Wednesday june 20, 2018 edition

After June 12, Nigeria remains divided

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EOPLE find ample statistics on all sides of the divide to tell their story of Nigeria in the past three years. They are insistent on their positions that Nigeria has either made progress or declined, some say almost irretrievably. Unknown to them, they make the point: Nigeria remains divided. It gets worse daily.

TRIBES, religions, cultures have

The Oracle Today Comment

been placed so highly that they dictate our politics. They are the bases for what people are or dare not be Discussions about anything, anywhere, tend to follow those paths, with predictable results. More Nigerians are being

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

excluded from contributing to the governance of their country. It should not be so.

EVENTS like the elevation of the historical importance of the 12 June 1993, alone, cannot deepen the impact of those events,as

WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 2018

long as they are devoid of broader, more accommodating platforms, that embrace present matters. If June 12 is recognised as an injustice and addressed, does that permit the creation of more rooms for new injustices?

ARE we to wait for another 25 years to deal with the polarisation by injustices? Is any reason acceptable for the permission of the insecurity, crimes, and national upheavals that the activities of Fulani herdsmen unleash on Nigeria?

WE no longer have a national definition of crime. What constitutes a crime depends on the

racle

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www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

Today

VOL.3 No.24 N200

2019: Parties, aspirants upbeat about primaries

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia; NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt; CHUKS COLLINS, Awka; JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba; Collins Ughalaa, Owerri and IBE NWACHUKWU, Onitsha.

T

his week’s release, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of the timetable for the conduct of party primaries against next year’s general election, may have come as the shot in the arm that political parties and aspirants needed to remind them that the

•Lull in party activities strategic •Timetable will force aspirants to show up •Release coinciding with PVC registration good for electorate •INEC should ensure free, transparent primaries •Restructuring more important than election

race for 2019 is very much on and must be approached with all the seriousness it deserves.

Hitherto, the political scene

Dariye jailed for fraud

had been ominously lull with only the squabbles within APC and President Buhari’s obvious scheming to enhance his chances

for re-election next year the only signs of preparations for the 2019 general election.

According to the timetable re-

leased by INEC, party primaries for the presidential, governorship, federal and state elections will

Cont’d on page 2

•To spend 14 years in prison From CHIDI UGWU, Abuja, and CLEMENT ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa (with agency reports)

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n FCT High Court sitting in Gudu, Abuja, has sentenced former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye to 14 years in prison for misappropriation of N1.162 billion ecological fund for the state.

Dariye was found guilty and convicted on 15 out of the 23-count charge bothering on criminal

Page 47

breach of trust and criminal misappropriation of Plateau State ecological funds to the tune of N1.162billion.

The former governor was sentenced to a maximum of 14 years for criminal breach of trust with additional two years for criminal misappropriation, which were to run concurrently.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Adebukola Banjoko said she was overwhelmed by the brazen

Cont’d on page 2

•Alloy Ejimakor, counsel to Jewish worshipers addressing newsmen at the premises of Abia High Court, Umuahia, shortly after securing bail for some of the detained adherents.

Russia 2018 fixtures @ a glance

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS

Parties, aspirants upbeat about primaries Continued from Pg 1 begin on August 18 to end on October 7, 2018, while the FCT Area Council elections will commence on September 4 to end on October 27, 2018.

The timetable was issued at a press briefing held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, June 11 by INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood.

With the release of the timetable, parties and aspirants to various elective offices are expected to rev into life and mobilize for victory at the primaries.

However, while the release of the timetable may, indeed, be the shot in the arm that the political class needed to get things going, feelers from some of the opposition parties indicate that what seemed like a lull in their camps was only part of the strategizing going on within the camps of the opposition and propelled by various tendencies.

PDP sources, for instance, told The Oracle Today that while the public saw a lull in political activities within the party’s fold, “what has actually been happening is that various groups in the party have been mapping out strategies to enable them carry the day at the appropriate time.”

The sources specifically told The Oracle Today that much of the “strategizing” being done by potential candidates and their supporters subsists mainly in “bidding for endorsement by the party hierarchy rather than going out there to mobilize for votes.”

“Only a few aspirants, among them the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, have been seriously canvassing for the support of party member for their ambition to be elected the party’s flag-bearer in the presidential election next year. The rest are strategizing for endorsement,” the sources said. “But, the party is not going to that. Everyone must answer his father’s name. You will see more vibrant activities in the party towards the end of this month or beginning of July.”

The story is the same in the other parties and among various categories of aspirants.

The Oracle Today correspondents in different parts of the country report that while preparations have been going on, with the tempo likely to increase with the release of the timetable, many of the aspirants and party leaders are ill-at ease to disclose their strategies.

For example, in Abia State, party officials are not keen on revealing their preparations for the exercise. In fact, they quickly back out of the discussion immediately you broach the issue, believing it is too early to discuss such matters when aspirants are yet to indicate their interest.

A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party who would not want to be named, said when the chips are down, aspirants would come forward and pick the necessary expression of interest forms and at the end, every party would be in the know of those contesting for the primaries and for which constituencies.

“That is when the horse-trading begins. Assuming the aspirant who emerged winner on your platform A is not very popular and the one who emerges from platform B is stronger in the same constituency. If there was anyone who contested the primaries on plat-

form A and failed but is considered popular than that of the Platform B winner, Platform A may appeal to the winner on its platform to step down for the popular aspirant that failed. This is a form of horse trading,” he offered.

Permutations have taken the centre-stage in Abia politics at the moment. It is profound in areas that have unwritten agreements on rotation of elective positions.

Take for instance, Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency. The seat is rotated among the three local governments of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South that make the constituency. Each of the local governments produces candidates that do only a term at the green chamber of the National Assembly and return home. In 1999, Honourable Acho Obioma (Chomen) from Umuahia South, blazed the trail. He was succeeded in 2003 by Emeka Atumah from Ikwuano. Rt. Honourable Stanley Ohajuruka from Umuahia North stepped in by 2007 and it was the turn of Umuahia South again in 2011 with Oluchi Ibeji on the saddle.

The seat is presently occupied by Chief Sam Onuigbo from Ikwuano.

In 2019, it will be the turn of Umuahia North.

But the rumoured intention of Onuigbo to run again in 2019 is generating heated controversy in the constituency. It is interesting to note that Onuigbo emerged through the party primary where his predecessor, Ibeji, who against all pieces of advice not to run in order not to upset the unwritten rotation agreement, was roundly thrashed to prove to him that the rotation agreement was inviolable. The game is on. Even at that, aspirants to the federal constituency at the moment are speaking in hushed tones.

Those touted to be eyeing the seat include Mrs Uju Agomuo

(PDP), Kingsley Oriaku, (APGA), Martins Ikechukwu Apugo, (APC).

Many are yet to make their aspirations public.

In Abia Central Senatorial zone, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is planning to give Senator Theodore Orji a good run in 2019, if the talks in town that Chief (Mrs) Nkechi Nwaogu, a former Senator, would run, is anything to go by.

It will be recalled that Mrs Nwaogu, by stroke of fate and luck, broke the unwritten power rotation agreement among the six local governments that make up the zone, which is further divided into two political blocs of Ikwuano/Umuahia and Ngwa. Senator Chike Nwannunu went for the Ngwa in 1999. He was succeeded

by Senator Chris Adighije for Ikwuano/Umuahia in 2003.

Mrs. Nwaogu, previously a member of the House of Representatives, aspired for the Senate in 2007 under the Ngwa bloc. She succeeded. The return policy of PDP in their days of impunity kept her in the senate until Senator Orji knocked her off in 2015. The news is in town that Senator Nwaogu may be staging a comeback in 2019 to square it up with Senator Orji.

In Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Uko Nkole, currently representing the constituency, is sitting on a tinder box. The people of Ututu in Arochukwu and their counterparts from Ohafia South are angling to edge him out in 2019. But he is fighting to retain his seat. At the Abia North senatorial level, it will be a battle of the titans.

It is expected that the incumbent senator, Mao Ohuabunwa would re-contest and will dig it out with the likes of Chief Orji Uzor Kalu of APC and Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex). Ohuabunwa dusted the duo in the 2015 contest. It is not known if the same scenario of 2015 would play out where Ohuabun-

wa, after protracted legal battles, emerged victorious.

Perhaps, the biggest fight will be in Abia South Senatorial zone where opponents are pulling at all stops to uproot Senator Enyinaya Abaribe who has done a record 12 years in the red chamber of the National Assembly. Those known to have made public their aspiration to vie for Abaribe’s seat include incumbent Commissioner for Education in Abia State, Prof. Ikechi Mgbeoji and Barrister Charles Eseonu, one-time Secretary of Abia PDP. They said that Aba zone has not been given the opportunity to go to the senate and 2019 is their non-negotiable chance. How they will uproot Abaribe is what people are waiting to witness.

Besides, from the Ukwa axis of Abia South, the cry of marginalization has reached high heavens.

That is what Chief Emeka Stanley is clutching onto in his fierce challenge to overthrow Abaribe too.

Meanwhile, the first person to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 presidential contest is a woman from Abia State. Evangelist Angela Johnson from Arochukwu returned home from her London base last Sunday to specifically inform her people that she wants Buhari’s seat.

As it stands, the direction of Abia politics in readiness for 2019 is not predictable. Unfolding events in the days to come would surely point the direction.

So far, none of the major political parties in Rivers State, including the ruling PDP, the opposition APC, among others, is making any preparations for the conduct of party primary to elect candidates for elective positions in the 2019 general election.

The PDP led by Governor Nyesom Wike is frenetically preparing for the local government election scheduled to hold in the State on

Dariye jailed for fraud Continued from Pg 1 act of looting of nearly half a billion of Plateau state ecological fund.

She said the bank statements obtained during prosecution by the EFCC showed that the convict was richer than the state.

Banjoko, who said she had no personal animosity against the convict, noted that outside the ecological fund, the state funds were also looted beyond expectations.

The judgment, which is 11 years in the making, started in 2007 with amended charges of money laundering and diversion of Plateau ecological funds.

The convict, who has been a serving senator representing Plateau Central senatorial district, lost out in the case after calling 16 defence witnesses.

The convict had filed an application before the Court of Appeal challenging the charges and the jurisdiction of the court in which •Senator-Dariye the trial was to commence.

The Supreme Court, on Feb- former London Metropolitan poruary 27, dismissed the convict’s liceman who had investigated him appeal and ordered him to face as well as James Ibori for money laundering. his trial.

The EFCC was able to establish The EFCC had subsequently brought in a star witness from the that Dariye had used his fictitious United Kingdom, Mr Peter Clark, a company, Ebenezer Retnan Ven-

tures Ltd, to siphon not only the funds of Plateau state but the ecological fund as well.

The Commission proved with evidence including bank statements that Dariye plundered the

Cont’d on page 28

Saturday, June 16.

All 23 chairmanship candidates as well as those vying for councillorship positions were chosen at the parties local government congress in May. Governor Wike has ordered that all 23 local governments must fill the position of vice chairman with women, a directive has the local councils have complied with.

For now, the PDP is engrossed in rigorous campaigns across the state for the June 16 local government election.

According to RSIEC, 66 political parties have signified their interest to participate in the forthcoming local government election.

Only two parties, the APC and Advance Democratic Progressive Party (ADCP) have resolved not to take part in the electoral process.

The APC claims it will not participate in the local government election because of a subsisting case in court on which it is challenging the dissolution of the executives of the local councils that were in place before Wike came on board as governor on Friday, May 29, 2015.

Even on the threshold of the scheduled local government election, the airwaves is suffused with a wave of exhortations, appealing to the electorate in the state to vote for Governor Wike for a second term.

With PDP as the only strong party participating in the June 16 local government election, observers have predicted an easy win for the party’s candidates.

The campaign theme of PDP candidates is hinged on the performance of Governor Wike in his three years in office.

They cite the number of projects he has executed in the areas of road construction; renovation of general hospitals; building of doctors quarters; renovation of schools; renovation of dilapidated and abounded government buildings, including the payment of salaries of government workers, among others, have endeared him to the people.

In the PDP, there is no whisper about the 2019 general elections because Governor Wike is in total control of the leadership of the party in the state. He also has the electoral machinery firmly within his grasp.

So, for now, PDP members in Rivers State are not bothered about what happens at the national level because the driving force of the party and the national chairman are both from the state.

The impression here is that Governor Wike will play a great role in whoever will emerge as the presidential candidate of the PDP. Wike has received the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, who is reported to be hugely interested in contesting for the presidency under the aegis of the PDP, other than the APC on whose platform he was elected in 2015.

Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has also visited Governor Wike at government house in Port Harcourt, ostensibly, to solicit for the governor’s support. However, the loudest visit was that of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who frontally declared his presidential ambition at Government House, in Port Harcourt.

Hon Jude Ezenwafor, Snr. Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Political Matters/

Cont’d on page 28

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Wednesday 20, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Herdsmen attacks: Igbo in Taraba have no reason to fear – Govt

By VICTOR NZE

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OLLOWING the recent resurgence in herdsmen attacks, the Taraba State Government has moved to assure the Igbo, indigenes as well as other non-indigenous ethnic groups that they have no reason to fear as it will continue to do everything within its powers, and without discrimination, to make sure the safety of their lives and properties.

This is also the state government expressed regrets over the recent communal clashes in

Kwararafa (Dananacha) in Gassol Local Government Area of the state which resulted in the loss of lives and properties by some families and groups in the area.

A statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to Governor Darius Ishaku, on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu, Monday, however, dismissed reports that the state government did not act promptly to protect the affected victims and their properties during the clashes as contained in a petition to Ohaneze, the apex Igbo group.

“While the crisis was going on,

‘Lack of representative democracy cause of executive/legislative disharmony’

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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OLLOWING the faceoff persistently witnessed among members of the Nigerian legislature and executive, citizens of the country living in the Netherlands have urged the two arms of government to sheath their swords in the interest of the country.

The group said the anomaly is denying the country the supposed development.

Leader of Nigerian community in Netherlands, Chief Lambert Igboanugo, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, traced the bickering to lack of thorough representative democracy in the country.

Igboanugo appealed the executive and the legislature to bury their differences in the interest of the nation, adding that Nigeria was bigger than personal interests and urged leaders to place the nation above their interest.

He called for all inclusive administration in the country to accommodate every part of the country and unite the nation.

“Nigerians in Diaspora have been looking for good news that will make us to be proud of the coun-

try and it looks that some of those good news that we expect to have about the country are eluding us simply because it cannot be equated with the reality of the day.

“We expect to see an all-inclusive government and things that will unite us as a country. Our country is coming out of the wood but unfortunately, some of those signals are not on the positive side.

“It is unfortunate that so far, we don’t have a thorough representative democracy. What we are seeing is bickering between the executive and the legislature which are supposed to be independent arrangement. What we see is unnecessary diversion of conflict that is foisting the development and surmounting some insecurity problem in the country”, he said.

Igboanugo also disclosed that he was contesting senatorial election to represent the minority in the Netherland in the Dutch community.

“Right now because of my commitment all these years, the minority in the Netherlands have asked me to come and give them equal representation in the scheme of things in the Dutch politics. I am running the senate of the royal kingdom in the Netherland”, he said.

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s recent pronouncement of June 12 as the new date for Democracy Day in honour of the late Chief MKO Abiola has been described as ‘a Greek gift, traceable only to failed and sinking administrations.’

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra(IPOB), through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, therefore urged the citizens, particularly the South West, to view it with studious circumspect.

“IPOB is the authentic voice of the people of the East, their next best move is to gain the confidence of the West in order to checkmate the rising influence of those that have come to forge an alliance strong enough to rattle the status quo.

“IPOB wonders whether this was the “change” they promised. Or if this was the jobs, the infrastructure, the peace, the security, the disarming of his boys -the murderous Boko Haram and herdsman, both of who

tually belong to non-Igbo people.

“It is also untrue and grossly unfair for them to also accuse the state government of not doing enough to protect them and their properties during the clashes as they did recently in a petition to Ohaneze, the umbrella Igbo apex organization. The government did everything within its powers on that particular occasion to prevent the crisis from escalating, despite the fighting started in the night.

Abu, therefore, assured Igbo residents in the area of their safety as the government, even as he reminded them that Taraba is under the siege by armed herdsmen.

“The Government wishes to as-

sure the Igbo, other non-indigenous ethnic groups and the entire people of Taraba State that they have no reason to fear as it will continue to do everything within its powers, and without discrimination, to make sure the safety of their lives and properties.

“The government also wishes to remind all people resident in the state that the state is passing through a period of unfortunate security challenges resulting from incidents of herdsmen attacks and killings in some parts of the state and kidnapping. This will need the support and cooperation of all people in the state to tackle,” he said.

•From left: Director of Admin & HR, Mrs. Yewande Falugba, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth & Social Development, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Ms. Pirjo SuomelaChowdry; Commissioner, Youth and Social Development, Mr. Agboola Dabiri; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Development, Mrs. Joyce Onafowokan and the Director of Accounts, Mr. Irewole Ojo during a courtesy visit by the Finland Ambassador to the Ministry.

Lagos CBD dismisses 2 officers over extortion

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HE Lagos State Central Business District has dismissed two of its enforcement officers over cases of extortion and illegal arrest of residents.

Making the disclosure, the Speannounced him their Grand Patron and spokesman, that the world has cial Adviser to the Lagos State been watching with bated breath to Governor on Central Business Districts, Prince Olarenwaju Elesee happen.

“As with the clamour for restruc- gushi said the measure was taken turing, it can now also be confidently against the officers to instil discistated without fear of contradiction pline, re-orientate and awaken a that this overriding need to check- renewed mindset amongst staff, mate IPOB is the sole reason behind monitoring officers as well as volthe June 12 Democracy Day an- unteer corps towards achieving nouncement by Aso Rock. A cynical better service delivery. move designed to truncate any East/ Elegushi reiterated the State West alliance or understanding with regards to a renegotiated Nigeria be- government’s resolve to weed out bad eggs amongst the staff fore 2019.

“We view this announcement of a of the agency, disclosing that the posthumous award for demised lead- two officers, Mr. Babatunde Scale ing sons of Yorubaland in Chief MKO and Abioye Bakare were caught Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi extorting money from a traffic ofas another clever but desperate at- fender. tempt by Arewa agents of neo-coloniHe maintained that his agency alism to drive a wedge between the will not tolerate any illegality by its burgeoning understanding between officers and will continually discithe East and West. “Isn’t it odd that pline any officers found wanting in the same people that detained and the discharge of their duties. killed Abiola are now cosmetically re“To instill discipline among our warding him with a posthumous pres- staff, the Agency has dismissed a idency so close to an election year?

Buhari’s ‘June 12’ proclamation, a Greek gift -- IPOB

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

the state government took proactive steps, including the timely deployment of security personnel to the scenes of the clashes. This helped in minimizing the extent of the collateral damage that would have resulted from the fighting.

“The government sympathizes with members of the Igbo community and all other people in the area for the extension of the attacks to them and their shops.

But the claim by members of the Igbo community that only shops belonging to them were targeted and attacked is untrue. Statistics available to government do not support that position. In fact, more of the vandalized shops ac-

number of enforcement officers, volunteer corps as well as sanitation officers whose actions undermined the objectives of the Agency and compromised the public image of government.”

“Before now, four monitoring officers and some volunteers were dismissed for dereliction of duty.

Today, two officers who were trying to extort money from a traffic offender illegally where caught and summarily dismissed” he re-

vealed.

While advising motorists, business operators as well as visitors to adhere to traffic, sanitation and security rules when within the business districts, the Special Adviser urged members of the public with complaints on CBD enforcement operations as well as activities bordering on extortion, molestation or assault by its operatives to report such incidents to his office.

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

The statement, while urging every Nigerian citizen to use the occasion of the coming celebration to pray fervently for unity, peace, prosperity and stability of the nation, congratulated the Muslim faithful on a successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

It charged all Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari to take the nation to greater heights and to be inspired by the virtues gained during the holy month of Ramadan to live life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another.

Eid-El Fitr: FG declares June 15, 18 public holidays

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ederal Government has declared June 15 and 18, 2018 as public holidays to enable Muslims faithful in Nigeria join their others across the world in the celebration of the 2018 Eid- El Fitr.

This was announced late afternoon today by Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau(rtd), the Minister of of the Interior.

This was made public by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, M. Umar, on behalf of the Minister.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday 20, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Herdsmen’s killings no longer about grazing rights – Benue Govt F

By VICTOR NZE

OLLOWING another call by Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, Tuesday, for states affected by herdsmen attacks to repeal the anti-open grazing laws enacted by them, the Benue State has vowed that there is no going back on the implementation of the law as prosecution of offenders is going on smoothly.

This is just as the state government in describing the Defence minister as a ‘champion of Fulani herdsmen’s interest’ stated that it has ‘no apologies to the Dan-Ali or anyone,’ for its open grazing prohibition law, adding that the issue was no longer about grazing rights.

Making this known during a press briefing, Monday, State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Lawrence Onoja Jnr, disclosed that several Fulani groups have come out to declare that the issue at stake is not open grazing but conquest and occupation, even as he cited examples of other states including Kaduna and Zamfara where armed Fulani herdsmen militias have continuously carried out genocide.

Onoja Jnr noted that these two states do not have laws banning open grazing yet they have not been spared, just like Adamawa, Plateau, Kogi and Nasarawa where there are no such laws.

“Indeed, the scorched earth manner of the attacks by herdsmen militia whose name has been unwittingly changed to armed bandits indicates that the stake could be anything but open grazing.

“It should be noted that this is the second time that the Defence Minister, Mansur Dan Ali would abdicate the responsibilities of his office as defender of Nigeria’s territo-

rial integrity and descend so low to become champion of Fulani herdsmen’s interest. He justified incessant herdsmen unprovoked attacks on the so called blockade of cattle roots and grazing reserves.

“He spoke as if this is a justifiable reason for Fulani militia taking the law into their hands. By his call, Dan Ali has restated his partisanship and support for Fulani conquest and occupation of the Benue Valley and other fertile lands in the country.

“We want Nigerians and the international community to compel the Hon. Minister to quickly prove to the Benue people that he has no personal scores to settle in this crisis or is playing the script of some unknown people. We would like him to respond to the following questions in the interest of fairness, justice and equity.

“How come Mansur Dan-Ali is calling for the negotiation of safe cattle routes for the herders without a single mention of farmers who have been violently dislodged from their homes and farms? Who would take the responsibility of taking care of the needs of these farmers who have lost their means of livelihood with their farms and crops destroyed by herdsmen militia armed with dangerous weapons? Who would avert the looming famine in Benue state on account of these mindless destructions of lives and farming communities? Why has the Minister of Defence not made a single reference to the plight of the 180,000 Benue indigenes taking refuge in eight IDPs camps in Benue?

These people are also Nigerians who deserve to have a sense of belonging in Nigeria. Most of these people are farmers who could not go back to their farms for fear of being attacked by herdsmen who are still carrying out sporadic attacks on Benue communities as we speak.

FBI nabs 29 Nigerians for internet fraud, recovers $16.4m

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NITED States authorities said on Monday that 74 people had been arrested in a global crackdown on email fraud scams, in which criminals have attempted to steal billions of dollars from businesses and individuals.

The cases involve a growing type of fraud known as “business email compromise” that targets employees with access to corporate finances. The fraudsters send emails that appear to be from trusted corporate executives or vendors, which instruct targeted employees to wire funds to accounts controlled by criminals.

The same groups also ran similar scams targeting individuals, including real-estate buyers and the elderly, the bureau said.

Nearly $2.4 million was seized in the six-month operation dubbed “Operation Wire Wire” and about $14 million in fraudulent wire transfers was recovered, accord-

ing to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Of those arrested, 42 were in the United States, 29 in Nigeria, and the others in Canada, Mauritius, and Poland, the FBI said.

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resident Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, in Abuja approved the conferment of National Honours on three distinguished Nigerians who contributed immensely to the enthronement of democratic governance in the country.

They are: Chief Agunwa Anekwe, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and two former presidents of the Senate; Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute.

All the three were leaders of the National Assembly in the Third Republic.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, made the announcement in an

damawa Ministry of Health has confirmed 19 new cases of cholera in Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government areas.

A statement on Monday by the Information Officer of the ministry, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, said that 16 of the new cases were recorded in Mubi South while three were reported in Mubi South.

Abubakar said that so far a total

of 1,227 cases were recorded within the past one month with 20 deaths while 19 patients were still on admission at the treatment centre in Mubi General Hospital as at June 10.

He said Hong local government has five cases without death, Maiha local government has three cases without death, Mubi North has 526 cases with 11 deaths, while Mubi South has 693 cases with nine deaths.

open grazing law to invade Benue and lay false claim on the ancestral land of the Benue people. The Defence Minister is yet to publicly call for the arrest and prosecution of the Miyetti Allah leaders who have openly threaten more bloodshed in Benue on account of the anti-open grazing law.

“We wish to reiterate that Nigeria’s Constitution empowers states to make laws for their good governance and the Open Grazing Prohi-

bition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 was made in this regard.

The Ranching Law is a creation of the people of Benue State who enacted it to provide a permanent solution to the herders and farmers constant clashes.

“There is no going back on the implementation of the law as prosecution of offenders is going on smoothly. We have no apologies to the Minister of Defence or anyone,” Onoja said.

•Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (r) with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara during the welcome reception for the Speaker at the Government House Port Harcourt, who was in Port Harcourt to commission the Woji-Elelenwo Dual Carriageway, Friday.

Recognise May 29, June 12 as Democracy Days – Group

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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OTERS rights international (VRI), a pro-democracy human rights group has warned the federal government against the consequences of transferring democracy day and national public holiday from May 29 to June 12, every year, threatening to challenge the proclamation in court if the federal government stood its ground.

The group also described as illegal and unlawful, attempt by the feder-

Buhari confers national honour on Ayu, Ebute, Anekwe

19 new cholera cases reported in Adamawa

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“We call on Mansur Dan-Ali to as a matter of urgency withdraw this highly offensive statement against Benue States and the victims of herdsmen killings in the State. Over 500 Benue indigenes have so far lost their lives to herdsmen invasion of parts of the State.

“We view this latest statement as only serving to embolden these herdsmen militia to unleash more attacks on Benue as the various Miyetti Allah groups have used the anti-

address at the conferment of posthumous national honour on Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Amb. Babagana Kingibe.

He said that the investiture of the three former legislators will take place at a later date. ”These awards serve as a public acknowledgement of their pivotal contribution to nationhood and a further demonstration of this administration’s commitment to upholding the ethos of democratic governance,” the SGF said.

He stressed that the proclamation of June 12 as Democracy Day was a public recognition of the country’s heroes whose ‘supreme efforts laid the foundation for our nascent democracy.’ ”Today marks a new dawn in the nation’s political and democratic advancement signalling the deepening of our belief in the democratic principles of inclusiveness in governance and hope for a greater Nigeria. ”The monumental election that took place on June 12, 1993, represented the first time in the history of our nation that Nigerians voted not for tribe or creed or region but for their convictions, affirming their common heritage and unity of purpose,” he said.

al government to confer a posthumous award of the highest national award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the presumed winner of June 12, 1993 cancelled presidential election.

President of VRI, Jezie Ekejiuba who stated this in a press statement issued to newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra state yesterday, said in as much as they welcome the deserved conferment of national honour on the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the iconic human rights crusader with the second highest award of Grand Commander on the Niger (GCON), alongside Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government erred when it declared in its press statement to wit: “The investiture will take place on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, a date which in future years will replace May 29th as National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day”.

The statement further declared: “Like all well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy, we hereby join in commending you for proclaiming June 12th as Democracy Day and National Public Holiday in Nigeria as well as your posthumous award of the highest national award of GCFR conferred on late Chief MKO Abiola the presumed winner of June 12, 1993 election but that is now enough transfer the democracy day and public holiday from May 29 to June 12”.

“Mr President, have you forgotten that you were sworn in as elected President of Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29th? Have you also forgotten the significance and importance of May 29th which in the

democratic history of Nigeria has witnessed the swearing in of four Presidents of Nigeria namely: Olusegun Obasanjo, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and your humbleself”.

“The above declaration translates to annulling May 29th as Democracy Day and National Public Holiday which was legally proclaimed

by President Olusegun Obasanjo administration because of its significance. The limit you could have done was to proclaim June 12th as also a Democracy Day and National Public Holiday”.

“Mr President, with due respect, it is illegal for you as a successor sitting President to annul the presidential proclamation of May 29th as Democracy Day and National Public Holiday which have been institutionalized, gazetted and actualized for the past 19th years of Nigeria’s unbroken democracy by a mere stroke of a Press Statement without recourse to the National Assembly made up of elected representatives of the Nigerian people”.

“The opinion and wishes of the Voters who elected the unsworn President-elect, late Chief M.K.O. Abiola could not have been more valued and respected than the opinion and wishes of the Voters who elected these sworn Presidents who have actually governed Nigeria”. “We therefore, call on you Sir, to respect the wishes of both sides of the political divide by recognizing both May 29th and June 12th as Democracy Days and National Public Holidays as any attempt to actualize the above declaration of replacing May 29th with June 12th as Democracy Day and National Public Holiday will be challenged at the Court of Justice”.

6

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS

Wike to EFCC: Investigate reality of our projects

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the embattled All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government has started inviting contractors executing projects in the state to inquire if the projects are real.

This is just as the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe declared that Rivers State is lucky to have Governor Wike who is transforming the state through the execution of pro-people projects.

Speaking during the commissioning of Abacha Road in GRA Phase 3, Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike regretted that the EFCC and the failed APC Federal Government are working desperately to distract the Rivers State Government.

He said: “EFCC are now inviting our contractors to inquire if the projects we are executing are fake or real.

“Instead of encouraging us to continue with our good works, they are working desperately to distract us. EFCC should go to non performing states. I want to tell our contractors that we are not afraid because we are doing the right thing for the people of Rivers State “.

He said that Rivers State is witnessing real development, hence it is confident to invite prominent Nigerians with pedigree to inspect and commission key projects.

The governor urged the people to protect projects in the area, saying that the State Government will not tolerate street trading on newly constructed roads.

Governor Wike said that the reconstructed Abacha Road has created the right environment for businesses to thrive. He commended the businesses along the route for supporting the contractor by supplying their workers food.

He urged the people to continue to pay their taxes for the administration to deliver more projects for the people.

Commissioning the project, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe stated that he is happy that the state where he grew up is being transformed through prudent management of resources.

“This is home-coming for me. I am a stakeholder in this city. I have businesses here. I grew up in Abonnema as a young child.

“Rivers State is very lucky to have Governor Wike. In three years, the Rivers State Governor has achieved a great deal of projects,” said Igwe Achebe.

He described Governor Wike as a man who makes a promise and works assiduously to keep his promise. He said that Governor Wike is a man of passion and commitment.

The Traditional Ruler prayed God to keep the Rivers State Governor so that he can leave distinct legacies for the people.

“Port Harcourt is so new. Port Harcourt has been renewed. This particular area was so swampy. I was offered a plot of land here for one million naira and I rejected it. Today, everything has changed around here”, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe said.

Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Prince Noble Amadi said this road was impassable, until Governor Wike intervened with his magic touch.

He said that the road is key as it links areas where key business transactions take place in Port Harcourt .

ERA trains N’Delta youths on environmental best practices I

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

ssues on environmental laws, rights and conventions took the center stage at a two-day training organized for the youths in the Niger Delta by the Environmental Right Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/ FoEN), an environmental focused nongovernmental organization.

The training took place simultaneously in Bayelsa, Edo and Rivers States in the week.

A resource person at the training in Bayelsa, Dr. Simon Amaduoboha, in his lecture decried poor attitude to the environment and lack of remediation projects to cushion the adverse impacts of oil exploration in Niger Delta region.

Amaduoboha, who is a Senior Lecturer at Niger Delta University in

Bayelsa, noted that political leaders from the Niger Delta region have used the environmental degradation to advocate greater share of oil revenue resulting to the 13 per cent derivation.

He regretted that the political class has been selfish as the proceeds of the oil derivation have not impacted the environment and oil communities.

The university don urged the youths who are between the ages of 13 and 20 drawn from the eight Local Government Areas in Bayelsa to join the efforts to preserve the environment.

He said that the training would empower the youths with requisite laws at an early stage to appreciate the need for conservation and protection of the environment.

According to him, there was a need to sensitize the youths on the adverse impact of using fossil fuels and emission of poisonous gases which degrade the environment and trigger climate change.

On his part, a lawyer at Environmental Right Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Mr. Nosa Tokumbo, said the group was undertaking the project in three pilot states of the Niger Delta, Bayelsa Rivers and Edo. He said that the project was aimed at highlighting existing laws that regulate oil industry activities and strengthen the youths to take steps to know and protect their rights to a sustainable environment.

Commenting, a participant, Miss Anita Doifie, said that the idea of sensitizing the youths to lead advocacy

• Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, commissioning the recently-constructed Dima Denni-Fiberesima Doctors Quarters at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital earlier flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on February 13, 2017 courtesy of the Wike administration’s pledge to doctors at the hospital

Rivers Govt commissions Dima Denni-Fiberesima Doctors Quarters

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ivers State Government has commissioned the magnificent New Doctors Quarters constructed by the administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital.

The construction of the New Doctors Quarters was flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on 13th February, 2017 in fulfilment of the pledge that Governor Wike made to doctors at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital.

Commissioning the Doctors Quarters on Tuesday, Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili described Governor Wike as a super action governor who continues to rapidly develop the state.

He said that the commissioning of the Doctors Quarters is unique as it exemplifies the governor’s commitment to healthcare delivery. Odili noted that doctors should reciprocate the commitment of Governor Wike by improving service delivery and stopping endless strikes.

He said: “We are proud of Governor Wike. He is lawyer by training and practice, but what he has done for the health sector shows that he is a medical doctor, spiritually.

“The way Governor Wike has honoured the Former Commissioner of

Health, Dr Dina Denni-Fiberesima, of blessed memory, and those who have served the state, Governor Wike will be honoured for his service to the state”.

In his address at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike informed that his administration built two of the new structures and re-modelled the third building to give the doctors a befitting accomodation.

He renamed the Doctors Quarters as Dr Dima Denni-Fiberesima Doctors Quarters, to honour the Former Health Commissioner for his service to the state.

Governor Wike announced that his administration remains committed to improving the healthcare sector, noting that the Mother and Child Hospital, Zonal Hospitals, General Hospitals and the College of Medical Sciences will come on stream for the good of the people.

The governor said that his administration will release the residency funds for the payment of resident doctors in the coming days.

“We are transforming the health sector . Our people require the best in terms of healthcare delivery.

Whatever promise we make, we are obliged to keep. The health sector will continue to get more from this

administration.

“There will be a facility manager so that this Doctors Quarters will be maintained. This quarters is only for doctors and practicing doctors at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital”, the Rivers State Governor said.

Rivers State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Datonye Alasia said that under Governor Wike, Rivers State has entered a golden era in healthcare delivery.

He lauded Governor Wike for several major projects in the health sector, which have improved the sector beyond measures.

He added that the 2018 budget of the state has approved 2percent of the health budget for the proposed healthcare scheme that will guarantee universal healthcare access to the people.

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Professor Princewill Chike said healthcare professionals cannot thank Governor Wike enough for the investments that have changed the fortunes of the state.

He said the project was completed on schedule and in line with approved specifications because of the dedicated funding and supervision

by Governor Wike.

for the environment was a welcome development.

“It is good to have the knowledge and have it grounded so that we can in the future when we come of age enforce these environmental and human rights and laws,” Doifie said.

The training featured lecture on fundamental human rights, environmental laws, treaties and conventions and protocols that relate to the environment.

Meanwhile, residents of Aghoro Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa have lambasted the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) over the company’s poor response to an oil spill from its oilfield in the area.

They appealed to the Federal and Bayelsa government to come to their aid over the spill incident and compel Shell to be alive to its responsibility in spill response.

The community alleged that weeks after the spill that ravaged and polluted their farmlands and waterway, Shell is yet to commence clean-up in the affected area.

Secretary of Aghoro Community Development Committee, Justin Gbagbiri who spoke in an interview in Yenagoa said that they were still counting the losses incurred as a result of the incident. ‘’The river, supports our fishing vocation, it is one of our major sources of drinking. If we want to cook we use water from the river. But since the crude oil polluted our river, we can no longer use water from the river anymore, we have been in distress.

“We cannot use it to bath anymore, just as we cannot use it to clean up after using the toilet. So, the spill has affected most of our activities here. Fishing which is our major occupation has been adversely affected, as we cannot go to the river again to fish as we used to.

“And what the company has done so far is that they have come around to do some recovery of spilled crude oil. But no other major thing has been done. They have not even sent us relief materials.

“What they said was that, it is when the ruptured spots have been brought out and cause of spill identified, they would know if Shell will take responsibility. Shell also said they would do the needful only if the cause of spill is identified as equipment failure and not third party interference.

“So, we are waiting for them to come and expose the pipe for observation but nothing has been done to that effect,” he said.

The community further alleged that SPDC is deliberately delaying the Joint Investigation (JIV) which would ascertain the cause of the oil leak.

However, reacting to the development, Dr Alice Aje, Manager, Stakeholder Relations at SPDC said the oil firm was responding to the Spill incident and appealed for the understanding of the community.

“We regret the spill because it has adversely affected our operations and business, we have shut operations and stopped the spill and we are in talks with our relevant stakeholders. It is our responsibility to clean up the spill and if it was found to be case by equipment failure we shall pay compensation to those affected, that is our process,” Aje said.

Describing the spill as regrettable and unfortunate, Aje however said that efforts were underway to convene a joint investigative visit with community representatives to probe the cause of the spill.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS

Okorocha promises free, fair LG polls; as Araraume factions kicks

By COLLINS UGHALAA

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overnor Rochas Okorocha has promised members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State that the local government election scheduled to hold in the state on July 14 2018, will be free and fair and would not be manipulated.

The Governor disclosed this, Monday during a meeting with the aspirants and chairmen of the 645 Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) wards in Owerri, who are members of the “Agburu Anyi” faction of the party loyal to the Governor, urging the aspirants not to be afraid as he assured that the LGA polls would provide them the opportunity to test their popularity at the grassroots.

He assured them he would not manipulate the selection process to favour anyone.

An estimated 1,000 party members have purchased their nomination forms from the ruling APC to participate in the election.

An aspirant had during the meeting called on the Governor to make the party leaders in her LGA adopt her as sole candidate, but the Governor commended her for her steadfastness with the party and his government, noting that he was going to encourage level playing ground among the aspirants.

He said the aspirants should rather canvass for votes among party members so as emerge the candidate during the primary elections.

He further assured he would not intervene in the primary elections and the entire process for choosing candidates for the LGA polls, stressing that those who are eligible should feel free to purchase the forms and work hard to mobilize voters to vote for them.

“If you are popular among party members, you will definitely win the party nomination, and if you are popular among the people, you will be sure to win the main election.

“I hate manipulation and I will not encourage it in anyway. Go ahead and campaign vigorously. Convince the people why you are the best candidate to win the chairmanship or the councillorship seat in your ward. Your political value before me and the entire Rescue Mission political family rises if you are able to win elections on your own without anyone assisting you to tilt the process”, the Governor assured.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties in the state led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have boycotted the council polls.

This is even as the state chairman of the party, Chief Hilary Eke, who is a member of the “Coalition”, the faction loyal to Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and others, has issued a stern warning to party members not to purchase the forms for the council polls from the Governor’s faction.

2019: Okowa tasks political office holders with self-appraisal

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

D

elta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has urged elected office holders to reflect on their performance to the electorate within the past three years, as the 2019 General Elections nears.

He spoke, weekend, at the 3rd anniversary thanksgiving service of the 6th Assembly of the Delta State legislature at the Living Faith Church, Asaba, Delta State.

According to the Governor, “this is a time for reflection, it is a time to look at the last three years and assess our relationship with the people who elected us into office.”

“We should reflect if we have met with the aspirations of our people, as another election comes up, when you trust in the Lord, you have nothing to fear, if every one of you have worked hard, the Lord will reward you,” he stated, adding: “Be not be deceived, the Lord cannot be mocked, whatever a man sow, he shall reap, we must accept to do better from today and it is my hope and prayer that you will have a lot to reap.”

The Governor commended the legislature for giving thanks to God saying, “the true and real thanksgiving is the service that you offer to the people from the position you

find yourself, you have done a good thing to come to the Church and give thanksgiving.”

Preaching at the service, Pastor David Popoola said it was important for people to live their life serving God, asserting, “live for God and He will bless you amazingly.”

