Wednesday July 4 2018 Edition

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RITE as the headline is, it summarises the attitude of government to the killings Fulani herdsmen unleash on Nigerian communities at their pleasure. The latest in Plateau State saw mourners murdered as they were burying their dead.

EVERYONE knows that a Fulani herdsman is above the law. The remaining contention is why he is above the law. The Federal Government in its responses is surprised Nigerians are unwilling to accept that Fulani herdsmen are meant to kill (in the most gruesome manners), rape, burn villages, destroy farm lands and move to next desti-

Jos – One killing too many The Oracle Today Comment

nations to repeat the crimes.

GOVERNMENT denies that the criminals are Fulani herdsmen or admits that they are Fulani herdsmen but foreigners, warns Nigerians to accommodate the excesses of the Fulani herdsmen as neighbours. It is impossible to know how to co-exist

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

with Fulani herdsmen, who have risen to befuddling new heights in impunity.

EXCUSES that government officials make that the attacks are reprisals for cattle rustling are not true. Why do Fulani herdsmen not report their stolen cattle to the

WEDNESDAY JUly 4, 2018

police? Where do they acquire the sophisticated weapons with which they annihilate villages? Who train them? Where do they train? Why are they so certain they would not be punished? Why does the Federal Government not condemn the attackers?

WHY do Federal Government officials treat victims of the attacks as if they are the aggressors? In the countless instances of these attacks, there are indications that they are massacres executed to the last details, with the leisure of time on their side. Security agencies would arrive hours after to record the horror. The villagers are blamed if they defended themselves.

WHEREVER these attacks have taken place, the grisly pictures of the dead, throats silted, pregnant women disemboweled have be-

racle www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

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Today

VOL.3 No.26 N200

Plateau killings: Nigeria risks ‘deadlier’ self-defence force From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia; CHUKS EZE, Enugu and IBE NWACHUKWU, Onitsha

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ast weekend’s massacre of mourners in Plateau State by suspected Fulani herdsmen has again raised questions about the readiness and sincerity of the federal government and its security agencies to confront the evil of terrorism as perpetrated by herdsmen in Nigeria.

About 200 (police say 86) men, women and children were reported to have dispatched to the great beyond by suspected Fulani herdsmen who attacked 11 communities in the Gana Ropp and Gashis Dis-

•Killings abdication of governance •Govs should secure States •State police viable option •Massacres indicate challenging 2019

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Super Eagles fly out of World Cup

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UPER Eagles were four minutes away to making the second round of the World Cup’s knockout rounds, when disaster struck in the form of Marcos Rojo, not even the dreaded Lionel Messi, whose relevance the Eagles reduced significantly in the game.

Rojo’s stunning volley was a backbreaker, leaving no room for recovery for the Eagles, who fought so gallantly throughout the game. The set up a second round meeting against France, which would have meant the Ea-

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IPOB: Case adjourned to Nov 14 –P2

Poor implementation threat to 2018 budget

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS

Plateau killings: Nigeria risks ‘deadlier’ self-defence Continued from Pg 1 trict of Plateau State.

So far, no arrests have been made.

Although residents insisted that the invading herdsmen killed about 200, the Plateau State Police

Command had, while confirming the attacks earlier on Sunday said it had only recovered 11 corpses from some of the villages.

However, the police was later to issue a statement indicating that the death toll in the Saturday night attack on the communities in

the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau on had risen to 86.

The statement added that six people were injured, 50 houses burnt, 15 motorcycles razed while two motor vehicles were torched.

But, fears are rife that a deadly self-defence force “by the oppo-

part from the competition. It was not to be.

The referee over ruled a disputed penalty call that would have been in favour of the Eagles. Nigeria had a strong case for a penalty kick in the 76th minute when Rojo headed the ball off his own arm in the box. Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir reviewed video replay but declined to award the kick.

So, 14 years after the Eagles exited from the World Cup, in their inaugural World Cup, gifting an equaliser to Italy with a minutes to the end of regulation time, with Italy eventually winning on penalty

shoot outs, Eagles repeated history. A 1994 victory over Italy would have seen the Eagles make the quarter-final in their first World Cup, a feat that Senegal achieved eight years later.

The Eagles’ departure leaves Senegal as the only African team in the competition. Senegal would play Columbia on Thursday for a chance to progress from Group H, where it is tied with Japan on four points and the same goal difference. Columbia has three points and would need to beat Senegal to qualify. Japan plays Poland, which has no point.

Super Eagles fly out of World Cup Continued from Pg 1 gles playing France at that stage at the World Cup in two straight contests, after the 2014 competition in Brazil.

Messi put Argentina the lead in St Petersburg on Tuesday, it was a remarkable goal in execution, as well clocking in as the 100th goal of Russia 2018.

Nigeria equalised from Victor Moses’ penalty after Javier Mascherano pulled down Leon Balogun in the box early in the second half. The goal that placed the Eagles on four points raised homes that Argentina would de-

sition may be in the offing,” since this government, out of weakness or collusion with the terror herdsmen has failed to provide security for lives and property of innocent citizens in parts of the country.

A clergyman, who said all his predictions about the current political leadership have come to pass, Prophet Chukwuma Onuoha, told The Oracle Today in a phone chat: “Go and write it down; Nigerians are yet to see the worst, except we sincerely turn to God in fervent prayers. Very soon, another deadlier group, in the name of opposition, will emerge, to defend those that are being killed. And except Mr. President acts fast and saves the country, there would be more disaster and catastrophe.

Let them not allow their greed, selfishness and tribalism turn this country upside-down. If they allow that to happen, God will extend the blood of the innocent in their hands to their generations.

What they do not know will know them. No two ways about that!”

The Plateau massacre came against the backdrop of raging

•Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (2ndright); Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewori (left); former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel (2ndleft) and Mr. Lulu Enebaifo, during the arrival of Atiku Abubakar to Asaba International Airport, Delta State. Photo: Jonathan Awanyai

IPOB: Case adjourned to Nov 14

•DSS releases Abaribe

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•Senator Abaribe

ENATOR Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe appeared in court in Abuja on Tuesday, with the issue before Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako almost muddled. The Department of State Services, DSS, detained the senators since Friday, and his lawyers said they had no access to him. Justice Nyako said she had nothing to do with he detention.

She told Abaribe’s lawyer Chukwuma Umeh, SAN, to do what he needed to do to bail his client from detention. Justice Murtala-Nyako also asked the DSS to allow the lawyers access to Abaribe who DSS brought to court.

With that hurdle cleared, the next matter was the bail bond

forfeiture order against Nnamdi Kanu’s sureties, of which Abaribe was one.

The Court ordered the Attorney General of the Federation to respond to an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Barrister Aloy Ejimakor on behalf of surety to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB filed the application.

Emmanuel Shalom Ben Madu, the Jewish high priest who together with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Tochukwu Uchendu stood surety to Kanu, have Ejimofor as their lawyer. Umeh, for Abaribe, aligned himself with Ejimakor’s preliminary objection on

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similar attacks in parts of Adamawa and Taraba States in the North east of Nigeria, where hundreds have died in attacks on communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

It also came on the heels of similar terror attacks in several Tiv communities in Benue State, where two Reverend Fathers and 17 parishioners of St Ignatius Catholic Church at Ayer Mbalom in the Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State killed by herdsmen while returning from morning Mass were buried barely a month ago.

Although there is no official explanation for the attack yet, Danladi Ciroma, Chairman, North Central zone of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), claimed in a statement claimed that the attack was in retaliation of the killing of over 300 cows in the last few weeks by the villagers.

“These attacks are retaliatory.

As much as I don’t support the killing of human being, the truth must be told that those who carried out the attacks must be on revenge mission,” he said in what many have described as a brazen admission of crime by a private organisation without consequences.

“There have been recent reports of cow rustling and destruction of farms between Berom farmers and Fulani herdsmen. The people carrying out these criminal activities are well known to the communities but the communities are hiding them.

“Fulani herdsmen have lost about 300 cows in the last few weeks – 94 cows were rustled by armed Berom youths in Fan village, another 36 cows were killed

by Berom youths. In addition to that, 174 cattle were rustled and the criminals disappeared with them to Mangu.

“Since these cows were not found, no one should expect peace in the areas,” he boasted in a statement published by an online platform.

But, amidst these sabre-rattling

by Miyetti Allah, Nigerians have condemned what they described undue premium placed on animals to the detriment of human beings, leading to “callous, unconscionable” destruction of human lives “every so often in this land.”

Those who spoke with The Oracle Today, while reacting to the attack, accused the federal government and the security agencies of failing in their responsibility to provide security of lives of citizens in different parts of the country.

Chief Mike Ozekhome, constitutional lawyer and human rights activist argued that the almost daily slaughter ritual of slaughter of innocent Nigerians by herdsmen, which has turned the Nigerian soil into a killing field, is not only criminal but also smacks of total abdication of governance by the current government.

“It is most cruel, horrific, inhuman, dastardly and barbaric. The latest theatre of the absurd is Plateau State where hundreds of innocent and helpless Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable (children, women and elderly), have been mindlessly hacked down in cold blood. The government that appears covertly overwhelmed (if it ever cared at all) wrings its hands in utter helplessness and blames every and anyone but itself. Never before or after the three-year bloody civil war

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Benue: I did not petition Suswam – Ortom

By VICTOR NZE

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ENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has refuted reports making the rounds that he wrote a petition against his immediate predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, which led to the arrest of the latter by the Department of State Security (DSS).

A statement by the governor, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, quoted Ortom as describing the report as ‘false, misleading and mischievous.’

“We wish to categorically state that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom did not write a petition which led to the arrest of former Governor of the State, Gabriel Suswam, contrary to some media reports.

“Such reports are false, misleading and mischievous.

“The Benue State Government has written a petition against leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and has filed a lawsuit against the group. The State Government has evidence to prove

that the organisation is responsible for recent attacks and killing of innocent people in the state.

“Those peddling the allegation that Governor Ortom is behind the arrest of his predecessor are doing so to cause disaffection and create a state of confusion,” said Ortom.

The governor, therefore, assured of his administration’s resolve to remain focused in its ‘commitment to get justice for victims of mindless attacks on the state.’

“The Ortom administration will not be distracted from its commitment to get justice for victims of mindless attacks on the state. We urge Benue people and other Nigerians to disregard the reports,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the state government has berated Channels Television for reporting the alleged petition against Suswam by Ortom, in what it described as ‘unprofessional.’

Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua, said: “For fairness

and balance, a media outfit must get and reflect the side of anyone being accused or against whom allegations have been made. For failing to contact and reflect Governor Ortom’s reaction to the al-

legation that he wrote a petition against his predecessor which led to his arrest by DSS, Channels Television acted unprofessionally.

“Part of the remedy lies in the right of reply. The station must air

the rejoinder from Governor Ortom’s Chief Press Secretary. They also owe the Governor and the people of Benue State an apology,” said Agerzua.

Lagos to complete bus terminals construction by December

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AGOS State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Ladi Lawanson, has said the construction of 13 bus terminals across the city would be completed before December.

Lawanson gave the assurance in Lagos at the opening of “Construction Summit 2018’’ organised by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos.

Its theme is: “Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Competitiveness.’’

He said that not less than 3,000 jobs would be created at the completion of the bus terminals to enhance the living standards of people in the state.

According to him, efficient transportation system is essential for economic development of any nation and needs to be given adequate attention.

The commissioner said that the bus terminals were part of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s gift to the masses of the state, who daily use public transportation.

“The terminals will put an end to insecurity, unreliability, accident, traffic jam and mugging associated with the current commercial bus system in the state,” Lawanson said.

Contributing, Mr Akin Akindoyeni, the Chairman, Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbons Studies, said that housing was the pivotal centre of infrastructural development of any nation.

Akindoyeni said that all infrastructure- energy and power, transportation, communication, among others-, feed into the daily life of the populace.

“Where there is shortage of housing, there is bound to be a shortage of productive manpower, hence, low national production level.

•From left: Governors of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; Cross River State, Ben Ayade; President Muhammadu Buhari and Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the commissioning the first Rice Seedlings “All participants in the economic Factory, Nigerian Navy Reference hHspital and 100 Naval Housing Units all in Calabar. effort of the nation should expect that the range of infrastructure available will also allow them to enjoy the comfort of their homes,” he said.

Also, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of UNILAG, Dr Wale Babalakin, said that policy inconsistency was a major ARAMOUNT ruler of Aka- that the Zhe Akaleku recently “The Tiv community, therefore, key to sustainable infrastructural development. leku in Obi Local Govern- connived with the Fulani herds- wondered why the Zhe Akaleku Babalakin said that past adminisment Area in Nasarawa men and brought in the Special will order us to cede our farmtrations lacked adequate sustain- State, Zhe Augustine Alao, has Anti-Robbery Squad of the po- lands to Fulani herdsmen, even able vital policies that could aid been accused of ordering the Tiv lice, who arrested and detained as we have settled in the area infrastructural growth. community in his domain to cede four members of the community, over a decade.”

According to him, policy somer- their farmlands to Fulani herds- at the State Criminal and InvestiWhen contacted, the Akaleku sault is the causative factor of in- men. gation Department, in Lafia, for paramount ruler dismissed the frastructural decay and housing The Tiv community in the area, resisting the takeover of their allegation by the Tiv community challenges in the country. led by their leaders, Mr Vande- farmlands by herdsmen. that he had ordered the ceding “The nation needs both social The statement further gave of their farmlands to herdsmen. housing and rental housing, and salen Shie, and Moses Andrew, “I only waded into a land disif the government does not main- said this, Monday, in a statement names of the detained persons tain policy continuity, the infra- they jointly signed, in Lafia, the to include Andrew Agah, Ordam pute between the Tiv farmers Vandesalem, Timbee Vandesalem and Fulani herdsmen in my dostructural and housing problem state capital.

The statement also alleged and Motswenga Vandesalem. main,” he insisted. will remain,” he said.

Nasarawa monarch forced us to cede our farmland to Fulani herdsmen – Tivs allege

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‘Lagos PDP non-indigenes’: Igbokwe lied – Famoranti

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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AGOS State Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Non-Indigenes, Lolo Linda Famoranti has dismissed reports credited to the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Engineer Joe Igbokwe claiming the non-existence of the entity in the opposition party.

According to Lolo Famorati, the claim by Igbokwe denying the existence of Non Indigenes in Lagos PDP ‘is like somebody trying to cover a nine month-old pregnancy with bare hands which is not possible because it is unheard of for somebody to come out in broad daylight to say that there is nothing like Non Indigene in Lagos State PDP, as the group is in all the 20 local govern-

ment areas of the state.’

The Lagos State Coordinator of Non Indigenes in Lagos who stated this in exclusive chat with the Oracle Today Newspaper, Tuesday at the PDP Secretariat, in Ikeja during a meeting of the group, added further she would have not dignified Igbokwe’s claim with a response but in order to put the record straight ‘so that unsuspecting members of the public will not fall for the lie.’

“I have to come out to state that there is PDP Non-Indigene in Lagos.

I can assure the Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party that I and my able council coordinators are going to deliver Non Indigenes in the 20 council in PDP,” she said.

“First of all, I would like to say that

I am not fighting anybody but at the same time, I would like to state that there is no iota of truth in the claim by one Engineer Joe Igbokwe who I read in one of the papers (Not Oracle Newspaper) said there is nothing like Peoples Democratic Party Non Indigene in Lagos State “It is most unfortunate that somebody will come out in broad daylight and claim that there is nothing like Non Indigenes in Lagos State PDP when our activities are known to all and sundry in the State. The Lagos State Non Indigenes in PDP is not a hidden group in Lagos PDP and we are in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State. The claim is like somebody trying to cover a nine month-old pregnancy with the hands which is not possible.

“I want to use this opportunity to assure Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that my colleagues and I are working hard every day to ensure that we deliver Non Indigenes in Lagos to PDP come 2019. By that time we will know whether it is true that there is nothing like Non Indigenes in Lagos PDP or not,” Lolo Famorati declared.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

2019: INEC tasks private sector on active involvement

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HAIRMAN, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Tuesday appealed to the business community to be actively involved in electoral processes in the interest of all.

Yakubu made the appeal at an INEC/Private Sector Forum organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos.

According to him, the business community is a critical stakeholder in the success of the 2019 General Elections.

“The business community is one of the biggest beneficiaries of stable political and economic environment resulting from the conduct of

peaceful and credible elections. It is also often a victim of political instability and unpredictable economic environment arising from flawed elections. Acts of violence often target businesses in a profoundly damaging manner.

“Uncertainty generally, and one arising from the conduct of elections in particular, is not good for business. It makes the task of safeguarding existing investments and attracting new investors more difficult,’’ Yakubu said.

According to him, flawed elections result in the flight of capital and expertise.

“Like capital, skilled manpower is unavailable in an atmosphere of

rancour. Campaign promises by elected officials become difficult to actualise when businesses are dislocated. The fewer the job opportunities available, the more social problems become intractable, thereby affecting national cohesion, stability and progress,” he said.

The chairman said that the business community should not detach itself from electoral processes since elections would affect all Nigerians directly and indirectly.

“The business community has a stake in our democracy, of which the conduct of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections is an integral part. You are a major influence of public opinions. Since a good election is good for business, our appeal to you is to use your influence in doing advocacy for peaceful elections.

“You can imagine the impact of prominent businessmen and women active for peaceful elections.

The impact on voter turnout will also be considerable,” he added.

Yakubu said that the commission had been patronising local industries in the production of sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections.

Earlier, Mr Babatunde Ruwase, the President of LCCI, said that private sector’s destiny depended on the political class, noting that political environment had great impact on business environment.

Nnamdi Kanu: Court orders FG to respond to surety’s motion

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T the resumed hearing in Abuja, Tuesday, on the bail bond forfeiture order to show cause made against Nnamdi Kanu’s sureties, the Federal High Court ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to respond to an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction filed

by Barrister Aloy Ejimakor on behalf of the second surety to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the missing leader of IPOB. Aloy Ejimakor is representing Emmanuel Shalom Ben Madu, the Jewish high priest who together with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Tochukwu Uchendu stood surety to Kanu. Abaribe’s lawyer, Chukwuma Ume (SAN) had stood in court and aligned himself with Barrister Ejimakor’s Preliminary Objection to jurisdiction.

A summary of Barrister Ejimakor’s argument is that before the court can decide on sureties forfeiting their bail bonds, they are “entitled, as a matter of law, to be put on Notice or served with the evidence used in obtaining the order to show cause before they (the sureties) can be required to produce evidence to contradict it.

Ejimakor cited Section 179(1), Administration of Criminal Justice Act which provides that: “Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the court by which a recognizance has been taken or, when the recognizance bond is for appearance before a court and it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that a recognizance has been forfeited, the court shall record the grounds of proof and may call on any person bound by the bond to pay the penalty thereof or to show cause why it should not be paid”.

Continuing on above premise, Barrister Ejimakor argued “that

given that the recognizance at issue here is for appearance of the Defendant, it lies with the Complainant (the Federal Republic of Nigeria) to have proved to the satisfaction of this court that the recognizance has been forfeited.

Applicant is neither aware that Complainant ever filed said proof, nor aware that this Honorable Court recorded the grounds of said proof thereof”.

After hearing the oral submissions of counsel, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako adjourned the case to November 14, 2018 and ordered that the AGF should respond well •Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodede Fayose (m) with First lady of the state, Evangelist Feyisetan Fayose and the ahead of time to afford all parties wife of the Deputy Governor, Deaconess Janet Olusola (who were among the graduands honoured with Master’s the opportunity to file any counter degrees) during the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Convocation ceremony at the institution’s complex in Ado-Ekiti. reply.

Don’t charge more than N2,000 for post-UTME, FG warns

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EDERAL Government, Tuesday warned that it would sanction any tertiary institution which charges more than N2,000 for PostUTME. Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, gave the warning at the ongoing Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions in Gbongan, Osun.

Adamu said: “At the 2017 policy meeting, I endorsed that any institution which was interested in conducting any form of Post-UTME screening could do so, but that the gross charge for the screening should not be more than N2,000. ”Once again, let me caution heads of tertiary institutions that it would not be tolerated for any institution to charge any fee beyond the approved two thousand naira (N2,000). Firmer sanctions than those of last session shall be applied to cases of viola-

IG Idris replaces Plateau police commissioner

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HE Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has dismissed the embattled Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr Undie Adie with Mr Mr Bala Ciroma, announced as his replacement,Tuesday.

Ciroma has already assumed duties at the state’s police Command.

Adie was in charge of the command during the last Sunday’s killing spree in the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen which left nearly 200 people dead.

ASP Terna Tyopev, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, disclosed this

in a statement on Tuesday in Jos. Ciroma replaced Mr Undie Adie, who was posted to the state late last year.

Tyopev said Ciroma was before his new position in charge of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID), FTC Command.

He said that the Yobe born police officer attended University of Maiduguri and graduated in 1988.

“He joined the force as Cadet Assistant Superintendent in 1990 and had served in various Capacities,” he said.

tion,” the minister said.

Adamu, however, said that the policy meeting would continue to be the forum where the agenda, guidelines, modalities, and timelines would be set for the purpose of admissions to universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria.

“Therefore, no admission to any tertiary institutions should be an-

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nounced before the policy meeting.

It is appreciated that the meeting is being held early enough for the commencement of the new session.

“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board should ensure that the policy meeting is now held not later than June every year”, Adamu said.

In his remarks, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, said UTME scores were not the cut off marks to

gain admission into universities.

Oloyede said the marks were just minimum scores, adding that there were other assessments for consideration before a candidate could gain admission into tertiary institutions.

He also said that the number of candidates that were involved in examination malpractices in UTME had reduced drastically.

ka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, Justice Akintoye said the processes filed by both counsel to the case identified three major issues for determination.

He said for a prima facie case to be established, the proof of evidence must sufficiently link the defendants to the offence.

“Looking closely at the proof of evidence, a prima facie case has been established. The statement of one of the victims stated that Evans shot him with a gun, cleaned the wound by himself and asked the third defendant to look after him (victim).”

The judge also held that the charge was not an abuse of court process, adding that every distinct offence should be charged separately.

She, however, said the information did not offend the rule of duplicity as enshrined in Sections 152 and 153 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.

According to her, the charges are not defective, the charge disclosed

different offences with different facts, different victims and different places.

On whether the court has jurisdiction or not, the judge said the argument was that the court had the power to quash charges.

She, however, held that the application to quash charge was premature.

“The defendant must wait until the close of prosecution’s case before filing to quash charge, the application to quash charge and to discharge the defendants is hereby refused and dismissed. The application lacked merit, I so hold,” Akintoye ruled.

After the ruling, the prosecutor, the State Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms Titilayo ShittaBey, said, “in view of the ruling, we ask that the defendants be arraigned.’’

The defendants were, however, arraigned as stated in the second charge where Evans is being tried alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

The judge adjourned the case until September 13 for trial.

Lagos court re-arraigns Evans

USTICE Adedayo Akintoye of an Igbosere High Court in Lagos again discharged the application seeking to quash the charges preferred against the suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a Evans, by the Lagos State Government. Akintoye, while ruling on the application, said the charges filed against Evans did not offend the rule of duplicity as enshrined in the country’s laws and, therefore, lacked merit.

Evans, who is standing trial on a fresh five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder, had on May 25 asked the court to quash all the charges filed against him.

In a motion on notice, the defendant had said that all the charges were “grossly defective, repetitive and an abuse of court processes.”

Evans is charged alongside three others: Joseph Emeka, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

In the second charge, Evans is being tried alongside Joseph Eme-

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS

Insecurity: PDP chieftain questions Ayade’s leadership capacity

By ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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ormer Attorney General of Cross River State and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in the state, Barr. Eyo Ekpo has faulted the commitment of Governor Ben Ayade to serve the state in view of the rising cases of criminality and insecurity which has hampered business activities in the state in recent times.

Eyo Ekpo who is also the former chairman of the State Carnival Commission made his feelings known in Calabar while reacting to last week’s comments by a renowned clergy in the state, Bishop Josef Bassey of the God’s Heritage Centre, Calabar.

It would be recalled that the cleric had recently questioned the governor’s leadership style in the state stressing that through his acts of omission or commission, the governor had paved the way for insecurity to thrive in the state causing economic activities to be in low ebb in the state.

Speaking with journalists on the issue in Calabar, Eyo Ekpo regretted the growing spate of insecurity and incessant communal clashes in the state saying it has claimed several lives, property and displaced thousands of families. Besides these, it has plunged many into economic hardship saying the level of insecurity in the state was nothing but a major cause for concern.

“The incidents of kidnapping, robbery, cultism and the growing spate of communal crisis leave a lot to be desired. For instance, people have died as a result of the crisis and the Governor is quiet. Has he visited any of the affected communities? Has he sanctioned any of his officials, who are known to be involved in these terrible events?

“We cannot allow this type or system of governance to continue in this state. We have, rather than build on the achievements of previous administrations, gone back 30 years. People rather than long to visit Cross River prefer to go to other states.

“I urge all Cross River people to vote out mediocrity. We need to vote for truth, sustainable development, equity, justice, security, better education and healthcare, peace and restoration of a vibrant economy at the ballot and make our State better”.

He commended the clergy in the state particularly the General Overseer of God’s Heritage Centre, Calabar, Bishop Josef Bassey for truthfully speaking out on the deteriorating standard of governance in the state and stressed that they should not shy away from the truth about the prevailing deterioration in Cross River when others choose to remain silent due to the fear of intimidation.

“It is high time people began to call a spade a spade. This state is no longer what it used to be. It is not safe. Businesses have left and more are leaving.

This is not the Cross River State successive governments fought to build. This is not how Cross Riverians deserve to live.

“I really commend Bishop Joseph Bassey and the Christian Leaders Forum for daring to be bold and tell Ayade the truth about the situation in Cross River State. Another four years of this is beyond imagination.

Already, the economy of the state is in complete retrogression and the State Government should not hide behind the national economic downturn”, he stated.

Ekpo called on other religious leaders to emulate the example of the cleric who saw the need to speak the truth for the benefit of the people of Cross River state.

Recruitment into C’River civil service now on needs – HOS C ross River State Head of Service (HOS), Barr. Ekpenyong Henshaw has said that recruitment into the State’s Civil Service is now based on needs of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Henshaw made this known during an interactive session with Civil Servants held at the Nigerian Chronicle Conference Hall, Barracks Road Calabar.

Barr. Ekpenyong who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Public Service Office in the office of the Head of Servants, Mr. Emmanuel Enene Eke, stated this while

responding to questions from Civil Service during the Head of Service interface, said the era where Staff were recruited for the purpose of recruitment are over, adding that his office is ever determine to support and address legitimate needs of Staff. He used the event to charge Civil Servants to put in their best while working and assured that the essence of the interface was to listen to Civil Servants challenges with a view to addressing them.

He said the present administration has the interest of the service at heart; therefore all staff should

put in their best.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Manpower Development in the office of Head of Service, Mrs. Aniedi Ekpenyong said mentorship has become very pertinent in the Service to reduce the incidence of some Staff retiring and leaving the Service with no good hands to replace them. Adding that, due to scarcity of fund internal training is now the option where the Head of Department organizes training for his or her Staff and invite persons with good experience on the job within to retrain Staff as to reduce the incidence of retaining staff on

contract basis.

Director of Administration, Mr. Ekuri, Ogar Bassey also enlightened Civil Servants on the Head of Service Land acquisition scheme.

He made a rundown of the procedures on how to acquire the land and gave statistics on the level of allocations so far made at Asamaka – Idundu, Ikot Effiom Ekpo behind the Police College and Ikot Okon Achibong in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. He also spoke on the benefit of key-performance indicator assessment template for Civil Servants.

Nnewi traders beg Obiano to rescind Okada ban

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

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• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (r) with the State Chairman of PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo in attendance at the June edition of the Akwa Ibom Youth Prayers Conference which held at Living Faith Church, Nkana, Iman in Etinan Local Government Area of the state.

Sultan of Sokoto lauds Wike on good governance

S

ultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa-ad Abubakar has declared that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has opened the eyes of Nigerians on the true meaning of good governance through the delivery of quality projects.

This is as the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers formally honoured Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike with the title: “The Pride of Rivers State” for his outstanding developmental strides.

Commissioning the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers Secretariat Complex constructed by the administration of Governor Wike on Friday, Sultan of Sokoto christened Governor Wike “Mr Opener”.

“We will continue to commend you as long as the people commend you. I call you Mr Opener because you have opened eyes to what governance should be. What you are doing will endear you to the people,” said the Sultan.

He noted that the transformation of Rivers State under the leadership of Governor Wike is real, pointing out that most of the projects being commissioned as part of the Third Year Anniversary were inspected by traditional rulers after their national meeting in January, 2018.

“We saw these projects with our eyes, nobody told us. You cannot say that this governor has not worked. Even the enemies of progress will acknowledge that something is being done “, the Sultan said.

The Sultan of Sokoto noted that government is a process where the leader continues to do what is right. He praised Governor Wike for doing what is right for Rivers people.

He urged the Rivers State Governor to concentrate on agriculture, especially oil palm production when the people actualise their support for him next year.

He stated that no matter the situation, the votes of Rivers people must count and the people allowed to determine their leaders.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Wike said that his administration resolved to construct a befitting place where the traditional rulers will share ideas and contribute to the development of the state.

He said that his administration has worked closely with the traditional rulers to build peace which has led to the development of the state.

“I will always give priority to the welfare of Traditional Rulers. The

traditional rulers are key to the stability of the country,” said Wike.

The governor said that his administration is committed to the delivery of projects, noting that the administration will continue to commission key projects irrespective of criticisms by the opposition.

He thanked the state traditional rulers for honouring him. He said the honour will spur him to greater service.

Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja said the secretariat will serve as a centre to preserve culture and tradition.

Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson stated that Rivers people will re-elect Governor Wike next year because of his planting of projects across the state.

Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Mr Victor Ihunwo assured the Rivers State Governor that the residents of the area will re-elect him.

Special Adviser on Special Projects to the Rivers State Governor, Alabo George Kerley said the secretariat was mid-wifed and delivered by Governor Wike . He said the facilities in the structure will enhance the deliberations of the traditional rulers.

arely few days to the date issued by Governor Willie Obiano for the implementation of the ban on commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada, in Onitsha metropolis and the capital city of Awka, traders who deal on new and fairly used motorcycles and motorcycles spare parts at the Nkwo Nnewi Markt have begged Governor Willie Obiano to change his mind.

One of the reasons according to the traders is that a lot of people are fending for themselves and their families with Okada. An Okada rider they said, is taking care of a minimum of three people and maximum of 5 to 7 people daily, feeding them and paying children school fees. Secondly, they cried out that the traders who sell the motorcycles are earning their living from there likewise the mechanics, vulcanisers and washers and by banning the operation of Okada transport they are in big trouble because they have lost their jobs.

They equally reminded the Governor that Onitsha and Awka and other places in Anambra are quite unlike Owerri, Benin and Enugu because the people of the State are major dealers in motorcycle in Nigeria.

“We can comfortably say that there is no known motorcycle dealer in those places we mentioned but here in Nnewi, we are too many to mention and even though the Okada ban was not extended to Nnewi, it will affect us badly because Onitsha and Awka are our customer base,” they added.

Speaking to The Oracle Today, the President of Fairly Used Motorcycles Dealers Association (FUMDA) Nnewi, Hon. Eloka Ubajiekwu appealed to Governor Obiano, even as he told him that ‘there will be serious hunger, diseases and even death of many people over the ban of Okada at this time of harsh economy in Nigeria’ further begging the Governor to device means to checkmate crime emanating from Okada riders Onitsha and Awka instead of banning their operation out rightly.

Also speaking the Chairman of New Autor Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Hon Obinna Okechukwu who spoke through the Secretary of the Association Hon Uche Ezechukwu also pleaded with Governor Obiano to change his mind as banning Okada will render over 20,000 people jobless ‘whereas there is no job to be found anywhere.’

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Cross River gets AGOA assistance on export of garment to U.S

By ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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he Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is to assist the Cross River Garment Factory export garment products to the United States under the auspices of the African Growth and Opportunities Act, AGOA, as well as build capacity to enhance professionalism in services rendered.

The AGOA which is an initiative of the United States Government to help goods from Sub-Saharan Africa access markets in the United States was enacted in year 200 by the Bill Clinton Administration in the United States and has been extended to 2025.

This was disclosed in Calabar during a one day workshop organized by the NEPC for members of staff of the garment factory to train them on the importance of good packaging to meet international standards for exports and building export capacity for the maximization of AGOA. The Trade Promotion Advisor, NEPC Calabar smart office, Dr. Emmanuel Etim who spoke during the training said AGOA is the trade policy initiative of the United States of America which records duty-free treatment to virtually all products exported by beneficiary Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Countries to the United States of America market.

He said the purpose of the training is to promote economic development in developing countries in sub Saharan Africa and also let benefitting African countries easily access the America market with minimal tariffs.

“The purpose of AGOA includes promoting trade and investment between the U.S and Sub-Saharan African Countries, to promote economic development and reform in Sub-Saharan Africa and to promote increased access to opportunities for U. S investment and business in SSA. “The U.S market is very large with enormous trade opportunities which exporters can take great advantage of through AGOA. These include duty free access for eligible products into the largest single market in the World, Competitive advantage over non-AGOA Countries that must pay normal tariff rate to enter U.S, AGOA provide opportunities for Companies to build relationship with their U.S Counterparts and trade Opportunities for exporting Companies”, he said Speaking on the theme: “Understanding AGOA’s Procedures and Documentation”, Lead speaker at the event, Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, a resource person on AGOA stated that the workshop is organized to sensitize participants and the general public on possible steps to follow in order to take advantage of the benefit available in AGOA. She said about 39 countries in sub-Saharan Africa are beneficiaries of AGOA stressing that Nigeria will benefit immensely from the Act by integrating its economy with that of the world and also fostering closer ties with the American government.

Ndigbo, targets in persecution of Innoson boss – Ex-Minister

By IBE NWACHUKWU

F

irst Republic Aviation minister, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi has described the present travails faced by foremost industrialist, Dr Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman Innoson Group, as ‘a calculated attempt to rid Ndigbo of one of their brightest prospects in the auto industry which, nonetheless, would result to an effort in futility.’

While advising those behind the onslaught to retrace their steps for a peaceful co-existence of Nigeria, Amaechi stressed that the alleged plot to stop Innoson at all cost is already being interpreted in some quarters as persecution of Ndigbo.

Speaking to newsmen in the aftermath of the celebration of his 89th birthday at his Ukpor country home, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra state, the Octogenarian stated that it is his

prayers that the blessings God bestowed on him would be extended to the Innoson boss, ‘especially at this trying period when he (Innoson) is allegedly being hunted for on an offence he never committed.’

“This is the first interview I’m granting after my last birthday because I’m deeply pained over what our great son is passing through.

I have known Innoson for over 30 years now and can comfortably vouch for his cleanliness, both in his private life and that of his business.

“He is a big asset to Ndigbo who at the age of 19 had already become a millionaire due to his vision in business. Since then nobody has ever found him guilty of any criminal offence. He has continued to rise to the glory of God. How can one now believe that after a very successful business venture that spans over three decades, he would now be accused of forgery by a financial in-

stitution?

“Forgery for the money he had already made or the one he is about to make? I call this madness. Whatever man’s intrigues may be, it is very easy for God to untie. Already, the Court of Public Opinion is heavily stacked against them. We continue to rely on God and at the end.

Innoson’s detractors will be put to shame,” he said.

They visibly enraged elder statesman added that if the Hausa man finds himself in Innoson’s status, ‘government will give him all the patronage in the world, open up his businesses and approve funds to encourage him reach the heights.’

“The authorities of the land will even go as far as offering the Hausa man contracts without minding if he executes such contracts or not,” said Amaechi.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly intervene

on the Innoson/Guaranty Trust Bank imbroglio, insisting that ‘it is regrettable that an open letter written by Innoson to the President about two months ago on this matter has not been responded to till this day fuelling speculations that the Presidency may be part of the plot to cripple the industrialist. GTB, as Court has given judgment to, owes Innoson and the bank should pay up instead of engaging themselves in unnecessary frivolities.’

Amaechi averred that at 89, what he owes Nigeria is outspokenness and a duty to dish out his honest views on matters of public interest, adding that having fought for Nigeria’s independence and served as Aviation Minister without blemish, he believes God has granted him a fulfilled life.

Idemili community appeal to Obiano over dilapidated roads

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

P • Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe (4th from right), Mr. Petrus Obi, Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Enugu State, (6th from right), Rev, Fr. Amobi Ogbu, officiating priest; Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Mr. Louis Amoke (6th from left); Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Mr. Laurence Ani (5th from left), Mr Crescent Odo, Managing Director Daily Star Newspapers (left), Mr. Jude Ossai, South East Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspapers (2nd left) and others at the Service of Songs for the late Chief Press secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Mr. Uwakwe Abugu...in Enugu.

Navy nabs widow for rice smuggling INI BILLIE, Uyo

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he Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has seized 82 bags of rice and arrested a suspect, Mrs. Theresa Irekoma, from Bayelsa State in connection with the items.

Some of the rice said to have been smuggled into the country from the Republic of Cameroon had already developed moulds, making them unfit for human consumption.

Speaking in Ibaka, the Commanding Officer of the base, Navy Captain Yusuf Idris, said the smuggled items are hazardous to health of the consumers particularly as they had developed moulds.

He said the contraband items were seized separately, adding that the first seizure was made on June 15 following a tip-off, but the owners were not arrested as they abandoned the goods and fled the scene.

He explained that the second seizure which was for 58 bags of rice, was made on June 20 following a tipoff along Nigeria’s waterways with the owner arrested. Idris said the owner has confessed to owning the goods.

He said the Nigerian Navy is willing, ready and always not going to be

deterred in ridding Nigeria’s maritime environment of any kind of criminality, no matter how small the quantity or the size of the contraband.

“In line with the harmonised standard procedures and for the cordial relationship that has been existing between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service, today we are witnessing the handing over of 82 bags of rice suspected to be smuggled into the country from the Republic of Cameroon.

“These bags of rice were seized in two batches: one, the seizure was made following a tipoff on June 15, this one, no arrest was made, the rice was abandoned and the Navy took the rice to the base; the owners ran away. The second seizure was made following a tipoff in our waterways regarding the 58 bags of the contraband. The product was seized alongside the owner here at our back. She has confessed to smuggling the item from the Republic of Cameroon.

“So, today we want to handover totally a number of 82 bags of rice to the NCS. You may say the number is small, however, no matter how small the quantity is, the Nigerian Navy is willing, ready and always not going to be deterred from ridding this our maritime environment of any kind of criminality. So, no matter the quantity,

when we see it or hear it, we will definitely seize and arrest those involved.

The Chief Superintendent of the NCS, Operations, Oron Outstation, Mr. John Olutola, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller of Eastern Marine Command, NCS, Port Harcourt, Mr. Ajiya Masaya, exhorted Nigerians to keep away from consuming smuggled rice into the country, saying that they are dangerous to health.

Masaya thanked the navy for partnering with the customs in ensuring that they contain the spread and one time thriving smuggling business in the country.

He said, “We are very grateful to the Nigerian Navy because this is not the first seizure they have been making.

“We want to seize this opportunity as well to warn the so-called smugglers or the owners of the smuggled items to desist from importing foreign rice into the country, because apart from being sabotage to the nation they are also endangering the people lives.”

The suspect, Irekoma said the 58 bags of rice was given to her as part payment for the debt she is owed in Cameroon, adding that her house in Cameroon had been destroyed and her husband killed in the Cameroon Civil War.

eople of Oba village in Uke Community Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Willie Obiano to effect immediate repairs on dilapidated roads that connect the village with neighboring towns in Idemili North and Idemili South councils.

A leader in the village, Chief Frank Udechukwu, who took our correspondent round the said roads, explained that they include: Uke - Ogidi - Abatete, Uke - Nnobi - Umuoji, Uke – Ideani, Oba village - Umuazu Uke - St Luke’s Catholic Church Uke roads.

Udechukwu said that the attention of the State Government was drawn to the roads last year before the governorship election through the former Commissioner for Works, Hon Lawrence Chinwuba and the paper design already prepared ‘but the contract was not awarded till date.’

“They have done the paper work on the road, I don’t know why the contract was not awarded, as you can the roads are no more usable, if not for self-help labour we applied to grade them, sandfill the holes and construct gutter, maybe by now both the residents and visitors would not be able to move in or out of our village Udechukwu, therefore, appealed to Governor Obiano to ‘kindly come and save the situation before it starts raining heavily because the condition of the roads will get worse when the rainy season takes full shape.’

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Cattle ranches, another name for Jihad – Cleric

By IBE NWACHUKWU

G

eneral Overseer of the Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries, Nnewi, Anambra State, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh, Monday, warned that if President Muhammadu Buhari failed to prosecute those behind the annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, the national honour given to beneficiaries of the botched election would be seen as a nullity and ill-motivated.

He maintained that Buhari, as a prominent Nigerian, cannot claim ignorance of the fact that before now, the June 12, 1993 election was manipulated ‘yet he kept quiet only to use it now as an election strategy to go for a second tenure.’

Bishop Udeh who spoke to newsmen at his church Cathedral, Nnewi, described the posthumous national honour to the presumed winner of the June 12 presidential election, late MKO Abiola and others as a Greek gift, warning people of the South West to ‘shine their eyes.’

