00

0.00 4.20 10.17

SUNTRUST

21.02 30.00 21.02 30.00 21.02 30.00 30.00 -

21.02 30.00 21.02 30.00 22.00 30.00 21.02 30.00 21.02 30.00 -

0.00 2.00 12.59

United Bank for Africa

29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 18.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 19.00 29.00

7.00 25.00 24.00 29.00 19.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 19.00 29.00 19.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00 29.00 24.00

0.48 4.20 11.00

UNION BANK

33.00 20.00 29.50 22.50 30.50 26.50 26.50 26.00 37.50 21.50 37.50 25.50 33.50 26.50 26.50 17.50 22.50 26.50 30.50 17.50 41.50

23.50 49.00 17.50 33.00 9.50 32.00 24.50 36.50 17.50 24.50 17.50 49.00 23.50 27.00 21.50 23.50 17.50 49.00 24.00 28.00 17.50

0.50 4.20 12.48

UNITY BANK

32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00

24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00 32.00 24.00

0.50 4.20 16.00

WEMA BANK

29.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

9.00 25.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.00 28.00 29.00

1.20 4.20 8.66

30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 34.5

19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00 30.50 19.00

0.44 4.20 7.42

ZENITH BANK

148

In furtherance of the transparency and full disclosure stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Monetary Policy Committee has decided that henceforth the lending rates obtainable in all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) be made public to guide business decisions.

Consequently, find below the applicable rates for each of the DMBs as at July 6, 2018. The rates will also be available on the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

5

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA www.cbn.gov.ng

In furtherance of the transparency and full disclosure stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Monetary Policy Committee has decided that henceforth the lending rates obtainable in all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) be made public to guide business decisions. Consequently, find below the applicable rates for each of the DMBs as at July 6, 2018. The rates will also be available on the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria

The Oracle Today

6

Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

PDP-led coalition not merger – APP

By News Agency of Nigeria

N

ATIONAL Chairman, Action Peoples Party (APP), Mr Ikenga Ugo-Chinyeri, has explained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led coalition, which emerged, Monday, is not a merger but platform to re-unify Nigerians.

Ugo-Chinyeri said in Abuja that the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP) was a timely action taken by 39 political parties in the interest of Nigerians, adding that the alliance was not just to capture power, but to unify Nigerians as well as redeem the country from shambles.

“This is not a merger. It is a coalition of 39 political parties, including the leading opposition party, PDP, which share the same goal. It is not about capturing power, it is about the urgency to serve and save our motherland which is dancing at the edge of total economic and political eclipse,” he said.

Ugo-Chinyeri admitted that it was not an easy task getting together at this period, but stated that it was voluntary among the 39 political parties that were already set to put their energy and resources together.

He said that the parties’ decision to act now by forming the coalition was timely, adding that it would save the country from collapse.

He added that the parties were willing to sacrifice everything, especially the presidential slot in the 2019 general elections.

“The 39 political parties, including PDP, will bring forth a grand single presidential candidate. We will all queue to vote in that candidate and vote out the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC),” the APP chairman said.

He explained that a significance of the alliance was the agreement and signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by all the parties to form a government of national unity to represent and unify Nigerians.

Ugo-Chinyeri urged Nigerians to get registered and collect Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in order to vote in the 2019 elections.

“Nigerians should observe the willingness behind this coalition. They should see the sacrifices the opposition has made and now is the time for them to go and collect their PVCs and join the coalition to root out incompetency,” he said.

He added that more news would be heard from the coalition even as more political parties were already indicating interest to join.

It would be recalled that the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and 37 other political parties and groups, Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ahead of 2019 general elections.

National chairmen of the political parties signed the MoU at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, and pledged to work together under “Coalition for United Democratic Parties (CUPP)’’ to produce a presidential candidate for the 2019 election.

The other political parties in the alliance are Action Alliance, ReformedAll Progressives Congress (R-APC), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Africa Democratic Party (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP).

The coalition also has Action Peoples Party (APP), Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP), Democratic Alternative (DA), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and Grand Democratic Party of Nigeria (GDPN).

Others are Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), KOWA Party, Labour Party (LP), Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA), Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN), National Conscience Party (NCP), New Generation Party (NGP)

and National Unity Party (NUP).

Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM), Peoples Alliance for National Development and Liberty (PANDEL), Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), People for Democratic Change (PDC) and Providence People’s Congress (PPC) are in the group.

They also include: Restoration Party of Nigeria (RPN), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), All Grassroots Alliance (AGA), National Interest Party (NIP), Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP), Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and Young Democratic Party (YDP).

Remarking, National Chairman of PDP, Mr Uche Secondus, said that Nigerians were waiting for the coalition to rescue the country, and urged the coalition leaders to come together, drop their personal interest and rescue Nigeria.

“We must all agree that today we take our destiny in our hands to rescue Nigeria not only for ourselves but for the generation to come.

“It is important to know that the leaders of our parties fought for democracy during the military. Some of them were jailed, some were detained but they were not weary; they came out strong and they rescued Nigeria.’’

Secondus said that the coalition would rescue Nigeria from intimidation, harassment, breakdown of rule of law and killing across the country.

“Nigerians are waiting for you to vote out APC; we are not afraid, fear has escaped. We are ready to go for detention until the salvation of our country is restored.’’

On his part, National Chairman of R-APC, Alhaji Buba Galadima, said most leaders of the world kept on wondering whether there were men and women of courage, and integrity in this country to face the ruling party.

He described the event as “answer to the outside world and Nigeria’’.

Galadima said that the task of rescuing power from APC was possible if all members of the coalition resolved to work together.

“We will safe this country; we will provide a future for our children and grandchildren.

Galadima said that though the task would not be easy, the coalition would oust APC in the general elections.

National Chairman of SDP, Chief Olu Falae, said that the way the coun-

try was at the moment, the political parties could not afford to spill their votes and energy in 2019.

“All our votes must go to the same presidential candidate, governorship candidate, the same senatorial candidate and members of the House of Representatives in each state.

“It is not sufficient to elect a president, because he needs the legislature to succeed,’’ Falae said and stressed the need to make the needed scarifies to rescue Nigeria in 2019.

Chief Peter Ameh of PPA insisted that Nigeria must be rescued in 2019.

“In 2019 this battle will not only be declared for us, it will be declared for emancipation and development of Nigeria. It will be for the benefit of our unborn generation.

In his contribution, Sen. Ben Obi, former Secretary, PDP National Caretaker Committee, said that the essence of the coalition was to rescue power from the APC in 2019 “to save Nigeria from further collapse’’.

Obi said it was also to form a coalition that would usher in a unity government and put end to nepotism as well as the current trend of lack of

harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive.

Some of the dignitaries at the event were Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Chief Tom Ikimi, Sen. Dino Melaye, serving and former governors, including Mr Peter Obi. Meanwhile, Alhaji Aliyu Bello, Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa, said that the new Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) cannot stop President Muhammadu Buhari`s re-election in 2019.

Bello told newsmen in Lafia, Tuesday, that Buhari came to power on the goodwill of the people, adding that he would still leverage on that given the achievements recorded so far.

He added that the coalition was a gang up of the political class, who were not comfortable with the feat recorded by Buhari, especially in the fight against corruption.

“More than 90 per cent of Nigerians are not card carrying members of political parties but voters, who the president is counting on to be reelected in 2019.

•Swedish (Volvo) Business Exploratory Team led by its Vice President, Middle East-Africa Volvo Bus Corporation, Mr. Steve Hedowin (l) with the Lagos State Commissioner for Transport Mr. Ladi Lawanson, during his courtesy visit to the commissioner, Tuesday.

Ambode advocates 25-yr export policy for Nigeria

L

AGOS State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said the export inflow at the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ) in Ibeju Lekki area of the State is projected to hit over $6 billion by 2020, saying it was time for Nigeria to develop sustainable roadmap to rev up export with particular focus on multi-sector products far beyond oil.

Speaking at the 2nd National Committee Meeting on Export Promotion of the National Economic Council (NEC) held in Lagos, Governor Ambode said beyond oil, it was now important for the country to put in place infrastructure and other initiatives to support other sectors with the view to preparing them for export.

“At the end of 2020 when the investment of the Dangote Industries and other Deep Seaport that we are putting in that place will fully come on stream, the export inflows that we are projecting for that place is over $6billion and that is just the way to go,” Ambode said.

He said through the export initiatives being spearheaded and monitored by the Nigerian Export

“The amount of love shown through the mammoth crowd that normally greeted his visits to many parts of the country in recent time is a pointer to his acceptance in spite of all the antics by the opposition,” Bello said.

He, however, said that the coalition was a wakeup call for the APC to redouble its efforts ahead of 2019.

“As a political party that wants its membership to grow, losing any member to another party calls for concern. As we are losing some, other vibrant Nigerians are joining our fold and we will work assiduously to bring more to joins us,” he added.

He expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible, free and fair election in 2019.

Bello said that the use of the card reader machine would make the process very difficult to manipulate.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined over 30 other political parties and groups to form the CUPP. Leaders of the merging political parties including the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC) signed a memorandum of Understanding to oust President Buhari in 2019.

Promotion Council (NEPC), the State Government had identified and commenced the process of developing three key commodities in which the State has comparative and competitive advantage including coconut, fish and vegetables.

“We plan to facilitate the development of these commodities into exportable products. Our export promotion initiatives also include export aggregators designed to boost production capacities of our indigenous micro small and medium industries. The objective is to create locally made products and services that not only satisfy local market but meet competitive export demand.

According to the Governor, the economic indicators of the country were such that reliance on oil without planning for the future was dangerous, and so something urgent must be done to promote other sectors.

“For all the years, if you say oil is 90 per cent of what our economy is all about, if there is a flip in the price of oil, what happens to 190 million people on just one product? Who does that? So, the idea is this, if in

2050, Nigeria is targeted to be the third largest country in the world with 400million people and then maybe Lagos population by then will be about 50million people, then there is going to be a problem if by now we are not thinking about other products.

“Beyond agric product and others, this is one singular opportunity for us to create a roadmap of an export policy that will be known as the National Policy on Export for the next 25 years which each State will key into and follow. The whole message is that we need to be broader in our approach. I believe strongly that the export policy strategy is another way to put Nigeria on the global map and that is the only way we can continue to bring ourselves together to promote export,” he said.

Earlier, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Mr Olusegun Awolowo called on state governments to seriously consider bringing export products in their respective States for the Committee on Export Promotion to look at, saying such was important going forward.

Ekiti poll: NBC urges broadcasters to abide by code

T

HE National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has urged all broadcasting stations that would cover the Ekiti Governorship elections to do so in conformity with the provisions of the Broadcasting Code.

Director-General of NBC, Malam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, stressed the need for broadcasting stations to respect the provisions relating to coverage of elections.

He drew the attention of broadcasters to the following sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“Section 5.2. and Section 12 stipulated that all partisan political broadcasts, campaigns, jingles, announcements and the use of all forms of partisan political party identifications or symbols on air shall end not later than twenty-four hours before polling day.

“Also sections 5.2 and 14 stated that a broadcaster shall not use any vote obtained at different polling stations or from exit polls, to project or speculate on the chances of the candidates.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS

Enugu Govt. partners Hybrid on wind energy exploration From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

E

nugu State government is partnering with Hybrid Micro Machines Products Ltd to explore the possibility of power the State through alternative energy sources especially wind turbines.

This was disclosed by the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at a workshop organised by the State Ministry of Science and Technology, which took place at Bridge Waters Hotel, G.R.A, Enugu, under the theme; ‘Two-Day Sensitization Workshop/Training on Wind Energy”.

Represented by the state’s Head of Service (HOS), Chidi Ezema, the governor expressed the urgent need for Enugu State to make conscious moves towards developing renewable and clean energy sources such as wind, to mitigate problems associated with incessant power failures in the state and other demerits associated with increased use of fossil fuel for electricity generation and distribution.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner for Science and Technology in the state, Engr. Mazi Patrick Ikpenwa, noted that the workshop, which he described as a milestone, was in line with Governor Ugwuanyi’s mandate to the Ministry to develop alternative energy sources for the state.

“The Ministry is currently working on the development of wind farms in Enugu State. The aim of the project is to ensure sustainability of power, and we want to “collaborate with Hybrid Micro Machines Products Ltd to do a pilot project. It will power street lighting system; and irrigation for rural communities, especially where there is no grid”.

He informed that renewable energy through wind sources would end power outages, eliminate carbon problems and diseases associated with it, and as well serve as a sure way to industrial development.

He also declared other plans of the Ministry towards achieving the executive mandate on renewable energy, to include, among others, the proposed “establishment of three Nigeria Coal Corporation (NCC) Modelled Smokeless Coal Briquette factories”.

Commissioner Ikpenwha pointed out that the proposed project has been applauded by the National Council on Science and Technology, adding that the factories were billed to be located at Orba, in Enugu North Senatorial Zone; UgwogoNike, in Enugu East Senatorial Zone; and Okwe, in Enugu West Senatorial Zones,. He explained that Smokeless Briquette was a type of fuel used for domestic cooking, that has been found to be cheaper than kerosene, firewood and cooking gas, coupled with its eco-friendly, smokeless nature.

While delivering a paper entitled, “viability of Wind Energy for Power Generation in Enugu State,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Micro Machines Products Ltd, Engr. Sebastine Omeh, used various illustrations to establish that Enugu State was “well favoured in wind energy prospects”.

He also highlighted the market opportunities inherent in the development of Wind Turbine as alternative power generation in the State, pointing out that the state has the capacity to venture into the project.

Groups to S’East politicians: Be guided by Igbo interest L From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

eadership of the Coalition of ProBiafra groups and the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) have called on other Igbo leaders to ‘explore and cement their much needed relationship’ in the interest of the Igbo cause.

This is also it urged governors of the various south east states in the country to be guided by Igbo interests in their interactions with the rest of the country.

Rising from its consultative strategic closed-door meeting in Owerri, last weekend, which examined the current challenges of Ndigbo in Nigeria today, the various groups also stressed the ‘the need to draw the attention and reassurance of other anti-self-determination elements in Igbo society into driving their political ships towards the yearnings and desires of Ndigbo.’

Though details of the meeting was not made public, leader of the Movement for the Actualization of

the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu confided in The Oracle Today that it also told pro-Biafra leadership heads to ‘swallow their individual prides/egos and establish a spirited and brotherly working relationship among themselves for the overall interest of our people.’

He noted that the meeting centered mostly on the current political, religious, cultural and economic challenges in Igboland including the agitation and clamour for the Biafra

State’s actualization.

Representatives of the Coalition of pro-Biafra groups, he added, restated their earlier submission to work and collaborate with every Igbo progressive and Biafranized group and movement including ADF for the re-establishment of the legendary Igbo dignity as a people.

Other matters of prime importance to Ndigbo that were discussed included the conscious securing of Igbo land, 2019 general election and other diplomatic contacts.

Kanu’s prophecies on disintegration of Nigeria coming to pass -IPOB From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

T

•Members of Come Alive Initiative during a one-day Walk Against Drugs/Substance Abuse it organized in Onitsha, with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe and students from secondary schools across Anambra State participating.

If Buhari commits impeachable offence, let NASS impeach him – NBA

By IBE NWACHUKWU

N

ewly-elected Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aguata branch, one of the eight branches of NBA in Anambra state, Dr. Chima Joseph Ubanyionwu has urged the National Assembly to begin impeachment process against President Muhammadu Buhari if he has committed an impeachable offence.

Reacting to the recent ex-parte order handed down by a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Maureen Onyetenu, following a motion filed before her by the Chairman of NBA, Ilesa branch, Kanmi Ajibola; and a human rights activist, Suleiman Adeniyi, based on some alleged constitutional breaches, Ubanyionwu noted that since there are laid down procedures, the National Assembly should in commencing the impeachment process, be guided by due process of law.

Ubanyionwu who spoke at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Bar Center, Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state, weekend, while taking over the mantle of leadership of NBA, Aguata branch from the out-going chairman, Clifford Iloegbune Okoye, said the national assem-

bly should first investigate the alleged breaches against Buhari and if they find him culpable, they should not hesitate to follow the laid down procedures in handling his matter, adding that in doing so, there should be no sacred cow syndrome in their oversight functions.

He also condemned the wanton killings going on in various parts of the country and urged the security agencies to rise up to the challenges by arresting and prosecuting all the culprits involved in the shedding of blood of innocent Nigerians.

He however commended the Okoye-led out-going executive for piloting the affairs of the Bar in a peaceful and transparent manner, with accountability as their watchword, adding that in his own case, he would run the affairs of NBA with an open door policy and at the same time, maintain the standards already laid down by his predecessors.

Ubanyionwu further stated that all forms of corrupt practices and malpractices would not be tolerated throughout the duration of his tenure, adding that all the members would vote for candidates of their choice during the forthcoming NBA national convention where all the new NBA national

officer are expected to be elected in a free and fair exercise.

Other elected members of the Ubanyionwu-led eight-member executive included Chinwe Okonkwo-Okom, Vice chairman; Chukwuanugo Offor, Secretary; Obiora Anebere, Assistant Secretary; Answer Nnenna Okoyar N., Welfare Officer; Anayo Ernest Egbo, Treasurer; Chukwu Kingsley Idenyi, Financial Secretary and Duke Ezeonwuka, PRO. Earlier in his hand over note, the out-going chairman, Okoye had explained that during his tenure, he maintained peace and harmony, acquired land for Aguata NBA at Lawyers’ Estate, Mgbakwu, furnished the Bar Center, organized a successful Bar Week, maintained peaceful transition that brought in Ubanyionwu and above all, worked towards the carving out of Orumba South Judicial Division from the present Aguata Judicial Division.

He therefore urged his successor to maintain the existing cordial relationship among the members on one side, the Bar and the Bench on the other hand, as well as the tempo of development, such as the development of the newly acquired Lawyers’ Estate, for the interest of the members.

he Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has recalled what it describes as “’he impending catastrophic end to Nigeria unless our leader and prophet of our time Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released from military detention and IPOB allowed to conduct it’s referendum in peace.’

A press statement released in Awka, Monday, reminded Nigerians that ‘when Buhari was crying his eyes out and agonizing over whether to run for president for the umpteenth time; at a time when grazing reserves and cattle ranching had not even entered the lexicon of political discourse in Nigeria, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu via Radio Biafra broadcasting from London foretold what was to befall Nigeria...’

In restating some of his reported prophetic pronouncements in perspective, IPOB list out some of them as follows: “As they campaign vigorously for elections, you would think, they are coming to grow the economy, enthrone justice, breed unity and tolerance, love for one another. No! They are coming to enthrone Hausa/Fulani supremacy, to reposition the security agencies by sacking all competent hands and replace them with their kinsmen in order to drive their ethnic domination of the South’ ...6 February 2014 “The Fulani herdsmen will be armed and encouraged to slaughter us with impunity and their masters will protect them. They are coming to ensure that my people are enslaved forever. Those who do not believe me will soon see it happen before their eyes’... 6 February 2014.

“The Fulani will take over the entire South as a continuation of their agelong agenda to Islamize Eastern Nigeria. They will brazenly seize our land in pretense of creating grazing fields for the Fulani. Then the conquest will be complete, we will become their slaves forever’...12 October 2014.”

IPOB’s statement through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, further noted that when his group came with their message of freedom and hope, “some people, probably misguided by Fulani sponsored propaganda against Biafra due to their dependency on oil and gas, came up with the narrative that IPOB is preaching hate and will cause another civil war.

“What those that bought into the Aso Rock lies never knew was that war had already been declared by marauding Fulani terrorists under the false cover of herdsmen/farmer clash. This blatant misrepresentation is still being propagated by BBC, Bloomberg, CNN and their likes, hence the lack of urgency from international community in tackling the menace,” he said.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS 2019: Why I want Enugu North Senatorial seat – Eya From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

A

n aspirant for the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, in the forthcoming 2019 general election, Chief Chinedu Eya, has said that he was driven into the race by a burning desire to offer “proper, adequate and proactive representation” to the people of the zone, which according to him, had been yearning for such for several years.

Eya, an international businessman, recently declared his intention to run for the Senate under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a chat with The Oracle Today, the ace investor, pointed out that he was “willing, ready and able to partner with the hardworking and people-oriented governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to continue to touch the lives of citizens of Enugu State in a manner that is devoid of deceit, selfishness and alienation.”

Condemning what he called politics of abracadabra, which according to him, some politicians usually employ during elections to deceive their constituents to elect them into office, Eya said ‘such hocus-pocus was not only egotistic but anti-people and retrogressive,’ adding that he is not joining politics to enrich himself with the inherent salaries or financial benefits but rather, for him to secure another platform to advance his already existing job creation, wealth creation and poverty alleviation schemes.

“I am always pained when I observe some of our representatives, wasting time and public resources on frivolities rather than keying into the frugal and people-oriented policies and sterling leadership style of our Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who has become a model to reckon with, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

On his ultimate goal as a politician, the investor said it was to “leave a legacy; to partner with our hardworking State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in his unflinching zeal to totally transform Enugu State”.

Don’t play politics with Ikwerre – Wike cautions Rivers politicians

R

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has berated some Ikwerre politicians who use the Ethnic Nationality for political advantage, ‘only to turn around and disown it when it suits them.’

Speaking during the funeral service in honour of late Elder Lawrence Amadi at the St Peter’s Anglican Church in Rumuepirikom, last Saturday, Wike said that there are Ikwerre politicians who fight Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality on different occasions for selfish reasons.

“Whenever it doesn’t suit them, they fight against Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality,” he said.

The governor described the late Amadi as a true Ikwerre man who worked for the progress of the area.

“While we were growing up in the community, he was a model to all of us. He was committed to education and touched people’s lives in Rumuepirikom. He was a complete Ikwerre man in all ramifications”, he said, adding: “He stood firm with Ikwerre Chiefs and Elders to support me to the end.”

Again, court slams N10,000 cost against poultry feeds firm in N56.174m suit

By IBE NWACHUKWU

A

n Onitsha High Court No. I in Anambra state, presided over

by Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu has for the second time slammed a N10,000 cost against the Eastern Premier Feed Mills Limited, Croos River State, in favour of the plaintiff, Chidozie Obeleagu, an Onitsha-based poultry farmer and poultry feeds distributor.

The court had earlier awarded the first N10,000 cost against the defendants for failing to file their briefs within a record time in a N56,174,106 civil suit instituted against them by the plaintiff for allegedly supplying him with bags of poisonous feeds produced by the defendants, which he alleged did not only kill all his poultry birds in his poultry farm but also killed poultry birds in his customers’ poultry farms.

In awarding the second cost of N10,000, Justice Onwuamaegbu who expressed displeasure that the defendants were yet to pay to the plaintiff the first N10,000 cost award-

ed against them, adjourned further hearing till September 26, this year, for further hearinmg.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Kenneth Ogbue who held brief for Ike Odionu Esq., had made an oral application asking the court to award a cost of N15,000 in his favour against the defendants for negligence and failing to file their briefs up till date when the case was called up for hearing, adding that the cost would also make them to sit up.

However, the respondents’ counsel, Fidelis Obi Onyebueke raised an objection to the oral application on the ground that he had already filed a motion on notice for the dismissal of the suit for lack of jurisdiction, adding that what he is praying the court to do was to grant him an extension of time, to enable him file his statement of defence and tidy up all the loose ends.

Onyebueke contended that he could not proceed with the matter with only the motion to dismiss the suit without first of all filing his statement of defence, adding that before

the next adjourned date, he would have perfected everything in readiness for the legal fireworks.

In the statement of claim, filed on his behalf, by his legal counsel, Ike Odionu, the plaintiff, Chidozie Obeleagu, trading under the names and styles of Obeleagu Holdings and Obeleagu Agro Allied Enterprises, is praying the court for a declaration that the defendant has breached his contract with him by supplying him a poisonous feeds that killed all his birds in the poultry farm.

The plaintiff prayed the court to ask the defendant to pay him the total sum of N56,174,106 being the cost of poisonous feeds he bought from the defendant in 2014, the cost of all the birds which the feeds killed after eating and general/ exemplary damages for breach of contract/warranty.

He noted that out of this amount, N50 million is for general/exemplary damages for breach of contract/warranty, while the rest are for litigation and total monetary loss of the birds in his poultry farm, including 1,600 broilers of six weeks old with a mar-

ket price of N1,500 each and 678 broilers of 11 weeks old with a market price of N2,000 each.

The plaintiff stated that when the birds started dying, he quickly sent samples of the poultry feeds for laboratory analysis to Animal Care Technical Services Division (Poultry Disease Diagnosis and Acquaculture Lab), Asaba, Delta state which after the analysis, confirmed the products as being unpalatable for poultry use and consumption by broilers.

He mentioned some of his customers which he supplied the feeds with the same disastrous results as George from Umueri who lost 172 broilers of seven weeks old, Mrs. Ebele Ojukwu lost 124 broilers, Mrs. Ebele from Ogidi lost 109 broilers, Callista Igboka lost 327 broilers, Virginia Igwe lost 131 broilers, Mrs. Okwudinka lost 59, Mrs. Onyeje lost 129, Caroline O. lost 56, Mrs. Mmadukolu lost 132, and Mrs. Rose Ezeh lost 37.

Court sentences 3 for stealing, vandalising EEDC cables From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

A

• Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left); Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Edward Ubosi (middle) and Patron, Abia/Imo People’s Forum, Bishop Dr. Godwin Madu, during an endorsement rally for the governor’s re-election by indigenes of the states resident in Enugu, yesterday.

Offor takes mental health education nationwide From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

I

n a bid to assist in stemming the rising cases of crimes and health hazards in the country, Anambra born business mogul, Emeka Offor has vowed to sponsor annual mental health education programme across six geopolitical zones.

Offor, who disclosed this at the end of one-day community mental health facilitators’ training sponsored by his Sir Emeka Offor Foundation at Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, explained that the programme would hold annually in each of the nation’s six geographical zones.

Offor who is the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), said the programme was parts of his humanitarian service to the society.

He disclosed that the foundation

would partner the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to rehabilitate drug addicts, train and empower them to be useful to themselves and the society.

Delivering a lecture entitled, “Understanding the role of Mental Health Facilitations”, Dr Eniabitobi Kuyinu, founder of The Educator, a non-profit organisation, posited that everyone has a mental health issue and unhealed wounds begging for urgent attention.

The programme was attended by community leaders in the Council Area, the management team of EEDC led by its Chief Executive Officer, Paul Okeke, representatives of National Drug Law Enforcements Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Prisons Service, the Police and others.

He noted that both the educated and the uneducated citizens need mental health training to eradicate

their various mental problems such as drug abuse, learning disability, emotional challenges, etc.

Others listed included financial problems, untreated ailments, anxiety, depression, emotional imbalance, sexual abuse, health trauma, pains, unresolved issue, relationship, disappointments and others.

Facilitators like Ms Renee Bryan and Dr Sonja Sutherland, while listing the internet, alcoholism and acculturation as some factors contributing to mental health issues, hence advised that people eschew sedentary lifestyles, refrain from high intake of alcoholic and soft drinks and also, find ways to be happy always.

Archbishop Province on the Niger, Prof. Godwin Okpala, while commending Sir Emeka Offor Foundation for organizing the programme, and charged people to pay adequate attention to their health.

federal High Court sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital has sentenced three youths to three years imprisonment each over conspiracy, unlawful damage and stealing of electricity cables belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

Head Communications for EEDC, Mr Emeka Eze commended the judiciary on the speedy trial of the vandals, which he said would serve as deterrent to others sabotaging the quality of service they render to electricity consumers.

The conviction, he noted came few weeks after the duo of Amaechi Joe and Ejike Chigozie were sentenced to three years imprisonment by a Chief Magistrate Court of Anambra East Magisterial District, Otuocha, Anambra State for vandalising the Ring Main Unit (RMU) handle of an Injection Substation belonging also to the EEDC in Aguleri, Anambra East council area.

“As a business, we have committed millions of Naira in restoring vandalised transformers and this is not a sustainable practice. We therefore continue to appeal to our customers to join hands in protecting these installations serving them.

“We are equally not relenting in our engagement with communities and critical stakeholders on the need to be vigilant and join hands with EEDC in protecting these installations in their neighbourhood; and to report any suspicious activity to their respective Feeder Manager or to the security operatives,” he added.

The convicts included Chizoba Ezedalu (22), Onyedikachi Nwosu (18), and Chinonso Ezenwanne (18) who reportedly committed the act in August, 2017, which the court presided over by Justice I.B Garfai of the Federal High Court 1 Awka, ruled as an act contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M.17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federation 2004.

The EEDC commended security agencies like the vigilante groups, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army and the Nigerian Police on their various efforts to securing EEDC properties and in bringing hoodlums to book.

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

POLITICS

2019: Okorocha 2019: APGA as the fighting within and main ‘bowl of trade’ without in Anambra Pg 10

9

Pg 12

2019: War of words between Wike and Rivers APC over R-APC From Port Harcourt, NATH OMAME, Jr. reports that a war of words is raging between Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike and Rivers State wing of the APC over allegations that the Rivers State governor is sponsoring the raging crisis in the APC.

•Wike is sponsoring and funding R-APC – APC •The claim is childish, false and laughable – PDP

T

•Nyesom Wike

•Rotimi Amaechi

•Bukola Saraki

•Ayo Fayose

• Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso Amongst the former PDP leaders are: former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, ministers, party chieftains, among others.

Wike’s pathway in his journey-man sojourn to re-invent the PDP was circuitous and, indeed, torturous. Somehow, he had assured those who had decamped from the PDP to seek refuge in the APC in 2014, that he would be able to snatch the soul of the PDP from the claws of its old brigade.

Wike, a lawyer, spared no effort in funding the legalistic brawl from the High Court to the Supreme Court. And with the Supreme Court victory, Wike moved, deftly, to install his political ally, Prince Uche Secondus, also

•Atiku Abubakar from Rivers State as the national chairman of the PDP. Many thought it was impossible for Wike to accomplish such a political gamble since the PDP had even before the 2015 general elections zoned the party’s presidential ticket to the North and the position of national chairman to the South West.

But, Wike pulled the chestnut from the fire. He argued that the South West had benefited from the PDP without working assiduously to deliver its presidential candidate, in the person of Jonathan, in 2015. He emphasised that the national chairman of the party should come from a region that can deliver bloc votes for the PDP in the 2019 general elections.

Governor Wike’s statement did rankle some PDP leaders in the South West. He,

he rising profile of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, as the engine room and financial fountain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is bound to provoke different connotations and labels from his political opponents.

How he strategically enlisted the active support of few PDP top-flyers to re-invent and re-position the party after it lost the presidency in 2015 laid the groundwork upon which his zeal and zest to rebuild the PDP into a formidable party is being accessed.

Wike’s proclivity in reaching out to former bigwigs in the PDP who left the party to form the short-lived new PDP, more often referred to as the nPDP and, subsequently, joining other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 is well known.

Having lost the presidency, most topnotches of the PDP were deflated, politically.

To add fresh salt to a new wound, the PDP also lost some states across the country, most significantly, in the Northern part of the country where the party, hitherto, had an appreciable support.

Either because of its filial, clannish, traditional or geographical affinity to former President Goodluck Jonathan from Utuoke, in Bayelsa State, in the South South geo-political region, or sheer alignment of regional politics, the PDP still managed to clinch five out of the six states in the South South, except Edo State.

Just like the South South, the South East had also demonstrated boundless support for the PDP since the advent of elective civilian participatory democracy in 1998. And the defeat of Jonathan in his quest to clinch a second term of four years in 2015 further peeved the South East, which showed its hurt by clinging onto the PDP. In order to rebuild the party, Wike began reaching out to other PDP governors in the South South and the South East. Sometime last year, Wike succeeded in putting across his idea of getting a regular parley of governors from both the South South and South East geo-political regions.

And governors of the PDP in both regions

have been meeting on rotational basis and issuing a joint statement on topical national issues. He then moved to give verve to the national leadership of the PDP. Governor Wike and Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, then, reached out to the former Governor of Bornu State, Senator Ali Modu-Sherrif to come on-board as interim national chairman of the PDP, hoping they can leverage on his experience, expansive political clout and financial solvency to lubricate the creaky wheels of the party.

It was a political gamble that turned sour and sowed the seed of a long-drawn battle that terminated at the Supreme Court with victory for Wike and Fayose’s group of the PDP. In the heat of the leadership crisis in the PDP, Wike continued to nurture his relationship with most of the former PDP leaders who decamped to the APC in 2015.

Cont’d on page 13

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

BOLD & BLUNT Those who believe that the governor’s actions have been unconscionable insist that they knew it was a matter of time before the governor fell out with the people. According to them, it was no surprise therefore that the governor began to fall from within his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state before the 2019 general elections.

The argument has been sustained that the governor has demonstrated the worst form of leadership in the state since its creation, leading to the simmering crisis in his party in the state. It is said that this is the first time a sitting governor lost during congresses held in his state by his party.

Okorocha’s sharp tongue Political analysts are worried that Okorocha’s comments about Imo people, his opponents and predecessors are often provocative and unexpected of a governor.

They claim that the governor has defiled government as an institution and governor as an oracle whose words and actions should carry the highest level of human excellence.

In his bid to foist his son in-law and Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, on his party as his successor, Governor Okorocha has derided both his predecessors and opponents within and outside his party, claiming that he has retired them. Apart from such retirement claims, he has described Imo people as myopic because they oppose his choice of his son in-law as his successor.

Speaking during a function at the State Government House, Governor Okorocha claimed to have retired his predecessors, Senator Arthur Nzeribe, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ikedi Ohakim and that he would retire his main opponent within the APC in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, in 2019. He claimed that it’s in order to pave way for the younger ones to come up politically.

Similarly, whiling receiving more than 3,000 people from Ideato North Local Government Area of the state, including their chiefs and leaders, who came to pay him solidarity visit at the Government House, Owerri, the governor said he would continue to work as governor, including inspection of projects till 11:30am on May 29, 2019, when his successor is expected to take over from him.

“I have a few months to go, yet; I have declared road revolution. The usual feeling is for out-going governors to pack money and leave at the end of their tenure. I will not pack money, rather, I will continue to work till 11:30a.m of May 29, 2019.”

He insisted he would contest the Imo West senatorial seat and reaffirmed his support for his Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu for Governor in 2019, adding that he had no doubt that he would win the governorship election.

He noted that his son in-law has learnt the ropes and is now better qualified than any other aspirant.

“Uche is the least of the political children I have trained. Madumere is there too, but none of them have I known like Nwosu. I took him up when he was just nobody and he grew to the height he is now, same with Madumere. Nwosu’s only sin is that he is my son-in-law. How about the Njemanzes, the bishops from Egbu? They occupy every position in Egbu without considering who and where they come from.

“Nwosu will win in 2019. Don’t be afraid.

I am there. I have retired the Arthur Nzeribes, the Udenwas, now I will retire the rest of them finally. I know them and they know me. Their plan is to push me so they can get the Senate. It’s a lie. I will run for Senate,” the governor said.

He added: “Nwosu has the mandate of the people and broad-based support. So, he will win the governorship election. And I will win the Senate election, because the quality of candidates and their records are key to their electoral success.

“They should come out with the person who will challenge Nwosu instead of making noise or propaganda. If they have someone better than Nwosu, let them come up with the person. I am waiting for

10

2019: Okorocha fighting within and without

The political developments in Imo State have led many to conclude that Governor Rochas Okorocha has since mismanaged the goodwill he enjoyed from the people of the state when he became Governor in 2011. They lament that they did not envisage what Okorocha has done since he became governor, while some say they were not shocked considering what they described as the governor’s “unconscionable actions and brigandage even during the 2011 governorship election, ” writes COLLINS UGHALAA from Owerri.

•Okorocha them to come out and challenge my own candidate with their own choice.”

In his response to the governor’s retirement threat, the leader of the Coalition in Imo APC, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume said the governor does not have the capacity to retire anyone, stressing that God and the people of the state would determine who becomes governor of the state in 2019.

According to a statement by Ik Ogbonna, Principal Adviser on Media to the Senator, Araraume’s ambition, business life and future rest in the hands of God. He noted that as a Christian and knight of the Catholic Church, Araraume is mindful of the role of God Almighty in who becomes the leader of His people.

“Let me further say that Senator Araraume started politics long before Chief Ethelbert Anayo Okorocha. As at 1988/89 when Okorocha was still struggling to make ends meet, Senator Araraume was the State Treasurer of Liberal Convention Party in the old Imo State comprising Imo, Abia and parts of Ebonyi State,” Ogbonna stated, adding: “From 1990-1993, he was a member of NRC National Finance Committee and State chairman of APP in 1998. This shows a well grounded politician and party man.

In 1999, he alongside Chief Enwerem, Okorocha were given senatorial tickets by the PDP, they all won except Chief Okorocha. He went on to get a second term and has been actively in involved in state and national politics.

“He is currently a Federal Commissioner representing the South East in the Nigeria

Communications Commission, NCC. Senator Araraume has won all elections he has participated in but was denied the fruits of his victory in some. As they say, God’s time is the best. And like President Buhari who won on his 4th attempt, 2019 will be his 4th attempt and he will emerge victorious by the grace of God, the votes and goodwill of Imo people.”

He added that “while Araraume is busy ensuring APC is on sound footing, assisting the party and its structures at all levels, the state governor is allegedly hobnobbing with the SDP and dishing out portfolio to himself as Senator for Orlu, his in-law as Governor, himself again as President in 2023, his Deputy as Senator for Owerri, etc.

This recklessness has been condemned widely by bishops, ex governors and virtually everyone with good conscience.”

“Gov Okorocha was ‘declared’ winner of his last two elections after failing many times and only after supplementary or rerun elections were conducted. The election that gave him victory in 2015 was with the active support of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume,” Ogbonna recalled.

Also responding, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim who is running for a second term as governor in next year’s election noted that he had “read in the print and social media Governor Okorocha’s show of disrespect to the office of the Governor of Imo State. Unfortunately he has been the occupant of that office since 2011.”

He observed that “Okorocha had on Monday, 16th April 2018 opened his basket mouth once more and made vitriolic re-

marks to the bewildered and suffering Imo people, that he has retired some politicians in the state, including His Excellency Dr Ikedi Ohakim,” adding: “Okorocha’s senseless comments and actions in the state for years confirm that he has completely run amok and requires an urgent psychiatric attention before he goes totally naked in the market place.”

In a press statement, Ohakim further noted: “We had in one of our press releases in February this year told Okorocha that leadership demands decorum and that governance is not the same thing as wearing pampas. But instead of providing Imo people with the good governance they desperately need, Okorocha has been busy retiring everything.

“Governor Okorocha has since 2011 retired the 10,000 jobs, the 27 local governments, local government election, more than 50% civil servants and pensioners in the State. He has also retired the 46 development centres, the traditional institutions, 46 modern community health centres and the 1,395 water schemes built by the Ikedi Ohakim administration across the state. Okorocha has retired keke operators, commercial bus drivers, traders, artisans and landlords in his dangerous bid to be the only cock that crows.