While praying for the congregation, he stated that God grants good health to the sick as “there is nothing that is too hard for God to do.”

“Money is nothing without good health, what is the essence of riches without good health?” the Pastor said.

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori was at the event

where the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori took the first lesson.

Members of the National Assembly, House of Assembly members and their wives, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Stella Oghene, among others attended the church service.

Prayers were offered for the Governor, the legislature, Delta State and the country while the anniversary thanksgiving cake was also cut at the occasion.

Terrorism: A’Ibom police release 59 persons on wanted list INI BILLIE, Uyo

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• Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (l) with former chief executive of the state, James Ibori cutting the anniversary cake during the 6th Delta State House of Assembly Thanksgiving, which held at the Living Faith Church, Asaba, Delta State.

Commissioner unmasks council worker who collects salary of 300 staff in Bayelsa

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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he ongoing public sector reforms in Bayelsa State has led to the discovery of a staff in the local government system who collects the salary of 300 persons every month, according to Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

Iworiso-Markson made the revelation on Monday during the commencement of a town hall meeting on civil service reforms in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The town hall meeting was organized by the Ministry of Information and Orientation to enlighten the people on the ongoing public sector reforms following the backlash the reforms have attracted from sections of the people.

Although the commissioner, declined to give the name of the errant official, and the local government council affected, he hinted that the suspect is an Account Officer in a council in the Central Senatorial Zone.

The Commissioner, who said the suspect was unmasked during staff verification in the LGA, noted that cumulatively the suspected fraudulent officer was illicitly earning hundreds of millions of naira per annum.

“Recently, Governor Seriake Dickson had to order the arrest of an official of a council. He (the official) was collecting salaries of 300 people. Yearly, the officer fraudulently receives hundreds of millions of naira.

“That is in just one LGA and there are many places like that in the state. Some people are employed in civil service to-

day, yet there is no document in their files. Instead, they were employed with affidavit. The same people who do not have any documents and qualifications are collecting salaries of level 14 workers and above.

“At the Bayelsa State Transport Company, you find a situation whereby you have about 180 drivers, but there are only five or six vehicles for them to drive. You can see the level of rot in the system. So, if we must be sincere to ourselves, we must all agree to join hands with the government to clean the mess in the system”, the commissioner said.

He reiterated that the reform had come to stay, insisting that the people of Bayelsa must collectively redeem the state from collapse.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party Restoration Caucus in Yenagoa Local Government Area in the state, Chief Godwin Odinka, commended the Governor for initiating the reforms, saying that successive administrations in the state could not muster the political will to carry out such programs.

Odinka, however, cautioned that in cleaning up the system, care should be taken not to make the reform look as a witch-hunt.

He said, “In cleaning the system, caution must be exercised so that people will not think it is intended as a witchhunt on workers. What we want in this reform is a win-win situation.

“We must commend Governor Dickson for his courage in initiating these reforms in the civil service. Past admin-

istrations in the state could not do it because they lack the political will and courage to do so. We are advocating that the reforms should have human face.”

Cartaker Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr. Oboku Oforji, while canvassing support for the reforms said that it has saved the council over N1 billion naira in wages from from 2016 till date.

Oforji noted that total savings from Council Staff salaries and primary school teachers’ salaries amounted to about N42 million naira monthly.

He said that in 2016, he inherited a monthly wage bill of N96, 485, 765.63 and a staff strength of 1, 387, but that staff verification exercises reduced the wage bill to N84, 786, 422.07 and 1, 125 staff making a monthly saving of N11.79 in local government staff salaries.

He said the council and the state government who jointly fund primary school teachers’ further saved about N30 million monthly as the wage dropped from N100, 564, 809.33 in 2016 to N70, 431, 178.69 in 2018.

He said that the staff verification in the primary schools system which had excess non-teaching staff had pruned down the workforce from 1, 483 staff in 2016 to 968 in 2018.

Oforji who applauded Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa for driving the reform process noted that the reforms has given hope to the local government system and saved it from collapse adding that the savings would be channeled to providing social amenities for the people.

he Akwa Ibom State Police Command has released a list of 59 persons declared wanted over allegations of terrorism and insecurity in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo local government areas.

The wanted persons are said to be ring leaders and sponsors of insecurity in the two council areas and responsible for the incessant violence there.

The declaration from the police is said to be as a result of resurgent crises in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun LGAs in which four church leaders and one official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, were kidnapped for ransom last week in Uruk Ata 2 community.

The assailants were also said to have torched seven houses and killed eight people and abducted two female students of Obong University, Obong Ntak, in Etim Ekpo.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, who confirmed the release of the kidnapped Obong University students said, Monday, in Uyo that apart from the students, “Others have still yet to be freed.”

He noted that the police had launched a manhunt towards freeing other captives from their abductors, adding that collaborative security operations comprising the police, navy, army and other security agencies working together with local communities have been intensified in the past one week to dislodge the criminals and their sponsors from the areas.

“The listed suspects are still within the crises areas. Difficult terrain and equipment have been hindering our operations. Even the Blue River at Azumini that they (the criminals) always use to migrate into Abia, Rivers and other neighbouring states after operations is even too shallow for navy boats,” he said.

Ogunjemilusi explained that many of the troubled areas in the two affected LGAs have been freed with the displaced people returning home, noting that one or two communities in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun, have become the last point of resistance due to difficult terrain.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS I will arrest sponsors of violence, says Gov. Emmanuel INI BILLIE, Uyo

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overnor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has said he will apprehend the sponsors of violence in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas of the state and ruthlessly deal with them.

Speaking, Monday, in Uyo on the security challenges in some parts of the state, Emmanuel said the government is aware of the intensity of criminal activities in the two council areas and is strategically pursuing a course of action to ensure lasting peace in the troubled councils.

The governor said the sponsors of Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo violence have been identified and that the state will soon get rid of them.

He stated that the government has done much in the area of security in the state but that such issues cannot be discussed openly.

He said, “What is happening in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo, we all know that those things are sponsored. We have identified and tracked them; we are on it. Well, whoever is sponsoring them, good luck to that person because one day we will get to the sponsors.”

Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo have witnessed high scales of violence in the past few years ranging from the killings of former Ukanafun LGA chairman and newly sworn-in secretary, Mr. Ime Atakpa on April 16, 2017; the killing of a vice principal of Community Secondary School, Nkek, Mr. Aniekeme Essien during school hours on July 12, 2017 in Ukanafun to the recent abduction of three Obong University female students and the shooting of one of the kidnapped ladies in Etim Ekpo.

Ras Kimono, true music legend - Okowa

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

G

overnor Ifeanyi Okowa, Sunday commiserated with the Nigeria Music Industry, family and friends of reggae music exponent, Ras Kimono, who died on Sunday at the age of 60.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa sent condolences to the Music industry and the Onicha Olona community in Delta State over the loss.

He described the deceased as a true music legend whose songs entertained Nigerians in the 80s.

The statement read, “I received with sadness the news of the passing away of Ras Kimono, a great reggae legend. He will be remembered for his hit song “Rumbar Stylee”.

“I join lovers of reggae music to mourn this great loss. He belonged to an era of great reggae music exponents in Nigeria”.

The Governor noted that Ras Kimono spent all his life promoting good governance through reggae music, good entertainment and healthy community relations.

“As one of the legends of reggae music, the Governor commends the late Ras Kimono for contributing to the development of music in Nigeria, and sustaining his interest in the music industry even in old age by participating in several music concerts”.

Strange deaths hit Abia community

By BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

S

hock and disbelief engulfed ItajaObohia, Olokoro, a suburb of Umuahia, the Abia State capital and the hometown of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, last Sunday following the mysterious deaths of a father and his two sons.

The man simply identified as Mr. Okechukwu Osoagbakwu and his two sons reportedly died mysteriously in the night after his daughter’s traditional marriage.

There are several accounts of the incident, one of which claims that after the low-key event which took place on Saturday, the deceased’s wife and her little son left for their abode at World Bank Housing Estate in Umuahia, probably to arrange for a vehicle to come on Sunday to convey the others members of the family.

Sources said that the newly-wedded woman placed several calls to his father and brothers that fateful Sunday morning but none picked her calls, thus arousing her curiosity.

Leaving her new home, she rushed to her house in Olokoro, where she observed that the doors were still locked. With the help of others, one of the doors was forced open only to see the lifeless bodies of her father and brothers who were suspected to have died after vomiting blood.

Another account said that after Saturday’s event, one of the deceased’s daughters came down to Olokoro to see her father and siblings. On arrival, she called severally and nobody responded. This forced her to open the door and saw her father and siblings dead, with blood gushing out from their mouths.

Reacting to the bizarre incident, a traditional village head from Umuonu-

zo village, a neighbouring village, Chief Chukwuemeka Nwosu, described the incident as sad and unfortunate, adding that the tragedy has thrown the entire community into mourning.

He called on the Nigerian Police to carry out a thorough investigation into the strange deaths. “We are mourning this tragedy. Before this ugly incident, we had four corpses in the mortuary; but this tragedy involved a father and his two sons, who died after the marriage rite of his daughter,” Nwosu lamented.

Also, the Executive Chairman of Umuahia South local government area, Obioma Eze Ogbulafor, described the incident as an unfortunate and prayed God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.

Meanwhile the Chairman Umuahia South Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze Godfrey Onwuka, has expressed shock over the

ugly incident.

Eze Onwuka who is also the Traditional Ruler of Umutowe Autonomous Community, Olokoro, said such incident has never happened in the history of Olokoro.

“It is really a shocker to all of us. We have not seen this type of deaths before. We don’t know yet whether it is generator smoke that killed them or poison. They have been taken away by the Police to hospital. After the hospital’s investigations, we will know the cause of their death. It is really painful,” Eze Onwuka said.

Efforts to speak with members of the family proved abortive, but the newly wedded daughter was very moody, as she was seen raining curses on whosoever might orchestrated the deaths of her father and siblings.

Anglican community endorses Umahi for second tenure

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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• Anglican Community of Abakaliki led by Bishop Monday Nkwoagu at the Ebonyi Government House on courtesy visit to stet Governor, David Umahi in appreciation visit to the governor for his transformational achievement in the state and the Christendom

Jewish worshiper’s case file missing, as 8 others get bail

By BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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fter 26 days in detention, eight of the nine Jewish worshipers arrested while praying at the Afaraukwu Umuahia country home of the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, were granted bail by an Umuahia High Court Monday.

However, one of them was unlucky as court officials reported that his file has gone missing and he was returned to the Prisons, pending when the file would be discovered.

The worshipers, arrested by the police on Sunday, May 13, 2018, were arraigned court the following day on charges of terrorism before a magistrate court which ordered that they be remanded in Afara Prisons, Umuahia.

The nine suspects were charged in batches of six and three to two different High Courts.

While six were charged before High Court 1 presided over by the Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Onuoha Ogwe, the remaining three were arraigned in High Court 3 presided over by Justice O. A Chijioke.

While the Chief Judge granted the six accused persons bail in the sum of N1 million each, Justice O. A Chijioke granted two of the three suspects arraigned before him bail in the sum

of N200,000 each, adding that their suretees must have verifiable residence and should also deposit two copies of their recent photographs with the court.

One of the accused was however not granted bail as his file was alleged to have “ gone missing,” but his counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, vowed to stay behind and fight harder to also secure his bail.

Ejimakor later told newsmen that he was happy that after nearly a month of incarceration, his clients have been freed from prisons.

He thanked the courts for their wisdom in granting the Jewish worshipers bail, although he expressed concern over the “somewhat stringent” bail conditions given by Court 1, unlike that of the Court 3.

The lawyer vowed to initiate ‘fait inquiry’ to know why the file of one of the accused suddenly disappeared.

Ejimakor maintained his ground that the accused Jewish worshipers were not terrorists, contrary to claims by police, stressing that granting his clients bail implied that the courts found merit in his claim, adding that “the prosecution was not able to demonstrate proof of evidence.”

He described the trial as religious persecution against the accused “simply because they are of Judaists that is not among the two dominant

religions in Nigeria.”

He wondered how ordinary civilians praising Yahweh in flowing white gown could be said to be engaging in threatening behaviour capable of frightening the police.

The defence counsel also maintained that the charge preferred against his clients was “defective and vague.” He said he would have to challenge the Abia State anti- terrorism law.

The lawyer lamented that anybody purported to be identifying with IPOB Leader, Kanu, has become a target of security operatives.

He vowed to challenge the action of security agencies against the religious rights of Jewish adherents and other freedom fighters both “nationally and internationally.”

The Oracle Today reports that Chief Magistrate O. U Ugwu had ordered that the Jewish worshipers be remanded in prison custody on May 14, 2018, pending their arraignment in High Court as his court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

However, he had chided the police for deliberately arraigning the accused before a court that lacked the jurisdiction to entertain such a matter just to keep the worshipers in perpetual detention.

he Anglican Church of Nigeria in Ebonyi state has endorsed Chief David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi state for a second tenure in office.

The leadership of the church in the state who was led by the Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese on a thank-you visit to the Governor at government House handed down the endorsement.

Nkwagu lauded Umahi, saying the church is grateful to him for his numerous assistance which he said dated back to the governor’s days as the state’s deputy governor.

“We would support your re-election and pray that God guides, strengthens and secure your second tenure in office to continue the good works.

He noted that the church was proud to identify with the governor and urged him to carry on the good work because they were in support of his second term bid.

“The church’s members have been sensitized to obtain their voters cards as we would continue being your supporters while praying that God who brought you into power in Ebonyi would give you grace and victory.

The Bishop noted that the church was looking forward to the governor’s inauguration for a second tenure on May 29, 2019, praying that he finishes strongly and accomplish the divine mandate from God. “Your numerous assistance to the church includes: completion and dedication of the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Abakaliki and the asphalting of the road leading to it.

“The entire state has also received massive infrastructural boost by the governor through the construction of roads, street lights, bridges among others.

The governor Umahi in his response, thanked the Bishop and the entire leadership of the church for the visit, noting that humility distinguishes real men of God and that Bishop Nkwagu was an epitome of humility.

“My government would never forget you in a hurry as you supported us to emerge, taking us round your churches even in Ezzamgbo.

He hailed the bishop for the mature way he handled the Ephraim Onoye’s saga despite the negative reactions which trailed it.

“Men of God should be involved in things that concern the world as that was the only way to change those in the world, teach them humility and effect the desired change”.

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

POLITICS A sign of what was to transpire on the day of the ward congress came on Friday, March 4, the eve of the exercise. As early as 6.am that day, supporters of Senator Abe from different local government areas staged a protest against the alleged hijacking of electoral materials by the minister of transportation. They were reportedly angered that members of the APC in the State, who were endorsed by the State Executive Committee (SEC), were denied nomination forms, even after they had paid and obtained their tellers from the bank. So, why did the SEC refuse to sell nominations forms to some interested aspirants after they had paid the nomination fees into the party’s bank account?

As at Friday, March 4, a day to the elective congress, no known supporter of Senator Abe had obtained a nomination form from the SEC. No member of the SEC was at the headquarters of the Rivers State APC secretariat, along Forces Avenue, in GRA, Phase 1. As tempers rose, some of the protester broke into the premises of the secretariat and vandalised the APC office. The APC secretariat is opposite a division of the Rivers State Police Criminal Investigation Department. Security operatives, including personnel of the Mobile Police Force, Federal Anti-Robbery Squad and the Department of State Security (DSS), were later drafted to restore order at the APC secretariat. Elder Chidi Wihioka, who represents Emohua/Ikwerre Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was driving towards the APC office when he was informed that the peaceful protest had become violent. In the melee, he was arrested by security agents along Forces Avenue but released four hours after his arrest.

All through the pandemonium at the APC secretariat along Forces Avenue, no member of the SEC was at his duty post.

State Chairman, Chief Davis Ibiamu-Ikanya and the Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, were comfortably sequestered at an Intel’s company facility along the Eastern Bypass, hedged between the Ogunbali area and GRA Phase 1 axis of Port Harcourt, the capital city. Deputy Chairman of the party, Chief Peter Odike, who arrived at Forces Avenue while the protest was going on, accused the minister of transportation of hijacking the electoral materials and taking them to the Intel’s camp from where he coordinated the process leading to the ward congress.

Amaechi set the tone of what was to become of the Rivers APC ward congress upon his arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport, on Thursday, May 3. He quipped in an interview with journalists who were specifically programmed to interview him upon his arrival at the VIP Lounge. “Why would anyone say that my decision not to support anybody’s governorship ambition would mean that there is crisis in the part? I have only one vote, so how will my one vote in any way stop anyone from becoming a governor?” he asked rhetorically.

As the peaceful protest earlier contemplated by Senator Abe’s supporters boiled over at the seams at the APC Secretariat, which was widely reported by the media and captured, posted and disseminated on social media, Amaechi, through the efforts of Finebone, spoke to a select group of journalists from the radio, television and the print media, who had equally been sequestered at the Intel’s facility at 8.pm, Friday, May 4. The minister of transportation told them the ward congress would not be an elective process but an option A4 procedure. “Voters will queue behind their preferred candidate and will be counted accordingly,” he had reportedly said. Amaechi did not say a word

Nzekwe: Late passage, poor Gov. Ugwuanyi a great implementation of budgets leader always close to the bane of Nigeria’s economy people, says Dogara Pg 12 Pg 10

9

For APC in Rivers, progress may be well-nigh impossible!

•Amaechi, Abe’s political skirmish scuttles ward congress The personality clash between Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, who represents Rivers South East in the 8th Senate, has begun to take its toll on the fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers State. This worrisome development came to the fore when the Saturday, May 5, elective ward congress in the State became so controversial that it ended up all but a botched exercise, reports NATH OMAME, Jr. Port Harcourt.

•Rotimi Ameachi

about the whereabouts of the officials who were delegated by the APC national secretariat, in Abuja to conduct the Rivers State ward congress.

However, on Friday, May 4, Finebone responded to the protest by Abe’s supporters over non-availability of nomination forms, electoral materials and the absence of those sent to conduct the ward congress through journalists sequestered at the Intel’s facility that the APC officials from Abuja had missed their flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt. He informed them that the sale of nomination forms would commence as soon as the officials delegated to conduct the election by the national secretariat arrived in Port Harcourt. Up till Saturday, May 5, when the ward congress was scheduled to hold, Finebone did not say anything about nomination forms; electoral materials and the whereabouts

•Senator Magnus Abe of party officials from the APC headquarters in Abuja.

As bands of protests by Senator Abe’s supporters sprang up in different local governments in the state, on Saturday, May 5, over the alleged hoarding of nomination forms, the SEC of the party issued a statement which was broadcast on FM radio stations in the state, informing aspirants who had earlier paid for the nomination forms through the bank to go to their respective wards to pick their nomination forms. The statement did not specify from whom they would collect the nomination forms; that will collect the forms after they have been filled and endorsed, such that they will be adjudged to have met the conditions stipulated by the party. What this sudden statement means is that the goal post or, criteria for participating in the ward congress had been summarily

shifted and suddenly altered.

Up to 9.am, on Saturday, May 5, when the ward congress was scheduled to hold, the APC ward congress committee from Abuja did not address aspirants vying for elective position in their various wards.

No member of the APC ward congress committee was seen at any of the 319 wards in Rivers State. Elder Wihioka, a leader of the APC in Emohua and a federal legislator who was arrested by the Police, on Friday, May 4, and released after four hours charged: “President Mohammadu Buhari voted at Daura, his hometown, in Kastina State. Amaechi a former governor of Rivers State did not go to his hometown to vote...” If he was convinced he is doing the right thing, why was he not confident enough to go and vote in Ubima,

Cont’d on page 14

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

INTERVIEW What is your view on the delayed passage and presidential ascent to the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N9.12 trillion?

It is no cheering news that the 2019 budget of N9.12 trillion is yet to be signed into law by the President. The budget ought to have been passed by the National Assembly (NASS) and signed into law by the President since late December 2017 so that it would start running effective January 2018. In other words, the implementation of the budget ought to have commenced but it is coming too late, almost half of the year. It is not a good development; both the Executive and Legislature are playing some game because NASS had earlier indicated that the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MIDAs) were not coming forward to defend their respective budget proposals.

Even when they responded, their response was very poor. I remember that President Muhammadu Buhari had in the process instructed the various MIDAs to go to NASS and defend their budget. The negative effect is that by the time the Appropriation Bill is finally signed into law, it will be too late to fully implement it. The same thing happened last year when the Executive and Legislature argued that they would end the budget in May 2017. Perhaps, they want to repeat the same thing this year, hence they have stated that 2017 budget will also end in May 2018. There must be budget discipline, the Executive and Legislature must have time frame for budget preparation, defense, passage and signing into law by the President. Both arms of government must work hard together to achieve their objective in this direction.

Who should really be blamed for the perennial delay in the passage of budget and its poor implementation?

The blame is for both the Executive and Legislature. Although the President sent the Appropriation Bill to the NASS in December 2017, the timing was not too good. The truth is that NASS wouldn’t have been able to finish work on it if it wants to do due diligence on it. Judging from past experience, the budget ought to have been presented to the Legislature latest first week in October 2017 or precisely three months to the end of the year.

Secondly, the MIDAs need to be alive to their responsibilities since they know that their budget proposals must be defended properly.

The Senate failed to act regarding the obvious apathy on the side of the MIDAs in defending their respective budgets before the lawmakers. The rule is that if you fail to defend your budget before the legislature nothing is given to you when it is finally passed and signed into law. For example, the American government prepares zero-based budgeting yearly. In other words, if you can’t come and prove why you should have a budget nothing goes to you.

The Legislature will prepare a supplementary budget whenever they come to the Senate and defend their budget and thereafter present same to the Executive for endorsement.

Therefore, NASS should be very firm in its decision regarding refusal or failure by the MIDAs to defend their annual budgets before the Legislature. Complaining to the Presidency without action wouldn’t solve any problem.

Do you think the 2018 budget can be fully implemented considering its late passage and ascent by the Presidency?

It is not possible for the government to fully implement this year’s budget. If it is going to run for only six months, it is not possible, unless it is allowed to elapse in May 2019; it will be a very bad development because you can’t run two separate budgets concurrently. How do we know the one that is performing and the one that has failed? For instance, we can’t access the performance of 2017 budget in terms of provision of infrastructure. The only thing we know about the budget is the recurrent expenditure i.e the workers are collecting their salary and other expenditure. However, infrastructure development sometime lasts more than one year. According to the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, a total of N1.3 trillion has been spent on provision of critical infrastructures. Off the 55 projects listed for execution in the 2017 budget, only 15 projects have so far been completed and commissioned.

Contrary to the Finance Minister’s Claim, the projects so far commissioned are yet to impact positively on the people. What is responsible for the development?

I blame the development on lack of budget discipline on the part of government. The trajectory the budget is going is different from

•Nzekwe:

Nzekwe: Late passage, poor implementation of budgets bane of Nigeria’s economy •Calls on FG to provide critical infrastructure to drive SMEs and tackle insecurity, widening societal inequality gap • Says EMEFIELE has taken positive steps towards nation’s economic revival.

Obviously, the economic policies of the federal government are yet to impact positively on the people. The situation is worsened by incessant killings of innocent Nigerians by herdsmen, a development that threatening food security. Dr. Sam Nzekwe, former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), in this interview with LEO ALIGWO, harps on the need for government to urgently address the problem of insecurity, poor budget implementation and provision of critical infrastructure to drive the economy. He also discusses other issues of national importance. Excerpts: the Medium and Short Term Expenditure Frame work (MTEF). They are working in different directions. The budget is not running one year within the budget period. It is running six months in this period and six months in the other period, and within six months another budget is passed. Which one are we considering?

What is your reaction to allegation of padding in the 2018 budget?

I don’t know whether there is budget padding because I’m not involved in budget preparation. I don’t work for the Executive or Legislature. In developed economy, it is easy for an average person to determine the cost of any road project. The people are very open, but in Nigeria, it is difficult to do that. It is clear that the budget was upgraded to N9.12 trillion from N8.6 trillion, representing a difference of N559 billion, I won’t call it padding because oil price has risen to $80.00 per barrel from $50.00 per barrel at the international market. Indeed, the NASS raised the price of crude oil to $51.00 from $45.00 per barrel to reflect the current trend in the market. I don’t call it budget pad-

ding. What I understand as budget padding is for example, if an item originally cost N200.00 and you inflate it in the budget to the tone of N500.00. How do you prove it? In the international clime, anything you put in the budget, they know the price. This is contrary to what obtains in Nigeria where cost of road construction is inflated by contractors in active connivance with top government officials. I don’t have problem with government annual budgets provided they are properly implemented, and not for the contractors to embezzle money and execute poor job. However, if a budget is well run in clear terms, there will not be any problem. We have problem with our annual budgets because of evil imagination of the implementers. It is worse in a situation where the money budgeted for a project either goes into the pocket of the contractors or they execute poor jobs.

Do you think the Executive and Legislature have the interest of the masses at heart while preparing budget and signing same into law?

This is a very difficult question. If you ask the Executive and Legislature this question, they

will answer in the affirmative. The experts have continued to argue that things are too hard, people are suffering, the rate of unemployment is still high, inflation has not abated coupled with poor purchasing power of the masses and widening gap of inequalities. We also have problem in the health sector hence, medical tourism is booming with more Nigerians travelling to India and other western nations to seek medical attention. It is regrettable that most highly placed citizens usually travel abroad to seek medical attention over minor ailment. Is there any reason we can’t equip our hospitals with modern state of the art facilities? The government should pay more attention to the provision of critical infrastructure in the sector to save lives and hard currency being wasted on medical tourism abroad. When you turn on your television set, what you hear are news of sick Nigerians soliciting financial assistance to enable them obtain medical treatment a broad for ailment they could treat at home. The ugly development suggests that there is complete disconnect between the political class and the masses. They don’t know what the people are going through. Most Nigerians are finding it

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

INTERVIEW

•CBN Gov., Godwin emefiele increasingly difficult to have one square meal a day. This, no doubt, calls for a change of attitude on the part of the politicians.

In fact, the communication gap between the people and government is too wide. We don’t know the direction things are going now.

We need people to talk to us and indicate the target and objective of the government in the direction it is heading to. The politicians are swimming in affluence, living in a different world in contrast to the poverty-stricken masses that voted them into office. We heard that each senator collects N13 million monthly in a country where the people are impoverished and many are out of job. This is why politics has become attractive to a lot of people in recent times.

Would you consider the N575 billion allocated to defense and security in the budget as realistic considering the increasing cases of Fulani herdsmen attack on farmers and Boko Haram insurgence in the country?

The size of our national budget is very small.

We require substantial sum for optimal provision of infrastructure while a total of N2.8tr is allocated to capital projects alone. A look at the annual budget of some western nations shows that our allocation to infrastructure and capital projects is like a pitch of Sault thrown into the ocean. The IMF has repeatedly said that Nigeria is not among the poor countries, but her inability to generate enough revenue to sustain her economy and take care of the citizenry has made her poor. In other words, the size of our budget could have been bigger than this if we were able to generate enough revenue. The 2018 Appropriation Bill is pegged at N9.12 trillion, when we are supposed to be talking of an annual budget of about N20 trillion or above to make meaningful impact under the prevailing global economic crunch. The money allocated to all the sectors including defense in the budget is too small.

Why do you view the overall sectoral allocations as being too small?

My argument is based on the fact that our population has increased over the years compared to the period the size of Nigeria’s annual budget was small. Under the current dispensation, Nigeria’s population is projected at more than 200million people in contrast to the last census that put the nation’s population at about 160 million people. It is not an easy task to take care of Nigeria’s teaming population. The decay in the medical session will consume a substantial percentage of the budget if we are sincere. If you compare the size of our population to the amount budgeted you will see that it is not as big as it appears. Also, don’t forget the amount that will be stolen by unpatriotic Nigerians is among the major bane

the society because people can’t put food on the table. We see these problems daily. There are other critical factors they have not dealt with. So far, the 2017 budget has performed poorly. It is very difficult to measure the impact of the budget on the citizenry. The 2018 budget has not been signed into law and when it is finally endorsed by the Executive, then, it starts running into the 2019 fiscal year. That is the confusion we are talking about. Unfortunately, if you demand to know what we have achieved with the 2017 budget up till the end of that year, they will tell you that budget is still running.

•Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun of budget planning and implementation. There are certain things the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing should do on its own rather than contracting the services of foreign contractors at scarce foreign exchange rate.

We should borrow a leaf from the western nations by engaging local contractors in road constructions and other jobs to save funds and curb corruption at high places. Again, most of the raw materials used for the projects are imported at the official exchange rate of N305.00 and autonomous rate of N365.00. Sadly, the dearth of Ajeokuta Steel Rolling Company has further compounded the problem of sourcing of raw materials for road construction and other building projects abroad. This is the reason government has to diversify the economy so we can earn more money from agriculture, for instance. No Country can survive on importation. If the price of oil nosedives in the international market, it will hit the country hard, forcing it to go into another recession. The grace we are enjoying now is due to the crises in Iran. A look at the available statistics from the National Board for Statistics (NBS) shows that the economy contracted by 1.95 per cent in the first quarter, representing two per cent. At the end of 2017, the economy recorded a growth of 2.11 per cent. The experts have warned that the development is a signal to another economic recession amid IMF saying, Nigeria is not able to pay her debt.

What is the impact of the decline in economic growth on the common man?

In Nigeria, government is the biggest spender, but in other climes, it is the private sector.

That is where they generate revenue. Don’t forget that everybody is waiting for the budget to be accented to by the President. Also, the contractors and other business groups are being owed by the government. Indeed, the late passage of the budget and delayed Presidential accent to same has compounded the problem. For example, production of goods and services has dropped and volume of money in circulation has gone down hence, the peoples’ purchasing power is poor. If the budget is finally released after Presidential accent, and money released, there will be some palliative.

Another worrisome issue is that a whopping N2.5 trillion is spent on debt servicing. Of this amount, foreign debt alone gulps N254 billion.

Obviously, the amount spent on debt servicing is too high compared to our level of income generation. A total of N190 billion is used for servicing of matured debts, just as IMF has indicated that almost one quarter of our revenue is used for debt servicing. Therefore, how much is left for the running of the economy. IMF is worried that Nigeria is borrowing too much and doubts whether she will be able to redeem her accumulated debt unless revenue genera-

tion is stepped up. This is why the government introduced the new tax law to arrest invaders.

Our revenue generation can’t match the expenditure. That is why we are saying that government should work hard to provide critical infrastructure that will enable the productive sector to thrive. There is no way the productive sector can thrive under the prevailing economic climate. For instance, the agric sector can’t thrive because there is dearth of storage facilities coupled with insecurity that is hindering food production.

We may have problem with food security if the crisis in the agric sector is not timely checked. The farmers are running away from their homes to the Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs) because of incessant herdsmen attack.

Everybody is running away for safety. This means there will be more importation of products. In a situation where we can’t provide rice, a stable food in Nigeria because of insecurity, then government should be able to open a corridor where we will have rice and other food items to survive. The amount voted for security in this year’s budget is germane. We need to get the security architecture right so that farmers and members of the public can go about their normal business without fear. We are sitting on a time bomb; anything can happen if urgent measures are not initiated to address the prevailing insecurity in the country.

The federal government has christened the 2018 Appropriation Bill ‘Budget of Consolidation’. Do you think concrete achievement has been recorded in the 2017 budget to justify government’s position?

I don’t know the budget of consolidation they are talking about. We are saying that we don’t know the extent the 2017 budget has been implemented. Before you talk of consolidation, you need to show the people what you have done with the previous budget or its performance. The problem is that last year’s budget is still running half-year in 2018. The truth is that our budget is supposed to start running effective January 1, every year in order to show transparency. So the funds that were not appropriated should be returned and build into the new budget as part of expenditure for the presiding year. All unspent fund must come back to the government purse. From the look of things, there is no transparency in the way budget is being run.

Are you saying there is no feasible achievement for the government to consolidate on?

There is feasible achievement, there are a lot of jobs going on, but what we are saying is that we have not seen the impact of the budget on the people. The government is working but their effort has not been felt in the areas of job creation, reduction of poverty and hunger in

Are you satisfied with the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in Nigeria’s economic recovery effort?

I think Emefiele has done well. Managing the nation’s economy is not a small thing. What he did in the export and import window is what is easing the pressure on the naira. Also, the local currency swoop agreement between Nigeria and China is another good deal, but they have to be careful to avoid Nigeria being turned into a dumping ground for Chinese products at the expense of our local industries.

Generally, Emefiele has taken some positive steps towards reviving the economy. The perennial problem of low exchange rate for the naira against the US dollar and other foreign currencies has persisted because Nigeria is a consumer nation. A larger percentage of the products we consume in this country are imported. Our local production is very poor because the successive regimes have not done enough to address the problem of the power sector, and revive the refineries for optimal production, among other issues. Why, for instance, should you blame the CBN Governor for importation of rice and other banned items when our borders are porous?

Despite the progress made by CBN, the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) don’t seem to have performed well, especially in the area of granting loans to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). What is your take on this?

Yes, the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have not performed well. For example, they have not been able to grant loans to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as expected. If you approach any of these entrepreneurs, they will tell you that government is making much noise because the conditions for release of loan made it difficult to secure it. On the other hand, the high collateral being demanded from the prospective entrepreneurs seeking loans is because most of them have no databases to back up their request. In case of default in repayment of the loans, it is very difficult to trace them and it will result into a case of toxic loan.

The DMBs are not practicing financial intermediation. The management of the DMBs is using their female staff to canvass for deposits from members of the public, especially the wealthy people. The World Bank had earlier pointed out that Nigerian Banks are making profit but not from lending. This means that they are dealing in treasury bills including other things. This is worrisome. The CBN should be able to give the DMBs some level of interest not only on their Cash Reserve Ratio in its coffers but also on current accounts.

Do you support the call for Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to wind up?

Why should the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) wind up when it has not finished its assignment? The government should extend AMCON’s tenure by one or two years to enable it conclude its assignment and finally wind up. Secondly, the government should ensure that AMCON is working in accordance with the guidelines that established it in 2010. I’m not sure that AMCON has been able to discharge its duties creditably. Sadly enough, the toxic loans are still growing. A look at the banks’ balance sheet shows that what AMCON has done is not sufficient regarding removal of toxic loans.

What is the way forward for Nigeria under the prevailing socio/economic dispensation?

The way forward for us is to get leaders who have the interest of the masses at heart and fear of God. Part of the problems we are grappling with is that our leaders don’t have fear of God. We need leaders who can take public-oriented decision. People would not be clamouring for restructuring if our leaders were doing the right thing with fear of God, resolve the problem of inequalities in income distribution in the society.

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

POLITICS

Gov. Ugwuanyi a great leader always close to the people, says Dogara The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has extolled the leadership virtues of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, describing him as “an established leader” who is being celebrated widely because of his closeness to the people and effective delivery of dividends of democracy in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.

Speaker Dogara, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), added that Gov. Ugwuanyi is “a very nice man to a fault”, who “wants to please everybody”, saying that he has “done exceptionally well” in office that members of the National Assembly in particular and the people of Enugu State “are exceedingly proud of what you have achieved”.

The speaker, who spoke during the grand reception for Gov. Ugwuanyi by members of the Enugu State National Assembly Caucus, said he was delighted at the governor’s popularity and humility “when I went to Enugu and I saw market women, I saw so many indigenes of that state coming to the Government House, dancing and singing.”

He disclosed that the people he saw were not rented crowds but those who were speaking from the bottom of their hearts, applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for “investing in people”.

Said Dogara: “Gov. Ugwuanyi is such a person that you will never meet in mansions when you go to Enugu. You will meet him among his people and that is where his heart is. And that is where the heart of a leader should be.”

Speaking on Gov. Ugwuanyi’s unprecedented achievements in spite of the state’s lean resources, Speaker Dogara while recalling the governor’s firm belief in the miracle of “five loaves and two fish” stated that “our brother (Ugwuanyi) who is a true leader is performing beyond expectation with the very little resources that he has.”

“Your Excellency, now that you have done exceptionally well, all the Enugu people are happy and they have decided to endorse you for a second term.

When the people of Enugu State say that we are celebrating you, we are appreciating you; it means they are applying for more. So I wish you well. I know that you will continue to distinguish yourself creditably and define leadership in Enugu State,” the Speaker added.

In his remark, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Bala Na’allah, who represented the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, also eulogized Gov. Ugwuanyi for his outstanding leadership qualities, saying that he “is one of the most decent and honest persons I have worked closely with”.

He said: “I was with him in the Committee on Marine Transport and then he was with me when I chaired the Committee on Judiciary in the House of Representatives and then we developed a concept on how to deliveron our responsibilities transparently and efficiently.

“So I am not surprised when I hear the positive comments being show-

•Gov. Ugwuanyi

•Dogara

when I went to Enugu and I saw market women, I saw so many indigenes of that state coming to the Government House, dancing and singing.” He disclosed that the people he saw were not rented crowds but those who were speaking from the bottom of their hearts, applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for “investing in people.

“

ered on him in his duty as Governor of Enugu State. It is very rare and lucky to have someone like Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi superintending over the affairs of men more especially in this present day Nigeria.

“So, it is not for nothing that God gave you Ugwuanyi. Your responsibility is to ensure that you continue to sustain the 100 percent support that you have been giving him,” Senator Na’allah noted.

At the event, the Enugu NASS Caucus unanimously endorsed Gov. Ugwuanyi for a second term in office for his effective leadership and entrenchment of peace and good governance in the state.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu on behalf of all the federal lawmakers from Enugu State, said the endorsement was predicated on the governor’s development

strides and his leadership style characterized by justice, equity, and peace.

He said: “Governor Ugwuanyi has connected with the people of Enugu State in a very peculiar way. Today, communities have their Liaison Officers, and they execute projects. Everybody is part and parcel of government.

“Since 1999, we usually had crisis, troubles, and major misunderstandings any year preceding general elections.

At times, we wondered if we would survive it. It happened in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, and it happened in 2014.

But today, we are in 2018, and Enugu has been adjudged the most peaceful state.

“If you look around here, there are people from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu, and those from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That is how we live in Enugu State. There is no discrimination, no

division.

We have 17 Local Government Areas in Enugu State. None of them is complaining of marginalization.

“There is also freedom in Enugu State. Governor Ugwuanyi does not take offence when people have cause to criticize him. He learns from the criticisms and he dialogues a lot. The judiciary is free and independent, working without fear or favour. That is what democracy is all about.

“Therefore, I have the mandate of the members of the Enugu State caucus at the National Assembly, and I also believe all our people who live in Abuja, to say that on account of the peace you have brought and all the work you have done for the last three years, we have no hesitation whatsoever in endorsing you for one more term in 2019”.

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi, who appreciated the Enugu caucus of the National Assembly for their show of love and support, noted that the prevailing peace and cooperation between the federal lawmakers and his administration have resulted in numerous constituency projects and Federal Government interventions in the State.

He assured that the years of dichotomy now belongs to the past.

“We have become one people united by the determination to develop our State and we will continue to remain one family. With your support and prayers, I will continue to lead an Enugu State where peace, justice, and equitable development remain the watchword. We will continue to work together to build that same united, prosperous, and great Enugu State envisioned by our fathers,” he added.

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

INTERVIEW Nigeria is marking its 19th democratic anniversary; what’s your impression of the state of our renascent democracy?

It is very difficult to measure the success of our democracy but as long as we are going through elections and people are getting elected, you can see that democracy is making some headway. In terms of what people tend to call dividends of democracy, I will say that I’m not particularly happy with the level of democracy dividends.

Some of it is due to the structure of governance. It is such that it is very wasteful, unlike during the military government where you have a few decision makers and a lot of money is saved. In the democratic administration that we have, a lot of money that should be channelled into capital projects is being used for recurrent expenditure thereby delaying the infrastructural development of the country. But as long as it ensures the rule of law and peace, then I will say yes.

In what way do you think waste can be minimised and governance at all levels made efficient?

The problem of waste is a constitutional issue. Unless we amend the constitution to give more powers to the president, governors or to all the executives to act promptly on governance issues, then it is going to drag on like this. So, we need to amend the constitution and I know that amending the constitution is a herculean task because of the various interests that we have in the country but I believe that it can be done. Give more powers to various executives at various levels particularly local governments. When we were in government during the Babangida administration, we created local governments to be an autonomous level of governance that would have brought development down to the grassroots. Unfortunately, the governors have hijacked everything about them, hijacked their money so there is nothing much happening there. The local government headquarters where we are today was built by local governments, it was not built by state governments. The Ogoja local government, for instance, was built by the Ogoja County Council. So, if we can amend the constitution to ensure that the local governments have their autonomy and get on with it, then we will find out that there will be quality representation in the local governments. Now, nobody knows who are councillors--they do not even meet. So, that is the issue and amending the constitution is key.