“Voting for Buhari again is as good as voting for Jihad and Islamization and that amounts to more bloodshed, nepotism, insecurity and more hardship in Nigeria. Buhari did not win the election in 2015 but the then Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega gave it to him”.

He insisted that the current INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu should be removed to stop the chances of manipulating the 2019 presidential election that is drawing close, stressing that since Mr President had clocked over 70 years of age, it would be highly illogical and unreasonable to allow him to continue for a second tenure “when there are young Nigerians full of good ideas, fresh blood and who belong to this generation that can handle the affairs of this country”.

The Bishop is of the view that the National Assembly should initiate the process of impeaching President Buhari for his inability to stop series of killings in the country, a situation he said had made the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre the bloodiest since Nigeria returned to democracy.

The cleric berated Igbo governors of the South Eastern States for allowing the proscription placed on the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) to subsist this long “while the Fulani herders who kill and maim people move freely around like princes because their father is a king”.

He condemned the recent Federal government proposal to build cattle ranches in ten states of the federation, including Ebonyi State, pointing out that the ultimate objective of that plan was to Islamize Nigeria which he said would not work and called on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise up against the cattle ranches proposed project.

A/Ibom ex-council chairman arrested for alleged kidnapping, cultism INI BILLIE, Uyo

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kwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a former chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Mr. Mfon Idung, for attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, cultism, kidnapping and public assault.

It was gathered that Idung, a former councillor, vice chairman, caretaker chairman and chairman of Etim Ekpo, was arrested along with some of his ‘boys’, following a petition against him by a victim.

The petitioner of Idung, Mr. Etiedu Ukpong, Secretary of the National Youths Council, Etim Ekpo chapter, said suspected cultists, on the orders of Idung kidnapped

and assaulted him and thereafter requested N1.2million from him for daring to oppose the accused.

“They kidnapped me, assaulted me and requested for N1.2million for daring to oppose their boss’ bid to contest again for the House of Assembly in 2018.

“During security meeting over cult killings in Etim Ekpo, as the youths’ leader, I had told the governor that the problem of insecurity in our Local Government was politicallymotivated and sponsored by some powerful politicians for their selfish interests.

“So, when the elders of Etim Ekpo rallied to endorse Idung, I stood against it because the youths are always being used by these selfish

politicians to feather their own nest.

“Because of my disposition that politicians should not always use the youths as thugs and cultists to do their biddings in election time, I was blackmailed before the governor and was sacked as the Dakkada (Arise) Coordinator for the state government in Etim Ekpo.”

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi, said he was currently studying the details of the case, assured that justice would take its normal course on the completion of investigations.

“Yes, my boys are currently on the matter. I have given them room to finish everything they have to do and hand over the case to me. I will

personal look at the file. From there, I will be in a better position to proper brief you on the matter,” he said.

The police recently began manhunt for sponsors of the unending cults crises in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun councils, in which over 50 persons had been killed in the last two years.

State Governor Udom Emmanuel, had stated in one of the public fora that criminal activities in the two councils were being sponsored by some bigwigs, as he however, assured citizens that sponsors of terrorism in the state had been identified and tracked down and would soon be arrested and prosecuted.

Herdsmen’s killings getting out of hand – Umahi to CAN

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

E

• Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa-ad Abubakar (l) commissioning the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers Secretariat Complex built by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (r)

British envoy commends Wike on investment in girl-child education

B

ritish High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Awkright has commended Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for investing in girl-child education, noting that no country can develop if it fails to educate her girls.

Speaking while commissioning Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, last wekend, Mr Awkright said: “There is no reason why we should neglect half of our population who can help ensure the prosperity of the country. That is why education is important. That is why girl child-education is important. Without girl-child education, this country cannot thrive”.

While thanking the people of Rivers State for their warm reception, he said he is genuinely pleased to be in the state which is the heart of the Niger Delta Region.

“I am particularly pleased that I am here for the commissioning of a girl’s school. I have a daughter. I know how important it is to see girls educated; That they receive a minimum of 12 years of quality education.

“When they are educated, they marry later. When they marry later, they have fewer children. They can

contribute to the economy. They can fulfill themselves”, the British High Commissioner said.

Speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike stated that his administration is committed to quality education, hence the transformation of selected schools, noting that critical investments have been made to improve quality of teaching and learning in the interest of the development of the state.

He announced that the school will return to its old uniform, while the primary school will be fenced off from the secondary section.

“We will contract the maintenance of this school to members of the host communities. They will cut the grass and clean the environment of the school. We shall provide security in the school. Beginning Monday, nobody is allowed to trek across the school premises. This is a girl’s school and their security is paramount “, he said.

Governor Wike warned the principal of the school against hiring out facilities of the institution for conferences, noting that boys will no longer be allowed to play football in the institution.

In a project description, Rivers State Education Commissioner, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja said the school which was established in 1972 was allowed to decay beyond measures by previous administrations.

He said all the structures in the school were dilapidated, pointing out that the Wike administration demolished them and built new structures.

The education commissioner stated that the school has four new hostels, a major 960-seater Assembly Hall, sick bay, several science and other laboratories, sports facilities and new internal roads.

In a welcome address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Prince Solomon Eke said the people are proud of the transformation of the Government Girls Secondary School with modern facilities, newly equipped laboratories, modern teaching and learning aids.

The occasion was marked by different traditional dances by the host community, students and a visiting dance troupe.

Governor Wike later led the British High Commissioner to Nigeria on a tour of facilities at the school.

bonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, has told the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to ‘cry out to the Lord to save the ugly trends claiming the lives of Nigerians,’ stressing that the killings in the country by suspected Fulani herdsmen were ‘getting out of hand.’

This is also as the Christian group in the state endorsed the governor’s re-election bid in the 2019 governorship election.

The body made this known on Monday in Abakaliki during a courtesy call paid to the governor at his Executive Council chambers.

In an address read by the Secretary, Rev. Donatus Njoku, CAN Ebonyi noted that it was the role of the church to promote justice and civic rights of the people.

Njoku stressed that it was the wish of the people that the governor completes his tenure as his predecessors in the state for the continual solidification, completion and maintenance of his gigantic and democratic institutions.

“As a Body of CAN in Ebonyi State whose role is not only to pray, but also to offer good counsel, we proudly identify ourselves with you, especially in allowing God, Christ, and the Church to have a place in your government.

“Besides, prayer is a good counsel.

It is the role and constitutional duty of CAN to support the government of the day, to ginger it to provide democratic dividends. Sir, you have done very well in this area and we are proud of you.

“It is the role of the Church to promote justice, civil rights of our members, made up of 98 percent of the State, to pick their Permanent Voters Card and exercise their franchise. As an institution of justice, it is the wish of your people that you complete your tenure as your predecessors, for the continual solidification, completion and maintenance of your gigantic, strategic and Democratic institutions, Njoku said.

Responding, Ebonyi governor, David Umahi commended the group in the state for the peace and moral education in public schools in all parts of the state, while also noting that his ecumenical center project was the best for the country designed with four elevators, water fountains and other ecstatic features.

“These killings in the country are getting out of hand and I urge you to cry out to the Lord to save the ugly trends claiming the lives of Nigerians,” Umahi said.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Project monitoring should be part of budgeting – Abia stakeholders tell Govt From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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takeholders have called on governments at all levels to make monitoring an integral part of their annual budgeting.

The stakeholders, including government functionaries, community leaders, the media, civil societies, among others, also urged the government to start making provisions for budget monitoring in the budgets so as to guarantee excellent implementation.

The stakeholders expressed their views at the Kolping Society, Umuahia where they had gathered at the instance of the Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance (APAGG), a civil society group, which shared its findings on Abia State’s budget implementation, from 2015 – 2017, in partnership with the Voice to the People (V2P) project.

During the event, the various stages of execution of projects which were allocated funds during the three years under review in Abia Central Senatorial zone were displayed on a large screen monitor for participants to see.

While some projects, mostly roads, have been completed, many were at various stages of completion, even as others were suspected to be abandoned.

Participants expressed the belief that if there was efficient monitoring of the projects, governments would be able to know the true level of performance of the budgets in each year.

National Coordinator of APAGG, Barrister Chibuzo Crownwell, said the programme was not actually designed to criticize the government but to enable them to see areas that they have not done so well so that they could adjust in those areas.

“We want to see a situation where the government budget, as designed, enjoys some level of allocation and operational efficiency; and government also remaining physically discipline in the management of public resources in such a prudent manner that the ordinary people for whose interest the budgets were made are actually the beneficiaries,” he said.

“We also tried to look at the impact of the budgets on the lives of the people within the state for the period under review,” he said.

“From what we are doing, we feel that government is the first and highest beneficiary of a monitored budget because that essentially helps government to curb wastage, corruption; and even know when government is being sabotaged, using the budget.

“However, we also expect that communities that ought to be beneficiaries of particular or specific projects should be able to monitor those projects and give feedback to government agency that is charged with the responsibility of doing that particular project. We also encourage civil society actors to monitor projects,” Crownwell added.

He was of the opinion that unless government develops a monitoring mechanism, government will also continue to be blackmailed over budget performances.

A participant and budget expert, Pastor Wilson Alamba, urged government to key into budget monitoring by collaborating with stakeholders who would monitor these projects and bring useful feedback.

Alamba said for monitoring to be effective, there should be provision for monitoring in the budget itself.

10 killed, many displaced in Ebonyi/Cross River boundary clash

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

M

ore than 10 persons including a pregnant woman and children have been killed with over 10,000 residents of Igbeagu, Izzi local government area of Ebonyi state have been displaced just as over 15,000 houses were burnt following a renewed inter-communal crisis between the people of the area and their neighboring Ukelle community, Yala local government area of Cross River state.

This is also as the state government distanced itself from video footages on social media depicting the border crisis between Igbeagu community of the state and Ukelle community of Cross River.

The crisis, it was learnt, resurfaced last Thursday and has thrown the entire community into mourning as people were killed and beheaded by assailants suspected to be working for Ukelle community.

The assailants were said to have blocked the popular TransSahara highway which connects Cameroon, Nigeria and other neighbouring countries during the deadly attacks.

The crisis affected human and vehicular movement of travelers heading for Taraba, Cross River and Cameroon through the highway.

Governor David Umahi while reacting to the development through his Chief Press Secretary,

Mr. Emma Uzor, said he received the news with shock, and described the killings of his people as unacceptable.

“There is no doubt that Ebonyi State has been at the receiving end of the war since the inception of the killings and yesterday killing has further vindicated my earlier outcry that there was unabated war to eliminate our people at the border communities.

“Yesterday’s killing is unacceptable to me as the Chief security officer of my people and one whose constitutional duty is to ensure security of lives and property of my people, therefore I call on Mr President to revisit my earlier outcry over the systematic war going on between the people of Izzi and

• Some of the participants at the just-concluded ANA/FUNAI conference and literary workshop which held in Ebonyi State from June 18 to 19

2019: Onuesoke drums support for Atiku in Delta

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

P

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Delta State governorship aspirant, Chief Sunny Okpako Onuesoke has affirmed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerging as PDP presidential candidacy has come to stay.

Onuesoke who made the confirmation in Yenogoa, Bayelsa state, while addressing journalists during the visit of Atiku Abubakar to the state, appealed to people of Delta State to come out en mass to welcome the Waziri of Adamawa to Delta State on Tuesday.

He advised them to put their political differences aside and join forces to welcome Atiku to Delta State, because all they wanted is a Presidential candidate with the capacity to take Nigerians out of the mucky waters, which he possessed.

He tipped the ex-Vice President as the PDP’s best candidate to chal-

lenge President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2019 general elections because he already has platforms across Nigeria, adding that his promise of restructuring Nigeria is of utmost important to the people of Delta State and Nigeria in general.

Onuesoke who reiterated that Atiku Abubakar remains the best bet of the opposition PDP for winning the 2019 presidential election said, “It will be the best bet for PDP if Atiku wins the presidential ticket of the party because there is no better political tactician or strategist in the PDP than Atiku.”

He added that Atiku Abubakar had the capacity to create wealth, saying the former Vice President possessed the requisite qualities needed to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari as well as restore Nigeria to its past glory.

According to him, “The man Atiku is a partisan politician who has dem-

onstrated maturity and patience in keeping the country united. He respects the rule of law which will in turn bring about fairness and justice to all citizens.

“He believes in God’s willingness upon his life, that is why he has always accepted any outcome of elections he participated with good faith since the time of late Yar’adua and MKO Abiola. He is the highest employer of labour and has the technical know-how to move the economy of Nigeria forward.

“Despite all efforts to tarnish his good image, Atiku remain unindicted as all the allegations against him have been proven to be baseless.

As a founding member of our great party, PDP, he deserves to lead us and the entire nation to the promise land. A leader with such characteristics is what Nigeria needs at this moment. It takes people like Atiku to fix the problems we are faced with under this current administration.”

Cross River State and save my people from annihilation,” Umahi said.

He also called on all security agencies to come to their aid by bringing a lasting solution to the killings while he expressed optimism that his brother Governor, Ben Ayade will help in amicable resolution of the crisis.

Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, Monday, visited the area where he addressed the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and urged them to remain calm.

The Deputy Governor while addressing the displaced persons who converged on Ndi- Akparata Nwenyi village in Igbeagu community in Izzi LGA, noted that the state government would not fold its arm and watch Ebonyi people slaughtered on the excuse of insecurity and wickedness.

Igwe directed the Cantonment Commander, Lt. Sa’aad Sadiq to immediately deployed more troops to the troubled zone to quell the crisis.

In a related development, the Ebonyi Government, Monday, disowned the video footages displayed on social media about the border crisis between Igbeagu community of the state and Ukelle community of Cross River.

State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Emmanuel Onwe, said the videos were posted by some ‘reckless and thoughtless individuals’.

Onwe said that the horrendous images posted on the social media platforms, did not originate from the border clashes as insinuated by the individuals who posted them.

“First, the video in question trended for several weeks in 2017 and purportedly emanated from Boko Haram atrocities in the Lake Chad Basin region.

“The observable injuries are not characteristics of injuries inflicted by gunshots or machete cuts which are weapons reportedly deployed by those engaged in the confrontation in the Ebonyi/ Cross River crisis.

“Anyone who cares to pay attention to the language in the video would have instantly appreciated that the clearly audible language spoken by the beleaguered victims is French and not any known Nigerian language or dialect.

“To post a video of such charged and aggravating content and link it to the clashes at the border of both states, is an act of stupidity and mind-boggling ignorance,” he said.

He noted that such insensitive and reckless posts are capable of sparking devastating events of unpredictable nature and those who initiated and propagated it would have blood on their hands.

“The Ebonyi Government will stop at nothing to make them answerable for their inflammatory actions, even as the communal clash has been brought under reasonable control,” he said.

The commissioner said that in the interim, a combined team of the police and military operatives have taken control of the area at the directive of the governor.

“The military operatives have established a firm occupation of the disputed territory,” he said.

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

POLITICS

‘Wike has transformed Even as Ngwa, only APC healthcare, education victory will make me sectors in Rivers’ happy – Nwankpa Pg 11 Pg 10

9

2019: How battle in Idemili Fed Constituency will be won and lost F

rom all indications, Idemili North and South Federal Constituency is one place, which is certain to witness high-powered politics when the hostilities of the 2019 general election take full shape. And there are several reasons for this. First is that the densely populated Federal Constituency made up of Idemili North and Idemili South Local Government Areas is the only place where three notable parties are strongly on ground.

Checks by The Oracle Today showed that the ruling party in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the national ruling party at the national level, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are strongly on ground and capable enough to trade tackles for the seat of the Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. All the parties are well structured at ward levels.

Secondly they all parade political gladiators and equally command large numbers of followers enough to contest and win the election. On the side of APGA, it is obvious that Governor Willie Obiano will throw his weight behind the candidate of the party as he did during the Senatorial election of Senator Victor Umeh to ensure victory at the poll. In addition to Obiano, there are notable leaders and stakeholders of the party, who command age-long political experience and whose names cannot be overemphasised when it comes to trading tackles to win election.

Among them are former State Chairman of PDP Barr Ifeatu Obi Okoye who is the current Senior Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Political Matters; Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili North, Hon. Raphael Asha Nnabuife and his Idemili South counterpart, Hon. Don Unachukwu; two Board of Trustees members of APGA, Chief Ifeanyi Udokwu and Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka as well former Senior Special Adviser to Obiano on Urban Planning, Hon. Amechi Ekume, to mention but a few More so, APGA is also likely to have the support of traditional rulers, church leaders, town union leaders and market leaders in the constituency. A market leader and President of Idemili Amalgamated Market Traders Association (IDEMATA), Chief Chuma Eruchalu said traders would throw their weight behind candidates of APGA just like they did during the governorship election when they massively voted for APGA candidate, Governor Willie Obiano.

As for the APGA ticket for the poll, Ifeanyi Ibezi who was the candidate of the party in the 2015 election is holding the ace and is likely to carry the day and emerge as the candidate of the party once again. As at the time of filing this report, Ibezi is the only outstanding aspirant for the seat on the platform of APGA. In the absence of any other aspirant, Ibezi will once against test his popularity against APC and PDP rivals.

A stakeholder of APGA and ex-councillor in Idemili South, Hon. Izuchukwu Ogbuefi described Ibezi as a man of the people who is in a better position to win the election for APGA and deliver quality representation in Abuja for the Idemili constituents.

“Ibezi commands wide popularity among the people; he is one politician who has been using his hard-earned resources to promote the welfare of the people and that is why he is called Ochiagha Idemili meaning the warrior of Idemili people,” Ogbuefi said.

Noting that Ibezi has been bringing development to his people through philanthropy, such as using his personal resources to start life for the youth, women, the poor, widows and orphans in all parts of Idemili. “In addi-

•Obiano, Ngige, Chidoka as deciding factors THEO RAYS examines the unfolding electoral battle in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency for the House of Representatives seat and concludes that whoever emerges candidate of their party will owe a lot to the trio of Labour Minister and APC leader, Chris Ngige, APGA’s Governor Willie Obiano and former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka.

•Willie Obiano

•Chris Ngige

•Osita Chidoka

tion, he is sinking water boreholes and giving people light through solar energy among other things, so by the time he goes to the House, he will triple his services to the people. That is why we in APGA are fronting him and I am sure come 2019, the good people of Idemili will identify with APGA to give him the mandate.”

On the side of APC, former Governor Chris Ngige who is the current Minister of Labour and Productivity holds the ace as the key gladiator of the party in the constituency.

With Ngige, things can happen in favour of the APC candidate for the election. First is that as a member of the Federal Executive Council, he can orchestrate Federal might into the scene. Secondly, if the electorate echoes what he did in idemili during his days as governor, then the candidates of other political parties are in trouble.

For the APC ticket, former Chief of Staff to Ngige, Hon Chibuzor Obiakor who was the candidate of the party in 2015 is the leading contender. Obiakor, a product of the University of Chicago, however, has former member of the Federal House Hon. Charles Odedo to contend with. Odedo is a strong rival to contend with and the success of Obiakor in clinching the ticket depends largely on Ngige’s choice. Already Odedo has flooded the streets with branded vehicles indicating his interest to return to the House.

On the chances of the APC aspirant for the federal House, Sunday Ugegbe who works as the Director General of Odedo Campaign Organisation said the people are yearning for Odedo to go back to the House to re-enact the quality representation that was the

case when he represented the constituency, noting that he has been known for quality representation in the area of empowerment of the people and will do even better if given the opportunity to return to the National Assembly.

A political analyst in the area, Dr Ejike Nwangwu pinpointed Obiakor as the best bet for APC, noting that the Ogidi-born politician who trained and sojourned in the United States parades individual qualities, academic credentials and working experience as well as exposure required to represent Idemili people in the Federal House. “With all due respect to other aspirants, I think that Obiakor is not a bad choice for APC and considering his experience having worked closely with Ngige in the National Assembly, he will make a good representation,” he added.

Continuing on why Obiakor should be issued the ticket of APC, Nwangwu said: “He has made tangible contributions to the party intellectually, and also worked well enough in mobilising people into the party, so he has to be given a fair share of the party; he has to be given the opportunity to represent the party. What is the need of recycling people in one position when there are other people who have equally worked well enough for the party? That doesn’t give the party credibility and promising future.”

For the PDP, the incumbent member representing the Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Hon. Obinna Chidoka holds the ace for the ticket of the party for the Idemili race. Analysts say he is a sure bet for the ticket of the party as no politician in the PDP fold in the area is

indicating interest to challenge him for the ticket because as an incumbent, he has the financial power to muzzle himself through for the ticket.

To Chidoka who is the Chairman House Committee on Environment, the 2019 poll is a time to face the judgement of the people for his performance in the house. His performance in the first tenure will likely determine whether the people will re-elect him for a second term or not. While his supporters believe that he has done well both in the plenary, oversight functions and in the area of youth and women empowerment, the opposition from APGA and APC say he has failed to attract dividends of democracy to the constituents.

Behind Chidoka is his elder brother Ostia Chidoka who as Minister of Aviation under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan wielded power to aid his younger brother’s victory against Ibezi and Obiakor in 2015. Obinna also enjoys the support of Obosi youth and chieftains of the party in the area. Notable among them ex-member of the Federal House of Representatives, Dr C.C Okeke who is the current zonal chairman of PDP in Anambra Central, former chairman of the party in Idemili North Uzor Epundu and Hon Afam Uzoegwu, among others.

Analysts say Obiano, Ngige and Chidoka are the deciding factors for the candidates at the polls and the outcome of the election will largely depend on what the trio are capable of doing in terms of campaign messages, the vision and mission of their parties and candidates and mobilisation of the electorate.

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

POLITICS ‘Wike has transformed healthcare, education sectors in Rivers’

How would rate Barr Nyesom Wike’s performance in the past three years as governor of Rivers State?

I would score him above 90 per cent.

Why? And what are your indices?

Without doubt, I rate his performance very high based on the promises that he made during his electioneering campaign.

He has fulfilled most of the promises he made in terms of education, health, agriculture, poverty alleviation, road construction, among others. He has done very well in executing these programmes with dwindling resources from the federal government. Governor Wike has performed creditably well in his three years in office.

What are the contributions of the governor in the health and education sectors, which are your primary constituencies?

He has renovated many health facilities and secondary schools, which were moribund before he assumed office. He has been commissioning projects in the past two weeks in commemoration of his third year in office. And there are still more projects to be commissioned. For me, the governor has done very well in three years of assuming office. At times, he commissions up to three projects in a day. And there are still more projects to be commissioned.

Let us be specific now?

Governor Wike has renovated many secondary schools that were dilapidated and left untouched. He has built the faculty of law in the Rivers State University. He has also built the college of medicine of the Rivers State University. He has improved the infrastructural architecture of the Rivers State University. He has completed the faculty of management science and science education among others. He has also built and completed many projects in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education; Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt; Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori. He has renovated many dilapidated government secondary schools across the state. The governor recently awarded scholarships to 1,000 Rivers State indigenes in the newly established PAMO University of Medical Sciences in the state.

He has also promised to give 100 Rivers Students scholarship every year to study medicine.

Governor Wike has transformed the health and educational sectors in the state. He has built many healthcare centres as well as renovated several general hospitals, including the building of residential quarters for doctors within the premises of the hospitals to enable them perform optimally in the discharge of their duties. The governor will later in the day commission the office complex of the state primary healthcare board, which I will be attending after this interview. Governor Wike is working. When you see the edifice you will know that Wike is a governor that has the interest of the people of Rivers State at heart. He has also not only put the furniture in place, the air conditioning systems are also working. More importantly, he has recruited the staff that would make sure that the primary healthcare board functions seamlessly.

What are the major problems the governor has solved in your institution in the past three years that he has been in office?

Governor Wike is interested in this school. The major thing the governor did was to appoint a substantive provost for the institution, which many administrations failed to do. The institutions for many years have been run by acting provosts due, largely, to the existence of different clusters of camps angling to produce the provost. The governor appointed me at a time when different camps were fighting over which group would provide the provost. And these camps were made up of personnel within the college. So, the governor in his wisdom decided to appoint me as the substantive provost to come in

Dr. Franklin Nlerum, an Associate Professor of Rural Sociology and Extension at the Rivers State University (RSU), was appointed by Governor Nyesom Wike as the substantive Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology in November last year. He spoke to NATH OMAME Jr. on the impact of Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration to the healthcare and education sector in the past three years, the problems facing the institution and the usefulness of students who have successfully completed their course of studies in the school, to health facilities in the country.

•Nyesom Wike

from the Rivers State University. And his decision has paid off because my appointment sort of inspired peace and harmony.

The appointment of a substantive provost outside the institution has restored calm in the school. All feuding camps have now come together to work collectively for the growth and development of the institution. This institution serves both health and educational needs of the state in particular and Nigeria in general. We are looking up to the governor to still come to our aid in the provision of infrastructure.

We need classrooms for our students and offices for our lecturers. Besides, some of our courses are due for accreditation and accreditation takes a lot of money, so we are appealing to the governor to support us financially to get the courses accred-

ited. We need the assistance of the governor to get the accreditation from the appropriate bodies. The school cannot handle this alone.

How many courses are you are putting forward for accreditation?

About five courses Can you be specific?

They are virtual imaging technology; health information systems and the training programme for technicians, which accreditation process was recently concluded and two other programmes.

How much will it cost the institution to get accreditation for these programmes?

I don’t think I will be able to tell you how much each course will cost to be accredited. It is a cumbersome process that goes through various stages.

10 Why is it taking so long to appoint a governing board for the college of health science and technology?

This college has not had a governing board for quite some time. I am sure the governor is aware and I am sure he will constitute a governing board when he thinks it’s the time for him to do so. Appointing a governing board is at the discretion of the governor.

Your institution made an appeal to the governor for financial assistance to enable the management of the college meet some of its crucial obligations, have you received any response from the governor?

The governor has been going through a very busy schedule in recent weeks considering the programmes that have been slated for the commemoration of his three years in office. We are hopeful that he will attend to our request when he his less busy.

What is the current status of your institution, considering the fact that a new school of medical sciences has been established in the Rivers State University?

Are you subsumed under the school of medical sciences of the Rivers State University or you are still operating as an independent college of health science and technology?

We are still operating on our own because of the peculiar nature and peculiar benefits of our institution. We produce middle cadre manpower for the health sector in Rivers State, Nigeria and beyond the country. The relationship we have with the new faculty of medical sciences in the Rivers State University is that we produce students that will be given direct admission into the school of medical sciences to continue with the pursuit of their various medical areas of discipline.

Our primary goal is to produce the middle-level manpower, which the university would not produce. We continue to exist because our institution is unique.

As an institution that produces middle level manpower for the heath sector, how would you assess the performance of your products in the health sector?

Many of the students who passed through this institution are working in public and private hospitals in the state as well as in other states in the country. You can find students who passed through this institution doing very well in specialist hospitals, including university teaching hospitals across Nigeria. Most of the middle-level manpower in the universitybased hospitals in Rivers State is from our institution.

What you mean, in essence, is that products of your institution are relevant in sustaining the healthcare system in Nigeria?

For sure, they are very relevant.

Based on that foundation, how would access healthcare delivery system in the state?

Currently, the healthcare delivery system in the state under Governor Wike is doing very well. He has employed medical staff in all the public health institutions in the state and their salaries and allowances are paid promptly. The medical health facility in Rivers State, in my assessment, is doing well.

In training your students, you use some sophisticated equipment, do you?

Of course, yes.

Has any of your former students complained that some of these equipment are not available in his place of work?

No. We have not had any complaint to that effect What type of certificates does your institution award to your students upon the completion of their studies?

We award certificates, National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND).

Our programmes are accredited by the National Board of Technical Education and other regulatory technical educational bodies relevant to the field of study.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

INTERVIEW

Even as Ngwa, only APC victory will make me happy – Nwankpa Embattled chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State chapter, Chief Donatus Nwankpa, at a media parley, speaks of imminent change of power in Abia; reveals the party’s plans to paper the cracks occasioned by the parallel congresses it held in the state and denied allegations that he was a mole, working for PDP; while expresses hope that the federal government will arrest the nationwide security challenges. BONIFACE OKORO witnessed the explosive parley held at the Azikiwe Road, Umuahia state secretariat of the party and brings you the excerpts.

Having been re-elected the state chairman of APC, what will be your focus and mission My mission is taking Abia to a higher level.

I want to tell Abians that there is no need mourning, there is no need weeping, there is no need crying, because God said He has created all in His image and when there is need, God effects a change. We all, as the true image of God, with our collective goal and desire, will make a change in Abia democratically, peacefully, using our powers enshrined in the constitution through our voters’ cards.

Abia APC has factions, resulting in parallel congresses during the just concluded party primaries. How do you hope to come out of this?

I think it is funny. There is no building that stands without a foundation. The Congress Committee for the Ward and Local Government came here with six members, led by Alhaji Abdulahi Bello, a former Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, and the Secretary, a retired permanent Secretary in Katsina State, and we signed the attendance register.

Selected members retired upstairs with the Committee and held a meeting. In that meeting, a motion moved by one Mike Ozoemena proposed that Barrister Fabian Okonkwo, the outgoing Zonal Organizing Secretary and myself are the key to the peace of the party. I didn’t take it as key to peace, but key to pacification; which means making people who feel aggrieved happy because politics deals in majority. But, because this is a progressive house, there is always room for dissenting and consenting voices.

At our meeting in Damgrette Hotel, his first opinion was that we share the structure. I said since you people said you are a structure, no problem. Get five members per ward, let these people go and decide on the modalities for the conduct of congresses in their wards. They said no; that they should be given nine local governments out of 17.

I said, okay, can you people bring five persons per local government who will go and resolve their ward structures and the modalities for Ward and Local Government Congresses? This meeting ended by 11:45pm and this was the adopted formula at the meeting.

The following day, I was invited to a meeting where some of them, including my former Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ndukwe, Barrister Fabian Okonkwo, Prince Paul Ikonne and Mike Ozoemena were.

We all had a discussion at Villa Roy (Hotels). They said okay they were going to meet their leader, one Chief Ikechi Emenike.

I said no problem, I don’t have leaders, I have stakeholders because I am not a one-man institution.

So they came here after their meeting and the whole materials were officially unveiled before everybody, including the press. During the Local Government and Ward Congresses, we all worked together. The Appeal Committee came and every appeal made to them was entertained but not on factional basis.

Only during the State Congresses did Senator Jonathan Zwingina, the Chairman of the State Congress Committee, came in with his

• ?????????? members, only for us to hear that the Secretary missed her way. Maybe she had not been to Abia before. She got to the Airport and somebody carried her to one private residence and she said she did a congress there.

Now, what are the procedures for the congress? You cannot do a congress without the Ward Delegates List of five persons per ward, which gives you a total of 920. Then how many statutory members are there?

Yes, some of the former exco members were there but what is their proportion to the people who are here? Then statutory members, including all former governors, deputy governors, Senators, House of Reps Members, none of these statutory members were ever seen to be there.

In that light, gentlemen, I do not want us to dwell on factions or no factions. What we want to talk of is family disagreement.

Sometimes, you have children who can be renegades and at times, there can be deviant children. And what do you do? You always look for a way of pampering deviants or try to hear from their own view because, at times, the majority might drum their views to drown the views of the minority.

And to that effect, we have brought a solution. We have set up a committee for reconciliation. That committee is headed by an 80year-old leader and a former member of the State House of Assembly, Chief G. O. Onyemaobi. Other members include a retired Chief Judge of this state, Justice Sunday Imo; a former Managing Director of Hallmark Bank,

Sir Mac Wabara, Senator Chris Adighije, Lady Ori Obasi and a lady called Oluoma Ndigbo.

We are resolving our differences and our differences are just minor and something that will not take us time. So, we are comfortable with our peace process. Any moment from now, we all will come back to talk with one voice.

There are rumours that the Chief Ikechi Emenike faction is fighting you because they are not comfortable with your headship of the party because of your alleged soft spot for the governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, which makes them feel that you are working for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) That statement is a statement borne out of ignorant and political stupidity. Why do I say so? Orji Uzor Kalu was the Governor of this State. T.A. Orji was the governor of this state.

Check the party structure in those days. How many people complained? Some of you are too big to carry the rumours of those who still live in primordial sentimentality.

So, if Donatus is a mole, what do you call all those clowns following a man sheepishly and idiotically?

Chief Tony Ukasanya, Chief Kalu Eke Kalu, Chief Afredo Awah and late Dr. Rex Otuka were state chairmen (at one point or the other). Why were you people not raising those things then? Why must the Ngwa thing be a different matter? It is becoming an unbecoming! Was it an accident that Ngwa man is the governor in a state where the Ukwa/ Ngwa people have nine local governments?

Why must we be unnecessarily sentimental?

I come from a place and you want me to deny my place because I am a party chairman? I cannot deny where I come from, I am an Ngwa man, from Osisioma Ngwa, in Abia Central; born and bred here by Nwankpa Nwachukwu. Whether you call it politics or not, it does not remove me from where I come from… Okay, if I am so smart, I am smarter than Orji Uzor Kalu; I am smarter than Anyim Nyerere; I am smarter than Adighije, I am smarter than Acho Obioma (Chomen), I am smarter than Joshua Ogbonna that is here?

Why I am telling you this is that the more some of you say these things, the more you make people you call Ukwa/Ngwa feel that there is a calculated attempt to blackmail them as a people. There is a calculated attempt to make Ukwa/Ngwa people look as if they are second-class citizens of this state.

I know how they feel when we have our meetings and some of them say that it is because they are Ngwa that they keep talking all these things.

I want to tell you that I have the capacity as a former Minority Leader of this state, as a graduate, as a former Students’ Union leader in this country. As somebody who has played politics from Ward Secretary, Ward Chairman, State Officer, House of Assembly, Commissioner, am I not qualified to be a state chairman?

I am not too passionate to be a state chair-

Cont’d from page 12

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

POLITICS

...Only APC victory will make me happy Cont’d from page 11 man. This is not my ambition. I midwifed this party when nobody gave this party a forte in this state. I had accident and was in clutches for 16 weeks. Where then were these people who are opening their mouth anyhow now?

Chief Anyim Nyerere, Stanley Ohajuruka and myself brought this party to this state. Ikechi Emenike is a joiner.

Anybody can be gubernatorial candidate of the party, but for party administration, it must be those who know the party from day one. I was part of the APC launching even before the name APC was approved. Why did they not take me out that time?

Now, the question you should ask is: what is our own plan in APC? APC came, we said because we have not produced governor before, there is no zoning. Ask me anybody who has come here and want to run for the governorship and we told him, no, because you are not from Ukwa/Ngwa, go.

We have no candidate in APC. What we have are aspirants and every aspirant will be

given a level playing ground. There will be no imposition; we will not take people’s loyalty for granted. We will not engage in imposition rascality.

Moses, besides living in Egypt, knew that he was a Jew. My party is APC and APC victory is the only victory that is mine. PDP victory, even if it is my son, is not my victory as a politician. And no politician surrenders his victory to another person unless you are retiring. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe said that politics is a game you know when to enter but you don’t know when you are going to retire. So for that, I am not retiring yet. I am not going to compromise my future for anything. The victory of this party for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, will give me a personal satisfaction, social satisfaction, political satisfaction and grow my profile. My profile cannot grow on another person’s victory. That is my stand.

What do you make of the PDP declaration, which forbade any Ukwa/Ngwa person from contesting against Governor Ikpeazu in 2019 What happened in Okpuala Ngwa was a PDP affair. PDP cannot determine for APC

and that is why Ukwa Ngwa people met in Aba and took a decision that we rejected the PDP resolution.

First, that resolution in Okpuala Ngwa was undemocratic; it is against the principles of democracy. Even your father cannot come out and tell you, in a democratic setting, that because his brother is going for this, none of his children can go. For you to win, you have to convince people, you don’t have to coerce people.

There is nothing to show that what happened that day was anything more than the association of native doctors and some palm wine tappers, organized by new converts who did not know the rudiments and fairplay politics that we have in this state now.

How are you going to convince people to vote for APC and President Buhari in 2019 given the killings going on in the country by herdsmen?

Yes, we had issues with herdsmen. These herdsmen are not controlled by anybody.

I have never heard of association of herdsmen, I have never heard that this village today is a village known as herdsmen. It is one

of those things that in every time in history, one monster rears its head and these monsters can be sponsored; these monsters can also arise as a result of natural dislocation from their bases. What we are praying today is that these things must be arrested. I have not come here to use it as a marketing or demarketing strategy.

The most important thing, as I have told people here, is that Mr. President cannot be everywhere and for that, some of these things will continue to challenge but he is arresting them and we are confident that he has the capacity, the will, the gut and the discipline to handle them. So, these things are things President have been taking care of.

Whether you talk about the election, there will be no killing that will affect elections because there will be no killing again in Nigeria.

Those things are being arrested.

PS: The interview was conducted before the recent massacre in Jos, in which over 200 souls were despatched to the great beyond in brutal attacks on plateau villages on Sunday.

NEWS

By Clem Onyemaechi, Yenagoa

C

hairman of Local Government Service Commission in Bayelsa State, Chief Adolphus Ofongo on Monday revealed that the Commission has uncovered the names of 42 dead persons who are still on the payroll, earning monthly salaries from the state government.

Ofongo spoke at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area as the town hall meetings organized by the state government to sensitize the citizens on the ongoing civil service reforms came to an end.

Meanwhile the State Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Mrs. Agatha Goma, has disclosed that, the ongoing

42 dead persons Bayelsa payroll; as Govt recovers N684m from LGAs reforms in the public service has led to a situation where government is currently saving about 684 million naira annually from the review of the grade levels of workers at the local government level alone.

Making the revelation at a joint media briefing of top government functionaries in Government House, Yenagoa, the Commissioner explained that, the review of the grade levels of workers was to ensure that

local government staff are at their appropriate grade levels as well as check cases of arbitrary promotions.

According to her from the exercise, which was carried out by the Local Government Service Commission, the Government made savings of about N57 million monthly, adding that, part of the efforts to clean up the problems, include physical assessment of workers to identify over aged persons, review of

Delta APC knocks Okowa over sack of 568 Delta Line workers

By Jonathan Awanyai, Asaba

T

he Delta State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has described Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s approval for the sacking of 568 Staff of Delta Line Transport Service Ltd, as not only insensitive to the plight of Delta workers, but has shown that the governor is clueless.

The party in a press release made available to The Oracle Today by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr Moses Kamanya said that, it is sad to note that while other progressive governors are initiating people oriented projects and engaging all other activities that will better the lots of her citizens, Governor Okowa is throwing Deltans into already saturated unemployment market.

The party stated further that, while Deltans were complaining of the ways and manner their collective heritage were auctioned out to political allies who sponsored Okowa’s governorship election in 2015 for a mere N161million for an equity, rejected another investor bid for over N2billion, they are shock to learn that 568 breadwinners have be thrown into an uncertainty.

According to the statement ; “our independent investigation has shown that the management of God Is Good Motors (GIGM), who bought 70 percent stake of the company from Delta State Government, at rip-off price of N161million, has not invested

•Gov. Ifeanyi-Okowa a kobo since taken over.

“Like every actions of the PDP led government since 1999 which has always been anti-Deltans, if not how do you explain why a government will throw its citizens into untold hardship on the altar of political exigencies?

Today the information out there is that, the new management has started recruiting non-Deltans employees from Anambra and Imo states at the expense of Deltans who la-

boured for the transport company for years, so whose interest is Okowa serving?

“We are sympathizing with the affected families over this unjust action of the PDP led government in Delta state and we want Deltans to see this as a wakeup call to vote out this insensitive and clueless government come 2019 and take back our state and common wealth from these rabble rousers that has held the State hostage,” the statement read.

the certificates presented by workers to ascertain the validity of those certificates.

Mrs. Goma pointed out that, as a result of the reforms being carried out since 2012, the wage bill of the state has been reduced from over N6 billion Naira in 2012 to about 3.8 billion Naira in 2018, stressing that, the local government councils now have the capacity to also pay salaries of workers promptly.

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Reverend Thomas Zidafamor, urged Bayelsans to discountenance the rumors that, the Government has sacked 28, 000 workers, pointing out that, it was the handiwork of a misinformed opposition.

According to him, the fact that organized labor in the state is in a harmonious relationship with the state government on the reforms, shows that the information and the rumors being peddled are a not only cooked up, but also a figment of their imagination.

He challenged those peddling falsehood about the reforms to publish the names of the sacked workers, describing the statement as a figment of their imagination.

Also speaking, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Yenagoa Constituency 2, Hon. Ebiwou Koku-Obiyai, stressed the need for Bayelsans to embrace the reforms and support the government in cleansing the service of all forms of sharp practices.

She said the state government has been carrying out reforms in the public service to address the rot in the system and the attendant over bloated wage bill.

According to her, the major issues being tackled include ghost workers, unapproved employments, inflated grade levels, replacement of names of dead workers, inflated payrolls as well as workers with multiple employments, absenteeism among others.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Employment, Labour and Productivity, Chief Collins Cocodia, thanked Governor Seriake Dickson for the approval of immediate employment of 1,000 graduate youths into the civil service.

He also commended the state government for its approval for the training of about 2000 public servants in partnership with some reputable organizations such as Google Skill Africa and Digital Bridge Institute.