“The governor in his retirement programme has retired Adapalm, Imo Transport Company (ITC) and Imo Shoe Industry Ltd. He has retired Nwaorie River and Otamiri River, the only body of river that made Owerri a settlement town, by constricting them with culverts instead of

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

BOLD & BLUNT

•Araraume bridges.

“He has retired the four stadia in Imo, including Dan Anyiam Stadium; Okigwe Stadium which the Ikedi Ohakim administration succeeded in getting the NDDC to put it in their budget but Okorocha has refused to pursue it; the Orlu Township Stadium which has been left to be overgrown with weed; the Old Stadium at Tetlow Road which he has turned to Rochas Foundation Sports Academy. He also retired the Heartland Football Club from Division One to Division Two, whereas the Club played the finals in 2009 while Dr Ikedi Ohakim was Governor.

“Governor Okorocha has shamelessly also retired the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, and built the best university for himself in his village. He has also retired the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. He retired Ekeukwu Owerri Market, New Market, Relief Market and countless other markets in the state, including Nkwo Orji, Eke Atta, Eke Mgbidi, Amaraku Market, etc. Sadly, Okorocha is transferring these markets to himself and cronies through some developers. He has retired the IBC Quarters, Orji, and turned it to Rochas Foundation College”.

According to Ohakim: “It is obvious that Okorocha wants to retire everything in Imo State so that he will be the only man alive.

To achieve this impossible task he has also retired the economy of the state, the state assembly and the Judiciary.”

Ohakim noted that “while Governor Okorocha is busy retiring everything, death rate has been on a geometric increase, with infant mortality rate peaking at 101 out of every 1000 birth while under 5 years mortality rate stood at 167 out of every 1000 birth in 2014, according to figures released by budgit, the worst in the Southeast. The number of people with HIV has also risen to 93,822, the highest also in the entire Southeast. These are the things Okorocha should be retiring, including retiring hunger and anger.

“Okorocha should realise that there are more important tasks before him, such as completing the payment of judges in the state which he began in February after His Excellency Dr Ikedi Ohakim raised the alarm that judges in Imo State were owed for 16 months by the Okorocha administration.

He should also commence the payment of gratuities and pensions of retired Judges whom he has owed for more than 4 years”.

The 2019 succession game The politics of who succeeds Governor Rochas Okorocha has been the major source of rancour in the ruling APC in Imo

•Ohakim State and also seems to be the uniting factor among diverse politicians in the state ahead of 2019.

Speaking when party leaders from Ehime Mbano LGA came on a solidarity visit o the government house to endorse his son inlaw, Uche Nwosu, for the 2019 governorship and also hand over to the Governor the document to that effect, on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, the Governor expressed delight, claiming that everybody even the opposition are all talking about Uche Nwosu for governorship in 2019.

He said: “If the only sin Uche Nwosu has committed is marrying my daughter then he has no sin. It will be painful to me if all I have labored to achieve will be destroyed after I have left in 2019. I am therefore keen in who succeeds me. Who won’t allow the state to go back to Egypt.

“We need someone who will not damage all the good works we have done, who will not stop free education, stop urban renewal, ensure political tolerance, maintain all the achievements of the government as if his life depends on it. That’s my interest.

“What will Uche Nwosu do for me?

Since he married my daughter he has only bought two shoes for me. One pair does not even enter my legs. My interest is good governance”.

The governor continued: “So the issue of Uche Nwosu being my inlaw is neither here nor there. America where we copied our democracy from, such petty issue does not come up at all. We know about the Clintons and the Bush family in America. No American talked about Mrs. Hillary Clinton being the wife of former President or Bush Junior being the son of former President. When will our own democracy grow?

“What we desire is good governance and not the issue of in-law. Uche Nwosu from all indications will do better than me. He has shown the signs. That is my interest.

You don’t build a good house and allow it to be destroyed by someone who does not have the interest of the house at heart.

Uche Nwosu will do well as a Governor”.

He added: “I have come to change the old order that never allowed the young and godfatherless ones to grow. And by the grace of God we have succeeded. Our people should not be allowed to be deceived.

I will give Ehime Mbano all the supports”.

Corroborating the position of the Governor on who succeeds him, Uche Nwosu, Okorocha’s son in-law and Chief of Staff said that Okorocha wants him as his successor so as to take up from where he would stop because he (Okorocha) desires the best for Imo people.

Speaking with journalist, Nwosu said that

whatever is happening about who replaces Okorocha is divine, saying: “It is about the person, Uche Nwosu. It is about what the Governor thinks is the best for the state. It is about developmental leadership.

“It is about who will move Imo State forward after 2019. Remember that we are one family in the ‘rescue mission government’ of Imo State.

“The Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, was the Chief of Staff when we were at the Rochas Group, while I was the Personal Assistant to the President of the Rochas Group, Rochas Okorocha.

“It’s a story similar to that of the House of Jesse in the Bible. At the Rochas Group, I was the fourth person in ranking. Our then General Manager, Rochas Okorocha, is now the Governor; the then Chief of Staff, Eze Madumere, is now the Deputy Governor; we have Nonye Rajis, who was the Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore when Goodluck Jonathan was the President of Nigeria.

“Rajis was the third in rank at the Rochas Group and she became an Ambassador.

When Rochas Okorocha became Governor, his ex- Chief of Staff became his Deputy.

“Just like the house of Jesse in the Bible, David was not the first or even second child; he was the eighth, but out of the sons of Jesse, he who was the least, that is David, was chosen to be the king of Israel. What is happening in Imo State about who replaces Okorocha is divine. Even the Governor does not know how his choice of who would succeed him came about, but I believe that whatever decision the Governor took is divine and it is the grace of God that is working”.

Prior to his endorsement of his son in-law to succeed him, the Governor had made it public that Senator Ifeanyi Araraume cannot be Governor in the state, vowing that he will not support the aspiration of the Senator as Governor of the state in 2019.

He insisted that his successor will be produced by the people of the state, and that he has already told the aspirants to start consulting with the people who will determine who they want, stressing that anybody who is going to succeed him as Governor must not proud, arrogant, vindictive, greedy and narrow minded or clannish.

“I want Imo people to name who they want as their Governor in 2019, because I will not name any body, and that is why I have asked the aspirants to consult with the people, but, definitely, the likes of Araraume will not succeed me.

“I want a good leader for my people, this question has constantly come up, I have not given my support to Acho Ihim, Uche

Nwosu, Chike Okafor or Madumere yet, but, before the end of this month, I shall name my successor, but it will never be Araraume”, he said.

But this endorsement of Uche Nwosu by the Governor has murdered sleep both for the Governor and other members of the party who are now in daggers drawn for the soul of the party. This led to the formation of two factions in the party, with the Governor leading the group he calls “Agburu Anyi”, meaning “Our Lineage or Tribe”, while Senator Ifeanyi Araraune, Okorocha’s Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere; Senator Hope Uzodimma; Okorocha’s former Commissioner for Information, Dr. T.O.E. Ekechi; Senator Osita Izunaso, former National Organizing Secretary of the APC; Sir Jude Ejiogu, former Secretary of the State Government under Okorocha, etc, formed the Coalition.

The battle for the soul of the Imo APC led to the crisis that characterized the ward, LGA and state congresses of the party, where the Governor and his group lost out.

The fight also led to the suspension and counter suspension of key party officials, and the formation of parallel executives at the ward, LGA and state levels.

The battle in the party also led to court action challenging the ward, LGA and state congresses. In his ruling on the party congresses, Justice Lewis Allogoa of the Federal High Court in Owerri declared that the APC congresses never held in the state and ordered for fresh congresses in the state in line with the constitution of the party.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman of Imo APC Stakeholders Forum, Chief Okey Ikoro, threatened that should the Nation Working Committee (NWC) of the party give any form of concession to Governor Rochas Okorocha with regards to the concluded ward, local government and state congreses, for any concoted reason, the party stands every chance of loosing the state in the 2019 election.

He said that the jubilation witnessed in the state when the governor was defeated in the congresses shows exactly how badly he has managed the affairs of the party and the state in general, pointing out that it was only the results of the congresses that halted the mass exodus of members of the party to other parties.

Chief Ikoro noted that the governor has totally weakened the party base in the state through his actions and policies, such as personalising the party and usurpation of the powers of the state exco, arrogating to himself the power of sharing the elective positions in the party for 2019 election, subjecting the party to riddicle through forceful insistence on presenting his son in-law as the governorship candidate for the party, fractionalization of the party, by creating a parallel structure of the party in other to actualise the son in-law’s succession plan.

The APC chieftain maintained that “Rochas Okorocha has become a liability to the party and to South East in general” adding that “he has lost any electoral influence, that was why he lost woefully in the congresses.

“It was the only opportunity for APC party faithful to express their disgust with Okorocha’s antics. It is therefore clear that should the NWC for any reason, even for a concocted court order, give any form of concession to Rochas Okorocha in the present impasse in the party, or fail to uphold the already approved Imo congress list by the previous NWC, due to the ranting of Rochas Okorocha, it will reverse all the gains so far made in the recovery of the party by the stake holders and will set the stage for loss of the state to the opposition party in the 2019 election,” Ikoro declared.

He noted that what is expected of the party at the national level is to immediately appeal the current court decision on this matter and get a stay of execution of the order for a new congress, having recognized and approved the Imo congress list alongside other successful state congresses, and having ratified it in a national convention, bearing in mind that party congresses is under the exclusive reserve of the party.

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

POLITICS T 2019: APGA as the main hose who are conversant with the politics of Anambra State will quickly admit that the ruling party in the State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds the ace among all the political parties in the Light of The Nation when it comes to the maneuvers towards the 2019 general election. From practically non-opposition, what with nobody boldly standing as opposition party or opposition politician, to evergreen bandwagon effect of APGA’s 21/21 victory in 2017 governorship election, it is as clear as noon that APGA is the main bowl of contest in Anambra.

Observers say selfishness among top ranking politicians has dimly or clearly nipped opposition wire to the bud in Anambra State.

An observer, Comrade Vincent Ezekweme, the State Chairman of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) puts it this way: “The opposition are selfish, prefer to work for personal gains rather than the overall interest of their political parties; we are all witnesses to what happened during the governorship election in 2017. You cannot build a strong position without placing the party ahead of or personal gains.”

The Oracle Today gathered that in the absence of a strong opposition from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) APGA is standing like Mount Kilimanjaro as the party to beat in Anambra as far as 2019 election is concerned. Checks after checks by The Oracle Today revealed an intense battle for the tickets of the party among politicians aspiring to the National Assembly and State House of Assembly positions in the State.

It was discovered, for instance, that whereas the battle among politicians aspiring for the ticket to stand for the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly election respectively is so strong in all parts of the State, that of the Senate is fiercer in Anambra South than in Anambra Central and Anambra North Senatorial Districts. In Anambra Central, the incumbent Senator, Victor Umeh may prove too strong to contend with for the ticket of APGA; ditto for Senator Odua in Anambra North.

However, in the South, the case is a different ball game considering the calibre of aspirants jostling for the ticket of APGA for the race to the Senate. Former governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in 2007 and Hope Democratic Party in 2013, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu alias Ikukuoma leads an array of politicians aspiring to the Senate in the South under APGA, including the initiator of the defunct Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) and governorship candidate of Labour Party in 2013, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah.

Checks reveal that over 320 aspirants are in the race for the 30 Constituency seats in the State House of Assembly on the platform of APGA with some of the Constituencies having more than 10 aspirants. In Aguata Constituencies 1&2 for instance, there are over 20 people trading tackles for the ticket of APGA for the State House of Assembly election. The massive contest for APGA ticket in Aguata Constituencies 1&2 is not unconnected with the fact that the incumbent members representing the two Constituencies, Hon Ikechukwu Umenwa and Hon Ikemfuna Uzoezie are aspiring to the House of Representatives.

Moving up to House of Representatives, there are up to 70 aspirants under APGA in the race for the 11 Federal Constituency seats up for grabs Anambra in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly . Orumba North/ South Federal Constituency has about 8 APGA aspirants including the incumbent Rep. Ben Nwankwo who is aspiring for the fourth consecutive term in a row. Most Federal Constituencies have not less than 6 aspirants hoping to clinch the ticket of APGA for the 2019 exercise.

Further checks by The Oracle Today revealed that as obtains in Anambra politics, APGA aspirants have some elements to contend with in contest for the tickets. The elements are religious interest and the issue of zoning. And as obtains in Nigerian politics generally, godfatherism is also on the card.

In Anambra, APGA as a political party recognises Catholic and Anglican Churches to a large extent. In most places, Church denomination makes or mars one’s chances of winning an election. When a politician indicates

12

‘bowl of trade’ in Anambra

THEO RAYS writes on the intense battle for tickets of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and how the Church, zoning, godfatherism, others will influence the choice of those who will clinch party tickets for the various elective positions up for grabs in Anambra State for next year’s general elections. interest in an elective position in Anambra, the first question that follows is about his denomination: is he a Catholic or Anglican or Pentecostal?

Obviously, those aspiring for elective positions in Anambra will have to be Catholics and or Anglicans. The Catholics and Anglicans have better chances of winning elections than the Pentecostals and other denominations. In most cases, they rotate political offices between Catholics and Anglicans. If a Local Government Chairman is a Catholic, the Vice Chairman has to be an Anglican. Similarly, if an incumbent House of Assembly member is a Catholic, it is likely that his successor will have to be an Anglican. The issue of rotating positions between Catholics and Anglicans will be a major factor in who gets the ticket of APGA for the 2019 race in Anambra.

What this means is that non-Catholics and Anglicans have to unleash extraordinarily force to break through. Non-Catholics and Anglicans have to rely on the influence of a strong godfather, loyalty to the party and overwhelming popularity in their area of jurisdiction. For instance, it took a powerful godfather for a Pentecostal politician, Pastor Ejike Nwachukwu to secure the ticket of APGA to contest for Oyi Constituency seat in the State House of Assembly in 2011. Pastor Nwachukwu contested and lost to a Catholic PDP. Asked to comment on the interest of Churches in Anambra politics, Pastor Nwachukwu defended the Catholics and Anglicans saying that APGA and other political parties equally recognise Pentecostal Churches and other denominations but the issue is that the Catholics and the Anglicans are more interested in participating in politics than the Pentecostals and others in the State and they have larger numbers of followers, which politicians cannot over-emphasise.

“I am a Pentecostal Pastor, a stakeholder in APGA and currently serving as Senior Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Conflict Resolution, so APGA recognise Pentecostals too,” he added Other factor that will make or mar the aspiration of APGA aspirants ahead of 2019 is the issue of zoning. During last year’s governorship election in Anambra, APGA as the ruling party made a bold statement on zoning, declaring that the party would retain the governorship seat in Anambra North to enable the incumbent Governor Obiano complete a second term for the seat to shift to Anambra South Senatorial District. According to the party, the Central Senatorial District has taken its fair share through former Governors Chris Ngige and Peter Obi. The re-election of Obiano last year strengthened the clamour for zoning in Anambra at least in APGA circle as a political party. On that note, most political aspirants under APGA ahead of 2019 are banking on zoning to clinch the ticket of the party. For instance, in Aguata State Constituency 2, the people of Umuona Community have come out to say in strong terms that it is the turn of Umuona to produce the member that will represent Aguata Constituency 2 in the Anambra State House of Assembly on the grounds that it is the only community that has

not produced a member of the House in the Constituency.

A similar thing is playing out in other State and Federal Constituencies in the Light of the Nation ahead of 2019. In Onitsha for instance, non-indigenes are strongly pushing to lay hands on the seat of Onitsha State Constituency 1 and Federal Constituency in the National Assembly on the grounds that it is the turn of non-indigenes to occupy the seat as, according to them, the indigenes have been occupying the seat of Onitsha in the Federal House of Representatives since the return of democracy in 1999.

Hon. Chinedu Eze, a non-indigene who is gunning for the seat of Onitsha Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly, told The Oracle Today that Onitsha people have to allow a level playing ground for nonindigenes who have contributed so much to the development and progress of the commercial city to exercise their inalienable right to occupy political position in the city.

Hon Eze, who is an ex-councillor and leader of Onitsha North legislative council, while reacting to insinuations in some quarters that Onitsha indigenes will not allow non-indigenes to represent Onitsha North Constituencies 1&2 as well as the Federal Constituency in 2019, said that it is not politically acceptable for Ndi Onitsha to say so, stressing that a man from Onitsha by name Tony Iwobi who was born in the northern part of Nigeria is currently serving as a Senator

in Italy.

Another factor likely to aid the success of aspirants in securing the ticket of APGA is the issue of godfatherism. Obiano is the lead godfather in the party. The role of leaders of Catholic and Anglican Churches as godfathers cannot also be overemphasised in this regard. Some powerful traditional rulers and top officials of the party as well top office holders like the two Senators in the party, Victor Umeh and Stella Odua, also fall into the categories of godfathers in APGA. Governor Obiano is at the centre of the choice of the APGA in deciding who becomes the flag-bearer of the party both for the State and National Assembly seats in 2019 polls. Analysts say Obiano, as he like he did in the 2015 election, has to work hard to ensure that the candidates of APGA win a majority of the State House of Assembly seats to enable him gain adequate control of the House and avoid impeachment threats from opposition parties post 2019 poll.

It will be recalled that Obiano pulled financial trigger against opposition for APGA to win 27 seats out of the 30 seats in the State House of Assembly in 2015 election to ensure adequate control of the House.

Similar situation is likely to play out in 2019. Obiano and APGA, therefore, have to dig deep and pick popular candidates who have enough popularity in their various constituencies to win election and by so doing, ensure massive victory against opposition parties in 2019 so that the Chamber of the State House of Assembly would remain under his beck and call.

For now, it is APGA all the way in Anambra ahead of the 2019 polls and unless the unexpected happens, the party is set to sweep all elective positions in the Light of the Nation come next year. ‘

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

POLITICS

... Wike and Rivers APC over R-APC Cont’d from page 9 insisted, however, that the records of the voting pattern in the 2015, 2011 vindicates his claim.

Importantly, PDP leaders from the South West, apart from Governor Fayose had not been financially supportive in paying the topheavy bills of the high-flying lawyers that handled the matter that decided the leadership crisis. In one sum: you cannot reap where you did not sow.

Again, Governor Wike pointed out that Prince Secondus has the required experience to rebuild the party as well as galvanise support across the country, having been the chairman of the PDP for eight years during the two-terms of former Governor Peter Odili in Rivers State.

And to strengthen the persuasive argument in favour of Secondus, he pointed out that he was a former deputy national chairman as well as acting national chairman of the party, following the controversial resignation of the former National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Ma’zu, who was a former governor of Bauchi State.

Wike and Fayose’s “Unity List” that was circulated on the grounds of Eagle Square, the venue of the PDP’s national convention showed clearly that the now reinvented PDP had the input of many leaders of the nPDP who decamped to the APC in 2014.

At the end of the convention, all the aspirants whose names were on the “Unity List” were dutifully returned as elected. The new power brokers of the PDP had emerged even though some of them still occupied very prominent elective positions, which they contested for, and won on the platform of the APC. So, the national refrain at the close of the crucial PDP national convention was unambiguous: if you can’t beat them, then, join them. The torturous legal brawl over the national leadership of the PDP, and the outcome of the high-wire negotiations and concessions that produced members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP made a deafening proclamation.

The national convention demonstrated, vividly, that members of the nPDP who defected to the APC prior to the 2015 general elections had, at last, found a comfortable abode in the expansive courtyard of their erstwhile political family in the PDP. Most of those who defected from the PDP in 2014 came to the APC after it was duly recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), essentially because it provided a platform to actualise their political ambitions.

Many members of the nPDP who are unhappy with President Mohammadu Buhari and the APC government that he leads are congregated in the National Assembly. And they have become frontally visible, just as their voices are resonating in their criticism of the Buhari administration because they belong to the legislative arm of government, who by the nature of their official duties deal frequently with matters emanating from the presidency.

The nPDP members in the Senate are being shepherd by Senate President, Dr. Saraki, while those in the House of Representatives are led by Speaker Dogara.

According to reports, about three sitting governors; two former governors; 40 Senators; 110 members of the House of Representatives and scores of members in the state Houses of Assembly under the APC are expected to decamp to the APC at the end of July.

National Chairman of the R-APC, who announced the formation of the APC splinter group, on Wednesday, July 4, in Abuja, described President Buhari’s government as

“rudderless, inept and incompetent government that has failed to deliver good governance to Nigerian people but rather imposed dictatorship, impunity, abuse of power, complete abdication of constitutional and statutory responsibilities, infidelity to the rule of law and constitutionalism.”

The news conference was attended by some members of the APC in the National Assembly. The member of the House of Representatives, representing Tai/ Eleme/ Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Dr. Barry Mpigi, was present at the event. He decamped from the PDP along with former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to the APC in 2014. He was earlier an avid supporter of Senator Magnus Ngei Abe’s governorship ambition on the platform of the APC in Rivers State. But he has struck a chummy political relationship with Governor Wike in the past four months, leading to speculations that he may soon decamp to the PDP. Dr. Mpigi was the only elected politician under the aegis of the APC who voted in the Saturday, June 16, local government election in Rivers State. The APC boycotted the exercise on the grounds that there was a subsisting matter in court, disputing the dissolution of the existing executive councils by Governor Wike before the expiration of the constitutional stipulation of three years.

The lawmaker told journalists after voting during the local council polls that he voted because he does not want to be denied of a representative at the council level which, he insisted, is closer to the people in the rural communities. He then added that Governor Wike is performing and it is the duty of the people of Rivers State to support the governor to do more for the people.

As for the quest of Senator Abe to vie for the governorship of the state on the platform of the APC in 2019, Mpigi stated: “If the no political party presents an Ogoni as its governorship candidate, then, I will vote for Governor Wike for a second term. His achievements are visible for everyone to see.”

Although Senator Abe has also been accused by the APC leadership in the state of hobnobbing with Governor Wike, the Senator was not present at the press conference held to herald the formation of the R-APC by Galadima, on Wednesday, July 4, at Abuja.

Wike attended Senator Abe’s Victory Thanksgiving on Saturday, February 10, in Port Harcourt. Although, Abe invited the leader of the APC in Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Amaechi turned down the invitation and chose to attend a rally organised by the Free Rivers Development Initiative (FRDI) , a pro-APC group led by Chief Sampson Ngerebara, a former Commissioner for Works, in River State.

Dr. Mpigi’s presence at the public declaration of the formal existence of the R-APC drew the ire of the Rivers APC. There had been widespread speculations since April that Mpigi would soon defect to the PDP, following the defection of a member of State House of Assembly, representing Tai State Constituency, Mathew Dike, in March.

The member of the House of Representatives, renowned for being overtly blunt had during a visit of the Rivers State contingent in the 8th National Assembly to Government House, Port Harcourt, in February, commended Governor Wike on his infrastructural drive in the state.

Mpigi declared at that event: “We commend you for your good works so far. You are working. We can see the roads you have constructed. If anyone thinks we have come hear to play politics, then, the person is mistaken. We must put Rivers State first.”

On Thursday, July 5, a day after Galadima unveiled the R-APC, the Rivers State chapter of the APC insinuated that Governor Wike

• Buba Galadima

•Magnus Abe

was the financial sponsor of the R-APC. The presence of Mpigi of the APC whom the state party hierarchy had previously accused of warming up to Wike further ruffled some feathers in the party’s plumage; a singular act that has, indeed, exacerbated the deepseated crisis over who will earn the ticket to represent the APC in the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State.

Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, stated: “Well...let me say that the issues emanating from the emergence of the R-APC is being handled by the national headquarters of the APC. The party is not unusually losing any sleep over the matter because Galadima has confirmed on national television that they are not a faction of the APC but are still members of the APC. “However, because we saw on television some R-APC members from Rivers State who are already working with Governor Wike when Buba Galadima addressed the media, we have reasons to believe the credible report that we have that the Galadima group is being financed by Governor Wike through his acolytes.”

Finebone added: “And Governor Wike is doing this in his capacity as the defacto national leader of the PDP.” The insinuation by the Rivers State chapter of the APC drew the ire of the Rivers State government, which responded swiftly.

“Of course, as human beings and politicians, we will be happy when those who plot against the state see themselves in ruins and in tatters.

It is the wish of every politician, but that do not mean that the Rivers State government is sponsoring opposition parties against the APC or within the APC,” the government said.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah, who spoke for the Rivers State government added: “What the APC is telling us now is that they were the ones who sponsored and funded the nPDP that eventually broke up from the PDP to join the APC before the general elections in 2015.

“On the allegation that the governor is romancing with many APC henchmen, it can be seen from the perspective of the exemplary visionary leadership that the governor has enthroned in Nigeria. Governor Wike has shown that politics is not a do or die affair; he has shown that he is a true Nigerian, that after election comes governance. And what we are doing now is governance and not playing politics.”

Okah stressed: “Governor Wike has demonstrated that he is a detribalised Nigerian and a friend to all. And that is what every politician should aspire to be. The claim by the APC that he is sponsoring and funding the R-APC is not correct. It is a childish, false and laughable.”

Top members of the APC who are said to be the prime movers of the R-APC are Senate

President, Dr. Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and many others who currently hold elective positions by virtue of their membership of the APC. Even though Wike is a governor elected on the platform of the PDP, Dogara, Tambuwal, and Saraki have been invited to Rivers State

by Governor Wike to commission projects in commemoration of the 3rd anniversary of his government. Kwankwaso, Saraki and Tambuwal are nurturing presidential ambitions and all three politicians see 2019 as the most appropriate time to vie for the prime political position. All three defected from the PDP through the improvised conduit of the nPDP prior to the 2015 general elections, a deft political move that took the sail from the PDP - a gigantic political party at that period in the country’s democratic history.

The formation of the R-APC, essentially its timing is reminiscent of the energetic horse-trading and copious compromises that heralded the nPDP and its subsequent amalgamation with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Congress of Progressive Change (CPC); All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and a splinter group of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in 2014.

The implosion within the PDP, the then ruling party at the centre severely dwarfed its electoral chances at the 2015 general elections. Not surprisingly, some of the key dramatis personae currently beating the drums of a breakaway from the APC, and the ultimate defection have charted and actively meandered through this wily pathway upwards of three years ago.

So, the terrain, however, clumsy and slippery is very familiar in furtherance of their individual and collective political interest. How far can they go? And how far will they go?

Were there subterranean sponsors of the formation of the nPDP in 2014? No matter the indices, template, yardstick or prism through which the formation of the nPDP is being premised, personal political interest remains the driving force that has fuelled the emergence of the R-APC. And to be candid, all those who participated in the formation of the nPDP in 2014, and who have inched their way back fully to the PDP, or have taken a tentative step into the R-APC, waiting for the strategic cue to dump the APC, reminiscent of the 2014 escapade in the PDP, are high networth individuals who have the wherewithal to lubricate the ambitious wheels of their presidential campaigns.

In just three years, the chairs and tables have turned full circle and the centre can no longer hold. The count down to the 2019 general elections appears to be pregnant with diverse and many hideous political calculations that may, eventually, reshape, or even redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

INTERVIEW

•Chief James Nwafor

We leant hat you are on a second missionary journey, as it were, in Anambra State…

Yes, His Excellency Governor Willie recalled me to serve as SSA on security and here am I doing the job. As they say, one good turn deserves another.

I didn’t know that Governor Obiano was highly impressed with what I did during my days as the Commander of the Police SARS in Anambra. I believe that he appointed me to serve because he believes in me based on the records of what I did earlier on while serving in Anambra.

How do you deal with people’s expectations from you, as it must be very high? I mean what assurance are you giving your subordinates in the light of such expectations?

To whom much is given much is expected. Igbo man says that age cannot stop an old woman from doing well in dancing the music she is familiar with.

I will do my best in working in tandem with the State Police Command and other security agencies in the State to ensure that the security situation in Anambra remains commendable. This is what I can tell the people and His Excellency, my boss.

We learnt that you are the brain behind SARS in the whole of Nigeria.

Could you tell us how it all started?

The high crime rate in Anambra gave birth to SARS. The idea of SARS was mooted following the communal clash between Aguleri and Umuleri and high rate of armed robbery at the same time. After the clash, the Police decided to mop up some arms handed over to the youth during the clash so that they won’t use such arms against the law. After the Aguleri and Umuleri clash, there was a crime incident at Awkuzu that led to the death of 22 people. We called it Awkuzu massacre. During investigation, Police suspected that the perpetrators might have secured arms from those who fought the Aguleri and Umuleri war.

We started arresting those we suspected were in possession of arms. At that point, there was also a high rate armed robberies, so, the Command

•Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe

ªObi Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu 1 of Awka

High crime rate in Anambra gave birth to SARS - Nwafor •Posits that SARS not doing badly in crime fighting Chief James Nwafor, retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on Security Matters. He is the man behind the birth of Police Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS). He was the first SARS Commander in Anambra and was noted for his success in the fight against armed robbers and kidnappers.

In this interview The Oracle Today’s Anambra State Correspondent, THEO RAYS, Nwafor explains what gave birth to SARS, reacted to criticisms against SARS and spoke on his second missionary journey to Anambra State as SSA to Obiano. under CP Daniel Ayaogu decided to form a police team that would be reporting directly to CP and not from AC or DC State CID. That was how SARS came about. The CP now received reports about armed robbery cases directly from SARS instead of the AC or DC State CID. There were similar police special teams in other parts of the country. In Lagos, they were called AAH or something like, but in Anambra it was called SARS and I was made the Commander because I was instrumental to the idea.

Why is SARS headquarters situated in Awkuzu? Is it because of the Awkuzu massacre or because there is high crime rate in Awkuzu and its environs?

No no no, it was just a coincidence.

When we started operation as SARS, we where using Police Stations to detain suspects, but along the line, we found out that using Stations was not helping us in terms of investigations.

So, we decided that as a special team, we needed a separate place, a secluded place where we could settle down to properly investigate cases. So, we started looking for a space and along

the line we secured the old party house at Awkuzu. That was how we located SARS office at Awkuzu.

What is your reaction to the massive criticisms against SARS by Nigerians?

In fact, some people are pushing the Inspector General of Police to even scrap SARS because of their excesses.

You cannot satisfy everybody with the kind of thing or job you do. On record, SARS is not doing badly to warrant such criticisms and how are you sure that those who are criticising SARS are not the ones that are benefiting from crimes? Anybody who is benefiting from criminal activities will always criticise crime fighters. That is natural. In Anambra here, SARS is doing wonderfully well and am not sure that those critics are conversant enough to know what SARS has achieved here in Anambra State.

There are fears in some quarters that the recent ban on motorcycle transport popularly known as Okada in the commercial city of Onitsha and Awka the Anambra State Capital may lead to a spike in crime rate, especially against the backdrop of the ap-

proach of the 2019 general election.

Some say that your appointment is not unconnected with the fear of the unknown, following the Okada ban and 2019 power play. What assurance are you giving the people of the State against possible upsurge in criminal activities?

First of all, let them rest assured that the Police Command and other security agencies are on ground and therefore be a partner at work by providing the Police and their security agents with useful information. Secondly, let them accept the Okada ban in good fate and continue to support Obiano.

Anambra is not the first place where Okada was banned. It was banned in Enugu, Owerri, Asaba and Benin including Lagos. And people in those places survived. I am sure that people in Onitsha and Awka will also survive.

Good enough that Governor Obiano has made arrangements to provide alternative measures to absorb Okada riders. I learnt that he has made arrangement to provide shuttle buses and that will surely go along way to helping fix Okada riders back on gainful activities.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

PERSONALITY

S

he combines the beauty of Cleopatra and the saintliness of Mother Teresa. She is as much at home in the church as in the affairs of state. There are modern-day fervent Christians who demonize and destroy indigenous artworks but she happens to embrace these traditional works of art. Barrister (Mrs.) Sally Mbanefo is indeed a splendid study in thought-provoking contradictions. Even so, she is up close a force of nature, a remarkable human being.

Sally Mbanefo’s new challenge as the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism in Anambra State points to a total rebranding of the state. She has a resourceful brotherly ally in Anambra State’s Honourable Commissioner of Information and Public Enlightenment, the internationally acclaimed journalist and researcher C. Don Adinuba.

Both commissioners incidentally share the same building in the Anambra Secretariat in Awka.

Synergy is the word that binds the devoted duo upping the ante in the state that prides itself as “the light of the nation”.

A day with Sally Mbanefo in her office can pass for a lofty exercise in intellectual uplift. She has the uncanny ability of making one feel so at home, much like the girl next door, such that addressing her as Mrs. Mbanefo would look so wide off the mark. She makes no issues of her international gravitas and her last national duty as the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in Abuja. Her vision today is totally encapsulated in the Anambra mission. She waxes eloquent on the fantastic reception she has received in coming home to Anambra State.

“I feel like I have lived here all my life,” she says, spreading out her hands in the manner of one who is at peace with her entire environment. “The Governor is so caring, his brilliant and beautiful wife looks after all of us the female commissioners, and the wider public here is ever so peaceful and loving.”

She reveals that she was thinking of retiring after her work at NTDC until Governor Willie Obiano came “with an offer I can’t say no to.” What was particularly pleasing to her was the inclusion of “Indigenous Artworks” in her tour of duty. She has been painting since she was 18.

“I keep retiring and they keep bringing me back,” she says, laughing. “I’m always retiring.”

She had planned not to work again. Her desire was to travel and see the world. She would on the side have art exhibitions. But then Governor Obiano’s irresistible offer came and changed everything for good.

“I have come to support my own State,” she enthuses. “Anambra is an undiscovered paradise.”

The four-in-one ministry under her watch, to wit, Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, would ordinarily overwhelm most but Sally Mbanefo already has all the cardinal points within her ambit. She has on her own started a massive redesigning of the building she operatives out of to fit the image

Sally Mbanefo: A blessing to Anambra State UZOR MAXIM UZOATU profiles tourism great and Anambra State Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, stating that there couldn’t have been a greater blessing for Anambra tourism at this point in time.

•Mrs. Sally Mbanefor

•Governor Willie Obiano and Sally Mbanefor of her desire. ple, as per Biafra, he would quit By birth, she comes from the his ambassadorial job. He thereredoubtable Uwechue fam- after negotiated the currency for ily noted for making redoubtable Biafra and became the landmark marks in promoting Igbo issues Publisher of Africa magazine in and fighting the cause of Igbo London as well as the three-volpeople. Her uncle, Ambassador ume “Know Africa” encyclopedia Ralph Uwechue, was President- made up of Africa Today, Africa General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Who’s Who, and Makers of Modthe apex pan-Igbo organization. ern Africa.

He was the man who opened the Sally’s father, Owelle George Nigerian Consulate in Paris and Uwechue (SAN), put his life on courageously told Gowon that if the line when Governor Chris he declared war on the Igbo peo- Ngige was abducted by federal

•Miss Africa World and Mrs. Sally Mbanefor people from the Diaspora are getting increasingly interested in the state. While I was with her she played host to Queen Uche Umeagukwu, who won the Miss AfricaWorld pageant of beauty, brains and business in the United States. The Anambra-born queen had flown in from America.

Sally Mbanefo plans to open out to the world the many tourist sites in Anambra such as the Owere-Ezukala Waterfalls and Cave, the Igboukwu bronzes, the Ogbunike Cave, and the Agulu Lake on which stands the eyepopping Golden Tulip Hotel to be launched soon by Governor Obiano.

Sally stands towering on the shoulders of the giants of Anambra State, notably the founding father of Nigeria Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the leader of Biafra Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, the doyen of modern Nigerian democracy Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the nearly-Pope of Anambra extraction Francis Cardinal Arinze, the saint-to-be Blessed Iwene Tansi, the world-acclaimed forces. He lived in Anambra for novelist Chinua Achebe, and othfour years, defending Governor er younger worthies like the novNgige against all furies from the elist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Federal Might and earned the and musicians Flavour and Phyno sobriquet of “Onye Anambra”. etc.

Now Owelle George Uwechue is A Catholic prayer warrior, she defending Chief Innocent Chuk- prays that all will bode well in the wuma, the CEO of Innosons Mo- end, even as Governor Obiano tors. On her part, Sally oozes jocularly says: “Sally is killing us Onitsha majesty from every pore. with too much prayer here!”

The independent-minded Sally She gives this promise as a partMbanefo never lobbied for the ing shot: “Anambra will celebrate job. She is happy that Anambra me for what I’ve done for the has become attractive such that State.”

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS Army officers’ wives present gifts to 44 widows in A’Ibom From INI BILLIE, Uyo

N

igerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has presented gifts comprising bags of rice, cartons of vegetable oil and bale of wrapper to 44 widows.

Speaking, Monday, at the 6th Battalion Nigerian Army, Ibagwa, Abak, during the presentation of gift items to the 44 widows who lost their husbands, Zonal Coordinator of NAOWA, Mrs Fatima Hassan, expressed dismay over the increase in the number of widows in the barracks.

She stated the group has been providing welfare support to women, youth, children and the less privileged in Nigerian barracks since its inception over four decades ago.

Hassan noted that the group will continue to ensure that wives of soldiers who lost their husbands while in active service were not forgotten, and appealed to the widows to take proper care of their children and train them to become good citizens.

She said, “Last year we had fewer number of widows that benefited from this laudable programme compared to this year which has almost doubled the number.

“We are not happy with the increase in the number of widows in the barracks. We pray that next year’s activities will witness far less than what we have today.

“On this note, it is my singular honour and privilege to present the little support to our widows in order to put smile on their faces and to tell them that we care and love them.”

In his remarks, the Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Abdu Hassan, said the army would not abandon the widows.

Hassan, who was represented by the Commander 2 Brigade Garrison, Lt. - Col. Yakubu Nwandiscas, added that the widows will continue to be remembered because their husbands died defending the country.

“We cannot forget you even though you have lost your husbands. We will continue to support you to put smile on your faces”.

In her response, Mrs Christiana Murtala, who spoke on behalf of the widows commended NAOWA and the army for their kind gesture.

She appealed for continuous support from the army to enable them train their children, noting, “We thank you very much for what you have done for us, for remembering us today and providing these gifts, God will bless you all.”

Oil chiefs face jail terms over tax default

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

T

urbulence is underway for chief executives of oil companies that have failed to or deliberately averted mandatory contributions to the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) as government has classified the offence as economic crime.

The development comes with invitation to prospective investors in the petroleum industry to explore low cost credit and equity funding from the $200 million domiciled by the nation’s local content stakeholders in the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, declared to industry audience at a forum in Abuja that arrangements are ongoing to fish out companies and individuals that breach obligations to the fund for possible prosecution.

He said NCDMB is working in col-

laboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) respectively to bring the policy directive on mandatory contribution into the NCDF to full compliance.

The deployment of government’s prosecution agencies would follow the result of forensic audit of remittances to the accounts of the fund where oil contractors and project drivers are mandated to contribute one percent of face value of the full contract budget.