Some skeptics believe that Nigeria is a federation and it is only States that are federating units and not local governments?

That is the reason and that is why we are advocating that we amend the constitution. When the constitution is amended particularly the 1979 constitution, that created definite autonomy for local governments and that is what we are advocating that we go back to. The governors are being selfish because they are taking the money of local governments and appropriating it along with the states. People in America whom we are trying to emulate, they have mayors who do a lot of work in the cities. Those mayors who are controlling various cities in America can do the job. So, for us to say that it is not a relevant level of administration is wrong, because it is closer to the people.

The challenge posed by herdsmen is escalating by the day; what’s your take on this and how can it be appropriately addressed, particularly in local communities?

Well you know, it starts now like herdsmen. I do not personally believe that all the killings and so on are by herdsmen.

Some of them you can attribute to intercommunal crisis, ethnic crisis being choked under the banner of herdsmen. But having said that, yes there is definitely a threat because the population has increased. The area available for grazing has been reduced so there are bound to be conflicts. Now, if the federal government and in fact all the governors do not pay attention to it, it will degenerate from being a herdsmen thing

Nigeria is not ripe for state police – General Asi Ukpo As the issue of security rages in the country, former Military Administrator of Rivers State and Minister of Information, General Asi Ukpo says the solution does not lie in State Police, stressing the need to halt such calls for now so some other more pertinent issues affecting the country today may be tackled.

He spoke with ANIEKAN ANIEKAN in Calabar. Excerpts:

• General Asi Ukpo to an ethnic and religious crisis and at that point in time, it becomes very dangerous.

So, there is a need for government and the security agencies to really police the issue of herdsmen and their cattle in the areas that they graze and so on. In my own town of Okpoma, I had a meeting with them (herdsmen) because the town people said they must leave so I had a meeting with both the town’s people and the herdsmen.

I said look, I cannot ask you people (the herdsmen) to leave. Number one, some of them have been there for over 40 years.

Some of them were born here; in fact, their fathers who brought them are dead and gone. They are part and parcel of our community. All we need to do is to make sure that we relocate them to the city areas where they can take their cattle to graze so that they do not destroy people’s farms and so on and it has worked so far. And we warned them that no additional migrating elements will come and join them because once they do that, the number of cattle will increase and the issue of destroying farms will also arise and so on. So in little communities, it can be contained.

There is a clarion call for the decentralization of the Nigerian Police and the creation of state police to help address the rising security challenges across the country, do you subscribe to this?

You know there was a time, during the administration of Babangida, that this issue of state police came up and we said let us give it a try. The first step that we took was to redeploy all senior officers to their state of origin as the first step, to see whether it will work. It did not work, unfortunately.

So, our level of maturity in terms of govern-

ance has not reached the point that we can be so dispassionate as to have control over an armed service, it will be abused. So, if we must have state police, we should start with unarmed state police and then gradually move into arming them. But, to have an armed state police, there will definitely be crashes, there will definitely be abused.

You can even see what is happening with our people where people are getting MOPOL to escort them. So you can imagine if that apparatus is under the control of a state governor or local government chairman, it will be abused. So I personally do not subscribe to it now in the form people are asking. We can start gradually by having an unarmed police that will be in charge of petty crimes and patrols in the villages and so on and then gradually when we see that people are getting more responsible then we can get on from there.

The proliferation of arms in the country is getting out of hand, would you say the commander in chief and the authorities concerned are not fully in charge?

I would not know because I am not in government and do not have detailed information. Even the land borders are now very porous. The question is what the people want arms for. This is the point I am making because we have people who feel so insecure that they want to have personal security and they are bringing in some of these arms. There are people who are even dressing up like policemen when they are not and then carry arms to feel secure. So, if there is general security in the country, all these things will not happen.

Before this proliferation of arms, the fed-

eral government and the states outlawed possession of firearms but these days, even the Fulani herdsmen go about with arms as if it is the norm?

You see, it’s illegal and a question of their being arrested. For me, even as a retired general, to be able to carry a pistol, I have to get the president’s approval. I got the president’s approval for a license for my pistol. When I retired, I gave it back to the armoury. That is how it still is. It is a matter of we upholding the law? That is the issue.

You are an advocate of rotation in governance at all levels in the country, particularly at the state level, why do you choose to champion this in a diverse and complex society like ours?

This is not the first time I have been at it.

For long, even when I was in the military, I have always championed the idea of rotation for peace because of the fact that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society with a lot of minorities. So, the only way minorities will get a chance is only when we have a rotation like we have federal character. So, I have always championed this.

We’ve always used that to have appointment from all areas.

Some people may feel slighted and others may feel it is undemocratic. Don’t you think rotation will exclude certain people?

That is the whole idea. We are not excluding anybody. The idea is that it is zoned. At the federal level, for instance, it moves from North to South. From the south, it moves to several zones and states. Within the states, it moves across senatorial zones and local government areas. So, everybody will know that he has a chance. That is the main thing.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

POLITICS

For APC in Rivers, progress may be well-nigh impossible!

Cont’d from page 9 his hometown?”

Senator Abe travelled to Bera, his hometown, in Gokana Local Government Area, at about 7.30am, on Saturday, May 5.

Elder Wihioka; Chief Allweell Onyesoh; Marcus Eleti; Dr. Ipalibo Harry; Chioma Golden, a former lawmaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and many other frontline supporters of Senator Abe who had served in the Rivers State government travelled to their hometowns to vote, but could not because electoral officers did not show up at the designated polling centres. While Amaechi’s supporters claim that the ward congress held in all 319 wards in the 23 local government areas in the state, Abe’s supporters insist that there was no APC ward congress in the state.

Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Security Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who lost to Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2015 gubernatorial election, and who is in pole position in Amaechi’s calculation to represent the APC in the 2019 governorship election in furtherance of his desire to disrupt Abe’s governorship ambition hailed the ward congress. “The ward congress held peacefully in all the 319 wards in Rivers State. I can tell you there was no court injunction retraining the APC in Rivers State from conducting the ward congress. They were jubilating over a motion on notice. But as far we know, there was no court order to that effect.”

Senator Abe who was visibly displeased about the turn of events issued a statement at about 5pm, on Saturday, May 5. “There was no ward congress in 319 wards in the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. The leadership of the party in the state went against the guidelines of the ward congress by refusing to allow party members to participate in the exercise. We had a South South caucus meeting, where it was agreed that every leader should call all leaders of the party to an inclusive meeting between Thursday and Friday where all issues including how to guarantee fairness and transparency in the exercise will be discussed and agreed upon.”

The political crisis that has divided the Rivers APC down the middle has crawled its way to the national executive committee of the APC, at Abuja, with the embattled Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, clearly taking sides with Amaechi and the Abe camp also giving their support to the former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, widely expected to take over from Odigie-Oyegun, following President Buhari’s endorsement of Oshiomhole’s candidacy. On April 23, the APC South South zonal caucus adopted Oshiomole as its consensus candidate for the national chairmanship of the APC. The position has been zoned to the South South by the national leadership of the APC, after which stakeholders in the South South have in turn micro-zoned the position to Edo State, ostensibly to pave way for Oshiomhole’s emergence. The current national chairman of the APC, Odigie-Oyegun, is also from Edo State.

Four state chairmen out of the six states in the South South zone that attended the stakeholders meeting walked out of the venue and dissociated themselves from the endorsement of Oshiomhole.

Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, Chief Ibiamu-Ikanya; Bayelsa State APC Chairman, Deacon Joseph Fafi; Cross Rivers State APC Chairman, Etim John; Akwa Ibom State APC Chairman, Dr. Amadu At-

•Rotimi Ameachi

tai, and the Deputy National Secretary, Victor Giadom. They claimed that they had stormed out of the meeting to protest plan by Governor Goswin Obaseki of Edo State and the National Vice Chairman of the APC, South South, Hilliard Eta, to bar Odigie-Oyegun from contesting for a second term, thereby, favouring Oshiomhole’s candidature.

Ibiamu-Ikanya, Amaechi’s loyalist stated after the walkout: “We were here for a meeting only to be ambushed by the national vice chairman of the party to adopt a preconceived candidate.” Amaechi, who is supporting Oyegun, did not attend the meeting. Odigie-Oyegun also did not attend the meeting. Odigie-Oyegun had described the adoption of Oshiomhole as “childish” when asked by journalists to react to the outcome of the South South zonal meeting in Benin. But Odogie-Oyegun’s quest for the plum position has since cooled off after President Buhari sent some APC to inform the former governor of Edo State of his preference for Oshiomhole. Senator Abe who attended the meeting as a member of the South South caucus, voted in support of the motion “urging Oshiomhole to put himself forward for the position of the APC national chairmanship, considering the fact that the zoning formula earlier put in place be sustained, which makes him eminently qualified.”

Amaechi is against Oshiomole’s candidature for the national chairmanship position because he knows that the former governor of Edo State is averse to the way he has emasculated the Rivers State APC. After the August 8, 2017, ward congress, which also ended in a fiasco because the minister of transportation was alleged to have locked the electoral materials in his garage at his residence in Abuja, the APC Appeal Committee which visited the state to listen to the petitions and protest that accompanied the ward congress had submitted a report that disapproved of the

•Senator Magnus Abe

method deployed by Amaechi in sidelining Abe and his supporters during the exercise. Oshiomhole was also said to have given a negative report against Amaechi on the crisis that has embroiled the Rivers State chapter of the APC after President Buhari had asked him for an independent assessment of the crisis in Rivers APC. Many of the APC governors who are against Oshiomhole’s chairmanship candidacy are doing so because they fear that the former president of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, would not be as malleable as Odigie-Oyegun. For some sitting governors of the APC who have emasculated their state executive committees, they fear that Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the APC may scuttle their plans to secure a second term during the governorship primary in their respective states. In this wise, the battle for the soul of the APC in Rivers State, just like many other APC-controlled states is far from over. For now, the leadership of the APC is yet to set a date for the national convention of the party, due largely, to the high-wire politics of entrenched interest nurtured by the APC governors and other stakeholders in the party.

Considering the chummy relationship between Oyegun and Amaechi, it is convenient to assume that the current chairman of the APC may turn a blind eye and ignore the protest by Abe and his supporters that no free, fair and credible ward congress held in Rivers State, on Saturday, May 5. But what if protests emanating from the ward congress in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, are left to linger up to when a new national chairman and national executive committee is elected to replace the outgoing national executive committee led by Odigie-Oyegun? Would a national executive committee led by Oshiomhole who has a harmonious relationship with Abe allow the contentious ward congress that Amaechi and his supporters claim

were held on Saturday, May 5, to stand?

Dr. Peterside who is expected to benefit from Senator Abe’s woes should Amaechi have his way is full of smiles. In 2015, Amaechi supported Peterside against Abe who lost the APC to the current DG of NIMASA. But, this time around, Abe seems to have greater support among the political elite than he did in 2015 and is, therefore giving a good account of himself in his fight for political survival.

For instance, Senator Wilson Ake, younger brother of the late former chairman of the APC, Chief G.U. Ake, believes that Abe deserves whatever support he is getting from the political elite because he “a strong candidate.”

“Senator Abe is our first eleven. How do you ignore a Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in your team in a very crucial match?” he quipped.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudem Nwuche, who was the chairman of the event that was organised to commission Abe’s campaign office, along Evo Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, said he called off his brief hibernation from active politics because of Senator Abe’s activism to rescue the APC in Rivers State “from the suffocating clutches of a political emperor.”

It is not unlikely that Amaechi’s dominance of the Rivers APC will continue.

Because of the political skirmish between Amaechi and Abe, the minister of transportation does not trust the APC leaders and grassroots mobilisers. He has instead established the FDRI, which has been inaugurated in the 23 local government areas of the State.

However, there are fears among APC stalwarts that Senator Abe and his supporters may defect from the APC to another political party in protest against Amaechi’s “imperious” domination of the Rivers APC and this could finally spell doom for the party.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

TRIBUTE

Rain of tributes, eulogies as Uwakwe Abugu’s corpse arrives from India

•Igbo-Eze North Stakeholders waiting for the arrival of Abugu’s remains from India.

From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

P

olitical stakeholders, kinsmen, friends and associates of Uwakwe Abugu, deceased Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, have been pouring tributes on the seasoned journalist, who passed on recently at a hospital, in India, after a protracted illness. His body was flown back to Enugu, on Saturday, June 9, 2018, via an Ethiopian aircraft, which touched down at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport at about noon.

The airport, which was besieged by sympathisers, including Dr. Festus Uzor, Chief of Staff to the State Governor, who led the state government delegation; Council Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja; as well as the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the council area, Hon. Alex Urama, among others.

Similarly, members of the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) were as well at the airport, in droves, to join in receiving the body. A large team of media practitioners, from various platforms, were led to the airport by the State Chairman of NUJ, Rex Arum; National Vice Chairman, South East, of the union, Chris Isiguzo; and the Chairman of Enugu chapter of Correspondents’ Chapel, Petrus Obi. Meanwhile, upon arrival, the Chief of Staff to the State governor, Dr. Festus Uzor, officially received the remains of the late CPS. He was flanked by other top government functionaries, Abugu’s first son, Chibundu; and various stakeholders from Igbo-Eze North, Abugu’s council Area.

A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Fidelis OgbonnaAsogwa, of St. Peters, Nru-Umuoyo, Nsukka, Abugu’s Parish, at Nsukka, and another unidentified priest, were also on hand to pray over and bless Uwakwe’s body at the airport.

The remains was afterwards, moved, via a waiting 82 Division Nigerian Army hospital’s ambulance, to the Division’s morgue at the hospital facility, accompanied by a stretchy motorcade.

First to speak to The Oracle Today, was Chibundu, Uwakwe’s first son, who noted that the family had hoped that their father would be healed in India. “We thought daddy would pull through”, he said, adding that his father, the CPS, “had so much courage, when he was being taken to India, and we had all thought he would pull through and return to us. Nevertheless, we were wrong, and we have no choice than to accept that he died at God’s appointed time”.

The young Abugu, who has now become the head of their family, also said that he was still in shock over his father’s demise. “Even as I looked at the casket bearing his body, at the airport, I still could not believe that daddy has left us,” he said, while eulogising his late father.

“Daddy is a man who never plans for himself; he never plans for his future but he would plan for the future of others, even ahead of his own children. My consolation is that each time I walk down the streets, I see several people who my father had put smiles on their faces.

That gives me a lot of encouragement,” he said, pointing out that, though the family was pained by his exit, but that “we are certain that daddy has not left us”.

The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Comr. Uwakwe Ezeja, also expressed shock at Uwakwe’s death. Speaking to our reporter, the politician said: “I feel very sad over the death of my brother and close confidant, Uwakwe Abugu, the CPS to the Governor of

•Arrival of the corpse at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. (inset) late Uwakwe Abugu

We thought he would pull through – Chibundu, first son

•The late CPS’s remains is carried into an ambulance for conveyance to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Military Hospital morgue.

Enugu State. He was an embodiment of humility; a very honest man, a man who lived his life for others. On behalf of my family and the good people of Igbo-Eze North LGA, I pray that God would give his family and our Governor the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

The Council Chairman further stated that the entire Igbo-Eze North LGA had been dumbfounded over the death, but added that their only choice was to submit to the will of God. “I seize this opportunity to thank His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, our able governor and Uwakwe’s boss, for all his efforts to save the life of our brother, even as far as taking him to one of the best hospitals in India. If it is money, Uwakwe would not have died. But since God had willed that he left us so soon, I wish him good night, on behalf of Igbo-Eze North LGA, and may God protect his family,” he said.

Similarly, elder statesman and politician, Chief Mike Ejinima, in his reaction, told our correspondent that he was still thunderstruck, as well, over Uwakwe’s death. “His death is a big blow to us both individually and collectively.

He was our representative in Governor Ugwuanyi’s government and we are pained that death has pulled him off abruptly. He was our pride, a shining light; he never disappointed us.

But now he is gone and we are helpless! Our state is in hand of God, and we leave the situation in the hand of God, as well. May God receive his soul and comfort his family,” he said.

On his part, the State’s Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Amb. Fidel Ayogu, noted that the passing of the CPS, was a great shock and very devastating. According to him, “We all knew him as a perfect gentleman, who never slighted anybody. He did his job very dedicatedly. He was a model, very patient, tolerable and enduring. It is a pity that death came calling so soon. But we cannot question God because nobody knows the date for the divine appointed time. We have taken it that God has called back our brother the way

He had brought him.” he said.

Amb. Ayogu also thanked Governor Ugwuanyi, “for giving our son the opportunity to serve in his government in the capacity of CPS, and we also appreciate him, immensely, for standing by him throughout his challenging period”.

Hon. Ethel Oyibo-Ugwuanyi, who represents Igbo-Eze North I Constituency, in the Enugu State House of Assembly, on her part, described Uwakwe’s death as very sad news.

According to her, it was even sadder that after all efforts to seek for treatment abroad, he still could not make it.

“I know how painful it could be, because, I had had similar experience, three years ago, when I lost my husband. He was flown abroad for treatment but he never returned alive,” she explained, stressing that it was as well unfortunate that Igbo-Eze North LGA had lost such a personality, who was holding the position of CPS to the Governor of the State.

The legislator, who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, also noted that she was very close to Abugu. “I grew up in Olido, his village, which is my maternal home and I knew Uwakwe since his childhood. We were very close, even before he came into government.

He was also my husband’s best friend, and it is unfortunate that he is now gone, too. But I believe that, as he joins his ancestors, he had served his purpose on earth. Farewell, may your soul rest in peace”.

In same vein, Rt. Hon. Tony Ogidi who represents Igbo-Eze North II Constituency, (late Abugu’s constituency), in the State Assembly, said he and the deceased were very close, as well. “Uwakwe was my constituent and a close friend. He was very good to me and we sheared so many things in common. I was so shocked upon hearing about his death, and I lack words to express my devastation. I had several unsuccessful efforts to meet with him before he was flown abroad for treatment. I did not know that it was death that was trying

too separate us. He was a journey good fellow, and I pray that he finds peace in God’s bosom,” he said.

Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, who was also among government’s delegation at the airport, also bemoaned Uwakwe’s, describing it as “very tragic”. “Uwakwe Abugu’s death is a very colossal loss to Enugu state and the entire Nigerian media profession. I felt pained when I heard about his death. On behalf of the entire Nkanu East Constituency, my family and I join other numerous friends and admirers to condole with wish his family over the irreparable loss,” he said.

Nnajofor, who described the late CPS as a quintessential journalist and core professional, also pointed out that, while in service, Abugu, as well, exhibited rare virtues of hard work, dedication, selflessness, commitment and love for the state. “He was a colleague and wonderful friend. Since his appointment as CPS, by our able Governor, he was on top of his job until he died in active service. His death is a tragic loss to all of us, not only to the government and his family. He was humble, dedicated and dynamic. May his soul rest in peace and may God take care of the family he left behind”, he said.

Late Abugu’s colleague in Government House, Lawrence Ani, who is SA to the governor on Research and Communication, on his part, described the CPS as “a good man”. Ani told the Oracle Today that he and Abugu had been colleagues in the profession way back, before they met again in Government House, Enugu. According to him, “He lived a good life; he was very diligent and dedicated to his duties. Even when he was weighed down by illness, he still carried on with his duties and, as well, kept g his staff on their toes. To say that he would be greatly missed would be an understatement. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

And on for, Uzoma Agbaegbu, who said he was one of those that usually conducted prayers for the late CPS, during challenging times, Abugu was a principled man, “a man with good heart,” who always helped those in affliction and always rooted for the truth, not minding whose ox was gored.

“He had the fear of God and always urged people around him to be truthful no matter the situation they were facing. I witnessed how several less-advantaged citizens, who were under his support, wailed uncontrollably at the announcement of his death. May God give his soul eternal rest and comfort his family,” he said.

Uwakwe Abugu, aged 59, had worked in various media outfits including the defunct Minaj Television, Vanguard, Thisday and The New Telegraph, where he worked before his appointment as CPS in June, 2015.

The State Commissioner for Information, Bob Anikwe, had announced Abugu’s death in a statement, on June 5, 2018, stating that he had died on June 5, “in a hospital in India after a protracted illness”. His official funeral programme is being expected from the state government.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

Special Feature

Achuzia: The siege of Abagana and battle for life A

By Basil Chiji Okafor

s Colonel Achuzia approached the Abagana Junction, mortar bombs and artillery fire pelted everywhere like hailstorm. He alighted from his command vehicle and was greeted with a signal from the Commander-in-Chief, by Brigadier Conrad Nwawo, who did not even wait for him to read the message in the piece of paper before he entered his car and zoomed off.

On arrival, Achuzia had met a number of senior officers that included Colonel Assam Nsudor, Colonel Chude Sokei and Brigadier Nwawo, himself. Soon, all of them were gone and Achuzia was left alone, to his devices, to swim, or sink. At that point, it was only Col. Sokei, of all the senior officers, that was left. Sokei wanted to see how Achuzia’s operation would end and possibly learn one or two things from it.

Shortly afterwards, a convoy of vehicles approached, from the distance. It was Achuzia’s backup battalion, also arriving from Nsukka. He quickly assessed the situation and decided to ascertain the true position of the Federal troops. He got into his command vehicle and headed in the direction of Awka.

As he explored further, it became clear that the Federal troops were nowhere near Abagana. They were not even in Awka; the Federals were only using long-range artillery to terrorise areas south of Awka, Abagana and its environs, inclusive…

Please, read on: BCO: So, your general’s chess game, as it were, clicked for you, right?

ACHUZIA: That’s right…and with that I decided to ask for permission to take my command (58 Brigade) and push back the forces that Murtala was marching in with, from the Aguleri axis. I pushed them through Omor and from Omor, all the way back towards Nsukka and veering towards Adoru.

I was at Nsukka when the message came.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Awka came to see me. It was that same night I discovered where Zik’s [Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s] house was, at Opanda. And it was also in that house I stayed to read Awolowo’s trial, bound in pink ribbon that was on a table, in Zik’s study.

The officer had come in the morning and when I asked him what brought him, he said he had a message from the Commander-inChief, Ojukwu. He gave me a written signal.

The message summoned me to Abagana Junction, immediately. I asked him what was going on. Then, I further said I thought I had taken the whole brigade, to enable me play the war game, the best way I knew how to?

He said no, the situation was very bad and it wouldn’t be alright if I didn’t listen and got cut off from behind. I asked him what was going on and he said the Federal troops were almost at Abagana.

That fast? I asked and he said, yes and I said, okay. I asked, what did the others say?

Because, there was always a conflict whenever he sent for me to go take over a command from another senior officer. The man then said that someone had suggested that I might not agree to come. To that, [according to my message bearer] Ojukwu retorted to Brigadier Conrad Nwawo, “If you were him, would you come?” Nwawo was then said to have replied Ojukwu, “Knowing Colonel Achuzia, like I do, once he gets your message, he would come.”

I laughed. Then, I called my GSO 1and gave him instructions that I wanted the forward line to stop where they were and dig in.

Then, the reserve should get into their vehicles – because I always kept a reserve of a battalion, whenever I was going into battle.

So, I asked the reserve to follow me behind because I suspected that once I got to Abagana, I might get into battle, over there.

We left with the officer and as we approached Abagana Junction, opposite Flora Azikiwe school, mortar bombs and artillery were falling all over the place. I got down from my vehicle and asked, “Where’s His Excellency?” They said he had gone back to Owerri. Those [senior officers] I met on ground there, included Brigadier Conrad Nwawo, Colonel Nsudor and Colonel Chude Sokei.

were around – captains and majors – to different locations, so as to block the various exits into our rear. I left for Onitsha, to find out exactly why there was no senior army officer around. I got to St. Charles and met Nwawo and many of them, there.

They asked, “Is there anything wrong?” I said, yes, everything is wrong. How do you expect company commanders to be performing, with no authority behind them?

What I heard next was, “We’re all trained officers, we know the battle drills, just as you do, we will be there, if we are needed, the command is in your hands.” I left, went back and slept that night [at Abagana]. By morning, my men had arrived and I positioned them. From there, the battle for Abagana started.

•Okafor interviewing the late Col. Achuzia Nwawo said, “I have a signal for you.” I collected the paper from him, opened it and, as I was about to read it, he got into his car and left. What I read there was that I should take over command from Colonels Ivenso and Conrad Nwawo. Just as I was asking where Ivenso was, a vehicle drove by, with all of them heading back to Onitsha, leaving me to handle the situation with troops I was not conversant with…

BCO: (cuts in)…Well, there was this controversy in Biafra, possibly originating from your adversaries, wherever…

ACHUZIA: (cuts in) Oh yes, that’s what they were…[my adversaries]…

BCO: …and this was the story that made the rounds in Biafra…that you came, after the battle was fought and just took over everything, that you were, in fact, in the habit of doing that…

ACHUZIA: (excited, hearty laughter…general laughter)…so I saw myself alone, facing an oncoming army, with no backup support.

Soldiers were running out and disappearing.

So, I stood there. When I looked up, I saw the convoy, coming -- my men that were with me at Nsukka…

BCO: (cuts in)…The backup?

ACHUZIA: Yes. So, I stood in the middle of the road, with my hands up [in the air], even though mortar bombs were falling everywhere, left and right and they halted. Then, the officer in-charge, Ihemefula, came out and I said, take over the position, I am going forward…

BCO: (cuts in)…Could this be the origin of this legend about your rumoured possession of some extraordinary powers of witchcraft? It was also a well-circulated story, back those days, in Biafra, that even as Federal Nigerian bullets and rockets fell, like rain, all you did was put your hands up in the air and waved your special white handkerchief with some incantations, whilst reciting the mantra, “not for me, not for my boys” and the bullets and rockets simply flew by, with you and your men, unscathed?

Did you have any juju as alleged?

ACHUZIA: (chuckling)…No...[as I was saying] I entered my command vehicle and headed towards Awka. [Then, lo and behold,] all the way, it was long-range artillery that Nigerians were using. They weren’t even close to Abagana. [I moved on] till I got to Awka and found so many of our soldiers milling around by the schools and churches. These were Ivenso and Nwawo’s men, but nobody was in-charge. They were just milling around and nobody was in-charge. So, I asked them to get into their various formations.

BCO: So, how were you able to do this, did

you threaten them, did you shoot them, as often widely claimed, or what?

ACHUZIA: Of course, not…you see, part of, you know…that’s why, many atimes, I don’t even like to talk about the war, because I’ve seen a lot…

BCO: Well, you have to talk to me, now.

You need to. That’s why I’m here, so that we can all lay this matter to rest, once and for all because some of those rumours and legends were quite damaging to your personality…

ACHUZIA: These people, they don’t have what you call command and control of men.

They have been trained for parade grounds, not for battle. The first person that intimated me about how most of them would react, was Nzeogwu, himself [Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu]. And it was because of Nzeogwu that I agreed to participate in the war effort because Ojukwu’s colleagues in the Nigerian Army, at first, didn’t feel like he was competent. They felt that he was a quartermaster and not an infantryman.

Nzeogwu knew me in Britain, when he used to come to Waterloo, where we had the artillery section of the British Army Guard. When he got there, I used to take him to the army and navy stores. So, it was Nzeogwu that first told me that once these people heard the sound of gunfire, they would disappear. And that was exactly what was playing out. So when I arrived and started putting the men in their positions, immediately they heard the sound of mortar fire, as it flew across, they would break ranks. I insisted and said nobody must break ranks.

You stay there. But you are free to shoot me if anybody here gets killed, or wounded.

BCO: So, how did you survive this rain of mortar fire?

ACHUZIA: Well, providentially, despite the rain of mortar fire, falling here and there, none fell within range.

BCO: So, it was not as a result of some secret and highly potent talisman, charm, or juju, that you had working for you, as was widely circulated in Biafra, by wild talebearers?

ACHUZIA: (long, hearty laughter)…I’m a Christian, I don’t believe in such things. I fought in Korea, I didn’t use juju, so where did I get the juju from?

Nigerian soldiers had a way of fighting.

They went into battle as if it was a civil service activity. They would start from say, any time from about 7 am and continue till the evening. Once it got to 5, or 6 o’clock, instead of staying where they stopped, they would pick up their weapons and start heading back…(general laughter). Having known that, I capitalised on it.

So, that evening, after putting the men in their positions, we assigned the officers that

BCO: How exactly did it start?

ACHUZIA: You see, the battle started from near Awka and moved down towards Abagana. Then, at Abagana, it became a war of attrition: they killed one of my men, I killed one of theirs. But it was obvious to me that they had more reinforcement, they reinforced quicker than I could get to reinforcement.

I then called Pius Okigbo, His Excellency’s representative, attached to me. So, I said to him, I intend to play this game in a different way. Then, he retorted, “Colonel, what are you talking about?” I said I intended to let the Federal troops pass through. He said, “What?” I said I had a strategy that when they got through, I would then block them. I needed to do that because I could not afford that war of attrition. He said, “I don’t understand…and if you let them through, they are heading straight to Onitsha and from Onitsha, they are going to Nnewi.” I said, no, I could contain it. He said, “Well, I won’t allow you.” I said, “Well, you better think it over.

In the meantime, the attrition continued for another week.

I didn’t know that he had gone to tell Ojukwu what I said. And Ojukwu said to him to go back to me and say, “Do what you think best, I’m relying on you and I don’t expect you would behave like a Nigerian Army-bred officer.” So, he came back and said, “Funny enough, Ojukwu says he is relying on you, you do what you think, best.” With that, we started pulling back at a fast rate.

You see, the strategy that I adopted was [based on the fact] that Nigerian soldiers were heavily armed. In fact, the reason they were always going back to their RVs [after each day’s fight] was to allow for their reinforcement and equipment to arrive and take over the RVs and in the morning, they would advance. With that, instead of making it a short run, [for them] we retreated a long distance from Abagana, towards Nkpo…

BCO: (cuts in)…So, this was all a strategy to draw them out and set them up?

ACHUZIA: Yes. So, the road was clear and they were shooting and advancing at a fast rate. I pulled my men into the sides, in the bush. When they advanced close to Nkpo, the people I left there sent a message that they were now there. We closed in, near Abagana.

BCO: Which meant, in effect, that all the ground you seemed to have lost, you had taken back again?

ACHUZIA: Yes, we had taken everything back again…and even moved into their RV, now. Their people [reinforcements] were then coming in their vehicles, behind them – and don’t forget, these were mostly just drivers, cooks, the medical team, coming with stores, and no infantrymen, it was not a fighting force, at all. With that, we halted them and they retreated back into Abagana town again. The advancing force, meanwhile, tried to come back, but there was no way. So, they had no alternative than to enter Onitsha.

They entered Onitsha and I held that front.

•See more on www.oraclenews.ng

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform •Tour-

CBN, BDCs at war over new forex policy Power sector is in Energy

In this analysis, JEROME USHAKANG examines the new foreign exchange policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the tension it currently generates in the financial system over BDCs’ access to the foreign exchange window.

huge commercial mess

P20

P

e-Platform Why smart partnership ecosystem gives edge to innovative companies – Experts P22

Travel

Lagos to play key role in new destination branding strategy – UNWTO P26 • Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor reserves as at last May 20 18, stood at $47.7 billion. And as a result, it may likely peak at $50 billion before the end of this year. Moreover, there are high expectations that there would be increase in crude oil prices and improved production volumes. Fortunately, crude oil prices have been on an upwards movement due to geo-political tensions between the United States and Iran. As a result, the CBN has enough liquidity to meet demand.

Also, earlier this year CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had stated that the bank’s determination is to ensure convergence of all rates sometime in the future.

However, Bureau De Change (BDC) operators are not in favour of the fresh CBN foreign exchange policy as they have vehemently rejected the order by the apex bank directing them to make at least three dollar purchases weekly or be sanctioned.

In a swift response to the CBN

CBN EXCHANGE RATES JUNE 12TH, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

304.9 US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING 407.6513 359.2942 EURO 309.0098 SWISS FRANC YEN 2.7733 0.5311 CFA 433.274 WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI 47.5921 RIYAL 81.3002 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 23.1775

305.4 408.3198 359.8834 309.5166 2.7779 0.5411 433.9845 47.6706 81.4335 23.2155

305.9 408.9883 360.4726 310.0233 2.7824 0.5511 434.695 47.7491 81.5668 23.2535

Insurance

• Aminu Gwadabe, ABCON President directive, the President of Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, rejected the order and advised the CBN to review BDC’s dollar purchasing rate to align with commercial banks’ buying rate.

Gwadabe said, “The rate between the banks and BDCs should be merged for uniformity and fairness. A situation where the banks buy dollar from the CBN at a lower rate than the BDCs is not helping the market stability drive. Besides, ABCON should be considered for disbursement fees in the collection centres to ameliorate the new assignments”.

He emphasized that the BDC sector is confronted with many challenges such as multiple exchange rate, abnormal bank charges, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Commission on Turnover (COT), parallel market operators and illegal International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), urging the government to

come to their aid.

For the public interest, the move by the CBN is to ensure that eligible travelers in the country are able to access foreign exchange for the Business Travel Allowances (BTA), Personal Travel Allowances (PTA), school fees payment and medical bills payment.

It is also obvious that the CBN meant well, as its foreign currency policy is probably aimed at alleviating the hardship being experienced by intending travelers to access foreign exchange through the banks, in line with the its plan to deepen foreign exchange liquidity in the market.

However, the order given to BDC operators to participate in the forex market thrice every week out of the five days portrays element of preferential treatment for the commercial banks as perceived by the BDC operators and thus, has placed them at disadvantageous position.

ROMINENT Players in the foreign exchange segment of the financial market are standing in anger against the processes enunciated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for access to the foreign exchange window.

The Oracle Today gathered that Bureau De Change operators in the country are not in favour of the apex bank’s new Foreign Exchange (Forex) policy directive, that all commercial banks in the country should sell foreign currency to travelers, both customers and non-customers upon presentation of relevant valid travel documents such as visa and tickets among others, across the counter.

CBN Acting Spokesman, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor in a statement, said that all Deposit Money Banks are mandated to buy and sell foreign currency to travelers upon presentation of relevant valid travel documents such as visa and tickets Over The Counter. He cautioned that failure to this would lead to stiff sanctions.” All travelers shall be attended to immediately at the bank’s counters. Any contravention will be sanctioned by the CBN”. He stressed.

However, the statement read: In addition, all Bureau De Change (BDCs) are to access the foreign exchange window, thrice a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays every week. Failure to do this, Okoroafor warned could lead to the CBN reviewing their operating licenses.

Impeccable sources close to the CBN hinted that the apex bank took the decision because of the approaching summer-time. They said it is a period of pressure on foreign exchange as many influential Nigerians usually travel abroad.

During this period, difficulty in accessing foreign exchange through the banks may lead to increased patronage of the black market and widening of the rates between both sectors.

Another reason given for the CBN move is that Nigeria’s foreign

StanbicIBTC Pension’s AUM climbs N2.5tr P29 Equity & Capital Market

Cont’d on Page 30

How NSE hit N3.79bn PAT in 1yr – Onyema P30

Money Market

2nd Niger Bridge to be completed in 4yrs, as SWF profit drops

by N107bn P31

Stock Market Highlights As At 12TH JUNE, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

S/N

39,167.04 3,769.00 341,483,010.00 N5,193,722,982.08 N14,188,282,291,231.65 N10,025,579,948,020.40 N7,127,259,367.50

Coy (By Volume) Volume

ACCESS GUARANTY UBA ZENITHBANK FBNH STACO

Value(N)

133,066,930 N1,419,775,854.40 39,316,662 N1,616,739,223.85 23,228,747 N258,468,775.20 19,962,414 N533,318,860.45 12,456,065 N136,697,965.50 68,905,488 N32,052,056.92

5 Top Gainers Symbols SEPLAT NESTLE MOBIL DANGCEM CADBURY

Last Close Current Change %Change N711.1 N769 57.9 8.14% N1450.2 N1495 44.8 3.09% N174.3 N183 8.7 4.99% N235.8 N239 3.2 1.36% N12.5 N13 0.5 4.00%

Five Tope Losers

GUINNESS NB NASCON N24 FLOURMILL DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL

N99.75 N118 N23.1 N33 N19.9 N34

N97 N117.1 -0.9 N32.3 N19.5 N33.35

-2.75 -0.9 -3.75% -0.7 -0.4 -0.65

-2.76% -0.76% -2.12% -2.01% -1.91%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

BUSINESS

Govt shutdown looms as Presidency stalls on 2018 Appropriation Bill

By VICTOR NZE

F

OLLOWING the continued delay by President Muhammadu Buhari in assenting to the 2018 Appropriation Bill submitted to him by the senate, penultimate week, experts have raised the alarm that government might shut down as the recurrent expenditure contained in the 2017 budget expires by June 30.

According to Member representing Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in Anambra state, at the House of Representatives, Mr Chris Emeka Azubogu, the lifespan of the 2017 budget will end on June 30, 2018.

Speaking on a radio programme, Tuesday morning, Azubogu said with the expiration of the recurrent expenditure of the previous budget, the government will be left with no money to operate.

“The capital expenditure part of the 2017 budget expired in December 2017, but the recurrent part of the budget is still running and it will expire by June 30, 2018,”

said Azubogu, who double as the Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation.

It would be recalled that Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Udoma Udoma, had last week disclosed that President Buhari will only sign the 2018 budget after he was satisfied with its contents.

According to him, Mr President was taking his time to review the budget passed by the National Assembly last month.

“The President is currently reviewing the budget. As soon as he is through, he will sign it. That is what l can tell you for now,” he had said.

It is perhaps a repeat of the 2017 Budget episode that saw the document swinging between legislature and the executive as President Buhari and the lawmakers contained to bicker over items •Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (l) with Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu during the opencontained in the budget, which ing of the extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers of African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), was eventually signed by the sec- organised by Ministry of Petroleum Resources, at the Lagos-Osun Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Monday. ond quarter of last year.

NSE woos Dangote Cement on financial literacy

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

M

ANAGEMENT of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has lauded Dangote Cement for its adherence to best corporate governance practices even as they called for more partnerships between the two organizations.

Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema gave the commendation while welcoming the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Engr. Joe Makoju and his management team to the special sounding of the closing gong on the trading floor of the NSE. Onyema who congratulated Engr. Makoju on his confirmation as the substantive Chief Executive of Dangote Cement described him as proper and fit for the role given his level of experience and years of exposure in the manufacturing sector.

He also appreciated the Chairman of Dangote Cement on his efforts and advocacy for an improved and better capital market as well as sponsorship of NSE’s events. He called for more partnerships with Dangote Cement in terms of Corporate Social Responsibilities(CSR) projects.

Engr. Makoju in his response described it as an honour and privilege to be invited to participate and sound the closing gong noting that there exists a special relationship between Dangote Group and the NSE as Aliko Dangote was a former president of the Council of the Exchange. He said that Dangote Cement has grown from a national company to a continental one operating in several countries across Africa.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with various grassroots groups in its financial literacy campaign.

The Commission said is in a bid to ensure that Nigerians in the rural areas are effectively sensitised on the benefits of investing in the capital market.

Acting Director General of SEC, Ms Mary Uduk, stated this during

a meeting with executive members of National Youths Initiative for Peace and Governance (NYIPG) at the Commission’s head office in Abuja.

Uduk who was represented by Acting Executive Commissioner Corporate Services of SEC, Mr. Henry Rowlands, commended the organisation on the various good governance and entrepreneurship sensitisation campaigns they have carried out and expressed the desire of the commission to tap into their already existing structures to also sensitise the grassroots on financial literacy.

She said; “we are delighted at the various sensitisation you have carried out to enlighten the people in your region on the need to engage in meaningful vocations. When someone is fully engaged, he will work for the peace of the country as he would not want any activity that would destroy his business.

“The SEC as part of its market development mandate would like to partner with you to educate the people on the best ways to invest these money they are making from their businesses.” “As a regulator, we need peace to function properly and we are willing to support any initiative that will promote peace in our country. “We have school children come to our office on excursion visits where we educate them on various themes like saving culture, investment opportunities in the Market among others and are also infusing Capital Market Studies (CMS) into schools’ curriculum. We have already signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

She therefore commended them for their efforts at promoting peace and good governance adding that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that the capital market can function effectively.