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Extra Kidnappers demand N5m for release of two children in Ebonyi

Abia Govt, Ruyi Group, Geometric sign Enyimba Economic City deal in China

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

A

S

uspected kidnappers of two children in Ndi Uduma village of Oso Edda community in Afikpo South local government area of Ebonyi state have demanded the sum of N5million ransom to free the children.

The two children aged between 5 and 7 were kidnapped by gun wielding men who invaded their family home, even as names of the two children couldn’t be ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

It was gathered that the gunmen numbering about four had invaded the house of one James Alum Nkama, father of the kidnapped children at 11pm and shattered the louvers of his windows with bullets in an effort to gain entry into the house.

Nkama and some members of his family had fled into the bush during the invasion by the gunmen leaving the two children.

Also, a 104 year-old grandfather of the children is currently battling for survival at Matter Misericodae hospital, Afikpo in Afikpo North local government area of the state after the hoodlums inflicted severe machete cuts on him.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Loveth Odah confirmed that the kidnappers are demanding the sum of N5million to free the kidnapped children.

“Two days ago, two family members of the man visited my office demanding for the pictures of the kidnapped children and other information to enable us announce it on air. One of the family members told me that someone called him on phone with a hidden number saying “you witch, before you get your children you have to pay N5million.

“The man confirmed to me that he sold a land with huge amount of money and that the money is finished. So, it might be the people that saw the money that may have done this evil. There was no life lost but the hoodlums shot at glasses (louvers). A man of 104 years was macheted. That man is in the hospital now. He is a grandfather to the children”, Odah stated.

Meanwhile, nine suspects who attacked policemen from the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Amoso Nta where the officers had gone to arrest some suspects connected with the kidnapping have been nabbed.

“The nine suspects have been charged to court and the traditional ruler of the area confirmed to us that if the remaining eleven suspects who are at large are arrested that his community will be calm. We are having twenty persons disturbing the whole community and we have arrested nine.

If we should get the remaining eleven especially the drug dealer, the whole place will be calm”, she stated.

By VICTOR NZE

bia State Government, the Ruyi Group, a Chinese largest textile manufacturer, and the Geometric Power Company, Aba, have signed agreements for the takeoff of the new Enyimba Economic City, as well as roll out of uninterrupted power supply to the Aba area of the state.

With the official signing, Monday, construction work is now expected to commence on the project site located along Aba-Port Harcourt Highway, in Abia State.

The agreements were signed at the Corporate Office of the Ruyi Group in Beijing, China, with the company signing three different Memoranda of Understanding to kick-start its investment in Abia State.

The Ruyi Group, which laid emphasis on regular and uninterrupted power insisted as pre-condition for investment, signed an agreement with Geometric Power Company, Aba, as co-owners of the power gen-

eration and distribution firm.

CEO of Geometric Power Company, Aba, Prof. Bart Nnaji, signed the agreement with the Ruyi Group for equity investment in the Geometric Power Company to enable the Chinese firm mobilize immediate funds for the completion and start-off of the Geometric Power Plant at Osisioma, near Aba. Also, Mr. C. Darl Uzu signed another agreement with the Chinese firm for the anchor investment of Ruyi Group in the Enyimba Economic City while a third agreement was signed for the promotion of greater trade partnership between Nigerian businesses and their Chinese counterparts.

Speaking while welcoming the delegation, led by the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, the Chairman of Ruyi Group, Mr. Qiu Yu Fan expressed delight that after one year of due diligence by his company and several exchange of visits, the investment is set to come to fruition.

He noted that his company has de-

cided to diversify her operations into Africa and they have chosen Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia as new frontiers and emphasised that he chose Nigeria because of the doggedness of Governor Ikpeazu.

The Chinese firm is investing in Kano, Kano State, Lekki, Lagos State and Aba, Abia State simultaneously, with Abia State enjoying greater part of the investment portfolio courtesy of the agreements with Geometrics and Enyimba Economic City.

In his response, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described the occasion as one of the most fulfilling in his tenure as Governor noting that his joy was that the coming investment will far outlive his administration and confirm Abia State as the new preferred destination for investment in Nigeria.

He noted that he had visited China five times in the last one year to further conversations on the workability of the investment of the Ruyi Group and expressed joy that his efforts have finally come to fruition.

In his speech, the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, assured the Ruyi Group that Federating States by Nigerian Law were fully authorised to enter into business relationships with international companies and expressed the support of the Embassy for the investment.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, confirmed that her Ministry was fully aware of the negotiations for the investment and assured of the support of the Federal Government where needed.

Present at the signing ceremony were the Group Chairman of Ruyi Group, Mr. Qiu Yu Fan, Group President, Prof. Liming Sun and other top level executives of the company.

The Nigerian delegation consisted of the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investments, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, Amb. Empire Kanu, Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, DG Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Chairman of Geometric, Dr. Pascal Dozie, CEO of Geometric, Prof. Bart Nnaji, CEO of Enyimba Economic City, Mr. C. Darl Uzu and several officials of the Nigerian Embassy in China, Abia State Government, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, Geometrics Power and Enyimba Economic City.

Ikwerre council chairman vows to tackle cultism, kidnapping

C • Commissioner Science & Technology, Chief Fabian Nwankwo, flanked by participants of a one-day ICT Technical Workshop organized by the Abia State Government which held at the Ministry of Science & Technology, Umuahia, the state capital

I did not award N8bn Nworie River dredging contract – Ohakim

By COLLINS UGHALAA

F

ormer Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim has again denied that his administration awarded the Nworie River dredging contract, contrary to allegations that he spent N8bn on the said project.

Ohakim made this known at his Prefab residence in Owerri while responding to the allegation by some people that he awarded the contract for the dredging of Nworie River in Owerri, capital of Imo State, for N8bn.

Recall that Ohakim had asked his social media followers to feel free to tell him the areas they thought he did not do well and the areas he did well while as Governor of Imo State between 2007 and 2011. However, at his Prefab residence, Ohakim who is running for a second term in office in 2019 also said he did not ask anyone

who did not have N1m to leave Owerri and go back to the village.

“I was accused of saying that anybody without N1million should leave Owerri to the village. My dear brothers and sisters, if you look at what is happening in Imo today, you can see who truly made such a statement as more people have migrated to the village in the last seven years whereas during our time, millions came to the capital because of the opportunities we provided.

“That accusation was another lie from the pit of hell which was used to hoodwink our people and land us where we are today”, he said.

Ohakim further explained that “The Nworie project was an NDDC project, not Ohakim’s project. So, how did Ohakim give anybody N8billion or whatever figure they peddled to our people for the project?

“Back then, we didn’t have that kind of money, which was why I had to take a bond to transform the Face of Imo in the continent.

Unfortunately those after me didn’t share my vision of transformation and today Imo is an ugly and dirty ghost of her former self.

“Salaries were paid 100 per cent to our civil servants and on time.

Our roads and those built by His Excellency Chief Achike Udenwa still stand strong as the only wellconstructed, COREN certified roads in the state today.

“We provided grassroots jobs totalling over 50,000, including but not limited to 10,000 jobs, IROMA, local government staff, among others”.

Ohakim noted that though he is not a perfect man, he “will never make false or malicious accusations knowingly against anyone”, saying that he expects same courtesy from others.

hairman, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr Samuel Nwanosike, has expressed his administration’s resolve to tackle cultism and kidnapping in the area.

Nwanosike, the newly elected chairman, made the pledge on Monday while reacting to the recent arrest of some suspected kidnappers in Ozuaha community.

According to police reports, nine hostages were released in the process of arresting the two suspects in their hideouts.

Recently, some communities in the area were reported to be involved in cult and kidnapping activities.

“It is time for us to say no to evil; we will approach this move with utmost sense of direction, commitment and vigour. That you belong to any political party is no excuse; that you are related to a highly placed political or government official is also no route for escape,’’ he said.

Nwanosike commended the Police for their courage and gallantry in the process of arresting the suspects and subsequent release of their hostages.

He urged residents of Ikwerre communities to support the government and law enforcement agencies in the move to tackle these ugly menace.

“Security should be our collective responsibility; as a people, we must provide information that will expose crime within our domains,’’ he said.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Extra Security operatives have failed; blame FG for killings – Squadron leader Kalu

By BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

I

mmediate past chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Abia State chapter, Squadron Leader Emmanuel Kalu, has declared that security agencies in the country have failed in their duties.

Kalu who retired from the Nigerian Air Force noted that one of the ways to arrest the senseless killings remains getting the security personnel to perform the duties for which they are being paid- ensuring security of lives and property.

“Let them carry out the duties for which they are paid. They are not paid to destroy lives. They are paid to ensure that the lives of Nigerians are regarded as sacrosanct,” he submits.

“Nigerians are seeing these killings as a security issue. But in my opinion, since we have more that is needed to ensure adequate security in Nigeria, to ensure adequate protection of lives in Nigeria, I think those who are involved in security duties, those whose duty it is to ensure that there is security in Nigeria are not living up to their duties. They are not carrying out the purpose for which they were employed.

“Those security outfits have nothing to complain against Nigeria. They have all they needed to ensure that Nigeria is safe, yet, even when they have all these abundance of equipment, training; all that is needed to ensure security and even as we have them, there is no security in Nigeria, so those involved in security activities are not living up to their responsibilities,” he said.

The elder statesman is at pains that many lives were being destroyed even when Nigeria was at peace.

“Nigeria does not have any war now and without any reason, so many lives are being destroyed even when we have peace. How can anybody justify it - the destruction life; when we have no external aggression against Nigeria,” he asked rhetorically.

He posited that people in authority who condone these acts of killing should be equally be blamed for the state of insecurity Nigeria has found herself in.

“Any action that is senseless is a sin. It means it doesn’t agree with the way people who are not senseless are supposed to do things.

If the people who are involved in taking human lives, directly or indirectly, have the support of the powers that be, I think the powers that be who support senseless killings have to be blamed.

“One of the ways through which we will strike against these senseless killings is to ask the authority to have regard and have respect for the precious lives that are being destroyed senselessly, no matter what are the reasons of those who engage in this senseless act,” he counseled.

“Majority of Nigerians are condemning the act of killing, so let us have the feeling that if majority of Nigerians are saying we don’t like killings, we should respect the opinion of the majority,” he added.

He, therefore, urged the federal government to stop these killings because they are inhuman.

ANA/FUNAI confab: Alex Ekwueme varsity to drive reading culture in Nigeria -- VC

By VICTOR NZE

V

ice Chancellor of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba, has restated commitment of the institution at driving the reading culture in both the state and country.

Nwajiuba said this during the opening of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)/FUNAI first-ever conference on the criticism of contemporary Nigerian literature from the June 18-19, 2018.

Nwajiuba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Solomon Ego, expressed the delight of the university

at being asked by ANA to host the conference, just as he informed the audience that the University strongly believes such intellectual exercise will lead to the development of the reading culture and Nigerian literature.

History was made for Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu -Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) in Ebonyi State with the hosting of the firstever conference on the criticism of contemporary Nigerian literature which also had a literary workshop was tagged “Expanding Frontiers: Nigeria’s creative writing in the 21st Century.”

The conference, according to the President of the Association of Nige-

rian Authors (ANA), Mallam Denja Abdullahi, in his opening address, was conceived to unbundle the seminar series hitherto part of the Association’s annual convention.

Also he stated that the conference was designed to divert necessary critical attention to our contemporary literature suffering from the dearth of rigorous criticism, often only available in journals restricted to academics and higher institutions.

According to him, the main objective of the conference is to re-popularize literary criticism as a handmaiden of creativity and a vibrant reading culture.

In his Keynote Speech at the con-

•President Muhammadu Buhari (m) at the Ayade Industrial Park to commission Africa’s first automated Rice Seed and Seedling factory in Calabar

Anambra stakeholders urge students to develop interest in farming

P

rominent farmer, Prince Ugochukwu Okpalaeke, along with other stakeholders in Aguata Local Government Area in Anambra State has called on school children to develop interest in farming as they look toward the future.

The stakeholders made the call during the distribution of 5000 pieces of 60 leaves exercise book to pupils and students of all primary and secondary schools in Umuchu in Aguata by the Eagle Food Processing Industry Nigeria Limited at a ceremony held at Government Technical School (GTC) Umuchu.

Government officials, community leaders, farmers, principals, head teachers and teachers along with pupils and students witnessed the ceremony. In his address the Managing Director of Eagle Food Processing Industry Prince Okpalaeke said the distribution was part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Industry noting that the Food Processing company has strongly lend support for quality education pupils and students in Umuchu with scholarship schemes, giving prices for best performing Students in Secondary School and University and rehabilitation of Classroom blocks.

Prince Okpalaeke said who is the current chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Anambra State Chapter said: “Today’s event is part of Eagle Food Education In-

tervention Program to boost quality education in Umuchu. The event proper is distribution of 5000 copies of 60 leaves exercise book to pupils and students in all the primary and secondary schools in Umuchu.

Eagle Food is passionate about quality education of our children hence this widow’s mite gesture to our children.

“This may be a tip of the iceberg.

Why do I say so? Perhaps some of us may not know that Eagle Food through Osimiri Foundation has consistently provided scholarship for pupils and students here in Umuchu on annual basis for over 15 years. Eagle Food also have what it is called Education Support Program, a platform through which the industry rewards best performing pupils and students in secondary schools and Universities in Umuchu.

“In the same vein Eagle Food has freely planted over 2000 tree mostly palm trees in all the schools in Umuchu. A good number of the families have also benefited from the Eagle Food free tree planting exercise. For complex reason we at Eagle Food are very passionate about tree planting. First is to derive the maximum benefit from tree for food security and economic development. Secondly to enhance the Commissioner for Agriculture Hon Afam Mbanefo who received the books from the donor said that

it is wonderful thing to see that Eagle Food is lending support for education in addition to other things the company is doing such as enhancing food security in the State and providing means subsistence activities for the youth.

The Commissioner who was representing by Joe Igbokwe thanked the Management of Eagle Food for the kind gesture to the School children and urged the pupils and student to make good use of the books and also take home the good story of farming business.

In his remarks the Principal of GTC Mr Offia Alphonsus thanked the management of Eagle of Food for considering it right enough the aid quality education in the community. He also thanked Governor Obiano for all he has been doing to GTC and used the opportunity to ask like Oliver Twist appealing for fencing of the GTC as according the School is not fenced and that is security concern for the School authority over the years.

Stakeholders who lent their voices in advising the pupils and students to consider the idea of becoming farmers as they continue to learn and grow in life were the Proprietor Rojenny Games Village Oba, Chief Ezeonwuka who offered Rojenny Stadium free for school who want to it for inter House sports and other sporting activities.

ference titled; “Expanding Frontiers of Nigerian Literature: Aesthetics and Technological continuities and Transformations,” Professor Isidore Diala of the Imo State University, Owerri, took the audience round the trends in Nigerian literature from the beginning to the present time, delineating all the major themes and styles.

His presentation formed the major plank of discourse at the writer/ critics’ forum that followed in which Prof JOJ Nwachukwu Agbada, Prof Sam Ukala, Prof Ogaga Okuyade, Dr Ismala Bala and Ikeogu Oke led discussions. The very robust discussions dwelled majorly on the issue of tradition and canon formation in Nigerian literature.

The first day of the conference also witnessed the workshops in the areas of drawing, poetry and drama.

All participants at the conference featured in the workshops with the one in drawing led by the Art Coordinator of the University and the one in poetry led by Prof Joe Ushie, a renowned poet and scholar from University of Uyo and that of drama led by Prof Sam Ukala, 2014 NLNG LITERATURE prize award winner for drama.

A competitive segment rounded up the three workshops and winners were announced and awarded on the second day of the workshop.

The second day of the conference started with the presentations of two lead papers by Prof E E Sule of IBB University, Lapai who spoke on “Diapora Positioning, Identity Politics and the Crisis of Contemporary Nigerian Literature” and Prof Oyeniyi Okunoye of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (via Dr Osita Ezilora of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye) who spoke on; “ Towards Anthologizing Third Generation Nigerian Poetry.”

The two leads and the other papers that followed presented by scholars and writers across the country acquitted the conference in its major objective of driving necessary critical attention to contemporary Nigerian literature. The Vice Chancellor of the host University, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, walked into the middle of the activities of the second day from a trip outside the country to pledge the University’s readiness to be a permanent host of the conference annually.

In his speech, he spoke of the University’s stride in academics in spite of it being a fledgling university and the intention to make it a world class bilingual institution where French and English will be the languages of instruction.

The Vice Chancellor read a poem of his and presented awards to the winners of the workshop competitions in the area of drawing, poetry and drama.

Earlier on the first day, the ANA President presented a special award to the VC for being a great supporter of the literary arts and donated 200 volumes of books from Nigerian contemporary literature to the University’s library.

The workshop ended with a tree planting ceremony held at the frontage of the main administrative block of the University involving the ANA President and other selected attendees of the conference.

An excursion to Ebonyi mines and a poetry and palmwine evening hosted by ANA Ebonyi State Chapter ended the 2-day conference/ workshop.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Ucha explains turnaround at Bonny Poly

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

C

hairman of Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, in Rivers state, Senator Julius Ucha said, Monday, the council has ensured that the school which was almost redundant was fully revived in compliance with the mandate given to it

by President Muhammad Buhari in June 2017 on his appointment.

Ucha who stated this in Abakaliki noted that the school has commenced full scale academic activities under his chairmanship of the Governing Council.

Senator Ucha is a two-term Senator who represented Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone of Ebonyi State between 2003 to 2011 and 2015 governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He said the council also secured accreditation for five departments, confirmation of staff and the appointment of substantive Rector of the school, further disclosing that when he was appointed the chairman governing council of the school, he met a very wonderful environment, magnificent buildings ‘but unfortunately no academic activities were going on in the school.’

“It was difficult to know what they were doing because in an institution of that nature, one would have expected students on ground because that was what would keep the staff. So we quickly called a meeting with the staff, addressed and admonished them.

“As a council, we made a promise that if within one year, we are not able as a council to secure accreditation, for some departments of the poly, that means that the council has failed on her responsibilities. Council swung into action and since then we have been working hard to ensure we change the situation on ground.

Edo Govt. to partner ANAN to grow economy – Deputy Gov.

E

do Government said on Tuesday that it would partner with professional bodies, including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in its strategic efforts to grow the economy of the state.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, said this in Benin while declaring open the three-day Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the association.

The theme of the programme is “Enhancing Proficiency in Professionalism in Public and Private Sectors.”

Shaibu said that the state government would always partner with the association to enhance the work force of the state.

He urged the participants to take advantage of the programme to improve their professional skills.

He said the present administration in Edo was committed to transforming the economy of the state through Public Private Partnership initiatives.

Earlier, the President of ANAN, Alhaji Shehu Ladan, commended the state government for the achievements it had recorded through its purposeful leadership.

Ladan also commended government for its fight against human trafficking and for increasing its internally generated revenue.

He gave the assurance that the programme would improve the skills of its members to face the challenges posed by the changing trends in the profession.

Bayelsa PDP rues defection of commissioner to APC T

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

he leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State chapter has described as ‘a mark of ingratitude’ the resignation and defection of Ibarakumo Otobo, the erstwhile Commissioner for Youth Development to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the PDP, Bayelsa State, Hon. Moses Cleopas and Secretary, Keku Godspower, the part also said Otobo’s action as ‘a mark of immaturity and a lack of understanding of the policies and programs of the PDP led Restoration Government in the State.’

The party leaders further said that the behavior of the former Commissioner should be condemned by all right thinking youths across the State.

The statement noted with regret that, Mr. Otobo is taking such a decision at a time when, Governor Seriake Dickson is doing everything humanly possible to build the capacity of youths to prepare them for leadership positions in the nearest future, stressing that, his actions are ‘not only ill-timed and selfish, but runs counter to the youth friendly policies of the Government.’

The PDP leadership however, used the opportunity to express its deep appreciation to Bayelsa Youths for

solidly standing behind the Restoration government as well as the active roles they have continued to play in the implementation of the people oriented policies and programs of the administration.

The party also debunked a statement credited to the Chairman of the APC in the State, Jonathan Amos, that the State Government had sacked 28, 000 civil servants from its ongoing public service reforms.

According to the statement, no civil servant has been sacked as a result of the ongoing reforms, pointing out that, persons with false claims and incomplete or unverifiable documents have been reprimanded and given op-

• (From left): The Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, during the commissioning of the 11.5-kilometre Okochiri Internal Roads comprising of one link road and 14 Internal Roads in in Okochiri Kingdom of the state

Buhari commissions C’River automated rice seedling factory

By ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

P

resident Mohammadu Buhari has stated that the nation’s zero oil economy roadmap which was put together by his administration is on the course and Nigeria is on its way to achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

President Buhari made this known in Calabar while commissioning an automated rice seed and seedling factory built by the state government at the Cross River Industrial park in Calabar, Tuesday.

The president who was accompanied by the governors of Kebbi State, Atiku Bugudu as well as Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Moses Ekpo as well as the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, commended the Cross River State governor for keying into the nation’s agricultural roadmap stressing that the state is now a reference point in agricultural production.

The president who was visibly elated by the seedling plant maintained that the fact that a factory of

that nature is in Calabar shows that the nations drive to reposition its agricultural sector is on track and is consistent with the zero oil economy roadmap which is on course.

“Our coming here today is no doubt a determination and a glowing testimony that the agricultural policy is working. Indeed, this factory speaks loudly about the giant strides we are making in agriculture in the country.

“The factory is a marvel to behold and is said to be the largest in Africa is an automated factory with the capacity to produce high yielding and disease resistant rice seedlings. We hope that with these seeds, we can improve rice production in the country from 3 tons per hectare to nine tons per hectare to ensure rice sufficiency in the country and doing away with imports and saving foreign exchange for Nigeria.

“The factory is also targeted at creating employment opportunity for the unemployed and will also be a veritable platform for income generation for the people of Cross River State”.

He called on relevant government agencies including the ministry of agriculture and the central bank of Nigeria to partner with Cross River in the area of supply of the seedlings to our farmers and commended the governor for other agricultural initiatives ongoing particularly the cotton plantation.

In his reaction, the State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade said the factory is conceived in reaction to the call by the president for Nigerians to go back to agriculture and reduce excessive dependence on imported foods.

He said his government is pursuing a very aggressive programme to divest the country from excessive dependence on oil which is what informed the decision to create the factory and also other agro-based industries which are at various levels of completion across the state.

As part of his visit to the state, the president also commissioned an ultra-modern Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar which it hopes will provide specialized health care services to the generality of the people in the state.

portunities to clear themselves.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa youths have appealed to Gov.Dickson to keep his pact with the youths in which the governor pledged to hand over power to youths under his political tutelage.

The youths made the plea while reacting to the resignation and defection of the Youth Commissioner, Ibarakumo Otobo to the APC. Otobo joined Dickson’s cabinet in February 2018 and before his appointment was the Chairman of Bayelsa Volunteers, a special security outfit formed by Bayelsa government to complement the security agencies.

The youths under the auspices of the Bayelsa Youth Movement (BYM) in a statement issued by their Secretary-General, Mr. Elisha Inodu, restated their support for Dickson’s administration.

They called on the governor to regard the actions of Otobo as a betrayal of trust.

Inodu noted that the former commissioner was disloyal and ungrateful despite benefitting from the visionary leadership provided by the governor.

He said Otobo was picked by the governor out of thousands of youths who embraced the values of the restoration government and given the opportunity to serve his state.

The BYM leader criticized Otobo for his irrational behavior and for turning his back on his political leaders because of his selfish political ambitions.

According to Inodu, Dickson’s love for youth development drove him to appoint Otobo, 33, the youngest commissioner in the history of the state adding that the governor also gave positions of trust to youths in his government.

“The Bayelsa Youths Movement has observed the recent decision of former Commissioner for Youths Development, Ibarakumo Otobo, to defect to the All Progressives Congress, “As a body, the BYM upholds the right of every citizen to personal decisions as Otobo has made in this case of his defection to the APC. “However, we are constrained to call on our Governor to remain focused in his decision to open the political space to the youth populace in Bayelsa.

“He shouldn’t be discouraged by the action of the former commissioner who he gave priority attention out of thousands who supported his Restoration Government and the ideals it represents.

“Governor Dickson made him the youngest commissioner in the history of Bayelsa at the age of 33 because of his love for the youths. He also gave similar opportunities to many youths who are currently serving as commissioners and special advisers and other political positions.

‘It is indeed a fact beyond contestation that the youth populace in Bayelsa has not had it as good. The BYM therefore pleads with the Governor not to see this action as the general position of the youth in our dear state.

“Otobo took a personal decision to satisfy his greed, inordinate ambition, ingratitude, selfishness and other vices which have no place in our group.

“The governor should consider this act as a call to more laudable action to promote youth development as we are behind him at all times. It is important to add that we find Otobo’s action abhorrent, disappointing and embarrassing”, the group maintained.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

TRIBUTE

Prof Adebayo Adedeji: An African Cassandra ahead of his time

By PAUL EJIME

J

une 4th, 2013. Place: Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Mission: to meet with one of Africa’s master strategists and development pioneer, admired by many and considered a “rebel technocrat,” by a few.

The cultural town of Ije-Ode is 110-kilometres North East of Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, but the mission had been conceived in Abuja, the nation’s administrative capital.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was planning its 40th anniversary celebration for 2015, and the event would be incomplete without the perspectives of the man who played a key role in the birthing of Africa’s flagship regional economic bloc How sad that today, we speak about Prof Adebayo Adedeji in the past tense! After more than four decades of meritorious service to his country, the African continent and the world at large, in various eminent capacities, Chief Adedeji passed on last April 25th. The consolation is that at 87, he lived a fulfilled life and will be laid to rest on July 7, having bequeathed an abiding legacy to generations of development thinkers in Africa and beyond.

This writer was privileged to be part of a special delegation dispatched by the ECOWAS Commission on the Ijebu-Ode Mission, which was led by the then Commission VicePresident Dr Toga Gayewea McIntosh, and included Prof. Sam K.B. Asante, Ghana’s renowned political economist, both mentees of Prof Adedeji in the regional integration enterprise. Adedeji’s widely acknowledged role in the establishment of ECOWAS through the Treaty of Lagos of May 28, 1975, earned him the title of the “Father of ECOWAS.” Throughout his lifetime, he demonstrated an unalloyed commitment to Africa’s development, researched, spoke passionately, wrote ceaselessly about, and invested his intellect and material resources in this cause.

The Ijebu-Ode mission was one of the few opportunities to sound him out on the ECOWAS vision. In one word, he insisted that cooperation and integration were the only options for Africa to overcome linguistic, political and economic barriers, which the continent inherited from its colonial history.

Adedeji recalled his “shuttle diplomacy” to various capitals in the sub-region in his days as Nigeria’s Federal Commissioner (Minister), and the critical roles played by his boss, Nigeria’s then Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his Togolese counterpart Gen. Gnassingbé Eyadéma in the formation of ECOWAS, which is 43 this year and, arguably, Africa’s foremost Regional Economic Community (REC).

For Adedeji, charity began at home. As Federal Commissioner for Economic Development (1971-75) in Gowon’s administration, at age 40, the Herculean task of Nigeria’s economic reconstruction after the devastating civil war of (1967-70), fell on the man who became a full-fledged Professor at 36 having proven his academic prowess in Economics from the University of London and Public Administration from Harvard.

Commissioner Adedeji also played a lead role in the establishment of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme, one of the most enduring initiatives for nation building that has impacted generations of young Nigerians. As the first Nigerian Professor of Public Administration in 1966 and Director of the Institute of Administration at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Adedji taught and mentored early generations of Nigerian administrators.

After the Civil War, Nigeria needed to rebuild and also reach out to its neighbours and

•Prof Adebayo Adedeji

the wider world. When the idea of regional cooperation was mooted, Gen. Gowon gave him the “marching orders” to get other regional leaders on board. Seized by this task, Adedeji found a willing partner in Mr Edem Kodjo, his opposite number in Togo, under Gen. Gnassingbé Eyadéma’s administration.

Kodjo was a former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity from 1978 to 1983, and later Togo’s Prime Minister.

Speaking on ECOWAS at 40, Gen. Gowon himself acknowledged that Adedeji dutifully carried out his “orders” of rallying regional leaders behind the integration agenda.

Overcoming initial resistance from those who were otherwise pushing for Francophone African union, Adedeji’s negotiating skills were rewarded handsomely. He recalled that the Treaty of Lagos has remained one of the few legal unification instruments initialled by an unprecedented number of Heads of State at a sitting. Only a man, mentioned in a 2006 publication as one of the “World’s 50 influential thinkers on development” could pull off such a feat.

But as fate would have it, Adedeji was soon to take his integration campaign to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he served as Under Secretary-General and Executive Secretary for 16 years (197591), the longest tenure, so far. His dynamism under the UNECA platform resulted in the creation of two more Regional Economic Communities (RECs) - the Common Market

for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in 1981 and 1983, respectively.

In a paper he presented at the 8th Inter-African Public Administration Seminar in Monrovia, Liberia as far back as November 1969, Adedeji had reasoned that: “We must pursue relentlessly the objective of establishing a new national and regional economic order in Africa based on an increasing measure of national and collective self-reliance.” This philosophy guided the formation of ECOWAS and the other RECs. Adedeji will also be remembered for his other unique initiatives such as the Lagos Plan of Action and the Final Act of Lagos, both in 1980.

When the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was foisted on developing and least developed nations by the World Bank and the IMF in the late 1980s, Adedeji and his fellow Pan-Africanist thinkers did not only raise the alarm but developed the African Alternative Framework to Structural Adjustment Programme (AAF-SAP, 1989). This was followed by the African Charter for Popular Participation (ACPP, 1990), as legendary blueprints for the continent’s home-grown development and governance paradigms.

Some of his many publications include: Towards a dynamic African economy, 1989 selected speeches and lectures (1975-1986); The African Social Situation: Crucial Factors of Development and Transformation, 1990;

The Challenge of African Economic Recovery and Development, 1991; Africa within the World: Beyond Dispossession and Dependence, 1993; and Democracy, Growth and Development: Lessons of Experience, 1999.

In recognition of his meritorious service at all levels, Adedeji was awarded national honours by seven African countries 1972-1985, crowned with a prestigious Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award by the Nigerian government in 2001. He is also a recipient of seven honorary doctorate degrees

by African and non-African universities.

In his tribute, Prof Asante noted that “Adedeji was indisputably the leading proponent of regional integration in Africa. He was widely regarded as the intellectual father of African integration, just as Raul Prebisch was of Latin American integration and Jean Monnet the European integration.”

Upon retirement from active service, Adedeji set up the Africa Centre for Development and Strategic Studies (ACDESS) based in Ijebu-Ode and was its Chief Executive.

Adedeji was not a man to shy away from public office at any level. But his attempt to secure the Nigerian presidency from 1991 through the ballot box after many of years of military interregnum was unsuccessful.

This was not for want of trying. And that setback never deterred indefatigable Adedeji, who between 2005 and 2007, served as the lead panellist of South Africa’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a tool set up by the African Union as a barometer of democratic governance.

It was no surprise that most of Adedeji’s successors at the UNECA caught the regional integration bug. Speaking in Ijebu-Ode at the ACDESS Millennium International Symposium in December 2010, one of them, Mr Abdoulie Janneh, said: “Ultimately…Africa’s long-term development is dependent on the integration of its small and fragmented economies.”

Although all the ideals of ECOWAS founding fathers might not have been met, Adedeji while exchanging views with the ECOWAS delegation during the Ijebu-Ode meeting, expressed happiness that “citizens of the 15 member States see themselves today as belonging to one community.”

“This is the only region in Africa where citizens can visit and stay in a country other than their own for at least 90 days without a visa,” he affirmed, in a reference to ECOWAS’ flagship Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Rights to Residence and Establishment.

The pace of progress in regional integration might be agonizingly slow, but there is some comfort that today, unlike in the conflict-scarred recent past when some ECOWAS member States had two governments – one in the bush and the other in the city all the States are operating a democracy, no matter how imperfect.

Even so, Adedeji had during the Ijebu-Ode encounter, made a passionate appeal to ECOWAS member States to work towards the harmonisation of policies, laws and regulations to consolidate regional integration, his life-long dream.

Like the Cassandra in the Greek Mythology, Adedeji was an African Prophet that came ahead of his time. What a continent Africa would have become if today’s African leaders were to grasp from their cosy Olympian height of Mount Kilimanjaro, the development vision Adedeji had nurtured and canvassed, literally sitting down! May God grant his soul peaceful rest and give expression to his immortal vision.

•Paul Ejime is an International Media & Communications Specialist.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

‘Poor implementation threat to 2018 budget’

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

N

Engineers decry gap between academia and industry P22

Travel

Buying(NGN)

new projects inserted by the National Assembly have not been properly conceptualized, designed and costed and will therefore be difficult to execute.

Furthermore, he said, many of these new projects introduced by the National Assembly have been added to the budgets of most ministeries, departments and agencies (MDAs) with no consideration for institutional capacity to execute them or the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.

However, responding to the President’s claims, a joint press briefing by Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas on behalf of the National Assembly tried to justify their action.

They claimed that, adjustments and reductions in the locations, costs and number of projects approved were made in order to address geo-political imbalances that came with the executive proposal.

They believe that if the President had been properly briefed

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

304.8 US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING 404.9268 356.2198 EURO 308.627 SWISS FRANC YEN 2.7805 0.5222 CFA 429.589 WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI 46.5975 RIYAL 81.2713 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 22.5594

Rivers unveils new cultural centre for NAFEST 2018

•Udoma Udo-Udoma, Minister of Budget & National Planning •Olusola Saraki, Senate President.

CBN EXCHANGE RATES JUNE 26TH, 2018 Currency

Energy PIB: Nigeria loses N33.4 trn investments in 10 years P20 e-Platform

by his appointees, he would not have raised most of the concerns that he did in his remarks at the budget signing.

Giving an insight into what transpired during the appropriations process and how they arrived at the decisions that are contained in the 2018 budget, the National Assembly stated that the legislature made cuts amounting to N347 billion which were meant for 4,700 projects.

According to them, the reductions of N347 billion were made from low priority areas to higher priority areas to support the generation of employment for the youth by MSMEs. They said National Assembly took the decision to reduce the funds in some areas in order to ensure balance and equity in the spread and utilization of our national funds. Additionally, the figures given amounts of the reductions made by the National Assembly were unduly exaggerated as they did not make any substantial reduction on any project to the extent of affecting its

implementation.

They specifically stated that, the counterpart Funding for 3050mw Mambilla Hydropower Project was reduced from N8.5billion to N8.2billion (a reduction of N300million); the construction of the Second Niger bridge including access roads phases 2a and 2b in Anambra and Delta states and other projects in the South East were reduced from N10billion to N9.1billion (a reduction of N900million); the construction of Bodo-Bonny road with a bridge across the Opobo channel in Rivers State was reduced from N10billion to N8.7billion (a reduction of N1.3billion); the funding for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was reduced from N20billion to N18billion (a reduction of N2billion), which would not significantly affect the construction of the road in one appropriations cycle; the Railway Projects (Counterpart Funds): 1. LagosKano (ongoing) 2. Calabar-Lagos (Ongoing) 3. Ajaokuta-ItakpeAladja (Warri) (Ongoing) 4. Port

O doubt Nigeria’s 2018 appropriation bill has now been assented into law, however, there remains some circumstances that may affect the implementation of the budget.

THE journey of the 2018 budget has finally ended with the President’s assent on 20 June, more than seven months after the document was first submitted to the National Assembly. The presentation of the budget by Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma, further stresses the continuity with what it terms the “reflationary” budgets of 2016 and 2017, and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-20.

The keywords contained in the presentation are infrastructure and capital spending.

Concerns however remains over the effective implementation of the fiscal proposals.

Apart from unavailability of funds which has dogged budget implementation for many years, another critical issue for 2018 approved budget is the reduction in number of projects and insertion of some new ones in the budget by the National Assembly; an action that did not sit well with the president. Although, the National Assembly defended their action which they believe is in right order, some economic analysts believe that 2018 budget implementation may be strained due to the face-off between the President and the National Assembly.

The 2018 budget provides for aggregate expenditures of N9.12 trillion, which is 22.6 percent higher than the 2017 appropriation.

President Buhari in his speech after signing 2018 appropriation bill said he reluctantly signed the budget in the face of of the projects cut by the National Assembly are critical and may be difficult, if not impossible, to implement with the reduced allocation.

According to him, some of the

•Tourism

305.3 405.5911 356.8041 309.1333 2.7851 0.5322 430.2937 46.6744 81.4047 22.5964

305.8 406.2553 357.3885 309.6395 2.7896 0.5422 430.9984 46.7513 81.538 22.6334

P26

Insurance

LASACO Assurance GPI hits N6.6bn, as PAT drops by 30% P28 Equity & Capital Market Shareholders berate Veritas Registrars over DSR AGM accreditation P30 Money Market

6 banks pay N155.45bn into AMCON’s sinking fund in 3 yrs P31

Cont’d on Page 31

Stock Market Highlights As At 26TH JUNE, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

S/N

38,664.15 3,889.00 390,466,068.00 N6,115,218,675.77 N14,006,108,960,878.94 N10,028,479,869,289.90 N6,962,567,514.13

Coy (By Volume) Volume

UBN FIDELITYBK TRANSCORP FBNH ZENITHBANK

Value(N)

281,546,942 N1,548,756,547.60 61,917,641 N142,427,541.48 26,710,591 N36,725,961.74 24,390,022 N262,343,068.05 20,228,778 N518,504,780.30

5 Top Gainers Symbols NESTLE PRESCO N WAPCO NB NEM

Last Close N1490 73.5 N38.1 N110 N3.04

Five Tope Losers

INTBREW CCNN MOBIL ZENITHBANK GLAXOSMITH

N44 N25.95 N183 N25.95 N19.2

Current Change %Change N1500 10 0.67% N75 1.5 2.04% N39.05 0.95 2.49% N110.5 0.5 0.45% N3.34 0.3 9.87% N41.3 N24.7 N182 N25.5 N19

-2.7 -1.25 -1 -0.45 -0.2

-6.14% -4.82% -0.55% -1.73% -1.04%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

BUSINESS

Nigeria kickstarts Voluntary Asset Repatriation Scheme N

By VICTOR I. NZE

IGERIA is set to partner with foreign consultants comprising legal practitioners and other experts in Switzerland on a voluntary offshore asset repatriation scheme.

Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami who disclosed this in Berlin, on the sidelines of a meeting held at the Nigerian Embassy, explained that under the scheme, experts would collaborate with the Swiss government to target funds that have not been identified in ongoing investigations.

According to Malami, Switzerland has been chosen as the pilot nation for the scheme considering the existing partnership on asset repatriation between both countries.

“The success of the scheme in Switzerland would determine the inclusion of other nations” He added.

The Minister also said that government was also involved in other international repatriation processes while noting the recent tripartite meeting held in the UK between Nigeria, U.S. and the State of Jesery on asset recovery.

Speaking on the utilisation of the repatriated funds, Malami said that the monies were being channeled into various projects closely moni-

tored by the World Bank and the Swiss Civil Society Organisations.

“In a Memorandum of Understanding on Repatriation signed between Nigeria and Switzerland there are check mechanisms imbedded in the agreement. These checks and balances would see to the effective and transparent utilisation of the monies repatriated.

“These include monitoring by the World Bank, participation of the Swiss civil society and agreement of targeted projects especially those related to social investments such as school feeding, entrepreneurial and skill acquisition programmes of the Federal government.

“These are some of the projects agreed for the use of the repatriated funds and government is religiously observing the terms as agreed upon in the agreement” The Minister stressed.

Malami also pledged government’s continued commitment to its prevention, legislation, enforce- •Executive Director, J.P Morgan, Mr Nick Long, Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commisment and recovery strategies in the sion, Ms Mary Uduk, Chief Executive Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Akeem Oyewale and Acting Executive Commissioner campaign against corruption noting Operations SEC, Mr. Isyaku Tilde during a meeting between SEC and JP Morgan in Abuja at the weekend. that the Single Treasury Account System and electronic salary payment scheme IPPIS were among measures that have blocked existing leakages and loopholes fostering HE Nigeria Extractive Indus- NNPC’s financial and operations Alternative Financing (AF), and Incorruption tries Transparency Initiative reports, NEITI noted that crude oil dependent and Marginal Fields con(NEITI) called for a review of production under the Production tributed 2.39 per cent to total prothe Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Sharing Contracts (PSCs) had since duction in 1998 and by 2017 this had Production Sharing Agreement be- overtaken production under the risen to 24.83 per cent. tween Nigeria and international oil Joint Venture (JV) arrangements. ”This figure clearly shows the companies (IOCs).

“A careful look shows that PSCs changing structure of oil producIn a statement by its Director, accounted for 44.8 per cent of to- tion in Nigeria where PSCs, who change earnings from exports. With Communications and Advocacy, tal oil production while the Joint contributed a mere 0.5 per cent to Indorama Eleme, IFC is also a part- Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the agency Ventures (JVs) contributed 31.35 total production 20 years ago have ner in helping farmers in West Africa said the call for the review of the per cent. A historical analysis of this dramatically overtaken JVs ,which increase their food production and obsolete legislation was in view of development by NEITI shows that contributed 97 per cent to total prothe revenue losses to the nation.

JV companies accounted for over duction 20 years ago.“ incomes”, IFC said.