Mr. Wabote who had been running debates over the actual amount in the vaults with the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) had previously stated that the contributions could not amount to the figures advanced by the trade groups because, according to him, some of the companies defaulted in remittances.

The Oracle Today reports that

whereas PETAN insists that its deduction tracking systems indicate that NCDF could host over a billion dollars, NCDMB says it can account for only about $700 million, leading to the search for defaulters.

NCDMB had in May declared it would last June begin forensic audit of unremitted deductions made by operating companies and contractors for NCDF. Mr. Wabote who spoke at the twoday Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on NCDF Remittances Template under Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), announced commencement of third party forensic audit commissioned to trace and recover all unremitted NCDF deductions from defaulting companies.

He had explained that the 1% deduction from contracts awarded in the petroleum upstream sector is a statutory obligation, as provided under

• (From left): Head, Consumer Products, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Aderemi Sanusi; Head, Retail Mass Market, Old Mutual Nigeria Life Assurance Company Limited, Kayode Odetola; Head, Personal Banking, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Ayo Osolake; Managing Director, Old Mutual Nigeria Life Assurance Company Limited, Keith Alford and Chief Transformation Officer, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Unwana Esang during the Old Mutual-Ecobank Bancassurance partnership announcement in Lagos.

Casualisation: Bayelsa NLC pickets MTN office From CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa for the rights of innocent workers who have been deprived their ayelsa State Chapter of the Ni- rights - their rights to form unions, geria Labour Congress (NLC) their rights to belong to unions has risen against the perceived which is the constitutional right of anti-labour practices of the tel- every human being in this country.

“What MTN is doing is against ecommunication giant, MTN by picketing the Service Centre of the the constitution of this country and company along Sani Abacha Way, I think that it should stop. And, if they don’t stop, we’ll continue to Ovom in Yenagoa.

Our correspondent gathered stay here. You may not know that that the action of the NLC was in- even workers in this state, MTN formed by the refusal of MTN to workers in this state, majority of stop casualization of its workforce them are casual workers.

“This is unfortunate and we canand denying the staff opportunity to affiliate with the NLC. not continue to sit down and allow The protesters numbering about our brothers and sisters to be treat100 who bore placards with vary- ed like slaves in this country. We ing inscriptions arrived the MTN can no longer remain silent about Service Center as early as 7 am on it. And that is the core of it that for Monday chanting solidarity songs. once MTN should allow the workSome of the inscriptions read: ers the right to form unions, the “NLC say no to victimization of right to join unions, and of course, workers in MTN”, “Stop the in- using casual workers in all their timidation of NIGERIAN workers distribution centres and even their MTN”; “Unionization is the right head office is against the constituof all workers private/public”; tion of this country and we speak and “ABASEBENZI Ba Vuka Futhi against that.”

Balive”.

Ndiomu explained that several In a chat with journalists, the attempts have been made at the chairman of NLC in Bayelsa State, national level between NLC nationJohn Ndiomu said: “We are here to al officers and MTN management fight for the rights of not just work- to resolve the issues to no avail.

He, however, expressed optiers but for the rights of Nigerians;

B

mism that labour would be victorious at the end of the day and urged MTN to listen to labour demands as it would be better for even their workers.

Also reacting to anti-labour policies of MTN, former state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa State, Tarinyo Akono said that MTN came to Nigeria with apartheid mentality and accused the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) of failure to protect Nigerians.

Akono said, “Well, I have said it before MTN came to Nigeria with apartheid attitude.

“The apartheid that they had in South Africa, they brought that attitude to Nigeria and the NCC itself has failed to protect Nigerians as far as we are concerned”.

He lamented that some MTN workers have been casual staff for over 10 years against the law which stipulates two years and they are denied entitlements like free lines and allowances.

The former NUJ chairman however cautioned against boycotting MTN services, saying it would be difficult as it was the only preferable mobile telephone network in certain places.

section 104 of the NOGICD Act, 2010.

Consequently, failure to remit NCDF deductions is a violation of the Act and, in fact, economic sabotage.

He lamented that some stakeholders that tried to evade the levy were frustrating running programme to support the development of local capacities for the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Wabote warned that defaulting companies would be sanctioned, unless they quickly cleared their arrears before being indicted in the forensic audit.

At an industry conference in Abuja, he told players that NCDMB has engaged the country’s judicial sector on how the local content law works with regards to such remittances, and would take measures to ensure that operators do not evade contributions to the fund.

He said the forensic audit would play a key role in exposing defaulting companies and players to judicial sanctions.

“We were told by the agencies responsible for financial crimes that not remitting government fund in itself is a financial crime as it is contained in their acts, and as such, when we carry out this forensic audits, if we discover any breach of the processes, of course, we will hand over such to the agencies responsible to go after companies that want to sabotage the economy. The EFCC and ICPC will be responsible to go after such people who decides that they will not remit what is due government in terms of law,” he said.

He said the board was deploying drastic measures to recover stranded contributions into the NCDF in order to provide adequate funding support for numerous capacity building programmes and interventions that retain jobs and enhance productivity in the domestic economy.

Wanton killings, threat to nation’s unity, 2019 elections – Anambra CAN

By IBE NWACHUKWU

T

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Anambra state chapter, has expressed the fear that if the killings and destruction of human lives and properties continue unabated in various parts of the country, the nation’s corporate existence would remain threatened.

CAN also expressed the fear that the continued killings would endanger the stability of the nation in organizing free and fair elections in the 2019 political dispensation and at the same time fuel the ongoing agitation for self-determination by some ethnic and religious groups in the country.

The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Dr. John Ndubuisi who stated this in a press statement issued to newsmen in Onitsha, Tuesday, while condemning the incessant killings in Christian dominated parts of the country, warned that apart from endangering the unity of the country and having an adverse effect on the 2019 election, the perpetrators must also face the judgement of God. Enjoining Christians to wait only upon God whose judgement is final, Ndubuisi who is of the Evangelical Church Winning All/Taraya Ecclesiuyi Kristi A-Nigeria, ECWA/TEKAN bloc of CAN, commiserated with the Plateau community over the most recent loss of her sons and daughters to the Herdsmen attacks.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

Low, medium capital stocks bullish as stock market close flat in H1 2018

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

N

IGERIA’S equity market in the first half of 2018 had a volatile performance to close the period flat on a continued selloff and profit booking that wiped off the unprecedented rally recorded in January as the bullish ascendancy in 2017 extended into 2018, during which peaked at 45,321.83 points.

Thereafter, it pulled back for four consecutive months, a situation that can be blamed primarily on a lack of economic direction and weak economic activities capable of boosting investor confidence.

Add this to the absence of a budget until the twilight of the first half, when the President grudgingly assented to budget that spent over six months within the chambers of the National Assembly in an election year, when politicking is known to take precedence over governance, as politicians jostle for elective positions.

This situation reflected on the Purchasing Managers Index for the period which declined from 59 points recorded in December to low of 56.5 points in May before inching up in June to 57 point, due to the slowdown in economic recovery as revealed by the 2018 first quarter GDP of 1.4 percent, declining from the 2017 fourth quarter position. The possibility of a slowdown in the just concluded second quarter is very high as economic activities within the period was down and slow, as capital outflow was high due to interest rate hike in the developed economics that triggered higher yield environment in US. There is also the impact of the unfolding trade war tension that had made investors all over the global tread cautiously.

The market’s resistance of further decline in June ahead of another earnings reporting season after it had suffered huge losses may signaled an uptrend in July if the numbers come in line with investors’ expectations. This is considering the prevailing low valuation as pension fund administrators begin a new assets classification and funding that are likely to boost market liquidity and support stability over time.

The continued positive economic data emanating from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) before now have been ignored by smart money investors that kept

•Oscar Onyeama, CEO NSE selling down their positions. This has prolonged the correction and made equities parade low Price/ Earnings (P/E) ratios.

The improvements recorded in the first quarter corporate earnings presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have, however, not supported prices so far due to selling pressure.

Meanwhile, the composite NSE All Share Index for the first half of the year recorded a marginal gain of 35.36 points to close at 38,278.55 points from the opening figure of 38,243.19 points, representing 0.09 percent growth on improved volume of 64.17 billion shares traded, up from previous half-year’s 43.13 billion units. Demand for stocks dropped as selloffs increased while hot money exited their position for more predictable markets with higher yield environment and safety, irrespective of the stronger corporate numbers that had made stock prices cheaper amidst the higher dividend yields.

The selling volume of total transactions for the period was 68 percent, while buying position was 32 percent to maintain down market, which was opposite of the previous

CBN EXCHANGE RATES JULY 10TH, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 304.75 POUNDS STERLING 406.7803 EURO 359.3307 SWISS FRANC 308.4202 YEN 2.7587 CFA 0.5255 WAUA 428.7237 YUAN/RENMINBI 46.0631 RIYAL 81.258 S/A RAND 22.8843

305.25 407.4477 359.9203 308.9262 2.7632 0.5355 429.4271 46.1391 81.3913 22.9218

305.75 408.1151 360.5098 309.4322 2.7677 0.5455 430.1305 46.2151 81.5246 22.9594

half year’s (2017) market performance. Similarly, market capitalisation for the period went up by N26 billion, closing at N13.87 trillion, from an opening value of N13.61 trillion, representing 1.91 percent appreciation in value. This resulted from positive sentiments for some equities that hit their 52week high, additional shares listed after conclusion of their right issues and merger agreements.

No doubt, Nigeria’s economic recovery has slowed down with the stock market which is a leading indicator has remained bearish in the last five months of the period under review. The likely recovery in the second half of the year due to the improving corporate earnings, implementation of 2018 budget, election campaign spending, among others may further support recovery of equity prices, if the numbers beat estimates.

Market breadth for the period was negative as the number of decliners outpaced advancers in the ratio of 72:54, reversing the bullish transition of 2017 that extended to early 2018, after the market had rallied to the recent peak in January 2018. As shown in the sectoral performance chart below, the NSE pension index gave the market the most significant boost in the halfyear, gaining 8 percent, much more than what the composite NSE AllShare Index recorded in the period.

It was followed by the Insurance index that rose 7.94 percent, while NSE Premium gained 6.10 percent.

Other sectors that recorded growth were: NSE Corporate governance, Industrial, Main board and Banking.

On the flip side, the NSE Consumer goods, Oil/Gas, NSE 30 and alterative market index closed red, while the Alternative securities Market recorded the biggest loss of 12.67 percent.

Breakdown of the half-year performance showed that, 54 stocks appreciated in price and 24 gained over 20 percent, compared to their

•e-Platform

opening value at the beginning of 2018, with Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) topping the advancers table after soaring 152.63 percent higher, helped by the high dividend payout from the impressive corporate earnings, proposed expansion and merger plan with Kalambaina Cement Limited.

NEM Insurance followed, gaining 92.77 percent, helped by positive market sentiments and improved numbers. Unity Bank jumped 83.02 percent, coming behind NEM, while Ikeja Hotel, Learn Africa, Caverton , Eterna, Beta Glass, Fidson and C/I Leasing closed the period better at 75.84 percent, 71.59 percent, 68.99 percent, 68.25 percent, 68.19 percent, 62.16 percent and 60.47 percent respectively.

Also, the fact that low and medium cap stocks dominated the best performers’ chart shows the sell position in blue chips from where smart money is exiting.

The worst performers’ table were dominated by insurance stocks, despite the fact that the sector is trying to awake from its season of poor corporate governance, while rewarding shareholders with dividend in their bid to prevent their share prices from hitting the new one kobo floor set by the NSE, beginning from January this year.

The companies that shed 40 percent, and above were low price stocks, the highest losers for the period are UNIC Holdings, FTN Cocoa, Multiverse, Africa Alliance Insurance and Courtville which recorded 60 percent loss. This was purely due to the impact of the new pricing rule and market forces.

They were followed by Equity Assurance with 58 percent decline in value due to non-payment of dividend and the new pricing rule, others were Regency Alliance, Niger Insurance, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance and Dunlop that lost 58 percent, 50 percent, 48 percent, 42 percent and 42 percent respectively.

Commenting on the half year performance of equity market, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of APT Securities and Funds Limited, Mallam Garba Kurfi hopeful that the market will close the year in the positive as a result of positive outlook of the crude oil price as the price remain firm . “The price of the stocks especially the major cap are trading below their fair value such Tier one banks and many other stocks. By the time the politicians complete their primary election will give a clear picture of who contest and minimize the uncertainty”, he said. He believed that, new rule of pension funds which give funds one and two categories to invest as much as 70 percent and 55 percent respectively in the equities market will increase participation in the market.

•Tourism

Energy

FG, JV partners agree on 40 Tcf gas deal P20

e-Platform

Call masking: NCC, CPC unite against telecoms revenue menace P22 Travel

Nigeria’s hotel room capacity to hit 12, 600 by 2022 P26

Insurance

Retirees urge FG to settle benefit arrears P28 Equity & Capital Market Political, economic uncertainties inflict N1.13trn loss on stocks P30 Money Market

Recession: Fidelity, four others lead mid-tier banks’ recovery P31

Stock Market Highlights As At 10th JULY, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

S/N

37,422.84 4,043.00 213,201,909.00 N3,760,652,829.17 N13,555,778,611,164.63 N10,028,322,581,910.30 N6,842,743,580.90

Coy (By Volume) Volume

ZENITHBANK FBNH TRANSCORP GUARANTY SOVRENINS

Value(N)

39,933,066 N965,088,427.20 21,693,450 N227,222,761.20 21,608,154 N26,966,325.73 15,812,967 N650,655,645.05 13,743,000 N3,437,810.00

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close FO N27.15 CUSTODIAN N5.21 ETI N20.4 UNILEVER N51.55 ACCESS N10.4

Five Tope Losers

SEPLAT TOTAL WAPCO GUARANTY NB

N650 N210 N38 N41.5 N111.1

Current Change %Change N29.85 2.7 9.94% N5.7 0.49 9.40% N20.6 0.2 0.98% N51.7 0.15 0.29% N10.5 0.1 0.96% N635 N200 N35.75 N40.1 N110

-15 -10 -2.25 -1.4 -1.1

-2.31% -4.76% -5.92% -3.37% -0.99%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

BUSINESS

Chevron canvasses pan-industry collaboration on oil theft

... N20.6b deployed to rescue 600,000 youths from crime Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

A

MERICAN oil multinational and Nigeria’s traditional industry partner, Chevron is calling on stakeholders in the industry to fight in unison against the menace oil theft and associated facility vandalism.

General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, (PGPA), Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, who participated in a panel discussion on the subject during the just concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) conference and exhibition, stated that participatory partnerships in combating the menace would be potent and enduring.

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) operates joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the vulnerable onshore and swamp locations while sister Stardeep operates Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the government under different commercial arrangement.

The company is also one of the earliest investors in government’s gas valorisation programmes, driving its Sonam gas development projects, Escravos gas-to-liquid (GTL) project and West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), all of which are vulnerable to pipeline attacks in the Niger Delta.

The Oracle Today reports that Nigeria currently has developed capacity to produce about 2.7 million barrels of crude oil per day but the country which derives over 95 percent of its total foreign exchange earnings and over 85 percent of total funding support for government’s annual budgets from crude oil and natural gas liquids export struggles

with about 2.1 million barrels per day on account of production losses associated with pipeline vandalism.

Mr. Brikinn’s panel discussion dwelt on “Innovative Strategies – Combating Crude Oil Theft & Pipeline Vandalism.”

He noted that every IOC in Nigeria has been affected in one way or the other by the activities of oil thieves that operate illegal refineries that feed from parallel hot tapping from live production flowlines.

He added that the activities from the crime side of the industry continue to cause significant damage to the environment, affect revenue returns from commercial ventures, and lead to loss of revenue and sundry economic benefits to the country.

Mr. Brikinn stated that CNL evolved a proactive approach to combating the issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalism by involving relevant stakeholders including the government security forces, the relevant state governments and the Regional Development committees (RDCs) under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-driven multi-stakeholder participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development in our areas of operations.

According to him, the platform known as the Community Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (CPFSP) with strong governance has become a model for enhancing the fight against oil theft and pipeline sabotage, enhancing multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaboration and providing sustainable social license for oil and gas op-

erations.

He said that in the 13 years of its implementation, the GMoU has recorded significant achievements especially in areas of education, health, and economic development. The NNPC/CNL JV has contributed over N20.6 billion to the RDCs to implement projects and programmes for about 600,000 beneficiaries in more than 400 communities.

“In terms of managing conflict and

N

NNPC mulls recourse to capital market funding

T

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is set to hit the Capital market to fund its new projects which include the NNPC/NAOC JV Idu-Re-development, South Gas Project, North Gas Project and Central Gas Project.

tigation has been constrained by the lack of a plate number on the said truck and other identification marks we normally stencil on all authentic NNPC Retail trucks across the country,’’ he said.

He pointed out that all NNPC Retail trucks are road worthy and are subjected to the strictest oil and gas industry safety protocol and procedures in line with its operational slogan of “Safety First.”

number of such errant vehicle or driver and report same to the company through the available phone numbers or report such acts to the nearest relevant law enforcement agency.

NNPC also sent out heartfelt condolence to the Government and people of Lagos State and the families of the victims of the unfortunate recent fuel tanker inferno on the OtThe Corporation implored the edola Bridge resulting in the loss of public to quickly note the plate lives and vehicles.

Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated in Abuja that funds from the capital market would also be used to develop the NNPC/TEPNG JV’s Ikike Project, NNPC/SPDC JV Southern Swamp and Associated Gas Solution Step 2 Project, among others.

“We intend to sanction the multibillion dollar Bonga South West/ Aparo (BSWA) project as soon as we conclude an agreement on the Heads of Terms with SNEPCO on the various pending PSC Arbitration disputes. This will jump start the resolution of all the other PSC Arbitration Disputes,” Dr. Baru declared.

Dr. Baru said the current daily domestic gas demand had attained an unprecedented level of 4.0 Billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (Bscfd) which is still expected to grow exponentially to about 7.5 Bmscfd in the next five years.

He stated that within next three

Shell lauds FG on restoration of investors’ confidence

T

HE cash call exit programme of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has drawn applause from Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry players with the Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, commending it as a pragmatic move that has helped to restore investors’ confidence in the country.

The Shell boss gave the commendation in Abuja while Mr. Okunbor was on the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Investment Potentials. ” He cited the successful exit of cash call and the clearance of the outstanding arrears by the NNPC as the strong points of the initiative.

Also speaking at the panel session, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said investment in the gas sector of the petroleum industry held the key to accelerated development of the nation’s economy.

Dr. Baru who was represented by the NNPC Chief Operating Officer

laboration for asset protection and stressed that CNL continues to work to strengthen relationship with these stakeholders.

“The community leaders have shown great commitment to this process and has seen the connection between CNL’s operations and their livelihood. They understand that an enabling environment for our operations translates to continuous benefits to the communities in terms of our contributions to their socio-economic development,” he explained.

•From left: Head, Corporate Communications/PR, Airtel Nigeria, Erhumu Bayagbon; GMD, Insight Redefini Group, Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe; and CSR Lead Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie, when the telecommunications firm won the Innovative CSR Leadership Award on Airtel Touching lives, at the 2018 National Marketing Stakeholders Summits and Awards held in Lagos.

Fuel tanker disaster: NNPC audits haulage fleet worthiness

IGERIA National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has kicked worthiness audit for fuel haulage tankers deployed in its retail business, dispel reports that one of its petrol tankers was leaking products while in motion.

The move follows renewed move in the downstream petroleum industry to check the prevailing spate of fuel tanker blasts that consumed lives and property along major roads in Lagos including the yuletide tanker fire on Festac Town link bridge and the recent Otedola Bridge in the state.

Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Ndu Ughamadu, said the corporation’s domestic fuel market player, NNPC Retail Limited, has embarked on nationwide audit of its field operation to ensure all delisted trucks are in compliance with the requirement to remove the company’s logo and other brand attributes.

He said the audit would assist the corporation lead restoration of lasting sanity in the petroleum products haulage services across the country’s downstream retail business.

Mr. Ughamadu explained that the move has become imperative to ensure that only authentic NNPC Retail tested and certified trucks bear the company’s logo and brand insignia.

On the trending social media video skit showing a leaky fuel truck speeding-off along a high way with an insignia similar to that of NNPC, Mr. Ughamadu noted that there was nothing concrete in the said clip to show that the truck in question belongs to the NNPC Retail fleet.

Unfortunately, our in-house inves-

enhancing peace in communities, the GMoU story is one we are very proud to tell, and has resulted in very impressive footprints in various communities and the model has helped improve CNL’s relationship with its neighboring communities, as it created a clearer and more predictable channel for dialogue,” he noted.

He commended the commitment of the traditional institutions, the Government security forces, the community and RDC leaders for driving the multi-stakeholder col-

(COO), Upstream, Mallam Rabiu Bello, urged industry stakeholders and investors to focus more on gas as it was a cleaner and more versatile energy capable of being deployed as raw material for the production of a range of products that impact on the lives of the people more than crude oil.

He pointed out that most of the agro-based chemicals such as fertilizers used in the country were imported, arguing that investment in gas could change that scenario and domesticate the production of fertilizers and other agro based chemicals derived from gas.

He said the multiplier effect of investment in gas such as the ongoing Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline was responsible for the corporation’s commitment to the project, adding that more of such projects would be replicated around the country.

Speaking earlier at another session with theme: “Harnessing Oppor-

tunities in Nigeria’s Downstream sector”, NNPC Chief Operating Officer (COO), Refineries, Mr. Anibo Kragha, disclosed that the Federal Government was exploring the possibility of deploying modular refineries as a tool for eliminating illegal refineries that have constituted a menace not only to the economy but also to the environment.

On his part, COO, Downstream, Engr. Ikem Obih, disclosed that as part of the commitment of the GMD to reduce the challenges posed by trucks on the nation’s highways, most of the NNPC pipelines were being revamped and that the Aba-Enugu line would soon be restored.

Engineer Obih said it was difficult to determine the actual daily consumption of petrol in the country because of trans-border smuggling and other factors, adding that the NNPC was working with the Ministry of Finance to arrive at a verifiable national daily consumption figure.

years, NNPC, in collaboration with its Joint Venture partners, was committed to increasing natural gas availability from 1.5bscf/d to about 5billion standard cubic feet per day in 2020 to generate up to 15GW of electricity as well as stimulate gasbased industrialization.

Dr. Baru posited that the Corporation would continue to progress with its seven critical gas development projects which have also been established to deliver about 3.5 Bscfd of gas to the domestic market by 2020.

He reiterated that the NNPC had sanctioned the $2.8 billion 614Km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project as a demonstration of its commitment to developing structured gas architecture across the length and breadth of Nigeria as part of NNPC’s priority in the medium to long term.

In the Midstream, Dr. Baru submitted that there were ongoing discussions to revamp the four local refineries by utilising private capital in form of Contractor-Financing model, adding that this represents a shift in NNPC’s investment model, redefining the commercial framework for midstream investment in Nigeria.

“Within the new model, investors would be repaid from incremental production of the refineries on prior agreed terms”, Dr. Baru explained.

Dr. Baru said the NNPC believed that the downstream sector holds the future, saying that the plan to ecome a net exporter of refined products by year-end 2019 is on course. Thee GMD maintained that the outlook for 2018 and beyond for the NNPC was to increase crude oil reserves by 1billion barrels year-onyear from the current 37billion barrels to 40billion barrels by 2020 and also increase National oil daily production to 3million barrels per day.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to emplace policies that would grow production volumes and reduce contract approval time to guarantee efficiency in the petroleum sector.

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

BUSINESS

NNPC expanding to energy firm

Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

N

IGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has declared moves to expand its business activities beyond oil and gas industry, inferring strongly that the public sector player which is currently on plans for structural reforms might be transiting to integrated energy company.

Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated in an address to staff that NNPC would pursue profitable ventures in the full energy chain, adding that processes of reforms that would align the corporation’s business practices along the line of profitability were being deployed.

Dr. Baru whose address was weaved into a press statement by the corporation’s spokesman, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, stated that NNPC would drive a globally competitive energy enterprise that confers it with the status of energy company.

“Going forward, our priority will be to remain globally competitive.

In pursuing this, we will ensure the gradual transition of NNPC from an integrated oil and gas company to an energy company. We will also review our business models to reflect current operations reality with improved profitability, transparency and accountability as the cornerstone,” Dr. Baru told staff in the nine-page address.

The Oracle Today reports that the only Nigerian company to have successfully expanded into integrated energy company is Oando Plc which started from a trading concern and since grew its business tentacles to cover the full petroleum investment loop before breaking into gas and power plus energy infrastructure development.

Previous moves by NNPC to venture into renewable energy through its Brazil model fuel ethanol project stopped at land acquisition for cassava mega farm. The farm was expected to produce high volume cassava to complement cane sugar farms in providing raw material feedstock for fuel ethanol processing.

It is not clear which direction the new move would take but indications show that the corporation is investing significant energy into gas infrastructure development with a hint towards taking a plunge into the nation’s fledgling gas-to-power fray.

Dr. Baru said the corporation designed 12 Business Focus Areas with aggressive business improvement

policies to ensure performance across the value chain.

In pointing at key milestones if his leadership at the corporation, he said NNPC successfully met business targets in the Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream segments of the industry.

In the upstream sub-sector, Baru said the corporation had worked hard to sustain production level from the nation’s assets to above average of 2.0 million barrels per day in 2018.

New production growth targets, according to him, are being pursued with novel funding models while cutting the corporation’s indebtedness to ensure its joint venture (JV) partners have the capacity to drive parallel production growth objectives.

He said apart from securing approval and signing off the novel financing structure with Schlumberger for the NNPC/First E&P JV which is expected to deliver a peak production of 50, 000 barrels of oil per day (kbopd) and 120 million standard cubic if gas per day (MMscfd) by 2019, the corporation had maintained commitment to repayment of cash calls arrears where about $1.0 billion of $5.0 billion indebtedness has been settled.

In the midstream sub-sector, Dr. Baru observed that NNPC had remained a critical gas supplier to the domestic market with average of 720MMscf/day which represents about 47% of total gas supply to the domestic gas market. The volume, he said, is supporting government’s gas-to-power initiative with improved fuel to electricity generating stations in the country.

He recalled that the nation celebrated peak power generation of 5, 222 megawatts (MW) in December 2017 with 76 percent of the volume generated at gas fired thermal power plants.

He said gas supply to industries also increased with an average daily supply of about 450 (mmscfd).

He said NNPC also deployed funds in development of new gas pipelines to grow the domestic gas supply grid to reach industries and power plants remote from the Niger Delta.

“We kicked off the 614km AjaokutaKaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project, after obtaining FEC approval for the EPC of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline on 13th December 2017.

The pipeline on completion is expected to deliver gas to the ongoing Abuja, Kaduna and Kano Power Plants with the potential to generate additional 3600MW to the national grid,” he said.

On refineries, Dr. Baru said despite the numerous challenges, the refineries have remained operational and strategic in their contribution to petroleum products availability to support domestic supply across the nation.

In the downstream, Baru said, despite challenges of vandalism, sabotage and aging infrastructure, milestone had also been achieved in rehabilitating and restoration of key downstream products distribution facilities across the country.

He stated that government has provided support and commercial

incentives to eminent trading and marketing companies in the country to participate in meeting the nation’s domestic fuel needs, adding that “products supply availability was sustained across the country through a combination of Direct Supply Direct Purchase (DSDP) initiative and Forex (FX) provision to pre-qualified thirdparty importers.”

Dr. Baru stated that other key achievements of corporation since 2016 include institutionalizing increased transparency in the bidding process for crude oil term contracts as well as marine contracts.

•Lagos State Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya; Permanent Secretary, Office of Overseas Affairs & Investment, Dr. Olukayode Oguntimehin; Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global), Professor Ademola Abass; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; Commissioner for Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo; Director-General, Office of Transformation, Creativity & Innovation, Mr. Toba Otusanya; Special Adviser to the Governor on Food Security, Mr. Ganiu Sanni and Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo during the unveiling of the Deal Book.

Fidelity Bank wins Banker of the Year, Most Outstanding TV Commercial awards

By VICTOR NZE

IDELITY Bank Plc shone brightly at the 2018 Brands & Advertising Excellence Awards which held at the Balmoral Hall in Lagos last Friday, clinching two awards on the night.

The Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo was named ‘Banker of the Year’, whilst the bank was adjudged to have had the most Outstanding Television Commercial in 2017.

According to the organizers; Marketing Edge, Okonkwo bagged the Banker of the Year in recognition of his visionary leadership and drive which has changed the fortunes of

the Bank’s through a customer-centric approach. “Fidelity Bank, under Okonkwo’s dynamic management, has turned full circle in the attainment of brand equity and remarkable growth in profitability” it stated.

Commenting on the awards, Okonkwo thanked the management of Marketing Edge for the recognitions, stating that they have given further boost to the bank’s aspiration of becoming the financial brand of first choice to all. He dedicated the awards to all stakeholders, including customers and staff members, for their support and contributions to bank’s steady growth and financial performance.

portant MOU with the state government across key sectors in alignment with the progressive agenda of the state. We look forward to executing on these projects and know that we can count on the true partnership and support of the Government as usual.”

Similarly, and as part of its efforts to help boost power supply in Nigeria, GE also Thursday, announced its intention to collaborate with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) on the development of an End-To-End to Power Intervention (EEIP).

This announcement followed a signing of a Letter of Intention (LOI) by both parties during the FranceNigeria Business Forum held in Lagos. This event was witnessed by the French Secretary of State to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Delphine Geny-Stephann.

GE’s EEIP is aimed at delivering incremental power from the NIPP’s underutilized or stranded capacity

to several industrial and commercial hubs through multiple solutions across the entire electricity value chain. Under the agreement, GE will provide End-to-End power solutions across the value chain to deliver 2.5GW of Power.

The company will also provide financing support for the power projects including funding for the refurbishment of distribution and transmission infrastructure amongst other critical support services to analyze and improve the power value chain. The Letter of Intent also states the willingness of BPIFrance (the French export credit agency) to provide financing support given that the technology to be deployed in this project will be manufactured in GE Power’s facilities in France.

The collaboration will see NDPHC partner with GE to work with Discos, TCN and other relevant stakeholders, to identify and prioritize critical projects to reduce technical and commercial losses.

F

Lagos Govt, GE, NDPHC reach deal to grow power sector

By VICTOR NZE

L

AGOS State Government and the digital industrial firm, General Electric (GE) have reached a deal to pool resources for the development of critical infrastructure in the state in the areas of power, healthcare and skills development.

This is also the firm agreed a deal with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) on the development of an End-To-End to Power Intervention (EEIP).

This much was announced during the signing of a Support and Cooperation Agreement by the Lagos Government and the GE during the France-Nigeria Business Forum which held, Thursday, in Lagos, on the sidelines of the visit by President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to Nigeria.

The agreement between GE and the Lagos State Government which was witnessed by the French Secretary of State to the Minister of

Economy and Finance, Delphine Geny-Stephann, aims to record areas of mutual interest and participation between both parties, streamline the relationship and set out the terms and conditions of collaboration. Focus areas for this collaboration cut across several sectors and in addition also includes technology, education and financing.

GE also seeks to collaborate with the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment on its Yaba technology hub project by setting up the Lagos Garage advanced manufacturing training program at the hub once completed. Both parties are also exploring areas of possible collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to offer access to financing opportunities to top graduates of the training program.

Speaking on the collaboration between GE and Lagos State government, Lazarus Angbazo, President and CEO, GE Nigeria said: “We are grateful to today be signing an im-

He pointed at the efforts of the corporation to ensure improved collaboration with local communities, states, local governments and relevant agencies. Other areas of attention, according to him, are to ensure improved security and safety of personnel and infrastructure, improved human capital development as well as optimized NNPC’s non-core oil businesses.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has vowed to remain globally competitive to ensure value addition to the nation’s hydrocarbon resources for the benefit of Nigerians and other stakeholders.

“We have established a stronger connection with the consumers through a focused and consistent communication of our brand essence and vision. This awards are a reflection of the hard work and determination of everyone at Fidelity Bank over the past couple of years.

They are also a reminder that expectations are high and as Fidelity people, we must continue to strive to meet and surpass expectations” he stated.

The ‘Our Word’ campaign was launched in 2017 and headlined with a television commercial to underscore Fidelity Bank’s commitments to always keep its word to customers and stakeholders. The campaign was according to Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Charles Aigbe, was designed to underscore the very essence of the bank, epitomizing its commitment to keeping faith with customers no matter their class or creed.

“We wanted to remind our customers and the public to hold us to our words and reinforce our resolve to continue to providing excellent banking services and solutions in easy and convenient ways” said Aigbe. Headquarter in Lagos, Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank, with over 4 million customers who are serviced across its 240 business offices and various other digital banking channels.

The bank has in recent times won accolades as the Best SME Friendly Bank, Best in Mobile Banking and the Most Improved Corporate/Investment Bank among several industry awards and recognitions. The bank was also ranked the 4th Best Bank in the Retail Banking Segment in the 2017 Banking Industry Satisfaction Survey conducted by KPMG.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

ENERGY

FG, JV partners agree on 40 Tcf gas deal

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

F

EDERAL Government and her traditional partners in oil and gas exploration and production joint venture (JV) have reached agreement to develop some 40 trillion cubic feet (40 Tcf) natural gas reserves from brownfield assets onshore Niger Delta.

Planned development campaign expected in some 13 producing assets in the region is projected to unleash about 3.4 billion standard cubic feet (3.4 Bscfd) of gas per day into the domestic supply system in preparation for envisaged demand boost in the market.

According to details of collaborative terms signed by the partners for delivery of the seven Critical Gas Development Projects (7CGDP) evolved by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Lagos Monday, the new gas development is “to bridge the foreseen medium term supply gap by 2020 on an accelerated basis.”

The agreement covers terms for development and production of the 6.4 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves from unitized gas fields, including Samabri-Bisseni, AkriOguta, Ubie-Oshi fields operated

by Shell and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) under JV alliance with NNPC. The agreement also includes development of the 4.3 Tcf Assa North/Ohaji South field; development of Afuo-Ogbainbri and the development of 7.0 Tcf reserves hosted in Oil Mining Lease (OML) acreages 26, 30 and 42 operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the exploration and production arm of NNPC. Others include development of 2.2 Tcf gas supply to Brass Fertilizer Company by Shell operated JV with NPC; cluster development of 5.0 Tcf on OML 13 to support the expansion of Seven Energy’s Uquo Gas Plant; and the cluster development of 10.0 Tcf Okpokunou/Tuomo West field in OMLs 35 and 62.

The Oracle Today reports that the 7CGDP is part of the gas development strategy of government to meet gas demand for generating about 15,000 megawatts of electricity by 2020.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated that the projects would not only bridge the projected shortfall in supply upon completion, but begin

the closing demand-supply gap in the domestic gas market.

He said NNPC has engaged DeltaAfrik/Worley Parson and Crestech/Penspen consortia as project management Consultants namely to work with the operators and other stakeholders to achieve the project targets.

He said the consultants would work with NNPC and partners to revalidate and carry out relevant technical studies to proposed development plans, provide financial advisory services for project funding/financing strategy and appraise the fiscal requirements for viability and advice on interventions that

N

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said NGPTC is being primed to deliver its mandates for natural gas processing and transportation in Nigeria despite the operating environment laden with incessant pipeline vandalism and condensate evacuation challenges.

Dr. Baru who spoke at the 2017 Annual General Meeting of NGPTC said government was relying on the company competence to deliver the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project. The $3.0 billion pipeline project is to being pursued through contractor financing and construction model involving participation of foreign direct investors.

He said apart from the AKK project, the company was also busy putting together new pipelines like the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) would form the bigger trans-Nigerian gas pipeline system. Dr. Baru commended the company on recording the N6.11 billion profit in the first year of operation. He pointed out that the company’s the new structure has seen it refocused solely on gas transportation.

Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCMDB) to ensure timely approvals for the project and also ensure that lease renewals requests related to these projects were supported for renewals by relevant agencies.

Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Mr. Osagie Okunbor, whose company is handling three out of the seven projects, pledged the commitment of the company to the successful execution of the 7CGDP, noting that Shell was fully aligned with Nigeria’s gas strategy and aspirations.

ity, infrastructure, innovation and physical job delivery.

Mr. Uzoma, an eminent oil industry engineer, chaired a panel session in the just concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas conference sporting a jacket lapel pinup that read: Baker Hughes, a GE company. Before the acquisition of Baker Hughes, GE is reputed for being the hub of deepwater petroleum industry facility refurbishment and retrofitting in West Africa with robust workstations in Onne, Port Harcourt and Calabar, Cross River State.

During a facility tour at Onne, The Oracle today was shown retrofitted deepwater Christmas trees that are indistinguishable from new ones laid side by side with them. Other submarine wellhead facilities are also refurbished to new grade at the facility.

“Our price is not just that these facilities are refurbished in Nigeria to save government a lot of money that would have gone into exporting them to Aberdeen to be refurbished, the real pride is that the job is delivered to world class standards here in Nigeria by Nigerians.” Mr. Nwagwu told our reporter during an industry dinner later in the evening.

He reiterated that GE has not only operated in its Onne with world class efficiency and quality standards, he said the company’s Calabar facility would form the benchmark for retrofitting yards for such services in the region. It would be recalled that GE had announced last month that it was loading off its newly acquired controlling shares in Baker Hughes with a plan to also spin off its healthcare business to focus its portfolio for growth and shareholder value creation.

GE stated in its investor relations

declaration that it would focus on jet engines, power plants and renewable energy, which it hopes would reward shareholders who have seen the stock lose more than half its value over the past 20 years.

GE plans to fully separate its 62.5% interest in BHGE in an orderly manner over the next two to three years. BHGE’s full stream offering brings together equipment, services and digital solutions to help its customers be more productive—a unique and powerful value proposition in a changing market.

The separation will provide BHGE with enhanced agility and the ability to focus on leading in the oil and gas industry. John Flannery, chairman and CEO of GE, said, “Today marks an important milestone in GE’s history. We are aggressively driving forward as an aviation, power and renewable energy company—three highly complementary businesses poised for future growth. We will continue to improve our operations and balance sheet as we make GE simpler and stronger.”

Flannery continued, “GE Healthcare and BHGE are excellent examples of GE at its best—anticipating customer needs, breaking barriers through innovation and delivering life-changing products and services.

Today’s actions unlock both a pureplay healthcare company and a tierone oil and gas servicing and equipment player. We are confident that positioning GE Healthcare and BHGE outside of GE’s current structure is best not only for GE and its owners, but also for these businesses, which will strengthen their market-leading positions and enhance their ability to invest for the future, while carrying the spirit of GE forward.”

Baker Hughes divestment won’t affect GE’s Nigerian ops

P

LANS by General electric (GE) plans to divest itself of its stake in oil services firm Baker Hughes will not affect the operations of the comp[any in Nigeria where it is building reputation for local deepwater capacity.