Speaking earlier, the Vice President of the organisation, Abdulmalik Alfo, commended the SEC on its various initiatives as contained in the 10 year capital market master plan and pledged the readiness of his association to collaborate with the Commission in any area necessary.

ICC, BASCAP move against piracy, counterfeiting in Nigeria

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

I

NTERNATIONAL Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has taken a drastic step against piracy and counterfeiting in the country following its commissioning of a working group that would give the fight against the social vices an effective backing in Nigeria.

The ICC delegation drawn from France; Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, UAE; Sweden and Nigeria converged in Lagos last week, where the dangers of counterfeiting and piracy were again examined and solutions proffered.

In his address to the forum, Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, Mr. Babatunde Savage said counterfeiting damages the market dynamics, as it undermines the revenue generation through custom duties and taxes.

Represented at the occasion by Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, Secretary General, ICC Nigeria, Savage stated that the menace exposes consumers to serious health and safety risks. His words: “Counterfeiting and piracy have become a

global epidemic, leading to a significant drain of the global economy, jeopardizing investments in innovation and risking consumer health and safety; thereby resulting in loss of jobs.”

In response to this epidemic, the chairman said ICC launched the BASCAP initiative to unite the global business community across all product sectors in order to address issues associated with intellectual property theft and to petition for greater commitments by local, national and international officials in the area of enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights.

He observed that the volume and value of counterfeiting and piracy is increasing rapidly; thereby threatening governments, and civil society with unsafe and ineffective products.

Savage therefore charged the audience at the forum that business needs to play its role in ensuring that open economies and the rule of law work for the benefit of all countries and their nationals. He advised that they should find lasting solutions that would

create equitable opportunities for every willing person to participate in growth.

Corroborating his view, Sophie Peresson, the Paris, France-based BASCAP Director, said BASCAP has, since its inception, created a powerful voice for businesses and compelled government actions and allocation of resources towards strengthened intellectual property rights enforcement.

Represented by Tracy Faustin, BASCAP Project Manager, Peresson disclosed that the opportunity to engage on the African continent started with a BASCAP invitation to speak at a conference hosted in Kenya by the East African Business Community (EABC).

The forum, she revealed, developed into collaborative partnerships with the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Agency, a government established association overseeing matters related to counterfeiting and piracy.

She stated: “Nigeria was later selected as a priority country to start building a BASCAP presence on the ground, which prompted the meeting.

outstanding growth and innovation under his watch.

While speaking at the event, the Vice President reminded the new President of APPO that despite the giant stride recorded so far

by APPO leadership, there is still more to be done particularly in the areas of allowing free flow of capitalization, allowing APPO fund to operate outside the supervision of the secretariat, increase corporation among member states and ensuring maximum increase in the oil and gas in Arica.

Notwithstanding, he reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership of Dr. Kachikwu, stating that the new president will exceed the expectation reposed on him.

The former President of APPO and Minister of Petroleum of Republic of Chad, Boukar Michel while handing over the mantle of leadership to Dr. Kachikwu expressed confidence that in line with his successor’s pedigree

and the success record he has in the Nigeria Oil and Gas industry, there is no doubt that APPO will receive a robust boost in the shortest distance time.

Mr. Boukar challenged his successor not to leave any stone unturned in positioning African Oil and Gas Industry to be the pivot of the world oil and Gas Market.

He enjoined member countries to give the new President the maximum support in taking APPO to the next level.

Dr. Kachikwu while delivering his speech after the handover, promised to uphold the ideals of the founding fathers and pledged to further reposition the organisation to be a key player in the global energy sector. He further thanked the Vice President, the President and the government of Nigeria for accepting to host the Council of Ministers and also being available to declare the session open.

Nigeria’s Kachikwu becomes APPO President

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

M

INISTER of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has been appointed the President of the Council of Ministers of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization.

Kachikwu who was appointed was on June 10, is to oversee the affairs of the association in the next one year.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osibanjo (SAN) who declared open the extraordinary session of APPO Council of Ministers expressed confidence in the competence of Dr. Kachikwu to pilot the affairs of the association for the next one year.

He said that considering the remarkable impact the Dr. Kachikwu has made in the Nigeria oil and Gas sector, he has no doubt that APPO would be experience

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

BUSINESS

BoI, Ebonyi roll out N4b agric fund for civil servants

By VICTOR NZE

T

HE Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Ebonyi State Government are to collaborate in a N4 billion matching funds to enhance the fortunes of civil servants in the state through agricultural activities.

A statement from the bank, in Lagos disclosed that the agrobased fund was coming on the heels of a N4 billion MSME Matching Fund activated in July 2017.

Managing Director of BoI, Mr Olukayode Pitan, noted that the fund was to develop and promote entrepreneurship, boost agriculture and its value chain businesses in the state, adding that the fund would create a solid future for both MSMEs and the State’s civil servants who were the engine room for the execution of state policies and programmes.

According to him, the fund is being offered at five per cent and 6.2 per cent for medium term

(3 years to 5 years) and working capital financing respectively, with moratorium periods of three to 12 months.

Pitan commended the harmonious working relationship of the bank and the State’s Implementation Committee (SIC) in identifying viable MSMEs across the 13 local government councils of the state.

“So far, the Bank has approved a total of 34 loans valued at over N206 million to MSMEs in the state under the Matching Fund.

“In addition, the Bank has also approved and granted loans worth over N3.17 billion (N1.81 billion disbursed) from its direct funds to 22 other businesses in Ebonyi State,” he said.

Pitan said that the sectors supported included rice milling and processing, quarry and solid minerals, food processing, roofing sheet production, water bottling and packaging, mattresses and foam production and metal fabrication.

He said that BoI also impacted the economy of the state

through Federal Government’s social security scheme – Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP)- targeted at traders and artisans.

According to him, the bank supports 2,525 beneficiaries to the tune of N126.22 million.

In his remarks, Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, said that Ebonyi was the pioneer of an initiative aimed at improving the lives of civil servants across the country.

He noted that proffering solution to the low and erratic earnings of civil servants ought to be addressed as a national issue, and that if civil servants were rich, the nation would be rich.

“I get so bothered about the issues of civil servants in the country, because their take home cannot match market forces and yet many states in our federation cannot pay this meager salary to civil servants,” he said.

He assured civil servants that the fund would be ready to be assessed from this month, adding that the Constitution permits civil servants to engage in agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Industry (BOI) in conjunction with Benue State Government has begun disbursement of N2 billion loan to 138 cooperative societies (co-ops), Gov. Samuel Ortom, said Tuesday.

Ortom, who said this at a workshop for members of cooperative societies in Makurdi, said an additional N358 million had been approved for 78 more cooperative societies.

He said that the initiative was aimed at empowering Benue people in their businesses through their respective registered cooperative societies.

Represented by Mr Tersoo Kpelai, the Commissioner for Industry Trade and Investment, Ortom explained that the workshop was meant to educate the people on how to setup businesses, where to locate them and how to make profit from their businesses.

He said that members of the 78 cooperative societies in the state had began to access the N348 million recently approved.

FG provides N37b grant for meter supply to DisCos

F

EDERAL Government said it has taken advantage of the new Meter Asset Provider (MAP) regulations to give a grant of N37billion to a private sector operator to supply meters to interested Distribution Companies (DisCos).

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this at the 28th monthly meeting of power stakeholders in Kaduna.

The Meeting, hosted by Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company at the Mando transmission substation, had in attendance representatives of government power agencies and private operators across the value chain of Generation, Transmission and Distribution.

The minister, who did not mention the name of the company, said the Federal government provided the fund based on the demand for meters, given the increasing power generation, transmission and distribution in the country.

“As power supply continues to increase in Generation, Transmission and Distribution, the demand for meters will increase because more power supply and consumption will likely result in increased bills.

“Estimated billings in these circumstances will become a major cause of distrust and conflict between consumers and DisCos, and

meters are the easiest way to build the bridge of trust.

“On the Executive side of government, we are responding by taking advantage of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) regulations to deploy a fund of N37 billion toward supplying meters through private sector.

“I urge all DisCos who have not taken advantage of this opportunity to quickly do so, or make their own funding arrangements to contract their own meter providers to supply and install meters.

“I know that Yola DisCo is talking to the meter asset provider for 400, 000 meters. I know that Abuja DisCo is also indicating interest for 250,000 meters.

“I know that other meter asset providers are also talking to various banks and funding organisations to see how they can get into this business and get licensed by NERC,” Fashola said.

•(From left to right): Director-General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, Prof.

Akpan Ekpo; Head, Interconnect and Network Monitoring/Quality of Service Unit, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh; Chairman, Open Media Group/former Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Engr.

Ernest Ndukwe; Publisher/CEO of Business Journal, Prince Cookey; and Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Tope Smart, at the Business Journal 10th anniversary lecture and awards on Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Exploring The Strategic Alliance in Lagos.

Nigeria wins in 3 categories for bond issuance at EMEA awards

N

IGERIA was celebrated recently as it won awards in three categories for its securities issuance activities in the domestic and international capital markets.

A statement issued on Friday in Abuja, by the Communications Department of the Debt Management Office (DMO), said the awards

came from the EMEA Finance (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), a well-respected institution in the international financial markets.

The awards were for Best Sovereign Bond in Africa – three billion dollars Dual-Tranche (10 and 30 year) Eurobonds issued in November 2017.

It also won awards for Most In-

IATA GOM Registry to list Dana Air

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ANA AIR has been announced as the latest African airline to be listed on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) registry.

The International Grounds Operations Manual (IGOM) registry is for companies and airlines who have demonstrated full compliance with internationally recognized standards for ground handling processes.

The IATA Ground Operational Manual concept which was initiated

by IATA, defines ground handling

Ortom urged people in the state to join cooperative societies to enable them acquire loans from government just as he encouraged cooperative societies to apply for loans to help their members in farming and business.

Congratulating the 78 benefiting cooperatives, a Manager in the Bank of Industry, Mr Frank Kings, said only qualified candidates would benefit from the loan.

According to him, the only criterion to qualify for the loan is for participants to be registered with any of the cooperative societies.

He called on registered cooperative societies to obtain cheque list and submit applications at the ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ease the processes.

Kings said the bank was tackling some of the challenges earlier experienced by the cooperatives, but added that some applicants had already started accessing their loans.

standards for airlines and ground service providers to ensure safe, efficient and consistent ground service activities.

According to IATA, ground operations are essential task for all airlines and ground service providers to deliver smooth turnarounds and on time departures, with safety being the number one priority. The IATA Board of Governors has set a target (50% of member airlines in 2006) to start to implement the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) as their minimum standard for ground operations.

Commenting on the airline’s latest achievement, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, Dana Air’s Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating Officer, said Dana Air was listed after the international association confirmed its full adherence to global ground handling manual. ‘’We are happy about our most recent international recognition, as an airline that adheres to global best practices. We thank the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for recognizing our ground handling safety standards and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.’’

novative Bond – 300 million dollars Diaspora Bond issued in June 2017 and Best Naira Bond – N100 billion seven year Inaugural Sukuk issued in September 2017.

According to the statement, the awards have properly positioned Nigeria to attract foreign capital flows and also confirm the robustness of Nigeria’s DMO in packaging and offering products that appeal strongly to local and international investors.

“Even more significant for Nigeria is that awards by EMEA Finance are made after evaluating several transactions, each of which is unique, using clearly defined criteria. That three transactions by Nigeria won awards from a competitive process, is a huge plus for Nigeria.”

Nigeria issued its first Diaspora Bond for 300 million dollars in June 2017, and was selected for the award for the uniqueness in the manner in which it was structured.

The Bond is also the first security issued by Nigeria that is registered

with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“With the three billion dollar dual-tranche (1.5 billion dollars for 10 years and 1.5 billion dollars for 30 years), Nigeria recorded several firsts, making it a landmark transaction.

“Firstly, it was the very first time that Nigeria raised an amount that large at once in the International Capital Market (ICM). Secondly, it was the first time a Sub-Saharan African country other than South Africa issued a 30-year Bond in the ICM. “For Nigeria, the significance of the tenor lies in the fact that it could now access stable long term funds necessary to finance infrastructure. Indeed, Nigeria is proud to have opened the 30-year window as some other African countries such as Kenya subsequently issued 30-year Bonds”, it said.

The statement added that the N100 billion Sukuk which won the award of Best Naira Bond, is perhaps in a class of its own, given that it was issued in the domestic market.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

ENERGY

‘Power sector’s in huge commercial mess’ ...Value chain in fundamentally flawed Blurb

In this chat with Deputy Editor SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, the President of the Nigeria Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Dada Thomas, laments the debt trap in the government’s gas-to-power programme, and argues that government must take creative drastic measures to ensure that 198 million Nigerians sitting on 192 trillion cubic of natural gas reserves have adequate power to drive the economy. His comments are bold, direct, explosive!

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NVESTORS in the gas-to-power sector are counting losses. On sectoral basis how much is owed the gas suppliers that form part of your group?

The whole gas-to-power programme has become a sad experience to everybody to the extent that despondence has made everyone lose count of what is owed. How can you continue to pick figures that are never used? They have owed so much that nobody knows with certainty what is owed him unless he consults the invoices. So, it would be difficult to immediately tell you with certainty what is owed gas producers unless I take time to look at the records.

But what I can tell you is that the whole arrangement no longer holds promises for gas investors. It has totally shaken the confidence we have in government’s contracts and guarantees. It has become difficult to expect returns from a market where nobody is held accountable to pay anybody. It is really amazing!

I understand that a payment arrangement has been worked out to address the debts even though I hear that some of the gas companies are going under already?

Yes, there is a running arrangement to pay for 2018, but what problem has it addressed. As you said, some of the companies are no longer there to keep fighting to be paid. Meanwhile greater part of the debt has been warehoused as old debts, and interestingly the plan to pay current debts has not shown sustainability.

We are told that current debts beginning from December 2017 to December 2018 will be paid under a payment assurance guarantee. That means that existing invoices that were not paid un till November, 2017 and those that would come after December, 2018 still constitute concerns to investors in the system.

These payment gaps raise questions that still beg answers. What are the plans you have in place to address the pre 2017 debt, and what are the plans you are going to put in place come January 2019? How are we going to be assured that gas producers will be paid going forward?

You have done reasonably well from January 2018 till now, but what happens come January 2019? No plan so far is sustainable. And all that will happen to portray that people will again lose confidence in this beleaguered gas-to-power system. We really cannot continue to go the way we are doing business in Nigeria. We are the architects of our own pains and downfall.

That is really amazing sir. But are you holding any conversation with

government around this?

I have written them on the platform of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) asking what will happen after December 2018. We need assurance that gas supplies will be paid for as and when due in future and in full.

We need that assurance; we cannot be existing on hopes and promises because debt is an obligation. You are not doing anybody a favour.

We are not even seen this showing through at all. So, just like you, I wonder who will give us the actual figure of the amount owed gas suppliers.

Is it NBET? Is it Ministry of Power? I just don’t know any longer. I am so confused!

What is the role of Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) in this matter? Do they not have any payment obligation to gas-to-power investors?

The GACN are not the real deal brokers here. The GACN is only addressing domestic supply obligations (DSOs). They don’t have the total picture at hand. For instance, we don’t get involved with GACN, so they don’t capture the total picture. So that is the problem, and it is difficult; it is very difficult.

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What we have now is unsustainable! I emphasize that what is happening is a very unsustainable way of running what should be a viable, vibrant, thriving business that should be unleashing power for the Nigerian economy. We cannot go on like this!

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There is no sanctity of contracts. People are stealing power; discos are cheating people by not rolling out meters and using estimation to bill underserved customers.

Everybody is taking advantage of the lapses in the system.

You see, we are all in this unending cycle of madness!! And something has to be done that is drastic, and creative and meaningful to break this madness

What proposals re your group advancing to government as possible measure at resolving the debt impasse?

Yeas! In various communications with the Ministers of Petroleum, Power, Finance and CBN Governor, we demanded engagement on the following issues.

You need to demonstrate that you are going to pay us our gas invoice as at when due. We need to be paid in US dollars; or if you can’t pay in US dollars you need to pay us at the market rate for dollars. You can’t pay us at CBN rate or just above the CBN rate and expect us to go and buy dollars at market rate during which we lose 18 percent of our money.

If you cannot do that, then give us special access to foreign exchange at the same rate you pay us. That is required so that we do not suffer losses.

We have written to the CBN Governor, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power and Ministry of Petroleum asking for engagement. But all you hear is silence! Then you begin to

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wonder what is happening! Are they at a loss? Are they playing the Ostrich game of ignoring the problem which won’t go away because the train is coming to hit the ostrich? The train is going to hit that ostrich; it is going to slam into it!

What we have now is unsustainable! I emphasize that what is happening is a very unsustainable way of running what should be a viable, vibrant, thriving business that should be unleashing power for the Nigerian economy. We cannot go on like this!

Gas suppliers had in the past demanded direct deals with buyers; and power distribution companies also asked that NBET should be dismantled to cut tolls on market returns.

Do you think that government’s deal brokers in the system take tolls that create the revenue shortfalls that we see in the system?

Let me tell you what I think is the best for the market. We just want willing buyer-willing seller. Let me have commercial arrangement with the buyer. We sit across the table and we negotiate what is good for us. I have always said it that government has no business negotiating commercial transactions. The role of government is to regulate technical transactions and operations of players in the industry.

Now, the problem of this matter is that the Discos are illiquid. They are not collecting enough money and they are definitely not transmitting enough of what they collect up the value chain. So, the value chain is fundamentally flawed right from the consumer who is not paying enough for the electricity he consumes, to the Disco whose collection efficiency is very low. The discos are not well capitalized. They don’t want to roll out metering so that the consumers will know how much they have to pay. So, this is just a sick system!

So, we now all know that the system is sick and what we want now is willing seller-willing seller so that people will transact commercially among themselves. You see, if the discos are not paying the gencos, then the gencos cannot pay me! So we have two different problems converging together along with many other issues.

Willing seller-willing buyer is exactly what we want, and we need to the power sector to actually look at the base tariff. It is not market reflective.

The price of power is not enough to sustain the value chain. Again, there is bad behaviour between customers and discos and between discos and the rest of us who are upstream of the value chain. Those are essentially the problems.

Essentially, we have the problem of lack of sanctity of contracts in Nigeria; whether it is consumer, whether it is disco, or any other player. Everybody is not just obeying the law of contracts. There is no sanctity of contracts. People are stealing power; discos are cheating people by not rolling out meters and using estimation to bill underserved customers.

Everybody is taking advantage of the lapses in the system.

You see, we are all in this unending cycle of madness!! And something has to be done that is drastic, and creative and meaningful to break this madness.

Some of the companies whose funds and sundry capital trapped in the system are going under. Some have actually under. Now what happens to the money owed them by the system?

Well, the liquidator will have to go after the money because it is a debt that is owed and must be paid.

Yes, whoever that buys any of the companies that have died should go after the money because it is an outstanding receivable that must be collected.

So, it is a sad system. It is really sad.

This is self inflicted pain and destruction that we are causing for ourself.

Other people have addressed this problem. Governments have taken bold decisive actions, and we need to do the same. How can you have a market of 198 million people who are hungry for power and we are sitting on 192 trillion standard cubic feet of gas, and we are in darkness? It is completely illogical!

This is self inflicted pain and destruction that we are causing for ourself. Other people have addressed this problem. Governments have taken bold decisive actions, and we need to do the same

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21

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

ENERGY

NLNG Science Prize pools 85 power solutions

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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HE challenge thrown by Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited at local technology innovators to find enduring solution to the country’s power supply problems received the highest response in the history of the company’s science prize competition.

Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Andy Odey, said the 85 entries for the 2018 edition of the NLNG Science Prize competition amplified the passion with which the country’s citizens seek resolution of perennial electricity supply shortage in the country and its attendant negative impact on the economy.

The Oracle Today reports that the annual NLNG Science Prize competition which earns the winner $100,000 is conceived by the company to stimulate indigenous drive and innovation in seeking solution to pressing social and economic problems that plague the most populous African nation.

The 2018 edition of the prize has a record-breaking 85 entries from innovators and scientists in the electric power sector, signifying the pressing nature of acute electricity crisis in the country.

Chairman of the Advisory Board of the prize, Professor Alfred Akpoveta Susu stated at the formal hand-over the entries in Lagos Monday that the large interest recorded in the competition for electricity innovation closely follows the 2017 entries received for“Innovations in Malaria Control”, which led to the award of the prize to three ground-breaking entries to fight Malaria scourge.

Mr. Odeh who handed over the 2018 entries on behalf of NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Sadeeq Mai-Bornu, said efforts to put the prize back on the map of global science awards is yielding results for Nigerians through finding scientific solutions to problems in the country.

“This time every year, we gather here tohand over the entries to judges, signifying the beginning of the adjudication process which will culminate in the announcement of the winner in October. This year’s event is inspiring as we celebrate a first in the history of the science prize with record 85 entries submitted. Keep in mind that this same prize was almost comatose at some point. Its popularity dwindled over the years as a result of a drop in quality and number of entries received.”

“In 2012, we called a stakeholders’ meeting to review the process. This led to the inauguration of the present Advisory Board in 2016. With this review, the science prize recorded improved patronage evidenced by an impressive 27 entries in 2017. We have 85 entries for this year’s theme of “Innovations in Electric Power Solutions”, showing a remarkable increase, and further proof of the level of awareness and interest in one of Africa’s most prestigious science and technology prize.”

Pipeline outages: Nigerian oil output takes a plunge C UMULATIVE crude oil output from Nigeria’s oil industry decreased from 1.88million barrels per day (mbd) in April to 1.73 mbd in May, indicting steady decline as host community issues and social instability in operating environment begin to impact production.

The situation, according to trading sources, is to worsen between June and July following key pipeline outages that have forced producers shutter production wells that do not have alternative export conduits Our survey of industry production calculations from Nigeria showed that the country has been struggling to keep up to the 1.8 mbd output limit imposed by the Organization of Petroleum Coun-

tries (OPEC) which is collaborating with 10 other producing nations to control supply glut in the export market.

OPEC is committed, along with 10 non-OPEC producers including Russia, to a 1.8 million b/d cut agreement that is scheduled to run through the end of 2018.

According to figures compiled

by Platts from market players, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and tanker tracking service companies that monitor crude shipping movements, Nigeria’s crude oil production for the month of May plunged by 150,000 barrels per day.

Nigeria’s production plunged 150,000 b/d in the month to 1.73 million b/d, a one-year low, accord-

ing to the survey by Platts.

The figure of Nigerian production losses captured in the Platts table differ from those reported

by The Oracle Today last week calculated by Bloomberg commodity market pundits who put Nigeria’s output deficit at 190,000 barrels per day Key pipelines supplying Forcados and Bonny Light grades were out of commission for significant parts of May, while another major export grade, Qua Iboe, went on planned maintenance in the first 10 days.

The output failures in Nigeria combined with production deficits in other OPEC members to cut the group’s May production down to a 13-month low of 31.90 mbd, Platts

figures indicated.

Outages due to the troubles in Nigeria and Venezuela’s oil industries more than offset higher output from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Algeria, the survey found, as May production fell 100,000 b/d from the previous month. OPEC output was last lower in April 2017 at 31.85 million b/d, the last month before West African producer Equatorial Guinea became its newest member.

The 14-country bloc produced 32.00 mbd in April, a 140,000 b/d drop from March, according to the survey. The April figure is about 730,000 b/d below OPEC’s notional ceiling of about 32.73 mbd, when every country’s quota under its production cut agreement is added up.

off LNG development plans off the investment decision matrix of multinational oil firms that earlier secured sites for gas liquefaction projects in the country.

Under a mix of policy incentives for gas monetization floated by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, multinational oil and gas companies in the country including Shell, Chevron, Agip, Total and BG Group had forged alliances to drive greenfield liquefaction as well as expansion projects conceived to boost the country’s capacity as global LNG factor.

Whereas Eni’s Agip led the consortium that staked interests in the greenfield Brass LNG project, Chevron led the consortium for OLokola LNG project while Shell led the consortium that proposed additional processing trains for existing NLNG. However, a string of policy reversals

by Dr. Rilwanu Lukman as Petroleum Minister during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua led to investment stalemate in the gas sector, leading to failure of partners in the consortia to achieve closure on final investment decisions (FID).

Late Dr. Lukman and Dr. Hohammed Barkindo who was the Group Managing Director of NNPC had upstaged the running gas monetization incentives by promoting domestic

gas supply as a primary stimulus for local industrial development.

Former Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Chima Ibeneche, had faulted the new policy upstage as skewed, arguing that domestic gas supply and export projects could run side by side for the country to derive optimum benefits from her gas resources. He made it clear that Nigeria needed gas export revenue to finance development projects for domestic gas infrastructure.

However, while Nigeria’s greenfield LNG projects failed and funding partners dispersed, other countries of the world pulled down global investment funds in giant greenfield processing developments, leading to new emerging supply factors in the export market where Nigeria remained dominant for years.

The 2017 trade report showed that Australia and United States accounted for over 60 percent of global LNG supply increase in the year while several other countries also increased LNG exports in the period.

The return to service of Angola LNG and increases from several countries including Nigeria, Malaysia, Algeria, Russia, and Brunei added another 1.4 Bcf/d of LNG exports, more than offsetting a combined decline of 0.6 Bcf/d in exports from Qatar, Indonesia, Norway, Peru, the United Arab

Emirates, and Trinidad.

Asian countries led the growth in global LNG imports, accounting for 74% (2.6 Bcf/d) of the increase in 2017. Japan remains the largest LNG importer, importing 11.0 Bcf/d in 2017.

China had the largest growth in LNG imports globally (1.5 Bcf/d) and became the world’s second-largest LNG importer in 2017, surpassing South Korea. LNG imports also increased in South Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Thailand, which collectively added 1.0 Bcf/d.

Europe increased its LNG imports by 1.4 Bcf/d, primarily in Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, and Turkey. LNG imports in the United Kingdom declined by 0.34 Bcf/d (35%), one of only two countries in Europe to experience declines in LNG imports, as lower winter heating demand from the residential sector and increased electricity generation from wind reduced the demand for natural gas.

LNG imports in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia) remained essentially unchanged from 2016. In North America, Mexico’s LNG imports increased by 17% as the country continued to rely on LNG supplies amid declining domestic production and construction delays in infrastructure connecting the Mexican domestic grid to natural gas pipeline exports from the United States. LNG

imports into the Middle East declined by 9%, primarily to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai).

Growth in LNG trade was driven in part by new liquefaction capacity commissioned in Australia, the United States, and Russia, collectively adding 3.4 Bcf/d of liquefaction capacity. The world’s first floating liquefaction plant, Malaysia’s PFLNG Satu (0.2 Bcf/d capacity), was also commissioned in 2017. Since 2013, the United States and Australia have added a combined 9.67 Bcf/d of new liquefaction capacity, with another 8.3 Bcf/d expected to be completed by 2020. Including additions in the United States and Australia, liquefaction projects currently under construction are projected to increase global liquefaction capacity by 13.5 Bcf/d by 2022.

The United States is expected to add 6.05 Bcf/d of new liquefaction capacity by 2021, in addition to 3.5 Bcf/d already in operation at Sabine Pass and Cove Point. This year the Elba Island liquefaction project in Georgia is expected to commission the first 6 of 10 small modular liquefaction units, or trains, with a combined capacity of 0.2 Bcf/d. New trains at Cameron, Freeport, and Corpus Christi—all along the U.S. Gulf Coast—are expected to be commissioned in the next three years.

Nigeria losing grip as industry bullies enter the LNG fray G ROWING gas liquefaction and export capacity in the United States and Australia means that Nigeria’s current position in the global gas market is no longer sustainable unless government supports capacity growth ambition of commercial investors in the country.

According to the Annual Report on LNG trade by the International Association of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL) Nigeria maintained a steady position with stagnant capacity as global trade in LNG rose by 10 percent in 2017 to reach record 38.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d).

The group said the 10% volume addition in 2017 translated to physical 3.5 Bcf/d increase from 2016 and the largest annual volume increase on record, propelled by capacity growth mainly in two world industrial economies that achieved energy efficiency: United States and Australia.

In 2017, according to the GIIGNL report, Australia and the United States were among the 19 LNG exporting countries with the largest increases in 2017, pumping out 2.7 Bcf/d combined. There were 40 LNG importing countries.

The Oracle Today reports that decades of policy instability, fiscal uncertainty and hostile operating environment have combined to wipe

22

The Oracle Today Tuesday June 20, 2018

e-Platform

Why smart partnership ecosystem gives edge to innovative companies – Experts

Companies leveraging Partnership Ecosystem, Data and External Expertise are leaving behind those still clinging to traditional ‘in-house’ mindset

By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

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XPERTERS and avialable reports now point to the fact that companies harnessing Platforms, Data and External Expertise outpace those clinging to ‘In-house’ mindset as businesses today demands not only smart partnerships but also ways to unlocking trapped value.

Managing Director for Accenture Operations in Africa, Mr. Kabelo Makwane said when one takes a closer closer look at businesses in the sub-region he would observe that everything, or nearly everything, remains insourced.

“From human resource to finance, supply chain and procurement, an ‘in-house’ mindset often pervades.”

He noted that when management is focused mainly on the business’s ”core” operations, the upshot is often inefficiency in the non-core functions. “And when it comes to ‘non-core’ functions – including procurement, marketing, HR, finance and others – many South African companies haven’t considered outsourcing.

Yet, internationally, that inclination exists – tapping into business process services (BPS) and leveraging smart partnerships are far more the norm, and with good reason.”

According to a report from HfS Research and Accenture, organizations that leverage Intelligent Operations to make decisions and act in real-time will be best placed to thrive in the future. Establishing an ecosystem of smart partnerships allows organizations to leverage these partners’ innovation potential, complementary skill sets and new technologies to drive innovation. In fact over 90% of survey respondents said working closely with partners would be important to help them meet business objectives.

“Organizations that partner

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with a business process service provider can expect to achieve more than streamlined operations. Business process services can also help break down the silos between the front and back offices, which is essential to delivering a superior customer experience and deftly responding to evolving business needs. By tapping into business process services and intelligently leveraging and embedding applied intelligence, it has become possible not only to drive efficiency, but also to unlock trapped value in often-overlooked areas – such as HR, supply chain and procurement.”

Furthermore, it added that part of the value stems from the automaton of routine processes. Yet there’s an additional value gain in insight. With data analytics and machine learning, it becomes possible to leverage an understanding of how both customers and staff operate. With that comes knowledge of how machines can best automate, augment and assist. The result is that people, process and technology come together – freeing human beings to focus more of their attention on tasks that require uniquely human ingenuity.

A relevant example is account opening. Whether a retail or supplier account, the process has become highly standardised: gather and check bank statements, confirm addresses, verify identities and business names and so forth.

Given the standard nature of the inputs and the process required to compile them, it’s easy to automate. In this case, anomalies are “thrown out as exceptions – and from there passed to an agent to resolve.

But the paradigm of single-business BPS solutions extends even further – into cross-industry ecosystems. Here, technological advancements are not only disrupting traditional value chains but also lowering barriers to industry

•L-R: Compere of the event, Bolanle Olukanmi; representative of the EVC/CEO, NCC, Deputy Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, NCC, Bashir Idris; representative of the Deputy Director, Banking and Payments System, Musa Jimoh; representative of the GMD, Diamond Bank, the Executive Director, Business Development, Diamond Bank, Chizoma Okoli; MD, Geosanar, India, Nish Kotecha; and MD, MicroSave, Kenya, Isaac Ondieki, at the opening session of Digital Pay Expo 2018 in Lagos.

entry Makwane said in financial services, for example, by leveraging open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), it has become possible to create fintech spinoffs that handle processes formerly part of banking core value chains.

In fact, disaggregation of the banking chain is no longer a novelty. Be it in the realm of payments, customer relations or even capital markets, the insourcing paradigm is being superseded.

From an eCommerce perspective particularly, tapping into a platform is not only efficient, but also necessary. Businesses wanting to transact digitally need access to platforms flexible enough to allow customers to interact with the business on demand, and with the levels of personalisation today’s consumers expect.

Makwane also added that business owners don’t own all the necessary capabilities, however: driving click-throughs to payment, for example, or leading customers from viewing a product in a digital showroom to making a purchase often require outside capabilities

that organizations wanting to sell online need to tap into. The value chain encompasses a number of specialist processes; each of which is a key aspect of the buying experience. Proactive advertising, specialist product parameters, access to funding options – all need to come together in a user-friendly platform that enables organizations to compete with others already in the marketplace.

Our Correspondent gathered that sales is one application; sourcing is another. Platform-based analytics tools can help drive supply chain efficiencies by suggesting input items and price, based on product comparisons and buying histories; automation and machine learning continually refine the suggestions, making the process more efficient over time.

From an HR perspective, business process services offer clients an ability to pursue and accelerate their transformation agenda. Improving the employee experience with intelligent self-service means repetitive tasks such as employee queries about policies, entitlements and medical aid can be han-

dled by a chatbot, freeing HR staff to address more complex, human issues such as company culture.

Cloud HCMs, automation, artificial intelligence and analytics are part of an integrated platform, enabling intelligent operations.

“Far more than simply enabling efficiency and savings, through Intelligent Operations, business process services have the ability to unlock value formerly hidden in often-overlooked ‘cost-centre’ functions such as procurement and finance. Our report found that organizations which harness the combination of innovative talent, diverse data, and applied intelligence will be in the best position to overcome digital disruption and use data-driven insights to drive superior business outcomes.

Nearly 90% respondents from our survey believe automation and AI will help them achieve their business goals, he said”.

Technology is changing how business is done. But using that technology effectively requires human ingenuity and businesssavvy talent.

LCCI unveils plans for July ICTEL EXPO 2018

AGOS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has Thursday announced fourth edition of the Information Communication Technology Exhibition (ICTEL EXPO) 2018 scheduled for 25th to 26th of July, 2018 at the Eko Hotel and Suites.

Speaking at the media launch held at LCCI’s head office in Lagos today, the Chamber’s President, Mr. Babatunde Ruwase said the event with the theme: “Developing Efficiency and Competitiveness in the Digital Age,” promises to bring together the key players in the Nigerian ICT sector to brainstorm towards a greater contribution to national economic development.

The President said ICTEL EXPO has already been endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology; Federal Ministry of Communications; Lagos State

Ministry of Science and Technology; Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN); National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Nigeria Computer Society (NCS); Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) and Nigeria Internet Group (NIG).

Others entities that have thrown their weight behind the exhibition are Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA); Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON); the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), amongst others.

Mr. Ruwase while seeking media support for a successful organization of the event reiter-

ated that the Information & Communication Technology sector has continued to drive entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable business models in Nigeria and beyond.

“Technology-driven service delivery and mobile payment solutions have transformed the way we do business today. The ICTEL EXPO is a veritable platform to explore new technology possibilities and trends.

He however said that the sector could contribute more to national development if the needed infrastructure and policies are in place. “We urge the government and private sector players to explore the Public-Private-Partnership model to mobilize needed investments for ICT infrastructure.

However, for this to happen, the government must provide a conducive policy environment where

ICT businesses can thrive”, the LCCI President said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, said, apart from the two-day event offering information, inspiration, innovation and optimal brand exposure, this year, there will be a special focus on tech start-ups and how they are impacting this present age and the future.

“This is a platform provided for participants to discuss diverse business and investment opportunities. There will also be conferences to address the current trends in the ICT sector and an overview of government policies and how business has been impacted by these policies.

Best practices in ICT regulations would also form a critical part of the discourse at the various scheduled side-events during the

EXPO. “This year, we are having a special focus on tech start-ups and how they are impacting this present age and the future.

Let me, on behalf of all members of the Trade Promotion Board, appreciate your presence here today and your support at making this Expo a huge success since inception. This year’s edition is being packaged to deliver added value to all stakeholders involved in the project.

“With this unveiling ceremony today, we call on our esteemed partners to commence preparations towards their full participation at the Expo. Negotiations and talks for possible sponsorships and participation have commenced. The march towards a more successful ICTEL EXPO is beginning today and you all are part of this march.

23

The Oracle Today Tuesday June 20, 2018

e-Platform

Financial inclusion: NCC to ensure telecoms infrastructure integrity, responsive regulation – EVC •NCC committed to Government’s 80% adults target by 2020

Stories by ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

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XECUTIVE Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has announced that he will ensure responsive regulation and integrity of telecoms infrastructure network that support innovative payment platforms driving Financial Inclusion in the country.

NCC boss revealed this on Tuesday at the onging Digital Pay Expo 2018 in Lagos.

Danbatta, who spoke on the theme: “Enabling Financial Inclusion: A multi-Agency Approach”, said ” the Commission is aware that regulations are ever changing , including those for financial inclusion globally, adding “we are in no way averse to supporting the dynamism of financial inclusion service provision, however, it is of utmost importance to ensure the integrity, security and resilience of the telecoms infrastructure networks at all times.”

EVC , who was represented by

Deputy Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, NCC, Mr Bashir Idris, explained that NCC is mindful of the huge integrity demand and reliability of Nigeria telecoms infrastructure that support the innovative digital payment platforms in the country.

“NCC has ensure that telecoms infrastructure is continuously upgraded , expanded and made robust to enhance amongst others things the delivery of digital financial innovation and services in Nigeria,” he said.

NCC, he said, has been committed to the implementation of the Federal Government’s Natioal Financial Inclusion Implementation target of 80% of adult Nigerians by 2020 as evident in NCC collaboration with CBN. That is why, according to the EVC, the Commission has established a Financial Inclusion Desk in the Policy, Competition & Economic Analysis Department to anchor and interface with the CBN and other stakeholders in the digital financial

IPv6 Council, NIG commend DigitalSENSE, drum support IPv6 Roundtable

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HE IPv6 Council Nigeria and Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), have commended the management of DigitalSENSE Africa Media, for the consistency in providing Internet stakeholders in Nigeria the platform to evolve and align with the global eco-system, describing DigitalSENSE Africa as ‘fore-bearers’ of good news on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D).

Speaking at the 9th edition of the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, as part of the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series, at the Cooperative Hall, Oshodi-Isolo Secretariat, Oshodi-Lagos, the chairman of IPv6 Council Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Rudman and NIG President, Mr. Destiny Amana applauded DigitalSENSE Africa Media; a certified At-Large Structure (ALS) at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), for ensuring Nigerian Internet stakeholders are readily represented and kept abreast of issues on IG4D in the country.

For NIG President, Amana, Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series has been an expose for a lot of Nigerian Internet stakeholders, especially the students, youth and women as well as community-based organisation (CBO).

He urged corporate Nigeria in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to join hands with DigitalSENSE Africa Media alongside the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in bringing the benefits of the Internet and its related governance to Nigeria annually through the series.

Mr. Rudman, who doubled as the chairman of the 2018 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series,

applauded the management of DigitalSENSE for their consistency in things that has to do with the Internet stakeholders in Nigeria. “… Particularly in the organisation of the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable whose sole purpose is for enlightening of the populace, especially the students, youth and women on topical issues relating to the importance of Internet and its governance as the Internet ecosystem evolves,” he said.

The evolution, he also said, has reached a peak for Internet Protocol version Six (IPv6) to take the centre stage, “hence DigitalSENSE efforts in using its Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable to galvanise stakeholders and industry experts did not come as a surprise to me, thus is worthy of an applause and commendation.”

Rudman pointed out that for them at IXPN and lately the IPv6 Council Nigeria, whose CEO and chairman respectively he is, they hold these efforts of DigitalSENSE Africa Media in high esteem and will continue to give utmost support to them as far as IPv6 advocacy is concerned.

“This is to encourage them, to continue to promote, enlighten and act as fore-bearers of good news for such cause(s).

On the main theme of this year for the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum series: Internet Governance, Sustaining Development; it is very important that nowadays, we must relate our activities to the sustainability of the developmental activities in our areas, no matter how small. After all, there is need to keep this sector viable with our various contributions so as to enrich whatever we have as laws governing Internet activities in the country alongside the evolving eco-system.

ecosystem on all policy and regulatory issues regarding Financial Inclusion.

Recalled, NCC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Central Bank of Nigeria on Payment Systems in Nigeria.

The MoU takes serious cognizance of very crucial areas of collaboration between the two im-

portant regulators with respect to financial inclusion strategy, already being driven by the CBN. The strategy also provides responsibilities of the two organizations towards the achievement of government’s objective on payment systems, including but not limited to mobile money services.