Orji said the use of the old agree- 97 per cent of production in 1998, NEITI said its major concern was Group Vice Chairman, Indorama Corporation, Amit Lohia said, “This ment to compute revenues to be while PSCs contributed only 0.50 that currently PSCs accounted for about 50 per cent of total oil profinancing reflects our strong part- shared between government and per cent. ”This trend continued until 2012 duction and major source of revnership with IFC over a span of oil companies was resulting in sigwhen PSCs accounted for 37.58 per enues. almost three decades. We are ex- nificant revenue loss to Nigeria.

He said Production Sharing Con- cent, while JVs contributed 36.91 He said the delay or failure to tremely pleased to bring our financial partners to Nigeria on the back tracts Act of 1993 provides for a re- per cent. From the publication in review the agreement meant that view of the terms when prices of oil 2013, PSCs contributed 39.22 per payment of royalty on oil producof this strong partnership.” cent, while JVs contributed 36.65 tion under PSCs would not be made Significant amounts of natural gas crosses 20 dollar in real term.

The Act also provides for a review per cent. In 2014, PSCs; 40.10 per while computation of taxes would are wasted in Nigeria due to gas flarof the terms, 15 years after opera- cent and JVs 32.10 per cent. be based on the old rates. ing.

Orji, however, commended NNPC “For 2015, PSCs was 41.45 per According to the World Bank, tion of the agreement and every cent and JVs 31.99 per cent while for the reconciliation of the crude over the past three years Nigeria five years subsequently.

“NEITI, however, observed with in 2017 the contributions stood at swap under-delivery transaction exhas flared an average of 750 million cubic feet per day of associated gas. concern that Nigeria is yet to ad- PSCs 44.32 per cent and JVs 30.85 ecuted during the crude- for- product- swap.

Utilization of gas for downstream here to the provision of the agree- per cent respectively,” he said.

He also urged the corporation to Orji said NEITI’s occasional paper chemical industries such as fertilizer ment even now that the price of oil helps reduce gas flaring, a contribu- is revolving around 70 dollars per revealed that other companies, sustain the new spirit of openness comprising Nigerian Petroleum while encouraging the citizens to tor to greenhouse gas emissions as- barrel.”

Orji said in its occasional paper, Development Company (NPDC), use the information and data from sociated with climate change. which reviewed three years of the NNPC’s reports.

NEITI advocates urgent review of production sharing agreements with IOCs

T $1bn Indorama Eleme fertilizer grant lifts Nigeria’s economic plans

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

I

N a bid to diversified Nigeria economy, International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has granted $1 billion debt financing for Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited for the construction of a new fertilizer line that will expand its capacity of urea fertilizer to more than 2.8 million tons.

The renowned lender said, it will directly lend $100 million and mobilize an additional $850 million of loans from other developmental financial institutions and commercial banks to the company.

IFC stressed that another $50 million in financing will be available from IFC’s Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Programme.

Also supporting the financing are Standard Chartered Bank; Bangkok Bank; FMO; DEG; PIDG company, the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund; PROPARCO; ICICI Bank Limited; and Citibank.

The large number of participating banks signals a strong endorsement of the project, Indorama, and the country by the syndicated loan market lending though a blend of IFC A and B Loans and uncovered facilities.

“Nigeria has enormous potential to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency and food security which is evident from the multi-fold increase in domestic fertilizer consumption after the start of Indorama’s first plant. Nigeria has also become a major hub for urea exports. With Line 2, we aim to further expand our ability to provide competitively priced and high-quality fertilizer to farmers in West Africa and across the globe. Indorama is looking forward to continue contributing to Nigeria’s economic development”, said Manish Mundra, CEO, Indorama Africa.

Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Middle East and Africa said, “IFC aims to support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its manufacturing base and improve stability of its financial system through greater foreign ex-

Heritage Bank rewards greater performance, promotes over 350 workers

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

I

N line with its commitment geared towards greater efficiency and resource optimization, as part of its growth and industry innovative agenda designed to strengthen the bank’s business across all markets where it operates, Heritage Bank Plc has announced the elevation of about 350 of its workforce.

The promotion was commended by human resources analysts and greeted with joy and enthusiasm by the workforce of the bank was selected after the completion of appraisal system that identified high performers in the bank amongst other criteria.

The MD/CEO, Ifie Sekibo, who commended the staff for their efforts, charged them to tenaciously hold to the bank’s core values in their timeless wealth journey and endless quest of delivering excellent services to both internal and external customers of the bank.

“I commend your well-deserved promotion. I also wish to especially

thank those colleagues who have not made it on this year’s list. I urge you to keep up the good work and contribution, as the organisation recognised your efforts. We promise to continue to reward and recognise your contributions in due time and to use all opportunities to demonstrate this,” the MD said.

Sekibo, however, said the announcement, is especially heartening in the face of the rough times occasioned by the downward trend in the economy, hence the move was part of the bank’s strategic plan to keep a vibrant workforce that will enable the bank achieve its vision of being the Nigerian most innovative banking of choice in service delivery, superior returns to its various stakeholders and as well contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.

With its legacy of innovation, Heritage Bank remains the pioneer bank in Nigeria to use computers for banking services, and had pioneered its flagship “Cash Point 24/7 ATM services in Nigeria in 1990. Heritage was also first to issue a transparent Mastercard

debit card in Sub-Saharan Africa and pioneered the mPOS in response to the CBN Cash-less initiative.

Heritage Bank underscored its status as one of the leaders in innovation in the banking sector with the introduction of an advanced intelligent digital experience known as Octopus.

This intelligential digital power experience is targeted at improving the over 20million small business and to meet the demands of an ever-growing active population of Nigeria with simple to use tweaks in making banking experience much more flexible and fun.

Meanwhile, the Bank has deliberately focused on the tourism and SME segment in a bid to create a fresh set of vibrant entrepreneurs that will create jobs and distribute wealth in the Nigerian economy because of recent statistics which indicate high unemployment among the youths that make up a large percentage of the population.

One of its initiatives within the MSME sector is its partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), under the N3billion CBN Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YIEDP), which is targeted at youth, particularly current National Youth Corps members and Corp member post five years of service.

The bank has also launched a N500 million Young Entrepreneurs and Students (YES) Grant in Lagos. The initiative, which is in partnership with the Nigerian Youth Professional Forum (NYPF), will, according to the bank, support students and young entrepreneurs toward socio-economic freedom.

Also, in furtherance of its commitment to creating jobs and wealth, Heritage Bank in partnership with the Center for Value Leadership (CVL) developed various impact-driven programmes to empower the youths and women particularly in the underdeveloped communities in Lagos State and one of these is the Young Entrepreneurship Business Training Programme (YEBTP).

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

BUSINESS

FMDQ, CBI, FSD Africa launch Nigeria’s Green Bond programme

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

F

MDQ OTC Securities Exchange, in partnership with Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa), has moved to spearhead a 3-year Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Programme.

The move is aimed at creating awareness and driving education required to integrate the principles of green financing into the Nigerian DCM, thereby facilitating the establishment and development of the green bond market in Nigeria.

The Programme, more specifically, will support the development of guidelines and listing requirements for green bonds in Nigeria, develop a pool of Nigeria-based licensed verifiers to support issuers, facilitate engagement with extant and potential issuers and investors, and support broader DCM reforms that have/will have an impact on the non-government bond market in Nigeria.

In March 2018, the Parties formal-

ised a partnership, which stemmed from the growing global recognition of the role sustainability plays in strengthening financial stability and supporting overall economic growth in a nation, through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement, to support the development of the Nigerian green bond market for a period of three years.

Subsequently, in June 2018, the Parties, supported by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Access Bank PLC (Access Bank), launched the Programme in a 4-day series of events, commencing with a Green Bond Bootcamp for key regulators and other major capital market participants focusing on the basics of green bonds, its pricing, and project identification methodologies required to foster green issues, then followed by a series of targeted roundtable sessions for investors, issuers and intermediaries respectively, to demystify the concept of green bonds as an alternative financing instrument for market

SEC reassures foreign investors of transparent market

By JEROME USHAKANG

S

ECURities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, has reassured foreign investors of the safety of their investments in the Nigerian capital Market.

Acting Director-General of SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk made the assertion when representatives of JP Morgan and Stanbic IBTC visited the Commission in Abuja last weekend. She said all necessary controls are in place to ensure that the market is dynamic, free, fair and transparent for participants.

Uduk disclosed that the Commission has embarked on several initiatives in a bid to ensure that investors in the market derive the benefits therein.

She said the implementation of the Capital Market Master Plan has led to significant changes in the market.

Some of these implemented initiatives are dematerialization of share certificates, recapitalization of capital market operators, establishment of the National Investors Protection Fund and inauguration of its board, as well as launch of the Corporate Governance Scorecard.

Others are implementation of the e-Dividend Mandate Management System, establishment of Complaint Management Framework, transaction cost reduction, implementation of the direct cash settlement and the introduction of non-interest capital market products.

The Acting DG, also revealed that the Commission has put in place ro-

bust investor protection machinery with severe sanctions on infractions of securities laws.

She said, “The implementation of this regime has led to the closure of various Ponzi schemes as well as the recovery of millions of naira belonging to innocent investors. SEC champions zero tolerance on infractions and we have a range of sanctions depending on the level of infraction and how egregious the breach is, ranging from warnings, fines, suspensions, withdrawal of registrations and jail terms.

The idea is to improve transparency in the market and ensure that investors are safe”.

On surveillance, Uduk said the Commission has surveillance mechanisms in place to detect possible suspicious trading/market manipulation activities. In his response, a Representative of JP Morgan, Nick Long, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian capital market adding that it is one of the reasons why it continues to attract international investors.

stakeholders, and culminating in the official Launch Ceremony of the Programme on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

The Ceremony brought together all the key financial market stakeholders (regulators, issuers, investors, intermediaries, inter alia) to discuss the concept of green bonds and the opportunity for Nigeria.

Among those present at the Launch Ceremony were His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor, Lagos State, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Mallam Ibrahim Usman Jibril, Chairman, House Committee of Capital Markets, Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Foster Ogola, Ag. Director-General, SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Laure Beaufils, Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, Director-General, Debt Management office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha, represented by Mr. Oladele Afolabi, Director, Portfolio Management Department, DMO, and Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, amongst other capital market operators.

Welcoming the guests to the Launch, Honorable Tajudeen Yusuf, expressed the House’s avowed commitment to innovations aimed at

C

HEVRON Nigeria Limited (CNL) has disowned information in the public space about purported recruitment exercise by the company.

The company which operates of the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture stated in a release that the recruitment information advertising job positions in CNL and “posted by unscrupulous persons and organizations in the name of CNL in several media and online channels” is false.

General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of CNL, Esimaje Brikinn, stated that, “Members of the public are hereby notified that Chevron Nigeria Limited does not, and will not require applicants to make any payments towards processing any job application. Recruitment advertisements request-

investor universe as we commence our journey to deepen the local capital markets by entrenching financing instruments such as green bonds”.

She further stated that development of green bonds will help address environmental challenges as well as plugging the infrastructure gap.

Whilst Dr. Evans Osano, Director, FSD Africa, also commented, “this partnership will provide the opportunity to work closely together in developing Nigeria’s debt capital markets through the Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Programme as it is expected that this Programme will improve access to a complementary source of longerterm capital, alongside traditional, shorter-term bank loans, while also contributing to the financing of ‘green’ investments and improving the environment”.

Mr. Bola Onadele Koko, Managing Director/CEO of FMDQ, in his closing remarks, reiterated the advantages of issuing green instruments to help tackle some of the infrastructural challenges in Nigeria and stated that FMDQ, as an OTC Exchange with a passion for developing the Nigerian DCM, was excited and optimistic that its pursuit to develop a Nigerian green bond market, in partnership with reputable institutions such as FSDAfrica and CBI, would help address infrastructure gaps and environmental challenges in a sustainable manner to deliver prosperity for Nigerians.

•Group Managing Director CEO NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Tope Smart; Chairman of the Company, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae and Company Secretary, Mrs. Olajumoke Philip-Akede, during its 48th Annual General Meeting held today at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Groups knocks Kachikwu’s office over transparency D ESPITE his relentless hypes on transparency in the petroleum industry, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has seen the establishments under his watch inducted into the infamous hall of shame by the transparency watchdog, Media Rights

Agenda (MRA).

In a statement Monday, MRA announced the induction of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources into its Freedom of Information (FOI) Hall of Shame, saying the institution has consistently failed to comply with its duties and obligations under

Chevron disowns false recruitment adverts

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

making the Nigerian DCM deeper, more liquid, vibrant, and capable of financing the development of infrastructural projects that will support the preservation of the economic environment. Whilst His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, represented

by Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, during his keynote speech stated “the State Government will continue to be at the forefront of the campaign that will make our environment healthy and sustainable”. He further stated that Lagos State had set out policies and programmes on tree planting, conservation, transportation systems, waste and water management that would focus on providing profitable investment opportunities and climate-friendly projects.

Mallam Ibrahim Usman Jibril, during his speech commented, “the ministry having paved the way for the first sovereign issuance will continue to engage the network of private and public players that will help the Federal Government meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as enshrined in the Paris Agreements”.

Commenting for one of the partners, Ms. Justine Leigh-Bell, Director, Market Development, Climate Bonds Initiative, stated, “we are very excited about this significant milestone. Working with FMDQ and FSD Africa will provide a platform to open up the Nigerian economy to a wider

ing candidates to pay money, at any point during the recruitment process, are not from CNL.” Additionally, fraudulent job offers have reportedly been sent through emails, text messages and phone calls by individuals purporting to be staff or representatives of CNL, with the intent to defraud their victims, he said. “CNL hereby dissociates itself from such false job recruitment information and offers of employment contracts published in any newspaper, web site, email, poster, handbill or any other medium. CNL did not make or authorize such publications,” the company stated in the release.

Mr. Brikinn explained that CNL does not solicit job applications or initiate recruitment processes through emails, posters, handbills, text messages, social media or phone calls.

Mr. Brikinn advised job seekers to

always check the company’s website and credible national newspapers for job advertisements from Chevron Nigeria Limited.

Mr. Brikinn made it clear that CNL would not respond to enquiries about fraudulent advertisements and job offers.

Meanwhile, Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), the venture capital arm of Chevron Corporation, has launched its Future Energy Fund conceived to enhance energy diversification. The company stated that the new venture capital fund which rolls off with an initial commitment of $100 million would invest in breakthrough technologies that enable the ongoing energy transition to a greater diversity of sources.

Investments from the Future Energy Fund, the company said, are expected to focus on disruptive technologies across the energy land-

the FOI Act, 2011.

In a statement in Lagos, MRA’s Legal Officer, Ms Chioma Nwaodike, said: “The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources has violated virtually all its obligations under the FOI Act since the Law was enacted seven years ago. We are at a loss as to how scape that reflect the company’s commitment to both lower emission energy sources and lower emissions from oil and gas.

A statement the company said that as a global energy company it is committed to exploring ways to lower carbon emissions through research, innovation and application of technology while supplying the reliable, affordable and ever-cleaner energy that the world needs. The new fund supports CTV’s continued role as champion of innovation and integration of emerging technologies into Chevron. “Chevron has long put its financial strength to work at critical moments that shape the future of energy,” said CTV President Barbara J. Burger. “The Future Energy Fund will inform our continuously evolving perspective on the energy landscape through investment in research and innovation. To prepare for the future, the work starts now,” Burger added.

the Ministry hopes to perform its function of ensuring ‘compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the Oil and Gas sector’ when it is itself not complying with a major law of the land. It cannot possibly have the moral authority to insist on compliance by other entities with laws when it is not complying with other laws that apply to it.”

According to her, the Ministry clearly recognizes that its principal mandate is “to transform the oil and gas industry for the increased benefit of Nigeria and its people through effective implementation of policies on hydrocarbon exploration, exploitation, production, distribution and utilization in accordance with international standards.”

She said: “It is ironic that although the Ministry appreciates that its main function is to ensure that Nigeria’s major revenue earner is managed for the benefit of the country and its people, it does not appear to recognize the need for it to be transparent and accountable to the people of Nigeria and is clearly unwilling to make the effort. How it hopes to fulfil its mandate without being transparent or accountable to the citizens of Nigeria whose interests it is established to protect remains a mystery to us.”

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

ENERGY

PIB: Nigeria loses N33.4t investments in 10 years

By SOPURUCHI OWWUKA

N

be driven by the huge petroleum industry budget through a string of well structured policy programmes that target to stimulate rapid domestic industrial growth.

It also prescribes comprehensive industry reforms which, apart from altering fiscal terms, also entail restructuring and strengthening of government’s institutions for increased efficiency and commercial competitiveness.

The bill also prescribes series of reforms that have been long advocated for enhanced transparency and accountability in the petroleum industry, strengthening governance institutions and streamlining their functions.

serious opposition from the industry over alleged stringent fiscal proposals. Key contentions are the cost ingredients that form the basis for fiscal calculations.

Since 2005 when the OGIC report proposed the changes, the leadership of the OPTS has rotated among all the big multinational oil firms in the country, including Shell, Total, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Eni. And every Chairman of the group has emphasized the vehemence of the member companies against the fiscal components of the PIB. The disputes which have dominated stages and platforms for policy debate for nearly a decade now have not only limited Nigeria’s opportunity in the race among resource rich countries to attract foreign direct investments in the oil and gas sector, they have also limited activities in the industry as foreign firms withhold or divert investment funds to other African countries where recent exploration successes spark new race for asset acquisition.

OPTS stated early in the dispute that simulations conducted by the groups indicated fiscal disincentives in the PIB that could lead to loss of over $109 billion (N33.3 trillion) proposed investments and hurt government’s economic growth projections in the short and medium term.

“Based on this comprehensive assessment the proposed PIB terms make most future investments uneconomic to the investor and therefore they will not happen,” OPTS declared in a position

‘ Change of government might entail a new

beginning that would obviously prolong the debilitating delays in the passage of the bill, while a new session of the National Assembly is likely to comprise legislative rookies who would require time to study the issues at contention

‘ It also contains changes that entail structural modification of regulatory systems and processes as well as alteration of fiscal frameworks in order to earn more revenue for government.

The new law, apart from other provisions, was also expected to fully deregulate and liberalize the downstream petroleum subsector to provide investors with commercial incentives for staking huge funds in cumulative national industry capacity upgrade.

Delay in the passage of the crucial bill which was sent to the legislature by the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua follows

paper.

The group maintains that investments that have been planned to drive Nigeria’s production capacity from the current 2.5 million barrels of oil per day (2.5 mbd) to 4.0 mbd would no longer be feasible if the proposed tax regime is not altered to provide better returns for investors.

Besides, OPTS said, implied investment freeze in the sector would lead to depletion of existing crude oil reserves in the country and ultimately result in production decline by 500, 000 barrels per day in 2022.

According to the group, “reduced investments would not offset natural decline and Nigeria’s production would fall 25 percent through 2022 which is more than 500, 000 barrels per day (kbd). This is in contrast to a potential over 60 percent increase (over 1.5 M bpd) that could be achieved if some of the challenges mentioned are addressed and the business plans as proposed by industry are able to proceed.”

Nigeria’s lead producer, Shell, had stated in a presentation at a conference in Abuja that the fiscal proposals in the PIB would defeat the objectives of using the petroleum industry as the key catalyst for rapid economic development; a situation the company insists would delay generation of adequate revenue to enable government deliver social and economic goods for the large population.

Shell’s exploration chiefs, from Ms Ann Pickard to Ian Craig, had made it clear that the company would move its investment purse to more congenial environments like Australia where it drives huge gas projects.

The Anglo-Dutch major had also warned that Nigeria would miss its economic targets if the fiscal terms in the PIB were not altered to address investors’ concerns.

Inability of the past sessions of

IGERIA may have suffered loss of estimated $109 billion (N33.3 trillion) in stalled and diverted investments following uncertainties about the fiscal components of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The amount, The Oracle Today reports, represents the volume of physical cash that would have been deployed by members of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) to support new exploration and development budgets.

The budgets were initially mapped out to support realization of government’s aspirations in the nation’s upstream petroleum sector. The aspirations basically target reserves build up to 40 billion barrels, production growth to 4.0 million barrels per day, and local content escalation to 70 percent of industry labour and material input.

A position paper by OPTS seen by our reporter has it that multinational oil companies that have deep pockets for the major portion of industry activities are vehement on sanctity of existing production sharing contracts (PSCs) and congenial fiscal regime as basis for further investments in major capital projects.

Petroleum industry activities provide over 90 percent of Nigeria’s total foreign exchange earnings, about 80 percent of total government’s revenue and estimated 35 percent of gross domestic products (GPD).

Members of OPTS arguably account for over 85 percent of the country’s crude oil, condensate, natural gas (NG) and natural gas liquids (NGL) production. The rest is produced by state owned Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), some indigenous independent and marginal field operators.

Recent industry indices show

that the slow exploration activities at a time of increased field development and production have resulted in depletion of crude oil reserves from previous height of 37 billion barrels to less than 35 billion barrels.

Production capacity has significantly grown from previous 2.5 million barrels per day to nearly 2.8 million barrels per day mainly due to new deepwater field developments. However, available production capacity is currently below 1.7 million barrels per day as facility failures impair onshore operations.

Exploration campaigns in assets operated by big oil multinational companies have slowed to near standstill due to disagreement between commercial investors in the industry and government over profit sharing model proposed in the PIB. In the past 10 years, only the ExxonMobil’s Owowo deepwater discovery, Total’s Etisong discovery and Addax’s Njaba discovery have been announced. The rate of exploration successes in the period have been lowest since 2005 when fiscal disputes erupted from the Oil and Gas Industry Review Committee’s (OGIC) report.

The PIB was primarily conceived by government to harness variegated proclamations, decrees, policy directives and fiscal arrangements that govern different operating models in the petroleum industry into single legal document.

The PIB in its original form carries the fate of broad national economic aspirations that are conceived to

Continued on P 21

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

ENERGY

NLNG still leads Africa’s export race

By SOPURUCHI OWWUKA

D

ESPITE domestic policy inconsistencies that stalled several new liquefaction projects in the country, the position of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) as Africa’s leading exporters and global supply factor remains unchallenged.

Survey of new LNG developments

across the world shows fast capacity growth mainly in the United States and Australia, the two countries predicted to lead global capacity growth in the medium to long term. However, Africa’s LNG capacity is comfortably led by NLNG with Algeria maintaining a distant second.

Qatar remains global capacity champion with production of over

... Plans LPG vessel for domestic market

N

IGERIA LNG Limited (NLNG) says it is will deliver a new vessel to service the domestic market as it works to address supply bottlenecks in domestic supply of liquefied petroleum gas, also called cooking gas.

The company says new LPG vessel would enhance the volume of cooking gas supplied the domestic market, deepen the domestic LPG supply chain and increase local consumption of the clean gas.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Attah, said the new LPG vessel would be built

by E.A Temile and Sons Company Limited, a wholly Nigerian company, under a contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, South Korea and chartered to NLNG. At a contract signing ceremony between E.A Temile and Sons Limited and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in London on Thursday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Tony Attah, remarked that the signing ceremony was ground-breaking for NLNG because it supports the company’s aspiration, firstly, to further help develop the DLPG market and to promote the growth of indigenous companies and Nigeria’s economy.

“NLNG remains the single largest supplier of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (over 50%) in Nigeria and looks to enable its expansion in future. We produce the LPG in our Plant in Bonny, Rivers State, Niger-

ia, and transport it by sea to Lagos from where it is distributed to every part of the country. This assures the product availability, accessibility, and affordability which is central to us as a company. NLNG’s domestic LPG intervention scheme aligns with its business focus of bringing energy to the world and helping to build a better Nigeria.

“A World Health Organisation (WHO) Report on Household Air Pollution and Health published in May 2018, affirms that, about 4 million people die prematurely annually from illness attributable to air pollution from inefficient cooking practices using solid fuels and kerosene. And local data suggests that about 100,000 women and children die in Nigeria annually from the same causative factors.

We believe that the expansion and strengthening of the DLPG market can help to stem this tide in Nigeria,” he said.

On NLNG’s contribution to Nigerian Content, he stated: “We work closely with the Nigeria Content Development Monitoring Board to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010, consequent upon which we signed a Business to Business Service Level Agreement (SLA) with NCDMB in June 2017, the first of its kind in the relationship between the oil and gas industry operators and NCDMB in Nigeria.

12 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) while Australia follows with about 9.0 Bcf/d. Malaysia is just ahead of Nigeria with just under 4.0 Bcf/d while Nigeria stands in the middle with some 3.2 Bcf/d.

In terms of capacity growth, Australia and United States draw global attention with steep upside in new liquefaction capacity. Whereas Australia has build capacity from about 3.0 Bcf/d in 2013 to 9.0 Bcf/d at the end of 2017, United States has raised its LNG export from zero capacity to over 1.9 Bcf/d in the period. Other producers’ capacity fluctuates on the margins of availability.

In Africa however, Nigeria’s recedes behind new upstarts on new capacity development but retains its position on cumulative capacity strength.

In terms of output, Nigeria is working to progress from current produc-

tion of 22 million tons per annum (Mtpa) to 30 Mtpa with the completion of NLNG Train 7 the investment decision of which is expected to happen imminently.

Across Africa, new upstarts are aggressive with LNG programmes with Mauritania and Senegal overcoming political and infrastructural constraints to develop their cross maritime border discoveries. Multinational players, Kosmos and BP, are reportedly working the FID by the end of the year.

Already, Cameroon has carved a niche with Africa’s pioneer floating LNG (FLNG) project commissioned

by SNH, Perenco, and Golar LNG. The first cargo was exported from the production vessel in May. The project is the first operational FLNG facility in Africa and the second in the world.

Also, Mozambique and Tanzania

plan separate LNG facilities, with Mozambique having both onshore and offshore projects in the early development stage.

The new LNG developments coincide with rising demand from Asia where industrialized countries are placing increasing orders for gas to meet energy needs for industries and power plants.

Nigeria’s LNG capacity development was hampered by policy inconsistencies as government weighed its domestic energy needs against export revenue opportunities. NLNG had planned its Trains 7&8 for nearly a decade now and had to wait for a greenlight from policy drivers.

Other set of investors who gathered to invest in greenfield liquefaction projects ran out patience and dispersed, leaving the hyped Olokola LNG and Brass LNG projects abandoned.

Investors who have expressed willingness to stake funds in liquefaction projects insist that Nigeria has enormous natural gas reserves to meet both domestic needs and export opportunities.

•Deputy MD, Fidelity Bank, Mohammed Balarabe; Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote; Executive Vice President, Hyundai Heavy Industries, S.Y. Park; MD/CEO Temile & Sons Development Company Limited, Mr Alfred Temile; MD/CEO NLNG, Tony Attah; and MD Hyundai Heavy Industries, London, Jay. H. Kang during Temile & Sons, an NLNG contractor, and Hyundai signing agreement to build a new 23, 000 cbm vessel for the LPG market in Nigeria.

Nigeria loses N33.4t investments in 10 years

Continued from P 20

the National Assembly to achieve middle position between the industry and government since 2008 has major implications on realization of the nation’s key economic targets for the petroleum industry.

And the position of the OPTS on the fiscal side of the PIB has not been a mere threat. Realignment of their investment portfolios across the globe has seen the foreign majors shrink down their exposure in Nigeria through divestments.

Our survey of industry activity trends showed that members of OPTS, comprising indigenous and foreign oil producing companies, have not only slowed exploration activities in operated oil blocks, some of them have even cashed out from Nigeria while others have started looking for assets in emerging petroleum plays elsewhere in Africa.

ExxonMobil, for instance has entered agreements with several governments in West Africa for offshore petroleum exploration and production. Total which very active in the region is also consolidating leadership with new asset acquisitions across the region.

Many other foreign and indige-

nous companies have forayed into the emerging plays in the continent in search of exploration rights following inability of Nigerian government to successfully conduct licensing rounds for oil block under the prevailing fiscal impasse.

Since the dispute erupted, government and the multinational majors had increasingly polarized on terms for sustainable partnership, leading to a wave of asset divestments by Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhilips, Eni and Total.

While Shell leads with divestment in 12 producing licenses, Total ran a test transaction for record divestment of a deepwater stake to a Chinese company. Chevron loaded off 40 percent stake in six onshore assets to indigenous firms while ConocoPhillps also concluded deals for total sale of its Nigerian business portfolio to Oando Plc. There were also hints that Norwegian Statoil and Brazilian Petrobras are working on total divestment from Nigeria even though the two companies only hold non operating interests in deepwater fields operated by Total and other multinational companies.

Despite a scale-back by foreign firms’ onshore and shallow water portfolios in recent years, oil ma-

jors have remained keen on deep offshore field developments in a move that smacks of speedy investment recovery.

The divestment by majors has also impacted a number of ambitious gas projects, including, expectedly, the ill conceived Olokola LNG project from which three major multinational investors have pulled out.

According to inside sources, BG, Chevron and Shell have pulled out from the 10 million tons per annum (Mtpa) Ok LNG project, a development which might have spelled gloom for the final investment decision on the project expected to add to the country’s capacity as global gas export factor.

There are also hints that the traditional partners in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, including Shell, Total and Eni have reworked strategy for further investments in proposed new trains of the liquefaction complex.

Whereas private sources point at gas policy changes captured in the PIB as the major cause of the mass pull out from the liquefaction projects, government sources point at the global market where rise in the shale gas production has wiped off substantial demand from

the LNG market.

However, our survey of market trends shows that there is no evidence that the global LNG market is suffering debilitating supply glut.

Investment analysts estimate that multinational oil firms have in the past 10 years divested brownfield assets worth about $15 billion in Nigeria, pulled out from over $10 billion greenfield developments and stalled over $90 billion deepwater exploration, development and production investments.

Thus, the country’s opportunity to plug into the huge global oil and gas industry budget for rapid economic development stagnated in the chambers of the national legislature where the PIB has remained stuck for 10 years.

Whereas the economy has sustained on revenues accruing from developed hydrocarbon assets operated under the laws that are currently under review, new exploration investments have remained low while friction resulting from barrel grabbing sparks secondary conflicts at export terminals.

Current administration of the federal government has since adopted a new strategy in circumventing the fiscal disputes in order to make progress. The present session of

the National Assembly has split the bill into four separate components.

Already, the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) has been passed by the National Assembly, the industry still awaits the Petroleum Host Community Bill (PHCB), Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB) and the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill (PIAB).

Actually, deep pocket investors that comprise members of the OPTS keenly monitor legislative progress on the PFIB which hosts the most contentious proposals the resolution of which might shape the future of the industry.

Unfortunately, no significant progress has been made on the most important part of the PIB to salve the industry from protracted investment apathy. And no major move on legislative process is expected at the National Assembly before May, 2019 when a new government is expected in power.

Again, change of government might entail a new beginning that would obviously prolong the debilitating delays in the passage of the bill, while a new session of the National Assembly is likely to comprise legislative rookies who would require time to study the issues at contention.

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

e-Platform

Engineers decry gap between academia and industry

•Nigeria ICT and other technology industries are not feeling the impact of the nation’s academia and research intstituions

By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

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IGERIAN academia have tones of research works lying idle on office shelf across the universities in the face of rapidly changing world driven by innovations in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The nation’s technology industries are not feeling the impact of many institutions in the land.

This is the feelers Wednesday at the 2018 Nigerian Academy of Engineering Technology Dinner/ Lecture in Lagos. Nigeria is known to have very many universities and seasoned professors in engieering and technology but their many researches are not being transferred to the industries for implementation.

Furthermore, this is happening at a time young persons are taking advantage of ICT to create wealth and companies including Nairaland, Dealdey, Konga, Jumia,Hotels.ng, WhoGoHost, and irokotv among others . Nigeria has been firmly positioned as one of the most important startup locations in Africa, now the largest economy in the continent.

Nigeria’s entrepreneurs are filing the market with their innovative ideas. In fact, with ecommerce set to reach $75 billion in Africa by 2025, the Nigerian startup scene is set to boom.

In an elaborate keynote address, former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof.

Michael Faborode said it is now widely accepted that research and innovation are key drivers of competitiveness and economic growth and Nigeria must harness these opportunities to be relevant the today’s world.

“Academies and professional bodies must be more proactive in facilittating better synergy and collaboration between the industry and the academia to ensure that knowledge knowledge and innovation deriving from research and allied eagagements is transferred to impact on industrial progress and development practice in all its ramification,” Faborode said.

“In the case of Nigeria, our research presents evidence of a wide gulf between universities and industry, requiring the government and universities to device urgent measures to close the gap,” he said, adding that, it has become increasing necessary for government and its institutiuons take the lead. And apex telecoms regulator was apt and responsive at the ocassion.

The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta said during an interview with ICT Media at the event that Commission will collaborate with Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) to incite and grow disruptive innovation in the country.

NCC Chief Executive said NCC’s collaboration with NAE will bring disruptive innovation that will bring about new ways of doing things.

“We are talking about collaborative that will see a disruptive innovation in the industry. The kind of innovation that will usher in new ways of doing things. The kind ogf innovation that will enhance efficiency and productivity,” he said.

Danbatta also said ‘I feel fulfilled as an engineer and as an administrator of human and material resources and NCC is a good example of an industry watchdog striving for excellence.

•The EVC of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, receiving the Fellowship Award of The Nigerian Academy of Engineering from the outgoing President of the Academy, Engr. (Mrs.) J. O. Maduka in Lagos.

“This is, i think, is following the full steps of the former EVC of NCC, Dr Alex Ndukwe. He was here with us today,. I think we are threading the path of regulatory excellence in operational efficiency that NCC is well known for.”

President of the Academy, Engr.

(Mrs) Oluwaseun Joanna Maduka said the Academy has very good relationship with the NCC Management, especially Prof. Danbatta.

The 9th president said the Commission has supported them in many ways to promote innovation in Nigerian universities and that the occasion should remind those in the academy to ensure advancement of engineering education and practice, adding that the advancement would be achievable through

continuous learning and strategic collaborations with relevant professional associations and industry.

She said that the academy should be proactive by tackling emerging socio-economic challenges in the country as regards engineering and technology. Maduka added that the academy should be able to anticipate challenges and proffer appropriate solutions.

Our Correspondent gathered that the EVC is to be inducted as a Fellow of the NAE on June 21, 2018 in Lagos.

We also learnt that The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) was established by statute in 1997 as a non-profit and non-governmental institution for the promotion of

Nigerian Academy of Engineering inducts NCC’s Danbatta as Fellow

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ROFESSOR Umar Garba Danbatta, EVC of NCC has been inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (FNAE) at the 2018 Annual Lecture and Investiture ceremony of the NAE, holding at the University of Lagos, today, 21st June 2018.

Speaking to the media after the being conferred with the honour, Dambatta said it is an honour for the entire NCC. “It is an honour that will spur us on to work hard in order to deliver on the mandate assigned to us by the Act establishing NCC and this act has empowered us to ensure access to communications services, access that is efficient, qualitative, as well as to ensure competition in the Nigerian space.”

Danbatta added that “we at NCC are going to put more effort, to deliver on this mandate to Nigerians.”

Furthermore, the ECV said over the past three years since taking over the helms of affairs of NCC, “we have succeeded in establishing our relevance as academics, then this honour would be seen as a testimony of our relevance

not just within the University system but also within the Nigerian Communication space.

I think it is important to recognize that there is a lot of talents resident within the Nigerian university system. Government has deemed it appropriate to tap these talents and bring to bear in driving the economy in the various sectors.”

“And I think this is a clear message that is coming out from the performance we have rendered over the three years, there is still a lot of talented men and women within the Nigerian University system.”

He explained that these talents can be deployed to drive the economy in the desired direction.

“There are new frameworks as I am talking to you, one in particular is on spectrum trading is out, there is going to be new data price, work is going on, we would soon release the list of licences for Value Added Services (VAS), there is quite a lot in our menu, we will be making available the content of the menu gradually,” he added.

In another dvelopment, Dan-

excellence cheap replica watch UK outlet in engineering training and practice to ensure the technological growth of Nigeria. The Academy is a national “Think Tank” for Engineering and Technology that provides leadership in national engineering and technological issues by conducting studies and research on relevant issues and making inputs to developmental policies at the highest possible level.

Its Fellows are drawn from among very senior Nigerian engineering professionals resident in Nigeria and abroad who have distinguished themselves and membership is spread across all disciplines in engineering and is currently 138.

batta earlier disclosed that NCC recently gave out N30 million to members of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering and staff from various Universities in Nigeria to aid Research and Development.

Danbatta noted that the N50 million, which was given to the Academy is part of the NCC’s 8-point agenda, which is to seek strategic collaboration and partnership.

“Only recently, we gave out

N50 million to members of the Academy and staff from various Universities in Nigeria to facilitate the conduct of research that will translate into innovation and will ultimately address challenges in the industry,” Danbatta told Journalists on the sideline of the event.

He assured that NCC is always seeking collaboration that will see to the disruption of innovation that will usher in new ways

of doing things, that will enhance efficiency and productivity. “The Nigerian Communications Commission realizes the importance of this collaboration. That is why we strategic collaboration and partnership in our 8-point agenda,” he added.

The former University Lecturer, also noted that the collaboration between the academia and the industry has taken a firm root with a lot of work going on. He stated that very soon NCC will announce the results of these collaborations with the academy.

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the Founder/CEO of Precise Financial Systems (PFS) identified the inability to develop human capitals as one of the banes of the industry and the country at large.

“Why do I say that? You take a look at the rest of the world; those who are most successful, what is their field? They are mostly software/technology companies. What do we see in Nigeria?

The people who have money, so to speak, how productive are they? So, that disconnect is what Nigeria has lived with for several years,” he said.

Speaking furthere, the President said there are impedie-

ments to the industry including human obstacles.

“Because they have refused to develop they blockade the avenues to development. So, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy- you hear things like, ‘oh, don’t mind them. Nigerian software developers can’t deliver’. With that mind-set, they can’t invest in the developers.

“Eventually, something happens and they have need to resort to the indigenous developers; but because you have neither believed nor invested in the capacity building of these developers, who do you think they will deliver.”

Building capacity key to Nigeria’s software development - New ISPON

he newly elected Executives of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) have said building adequate human capacity is the only way to guarrantee Nigeria’s future in global multi-billion dollars software industry.

Speaking to the Media in Lagos weekend, ISPON President, Dr. Yele Okeremi said this is the reason why the current National Executive Council’s agenda revolves around human capacity building, adding that “ the agenda was necessitated by the need to solve fundamental issues in the Nigerian software industry.”

Dr. Okeremi, who doubles as

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

e-Platform

Mobile Users seek NCC intervention on bundle promos

•Nigeria mobile users say they are angered at the rate mouth watering internet promo bundles disappear on their phones and therefore, seek regulator’s intervention •NCC, as consumer-centric institution, has taken appropriate steps

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IGERIA Internet Users are angered at the rate service providers internet bundles disappear on the mobiles phones of subscribers and they want industry regulator to compel telecoms operators for explanation.

This is according to complaints and barages of responses on the Twitter of Nigerian Communbication Commission (NCC), - @NgComCommission within the week.

According to one Michael Oko, he said ‘There should also be available where one can log on with his/ her phone number and see how we spend our 1gb +500mb(12am7am) for month in 4days.”

Others complained that Telecom companies do not live up to the terms of their promo campaigns.

In response, NCC stated tat Commission as consumer-centric institution, has taken appropriate steps, according to a NCC Twitter account.

First is the “Development of 2442 DND Short Code to solve unsolic-

ited text messages/calls.”.

It added that others include: “Issuance of Direction to Service Providers on Data rollover which now enables consumers to roll over unused data for 1- 7 days depending on your data plan. This takes effect from 26th of June, 2018.

Our Correspondent also gathered according the regulator that “The Commission also developed 622 Toll-Free Line through which you can easily lodge complaints for any unresolved service issues to the NCC.” NCC, as a telecom Regulatory Agency is poised to empower telecom consumers with adequate information and education through constant engagement of Consumer at various levels across the country, it stated.

In realization of the fact that NCC believes the Consumer is ‘King’, this programme is to enable a tripartite meeting of the Regulator, Operators and Consumers with a view to resolving pressing telecom consumer issues.

CWG launches Unified Cooperative Platform

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OMPUTER Warehouse group Plc (CWG Plc) has recently launched ‘Agent’s recruitment initiative’ for its Unified Cooperative Platform (UCP); a core Cooperative operations software, for Cooperative Societies segment in Nigeria.

At the workshop, which was attended by representatives of various Cooperative Societies in Nigeria, CWG noted that the Unified Cooporative Platform is strategically designed to meet the rising and dynamic needs of Cooperative Societies across Africa.

Presenting the solution, Mrs. Funmilola Abimbola, Product Manager for UCP at CWG Plc, explained that the Unified Cooporative Platform requires little or no investment from the Cooperative Societies, as the solution falls under CWG’s Cloud services. She stressed that the solution is tailored to meet the peculiar needs and budget of the individual Cooperative Society.

“The essence of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for some industry leaders present to have direct interaction with the Cooperative platform and to showcase how it can serve as an extra income earner for those who signup as agents to ensure the adoption and implementation of the solution. The Unified Cooperative Platform enhances the operation of cooperative societies to improve their profitability and accountability,” she said.

The Unified Cooperative Platform is designed in an easily understandable format and it is mobile adaptive, so it can be used on the go as well. Its benefits include better member experience, increased productivity and profitability, access to a centralized solution remotely and access to the financial services ecosystem.