Chief Operating Officer for GE in Nigeria, Mr. Uzoma Nwagwu, told The Oracle Today in Abuja that the GE’s operations in Nigeria remains stronger than ever in human capac-

NGPTC’s posts N6.11b initial profit

IGERIAN Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC) has declared net profit of N6.11 billion in its first year of operation, signalling the spike in the nation’s domestic gas market operations.

Figures released by the company showed that in the year under review, total revenue generated from gas transmitted stood at N72.7 billion translating to 292.91 billion standard cubic feet of gas (Bscf) as against the planned 429.92 Bscf thereby achieving 68.13 percent of its target.

No reason was advanced for the gap in target delivery but The Oracle Today reported incessant pipeline outages that affected gas feed to power stations in the period.

Profit before tax was N6.75billion while profit after tax came to N6.11 billion within the period. The company which is one of the youngest subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has also been assigned realization of the nation’s pipeline development projects to ensure full commitment to project objectives.

may be required.

The consultants are also to study and recommend fast-track tendering process for field development and project implementation, establish realistic cost benchmarks for identified projects and develop project schedules and cost estimates for the respective projects.

They are also to strengthen oversight function on the gas development projects by ensuring prompt decision making and timely approvals in line with international best practices.

Dr. Baru said NNPC was working closely with other agencies like the Department of Petroleum

Chief Operating Officer Gas and Power and Chairman of the NGPTC Board, Engr. Saidu Mohammed, said the NGPTC was focused on consolidating on its strength and grow to bigger levels, noting that by 2019 the company would have most of its ongoing gas infrastructure projects coming on stream.

Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Babatunde Bakare, said the 2017 AGM result mirrors the corporation’s resolve to align with the prime objective of government to harness the nation’s gas resources for the overall benefit of the Nigerian economy.

The Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Limited, formerly known as Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), is a fully-owned subsidiary of the NNPC. It was incorporated in 1981 and commenced business in 1988.

However, NGC was split into two companies in 2016 to form the NGPTC and the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC). Whereas the NGPTC focuses on processing and transporting natural gas for domestic consumption and export, the NGMC handles gas distribution and marketing.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

ENERGY

Nigeria to earn $6.92b from $724m JV finance deal Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

F

EDERAL Government is to earn over $5.6 billion in taxes and royalty plus additional $1.32 billion in joint venture cash flow improvement from the prevailing alternative tripartite funding arrangement involving Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, indigenous First Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Company Limited and multinational oil service Schlumberger.

The funding deal between the two JV partners and the multinational service provider involves development investments in the JV Anyalu and Madu fields hosted in Oil Mining Licence, OML 83 and OML 85, offshore Nigeria.

The funding agreement which started with a tripartite term sheet for the financing and technical services arrangement between NNPC/FIRST E&P JV and Schlumberger received a final approval penultimate weekend in London with the execution of the final contractual agreement.

Under the agreement, Schlumberger would provide $724.14m out of the required project cost of $1.082 billion while the balance of $358.79 million is to be funded with cash flows generated by the project.

The Anyala and Madu fields are projected to have 193 million barrels of crude oil and 0.637 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves with production plateau of 50, 000 barrels of

• From left: Engr. Saidu Mohammed, Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr. Godwin Okonkwo, Group General Manager, NNPC Capital and Mr. Babatunde Bakare, Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Processing & Transportation Company (NGPTC) at the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Company in Abuja . oil per day and 120 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

Speaking at the signing ceremony which was also attended by chief executives of the other parties to the deal, Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said in arriving at the innovative alternative fund-

ing package, the corporation was guided by the need to instill transparent and accountable processes.

He further added that NNPC also followed strict compliance with all extant laws, regulations and established governance protocols as well as overriding national interest and drive to achieve competitive market

NUPENG, NCDMB reach deal on SLAs T ECHNICAL and field operations segment of the oil industry labour unions, Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has finally closed gaps of understanding with the local content regulator, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), over Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in the industry.

The accord was reached in Abuja after the management of NCDMB provided clarifications to the National Assembly on the details of the multiple SLAs it is signing with different trade groups in the industry.

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) had invited the NCDMB management to respond to concerns raised by the oil workers that the SLAs signed by the Board and the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) would limit the duration of industry labour service tenures to a maximum of three months as against five years, which it claimed was previously the norm.

The workers’ concerns are linked to short contracting cycles which

T

translate to short employment cycles and unfavorable employment foisted on their members by oil service firms also running on call off contracts with operating companies in the industry.

The Oracle Today reports that white collar segment of oil industry workers’ union, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has been in running battle with mainly indigenous oilfield service companies hosted in the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) over terms of employment.

The dispute which resulted in picketing of over 10 PETAN companies by PENGASSAN had raised concerns over hints that the service companies planned total restaffing under a new condition that would reduce their vulnerability to operations disruption by workers’ unions.

The massive job losses that would associate with the planned restaffing by PETAN members raise concerns that unsettle service sector of the industry already weighed down by low activity level, thin margin contracts and prolonged

Egina FPSO ready to sail

HE FPSO for Nigeria’s Egina deepwater oil field is heading toward the field in the next couple of weeks.

The $3.3 billion FPSO arrived in January from South Korea and has been undergoing final installations.

The Deputy Managing Director for Deep Water at Total Exploration and Production Nigeria, AhmaduKida Musa, said in Abuja that the FPSO, which had the detailed engineering of its topsides executed incountry after it arrived from South Korea by Samsung with a consortium of Nigerian engineering companies, will sail away to Egina field, located in OML 130.

“Egina is the latest of Total’s deepwater developments and the

third project of its kind developed

by Total in Nigeria, after Akpo and Usan. These projects have brought a progressive increase in levels of Nigerian Content and this is well illustrated by the percentage of total project workload performed in Nigeria: Total recorded 44% from Usan, 60% from Akpo and now 77% for the Egina.”

The Egina field is the deepest offshore development carried out in Nigeria to date. The project is in water depths of 1,500 meters and is designed to produce 200,000 bpd at plateau. The field will also reinject associated gas into the reservoir to maintain reservoir pressure and partly channel to supply the domestic gas market.

pricing for such a greenfield project.

Dr. Baru explained that the NNPC/ FIRST E&P JV project financing formula came as a creative approach to funding JV operations in response to the realities of the prevailing operating environment.

According to the GMD, “apart from aligning wholly with government’s

payment delays.

The NCDMB has been tackling the myriad of issues affecting efficient service delivery in the industry through the SLAs which commits players to conform to time lines and project cycle time frames.

But the labour unions fear that shorter project cycles would translate to short employment tenures for members.

At a meeting with the legislators, both the regulator and NUPENG leaders reached understanding on the SLAs following explanations

by Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, that the SLA with operators was aimed at shortening the protracted contracting cycle from about three years before the award of a major contract would be completed.

Mr. Wabote, an engineer, explained that NCDMB signed the first of such agreements with the Nigerian LNG Limited in May 2017 and was jointly developing the third SLA with the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG).

He said the SLA with the NLNG greatly improved the speed of interactions between the two or-

ganizations, leading to the timely conclusion of the recent award of a contract by the NLNG to a fully indigenous company, E.A. Temile Development Company, for the provision of a new build Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) ship.

He stated that the SLA with Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) was aimed at accelerating the approval process of the NCDMB’s activities on the contracting cycle and enhancing the ease of doing business, which is a key policy thrust of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

“It is meant to shorten the time by removing all unwanted bottlenecks and red tapes in order to conclude Nigerian content reviews and approvals by NCDMB before award of contracts by NNPC-NAPIMS.” He stressed that the SLA had nothing to do with reducing the tenure or duration of a project or contract; rather it would ensure that jobs are retained and are also created.

“The protracted cycle led the IOCs to start using short term contracts which they review arbitrarily.”

Mr. Wabote promised to intervene in the complaints raised by NUPENG against operating and service companies, within the lim-

land Oil & Gas reported that its Opuama-9 well is testing at a rate beyond the upper end of its previous guidance. The well, a dual completion, with the short string producing from the D1000 reservoir and the long string from the D2000 reservoir, is presently being tested on variable chokes to determine the optimum production rate.

As an indicative interim production result from the MER test, the short string is being produced on a 36/40” choke at 3,200 bpd and the long string on a 40/64” choke at 3,800 bpd.

Eland said it was encouraging that the combined total of 7,000 bpd is beyond the upper end of previous gross guidance of 4,000 –

6,000 bpd.

Following completion of the Opuama-9 well the OES Teamwork Rig moved to and spudded the Opuama-10 well. The well is currently at a depth of 3,599 ft, where the 13 3/8” casing has been run and cemented.

The rig will now drill the 12 ¼” hole to a measured depth of 10,200 ft, with primary targets in the D1000 and D5000 reservoirs and secondary targets in the D3500 and D4000 reservoirs. Initial gross production is expected to be between 4,000 and 6,000 bpd. The Opuama field is currently producing at around 25,000 bpd, an all-time record for OML 40. This includes both strings of production from Opuama-9 which has just been brought onstream at higher levels than anticipated.

Eland exceeds target with Opuama-9 well E

aspiration of increased crude oil and gas production, reserves growth and monetization of the nation’s enormous gas resources, the model is in tandem with one of the corporation’s 12 Business Focus Areas (BUFAs); ramping up crude oil & gas reserves & production which also supports Government’s 7 Big Wins aspirations.’’

He said the Schlumberger financing package covers pre-Final Investment Decision (FID) funding, 100 per cent of capital expenditure for three years and pre-production operating expenses.

He added that the package would enable the country to generate $5.60bn in taxes and royalties and $1.32bn in net cash flows after Schlumberger’s cost recovery & compensation in line with the terms of the agreement.

The OMLs 83 & 85 are in shallow waters 40km offshore in the Niger Delta. NNPC holds 60 per cent interest in the licences while, FIRST E&P, the operator of the JV, holds the remaining 40 per cent 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 drive technology transfer whilst leveraging on the global technical expertise of Schlumberger and the extensive local knowledge of the JV partners. its of the Board’s mandate.

Regretting that most violators of the Nigerian Content Act were indigenous companies, he charged the union to serve as whistle blowers and report cases of Nigerian Content infractions to the Board so it would call the violators to order.

He said NCDMB had extended the focus of Nigerian Content implementation to the midstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry, after recording appreciable success in the upstream sector.

On the phasing out of junior personnel by oil producing companies, the Executive Secretary attributed it to the use of enhanced technology by the industry.

“Most junior roles and tasks are now executed by technology and that is why companies employ only highly skilled workers.”

In his comments, a member of the House of Representatives Committee and former President of NUPENG, Hon Peter Akpatason, urged the industry operators to build the capacity of junior workers to enable them play relevant roles in the sector.

He decried casualization in the industry and charged relevant agencies of government to fight against it. Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon Akinlaja Iranola Joseph, asked the Board and NUPENG to develop a regular interface for addressing labour issues in the industry.

President of NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha and Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, commended NCDMB on effective implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. The NUPENG officials pleaded with the NCDMB to examine the nature of employment contracts oil servicing companies foisted on their members. According to them, NUPENG members were often made to accept short term contracts, with unfavorable conditions of service.

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

e-Platform Call masking: NCC, CPC unite against telecoms revenue menace

•Set up a month-long joint committee to investigate call masking and filing •The inter-agency collaboration could prove an end to the lingering issue •NCC ealier imposed sanction on licensees involved in the fraudulent practice •Hgh incidence of call-masking, call-refiling and SIM- Boxing

By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

N

IGERIAN Communications Commission (NCC) and Consumer Protection ACouncil (CPC) have agreed to set up a joint investigation team to track call masking with call refilling, in order to uncover the identity of the perpertraitors of the revenue deeping crime in the mobile voice segment.

The apex regulator said it has been inundated with complaints from service providers and consumers regarding the high incidence of callmasking, call-refiling and SIM-Boxing.

Call masking is the practice of disguising international calls as local calls in order to profit from price differentials between international and local calls. Apart from the resultant loss of revenue by service providers, the practice also has some negative security implications NCC revealed this while holding a joint meeting with the CPC at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja and the inter-agency collaboration is at the instance of the National Assembly.

Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta said the directives of the National Assembly to set up an investigation team to look into the issue of call masking and call refilling came at a time when the commission has set in motion measures to end the threat of such breaches to national security.

“The office of the National Security Adviser had directed the NCC to put in place, measures that will contain this menace even before the directive from the National Assembly to the NCC and the CPC. “We have resolved to set up a joint committee to investigate call masking and filing and conclude within a month, and I am very happy with the outcome of the meeting.

“What has happened today is a testimony to an important item on NCC’s 8-point agenda which is strategic collaborations and partnerships with other agencies of government,” said Danbatta.

Another outcome of the collaboration was to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two government agencies and to also discuss how to improve complaints resolution of telecommunications consumers.

Director General, CPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera also noted that the two government organizations holds consumers in high esteem and as such will work towards ways to improve consumer experience. He further stated that the concluding part of the MoU will usher in a new era of high productivity and improving the quality of service delivered to the consumer even as issues in the industry will be addressed.

“It was a very productive meeting and few key things we agreed on is that the CPC needs a good number of guidelines, directions, regulations and initiatives of the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the NCC, with respect to addressing consumer issues.

“We are looking to concluding an existing negotiation on an MOU that

will define how our relationship goes going forward, and we will open a mutual investigation into quality of consumer experiences in the telecommunications industry, to address a lot of consumer issues,” said Irukera.

In the same vein, the Executive Commissioner Stakeholders Management, NCC, Sunday Dare stated that the collaboration had been in existence with previous MoU’s and the concluding part is needed to protect the consumers and improve the quality of service.

“We have been trying to review the MOU for some months and we’ve come to the final part of it, and what has happened today is to make sure we create the kind of synergy that we need to go forward to protect the consumers,” he said.

The CPC is an agency supervised by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment. It is set up to protect and enhance consumers’ interest through information, education and enforcement of appropriate standards for goods and services and to promote an environment of fair and ethical trade practices.

Earlier, NCC imposed a range of sanctions on licensees involved in the fraudulent practice.

It was following a investigation process which included collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services.

For example, the Commission imposed a range of sanctions on licensees involved in the fraudulent practice. These include the following sanctions: Suspension of the Interconnect Clearinghouse License issued to Medallion Communications Limited for a period of 90 (ninety) days, in the first instance; Issuance of a strong warning to Interconnect Clearinghouse Nigeria Limited; Disconnection of Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL) and Solid Interconnectivity Services Limited from all networks, until they regularize their operations; Issuance of letters to Exchange Telecoms Limited, NiconnX Limited and Breeze Micro Limited, cautioning them against engaging in the fraudulent practice; and Barring of over 750,000 numbers assigned to several Private Network Links (PNL) and Local Exchange Operator (LEO) licensees, which number ranges were found to have been utilized for the practice.

The sanctioned entities were found to be directly and indirectly complicit in several infractions, including, covertly allowing organisations with expired licences to transit calls, failure to undertake due diligence on parties seeking to interconnect, deliberately turning a blind eye to masking infractions by interconnect partners, and using a licence issued to another organisation to bring-in and terminate international calls which were masked as local calls to other operators.

Regarding the barring of numbers, over 750,000 individual numbers across the nation, made up of about

•From left: Director General, CPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera; and Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta at a joint meeting to forge unted front against Call Masking at the the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. minutes, whereas they only have very few active customers.

The Commission said the incidence of call masking has significantly reduced since it commenced a multifaceted approach to address the menace. The Commission hereby informs all stakeholders that the actions so far taken are just the first stage of the exercise. The second stage which has now commenced, will focus on the Mobile Network Operators and other persons involved in SIM-Boxing.

The aim of the Commission is to completely stamp out the fraudulent practice in the overall interest of all Nigerians. Accordingly, every service provider that has been sanctioned still has an opportunity to correct the identified anomalies and satisfy the Commission that it should be allowed to continue to operate in Nigeria. The Commission reserves the right to revoke the licence of such service providers where they fail to take the necessary corrective measures.

HE organizers of the Ghana Information and Telecom Awards 2018, InstinctWave, has commended and applauded the concerted efforts of the Association of Telecommuincations Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in the area of championing and advocating for an enabling environment for its members’ businesses and protecting its members’ interests in the telecom industry.

This is the 8thedition of organizing the sought out Awards in Ghana.

While receiving the award yesterday on behalf of Mr. Olusola Teniola, President, ATCON, Mrs.

Aderonke Adeyegbe, National Treasurer, ATCON appreciated the Organizers by saying this award would make ATCON to go the extra mile in the area of advocacy as ATCON’s advocacies have led to increase in the flow of Foreign Direct Investment to the sector and it has also restored the confidence that the Local Investors have in the sector. It would generally spur us to do more constructive and meaningful advocacies for the betterment of our members and sector within Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

We sincerely value this prestigious Award as it indicates that our

efforts at removing all identified barriers to the continuous rapid growth of the telecom sector did not go to waste, as more resources would be dedicated to our advocacy work.

Our engagements with all relevant agencies to provide an enabling environment shall be reinvigorated in order to get government at all levels to make laws and policies that would further grow and develop the sector, so that Nigerian and Africans in general can reap the expected benefits of reliable and seamless telecommunications services.

S

Samsung’s leadership and innovation in the Smartphone market and its commitment to developing bestin-class products to meet the everchanging needs of its consumers.

“With the introduction of the Galaxy J4 and J6, we took the consumer feedback on our preceding Galaxy J models and made thoughtful and impactful improvements offering consumers a seamless convergence of style and performance for their everyday lifestyles. Both devices come with 32GB internal storage space; they are powered by 3000mAh battery, and run on the latest Android operating system – Android Oreo. With the Ultra Data Saving (UDS) feature, users can surf the internet longer whilst saving data, helping them stay connected for longer periods,” he said.

The Samsung Galaxy J6 features an infinity display rear fingerprint sensor.

The Galaxy J series are imbued with Samsung’s legacy for high-

performing cameras with an advanced camera system that generates brighter and clearer images.

Whilst the 13-megapixel rear-facing cameras on both Galaxy J4 and J6 enables users take amazing photos; the front-facing 5-megapixel camera on J4 and 8-megapixel on J6 let you take more stunning selfies.

With Dual Messenger features, users can separate their work messages and personal chats with ease.

Users can now connect to two different chat accounts on their favorite messenger apps. It’s easy to install and manage the second account from the Settings menu.

Samsung Galaxy J4, J6, and A6+ are designed to make consumer experience more enjoyable and productive. In addition, all the devices come with advanced security features, including Samsung Find My Mobile, a feature that allows users to remotely track and control their smartphones, especially in the event of theft or loss.

31 number ranges have been barred.

The licensees whose numbers have been barred are: Vezeti Communications Services Limited, Voix Networks Limited, Mobitel Limited, Peace Global Satellite Communications Limited, ABG Communications Limited, Vodacom Business Africa (Nigeria) Limited, Swift Telephone Networks Limited, QVODA Telecoms Limited, Wireless Telecoms Limited and Emcatel Networks Limited. The Commission found that some of these were terminating millions of

Nigeria telecoms association bags ‘Advocacy’ awards

T

Samsung unveils Galaxy J4, J6 and A6+ in Nigeria

AMSUNG Electronics Co. Limited of Korea (“Samsung”)has launched the latest additions to its Galaxy J family, Galaxy J4 and J6, as well as the Galaxy A6+, in Nigeria.

The devices were formally unveiled in Lagos, Nigeria on Tuesday, June 26th, 2018. The J-series is a midrange Smartphone series whilst the A6+ is in the high-end category.

According to the Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Jingak Chung, “the Galaxy J series smartphones blend materials with the most advanced Samsung technology. They have bright and vivid cameras, setting a new industry standard for design, craftsmanship and performance for smartphones in the mid-range category, and redefining the company’s signature Galaxy J series.”

Mr. Olumide Ojo, Business Leader, Information Technology and Mobile (IM) for Samsung Electronics West Africa, described the Galaxy J4, J6, and A6+ as a testament to

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

e-Platform

Social Media Tax: Why African countries dare to regulate internet •Mobile users in Uganda to pay OTT tax to access Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, others •Nigeria’s NCC insists it will not regulate the internet

By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

G

OVERNMENT of Uganda has joined the list of countries that dare to regulate the Internet as the Government announced recently the beginning of social media tax from second quarter of 2018. Government of Morocco earlier banned all three telecoms service providers in the country against free mobile internet three years ago.

The East African country said Ugandans were required to pay the tax if they want to access services such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and many others.

Over the top (OTT) is a term used to refer to content providers that distribute streaming media as a standalone product directly to consumers over the Internet, bypassing telecommunications, multichannel television, and broadcast television platforms that traditionally act as a controller or distributor of such content.

The much-debated social media tax was initially proposed in April 2018 in an announcement in which Uganda’s government said that the tax will help boost the East Afrikan country’s revenue and help with national security.

Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija is quoted as saying that “We’re looking for money to maintain the security of the country and extend electricity so that you people can enjoy more of social media, more often, more frequently.”

Although “national security” has been cited by Uganda’s gov-

ernment as the main reason for implementing what is also colloquially known as “gossip tax” in Uganda, it is most probably a measure by authorities in Uganda to censor citizens indirectly given how Internet access is already expensive in the country. Previously, Uganda’s government blocked social media platforms and instant messaging services during the countries previous elections only to cite the same reason, “national security”, for doing so.

So far, Ugandans have reacted in anger and have come up with several ways of trying to bypass the social media tax such as installing VPN apps and using encrypted alternatives to WhatsApp such as the Signal app. It is also important to note how telecommunications companies in Uganda have co-operated with the implementation and collection of the social media tax.

However, Nigerian telecoms operators said OTT call application like Whatsapp, Viber, Netflix, among others erode their revenue and threatens over $70 billion.

Former MTN Nigeria CEO, Ferdi Moolman is quoted as saying that“the depletion of operator revenues by unlicensed providers of “over-the-top” telecoms services that do not have any physical presence; nor pay any taxes; nor make any significant contribution to employment or other socioeconomic objectives of government in Nigeria, is worrisome.

Companies like WhatsApp and Viber are eroding gains of Nigeria’s telecom companies.”

Nigerian Communications Commission has maintained that ti will

Glo partners CIPM for strategic leadership in HR

N

IGERIA’S fully integrated telecommunications company, Globacom, has lent its support to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) to organise a capacitybuilding forum for top-level human resource professionals in the country.

The forum, co-sponsored by Globacom, featured one of the world’s most renowned executive coaches, John Mattone, among other resourceful persons who addressed an august audience of Nigeria’s foremost human resources professionals.

Globacom in a statement from its head office in Lagos said it decided to partner with CIPM to facilitate the forum as a way of contributing to the development of transformational leadership culture in Nigeria’s corporate environment.

“Nigeria is blessed with diverse human resources, bursting with amazing talent, boundless energy and incredible passion. Forums such as this one put together by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management are immensely

useful in optimising efficiency in the workplace,” Globacom said in the press release.

The telecommunications company pledged to continue to support initiatives that seek to elevate the quality of corporate leadership in Nigeria.

The forum themed, “Talent and Intelligent Leadership: Roadmap to unleashing greatness in your current and future leaders,” was held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, and drew participants from key sectors of the economy, including telecommunications, oil and gas, banking and media.

In his opening remarks at the forum, CIPM Vice President, Mr. Wale Adediran, who represented the President of the Council, said the 10th Special Human Resource Forum was organised in pursuance of the institute’s mission to promote excellence in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills by practitioners.”

He thanked participants and the sponsors, including Globacom, for partnering with the institute to make the forum a reality.

not regulate the internet.

According to NCC’s report on of provision of OTT services, net neutrality or Internet neutrality is a regulatory concept which eliminates any type of discrimination in transmission and access of content on the Internet. It means all end users are able to access content, applications and serv-

ices of their choice at the same level of service quality, Internet speed and price with no priority or degradation based on the type of content, applications or services. This will protect all innovators and consumers and preserve the Internet’s role as a core of free expression and democratic principles.

The basic principle of Net neutrality proposes that networks do not discriminate between different data packets ensuring that innovators or content developers do not need to ask permission for new projects, making internet a collection of a large amount of information, analysis, opinions and services with no sole content provider or regulator.

•ATCON AWARDS: Mr. Akin Naphtal, CEO, InstinctWave, Ajibola Olude, Executive Secretary,ATCON, Mrs. Aderonke Adeyegbe, National Treasurer and Ikechukwu Nnamani, 1st Vice President, ATCON at the GITTA 2018.

27th National Conference: NCS to honour Gov. Ajimobi, others

N

IGERIA Computer Society (NCS) has announced today it is set to host 27th National Conference in Ibadan and will use the occasion to honour Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, his wife, and others who have contributed to IT development in the country.

President, NCS, Prof Adesola Aderounmu revealed this during a press briefing in Lagos.

“On behalf of NCS, I inform you with great pleasure that the 27th National Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) will hold from Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th of July, 2018, at International Conference Centre University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, with the Conference theme “Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies”,” he said.

According to him, NCS is the biggest and premier professional association in Nigeria’s tech sector is most honoured by your presence here this morning. NCS appreciates your continued interest and dedication. NCS is privileged to have you as friends and also as partners in progress.

“NCS is the umbrella body of all IT professionals and organizations in Nigeria, with more than 20,000 members and major interest groups (ISPON, ITAN, ISPAN, NiWIIT, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS). Also inclusive of one hundred thousand Student body (NACOSS)”

He noted that in line with NCS emphasis on innovation the Association will be adopting various approaches through this most unique gathering of IT academia, industry and thought leaders to address challenges and highlight opportunities related to building a digital, prosperous and INCLUSIVE Nigeria that leverages on information technology to achieve Sustainable Development.

High profile dignitaries are expected to grace the event from government, private and educational sectors, as well as from the international and global IT environment.

President Mohammadu Buhari, Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of Nigeria is rumoured to be Guest of Honour, while Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Governor of Oyo State is the Chief Host.

Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu and Director General of NITDA will be in attendance.

The conference, he saids, will focus on important issues related to the theme and sub themes such as: Poverty Eradication and Job Creation in the rural Economy. Internet and Broadband for All, e-agriculture, e-health, e-education for inclusion: Software and Local Content. Digital Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Tech Startup, SME and Youth Enterpreneurship. E-Voting and Election Management.

New Technologies for Econom-

ic Growth and Diversification.

Digital Literacy, Knowledge Culture and Human Capital Development. Policy and Regulatory Framework. E-government, Citizen Engagement and Open Government. Fintech, e-Commerce and Financial Inclusion. Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Innovative Collaboration and partnership. Cyber security: Awareness, Threat, Protection and Digital Rights. Innovation for the Elderly, Internally Displaced Persons and the Vulnerable.

Confirmed Guest Speakers include:Ms Funke Opeke, Founder and CEO of MainOne; Mr. Oluwafunminiyi Ajao, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on ICT; Mr. Adedayo P. S. Arogundade, Managing Director, Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited; and Mr. Ezekiel Oyeniyi Ajao. Others are Executive Director, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS; Professor Charles Korede Ayo, former Vice Chancellor, Covenant University; Professor Patience Akpan-Obong, Faculty of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Arizona State University; and Tejumade Afonja, Intel Software Innovator.

Specifically, topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Fintech, Financial Inclusion, eGovernment, Broadband, Disruptive Technologies, Fourth Industrial Revolution and e-Voting will be covered as they relate to the conference theme.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

Wanted: Executive Order on killings . . . by herdsmen Cont’d front page 1 legislation. A most recent example is the court setting aside Donald Trump’s January 2017 Executive Order on immigrants.

A MAJOR concern with Executive Orders is the possibility of abuses. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States, 1932-1945, made a record 3,522 Executive Orders in his 12 years in office; he died 11 weeks into his fourth term. The numbers were understandable; those were the years of the Great Depression and World War II. THE Executive Order 6 that President Muhammadu Buhari signed on 5 July 2018 gives him sweeping powers to tackle corruption, which he says is the major challenge that Nigeria faces. Who would not want the President to fight corruption? Who, except the corrupt, would stand against the fight against corruption?

GOVERNMENT delights in attributing its consistent failures on corruption to “corrupt, political opponents”. It is unable to appreciate that its inability to tackle corruption, even within its very inner circles, is a major failing that it can only blame on itself.

OUR laws on corruption are adequate. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act has adequate provisions to fight corruption. What no Executive Order can change is the sloppy investigation which makes corruption cases collapse. There is too much attention on media trial of corruption cases, instead of thorough investigation of suspects.

COULD Executive Order 6 be a politically moti-

vated measure to crush the opposition? The plan could be to take over opponents’ assets with Executive Order 6 “charges”, financially incapacitate them and ruin their plans to contest in next year’s general election. President Buhari has indicated his intentions to run in the election.

ARE the provisions of Section 36 (5) of the Constitution that maintain the innocence of suspects, until they are proven guilty, still part of our laws?

The Executive Order 6 presumes suspects guilty as they would be the ones to prove their innocence. Would Executive Order 6 be used as law to charge them in court?

PRESIDENTIAL Executive Order No. 6 of 2018 On the Preservation of Suspicious Assets Connected with Corruption and other Relevant offences, starts off thus, “Whereas it is the responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria to protect the resources of Nigeria from all forms of Corruption; “Whereas Corruption constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the well-being, national security and stability of the country’s political and economic systems, as well as its continuous existence; and must be effectively addressed,” which miss the responsibility of government.

Section 14 2 (b) of the Constitution succinctly states that, “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

Are the attacks and killings Fulani herdsmen have been carrying out in different parts of Nigeria not enough grounds for an Executive Order?

Is corruption a bigger threat to Nigeria than insecurity all over the country?

WHEN will the President deem the security situation in Nigeria an emergency?

When will he issue an Executive Order against insecurity? When will he sanction extreme means that are required to tackle the menace of Fulani herdsmen? Does the President believe that corruption is a bigger threat to the uncertainty to which lives have been reduced in Nigeria by these vicious attacks by herdsmen, and other forms of insecurity?

IS there a bigger threat to Nigeria than the daily loss of lives, lands, property and the resulting food insecurity that it is generating? What is a bigger challenge to Nigerians than that government is unwilling to protect their lives? When would government act for the benefit of Nigerians and not for political convenience? Does government still think the people are important in its configuration of issues that afflict Nigeria?

THERE are enough laws with which to tackle the government’s fascination with corruption. They can be used.

The obsession with corruption suffers from a fixation on the opposition. How many times have people in government been accused of corruption?

How many times has EFCC been set on them? Have they been investigated?

There is at least one case in court against EFFC for refusing to investigate a petition against a former state governor since 2016.

NOBODY, with government’s affinity for disregarding the Constitution, will give it further leeway to enhance a fuller dictatorship. Why is corruption

– just financial - as seen in the details of Executive Order 6 - the most important challenge Nigeria faces?

AS it stands, Executive Order 6 is a convenient cover for government’s confounding failings. At best, it is a major distraction to put the menace of Fulani herdsmen out of national focus. The killings have not stopped. Even if the government is no longer embarrassed, it does not want the killings as headlines as it negotiates its way to the elections.

WITH the All Progressives Congress (APC), in disarray, measures are required to check the damage the President is suffering from situations across the country. Without meaningful explanations for its tenure in the past three years, desperation is setting in and an Executive Order to hound opponents could be an elixir.

HOW wonderful it would be if Section 4 of Executive Order 6 were intended for the management of Nigeria’s security issues? That section reads, “All enforcement authorities are hereby directed to diligently and rigorously collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Justice in implementing this Order to ensure the preservation of suspicious assets and prevent their dissipation or removal from the jurisdiction of Nigerian courts, in order to facilitate, support and enable the expeditious and accelerated prosecution of the alleged corrupt practices, serious or complex corruption, and Other Relevant Offences. Heads of enforcement authorities shall take personal responsibility and be subject to appropriate sanctions for any failure to comply with this Order.”

AN Executive Order, for security management, in manners Executive Order 6 set out in Section 4, would assure Nigerians, even political opponents, that President Buhari wants to tackle the major challenge facing Nigeria. An Executive Order that ignores these killings is a grave abnegation of Section 14 2 (b) – “The security and welfare of the people, is the primary purpose of government”.

Our Vision

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

Mission

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

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

OPINION Victory dance for the prophet…at home

By CHARLES IKECHUKWU

A

s Jesus said to the people of Nazareth, the town where he grew up, “a prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”

“Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” they wondered, even as they took offense at Him. Then Jesus told them, “a prophet is without honour only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household.”

So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them…

Even in contemporary times, this statement still rings true for many people. Well, not so for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State whose praises Enugu State indigenes, including, of course, those from Nsukka Cultural zone where Ugwuanyi hails from, like a lot to sing.

Last week, a gruelling three-year legal battle challenging Governor Ugwuanyi’s choice as the PDP governorship candidate for Enugu State in the 2015 election, ended with Ugwuanyi emerging victorious. This drew spontaneous jubilation from the people of the cultural zone who appeared happy that the judgment “did not go the other

way, thereby derailing the good work the governor is going in Enugu State, particularly in the hitherto neglected Nsukka cultural zone.”

Indeed, it was a remarkable day of solidarity for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi over the victory as the major Ogurugu Road through Odenigbo Road to Enugu Road in the university town of Nsukka, was literally flooded with members of VISION 2019 (a political support group), indigenes, teeming participants and well-wishers who had trouped out to celebrate what they termed “mother of all victories.”

The protracted electoral legal tussle was between Governor Ugwuanyi and Senator Ayogu Eze, who also aspired to the governorship of Enugu State on the platform of PDP. The event, which took place recently amidst pomp and whoops of joy saw a mammoth crowed of both the young and the old, boys and girls singing, cheering and thanking God with placards of various inscriptions along the busy road. While the youths engaged in entertaining acrobatic displays and the Okada and Keke riders clapped with blaring horns, the old gyrated on their body axis– all in ecstasy and jubilation for the victory and vindication of Governor Ugwuanyi.

Speaking during the commencement of the solidarity march at Mrs. Justina

Eze Street, Ofulonu- Nsukka, the PDP BOT member, Mrs. Eze said the solidarity march was put together for a dual purpose. One was to give thanks to Almighty God for the triumph of justice in Gov.Ugwuanyi’s case and the other to call on the people to keep faith with the governor to make sure that he completes all the deliverables to the people Continuing, she emphasized that Governor Ugwuanyi who has been able to distinguish between politics and administration has shown that he also has the capacity, courage, competence and the milk of human kindness to make life more meaningful to the citizenry through the provision of infrastructure, good governance as well as basic human rights, pointing out rhetorically “as you can see, there is happiness in the air and when you are happy you are also at peace with yourself and those around you.”

Concluding, Mrs. Eze, who is the first female legislator from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria and the first female Nigerian foreign Ambassador from Enugu State deposed, that “our governor is not only doing well in carrying party members along, he also extends his hand of fellowship across to other parties. He is mostly loved and the only way to reward him for a continued symbiotic relationship is to vote massively for him in the next election.”

When eventually the event, which commenced by 11: am tapered to an end around 5.30pm at Ugwu-Oye, Nsukka, many wished it did not have to end.

The Co-ordinator of the support group, Mr. Uchenna Ngwu thanked the founder of the group Chief Mark Chidi Obetta for his thoughtfulness, vision and kind gesture in founding the group, the members of the group for their roles in the mobilization of the people and the people for their massive turnout despite the short notice.

He requested them to go to their respective wards to spread the news of Governor Ugwuanyi.

It would be recalled that the Vision 2019 Support Group for Gburugburu, which made its debut during a colourful ceremony not long ago in Nsukka at Jerry Marriot Hotel and Suites was founded by Chief Mark Chidi Obetta, a business mogul and Chairman /CEO of the hotel who is passionate about the development of Nsukka/ Igbo- Eze South Federal Constituency in particular and Enugu State in general, economic empowerment of the people and the liberation of the poor.

The high point of the event was the introduction of the group’s sloganGBURUGBURU- to the gathering and the relaxation in a collective mood with wining and dining at Nuccon Hotels, Nsukka.

Ekiti 2018: Fayemi ‘versus’ Oni at the poll

By Ehichioya Ezomon

onths to the 2018 governorship election in Ekiti, holding this Saturday, M July 14, polity watchers had surmised that

the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) would have a mountain to climb, to regain control of the state it lost in 2014.

That conclusion was based on the seeming stranglehold of the political terrain by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as powered by Governor Ayodele Fayose, on whose watch the party has swept all seats in elections conducted since 2015.

But the relaunch bid by the APC for the state, fielding former governor and Minister of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, gave strong indications that the PDP and Fayose’s suzerainty might not be impregnable after all.

This notion was premised on two reasons: One, the political environment of 2018 is different from 2014’s, which favoured Fayose with the so-called “federal might” to advance his cause and that of the PDP, against the then Governor Fayemi and the APC. This time, besides having the “federal might” on their side, Fayemi and the APC have the backing of incumbent governors in 24 states, and a coalition of 32 aspirants that vied with Fayemi at the party primaries on May 12.

With a combination of these factors, and a well-executed campaign spearheaded by a committee of APC heavyweights from across the country, the party would be adequately prepared to climb the mountain, and grab the governorship on July 14.

That was the assumption until the news broke that the Action Peoples Party (APP), and a chieftain of the APC had separately filed matters in Abuja courts to disqualify Fayemi from presenting himself as the APC candidate in the election.

The APP filed a suit in a High Court at

Bwari, praying for the disqualification of Fayemi for being indicted by a panel of inquiry established by the Ekiti government, which issued a white paper, banning him from holding any public office in 10 years.

Both Fayemi and the APC had canvassed dismissal of the case, and the court ruled in their favour last Tuesday, July 3. While Justice A.O Musa quashed Fayemi’s indictment for lack of fair hearing, he held that Section 182(1)(i) of the Constitution, on which the suit was based, was non-existent.

In the second case filed last Monday at the Federal Hight Court in Abuja, Mr. Oladimeji Olakunle Olatunji seeks disqualification of Fayemi on two grounds: That he did not resign his ministerial appointment before contesting the governorship primaries; and that he was indicted by a panel of inquiry, and banned by the Ekiti government from holding any public office in 10 years.

On the strength of the alleged anomalies, the claimant prays for an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Fayemi from parading or holding himself out as the validly/duly nominated gubernatorial candidate of the APC for the Ekiti election.

Spotlighting the APP case recently, all eyes were on Governor Fayose as being the instigator, in order to scuttle Fayemi’s chances at the poll. But observers couldn’t imagine that a bigger threat was coming from within, ostensibly at the behest of a co-contestant at the primaries, former Governor Segun Oni. As revealed by Mr. Olatunji, he’s in court not only to protect the interest of the APC from being denied a candidate in the election should the opposition raise similar issues, as he did, before or after the election, but also to project the political aspiration of Oni, who came second behind Fayemi at the primaries.

Oni, former deputy national chairman (South) of the APC, was expected to lead the other 31 aspirants, to work with the 77-member National Campaign Council instituted by the National Working Committee (NWC) for the election. He did not decline this responsibility. Indeed, he asked his supporters to campaign and vote for Fayemi.