Prof. Umar Danbatta harp on the Commission’s critical review of the

existing framework for the regulation of mobile payments in Nigeria, within the membership of a Committee comprising of the CBN, NCC, NDIC and the NIBSS. He further stated that the Commission is looking forward to signing the revised strategy of the Antimoney Laundering (AML) aimed at preventing, detecting, inditing and control of money laundering and financial terrorism.

•L-R: Representing Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Director Licensing and Authorization, Ms Funlola Akiode; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Executive Officer, IXPN/Chairman IPV6 Council Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Rudman; Executive Director, Operation, DigitalSENSE Africa, Mrs Nkem Nweke, and Minister of Communication, Hon. Adebayo Shittu represented by Assistant Director, E-Government, Engr. Olufeko Olufemi, during the Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum series 2018 on “Internet Governance: Sustaining Development” in Lagos.

GO Russia Promo: Glo unviels Ist batch winners

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LOBACOM has announed that seven lucky subscribers have emerged in the first draw in the ongoing promo of Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications operator, Globacom, tagged, GO Russia, according to a statement Thursday. it added that the company launched Go Russia a couple of weeks ago to reward some of its loyal subscribers by flying them to Russia for a good time.

The lucky winners that emerged in the first draw include Orewa Edwin Ehi, Aghaegbunem Marvel Chukwufumnaya Oladunjoye, Joseph Babatunde and Kome

Sunny Ikpeba. Others are Agbede Temidayo Bayodele, Adeoye Adefisoye Simon and Olugbokiki Mukail Omolola.

22 lucky winners will emerge eventually from the promo and they will enjoy an all-expensespaid trip to Russia.

Globacom in a statement said the promo runs from May 16 to July 8, 2018 and is open to all new and existing Prepaid/Postpaid customers on the Glo network nationwide.

The operator said the promo was designed to reward “our amazing subscribers who have stood solidly behind the brand

Carrot.ng berths in Lagos, to simplify access to estate planning On-line

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ARROT Technologies Limited, a fintech company has berthed in Lagos with a vision to be a dominant digital estate planning player in Africa.

The new Company is on a mission to simplify access to estate planning online for everyone, everywhere starting from Nigeria.

Explaining the concept, the Founder/CEO of Carrot Technologies Limited, Luqman Balogun, said “Life is full of uncertainties and risks. We all face these challenges irrespective of social class, ethnicity, religion and other factors. These are the realities of life. Those who succeed in life are those who acknowledge these uncertainties and hence, arm themselves with a well-planned

strategy on how to face and overcome these challenges”.

One of the challenges in Nigeria today is that of inheritance and estate planning. It is generally believed that the making of wills is an exclusive preserve of the rich.

“This assumption”, Balogun said, “is patently false. Ask Carrot Technologies Limited for all the answers you need on the making of wills and inheritance and estate planning”.

He described Carrot.ng as a one-stop online estate planning solution for subscribers to securely create, update and schedule execution of their Wills and or other Testamentary instruments such as Deed of Gifts, Revocable Living Wills etc in real time, anytime, anywhere.

over the years. Their patronage and support have been overwhelming, and this was why we launched the promo to appreciate them.”

To take part in the promo, a subscriber needs to use N3, 000 on Voice calls or a minimum of N5, 000 on Voice and Data to be entered for a draw. However, incremental usage of N500 over N3000 for Voice or N5, 000 for Voice and Data attracts an extra entry to the draw. The more the airtime used by subscribers, the higher the chances of winning.

Interested customers can participate in the promo by sending GO to 240 on the Glo network.

Winners will be contacted by Glo customer care.

•Chief Mike Adenuga, Chairman Globacom. Nigeria.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

After June 12, Nigeria remains divided

Cont’d front page 1

the suspects. Where Fulani herdsmen are the suspects, government and its officials pour national resources into defending the crimes. No attempts are made to arrest the suspects, who, emboldened by official cover for their crimes, have continued to sack communities across the country, killing as many as they can.

THE emptiness of our politics shows in the issues that are important to us at all levels. Politicians, across parties, religions, regions and relationships, have proven that the most important issue in Nigeria is election. Politicians delight in offering the public regurgitated fears that the government in power was better left because it was better than the one proposing to take over power.

CONTROL of power is important, so important that some plot for years about gaining power. What is the purpose of gaining power? If politicians were sincere, they would have confessed that power is used to determine who does not get anything, and how much the few selected would get. The quest for power to them is a focused enterprise

that does not tolerate distractions. fices for the events. The public suffers the THE people are considered distractions consequences of the officials’ absences. until the next elections are near. Fanciful NIGERIANS have to start living for deeper manifestos do little to bridge the high issues than elections. What is important incidence of deceit offered the people. about elections is that they should be free Manifestos are not binding on the politiand fair democratic ways of choosing cians making the promises. Manifestos leaders. More importantly, the choices mock the people, they have become remust be made in ways that the elected minders that politicians have no respect know that they would serve at the pleasfor Nigerians. ure of the people.

HOW would adults deceive other adults THOSE who are dividing us through tribe, so gleefully, over and over again? Why religion, regions and culture should be do they not ponder the consequences punished at the elections by rejecting of their unimplemented manifestos? them. Nigeria has many development When it is campaign time, promises are issues that the veil of ethnicity and relimade without conditions for fulfilling gion does not give any opportunity to be them. The simple message is that the considered. Nigeria cannot survive much candidate,the party would deliver what is longer without discussing its sustenance called, “the dividends of democracy”.

– it is imperative, it is useful politics, more FAKE as the promises have proven to be, inclusive than the current quest for power their fulfillment, ironically remains the mostly for power’s sake. only rationale political parties have for seeking power. The deceit is no longer Our Vision concealed. Voters are asked to vote for TO BE among the top five newspapers candidates and the parties the only ones in Nigeria and, in due course, the Nuthat can deliver those dividends. mero Uno; to be a newspaper of rePOWER rotation is thrown in for good effect. Competences that candidates cords that effectively caters to the instanding for election possess pale against formation needs of all segments and major factor factors like his resections of the Nigerian society as well gion and religion. Yet we would be the ones to complain months as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corafter that the governments porate citizen, a commercially viable, elected across Nigeriaare producing poor results. properly organised media business, THE divisions these conducts which meets its obligations to society, have produced reflect in the government and the workforce. shallowness of our politics. Politics, programmes, pronounceMission ments, projects are momentary.

As the election season approach- WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, es, everything is done for the elections. We live for elections, with a view to getting rid of the dark we plan for winning elections sides of our national life (slothfulness, because that is the essence of greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarpolitics in Nigeria. ianism, etc); to continually engender GOVERNANCE is grinding to a and sustain national debates that would halt. Top government officials ultimately lead to the enthronement of and the elected are pouring national resources into the next healthy national values--hard-work, juselection. There is no time to tice, equity and fairplay, transparency, govern Nigeria, unless the time good governance, resulting, in themspent on that issue would win selves, the egalitarian Nigerian society votes. Governance is at its lowof our dream. We will give voice to the est ebb now.

EVERYDAY is a rally of one group voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful or the other lending support to a candidate and his party. and fair to all sides; so that through The Major public resources that are Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian cornered to benefit individuals people can see a bright light at the end at these rallies are time, governof what has been a very dark tunnel. ment vehicles, government personnel, who abandoned their of- And we shall do all this in absolute trust

in God who blesses good intentions.

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

OPINION

Snapshot of a moving target (3) In this installment of his review of former Secretary to Anambra State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze’s book, PRIME WITNESS: CHANGE & POLICY CHANGES IN BUHARI’S NIGERIA (2017), EMEKA ANIAGOLU avails the reader with a number of deductions and insights from the well received book.

As I read through Oseloka’s Prime Witness, a book saturated with a laundry list of public policy options, critiques and prescriptions; one shortcoming struck me: it is too gentle on President Buhari, in terms of his longstanding administrative connection to previous Nigerian governments. It does not dwell enough on his incestuous relationship with past administrations; which, logically and factually, should call into serious question, the validity of his claims to a separate political identity as well as agenda.

And this is despite the fact that Obaze hazards his concern over that matter in two brief excerpts: •“Overtime, every succeeding administration in Nigeria made combating corruption a policy plank linked to reform or change.” (p. xxiii) •“. . . the decision by the Abacha regime and by every succeeding Nigerian government [including the current one, I presume] not to implement the Pius Okigbo Report on the missing $12.4 billion Gulf oil windfall, was a policy decision not to tackle corruption in governance seriously and to foreclose on any possibility of using the findings of the report as precedence and an effective basis for tackling similar violations in the future . . .” (p. xxiv) Perhaps, no other Nigerian writer I have read has captured with brute clarity, that incestuous relationship between Buhari and previous Nigerian governments, as does Chu-

•Summary of the Guts of His Book

In this second installment of the review of Oseloka Obaze’s widely acclaimed book, PRIME WITNESS: CHANGE & POLICY CHALLENGES IN BUHARI’S NIGERIA (2017), reviewer EMEKA ANIAGOLU, in what he calls ‘summary of the guts of Obaze’s book’, explains the ‘threefold’ purpose of every intellectual work…

di Offodile’s book: The Politics of Biafra and the Future of Nigeria (2016). In a chapter in the book, sub-titled: “The War Philosophy,” Offodile observed that: All the regimes – military and civilian – from 1967 till date are linked and have a common ancestry. Both Generals Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo served in Gowon’s cabinet. Murtala was in charge of Communications, while Obasanjo was in charge of Works. They overthrew Gowon, accusing him of corruption and sundry crimes. I know the story about how Lt. Colonel Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and other middle level officers plotted and executed the coup and then invited the trio of Murtala, Danjuma and Obasanjo to take over. The important thing is that they all knew of the coup and if it failed, they would have been guilty of treason or minimally the offence of conspiracy. If there are doubts about who knew of the plot to overthrow General Gowon and who did not know, there is no doubt about who took over from him.

They were members of his cabinet.

Offodile continued with his superb historical interrogation: Buhari served as a governor and minister in the Murtala/Obasanjo military regime and Babangida was a member of the Supreme Military Council of the same military regime.

Both Babangida and Abacha were key players in General Buhari’s government of 198485 that overthrew the civilian government of Shagari. They announced to the whole world that they were an offshoot of the Murtala/ Obasanjo administration. Babangida was Buhari’s Chief of Army Staff, while Abacha was the General Officer Commanding the second mechanized division of the army in Ibadan.

This same offshoot gave birth to Babangida’s administration, which in turn threw up the Abacha’s administration. Abdulsalami Abubakar finished Abacha’s tenure following his death on the 8th of June, 1998 and then ensured the return of their godfather, General Obasanjo as civilian President in 1999. President Obasanjo personally handpicked both Yar’Adua and Jonathan to succeed him in 2007.

In 2015, Buhari, a member of the old guard was elected President. He had announced in 2011 that he was done with running for President but those who desperately wanted Jonathan out of office knew they had only one card to play, which was to field Buhari. They lobbied and convinced him to run for President. He did and won.

Offodile then makes an audacious prediction: At the end of his tenure [that is Buhari], Ni-

geria will remain the same and it will be clear that what Nigeria really needs is a new track whose efficacy and utility will guarantee development. At best, Buhari can only improve on existing infrastructure and perhaps create a few more billionaires. But the masses of the North and the rest of the country will remain vulnerable to poverty and disease. Did Abacha not improve the nation’s infrastructure?

Buhari should know because he was Chair of the Petroleum Trust Fund set up by Abacha.

So what happened? Offodile concluded that: The way to a better future for Nigeria is through decentralization and devolution of powers to proper federating units. Decentralization is not synonymous with regionalism or zonal governments, but clustering of states into zone provides better and more efficient centers of development . . . Buhari has made the point that he was not elected to change the constitution. In 2011, his party Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), promised to restructure the country if voted into power. He may have changed his mind because his new party, APC, did not make the same promise in 2015. The APC Manifesto, however, includes similar language.”

Finally, Offodile made the following prescient observation: . . . Northern control of all arms and organs of government and every conceivable political appointment will not create wealth for the masses of northern Nigeria. It is a failed feudal practice and it is time to change to something more meaningful. Nigeria has to move from a consumption economy to a productive one that will generate resources required to meet the aspirations of over 170 million Nigerians – not less than one percent that benefit from appointments, budget padding and allied crimes.

How to resolve the Igbo dilemma (1)

By OBASI IGWE his follow-up to Chinweizu’s “Federalism, confederalism or restructuring not Tenough”, and Nwala’s response to it in the

“Daily Sun” of 4th and 7th June, respectively; and a June 9th “Vanguard” senator Uzodimma “challenge” to Igbo intellectuals to formulate strategy producing a 4-year Northern president, so that one from “Southeast” takes over in 2023. The three may inspire a rational self-critical discourse on the Igbo question, being probably in agreement on intentions of the caliphate, the main, but not only source of Nigeria’s problems today. They offer different solutions: partition for the first, conditional restructuring for the second, and a Buhari re-election for the senator. For quite some time, such multifaceted theoretical elaborations, natural to the Igbo democratic mind, were largely ignored, and everyone paid dearly in practice.

Unlike the eminent professors, the distinguished senator’s proposals deserve only a brief commentary. He is in the political class calculating that Igbo salvation lies in “Igbo presidency”, and that Igbo equates to Southeast. Such ideas bother less about pan-Igbo unity, and far disconnected from the national question, and the concerns and agitations of the deliberately suffocated Igbo youth, businessman, industrialist, etc. A prolongation of the caliphatist Buhari regime means a continuation of the atrocities, in the hope that an Igbo might after him, start dismantling the crimes. How to make this happen appears to be the task being assigned to “Igbo intellectuals”. Those intellectuals may not meet that challenge for, whatever ad hoc steps that Buhari takes to “win” election in 2019, including the manipulation of the unlawful June 12th annulment, authored by the same caliphate that he is serving,

cannot account for the thousands already killed in a Fulani war facilitated by his government against indigenous peoples. His re-election will only encourage a “final solution” to the various problems bothering him: Igbo, religion, and Fulani lebensraum.

No Igbo should procure such a fate for his people. We were fooled to acclaim a “war on corruption” unaware it was to conceal a political corruption of unprecedented magnitude.

On the other hand, nothing, including partition/Biafra, is enough, except thoroughly understood, intelligently led, and wisely implemented. Late father told us long ago, “Do you know that one can hold something in his palm and it becomes another person’s own without struggle?”

Aburi is an example. The manner a visiting Soviet diplomat was treated became another. If more is needed, you may consult Mike Ejeagha’s chairmanship race between the elephant and tortoise. To Europeans, it is the snatching of defeat from the jaws of victory. Smart businessmen translate other people’s wealth into theirs, akin to the process of converting potential power into actual power. Pre-1966 Igbo knew some of this; the post-1965, including today’s politicians, maybe excluding survivalist traders, care less about them. That was why rudderless Igbo could fight other people’s wars, encourage people seemingly comfortable with domestic or external imperialism to seek freedom, snatch coups d’état to save others from genocide, in poverty stubbornly impose development unto every nook looking towards the stone age, and eventually end up besieged by all.

Those behaving like the Igbo might be appreciated in civilized climes, but a queer approach to survival in the jungle, where actors define their interests more intimately.

Not that for everyone and themselves the

Igbo never tried at all, but that we need a little more introspection, rather, sophistication in dealing with everything.

On regionalism, the “irreducible minimum”, we ask, how many “Igbo leaders” understand or care about anything outside “Southeast”, the poisoned chalice endorsing the ethnic cleansing in southern Igboland, targeted at erasing the almost 600-year modern Igbo maritime history, pretend to some Igbo land-locking or noncoastal access, and divert Igbo attention to a thousand year agony of anticipation in a wild goose chase called Onitsha port, to be dredged across lands made hostile to, or at least not interested in Igbo progress.

Gowon must be smiling about his good plans for the Igbo.

That crime against humanity, mildly code-named Abandoned Property, was as much against the Ikwerre, Etche, Bonny, Opobo, Obigbo, Ndoni, Ali-Ogba, Ahoada, Egbema, etc., as it was against hinterland Igbo. The former were threatened with hell except they renounced their Igbo identity, and answer “independent ethnic nationalities”, with their Igbo dialects becoming “languages”. Which Igbo leader has risen up to the challenge of this cruel division between blood relatives sharing in everything, including poverty and underdevelopment?

“Southeast” is a programmed Sudantype catastrophe intended to implode the central Igbo that would have no means of escape, except at war within itself. The quit order of 2017 was its dress rehearsal.

Ekwueme, his pro-NPN Ohanaeze and allies became tools to sell it to the Igbo and the world. To finally vanquish Igbo, the caliphate had long concluded plans to impose this “Biafra” on them, only contemplating the best approach, the quislings to use, or whether to instead go the whole hog of “relocating” or dispersing the 50 to 60

million Igbo and, maybe also other Easterners into distant areas of permanent enslavement and assimilation. Please, see the front and page 41 of May 12th “Saturday Sun”, to again confirm that there is nothing that the caliphate does not contemplate against others, the Igbo above all.

The Buhari government did not condemn that call, and Igbo politicians didn’t see the kite flown with fanfare.

•Professor Igwe is of the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

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 June 20, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

26

Lagos to play key role in new destination branding strategy – UNWTO Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ECRETARY General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili on Wednesday said that Lagos would play a pivotal role in the organisation’s quest to promote new tourism destinations across the world.

Pololikashvili, who made this known when he led a high powered delegation, consisting eight Ministers of Tourism and representatives from 44 countries across Africa on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said the Technical Visit to the State, as part of the activities for the just concluded 61st UNWTO/CAF Meeting in Abuja, was a pointer to the role Lagos would play in developing tourism in the continent.

Describing the visit to Lagos as the best part of the meeting, the UNWTO Scribe said, “We are here to promote new tourism destinations. You can count on us, thanks to you, to promote this fantastic place. Thanks for receiving us and rest assured that Lagos will be one of the most important parts of our strategy branding.”.

Responding, Ambode said the massive investment in infrastructural renewal by his administration

was a well thought out strategy to position Lagos as a tourism hub.

“We believe that with the kind of population and the market that Lagos has, we must start to create tourism infrastructure to be able to grow the economy, that’s why as you move across Lagos, you would observe that it is technically a construction site; from the airport and as you go on the bridges and also when you go to the Eko Atlantic City.

“But the ultimate goal is that these infrastructure will now drive people to come and spend their weekend here, just the way you have decided to spend your Wednesday here in Lagos and the government gets some form of revenue from taxes when people use our hotels.

“So there is a cycle of development that tourism tries to drive and that is why we have continuously supported whatever has to do with tourism and let me reiterate also that we would continue to support everything tourism because anything that can integrate and bound the continent together, that’s where we should go because we are the next story,” Ambode said.

He said a UN report in 2016 showed that 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour, with only

Mumbai coming close with 79, followed by New York and London with 7 and 9 respectively, adding that it was a viable opportunity to use tourism to drive human and capital development.

“Lagos has almost a population of 24 million right now. According to UN report, as at 2016, 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour and most likely not wanting to go back. Next is Mumbai, 79; New York 7; London, 9.

“So, why are people coming to Lagos and not wanting to go back?

It means that at a point where we are not able to provide jobs for them, we need to start looking at the area of tourism to be able to create that next port of building the State’s GDP and tap into the creative mind of our people, which is something that we have not really been doing across Africa,” the Governor said.

Welcoming the delegation to the State, Governor Ambode said the technical visit by the delegation was auspicious, as it would provide

an avenue for top players in the tourism sector from the across the continent to rub minds and forge a common course towards making Africa the choice destination for tourists across the world.

“In this whole tourism industry, we are just an integral part of the whole bonding story that we are trying to build across Africa. This is very significant for us because now that we are beginning to see that every destination is an important destination across the continent, it is important that we integrate ourselves and also share whatever possibilities and opportunities that we have together.

Remarking, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed thanked Governor Ambode for his support towards the hosting of the 61st UNWTO/CAF Meeting in Nigeria, saying that it was largely responsible for the success of the event.

“Without the generous support and cooperation of Lagos State this 61st UNWTO/CAF Meeting

would not have been possible.

When I ran into difficulties it was my brother that I came to and he bailed me out. I remain eternally grateful to you and Nigeria is very grateful to you because your support has made the Meeting successful,” the Minister said.

He said the visit to Lagos was a major part of the conference and Lagos was chosen because of its foremost place in the country’s tourism architecture, adding that the massive investment in tourism infrastructure by Governor Ambode has gone a long way to show the State’s seriousness to emerge as a leading tourism hub in Nigeria and Africa.

The day-long Technical Visit saw the 101 delegation from UNWTO, including Ministers of Tourism from eight countries and representatives from 44 countries in Africa visit the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, regarded as the biggest of its kind in Africa with world class facilities that would further drive tourism in Nigeria.

I’m moving WCC headquarters to Abuja – Runsewe assures fortunes of Nigerian football and

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IRECTOR-GENERAL of the National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has disclosed plans to move the headquarters of the World Crafts Council (WCC) to Abuja. This is also as he praised travel and tourism writers in the country for driving discourse and ‘constantly pushing agenda and operators to improving the tourism sector of the national economy.’

Runsewe made these remarks, last Tuesday, while receiving members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Editors of Tourism (ANJET) who paid a courtesy visit to his visit in Abuja to felicitate with him on his appointment as President of the World Craft Council (African Region).

According to Runsewe, the tourism writers have formed the backbone of his many accomplishments in the service, noting that they were also the first professional body to formally congratulate him on his WCC African Region appointment, ‘outside of a couple of government agencies.’

Runsewe who described his appointment as a plus for Nigerian crafts industry as well as its practitioners, added: “This is a big platform for showcasing art and craft.

It is big business representing a veritable platform for showcasing Nigeria and its arts and craft industry to the world.”

Continuing, the NCAC boss said: “I am moving the headquarters of the WCC to Abuja, that is one of the tasks I have at hand for now. I have concluded arrangements to that effect and have been given the goahead to commence the groundwork and when we are through, you shall be the first to know. I can describe myself as the culture Clemens Westerhof, who turned the

footballers around for good.

“And just like our footballers who were not reckoned with outside the shores of the country. Nobody knew them before Clemens Westerhof came to Nigeria. Let me say that with my appointment as the chief executive of the WCC Africa Region, I have come to turn around the fortunes of Nigerian artists and craftsmen who were also not previously reckoned with but now by virtue of my position at the WCC, the time for Nigerian crafts industry to shine has come,” said Runsewe.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right), presents a souvenir to Secretary General, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili (2nd left) while Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (right) watches during the courtesy visit by the Delegates of the 61st meeting of the UNWTO.CAF and African Tourism Ministers, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, last Wednesday.

Tourism contributes 34% of Nigeria’s GDP – NBS N ATIONAL Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday said tourism sector accounted for 34 per cent of GDP and about 20 per cent of the nation’s employment creation in 2017.

Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, NBS, Dr Yemi Kale, made the disclosure at the just-concluded 61st United Nations World Tourism Organisation-Commission for Africa (UNWTO-CAF), Conference, in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is;” Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development.”

Kale said that tourism activities in Nigeria had immense potential and indeed, the sector encompasses and affects several sub-sectors across the nation’s key output sectors.

He said Nigeria was an inspirational destination for visitors, adding that international visitors come to the country to immerse themselves in its landscapes, indigenous culture and experiences and do business.

“This is our competitive advan-

tage and we need to work together to make the most of it, “ he said.

The statistician also said that tourism activities reinforced cultural pride, the preservation of the nation’s unique heritage and traditions, as well as the conservation of their environment.

According to him, it is because of it far reaching impact on all groups of society, that tourism is mentioned specifically within both the Sustainable Development Goals and the wider Agenda 2030.

“With respect to the direct impact of tourism on GDP, there are some economic activities that make up what we may call the tourism characteristics sectors.

“The art, entertainment and recreation, trade, transport, accommodation and food services, administrative, support and other services account for 34 per cent of GDP in 2017 and about 20 per cent of employment.

“Even though as you know not all of that 34 per cent and 20 per cent GDP and employment contribution will be related directly to

tourism activities.

“Nevertheless, this shows you the immense potential of tourism activities in Nigeria, a 500 billion dollars economy with about 70 per cent of that household consumption expenditure,“ he said.

Kale said that tourism had also proved to be a much-needed source of additional income for households particularly within rural regions.

He said that the theme of the conference was very central to the role of tourism statistics in promoting inclusive economic growth and development.

“It is a testament to the work of the Commission for Africa, and all its members here, that data is rightly recognised as pivotal to the process of building a sustainable tourism sector.

“For us in Nigeria and at the NBS, we also understand that the direct economic benefits of tourism which reflects the direct internal spending within the country from both residents and non-residents on tourism related activities.

“Tourism also has indirect and induced effects ranging from job creation, to increased revenue through taxes and foreign exchange, to improved local infrastructure, are far reaching.“ Kale, therefore, said that tourism statistics was more imperative as a tool in tracking development goals, measuring progress, and improving the efficacy of policy interventions.

According to him, tourism statistics is critical in providing the sector with the best foundation to base its decisions on.

He said that the challenges of producing tourism statistics in Nigeria were clear and present.

He added that one such challenge was the high level of informality of the tourism characteristics activities with about 60 per cent of them informal in nature.

He said the poor attitude towards record keeping, inadequate funding and weak coordination among tourism statistics related agencies and business also compounded the problems.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS Extra Psychiatric hospital unites 120 patients with families INI BILLIE, Uyo

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he psychiatric hospital in Eket, Akwa Ibom State has united 120 treated patients with their families.

It was learnt that the discharged patients consisted of destitutes picked up from the streets by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and brought to the hospital for rehabilitation.

The patients were said to be treated for two months and formally discharged and reunited with their families on June 7.

Confirming the report, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong said yesterday in Eket that the exercise was handled by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

He said: “The mop up exercise was not carried out under my ministry but the ministry of women affairs and social welfare”.

Also confirming the report, a medical doctor with the hospital who preferred to be unnamed said the patients were dropped with their various families within and outside the state by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

He said they were asked to report to the hospital for assessment and evaluation after a month, adding that during the period of their stay in the hospital, insufficient bed space was the major challenge.

“Thursday was a day to discharge and integrate these former lunatics with their families; this year, government embarked on a mop up exercise and brought the lunatics to psychiatric hospital for two months.

“They were under intensive psychotic care in the hospital for two months before they were discharged to their families. ”During the two months they were in the psychiatric hospital, the rate of lunatics on the streets of Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Uyo reduced because the exercise was targeted at the three LGAs. The government has done well to take them away from the streets to reduce the nuisance they constituted to the public.

“These people will be with their families, take their medications and come back after one month for their medical check-up. These inmates who have received treatment did not go to their relatives on their own; the ministry of women affairs and social welfare took them to their relatives.

“They were taken to their families in Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Uyo and Cross River. Money was given to them for support and upkeep before their coming back for medical check-up in a month’s time. They were sleeping on the floor due to lack of beds space in the hospital,” he said.

He commended the generosity of Governor Udom Emmanuel in rehabilitating the people and appealed to the relatives and parents of the discharged patients to complement the efforts of the state government by providing care and love to the people.

Thousands rally in Calabar for Ayade T ens of thousands of Cross Riverians from seven local government areas of Southern Senatorial District, under the umbrella of Generation Foundation, Monday, held a thank you rally in honour of the governor for his developmental achievements in three years.

Speaking on behalf of the group at a rally in Government House, Calabar, former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Orok Duke said the essence of the rally was to thank Governor Ayade for his commitment to the industrialization and overall development of Cross River State as a whole and the southern senatorial district in particular.

Duke assured the governor of their overwhelming support based on the monumental achievements he has recorded in just three years of his leadership.

“Mr. Governor, be rest assured of our continuous support. This is a well done rally and we promise you that this crowd you see here, you will definitely feel their impact during the election. The crowd here is a would-be voters and we have done

everything to ensure mass mobilization during the election to ensure your total victory.”

The former lawmaker particularly commended Governor Ayade for his industrialization drive and listed his various projects, many of which have been completed, with several at various stages of completion as reason for trooping out to thank and pledge their support.

He said the Southern Senatorial Zone of the state will team up with their brothers and sisters from the north and central to ensure the governor achieve a landslide come 2019 general elections.

“Your Excellency the crowd You see here consists mainly of youths of various ages that will enter all the nooks and crannies of the southern senatorial district with the aim of mobilizing eligible voters to ensure your victory.”

The group while commending the federal government for signing into Law the bill, “Not too Young to Rule”, particularly acknowledged Governor Ayade for implementing the law in the state long before it was signed into law by President

Muhammadu Buhari.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Eric Anderson, said “apart from thanking the governor, the rally is also to let him know the number of persons behind him. This is the reason for this large crowd here today.”

Responding, Ayade thanked the crowd for acknowledging his industrialization effort of his government, adding that “the South has shown me so much love. I have not done enough, I have to do more. We need capacity in governance and that is why I bring a lot of young people into government.

Cross River doesn’t have money but I brought intellectual money into governance.”

Governor Ayade listed several ongoing projects in the Southern part of the state, disclosing that the social housing unit for the Bakassi internally displaced persons which his administration has completed would be commissioned in July.

Ayade, while expressing his gratitude to the group for the thank you rally, said all the projects of his administration are aimed at not only

•Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (m) flanked by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (r) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus (l) commissioning the Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Slaughter-Woji-Elelenwo Road in Port Harcourt.

We have re-positioned the health sector – Wike

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has stated that his administration has re-positioned the healthcare sector for the development of the state.

Speaking during the commissioning of Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board Complex on Monday, Governor Wike announced that his administration has transferred local government primary healthcare workers to the State Primary Healthcare Board.

Governor Wike announced the renaming of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board Complex to Chief PG Warmate House.

He said: “We are here to reassure our people that we care for you. All promises will be made, will be fulfilled by the administration “.

Responding to opposition leaders who criticised the reconstruction of major state assets, the Rivers State

Governor said that the administration was still fixing these facilities because they were left to rot by the immediate past Rivers State Governor.

“The healthcare sector has received sufficient attention from my administration. It is only second to the Ministry of Works “, he said.

He announced a one-week ultimatum for parks operating near the board to relocate in the interest of the public.

Rivers State Health Commissioner, Prof Chike Princewill said the edifice was conceived and built by the Wike administration in order to provide a decent office accomodation for the effective management of primary healthcare in the state.

The Health Commissioner said that by the construction of the building, primary healthcare services will be operated under one roof.

“These enumerated achievements will not have been possible without the political commitment of the Rivers State Governor. He is equitably distributing health having understood that a healthy people beget a wealthy population “, Professor Princewill Chike said.

Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State , Dr Datonye Alasia said that this is a golden era for healthcare delivery in the state. The governor has strategically addressed all tiers of healthcare delivery.

He said that the Wike administration has ensured that the state enterred the golden era of the health sector.

Chief Field Services Coordinator of UNICEF, Annfreda Kisesa-Mkusa said that the organisation will partner with the Rivers State Government for quality healthcare delivery.

providing jobs for the citizenry, but essentially to decouple the state from the federal allocation.

The Governor who revealed that the June 2018 salary would be paid next week, further said he had earlier authorized the payment for this week, but had to be prevailed by the labour unions in the state to defer it to next week.

According to him, “I would have paid salary this week but due to the intervention by labour, I will pay next week”.

Health Record practitioners decry activities of quacks

By Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

T

he Association of Health Records Practitioners of Nigeria, AHRPN has decried the level of quackery in the profession and has advised members of the public against engaging the services of unqualified health practitioners in the country.

The call was made by the zonal head and acting coordinator of AHRPN, Mohammed Salihu in a paper presented during the monthly meeting of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishment at the Federal Secretariat, Calabar.

According to him, the call is imperative because most private health facilities engage the services of quacks and this practice is contrary to the laws of the country and the Act setting up the establishment. In addition to this, he said the engagement of quacks pose a grave danger to the lives and health of members of the public.

“It will surprise you to know that most of the facilities particularly private facilities operate against laid down rules and are happy doing so for reasons best known to their managers.

“Records profession particularly the private facilities is bedevilled with quacks and quackery in the state and the board is doing all it could to ensure that the profession is cleansed of such aberrations”.

He said to contend the menace and in line with the mandate of the board as the regulatory body of the Health Records Facilities in Nigeria, the board is committed to ensuring that only professionals are allowed to practice the profession, licensed and those who are practising without a valid license will be penalized henceforth.

He said as part of its drive to rid the nation’s health record of quacks and enhance its efficiency, the administrative structure of the board has been restructured and six new zonal offices spread across the six geopolitical zones have been created. These he said are in Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, Lokoja, Kaduna and Maiduguri. These zonal offices he said are headed by coordinators who report directly to the Registrar/ CEO to help rid the zone of quacks.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS Cont’d from Pg 2 Youths Mobilization sees the release of the timetable as a welcome development as it will now enkindle political activities.

According to him, coming at a time when the voter registration is still going on, it would add verve to the drive among the nation’s electorate to use their cards eager to speak with their votes.

In particular, Chief Aloysius Osuji, a front-runner for the governorship seat in Imo State, believes the release of the timetable for primaries would help some contestants who had been sitting on the fence and those finding it hard to make up their minds to now know that the 2019 general election must happen.

According to him, “I have been consulting with the various groups, bodies, communities and stakeholders where the responses have been positive and encouraging because they all need a change of guard in our Government House,” Osuji told journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Thanking journalists for what he saw as “commendable awakening of consciousness in our people,” the flagbearer of the Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA) said himself and his party are eager to step in to clean the Aegean Stable soiled by the incumbent administration in his dear Imo state.

Osuji who was in Awka to address Imo indigenes charged them and their families on collection of their permanent voters cards,

Parties, aspirants upbeat about primaries (PVC) so as to have the tool with which to speak at the ballot box on election day.

He urged them to cast their votes for only someone of attestable character and disposition, not moneybags who would disappear after purchasing their votes, till next election year.

As part of its preparations for the 2019 general election, PDP has been advised to collaborate with other opposition parties if it must achieve its aim of displacing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from Aso Rock in 2019.

According to Joseph Onwuka, a lawyer and political analyst, who is also convener of the Centre for Citizens Rights and Development, “PDP should seek alliances and mergers with other political parties and platforms ahead of the 2019 General elections. The forthcoming election is a very crucial one for Nigerians.”

The human rights activist alleged that the APC is out on a fullblown witch-hunt of the PDP and any body considered to be in the opposition.

“Their aim is not only to decimate the opposition, but to also ensure it does not recover. We can see what is happening to some Senators including the Senate President. Last year, Intels, an establishment belonging to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar

was shut down in a deliberate attempt by agencies of government to intimidate and truncate his perceived ambition to contest the 2019 Presidential elections. Former president Obasanjo has raised an alarm; we just hope it doesn’t happen but if it does, then it becomes an indicator of frightening things to occur before 2019,” Onwuka contended.

In Anambra, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has made it mandatory that all aspirants must pass through primaries at both presidential, state and national assembly levels as there would be no room for anointed candidacy in the party.

Although it is not yet certain whether APGA would present a presidential candidate or support the candidate of any other party of their choice, the party authorities are still keeping it to their chest for now, waiting for the primary election timetable period to come.

According to a member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of APGA, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, “my personal opinion is that we shall nominate a presidential candidate when the time comes but when that time comes, the party opinion will prevail against personal opinion.”

Also, another chieftain of APGA, Chief Felix Madubuagwuibeya Obunadike stated categorically

that APGA’s earlier policy not to have any room to anoint candidates for the 2019 general election, as applicable to the All Progressive Congress, APC where Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has already anointed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as the governorship candidate that will succeed him as next governor of the state is still in force.

Obunadike who is also the chairman of APGA in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, made this disclosure while reacting to speculations in some quarters that the APGA leadership may have adopted some anointed candidates for various elective positions, particular in Idemili South House of Assembly.

He described such an allegation as false, untrue and baseless, adding,”the truth remains that there is no anointed candidate or sacred cow for the party in the state, not to talk of Idemili South where I preside over the affairs of the party.”

For Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, a human rights crusader and Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra state chapter, all the political parties should follow the party guidelines and ensure transparent, free and fair primaries and general elections.

Ezekwueme stated that by so doing, democratic tenets would

•From left: Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, former SGF Babagana Kingibe, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. & Mrs Kola Abiola and and former Lagos State governor, Ahmed Tinubu... at the investiture of GCFR on the late MKO Abiola and GCON on Babagan Kingibe in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the annuled June 12, 1993 Presidential election.

Cont’d from Pg 2 state treasury and also shared the ecological funds to party beneficiaries and others.

‘13% derivation insufficient to develop Niger Delta’ In another development, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has said that the 13 per cent derivation given to the Niger Delta is insufficient to develop the region.

The governor said this during the week in a live media chat in Ijaw language in Yenagoa.

He said the derivation principle

Dariye jailed for fraud was short of the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta.

According to the News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN), Dickson argued that only restructuring would guarantee sustainable peace, stability and development in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.

“I have said it time and time again that the 13 per cent derivation the Federal Government gives to us can never be enough to

tackle our developmental needs at the pace we want.

“Restructuring is the only veritable means to achieve sustainable peace, stability and prosperity not only in our region but throughout the country.

“What they call oil blocs are our ancestral lands but we are the people that are excluded from the ownership and use of this our God-given property.

“For instance, Bayelsa is where the Federal Government is doing

almost nothing to support our development efforts.

“We are the ones building all our schools, hospitals, roads and bridges to link our communities in this state.

“That is why I expect every right thinking Ijaw or Niger Delta person and true Nigerian to support our clamour for restructuring because that is the right thing to do so that every part of our country will have a sense of belonging,” Dickson said.

have been preserved from interruption and at the same time, perfected for stability and to the benefit of our younger generations.

For Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh, General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries Inc (aka By Fire By Fire) Nnewi, Anambra State, Ndigbo should forget about one Nigeria and its election and concentrate on actualization of Biafra because the marginalization of Ndigbo is too much.

Udeh contended that even if elections are conducted up to 20 times in Nigeria, the North has already perfected their Islamic agenda so much so that there is no more hope for Ndigbo in the scheme of things, no to talk of an Igbo man becoming a president of Nigeria even in the next 100 years.

For its part, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), urged INEC to educate and sensitize all the political parties on how to conduct transparent primary election, to avoid internal wrangling among members of political parties when some of their aspirants lose primaries.

CD’s National Publicity Secretary, Uzor A. Uzor noted that what is need now is internal democracy where all the political parties adopt a system of conducting their primaries in a free, fair and transparent manner without having an anointed person at the back of their mind, as has been the case over time.

For its part, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State has assured it is ready to conduct a credible primary election for its teaming governorship aspirants.

Speaking with The Oracle Today in Owerri, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr George Nkworji, said the party would not indulge in writing list or harmonization to produce the governorship candidate of the party in the state, insisting that such terms refer to imposition of candidates.

He said the party will produce candidates that believe in democracy.

“We want to produce candidates who believe in democracy and who have worked hard for victory,” he said.

The APGA spokesperson said that “with the release of INEC time table for political parties to conclude their primaries, there is no doubt that aspirants are in a rush to conclude their eligibility for the contests.

“As you can see, aspirants in our party have being crisscrossing the various wards and local government areas, reaching out to political leaders and members of the party for support.

“Mind you that we will first conduct a delegates election to produce those men and women who will participate in the primary elections. For now, the focus is on how to produce those delegates,” he stressed, adding: “Imo APGA is distinct from other parties because we shall neither be involved in ‘drawing of delegates lists’ nor ‘harmonization’ as these terms are euphemism for imposition. Therefore, we shall conduct a transparently free delegates election for members who present themselves in their wards.

The current State Exco under Barrister Peter Ezeobi will not allow any leader or leaders to draw lists of delegates because we stand on democracy.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

StanbicIBTC Pension’s AUM climbs N2.5tr Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ITH Assets Under Management (AUM) in excess of N2.53 trillion and more than 1.6 million retirement savings account holders nationwide, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited said plans have been concluded to maximise opportunities from the new initiatives to be implemented by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Eric Fajemisin, at a meeting in Lagos, who also described the measures taken by PenCom to sustain growth of the Nigerian pension industry as apt.He reiterated that the micro pension scheme, multifund investment structure and pension account transfer window, to mention but a few, are among initiatives capable of putting the sector in stronger footing going forward.

The pension expert said such reforms and innovations are necessary to maintain the strength and depth of Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).The session was one in the series of strategic approaches by the pension fund administrator to engage industry stakeholders on ways to strengthen the industry and ensure wider participation by Nigerians.

Fajemisin noted that the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) MultiFund Investment structure, which has become operational since July 1, 2018, replaces the “one-sizefits-all” arrangement that puts all active contributors into one RSA Fund and would resolve the challenge of asset-liability risk management faced by the operators.