Other benefits, according to Abimbola are that the solution helps the Cooperative societies to improve their operational efficiency and accountability, it gives effec-

tive and efficient oversight, control and reporting, reduces total cost of ownership of IT hardware and software investment, as it runs on CWG’s cloud service. This Cooperative solution has features like member and loan management, payment operations and automated report generation; which includes Cooperative Statutory reports.

The solution is also designed to become a platform that enables collaborations between Cooperative Socieites and other players in the economy. Some of the offerings through the platform will be the creation of access to external loans, access to mortgage and healthcare through integration to HMOs, access to micro-pension, access to micro-insurance, access to financing and grants etc. This is another one of the technology platform solutions out of the stables of CWG Plc.

L-R; Stephen Okwara, Software Engineering; Olumide Ojo, Business Leader, Information Technology and Mobile; Solomon Osibeluwo, Product Training; Olugbenga Awomodu, Marketing - all of Samsung Electronics West Africa at the launch of Galaxy J4, J6 and A6+ into the Nigerian market at Samsung Office, VI…6/26/2018

Google extends startups LaunchPad Accelerator Programme to Nigeria, others •Google extends LaunchPad Accelerator Africa programme for startup to Nigeria, other African countries

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OOGLE Inc. announced recently that it is extending the LaunchPad Accelerator Africa programme to include startups from a further 12 African countries of Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Cameroon, Botswana, Sénégal, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria.

A statement said entrepreneurs from these countries will join the existing countries of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda in the class 1 of the programme will be retained. Interested startups can apply here: https:// developers.google.com/startups/ regional/. Applications for Class 2 will close on 8 July.

To qualify, startups have to be a technology startup, based in Sub-

Saharan Africa, targeting the African market, and have raised seed funding. Google additionally considers the problem the startup is trying to solve, how it creates value for users, and how it addresses a real challenge for its home city, country or Africa broadly.

Startups in the The Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa Class 1 graduated in Lagos yesterday.

“The three month programme has connected the 12 participating startups with more than 20 teams from Google as well as 40 mentors from nine countries including India, the UK, USA and Jamaica. Each has received $10 000 in an equityfree cash grant, and between them they have raised over $7 million.

The startups have directly created

Network infrastructure investment, digital transformation top priorities for telecom operators

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CCELERATING digital transformation strategies, investing in new wireless and fixed network infrastructure, and embracing emerging technologies such as AI and IoT are among the top priorities for African telecom operators for the year ahead, according to global telecom, media and technology news and events company, TMT Finance.

“Like many telecom operators globally, the major African operators are having to juggle several pressing priorities. It is well documented that traditional voice and messaging service revenues are decreasing, while pressure to plough big capex spend into new network infrastructure is weighing on balance sheets,” said Ben Nice, Managing Editor and Events Director at TMT Finance.

“Furthermore, what a core telco business model looks like is up

for debate, and those at the helm must make crucial decisions on where to place their bets in terms of future earnings and relevant technologies, while also asses how to undergo hugely complex digital transformation projects.”

Topics such as network infrastructure business models, B2B and B2C convergence, M&A, digital transformation and partnerships, are among the key topics to be debated at TMT Finance Africa 2018, a leadership conference gathering Africa’s key telecom, media and technology senior executives, regulators, private equity firms, investment banks and advisers.

CxOs from Orange, Econet Wireless, IHS Towers and Millicom will join the Future Africa Telco Panel – Leadership strategies for regional growth, which will open the conference. Other Leadership Panel Debates, Visionary Keynote Speeches and Breakout Sessions

on topics such as Broadband Leadership, M&A, Enterprise Cloud and Datacentres, Digital Africa, Mobile Payments and Fintech, Regulation and Spectrum, Media and Content and Powering Africa’s Mobile Towers, will all also feature at the event.

Over 70 speakers will be announced for TMT Finance Africa 2018, with other companies already confirmed, including: Liquid Telecom, Dark Fibre Africa, IFC World Bank, Standard Bank, Helios Investment Partners, The Carlyle Group, Letshego, Citi, Credit Suisse, Tata Communications Transformation Services (TCTS), Intelsat, Rack Centre, Uber, Jumia, Energy Vision, Investec Asset Management, Ethos Private Equity, Econet Media, RIngier Africa, Nokia, Huawei Global Finance, Rand Merchant Bank, Nedbank, East Africa Data Centre, WorldRemit, TLCom Capital and many more.

132 jobs and impacted 4.5 million users,” says Folagbade Olatunjidavid, head of startup success and services, Launchpad Accelerator Africa, Google.

Launchpad Accelerator Africa was announced less than a year ago by Google CEO Sundar Pichai at Google for Nigeria on 27 July. In terms of his announcement, the Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa programme will provide African startups with over $3 million in equity-free support, working space, and access to expert advisers from Google, Silicon Valley, and Africa over the next three years.

Participants receive travel and PR support during each three-month program.

“We are humbled to be part of the success stories of these 12 startups, and as individuals we have learned great lessons from their dedication, focus and drive. The companies will now go on to be part of the global Launchpad Alumni network, joining over 100 companies from 40 countries across 5 continents,” Olatunji-David added.

Google is committed to the SubSaharan Africa developer ecosystem and has, since April 2016, hosted 13 Launchpad Build and Start events across Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, featuring some 228 speakers and engaging 590 attendees from local startups in each country.

It also runs programs such as Google Developer Groups and Women Techmakers, providing training and support for developers aligned with real-life job competency requirements. Community groups engage in activities like Study Jams – study groups for developers. There are some 140 communities across 25 countries in SSA. Some 61 of these groups hosted 81 Study Jams in 10 countries reaching over 5 000 developers in the last year.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

Jos - One killing too many

Cont’d front page 1

boasted about the cordial relationship that existed between Plateau and Fulani commucome common sights. The criminals often nities, with the compromise that the State’s return with deadlier outcomes. The reacgrazing bill would accommodate the wishes tions have become normal: media headof Fulani herdsmen. So, how did Plateau lines, visits by some officials to scene of communities annoy Fulani herdsmen? attack and promises to apprehend the FULANI herdsmen allege that their cattle were offenders, which never happens stolen-300 of them-and some of their peoTHERE have been attacks in Plateau for ages. ple killed. Did they report to the police? No. Other States that have been attacked are They set out killing. Some accounts say 80, Abia, Delta, Kaduna, Oyo, Taraba, Zamfara, 169, 200 were killed. Why don’t they ever Nasarawa, Enugu and Ekiti. Governor Nasir report to the authorities? el-Rufai, while the attacks raged in 2017, ATTACKS in the South West have been far beused public funds to finance missions by tween. Clashes with farmers in Iseyin, Oyo the Nigeria Air Force to secure the cattle State, lasted for years. Remarkably, Muhamof Fulani herdsmen, which he said were madu Buhari, now President, made a visit to being rustled. He must have learnt from Oyo State in 2001, after an attack in which President Buhari who, on a visit to Sokoto the Fulani herdsmen did not fare well, to State, promised a battalion of the Nigerian lambast Governor Lam Adeshina on the Army would be deployed to the area to handling of the crisis. Governor Adeshina deal with cattle rustlers. stood up to him, wondering why an elder BENUE State has been attacked variously. Tiv statesman, a former Head of State of Nigevillages bore the brunt until 2016 when ria, would take sides, without finding out Agatu, an Idoma settlement was attacked. what happened. Buhari stormed out of the Nothing has been done about finding meeting. the killers. Instead, series of meaningless SIXTEEN years after, it was the turn of Alhaji meeting to appease to the Fulani herdsMohammed Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, men have been held. former Governor of Kano State, a Senator, LAST January, Governor Simon Lalong of to turn up in Ile-Ife to ask why Ifes defended Plateau blamed the attacks in Benue State themselves after Fulani settlers attacked a on the passage of the anti-grazing law. He man, whose wife one of them molested. The whole town erupted and more lives were lost. What was Kwankwao’s point except to emphasise that the Fulanis were above the law, whether they were herdsmen or settlers?

LIKE his brother governors, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State incensed people with his comments that tended to blame the Ifes, while it was known Fulanis who were the aggressors. The attack against Yorubas in Sagamu in 2008, just like the Ile-Ife attacks, generated a lot of media attention, possibly because of the proximity to Lagos, the hub of the media.

A COUNTRY that once condemned discrimination in all its known forms, a country that crafted its Constitution and condemned discrimination in all its ramifications, now applauds, justifies, encourages and identifies with the oppression of its people under guises that promote principles that negate democracy and civil rule.

SECTION 17 (3) of the 1999 Constitution abhors discrimination and pointedly expects that Nigeria would direct its policies towards equity, fairness, and justness. “The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that- (a) all citizens, without discrimination on any group

whatsoever, have the opportunity for securing adequate means of livelihood as well as adequate opportunity to secure suitable employment,” that section reads in part.

IS government making any effort to cater for the interests of Nigerians, even if the question is limited to the management of the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and other Nigerians? Why does the Federal Government concede the destruction of others’ lives and livelihood to Fulani herdsmen?

WHEN would governments punish Fulani herdsmen for their various crimes? Why has the earlier lull in the attacks since 2017 been broken? Unpunished impunity creates more impunity. It is time we broke the cycle by punishing the guilty, whoever they are, without fear or favour.

PATIENCE is running thin on several fronts. The calls for self-help are no longer mere suggestions. But Mahatma Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”

THE more people know that government and security agencies would not defend them, when they know that government security agencies would belittle their pains, as the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris did by referring to the killings in Benue State as communal clashes, they would defend themselves.

CONSEQUENCES may include escalation of inert tensions and unimaginable lawlessness. They are all preventable if government is equitable in punishing impunity.

Our Vision

TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission

WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values-hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

OPINION Snapshot of a moving target (5)

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want to make clear that I am not advocating dictatorship or authoritarianism of the left or right as a prerequisite for modern national industrial development; or suggesting that a genuinely policy-focused democratically elected government is incapable of carrying out fundamental national plans for modern industrial development.

I am merely pointing out that as a matter of empirical fact: 1. Not one of the great empire-states in human histroy (Egypt, Babylonia, Persia, China, India, Carthage and Rome, as well as the great ancient empire-states of the Americas—the Aztec and Inca Empires), employed “democracy” as a system of governance for their stupendous developments; 2. The great modern industrial powers of the world, did not achieve their modern industrial preeminence through democratic systems of government either: Britain and France used their colonial empires in Africa, Asia and the Americas, as the building blocks of their modern industrial power; and the United States had the worst form of chattel slavery known to man of Africans for almost 300 years, that served as the bailiwick of its modern industrial development.

So, let no one fool us or we fool ourselves into this contemporary “sleep walk,” that it is, primarily, the absence of “democracy” that is the boogieman forestalling Nigeria’s modern industrial development.

Our science and technology, and hence, our industrial development as well as our military-industrial-complex; has lagged, and continues to lag, behind the Western World and Asia; because we have not gotten our national industrial development priorities and plans right in the context of the modern world; regardless of whether or not our system of government is a democratic one.

In fact, our so-called democratic system of government might actually be retarding our modern industrial development, but draining much-needed financial resources bankrolling bloated, redundant, corrupt, largely dysfunctional administrative bureaucracies and legis-

In this installment of his review of Oseloka Obaze’s Prime Witness: Change And Policy Changes In Buhari’s Nigeria (2017), EMEKA ANIAGOLU argues that democracy isn’t all the answer after all… lative bodies.

Still, to be fair, democracy or no democracy, historically, there have been other macropolitico-military and economic challenges we have had to face in the last five hundred years or so, as Africans, not just as “Nigerians;” that have also held us back.

We went from our respective corporate political freedoms and autonomies in the premodern and pre-colonial period; to the calamity of colonial conquest and subjugation, in the context of the unfolding drama of the modern Industrial Revolution, occurring in the Western World. It was, in fact, what made their colonial conquest and subjugation of us possible in the first place. The spear, the sword, the bow and arrow, were no match for the Gatling Machine gun and the cannon ball.

Then a brief window of opportunity opened in the form of political independence from European colonialism. Unfortunately, even as we emancipated ourselves politically from European colonialism, the modern industrial dominance of the Western World was so profound and ubiquitous, that we could not escape its techno-industrial, and hence, politicoeconomic clutches.

To make matters worse, not only did we have to grapple as best we could, with the neo-colonialism necessitated by the dominance of Western industrial technology; the attenuation of the colonial rule of the Western European powers, was replaced by the Cold War standoff between two superpowers: one the Western superpower of the United States, and the other, the Eastern European superpower of the USSR. And what was it that distinguished them as “superpowers,” besides their large populations, large geopolitical landmasses, highlevels of industrialization and the possession

of Nuclear Capability, with enough firepower to destroy the world several times over, and therefore, holding the rest of the world to ransom, if not hostage, to the threat of thermonuclear cataclysm.

We went from grappling with Western European colonial and neo-colonial dispensation, to grappling with the Cold War dispensation of the United States and the Soviet Union; both of which still entailed neo-colonial tentacles and depredations on our national cohesion, governance and development.

As if the foregoing pyrrhic victory of our political independence from European colonialism, complicated by Cold War geopolitics, was not bad enough, that already bad situation was compounded by our self-inflicted catastrophe of leadership by a self-serving, corrupt, inept, shortsighted and ethnically primordial national governing elite.

It is the foregoing, I argue, that remains our current national trap. A trap with two winchwedges: one, self-inflicted—our corrupt and disorderly self-governance; and the other, the politico-economic, monetary and technomilitary-industrial hegemony the Western World (and increasingly, China) possess in the current global scheme of things.

1.

Exhortations: • One cannot, therefore, overemphasize the importance of the kind of intellectual cogitation Oseloka Obaze has provided us with in his book: Prime Witness. However, in our weary past, during the period of slavery in the Americas, there used to be a saying, that: “If you want to hide something from the black man, write it down – especially, in a book.” Why? Because the vast majority of black people enslaved in the Americas, could not read and write because they were not allowed to do so; and in the case of the European colonial system in Africa, did not have

access to schools or could not afford them, even if they were institutionally available.

Unfortunately, in our contemporary world, if you wish to hide something from the black man, it is still best to write it down – especially, in a book. Why? Because although many of his kind can now read and write – are literate – most of his kind still won’t read. They may be literate but they are not literary.

Nigeria is currently supposedly 60% literate, which means that a least 40% of its population cannot read and write; and therefore, have no business with any writer’s book. Of the 60% Nigerians that are supposedly literate – who can read and write – I guesstimate that no more than 20% read for pleasure and/ or for self-education and improvement. The remaining 40%, read only if and when they must: at work, school, occasional newspapers, public signs and documents such as driver’s license, utility bills, bank deposit and withdrawal slips, church prayer books and hymnals, as well as the Bible or the Koran (which, in all likelihood, is written in Arabic not in English).

Thus, it is within that 20% demographic that one can hope to garner a fraction of Nigerians likely to read a piece of scholarship like the one Mr. Obaze has presented us with today.

Sadly, it is the harsh truth that most of the leadership of Nigeria—top government policy and decision makers—are not regular, never mind avid readers of works such as the one Mr. Obaze has presented us with today.

Their standard excuse: ‘We are so busy with the business of ruining (sorry I meant to say, running) the country; that we have little or no time for the luxury of reading such books— no matter how cogent its subject matter!

That excuse is, of course, hogwash! For example, the founder-President of the East African country of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, translated two of William Shakespeare’s works: Julius Caesar and the Merchant of Venice into Kiswahili; and wrote a profoundly insightful work of political philosophy, titled: Man & Development, as the sitting president of Tanzania!

INEC: Call for chairman’s sack uncharitable

By Ehichioya Ezomon

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s patriotic citizens, with many of them elder statesmen, leaders of Southern Nigeria (comprising three geopolitical zones) and the Middle Belt have been meeting on the state of the nation.

The thrust of these parleys is the leaders’ belief in peacefully resolving fundamental issues and conflicts through genuine dialogue and consultations, in order to arrest the “rising agitations for a fair, just, equitable and balanced restructuring of our federal system.”

Lately, though, the leaders expedientially took a hard line position by highlighting alleged untoward happenings in the All Progressives Congress-controlled government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and made stern demands on the president.

In one of their meetings, they listed the “flash points of invitation to chaos and anarchy in our country,” as follows: Registration of foreign mercenaries, especially, Nigeriens, for the purpose of voting in the 2019 elections; indiscipline and impunity in the Police, and the audacious refusal of the Inspector General, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, and his officers to submit to civil authority; and the daily killings in parts of the country.

Also of concern to the leaders were reported government’s directive on anti-grazing law, notably the call by the Minister of Defense, Mansur Dan Ali, for suspension of the law in states where it has been passed and operational; and intolerance of the government to patriots, such as Lt. Gen T.Y Danjuma and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for “expressing contrary views” to government’s actions.

Definitely, these serious and grave allegations, which prompted the leaders to call for the heads of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, and Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, require expeditious and thorough

investigations, and actions taken, also timeously, to redress them, and assuage the feelings of those hurt, and aggrieved.

Yet, the meeting’s communiqué had a staight-jacket title, “Our case against 2019 elections preparations,” without reflecting other matters that the leaders complained about.

Meaning that the session was specifically called to spotlight the INEC, and push for the sack/ suspension of its chairman, to prevent him from superintending the 2019 elections (and even the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun in July and September, respectively).

What are the leaders’ grouses against INEC and Prof. Yakubu? They include: Accumulated indications of efforts to manipulate the result in the forth coming elections; suspicion that the Service Chiefs, “who ought to have retired,” and the INEC chairman are poised to play partisan roles in favour of the incumbent (President Buhari); since 1960, Buhari is the only president to pick his relation or person of the same ethnic stock, to lead the electoral body; and refusal of the INEC chair to release the report of the committee, which investigated alleged voting by underaged persons in the council elections in Kano.

From the foregoing, the leaders concluded: “We have fears that INEC may not be able to deliver free and fair election, as the bug of nepotism and sectionalism that this administration is renowned for has also eaten up the leadership of the Commission.

“We therefore strongly demand the replacement of the INEC chairman with a man/woman of integrity from another zone, in order to restore public confidence in the electoral body, as it prepares for the 2019 elections.”

But the clincher came when the leaders expressed “fear that the current INEC chairman may not be able to discharge his functions impartially because of hailing from the same re-

gion as the President.”

It’s obvious that the rigmarole was just to add pep to the object of the gathering, which is to demand the sack of the INEC chairman simply for being from the same zone as Buhari, and not because of incompetence to perform the job of his office.

Admitted that public records highlight the series of “inconclusive elections” in the governorship contest in Bayelsa State, and several legislative balloting in the past few years. But unprejudiced assessment of these shortcomings would reveal that they were engineered, and perpetrated by politicians, and their hirelings, who refused to play by the rules.

This is not exonerating INEC and Prof. Yakubu from blame in the unacceptable outcomes in some of these elections, as many officials of the commission under him connived to skew the system for the highest bidders, as the anti-graft agencies have disclosed recently.

Going into the 2019 elections, the INEC and its handlers have room for improvement, particularly as the world, and Nigerians expect the Buhari administration to deepen the electoral success recorded in 2015 by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. Nigerians have overwhelmingly favoured “one man, one vote,” which President Buhari has echoed by asking the electorate to vote for their preferred candidates at the polls.

That said, the call for sack of Prof. Yakubu, and his replacement “with a man/woman of integrity from another zone” is, to say the least, uncharitable. While infringing on the president’s right to appoint the chairman of the electoral commission from any part of the country, will these leaders not criticize him, and oppose his new choice as either his lackey, associate, party member, hatchet person or remotely related to him?

Rather than making demands that would

heighten tension in the land, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders should continue to advance their belief in “peacefully resolving fundamental issues and conflicts through genuine dialogue and consultations,” as the nation needs reconciliation and healing, and not issuing of undisguised threats that may aggravate an already gloomy situation.

* 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

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

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Rivers unveils new cultural centre for NAFEST 2018 Stories by VICTOR NZE

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OST state for the 2018 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) now has an ultra-modern cultural centre as Governor Nyesom Wike unveiled the complex in the capital city of Port Harcourt, Monday.

According to the commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, the contract for the State of the Arts Cultural Centre was re-awarded in January this year and the Gov-

ernor in marching words with action, made money available and ensured that the contract was completed in record time of less than 120days.

The Cultural center built to international standard and specification is an edifice with 1800-capacity Auditorium, 34 Offices, a Governors’ Lounge, a Media Center, a Conference Hall, 2 Meeting Rooms, 5 Box Offices, One Food Court, Popcorn and Ice cream Bay, Central Dinner Room.

According to the Commissioner, the Cultural Center project in

line with directive of the Governor has the facilities and ambience that meet the standard of any of such facilities in any part of the world.

She added that the Cultural Center which has 48 Guest Rooms, modern elevators and Generators is acoustically treated and technically fit to host Cultural and Entertainment events for the

comfort and relaxation of the indigenes and guests of the state.

According to some major stakeholders in the Arts and Culture industry, with this development, Governor Wike has now changed the narratives in the industry.

It is now obvious that as Rivers state prepares to host the forthcoming National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) later this

year, the state is determined to make this year’s Festival the best of its kind in the history of Nigeria.

The annual NAFEST is based on the concept of using festivals to promote national unity.

Governor Wike had earlier in the year agreed to host this year’s edition of NAFEST in the garden city of Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

World Choir Games: Sun Int’l partners SA city to thrill W’African travellers

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UN International, premium luxury hotels and resorts brand has partnered the City of Tshwane in South Africa to create awesome travel experiences for Nigerian, Ghanaian travellers, as well as other visitors to the forthcoming World Choir Games scheduled to take place in the City of Tshwane from 4th to 14th July this year.

The City of Tshwane will record another first in Africa when it hosts the 10th World Choir Games which promises to be a celebration of global choral music and entertainment workshops.

At the Tshwane 2018 World Choir Games, seven choral groups will be representing West Africa. New Wine Ensemble; Mountain Top Chorale; Halifield School Choir; Musica Casa Chorale; Riverbank School Choir; Lagos City Chorale, all from Nigeria and the Harmonious Chorale from Ghana.

According to the hotel, travel-

NCAC mounts exhibition stand in Moscow

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s part of Nigeria’s outing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has mounted a world-class Cultural Exhibition in Moscow, Russia.

The Nigerian Cultural Exhibition Stand, which is heavily decorated with the nation’s art, crafts and historical materials, has continued to witness impressive influx of Nigerians in Russia, friends of Nigeria and a wide range of other spectators.

The Cultural Centre, which is the central point for rallying support for the Super Eagles in Moscow also provides a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural strength in Russia.

Last Friday, June 22, 2018 during the Super Eagles’ encounter with Iceland, hundreds of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike thronged to the Stand to drum support for the Super Eagles while also appreciating the rich cultural products of Nigeria on display at the Stand.

Appreciating the support for the exhibition stand, Director-General of the Council, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, thanked the mammoth crowd who sang, danced, drummed and waved the Nigeria Flag for their support and solidarity, pointing out that the passion and emotions displayed at the Stand was a clear testimony of the power of culture and football to foster global unity, peace and sustainable partnership.

lers for the World Choir Games will be spoilt for choice at the recently opened The Maslow Time Square, offering an entirely new concept in hospitality. A first for South Africa, this 238-room specialist business hotel, offers multi-level accommodation options – from standard to premium – all under one roof. The 17-storey hotel is packed with stateof-the-art facilities and technology that will delight and satisfy every traveller.

The Sun International disclosed that its travel package to thrill West Africa travellers for the World Choir Games has been carefully created to cater for all the needs of the travellers. From a return flight ticket to dedicated meet and greet on arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport and private transfer from the airport to The Maslow Time Square, all has been catered for.

“In addition, travellers will also have the opportunity to participate in the World Choir Games special workshops and actual choral musical events as well as tour of the City of Tshwane inclusive of a shopping voucher,” it said.

•The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike during the commissioning of the Rivers State Cultural Centre inn Port Harcourt.

Marriott kicks-off 11th ‘Road to Awareness’ campaign in MEA region

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N a continuous effort to support children in need across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, Marriott International, Inc. has kicked off the 11th edition of its highly successful Road to Awareness (R2A) campaign.

The initiative will see a number

Camair-Co returns to Lagos-Doula route

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AMEROON Airlines Corporation (Camair-Co) has resumed flight to Lagos, from June 23 this year when the Cameroonian flag carrier arrived from Douala after some years of absence from the route.

At the welcoming ceremony at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, the Consul General of Cameroon in Lagos, Dr Ekorong A. Dong expressed delight to see Camair-Co back to the economic route of Douala-Lagos, “Today we are witnessing together a new benchmark, a new landmark between Nigeria and Cameroon.”

The Consul General added that the presence of Camair-Co in Nigeria would further enhance the relationship between the two countries, “this will boost the trade, commercial and social-cultural events between our countries.”

Camair-Co Nigeria Country Manager, Madam Agnes Ndikum reinstated the determination of the airline to continuously serve the Lagos-Doula route.

“Let me state here that CamairCo is finally here to stay and provide quality air travel between Nigeria and Cameroon. We appreciate the efforts of APG Nigeria, our General Sales Agent (GSA) for their continuous support in making this

relaunch of the Lagos-Doula route a reality,” Agnes emphasised.

According to APG Nigeria General Manager, Camair-Co GSA, Chike Ohiagu said, “the airline is here to stay. We are determined to make sure the airline seats are full and profitable.”

Also speaking at the event, the aircraft pilot, Captain Kono Bihina Constant, mentioned he is delighted to return to Nigeria after a long while. According to the Pilot, “We haven’t flown into Nigeria for a long time. Nigeria is so advance when it comes to aviation, and we are very pleased to be back here. Camair-Co is working so hard round the clock to ensure travellers rely on our airline and not to go elsewhere.”

‘Private investment will complement FG’s economic diversification efforts’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DubaiAfrika, Tolu Adesanmi, Monday, called for more participation by private investors in the tourism sector to complement government’s efforts in its economic diversification.

Adesanmi said in Lagos that private investment in tourism would facilitate the efficiency of the sector.

of the hospitality group’s hotels participate in a range of fundraising activations for local charities throughout the year, in addition to an anchor fundraising 600km-cycle event around the Western Cape, South Africa between August 2-4, 2018.

32 cyclists who work for Marriott International across the MEA region will be led on the challenge by passionate cyclist and founder of R2A – Guido de Wilde, Chief Operating Officer of Marriott International in the Middle East. The selected riders will not only commit to riding the challenging 600 km over three grueling days, but they will also need to each raise USD 1,500 for their local charities.

Combined with individual hotel fundraisers, the organization has been able to raise a staggering USD 9 million for children in need since its inception in 2008.

“I’m so very proud of the impact the R2A campaign has made over the last 11 years as well as the growth it is making, so that each year it is bigger and better than before, enabling us to help even more children from across the region.”

In previous years, we have collaborated with global charity partners and this year we are supporting local charities and hope to see the difference we are able to make through our very own eyes,” said de Wilde.

The group’s hotels organize a wide range of fund-raising activities such as charity auctions,

fun runs, sporting events, bake sales and others, including a tennis tournament at Sheraton Club des Pins Resort & Towers, Algeria; 10km fun run hosted

by Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai; a charity bazaar for new and second hand items to be held at Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait and Sheraton Kuwait, and the annual Westin Cape Town Charity Ball in South Africa among many others.

“With the hotels’ support we have a robust annual campaign that keeps the cause at the forefront of the minds of hoteliers, hotel guests, consumers, and Marriott International employees. Together, I’m positive that we can really make a difference to the region’s children in need,” de Wilde concluded.

This year for the first time, the hospitality group will unite with RELATE, a not-for-profit social enterprise who make hand beaded bracelets. RELATE has made 22,000 bracelets specifically for Marriott International’s Road to Awareness campaign so that participating hotels can sell them to help with their fundraising initiatives.

The confirmed charities include: UAE, Al Jalila Foundation; South Africa, Laureus Sport for Good; KSA, Disabled Children’s Association; Jordan, King Hussein Cancer Foundation; Lebanon, Bonheur Du Ciel; Seychelles, Soroptimist International Club of Victoria.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

AVIATION

Airlines’ revenue figures verifiable – NCAA Stories by VICTOR NZE

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IGERIAN Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that its recently released figures of revenue generated from aviation charges are verifiable In a statement, Sunday in Lagos, NCAA General Manager of Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, said that NCAA’s system and processes of generating and gathering data were in line with international standards.

It would be recalled that NCAA recently disclosed that both domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria sold tickets worth N502.2 billion in 2017.

The regulatory agency said the ticket sale increased by 14.2 per cent (N82.7 billion) from N422.4 billion in 2016.

According to the agency, the airlines also made N400. 9 million in 2017 through cargo charges, an increase from N285 million generated in 2016.

Some stakeholders in the industry have, however, disputed the figures, alleging that the Federal Government lost more than N100 billion in Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC) from 2013 to 2017 through under remittances.

Adurogboye advised all stakeholders not to doubt the figures or create confusion over them, since they could be verified.

“The process of generating data is as stipulated in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015, Part 18.12.5.

“All domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria shall forward to the authority, through an electronic platform provided by the authority, all relevant documents such as flown coupons,

passenger or cargo manifests, air waybills, load sheets, clients’ service invoices and other documents necessary for accurate billing within 48 hours after each flight.

“In addition, as part of the billing requirements, the authority collects billable data from airlines, photocopy of flown coupons and Post Departure Manifest (PDM) of international flight operations.

“All these are International Air Transport Association (IATA) documents which NCAA cannot influence,” he said.

According to him, flown coupons contain specific information required by IATA before billings are done and issued.

Adurogboye said that the infor-

mit airway bill in accordance to the Nig.CARs. He said that the weight and rate stated on the airway bill were used in the calculation of the CSC. “However, it is pertinent to state that the statistics available for five per cent CSC is not the same as the harmonised figures.

Cargo data captures the total weight of the cargo (import and export) while NCAA chargeable weight is on export cargo only.

“Note that foreign airlines with Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) do not pay royalty on cargo airlift; though the cargo weights are captured, they are not billable.

“Furthermore, the authority au-

•The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo after a crucial meeting with various airlines’ stakeholders at the State House in Abuja.

UBA announces ‘Lounge Key’ airport programme on Gold MasterCard

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mation included ticket number, name of passenger and TSC. “It is noteworthy that the prerequisite NCAA five per cent TSC paid by passengers is indicated on the ticket. These data are warehoused by NCAA and can be verified. The domestic billing process requires an airline to submit to the authority its PDM immediately after every flight departure.

“It is from the filed fares that five per cent TSC is calculated.

The automated integrated system, therefore, ensures authenticity between NCAA server and airlines,” he added.

Adurogboye said that similarly, the process of billing five per cent CSC required the airlines to sub-

NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced the reintroduction of its ‘Lounge Key’ programme at the airports.

This scheme allows holders of the UBA Gold MasterCard to have access to over 800 airport lounges around the world.

In a notification to its customers, UBA, which is one of the top five banks in Nigeria, said every lounge visit attracts $27 and same per guest entry.

“We are pleased to inform you that Lounge Key, an airport lounge access program, is available on the

UBA Gold MasterCard,” the notice read.

“Lounge Key offers UBA Gold MasterCard cardholders access to over 800 airport lounges globally and does not require the use of priority pass,” the bank explained.

UBA said further in the notice that to enjoy the premium service, “Gold cardholders simply need to present their Gold MasterCard at the lounge entrance and quote ‘Loungekey’ to gain access to the lounge. Every lounge visit attracts $27 and same per guest entry.”

MBRELLA body of indigenous airline owners, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has commended the Federal Government for issuing an Executive Order for the removal of the controversial Value Added Tax (VAT) from “All Forms of Shared Transportation”, which the group said includes air transport.

It would be recalled that AON had made good their threat to stop the remittances of Value Added Tax (VAT) to the Federal Government from June 14, on the grounds that it creates a suppression of domestic airline travel demand, resulting in airlines not being able to optimally utilize their aircraft assets thereby

creating a market distortion.

In commending Government for ‘listening to the cries of domestic airlines,’ the operators thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the decision just as they urged him to go a step further by encouraging the National Assembly to pass this Executive Order into law ‘as quickly as possible.’ The body in a statement, Monday, said the decision by the Government following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of June 6, 2018 presents a veritable opportunity for the aviation industry to immediately take advantage of the decision to expedite a White Paper to that effect.

thenticates the automated data output with the hard copy data submitted by the airlines. This serves as verification and determination of the actual flown passengers,” Adurogboye said.

According to him, categories such as diplomats and infants less than two years are non-revenue passengers and, therefore, exempted from five per cent TSC calculation.

Adurogboye said: “There are also those whose journeys do not originate from Nigeria (tickets sold offshore).

“In ticket sales there are promotional, discounted, staff and low season’s fares. It is the aggregate of these that mischief makers sum up and begin to tout figures. Airline fares are not constant, and they are dissimilar across routes and continental distances. It is, therefore, preposterous for anyone to attach the same fare to all passengers.

“It is impossible for any airline to remit five per cent TSC on passengers not flown. The airlines carry out a scrutiny of NCAA billing using their flown coupons before remittances of sales charge to NCAA.” The NCAA spokesperson noted that on international flights, IATA provided support via Billing Settlement Plan (BSP) through its clearing house, verification and direct collection of five per cent TSC. He said: “All the above processes attest to the sanctity of our figures.

“The NCAA will continue to ensure due diligence in data collation. This prevalent distraction will not deter the regulatory authority from providing a robust regulation that will engender safe and secure airline operations.”

Arik Air joins NCAA’s payment automation platform

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RIK Air has joined the automation platform of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in the payment of its five per cent ticket and cargo Sales Charge to the agency.

The automation agreement was signed on Thursday by the Director-General of NCAA, Capt.

Muhtar Usman and Arik Air’s Managing Director, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, in Lagos.

Based on the agreement, the five per cent ticket and cargo

sales charge would be deducted from source in line with the provision of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs).

Usman lauded Arik Air for complying fully with the regulation which was introduced to ensure transparency in revenue collection and urged other airlines to key into the platform.

He said the charges were shared

by NCAA and other aviation agencies such as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nige-

AON lauds FG over Executive Order to remove VAT on shared transportation U “We as Nigeria have been crying out for decades now for discussions on the immediate removal of VAT from domestic air transportation in line with global best practice, but we have barely been heard over the years. VAT is an added burden on our passengers who have limited disposal funds and have reached their elastic point in this difficult time in the nation’s economy.

“This adversely affects the sector by reducing the number of those who can afford to travel by air due to high fares in this tough economic time. This has been shown to be true according to a recent report from the Federal Airports Authority of Ni-

geria (FAAN) that passenger traffic dropped by 27% in 2017 and by another 7% in the first quarter of 2018 making it a total of 34% drop in passenger traffic within a span of one year.

“Domestic Air transportation in Nigeria is the only mode of commercial transportation that pays VAT. Road, rail, marine and even foreign airlines operating in Nigeria don’t pay VAT in their home country or in Nigeria with reference to an information circular by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) which grants them VAT exemption (Information No.: 9701; Circular Dated 1st Jan. 1997); Part L (b) No. 8,” AON Chairman, Captain Nogie Meggison said.

rian College of Aviation Technology, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Accident Investigation Bureau.

“Coming on the platform means transparency, more efficiency, less time spent on reconciliation.

We want to use this opportunity to encourage others that are not fully in compliant to do, we do not like to force people to come and do so,” said Usman.

According to him, the NCAA depends solely on the five per cent charges as its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and does not take money from the Federal Government to carry out its operations.

Usman explained that all the airlines were expected to pay the charges, adding that no airline had been granted a special waiver.

Responding, IIegbodu noted that the move was a step in the right direction in the management’s quest to reposition Arik Air, adding that the airline would continue to support the growth of aviation in Nigeria.

Airlines already on the NCAA’s automation platform include Medview, Overland, Aero and Dana Air.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

LASACO Assurance GPI hits N6.6b, as PAT drops by 30% Stories by VICTOR NZE

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HE Gross Premium Income of LASACO Assurance Plc has risen by 10 per cent to N6.6 billion in its 2017 financial year from N6 billion in 2016, while shareholders’ fund also rose to N8.15 billion in the review period, from N7.85 billion in 2016.

Chairman of the company, Aderinola Disu, disclosed this at the 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos weekend, adding that the Net Underwriting Premium also increased by a record 105 per cent from N1.9 billion in 2016 to N3.9 billion in 2017.Stating that the Underwriting Profit increased by N1 billion from N235 million achieved in 2016 to N1.2 billion in 2017, she noted that Operating Expenses for the year reduced by 28 per cent from N2.4 billion in 2016 to N1.7 billion in 2017.

The Profit Before Tax for the year, she said, however, reduced by 25 per cent from N1.1 billion in 2016 to N854 million in 2017, due to 80 per cent reduction in Other Income.

Disu stressed that the total assets of the company reduced from N19 billion to N18 billion within the period under review, promising that LASACO Assurance will sustain its proactive steps to strengthen its identity and improve its positioning in the market.

“Our emphasis on ease of doing

business will increase as we continue to focus on critical market.

We are strategically repositioning in new products development to harness the newly identified market potentials. This is expected to increase our market share and enable us operate more efficiently and profitably,” she said the company, however, declared a dividend of four kobo per share.

On his part, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Segun Balogun, promised that the company will continue to work to ensure that it gives positive returns on investment to shareholders while hoping that his company can declare improved dividend in the upcoming 2018 financial year and years to come. He, as well, assured poli-

cyholders nationwide of improved service delivery and payment of genuine claims as and when due, urging Nigerians to subscribe to the policies of the company to get value for money.

Meanwhile, investigations have revealed that for submitting its 2016 and 2017 financial statements, the LASACO Assurance Plc has paid a total of N8.775 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) as fine.

According to data sourced from the official site of NSE the breakdown shows that LASACO Assurance paid a monetary fine of N5million in 2016 and N3.525 million in 2017 for late submission of its annual returns to SEC and N250,000

to NAICOM in 2016 for late submission of board resolution, amounting to a total of N8.775 million.

Furthermore, its results have not been quite impressive in 2017 as its profit before tax dropped 25 percent from N1,144,881billion reported in 2016 to N854,273 million in 2017.

Profit After Tax (PAT) was not left out as it came down from N944,461 million in 2016 to N661,878 million in 2017; representing a drop of 30 percent.

Total asset of the company depreciated further by four percent to stand at N18,571 billion in 2017 as against N19,298billion achieved in the preceding year of 2016.

“Some insurance companies have corporate governance issues.

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Enugu Govt. secures insurance cover for Rangers FC

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Custodian launches Nigeria’s first insurance ChatBox USTODIAN Investment Plc, the parent firm of Custodian and Allied Insurance limited and Custodian Life Assurance Limited has introduced Nigeria’s first ever interactive digital platform christened ‘Max’.

The digital platform is aimed at making the purchase of insurance policies and processing of claims easier for customers.

Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos, the Chief Technology Officer, Custodian And Allied Plc, Esomchi Nwofor, said the device will enable insuring public interact and buy the company’ products anywhere they are without hassle.

The device which is deployed on the firm’s Website and Facebook will help bridge communication gap, as the insuring public can interact and obtain information via the device 24 hours.

According to him, the public can start and conclude their insurance purchases through the platform and also report claims in the comfort of their home, adding that with Max, the insuring public can purchase majority of custodian’s products and services.

He urged the public to leverage the platform to procure products that would help them mitigate their risks.

On his part, Head, Retail Division, Custodian and Allied Insurance limited, Oladele Akinsanya, further explained that the platform cannot initiate comprehensive insurance policy but third party motor insurance and other of its products.

He added that Max chatbox is always there 24/7 to solve problems and even go to the extent of closing deals.

We commend NAICOM because it will not approve any account unless it is thorough, kudos to the commission for safe guarding the interest of the investors as well as customers,” commented President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie.

Continuing, Okezie noted that ‘huge fines and management expenses have also affected the reserves of the most insurance companies, adding with negative reserves, the most firms will not be able to meet most of its responsibilities especially prompt claims payment.’

•Chief Technology Officer, Custodian Investment Plc, Esomchi Nwofor; Chief Executive Officer Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation, Olubunmi Aderemi; Executive Director, Operations, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Ngozi Nlebemuo; Head of Strategy, Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited, Bisola Ajibola and Head, Retail Division, Custodian and Allied Insurance limited, Oladele Akinsanya at the launch of Max, Nigerian’s first digital advisor for the non-banking financial sector in Lagos.

NEM Insurance grows PBT by 44.2%

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EM Insurance Plchas declared a dividend of N0.10 kobo per share for its investors for the financial year ended 31, December 2017.

Speaking at the company’s 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) which held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Wednesday, the chairman of the company, Dr. Fidelis Atebae said that the dividend is 25percent increase over 8 kobo paid in the preceding year ended 2016.

On its financial performance, he said profit before taxation for the period under review for the group and parent company grew to N3.09billion and N3.08 Billion; with increases of 44.2 percent and 41.0 percent respectively when compared to N2.15 Billion and N2.19 Billion achieved in 2016 for the group and parent company respectively.

Gross premium rose by 24.7 percent to N13.4billion over the previous year of N10.8 billion in 2016 while net premium also grew 15.2 percent to stand at N9.8billion in 2017 when compared to N8.5 billion recorded in 2016.

Investment income was not left out as it increased to N709.9million in 2017 as against N479.5million

reported in 2016; indicating an increase of 48.1 percent.