But has he been faithful to his avowal? That’s doubtful, as the director general of the Segun Oni Campaign Organisation (SOGO), Dr. Ife Arowosoge, claimed that the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation (KFCO) had sidelined Oni, and maltreated his supporters at campaign rallies for the APC flagbearer.

Arowosoge boasted that Oni has the largest number of APC chieftains, party officials and supporters in the 16 councils of Ekiti, who, in the event of a stalemate from a court ruling or any other circumstance, would be mobilised to place him in good stead to slug it out with other candidates in the current or future election.

So, the question of why Oni would want Fayemi disqualified has finally been rested. If he’s disenfranchised before the election, or removed after winning, Oni, being the aspirant that scored the second highest votes at the primaries, would profit as a replacement, to stand as the APC candidate in Saturday’s election (if the debarment were to happen prior to the poll) or any new exercise.

Recall that the courts adopted this precept to sanction the APC’s choice of Mr. Yahaya Bello as candidate, and eventual winner of the Kogi State governorship election in November 2015, following the sudden death of Prince Abubakar Audu, who led in the results already declared by INEC, before his demise was made public.

Which brings us to where we started:

That not long ago, Dr. Fayemi and the APC had only a mountain to climb. That mountain could just have been the Olumo Rock, a mere 137 m (449 ft) above sea level. Now with a divided house, they are facing the highest mountain in the world, the Everest, with a height of 8,848 m (29,029 ft). Will they be able to surmount the snowy peak?

In a matter of six days, we would know how formidable the APC was battling internal division, and combatting a political opponent as ruthless as Governor Fayose, who, though not on the ballot, has deployed all weapons at his disposal to install his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

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

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Business Manager Kelechi Nze Circulation Manager Felix Oti

26

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

Nigeria’s hotel room capacity to hit 12, 600 by 2022 Stories by VICTOR NZE

N

IGERIA’S total hotel room capacity is projected to reach 12, 600, representing a 5.4 per cent rise from its 9, 700 figure in 2017, according to a report by the London-based professional services network, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Thursday.

This is, however, as the West African hospitality industry is yet to overcome challenges identified to include; high capital investment, lack of access to adequate financing options, limited access to raw materials, high construction and material costs, inadequate technical capacity to manage the development programme, as well as a heavy reliance on importation, which have consistently formed barriers to entry of new investors into the sub-regional hospitality market, according to the W Hospitality outlook in its November 2017 report.

Incidentally, that W Hospitality report also slammed the Nigerian hospitality industry for single-handedly accounting for 61 stalled projects, representing 49.6 per cent or more than 10,000 hotel rooms out of the over 20, 000 uncompleted in the sub-region alone.

The newly-released PwC report, on the contrary, which forecast a positive outlook for the Nigerian hospitality industry, insists that ‘Nigeria is expected to be the fastest-growing country over the next five years. A number of new hotels are scheduled to be opened during this time. Continued improvement in the domestic economy will also lead to faster growth in guest nights.’

PwC’s eighth edition of the Hotels outlook: 2018-2022 includes information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania.

The report which surveyed the sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years, said the region’s hotel sector has the potential for further growth over the next five years.

“An increase in the number of foreign and domestic travellers, as well as an expansion in a number of hotel chains on the continent reinforces the hotel sector’s untapped potential for business growth,” it said.

The report projects that hotel room revenue for the five markets as a group will increase at a 7.4 per cent compound annual rate to $3.7bn in 2022 from $2.6bn in 2017.

“Tourism to the African continent has proven to be resilient in the face of economic and political uncertainty, impacts of droughts and other regulatory changes.

The opportunities are aplenty for this industry to enjoy further growth albeit at a more modest pace. However, as we continue to see there are also a number of challenges facing each country. This is an industry that is reactive to the smallest change in political, regulatory, safety and sustainability matters,” said Pietro Calicchio, Hospitality Industry Leader, PwC Southern Africa.

“While the fundamentals affecting tourism to South Africa remain favourable, helped by an improving global and local economy, it is impacted by other factors like the water shortage in Cape Town. As there is little historical precedence, it is difficult to project the impact of the drought on tourism. Although bookings were down in Cape Town, overall tourism to South Africa held up during the festive season and actually picked up in the first quarter of 2018. Hotels in Cape Town are taking a number of steps to conserve water. If the winter rainfall continues at the current rate, the crisis may be limited in scope.

“Nigeria is expected to be the fastest-growing country over the next five years. A number of new hotels are scheduled to be opened during this time. Continued improvement in the domestic economy will also lead to faster growth in guest nights.

“Kenya, Tanzania and Mauritius should be the next fastest growing, with compound annual increases of 9.6 per cent, 9.1 per cent and 7.2 per cent, respectively. South Africa is projected to be the slowest growing market with a 5.6 per cent compound annual increase in room revenue.

“The hotel markets in Nigeria and Mauritius continued to perform well in 2017 with both achieving double-digit growth whereas Kenya and Tanzania had decreases in room revenue. For the forecast period as a whole, the number of available rooms in Nigeria will rise from 9, 700 in

Dana Air re-brands loyalty programme ANA Air has rebranded

D

its Dana Miles loyalty programme to Dana Miles Club This is as the airline confirmed that the membership of the reward programme has reached a record 18,000 Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, the Media and Communications Manager of the airline, Kingsley Ezenwa, said the airline had to rebrand as a result of its growing membership and increased benefits attached to the tiers of membership – Blue, Silver and Gold.” ‘’We have rebranded our reward program to Dana Miles club as a result of the growing membership and benefits. We

are glad that our guests are now realizing the need to go cashless and use more of their miles for upgrade from economy to business class, payment of excess and alot of other flight and none flight related benefits.” ”We have had a case where someone travelling with his family ran out of cash and couldn’t pay for his excess baggage but used his excess miles to pay and still got an upgrade from economy to business class cabin. There are loads of benefits attached to being a member of the club and we are glad to have been able to grow its membership to this all-time high.”

2017 to 12, 600 in 2022, a 5.4 per cent compound annual increase – still the largest expansion of any country in the report.

“The hotels and tourism sectors in each of the countries in our report are all showing signs of continued growth over the forecast period. Tourism remains an important part of each economy.

However, the smallest change or disruption can have a fundamental impact on the future growth of each market. “It is therefore important that investors, hotel operators, tourism bodies and governments continue to work together to grow this important industry and ensure its sustainability so that all stakeholders derive the maximum benefit from it,” Calicchio concluded.

It would be recalled that the W Hospitality Group 2017 Hotel Chains Pipeline report identified 61 stalled projects in Nigeria alone, representing 49.6 per cent or more than 10,000 hotel rooms out of the over 20, 000 uncompleted in the sub-region alone.

“West Africa has a pipeline of

114 hotels and 20,790 rooms, accounting for 42 per cent of the sub-Saharan African hotel pipeline. However, of these hotel deals signed and planned, only approximately 9,875 rooms, or 48 per cent have moved to construction.

“Of the hotel pipeline for West Africa, Nigeria contributes 49.6 per cent or more than 10,000 hotel rooms (in 61 hotels). Nigeria is also the top market in Africa for planned rooms,” said the report.

Expressing worry over the poor or inadequate hotel supply, the report pointed out that some hotel pipeline projects signed since 2009 by international hotel chains with Nigerians firms are yet to take off.

“40 per cent of Nigeria’s pipeline was signed between 2009 and 2014, a large portion of these projects is still in the “planning” phase. In Senegal, only approximately 44 per cent of the deals signed have moved to site.

“The other substantial markets in West Africa include Cape Verde with 11 hotels and 3,478 rooms,

and Senegal with 14 hotels and 2,164 rooms. These three markets contribute a total of 15,955 hotel rooms, or 77 per cent of the West African hotel pipeline.

“Approximately 57 per cent of the pipeline in these countries has moved to site, however some of these projects have been stalled for some time. In a country, like Nigeria, this can be significant.

The report which though opined that the pipeline of hotels to the sub-region is encouraging and indicative of strong investor interest, however, said the low completion rate of projects could be troubling for the development of the hotel sector.

“It is also difficult for the hotel chains whose expansion plans in these markets rely on partnerships with local and foreign investors to develop these hotels.

All the major global hotel chains have strong expansion plans to increase their operating presence on the continent, and in West Africa,” it said.

Actors: Jide Kosoko, Chika Okpalla, Sylva and Olu Jacobs, all at the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos during an event to celebrate African culture for the visiting French President, Emmanuel Macron.

Delta flies record 50m travellers in three months

D

ELTA Air Lines has said it flew a record 50 million customers in the three months from April to June, with nearly 17.7 million flying on mainline and the Delta Connection flights around the world.

“While June 30, 2017, still holds the record for most customers flown on a single day at more than 646,000, the Friday before the 2018 Fourth of July holiday was not far behind with just a thousand fewer customers flown.

“Still, June 2018 was a busy month, racking up six of the top 10 consolidated passenger days of all time — the remaining four days all happened in summer 2017 — proving yet again that it’s summer, not the Thanksgiving and winter holidays, that takes the cake for busiest days of the year.

“We’ve made a commitment to our customers to be a reliability leader, delivering a safe, on-time product and the 80,000 employees of Delta are doing just that,” said Dave Holtz, Delta’s Senior Vice President — Operations and Customer Center, adding: “We’re

seeing customers fly Delta in record numbers this summer and it’s a resounding testament to the hard work and focus of our employees.”

Based on the current schedule, Delta and Delta Connection expect to operate 6,092 flights systemwide on July 20, the highest one-day total for the year.

FAAN unveils feedback app for travellers

F

EDERAL Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled an application for service users to give feedback about the quality of services being rendered by government agencies at the nation’s airports.

The app, which is an initiative of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) was inaugurated on Friday at the EArrival of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, noted that the move would improve efficiency and accountability.

“With this initiative, passengers and the general public can now register their complaints or commend the quality of services being rendered by government agencies at the airports. “The application also gives assurance that such

complaints will be attended to and resolved within 72hours, in line with the provisions of Executive Order 1 of the Federal Government of Nigeria,’’ she added.

According to her, it will also eliminate corruption in the agencies’ service delivery, as customers now have a veritable and reliable tool to make their experiences known, while using their facilities.

Oduwole, therefore, advised all government agencies to key into and support the initiative and also urged the general public to make use of the application to achieve its purposes. The focal person of the FAAN PEBEC team, Mrs Olusola Awe, who spoke on behalf of FAAN and other agencies at the airport commended the initiative and thanked all agencies for supporting the project.

She noted that the facility would enhance the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and also help agencies to improve on their service provisions.

27

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

AVIATION

FG firm on December date for national airline take-off

By VICTOR I.B NZE

D

ESPITE concerns raised by stakeholders in the country’s aviation industry, the Federal Government has again confirmed the December date for take-off of the operations for the proposed National Carrier.

Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said, weekend, that the proposed national airline for Nigeria would be unveiled before the end of the year.

Sirika gave the assurance while receiving the Outline Business Case Certificate of Compliance for the establishment of the airline from Mr Chidi Izuwah, the Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The Minister said that the presentation of the Certificate was a testament on how far the project had gone.

The proposed airline will gulp $8.8million preliminary cost and $300 million as take-off cost.

Sirika has maintained that the Federal Government is not fully funding the airline as it has adopted midwifing it via the option of a Public Private partnership, to deliver a national carrier that would stand the test of time and be world class in operation and management.

According to Sirika, Nigeria will receive the first set of five airplanes for the airliner, December 19.

The airline will make profit in three years after operations, he said.

“We will make the investments and follow the business plan through private sector management.

“We intend to get a 30 aircraft market in five years. But we will begin with five aircraft on the day of lunch.

It was not clear whether an order has been made for the aircraft, but the minister in May met a team from Boeing in Abuja.

“At Farnborough International Public Airshow coming July 18, 2018 in London, we will unveil the name, logo, colour scheme, the structure and the type of airplane about the national carrier. We will also place order for the aircraft at the event,” he said.

Sirika explained that the government would step in to cover the funding gap at the onset and ease out thereafter, adding that government would not get involved in the management of the national carrier.

He said Nigeria’s population of over 180 million people is huge enough to support aviation, adding that the airline would take advantage of Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that the country had with over 70 countries.

According to him, it will also take advantage of the African Single Air Transport Market and will be the best player if the government gets it right.

N

“But if we don’t, it will become a threat to us. But I believe we are on the right track.

The minister also gave an assurance that the national carrier would not kill the domestic airlines operating in the country.

Director General of ICRC, Izuwah, said the presentation of the Certificate of Compliance was an official green light to proceed with the procurement process, further explaining that government would bring its contribution to kick-start the airline, adding that the amount of equity the partners would hold would determine government contribution.

According to him, start-up cost over the next three years is about $300 million, but pre-start-up is $8.8 million.

“The rest of the investment will be equity injection which will happen in tranches because you do not need all the monies at once. External capital injection also depends on the profitability of the airline.

“Though, you need that initial government financial to make it take off, but what is important is that the national carrier will be entirely private sector controlled. There will be zero government interference. But if that happens, it invalidates the certificate and the entire process.

“This is a bankable business, and the government will get a strategic partner who will invest in the national carrier and when we get through the bidding process, more facts will emerge. The government will have to spend the pre-start-up cost like the brand name, the office and other start up.

“It will be a world class airline with domestic, regional and international operations,” he said.

Operators and other stakeholders alike, have consistently called on the Federal Government to ensure that challenges bedeviling the aviation industry in the area of regulations, are fixed before embarking on the planned roll out of the National Carrier.

The experts posit that if these issues are not effectively addressed before the emergence of the National Carrier, then what befell its predecessor, the Nigeria Airways, which wound up in September 2004, awaits the new project.

Nigeria presently has less than eight viable private operators in the industry, as many others have closed shop or under administration.

“Domestic airlines, on the average, pay about 35 per cent to 40 per cent of a ticket cost as taxes and charges that come under the guise of statutory levies in addition to other charges. These include 5 per cent Ticket Sales Charge, 5 per cent Cargo Sales Charge, 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), Passenger Service Charge, Charter Sales Charge, Aircraft Inspection Fees, Simulator Inspection Fees,

•Captain Sinmisola Ajibola (4th left), Senior First Officer Quincy Owen (2nd left), SEP Instructor Rosemary Uagbor (3rd right), Cabin Executive Chidimma Chimezie (2nd right), Cabin Executive Opakirite George (left) and B1 Engineer, Justina Etim (Right) with the carrier’s Chairman/CEO, Mr. Allen Onyema and Vice Chairman, Mrs. Alice Onyema at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos before takeoff of the flight. which the local airlines are forced to pay,” according to Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Capt. Nogie Meggison, who further lamented that even with all these charges, many of the airports in the country do not have runway lights and navigational landing aids stating that such airports are only open between 7am and 6pm daily.

Also commenting, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Area Manager, Southwest Africa, Mr. Samson Fatokun, said during a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) parley with AON, recently, that the tax agency should assist airlines in Nigeria by evolving measures that will ensure their sustenance. Absence of such assistance, he said, has led to the collapse of many airlines.

While identifying multiple charges as part of the problems airlines grapple with, Fatokun said Nigerian carriers have an average mortality rate of 10 years, stressing that there was

an inherent problem in the operating environment that increases the high mortality rate.

Rising from a one-day sensitization workshop on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), also known as the African Open Skies agreement, which took place last April at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex under the theme: ‘Implementation of SAATM: Its impact on the Nigerian Aviation Industry and National Economy,’ Meggison used the platform to further raise worries over the harsh operational environment in Nigeria.

“Nigerian airlines are subjected to multiple charges, taxes, levies and fees. On the average, we pay about 37 different charges that come under the guise of statutory levies and taxes to sustain staff strength of about 18,000 staff of the various government agencies compared to most African carriers who pay a fraction in their countries to support staff strength of less than 500,” he said.

NDIGENOUS CARRIER, AIR PEACE HAS INAUGURATED Its first all-female flights from Lagos to Abuja and Owerri, to promote gender equality in the nation’s aviation industry.

The Boeing B777-300 aircraft piloted by Capt. Simisola Ajibola and assisted by Senior First Officer Quincy Owens landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 3.29 p.m. amidst pomp and pageantry from aviation stakeholders.

The aircraft also departed Abuja and touched down at the Sam

Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri at 6.00 p.m. where it was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, commended Air Peace for joining the league of airlines that had operated flights with an all- female cockpit, cabin crew members, engineers and flight dispatchers.

Sirika, represented by Capt Talba Alkali, Director, Safety and Technical Policy, Ministry of Transportation, said the feat had shown that the airline was gen-

the organisations had been collaborating, there was still room for improvement.

According to him, collaboration should be based on “sustainable and empirical research on all modes of Transport, Information Data Bank for enhanced risk analysis, and staff exchange to save cost.”

He suggested that NCAT could make use of the facilities at NITT’s study centre in Lagos during its outreach training programmes.

The NCAT rector thanked the NITT management for the visit and as-

sured it of maximum cooperation.

Mohammed said such collaboration was critically important, while assuring that lack of such could be counterproductive.

He said “the lack of collaboration is the bane of private airlines in Nigeria, which often result in unhealthy competition. “The idea of collaborating on research and development is both timely and welcome.”

He acknowledged the dearth of research and development at NCAT, but promised to address it, especially with the prospective collaboration with NITT.

der friendly.

According to him, this is the first time a Nigerian airline is carrying out an all-female flight with a high capacity aircraft, adding that lower capacity aircraft were used by both Arik Air and Aero Contractors in previous occasions.

“Air Peace has made a tremendous impact on the industry and we as regulators and the ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the airline and other domestic airlines to thrive.

“Today’s event is yet another testament of the safety of our airspace and we will continue to work with the airlines to make it safer,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, said over 20 per cent of key positions in the airline were being held by women, who had demonstrated that they had the capacity to deliver.

Onyema said the airline had employed about 2,000 workers since it began operations over three years ago, stressing that about 1,500 of the employees were women.

Landing Charges, Parking Charges, Terminal Navigational Charge, Enroute Charge, Fuel Surcharge, Airport Space Rent, Electricity Charges, and Apron Pass, Ramp Access Charges, ODC and a newly imposed Registration Fee all of which are paid to government agencies.

“Many of these taxes and charges amount to double taxation such that any incentive seemingly provided by government to airlines is taken back by the agencies.

“The Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) charges domestic airlines different kinds of navigational charges which they should ordinarily be exempted from in line with global best practice, except Nigeria. The implemented charges range from Terminal Navigational charges to enroute navigation charges, Over-flight charges, clearance charges, and extension charges.

Even foreign airlines don’t pay enroute charges or extension charges

Air Peace inaugurates historic all-female crew

I

NITT, NCAT set up committee on collaboration

IGERIAN Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) both in Zaria have set up a four-man committee to explore possible areas of collaboration.

The information is in a statement

by Mr Paul Mshelizah, the Assistant Director and NITT Head of Publicity and Public Relations in Zaria, Kaduna State, Saturday.

He disclosed that the committee was set up when the acting DirectorGeneral of NITT, Dr Abimbola Odumosu visited the NCAT Rector, Capt.

Abdulsalami Mohammed in Zaria.

Mshelizah listed the committee members as Dr Danjuma Ismaila (NITT), Mr Elkana Ngbale (NITT), Mr Waheed Yusuf (NCAT) and Mr Y.A Baba (NCAT). He noted that the committee was charged with the responsibility of finding out mutually beneficial areas of synergy between the two organisations. He quoted the NITT acting director-general as stressing the need for the two institutions to collaborate, given their distinctive spheres of specialisation.

Odumosu also said that although

28

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

Retirees urge FG to settle benefit arrears Stories by VICTOR NZE

U

MBRELLA body of retired civil servants, the Association of Retired Federal Senior Public Officers of Nigeria (ARFESPON), has called on the Federal Government to pay the pension arrears of its members and address matters affecting them.

Chairman, ARFESPON, Olufemi Odewabi, at a press briefing in Lagos, also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to help the pensioners out of their unpleasant situation.

“Many pensioners die daily, due to their financial incapability to buy their medication and others,” he said.

Odewabi recalled that there was a presidential order on the increase in salary in 2010, but while the increase was implemented for serving government workers, but was not extended to retirees.

He alleged that under the immediate past administration, a committee was set up to review the presidential order, after which it came up with an unacceptable report, which reduced the increase payable to pensions to 33 per cent from 53.4 per cent.

According to him, if there is an increment in salary and pension, the deduction of tax will affect the computation of that

increment, whereby the pensioners will be perpetually shortchanged.

Noting that the premise at which pension had always been calculated had been wrong, saying: “We are begging the present government to see to the plight of the pensioners. Nobody is happy when death is close and your dues are not paid.

It is as if government is praying for our death. We have heard some of them say pensioners are not productive, they don’t add to the economy of the country,” he added.

Odewabi therefore called on the government to pay the outstanding 12 months of the 33 per cent increase, pay the illegally deducted 20.4 per cent of the in-

crement from July 2010 till date.

He also demanded the computation of pension on the payable salary of the serving workers to avoid further disparity, as the constitution stated that it should be paid on time.

The association also urged the government to stop illegal deduction of the check-off dues monthly from civil service pen-

L

PenCom to enroll 1000 public servants in Anambra, Enugu

N

•Chairman Cycling Lagos, Mr. Soji Adeleye (r) with the Head Corporate Communications, Leadway Assurance Company, Mrs. Olubunmi Adeleye, during the signing of an agreement for insurance cover for Nigerian cyclists billed to participate at the forthcoming Cycling Lagos 2018.

Leadway offers free insurance cover for Cycling Lagos 2018 participants EADWAY Assurance Company and the organizers of the highly anticipated Cycling Lagos 2018 have signed a partnership arrangement that will cover participants in the forthcoming Cycling event.

With this development the Company will be the Official Insurance Partner for the event that promises to be one of the biggest cycling events in Africa.

The signing ceremony of the insurance cover and other support for the event was held at the company’s office in Lagos.

Chairman Cycling Lagos, Mr. Soji Adeleye who described the insurance cover for the cyclists as very significant said it would further enhance the international statues of the event.

“We are committed to organizing a cycling event that will meet the international standard which makes the partnership with Leadway Assurance, leading insurance company in Nigeria very important to the success of this unique event,” he said.

Head Corporate Communications, Leadway Assurance Company, Mrs. Olubunmi Adeleye expressed the commitment of the brand in ensuring a hitch free event.

She said the organization will continue to support relevant platforms that would impact positively on the well-being of Nigerians, particularly its numerous customers in the country.

MultiChoice, owner of DStv, a Sub-Saharan African direct broad-

sioners.

“The pension Act is against it. Pension is not a trade and no union can legally come out of it nor any pensioner be forced to join. The deduction is made without the consent of pensioners,” Odewabi added.

cast satellite service recently confirmed its partnership with the cycling event with the plan to broadcast it to its over 11.9 million subscribers across Africa.

The competition which will in-

volve over 1,000 cyclists from within and outside Nigeria has been described by the organisers as one of the biggest sports, tourism and entertainment events in the country and the entire Africa

continent in recent time.

The Cycling Lagos event is proudly supported by the Lagos Government, Lagos State Cycling Association, Addefort Limited and WorldStage Group.

China continues to be the growth engine in emerging markets.

Meanwhile, non-life premium growth in advanced markets remained steady at 1.9 percent, compared to 1.7 percent in 2016 and somewhat above the 10-year average of 0.9 percent.

Global life insurance premiums grew only marginally by 0.5 percent in 2017 to roughly US$2.7 billion, said sigma, explaining that falling life premiums in advanced markets, such as the U.S. and Western Europe, were the main cause of the drag on overall global premium growth. Indeed, life premiums shrank by 2.7 percent in advanced markets in 2017.

In contrast, life premiums in emerging markets jumped 14 percent, largely driven by China, and remained well above the 10-year average of 8.3 percent, sigma said.

Given the current low levels of insurance penetration, the insurance markets in emerging countries have outperformed the corresponding economies for decades, said the report, explaining that incomes, revenues and assets of individuals and

companies are growing in these markets, which in turn boosts the demand for insurance.

Over the next few years, the Swiss Re Institute predicts that global life insurance premiums will rise, driven by strong growth in China, although profitability will continue to be under pressure as a result of to low interest rates, increasing competition and regulatory changes.

“The ongoing low interest rate environment remains a major concern for life insurers’ profitability and their ability to offer attractive long term life insurance products, particularly in combination with Solvency II types of regulatory frameworks,” Haegeli affirmed.

The Swiss Re Institute also expects global non-life premiums to increase, led by advanced markets such as the U.S., where the economy is strengthening.

Despite decades of the solid performance from emerging countries, the Swiss Re Institute estimates that, in the years to come, advanced markets will contribute more than half of the additional premiums in absolute terms.

Emerging markets driving global insurance premiums – Report

G

LOBAL insurance premiums continued to rise in 2017 with emerging markets leading the way, according to a study published by Swiss Re Institute’s sigma, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary of market research.

Global insurance premiums increased 1.5 percent in real terms to nearly US$5 trillion in 2017, after rising 2.2 percent in 2016, said the sigma study, titled “World insurance in 2017: Solid, but mature life markets weigh on growth.”

Global non-life premiums rose 2.8 percent in 2017 to approximately US$2.2 trillion, a further slowdown from the past two years, but slightly above the 10year average of 2.1 percent.

Non-life premium growth in emerging markets slowed to 6.1 percent in 2017, lower than the 9.8 percent growth in 2016 and the 10-year average of 8.4 percent, the sigma study said. Sigma noted that the slowdown was largely driven by China, where growth fell from 20 percent in 2016 to 10 percent in 2017 due to lower motor premium rates.

Nevertheless, the report said,

O fewer than 1,000 employees of treasury funded ministries and agencies of the Federal Government from Anambra and Enugu States are to be enrolled for retirement by the National Pension Commission.

Head, Corporate Communications Department of the commission, Mr Peter Aghahowa disclosed this in Enugu on Thursday during a pre-retirement exercise of the affected employees.

Aghahowa said that the exercise was organised for employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme from the two states due to retire between January and December 2019.

He said that employees from the service sectors including ministries, parastatals, agencies, academic institutions, health and research institutions, paramilitary and police were participating in the exercise.

He, however, said that the commission exempted medically unfit employees from the physical enrolment.

“However, Pension Desk Officers of the medically unfit employees are expected to come along with a letter from a suitably qualified physician or medical board.

“Such letters will certify that the affected employees are no longer physically or mentally capable of carrying out the functions of their offices,” he said.

Aghahowa said that the commission was well positioned to take care of the needs of their clients.

Participants at the enrollment were excited and optimistic at what the future held for them.

A member of staff of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Kenneth Eneh, said that the commission had done enough to assuage the fears prospective retirees had.

Eneh said that he participated in the pre-retirement workshop of the commission during which he learnt lessons that would help him lead a normal life for the rest of his years.

“With what I learnt during the pre-retirement workshop, workers have no reason to entertain any fear on what the future holds for them at retirement.

“However, I want to advise every worker to start preparing for retirement early enough so that they will not regret in uncertain circumstances,” Eneh said.

Another participant, Mrs Esther Onyeama said that the commission had been helpful in the enrollment process.

Onyeama said that the commission made the enrollees felt at home, adding “they even provided entertainment for us.”

Pension Fund Administrators were also on hand to provide the necessary assistance to their clients.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

PenCom allocates N1.6t to infrastructure investments

Stories by VICTOR NZE

H

OPES may be rising for the long-sought financing of critical infrastructure in the country with the hugely pooled pension contributions, as about N1.6 trillion, representing 20 per cent of the N8 trillion contributed, would be invested for that purpose.

The amount, which is the minimum investment for infrastructure, is the fallout of the framework guiding the new pension scheme, as approved by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Describing the planned infrastructure investment as an important tool to boost economic development, the Acting DirectorGeneral PenCom, Aisha DahiruUmar, said less than five per cent of the allocated fund has been accessed.

She noted that the assets of the Nigerian pension industry under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has maintained a fast-paced growth, following N500 billion increase recorded between December 2017 and March 2018.

Citing statistics, she said the assets managers recently increased their investments with N5.5 trillion, representing about 70 per cent of the total contributions on Federal Government’s securities.

Also, the Head, Investment Supervision Department, PenCom, Ehimeme Ohioma, however, admitted that any infrastructure project where funds from the CPS will be invested must satisfy its stipulated criteria.

He maintained that such projects must be commercially viable and self-financing to generate the needed cashflows to repay itself overtime, while bid processes

must be open and transparent.

“Investment in infrastructure would be beneficial to Nigeria and its citizens as adequate infrastructure development would sustain employment, promote entrepreneurship, enhance returns on pension fund investments, as well as increase the pool of pension savings for economic development.

“The current stock of infrastructure is inadequate to support the present and future socio-economic needs of the country, including the imperative to diversify the economy away from oil.

“Pension funds remain a potential source of private financing to finance infrastructure in Nigeria, but can only be invested indirectly through structured instruments, such as bonds and the stipulated requirements for pension fund investments in infrastructure, are robust and provides adequate safeguard for pension fund assets,” he said.

He maintained that there must be availability of commercially sustainable projects and full repayment guarantees by the federal government, especially in the early stages of projects financing; and strong political will and consistency in formulation of policies to retain investors’ confidence.

From earlier reports, the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) invested a total of N31.77 billion in offshore securities, which represented 0.43 per cent of the total assets being held in trust for registered workers under the CPS. The report also revealed that about N148.21 billion of investments was in state governments’ securities and with other capital market instruments, in line with the reviewed Pension Reform Act 2014 under which the scheme was set up.

•From left: Head, Strategy & Corp. Planning, Mensah Simon; Head, ICT, Lekan Oguntunde; AGM/Head, Corporate Communications & Brand Management, Segun Bankole, all of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc with Lanre Ojuola, Director of Operations, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) at the Cocktail ceremony of the recently-concluded 2018 National Insurance Conference organised by the Insurance Industry Consultative Council.

Niger State Govt to establish health insurance scheme

N

IGER Government, Friday, said it would establish Contributory Social Health Insurance Scheme to provide affordable and quality healthcare services in the state.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Mustapha Jibril, told newsmen in Minna that the proposed Bill would target both the public and private sectors.

“A memo to establish Niger State Contributory Social Health Insurance Scheme has been approved by the State Executive Council to ensure affordable and quality healthcare for the people,’’ he said.

Jibril said that the move to pres-

ent the health bill before the State House of Assembly became necessary as affordable and quality healthcare was the right of the people.

“The government came up with the scheme because many people find it difficult to pay for quality healthcare services. Through the scheme our people can afford to pay their hospital bills,’’ he said.

He said under the scheme civil servants and public officers, including political appointees, in the state would contribute 2.5 per cent, while the state government would match it with another 2.5 per cent to accommodate the formal sec-

tor.

The commissioner said that government would also contribute one per cent of its annual consolidated revenue fund to the scheme to cater for the less privileged.

Besides, he said the bill would cover pregnant women, children under five years, people with disability, surgery, routine immunisation and family planning services, among others.

Jibril said that the document, which would soon be forwarded to the legislature, has stakeholders such as the state government, Nigeria Labour Congress and Nigeria Union of Teachers.

A statement from the company said it would uphold compliance to the standard and quality of service across all of its branches to provide clients with excellent service delivery.

The company’s Managing Director, Mrs. Ebele Nwachukwu, said: “As we continue to strive for client satisfaction at all times, we are very proud of this achievement, which underscores our drive for excellence.

“The ISO certification assures our clients and stakeholders that

highest quality of services. It gives them confidence that we are fully focused on their needs and committed to international standards of quality.

“ISO 9001:2015 is the latest and most advanced international standards for quality management systems and our prompt adoption of this standard is evidence of our commitment to quality in all of our business processes and products.”

NSIA Insurance is a composite insurance company with almost 30 years of service in Nigerian.

vest in inclusive insurance markets because of its promise for the future and government expectations thereof.’’

According to the commissioner, the importance of inclusive insurance cannot be overemphasised as it will help the Federal Government meet its expectations in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (EGRP).

“Inclusive insurance will help government meet its expectation of ensuring job creation, it will prevent poverty and boost confidence in the face of risk.

“Inclusive insurance will provide the opportunity that is needed to improve the image of the industry and ensure brand building for individual insurance institutions among others,’’ he said.

Onekhena urged operators to re-examine the fundamental assumption that the insurance gap in the country was huge.

He said being that the industry was service oriented, qualified and value adding employees should be deployed at all times.

The NAICOM official advised operators to also desist from unhealthy competition among each other as this would not allow the industry to grow.

In his remarks, Mr Shola Tinubu, President, Nigeria Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) urged stakeholders to ensure the use of statistics in the industry.

According to him, the industry is supposed to be based on statistics, but we do not care about our data.

Insurance gets ISO certification NSE suspends 7 insurance firms over late submission of accounts NSIA SIA Insurance Limited has excellence. we can be trusted to deliver the

N

IGERIAN Stock Exchange (NSE) has suspended trading in the shares of seven insurance companies and RT Briscoe for not submitting their 2017 audited accounts and statements.

The exchange, in a notice to dealing members, listed the insurance companies as African Alliance Insurance, Cornerstone Insurance, Royal Exchange and STACO Insurance.

Others are Standard Alliance Insurance, Universal Insurance Company and Veritas Kapital Assurance.

It said the suspension of trading in the shares of the affected companies took effect from July 5, and that the suspension would only be lifted upon the submission of the relevant accounts.

The notice said the accounts must comply with all applicable rules of the exchange.

Commenting on the issue, Malam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd. , said the companies were suspended for failure to submit their 2017 financial accounts.

Kurfi said companies with Dec. 31, 2017 financial year-end were expected to submit their accounts in March.

He said even as at July, the affected companies had failed to submit their accounts for informed investment decision.

According to him, trading in their stocks was based on speculation and was not good for the market.

WAICA Re announces 5th AGM in Lagos

W

AICA Reinsurance Corporation has announced that its board meeting and 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) will hold July 23 and 24, 2018 respectively, in Lagos.

A release by the company, Thursday, said this will be the first time the reinsurance giant will be holding its meetings in Nigeria.

WAICA Re had early this year said it is looking at going beyond 100 million dollars authorized share capital moving forward.

According to the Managing Direc-

tor/ CEO, Ezekiel Abiola Ekundayo, said the company’s share was one share to one dollar but currently the company share to one dollar stands at $1.8, adding that by the time the additional share capital is raised, the authorized share capital of the reinsurer will be over 100 million dollars in value.

On performance of the business, he said they have gone beyond Africa progressively, while noting that the company has been able to approach the business of reinsurance globally.

N

been awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the representative of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) in Nigeria.

The company achieved this certification due to its successful implementation of the quality management system and priority for customer satisfaction. The certification ensures that all processes within the organisation are standardised to meet best practices, which aligns with NSIA’s drive for

NAICOM urges stakeholders to embrace innovative options

N

ATIONAL Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has urged stakeholders in the Nigerian insurance industry to embrace innovative options and productive collaboration that would help the country achieve financial inclusiveness.

Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration NAICOM, Mr George Onekhena, said this while presenting the Inclusive Insurance Road Map for Nigeria (2018-2020) at the Insurance Industry Consultative Council 2018 Conference in Abuja.

“Given a world of increasing complexity and uncertainty, all stakeholders should be open to innovative options and productive collaboration. The industry needs to pay more attention to and in-

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market Political, economic uncertainties inflict N1.13t loss on stocks Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

T

HERE are strong indications that the prevailing economic uncertainties in the country and the forth coming general election are two major factors attributable to the loss of N1.13 trillion by Nigerian stocks in the first six months (January –June) of year 2018.

Although economists and financial experts as well industrialists among others have accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of lack of economic blueprint and conscious efforts to revive the economy.

Yet, the government has not come up with concrete ideas, road map, or proffer believable solution on how to solve the economic logjam plaguing the country. Unfortunately, the response of the government to the various accusations and allegations seems to have political undertones, as accusing fingers are always being pointed at the opposition party or the previous administration.

Again, while the government at the centre is reassuring Nigerians that it well and that the recession is over, rationalizing same with bloated statistics, which in most cases, the reality is far from ordinary people, who are supposed to beneficiaries.

Unfortunately, some of the political ruling class didn’t even know that there’s no wisdom in some of their antithetical utterances, inflammatory statements and speeches they are making which unknown to them are innocuous superficially but very inimical to the entire country.

For instance, when a top government official on a foreign trip has already told foreign investors or an-

other country that his country men are highly corrupt or that the youth in his home country hate to work to earn a decent living. In the present technological and information driven world, that has reduced the world to a global village. By so doing the government official has given useful information to the entire world. Based on this information, potential investors might have made up their mind not to venture into such a country.

Then after some time, the same government official organizes a road show to woo foreign investors to invest in his country.

His reputation is already at stake.

He is no longer a credible source.

Investors are not fools; the motive of every investor is profit, once they carry out fundamental analysis and other checks, if there’s any iota of doubt or uncertainty of the safety of their investments, the next and the best option is exit or leave. It has already happened and is happening and will continue. That is why the equities performance in the second quarter nosedived.

In addition, the gross insecurity situation in the country that began with insurgency in the North east spreads to other Northern states, Middle belt states South East and South-South and coupled with killer Fulani herdsmen, kidnapping and armed robbery is not investment friendly.

Now, back to the main issue, the Nigerian equities recorded a total capital depreciation of N1.13trillion between April and June, this year.

This development, which represents about 7.77 percent average loss, is in sharp contrast to 8.53 percent gain achieved in the first quarter of

2018(January-March). During the period, equities gained N1.384 trillion.

However, in the month of May, Nigerian equities recorded a loss of about N1.15 trillion, a substantial deal compared to about N557 billion loss in the month of March and about N44 billion loss in April.

In addition, some foreign investors sold off their stakes and exited the Nigerian market due to the increase in the United States’ Federal Rates.

The rise in the United States (US)

Federal rate is another factor that combined to determine the overall negative performance of Nigerian equities in the second quarter of 2018.

In the same vein, some analysts have attributed the recorded loss in the equities market to political tensions within the country and also blamed it on corporate performance.

An analyst in one of the National Newspapers quoted the Managing

Forte Oil share price hits lowest ebb in 5 yrs

N

IGERIA’S oil and gas company, Forte Oil hit a five year low on Wednesday as the stock closed at N26 per share, down by 10 percent from its opening share price as it also topped the price loser’s chart of the day.

Investigation revealed that since February 2016 when its share price hit a peak of N342 per share. Forte Oil share price has never regains composure as it was tumbling.

Specifically, in the last one year it has lost about 47 percent and another 40 percent this year alone making it one of the worst performing stocks of 2017 and in the second quarter of 2018.

Since the stock was acquired five years ago, the company has undergone massive transformation by the majority shareholder and Chairman of the company Mr. Femi Otedola. The company has since returned to profits and wiped out the accumulated losses it had reported since when it was called Agip.

However, following the long drawn transaction between the majority shareholder and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) the shares recorded exponential appreciation between 2014 and 2016 making it the most attractive stock to the retail investors seeking higher returns.