By aligning the age and risk profile of RSA holders to match the four funds, contributors would have a better chance to earn im-

proved returns on their investments in proportion to their risk appetites.

The different categories of the multi-funds structure are Fund 1, Fund 2, Fund 3 and Fund 4, with Fund 1 targeted at people of 49 years and below, who in the quest for higher returns are willing to take more risks. Fund 2 is aimed at people who are 49 years and below and still working but are satisfied with moderate returns and levels of risks, while Fund 3 targets people 50 years and above, but still working and have very low risk appetite and Fund 4 are retirees who have the lowest risk profile of all categories. Among its other benefits include improved standard of living for the elderly, safety of funds and access to other incentives, such as mortgage facilities and health insurance.

In addition are flexible contribution remittances, the opportunity to make withdrawal prior to retirement and the enhancement of financial inclusion in the country.

Speaking on the micro-pension scheme, Fajemisin said it would help in deepening asset accumulation in the country, and provide the crucial capital required for investment in critical sectors of the economy.

As an initiative designed to cover an estimated 70 per cent of Nigeria’s working population in the informal sector, the scheme offers enormous benefits to the society and ensure improved standard of living for the elderly. It also guarantees the safety of funds and may provide access to other incentives, such as mortgage facilities and health insurance, regardless of challenges associated with its seamless implementation.

On the proposed pension transfer window, which allows RSA holder to switch PFA once a year, the Stanbic IBTC Pension helmsman said it would deepen the dem-

•(From left to right): Managing Partner, Averti Professional Managers, Mrs Inyang Sani Orungbe; Director and Head, Corporate Communications Department, National Pension Commission, Peter Aghahowa and Head Benefits & Insurance Mrs Ekanem Aikhomu at the PenCom’s first 2018 Pre-Retirement Workshop aimed at sensitizing intending retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). ocratic space in the pension industry, as well as encourage healthy competition, resulting in further transparency and accountability that would in turn enhance efficiency, innovation and service delivery.

Fajemisin also reviewed the 2014 Pension Reform Act and the impact on the CPS. On the enabling law, he said the introduction of more stringent penalties for erring operators and directors, especially as it relates to mismanagement of funds, has engendered greater corporate governance, making it almost impossible to misapply pension funds by anyone.

AXA Mansard’s shareholders approve N630m final dividend

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

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HAREHOLDERS of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc have approved a total dividend of N630 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The shareholders gave their approval last Friday at the company’s 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos. The approved dividend of N630 million represents six kobo per share.

At the AGM, the shareholders applauded the company for not incurring any penalty or fine during the year and for prompt settlement of claims.

They also urged the company to embark on expansion and roll out new products that will boost the company revenue and profitability, saying that the company should ensure its subsidiaries contribute to the Group.

Addressing the shareholders, the chairman of the company, Mr. Olusola Adeeyo stated that the company closed the year with positive results despite the slow recovery of the economy.

Reviewing the year, he stated that “We grew Gross Premium by 30 per cent to N26.8 billion, from N20.7 billion in 2016, driven by the sustained growth of our health business as well as large ticket property and causality transactions.

“Net premium income also grew by 26 per cent to N13.8 billion from N10.9 billion in 2016. While we experienced some large claims on our portfolios during the year, we were able to make significant recoveries aided by our strong risk focused reinsurance strategy.”

He noted: “although profitability was affected by claims and interest rate impacts on our life reserves, we were still able to grow profit before tax to N3.2 billion in 2017, from N3.1 billion in 2016 and profit after tax to N2.7 billion from N2.6 billion.”

According to Adeeyo, the company’s balance sheet remained strong in 2017, with total assets amounting to N66.5 billion by year end and the shareholders’ funds grew by 17 per cent year-on-year to N20.3 billion, remaining well in

excess of regulatory requirements.

Also, the chief executive officer of AXA Mansard Insurance, Mr. Kunle Ahmed said the company took decisive steps in 2017 towards improving its business effectiveness and ability to serve customers better which has resulted in the impressive performance recorded in the year.

Looking ahead, Ahmed said: “we will continue to learn and improve our understanding of our customers’ evolving needs, and how they wish to be served, in order to continually add value to their lives and businesses.

“As we move forward in 2018, we will continue to drive improvements in our business and in our operations. With the support of our various partners, including brokers and agents, we will serve our clients across our various businesses in a bespoke manner, as a onestop, non-bank, financial services company.”

Ahmed added that the company trusted in the dedication of its staff and its ability to break new grounds in response to changes in its business environment.

By increasing the contributions of the employer and employee to 10 and eight per cent respectively, Fajemisin said the Act has ensured the availability of more benefits to contributors at retirement.

In addition, the Act makes the non-remittance of employees’ contribution by the employer an offense, which the regulator can prosecute in court. Amongst its provisions, which expanded its coverage, private sector organizations with just three employees or more are required to register under the scheme; while the law also compels an employer to open a Temporary Retirement Savings

Account (TRSA) on behalf of an employee that fails to open a Retirement Savings Account within three months of being employed.

The PFA’s Head of Business Development, Mrs. Nike Bajomo, said the company is already reaching out to its more than 1.6 million RSA holders nationwide to create awareness about commencement of the multi-fund structure with effect from July 1, 2018.She said the PFA will continue to engage various stakeholders on developments in the industry to ensure the provisions of the CPS are fully harnessed to the benefit of all.

Deloitte tasks insurers on financial reporting standards

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ccounting firm, Deloitte has urged the sector regulators and operators to get ready for the implementation of IFRS 17 by year 2021 in order to set-up a global standards process in financial results-based approach for the nation’s insurance industry.

This was the fulcrum of deliberations at a breakfast meeting with underwriting companies across the country titled: “Practical insight into the impact of IFRS 17 standard (Insurance Contracts) on insurance business in Nigeria” organised by Deloitte, in Lagos.

According to the company, IFRS 17 previously known as IFRS 4 PhaseII is an International Financial Reporting Standard developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), providing new standards for reporting profit from insurance contracts, which would come into effect from 2021.

The main objective is to standardise insurance accounting globally to help users of the accounts make sensible comparisons between companies, their past performance, their current financial posi-

tion and risk exposure. For the first time, there will be a single IFRS accounting model for all types of insurance contracts that will be transparent and aligned to general IFRS accounting of other industries.

IFRS 17 is the standard that will cover the methods for calculating the liabilities for insurance contracts and the resulting new profit recognition pattern for these contracts.The implications of this IFRS transformation initiatives are not just technical calculation, but will affect, among others, Actuarial (reserving), Finance (general ledger, reporting processes), Tax (treatment), IT (data storage, finance systems), HR (remuneration) and Investor Relations (presentations).

The South Africa-based Manager, Actuarial and Insurance Solutions, Deloitte, Previn Pillay, who spoke to The Guardian on the objective of IFRS 17 to the insurance operators in Nigeria said the new standard is to ensure that underwriters provide relevant information that faithfully represents insurance contracts.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market How NSE hit N3.79b PAT in 1yr – Onyema

By JEROME USHAKANG

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ARD work, strategic planning, significant improvement in operating environment and diversification of income streams of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) were some of the key factors behind the Exchange’s superlative results for the financial year ended December 31, 2017.

These were revealed in a statement by Chief Executive officer (CEO) of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema at the 57th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Exchange’s Event Centre Stock Exchange House in Lagos.

Onyema told members of the Exchange and the capital market community that 2017 was a glorious year for the NSE Group as its profit after tax which stood at N27.45million as at December 31, 2016 ascended into billions as it grew by 13.72 percent to close 2017 financial year at N3.79billion.

He said that the NSE positive achievements during the year under review was mainly driven by a rejuvenation in trading following the introduction of market based foreign exchange regime in April 2017. According to him, this singular factor enhanced ease of market entry and exit for foreign portfolio investors, as

a result, transaction fees rose sharply by 130 percent to close the year at N3.6billion representing 45 percent of the Group’s total income in 2017.

In the same vein, listing fees grew by 110percent when compared with 2016 results, thus, indicating revival in primary market activity in contrast to the low performance recorded in year 2016.

According to Onyema, another key factor was the diversification of the Exchange’s income streams and added that this has paid off. He said, “I am pleased by the positive results we have recorded in this regard. Our market services business consisting of technology and market data serv-

•L – R shows Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CON, Ex-Officio​, National Council, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, President, National Council, NSE and Mrs. Mojisola Adeola, Head, Council Secretariat, NSE, during the 57th Annual General Meeting of the Exchange held in Lagos.

ices continue to perform impressively. And market services income has continued to grow despite the market down-cycle, which significantly impacted our core trading and listing businesses in 2015 and 2016.”

The Chief Executive Officer explained that the financial performance of the exchange in 2017 was also due to the greatly improved operating environment as the Group’s gross income stood at N8.30billion as against N4.45 billion in 2016, representing a growth of 86percent while profit after tax amounted to N3.79billion, an increase of 13.712percent over N27.45million made in 2016, stressing that this has had a positive effect on the Group’s financial position with net assets appreciating by 19.30 percent to close the year at N23.13billion.

However, the Group’s total expenses rose by 9 percent during the year under review as the exchange relaxed some of its strict budgetary controls including the Cost Monitoring committee deployed in response to the strong economic headwinds of 2015 and 2016.

The CEO recalled that having reached a low of 24,581.99points in March 2017, a rebound in investment activity as the nation emerged recession in the first quarter of 2017 saw the NSE All-Share-Index (ASI} gained 42.30 pe4rcent to become according to Cable News Network (CNN)to become the third best performing index globally at the end of year 2017.

He attributed this to improved

CBN, BDCs at war over new forex policy

Continued from P 17

Although, contends of criteria for issuance of operating license to BDC operators by the regulator is unknown, yet the BDCs are contending that they ought to be given equal opportunity to operate just like the commercial banks. They are in business for profit and are operating legally, so, there is a strong feeling that an obstacle is being put on their way to create wealth for the themselves and for the course of doing business for nation as well, perhaps this is what accounts for multiple exchange rates in the market.

Perhaps the BDCs have a point. A situation where the banks buy dollar from the CBN at a lower rate than the BDCs is not helping the market stability drive. And this is the bone of contention between the BDC operators and the regulator.

Since the BDCs are licensed by the government to operate. Why should they be sidelined by the same regulator who licensed them? For fairness and equity CBN should as a matter of urgency review BDC’s dollar purchasing rate to align with commercial banks’ buying rate.

In addition, ABCON should be considered for disbursement fees in the collection centres and the rate between the banks and BDCs should be merged for uniformity and fairness.

The CBN in its circular to Deposit Money Banks and BDCs threatened to sanction either of them that fail to implement or carry out its directive on new foreign exchange policy.

As a result of this recent move, the CBN claimed it has approved wider margin for BDCs .The apex bank also stated that it has review upwards the

trading margin available to operators of Bureau De Change in the country.

But was silent on the number of days given to the BDCs to participate in the market weekly.

Okorafor explained that the decision was aimed at giving the BDCs a level playing field to enable them compete favourably with other authorised dealers in the foreign exchange market. The statement urged the BDC operators to abide by the new guidelines and not exploit desperate customers by selling the dollar above the N360 band. It also warned that the BDCs would be sanctioned if any case of infraction was established against them.

This despotic approach in an attempt to solve a national sensitive issue that bothers on economy and in the process cause friction or disharmony among various units in the economic system may not portray CBN as a tactful regulator.

Before now, assuming the CBN had created an avenue for interactive session with the Commercial banks and BDCs in seminar or workshop and in the process hinted the two bodies of its new forex plan and why. Complex matters and their differences would have been settled amicably. But now, judging from the CBN action, it can be accused of abusing its coercive power as a regulator.

Besides, can the CBN confirm that it has place advertisements in the media on this issue to inform those it is regulating? Or as a regulator, it is vested with power to without prior information chunk out by-laws for those it is regulating and they must oblige willy-nilly. Is that how to carry them along? Or is this another way of exhibiting superiority status as a regulator? This does not Justice and equity but this should have been al-

lowed to prevail?

Meanwhile, following the recent outcry by the BDC operators, the CBN appears to have soft pedal as it has now approved that the BDC operators should buy dollars from the apex bank at the rate of N357 and sell at N360. CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, confirmed this in a statement issued last Monday.

He said this would leave them with a positive margin of N3 per dollar sold, and emphasized that the decision was aimed at giving the BDCs a level playing field to enable them compete favourably with other authorised dealers in the foreign exchange market. But was silent on the number of days the BDCs are to participate in the market weekly as it is now harping on the phrase “a level playing field”.

The statement urged the BDC operators to abide by the new guidelines and not exploit desperate customers by selling the dollar above the N360 band. It also warned that the BDCs would be sanctioned if any case of infraction was established against them.

The CBN had in March last year released a foreign exchange policy, under which it directed licensed BDCs in the country to purchase forex from it at the rate of N360 to a dollar, while selling same to customers at no more than N362 for one dollar in an effort to increase access of foreign exchange to small end-users, bridge the supply gap and develop the local Bureaux-de-Change BDCs. Reacting to CBN approval that the BDC operators should buy dollars from the apex bank at the rate of N357 and sell at N360 to a dollar, a market operator and Managing Di-

rector of APT Securities and Funds Limited, Alhaji Kasimu Garba Kurfi told The Oracle in a telephone interview that it is a good omen to as it is bound to stabilize the currency market. On whether the three-day weekly participation was enough, he also approved of it saying the BDCs thrive on scarcity adding if more days are given to them, it might lead to glut because they have to sell and if not everything will eventually return to the owner or rather the buyer gains more than the BDC operator.

According to him, the more CBN liberalize the BDCs the less margin , they BDC gets, he also noted that most BDCs don’t have the capacity to bid for a full week adding a willing seller will want go for more if there’s a willing buyer, but in most cases they may not sell. As a result, thus serving as a check to round-trip.

Commenting on the development, ABCON president, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe said the association is committed to ensuring the vision of the CBN for a single foreign exchange market and stability.

According to him, ABCON as a stakeholder and an umbrella body of over 3500 licenced bureaux will maintained the tenants of price discovery and transparency in the sub sector for investors confidence, general price stability, accessibility of foreign exchange by critical retail end users.

We warned pundits of hoarding, speculation, rent seeking, illegal cash boarder transfers to stay clear as the new policy will in no doubt make any act of economic sabotage risky with monumental loses, he said.

He therefore commended CBN for its continuous bravery in dealing with the foreign exchange market fundamentals proactively and squarely.

macro-economic conditions driven by higher global oil prices and increased domestic oil output as well as the exchange’s keen focus on strategy execution enhanced advocacy efforts that impacted positively on the business of the exchange in 2017 financial year.

Also speaking at the 57th AGM, the President of National Council of NSE,Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo. said, “We have deployed a new four year corporate strategy that will reposition us as a more investor friendly and customer centric exchange hub in Africa. With this new strategy, we are poised to deliver superior performance for our multi-faceted stakeholders especially issuers and investors who continue to access our market to raise and save capital respectively”.

He recalled that Market capitalization grew by 41.59 percent to close at N22,917,906,741,966.20 trillion when compared to N16,185,729,639,209.90 trillion in year 2016. Similarly, the All Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 42.30percent from 26,874.62 points to 38,243.19 points.

According to him, the NSE achieved new listings across diversified product classes – 41 Bonds, 19 equities, 5 ETFs and 15 Memorandum Listings, stressing that the bourse was rated third best performing stock exchange in 2017 by CNN, awarded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Company of the Year by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Now with the uniformity of prices, strong fiscal buffers, fiscal discipline, yuan swap, investors confidence, there is no doubt in my mind that the Naira is on its journey to sovereignty in Africa.”

Commenting on the development, ABCON president, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe said the association is committed to ensuring the vision of the CBN for a single foreign exchange market and stability.

According to him, ABCON as a stakeholder and an umbrella body of over 3500 licenced bureaux will maintained the tenants of price discovery and transparency in the sub sector for investors confidence, general price stability, accessibility of foreign exchange by critical retail end users.

We warned pundits of hoarding, speculation, rent seeking, illegal cash boarder transfers to stay clear as the new policy will in no doubt make any act of economic sabotage risky with monumental loses, he said.

He therefore commended CBN for its continuous bravery in dealing with the foreign exchange market fundamentals proactively and squarely.

“Now with the uniformity of prices, strong fiscal buffers, fiscal discipline, yuan swap, investors confidence, there is no doubt in my mind that the Naira is on its journey to sovereignty in Africa.”

Prior the recent CBN approval, another market operator, Gwadabe said the BDC sector is confronted with many challenges such as multiple exchange rate, abnormal bank charges, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Commission on Turnover (COT), parallel market operators and illegal International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs).

The CBN as an independent corporate entity of the Federal Government should in the interest of the country resolve the crisis that is about to erupt in the money market.

If this is not checkmated, it will affect the entire economic system.

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

MONEY Market

2nd Niger Bridge to be completed in 4yrs, as SWF profit drops by N107b Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

N

IGERIA’S Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) has recorded a decline of N107.8billion in profit from N130.37 billion in 2016 to N22.55 billion in 2017. This is also the lingering Second Niger Bridge has been earmarked for completion in four years’ time.

According to the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the agency managing the NSIA, Mr. Uche Orji, while presenting highlights of the financial performance of the fund to the media, 2017 was a challenging year for the agency.

He said the total income of the agency declined from N149.83 billion in 2016 to N27.93 billion in 2017.

According to him, the agency also recorded a decline in its profit from N130.3 billion in 2016 to N22.5 billion in 2017.

Orji blamed the Currency Management Policy of the Federal Government for the decline in profitability.

“The decline of the net foreign exchange gains which accounted for the reduced net operating income recorded in 2017 was as a result of government’s Currency Management Policies, which were aimed at stabilising the Naira in 2016.

“To this effect, the Naira weakened in value from N196 per dollar to N305 per dollar in 2016.

“Considering that at the end of

that year, about 80 cent of the Authority’s assets were denominated in the United States Dollars, the devaluation resulted in significant exchange gains in the Authority’s Naira books,” he said.

Orji said dividend payment to its shareholders was discussed at the last board meeting but was stepped down till next year.

The agency commenced operations in 2013 with $1.55 billion and there had been expectations that dividend to its shareholders would be paid at the end of the 2017 financial period.

“The law said that we should show profits in each of the three funds consistently for five years after which we will start declaring dividend and this is the fifth year of showing profitability.The dividend policy was considered by the board but we decided to step it down and consider it again next year,” he said.

He said also the delay in inaugurating the NSIA board led to a lag in re-investment of matured fund which affected profitability in the year under review.

However, he said despite the drop in profitability, the NSIA had decided to increase its funding for infrastructure development.

To achieve this objective, Orji said the asset allocation strategy of the NSIA was restructured to reflect an increased focus on domestic infrastructure investment.

Orji who said that henceforth 50 per cent of future contribu-

•L – R : Ijeoma Aniude; Sales and Services Officer, Diamond bank Plc, Agbani Road, Enugu; Rev.Sister, Fransisca Aneke, Head Teacher, Notre Dame Nursery & Primary School Enugu; Udochukwu Ezemagu, Winner, School Fees Savers Scholarship; Onyebuchi Okonkwo, Account officer, Emerging Business, Diamond Bank plc, Agbani Road, Enugu; and Nonso Chukwurah, Branch Manager, Diamondbank Plc, Agbani Road Enugu at the presentation of cheques to Winners of the School Fees Savers Scholarship scheme held in Enugu recently.

tions would be dedicated to infrastructure as against the previous arrangement where 40 per cent of the fund was allocated, further gave the areas of priority for the agency as agriculture, healthcare, motorways, real estate and power.

On the outlook for 2018, he said the NSIA would continue to main-

tain its diversified asset strategy to drive returns and mitigate market volatility.

“The NSIA anticipates increased investment in infrastructure as more projects come up to financial close.

“The deployment of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund is expected to drive

2018 infrastructure investment strategy as 650 million dollars has been voted by NEC to complete critical infrastructure projects across the country,” he said.

According to Orji, the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge, which is one of the major road projects being financed by the NSIA, would be completed in the next four years.

Heritage Bank, FG, UN partner to position Diamond Bank rewards 30 youth account holders with Nigeria as tourist destination in Africa

I

N a bid to transform Nigeria into a tourist sector destination in Africa and position it as lever of Nigeria’s economic growth and development, Heritage Bank Plc has partnered federal government and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The bank partnered Nigerian government at the 61st meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization-Commission for Africa (UNWTO-CAF), in Abuja, attended by over 166 foreign delegates, 26 ministers and 332 Nigerian delegates, excluding local and foreign pressmen.

Speaking on the 61st Meeting with the theme “Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development,” President Muhammad Buhari stated that Nigeria is safe and secure for tourism, citing improved security and the country’s burgeoning economy as basis for his verdict.

He called on tourists and investors in the tourism sector to consider Nigeria as their second home saying, that the federal government has provided attractive investment incentives for investors in the sector.

Whilst, wooing the investors for developments, President Buhari assured investors in the sector of minimum tariff on investment on amusement park equipment, materials for hotel construction, furnishing, dedicated transportation for tour operators and equipment for restaurants not manufactured in Nigeria, minimum duty on casino equipment and work permit for foreign workers with specialised

skills within the industry.

Speaking at the event, the MD/ CEO of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo stated since the government deemed it right to partner with the bank in order to synergies together and move tourism potentials of Nigeria to the next level, the bank will continue to increase investment and support to the sector in year ahead.

“Over the years the bank has believed in tourism and we always keep trying as much as possible to support the tourism sector.

Over the years we think it is something we have done with a quite a number of stakeholders and we have done that quite well.

“In the coming years, we should expect more of better handshake.

We intend to do more; because looking at what they are trying to achieve here now, we have seen that they are trying to take in much into the other sectors. We think we would still be there for them.

“The sector is quite lucrative, but for us, what we are doing basically is like partnership. That is what we have done with them over the years. We have done quite a few investments in the sector,” Sekibo hinted.

He further called for increased support from financial institutions and governments at all levels, especially in creating enabling environment for operators to thrive.

In his remarks the SecretaryGeneral of United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO),

Zurab Pololikashvili affirmed that Nigeria has the potential to be one of the world best tourists destinations.

He said it is imperative for the nation to have a proper statistics of tourism contributions to the growth of Gross Domestics Products (GDP).

Pololikashvili expressed satisfaction at the turnout of both local and foreign participants at the 61st UNWTO/ CAF meeting.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who thanked the UNWTO Secretary-General and his entire team, Heritage Bank and others for their support noted

that tourism has become an important sector of the economy for many member states, especially as an important source of foreign exchange earnings, employment generation and income creation.

Mohammed said in addition to encouraging infrastructural development and poverty reduction tourism is one of the sectors the federal government has identified as very key to its economic diversification agenda. He said that the sustained growth of the tourism industry illustrates how this allimportant sector, with its added advantages can assist member states’ economies to reap the benefits of globalisation.

FG to raise N400bn from asset sales this year

F

EDERAL Government expects to raise N400 billion via asset sales this year, part of which would help finance the record 2018 budget.

Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Alex Okoh, said the government has finalised plans to start a post-privatisation program for its power sector with a $1 billion credit from the World Bank to boost power distribution and transmission which has underperformed. Okoh told Reuters that the government has a list of 11 assets it plans this year either to sell to strategic investors or offer to private companies to lease and run on concession, ranging from power assets to sports stadiums.

Sources have also said the gov-

ernment plans to sell part of its stake in Nigerian Reinsurance company through an initial public offer in November.

Okoh said the power sector was among 37 percent of privatised enterprises that have underperformed, without providing a figure on how many assets have been sold.

He added that the country has attracted $7.8 billion in foreign investment into 53 privatised entities. President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to sign the 2018 spending plan into law. Parliament approved a budget of N9.12 trillion, higher than the N8.61 trillion the government presented to lawmakers in November, after delays.

scholarships

D

IAMOND bank has rewarded 30 customers with N100,000 each in the just concluded Diamond Future and Cool-Teens School Fees Saver Scholarship draw held at the bank’s head office in Lagos.

The School Fees Savers Scholarship scheme is specially targeted at parents with children / wards in preschool, primary and secondary school. This initiative is aimed at driving customer loyalty and easing lifestyle challenges by rewarding them with scholarship opportunities.

Speaking at the draw, Adaeze Ume, Head Personal Banking, Diamond Bank Plc said “The principal goal of the School Fees Savers Scholarship scheme is to promote a savings culture amongst parents and guardians to save for their children / wards’ school fees. This is a good way for parents to fund their children’s education, whilst diversifying their investments. It is also our way of reassuring customers of our promise to provide value added services on their customer journey with us”.

To participate in the School Fees Savers Scholarship Scheme, customers can simply open a Diamond Future or Cool-Teens account, maintain a monthly average balance of N25, 000 or set up a Standing Instruction of N10, 000 & above to qualify.

32

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS Umeh bags NUJ honours

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

T

he Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone in the National Assembly, Chief Victor Umeh, with the Man-of-the-Year 2018 award for his political doggedness and achievements.

This is just as Umeh revealed that the senate has now amended Sec 87(1) of the Electoral Act which relates to the sponsorship of a candidate in an election by political parties Honoured alongside the senator was Chief Dozie Nwankwo representing Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives.

Other were Chief Chris Azubogu (Nnewi Federal Constituency) and Prince Chu Onyema (Ogbaru Federal Constituency) both of the Federal House of Representatives.

“I have received above thirty five other awards from various bodies and organizations but this stands out because it was from a body that is always very thorough ...,” said Umeh.

He used the opportunity to disclose that the Senate has amended Sec 87 (1) of the Electoral Act which relates to the sponsorship of a candidate in an election by political parties.

He told the audience that in addition to other provisions of that particular section of the Act, the Senate has just added that ‘any candidate that emerges from a party primary must have been monitored and endorsed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).’

Senator Umeh pointed out that the aim was to discourage a situation where some individuals as witnessed in recent passed met and declared themselves “winner” and “candidate” in their premises or village square, and end up creating unnecessary political crises and tension leading to bickering and avoidable tortuous lawsuits.

In what looked like a sneak preview of his four months efforts in the senate so far, Umeh said he has recorded achievements that surpass what most others couldn’t do in four years already. That he would in the near future call out his constituents to a townhall meeting to render account of his stewardship so far. So far, that he has sponsored two motions and some bills Thumbing his chest, Umeh frowned at the way and manner the nation is presently being administered. That there were glaring discriminatory pattern in the way the All Progressives Congress(APC)-led Federal Government has been handling the business of governance which has given rise to all manner of sentiments and agitations.

He was of the opinion that once these open governmental biases are eliminated, every form of sectarian, regional or ethnic agitations would disappear. That once the Igbos are given what is their due, all agitation and bitterness will disappear.

He questioned the basis and rational in proclaiming the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist organization, while armed herdsmen who have been running wild all over the nation killing, raping and maiming people receive pat on the back.

2019: APGA has no room for ‘anointed candidates’ - Obunadike A

By IBE NWACHUKWU

chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Felix Madubuagwuibeya Obunadike has restated an earlier policy of the party not to have any room to anoint candidates for the 2019 general election, as applicable to the All Progressives Congress (APC) where Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has already anointed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as the governorship candidate that will succeed him as next governor of the state.

Obunadike who is also the chairman of APGA in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, made this disclosure while reacting to speculations in some quarters that the APGA leadership may have gotten anointed candidate for Idemili South House of Assembly.

He described such an allegation as false, untrue and baseless, adding,”the truth remains that there

is no anointed candidate or sacred cow for the party in the area”.

“We treat everybody equal, I stand by my word and anybody who wants to be anointed should look for some other place like in APC where Rochas Okorocha has anointed his son- inlaw, Uche Nwosu, to succeed him”.

“There is level playing ground for all aspirants and anyone of them who emerges as the winner during the primaries we will support him enmasse” he stated.

To buttress his point, he urged an aspirant to the Anambra State house of Assembly, who wants to represent Idemili South constituency, Hon Deacon Okolo Ikechukwu Okadigbo, who came to inform the party members of his intention, not to be disillusioned by the rumour.

Earlier, while addressing the APGA faithful, the aspirant lamented that most lawmakers both in the National and State Houses of Assembly, always abandoned those who gave them the mandate to represent

them adding that, “if I get there I will give you proper representation, I will provide dividends of democracy to my people, I will not abandon them like most lawmakers currently serving in both state and at the national levels are doing”.

He reiterated that he has served the party in so many capacities and achieved a lot for the people and as such should be allowed to represent them.

According to him, “I was a former PA to Hon Charles Odedo, a House of Representatives member for Idemili Federal constituency, I was a former councillor Nnobi Ward 2, former candidate House of Representatives for Idemili Federal constituency and former Idemili Government Youth Leader” He regretted that the lawmakers were not able to perform up to expectations of the people despite huge sum of money they collect as constituency fund, hinting that on commencement of this journey to

contest, he paid the party’s house rent for two years and provided some plastic chairs in the local Government party office.

According to him, “people are still suffering in APGA despite the fact that it is the ruling party in the state and attributed it to selfishness on the part of the representatives of the people”.

He commended Governor Willie Obiano for his infrastructural development of the state adding that he has touched the souls of the people through improvement on security, agriculture, roads, education, among others.

He expressed dissatisfaction that posts were given to those who did not work for the party adding that he has not been elected to serve his people and has been able to perform wonders pointing out that ifelected the performance would be doubled.

The aspirant who condemned hate speeches, urged that he should be voted for to continue his philanthropy hinting that he provided transformer to his area which is there for all to see.

A chieftain of the party, Dr Mike Omenugha, had warned that there would not be any anointed candidate as such was capable of dragging the image of the party to the mud, insisting that there should be a level playing ground for all aspirants.

2019: Ohakim eyes APGA move

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

F • Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo receiving the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) award plague as a pragmatic market leader from Justice Ngozi Onyeka during NBA’s 2018 Law Week/Bar Dinner

150 applicants get jobs; as new flour mill firm extends operations in Onitsha

By IBE NWACHUKWU

G

lobal Services Limited, a plantain floor mill which produces Gracias Planta, with 100 percent un-ripe plantain as its raw material has expanded its frontiers to the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra state.

According to the producers, the product is capable of improving the healthy living conditions of consumers, not only has the medicinal potency of reducing obesity through regular consumption, but also proved as a treatment for anemia, builds and strengthens stronger bones, prevents ulcer, as well as serves as a great meal for diabetic patients.

Besides, the producers explained that the product which is already being marketed in shoprite, spar, Prince Ebeano stores and other supermarkets and outlets across the country, has en-

hancement values for sexual performances in human.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Chief Nnaemeka Nnamdi who disclosed this to newsmen in Onitsha, shortly on arrival from Ogbomosho, Oyo State, their manufacturing base, said the product which has NAFDAC approval, was officially introduced into the Nigerian market on January, 2017.

Nnamdi, an indigene of Ahiazu- Mbaise in Imo State, further noted that the essence of bringing the business frontier down to Onitsha was largely to contribute his own quota towards the reduction of unemployment rate of the Nigerian youths through setting up a manufacturing firm that gives equal employment opportunities to Nigerians, including graduates and young school leavers.

He explained that he cited the factory in Oyo State in the first

instance because of its necessity and conducive nature for genuine entrepreneurs who want to grow and survive in Nigeria’s fluctuating business climate to site their businesses where raw materials are easily sourced in order to succeed in business.

The Ogbomosho factory which has already absorbed about 150 employees, is also expected to sited in Onitsha or any other part of the South East soon because of the popularity the product has so far garnered in the Nigerian market.

Also speaking, the sole distributor of the product in Anambra State, Mr. Chima Nwogo of Chinath Ventures Limited alongside other consumers, testified the efficacy of the product, adding that consumers have continued to identify with Gracia Planta which he said is stirred in hot water like every other flour meals.

ormer Governor of Imo State Chief Ikedi Ohakim is rumoured to have set his eyes at joining the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the 2019 general election.

A source from APGA confided in The Oracle Today that Ohakim who is nursing the ambition to return to the Government House in Owerri is weighing the APGA option ahead of the 2019 race.

The Ohakim to APGA rumour is coming few days after former Minister of Aviation Senator Stella Odua who represents Anambra North Senatorial zone in the Senate defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to APGA with a view to actualising her ambition for a second term in the Senate under APGA. According to the source, there are indications that the former Imo governor is currently reaching out to stakeholders of APGA with a view to ascertain his chances of emerging the governorship candidate of the party in Imo State for the Governorship election next year.

The source went further to indicate that some of the stakeholders consulted by the former Governor accepted his move to join APGA as the door of the party is open for everybody. More so the party according to the stakeholders needs people like him to move forward, the source added.

“He is welcome on board, we need people like him in our great party to be able to move forward on a fast lane, people like an ExGovernor have the capacity to accelerate the pace for the progress of our party in Igbo land in particular and Nigeria in general, so to me he is welcome on board” the source maintained.

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

‘Mum’s death led to total chaos, Prince Harry reveals

P

Name: Melissa Tel: 0706 934 5979 • If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

Student blows his own hand off to impress a girl

A

CLUMSY chemistry student made a homemade bomb to impress a girl but ended up blowing his own hand off, it is claimed.

The 17-year-old teen is said to have bragged to his friends about the improvised explosive device he made in his bedroom.

Pictures even appear to show that he posed for a photo with his bomb-making kit at his flat on Vasilievskiy island in Russia’s second city of St Petersburg.

But the bungling teen, identified only as Andrey, is thought to have accidentally detonated the explosives.

He is currently being treated in St Mary Magdalena after losing one hand in the blast and injuring the other.

RINCE Harry has revealed he “shut down all his emotions” for two decades after losing his mother Princess Diana.

Harry, 32, admitted he had been close to a breakdown, sought therapy and took up boxing to combat frustration.

In a frank interview, Harry, 32, said he finally faced his pain at 28 when he was “on the verge of punching someone”.

The royal talked of “shutting down all of my emotions” for two decades after Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997 when he was only 12.

It got so bad that brother Prince William, 34, was left begging him to face his heartache and seek help.

Harry revealed he turned to therapy after coming “close to a complete breakdown” over the loss.

And he told how he turned to boxing as a means of safely taking out his aggression and frustration.

The Prince — who insists he is now in a “good place” — spoke out in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

Giving an account of conquering his demons, Harry told mental health journalist Bryony Gordon: “I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well.

“I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions when all sorts of grief and all sorts of lies and misconceptions and everything are coming to you from every angle.”

Prince Harry said: “I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well.

Harry added: “My way of dealing with it was sticking my head in the sand, refusing to ever think about my mum, because why would that help? “(I thought) it’s only going to make you sad, it’s not going to bring her back.

“So from an emotional side, I was

like ‘right, don’t ever let your emotions be part of anything’.

“So I was a typical 20, 25, 28-yearold running around going ‘life is great’, or ‘life is fine’ and that was exactly it.”

But Harry explained that he started to have a few conversations and the grief he had never processed suddenly came to the fore.

He spoke out after he, William and sister-in-law Kate backed the Heads Together charity campaign to end stigma around mental health.

It is the centrepiece of this year’s London Marathon and is aimed at telling the world it is “OK to say”.

Prince Harry told how suppressing his feelings got so intense it hit his personal life and even haunted him at royal engagements.

Under the pressure of representing the Royal Family publicly — he was plunged into fight or flight mode at official events.

At 28, Harry’s life was thrown into “total chaos” but he said he realised he could not go on without coming to terms with Diana’s loss.

ROMANTIC JOKE MARRIAGE

After Brian proposed to Jill, his father took him to one side.

“Son, when I first got married to your mother, the first thing I did when we got home was take off my pants. I gave them to your mother and told her to try them on, which she did.

They were huge on her and she said that she couldn’t wear them because they were too large. I said to her, ‘Of course they are too big for you, I wear the pants in this family and I always will.’ Ever since that day, son, we have never had a single problem.” Brian took his dad’s advice and did the same thing to his wife on his wedding night. Then, Jill took off her panties and gave them to Brian. “Try these on,” she said. Brian went along with it and tried them on, but they were far too small. “What’s the point of this? I can’t get into your panties,” said Brian. “Exactly,” Jill replied, “and if you don’t change your attitude, you never will!”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

True Confession

Her makeup made me propose to her

“H

ow do I look,” she asked me, as she applied lipstick on her sweet, soft, and sexy lips. “Do I look beautiful, ugly or crazy?”

“You’re beautiful,” I replied.

“Do you really think so? Or are you just saying that to flatter me?”

‘I really think you’re beautiful, from the bottom of my heart. And sexy too.”

I tried to look as sincere as I could so that she would believe me. And I thank God that she did believe me.

I kept staring at her as she applied her makeup and wishing I could make her mine, even though we were obviously total strangers to each other. The truth was that her beauty took my breath away.

My name is Frank. I’m an Igbo guy and I work with an ICT company with branches in the South-East. I met Kelechi my wife in a lift while she was working as a contract staff of a major telecommunications company.

I got into the lift from the second floor of the high rise building, and she was already in the lift when I entered. Apparently, she had entered the lift from the ground floor. I was going up to the twelfth floor and I promptly told the lift attendant.

As the lift resumed its journey upward, I watched with curiosity as the woman standing beside me brought out a small mirror from her handbag and started applying makeup on her face.

I was actually supposed to be minding my own business instead of staring at her the way I was doing and seconds later, she noticed that I was watching her.

“Is this the first time you’re seeing a woman applying makeup,” she said, as our eyes met.

“Of course not,” I managed to answer, “but that mascara makes your eyebrows and eyelashes look so alluring, and I couldn’t just take my eyes away.”

“But I haven’t yet finished applying my makeup,” she reminded me. “Why not wait till I’m done, then you can pass your final judgement?”

After about a minute later, she told me she was done with her makeup. The she asked me if I thought she was beautiful, ugly or crazy.

I told her she was beautiful and those words seemed to open the door of her heart. She looked into my eyes and I didn’t need to say more than, “I would really like to see you again. How can I see you again?”

As we reached the top floor of the building, we walked out of the lift and exchanged phone numbers and complementary cards before parting from each other with a smile.

“I will definitely call you tonight, my queen,” I said to her.

“I’ll be expecting your call, my king.”

Kelechi wasn’t rich, and I too wasn’t rich. But we cared for each other. Love was more important to us than money.

The fact that we cared about each other was the secret to our endless love. Valentine’s Day of 2008 is a day I’ll never forget.

That night at my place, we made love on the living room floor with the television on. We slept all night long on the living room floor. It was really exciting and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Kelechi had everything I wanted in a woman. She was fair, attractive, sexy, and good in bed, or should I say, good on the floor? I loved every moment I spent with her and I was determined not to let her go, no matter what.

“Of course not,” I managed to answer, “but that mascara makes your eyebrows and eyelashes look so alluring, and I couldn’t just take my eyes away.”“But I haven’t yet finished applying my makeup,” she reminded me. “Why not wait till I’m done, then you can pass your final judgement?”

I told her to move in with me for three months, so that I could make up my mind to marry her. I convinced her to go to work every morning from my apartment.

And every single day that she left me to go to her job, she would tell me that she would miss me. Normally, she would say, ‘I’ll miss you. When she returned home, she would show me how much she missed me that day at work through her passionate gestures.

Her passionate gestures swept me off my feet. She simply blew my mind with the way she kissed me and hugged me, and that made me always look forward to seeing her again in the evening after work.

I missed her like crazy when she wasn’t around. But when I held her in my arms, my pains seemed to melt away and I would be filled with the joy of love.

After supper, we would take a shower together and make love in the bathroom.

I never knew that love could be so sweet.

Everyday, we kept on saying I love you to each other and acting as though both of us alone existed in the world.

Sometimes as we lay in each other’s arms on the bed, we would switch off our GSM phones so that no one would disturb our romance. It was worth it.

Every single step we took was worth it because it helped to bring us closer and make us become more intimate.

Before the three months were over, Kelechi’s mum came to see us and told me to do the right thing by marrying her if I actually liked her that much.

I didn’t need to think so much about it because no other girl had made me so happy. We wedded in Enugu state in October 2008 and when we moved into our new home, we decided to put carpet and rug on our floor instead of tiles, so that it would be convenient for us to make love on the living room floor whenever we feel like. We both cherish the moment.

Your say: Have your say about this love confession.

Call 08131161840 or 07031028714.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

My man says he can’t forgive me

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Announcements

Dear Love Doctor, My name is Ada and I live in Lagos. Please I want you to tell me what to do. I have a problem with my boyfriend and I am the cause of everything that happened because I cheated on him.