The insurer also recorded impressive performances in its financial assets and total assets as both appreciated 47.7 percent and 21.2 percent for both the group and parent company over the preceding year; while improvements of 31.6 percent and 31.3 percent were recorded in total equity for the group and parent company respectively.

Earnings per share for the group during the year under review was 53 kobo; while that of the preceding year was 34 kobo; an increase of 52.7 percent. The EPS of the parent company was 52 kobo, an increase of 49. 5 percent over that of the preceding year which was 35 kobo.

Speaking further the Group Managing Director, Tope Smart reaffirmed that despite the challenging competitive operating environment, the company focus on the industry leadership remained unwavering.

“One of the ways we are doing this is brand differentiation. We have continued to delight our numerous customers by providing them with quality services and solutions thereby consolidating our

position with them.

“Our service delivery mechanism, which is anchored on our core values of humility, integrity, discipline, excellence, empathy and courage (HIDEEC) has helped us in no small measure in our brand differentiation initiative,” Smart said.

On performance review Smart said: ”Our profit after tax increased from N1.8billion in 2016 to N2.8billion in 2017, an increase of 53percent. Our shareholders fund which stood at N7.4billion in 2016 appreciated to N9.7billion in 2017; representing 32 percent increase.

Our balance sheet also has remained very healthy.”

“Notwithstanding the intense competition in the industry, we are very positive that with the very formidable structure we have in place, the future of this company is very bright. More than ever before, we are now better positioned to take advantage of anticipated opportunities that may arise in Nigerian insurance space,” he reassured.

He however thanked clients and staff of the company for their commitment to the company, adding that staffs of the company remained the company’s greatest assets.

nugu State Government says it has secured an insurance cover for the players and technical crew of Rangers International FC of Enugu.

The Commissioner for Sports, Joseph Udedi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday that the insurance covers accident, adding that it was for the ongoing 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Udedi, who disclosed that that the insurance policy was being handled by Premium Insurance Company, noted that could be extended.

“We have secured a group accident insurance for 43 players and 15 officials of Rangers International FC, Enugu, who are currently participating in the ongoing 2017/2018 NPFL season,’’ he said.

According to him, the insurance cover for the team shows the passion and commitment of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to place Rangers as a model team in the NPFL. “We are grateful to our sportsloving governor. Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has continued to support Rangers in every way possible so that the team achieve enviable result.

Nnoka named RIMAN president

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isk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) has named Magnus Nnoka the new president of the association following the conclusion of its 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/ Election which held penultimate Friday, in Lagos.

Nnoka has over two decades experience in the banking sector that cut across banks and core areas of Treasury, Branch Management/ Operations, and Enterprise Risk Management where he has spent over 16 years and developed expertise in different areas of risk management.

He has worked and held Senior Management positions at Banks like Equitorial Trust Bank, Diamond Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and currently with Coronation Merchant Bank where he is the Chief Risk Officer.

He brings to bear his professional and leadership skills to pilot the affairs of RIMAN for 2018 / 2020 executive council tenure.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

PenCom compiling list of non-contributing firms, recovers N11b from employers Stories by VICTOR NZE

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HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) has recovered over N11 billion between 2013 and 2017, from employers who refused to remit the pension contributions of their workers into the Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

The commission specifically applauded the recovery agents for their feat in getting the money, adding that the commission learnt that several thousands of employers were not funding their workers’ RSAs, which necessitated the need for the exercise in the sector. Non-remittance, according to PenCom, is a crime under the law, adding that the commission is now partnering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that all outstanding contributions from erring employers would be remitted.

Meanwhile, PenCom also said it is partnering with the anti-graft agency to prosecute defaulting employers, adding that the commission is compiling the list of erring employers, who have not been remitting deducted pension contributions for prosecution, in a move to address the growing menace recorded by the industry.

“Non-remittance is on two

fronts- those who are not contributing at all and those who have their contributions deducted from their salaries and not sent to their RSA. That in itself is a financial crime. We are working very closely with EFCC and there is strong collaboration. We are compiling the list of those that are not remitting because that is theft.

“We receive calls from individuals showing proof of deductions from their salaries and when they look at statements from their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), it does not tally,” PenCom noted.

Director of Centre for Pension Right Advocacy, Ivor Takor, who also spoke on the development, charged the Federal Government and states to prioritise funding of their respective workers’ RSAs. He said the Federal Government was unable to remit pension contributions as and when due, while most illiquid states have suspended pension budget for now, instead, paying salaries without remitting the employer’s monthly pension contributions into their workers RSAs. “We understood that the FG has not been able to remit pension contributions as and when due and this has to do with not only the employer’s contributions, but what then is happening

Legacy Pension Managers to pay claims promptly

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egacy Pension Managers Limited has continued to deliver sustained return on investment, quality service and prompt payment of retirement benefits to its retirees.

According to the Executive Director, Business Development and Investment, Mai Moustapha Muhammad, Legacy Pension Managers Limited is strategically positioned to provide excellent pension services that create high-end customer experience and put smiles on the faces of its customers at all times.

He explained that FCMB Group

•Members of the Board of Directors, Otunba Akin Doherty; Company Secretary, Gertrude Olutekunbi; Chairman, Aderinola Disu, Managing Director, Segun Balogun, and Akin Odusami, at the 38th Annual General Meeting of Lasaco Assurance Plc in Lagos.

to the contribution of the employees, because it has been deducted from their salaries and the law says the deduction should be paid into the RSAs of the employees, not later than seven days after salaries are paid,” he said.

Stating that these are issues that need to be addressed holistically, he added that it’s unfortunate that some of these governors left office and made only some

xecutive Director, Investment, Stanbic IBTC Pensions Managers Nigerian Limited, Oladele Sotubo, has advised public servants to prepare exit from service early in order to prevent late processing of their retirement documents.

Sotubo who noted that proper and early planning would address the challenges and lapses in the pension scheme, stated this during a one-day customers’ forum for intending retirees in Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital.

“Delay and late processing of pension benefits have affected a lot of Nigerian, hindered several persons from accessing their benefits before they die, hence the need to educate Nigerians on the necessary procedures for early pension planning.

“The essence of this forum is to sensitize people that are very close to retirement, those between the

Folashade Onanuga, said despite the challenges the states are passing through, their inability to priortise pension was responsible for the pension backlog they owe.

“Even though there are lots of things contending with state funds, I believe if there is a commitment towards pension, states will always find a way to pay it,” she said.

Annuity.

“The retirement options should be studied carefully before signing any deal with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).’’

Onanuga, who described some PFAs as hookwinkers, said they had been deceiving retiring employees into taking wrong decision for their own selfish reasons.

“There are still pension `fraudsters’ parading themselves as PFAs and the Lagos State Government will put concrete measures in place to ensure that its retirees do not fall victims. It is important to note that pension fraudsters are still out there, retirees must be vigilant and courageous not to sign negative deals; be wise,’’ Onanuga warned.

According to her, the commission in order to guide prospective retirees in the state public service between July and December also held a seminar on retirement benefits and documentation on June 8.

“The commission ensured that the 1,200 workers slated for retirement between July and December participated. The prospective retirees were equipped with retirement features and healthy lifestyles in retirement among others.”

Onanuga emphasised that it was the responsibility of the prospective retirees to study and master the features. She said, for instance, a retiring employee ought to have signed up a PFA and his or her monthly contributions remitted into his or her Retirement Saving Account (RSA). “Lagos State Government approved 13 PFAs for its workers, among them are AIICO Pension Managers, ARM Pensions, Leadway Pensure PFA and Nigerian Life and Provident Company (NLPC).’’

Lagos workers to get gratuity 3 months after retirement soon – Official

Plc has increased its stake in the company to 88.2 per cent (making Legacy Pension Managers Limited a full subsidiary).

Muhammad added that with Legacy Pension’s years of experience further backed by the strength of the FCMB Group, the company is better positioned to help its teeming customers plan for a happy retirement. He concluded that Legacy Pension Managers Limited is reputed for its prompt PIN delivery, robust technology, in-time benefits payment and effective communication platforms as well as seasoned professionals anchor-

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aged of 48 to 50 people have plus or minus two years to retire, to start working on the necessary procedures for their retirement, need to check and ensure that their records with their employers and pension managers are correct “The problem is that Nigerians

when we are asked to do something, we wait till the very last minute and this norm has affected a lot of people, they will do nothing to process their retirement benefits but a day after retirement, they just come to ask for their money,” Sotubo said.

ernor is working towards a regime that all pensioners will be able to access their gratuities within three months after retirement,” she said.

Onanuga also said that the governor was committed to the welfare of retirees as he had cleared the backlog of pensions.

She said: “Gov. Ambode is fully committed to retirees’ welfare as he is working towards clearing pension backlog the administration inherited under the old pension scheme known as Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) before the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was introduced in 2004.

“He has cleared the pension backlog up till 2015. About N37 billion has been released by Gov. Ambode for 9, 045 retirees since he assumed office.

The director-general, however, has advised retiring workers in the employ of the state government to study the two options available to them at retirement carefully before taking decisions.

According to her, the two options are Programmed Withdrawal and

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

Pensions has $1.8 billion in funds under management reaching about 700,000 people through 57 locations across the country, it said.

Nigeria’s pension-fund assets have more than quadrupled over the past nine years to N8 trillion, according to data compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics, as the nation of over 200 million people makes it mandatory for companies to have retirement plans for workers. At least 89 percent of employed Nigerians are still not registered for pensions, giving LeapFrog access to one of the fastest-growing areas in the

country’s financial-services industry, said Karima Ola, a partner at the firm.

LeapFrog will help ARM Pensions improve its digital-service channels, facilitate partnerships and boost brand awareness to help retain and add customers, investment director, Michael Joyce, said in the statement.

The firm in 2012 partnered with ARM’s parent company ARM Group, the country’s largest independent asset manager, to offer life insurance and savings products in Nigeria.

AGOS State Government is to introduce an efficient pension scheme for its workforce, an official said on Sunday.

Under the new regime, retirees will be paid their gratuity (lump sum) within three months after retirement.

Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs Folashade Onanuga, further informed that the administration would soon unveil the new regime.

“Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode is working towards a three-month gratuity collection regime. Our amiable gov-

Stanbic IBTC Pensions boss harps on early preparations for retirement

E

segmented pension laws that only cover them and their office holders, some of them drawing massively from the purse of the state in the name of pension to build houses and cars and did not make laws for the state workers.

“This is very bad. It’s immoral and should be addressed by current governors,” he added.

The Director-General of Lagos Pension Commission (LASPEC),

LeapFrog mulls entry into Nigeria’s PFA market

L

eapFrog Investments Limited is investing in one of Nigeria’s largest pension-fund managers to tap into the rising demand for retirement products among low-income consumers in Africa’s most populous nation.

The private-equity investor, which has interests in healthcare and financial-services businesses spanning 149 Asian and African markets, didn’t disclose the terms of the deal with ARM Pension Managers Limited in a statement on Friday. ARM

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market Shareholders berate Veritas Registrars over DSR AGM accreditation Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

I

RATE shareholders of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR), rained curses on members of Veritas Registrars staff for their efficiency and poor handling of accreditation of members to the 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos.

The Shareholders who are comprised mostly of elderly persons and probably retirees complained that they came to the venue of the meeting as early as 6.30 am in the morning so as to go through accreditation and participate in the AGM. But the process seems to be endless as at 11.57am almost an hour into the meeting which took off by exactly 11am.

The snail speed style adopted by the Registrars compelled the shareholders to undergo unnecessary hardship and stress, for over four hours, and managing to stand just for the accreditation. Some who couldn’t stand were seen sitting on the bare flour on the corridor at Eko Hotel, venue of the meeting.

One elderly man said he was appalled by the unprofessional attitudes of the Registrars saying as at 6.20am when he got there, instead of the Registrars asking people to queue up, they didn’t as it was haphazardly done, then at about 8.30am when the crowd became larger, they now said we should line up, but when we did, others were by-passing those on the queue and surprising, they attended to them.

At a time people became agitated and the line scattered.

Another angry man said, “They should go and learn how to manage the crowd from First Registrars or Datamax Registrars that handles Guaranty Trust Bank Plc’s Meeting.

I wondered why Veritas could not manage an event that holds once yearly, with police and company security men on ground,assigned

to assist them.

The shoddy performance of the Registrars impacted negatively on the attendance of the AGM, only about a quarter of the hall was occupied as investors were leaving as soon as they collect corporate gift items.

However, Dangote Sugar Refinery declared a final dividend of N1.25 kobo per share for the financial year ended December 31, 2017, as was approved by the shareholders at the 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

The Board had earlier approved the payment of an interim dividend of 50 kobo per share in August last year, thus bringing total dividend to N1.75 kobo per share. The Payment of N1.25 kobo as final dividend per share amounted to N15billion while the gross of the 50 kobo interim dividend paid per share amounted to N6billion. This brings the total dividends paid for the year under review to N21billion, representing an increase of 192 percent over year 2016.

Addressing Shareholders, the Chairman of the company, Aliko Dangote said, DSR put up a rather impressive performance since the inception of the company against all odds, given the uncertainties and various socio-economic challenges that prevailed during the year under review.

He emphasized that the company forged stronger to achieve a Group turnover of N204.42billion, a growth of 20.44 percent over comparative period of 2016, in addition, Profit Before tax stood at N53.6billion, representing an increase of 173 percent over 2016 results during the period, while profit after tax close the year higher at N39.78billion.

Dangote told shareholders that the company has spent N121billion on equipments, land acquisition compensation to land owners,

•Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman DSR

consultancy and related services towards a progressive actualization of the company’s sugar for Nigeria Backward Integration project Plan.

He explained that in accordance with the plan to realign implementation in phases, the 60,000 hectares, Tunga sugar project in Nasarawa was included in the project during year 2017. He added that full payment was made for the land to the tune of N3.250billion with Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the State Government; as a result, necessary developmental work has been mobilized on the site.

The chairman also briefed members of the company on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and

•Mary Uduk, SEC Acting DG governance and reassured them that the Board remains focused on engaging more strategies for optimum delivery to all stakeholders.

Responding, a prominent investor and Chairman of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie lauded the Chairman for his diversification and expansion of various companies in the Dangote Group and suggested that he should consider raising money from the capital market via Rigths Issue to finance the massive projects. He also praised Dagote for portraying humility by attending Board meetings regularly despite his tight schedule.

Okezie was immensely grateful to the Secretariat for displaying shareholders’ pictures on the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts.

New NSE market indices to become effective soon

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has over the weekend announced the review of the NSE 30,index and the six sectoral indices of the Exchange, which will witness the entry and re-entry as well as exit of some major listed companies.

The NSE new market indices which becomes effective July 1, 2018 affects all the six sectoral indices of the Exchange, which are NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Banking, NSE Insurance, NSE Industrial, NSE Oil and Gas and NSE Lotus Islamic Indices as well as the NSE 30 index.

In a statement, the Exchange said, the five incoming companies are First City Monument Bank Plc, Oando Plc, Beta Glass Company Plc, United African Company of Nigeria Plc (UACN) and Sterling Bank Plc. On the other hand, five companies expected to exit according to the Exchange are Diamond Bank Plc, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Forte Oil Plc, Dangote Flour Mills Plc and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) Analysis of the six sectoral indices showed that in the Consumer

Goods, Union Dicon Salt Plc and DN Tyre &Rubber Plc are likely incoming companies while Northern Nigeria Flour mills Plc and Vitafoam Nigeria Plc are expected to exit. Skye Bank Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc in the Banking sector are incoming while Wema Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc are to exit.

However, in the Insurance sector, four incoming entities are: Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, while those exiting are Cornerstone Insurance Plc, STACO Insurance Plc, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc and Equity Assurance Plc. In the Industrial sector, Nigeria Plc and Austin Las &Co are incoming while Portland Paints & Products Nigeria Plc and DN Meyer Plc are to exit. Companies that are expected to exit in NSE Oil & Gas sector are Conoil Plc and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc while the incoming companies are Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc and Eterna Oil Plc whereas in NSE Lotus Islamic sector, Nigerian Aviation Handling Co. Plc, Jaiz Bank Plc and Seplat Petroleum Development

Company Plc are incoming while Lafarge Africa Plc, GlaxosmithKline Nigeria Plc and Total Nigeria Plc are scheduled to exit.

The Nigerian bourse began publishing the NSE 30 Index in Febru-

ary 2009 with index values available from January 1, 2007. On July 1, 2008, the NSE developed four sectoral indices with a base value of 1,000 points, designed to provide investable benchmarks to capture

Another shareholder, Alhaji Tambari from Sokoto State commended the Chairman for diversification of his companies and for regular payment of dividends to shareholders in the entire Dangote Group of companies.

Also speaking, Bisi Bakare thanked the Chairman for the good results, regular payment of dividends and particularly for massive employment of Nigerians and wished that if there are three Dangotes in Nigeria, Nigerians will never experience grim and abject poverty.

However, Owolabi Peter wondered why Dangote Sugar was fined N15million. He suggested that the company should pay bonus issue in the near future. the performance of specific sectors. The sectoral indices comprise the top fifteen most capitalized and liquid companies in the Insurance and Consumer Goods sectors, top ten most capitalized and liquid companies in the Banking and Industrial Goods sector and the top seven most capitalized and liquid companies in the Oil & Gas sector.

Dangote Flour declares 2o kobo dividend

S

hareholders of Dangote Flour Mills Plc have approved 20 kobo dividend per share as recommended by the Board at the 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Oriental Hotel in Lagos over the weekend.

The payment of 20 kobo dividend per Ordinary share of 50 kobo each to shareholders is out of the profits made in the financial year ended December 31, 2017. However, the dividend scheduled to be paid today, Wednesday June 27, 2018 is subject to withholding tax at the appropriate rate.

The Chairman of the company, Mr. Asue Ighodalo told the investors that 2017 financial year was characterized by systemic headwinds and a challenging operating landscape in the flour business.

According to him, these factors amongst others considerably in-

creased the company’s input costs and negatively affected its capacity to meet customer demand.

Ighodalo explained that despite difficulties and extremely challenging business environment, he was delighted, the company delivered impressive results during the year under review. He stressed that this was due to persistence, resulting in growth following the company’s turnaround that began early in 2016.

Meanwhile, analysis of the company’s 2017 results showed that Turnover rose by18.6 percent to close the year at N125.4billion from N105.7billion achieved in year 2016.

Similarly, profit after tax stood at N15.1billion an increase of 43.1percent when compared with N10.5 billion recorded in 2016 financial year.

The Chairman said, “As a result,

our company completely extinguished all of the accumulated losses of prior years. I salute our Executive management team, our staff, my colleagues on the Board for this incredible performance. I look forward for greater performance from our team to ensure that we become the number one flour milling company in West Africa by the quality of our products, market share and performance ratios.

•Ighodalo, Chairman Dangote Group

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

MONEY Market

Six banks pay N155.45b into AMCON’s sinking fund

S

IX commercial banks have made payments totaling N155.45 billion into the sinking fund of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) within three years.

Access Bank, GTBank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Fidelity Bank, FCMB Group and Sterling Bank made the payments between 2015 and 2017.

Data obtained from the banks’ annual reports showed that Access Bank paid the highest amount of N39.59 billion; N12.06 billion in 2015, N12.06 billion in 2016 and N15.47 billion in 2017.

It was followed by GTBank which paid N35.09 billion; N10.63 billion in 2015, N11.39 billion in 2016 and N13.07 billion in 2017, respectively.

UBA contributed N34.85 billion; N11.08 billion in 2015, N11.08 billion in 2016 and N12.69 billion in 2017.

Fidelity Bank paid a total of N18.60

billion, being N5.94 billion paid in 2015, N6.16 billion in 2016 and N6.50 billion in 2017.

FCMB Group accounted for N16.94 billion, N5.66 billion in 2015, N5.62 billion in 2016 and N5.66 billion in 2017, while Sterling Bank contributed N12.38 billion, N4.13 billion in 2015, N4.04 billion in 2016 and N4.21 billion in 2017.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on January 1, 2011, signed an agreement with banks operating in the country to establish the AMCON sinking fund.

The agreement required the CBN to contribute N50 billion and the banks an equivalent of 0.3 per cent of their total assets as at the date of their audited financial statements, annually for ten years.

However, the contribution, a nonrefundable levy on all banks in Nigeria, was increased to 0.5 per cent in 2013.

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

subordinated debt would partly protect its capital position in case of naira depreciation.”

S&P assessment of FirstBank’s credit profile also reflects its good competitive position in Nigeria underpinned by its large retail footprint, low cost of funding, and stable deposit base. On Dec. 31, 2017, FirstBank recorded a stable funding ratio of 145 percent, supported by a high proportion (74.3 percent) of deposit funding. Broad liquid assets covered 54.8 percent of shortterm deposits and 3.2x short-term wholesale funding at the same date, which compares well with the level of peers.

However, similar to other banks operating in Nigeria, FirstBank’s deposit base is somewhat confidence sensitive, due to its contractually short-term nature.

The fund does not represent any ownership interest, neither does it confer any rights or obligations (save to pay the levy) on the contributor.

The money from the fund is used to purchase Federal Government securities and the returns from the investment is redistributed among the contributing banks.

The sinking fund has, however, attracted opposition from shareholders of many banks who have called on the Federal Government to scrap it to enhance shareholders return.

Specifically, National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr Boniface Okezie, called on the Federal Government to wind down AMCON, maintaining that shareholders had been shortchanged by the corporation,

and that the contributions to the sinking fund would have translated to huge dividend to banks’ shareholders.

He said shareholders would resort to court action if government elongated the lifespan of AMCON. “If government dares us and elongates the lifespan of the corporation, we will go to court to challenge the decision when the time comes,” Okezie said.

Also, Mr Moses Igbrude, Publicity Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said AMCON was an emergency toxic vehicle established by the government through the CBN and stakeholders then to save the situation at hand.

Igbrude said the government needed to evaluate the performance of AMCON to ascertain if it met

the expected set goals.

He noted that the corporation’s objective was to buy banks’ toxic assets to stabilise and to avoid the collapse of the financial sector.

According to him, the corporation’s focus now should be how to evaluate and give account of what it has done and wind down and not to seek extension.

“They should give account of the 0.05 per cent of the assets of banks they have been collecting.

“If you compute the total of that contribution, it is running into over one trillion naira now. This is what shareholders are paying to AMCON, not minding all the assets they bought very cheap from the banks.

What have they done with the money?” Igbrude asked.

Ratings firm affirms stable outlook on First Bank

S

TANDARD and Poor Global Ratings (S&P Global Ratings) has affirmed its ‘B-/B’ long- and shortterm issuer credit ratings on First Bank of Nigeria Limited and its nonoperating holding company, FBN Holdings Plc (FBNH), saying the outlook on both entities is stable.

At the same time, also affirmed its ‘ngBB+/ngB’ long- and short-term Nigeria national scale ratings on FirstBank and FBNH. The rating actions reflect its view that FirstBank will continue to display weaker asset quality metrics and lower profitability than other rated top-tier banks in Nigeria in 2018, due to still-high credit costs.

The rating agency believed that the bank’s new leadership team will continue to progressively address the legacy asset-quality issues and institute more prudent risk-management measures.

Although declining, the bank’s nonperforming loans (NPLs) remain high at 22.8 percent at yearend 2017 (following the write-off of 8.3 percent of total loans). The oil and gas sector remained the largest contributor to NPLs, accounting for 54.6 percent of total NPLs, followed by the telecommunication sector at 14.2 percent. Our assessment of FirstBank’s credit profile also reflects the bank’s high concentration by sector and significant exposure to foreign currency loans (50 percent of total loans in 2017).

The bank’s cost of risk remained elevated at 6.4 percent at year-end 2017, the agency said.

In their opinion, cost of risk will remain high and above the sector average, while NPLs will drop below 20 percent over the next 12-18 months due to some recoveries in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Additionally, they expect that loan loss coverage by provisions will improve in the next 12-18 months.

“We anticipate that our riskadjusted capital ratio for the bank will remain below 5 percent in the next 12-18 months, compared with 4.9 percent at year-end 2017. The decline will mainly be attributable to the IFRS 9 implementation, which resulted in a deduction of N36.1 billion from retained earnings at March 31, 2018, and high credit losses. Nonetheless, we expect the bank to maintain its capital requirement (CAR) above the regulatory minimum of 15 percent, due to sufficient earnings retention and measured asset growth. Moreover, the bank’s U.S. dollar-denominated

•L –R: Mr. Femi Ogunjimi, Co-Founder/ Director, Cardinal Stone Partners Limited; Mohammed Garuba, Co-Founder/ Director, Cardinal Stone Partners Limited; Mr. Tunji Kazeem, Group Head, Enterprise Risk Management, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Michael Nzewi, Co-Founder/Managing Director, Cardinal Stone Partners Limited; Mr. Ade Ewuosho, Ag. Head, Trade Business Division, NSE; Mr. Yomi Jemibewon, , Co-Founder/ Director, Cardinal Stone Partners Limited and Mrs. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Chief Information Security, NSE during Cardinal Stone’s Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of 10th Year Anniversary at the Exchange.

Poor implementation threat to 2018 budget Cont’d from Pg 17 Harcourt- Maiduguri (New) 5.

Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi in Niger Republic (New) 6. AbujaItakpe and Aladja (Warri)-Warri Port and Refinery including Warri new Harbour (New) 7. Bonny deep Sea Port & Port Harcourt of N162.284 billion was retained by the National Assembly as presented by Mr. President; and the National Assembly increased the aggregate funding for the EastWest Road from N11.285billion to N12.085billion because they realized the strategic importance of the road to the entire oil producing areas of the country and the fact that the road project has lingered for too long.

Addressing the issue of the Second Niger Bridge project, apart from early works, as of today, there is no existing contract for the Second Niger Bridge in spite of frequent requests from the National Assembly. The N900million reduced from the N10billion proposed by the Executive was deployed to fund ancillary roads that connect to the Bridge. It should again be noted that the N12.5billion and the N7.5billion appropriated for the Second Niger Bridge in the 2016 and 2017 budget by the National Assembly were never utilized for the project, they claimed.

“We also need to call the atten-

tion of the public to the fact that the National Assembly allocated an additional N2billion to the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway project. This was more than the Executive proposed.”

Also, giving more instances, especially on provisions for Construction of the Terminal Building at Enugu Airport, the lawmakers noted that during the budget defense and oversight processes, the National Assembly discovered that out of the N2billion contract for the Enugu Terminal Building, N1.7billion had already been paid to the contractor. And what is left to complete this project is just N300million. Hence, the National Assembly approved N500million for the project which is even N200million more than was required.

No doubt, the face-off between President and National Assembly, and inadequate funding will negatively impact the budget implementation.

In spite of all these, the budget implementation in Nigeria is presently undergoing transformational changes in terms of preparation, execution, monitoring and evaluation. Critical reform initiatives have continued to be applied leading to the budget increasingly being an important tool for delivery of government objectives.

In terms of budget implementation, for instance, capital ex-

penditure budget implementation only achieved 76.82 percent of the N1.587 trillion projected for capital expenditure in 2016.

In 2017, a total sum of N1.5 trillion has been released for the implementation of capital projects during the fiscal year.

Federal Government expects to borrow N1.643 trillion to finance 2018 budget deficit as contained in the appropriation bill signed

by President Buhari, the Federal Government will now borrow N1.643 trillion to partly finance the N1.950 trillion budget deficit in 2018, indicating some N56 billion less than what was earlier proposed by the executive. Out of this sum, government hopes to borrow N793 billion from domestic sources and N849 billion from foreign sources. In the budget he presented last November, the President had proposed a total deficit or N2.005 trillion, to be partly financed by new borrowings estimated at N1.699 trillion.

Explaining how 2018 Federal budget would be funded, Udoma, said the bulk of the funding would come from the expected increase in oil and gas revenue as well as other independent revenue strategies it plans to adopt during the year.

Also, it expects about 9.9 percent from joint venture oil and gas equity restructuring and 9.2 percent from Corporate Income

Tax (CIT).

Other funding sources, as explained by the Minister, include recoveries from stolen assets (7.2 per cent), Nigeria Customs (4.5 per cent), Value Added Tax (2.9 percent), grants and donor funding (2.8 percent), signature bonus (1.6 percent), tax amnesty (1.2 percent) and other sources (7.2 percent).

He explained further that the overall deficit component of the budget, which amounted to about N1.95 trillion (about 1.74 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), would be financed mainly by N1.6 trillion projected to come from borrowing.

Out of the figure, about N793 billion is expected to be sourced domestically, while about N849 billion would come from foreign sources.

Another N306 billion, according to the minister, would come from privatisation proceeds and additional N5 billion would be realised from the sale of other government property to finance the deficit.

The 2018 budget, the minister said, was designed to consolidate on the achievements of the “2016 Budget of Change” and “2017 Budget of Recovery & Growth”, would advance the delivery of the goals of Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017–2020.

32

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33

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Katie Price shows off her bikini body to celebrate Mother’s Day!

K

ATIE Price was certainly one glamorous mum on Mother’s Day as she showed off her bikini body in the Maldives.

The Loose Women panellist jetted to the tropical island with husband Kieran and her five children last week, and has been keeping her fans up to date on their holiday via social media.

On Sunday, Katie posted a picture of herself lying on a boat in the shade, revealing her flat tummy and impressive boobs in a hot pink floral bikini.

With her leg up on the edge of the boat and her eyes closed, she captioned the shot: “Catching a few minutes on the boat today. Total relaxation.”

Earlier in the day, the 38-year-old posted an adorable picture with Kieran and four of her five children as they enjoyed a Mother’s Day breakfast.

As Kieran and Princess – her daughter from her first marriage to Peter Andre – perched in a hot tub, Katie stood beside it in a white cover up top beside son Junior and her two

younger children, Jet and Bunny.

The only member of the family to be missing was eldest son Harvey, 14, but Katie captioned the shot: “Mother’s Day breakfast by the jacuzzi @kandima_maldives #MyKindOfPlace”.

Earlier in the holiday, Katie, who had a boob job last year to boost her breasts to a size 32GG, writhed on some decking in a pink string bikini and lace cardigan as she showed off her impressive figure once again.

Earlier this month The Sun revealedthat Katie would be going on a second honeymoon with husband Kieran Hayler - four years after her disastrous second attempt.

It was ruined after a butler accused Katie of being a “porn star,” as sources confirm the Loose Women presenter is pinning all her hopes on this holiday.

They are staying at the newly-opened Kandima Maldives resort, which is based on a private island, and can cost up to around £1,000-pernight for a couple and has the biggest swimming pool in the Maldives.

Name: Destiny Tel: 08122737282.

• If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS Passenger forgets snake on plane after Alaska flight

O

f all the announcements passengers on an Alaskan commuter flight expected to hear, being told there was a snake on the plane probably wasn’t one of them.

But that’s what seven people on a Ravn Alaska flight between the village of Aniak and the city of Anchorage heard over the intercom.

The reptile was spotted by a little boy, who was climbing on his seat when he spotted the sleeping snake partially covered by a duffel bag at the back of the plane.

The pale snake was about 4 to 5 feet long and, unlike the film Snakes on a Plane, luckily was not poisonous.

According to passenger Anna McConnaughy passengers remained remarkably calm at the announcement.

After a discussion with the pilot on how to catch the snake a flight attendant grabbed it by the belly and

ROMANTIC JOKE HAPPY WIFE

dropped it into a plastic rubbish bag.

The snake then spent the remainder of the journey sleeping peacefully in an overhead luggage compartment and the plane landed in

Anchorage on schedule.

The snake had been left behind by a passenger on an earlier flight, who had forgotten to take his pet with him when he left the plane.

A lady comes home from her doctor’s appointment grinning from ear to ear. Her husband asks, “Why are you so happy?” The wife says, “The doctor told me that for a forty-five year old woman, I have the breasts of a eighteen year old.” “Oh yeah?” quipped her husband, “What did he say about your forty-five year old ass?”

She said, “Your name never came up in the conversation.”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

True Confession

His love for my family made me fall in love with him

M

y name is Wunmi and my story is about how I married Banjo. Banjo isn’t a perfect man. In fact he has many flaws, one of which is his slow response towards things that I want quickly done.

However, even with all his flaws, I still love him for the kind of man that he is. In fact, his slowness makes me love him more.

This is my story: I had always been close to my late elder sister before she sadly passed away a few years ago. But one thing that I could and would never forget was the way she always talked about Banjo, her fiancé.

She always had words of praise for him all through the time she and Banjo dated. I remember her coming back home one night talking about the way Banjo had always been nice to her. “My dear sister, Wunmi,” she had said to me, “this Banjo my fiancé is a real godsend.”

My sister always went on and on to say nice things about her man every day. “Do you know that Banjo helped me with some money so that I would be able to pay my school fee?” she would say. “If not for him I would not be a graduate today.”

My sister kept portraying Banjo as an angel sent by God to turn her life around for the better. And because of the way she constantly talked about him, I too began to develop a great feeling of likeness for him.

My elder sister, Tosin, had made it clear that she was going to marry Banjo. She even advised me to make sure I marry a man like Banjo in future whenever I was ready to get married.

“Wunmi I have dated many men in my life o! But I have never met a man like Banjo. He is so sweet and well behaved and what I love the most about him is that he is honest and he respects women.

“He is the only man who is ready to sacrifice everything for me, including his very life.

Tell me, isn’t that the greatest sign of true love? Even our Lord Jesus Christ said that greater love has no man but to lay down his life for his friends.

“You are still young but when you get older I advise you to look very well before you decide to get married. There are many men in the world but only a few men are lovers.

For example, my man Banjo is a lover and I know that he will make a good husband.

“It is not everyone that calls himself a man that is a husband material. So you must look very well and look for a man like my Banjo...”

That was how my sister kept talking about her man as if he was the best thing that God ever created. With happiness in her heart, she looked forward to the day when she would marry Banjo her heartthrob.

Since I wished my sister well, I prayed that God would answer her prayers by fulfilling her desire to marry Banjo.

My sister involved me in her wedding preparations and I was very glad to be part of it. We printed wedding invitation cards and contracted a brilliant woman to bake the wedding cake.

We also informed members of our family and friends whom we felt would do us honour by attending the wedding. However, it is said that man proposes but God disposes.

Although my sister had sweet thoughts of a wonderful wedding and living happily ever after with her husband, God had better thoughts.

Just two weeks to the wedding, my sister decided to travel to Ife to inform her former classmates about her upcoming wedding.

That was to be her last journey, because she had a fatal accident on her way back from Ife. I almost died of both shock and grief when I heard about my sister’s accident and death.

I wept for days and weeks and refused to be comforted. I had never been struck such

a cruel blow by fate in life, and as a result, I wished for death.

I wished that I would die and join my sister who had been the closest person to me. I just couldn’t imagine living without my elder sister Tosin.

She had helped in positively moulding my character through her constant words of advise and encouragement especially when I was going through tough times, and I never imagined life without her. Oh, how cruel the hands of death could be!

Banjo was equally devastated on hearing the news of my sister’s sudden passing.

He became a shadow of himself and even refused to eat for days. He was obviously wishing for death the same way I was wishing for death.

My family and Banjo’s family had to arrange a meeting to discuss how both families could get over the grief and help Banjo and myself recover. It was after that meeting that I somehow managed to gather myself together and Banjo did the same.

Our collective grief at the loss of my sister

brought Banjo and I together. What both of us we had in common was love for my late sister and that memory made us draw closer to each other.

I started visiting Banjo to help him cope after the death of my sister. Sometimes, I would go to wash his clothes and cook his meals just like my sister did.

I did that to help him gradually recover and also to heal myself, and I was surprised when Banjo called me one day after I had finished washing his clothes to say that there as something he needed to tell me.

To tell the truth anyway, I wasn’t so surprised because I had already started developing feelings of love for him because of the nice things my sister had always said about him while she was alive.

Banjo held my hand that day and told me that he appreciated everything I had done and was doing for him. His next words surprised me when he said he wants us to remain together forever because of the love he had for my sister and the love which he still has for my family.

“Please marry me, Wunmi, for the sake

of the memory of your late sister,” he said.

“What both of us have in common is love for your late sister. Seeing you around me makes me remember Tosin and I want to love you the same way I loved her. I’ll be so happy to transfer all the love I have for your sister to you.

“The love I have for your sister is an undying love and I want to continue on the same path of that love by marrying you.

“Maybe that’s the way God wants it. That’s why he made your sister bring us together through her life and death.”

I accepted his proposal and I and Banjo had a quiet wedding attended by members of both families. Our families were really glad to become in-laws in the end.

In fact, at the wedding, Banjo’s father said that our two families had been destined by God to be joined together in holy matrimony against all odds.

Banjo is still the well behaved man he has always been, just as my sister said. Marrying him is the best decision I ever took.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

Should I go away for good?

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Mojisola, 43, works in Lagos, needs a Yoruba man of 45-50 years for marriage. 08091027827.

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Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage. 08090925014.

Juli needs a comfortable man to take care of her and marry her. 08144069613.

Dear Love Doctor,

I

’ve been married for 5 years now. My wife and I haven’t had sex for the past 2 years. She has no sexual libido or any sexual thoughts, even if I tell her I still love her or try to get a hug it’s a feeling-less act.

I want my child to see the love people share, but my wife has nothing to share with me. We have a 3 year old daughter who is all my soul but my wife has taken charge of her and my wife doesn’t need me now that she has her daughter to hug.

They sleep together in the spare bedroom, she says I move too much.

She won’t let me care for her. She will redo anything I do for my child.

We are like flat mates but I pay the bills and still get shouted at. She says she likes me, not loves me.

I’m 49 years old, my wife 40, but she makes me feel like all my years of wisdom are a waste of knowledge and the mistakes I make are never forgiven. I’m not perfect. I have too much love to give to someone at this stage of life, lucky I have my god. I’ve given everything else.

Now I’m thinking of treating myself to a holiday to the UK. She won’t care. More than likely she’ll tell my daughter Daddy is going away for good. Maybe I should?

From Cain.

Love Doctor’s Advice:

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Dear Cain,

I

f everything you say is correct then you do have some problems but there is a definite sense of self pity here which you must leave to one side in getting your life sorted out.

You’re not just the person who pays the bills, but a father and husband and you need to take some definite decisions.

Does your wife want to stay married to you? If she does and is unable to offer any changes herself then counselling could help, especially with situations such as not being interested in sex, redoing anything you do for your

child, or effectively cutting you out by sharing a bedroom with the child and leaving you alone.

Your child deserves to have two parents playing an equal role and affording each other the same respect and if your wife can recognise that or work towards it then you need to decide whether or not you can continue with your marriage like this.

If not, running off to the UK is not the answer. Your daughter needs an assertive father and you can co-parent effectively, even if you are no longer a couple, but it is not good for

her to be brought up in a home where parents are yelling at each other in a destructive atmosphere.

Stay very calm and drop the self pity – simply tell your wife what you’re unhappy about and don’t threaten her by saying you might go away for good – but have a clear plan in your mind and a positive approach and changes you could list which would help.

Ask her what sort of home life she wants and try and come to an agreement which reintroduces respect and communication so that you both know if the marriage is worth working for.

Oluchi, 34, tall, dark, busty, single mother, in Festac Town, Lagos, needs a responsible, working Igbo man from 38-45 years for marriage. 08164007657.

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

It happened to me:

My children prevented me from dating the man I love

I

am finally in a long-term, healthy relationship with a great guy and even though I’ve been legally divorced for several years, I must keep this man hidden from my children, ages 11 and 13.

Why must I lead this double life? Because my ex-husband (of four years) managed to convince my son and daughter that “if mommy finds someone else, it means she’s selfish and doesn’t care about her kids anymore.”

Believe it or not, we had a highly amicable divorce. After trying everything to save the marriage, (it became apparent nothing would work) we enthusiastically agreed to stay friends for the children’s sake once our 10-year union was legally dissolved. We decided to share joint custody and things seemed fine (I understand divorce is never “fine” for children, but they appeared to be adapting and acclimating well) until I began doing what I thought was a normal life-cycle event (discreetly dating) and my ex-husband completely freaked out.

He’s a huge fan of Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a well-known radio talk show host who advocates putting children first. I have no problem with that! But he constantly quotes her admonishments that “parents should not date until the kids are eighteen and have moved out of the house.”

Are we getting the idea here? He does not go out and has pretty much made our two children the sole reason for his existence. He doesn’t believe “moving on” is morally or ethically the right thing to do when you have minor children.

I respect his viewpoints on this (although I believe our son and daughter would actually benefit if their father had someone else to balance out his life), but he does not extend me the same courtesy. He has bad-mouthed me to my own children for behaving in what I would define as a normal, healthy manner of living.

When I first met the new gentleman in my life, I thought maybe my ex-husband was just having a hard time adjusting and would eventually come around. I took care to only meet for dates far away from my home. This was possible because he lived in a different area and we would go to dinner, walks on the beach, and to theaters in his distant town.

Pretty soon I felt like a common criminal!

Here I was no longer married, but sneaking around like I was having an illicit affair. Explaining why I found myself in these circumstances to my new guy was challenging, but he was understanding and non-judgmental.

We continued on this way until logistically it became quite difficult and my boyfriend encouraged me to look at things from a new perspective, pointing out that I wasn’t doing my children any favors by living the life of a double agent.