But in late 2013, Forte Oil also became the first integrated energy company on the exchange after it partnered with Amperion to acquire a power plant through the privatisation process of the Federal Government.

Unfortunately, Forte Oil shares appeared to have run into a cul-desac in February 2016 and started spiraling downwards since then.

It all started with the general

bearish trend in the stock market at the time as investors fled to safety following the recession and the global oil price crash.

Nearly all stocks were negatively affected by the sell-offs and lack of demand. For stocks like Forte Oil that was assigned high valuation, the share price faced downwards.

As the share price fell to multiyear lows in 2016 it had no respite in 2017 failing to get back to above N100 for the first time since 2014.

The fall in price continued through 2017 and crashed further in 2018.

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos recently, the company announced that it was spinning off its investment in the Power sector complaining that its foray into the power sector had indeed failed to work.

This is likely to have discouraged investors the more leading to the massive drop in price that is currently being experienced.

Meantime, at a price-earnings ratio of 14x and earnings per share already projected to drop compared to the prior period, there seems to be no end in sight for the share price depreciation.

The Chairman of the company, Femi Otedola has been focused lately on philanthropy and rumours suggest he may be going into politics soon. This further takes the rails off any hope that the drop in share price might stage a mega resurgence.

The Management of the company has done a lot of good work over the years but it appears they might be a sense of relief as the pressure to defend a share price based on a flawed business model dies off.

•Mary Uduk, Acting SEC DG

30

Director of Afrinvest Securities, Mr Ayodeji Ebo, to have said that:“As election activity kicks in, investors may trade cautiously prompting more volatility in the equity market in second quarter relative to first quarter.”

Also commenting on the situation, a Chief Economist at Vetiva Capital, Mr Michael Famoroti, said, “Impending elections are also likely to induce greater economic uncertainty and distract policy and governance at the tail-end of the year, neither of which is positive for confidence or investment.”

In an earlier report titled: “Nigeria second six months of 2018 outlook; In the Shadows of the polls”. Vetiva Research, an arm of Vetiva Capital, highlighted economic outlook for key sectors of the Nigerian economy and capital market for the rest of 2018.

According to the research findings, Nigerian equities will witness an average full-year return of between -5 percent and +5percent.

The research also pointed out the impactful role the 2019 general election will play towards determining how both the economy and equities market perform.

“Indeed, we expect elections to dominate near-term activities, with election spending boosting the economy through government and consumer spending, but also inducing greater inflationary pressure. The latter effect underpins our view that monetary policy status quo will persist until the elections.

According to the Vetiva Research’ “Impending elections are also likely to induce greater economic uncertainty and distract policy and governance at the tail-end of the year, neither of which is positive for confidence or investment.” Last year, the Nigerian capital market was adjudged the number 5, best-performing in the whole world, after recording a full-year average of 42.30 percent and closing 2017 with a market capitalization of 4.36 trillion.

SEC refutes Report on MTN IPO

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has debunked a newspaper report that MTN Nigeria Limited is set float an Initial Public offering (IPO) as the company, its advisers or representative has never file any application with the commission for the IPO. The Commission in a Circular signed recently by its Management in Abuja said its attention has been drawn to a publication in pages one and 38 of Business Day Newspaper of Thursday, July 5, 2018, and other media outlets wherein it was reported that after six weeks delay

by SEC, the MTN IPO was set to go.

According to the SEC, “The Commission wishes to categorically state that the information contained in the said publication is false, misleading and without merit.

In addition, the Commission stated that MTN Nigeria Limited to the best of the Commission’s knowledge is a Private company limited by shares.

It further stated that as at the date of this circular, neither MTN Nigeria Limited nor any of its advisers or representatives has filed any application with the SEC regarding the said IPO, “Given that there is no application from MTN before the Commission, there could not have been a request by MTN or any of its representatives or advisers requiring any

form of regulatory review.

The Commission stressed that it welcomes filings aimed at deepening and broadening the capital market and stands ready to provide the necessary regulatory support adding that If MTN finally files a formal and complete application with the Commission, it would be treated with the usual diligence and urgency that is applicable to all such filings.

Moreover, the Commission said: we wish to remind all capital market operators of their duty not to circulate information that is false, and misleading in any material particular as the Commission would not hesitate to take necessary regulatory actions on any erring market operator.

It declared that the Commission remains committed to its core mandate of investor protection and maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian capital market.

Meanwhile, MTN Group’s President/CEO, Rob Shuter, did confirmed recently to Bloomberg that the IPO will happen before the end of the year. However, he gave no further details about when that will be happening or how much the company hopes to raise.

As expected, many of the company’s current and potential investors/ shareholders have been affected by the long delay, even as they have

also complained about being left in the dark on issues pertaining to the impending IPO. Talks about the IPO have dominated business reports throughout the year, with rife speculations about the actual details/entailment.

An earlier report had it that the MTN shares’ listing would happen in June 2018. There have also been conflicting reports about the exact amount the company wants to raise through the IPO, including a report that it was hoping to raise about N100 billion.

Last month, an MTN spokesperson debunked rumours that MTN had never hinted at issuing as much as $500 million-valued shares during the IPO. The spokesperson also stated that MTN Nigeria Limited has yet to fix a definite date for the IPO while noting that all information pertaining to that would be made known at the right time.

Talks about the IPO have dominated business reports throughout the year, with rife speculations about the actual details/entailment.

An earlier report had it that the MTN shares’ listing would happen in June 2018. There have also been conflicting reports about the exact amount the company wants to raise through the IPO, including a report that it was hoping to raise about ₦100 billion.

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

MONEY Market

Recession: Fidelity, four others lead mid-tier banks’ recovery Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

F

IDELITY Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, First City Monument Bank Limited, Sterling Bank Plc, and Diamond Bank Plc will grow their earnings materially over the long-term, says Moody’s Investors Service in a report.

However, operating conditions will remain challenging over the next 18 months, as the economy slowly recovers from the 2016 recession.

Moody’s report, “Diamond Bank, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, Union Bank; Nigeria’s mid-tier banks show solid earnings potential but still need to recover from the 2016 recession,” is available on its website.

“Nigerian mid-tier banks suffered more severely than the top five largest banks from the 2016 recession and are still recovering,” says Akin Majekodunmi, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer at Moody’s.

“Over the longer term, though, we expect their earnings growth prospects to be positive.”

Moody’s views Fidelity, FCMB and Union as best positioned to weather current operating challenges, given their sound capital and liquidity buffers, but expects Diamond to face greater headwinds due to the bank’s larger stock of soured loans and modest foreign-currency liquid-

ity.

Loan performance for the mid-tier banks has deteriorated in recent years but it is likely to stabilise because most foreign-currency loans and loans to the oil and gas sector have been restructured.

Sound capital buffers, which compare favourably to global peer averages, mitigate some of the banks’ high asset risks. Union, for example, raised N50 billion via a rights issue late last year and now exhibits the highest tangible common equity in the mid-tier peer group at 21 percent of risk-weighted assets.

Most banks also hold sufficient liquidity to cover upcoming foreign currency obligations; only Diamond and Fidelity have Eurobonds outstanding, while all five banks have bilateral foreign-currency debt outstanding.

Profitability, though, is likely to remain subdued over the next 1218 months, with an average net income to assets ratio of just 1 percent, due to a reduction in the yields of government securities, muted loan growth and high provisioning costs.

Over the longer term, however, the earnings potential for Nigerian mid-tier banks, and the country’s wider banking sector, is positive.

This potential rests on banking assets still being small compared to

Unity Verve Season 2 value promo kicks-off

U

NITY Bank Plc has flagged off the Season 2 Unity Verve for Value Promo offer to give out cash prizes and other material rewards to customers and verve card holders of the Bank.

The Season 2 offer is a sets of incentives that have been packaged as a reward scheme for deserving customers and active users of the verve debit card on electronic platforms such as POS and WEB. A statement from the Bank quoted the Managing Director/CEO, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, to have said that the Season 2 promo offer is aimed at spreading out the benefits of the scheme to bring more verve card holders into the reward net.

She stated that from July to December, 2018 scheduled for the duration of the promo, as much as 300 Unity Bank verve cards holders(ie 50 winners monthly) will receive cash gifts while 3,000 customers(ie 500 card holders monthly) will receive airtime topup.

To qualify for the promo, Verve Card holders are required to transact on POS and Web channels to accumulate transaction counts, volume and value. At the end of every month, 50 customers with highest number of transactions will enjoy reward of N5, 000 worth of cash, while another 500 will be rewarded with airtime top up.

Also speaking on the promo, the General Manager, Product and Channels, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Bonaventure E. Okhaimo urged customers, old and new, to take advantage of the offer and participate actively, adding that the Season 2 Unity Verve for Value Promo is well thought out to promote consumer lifestyle and e-commerce experience by encouraging customers’ uptake to transact more on the POS and Web channels.

He said that “apart from the Season 2 reward promo, the Bank is interested in the customers accessing wide-ranging electronic solutions that will give them control, conve-

GDP (30 percent), about 60 percent of adults not having bank accounts, and the retail lending sector remaining underserved.

Fidelity Bank Plc had delivered strong financial results in 2017, posting a 94 per cent growth in profits for the year ended December 31, 2017 with 11 kobo dividend to shareholders, representing a dividend payout N3.186 billion.

The performance capped a remarkable 2017 financial year for the bank, which returned to the international capital markets and successfully issued a $400 million Eurobond that was over-subscribed by over 200 percent.

The bank gross earnings grew by 18.3 percent to N179.9 billion from N152 billion in 2016, while profit after tax surged by 93.7 percent to N18.9 billion compared with N9.7 billion recorded in the previous year.

The bank’s net interest income also increased by 15.4 percent to N71.5 billion in 2017, net operating income rose by 9.9 percent from N86 billion to N78.3 billion while total assets grew by 6.2 percent from N1.3 trillion to N1.4 trillion during the period.

In its own, FCMB Group Plc reported a gross revenue of N169.9 billion for the year ended 2017.

Going by the audited results, the Group recorded a profit before tax

of N11.5 billion, while profit after tax was N9.4 billion.

And in demonstration of the enhanced confidence of customers in FCMB, deposits grew to N689.9 billion as at the end of December 2017, an increase of 5 percent from N657.6 billion in the corresponding year. The Group’s capital adequacy ratio also improved to 16.9 percent from 16.7 percent, just as asset base increased to N1.19 trillion, compared to N1.17 trillion at the end of 2016.

Non-interest income as at the end of 2017 was N32 billion, while loans and advances stood at N649.8 billion.

In other indices, total expenses declined by 2.3 percent to N65.7 billion from N67.2 billion while liquidity ratio stood at 35.9 percent compared with 33.2 per cent in the previous year.

Also, Union Bank of Nigeria gross earnings rose from N129 billion in 2016 to N163 billion in 2017. This represents a 26.3 percent increase year on year.

Profit before tax for the bank dropped slightly from N15.7 billion in 2016 to N15.5 billion in 2017.This represents a 1.2 percent decline year on year.

Profit after tax also dropped from N15.3 billion in 2016 to N14.6 billion in 2017. This represents a 4.5 percent decline year on year.

Its earnings per share also dropped from N0.92 in 2016 to

N0.81 in 2017. This amounts to a 11.9 percent fall year on year.

Meanwhile, Sterling Bank Plc reported a profit after tax of N8.5 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2017.

The profit after tax was higher by 65 percent when compared to N5.2 billion declared for the corresponding period of 2016.

The bank also posted gross earnings of N113.5 billion in contrast with N111. 4 billion achieved in the comparative period of 2016, indicating an increase of 9.8 percent. Its net operating income rose by 7.9 percent, while cost-to-income ratio improved by 260 basis points to 71.5 percent.

Diamond Bank in its reported gross earnings increased from N184.1 billion in 2016 to N189.6 billion in 2017. This represents a 3 percent increase year-on-year.

Loss before tax for the bank during the year ended December 2017 is N11.5 billion as against a profit before tax of N3.36 billion in full-year 2016.

The bank made a loss after tax of N9.01 billion during the year ended December 2017 as against a profit after tax of N3.49 billion in full-year 2016.

Diamond Bank reported a loss per share of 56 kobo in 2017 compared to earnings per share of 9 kobo in 2016.

nience and product experience as more and more Verve card holders make purchases on PoS and Web”.

According to him, Unity Bank is committed to ensuring ease, convenience and security in banking transactions for all its customers and its Verve Card holders which is accepted for payment for goods and services.

Mr. Okhaimo said that the promo gives Verve Card holders the benefits of using their cards and getting rewarded for their commitment and patronage.

He further assured Cards holders that Verve Cards are very secure as cardholders are protected against fraud by providing two-factor authentication platform to help guard them across channels.

FIRS dismisses multiple taxations allegation – Fowler

C

HAIRMAN of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler, has declared that there is no case of multiple taxation in the country, contrary to the widely held notion.

The FIRS boss who stated this while briefing State House Corre-

spondents, also disclosed that the Council has ratified the automatic exchange of information with other countries.

Fowler also said that those who refused to take advantage of the grace given by the Voluntary Assets Income Declaration Scheme

Tracka raises concerns over 2018 constituency projects

T

RACKA, a transparency platform which allows citizens to collaborate, track and give feedback on public projects in their communities, has expressed concerns over perceived irregularities in the 2018 approved budget especially the N100 billion Zonal intervention projects nominated by members of the National Assembly.

According to Tracka, the lack of citizen inclusion in the nomination of the capital projects has led to increasing number of abandoned projects across Nigeria, further adding that over the years, despite huge funds allocated as capital expenditure, some projects are either left uncompleted or mismanaged.

“A quick review of the constituency projects reveals that 50 percent of projects nominated by the lawmak-

ers from 2016 till date are geared towards empowerment. Empowerment projects include the disbursement of items like sewing machines, bikes, tricycles, grinding machines, and more to constituency members.

These disbursements, however, raise questions: how do politicians decide on “empowerment items” needed by their constituencies? How do they decide on who gets what in the community? What impact do these items which are mostly imported have on our economy? In 2017, a total of N54 billion was allocated for empowerment provisions; the sum increased to N61 billion in the 2018 budget.”

In the 2018 budget, Tracka found out that over 800 projects were budgeted under agencies that do not have the mandate to execute the projects.

(VAIDS) policy, which expired at the end of last month, would be made to pay their taxes with the corresponding penalties.

On complaints on multiple taxation, Fowler said “Let me say once again that we do not really have a situation of multiple taxation.

You only have multiple taxation when you pay the same tax to different tiers of government. What we have found out is that a lot of people categorize any payment to government as a tax.

“For example, if you receive fine, a penalty they call it a tax. If you pay for the parking space, they call it a tax. Those are the things you refer to as user charges and not taxes.”

On why he appeared before FEC, he said “I was here today to attend the meeting with the minister of finance to ratify the automatic exchange of information. Basically what this means is that Nigeria as a country exchange financial information with other member countries which hopefully should improve our revenues and also ensure that all Nigerians that do have investments or businesses or in-

comes abroad will pay their taxes as and when due.”

On update on VAIDS, he said “The update is that it expired June 30th. And anyone who has not come forth by now we shall use all the legal means to make sure that we bring them to book and make sure that they pay the appropriate tax with interests and penalties.”

Asked how the people responded to the VAIDS policy, Fowler said “Well the response has been very good. We are collating all the figures both at the federal levels and the states levels and I believe that by the middle of July, we should be able to tell the nation the exact progress in terms of the numbers that have declared, amount that have been paid and amount that is going to be paid instalmentally.”

On what the government was doing to encourage the people to pay their taxes voluntarily, he said “The federal government has through the ministry of information and also through the office of the Vice President have been talking about the different projects that have been financed with tax revenues and I think as Nigerians begin to see those dividends of democracy, very good spending, people will be more encouraged to pay more taxes”.

32

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

AGRIBUSINESS

Snail processing and packaging

S

nail meat is becoming a valued delicacy locally and internationally because of its high protein and low cholesterol contents. The demand for snail for both local consumption and export to Europe, America and Asia is very high, making snail farming now a very lucrative business. Snail is a commodity highly demanded by Nigerians and African restaurants abroad.

Snail is a source of protein and there are different kinds of snail but not all of them are good and healthy stock for framing and human consumption.

However, most of the popular specie is archatina marginata, archatina archatina, helixpomatia and helix aspersa. The first two species are usually helical in nature and generally small.

Though commercial snail farming is a viable business as a result of demand for mature snail, the subject of this article would centre on the processing and packaging of snails alone.

Why snail processing and packaging business?

Snail packaging relates to the processing of snails for commercial and retailing purposes. The peculiar challenge of snail food lovers who battle with the cleaning of snails before it is cooked, grilled or fried for consumption is taken care of by a snail processing and packaging company. Farm gate Foods at Arepo Town Ogun State is a very good example of Agribusiness firm into snail processing and packaging (Oven Dried Snail). The Purpose The purpose of this one-stop shop solution is to provide hygienically prepared snails packaged in high quality materials of various kilogramme sizes at affordable prices for the convenience and pleasure of customers.

The Vision To be the one-stop shop of tasty, quality and hygienically prepared and

CHINEDU

AGBAJI

AGRIBUSINESS

•Audu Ogbeh

packaged snails for all consumers at the most affordable rates and convenience.

Market for processed snail The market is large. Processed snail can be found in super stores such as

Shoprite, NEXT, Ebeano, hotels, joints, gardens, fast food restaurants such as Genesis fast food, The Promise, Mr. Biggs and Tantalizers, among others.

Those staging corporate parties, weddings, naming/birthday celebrations, among others, are regular customers.

They will only need your assurance of regular supply per on a weekly basis.

There is also good market for snail meat in the international market if only you can do a good packaging.

You can make millions of naira from this vast and inexhaustible market.

Snail farmers are making huge profits as the global demand for the delicacy increases. In Nigeria the prices of raw, mature snails goes for N350 to N600, a kilogramme, depending on the sizes of the snails in the bunch.

How to process and package snail Snail meat must be processed with care to increase its marketability.

There are different ways to process snail meat for both local and international market. Below are the steps to take: •The snail should be starved for about 24 hours in other to empty their stomach.

•Prepare enough quantity of water by boiling at greater than 70 degrees centigrade and transfer into a bucket or drum.

•Add enough lumps of alum (potassium or ammonium aluminum sulphate) •Transfer the snails into hot water and cover up immediately for up to 5 to 10 minutes.

•Open the lid and pour off the resulting dirt from the hot water, cool under running tap and, with ease, shake off each snail from its shell into clean, cool water •Remove offal. Wash in two changes of clean cool water The packaging can be done in two ways for both local and international market.

•CELLOPHANE: The processed snail can be packaged in a cellophane bag refrigerated before marketing •SUN DRY/CABINET DRYER: You can dry your snail with sun or cabinet dryer to remove the moisture content before marketing; this must be done neatly. Cabinet dryer is most recommended for commercial purposes.

Requirements • Raw material (Snail) • Water and Alum •Washing drum or big plastic bow •Packaging materials •Registration of company and with other Agency •Dryer optional (Oven Dryer with Gas/Charcoal/Electric) •Customer base The return on investment is high as the demand is growing by day; it is a white meat and highly nutritious. The raw material, which is snail is readily available in Nigeria in large quantities as many people are now into snail farming. You can as well contact us for grown snail, packaging materials and Oven Dryer for processing and packaging.

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Princess of York’s ex Dave Clark marries Lynn Anderson in a lavish beach wedding

P

Name: Didi Ekanem • If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

This $10.95 Australian toner beloved by celebrities is so popular that one sells every 52 seconds

A

hydrating mist created by an Australian company is proving so popular, it has caught the attention of A-list Hollywood celebrities.

The product by Sukin is made from natural ingredients including chamomile and rosewater.

And it costs a mere $10.95.

Actress Emma Watson recently endorsed the budget-friendly spritz on her Instagram page, where the post received more than 58,000 likes.

She wrote: ‘Sukin is an Australian brand committed to offsetting their carbon emissions through clean energy biomass

project in India’.

As would be expected, such endorsements have led to the product becoming a beauty must-have.

The brand now report a sale of the product every 52 seconds.

Hair stylist to the stars, Jon Chapman, is also a big fan of the Sukin range.

Recently he created gorgeous looks for Australian model Shanina Shaik and actress Elizabeth Olsen who were both attending a red carpet event at Cannes.

In an Instagram post, the stylist revealed he used Sukin’s hydrating mist as a hair controlling

product on Elizabeth Olsen’s stunning locks and the brand’s skincare products to create a high-gloss look for Shanina.

‘Fantastic quick fix for any woman on an early morning or tight working schedule!,’ he wrote on the post.

All of the products produced

by Sukin are Australian made, with ingredients that are naturally derived, cruelty-free and 100 per cent vegan.

YouTube makeup stars, including 21-year-old Australian Maddy Lee, have also commented on the performance of Sukin’s hydrating mist.

rincess Beatrice’s ex-boyfriend Dave Clark has married Lynn Anderson in a lavish Italian wedding over the weekend.

Dave, 33, who dated Beatrice for ten years before their split in 2016, said his I dos at a lavish beach side wedding in Puglia,Italy on Saturday.

The couple, who have been dating for two years, said their vows in front of an all-star guest list including the likes of model Sara Sampaio and Ashton Kutcher.

Lynn, a New York advertising executive, looked every bit the fairy tale bride in a figure hugging lace gown as she married Dave on Saturday.

The pair met in the US, where Dave is an executive for cab app Uber and she was a director of partnerships and portfolio products at NBC Universal in New York.

Dave and Lynn were married over looking a spectacular sea view at the Apulian resort of Borgo Egnazia before hosting a buzzing reception at a built for purpose beach club.

Several guests shared snaps of ‘The Clark’s beach club’ (which some clocked for unfortunate typo) complete with custom made napkins with the slogan ‘Save water drink Rose’ printed on them.

Borgo Egnazia is a five star luxury resort with its size compared to a ‘small village’ complete with ocean views which guests could be seen taking full advantage of for their wedding snaps.

The resort has a total area of about 4.000 sqm, and features a large banqueting room, several swimming pools and is equipped to hold up to 300 guests and has 63 on sight bedrooms.

Borgo Egnazia is located between Apulian land and the enchanting Adriatic coastline, and therefore guests of the Clark wedding were likely to enjoy a variety of vegetables and fish as the main ingredients of the wedding menu in line with the Medi-

terranean tradition.

To hire out the venue in its entirety would have set the newlyweds no less than €150,000 (£132,317) a day according to local travel sites and has previously played host to the wedding of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.

The no expense spared wedding was clearly a hit among guests who took to social media to share snaps from the event.

Sara Sampaio was quick to congratulate the couple on her Instagram story sharing a photo of the happy couple’s first kiss as well as a snap of her wedding invite.

Meanwhile American entrepreneur Scooter Braun gushed over the newlyweds, sharing a photo of their first dance captioning it: ‘Congrats to David and Lynn Clark on a beautiful wedding filled with laughter and love and more laughter and some dancing and some donuts.

‘Shotgun Anderson will always be my hero. Love to you guys and your new family! Cheers!’

Meanwhile his Instagram story captured the very high profile guest list with Ashton Kutcher spotted in the background of one of his snaps.

Guests partied into the night with the bride swapping her chic chignon for beach waves as she joined attendees on the dance floor.

One noticeable absentee was of course Princess Beatrice who was spotted arriving for lunch at the Club 55 restaurant in Saint Tropez alongside her mother Sarah Ferguson on Saturday.

The Queen’s grand-daughter, 29, was said to be ‘devastated’ after she split from her longterm beau, reffered to as ‘Mr Smiley’ by Sarah Ferguson in 2016, reportedly after she gave him an ultimatum to marry - although sources told the Mail that they were long drifting apart.

Daily Mail

ROMANTIC JOKE Wife: “Our new neighbor always kisses his wife when he leaves for work. Why don’t you do that?”

Husband: “How can I? I don’t even know her.”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

True Confession

M

y name is Femi and I shared the greatest love of my life with a beautiful lady called Amina. I remember there were people that said beautiful things about our relationship.

They called it a Cinderella story, something beyond perfect. But sadly, the relationship had to end. In February this year, my lover, Amina, finally told me that there was more going on than I thought between her and the Alhaji from Kano.

I had been in a long distance relationship for 3 years with Amina, and I thought things were working and that the relationship was leading to marriage. But the truth was that Amina was only interested in dating any man that has a lot of cash to spend on her.

Her list of boyfriends included several white men and black Nigerian sugar daddies especially rich Muslim men from the Northern part of the country.

Initially, a friend of Amina had sent me emails, telling me how Amina and one particular Alhaji were always seen together.

I demanded to hear the truth from Amina herself. But Amina avoided my questions and kept torturing me with thoughts of her and Alhaji actually making love.

After a week she finally admitted the story was true, and that was the moment our relationship ended.

I loved her so much that I was actually willing to forgive her if she still wanted me, but without words she let me know that she preferred Alhaji to me.

I had been in love with Amina for so long, thinking I was indispensable to her, and foolishly believing that what we shared was true love.

But to her, I was dispensable, something she could exchange for a rich man.

I cried my eyes out for love of Amina, because she was my life. I had given her so much of my life that when the relationship ended I didn’t even remember who I was anymore.

After Amina broke up with me, I developed a minor mental problem.

I became a crippled monster that needed love to walk. I was addicted to Amina like cocaine, and I couldn’t live without her.

Sometimes, I felt the love I once had for Amina change into hate and I kept asking myself, “How could she do this to me?” “What have I done to deserve this?”

Amina called me after we broke up, saying that she wanted us to remain friends. But I told her that it would be better we remain enemies.

That’s because when you have dated for that long and loved someone with all your heart, friendship is like knowing a sword has pierced your heart, and yet you pretend that it didn’t and keep deceiving yourself.

I stopped receiving Amina’s

She died because of her love for money Your memory is a memory of flowers, Loving you was the greatest moment of my life.

“ I demanded to hear the truth from Amina herself. But Amina avoided my questions and kept torturing me with thoughts of her and Alhaji actually making love. After a week she finally admitted the story was true, and that was the moment our relationship ended. ” ‘friendship’ calls altogether, even when I knew she was trying to talk Alhaji into getting me a job with an oil company as a way of consoling me for breaking my heart.

But on April 24th, I received the news that Amina had died in a ghastly motor accident on her way to Kaduna state to inform her parents of her upcoming marriage to

Alhaji. She was to be Alhaji’s fourth wife.

I was devastated at the news of Amina’s death. But I noticed that Alhaji went about as usual with his girlfriends as if nothing had happened.

I wonder why girls don’t love guys that love them, but fall for rich men who don’t love them. I was dying

for Amina, but instead of dying for me, she was dying for Alhaji.

Amina died for love of Alhaji and ruined my life. How can I ever love again? I wish I had married Amina before she died. I wish things had turned out differently, like in the Cinderella story. Part of me has died with Amina.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

He is only using me for sex

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Blessing, 26, fair, fat, in Anambra, needs a responsible, God-fearing and buoyant man of 40-55 years that can take good care of her.

08038198746.

Mojisola, 43, works in Lagos, needs a Yoruba man of 45-50 years for marriage. 08091027827.

Uchechi, 36, a graduate, tall, fair, needs a tall, fair, graduate, Igbo evangelist, pastor or God fearing Igbo man for marriage. 08052366993.

Wunmi, works in Lagos, needs a working Yoruba man from 32-45 years who attends Cherubim & Seraphim for marriage. 09075839386.

Joy, 30, graduate, tall, light in complexion, from Kogi, living in Kaduna, wants a responsible graduate, Christian man within 35-42 years for marriage. 08127651483.

Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage. 08090925014.

Chichi, 28, from Abia, needs a caring, God fearing, loving man for marriage. 08130775977.

Dear Love Doctor, I’m presently in a relationship with a guy who has been a good friend to me from my secondary school days. We have sex but the problem is that I love him but he doesn’t love me. He’s only using me for sex. He always says that he likes me as a friend but that he isn’t in love with me, yet he enjoys having sex with me. I’ve tried to use sex to make him love me but it isn’t working. What do I do?

From Grace.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Grace,

H

I’m not going to say that he’s using you because I think he may truly see you as a friend, otherwise he would be telling you what you want to hear to get what he wants out of you.

Remember, what you are doing with him, you are doing of your own free will. So you are also to blame. But if you think having sex with him will make him love you. It won’t.

Peace, 33, fair, HIV positive, from Imo, needs an educated, HIV positive Igbo man of 35-42 years from East or Delta for marriage. 07065323282.

Blessing, 33, from Imo, in Lagos, fat, busty, single mother, needs a matured man of 45years+ for marriage. 08025117116, 08053407885.

Thanks,

e isn’t lying to you. That’s a good thing. He doesn’t love you and he isn’t telling you he does to get what he wants from you. He also likely isn’t going to fall in love with you. Ever. It’s always better for you to hear the truth.

Roseline, 38, chocolate, from Cross River, living in Port Harcourt, needs a honest, mature, caring, god-fearing and well-to-do man of 40-50 years for marriage. 08180072310.

hurting yourself unnecessarily by having sex with your friend who you are in love with. Move on. Sex is great fun. It feels good. And it is possible to have sex with your friends without it meaning anything other than both of you wanted to have fun with each other.

Announcements If your birthday is in the month of July, send your beautiful birthday pictures and let’s celebrate you! Send your birthday pictures now to ireto007 @yahoo.com move on and learn from your mistake. You are worthy of love, respect and affection. Don’t be an object for anyone to satisfy their physical needs. Please be careful with that guy.. I believes that guy is treating you as an entertaining object in the name of friendship.

However for you, this isn’t just harmless fun. But for him, it is harmless fun. And that’s why you feel so disheartened. So I would advise you to forget him and move on. You can stay just Don’t run after people who friends with him if you like, but are not worthy in your life. stop having sex with him for There are lot more people availyour own good. able in this world. Learn to love those who love you a lot, underRemember that you have stands you a lot and care about control over your future and you a lot. Love people who are My suggestion is that you stop present. So please, for the sake also there with you in any situhaving sex with him. You are of your self respect and dignity ation.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840.

Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Do you have a marriage/wedding, birthday, anniversary or club or town meeting announcement to make? Call 07031028714 now!

Chioma, 27, tall, homely, graduate, from Anambra, wants a hard working, understanding man of 28 years+ for a serious relationship. 08066521152.

Ayo, 29, gentle, sexy, needs a reliable and sexually active man of 30-45years for a lasting relationship.

08066642286.

E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com Go to foodstuffs. com.ng. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage Lanre, self-employed, needs a very fair girl who is ready to have a baby and start a family. She should either be Yoruba or a Northerner. 07030595988.

Emmy, tall, handsome, works in Lagos, wants a mature, sexy, nurse or working lady from 23-35 years in Lagos for a relationship leading to marriage. 08077821830.

Uche needs a tall, busty, working lady in Lagos between 20-40 years. 08131161840.

Chigozie, 37, from Ebonyi, fair, 5.6ft, works in Lagos, needs a God-fearing, working class lady for a relationship leading to marriage. 08164630953.

John, 52, a widower with two kids, from Edo, in Lagos, needs a fair, plump, Christian woman.

08025313929.

Ogbonna, 40, from Ebonyi, in Abuja, business man, needs a working class lady between 30-40 years for marriage. 09069054706.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

It happened to me:

I made them break up by making a fake call

M

y boyfriend Donny and I had been together for almost two years and although we didn’t live together we were inseparable. Every Friday night we would head to the local pub together and because we lived in a small town we knew most people there.

One night, I returned from the bathroom to find him chatting to a flirty brunette who I’d never met before. He introduced me to Julie and quickly explained that they went to primary school together and hadn’t seen each other in years.

I soon forgot about her until one day a friend told me that she had seen Donny and a mysterious brunette eating lunch at a local cafe. I decided to confront Donny about.

Donny laughed it off and said that he

was having lunch with his sister and that I was being paranoid.

But my suspicions didn’t leave me, and they weren’t helped by the fact that we began to stay together less and less. And when we did, upon his insistence, we only stayed at my place.

When I received a phone bill of his a few days letter, I couldn’t help myself — I had to open it. Donny had made several late-night calls to a mystery number, which I soon confirmed was Julie’s. It seemed that they were making a lot of contact for two old primary school friends who hadn’t seen each other in 10 years.

I was convinced that Donny was cheating on me but he wouldn’t budge, not matter how much I probed him, so I decided to call Julie.

I cleared my throat, dialled her number and put on my most official-sounding voice.

“Hello Julie, this is Heather from the local healthcare clinic. I have something very private I need to discuss with you”.

“OK,” she replied slowly.

“It’s concerning your friend Donny. He is very embarrassed at the moment and has asked me to contact you on his behalf regarding the results of his STD test. Donny put your details on a list of people he has had intercourse with in the last six months. Is this correct?”

I could hear Julie gasp before blurting out, “Yes, but what’s wrong with him? Oh my God ... Am I going to be all right?!”

I could hardly contain my anger and

slight amusement at her freaking out, so I swiftly ended the conversation. “Well you better get yourself checked out then. Bye!” I was so hurt by what Donny did but I figured that there was little point in bringing it up with him, if he hadn’t been truthful to me all this time, why would he start now? I broke up with him two days later saying that we had grown apart and, between that and all of the STD rumours about him flying around, that it made sense to just put it behind me.

Besides, I had a few old friends that I wanted to look up myself. *Do you have a story or comment about this confession?

Call 07031028714.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Rape

T

his edition’s topic –rape- is one of the social evils that have been eating deep into societies today and most people fail to report the crime because of so many reasons such as the destruction of the image of the victim, the young girl, the relationship between the perpetuator of the crime and the victim of the crime.

This type of crime in criminology is termed “victimless crime”. Do not call me a pastor or minister of God but you should not forget that one of the greatest impacts the Law profession has on Lawyers is that it makes them “ministers in the temple of Justice”.

Yes, we are always for truth and those who do not want to understand it turn it the other way round. Coming to the topic in question, rape is rampart in this country as most perpetrators have not been taught the consequences of their actions. Some if not most of them (the perpetrators) see it as a plus to their achievements in life.

“Oh! Boy!! I don nak this one-o-o”, “Ah! Dis one get figure 8 and I must show-am” are some of the slangs used by these perpetrators before and after committing this social evil. Most of our higher institutions are not left out.

Young and intelligent boys who are sent to school with hard earned money by their parents as soon as they enter make bad friends or make bad friends with the sole aim of harassing and molesting innocent female colleagues of

theirs, and in so doing commit a crime of which they do not know the consequences of jail term as to be discussed below and even worse the shame, disgrace, ridicule and in most cases resultant death of the parents of both sides and in some cases death of the victim who was psychologically, morally and physically subdued to death.

In some cases, the perpetrators even organized parties or take out or give out drugged drinks to the innocent victim and perform this act believing it is not a crime in Law. Some being more masculine and stronger than the female partner used force on them and even tore their pants and/or soaked their dresses in water to make it impossible for the victim to leave their houses or rooms or hostel in school and compelled them to un-consorted sexual intercourse.

Even while the victim is shouting “Stop! Stop!! Stop it!!!” they continue not knowing that the crime they are committing under the name of enjoyment is to lead them to life imprisonment of suffering. There are more of such cases and these prompted this very important topic in this edition.

Sexual Assault Sexual assault can take many different forms, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the victim’s fault.

Case 1

What is sexual assault?

The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim.

Some forms of sexual assault include: • Attempted rape • Fondling or unwanted sexual touching • Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body • Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape.

What is rape?

Rape is a form of sexual assault, but not all sexual assault is rape. The term rape is often used as a legal definition to specifically include sexual penetration without consent.

Using the USA as an example, for its Uniform Crime Reports, the FBI defines rape as “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” Every country or jurisdiction including Nigeria has its own legal definition of rape and other forms of sexual assault. * To be continued next week.

Case 2

Is it rape to fondle my girlfriend’s breasts while she is sleeping?

Dear lawyer, Please I fondled the breasts of my girlfriend when I entered her room one night and met her sleeping. But I didn’t have sexual knowledge of her or penetrate her vagina. Can I be charged for rape?

From Peter, Owerri, IMO state.

My ex wife is threatening to report me for rape Dear lawyer, I divorced my wife about five years ago but anytime I see her moving and shaking her bottom I feel moved. One day, I took courage and sneaked into her residence and begged her for sexual intercourse and she refused, but I forced her and penetrated her vagina. She threatened to report me for rape. Please is she right?

Answer: No. In rape there must be sexual intercourse without the consent of the victim. Also, penetration into her vagina is necessary to prove. However, what you did could constitute sexual assault and/or attempted rape, sexual abuse, gross indecency, etc; because you touched her (while she was sleeping) without her consent. Next time, don’t touch anybody without the explicit consent of that person because the victim can accuse you of attempted rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, etc. Stop taking advantage of people sexually, especially when they are sleeping, because it can get you into serious trouble. Consult any lawyer around you or call me for more explanation.

From Abiodun, Ibadan, Oyo state.

Answer: Yes; you committed the crime because it was done by force and without her consent as an ex

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

Sometimes I feel I didn’t do enough for mum – Abounce, late Bukky Ajayi’s son Musician, actor and son of late movie legend, Bukky Ajayi, Abounce (Kunle fawole), has disclosed that he is till missing his mum a couple years after she passed on in 2015.

“It was a very sad moment for me; she died in my arms,” he says recalling the day she died. “One thing I won’t forget she told me was always to pray and to believe in myself. I miss her dearly.”

Any fond memories of her? “I can’t pick on one particular moment as my fondest. I think just having her as my mother was so much of a blessing. Sometimes I feel I didn’t do enough for her.

Though born with a silver spoon, the rapper turned actor and moviemaker says he was not a pampered kid: “Growing up with my mum would probably be the same with every other kid that grew up with their mums.

There was a healthy balance of love, pampering and discipline. And when needed, very strict discipline.

There was this air of humility that she carried; she wasn’t about being a celebrity and that is the same mentally I have grown to adopt.”

A movie legend who inspired generateions of Nigerian thespians, late Bully Ajayi died in 2016 at the ripe age of 82. Among others, Ajayi was a pioneer actress on the now defunct Village Headmaster.

veered into moviemaking in 2008 and to this day he was won several awards. He opens up on why he relegated music to the background.

“To say I have veered into movies makes it sound like I am just a couple of years in the movie industry. It was a calculated decision to become an actor. I have been working my a** out and thank God, I am getting results.

“There are a number of projects that should be out in a bit. The music part of my life is still alive and well but is on hold for a bit or as long as needed.”

What has been your happiest moment? “I guess it will have to be when I got my nomination for best up coming actor at that AAMA awards, 2008, the recognition was a blast for me.”

“Growing up with my mum would probably be the same with every other kid that grew up with their mums. There was a healthy balance of love, Nigerian music scene pampering and In his day, the contemporary discipline. And music scene in when needed, Nigeria was still in its infancy. Today very strict it has produced global acts like Wizdiscipline.” kid and Davido who

Movies After many years of life as a successful career as a rapper, Abounce

are making their mark across the world. What is his take on the music scene.