However, since then, I have been begging him to forgive me but he has refused. He says he will never forgive me. Please tell me what to do because I don’t want to lose him. I love him so much.

From Ada.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Ada,

What you did must have hurt him very deeply and also destroyed the trust he had in you. If you truly loved him, you wouldn’t have cheated on him. There are boundaries in every relationship and when you cross those boundaries, your partner might be so deeply hurt or emotion-

ally/psychologically scarred that resentment towards you becomes permanent and reconciliation becomes impossible.

For now, maybe he needs time to heal. So give him time to get over it since he is still angry. When his anger cools, you can seek reconciliation

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with him again. Perhaps by that time he might be willing to take you back.

However, if after all said and done, he still refuses to reconcile with you, learn the lesson that infidelity doesn’t pay, and move on with your life as a changed or more responsible person.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS Extra Bring perpetrators to justice – Bishop Adewale

By MADUABUCHI KALU

O

ver 700 Catholic faithful converged, Tuesday, on the St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Toyin Street, Ikeja for the Holy Mass in honour of the two Catholic Priests and 17 worshipers murdered in cold blood by suspected Fulani Herdsman in Benue State.

In his homily, the Metropolitan Sea of the Lagos Arch Diocese, Arch Bishop Adewale Matins who led over 500 priests prayed God to grant repose to the departed souls.

He regretted that life is no longer worth anything in Nigeria as citizens are murdered on daily bases without anybody being arrested or prosecuted.

He, therefore, called on President Muhammedu Buhari to rise up to his responsibility as the President of the country and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces by bringing the senseless killing to a stop and ensure that the murders of the two Catholic priests and worshiper and other Nigerian who have been sent to their early graves are brought to justice.

“It is regrettable that we are living in a country where life is no longer worth anything as citizens are being slaughtered on daily bases with any one of them being arrested or prosecuted,” Adewale Martins began.

“We are living in a country where purported Fulani Herdsmen have murdered so many Nigerians without any one being arrested or brought to justice. It is a shame that these people have been killing people in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu and Plateau etc. without anyone of them being arrested.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise up and stop this carnage. I want to him to show that he is the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“He should be bold enough to show Nigerians that he is the father of the nation, that he does not belong to anybody. He should ensure that he restores the hope and confidence of Nigerian citizens who are looking up to him to deliver them from the terror of the marauding herdsmen who have nothing to offer than terror.

“They kill men, women, children, pregnant women. They burn down villages and feed their herds with the people’s crops, yams etc. It is pathetic that at this 21st century this type of thing is happening and our President seems to be helpless.

Where will the people run to for help if their leader could not save them? Bishop Martins queried.

After the Holy Mass at St Leo’s Catholic Church, the multitude from different Deaneries and Parishes of the State marched straight to Alausa, Ikeja where they met with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to register their grievances and anger over the killings that have been going on in the country for him to relay the massage to Mr. President.

The protest march coincides with the mass burial given to the two priests and other worshippers who were massacred during the Fulani herdsmen invasion of their church in Gwer, Benue State in April. Their remains have spent a month in the morgue.

2019: PDP, Delta South holds mega rally; as Okowa gets second term endorsement

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

F

ormer Governors of Delta State, Chief James Ibori and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, former Defence Minister, Dr Roland Orisejafor, President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, among others, have endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro for second term in office.

The endorsement was made on behalf of the Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities of Delta State at a grand rally organised by the Delta South chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

Those who spoke at the rally said

Governor Okowa and his Deputy will get automatic ticket from the PDP to run for the governorship election and will eventually, be re-elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Delta State respectively in 2019.

Governor Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith, the Deputy Governor, Deacon Otuaro attended the wellattended political rally.

“Governor Okowa has performed creditable well and on behalf of my family, my ethnic nationality, my friends, I join the good people of Delta South Senatorial District to say, congratulations our Governor, there is no doubt that the people of Delta South will lead you (Governor Okowa) back to Government House in 2019,” he said, and called on all aspirants for different political offices to abide by the regulations of the

party.

He continued, “we need all the votes for our Governor, it is very clear that we all will vote for Governor Okowa and Deputy Governor Otuaro in 2019.”

Uduaghan in his speech, asserted, “all the ethnic groups in Delta South have said they want you (Governor Okowa) back in 2019, so, there will be no primary election for the governorship position, we are going to work very strongly for Governor Okowa.”

Alaowei Bozimo who was the Chairman of the occasion had in his speech, said, “the Ijaw nation speaks always with one voice, the Ijaw people are totally committed to the divine ticket of Governor Okowa and Deputy Governor Otuaro, you don’t change a winning team but the bottom line is that we must all have our

• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, accompanied by His Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Managing Director Mobil Producing Nigeria Plc (MPN), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, Mr Paul MacGrawth, and Group General Manager, NAPIMS under Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Mr Hilary Akpan, performing the ground breaking of Technical Skills Acquisition Facility in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area

Police, INEC responsible for electoral fraud in Nigeria

By VICTOR NZE

R

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Police are responsible for electoral fraud in the country.

He declared that if the two agencies play by the electoral rules, elections will be credible and peaceful.

Speaking during a courtesy Visit by the New Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Obo Effanga, Tuesday at the Government House Port Harcourt , Governor Wike urged INEC to conduct credible polls in 2019.

The governor said that conflicts arise from elections when INEC fail to do the right and bow to the pressure of politicians from the ruling party.

He, therefore, charged the Resident Electoral Commissioner to resist any attempt by leaders of the APC Federal Government to prevail on him to rig the elections on their behalf.

He said: “If you resist it and conduct free and fair elections, every elected officer will have no choice but to perform. If the person does not

perform, the person knows that reelection will be difficult.

“You should use this opportunity to avert electoral crisis in Rivers State by conducting credible elections.

We are heightening projects delivery because we want to build the confidence of the people that their mandate is not taken for granted. If we are relying on INEC, we will not work for the people”.

He noted that the PDP in Rivers State will not bring any pressure on INEC because of the high performance of his administration.

“We don’t have any pressure to bring to you. We have no business to pressurise you. Our business is on the field. To work for the people.

“Those who are doing nothing, but who believe they are in power and they must rig elections, are those that will bring pressure to you. Resist that pressure and conduct credible polls “, he told the Rivers Resident Electoral Commissioner.

Governor Wike said that the immediate past Rivers INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aniedi Ikiowak, will not know peace because he was used by the APC Federal Government to steal the people’s mandate and print fake electoral materials.

“If you rig elections here, anywhere you go, you will not find peace in your life. If you do the right thing, peace will be abundant in your life”, he said.

The governor said that Rivers people, Christians and traditional worshippers, are praying fervently against election riggers ahead of 2019 elections.

He regretted the deceitful nature of INEC and their refusal to place sanctions on Akin Fakorede, despite indicting him for electoral fraud.

Earlier, Mr Obo Effanga , New Rivers INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, assured that the commission will conduct credible polls in the state.

He urged politicians and other stakeholders to play by the rules and support the process for credible polls.

“We are 248 days to the 2019. INEC is committed to credible polls. But credible elections depend on so many fact factors including the stakeholders. We expect the stakeholders to play by the rules “, he said.

The Rivers State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner said that the state has more than three million registered voters, while 2.172, 467 voters have collected their permanent voters cards.

Permanent Voters Card (PVC).”

To Dr Oritsejafor, “those of us from Itsekiri, see our Governor as a builder of peace, roads, the youths, infrastructure of all kind and we will vote for him again in 2019.”

Chief Emmanuel Okumagba who spoke on behalf of the Urhobos in Delta South, reiterated, “we are here to show solidarity with the works which Chief Ibori started, Dr Uduaghan continued with it and Governor Okowa consolidated on the work, if Chief Ibori spent 8 years in office with the slot of Delta Central and Dr Uduaghan did 8 years for Delta South, we believe Governor Okowa deserves another 4 years in office, Governor Okowa should complete 8 years in office.”

While Chief Ogba on behalf of Isoko people stated that “Isoko people will deliver massively for Governor Okowa in 2019,” Chairman of the PDP in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso commended the people of Delta Central for the massive mobilization of people for the rally.

Elated Governor Okowa in a brief speech, said, “this is more than a political rally in a state, it is a national rally, Delta South is always relable and we know there is no fear, PDP is a house built on solid rock, it cannot collapse, there is peace in Delta State and I must thank all Deltans, especially, the youths for giving peace a chance.”

He reassured all aspirants for elective positions that the PDP in the state will provide the enabling environment for free, fair, transparent and acceptable primary elections.

Abia Assembly urges agency to intensify HIV/AIDS campaign in rural areas

D

eputy Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr Cosmos Ndukwe, has called for massive senisitization on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and infant mortality in rural areas.

Ndukwe made the call in Umuahia on Tuesday while receiving Dr Ajike Kalu, the Project Director, Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA) in the assembly.

The deputy speaker said he had painstakingly observed the programmes of ABSACA and felt that the intervention of the agency would be much felt in the hinterland.

He said that the Bill on Stigmatization of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS was receiving accelerated hearing in the assembly.

Ndukwe urged the populace not to be afraid of revealing their status assuring them that it was not a death sentence.

The deputy speaker said the virus was better handled if detected early and not when it had spread to AIDS and could no longer be managed.

Earlier, Kalu said the agency was tirelessly working towards ensuring that the HIV/AIDS prevalence was drastically reduced.

According to him, the last survey indicates that the level of prevalence in the state has dropped from 7 per cent to 3.9 per cent.

The project director however, appealed to the assembly to expedite passage of the bill on stigmatisation of persons living with HIV/AIDS. He saluted the partnership between the agency and Vicar Hope Foundation, a nongovernmental organization that is impacting massively on the healthcare delivery system in the state.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

My life as a refugee, by Fahima Kullow Breath-taking beauty, model, beauty queen, Somalian model and refugee, 19 year-old Fahima Kullow, has opened up on her challenges and how she is rising above her status as a refugee to pursue her dreams of being a pilot. In a chat with DOUGLAS OMOYOOMA, Fahima Kullow, who was in NIgeria recently for MIss Africa Beauty pageant went down memory lane, recalling life as a refugee.

S

From lemons to lemonades The popular saying ‘when the world throws lemons at you, make lemonades’ aptly describes Fahima’s experience and courage after she and her family found refuge in Kenya. Rather than depend on hand-outs and drown in self pity, the shapely 19 year-old decided to make lemons out of lemonades. Recalling how she found modelling and a voice, she continued: “I discovered I wanted to become a beauty queen when my school fees was hard “The best part for me in the refuge to pay and my family’s financial status camp was that sometimes, we could get relief food from the United Nation was very bad. That was when I decided including sweet and peanuts. And you to go into modelling. I was like, why see, where there is no peace their is no not use my talents to make money and life. I lost many of my family and friends at least, get back to school. You see, I was out of school for long because but I never gave up on life. After my of poverty. As refugees life was very family settled in Kenya, I decided to pick up the broken pieces and try to fix rough and we relied entirely on handouts and UN relief food. At age 15 I got them together.” my first modelling and I was paid $100 The model adds emphatically: “Death and I was like wow! is a must. We can’t escape or accuse Dreams Allah. We can’t question him. No, it is Today, the refugee turned model and life and you only live once. beauty queen has a dream. She wants to work i the skies; she wants to be a Life as a refugee can be very frustratpilot but she is having issues because ing.”

What were your challenges after she of her indigent background. In fact, so and your family settled in Kenya? “One bad is her plight, she had to drop out of her school in Kenya recently where she of the challenge was that courtesy of is currently studying piloting. being a Moslem and coming from a country well known for war and strife including terrorism. People tend to look She says: “I am a pilot student studdown on you. Some just think that they ying at Flight Training Center, Nairobi, Kenya. Training as a pilot has been could be poor by just looking at you.

They treat you like you are sub human quite exciting and I can’t complain. I can’t complain because what Allah has and you don’t have life in you.” planned must come to pass so who are we to complain? But it has has been What is your message for Moslem women? “Being a Moslem hijab model tough because of financial problems so ever since I returned from Nigeria I and a beauty queen, I stand tall as an just stay at home praying for that one ambassador to promote my Somali person who will take me back to the roots and people and empower my airport and continue my flight classes Moslem brothers and sisters by projecting our elegance and culture to the again. I love flying; it is my strongest world stage. My message to my Somali passion. Insha Allah, I have faith; I will go back to school someday, soon. women is that the world is changed by your action and not your opinion “You see, my ultimate dreams is to so, wake up from the dark, trust your become a woman of substance in the instincts and go for it. Never give up community; I want to be an icon girl and please, eliminate the word ‘it is power.

I believe in the saying that what impossible’ and had I known in your man can do, a woman can do even Dictionary.” better.” he said: “I was born in Somalia but due to civil war we had to seek refuge in neighbouring Kenya.

Growing up was a pot pouri of happy and sad times. My experience fleeing Somalia for Kenya was a life full of lessons and memories. It was a life of reading under a tree, a life of going to school on an empty stomach, a life of going to school without shoes. But who are we to complain.

• Fahima Kullow

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

Entertainment Ras Kimono was a true music legend – Okowa

Ras kimono: Life and times of a reggae maestro

M

From Asaba, JONATHAN AWANYAI writes on the life and times of Okeleke Onwubuya Elumelu, a.k.a Ras Kimono, Nigeria’s reggae prodigy who died on Sunday, the 10th of this month, aged 6o.

W

hile Ras Kimono may not be too familiar to modern day Nigerian music fans, lovers of the genre called reggae will eternally remember his contributions, personal struggles, legacy and the music he left behind. He was a household name in the 80s.

Ras Kimono alongside his Massive Dread Band came into prominence following the release of his debut album, Under Pressure under the label, Premier Music in 1989.

Prior to this, Ras Kimono who was born in Delta State, was already known in music circles as he was an ever present face at bars and clubs performing on a weekly basis as a member of the band, The Jastiz that had other talented acts like Amos McRoy Jegg, Black Rice Osagie and Majek Fashek.

He started out his career, firstly as a student of Gbenoba Secondary School Agbor and later as a member of the Jastix Reggae Ital, alongside Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie. His music was greatly influenced by the poverty, inequality and hardship he witnessed in his early life.

The legendary reggae artiste Okeleke Onwubuya Elumelu, better known by his stage name ‘Ras Kimono’, died on Sundaymorning in Lagos.He left agony and pain for his people who continued to express sadness over the loss of a celebrity in their town.

Although Kimono is no more, the late musician built a niche for himself in the music industry and laid legacies for generations yet unborn to remember him for his good works and immense contributions to the music industry and the development of his hometown, State and the country at large. Needless to say, therefore, that the late musician played his part well and history will forever remember him kindly. He dedicated 35 years out of the 60 years he spent

on earth to the development of music industry and reggae music in particular.

He started his music career in the 70s.

A visit to Onicha Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State by The Oracle Today showed that the sombre feeling of loss of an illustrious son is heavy in the community.

Residents wore long faces as they evidently mourned the demise of the man whom they said wrote his name on the sands of time. Kimono was closely in touch with his people in his sleepy Olona town until he breathed his last, a development residents appreciated and attributed to his love for his people. He is to be buried in the town at a date to be fixed by his family.

A prominent chief and traditional prime minister of Onicha Olona, Chief Paul Eziashi told The Oracle Today that the news of the reggae icon’s death came to the community as a shock.

“Apart from being from the same village, he was a friend. He was a truthful fellow with a strong hatred for social injustice and he was very outspoken. As a matter of fact, he was revolutionary. He had a vision that things would change for good in the country. I was almost shedding tears even though my position does not allow me to shed tears,” Chief Eziashi said.

At the late musician’s house, it was learnt that his wife and four children were yet to return from the United States where they reside. Only a few family members were seen in the family compound.

Chief Emmanuel Elumelu, an uncle to the late reggae maestro described Kimono as a privileged child who lost his father at very tender age but was brought up by the late Chief Albert Utah.

Elumelu disclosed: “Ras Kimono left this town (Onicha-Olona) after his primary school education to pursue

• Humble house where Ras Kimono was born

his musical career in Lagos. He had so much flare for music. He had his post primary education alongside his music training in Lagos. At a point, he visited home with a very bushy hair which we considered to be odd and we wanted to forcefully shave it off but he cried and told us that he will die if we shave it and that the hair was in consonance with his chosen career and so we allowed him. He went along the training with his elder brother who is also late and fortunately for him his music was accepted by the people. His first debut was Rumba style. Because of his love for his family, anytime he wanted to make any video recording he will invite our children in Lagos to be a part of the video. He was always looking inwards.”

While speaking on Ras kimono’s dedication to music, Elumelu stated that the Rumba Stylee crooner played himself into prominence due to his dedication and humility.

“After the death of his elder brother, he soon became a full-grown man in the music industry. He got married to an ex-airforce officer from Aboh in Delta State. She later on became his manager and they had four kids,” Elumelu said, adding that the late reggae artiste will be most remembered for his humility, good music and love of family.

“His wife and four kids are in the USA and he pays them regular visits. He was proposing another visit when he met his death in Lagos,” Chief Elumelu informed.

Another member of the family, Azubuike Uwadia who told The Oracle Today that the late Kimono was his cousin described him as an easy-going man who was harmless.

“We grew up together. He started drumming in the mid 70s. He usually formed his drum out of rubber and played it. We used to call him the drummer boy. His senior brother was a dis-jockey and they worked together and I think that was where he grew his passion for reggae from because most of the music at that time was Bob Marley and the rest.I will always recall an incident in Lagos when I was struggling to see Femi Kuti and from afar he saw me and quickly asked them to bring me in and that shows you how much respect he had for his people,” said Uwadia.

He recalled that his last moments with the raggae maestro was when Kimono had a performance at Isele-Uku two weeks ago, where the late musician discussed with him about his health.

He further revealed that Kimono, despite being a reggae icon, was one who never smoked, a vegetarian for 27 years and was known for his traditional dreadlocks, which he carried for over 30 years.

eanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with the Nigerian music industry, family and friends over the passing of the reggae music exponent, Ras Kimono, who died on Sunday at the age of 60.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Okowa sent condolences to the music industry and the Onicha Olona community in Delta State over the loss.

He described the deceased as a true music legend whose songs entertained Nigerians in the 80s.

The statement read: “I received with sadness the news of the passing away of Ras Kimono, a great reggae legend. He will be remembered for his hit song ‘Rumbar Stylee’. I join lovers of reggae music to mourn this great loss. He belonged to an era of great reggae music exponents in Nigeria.”

The governor noted that Ras Kimono spent all his life promoting good governance through reggae music, good entertainment and healthy community relations.

“As one of the legends of reggae music, the governor commends the late Ras Kimono for contributing to the development of music in Nigeria, and sustaining his interest in the music industry even in old age by participating in several music concerts,” the statement further read.

Governor Okowa stressed that the music industry in Nigeria benefitted significantly from the contribution of the late musician, who also mentored many younger Nigerian musicians.

The governor prayed that the Almighty God would accept the soul of the departed and comfort the family he left behind.

• Gov. Okowa

The Rub-A-Dub maestro was a doyen of raggae world – Delta PMAN

I

n an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Asaba,the chairman, PMAN, Delta State Chapter, Evangelist Quincy Tebite described Kimono’s death as a great loss to the showbiz and global entertainment family and his departure to the world beyond has created a vacuum not only in Delta State but in Nigeria and the world at large.

“We will miss him and PMAN Delta State Chapter misses him most,” Tebite said, adding that Kimono would always be remembered for his single “Rumba Stylee” that was played across dance halls and parties in the late eighties.

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS Extra Dickson commissions projects in Delta State

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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hairman of South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Seriake Dickson has commissioned multibillion naira projects in Delta State, describing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as prudent manager of resources.

Dickson commissioned road projects at Jesse, Ethiope West local government area and the multibillion naira Sapele Market in Sapele local government area of the state.

The market has 1, 532 shops, developed shoreline and four jetties.

According to Chief Dickson, “this is an international market, we are overwhelmed with the quality of projects you have executed, we have seen the wonderful roads you (Governor Okowa) have constructed.”

“These are special projects that will touch the lives of the people, improve on their economy and the economy of Delta State,” Chief Dickson said.

While paying glowing tribute to Governor Okowa’s administration, he asserted, “Governor Okowa came at a time of recession, we have heard about what he is doing in Delta State and today, we are witnesses, I wonder what Deltans will see in his second term.”

Governor Okowa at the ceremonies thanked God for making the commissioning exercise a reality, disclosing that the projects were initiated by Chief Ibori’s administration.

“Every good project that was started by previous administration must be completed, we will not have uncompleted projects in the state,” the Governor assured.

Chief Ibori in his speech, commended the efforts of Governor Okowa’s administration to transform Delta State and urged the Governors of the South South states to stick to their demand for the restructuring of the country.

“Carry on with the battle for the restructuring of the country to the finishing line,” Chief Ibori said.

Continuing, Ibori said: “Everyone is aware of the ongoing clamour for devolution and a return to essential founding principle of this great country and we, in our meeting resolved as we have been speaking over sometime that we associate fully with the clamour for restructuring, true federalism and devolution of powers that are so concentrated at the centre to the federating units.

“We have agreed to support ongoing moves in that direction by working with like-minded Nigerians who mean well for the country so that we can all have a stable and prosperous and peaceful nation. While we are not against the withdrawal of 1 billion dollars from the Excess Crude Account by the Federal Government for national security, we believe that such should be done by adhering strictly to constitutional provisions of paying 13 per cent derivation.”

The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Majesty, Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd), and others who spoke at the occasion, thanked Governor Okowa for executing peopleoriented projects.

I formally known as UGWU ANTHONIA ONUORA now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLO ANTHONIA ONUORA all former documents remain valid. general public and Ministry of health take note.

We will implement law on financial autonomy for legislature, judiciary – Okowa

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overnor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has assured that his administration would implement the law on financial autonomy for the legislature and the Judiciary as soon as it gets to his table.

The governor made this known, Monday, at the swearing-in of Mr Tony Obuh and Mr Lawson Efenudu as Chairman and Secretary of Delta State Pension Bureau respectively in Asaba.

Okowa explained that the bill on the financial autonomy of the State Houses of Assembly and the judiciary, assented to by President Mu-

hammadu Buhari, was made possible by collective efforts of relevant stakeholders.

“I want to place on record that the constitutional amendments involved the National Assembly, the State Houses of Assembly and eventually, the final bill is assented to by the President.

“It is important to noate that amendment to any section of the Constitution that is finally signed into law, is part of the Constitution that we have given to ourselves as a people to operate.

“So, every arm of government is

involved in its making, but it is very important as a state that as soon as it is finally transmitted to us, we will implement the law as it is. That is because, we have sworn to adhere to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

He however prayed that both the legislature and the judiciary would handle their affairs in line with the available budgetary provision.

“I hope they will be able to manage the funds in such a manner that all of us will be on the right path in terms of accountability,” the governor said.

Okowa congratulated Obuh and

Efenudu on their appointments, urging them as experienced technocrats and labour leaders to carry out their functions in transparent and accountable manner to win the confidence of labour unions.

“I believe that the Nigerian workers, especially those in Delta have been very cooperative with the government. We have developed a partnership which enables all of us to work together because there is no government that can do well without the workforce. The workers have taken us thus far in the course of the administration,” he said.

Responding, Obuh commended the governor for the opportunity given them to serve the state.

He assured that they would do their best with the cooperation of the people to ensure that pensioners in the state get their entitlement as at when due.

Okowa harps on unity of ethnic groups in Delta, commissions Isoko Unity House

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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• Eagles in their stunning outfit head to World Cup in Russia

2019: Delta Assembly aspirant pledges better representation

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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vwie constituency aspirant for the Delta State House of Assembly, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Francis Omochovwen Arhiyor, has promised to initiate policies and programmes that will put smiles on the faces of the people of his constituency, if given the mandate.

Arhiyor made this known during an exclusive interview with The Oracle Today in Uvwie council area shortly after a sensitisation meeting with party faithful and residents of Uvwie in honour of Senator Amori Ighoyota held at his office.

The Assembly hopeful who is a front line member of the PDP in the area, expressed optimism that his administration will ensure effective representation, security, youth empowerment and integrity, described himself as the solution to the problems of his constituency.

Arhiyor who is the chairman of Fara-Zino Nigeria Limited and the current Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Uvwie division, the State Auditor of the union and also the current President of the Urhobo Youth Leaders Association (UYLA) opined that his tenure in the Delta

Assembly will reposition the youths of the area so that they will be selfreliant.

Arhiyor pointed out that if he is allowed to represent his people in the Assembly, he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in developing the oil rich constituency.

He declared that he is the best among the aspirants that are interested in the Uvwie constituency seat that will bring the needed development to the area “I want to do things differently from the known conventional methods. The Uvwie people should expect quality representation. I will ensure the passage of people oriented bills, eradicate poverty, create wealth, create enabling environment for peace, make education affordable, provide quality healthcare, attract housing and employment.

He also pleaded ywith the leadership of PDP in the State to give all aspirants the level playing ground to test their political popularity, boasting that he will defeat every one of them.

According to him, he is the most popular and more acceptable aspirant among the people aspiring for the position in both APC and PDP. “I am a man of my words and my people know me for that. I do not

make empty promises or embark on projects that will not have any meaningful impact on lives. During the recent Delta Central Enlarged meeting of the party in Effurun, the State Chairman, Barr Kingsley Esiso made it clear that only credible and popular Aspirants will be nominated by the party. I possess all the qualities referred to by the chairman. l have the best chances to win the election for the PDP, if I am nominated by the party. There won’t be any opposition for all PDP candidates in Uvwie. The people will give hundred percent support to Gov. Okowa’s 2019 project.”

“My ambition is hinged on a very strong passion to ensuring a quality life for my people. I want to see how I can contribute my own quota to the development of the Uvwie at the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) come 2019.”

On his relationship with the current council boss, Arhiyor stated that his relationship with the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon Ransom Tega Onoyake is very cordial.”I also have a good working relationship with the party leaders in Uvwie. I have paid my dues and there are positive signs of general consensus on my candidature.”

elta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has sued for the cooperation of the different ethnic nationalities in the state to enable him execute more people-oriented projects as encapsulated in his administration’s SMART agenda.

Governor Okowa spoke in Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State at the commissioning of the Isoko Unity House.

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori performed the tape cutting ceremony to commission the edifice which was conceived in 1984 and constructed by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.

According to Governor Okowa, “we need the cooperation of all Deltans to achieve desired goals because, working together, we will achieve a lot for our people.”

“Government will work optimally when people cooperate with government,” Governor Okowa reiterated.

While commending the Isoko people for their peaceful disposition and unity which have earned them a lot of developmental projects, Governor Okowa disclosed that Chief Ibori was invited to commission the multi-million naira edifice because the former Governor laid the foundation for a united Delta State.

He stated, “God used Chief Ibori to lay solid foundation for a united Delta State, in unity, we are stronger.”

Speaking shortly before cutting the symbolic tape that signified the official commissioning of the project, Chief Ibori said, “I am glad that our Governor, Senator Okowa is doing what he is supposed to do.”

“We need to pray for our Governor, we need to pray for the State, our Governor needs prayer to enable him continue to deliver democratic dividends, I do know that the elders and youths of Delta State will always support him,” Chief Ibori said, adding, “I thank the Isoko people, they are very truthful, vibrant and very happy.”

Earlier in an address, High Chief Iduh Amadhe said, “Your Excellency, your love for the Isokos has turned our hope to reality, you have demonstrated capacity in turning our illusion to eternal assets; history has been made today, and I plead that you see us from that perspective of people from prehistoric to contemporary season to own a common architectural heritage called Isoko Unity House, which is worthy of celebration.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

Crime Man dies inside swimming pool after drinking spree

Massive protest trailed death of a young man who was found dead in a hotel swimming pool in Lagos.

The OracleToday gathered that the young man simply identified as Toyin was found dead inside the hotel swimming pool after he drank with his friends at the Glory Land Hotel located at Olanipekun Drive, Pipeline bus stop at Isheri Olofin area of Lagos.

It was gathered that parents of the victim and some youths in the area protested over the manner the victim died, as they dropped the corpse of the victim in front of the hotel asking the management to explain the mystery surrounding his death, alleging that they know how he was killed.

It took the intervention of the police at Idimu Division to disperse the crowd and remove the corpse which was deposited at the public mortuary for autopsy report.

Dependable sources told The OracleToday that the deceased simply identified as Toyin had converged with some friends at the swimming pool side of the hotel to have some drinks. They were said to have drank to a stupor and some of them managed to find their way home but Toyin’s was not so lucky as his corpse was later found inside the pool by the hotel security men when his friends had gone.

Police detectives were of the view that something went wrong along the line as either the deceased Toyin was pushed into the pool by his friends who reached an agreement to keep it secret or he may have fell into the pool in the influence of alcohol.

Police detectives were said to have stepped into action to unravel the mystery behind the death without his other friends noticing how he died.

It was gathered that since detectives at the Idimu Division have moved into action to investigate the matter all his friends have gone into hiding for fear of being arrested to explain what happened and why they abandoned him at the hotel.

When our correspondent visited the Idimu police station, the DPO, CSP Oliver Ezirim, was not on seat to comment on the matter but sources at the station confirmed that the incident was reported and that the police have since commenced investigation.

The state police spokesman SP, Chike Oti could not be reached on phone to comment on the issue.

•CP, Lagos Edgal-Imohimi

DELSU pol science graduate turns drug merchant arrested …says friend introduced him into drugs after failed cattle biz Stories by XAVIER NDAH

sha where he intended to board another vehicle to Kano his final destination. The command is working on strategies to prevent the use of ECTS and other transport companies in drug trafficking” Wakawa stated.

In his statement, the suspect accepted ownership of the drug stating that he decided to smuggle cannabis because of the loss he incurred in his cattle business. “I suffered a loss of half a million naira, my

entire capital in my cattle business.

As a result, a friend introduced me to cannabis business that it will help me to recover my lost money. I am a graduate of Political Science from Delta State University. It was my financial predicament that made me smuggle cannabis and I regret my action” he stated.

NDLEA commander said that the command has a good working relationship with the Edo City Transport Service and will continue to enhance strategies in apprehending traffickers planning to smuggle drugs through the transport company. He also vowed to arrest other members of the cannabis smuggling cartel that packages cannabis into blocks similar to loaves of bread.

The Transport Manager of ECTS, Mr Ramond Etoigbe who commented on the arrest said that the company has a strong policy against drug trafficking and promised to partner with the anti-drug agency. In his words, “some of the measures taken to prevent the use of our vehicles in drug trafficking include an effective search of luggage at points of entry as well as the prompt report of suspicious luggage and passengers to the NDLEA”.

The suspect is under investigation and will soon be charged to court.

and Mile 2.

Kojo said he made an average of N8,000 to N10,000 per day from arrested pedestrians who would preferred not to be prosecuted in court.

“I made more money in the morning when people will be rushing to work and also in the evening when they would be rushing back home

from work and failed to take the pedestrian bridges” The suspect who claimed to still be using his old Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) identity card to defruad his victims however appealed to government to tamper justice with mercy that he is ready to be of a good character and go back to his country (Togo) if pardoned.

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Delta State university graduate Raymond Ojero who was arrested by operatives of the Edo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency [NDLEA] has pleaded to be left off the hook for allegedly trafficking on drugs.

This came as the agency foiled an attempt to smuggle cannabis on one of the buses of Edo City Transport Service,ECTS. Ojero said he reluctantly ventured into the business following the loss of half a million naira, which was his entire capital in his cattle business before a friend introduced him to drugs.

The 40-year-old graduate of Political Science and suspected member of a notorious cannabis smuggling cartel who was found with fortyeight blocks of compressed dried weed of cannabis sativa weighing 37 kilogrammes packed in two bags in the passenger bus. The drug has an estimated street value of three hundred and seventy thousand naira [370,000].

NDLEA commander in the State, Mr Buba Wakawa who confirmed the arrest gave the name of the suspect as Raymond Ojero. He added that the bus departed Iki town in Owan East Local Government Area

of the State on its way to Benin City the State capital but it was intercepted along Auchi road by Idogbo bypass based on intelligence report.

“A search operation was conducted and two bags were found to contain dried weeds of cannabis sativa. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the drug belongs to one Raymond Ojero who hails from Delta State. It was also gathered that the suspect bought the drug at Uzebba and was on his way to Onit-

Togolese impersonate LAGESC official in police net … as police warns pedestrians to desists from crossing highways

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peratives of the Lagos State Task Force have arrested a 35-year-old Togolese man identified as Omoakin Friday Kojo around the Ikeja railway line for impersonating and extorting with a fake Lagos state Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) identity card.

Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force Superintendent of Police,SP, Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that the suspect was arrested by the enforcement team of the agency after an official complaint about illegal activities of the suspect was madeed to the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC).

SP Egbeyemi disclosed further that the suspect popularly called ‘FRYO’ was nabbed around Ikeja railway line for perpetrating all sorts of illicit act ranging from impersonation, defamation of character and extortion in the name of LAGESC. He noted that the suspect and his cohorts who were at large paraded themselves as officers of LAGESC with fake identity cards in disguised and defrauded their victims by extension defamed the Agency.

The Chairman hinted that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect and his cohorts has been long in this illegal business across the State by arresting pedestrians who crosses the express roads .

SP Egbeyemi commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the on-going developmental projects across the State particularly the construction of additional modernised pedestrain bridges and lay-bys for commuters along major highways to enable a free flow of traffic.

The Chairman who warned members of the public to be wary of touts going around impersonating as law enforcement officer of the State however confirmed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Edgal Imohimi has directed that the suspect be charge to court.

The Commissioner of Police further charged the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force SP Olayinka Egbeyemi to ensure that other perpetrators at large were arrested and brought to book to serve as deterrent to other touts and enjoined members of the public to stop crossing the highways and make use of pedestrian bridges for safety of their lives.

Meanwhile, the suspect Omoakin Friday Kojo has confessed to have been arresting pedestrians and extorting money from them illegally with his fake identity card in the last six years.

He confessed belonging to a group of four who operates around Ikeja, Berger, Oshodi, Ojota, Ojodu

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS

Umahi swears-in members of law review, reform commission

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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overnor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has sworn-in the members of state’s Law Review and Reform Commission.

Umahi speaking at the swearingin at the State Executive Council chambers expressed confidence that the members of the Commission would do a good job.

“Let me thank the Chairman and the members of the Commission for for accepting to do this work.

I am aware we had inaugurated them before now but the House of Assembly said there must be law backing it up and that the members must screened. I thought it was a committee but I did not know it is as big as a commission. And so, it is a small assignment.

“A commission is a very serious sector of government. So, I want to that k you people. The justices that are of Ebonyi state have accepted to work with us. It is very easy to arrive at our desired result when the interpreters of the law are in this kind of commissions.

“I have a very high hope that you will produce impeccable document for the benefits of our people and I also urge you to work day and night so as to shorten the period. Again, I congratulate you”, he said.

Barr. Cletus Ofoke, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, explained that the commission is responsible for collating and streamlining the laws of the state.

“What we are doing here today is to breathe air into the state’s Law review and reform commission by way of swearing-in of the members. This followed the reenactment of the law review and reform commission by the state House of Assembly codenamed law 004 of 2018.

“The members of this commission was dully recommended by my humble self, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and appointment done while the House of Assembly also dully screened and confirmed them in accordance with section 5 subsection 1 of the Law Review and Reform Commission.

“The importance of this commission cannot be overemphasized being that they will among other things collate and streamline the laws of Ebonyi state, in order to ensure good governance in accordance with international best practices.

Justice Elvis Ngene, Chairman of the Commission, pledged that the commission would at all times discharge its function diligently and speedily to meet the expectations.

“On behalf of the members of this commission thank you very much for founding us worthy to serve. We promise and indeed, undertake to discharge our functions diligently and speedily too so as to meet the expectations for which we are appointed”, he assured.

I formally known as NNEDUM EBERE PATIENCE now wish to be known and addressed as NNEDUM PATIENCE ANURIKA all former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

Anambra Leaders back Obiano on ‘Okada’ ban

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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eaders of Thought in Anambra state have expressed their unflinching support for Governor Willie Obiano’s banning order on commercial motorcycles transport (Okada) in the state’s major towns of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi with effect from Sunday, July 1, this year.

Expressing the support while on an inspection tour of Akpaka Forest road that stretches up to Prison yard, Onitsha, to acquaint themselves with the extent of work allegedly done on the road by the state Government, the Chairman of the body, Chief Charles N. Udeh, (Ogene

Oraifute) said that the ban was a necessity as armed robbers have continued to use motorcycles to terrorize law abiding citizens of the state by snatch their hand bags, personal effects and robbing them unabated.

According to Udeh, “Government is highly commended for the ban giving the fact that for sometime now some of the Okada operators have become security risk to the society.

However, we hereby request that government should use her good offices to redirect them on alternative means of livelihood”.

He also urged the state Government to enforce road traffic decongestion by ensuring that buses and

taxi cabs’ operators use designated motor parks and bus-stops.

He frowned at what he described as the abandonment of Akpaka Forest road after the promise by the governor that the road must be fixed during the gubernatorial electioneering campaign, adding, “We heard as a rumour that the road has been completed and that is why we are here to know the extent of work done and we found out that drainages were constructed on both sides of the road and then abandoned”.

“The road if rehabilitated, will help to decongest the heavy vehicular traffic experienced on daily basis at ‘3-3’ axis and it will lead to Nsugbe

community. We are not happy that this road has not been fixed and most of the residents who are suffering voted for the governor”, he stated.

Flanked by his secretary, Chris Anierobi, Chief Udeh said that the people suffered it most during the rainy season and urged the Governor to fix the road.

Speaking, the secretary, Anierobi stated that, “the promise to fix the road was a campaign strategy to win the heart of the people adding that the only thing needed on the road was to fill it with sand and asphalt it since the drainage systems have been constructed on both sides of the road, adding, “we urge the governor to commence work on the road immediately for the economic growth of the area” Also speaking, Chiefs P E A Achi and Iyke Komo, members, stressed the need for the rehabilitation of the road adding that the drainages are begging for the rehabilitation before they will be washed away by the flood.

Imo APGA ready for credible primary poll – Nkworji

By COLLINS UGHALAA

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• Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd left); his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (left); former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori (2nd right); Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (middle) and Delta State PDP Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, at the Commissioning of the Jesse Road Dualization Project, Delta State.

June 12 belongs to voters, address hunger, poverty -- A’Ibom PDP chieftain tells Buhari INI BILLIE, Uyo

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chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Andrew Unwanta, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the problems plaguing the country, ascribing his choice of June 12 as democracy day in Nigeria as credit to Nigerian voters.

Speaking, Tuesday, in Uyo, Unwanta said Nigerians who voted for the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, should be the most celebrated and recognised in the polity.

He called on Buhari to look beyond the sentiment of politics and address the pains of Nigerians who voted for Abiola.

Unwanta, who is also the chairman of the Board of Akwa Ibom State Assembly Commission, said the president should not forget that he mounted the podium of leadership to redeem Nigerians from hunger, insecurity, joblessness and

other social malaise plaguing the country.

He said the president’s strategy of declaration June 12 as democracy day was political and designed to placate the South West Zone, adding that it would not appeal much to people outside the region.

He criticised former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida for annulling the 1993 election, stating that Babangida truncated the transition to democratic rule then because he preferred the choice of the National Republican Convention candidate, Bashir Tofa, as president.

“I think the real owner of June 12, are Nigerians who voted for Abiola in that election. There is widespread poverty, hunger and joblessness in Nigeria. The president should do more to address the problems of hunger, poverty and insecurity afflicting Nigerians now.

“Setting that day aside to celebrate democracy is good but then that’s not the problem of Nigerians.

They need food on their table because times are hard for them. The government should be thinking of revamping the economy, improving the lots of the people by boosting small scale manufacturing and production.

“Even the NRC knew Abiola won because his victory cut across board because in most states controlled by the NRC then he also won,” he said.

Unwanta denied claims by the All Progressives Congress in the state that Governor Udom Emmanuel has planned to swap retaining his seat as governor to mobilising the PDP to vote for Buhari in next year’s presidential election.

Describing the notion as false and blackmail, he said, “How will it happen? PDP is like a religion in Akwa Ibom and although we have some levels of opposition here, the party is very confident of remaining in power. The president cannot come here and vote and so how will he influence the elections here?”

he All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State, Tuesday, assured that it is ready to conduct a credible primary election for its teaming governorship aspirants.

Speaking with The Oracle Today in Owerri, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr George Nkworji, said that the party will not indulge in writing list or harmonization to produce the governorship candidate of the party in the state, insisting that such terms refer to imposition of candidates.