I bolstered my courage and took a tiny baby step. One evening we went to an outdoor concert in the city where I lived. Of course as luck would have it, my daughter’s best friend was also there and by the next morning, my little girl had found out the “big” news. “Did you know your mom was in the park with a man who wasn’t your dad?” Gasp!

Immediately I received a phone call from my ex-husband, telling me our daughter was hysterical and what was going on? I calmed everyone down by being dishonest and claiming that I was just out with “a friend.”

Admittedly this was my first big mistake, but I was scared and panicked that I’d be branded with the “Scarlet Letter of Shame” and my children would hate me.

That first major upset eventually died down and for a while things went along

Immediately I received a phone call from my ex-husband, telling me our daughter was hysterical and what was going on? I calmed everyone down by being dishonest and claiming that I was just out with “a friend.” Admittedly this was my first big mistake, but I was scared and panicked that I’d be branded with the “Scarlet Letter of Shame” and my children would hate me. fairly smoothly. One evening, Mr. Thoughtful Boyfriend (under the impression my children were with their father for the night) left some beautiful flowers on my front porch as a surprise. Bad idea!

When my kids spied the bouquet before I did, another major catastrophe ensued as they cried and bemoaned “mommy’s dating is the reason we all can’t be a real family again.”

This time I insisted we all go to therapy to learn how to cope in healthier ways with this new chapter of our lives. Surely a professional could help my kids (and ex-husband!) adjust and accept that adults can move on with life, but they will always love their kids and make them a priority.

The child psychologist (who specialized in divorce cases) worked intensely with my children to help them understand that it’s OK for parents to seek some joy in their lives with other gender adults. But my ex-husband worked on their psyches even more fiercely during his time alone with them.

The children also felt extraordinarily protective of Daddy since he “was isolated and had nobody.” I began to sense a distinct

distancing from them. They much preferred to be with my Ex, even when it was my days/ nights for visitation. I was devastated and brokenhearted at this unexpected turn of events.

Distraught beyond belief, I broke up with my boyfriend several different times over the course of the next year, explaining that this painful dilemma was tearing me apart in ways I couldn’t articulate.

Each time he patiently and compassionately stood by while I grappled with my emotions and eventually realized that I was truly in love with this man and terribly unhappy being apart. That made it all the worse. Now what would I do?

Throughout the next many months I lived shrouded in secrecy, stashing away all gifts and greeting cards where nobody would find them. I admonished my boyfriend with “No flowers ever!”

I only got dressed and ready for dates AFTER my ex-husband picked up the kids so they couldn’t see my appearance and question where I was headed.

I couldn’t invite my boyfriend to any special occasions like weddings or holiday

celebrations because staying friendly with my ex-husband had resulted in my entire extended family always including the children’s father at all our gatherings.

Eventually my daughter became, (like all preteens) quite resourceful and took up a new hobby -- snooping. She found hidden treasures in my bedroom and even emails/ texts that disclosed private sentiments I never would have overtly shared.

My “second world” was finally exposed and completely unacceptable to her and her younger brother. They both became distrustful of me, calling me a liar -- which of course was true.

Today the future looks bleak because everyone’s bitterness and resentment has grown tenfold. My kids have branded my kindhearted boyfriend (parroting their father’s words) “the bad man who prevents us from being a family again.” And for that reason alone, they will always hate him.

I never thought it possible, but somehow my children and ex-husband became so powerful and united that they are able to force me to choose between a relationship with them and the man I have grown to love.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Election and voting processes legally E lection is a process in which people known as the electorates choose whom they want as their leader through voting. In Nigeria, just like in other Democratic Nations, election is the process in which citizen’s vote for political candidates of their choice during election period. It also gives the citizens the opportunity to vote out a serving unpopular political office holder. The constitution of Nigeria provides for two terms tenure in office of office holders but at the choice of the electorates.

IS ELECTION IMPORTANT? As a result of the previous and present experiences of the citizen of Nigeria in the manipulation of election results to favour an unpopular candidate who for no reason whatsoever ought to win in any election, most citizens are no longer interested in election processes.

Some people see it as ‘selection’ instead of ‘election’ hence there is no need for participating in elections. But I am advising those classes of citizens to have a change of perception of election and to read and understand the need for them to participate.

The question is, is election important? The simple answer is YES in view of the following reasons; 1. It makes preferred choice of candidates who make themselves available to be put in position of leadership.

2. It provides a level playing ground of participation for interested candidates.

3. It is a process that an ineffective, accused candidate who misbehaved can be recalled.

4. It enables citizens reviews critically the policies of the candidates for the elections and the manifestos of their parties and to take a stand.

5. With the principle of one man one vote in an election, it brings political equality before the ballot box.

VOTING IN ELECTION WHO IS A VOTER? A voter is a person who has the right to participate actively in an election. He can be voted for and he too can vote. Voters in elections are known as ELECTORATES. WHAT IS VOTING? Voting is an act of electing a person for political office.

In some days from one, the Anambra citizens will go to the polls to elect their Governor for the next four years,by god’s Grace and your vote counts. You should note that it is one of the electoral offences to sell your votes or go into any electoral mal-practices. Stay away from troubles and advice your trouble sponsors to sponsor their own family members. After all, how much can they give you and can they later after the election remember to fulfill their ‘’fake electoral promises to you. Please, make good use of your conscience and fairness to vote in the elections.

VOTER REGISTRATION For a citizen to be eligible to participate in election processes, he must be involved in the first and most important process in election which is registration.

Voters’ registration is the process of writing down the names of every eligible citizen for voting and compiling the list of these names in register known as voters register. An eligible person who intends to vote in an election must register his or her name in the voters’ register in the area they intend to cast the vote. In Nigeria, the voting as is from 18years upwards and must have signified his or her desire and willingness to vote by doing the registration and be issued with voter’s card.

In this aspect of voting card, I wish to state that this to my own opinion is where the rigging in every election starts. I said this because, in the last election, I personally participated in the registration exercise in Lagos and was issued with a temporary voters’ card. But to my surprised, when I went to collect the original of my voters’ card I with other where told that our registrations could not fetch us the main voters’ cards, so we were disenfranchised. The electoral bodies and the political parties

should please work harder to prevent this type of electoral mal-practice.

IMPORTANCE OF VOTING 1. A good citizen of Nigeria and who is eligible to vote is mandated by law to perform this civic duty of voting.

2. This process of voting ensures that good and generally acceptable candidates are elected.

3. Voting of acceptable and capable candidates and parties contributed to the decision making process of the government.

4. It is one of the rights of a citizen to be voted for in an election.

HOW THEN DO WE VOTE? 1. Voter should report to his or her polling booth on the exact day and time of the election and queue up patiently for his or her own turn to vote.

2. The voter will be identified on the voters’ register and an indication will be made on the register and his or her voter’s card.

3. He will then be presided with a ballot paper to vote once the presiding officer is satisfied that the name of the voter is on the voters’ register.

4. The voter having received the ballot paper will secretly move to the booth and vote for the candidates of his or her choice by thumb-printing against the symbol of the candidates party. This means that voters must study the symbol of the candidates’ party. This means that voters must study the symbols of the party of the candidate of their choice very well in advance so as not to make mistakes. The idea of going to the station to start asking others whom to vote for is illegal and an electoral offence in law.

5. After the voter has cast his or her vote he or she is expected to put the ballot paper into a transparent ballot paper provided at the election venue 6. After thumb-printing and voting, the voter thumb is the marked with an indelible ink to indicate that he or she has voted as a measure to prevent multiple voting.

7. The voter is expected to leave immediately the venue of the election and allow the electoral commission and the agents of the candidates and partied who are there watching to sort out things by themselves and the result will be officially announced.

Finally, it is my humble view to advise the officials of the electoral bodies and security agents involve in any election to please allow fair play and justice for all other

citizens who are not in positions of authorities but who are the real people with the power to make those authorities to see every election as credible. The idea of power of incumbency and suppression/intimidation to win by all means possible should be avoided. The military is not known for maintenance of peace is an armless civilian set-up and they are not expected to be featured in any way. The Nigerian Police Force is very properly trained and capable as we are meant to understand by their authorities and we expect the display of their capabilities. The police should see themselves as an unbiased staff of the citizens. The electoral bodies should desist from undue influence and control. The idea of let me declare the fake results and let there be Court/Tribunal cases should stop. The Courts/Tribunals are already congested and over loaded with works and need no more.

Harassing, victimizing and arresting of innocent opponent supporters with thump-up charges as had been some cases in past by the law enforcement agents must stop. Law enforcement agents are not politicians and must not be seen as such. The supporters of the political parties must respect the law of the land which is supreme and do things as good citizens of this great nation. Elections should not be seen as a ‘do or die’ affair but a ‘game’ of electing the best choice for the area that has good credulities and trust.

Finally, avoid crime and criminal activities. Do not allow what you eat or drink how temporally to mar your God chosen longtime enjoyment on earth. Be patience for God to bless you and not man. Man can disappoint you at any time, as have been the known cases every day, but God does not. Wait patiently for God because no condition is permanent. Do you know whether in the next electoral dispensation if it is the will of God that people will vote for you? For the losers, please accept.

Your lost with clean acceptance and must work with the winner. The winners should learn to accommodate the losers in their cabinets so that the idea of politics with bitterness will end in this country. Do not punish those who voted less for you on the idea of not voting for you.

Do you expect them to vote for you at the expense of their own person? Nigerians politics should be detribalized or sectionalized so as to forester true love and unity which out colonial masters allowed us to be independent country. The Nation Anthem they left us with in one of the verses said; “though tribes and tongues may differ in brotherhood love we trust”. Is it so in this country now? Do we need to bring back this anthem? I rest my submission, stay away always from crime.

• 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 4, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

I’ve no regrets marrying early – Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde Actress and super mum, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde, has declared that she has no regrets tying the knot at a very early age. Omotola spoke to The Oracle Today recently in an exclusive chat stating that marrying early was one of the greatest decisions she ever took.

H

ear her: “Not at all! I have no regrets marrying early. it is one of the biggest blessings of my life because I look back and ask myself, if I hadn’t married then, would i have married now? “Nowadays, it is difficult to find someone who would love you for who you really are and not the image they see on the screen or the image they have in their minds of who you are,” she says waving her hands as she continues, “I understand what my colleagues are going through, it is not easy. Truth be told, getting married to my friend, a wonderful, confident and powerful man has really helped me. He allowed me to have that stability and still go out there and fly. It is the greatest decision I ever took.”

Beginning in the mid 1990s, Omotola has carved a niche for herself as one of Nollywood’s most sought after actresses. Starring in blockbusters like The Prostitue, Last Flight To Abuja, Ije: The Journey Alter Ego and over a hundred other titles, Omotola has come a long way and a couple of years ago, as a testament to her prowess and creativity, she made Time 100s Most Influential Women list and today, having conquered Nollywood, she and her husband are working to build a multi-million film village in Lagos.

She opened up on the experience: “I am really excited about the entire project. For me, at this level it is all about legacy. So far, my husband and i have over 20 acres of land in Badagary, Lagos. He has his for his Aquatic Jungle Entertainment and i have mine for the film village.

“We have started with the first phase building a cinema and other

• Omotola

“I understand what my colleagues are going through, it is not easy. Truth be told, getting married to my friend, a wonderful, confident and powerful man has really helped me. He allowed me to have that stability and still go out there and fly.

It is the greatest decision I ever took.” attractions. It is in its early stage but surly we are making progress. I know a lot of my fans can’t wait for this to go on stream but the truth is it will take a while. They won’t be ready for a while and even as I speak to you, we are talking to some investors because it is quite a huge project. It’s a big film village.”

In her comeback movie which she shot last year, Omotola played a steamy role with actor, Wole Ojo. How was she able to establish that level of chemistry with the actor.

She giggles mischievously as she responds: “I have heard about him

so much, but the movie was the first time we got together. When we got to know we would be acting together, we spent a lot of time playing; we played very rough. I understand the power of been so close to your love interest in a movie.

“We became very close, even before the shooting. We eat together, spent lots of time together, have each other’s interest at heart. It helped us so much to bring out our best in Alter Ego. Commenting on the sex scenes which has culminated in critics saying she over acted her steamy role she

continued: “When I wasn’t even that confident, I starred in a movie called The Prostitute, which was released 22 years ago. If I didn’t die then, is it now? I’m ready for them.

“I pity those seating and watching.

Especially, when I poorly do a sex scene. I would be like ‘what was that for? It can kill the whole movie when it’s poorly done.

“For me, if a sex scene is not going to be well done, then why do it in the first place? If you must kiss, you should be able to kiss well. Make it professional.”

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018z

Entertainment Omosexy, Hilda Dokubo hail Ali Baba on birthday

D

Professor Johnbull dissects superiority contests between Ghana, Nigeria

T

he next episode of the Glo-sponsored TV series, Professor Johnbull, is a dissection of the superiority contest between Ghana and Nigeria since colonial times.

The nationals of the two countries which are the leading lights in West Africa, often exchange playful banters over several aspects of life in the two countries, arguing over which one is better.

Entitled Ghana versus Nigeria Jollof, the episode is reminiscent of the recent social media war between Ghanaians and Nigerians over whose Jollof rice is better.

The episode features two Ghanaian actresses, Martha Ankoma and

Salma Mumin, in addition to the regular stars, namely Professor Johnbull, acted by Kanayo O. Kanayo, Nje (Angela Okorie), Jumoke (Bidemi Kosoko), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe), Jeroboam (Osita Iheme), and the series’ restaurateur, Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), among others.

Steeped in humour and wisecracks, the fresh episode highlights the issue, using interesting plots and sub-plots. The major plot climaxes with a mock battle between two women, each representing Ghana and Nigeria, over who could cook the better dish of Jollof rice.

Expectedly, some of the characters were polarised with some sup-

porting the Ghanaian woman, Ajuwa (Martha Ankoma) and some supporting the Nigerian woman, Nje. There is a sub-plot of a twist in the love story between Jumoke and Flash. It does seem the loyalty of Flash to his long time lover, Bidemi, is under a serious threat. It would be interesting to find out how this pans out in the episode.

Catch Ghana versus Nigeria Jollof at 6.00 p.m. on Sunday on DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2, with repeat broadcast on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. on the cable TV channels. The show airs on Anambra Broadcasting Service at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

cash prizes for the first, second and third best entries respectively.

Entries, the statement added must comply with all rules and regulations of the competition which includes the format for submission, in Arial font, 14 font size, typewritten in double line space and, should not more than 15 pages on A4 size paper.

Age of participants remain 18 years but below 25 years as at December 2018. The topic of the essay competi-

tion is “Projecting Nigeria’s Value as a Great Nation through Film.”

Winners in the essay competition will be announced in September 2018, and presentation of certificates to participants and cash prizes will take place during the 2018 edition of ZUMA film festival schedule for December 1 to 7 in Abuja Nigeria.

2018 FIlm Essay Competition: NFC extends closing date

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xtension of time has been granted to interested participants to submit entries for competition in the 2018 Nigerian Film Corporation Essay Competition.

Submission of entries which was to close June 2 has been extended to Friday, August 31, interested participants are given the extension to enable them forward their entries for the essay competition which attracts N250,000; N100,000 and N75,000 as

“Help! – Ronke Wizkid sends condolence message Odusanya to D’banj over death of son

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izkid has joined the endless list of celebrities who have sent condolence messages to D’banj over the death of his son.

The music star took to his Instagram page on Monday, June 25, 2018, where he posted the traditional social media dark photo with a caption to it.

“My prayers are with u and your family my bro...Stay strong Banga,” he wrote. Just like Wizkid, a number of celebrities have sent condolence messages to D’banj and his family.

From Don Jazzyto Genevieve Nnaji and Davido, we’ve seen how sad the entire entertainment industry is at the moment and how they have come out to support D’banj.

Davido has sent a condolence message to D’banj over the death of his son. The music star made this known while he took the stage to receive his award for ‘Best International Act’ at the just concluded BET Awards held in the United States of America. He praised D’banj for being the artist who paved the way for other artists

on the international scene.

“Naija whats up what sup my people shout out to my brother Wale, my Nigerian brother. Before I go one I want to send my condolences to my big brother the actual artist that paved the way for us to be on this stage, my condolences I wish you,” he said.

Condolence messages have kept pouring in from celebrities to D’banj over the death of his son and the one from Genevieve Nnaji is really emotional. The beautiful actress took to her Instagram page on Monday, June 25, 2018, where she posted an emotional message on her page. She went on to caption it with a quote where she asked fans and lovers of the singer to prayer for him and his family at this time of their loss.

“Pls join me in saying this prayer as we commiserate with the Oyebanjo family at this time. We can never fully understand the pain of others but every little prayer helps. @iambangalee our hearts break with yours.

Stay strong my dear,” she wrote.

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oruba actress, Ronke Odusanya has denied rumours that she recently got married to a US-based man, Femi Anibaba, who is already married following outcry on social media that she is a husband snatcher.

In a recent chat the actress said: “I am not married nor engaged to anyone, as you can see, I am still very much single. I hope to get someone I will get married to. However, I am a friend to a guy whose wife left him two years ago but unfortunately, she went on the papers to say that I have snatched her husband. I really don’t know why and I don’t want to talk about it.

Tracing the antecedents of her plight, the actress continued: “I wore a ring to an event and unfortunately, a lady asked me: ‘are you engaged’ and I responded ‘yes,’ she asked further: ‘who?’ and I replied ‘to whoever’ and she went right to the papers to say that I am engaged and set to marry soon.

“I don’t know where she got that from. I do wear the ring to scare men away from me. I just wanted to be free but they won’t let you be but I thought that once they saw the ring, they will keep their eyes off me,” she added.

elta State comic and KIng of NIgerian comedy, Ali Baba added another year recently and the entire entertainment industry paid tribute to him in glowing comments on social media.

Congratulating the comedian, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde said: “You already know we love you. Deep, young at heart and fatherly. We all love you.”

For actress Hilda Dokubo: “Happy birthday ur dearest brother, friend and husband of a great woman. God bless you.”

As a comedian, Ali Baba is credited with redefining the comedy business in the country transforming it from a low paying profession to a multi=million naira business.

The likes of Gbenga Adeyinka, Julius Agwu, Basket Mouth and AY among a host of others were influenced by his exploits.

Born on JUne 24 1965, Ali Baba clocked 53 last week.

Actors, actresses living fake lives – Aremu Afolayan

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arely a few days after reports on social media claimed that actress, mercy Aigbe had acquired a N20m home in upscale Lekki, Lagos, actor, Aremu Afolayan has declared that movie fans should not be carried away by the flamboyant lifestyles of celebs because they do not earn enough money from acting to acquire such expensive properties and sustain their ostentatious life styled.

He said: “By the way, I live my life, people tend to think that I am the richest Yoruba actor, but that is a lie. Nigerians assume a lot. I live in a rented apartment because I cannot afford to build one. When they see me buy a new car, they don’t know if I paid for the car in instalments; instead they call me a big boy.

“What type of big boy lives on N50,000 or N100,000 income per film as an actor? I challenge any Nigerian actor that is living larger than life to state how they made their money because I am sure it is not from the movies they make. I am talking about both the English and Yoruba actors. If they like, they can say they make N5m per film, they cannot afford to build or buy a house at Lekki or Victoria Island or Ikoyi. It is impossible. They should call out mathematicians to figure it out. It is a lie. It is because they meet some influential people that give them businesses or they have side businesses.

Since we do not all meet such people or make the kind of money they make through these people, we just have to be content with what we have.”

Actors, actresses turn prayer warriors as death ravages Nollywood

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ollowing a string of deaths that have visited Nollywood, there is palpable fear in the air as practitioners can’t keep asking how is next?

And to protect themselves, insiders say they ave resorted to prayer.

Said a source who squealed to TS Weekend on grounds of anonimity: “Everyone is afraid by the unbroken string of deaths. It began with Aisha Abimbola. next it was reggae legend, Ras Kimono and before we could say Jackie Robbinson it was Moses of Felix and Moses and now, another actor is dead! I can assure you there is fear in Nollywood right now and everybody is praying very hard. Those who got to church are holding heir bibles, those who go to mosques are holding their quorans and the animist are not left out. How can four practitioners die just like that? There is more to this-o. How can four promising careers be terminated in such a short time,” the source queried.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

Crime

‘We fed him with Indomie and bread’

Woman throws 12 days old baby into pit toilet …says waiter who kidnapped boss’s grandson •Says I can’t cater for him Police in Ogun State has arrested a 21yrs old woman Amudalat Taiwo for throwing her 12-days- old baby into pit latrine.

The Oracle gathered that her arrest followed a complaint from her landlord one Oshunshina Olawale who reported that one of his tenants at No.28, Isheri Street Ilaro woke up early in the morning of June 20, and went to the toilet to ease herself and after some minutes the cry of a baby was heard inside the pit toilet.

Ogun state Police spokesman Superintendent of Police , SP, Abimbola Oyeyemi who confirmed the story said on the strength of the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer,(DPO) Ilaro Division Chief Superintendent of Police(CSP) Opebiyi Sunday led detectives to the scene.

He said it was impossible to remove the child and the toilet was broken and the baby rescued.

According to Oyeyemi, upon investigation it was discovered that the baby was given birth to by the suspect who was promptly arrested. “On interrogation, she claimed that she is an orphan married to one Taiwo Owolabi who has already married to another woman and have five children. She stated further that the husband is not taking good careof her and the baby and since she has no means of catering for the newly born baby, she decided to do away with her.

“The said husband has been arrested for failure to provide necessary care to the woman and the child while the case has been transferred to Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department on the order of the Commissioner of Police Cp Ahmed Iliyasu for further investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects’ Oyeyemi said.

The police spokesman further revealed that , the baby is in a stable condition at Stella Obansanjo motherless baby home.

• Meshack Felix and his younger brother Chinecherem

Stories by XAVIER NDAH

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waiter who is now in the custody of the Police Lagos state command for allegedly kidnapping his boss’s grandson has revealed that he fed the three –yearold child with Indonmie noodles, bread and tea during the period he was in their hideout.

The suspect Meshack Felix was arrested along with his younger brother Chinecherem by police detectives attached to the Antikidnapping Squad of the command for allegedly kidnapping his boss’s grandson.

The suspected said his intention was not to kill the boy but to col-

lect ransom from his boss while the brother was arrested for allegedly providing a bank account for the ransom to be paid into.

Meshack said he gave the boy good food and there was nothing like maltreatment of the boy because he felf at home and was not in any way felt the mother’s absence.

“Oga I fed him with good food, every day I fed him with fried egg, bread and rice with stew, in fact I treated him well” he said.

Lagos state Commissioner of Police CP Imohimi Edgal while giving account of the story said “On June 4, 2018, the command received a complaint from one Mary Chidi of Dog Kennel Railway Compound

Ebute Metta Lagos that she suspected that one Meshach who worked as a waiter in her restaurant abducted her three- year -old son and took him to an unknown destination. She also stated that two days after, the disappearance of her son, the said Meshach texted her a Diamond Bank account number 0081873532 belonging to one Chinecherem demanding a ransom of N600,000 else the boy would be killed” CP Edgal added that following the complaint, he directed the Officer in Charge of the Anti-kidnapping Squad to investigate the kidnapping of the boy.

He said “The Squad went into

Money has spirit says driver who diverts employer’s N10m truck Load of Beer A

•The woman

action immediately and covertly located the suspects at Lokpanta Autonomous Community of UmuNneochi LGA Ania State where the two suspects were arrested. The police rescued the boy unhurt and he has since been reunited with his family” Narrating how his son was kidnapped, Mr. Chidi said,” The boy is my only child. He is staying with his mother in my mother-in-law’s house. My mother-in-law has a restaurant and my boy stays with her and my wife. Sadly, when nobody was paying attention, Meshach took my son away. He kidnapped him and took him to Abia state.

This is a young man I felt I needed help and as an Igbo man like me, I decided to help him. I gave him my clothes and shoes to help him look good but look at the way he repaid me” Grandmother of the kidnapped boy said “This is a boy (Meshach) I helped because he came into my restaurant and begged for a job. I made a mistake by not asking for a guarantor or do any due diligence.

I pay him N800 every day but he had ulterior motives against me and my family” The suspect blamed himself for the kidnapping He said” My brother Chinecherem does not know anything about the kidnapping. I kidnapped the boy alone and demanded the ransom so that I can get money to buy equipment for my welding job. I am a welder by profession but there is no money for me to start on my own business” The other suspect Chinecherem said” I am a trainee Fashion designer in Imo state. My elder brother Meshach called me to send my bank account to him so he can send me N4,000 for feeding. That was how he got my bank account.

When I went to the village and saw the boy with him, he told me that the boy is his son. I don’t know anything about the kidnapping”

31-year old company driver, Mr. Dominic Nege who is now in police detention has revealed that the urge for making more money pushed him to divert a N10 million truck load of beer.

Nege was arrested for diverting his employer’s Trophy lager beer product which he claimed to have sold for N30, 000.

He escaped to an unknown destination but was smoked out and detained by the police in Lagos.

The Benue State-born Nege claimed that he was being paid peanuts and even at that the company still went ahead and slashed his salary.

Nege told the Oracle Today that he thank God for his arrest “I am happy I give God the glory that I was arrested, I am happy that I came back safely and nothing happened to me. Money has spirit and I don’t know what made me to steal, honestly money has spirit I don’t know what made me to steal because my madam takes me like her son but the money I was receiving was small as compared to the type of money we were selling our products.

“Despite what happened I will like to work for my boss again if she can take me back I will never steal again” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal said sometime in February, 2015, the suspect approached Rabel Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary and distributor for International Breweries, producers of Trophy lager beer as

•The suspect and the truck

a driver. He said that he was profiled and he furnished the company with false information about his address and same with that of his guarantor.

CP Edgal said that Nege was on 14th March, 2018 sent to Mammy market in Bonny camp, Victoria Island. Lagos.

He explained that after loading 143 crates of Trophy bottles with liquid contents valued at N10.3m, the suspect diverted the goods to an unknown destination and switched off his phone.

The matter was reported to the police and CP Edgal directed the intelligence unit to mobilize and assist the operatives of FSARS with the necessary information in order to arrest the suspect.

According to him,the efforts paid off on 11th June, 2018, when the suspect was traced to Makurdi in Benue State. He said that during interrogations, the suspect led the police to Sangotedo area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, where the Mitsubishi Canter Truck with registration number, JJJ 873XJ was abandoned after he sold off the goods.

Edgal said the police were still investigating the matter in order to arrest other suspects including the buyer of the products for prosecution.

However, Nege admitted saying that he did so because there were issues between him and the company. He said before he took over the job, he was offered N45,000 every month but the wife of the owner of the company slashed his salary to N35,000 and was not paying him regularly. Nege said that he sold the goods and relocated to his home state before he was arrested.

CP Edgal said that Nege will be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigations

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

Crime

Police pledge N1m reward on mask lady Stories by XAVIER NDAH

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he Police Lagos State Command is offering one million Naira reward to anybody with useful information that will lead to the arrest of the hooded lady who alleged Police Inspector Christopher Marcel Nabugwu of living in opulence.

Police spokesman Chief Superintendent of Police,CSP, Chike Obi said Recall that the masked woman had in a video that went viral on the social media alleged that the police inspector was living beyond his means and should be investigated.

These allegations caught the attention of the Inspector General of Police who ordered an investigation into the allegation the source notwithstanding.

Investigation into the matter was painstakingly carried out. At the end of the probe, it was clear that the allegations were not only false and misleading but a calculated attempt to malign the good name of a hardworking police officer and embarrass the police au-

thorities.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state, CP Edgal Imohimi said the police is counting on the already established goodwill of Lagosians and indeed that of good Nigerians in getting credible information that would lead to the arrest of the masked woman.

The CP added that the arrest and prosecution of the masked woman will serve as a deterrent to others who use social media platforms to maliciously destroy the good image of innocent Nigerians.

It will be recalled that the Police Command has unmasked the Policeman ‘MCON’, Sergeant Marcel Nnabugwu who was accused in the social media by a masked woman as living above his means as Inspector Christopher Nnabugwu.

The lady claimed in the video that Nnabugwu owned a property at house number 27, Fani Kayode street, GRA, Ikeja and further estimated the value of the property as N250 million. She further alleged that Nnabugwu also used an exotic car with customized number plate titled ‘MCON’ and whenever

he entered into a nightclub, the club would shut down to attends to his need.

The lady also estimated that the sergeant was worth over N2 billion and that he spent millions during his 30th birthday party.

The lady, therefore, called on the police authority to investigate the source of the wealth of the officer who she further alleged to be serving in Mopol 18, Owerri, Imo State.

Following the video clip, the Inspector– General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, ordered the Lagos State Commissioners of Police, Imohimi Edgal and other units of the Force to investigate the case.

Edgar, at a press conference in Lagos had said following the complaints, the IGP directed him to fish out the policeman and the police swung into action to unravel the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) being alleged in other to check the veracity of the masked lady’s allegation.

He said that the investigation by detectives from the Lagos Command revealed some shocking information.

He said: “That there exists indeed one Christopher Marcel Nnabugwu, alias MCON. That the said Christopher Marcel Nnabugwu was enlisted into the police force in the year 2000 and was trained at the Police College Oji River, Enugu State. That he is presently an Inspector of Police serving at Ogudu Police Division where he is attached to the Divisional Crime Brand (DCB) and not a police Sergeant serving at MOPOL 18 Owerri as alleged.

“That Inspector Marcel Nnabugwu has never served in Mobile Police Force (MPF) since his enlistment into the Nigeria Police. That his picture in Police Mobile Uniform downloaded by the masked woman from his call on the Facebook as attested by the alleger was the uniform he wore when he went for Mobilization exercise into the PMF for which he was not successful. ” According to the Inspector, his love for PMF made him wear and took photograph to remember the day he went for the exercise even though he failed.”

Edgal further stated that investigation also revealed that Inspector does not own a car nor landed property in any part of Nigeria or anywhere else in the world.

He said that it was observed that Inspector Christopher Marcel Nnabugwu is currently single owing to his financial status as he is still gathering resources for that purpose.

He said that, though the video showed the Policeman singing and dancing that investigation revealed that the Inspector’s hobby includes dancing and singing.

“With this, it goes to show that the masked woman in the video is out to tarnish the image of the police. She is currently on the police wanted list. We will not rest until we arrest her. She will be hunted and when she is arrested she will be charged to court” he said.

The Police- Inspector said “I don’t know who is blackmailing me and the Police force. Well, I live in one room and parlor. What do I have? I have nothing, but the person who did this wanted to embarrass me and the entire police.

Pastor on the run for establishing illegal police agency A

•The suspects

AK-47 discovered under motorcycle seat

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ive Trans –boarder armed robbery suspects have been arrested by the Police and just as an AK -47 rifle has been recovered from the seat of their operational motorcycle.

The Oracle Today gathered that their arrest was necessitated following several complaints of car snatching within Lagos and Ogun boarder town with Benin Republic.

Police sources explained that the menace has drawn the ire of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris who gave a special directives to the DCP Abba Kyari led Intelligence Response team (IRT) to stem the tide as soon as possible.

Police sources said the IRT were deployed to the boarder and two weeks of unrelenting follow up paid off as five notorious car robbers operating on a motorbike in disguise were arrested by IRT op-

eratives at the border town.

The arrested suspects are Femi Adegbile 29,from Ologuneru Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo state, Saheed Shosanya 27, from Odeda LGA Ogun State while others are John Ajayi 41, Ajayi Kamoru 47,Emil Goduo 34, all from Benin Republi.

Exhibits recovered from them the police said are blue motorcycle with their operational Ak-47 rifle hidden under the seat was recovered together and two magazines fully loaded with 60 rounds of live ammunition.

The suspects we gathered have confessed to the multiple car snatchings and many armed robberies along the Nigeria/Benin Boarder while disguising as normal motorcycle riders popularly known as ‘Okada’. Police said efforts have been stepped up to arrest other remaining member of the gang.

pastor of a Lagos based Pentecostal church in Lagos is on the run for allegedly operating an illegal police agency.

Already two members of the agency have been arrested by the police and are presently undergoing interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Lagos command over the alleged criminal act.

The Oracle Today gathered that survelliance has been placed at the house and church premises of the cleric to monitor his movement, as he is said to have gone into hiding.

The suspect simply identified as Chief J.O Oni, founder of Choosen Ministry, located at Association Avenue Road in Ijeshatedo area of the state, is alleged to have been operating an illegal group named Police Assistance Committee of Nigeria (PAC) with which he deceived unsuspecting members of the public that the agency is an arm of the police and allegedly extort them through his accomplice.

He was accused of kitting his operatives with trousers and black tshirts with police insignia, but with a difference of letter “Y”.

Two, out of his operatives, identified as Mrs. Jumoke Mutairu and Mr.Johnson Uzoma, according to sources two of his surrogates have been arrested at the weekend along Bishop street, off Agege motor road, by police detectives attached to Alakara police station.

They were said to have been arrested following outcry by some members of the public who alleged that the suspects were extorting unsuspecting citizens in broad day light under the guise of working with the police.

According to a police source “On 20/6/2018, at about 1.30pm, based on public outcry that wonder shall never end. When did police start going to from door to door extorting money from the public in broad

day light.

“Following the report, police swung into action and at Bishop street off Agege Motor Road, Mrs. Jumoke Mutairu and Johnson Uzoma were arrested all in black T-shirts with police insignia, but the only difference on it is the letter Y”, the source informed.

He added that the sum of N4,300.00 extorted were recovered from them with a black beret and face cap at the time of the arrest.

Our source said the suspects have confessed to the crime, adding that their daily returns are being rendered to chief Oni, who they identified as their boss.

The suspects were said to have further disclosed that they were recruited by the said now at large Oni and provided with the uniforms, identity cards after the payment of

recruitment fee and other charges.

“We are 10 operatives employed by chief Oni and our operational routes for now are Itire, Ijeshatedo and Oshodi axis. The group has been in operations for about 15 years. Our mode of operation is that we go from door to door, telling the people that we work with the police to gather information on security alert and ask them to register with us. We collect as much as N1,500.00 each for registration”, the suspects were quoted to have made the confession.

The suspects were said to have further disclosed that they are remunerated base on their daily returns. Efforts to get the comments of the police public relations officer Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). Chike Oti on the matter proved abortive as he failed to pick his call.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Delta Assembly holds public hearing on Financial Management bill

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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public hearing on a bill for a law to regulate the financial management of Delta State Government has been held by the Delta State House of Assembly with relevant stakeholders endorsing the need for prudent management of the state resources to engender greater development in the state.

Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Anthony Emeka Elekeokwuri, said the bill has since passed the second reading on the floor of the house, stressing that the public hearing is to get the inputs of key stakeholders in line with the law making process of the state legislature.

Elekeokwuri stated: “We are gathered to participate in a public hearing of this executive bill which intends to address or fill a gap in other related exiting laws in the state. With the existence of the Fiscal Responsibility Law and the Delta State Public Procurement Law, it has become expedient that the Delta State Public Finance Management Law come on board”.

“Public Financial Management (PFM) considers the generation of resources, allocation of the resources and management of government expenditure geared towards efficient delivery of public good and services. Amongst the elements of the PFM, Revenue Management, Debt Management, Budgeting, Procurement, Accounting and Reporting and Accountability and Oversight “, the lawmaker explained.

Elekeokuri maintained that considering the overwhelming importance of the bill towards probity, transparency and accountability, it was expedient for make valid contributions through memoranda and oral presentations towards making the proposed law elegant.

The Auditor-General (State), Mr Goddey Amudo, Auditor-General (Local Government), Mr Abel Esievo and Accountant-General of the State, Mr Cyril Agbele, commended the proposed law was a welcome development saying that they were in agreement with all the proposed sessions of the bill as they are all aimed at checking financial improprieties in the State.

The SEEFOR Project Director in the State, Mr Benson Ojoko and some Chairmen of Local Government Councils in the State, also commended the initiative to domesticate the Federal Act on the Public Financial Management as already applied in some states of the federation.

The public hearing held at the complex of the Delta State House of Assembly, was organized by the Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Business, Rules, Judicial and Legal Matters.

NDLEA woos Anambra communities in fight to end drug abuse

By OGE ONYEANUSI

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ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has urged communities in Anambra State to assist the agency in their fight against drug abuse.

The State Commandant of the agency, Mr. Sule Momodu made the call yesterday during a chat with newsmen in Awka.

Speaking through the Public Relations Officer of the agency in Anambra State, Charles Efosa Odigie, the NDLEA boss said that without collective fight against the scourge, the agency will hardly win the war.

While commending some communities within the state as well as the government of Anambra State under Governor Willie Obiano for assisting the agency in the fight,

Momodu regretted that some communities and market leaders harbor drug sellers; thereby heightening the scourge of the trend.

He noted that many people are under bondage in different ways today because of their addiction to drugs; and called on residents of the state bring their loved ones, who are already addicted to drugs to bring them to NDLEA for counseling, correction and rehabilitation at no cost. He also urged community leaders to report dealers in their various communities so that their children will be safe from the scourge.

“Drug issue cannot be left for NDLEA alone. We have shortage of logistics and manpower to handle the fight alone that we are seeking collaboration to achieve this.

“Anambra State government under Dr. Willie Obiano see drug issue as very integral in his government, and he has been doing a lot to assist us”, he said.

Meanwhile, a non-profit organisation, the Come Alive Initiative has raised concerns over the use of cannabis as souvenirs during public functions in Onitsha and environs.

The National Coordinator of the organisation, Mr Victor Enwezor raised the concern during a symposium on drug and substance abuse in Onitsha on Tuesday.

The programme which was marked in line with the International Drug Day had the theme “Drug/ Substance Abuse: its effects in the socio-economic development of communities.”

Enwezore said the development

• (From left ): General Manager, APG Nigeria, Chike Theo Ohigu; Country Manager, Camair-Co, Madam Agnes Ndikum; Consul General of Cameroon to Nigeria, Dr Paul Ekorong A. Dong, at the Launch of Camair-Co flight in Lagos

Atiku, Okowa restate commitment to restructuring

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa have said that there must be restructuring for Nigeria to make progress.

Abubakar and Governor Okowa spoke today at Asaba, the state capital.

The former Vice President was in the state to consult the people on his aspiration for the Presidential ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2019 general elections.

While Abubakar disclosed that he has been in the fore-front for the restructuring of the country since 2004 as it will bring out the best among Nigerians, Governor Okowa stated, “I strongly believe that the way out of the challenges of the country is to have stronger states, stronger federating units.”

Senator Okowa commended Alhaji Abubakar for engaging in consultation visit, assuring that delegates to the Presidential Primaries of the PDP will make their decisions based on acceptability, reach, experience and level of intelligence of the indi-

vidual aspirants.

He urged the aspirant not to relent in moving to different states of the country, stating that more efforts should be made for the PDP to be in control of more states of the country to enable it clinch the Presidential position in 2019.

Alhaji Abubakar had said that his aspiration to be Nigeria’s President was borne out of his passion to ensure that the country make progress, disclosing, “the security architecture of the country must be reviewed and decentralized.”

He decried situation where security agencies does not take orders from the state governors, asserting, “as an individual, I don’t think this is true federalism, we must restructure the security architecture.”

The former Vice President also listed ways to tackle unemployment in the country observing, “to create jobs, you must liberalize the economy, support the private sector, create incentives to make the private sector boom and open up the economy to foreign direct investment.”

“I will have a very small federal government with powers and resources devolved to the states to manage the affairs while they pay

tax to the federal government; with this, each zone can survive on its own without leaning on oil money,” he emphasized.

Earlier at a courtesy call on Governor Okowa, Alhaji Abubakar had said he was in the state to consult the people, to seek the support of the people to enable him emerge as the Presidential flag bearer of the PDP. While noting that Delta State was home to the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar commended the developmental strides of the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Okowa in the development of the state.

“Delta State has been a PDP state, each successive government continues from where the previous one stopped in terms of infrastructure development, you (Governor Okowa) have continued to develop infrastructure, especially roads, your efforts in executing your programmes and policies, especially in the creeks are highly commendable as they will reduce agitations, it requires wise leadership for communities to live in peace and have sense of belongings and I must commend you for doing this in the state,” he stated.

and other drug abuse acts had posed socio-economic challenge in the development of Onitsha communities.

“If you come to some burial ceremonies or other events here in Onitsha, you will see cannabis wrapped like pills and served in tray with lighters. These things are in the open and nobody seems to want to talk about it or take corrections about it.

“We need to begin to expose some of these things unless we want to continue to live in illusion,” Enwezor said, stressing that the organisation aims to reduce the menace and scourge.

While urging the Government to resist temptation of legalising hard drugs and other substances, Enwezor said security institutions and Judiciary should be well equipped and funded to tackle inducement of officials by drug barons.

According to him, the organisation in the past three years had succeeded in rehabilitating 28 victims of drug abuse, while 11 others were currently undergoing treatment.

Declaring the symposium open, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe said drug abuse and cultism were the major causes of crime in the area and called on parents and guardians to monitor their children.

Achebe, who commended the initiators of the symposium and their efforts in rehabilitating victims, urged that the symposium be sustained to assist victims and to reduce crime in the area.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Garba Umar warned youths to distance themselves from hard drugs and substances or face the wrath of the law.

Umar, who was represented by CSP Bawa Sale, also said modalities were on ground to monitor and supervise officers against using hard drugs, noting that disciplinary actions await anyone found culpable.

The police boss described as “catastrophic and terrible” the high rate of drug abuse in the society.