“The music industry is on the rise and with likes of Wizkid and Davido no doubt leading the charge and it is getting more exciting. In my day it was more of passion and little money but today, these young ones are sweeping endorsements all over the place and leading the charge, I don’t see it slowing down any time soon.”

• Abounce

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS Nigeria needs restructuring to stay out of trouble – Ozekhome From INI BILLIE, Uyo

S

enior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Mike Ozekhome, has stated that Nigeria needs to be restructured to stay out of trouble.

Speaking, Tuesday, in Uyo during the 2018 Bar, Ozekhome said that the campaign against corruption in the country is mere window dressing.

In his paper titled: “The Bar, Bench, Investigating Agencies and Anti-Corruption Campaign in Nigeria”, Ozekhome blamed military incursions into the country’s political space for the widening corruption, noting that the malaise has become hydra-headed such that successive governments lack the courage to fight it to a standstill.

He noted that wholesale introduction of corruption into the country by military regimes forced former President Olusegun Obasanjo to establish the two anti-corruption agencies (ICPC and EFCC), but regretted that such fight may never be won, after all.

He said the Federal Government has continued to paint a picture of anti-corruption war in the country, adding that such action would only amount to nothing when the same system wallow in corruption and other vices.

Blaming the FG for what he described as fragrant abuse of human rights and frequent disregard to the rule of law, Ozekhome said the action of government runs counter to the anti-corruption mantra of the Buhari-led administration.

“We are in trouble because if Nigeria is not restructured now, Nigeria will restructure us.

“Corruption is not limited to the payment and receipt of bribes; it takes various forms and is practiced under all forms of government including established democracies: corruption permeates every stratum of Nigeria’s public and private life.

“One thing that gained prominence during these many years of military rule in Nigeria was widespread corruption, assassinations, killings, money laundering and human rights abuses and gross unaccountability and impunity which became a culture well-entrenched in Nigeria.

“Wanton corruption is unfolding in different shapes daily, but this has been given a new name in the shape of ‘corruption fighting back’, a term the government of the day prefer to adopt to explain away the violent disregard to the principle of separation of power and fragrant violations of fundamental human rights and rule of law”.

Ozekhome said that the widespread trampling on the rule of law has made nonsense of the anti-corruption war, stating that democracy must float with the rule of law.

He said that the impunity of the FG and the desecration of the temple of justice as seen in the disobedience to courts orders, have hamstrung the judicial process not to be able to play its role as the hope for justice for everybody.

He emphasized that in the case of the former National Security Adviser, Alhaii Sambo Dasuki, currently languishing in detention, Ozekhome said: “The FG has disobeyed the court order for him to be released on bail for five times.”

He added that such impunity has combined to make the judiciary a lame duck.

Navy winning war against soot pollution in Rivers – Choji N igerian Navy says its adoption of Swam Buggy strategy for the destruction of illegal refining facilities has immensely contributed to declining hydrocarbon pollution in Rivers.

Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Port Harcourt, Capt. Victor Choji, said this during the handover of nine suspected diesel smugglers to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday in Onne.

Rivers has been grappling with soot emission blamed on the activities of illegal oil refiners as well as indiscriminate burning of tyres and certain activities in abattoirs.

According to Choji, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, has ordered the use of best international practices for the destruction of unapproved refineries and bunker sites.

“Let me delightfully state that the concern about soot particularly in the Rivers maritime space has reduced since we adopted environment-friendly strategies.

“One of the strategies that we adopted is the Swam Buggy approach to our campaign against crude oil theft and illegally refining of petroleum products,” he said.

The executive officer said the strategy targeted the ‘centre of gravity’ of illegal refiners by focusing on their network of pipelines and production facilities.

“Though these strategies have come at a high cost to the navy but it had gingered us to recommit ourselves to ensuring that current successes and achievements are sustained.

“We will ensure that all forms of illegalities within the Rivers maritime space that contribute to the admis-

sion of soot in the atmosphere are reduced to the barest minimum,” he assured.

Choji added that naval troops on routine patrol had caught nine alleged smugglers with eight million litres of petroleum product suspected to be adulterated diesel.

He said the suspects were arrested while attempting to transfer the diesel from a barge and wooden boat into a vessel, MV Xziber.

“On February 22, our patrol element intercepted, MV Xziber, around Onne waters laden with about 800 metric tonnes (eight million litres) of petroleum product suspected to illegally refined diesel.

“What is interesting about this particular arrest is that the mother vessel, which MV Xziber was expected to have received or sourced her product, was not in the country at the time of arrest. This indicates that

the vessel sourced the petroleum product from questionable places.

“We have concluded our preliminary investigation, and, as such, we are handing over the vessel, barge, wooden boat and the nine crewmen to EFCC for further necessary action,” he said.

Receiving the suspects, Macaulay Olayinka , EFCC’s Head of Extractive Industry Fraud Section, commended the navy for its synergy with the commission.

Olayinka, who said the anti-graft agency would conduct speedy investigation into the matter, also pledged that the suspects would be arraigned in court if found culpable to the crime.

Akwa Ibom community decries marginalisation

T

• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Her Excellency, Wife of the Senate Minority Leader Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, cutting a tape to inaugurate empowerment items donated by Rt. Hon. Emmanuel S. Akpan, member representing Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot Akara Federal Constituency to his constituents.

Imo Deputy Governor, Madumere, faces impeachment for ‘gross misconduct’ From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

I

mo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, is facing impeachment in the Imo State House of Assembly led by Rt Hon Acho Ihim.

If this move to impeach the Deputy Governor succeeds it would be the second time State Governor, Rochas Okorocha’s Deputy would be impeached. It would also be the second time two Deputy Governors from Owerri Zone are impeached under Okorocha.

In a petition to the Speaker of the House signed by 13 members on Tuesday, July 10, the petitioners said that Madumere has “committed gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office”.

According to them, the gross misconduct committed by the Deputy Governor include his “Absence without official reason or permis-

sion duly obtained from office for a period of three (3) months”.

The Deputy Governor was also accused of failing or refusing “to perform any of the constitutional functions of the Office of Deputy Governor of Imo State”.

They added that the Deputy Governor had refused or failed “to attend constitutional mandated proceedings of State Executive Council”, adding that he had also failed “to attend constitutional mandated proceedings of State Security Council”.

The 13 petitions which claimed they are are more than two-thirds of the House further accused him of refusing “to hold meetings with the Governor and commissioners of the Government of Imo State made mandatory by and under S.193(2) of the 1999 constitution”.

They also accused Madumere who has been at daggers drawn

with the Governor over his choice of successor of “concealment of felonious conduct affecting the presentation of self as eligible candidate of Office of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, having been convicted and imprisoned in the United States of America for theft”.

The petitioners are: Hon Ugonna Ozirigbo, Hon Chinedu Offor, Hon Ikechukwu Amuka, Hon Lawrence Duruji, Hon Ejike Uche, Hon Henry Ezediaro, Hon Maxwell Odunze, Hon Lloyd Chukwuemeka, Hon Ngozi Obiefule, Hon Victor Onyewuchi and Hob Arthur Egwim.

Recall that the Deputy Governor had disagreed with the Governor who is his long-time friend over his inability to endorse him as his successor.

He joined forces with the Coalition, a group of politicians in the APC opposing the Governor’s choice of successor in 2019.

he Edemaya Community in Akwa Ibom, under the aegis of Edemaya Progressive Association, has decried the marginalisation of the community since the inception of democracy in 1999.

The community voiced out their complaint in a resolution signed by the President of the Association, Mr Kufre Akpan and Secretary, Mr Ubong Micah, and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.

The community expressed their displeasure over the continuous denial of the area the opportunity to produce a member to represent the constituency in the state House of Assembly.

“That the continuous denial of Edemaya Clan an opportunity and clear choice of running for elective office(s) within the matrix of Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency since the creation of Akwa Ibom State, should no longer be condoned.

“That political parties, in their electoral interest, should exclusively consider, but not deny Edemaya Clan and her people the chance and choice of producing the next House of Assembly member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo state constituency in the general elections in 2019.

“A candid appraisal of the representational statistic provided a clear discernment of a case of political injustice and insensitivity viewed and denied the rights of other federating clans to share the political entitlements of democracy,” the statement said.

According the statement, the community supports zoning arrangement to ensure equity, justice and fairness to all concerned in the political arrangement of Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo state constituency.

The statement added that Edemaya clan was blessed with individuals with credible and great potential to occupy any elective position in the state.

“The Edemaya Clan is broadly blessed with credible individuals possessing remarkable capacity, appropriate potentials and the required brilliance capable of executing the demands of any elective office across the state.”

The statement said any political party that denied Edemaya clan the opportunity of producing the next House of Assembly candidate to represent the state constituency in the 2019 election would do so at the risk of losing the clan’s electoral support in coming elections.

40

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS Extra Ezeonwuka hails Gov. Obiano’s choice of Nwafor as aide on Security Matters

By OGE ONYEANUSI Nnewi

I

gbo leader, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka (Ogilisi Igbo) has hailed the return of former Commander of Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) James Nwafor (CSP retired) to Anambra State to serve as Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Governor Willie Obiano on Security Matters.

Governor Obiano appointed Nwafor who hails from Ebonyi State to borrow from his immense experience in crime fighting in the Light of the Nation State. Observers however say, his appointment is not unconnected with the ban of motorcycle transport popularly known as Okada in the commercial city of Onitsha and Awka the State Capital.

Speaking at Rojenny Tourist and Games Village Oba, when he received Nwafor who was on a courtesy visit, Chief Ezeonwuka concurred with observers noting that the huge experience of the Ex SARS Commander who was largely instrumental to the success of Obiano’s administration in fight against armed robbers and kidnappers in Anambra is needed at all times for effectiveness.

The Ogilisi Igbo who is also a member of The Board of Trustees (BoT) of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) noted that the appointment of Nwafor goes a long way to show that Governor Obiano is ever interested in giving Anambra the best security measures anybody can get anywhere, adding that Anambra is thriving because of the fact that the man in charge is committed to giving the people the best they can get.

While repeatedly attributing the success of Obiano in crime fighting in Anambra to SARS under Nwafor, he called on all security agencies in the State and other relevant stakeholders suck as traditional rulers, town union leaders, church leaders, civil society groups and market leaders to as usual give him maximum support to enable him achieve the desired results.

“This man was the architect of Obiano’s success in crime fighting and he was able to do well because other security agencies backed him with total support, traditional rulers supported him. He is here once more and let’s support him again,” said Ezeonwuka.

Corroborating, a Human Right activist Uzor A Uzor described Nwafor as a security power broker who as SARS Commander ‘dared and conquered dare devil criminals in various parts of Anambra State,’ noting that ‘the success story in crime fighting in the State is not complete without what Nwafor did in the state.’

Responding, Nwafor expressed gratitude to Obiano for giving him the opportunity to ‘come on a second missionary journey to serve in Anambra State,’ again noting that the appointment is an indication that ‘he performed well during his first missionary journey in the State.’

Urging the people to support Obiano on the Okada ban, he commended Ezeonwuka for rallying support for him assuring that he will do his best as usual to ensure that Governor Obiano’s desire to always make Anambra a crime free zone is successful.

Fresh crisis threatens to re-ignite Aguleri, Umuleri feud A From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

fresh round of skirmish is brewing up between the Umuleri and their neighbouring Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

Already Umuleri has accused Aguleri of breaching a mutual agreement signed by the two communities to maintain peace and order in the area which was entered into after the last major prolonged bloody fratricidal clash between the two genealogically related communities in the late 90s(1999)claimed hundreds lives, while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed. Scares of the war, in which dangerous weapons were used, still dot the two communities, especially Umuleri.

Altercation between the two communities early this year led to the destruction of some houses, and some residents seriously injured and the

police waded in to restore peace.

President General of Umuleri General Assembly, Mr Pius Okonkwo and the Secretary General, Mr. Samuel Mbukwesili disclosed these in a press briefing in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Tuesday.

Umuleri community in a petition to the State Police command accused Aguleri people of forcefully entering the disputed land with armed thugs, thereby threatening the peace of the area.

According to the petition, “Pursuant to our earlier letter, you directed that Umuleri and Aguleri people should desist from entering into the area of land in Aguakor Umueri land (from Otuocha-Oye Agu Road to the fish market up to the Otuocha Township Stadium) and that nobody should construct any building or carry out any activity therein.

“And to bring peace, you constituted an unbiased peace commit-

tee, in which both communities have equal representatives to look into the dispute, make findings and proffer possible settlement procedures.

“To our chagrin, however, and in defiance to your directives and in total disregard of the peace committee, Aguleri people and their armed thugs have continued to enter into the disputed area of land in Aguakor Umuleri land and are carrying on construction works daily on the land.

“They are usually well armed with guns to scare Umuleri people away and threaten to kill any Umuleri indigene who would try to question them.

“Umuleri people are peace-loving and law abiding, thus, our obedience to your directives and respect to the peace committee, are practical proof.

“But if the persons involved are not called to order, their conduct is likely to trigger off another inter-

communal crisis between the two neighbouring towns of Umuleri and Aguleri. We therefore urge you to use your good office to call the persons involved to order and prevent the looming danger their conduct is likely to cause.”

Ironically, when the Deputy President General of Aguleri Town Union, Mr Emma Ikem, was contacted he described it as false.

He accused Umuleri people of being fond of crying wolf where none existed. That they were even the ones breaching the peace pact, more so that government had paid compensation to owners of the disputed land.

“Go there now, there is no single house on the land that is owned by an Aguleri person. We are law abiding people...”, Ikem stressed.

According to him, there would not have been any issue arising from the land if not for the way Umuleri were fanning embers of hate.

Airtel Touching Lives bags Innovative CSR Leadership award

A

•Executive Director and Head, Debt Capital Markets, Stanbic IBTC Capital, Mr Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, with the Group Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Plc, Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju, during signing of a partnership agreement among subsidiaries of Stanbic IBTC Holdings; Stanbic IBTC Capital and Stanbic IBTC Bank; and the Dangote Cement Plc, which held at the Dangote Cement Plc headquarters in Lagos.

NIMASA, CBN to provide special funds for maritime sector From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

T

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are collaborating on modalities to provide special funds to help unlock the nation’s maritime sector.

The funds which will be modelled after similar incentives in other sectors of the economy is aimed at unlocking the huge potentials in the sector which is largely untapped by local entrepreneurs.

This was disclosed by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside during a one day stakeholders interactive forum organized by the agency with the theme: Harnessing maritime potentials in an untapped environment: opportunities, threats and the role of the government.

He said the intervention is necessary because the maritime sector in the country is vastly endowed and has the potentials to generate substantial revenue for the country but the country is yet to maximize these potentials due to the absence of

such intervention.

“We are currently engaging with the CBN to provide a special interest rate so that our indigenous operators can bring in vessels into the country as well as create a special fund to support industry operators acquire vessels.

“We are aware that the bank has set aside funds in other sectors. We know about the CBN support for the real sector where the bank is supporting manufacturing concerns. We are aware of the anchor borrowers programme where it is supporting small-scale farmers and link them up with other off-takers around the world. We are also aware of the special textile fund for the textile industry.

“But unfortunately, the maritime sector has the capacity to employ more persons than the textile industry, manufacturing sectors but the CBN is not offering the maritime sector any. So that is the basis we are engaging with them and I want to inform this house that we are making tremendous progress.

“Besides, we are fast-tracking the process of reviewing the guidelines

for disbursing the Cabotage Fund so that through this, more contributions can be made for the growth of the industry thereby creating jobs for our people”, he said.

He said in the past couple of years, NIMASA has improved the security of the nation’s waterways by achieving over 80% compliance ISPS Code.

This he said implies that the nation’s waterways are almost 100% safe and presently Nigeria is one of the topmost ISPS compliant nations in Africa.

Furthermore, the agency has for the first time published the nation’s maritime industry forecast to guide investors and are also engaging with the NNPC towards getting indigenous players to lift cargo. This policy according to him will enhance the sector and create enormous employment opportunities.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the occasion as well as the governing board of NIMASA, General Jonathan Marawa said the forum was aimed at reviewing the extent the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) has impacted on the growth of the sector particularly the Eastern ports.

irtel Touching Lives, a corporate philanthropy initiative by leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has been named the Most Innovative CSR Leadership Initiative by Marketing Edge, a leading publication focused on brands, media, advertising and communications.

Airtel Nigeria’s Erhumu Bayagbon, Head: Public Relations and Chioma Okolie, Lead, CSR, received the award on behalf of the company at a colourful event held last Friday (6/7/18) in Ikeja, Lagos.

The organizers of the award hailed Airtel for initiating the Airtel Touching Lives platform, noting that the “MARKETING EDGE INNOVATIVE CSR LEADERSHIP AWARD was a product of painstaking review and assessment of the patriotic contributions of Airtel to the growth, development and continuing evolution of the Nigerian Economy, Nigerian Communities and the Nigerian People through its widely acclaimed and innovative Airtel Touching Lives CSR initiative.

“Its impactful strides in the face of daunting challenges, especially over the years very well positioned it for such recognition and celebration.”

Airtel Touching Lives is an inspiring CSR initiative that offers practical relief, succour, hope, opportunities and credible platforms to liberate and empower the underprivileged, disadvantaged and hard to reach persons in the society.

Currently in its fourth season, the activities of Airtel Touching Lives are recorded and produced for national television with a view to promoting the spirit of giving, self-sacrifice and love among Nigerians.

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS Extra

2019: Umahi has no challenger -- Commissioner

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

E

bonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, Tuesday, said no political party in the state has demonstrated its preparedness and capacity to challenge the re-election of the state Governor, David Umahi, in 2019 governorship election.

Onwe who disclosed this in a press statement he made available to Journalists in Abakaliki, said even the All Progressives Congress,APC, in particular is a party of zero ideas, initiative, policies and programmes.

He said Umahi is a political heavyweight champion who is not only

fully prepared for the contest but has been standing in the ring for over three years now but no opponent to challenge him.

“None presented by the APC, none by the SDP, none by APGA, and none by any political party of any note.

Thus far, they have never rallied; they have never campaigned to any extent that attracted anybody’s attention; they have never shown that they have the capacity to mobilize the citizens in either large or small setting and they have not empowered anyone.

“They have not encouraged any citizen to be productive either through their words or deeds; they are bereft of policies and have not

proposed any agenda or initiatives for taking Ebonyi from its current elevated position to the stratosphere where clearly Gov Umahi is aiming.

APC in particular is a party of zero ideas, zero initiatives, zero feasible policies, zero programmes. The confusion and indolence are quite staggering”, he said.

“The State spokesman said Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should take note as there would not be any magic beyond the democratic will of the people of the state.

“The people are the referees.

They have been in the ring with the Governor for that past 3 years. They have seen his state of prepared-

ness. They have witnessed him build roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, install streetlights, empower widows, women and the youth to build their capacities for self-reliance and take lead in agriculture in all its departments but with particular emphasis on rice production”, he added.

He said that governor Umahi has showed extraordinary prudence and tackled corruption, profligacy and wastages to a standstill, and have secured the limited resources accruable to the state.

“He is a heavyweight who is so well prepared through toil and sweat, so well-toned and so confident in his capabilities. He is going into his second tenure practically unopposed. INEC,

Reverse your decision on Abakaliki Street -- Anambra indigenes urge Obiano

Lawyer advises Magistrates to adhere to CJN’s directive

By IBE NWACHUKWU

F

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

N

atives of Anambra state living in Ebonyi State have appealed to their state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to reverse his decision renaming former Abakaliki Street in Awka to Club Road in the interest of peace.

The Anambra State government, recently, renamed Abakaliki Street in Awka to Club Road and subsequently named another equally street after Abakaliki.

Also, the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, as well as the Ebonyi State House of Assembly have sought for the reversal of that decision, describing as embarrassing and antithetical to the unity the southeast region is craving for.

The Ebonyi Assembly had in a plenary last week given Anambra state government a 7-day ultimatum that expired on Tuesday to reverse the decision, else, it would mandate the state government to rename all streets named after Anambra people and towns in the state.

Worried about the ongoing rift between the two sister states over the decision, the Association of Urban Town Unions, Urban Forum and Landlords Association, all in Abakaliki endorsed the request by the Association of Anambra Town Unions in the state for their Governor to rescind the decision.

They made the appeal during a joint press conference by the three groups held in Abakaliki, yesterday which was presided by Mr Ifeanyi Nwabueze, Bishop Anayo Ilo, and Chief Josephat Okpala, who are presidents of Association of Urban Town Unions, Urban Forum and Landlords Association; and Landlords Association respectively.

The group noted that both states have a long history of mutual and cordial relationship without any form of discrimination spanning from the era of Eastern Region, East Central State before their present status.

“We make also make special appeal to Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to kindly reinstate the name of Abakaliki in the said street that is the bone of contention at least for the interest of peace”.

Also contributing, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Ebonyi, Charles Akpu-Enika, an indigene of Anambra, lauded his principal, Gov. Umahi, for the maturity with which he’s handling the matter.

I invite you once again to take note.

“This is going to be a technical knockout and we want Ebonyi people to be extra vigilant. Let the world be alert. This heavyweight champion has practically won his contest through strenuous preparation even before the first punch is thrown”, he added.

Onwe also noted that while other states of the federation were totally paralysed over the FAAC impasse and still waiting for the allocation crisis to be resolved to be able to pay workers’ salaries, Ebonyi state government had paid June salaries of workers as early as 14 the of June and awaiting to commence payment of July salaries in the next ten days.

• Senate President Bukola Saraki (m) Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (r) and the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose,, during the commissioning of the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road in Port Harcourt, Saturday

Govt removed Anambra market leaders over revenue fraud – Commissioner From Chuks Collins, Awka

T

he Anambra state government has revealed that reason for the recent sacking of some market leaderships in the state were allegedly due to discovery of multimillion Naira revenue collection fraud by the executives.

State commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Christian Madubuko in an exclusive interview with The Oracle Today named the Onitsha Main Market and Ochanja Central Market as topping the alleged culprits.

He noted that the Government did not dissolve the executives of the Onitsha Electronics Market because their tenure was almost over.

That it was why the election for the new executive was already in top gear.

The Commissioner also disclosed that security agencies were already investigating the fraud, with a view to unraveling the amount involved, the scope and those involved.

This revelation was made on the heels of the invasion of the State Government House, Tuesday, by scores of traders who were protesting what they called government’s

leadership imposition on markets in the state.

The traders had accused Dr. Madubuko of causing confusion at the Onitsha Electronics Market by trying to impose an unpopular leadership on them.

The protesters led by one Simon Okonkwo, alleged that the commissioner had some months back dissolved the leadership of the market and established a caretaker committee to oversee the activities of the traders in the market. But he suddenly made summersault days later and reinstated the sacked executive.

According to them, “The commissioner is causing confusion in the market. We can’t understand why somebody can be talking from two sides of his mouth. He came to the market and instituted a caretaker committee to oversee the market.

“But shortly after, he came back and dissolved the caretaker committee without any explanation to us.

“The next thing we heard was that he had reinstated the former leadership and asked them to organize election for Saturday.

“This is arbitrariness. We can’t take it from anybody. That’s why we

are here to let the governor know this development and call his commissioner to order because we are going to resist this imposition.

The traders said they started suspecting the commissioner’s move when he changed the venue of their election to another local government area without any reason.

The commissioner in his reaction described most of the market leaders as fraudsters, but said the security agencies were already on their heels.

He said the state government had lost millions of naira to corrupt revenue collectors in the market who he said had engaged in printing and issuing of fake receipts to unsuspecting members of the public.

He alleged that one of the market leaders had defrauded the state government up to the tune of N110m. That there were several fake revenue receipts in circulation that have been confirmed by his office as not originating from the state revenue board.

He added” These things won’t stop until we jail some of these market leaders for defrauding the government and I have started the process.”

ormer Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anaocha branch, one of the eight branches of NBA in Anambra state, Chris Adimora has charged Chief Magistrates in various magisterial districts in the country to adhere strictly to the recent practice direction given them by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen to at least visit police formations and inspect their cells on monthly basis, to ascertain the charges against detained suspects Adimora who spoke to newsmen in Onitsha, described the CJN’s practice direction to Chief Magistrates as a laudable action in the right direction, adding that such a periodic visit would no doubt, mitigate inordinate and unlawful detention of innocent Nigerian citizens by the police.

Adimora, a legal practitioner based in Onitsha, insisted that this CJN’s initiative, though contained in the Criminal Justice Administration Law, would go a long way in checking the excesses of policemen in Nigeria, particularly those under detention at Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS and Special Anti-Cult Squad, SPACS dungeons where policemen whimsically detain and treat citizens as animals beyond constitutional limits.

He further stated that the CJN’s practice directive would equally go a long way in checking the speedy descent of the country into a police state and as well check the high trend of extortion in the name of granting the accused persons or suspects bail, by the police.

The legal luminary therefore enjoined the Chief Magistrates to boldly seize this ample opportunity to assert their authority on the Nigerian polity by subjugating police officers under their constitutional authority.

He also advised the Chief Magistrates to call for an inspection of the records of all the suspects in police custody, direct their arraignment in court or grant them bail where appropriate, if the offences for which they are detained, are within the jurisdiction of the Chief Magistrates.

42

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

Crime Man lures girl, 11, with N100 for sex, arrested

A 45 year – old- man Musibau Asinde has been arrested by men of Ogun state police command for having unlawful carnal knowledge of an eleven year old girl( name withheld) in Ibese area of Ilaro.

The suspect was arrested following a complaint from the mother of the victim one Idowu Riskat.

According to the police command’s image maker Abimbola Oyeyemi, the mother who reported the incident said she sent her daughter on errand at about 7:30 pm of June 6 only for the girl who returned from the errand very late to complain that she was lured by the suspect with N100 note into his apartment where she forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.

It was gathered that on receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer ,DPO, Ilaro division, Chief Superintendent of police ,DSP, Opebiyi Sunday led his men to the resident of the suspect where he was promptly arrested.

On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime but blame it all on the devil.

The victim has been taken to Ilaro general hospital for medical attention.

Meanwhile, Oyeyemi said the commissioner of police CP Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered that the suspect be transferred to anti human trafficking and child labour unit of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for proper investigation and prosecution. He equally advised parents to desist from sending their children out in the night especially the female ones in order to save them from these types of animals in human skin.

•Asinde

Prostitution ring leader shave ladies for rituals

•The three girls and their cordinators,Vera and Egbulefu extreme right

Stories by XAVIER NDAH

A

27-year –old lady Vera John has been arrested by the police along with her accomplice one Ikechkwu Egbulefu for allegedly recruiting young girls for prostitution in Lagos.

Police said the lady was arrested for bringing girls from other States such as Imo, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers States to Lagos State for prostitution.

It was gathered that news of the girls dealings came to the fore when the police were contacted and on the strength of the information, Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad operatives were directed by the Commissioner of

Two arrested while robbing with toy gun T

wo men have been arrested by the Police Ogun State command while robbing with a toy gun.

Police said the two men Micheal Iheanacho 34, of Alaba international market Ojo Lagos and Jamiu Haruna 38,of Kembiri Street Okokomaiko Lagos were arrested following a distress call received by the Police at Agbara Division on July

•Suspects

2, that three suspected armed robbers were attacking one Ugochuckwu Umeh at his residence in Idanyini area of Agbara with the intent to dispossess him of his Honda power Bike motorcycle with registration number GBE 717 GH. Police Public Relations officer,Ogun state DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said immediately the information was received, the DPO Agbara Division, Superintendent of Police Adegbite Omotayo quickly mobilized his men to the scene where two out of the three hoodlums were arrested with the assistance of the local vigilantes.

According to Oyeyemi , a toy gun has so far been recovered from them which they used to instill fear into their victim.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Cp, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered that the two suspects be transferred to FSARS for discreet investigation while serious manhunt should be launched for the fleeing member of the gang.

Police, CP, to investigate and arrest the suspects involved.

Police source said investigations into the matter led to the arrest of the main coordinators of the group identified as Ikechukwu Egbulefu 27 years and Vera John 26,at Wagbas Hotel Ajah, Lagos where some girls which they recruited for making money through prostitution were rescued.

Police Commissioner Lagos Command Edgal Imohimi, who confirmed the story said those rescued from the hotel where they were kept were Helen Dickson,22,Debora David,18 and Chinwendu Oyekachi, 18 years.

The victims confessed that the

suspects lured them to Lagos with a promise of job and better living.

They also narrated that they were taken to a shrine in Epe-Ijebu and were made to swear an oath that they would not abscond from the hotel. The painful aspect was that after sleeping with various men, they surrender the proceeds to Vera John.

The victims told The Oracle Today that they were being given N650 daily for their feeding and all the money they make through sex with men were always delivered to their madam Vera who said she was keeping them for safe keeping for their future use.

“I told them the kind of work they wam com do, wen dem com

I put them in a hotel, pay for the accommodation and they start.

Men will come and meet them in the hotel and pay them money and in the morning we collect the money from them. Some of them make up to N15, 000 naira while some N10, 000 or above in a day, I give them N650 for feeding from that money they make every day and I keep the rest incase their parents need money I send to them and at the end of the year I will check what they have made so far and I pay them according to their worth. We agreed on one million naira at the end of the year so they can use it to start a trade” Vera their coordinator said.

However, the girls denied her claims saying that they were just working for free without seeing their money as all goes to their madam Vera.

The girls claimed that their leader even took them to Ijebu Ode where their pubic hairs were shaved to prepare charms to make men line up to have sex with them because in the hotel they are many prostitutes and there is competition.

“When we first started men were not much coming to us so our madam complained that we were not making much money and wondered why they were not coming as they come to other girls and our madam said she knows what to do, She took us to Ijebu- Ode where our pubic hairs were shaved and used to prepare charms for us and it actually worked as customers were trickling in and the rush for sex was enormous till we were unable to handle them” “We do short time for N2, 000 naira and some will ask for blow job (sucking of men’s penis) we charge higher for that depending on the bargaining power and for a whole night we collect from N5, 000 upward, so in a night if we add all the money we make it can be up to 15,000 or more” one of the girls Deborah said.

The girls however have indicated their intention to return home if left off the hook as the police are prepared to charge the suspects to court.

Four suspects in police net A

four man gang most wanted robbers who have been terrorizing Marogbo area of Lagos State and its environs have been arrested by police operatives of the police Lagos State Command.

The suspects identified as Saka Buraimoh,25; Oni Kudaisi, 35; Sadiq Dauda; and Taiwo Popoola, 24 were arrested on Tuesday whilst on operation in the area.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP, Edgal Imohimi,said the operatives of the command from Marogbo Division arrested a dare devil gang of four armed robbery suspects, who have been terrorizing Marogbo area of Lagos State.

According to him,the suspects have been under the radar following complaints from their victims who they had dispossessed of their cash and valuables at various times, until luck ran out on them when they attacked one Mr. Cletus Odom at Marogbo junction, Badagry, Lagos and snatched from him at gun point, the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000).

The Police boss said that while the operation was going on, a good Nigerian, who was watching from a

•The suspects and their operational motorcycle

safe distance how the helpless citizen was being attacked, “placed a call to the DPO in charge of the Marogbo Division, who quickly rushed to the scene with his men and engaged the robbers, forcing them to retreat into a nearby swamp where they were arrested.”

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: one locally made double barrel pistol loaded with two live cartridges, aBajaj Boxer motor cycles with registration No. MUS 330 QJ

which they used during the operation and the stolen N250,000 cash.

However, the CP, Imohimi, said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation into the robbery is concluded.

One of the suspect Saka Dauda, a motorcyclist said, I’m a motor cycle operator. I didn’t know they are robbers, I was employed to convey one of their friends in the bank, and on way I saw them attacking people and robbed them of their money.”

43

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS S’East will negotiate with presidential aspirants on well-being –Umahi

C

hairman of the South East Governors Forum and Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi says the zone will negotiate with whomever it will support in the 2019 presidential election on its wellbeing.

Umahi made the disclosure, Tuesday in Abakaliki while receiving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Umahi said that leaders of the zone would sit and discuss with aspirants to address the marginalisation and other challenges confronting the zone.

“We shall deliberate, write, sign and seal the agreement and this would be done at this time that I am the chairman of the South East Governors Forum. It is time to discuss with our votes and let none of our sons and daughters negotiate and say people have done several things for us.

“Such people would be called outcasts as the future of south east will be discussed by its leaders who will follow any aspirant that was in agreement with their terms,” he said.

He urged Atiku to realise that the people were the bosses and should answer every questions concerning his intention.

“I am a leader who is directed by his people and follow wherever they say I follow. I hand this meeting over to our state party chairman to preside but would leave with my deputy so that people will not say that the governor has decided.

“We are neutral but you all must realise that we love Abubakar,” he said.

Abubakar, while addressing the state party faithful, said that he was in the state on solidarity and to solicit support of the party on his presidential ambition under the platform of the PDP. The former vice president said that 40 political parties came together on Monday, to support one candidate in order to dislodge the ruling party from Aso rock, in 2019.

“The parties will not only support one presidential candidate but governors, national and state assembly members, among other political positions in the country,” he said.

He said that he had stood for the restructuring of the country and would ensure that it was restructured if elected into power in 2019.

Abubakar commended the state governor for his developmental efforts in the state especially in areas of infrastructure and social needs of the people.

Chief Gbenga Daniels, Former Ogun Governor and Director General of Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation said that Abubakar was a detribalised Nigerian who believed in the unity of the country.

PDP State Chairman said that Abubakar was the third aspirant from the party to visit the state, noting that all efforts must be made to ensure that the party returned to Aso rock in 2019.

Ngige drums support for Buhari as senators disagree on coalition

F

ormer Anambra governor and now Labour and Productivity Minister, Chris Ngige said, Tuesday in Ado Ekiti that no gang up would stop President Buhari’s reelection in 2019.

This is also as senators from opposing sides have expressed divergent opinions over the recent coalition of political parties which emerged to present platform ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Ngige said that the gang up against the President by some leaders would fail ahead of next year election, noting that he has brought sanity to the Nigeria’s economy compared to what he met when he assumed office in 2015.

The former Senator who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital during the grand finale mega rally of the All Progressives Congress, described the parties forming alliance against the president as “mushroom”.

He said the APC, which first evolved as Action Congress and later Action Congress of Nigeria be-

fore its current name of APC, had remained a progressive party with the vision and mission of uplifting the lives of Nigerians.

The former governor said the people of Ekiti should vote wisely by electing Dr. Kayode Fayemi of APC on Saturday, so as to be part of progressives.

According to him, parties gathering to unseat Buhari are just wasting their time as nothing will stop President Buhari from winning 2019 Presidential election.

“All the gang up against the President will fail and he is going to win with landslide victory. It is obvious that before now, there was strong opposition against President Buhari by same past Nigerian leaders, but their plan to stop him then failed.

“I can equally assure you that their gang up now will still fail because those who say Buhari should not run in 2019 are afraid that they may be forced to cough out the public fund they embezzled through dubious means, “he said.

He accused Governor Ayo Fayose

of impoverishing the people of Ekiti state, especially the Igbo traders by his refusal to pay backlog of salaries.

He noted that the non-payment of salaries was fast destroying the businesses of many Igbo people that are into trading in the state, saying a vote for Fayemi would address the current situation.

Meanwhile, Sen. Philip Gyunka (PDP-Nasarawa), Tuesday, hailed the alliance of 39 political parties ahead of 2019 general elections, saying it was “a welcome development”.

The political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to remove ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power.

The coalition, which also has the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), a splinter from APC, said it would form government of national unity in 2019.

• (From left): Head, Brand and Marketing Hygin HNO, Mr. Ahmed Adeyanju; Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Heritage Bank, Mr. Fela Ibidapo; Executive Producer, The Next TITAN, Mr. Mide Kunle-Akinlaja; Corporate Affairs Manager, SIFAX Group, Mr. Olumuyiwa Akande and Corporate Communications Manager, Air Peace Airlines, Mr. Chris Iwarah, during the press conference for the commencement of The Next Season Five of The Next TITAN Nigeria, headline sponsored by Heritage Bank in Lagos.

Obasanjo calls for more women participation in politics

F

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo, Tuesday in Abuja, called for the participation of more women in politics to ensure sustainable democracy in the country.

Obasanjo made the call while presenting a paper titled; “Nigeria Democracy and the Journey so far: The role of women,’’ at the 70th Birthday celebration of Mrs Josephine Anenih, former Minister of Women Affairs.

He said that democracy was the best form of government that soothes Nigeria because it promotes unity, adding that the country’s democracy is alive but not healthy.

“Democracy is a system of government that allows team spirit and debate before decisions are reached; it is a government for all citizens to benefit without fear or favour. The health of our democracy can be judged by the participation of women; the low number of women in National Assembly is un-

acceptable and makes mockery of gender balance.

“Our Constitution should be amended to allow 40 per cent of women participation in politics; it is about time that women should feature in all aspect of our democratic process and practice,’’ Obasanjo said.

The former president who congratulated Anenih on her birthday said she was a woman worth celebrating and thanked God for the blessings bestowed on her and her family.

Also, Prof Remi Shonaiya, 2015 Presidential Candidate of Kowa party, felicitated with the celebrator and called for the socialisation of more women into leadership positions.

Shonaiya said that there was urgent need to recognise the importance of educating girls and boys to see themselves as equal participants in nation building.

She added that men should sup-

port women in their political ambition because both gender have to unite to achieve development.

The celebrator, who was filled with emotion, thanked the organisers of the occasion and the entire guest for their kind gesture and show of love.

She also urged women to stand up and fight for their rights as equal partners in nation building adding that leadership would not be given to women on a platter.

Anenih added that women owed it to themselves as a duty to get it right in the political and leadership arena.

Other dignitaries at the event were, Sule Lamido, Former Governor of Jigawa state, Mr Peter Obi, Former Governor of Anambra state, Mr Musa Elayo, Former minister of State for Justice among others.

Highpoint of the occasion was the launch of a book in honour of the celebrator titled, “Celebrating an Extraordinary Amazon at 70.’’

Gyunka said in Abuja that the fears being expressed in certain quarters that the coalition would not achieve result were misplaced.

He said: “The people are tired of the government of the day. I am very optimistic that this coalition will endure; after all, it is the same coalition that brought the current government into power in 2015.

“I believe that come 2019 power will change hands. The APC came preaching change but we have not seen any change. I want to assure Nigerians that the real change will happen in 2019 by the grace of God.” On concerns that the PDP was defeated in 2015 on account of impunity and corruption and may not gain the confidence of the people in 2019, the lawmaker said the party had learnt from its mistakes.

According to him, failure is not a finished product but a raw material.

“We have learnt from our mistakes and we are ready to make amends where we failed. We are ready to sit at a roundtable to discuss issues to ensure that there is no imposition of candidates because we have learnt a lot from our past.

“Talking of impunity and corruption, this government is not immune from it; unfortunately they shy away from constructive criticisms. God pre-destines people to power and he whom God pre-destines he calls,” he said.