He said that the party will produce candidates that believe in democracy. “We want to produce candidates who believe in democracy and who have worked hard for victory”.

The APGA spokesperson said that “With the release of INEC time table for political parties to conclude their primaries, there is no doubt that aspirants are in a rush to conclude their eligibility for the contests.

“As you can see, aspirants in our party have being crisscrossing the various wards and local government areas, reaching out to political leaders and members of the party for support.

“Mind you that we will first conduct a delegates election to produce those men and women who will participate in the primary elections. For now, the focus is on how to produce those delegates”.

He added that “Imo APGA is distinct from other parties because we shall neither be involved in ‘drawing of delegates lists’ nor ‘harmonization’ as these terms are euphemism for imposition.

“Therefore, we shall conduct a transparently free delegates election for members who present themselves in their wards. The current State Exco under Barrister Peter Ezeobi will not allow any leader or leaders to draw lists of delegates because we stand on democracy.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS

Option A4 best for Nigeria – ASATU chairman

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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resident General of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Chief Alex Onunkwo has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider adopting once again the voting format of Option A4 for future elections in the country.

Onunkwo, who was reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent pronouncement that June 12 shall henceforth become a public holiday and Democracy Day in honour of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election, said it would be in the nation’s best interest if Option A4 is adopted and imbibed in our election policy.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC)in organizing the 1993 Presidential Election, he noted, had adopted the format and it brought more efficiency and transparency in the country’s electoral system and also tackled electoral fraud to the barest.

Onunkwo commended the federal government for the development, though he wondered if the President can easily implement it since May 29 is enshrined in Nigeria constitution as a national public holiday and democracy day.

On the scheduled ASATU’s forthcoming zonal townhall meetings, Onunkwo disclosed that the event was aimed at gathering town union leaders, traditional rulers, market leaders, elected and appointed public office holders, youths and students to brainstorm on key questions of democracy, including cultism and drug abuse with a view to proffering solutions.

“It’s an annual interactive session.

It will start with Anambra North on June 16 at Awkuzu Civic Centre; 23 June at Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka for Anambra Central; while June 30 is for Anambra South and it holds at St. Cletus Catholic Church Otolo Nnewi,” he added.

He also commended the verdict of the Anambra State Governorship election Petition Tribunal led by Justice H.A. Olusiyi which struck out the election petition brought before it by the Candidate of the Megga People’s Progressive Party (MPPP), Mrs Praise Okechukwu against Gov Willie Obiano, praying the tribunal to nullify the election of November 18 Governorship election over alleged corrupt practices, monetary inducement, among others.

“This is a victory for Democracy.

We, the ASATU are congratulating the governor on his victory at the tribunal. There is no doubt that the election was free and fair.

“That election was a turning point in the history of Anambra political history since creation in 1991.

However, we are not also against anyone who appealed it in court because they are protected by the constitution of the country to do so,” the ASATU boss admitted.

I formally known as MISS ONWUGAMBA RUTH OGECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MADU RUTH OGECHI all former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

Ohanaeze hails Supreme Court judgment on Innoson S ocio-Cultural Organization of Igbos, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hailed the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case between Innoson Group of Companies and Guaranty Trust Bank.

The organisation gave the commendation in a statement by Chief Emeka Attamah, Media Adviser to its President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, released in Abuja on Monday.

In the statement, Nwodo said that by the judgment, the apex court refused to be used in an ethnic warfare to thwart Innoson of a judicial victory at the Court of Ap-

peal.

“The judgment of the Supreme Court has shown that the judiciary remains the last bastion of hope for the common man.

“It is victory for democracy and an indication that there is still hope for the country.’’

He said that it was obvious that some vested interests were colluding with the EFCC to deny Innoson of his rights and to tarnish his wellearned reputation as a foremost manufacturer and investor in the country.

The president-general ascribed Innoson’s travails to the system-

atic harassment and intimidation of Igbo sons and daughters in the country due to ethnic sentiments.

He recalled the traumatic experiences of other Igbo sons, including Chief Cletus Ibeto and Chief Ifeanyi Uba, whose businesses were almost grounded by their detractors, but for their tenacity and shrewd business acumen.

“Ohanaeze commended the fighting spirit of Chief Innocent Chukwuma, the CEO of Innoson Group of Companies, for his doggedness and courage notwithstanding attempts to intimidate him with trumped-up criminal

charges.

“No amount of intimidation or harassment will dampen the zeal of Ndigbo for a united Nigeria.

“It will only ginger them on in the fight for a restructured nation where every individual will be free to pursue his legitimate aspirations and businesses in a healthy, competitive atmosphere,’’ he said.

Nwodo called on the bank involved to obey the court order and pay the stipulated amount without delay to restore the confidence of the people in it.

Enugu philanthropist builds police station, refurbishes 47

By CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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• American President, Donald Trump and his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jung Un in a handshake shortly before the two leaders’ summit in Singapore.

Del-farms fire probe panel submits final report

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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overnor Willie Obiano has received the final report of the 9-man panel he earlier set up to investigate the unfortunate

fire that ravaged the Del-farmsSonghai project, Igbariam which occurred on January 26, 2018.

The panel headed by Chief Dan Ogbuefi which had conducted its activities in 3 key areas includ-

Delta Govt eyes tourism sector to boost economy

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he Governor Ifeanyi Okowaled administration is determined to enhance the economic fortunes of Delta State through registration and evolution of policies and programmes that will explore tourism sector in the State, according to Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye.

Chinye who disclosed this recently during his familiarization tour around tourist sites in the State, said the Delta State Government is making all efforts to boost the State’s economy through the non-oil sector by resuscitating, revamping and reclaiming where necessary tourist centers around the state so as to make Delta State the perfect tourist destination.

The commissioner who was speaking at the source of River Ethiope in Umuaja, thereafter proceeded to the historical site of the Adanokpe Square in Orereokpe,

Gov. Okowa the Osubi Airport Information Desk with tourist guide for foreigners, the Effurun Round About Park, the Delta Hotels in Sapele and Warri and the Resort Centre at Mosogar.

ing investigations, consultations, findings and recommendations while submitting the report to the governor, noted that they were guided by the State government’s determination to transform the agricultural sector in the state.

According to Chief Ogbuefi, the report will assist the government do the needful at the farm and other farms where it has a stake.

That among other recommendations, the report emphasized the need for the state government to restore the boundary of the Igbariam Farm settlement to guard against encroachment by neighbouring communities and protect investments sited in the area.

Obiano, in his remarks, after receiving the report, thanked members of the panel for a job well done and commended the zeal with which they executed the assignment.

He revealed that the whole idea behind setting up the panel was to learn from the occurrence to prevent a repeat of such incidence in farms across the state, especially with the attention his government is giving to agriculture.

He assured that the Secretary to the State Government will immediately issue a White paper on the report to enable the State Government implement the recommendations.

philanthropist, Chief Ejikeme Odumegwu, has disclosed that he has so far completed the refurbishing of 17 out of a total of 47 Police Stations in Enugu state, adding that he is also undertaking the project under his charity outfit, Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation (OEOF).

He further disclosed that he has just completed the building of a virgin police station in Ette, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, which he added, was awaiting formal inauguration.

He said the projects, which commenced in 2017 were aimed at supporting the government in her efforts to improving the working condition of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

The businessman, who is popularly known as the Owelle of Nsukka, spoke to our correspondent after a special Police-Community Relations Committee (PCRC) meeting, in Enugu, where he also donated 100 bags of cement to support a PCRC ultramodern building project at the state Police headquarters.

The real estate dealer, who is also Special Assistant to the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on mobilisation, also pointed out that he was refurbishing the police facilities to “encourage the Nigeria Police and support efforts of the federal government, while advancing my boss, Governor Ugwuanyi’s largeheartedness and style of accommodating everybody irrespective of political, religious or cultural differences”.

According to the politician, the gesture was devoid of political motives, adding that “It is to support the present administration both at the centre and in Enugu State, where our hardworking governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, my boss, is doing marvellous jobs, not only in the security sector but across board.

“We should not sit back and expect government to do everything for us.

Let every privileged citizen contribute his quota; no matter how little it may seem, it would go a long way,” he said.

He promised to deploy resources to complete works on the remaining 30 police stations, some of which, he said, were at various advanced stages of completion. While stressing that “security should be every body’s business because without security, business and economic investments cannot not flourish,” the governor’s aide also canvassed for stronger collaboration between members of the public and security agencies, especially the police.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS

Irate workers besiege oil firm, demand outstanding salaries

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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isenchanted surveillance workers attached with Aitei Eastern Exploration and Production Company, operators of the OML 29 oil facilities at Odema Creek and Santa Babara flow stations, in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa in the week staged a Peaceful Protest to register their displeasure over the company’s refusal to pay them their outstanding salaries.

Among other demands of the protesters were that Aiteo should provide speedboat for free mobility as well as the provision of Personal Protective Equipment, PPE’s. Effective payment of bonus at the end of every six months and arrears owned them since 2015 when SHELL divested the facility to the company.

Leader of the protesters, Nicho-

las Ebiye, said the company should come up with an upward review of their companies contract values to be in line with their newly employed surveillance workers to enable them pay salaries on equal basis.

The protesters displayed various placards with inscriptions such as “Aiteo, stop your divide and rule tactics among your host community’, “Aiteo, you promised to be better than SHELL”; “ Aiteo, community contractors need fairer deals, give us our due” among others.

The angry protesters also want Aiteo to make prompt payment of their monthly emoluments at the end of every month and gave Aiteo two weeks within which to comply to avoid untold breach of contractual relationship.

Nicholas also expressed dismay over Aiteo inability to keep to their corporate social responsibilities

CHANGE OF NAME & PUBLIC NOTICE I formally known as ONUIGBO IFEANYI KENNEDY now wish to be known and addressed as IGBOKWE IFEANYI KENNEDY all former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as UDENWA FAITH EKWUTOSI now wish to be known as UDEMBA FAITH IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note

This is to confirm that the names: ORJI CHISOM CHUKWUEBUKA and ORJI CHUKWUEBUKA GODDY belong and refer to one and same person and I now wish to be known as ORJI CHISOM CHUKWUEBUKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly known as JAMES MADUNTA now wish to be known and addressed as MADUNTA CHUKWUMA JAMES. All former documents remain valid.Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as OKOYE ONYEKACHUKWU PETER SOLOMON now wish to be known as OKOYE ONYEKACHI PETER. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBINABO EKWUTOSI PRISCILA now wish to be known and called MRS CHIANAKWANAM EKWUTOSI PRISCILA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as MISS JOY CHIBUZOR EZEUGO now wish to be known as MRS MADUKA-IROH CHIBUZOR JOY. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Oko; BCA, banks and general public take note.

LOSS OF ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE :

This is to inform the general public, particularly the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the Post Primary School Board of the loss of my FSLC which I obtained in 1986 at Nupe Square Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra State.

since inception over two year ago stressing that the oil giant has refused to pay over three hundred million naira it owned its host community, Opu-Nembe over hiring of the community speedboats namely; MV Ogbodo 1 and 2.

Reacting to the accusations, the Acting Operational Supervisor, Umezurike Onyebuchi assured the protesters that he would channel their grievances to the high echelon of the company for a round table dialogue.

On his response, the Director of Security Services at Odema Flow station, Girgi Vershima told the protester numbering over eighty that earlier, surveillance workers from Odioma community had earlier shut down the Flow station by tying fresh palm front around it.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government has debunked reports of an alleged military invasion of Oluasiri community of Nembe Local Government by the men of the Nigerian

Army.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Dr. Boma Spero Jack, said in a statement that the operatives of the Joint Task Force were attacked while on a security mission to dislodge some pirates and youths who were wielding AK 47 assault rifles in Oluasiri.

He said that the military men who were deployed for the operation did not have any intent whatsoever to attack the law abiding civil populace in the area.

According to him, the youths of the community were in illegal possession of firearms with which they terrorized innocent people and prevented law abiding citizens from going about their lawful duties in the area.

The SA security noted that the operatives of the Joint Task Force were deployed to open up the waters ways and the markets which were blocked by pirates and the gun wielding youths.

Spero-Jack explained that the soldiers came under attack from the armed youths in the process of carrying out their lawful duties in the area.

He stated further that it would be unfortunate if there was collateral damage during the exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and the armed youths.

He stressed that the soldiers did not have any intent to kill any member of the law abiding civil populace.

He appealed to members of the community to go about their normal duties and cooperate with the security agencies in the mission to flush out criminal elements in the area.

He also assured the people of the unflinching commitment of the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, the Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, to their well-being and protection.

There were reports at the weekend that security operatives killed a nursing mother and her baby at the Nembe area.

• Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwola Onasanya (2nd right); ); his counterpart in Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Tawio Salaam (right); Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau (middle); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Jimi Hotonu (3rd left); Partner, FAO Consulting International Limited, Engr. Demola Amore (2nd left) and Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya (left) during the Governor’s inspection of the Rice Mill and Industrial Park in Imota, Ikorodu

2019: Ereyitomi, Efe drum support for Okowa, PDP

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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frontline Warri Federal House of Representatives Hopeful and the Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), High Chief Thomas Ereyitomi has mobilised more support for the return of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa his Deputy Barr. Kingsley Otuaro to Delta State Government House in 2019.

Chief Ereyitomi a successful business man mobilized thousands of his supporters to Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State Saturday June 9, 2018 for the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Delta South Senatorial District Mega Rally, appealed to Deltans to stand behind Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and PDP in order to enjoy more transformation in infrastructure, Education, empowerment, wealth creation as well as human capital development.

He enjoined all residents in Delta South Senatorial district and across to support PDP in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy and also support his bid of becoming the member to represent Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assem-

bly in 2019.

High Chief Ereyitomi commended Deltans for their continuous support to the state Governor and his Deputy in order to enjoy massive development across the lent and breath of Delta State, while thanking Dr. Okowa for his commitment to the the total development of Delta state, promised to mobilize more support for the Governor and his Deputy and appealed to stakeholders in Warri Federal constituency to support his bid of becoming the next candidate to represent Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly in 2019.

Similarly, Special Assistant to the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Youths Mobilization and National President of Forward for Change Forum, Hon. Abel Efe, has applauded the governor for his rapid developmental approach in transforming the State.

The governor’s aide made this commendation while leading over 5000 of his supporters under the umbrella of the Forward for Change Forum to welcome Governor Okowa to Sapele during the Commissioning of the Sapele Modern Market recently.

The Governor’s aide who spoke with The Oracle Today, expressed

satisfaction toward the development that Sapele local government area is currently enjoying under Governor Okowa’s Administration.

Adding that, prior to this administration Sapele has been backward in terms of projects executions but “with the approach of our working and pragmatic governor, Sapele’s glory is gradually being restored from the hands of distractors.”

The Special Assistant to the Governor while speaking on 2019 asserted that, Governor Okowa’s good work will speak for him, adding that, Okowa’s second term ambition, is not negotiable.”

Hon. Abel Efe who is a strong advocate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Sapele local government area, played a key role during the Delta council polls that produced the incumbent chairman, Hon. Eugene Inuaoghan.

The Forward for Change Forum has also intensified efforts to ensure that the Political Pressure group do the needful in ensuring that PDP is victorious come 2019.The group our correspondent gathered has been holding series of meetings to ascertain the level of preparedness towards achieving this.

44

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

NEWS

Sallah: FRSC to deploy fully for special patrol

MKO: Demonstrate similar political will on restructuring – Dickson tells Buhari

ederal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to deploy its full operational might for the 2018 Eid-El-Fitri special patrol exercise nationwide The Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, in Abuja, said the exercise would run from June 13 to 18.

Kazeem said all patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, motorcycles, radar guns, alcholyzers and other operational logistics would be rolled out for the nationwide patrol.

The exercise, he explained, will cover key operational areas such as traffic control, traffic law enforcement, removal of obstructions, prompt response to emergency calls and rescue of accident victims.

The aim, according to him, is largely to cut back on road traffic accidents and attendant deaths by at least 15 and 30 per cents respectively, nationwide.

He said the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, had directed that all Zebras and roadside clinics must be active round the clock, and respond to emergency calls within the minimum FRSC response time.

According to Kazeem, special attention will be given to 40 routes with high traffic density during the five-day period.

The corridors include SokotoTambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-AzarePotiskum, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and OkeneOgori-Isua-Owo roads.

Others are Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu and Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos, among others.

He said, “The Corps Marshal has also directed that first-rate attention be paid to traffic offences such as failure to install/use speed limiting device by commercial vehicles, overloading and lane indiscipline.

“Others are use of phone while driving, number plate violation, driver’s licence violation, driving with expired/worn out tyres, and driving without a spare tyre.”

“The operation has been programmed to run in shift as follows: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Night rescue teams are to be on standby at all operational commands.”

Kazeem said the Corps would collaborate with the military, security and other emergency services for the exercise.

He quoted the FRSC boss as calling on all road users to be responsible while in transit during the Sallah celebrations.

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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ayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate similar a political will which guided his action on immortalizing the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola with the highest award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GCFR, by being at the vanguard for the restructuring of Nigeria.

The Governor who spoke in a live radio program in Yenagoa reasoned that, though, the award on Abiola was belated, the gesture will partly address the wrongs of the past and strengthen our democracy, stressing that, it is better late than never.

Having bestowed the highest award only reserved for Heads of state, Presidents, the Governor called on PMB to declare Abiola as a President that was never sworn in and urgently sponsor an executive bill to the National Assembly in order to legitimize it and back it up

by Act of Parliament, when passed into law. He said declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, giving national honour to Abiola’s running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as well as, giving posthumous national awards to Abiola and the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi were in order.

The Governor, however, calls on PMB to show the same political will and patriotism showed on June 12, on the critical issue of restructuring Nigeria.

He said the president should ensure that Nigeria is restructured with power devolved from the centre to the federating units and fiscal federalism enthroned to guarantee balance, peace, prosperity and stability in the country.

According to Dickson, a restructured Nigeria will address the dysfunctional system, over concentration of power at the centre, pseudo- federalism and the expropriation of the resources of the Niger Delta. While stressing that, those championing the cause of restructuring are the real patriots, the

Governor believes PMB will etch his name on the sands of time and become “a Nigerian hero of all times, if he restructures the country.”

The Governor also urged the President to honour the then Chairman of National Electoral Commission (NEC), Professor Humphrey Nwosu with a national award for his uncommon courage and commitment to the conduct of transparent elections in June, 1993, stressing that, what is good for the goose is also saucy for the gander.

“I commend the President for the courage to immortalize the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election with the highest national honour of GCFR as well as declaring June 12 as Democracy Day. Having honored Abiola with the highest award only reserved for presidents or heads of state, I urge him to declare Abiola a president that was never sworn in, and then go a step further to Gazette and sponsor a bill to the National Assembly to legitimize his proclamations backed by law. He should also honour the then Chairman of National Electoral

Commission (INEC), Professor Humphrey Nwosu for the courage to conduct a transparent election for what is good for the goose is same for the gander.

“As member of House of Reps, I co-sponsored a bill to immortalize MKO Abiola to address the wrong done to Abiola and our democracy.

So I believe by the president’s proclamation, he continued from where we stopped and in my opinion, it was the right thing to do. Though it is belated but it is better late than never! I want the President to show the same political will and patriotism on the burning issue of Restructuring Nigeria to address the wrong done to the Nigeria people.

“I believe restructuring will balance the dysfunctional system, guarantee peace, prosperity and stability in the country where everybody has equal stake. Those clamouring for restructuring are the real patriots. PMB will etch his name on the sands of time and become a Nigerian hero of all times if he restructures the country...,’’ he said.

Obi to Buhari: Honour Nwosu, Yar’Adua, Akinrinade, Suleiman, Obioha, others

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• From left: Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, Jeki V, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; state’s Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo, during commissioning of the Abacha Road in GRA Phase 3, Port Harcourt, last Friday, by Igwe Achebe

Okowa calls Ibori ‘solid pillar of present Delta State’

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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elta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has described former Governor James Ibori as a bridge builder who laid a solid foundation of peace and development in the state.

Speaking during a reception in honour of the former governor, Chief James Ibori organized by his socio-political family in Anioma and hosted by the former Deputy Governor of the state Sir, Benjamin Elue in Obior, Ika North East Local Government Area, Senator Okowa said Chief Ibori imbibed in the members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the need to play a politics of putting state and party interests above personal interest and it has led the State in the right direction.

The Governor, who was accompanied to the occasion by Senator Peter Nwaboshi, Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Obor-

evwori, State PDP Chairman Barr.

Kinsley Esiso, and top government and politial functionaries and Anioma Sons and Daughters said: “Our Leader, Chief James Ibori is a bridge builder, you taught us to be selfless and accommodating. We will continue to appreciate you, we will continue to take Delta State to greater heights and in the right direction.

“We are proud that Delta North is hosting you because you are a worthy leader, you taught us that as we progress as a family we are expanding, our people have been very patient and co-operative, this family is a large one and it will continue to accommodate more people into the party.”

He assured Deltans that his administration would deliver free and fair election in 2019 and called on politicians to go back to their wards and constituents to play the politics because they need the votes of the people saying “we should know

that we have a lot of work to do.”

In his remark, Chief Ibori, explained that it has been resolved in the party that there would be fairness and equity in the governance of the state and thanked the Anioma people for hosting him.

“Gov. Okowa has been chosen

by God to govern the state, He will continue to give him the wisdom to take right decisions that will led to the progress of the state, this is what we are experiencing today in the state with his developmental strides. We are one happy family so we should not bring our personal interest first but the interest of the state, he said.”

In a welcome address, the host, Sir Elue, describe Chief James Ibori as a mentor that have built the party to enviable heights adding that all the founding fathers of the party have gathered to appreciate the former governor for his faithfulness and loyalty to the family.

ormer Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the decision he took on June 12, saying that the primary lesson inherent in that move is that no time is long or overdue to rectify wrongs and mistakes of yesterday.

Obi who made the commendation on Monday while speaking with journalists at the Local Wing of Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, advised the President to go a step further and rectify what he called “other wrongs that were by-products of June 12 and punctuated our democratic journey”.

He said the Presidency should also consider all those that suffered various degrees of wrongs and deprivation as a result of June 12 and Nigeria’s tortuous democratic journey.

Obi specifically mentioned names such as Prof. Humphrey Nwosu; Gen. Musa Yar’Adua (who died in prison); Gen. Akinrinade; Dan Suleiman (whose property were burnt to the ground), as well as Chief Ralph Obioha, whose African Trust Bank, Safari Brewery, vegetable oil company and cement company came under heavy attack, from which he has not recovered from till this day.

Enlisting the death of Ken SaroWiwa as one wrong that equally needs rectification, Obi said: “Of course, we all know the exodus of the Igbos from Lagos during those turbulent times from which many of them lost their lives and means of livelihood. Comprehensive efforts towards correcting the ills of June 12 must look at such cases.”

Concluding, Obi called on Nigerians to look beyond the external gestures being expressed now to the lessons inherent in them, one of which, according to him, is that the survival of democracy requires sustained and patriotic sacrifices by all Nigerians, especially the leaders.

45

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

SPORTS

Eagles should show character – Udeze

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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ORMER Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, is not a happy man reason being the way the Super Eagles have been losing their pre-World Cup friendly matches.

According the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup star, the national team have not shown any seriousness in their friendly matches; hence out of the six friendly matches they have played so far as a part of their preparations to the World Cup, they have only succeeded in winning two, drew one and lost three.

He explained that it was not a good result in every standard for a World Cup bound team. Udeze acknowledged the fact that friendly matches are not necessarily meant for victories but to be used to re-assess the team’s technical and tactical performances with a view to making amend where necessary.

He, however, explained that winning friendlies have a way of boasting the morale of any team saying it would have been better if Eagles had beaten Czech Republic in their last

pre-World Cup friendly matches last Wednesday.

“It is important that Super Eagles show character in their games. They must play well by turning fast during games. They position well on give the ball fast and accurate. These are problems to the team as we speak,” Udeze lamented.

“All these are the things we have to put together and the rest will be history. We need to start playing well; we need to start playing better. They need to improve that is what the fans want and they are not asking for too much,” Udeze explained.

“That the fans are angry is because we want them to improve. It is not that they are angry, that they are not good, no! They want them to improve and they need to understand where the fans are coming from and improve on their game.

“We need improvement that is what we want. We have the players, we have good players but let them improve on their game and be focused and be serious,” Udeze admonishes Eagles.

Speaking on the team’s defense,

the former Bendel Insurance and AEK Athens of Greece center back said there was need for Eagles’ defense to be more organised, saying that the defenders needed to understand themselves.

“I have always advocated for a more organised defense than it is at the moment. The defenders need to understand themselves better in the sense that when one moves upfront; the other stays back to cover up for the one that moved up.

“When a central defender moves up to help upfront, the other player should stay back. The right full back and left full back will come in to support more.

“I have said this on several occasions. We need to play like a team that is the most important thing.

“As far as I am concerned, and as far a as the fans are concerned; we want Eagles to play good football and lose. Yes, it is a friendly game we know. If they play well and lose, then

we know that the team are in the right track,” Udeze declared.

“And if that is the case, then we will know that what the coach has to bother himself about is how the team will be able to score goals. How the attackers will be able to score goals will be the concern of coach.

“As for me, I still praise them because it is not easy. I hope the team get better we start our World campaign on Saturday,” Udeze enthused.

end of the day.

“Of course, we are not happy over the defeat to Czech Republic because we had thought that we should win the match but that has come and gone Rohr began.

“It is true that we are distrust after the game because the players and the technical crew had thought that we should win the game particularly as we lost to England. But that is football for you sometimes it does not go the way you expect

it.

My greatest take on Czech game –Rohr

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ESPITE losing their last preWorld Cup international friendly game to Czech Republic in Austria, national team Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has disclosed that his greatest take from the game is the fact that no player sustained injury during and after the game.

According to him, the injury free squad is more important than winning the international friendly which will account to nothing at the

Give us our own houses, Chukwu begs Fashola

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ollowing the redemption of the pledge of a house to former Assistant Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles by the Federal Government on June 5th through the Hon Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Christian Chukwu, has called on Minister to look at the 1994 World Cup team who were equally promised a house but 26 years after most of them are yet to receive any house.

Chukwu made the appeal in exclusive interview to the Oracle Today Sports while reacting to the recent redemption of the pledge made to the 1994 gold medal winning coach in the football event, Bonfrere Jo. According to Chukwu, except for about two or three members of the

1994 Super Eagles’ contingent to the country’s first ever World Cup, who requested that they should be given houses in Abuja, none of them who opted for Lagos has ever been given any house. “I feel delighted that at the long last, the Federal Government through the Hon. Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has redeemed the promise made to Bonfrere Jo,” Chukwu began “It has taken us 24 good years to fulfill the promise. It is a long time but the most important thing is today, Bonfrere Jo has received keys to his house. They say it is better late than never. “You know we also made the same promise in 1994 after we returned from the country’s first ever World Cup. You know that the

Super Eagles stunned the world with our robust brand of football that millions of Nigerians still remember with nostalgia. “People continue to say that that team happened to be the best the country has ever produced and I think they are right because it was after that experience that Nigeria had her best ever FIFA Ranking, No5. As a matter of fact, it remains Africa’s best effort in FIFA Rankings,” Chukwu explained.

“I want to therefore, use this singular opportunity to beg the Hon Minister of Works, Power and Housing to use his good offices to plead with the Federal Government which is a prominent member, to look to our direction.

houses after our exploit at our first ever World Cup. When we returned, we were asked to choose between Abuja and Lagos where we would like to be given houses. Only about two or three member of that contingent said Abuja and they have since received their houses while some of us who preferred Lagos have been forgotten since nobody remembers us. “Our own promise was made two years before that Bonfrere Jo yet nobody is saying anything about that. I believe that if the benevolence extended to Bonfrere Jo is equally showed us, we will definitely appreciate it because like they say what is good for geese is also good for the gander,” Chukwu ex-

“We made the same promise of plained.

“For me, I think the game achieved its primary objective which is to be used it to discover the gray areas and work towards plugging the loopholes. Winning friendly game though good as it boast the morale of the team and the technical crew, that’s not the sole purpose of friendlies in the first place.

Speaking further, the FrancoGerman tactician explained that despite the fact that he would have loved his charges to win the game last Wednesday, he is more interested in making sure that he starts the World Cup campaign with his full squad than win a friendly match with any of his boys sustaining an injury.

“As for me, the biggest take of this friendly defeat to Czech Republic is the fact that none of players had any injury or knock. That is my greatest happiness because I want to have the full compliments of my team to Russia and I thank God for that.

“Our focus is the main event.

What does it benefit us if we win all our friendly matches and perform poorly at the World Cup? Rohr queried. I think it is better to do well or better at the Mundial than to say we won all our friendly matches and crumble at the main event,” Rohr explained.

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

SPORTS

Eagles are in tip top shape – Ibitoye Onazi stripped of Eagles’ VC

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By MADUABUCHI KALU

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UPER Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye has assured Nigerians that the team are perfect shape and are looking forward to their first match against Croatia on Saturday, June 16th at the Kaliningrad Stadium.

He explained that the players are in tip top shape mentally and physically because they are very much

aware of the assignment them even as he explained that team is united.

According to Ibitoye, there is a healthy competition in camp among the players as the players who have been starting Eagles games are being put on their toes by those who want to start. He explained that the healthy competition for starting lineup is very good for the team and the country.

“The players are in tip top shape

mentally, physically. They know what the assignment is ahead of us and our family is united and we are looking forward to a great tournament in Russia,” Ibitoye began.

On whether the players have been talking to themselves on how to approach matches at the Mundial, the team’s spokesman said that has been the norm in camp as they are seen talking among themselves during training. Speaking further

Lawal rues lack of consultation by Rohr

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ORMER Super Eagles utility players and a member of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Garba Lawal popularly called ‘Chindo’ has expressed disappointment over the inability of the Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, to consult the Technical Committee of the NFF before he made public the Super Eagles World Cup final list.

Lawal, a former general manager of Kaduna United Football Club said it was shameful that journalists would call to find out who and who made the final team list and no member of the technical committee of the NFF would be able to provide an answer due to the fact that Rohr sidelined them before releasing the list.

According to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Gold Medallist in the football event, it does not add up because that has not been the norm.

He explained that when journalists call to find out things concerning the World Cup list and he says he does not know; it seems he doesn’t want to divulge information, whereas he does not know anything about the list before it was made public.

“Of course you are right, I said we were not carried along before the final World Cup list was released by Gernot Rohr,” Lawal began.

“It is not the norm. The members of the NFF Technical Committee which I happened to be a part of were not consulted before Rohr released the World Cup list. It is unheard of. The members of the

Technical Committee of the NFF are always carried along.

“Nobody is saying that he does not have or deserve the right to pick his players but things need to be done properly. The members of the Technical Committee of the NFF are normally consulted before the final list of players to any championship is released.

“It is not about altering the list but it is about doing the right thing.

I feel embarrassed when journalists call me or any member of the Technical Committee and we will not have anything to say; then it will seem as if we do not want to provide the information.

“Then what is the essence of the Technical Committee if we can’t even have the privilege of having information? Lawal queried.

Speaking on the recent pre-World Cup friendly defeats to England and Czech Republic, Lawal expressed dismay over the defeat even as he said the blame for the defeats should not only be put on the door step of Rohr rather the players should have their own share of the blame; as the coach is not the one that is on the pitch having performed his role before the match.

He charge the players to be talking to each other to enable them communicate well and at the same time diverse means of changing tactics when the one they are using is not yielding the desired result.

“The blame for the team’s poor outings in recent times should not only be put at the door steps of the coach, the players should equally

share in the blame. They should be talking to themselves on the pitch to enable them communicate well because if they do not talk to themselves, they are not going to understand themselves.

“They can talk to themselves and decide the pattern they want to play in order to get result, it is possible, and it is doable. If the coach’s tactics is not working for the team, the players could change to another tactics that they are familiar with and get the job done. That is why we have leaders on and off the pitch.

“It is most unfortunate that we have witnessed a situation where the last two friendly matches the team played were characterised by a dismal first half while the team play better in the second stanza of the game. They should do something about that very fast because, the World Cup is not a place where your opponent will give opportunity to come into the game in the second stanza.

•Garba Lawal

Ibitoye disclosed that the team are hungry for success as can been seen in training as their passion and body language have shown.

“Yah! Yah! That’s has happened a lot. You see a lot of discussions with all the players involved. The captain, the strikers, the midfielders and the defenders are always talking about how they should approach the game. They are always trying to stimulate match situations during trainings and its good; really, really good.

“This is because these guys are very passionate. They are very hungry for success and you see it in the body language. You see it the way they move around and those who have been starting our games are being pushed by those who want to start.

“The fight for places is very healthy, very competitive and in fact, in training you begin to wonder how the coaches will decide who will start the game because everybody is on fire.

“It is a very good approach. You can feel it and you can sense it, that this team are hungry and they will deliver at the World Cup,” Ibitoye explained.

ESPITE the denial by former Super Eagles vice-captain, Ogenyi Onazi that he never had any rift with the Super Eagles and Tianjin TEDA Captain, John Obi Mikel after the Eagles pre-World Cup friendly defeat to England in which the Benue State born midfielder was singled out for criticism for poor performance; event on Monday has proved otherwise as he was unceremoniously stripped of the vice captaincy.

The former Eagles vice-captain is even lucky that his name has already been submitted to Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) as nobody knows whether his name would have been dropped for the Mundial.

This action may believe might not be unconnected with the disagreement he had with Mikel who the coach has always praised as the team’s leader, though no reason was given for dropping him from the position which has enjoyed for some time now.

It is also believed that Onazi was stripped of his vice captaincy in order to avoid dividing the team going to the team’s World Cup campaign which is kicking off tomorrow (Thursday) while the team’s first game is up on Saturday against Croatia.

With this development, it is obvious that all is not well in the Super Eagles’ camp after all ahead of the World Cup despite the denial by Onazi and the NFF, if not what must have brought about this sudden action?. At the time of filing this report, the team’s gaffer Gernot Rohr was said not to disposed to the appointment of a vice-captain, saying the idea was counter-productive to his plan ahead of the World Cup. “Rohr has resolved to cancel the position of assistant captain in the Super Eagles as it is believed to be one of the issues militating against the team.

Set realistic target for Eagles – Okocha

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ormer Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers captain, Austin Okocha, has advised Nigerians to set a realistic target to the John Obi Mikel’s captained Super Eagles even as he urged the team to put up their best performances at the Russia 2018 World Cup. It is recalled that Okocha represented the country at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

He was exceptional in 1998 that he was bought by Paris Saint Germain for African record of $17million. And despite the team’s consecutive two friendly defeats to England and Czech Republic, the former Enugu Rangers player believes that the team can still make an impact at the World Cup. The three time African cham-

pions are in Group D alongside Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

They will play Croatia in Kaliningrad Stadium in their first match on Saturday, June 16.

In his words: “Experience is the best teacher and I believe that we should not expect too much from the team in Russia,” Okocha began.

“We should set a realistic target for them – to first qualify from the group. They can then take it on from there.

“Most of them are going there for the first time; they should enjoy the moment and put up their best performance. “It is possible that they may not have the opportunity to play at the World Cup again after this, so they should try to make a good use of it,” Okocha explained.

The Oracle Today Wednesday June 20, 2018

• Pele, winner of three World Cup, arrives Russia in wheelchair. President Putin, Okocha, Kanu, Maradona among those welcoming him

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June 12 – Endless hypocrisy

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ACH time one thinks he has seen the worst of the Nigerian’s placement of opportunism and hypocrisy on the national agenda, a more piquant phase emerges. Now it is June 12. It could have been a disaster, a prized national moment, or sheer exploitation of the people.

In all these, there is no absence of cheering armies, demagogues, sycophants and latest arrivals to some social circumstances, who belabour themselves explaining why the duplicity should be accepted. I heard that these are the latest jobs that governments are creating.

How would anyone ridicule June 12 in the way that President Muhammadu Buhari has preferred? Why is he being applauded? Is it part of the godification of Buhari that nobody can tell him he has erred? Must the government shun deep thinking behind its actions? Why does the government, militarily speaking, explode bombs in its own bunkers?

June 12 has suffered many tribulations in the hands of politicians, traditional leaders, agitators, activists, publicists, experts, expatriates, students’ groups, and the media. Everyone had something to gain, and projected it, until it locked into a major national resource artery.

In these struggles to be June 12-relevant, the essences of the determination that Nigerians made on that day, voting for a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the highest office in Nigeria, giving their votes freely to Chief MKO Abiola, to be their President, in overwhelming numbers, is being diminished by moves that claim to restore the importance of June 12.

People died for June 12. Some known because of their prominence. Others would remain unknown. Families were shattered, new enemies created for a

•Dan-Suleiman

country that consistently approaches the brink. The refusal to uphold results of that election caused the enthronement of governments that have mostly been more through entitlement than the sort of engagement that produces the results that were officially rejected.

The mismanagement of the opportunities that June 12 provided for changes that would have improved the country still hurts Nigeria. By revving up June 12, what does President Buhari want to achieve? The haphazard approach shows.

Is it possible that any meaningful chronicle of the June 12 struggle can be made without a place for Kudirat Abiola, wife of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, whom President Buhari would honour by naming June 12 Democracy Day? Top national honours have been lined up for Abiola, who died in detention, his deputy in the 1993 election, Babagana Kingibe, and late human rights activist Gani Fawehinmi.

•Abiola

What about Kudirat? Gunmen working for Head of State Sani Abacha killed her on Lagos street, on 4 June 1996. Was she not killed to silence the agitation for the realisation of June 12? Have we forgotten? Could we have forgotten? Can such forgetfulness be forgiven?

If people were being honoured for their role in the struggles for democracy, purportedly encapsulated in June 12, why would Kudirat, who died because she was vocal over the annulment of her husband’s mandate, be forgotten? Are we no longer dealing with June 12?

Without recognising Kudirat, the effort to give June 12 a place in our history becomes a charade. Many died over June 12, but she and Pa Alfred Rewane were the only ones killed under circumstances that point directly to Gen. Abacha. Those unnamed protesters killed during street protests are June 12 heroes and heroines.

Kudirat’s case was also different. After trials that lasted years, people were con-

•Kudirat

victed of killing her. They were not killed.

All the proceedings in court confirmed that the killers worked for Gen. Abacha.

And that she was killed to silence June 12, for which she was a major rallying point as her husband languished in detention.

How can we forget the intimidation she suffered? How can we forget her resoluteness on June 12? How can we forget her refusal to succumb to offers and blackmails meant to shut up any voices on June 12?

It is a dilemma for President Buhari to honour Kudirat. It would raise issues about how she died. Nigerians, if they have forgotten, would remember that like Alex Ibru, who survived another Lagos street attack by the same Abacha gang, Kudirat died for June 12.

Abacha, whom President Buhari adores, beatifies, and rates as one of Nigeria’s best leaders, would be the demon again. If Kudirat is recognised, Buhari’s service as Petroleum Trust Fund Chairman under Abacha will be remembered too.

Kudirat is a bad reminder of the evils of the Abacha days. Although rated as “not corrupt”, the Federal Government is still receiving millions of dollars from Abacha’s uncovered loot. It would be too much to worship Abacha and decorate Kudirat.

Are we more interested in honouring Abacha or the heroes and heroines of June 12? Would political correctness overwrite salient points of our history again, as we have consistently done with Biafra?

Who were the men (and women) whom the President consulted extensively on June 12? How did Kudirat escape their radar, each of them? Or did they advise that she should not be honoured?

Unless Kudirat is on the podium, we mock June 12. The June 12 struggle in which she died is recognised internationally in honours, awards, documentaries, and a street named after her in Manhattan, New York.

Or has June 12 been genderised to the exclusion of women?

Hypocrites we may elect to be, but carrying on with the immortalisation of June 12 with this deadening silence about a wife, mother, political and social activist, whose firm stand at a time other members of the Abiola family had abandoned the struggle, kept the June 12 struggle alive, and who was killed for June 12, elevates hypocrisy to national ethos.

June 12 that excludes Kudirat Abiola is flawed, and so irredeemably so.

PS: Another June 12 hero of mine is Air Commodore Dan Sulieman, a member of the General Murtala Muhammed’s Supreme Military Council (July 1975 - March 1976), former military governor of Plateau State (March 1976 - July 1978), the Abaca regime charged him for treason, burnt his house in Lagos, was burnt, destroyed his businesses because he supported June 12. How many remember him?

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.