“Our prosecution of drug related crimes is not palatable as we gain nothing sending youths to prison for either being arrested with drugs or for indulging in crime after taking hard drugs,” he said.

Umar urged all, especially traditional rulers, parents and school authorities to join the campaign against drug abuse by monitoring their subjects.

Others, who spoke at the event included Dr Charles Udeagha, President, Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu and Mrs Amaka Ekworomadu, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, NDLEA, Onitsha.

Transition Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, Mr Patrick Aghadinuno Mbah, and Caregiver and Substance Abuse Therapist, Mr Michael Madukairo, among others also spoke against drug abuse and its effects.

Oracle reports that the programme which was organised in collaboration with Ime-Obi Onitsha (Traditional Council Onitsha) will continue till July 2, with sensitisations in schools, churches and public places.

Also report that film shows on the effects of drugs abuse would be presented at strategic areas of Onitsha while on June 30, the group will embark on a road walk against drug and substance abuse.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS

Sylva, remains problem of Bayelsa – Commissioner

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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ayelsa State Government has blamed the problems of payroll fraud, employment racketeering and other unethical practices in the state’s civil service on former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, while he was in office.

Speaking during an interactive meeting at Twon-Brass in Brass Local Government Area of the state, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson said the style of governance of the immediate past administration created rooms for rot and

decay in the public sector.

He accused the Chief Timipre Sylva-led administration of leaving behind huge debts and over bloated wage bills which the present administration is addressing through the ongoing public service reforms.

Mr. Iworiso-Markson said it would be wrong and most unpatriotic for any right thinking Bayelsan to align with the APC chieftains in the state, who are bent on rocking the progressive boat of the Restoration government.

Iworiso-Markson stressed that members of the APC in their desperation to clinch power had displayed

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their hatred for the state by making the false promise to reinstate over aged workers who have been weeded out of the system by the reforms.

The Government’s Spokesman said that it was rather shocking that a political party would give overt support to certificate forgers, age falsifiers, octogenarian civil servants, and those receiving salaries from multiple agencies of government, workers who do not go to the office, Diaspora workers and those behind the ghost workers debacle in the state.

The Commissioner called on the Bayelsa people to reject the APC as they have always done and to also resist the move to take the state back to the regrettable era of rot and decay.

He also warned civil servants against involved involvement in partisan politics stressing that government would not allow any unholy alliance of disgruntled civil servants and APC saboteurs to thwart the ongoing efforts to reform the public sector.

According to the Commissioner, “Bayelsans will not make the mistake of allowing such characters to lead them again as they lack the political will to do what is right to move the state forward” “The Governor Dickson-led administration will not sack any genuine worker. So people should disregard the cheap blackmail sponsored by some APC stalwarts that government has sacked 28000 workers.

“We have given that assurance.

And we mean it. Every right thinking

person within and outside the state are in support of what the government is doing.

“Even some members of the APC are appreciative of what we are using this reform to achieve. It’s only the criminal minded ones among them that have failed to see the importance of these reforms. Instead of blackmailing this administration they should thank the Governor for clearing the rot they created.

“We are not bothered because the reforms have come to stay and nothing will stop us from implementing them. Because they do not mean well for the state, they have started promising people that they will reinstate the ghost workers that have been removed from the payroll.

“It is unfortunate and indeed shocking that the APC members in their delusion are promising those affected by the reforms that if they take over power come 2020, they will reverse the reforms and reinstate them back to work.

“The APC in its desperation to clinch power at all cost promises to reinstate over aged workers who have been weeded out of the system through the reforms. They want to reinstate certificate forgers; they want to reinstate payroll fraudsters, age falsifiers, those receiving salaries in multiple agencies of government, those who don’t go to work etc.

“Of course, Bayelsans know what to do as they have always done.

They should reject the APC in Bayelsa and resist this pathetic and failed attempt by the party to return the

State back to Egypt.”

“But going forward, any civil servant that is found culpable of colluding with politicians to rock the progressive boat of the state will be shown the exit door.

In his welcome address, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Brass local government area, Mr Victor Isaiah saluted the efforts of the reforms team, noting that the Council now saves an average of N10million monthly.

According to Mr Isaiah, the total monthly wage bill of N116million comprising the salaries of council and primary school staff has been reduced to N106million.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Treasury, Revenue and Accounts, Mr Timipre Seipulou, assured that the present administration was doing everything to sanitize the public service and develop a comprehensive database of workers in the state.

Stakeholders who endorsed the reforms include a former Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Victor Sam Ateki, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Dauprebo Ikuromo, his Culture and Ijaw National Affairs counterpart, Mr Austin Dressman and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students Affairs, Mr Austin Adigio.

Others were the representative of traditional rulers from the area, Alabo Amakiri, former local government chairmen including Chieftain Percy Kromain, Hon Bello Bina, a women representative, Mrs Dogiye Silas Deibo and the Secretary of NULGE in the area, Mr Otonte Iyabi

Wike approves automatic employment for Rivers Doctorate Degree graduates

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has approved automatic employment for all Rivers State indigenes who bagged Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) during the 2018 Convocation Ceremony of the Rivers State University.

Governor Wike also approved the offer of automatic scholarship for all the 25 Rivers indigenes who bagged First Class Degrees during the 2018 Convocation Ceremony of the university.

Addressing the 2018 Convocation Ceremony of the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Wike announced scholarship to all Rivers indigenes admitted to study medicine in any recognised university in Nigeria.

Speaking further, Governor Wike said: “I have approved the immediate restoration of the multi-campus status of the Rivers State University.

“I direct the university to immediately proceed with arrangements to establish a campus of two faculties in Ahoada. The State Government will complete the abandoned mega secondary school in Emohua Local Government Area and donate it to the Rivers State University to establish the appropriate Faculty to provide more educational opportunities for the development of our young ones”.

The governor stated that Rivers State University occupies a strategic position in the priority list of his administration, noting that efforts to grow the institution will be sustained.

Governor Wike said that the

State Government will act decisively on the issues of admission racketeering and sorting by some staff of the Rivers State University.

While congratulating all graduands at the 2018 Convocation Ceremony of the University, Governor Wike charged them to apply the knowledge gained from the institution to attain success in all their future endeavours.

“Our responsibility as a government is to support the Rivers State University to grow from strength to strength “, the Rivers State Governor said.

He announced the approval of the Harmonized University Salaries Structure as obtainable for State Universities for the institution.

Pro-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Justice Iche Ndu (rtd) assured that the University will continue to build on well set priorities of moral discipline and rectitude and maintaining the best quality of academic and non-academic staff.

He said that the institution is working hard to eliminate all forms of examination malpractice, admission irregularities , cultism , drug abuse and other social vices.

The Pro-Chancellor further announced the resolution of the University to confer on the Rivers State Governor a Honorary Doctorate Degree for his outstanding developmental strides. The conferment ceremony will hold at a later date.

In a convocation address, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Blessing Didia said that 4536 graduands received first degrees, post

• Gov. Wike graduate diplomas, masters and doctorate degrees.

He extolled Governor Wike for the giant strides of his administration which has enhanced the development of the university.

“I wish to conclude this address by thanking our governor and visitor for the high level of professionalism and statesmanship which has been brought to governance “, the Vice Chancellor said.

He said that the University has been lucky for the midas touch of the Rivers State Governor in the areas of infrastructural development, leading to all faculties having their respective buildings.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS

Abia CP decorates 11 newly promoted officers

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ommissioner of Police in Abia, Mr Anthony Ogbizi, has charged the newly promoted officers of the command to demonstrate strict professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Ogbizi also admonished them to shun acts of indiscipline and corrupt practices and to work with the fear of God. He gave the charge in Umuahia on Tuesday when he decorated 11 officers of the command, who were recently promoted to new ranks, ranging from the Inspectorate to Superintendent Cadre.

The commissioner advised them to conduct themselves in a manner befitting of their new ranks in order to elicit public respect.

“Promotion goes with additional responsibilities, so this new rank poses new challenges to you.

“If you wear the police uniform and your new rank, you must strive to be above board in the discharge of your duties.

“You must not be found wanting by members of the public. You should not close your eyes to professional misconduct and unethical behaviour by your subordinates,” he said.

The police boss charged the officers not to use their positions to suppress their subordinates or members of the public.

He advised them to desist from engaging in bribe or encouraging their subordinates to do so.

“You are corrupt if you fail to correct a corrupt officer under you,” Ogbizi said, urging them to make the police force proud by their public conduct.

Some of the officers promoted included the command spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna, who moved to Superintendent of Police, and Administrative Officer, Police Mobile Force 28, Umuahia, Paul Oboware.

They thanked the InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris, for considering them fit for their new ranks and promised to meet the demands of their new positions.

Other officers that were decorated included Oliver Adimonye (DSPSP), Ayuk Tachen, Peter Oguche, Zachariah Dabo and the Personal Assistant to the CP, Danladi Haruna (ASP-DSP).

Others were Quincy Ojo, Ategu Nkpeh, Samson Agada and Kingsley Ani (Insp. -ASP).

• CP Michael Ogbizi

Enugu Assembly passes N17 billion supplementary budget

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nugu State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a supplementary budget of N17.10 billion to augment capital and recurrent expenditures of the government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the supplementary budget as passed is made up of N10.7 billion capital vote and N6.7 billion recurrent vote.

The house had earlier in the year passed a budget of N103. 5 billion for the 2018 fiscal year.

The sponsor of the supplementary budget and assembly leader, Mr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, said that

the move was aimed at affecting positively the lives of residents of the state.

He noted that the supplementary budget would be funded by revenue generated by the State Board of Internally Revenue.

The lawmaker, while making his presentation, moved a motion for the suspension of Standing Order 42 to enable members move to the second and third reading.

He also moved a motion for the suspension of Rule 64, sub -section 1, 2 and3 of the same document to enable the legislators to proceed

with the debate of the second and third readings.

Ezeugwu said that approaching the house for a supplementary budget only showed that the system was working.

Supporting the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Chief Donatus Uzogbado said that the essence of the supplementary budget was to add up certain necessities of governance.

Uzogbado said that bulk of the money was channeled towards developmental projects.

Also, the member representing Nsukka East Constituency, Mr

• (From left): Group Managing Director CEO NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Tope Smart; Chairman of the Company, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae and Company Secretary, Mrs. Olajumoke Philip-Akede, during its 48th Annual General Meeting held, Monday, at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Correspondent’s Chapel bids Abugu, late Enugu CPS farewell From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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ournalists under the auspices of Correspondent’s Chapel, Enugu have filled out to bid farewell to Uwalwe Abugu, deceased Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Enugu State Governor, at a solemn wake keep and service of songs which held at the Chapter’s Secretariat.

Led by the group’s Chairman, Petrus Obi, the journalists filed out, in cremes, at the event which commenced with a special Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Michael Amobi Ogbu of the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.

Also present at the event were the State Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe; Special Assistant to the Gov. on Media, Louise Smoke and his counterpart on Research and Documentation, Lawrence Ani, as well as Abugu’s immediate staff in the Government House.

During his Homily, Fr. Ogbu told the gathering that death was a necessary end which every individual must experience.

He noted that the wake and farewell Mass were was “a gathering which is never enjoyed by anyone,” pointing out that God was the beginning and end of every life.

He urged the gathering to always guard against, what he called, inflated ago, pointing out that whatever title anyone bears on earth ends with the person’s death.

He commended the journalists

for attending the wake/Service of Songs en mass and urged them to as well attended the final burial, which holds on Friday, June 29, 2019, in large numbers, as well.

“We are on a journey. We are remembering our brother, Uwakwe Abugu. He was once here as friend, member and our colleague, but he is now gone. We are celebrating him because we believe that he is with the Lord. May the good Lord receive his soul,” he prayed.

Petrus Obi, in his remarks, played glowing tribute to the late Abugu, describing him as a fine gentleman.

According to him, he had met the late CPS in Ebonyi State “at the early stages of my career and I can attest that he was an easygoing fellow”.

He thanked other Chapel that attended the event and prayed God to continue to comfort and take care of Uwakwe’s family, especially his wife.

On her part, an NUJ National Officer, who represented the NUJ National President, Chieso Aninwagwa, extolled Uwakwe’s virtues describing him as an easygoing individual.

She explained that the National President of NUJ, Wahab Odushile was unavoidably absent at the event, but promised that he would be there at the final burial on June 29.

Abugu, a seasoned journalist, 59, died on June 5, in India, after a protracted illness.

In a chat with the Oracle Today,

• Abugu when his remains arrived the Akanu Ibiam International Airport on June, 9, his first son, Chibundu, had disclosed that with the high spirits that was expressed by his father (,the CPS), the had “thought that daddy would pull through”.

Meanwhile, many stakeholders from Igbo-Eze North, Local Government Area, Abugu’s constituency, have been lamenting over his demise.

They however, thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for finding their son worthy of appointment as his CPS, and pleaded with him to consider looking towards their constituency for Uwakwe’s replacement, adding that there were still a host of capable professionals, in Igbo-Eze North, that can effectively fill that gap.

Chinedu Nwamba, said it was good that the state government had deemed it fit to add to the existing budget.

The Speaker, Chief Edward Ubosi, thanked the sponsor of the motion and other lawmakers that contributed in the debate for making the supplementary budget succeed.

Ubosi commended the state government for following due process in all its activities, adding that the governor had proven himself as a thorough bred legislator.

The house was adjourned till July 10.

Female lawmaker empowers 50 youths in Enugu

Member representing Nsukka West Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Nkechi Omeja-Ogbu has empowered no fewer than 50 youths in the area with working equipment.

Omeja-Ogbu made the donation on Tuesday in Nsukka as part of her constituency project aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the people.

Some of the items donated to the youth include laptops, motorcycles, generating sets, mega phones, sewing and grinding machines.

She said that the gesture was to complement the good works of the state governor.

Omeja-Ogbu said that her foundation, Spring of Life had distributed application forms to prospective beneficiaries in all the 11 wards in the constituency.

She said that the forms were distributed by traditional rulers, ward chairmen, town union leaders and other stakeholders in the constituency.

Omeja-Ogbu explained that the beneficiaries were selected through raffle draws to ensure that everybody was given equal opportunity, adding that no fewer than five persons benefitted from each ward in the constituency.

She encouraged her colleagues and well spirited Nigerians to always give back to society.

In his remarks, the state governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi commended the lawmaker for the humanitarian service and urged other politicians to emulate her gesture.

Some of the beneficiaries including, Mr Nnanna Ozioko and Mrs. Eucharia Ezea expressed happiness over the lawmakers gesture to them.

Dignitaries at the event include the Speaker of the assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi, some members of the assembly and the state executive council.

45

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

SPORTS

•Gianni Infantino

Ikeme’s steady recovery excites NFF

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

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HE Amaju Melvin Pinnick’s led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have expressed excitement over the encouraging reports that former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has entered into complete remission from acute leukemia.

This means he would now leave the hospital as he starts journey to full recovery.

According the General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi who is currently in Saint Petersburg for the Super Eagles match against Argentina yesterday, said the federation were delighted that the 32-year old short stopper has made significant improvement to attain remission and gradual recovery from the ailment which has kept him out of the game for some time.

In his words: “We are indeed very happy and we rejoice with Ikeme on his progress. This is very good news that, I believe this will further inspire our Super Eagles at the ongoing World Cup. “Now that he has made the very important progress to remission, our prayer is for him to attain full recovery in the shortest time possible,” Sanusi said.

It is recalled that on Saturday, Ikeme announced on his twitter handle: “After a tough year and intense chemotherapy treatment, I would like to let everyone know I am in complete remission. I still have hurdles to get over to be cured but I can hope-

fully now move forward with some normality.

“I would like to thank my family and friends, to start with, who have gone above and beyond for me. The support I have received from Wolves/ Nigeria, the football world and from people from all over the world has been hard to put into words.

“I can’t thank everyone at the Christie and Heartlands Hospital enough for their care!!! What next who knows…I’m just taking it a day at a time.”

It is noted that in March, the chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation including the President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi and General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, visited Ikeme at Christie and Heartlands Clinic, Manchester, to wish him quick recovery.

They were accompanied by Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi, who presented the team’s World Cup jersey and autographed by all the players to Ikeme, Goalkeepers’ Trainer (Alloy Agu) and Media officer Toyin Ibitoye. This was on the margin of a friendly match between Nigeria and Serbia in London.

Ikeme, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in England, was in •From left: The Vice President of NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi; Sec-General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; recuperating Sugoal for Nigeria’s first three matches per Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme and President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick on solidarity visit to Ikeme in Manchesof the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying ter during Super Eagles International friendly with Serbia recently. series (home and away against Swaziland in the preliminary stage, and away to Zambia in the opener to the group phase campaign) before being diagnosed of acute leukemia.

FIFA requested for a promising at the programme and thereafHE Nigeria Football Federareferee from each of its confed- ter. tion (NFF) Head of Women All participants will have the opFootball, Ruth David, in erations, and the Confederation of portunity of watching the RusAfrican Football (CAF) nominated company of the captain of the Under-20 Women National Team Nigerian referee, Olufunmilayo sia 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E match between Brazil and Serbia (Falconets), Oluwakemi Famuditi Alaba for the programme.

David’s role will be to serve as at the Spartak Moscow Stadium and Referee Olufunmilayo Alaba arrived Russia yesterday for a new mentor to the Falconets’ captain tomorrow’s night. to get through.”

Defeat for Iceland leaves them educational programme of the knowing that only a win over Croa- world football-governing body, tia will be enough if they want to FIFA started today and tomorrow (Thursday) in Moscow. make the knockout stages.

With the theme Captains of ToZlatko Dalic has suggested he will leave out some of his star names, day, Leaders of Tomorrow, the with the Group D leaders having al- programme aims to bring together ready secured their progress to the the 16 captains of the teams qualilast 16, but Sigurdsson feels that fied to participate in the 2018 FIFA whatever team Croatia put out will U-20 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in France between Auprove difficult opponents.

“It doesn’t help (if they are al- gust 6 and 24.

The objective of the two-day ready through). They are such a good team even if they rest play- event is to equip the young ladies with additional skills to support ers.

“They have players at some of them in their challenging roles, as the biggest clubs in the world and leaders on the pitch, and to eduit’s going to be a tough game no cate them of what possibilities lie matter what. We’re just going to ahead beyond their on-field ca•Falconets have to do our job and hope for a reers. good result.”

Missed penalty ‘toughest moment’ of my career – Sigurdsson

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CELAND and Everton star, Gylfi Sigurdsson has described his missed penalty against Nigeria as the “toughest moment” of his career.

With the Scandinavian minnows 2-0 down following two strikes from Ahmed Musa in Volgograd they threatened a dramatic comeback having won an 80th minute penalty.

The Everton star stepped up from the spot but could only send his effort over the crossbar.

“It’s tough to take. It’s probably the toughest moment of my career,” he said when speaking to Goal. “Hopefully I can put it right and score in the next game.

“It was a game of two halves,” he added on the game itself. “We were good in the first half and very organised defensively. I don’t think they had any shots in the first half. We created numerous chances in the first half that we probably should have scored from.

“In the second half we were unlike ourselves. We were very open, especially after the first goal and we had to go and get something out of the game. Overall it’s very disappointing.

“We were impatient in trying to win the game instead of letting it happen naturally. We’re very disappointed because we felt after the first half the game was there for the taking.

“We’re just going to have to get something out of the next game •Gylfi Sigurdsson

Falconets’ captain, others for FIFA leadership programme

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Asaba 2018 AAC: Kenya to storm Asaba with 61 athletes

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61-member formidable team has been selected by Athletics Kenya to represent the country at the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Championships billed for Asaba, Delta State.

The 61 athletes were selected over the weekend after a keenly contested three-day National Trials was completed at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Those selected to represent Kenya in Asaba 2018 include Olympic, World and Africa champions who will be looking to conquer the continent as well as secure berths to the Intercontinental Cup later in

the year.

Olympic 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri and World 1,500m silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot will lead the onslaught for Kenya in Asaba, having won their races in the trials without much fuss.

Obiri, who is eyeing a ticket to Ostrava IAAF Intercontinental Cup, will line up alongside 2017 World Cross country bronze medalist Lilian Kasait and Loice Chemining.

Kenya will also be banking on former Under-20 800m silver medalist Winny Chebet, Mary Kuria and Judy Kiyeng in 1,500m.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

Eagles likely to meet France, Denmark in Rd of 16

SPORTS

Joshua ordered by WBA to sign within 24 hrs to fight Povetkin T A

NTHONY Joshua could be made to wait for a Deontay Wilder fight after the WBA ordered him to sign for a mandatory title defence against Alexander Povetkin “within 24 hours”.

WBC champion, Wilder has yet to return a contract for a massive unification fight with Joshua for all the world heavyweight belts and the WBA have grown impatient with the drawn-out negotiations, ordering the British star to instead fulfil his title obligations to Povetkin.

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza had granted Joshua an extra month to continue talks for a fight with Wilder, but with a deal

yet to be agreed, he has called on AJ to finalise a bout with mandatory challenger, Povetkin.

Mendoza said: “Today the WBA requested an answer from Anthony Joshua’s team regarding his fight with the mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.

“The WBA have allowed over a month extension to negotiations with Povetkin and also ongoing discussions with Deontay Wilder.

“It appears the Wilder team have not returned the contract for the fight and therefore we are requesting a date for the Joshua versus Povetkin fight with immediate effect.”

Wolves enter race for Ahmed Musa F OLLOWING his superlative display in Nigeria’s World Cup match against Iceland, Nigeria’s and Leicester City striker, Ahmed Musa has become the toast of many European clubs as they are now sc45rambling for his services.

One of the clubs that have indicated their interest in Nigeria’s rave of the moment is Wolves Hampton Wanderers who have entered in the race for Musa’s signature according reports.

In the same vein, Turkish-Football website cite sources also suggesting Galatasaray that are confident of signing the Leicester City forward.

However, they also mentioned reports in Turkish newspaper Fanatik, claiming that the Super Lig champions fear Musa’s form in Russia has alerted rival suitors.

The report claimed Wolves and Marseille have ‘entered the race’ even though Galatasaray have

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made the 25-year-old a priority.

“We are in talks with Galatasaray, they have made an offer and want Ahmed,” he said.

“The transfer is a possibility, Galatasaray are a big club and will compete in the Champions League next season.

“Musa has offers from other clubs but he’s keen on playing for Galatasaray.

“We are currently working on a loan deal with an option to buy.

He’ll make a decision soon. I think we can say there’s a 50 per cent chance of Musa joining the club,” Musa’s agent, William D’avila revealed.

Musa hit the global headlines when he scored twice in the Super Eagles’ win over Iceland last week.

However, he has struggled to have an impact at Leicester and ended last season on loan to CSKA Moscow.

World Cup: Kosovo raises money to pay FIFA fines of Swiss players

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T has been gathered that Kosovo was collecting money Tuesday to pay FIFA fines of Switzerland players Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner for celebrating goals with a pro-Kosovo double eagle gesture in their World Cup win over Serbia.

Arsenal midfielder, Xhaka and Stoke City’s Shaqiri, trace their roots to Kosovo, a former Serbia’s province with ethnic Albanian majority, where thousands were killed during a 1998-1999 conflict between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian guerillas.

The double eagle symbol represents the Albanian flag and is viewed as a symbol of defiance in Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008 in a move that Serbia still refuses to recognise.

The players’ celebrations in the 2-1 win over Serbia in Kaliningrad last Friday caused outrage in Serbia.

FIFA, whose rules prohibit political symbols in stadiums, fined Xhaka and Shaqiri each 10,000 Swiss francs (8,700 euros, $10,000) and Lichtsteiner 5,000 Swiss francs.

Nearly 12,000 euros were gathered less than 24 hours after on on-

line fund — www.gofundme.com/ Xhaka-Shaqiri-and-Lichtsteiner — was launched.

Kosovo Commerce and Industry Minister, Bajram Hasani said he had donated 1,500 euros, which is his monthly salary.

“They (players) were punished only since they did not forget their roots, they did not forget where they are croming from,” Hasani said quoted by local media.

“Money cannot pay the joy that Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri brought us by celebrating their goals with the eagle sign during the Switzerland-Serbia match.”

Shaqiri was born in 1991 in Kosovo and left when he was one year old while Xhaka was born in Switzerland in 1992 in a family originating from Kosovo.

His brother Taulant Xhaqa played for Swiss U-21 teams before joining Albania’s squad.

Switzerland and Serbia can both still qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup. The Swiss face Costa Rica today (Wednesday), when Serbia play Brazil.

CBN Open: Lawal, Atseye march on

OP stars have hit the ground running at the ongoing 40th Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) Open Tennis Championships taking place at the Abuja National Stadium.

Playing at the centre court, former champion, Shehu Lawal, defeated Anthony Enebeli 6-1,

6-1 in the men’s singles while another old player, Clifford Enosoregbe, banked on experience to beat Akor Mathew 6-0,3-0 (retired).

Also victorious was Henry Atseye that beat Chinwendu Benjamin 6-3, 6-2 as Thomas Otu had a 6-2, 6-4 win over Peter Lawal. John Otu outclassed Ernest

Osinachi 6-4, 6-4 even as Tochukwu Ezeh smiled home with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Sulaiman Ibrahim.

The story is not different in the women singles category where Gege Iveren who replaced American based Angel Mcleod, 1-6, 2-6 to tournament seed 4 Oneamhoin Patience while seed

5 Aanu Aiyegbusi dismissed Oluchi Ozurumba with a 6-2, 6-0 win.

Meanwhile, the men’s singles defending champion, Abdulmumuni Babalola, and the women’s top seed, Sarah Adegoke, were busy before the heavy down pour disrupted proceedings.

HE Super Eagles may likely meet either of France and Denmark in the Round of 16 should they defeat Argentina today and qualify from group D of the Russia 2018 World Cup. France and Denmark, two countries that have met Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 over the past 20 years, are again the prospects for the Round of 16 in Russia, once the Super Eagles get the challenge of Argentina behind them on Tuesday.

The only other country to have played Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Italy (USA 1994) did not make it to the finals in Russia.

France and Denmark have dominated Group C in Russia, each with six points and similar twogoal credit, and with their clash in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium also today to determine the group winner.

The winner of Group C will take on the runner-up of Group D (Nigeria’s section) in the Round of 16 in Kazan on Saturday June 30, while the winner of Group D will play the runner-up of Group C in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday July 1.

Denmark hit the Eagles 4-1 at the Stade de France in Paris in 1998, with the Nigerians failing to fully focus on the match but on a probable quarter –final match-up with Brazil, two years after the Nigeria U23 edged Brazil in the Olympics semi final in USA. Four years ago, France were 2-0 winners at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, kicking the Eagles out of Brazil 2014.

Pastore completes €24.7m Roma switch H

ours after Inter announced the purchase of Radja Nainggolan, the Giallorossi have made a midfield announcement of their own Javier Pastore has signed a fiveyear deal at Roma in a €24.7 million (£21.7m/$28.2m) move from Paris Saint-Germain, the Serie A club confirmed.

The 29-year-old arrived on a busy Tuesday for Roma, with Radja Nainggolan having completed his €38m (£33.5m/$44m) departure to Inter and Davide Santon and Nicolo Zaniolo moving in the opposite direction for a combined €14m.

Pastore won five Ligue 1 titles at PSG but fell out of favour under Unai Emery in 2017-18 and, due to his lack of playing time at club level, was overlooked for Argentina’s World Cup squad.

The playmaker spent two productive seasons in Serie A with Palermo prior to his move to Paris, and he is delighted to be back in familiar surroundings.

“I am very happy to be here at Roma. It is great to return to Italy and to do it with such a great club,” said Pastore in a statement.

“I hope to repay in full all the enthusiasm, support and affection that Roma fans have shown me already.”

Pastore has been capped 29 times

by Argentina and was named Serie A Young Footballer of the Year in 2010, having helped Palermo to a fifth-place finish and a spot in the Europa League.

Roma sporting director Monchi said: “The signing of Javier makes me very happy because we are talking about the sort of player who can excite the fans he plays for.

“In my career as a sporting director I have signed a lot of players, but Javier might just be the one with the most talent.”

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 4, 2018

NEWS Cont’d from Pg 2 has Nigeria witnessed such barefaced butchery of innocent souls in a manner that portends ethnic cleansing and genocidal tendencies,” Ozekhome agonized.

“The Nigerian Constitution (section 14) makes the welfare and security of lives and property the primary purpose of government.

Any government that cannot protect its citizens is not worth being called a government by any description or appellation. We have become a laughing stock in international circles politicking about 2019 while our citizens are daily massacred in cold blood. A governor that is supposed to be the Chief Security Officer of his state is nothing but a toothless bulldog, having been stripped of such luxury by sections 214 and 215 of the Constitution, which enthrones a behemoth, elephantine and immobile Police Force. That is why I have consistently and persistently clamoured for true fiscal federalism that allows for state Police and community policing.”

“Nigeria cannot continue like this. The governments must rise up to the occasion, draft military personnel to these volatile areas and wash its hands off, like Pontius Pilate, of compromise, collusion, aiding and abetting of this national horror,” Ozekhome added.

For his part, Squadron Leader Emmanuel Kalu, immediate past chairman of Nigerian Legion, Abia

...Nigeria risks ‘deadlier’ self-defence force State Chapter, said security agencies have failed in their duties.

Kalu who retired from the Nigerian Air Force noted that one of the ways to arrest the senseless killings remains getting the security personnel to perform the duties for which they are being paid: ensuring security of lives and property.

“Let them carry out the duties for which they are paid. They are not paid to destroy lives. They are paid to ensure that the lives of Nigerians are regarded as sacrosanct,” he said.

“Nigerians are seeing these killings as a security issue. But in my opinion, since we have more that is needed to ensure adequate security in Nigeria, to ensure adequate protection of lives in Nigeria, I think those who are involved in security duties, those whose duty it is to ensure that there is security in Nigeria are not living up to their duties. They are not carrying out the purpose for which they were employed.

“Those security outfits have nothing to complain against Nigeria. They have all they need to ensure that Nigeria is safe, yet, even when they have all these equipment, training, all that is needed to ensure security and even as we have them, there is no security in

Nigeria. So, those involved in security activities are not living up to their responsibilities,” he said.

The elder statesman is at pains that many lives are regularly destroyed even when Nigeria is not at war.

“Nigeria does not have any war now and without any reason, so many lives are being destroyed even when we have peace. How can anybody justify it - the destruction life; when we have no external aggression against Nigeria,” he asked rhetorically.

Prophet Onuoha, Founder and General Overseer of Christ Foundation Miracle International Chapel, Lagos, added that what is happening is a sign that God wants to deal with powers that be.

“It is biblical that whenever God wants to deal with a man, he would, first, block his ears.

My happiness is that all that I had warned Nigerians about candidate Muhammadu Buhari before the 2015 general election are what the country has come to witness.

They are what Nigerians have been experiencing since he came on board. I am also happy that several of those that had threatened me over my prophetic warnings are also suffering and lamenting today,” he told The Oracle Today in a telephone chat.

As if echoing TY Danjuma’s call for self-defence by Nigerians, Onuoha said: “Let Nigerians wake up and fight for their rights. If they do not fight for their rights, if they do not rise to defend, protect and save their country, rain would soon beat Malam and his cattle. I said it four times. Rain will soon beat both the leader and the led. Mark my words and mark this day because I see Nigerians repeating the same mistake again in 2019; that is if it would hold. As it is now, spiritually, 2019 general election is obscure.”

According to the vocal Prophet, “the government is helpless, the police is helpless, even state police cannot do anything because the water is polluted from the source.

You may not understand how it is spiritually, but there is nothing the police can do. This is a country where those that killed herdsmen are condemned to death, but how many lives have been wasted by killer-herdsmen and how many of the herdsmen have been condemned, arrested or prosecuted?

The thing that is eating vegetable is inside the vegetable!”

Several other eminent Nigerians agree that the President has not done enough to arrest the ugly situation; that he has “almost turned the country into a Jihadists’ Republic of Nigeria and no longer Federal

From right: The Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe, representing the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; NUJ Ntional Officer, representing the National President of NUJ, Chieso Aninwagwa, an.JPG

Cont’d from Pg 2

jurisdiction.

Ejimakor argued they were “entitled, as a matter of law, to be put on Notice or served with the evidence used in obtaining the order to show cause before they (the sureties) can be required to produce evidence to contradict it,” before the court could decide on sureties forfeiting their bail bonds.

“Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the court by which a recognizance has been taken or, when the recognizance bond is for appearance before a court and it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that a recognizance has been forfeited, the court shall record the grounds of proof and may call on any person bound by the

IPOB: Case adjourned to Nov 14

bond to pay the penalty thereof or to show cause why it should not be paid,” Ejimakor use Section 179 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as his authority.

“Given that the recognizance at issue here is for appearance of the Defendant, it lies with the Complainant (the Federal Republic of Nigeria) to have proved to the satisfaction of this court that the recognizance has been forfeited. Applicant is neither aware that Complainant ever filed said proof, nor aware that this Honorable Court recorded the grounds of said proof thereof,” Ejimakor concluded.

Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako ad-

journed the case to 14 November 2018, when the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, should response to the issue raised. Justice Murtala ordered AGF to respond early enough so that all parties could file any counter issues.

The order could mean that Nnamdi Kanu’s whereabouts would have to be established before the forfeiture of the bail bond on him. Kanu had not been seen since the army invaded his home on 14 September 2017. His absence in court has stalled his trial.

A twist to the matter started on Friday when DSS arrested Abaribe at a barber’s shop. It gave no

reason for his arrest and kept him away from his lawyers. Justice Murtala-Nyako made it clear on Tuesday that her court gave no order for Abaribe to be arrested, so she could not order his release.

On Tuesday evening, DSS released Abaribe. No reason has still been given for his detention raising speculations, among which was the IPOB case. Other speculations were that his arrest could be linked to his claim that the 2018 budget was inflated with N30 billion that was inserted into projects for the power sector, with the approval of the Senate Committee on Power, which he heads.

Republic of Nigeria.

While some allege that the killings are politically motivated “to the extent that the President wants to use it to frighten his political opponents so that they would not oppose his second tern re-election bid,” others attributed the ugly phenomenon to ethnic or religious sentiments.

According to the Chairman of Board of Trustees (BoT) of International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (intersociety), Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi, President Buhari holds the key to the killings and if he wants it to stop, it will stop because his security chiefs are composed of Jihadists.

Umeagbalasi noted that from the look of things, state police might be the best option to contend with the killings, adding that the security of the country should be restructured in such a way that state governors will have the power to control the security of their states.

“We can’t continue to live in a country domiciled by the Fulanis.

State governments, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and even the communities themselves should be proactive and do protests against the killings,” he said. “It is possible that this administration must have perfected plans to rig this election in favour of Buhari but it will create a state of anarchy that will possibly consume this country, if they try it. This country is on the brink of collapse. Buhari has turned the country into a Jihadist oligarchy”.

Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh, General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries (A.k.a. By Fire By Fire), Nnewi Anambra State noted that the target is 2019 general elections.

“The Spirit of God told me that Buhari’s administration has perfected plans to rig the election, using EFCC, DSS, INEC, Fulani herdsmen and the judiciary as instruments for the perfection,” he declared, warning, however, that not only the country’s corporate existence be threatened but that the ensuing crisis would certainly be bloodier than what is going on today because his plans will be resisted”.

The only two things that can stop him now is either he is impeached and thrown out of the seat or Biafra Republic is established so that everybody will go to where he belongs or else, the bloodshed will continue ad infinitum.

Ben Okoko, a legal practitioner based at Nkpor and former chairman of NBA, Idemili branch argued that the continued attacks are a pointer to inherent dangers.

“It is a nomenclature of collusion and connivance on the part of government. If the government with the security personnel at their disposal, if the security agencies cannot use their intelligence to detect killings before hand, then they are not worthy to be called security agencies. As a matter of solution, neighbourhood watch should be established by various state governments and armed to man all the flash points where the federal security personnel are not around,” Okoko said.

“State police must be an option but not the only option.

State governors should not rely on federal security agencies alone for their security but to establish neighbourhood watch in their own interest.”

WEDNESDAY July 4, 2018

The

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48

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

As impunity becomes immunity

E

VERYWHERE you go, there are corpses delineating the finality of humanity, though dispatched with cruelty that borders on bestiality. Do these lifeless bodies remind us of our end, and the savagery that may attend it, if you do nothing about the way we are living?

How did we degenerate to the point where the only thing that matters in Nigeria is Fulani herdsmen? Governments, elected by the people, for the people, are ready to give everything to defend Fulani herdsmen who, the Federal Government by way of defence, told us were not Nigerians and, therefore, above the law?

Impunity used to be a word until Fulani herdsmen knew it. Fulani herdsmen have erected pillars of impunity around themselves. Scarce government resources are allocated to protecting them. They are the law and fully in knowledge that they can do as they please.

Self-help is illegal under our laws. Fulani herdsmen openly admit that they killed people because they stole their cattle.

Nothing happens to those who confess to the crime. Their law is the law. Once their victims try to defend themselves, official assistance arrives for the Fulani herdsmen, the same security that would be unavailable while attacks last.

Fulani herdsmen confess participation in massacres. The law ignores their claims. Fulani herdsmen threaten that they would not obey laws unless they are made to suit their terms, at the expense of other people. Nobody touches them, nobody tells them there are laws in Nigeria and that the laws are for all.

They decide what grass suits their cattle. Where the grass is found, they take it over and they are armed enough to devastate the location, if anyone dares suggest that they should leave. Lives and livelihoods are ruined because of the Fulani herdsmen and theirs cattle.

What is it about beef that it should rule and ruin our lives? What is going on cannot make sense to anyone except the Fulani herdsmen and their supporters.

They get support from surprising quarters, in addition to illegally bearing the combat machine of choice, the deadly, though romanticised, AK-47 For many, the most recent killings in Jos are rude interruptions about major human issues – the World Cup, the insufferable Donald Trump, 2019 elections--in no particular order of importance. The debates would usually flow into each other. There are few chances of delineating the boundaries of thoughts when we dissect the consequences of happenings elsewhere.

Hundreds were killed in Jos. The killings are still on. So what? some would almost ask. Were they first to be killed?

Would they be the last to be killed? It is unlikely they would be the last. The killings depict a tragic rally with batons handed to the next victims.

After the shouts about the massacres in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, southern Kaduna, Kwara, Enugu, we returned with aplomb to discussing civilizations, international affairs, notably prime football league competitions across the world.

More massacres took place in Zamfara, and in lighter measures in many other locations. We pretended that we were too busy with “major national issues” to bother with a few more deaths.

Deaths in most brutal manners, on a regular bases, over the rights of Fulani cattle, have been accorded a place in our national records. The frequency of the deaths has attained a height that media headlines to capture their importance have all been used. Before one finishes writing about “fresh killings” in a location, several others could have taken place in that vicinity.

Perceptions are people’s reality. Nobody today believes he could get justice if a Fulani herdsman offends him. The waves of reprisal attacks are testimonies to people taking matters into their hands. They no longer expect their governments to defend them from the dangers that Fulani herdsmen pose.

There are basically two laws – one for ordinary people and the other for Fulani herdsmen. The Fulani herdsmen have promoted their impunity to immunity. The law is well beneath them.

Nobody would arrest them, no matter the offence. The complaints stand good chances of being jailed or harmed for raising a voice against Fulani herdsmen.

A society where inequality before the law is accepted as the bases of its existence, is irredeemably ruined. We are close to it, with the cloak of impunity, immunity and implacability that Fulani herdsmen have sewed for themselves.

After each round of killing they promise more attacks – they execute them. Then we issue those worn lines that underline government’s refusal to solve a problem that is rooted in government’s acquiescence.

Various groups and their leaders, claiming to represent the Fulanis, make provocative statements after each major attack. Their mission, they say, is to uproot all Nigerians who are not of their kind, until Nigeria is entirely theirs. The statement was made in January 2018 after the killings in Benue. It has been repeated after Jos. Fulani cattle, not John Pepper Clark’s poem, but the way our government is increasingly ordering our lives, is a reality.

We must check it, before it would take being cattle to have any rights in Nigeria.

Our Minister of Agriculture Innocent Audu Ogbeh, from Benue State, has spent his entire tenure promoting ranching, importation of grass from Brazil to feed Fulani cattle. He hardly discusses food for human Nigerians. The owners of the cattle he wants to ranch have rejected that proposal, preferring colonies, a choice for their intention. The Federal Government of Nigeria would create colonies all over Nigeria, in locations Fulani cattle breeders choose for the benefit of their private businesses.

Ranches, cattle colonies, impunity for Fulani and their cattle, are being placed well above human beings? Yet there is no law stating that the Federal Government should deploy national resources to individual business that produces a minuscule of our needs - meat – really, just beef. Some people don’t even eat it.

Until this government, we never knew that Fulani cattle rearing was government business with such premium placed on it that security agencies, and the Presidency read Section 14 2 b of the 1999 Constitution which states, “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”, as “The security and welfare of Fulani herdsmen shall be the primary purpose of government”.

The proposed colonies would be just episodes in the impunities of the Fulani herdsmen for the greed that informs the conduct of the Fulani cattle and their breeders are a rarer version of greed that is completely insatiable, no matter what it is fed.

Instead of further indulgence of the Fulani cattle and their owners, we should lawfully bring them to conducts that are amenable to the understanding that there is enough for everyone but not enough for anyone’s greed.

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.