Gyunka assured Nigerians that the alliance would work towards a Nigeria where the standard of living would be improved.

However, Gyunka’s colleague, Sen. Abu Ibrahim (APC-Katsina) described the coalition as “laughable” and said that APC would not be bothered about it.

He said that no APC member would lose sleep over the coalition, adding that they were not recognised by Nigerians and would not win election.

The lawmaker said: “if you take individuals, not more than two or three matter and may have impact in their states. They cannot win election without Buhari. I do not want to mention name but majority will not win election by themselves.

“Some of them matter in their states but they are not more than four out of this jamboree. For Buba Galadima, has he ever won an election? He was the longest parasite that hung to Buhari because he couldn’t deliver anything.

“I have been with them for the past 15 years, so I know them and their antics. Can he win his ward in Yobe? They do not even know him there. He is only an Abuja politician and in Abuja, he has no constituency except the constituency of the mouth.’’

He added that the APC was not afraid of the large number of parties coming together, adding that many of them did not have members.

“Of all those parties, tell me the one that has members. It is only RAPC that we may lose one governor to and three or four senators, that is all,” he said.

Ibrahim expressed optimism that the APC would win the 2019 elections, adding that most of the parties forming coalition did not have structure.

44

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS

I am not an ex-convict - Imo Deputy Governor From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

T

he Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has reacted to the allegations leveled against him by 13 members of the Imo State House of Assembly who petitioned against him to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Acho Ihim, denying that he was convicted and imprisoned in the United States of America or elsewhere.

13 members of the House loyal to Governor Okorocha, led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ugonna Ozirigbo, had petitioned the Speaker, alleging that the Deputy Governor had committed offences

ranging from absenteeism without permission for a period of 3 months, concealment of his conviction and imprisonment in the US for theft, refusal or failure to attend State Executive Council meeting, refusal or failure to attend State Security meeting and failure to attend meetings with the governor and commissioners.

But, in a press statement by his media aide, Mr. Uche Onwuchekwa, the Deputy Governor described the allegation that he concealed his conviction and imprisonment in the US over theft as “The most embarrassing among the spurious allegations” and “annoying”.

He said: “This is not only astonishing but an extreme show of lack of due diligence. The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has never been convicted of any civil matter let alone a criminal matter.

“We are pained to state that two times the Deputy Governor had to go through the pains of losing his freedom in detention were all in the course of saving Owelle Rochas Okorocha from public disgrace.

He rather had to carry Okorocha’s cross and bore his shame”.

He “recalled that Prince Madumere shortly after Achike Udenwa’s victory at the polls in 1999 had to face contempt of court for fail-

ure to make it to the court because he was in detention in the United States for about one month all because he was delayed by Governor Okorocha. To the glory of God, Prince Madumere was acquitted of all charges. We also challenge the members of the House of Assembly to produce the verdicts of the court that convicted Prince Madumere.

“The second time he had to stoop that Governor Okorocha may be spared of the humiliation of getting incarcerated, Prince Madumere again yielded and was detained for almost two months on phony charges, which he also was absolved of all charges”.

CHANGE OF NAME AND PUBLIC NOTICE

• Madumere

I formerly known as MISS OKOLO NGOZI MARYROSE now wish to be known as MRS OKEY NGOZI MARYROSE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as JOHN CHINYERE JOY now wish to be known as NDUBUISI CHINYERE JOY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as GEORGE OBAELUE CHIBOGU now wish to be known as GEORGE OBAELUE CHIBOGU OKONGWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as DESTINY NWACHUKWU now wish to be as OFIAELI UCHENNA EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as EZEADA UCHE CAROLINE now wish to be known as ORJI UCHE CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note

I, formerly known as Miss ALICE-JAYNE REMONN NKANU, now wish to be known as Mrs. ALICE-JAYNE REMONN EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public take note.

I, formerly known as MISS EGBO UGONNA PASCALINE now wish to be known as MRS CHUKWUNTA UGONNA PASCALINE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, banks and general public, take note.

I formerly known as JAMES MIRACLE NDUBUISI now wish to be known as UBA MIRACLE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as MISS EZEKA ESTHER now wish to be known as MRS EBEDE ESTHER IFESINACHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as EZEUDE CHINAZOR SYLVIA now wish to be known as CHUKWUKA CHINAZOR SYLVIA. All Former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as PASTOR GODWIN IHEKWOABA HEART now wish to be known as PASTOR GODWIN IHEKWOABA OBINYERE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as OKAH AFAMEFUNA OKANWAFOR now wish to be known as OKAH AFAMEFULE SAINT. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as MISS EUCHARIA NWEKE ADAKU now wish to be known as MRS EUCHARIA ISINTUNE ADAKU. former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

BUSINESS ARENA

I formerly known as OKONKWO KINGSLEY OBINNA now wish to be known as CHUKWU KINGSLEY OBINNA. Born on 0306-1998 .All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as IWUCHUKWU VALENTINE now wish to be known as IWUCHUKWU EBUKA VALENTINE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note I formerly known as CAROLINE OKWUCHUKWU NDUKA now wish to be known as IBEH CAROLINE OKWUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as KOLAWOLA JIMSOLA OLALEKAN now wish to be known as KOLAWOLE OLALEKAN SULAIMAN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as BAKU MUHAMMED now wish to be known as CAIPHAS MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as MISS MBA NNENNA ANASTESIA now wish to be known as MRS ONYECHI NNENNA ANASTESIA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

Tax is a civic obligation for the development of the state LOSS OF DOCUMENT I, Mrs CLARA CHIBUZOR CHIME of No 8 Nolim lake street Maitama Abuja wish to bring this notice to the general public that I lost and have not found the Certitificate of Occupancy no 28820 of my plot situate at Plot P/23R & P/24p independence layout Enugu The plot was duly registered at the Enugu land registry as No 20 @ page 20 in volume 1630.

I have applied for certified True copy of the same from Land registry Enugu Signed Clara Chime (Mrs)

PAY YOUR TAX AS AND WHEN DUE This message is from Anambra State Internal Revenue Services.

TAX OFFICE SHOPRITE NO 7 PARK ROAD GRA ONITSHA

45

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

SPORTS

Rohr counts World Cup positives •‘Eagles will no long feel inferior’

By MADUABUCHI KALU

N

ATIONAL team technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr is counting on the positives of Eagles’ World Cup participation despite not making it to the second round of the global football fiesta which was the minimum expectation of millions of Nigerian football fans.

According to him, Eagles put up a good showing at the Mundial and with the experience they garnered at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, his charges will no longer feel inferior to any team at the biggest stage of world football after showing good character in Russia.

“I think the future is for Nigeria because the spirit is wonderful.

The solidarity in the team, this is the core moment, how great the spirit in the team is.

“What they learned is to be better in the beginning of the match.

We reacted well in all three matches in the second half. So, our start must be better,” Gernot Rohr said.

Continuing he said: “Also we should have no complex. Now, we have seen that we can win against good teams like Iceland.

“We have some mistakes of youthfulness like conceding penalties, but all the time the team is indeed collecting spirit and I love it,” Rohr declares.

Meanwhile, Eagles’ defender, Leon Balogun is seeing it from a different perceptive from Rohr’s position as he is calling on his international teammate to learn football’s darker acts following their ouster from the World Cup.

The Super Eagles exited the tournament penultimate week when they lost to two time world champions, Argentina and of course the Argentine are equally at home after as they were shown the exit door by France in the Round of 16 following their 3-4 lost to France.

According to Balogun: “It is always important when you play internationals to be a bit dirty and that was what Argentina has definitely and you also need to be cold blooded, that’s probably the important lesson at the FIFA World Cup for me,” the defence ace said.

Despite winning just 22 caps for Nigeria so far, Balogun is one of the experienced figures in the Nigerian squad that was the youngest of all the teams at the FIFA World Cup with an average age of 25.

However, Balogun’s central defensive partner, Williams Troost Ekong is of the view that the experience garnered at the 2018 FIFA World Cup can lead to a pride of future for Nigeria. He also wondered whether a silver lining can come from the dressing room following the bitter defeat to Argentina in St Petersburg.

Prior to the World Cup finals, only five member of the current Nigerian squad had ever played at the FIFA World Cup, John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Ogenyi Eddy Onazi and Elderson Echiejile.

Unfortunately, the last two players did not feature in any of the three games in Russia. Now 13 more have World Cup experience and Troost Ekong says there is the need to conquer the world.

•Super Eagles

Kayode gives thumps up for Eagles •Confident of Eagles’ return

S

UPER Eagles striker, Olanrewaju Kayode, has praised his teammates for their gallant performance at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup despite their early exit from the global football party.

Olanrwaju who is still in shock that he missed the global tournament said Eagles need encouragethat the ball will not touch it. ment and support by all Nigerians Mba made FIFA’s position known for what they were able to do in while fielding questions on Brila Russia.

FM programme on the controver- The goal poacher maintained sial hand ball call by Nigeria in the game against Argentina in which Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel maintained was a hand ball.

USA KIDA, the factional PresIn his word: “There are issues ident of Nigeria Basketball FIFA say you have to watch out for Federation (NBBF), who is curwhen you are deciding handball,” rently in communication with FederaMba began. tion of International Basketball Feder“If your hand is in a natural po- ation (FIBA), has hailed the country’s sition and the ball touches your male national basketball team, D’Tihand, will you have cut off your gers for a good job after winning all hand to throw it off? their matches to qualify for the next “If you are jumping up to head a phase of the 2019 FIBA World Cup in ball, where do you keep your hand? China.

At your back? Natural position of Kida said that indeed that NBBF the hand, if the ball hit the hand at would continue to provide everything its natural position, is not a hand- needed to ensure the team eventually pick the ticket for the Basketball ball,” Mba submitted.

“If you are putting your hand World Cup next year in China.

“We did fantastically well even when down and you are on the ground and putting your hand on the we had supposedly ‘threat of a ban’ or ground and a player hit the ball on supposedly thereat of people calling your hand and you did not propel for elections and all that. So, Nigerians the ball, is not a hand ball,” Mba should entertain no fear whatsoever.

“On the part of NBBF board, we said. should continue to encourage our So, with this explanation by the players and the technical team to do person who is in the know, Nigeri- the best that they could to enable us ans who are still holding the view secure a ticket for 2019 FIBA World that the centre referee who offici- Cup in China,” Kida said. ated the Super Eagles’ last match Meanwhile, following Kida’s declaagainst Argentina should have a ration of support to D’Tigers, the assisrethink and forge ahead and bear tant coach of the team, Ogodado has no grudge against the referee for declared that the Nigerian men basexecuting his job dutifully. ketball team are to ensure that they

Mba dismisses Super Eagles’ penalty claim against Argentina

R

ENOWNED Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) badged referee, Linus Mba, has tore to shreds the Super Eagles’ penalty claim in their last group game against Argentina penultimate week.

According to the retired referee, reputed for his unbiased officiating, there are issues that FIFA said every referee should look at when deciding hand ball.

He explained that if the hand is in its natural position and the ball touches the hand, that it is not a hand ball even as he asked if the hand is in its natural position and the ball touches it whether the person is going to cut it off his hand so

•Linus Mba

that the three time African champions did their best considering the difficult group they found themselves and yet they were not disgraced.

“The game of football is like every other game. Sometimes you win some and sometime you lose some,” Kayode began.

“All that we need to do is to encourage and support them. I think that we get better very soon.

“Eagles gave their best even if some Nigerians are not satisfied

Kida hails D’Tigers

M

consolidate on the points accrued from the first qualifying window for the next window, so as to boast their hope of securing ticket for the 2019 World Cup in China.

“It is the best thing that could have happened to us right now. The points you get here are carried over to the next window.

“So, we are going into the next window with 12 points. Luckily for us, some people are coming in as low as four points and as low as six points.

Therefore, it is a good thing to us; it is the best thing that could have happen to us.

“We just hope that we are going to go into the next window and continue from the good things that we have already done,” Ogodado said.

•Musa Kida

with the outcome of their participation because they found themselves in a very tough group, otherwise referred to as group of death.

It was a tough group that went into the last day,” Olarenwaju confessed.

“I believe I’ll be back in the team but if you had told me that I’d miss the World Cup, I’d argue it. It was a great shock for me but it’s in the past now.” The Shakhtar Donetsk forward confessed.

“I have a big dream. I am talking about the Super Eagles. I want to score for Nigeria and contribute a lot to the progress of the team.

That’s my dream.

“You know everything is possible because I believe in myself so much. And I am working out. I think definitely I can contribute a lot to the team. I think I have a big dream to contribute a lot for Nigeria,” Olarenwaju said.

Revealing his permanent acquisition by Shakhtar Donesk, Shakhtar’s General Director, Sergei Palkin told the club’s official website: “Kayode will continue to play for Shakhtar. We redeemed him from Manchester City and he has signed a five-year contract. He proved himself well, Paulo (Fonseca, Shakhtar manager) is pleased with him.”

It is recalled that following his superlative performance for Austria Wien in 2016/17 season, Manchester City moved quickly to buy him in August 2017, after scoring 17 league goals in 33 league games to finish top goal scorer in the Austrian top division and 24 goals in total for his former club, Austria Wien.

He didn’t play a single game during his time as a City player as he spent last season at Girona-where he played 12 games without scoring- and Shakhtar Donetsk all on loan.

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

SPORTS

NYG: Our target is to surpass our previous achievement – Amadi Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

D

ESPITE taking away the National Sports Festival Rights (NSF) from Cross River State, sports in that state is still making steady progress according to the State Director of Sports, Dr. Jude Amadi.

Amadi made stated this in exclusive telephone interview with the Oracle Today Sports on Tuesday.

He explained that the stat’s focus at the moment is on the forthcoming National Youth Games which Kwara State will be playing host to next month.

He explained that apart from the National Youth Games which they are preparing for with sole aim of improving on their previous achievement, they are also looking forward to a better outing at the National Sports Festival which the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will host later in the year.

“Well; sports in Cross River is making steady progress despite the withdrawal of the hosting right for the National Sports Festival (NSF) from the state,” Dr. Amadi began.

“We are focusing our attention on preparing for the national Youth Games in Ilorin which will take place next month. It is our dream to do well in that championship.

“We hope to surpass our previous achievement in the championship that is why we have started preparing on time.

“Apart from that, it is our intention to also perform well at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abuja later in the year. These two championships are very impor-

tant to us in Cross River State.

“That the hosting right of the NSF does not mean that we should not prepare again for the sports meet in Abuja. We will be in Abuja with sole aim of competing with other states for the medals at stake.

“We will not be going there to make up the numbers! No. We will be going to Abuja to fight for honours like every other state,” Dr Amadi said.

Speaking further, the sports administrator explained that outside of the two championships, sports in the state will continue to make appreciable progress as they are going to follow all their programmes to their logical conclusion.

It is recalled that after the hosting right for the national Sports Festival has been withdrawn from Cross River State, it was handed over to the FCT. The hosting right was withdrawn from the Carnival capital of the country following their inability to convince stakeholders that they are ready to host the festival after several failures.

The last National Sports Festival (NSF) was held in 2012 in Lagos tagged “Eko 2012” and at the end of the sports meet, the torch for the next edition in 2014 was handed over to Cross Rivers State but they could not deliver on their promise to host the festival in 2014 nor in 2015.

Even in 2016 and 2017, Cross River failed woefully to play host to the biannual sports festival aimed at discovering talent that should nurtured for international sports tournament for the country.

Galatasaray open talk with Everton over Onyekuru

G

ALATASARAY have announced that they have opened talks with Everton

I faced contempt of court over NFF case – Dalung

M

INISTER of sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has thrown more light on factors that led to his directive ordering Amaju Pinnick and members of his executive committee to step at Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was due to a contempt of court order that he was served with for delaying implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.

While admitting that implementing the court ruling could bring dire consequences on the country, Dalung pointed out that it is Nigerian football stakeholders themselves who give room for world soccer governing body, FIFA to hit the nation for taking internal decisions.

Dalung, however, stated further during a television interview on Monday afternoon that the nation’s football stakeholders should also be held responsible for the chain of events affecting the NFF, as he insists both sides of the saga took the recourse to legal actions.

He went on to reveal that he took it upon himself to intervene in the matter, even to the extent of personally informing Pinnick and his group about the attorney-general’s advice on implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling.

He stated in part: “Before going to the World Cup, I took it upon myself to inform the NFF about the advice I had from the attorney-general of the federation about the need for us to follow what the Supreme Court ruled on this matter.

“Being a lawyer myself, I am aware of the implications of disobeying court orders, and I had also been told that I was subject

to contempt of court over this matter. We have to obey the laws of the land; we are all bound firstly by what our on courts say. “I any case, with both sides of the matter going to different courts at various points along the line, they have made themselves subject to the law of the land, regardless of what the

regulations of FIFA say.

“FIFA will surely have something to say on this matter, but we need to also consider our own internal legal system on this issue. In any case, it is we here in the country ourselves that keep raising the issue of FIFA ban. We escalate the matter even before FIFA speaks.”

12 Thai trapped footballers, coach rescued from flooded cave

A

LL 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped for more than two weeks deep inside a flood Thai cave have been rescued, a Thai navy SEAL unit said on Tuesday, a successful end to a perilous mission that has gripped the world.

“The 12 Wild Boars and coach have emerged from the cave and they are safe,” the Thai navy SEAL unit said on its official Facebook page.

The “Wild Boars” soccer team and their coach got trapped on June 23 while exploring the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai after soccer practice and a rainy season downpour flooded the tunnels.

British divers found the 13, hun-

gry and huddled in darkness on a muddy bank in a partly flooded chamber several kilometers inside the complex, on Monday last week.

After pondering for days how to get the 13 out, a rescue operation was launched on Sunday when four of the boys were brought out, tethered to rescue divers.

Another four were rescued on Monday and the last four boys and the coach were brought out on Tuesday.

Celebrations will be tinged with sadness over the loss of a former Thai navy diver who died last Friday while on a re-supply mission inside the cave in support of the rescue.

for the signing of Nigeria wideman Henry Onyekuru.

The Turkish giants tweeted on Monday that they’d begun discussions with the Premier League side regarding the Nigerian’ future.

“Professional footballer Henry Chukwuemeka Onyekuru’s official transfer from Everton FC has started with official talks between the footballer and [his] club,” Gala tweeted on their official @galatasaraysk handle.

According to Sky Sports, the Super Lig heavyweights are keen to bring the versatile international in on loan, with Onyekuru having spent last season at Anderlecht.

The 21-year-old endured a miserable campaign last term, after his season was ended in January when a knee injury ruled him out for much of the rest of the year.

Nonetheless, he bagged nine goals in 19 appearances for Anderlecht, but missed out on Nigeria’s World Cup squad despite returning to training ahead of the tournament.

Everton signed Onyekuru from KAS Eupen a year ago after activating his £6.8 million release clause, with the wonderkid having enjoyed an excellent breakout campaign in Belgium.

Croatia sack coach over ‘glory to Ukraine’ video

C

ROATIA’S Football Federation (HNS) sacked Ognjen Vukojević, a member of the national team’s coaching staff, over a “glory to Ukraine” video posted after Croatia beat Russia in the World Cup quarter-finals, HNS said in a statement on Monday.

Vukojevic and Croatia defender Domagoj Vida published the video on social media after the match on Saturday in a move which was criticised by Russian politicians and led to a warning from FIFA’s disciplinary committee.

Relations between Ukraine and World Cup hosts Russia remain fraught after the latter’s 2014 annexation of the Crimean peninsula and its backing for a pro-Russian uprising in the east of the country.

HNS said it had revoked Vukojevic’s accreditation at the World Cup and relieved him of his duties as an observer for the Croatia squad.

“HNS hereby apologises to the Russian public for the actions of a member of the Croatian delegation,” it said.

HNS said Vukojevic and Vida apologised for their statements, saying they were not intended to be political messages but “unfortunately left room for such interpretations”.

Both Vukojevic and the 29-yearold Vida previously played for Ukrainian club Dynamo Kiev.

Croatia face England in the World Cup semi-finals in Moscow on Wednesday.

Questions on the subject were not allowed when Croatia players Mario Mandzukic and Andrej Kramaric spoke at a news conference in Moscow later on Monday.

“We have been quite clear on the matter, that is the position of the federation and we don’t need to ask the players,” a Croatia team spokesman said.

FIFA later handed Vukojevic a fine of 15,000 Swiss francs ($15,000) and a warning for unsporting behaviour, adding that the assistant coach had apologised for his actions.

We want to develop playing pattern for national teams –Sanusi

S

ecretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has disclosed that the Federation are planning a playing pattern for all the national teams with a view to ensuring there will be no more segregation for all the national team.

According to him the purpose of the plan for playing pattern for the national teams is to ensure that all the national teams enjoy the same treatment without any discrimination as is correctly the case.

Dr. Mohammed disclosed this while fielding questions on Brila.FM. “We are doing a lot to ensure that all our national teams, I mean the underage teams and the women teams enjoy the same treatment as currently extended to the Super Eagles,” Mohammed began.

“We are doing this in the area of preparation of the teams and other areas. It is actually the same thing that will happen to junior team.

“This is why we also engage quality coaches. We want to develop a playing pattern that will be common to all the national teams,” Mohammed declared.

It will indeed be a good thing if what the NFF’s General Secretary said will be implemented as it will help the development of the game in the country.

This is because as he said they are planning to ensure that what the Super Eagles which is the flagship team other national teams also enjoy them particularly the women national team who seem not to have sufficient attention of the Federation.

,,

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 18, 2018

NEWS

2019 - Coalitions excite politicians, civil society Cont’d from Pg 2 access their money and they want somebody that can come so that they can access their money and their children will begin to celebrate birthdays in the air with private jets.

Those things are no more.”

The two dominant political parties in Bayelsa remain PDP and APC, and recent defections that took place in the State were in and out of the two parties. The former Chairman of NDDC Board, Prof. Tarila Tebepah and other chieftains of the APC recently defected to the PDP, while the former Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Ibarakumo Otobo and his supporters on the other hand defected to the APC from the PDP. Tarila and his colleagues had begged Governor Dickson for for-

giveness for abandoning PDP for APC, saying former governor and APC Leader in the State, Chief Timipre Sylva, deceived them.

On his part, the former Youths Commissioner said he left the PDP because Governor Dickson was not living up to expectation. “I am a man of very few words and of distinct character. I have the right as a patriotic citizen of this country to choose my political party,” he said.

In Abia State, there are many parties but the ones that could be said to be prominent are the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Of all of them, SDP is relatively new. Its members are aggrieved members of the PDP who pulled away from the party in the run up

to the 2015 general elections and pitched their tents either with the APC or APGA. In May this year, they embraced SDP with a former House of Assembly member, Chief Chidi Nwosu, as their interim leader. Currently, they are going round Abia on advocacy visits to prominent Abians as part of the strategy to recruit quality membership into its fold.

Their major target is to dethrone the PDP. The party is still putting its house in order but has sworn to cause a serious movement in the political curve of Abia.

There is the APC, which hopes to ride on the advantage of being the ruling party at the centre to spring surprises in the 2019 general elections. But it is locked in a battle of wits and a fierce wrestling for the leadership position at the state level.

Ekiti as 2019 test ground

S

ATURDAY’s governorship election in Ekiti State is not about out going Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. John Olukayode Fayemi; it is about the two parties, PDP and APC, revving their campaign fires for the 2019 election.

Fayose is not on the ballot, but his appointed successor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, is not the main contender, as Fayose has a personal stake in ensuring that his boasts about his standing in Ekiti are confirmed.

It would be a tough call, or as elections go, with all the pretences to a contest, a walkover for the winner. Fayose and Fayemi have been friends, with claims that Fayose, during his brief break from PDP, had been instrumental to Fayemi’s victory eight years ago. When Fayose defeated Fayemi in 2014, being the only Governor to have defeated incumbents twice (Niyi Adebayo was the first victim in 2003).

Alliances and coalitions that are being formed may play minimal roles in these elections, in which Fayose’s candidate (and Fayose) would for the first time be an contesting election in which he is opposed to the ruling party.

Some may refer to the assistance that he was said to have provided for Fayemi to defeat the ruling PDP. The issues at stake include unpaid salaries, need for the State to join the government at the centre, and fears that killer herdsmen could add Ekiti to their States, if there is a change in the government in power.

With the general election seven months away, there is a point for each of the principal parties to make about its readiness. Ekiti would be that testing ground. Unlike in 2014, when Fayemi handed over sportsmanly, the battle this time could be contested all the way to the courts.

MEANWHILE, former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the new coalition formed by PDP and other political parties was aimed at ensuring that All Progressives Congress, APC, was kicked out of power in the next general elections, CHINEDU NWAFOR, reports from Abakaliki.

Atiku during his consultation visit to the State said the coalition would successfully sweep APC out at all levels of governance in the country.

Atiku while addressing a mammoth crowd at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat along Abakaliki/Enugu Expressway accused the Buhari administration of only fighting corruption with other responsibilities of government neglected.

•Coalition will kick APC out in 2019 - Atiku

It is split into two factions: the Chief Donatus Nwankpa led-group and the Chief Ikechi Emenike faction. Both are struggling for the control of the party’s administrative machinery in the State.

APGA appears to be waxing strong again in the State. This is because its leader, Mr. Alex Otti, has been unobtrusively rejuvenating his campaign machinery for 2019. It is true that the party has lost many of her members who decamped to PDP but it has die-hard followers who would rather prefer to swim and sink with Otti. This is not to say that APGA doesn’t have its own dose of crises.

For instance, the 2015 governorship aspirant of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Chief Chikwe Udensi, has emerged on the scene, threatening to snatch the APGA governorship ticket from Otti. Udensi’s emergence has reinforced the division in APGA as the party now has two state party secretariats, one on Warri Street, Umuahia, controlled by Udensi and another on Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia under Otti. The duo will determine the alignments in the party as the days go by.

PDP is the landlord in Abia and party elders, have lined up behind

Parties in CUPP

•Gov. Fayose

He decried high level of unemployment in the country, saying over 11 million Nigerians became jobless under the current administration. “ I am here to introduce myself to the people of Ebonyi state to seek your support and that of our party so that we can throw out Muhammadu Buhari from Aso Rock.

Yesterday, 40 political parties came together to meet to present one candidate for presidential election.

“The coalition is going to have one candidate for presidential election, one candidate for governor, one candidate for senator, one candidate for House of Reps, one candidate for House of Assembly, one candidate for party chairman. We need this alliance because what I have seen in the last three years is what I have not seen in the last 35 years in this country.

“Therefore, we are determined, we are united and we are ready to make sure that in the next election whether state or national or federal, we will kick out APC in every state in this country. We have never experienced the level of poverty we are facing today. They are selling crude oil around $70 dollars per barrel, when we came in 1999 it was around $10dollars per barrel.

“I want to assure you that your party is ready to take that power but we can only do so through your support and your unity of purpose.

You are our bosses, if you tell us to go right we will go, if you tell us to go left we will go but at the end of the day you must accept responsibility if you take us to the wrong direction.

“So, let nobody come and deceive you on corruption, they are more corrupt than any government that

•Dr. Fayemi

I know since 1999 and we shall be revealing their level of corruption.

Fighting corruption alone is not the only responsibility of government.

Our unemployment is accelerated high and there have never a time we had more than 11million people, young people, young women thrown out of job. Today, we have more than 11 million unemployed people. Today, we have witnessed much insecurity in this country. Today, we are witnessing high inflation the APC government has brought to us in this country”, he said.

The former Vice President lauded Governor Dave Umahi for his developmental strides and called on the people of the state to reelect him in 2019 Speaking, Umahi said South East would negotiate 2019 presidency and that the zone will vote for a presidential candidate to will develop the zone.

“The people of Ebonyi State, the people of South East will sit down with anybody that is asking our votes to rule this country to negotiate. South East will not follow wrong path again. Anybody that wants the votes of South East will sit on the table with the leaders of South East, we shall agree, we shall write it, we shall sign it, we shall seal it.

“At a time I am the Chairman of South East Governors Forum, we shall come together and all the areas of marginalisation that we have been talking about, it is a time to discuss with our PVCs. The people of South East will be decided by the leaders of South East and any leader that is in agreement with our terms, we will follow the person”, he said.

1. Action Alliance, AA 2. Alliance for Democracy, AD 3. Africa Democratic Party, ADC 4. Action Democratic Party, ADP 5. All Grand Alliance Party, AGAP 6. Action Peoples Party, APP 7. Advanced Congress of Democrats, ACD 8. Better Nigeria Progressive Party, BPN 9. Democratic Alternative, DA 10. Democratic Peoples Party, DPC 11. Grand Democratic Party of Nigeria, GDPN 12. Green Party of Nigeria, GPN 13. KOWA Party, KP 14. Labour Party, LP 15. Mass Action Joint Alliance, MAJA 16. Masses Movement of Nigeria, MMN 17. National Conscience Party, NCP 18. New Generation Party, NGP 19. National Unity Party, NUP 20. Nigeria Intervention Movement, NIM 21. Peoples Alliance for National Development and Liberty, PANDEL 22. Peoples Progressive Party, PPP 23. People for Democratic Change, PDC 24. Peoples Democratic Party, PDP 25. Providence People’s Congress, PPC 26. Reformed All Progressive Congress, R-APC 27. Restoration Party of Nigeria, RPN 28. Social Democratic Party, SDP 29. Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN 30. All Grassroots Alliance, AGA 31. National Interest Party, NIP 32. Nigeria Democratic Congress Party, NDCP 33. Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA 34. Young Democratic Party, YDP 35. Mega Party Of Nigeria, MPN

the leader, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to dictate their alignments.

The colour of the alignments could be seen in the ubiquitous support groups that abound in the party.

Aspirants to various offices sponsor each support group.

This is the headache the Governor and those who call the shots in the party have to amicably and transparently resolve to maintain the current unity in the party because staunch members would not waste a second before storming out of the PDP if their interest was not protected.

For Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, a member of APGA Board of Trustees, any alignment or realignment that is not based on giving Ndigbo a presidential slot in 2023 is not for him.

Said Ezeonwuka: “My position on the on-going talks on mergers and alignment among political parties is that both PDP, R-APC and APC should concede the Presidency to Ndigbo in 2023. Any talk of merger and alignment without this cannot be acceptable because by all calculations, it is the turn of Ndigbo to occupy Aso Rock in 2023.”

Also in his own reaction, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh of the By Fire By fire Ministry, Nnewi, stated that any one who is still pitching his or her tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be regarded disregarded. Bishop therefore charged Ndigbo to disembark from APC because it is a party that has recorded the highest number of blood shedding in the country, even more than the blood shed during the civil war of 1967.

Less than two months to party primaries, politicians in Delta are already beating war drums bordering on which political party to align with in order to achieve their political ambition.

Without doubt, PDP, which is the ruling party in the State, is still ahead of the rest because since 1999, the party has been in charge and has never changed from the leadership position. At the moment, PDP is well organised and is battle-ready to face any political party that may threaten its leadership position in the State.

Sadly, APC now in tatters, due to leadership crisis, has clearly lost the opportunity of winning any slot in the general elections, come 2019.

The problem is that while both Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru and Senator Omo-Agege team is leading one faction, Chief Otega Emerho’s group is leading another team, a situation, which is already telling on the unity of the party.

The disunity was clearly demonstrated during one of the party’s congress few weeks ago when supporters of both factions had a serious and bloody engagement in Abuja.

Feelers have it that former Governor of the State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who is anxious to contest under the PDP in Delta South Senatorial District is thinking of crossing over to the SDP because his ambition is allegedly being threatened by his former aide, Hon. Michael Diden, alias Ejele who currently represents Warri North Constituency in the State House of Assembly.

The latter reportedly has the backing of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the ex-militant leader Chief Government Ekpemukpolo alias Tompolo.

Chief Ekpemukpolo and Hon. Diden are said to have supported Senator Okowa to become governor in 2015.

Others who also spoke at the Abuja event were include Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel; former National Secretary the PDP, Senator Ben Obi, among others.

WEDNESDAY July 18, 2018

The

www.oraclenews.ng

48

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

The Umunano Dilemma

T

he Umunano Dilemma, in this context, is metaphor for the doubts we often entertain about the correctness of some politically correct, or what the Americans would call affirmative, actions that society must sometimes take to achieve some pre-determined political objective. It bespeaks the limitation often imposed on our choices by affirmative actions (power rotation in these parts) designed primarily to promote equitable access to power, leadership and authority by all groups in a polity. It is a dilemma because while affirmative actions may, indeed, open up the political space to weak, vulnerable groups that

By Felix Oguejiofor Abugu would ordinarily not have access to power but from which capable but hitherto hidden Phone: 08076290498 (SMS only) leaders may even emerge, there is always this nagging question as to whether society would not have fared better if our choices w were not limited by such political exigencies.

It is a never-ending debate, to be sure.

But, suffice it to say that in places where affirmative actions (rotation of important elective positions) are considered valid options for advancing the cause of democracy, they have evidently served the people well. If not for such political engineering, how would a President Jonathan, for instance, have emerged from an 800,000-voter ‘minority’ State in a country that boasts States with 4-5m population apiece? The salutary effects (enthronement of equity, justice and fairplay in our body politic…) of a ‘minority’ as President of the Federal Republic may have been eroded by the ouster of Jonathan, no thanks to the ruling party’s undue emphasis on ‘majority’ suzerainty. But that does not, in any way, detract from the imperative of rotation as an invaluable path to equity, justice and fair play in our peculiar, if you will, unsophisticated, political clime.

In practical terms, the Umunano Dilemma drills down to the challenge of choice that confronts the people of Umunano, a political bloc in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, at the moment: going either right or left isn’t an easy street for them to walk!

Now, here is the story. Umunano is one of two political blocs in Igbo-Eze North. The •Top (L-R) other is Ozzi. Igbo-Eze North is all but a one• Fidel Ayogu town local government. Of the 20 electoral •Emeka Mamah wards in the local government, Enugu-Ezike •Centre: Uwakwe Ezeja town has 17 while non-Igbo speaking Igala •L - R: Simon Atigwe, Dennis Agpo community of Ette comprises the remaining three. There are four organic communities power would rotate: Ozzi and Umunano. Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA. Following that make up Enugu-Ezike, a sprawling 37-vil- Umunano (literally meaning four brothers) the Enugu State local government election lage agrarian town reputed as the largest derives from the pooling of the other three of November 28 last year, in which he was single town in West Africa, outside Ibadan. communities in Enugu-Ezike and the three- also the candidate of the victorious PDP, The communities are Ozzi, Esodo, Ezzodo ward community of Ette to form the bloc. Comrade Ezeja was sworn in the following and Umuitodo. Out of the 37 villages, Ozzi Both Ozzi and Umunano have 10 electoral month, on December 4 to be precise, as elected Chairman of the local government. alone is comprised of 22 leaving the other wards each.

What has come to be known as ‘Igbo-Eze However, his ascent to power was somethree communities with 15.

Sociologically, the four communities are North Charter of Equity’ provides for power what controversial.

In December 2014, an Ozzi Chairman of the of the same progenitor--Prince Ezike, an (two elective positions actually--local govEnugwu-Ukwu Prince who was said to have ernment chairman and Member, House of local government was impeached on chargfallen out with his father and was compelled Reps. House Membership rotates between es of financial malfeasance (some would say to migrate northwards until he finally settled Igbo-Eze North and Udenu) to rotate be- he was only a victim of ‘the ‘vicious politics’ on the hills of a community that was later to tween Ozzi and Umunano. IT ALSO PRO- of that time). His Umunano deputy was to bear his name—Enugwu-Ezike (there is an VIDES THAT AT NO POINT IN TIME MUST serve out the remaining one year of his two arena called Ama Ezike in Enugwu-Ukwu in THOSE TWO POSITIONS BE HELD SIMUL- terms of four years. Although, by local govNjikoka Local Government Area of Anam- TANEOUSLY BY PERSONS FROM THE SAME ernment election calendar in Enugu State, bra State to this day). But, for political and POLITICAL BLOC. Thus, if the local govern- the next local government election was to administrative convenience, political and ment chairman is from say Umunano, the have held in November or thereabout of cultural leaders in the local government met Member, House of Representatives must 2015, barely six months after Governor Ugwuanyi came to power, it was expectedly and agreed to fashion out of these commu- not also come from Umunano.

In January 2016, Comrade Uwakwe Eze- shifted. Apparently to allow the new govnities, two political blocs between which ja, an Ozzi man, was appointed Caretaker ernor time to settle down to work before

Eastside From the

conducting an election coupled with the obviously porous financial situation in the State at that time, the Ugwaunyi Administration, acting on the advice of PDP stakeholders and other leaders of thought, decided to shift the election to a more opportune time, appointing, in place of elected Chairs, caretaker committees to run the affairs of the 17 councils in the State pending the election of Chairmen-in-Councils.

It was in deference to the argument by Ozzi that one of their own should be appointed to complete, even if by default, the tenure the impeached chairman could not, that Governor Ugwuanyi appointed Comrade Ezeja Chairman of the Caretaker Committee to run Igbo-Eze North in the interim.

When, finally, the elections came, the PDP in its wisdom and obviously convinced that a bird in hand was worth two in the bush, again decided that it would be able to win more convincingly if it ran with caretaker chairmen who were already in charge and control of party structures in their various councils, than with new candidates who would need more time to get their acts together. And so, Ezeja was again fielded as the PDP Chairmanship candidate for the election, which he eventually won.

To make Umunano not feel shortchanged, an Ozzi senior lawyer was mandated to draft an agreement, which leaders of both Ozzi and Umunano, as they say, signed and sealed before Governor Ugwuanyi, proclaiming that on the expiration of Comrade Ezeja’s tenure in August or thereabout next year, an Umunano person must be elected chairman and he would serve two terms of four years.

NOW, HERE IS THE DILEMMA THAT CONFRONTS UMUNANO: WOULD THEY RATHER PRODUCE THE CHAIRMAN NEXT YEAR OR RETURN TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, going by the Charter of Equity, which provides that at no point in time must the two primary elective positions open for grabs in Igbo-Eze North be occupied by persons from the same political bloc. So, what’s Umunano gonna do, to use another American expression?

Already, the field is awash with aspirants to the House of Representatives. And virtually all of them are strong persnalities in their own rights: personable, well-educated, professionally sound and successful, wellheeled and highly connected. And there are as many of them from Ozzi as there are from Umunano, all inspired to aspire to the coveted seat as much by the terms of the Charter of Equity as by the perceived failings of the incumbent Rep. So, which way will Umunano go?

Will the big guns from Umunano who are already mobilizing for the big contest drop their anchor and mobilize for the chairmanship race instead? Or will they trade the chairmanship for the House? Or simply pay little heed to the Charter of Equity and play their politics, thereby disavowing the provisions of the cherished document, which many agree has served the local government area well?

These are questions that Umunano or, for that matter, Igbo-Eze North as a whole will have to answer sooner than later, especially in the light of the party primaries that will kick off shortly. It is a dilemma that must be resolved one way or another—in the interest of all concerned.

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.