Wednesday May 22-28, 2019 Edition

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

Air pollution:

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WEDNESDAY May 22 - 28, 2019

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ISSN: 2545-5869

Today

VOL.4 No.20 N200

NLNG earns N36tr from flare gas monetization •

Gas company cuts gas-flares from 60% to 20% in 20 years •Delivers $17b to Fed Gov as dividend •Pays additional $16b to govt. for gas •Commits N200b to social responsibility projects

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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head of the 2019 World Environment Day (WED) celebration which amplifies the clamour for

players in the petroleum industry to curb the rising level of global air pollution, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has declared over $100 billion or N36 trillion gross income

Jonathan, Dickson, others converge in Yenagoa over Bayelsa guber poll

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ormer President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Seriake Dickson and other notable Ijaw leaders are to attend a stakeholders workshop in Yenagoa on May 22, ahead of the upcoming Nov. 16 Gubernatorial election in Bayelsa.

The Ijaw Professionals Association (IPA) on Tuesday in Lagos on Tuesday urged all stakeholders to close ranks ahead of the elections.

The theme for the workshop is; “NO VIOLENCE, NO LOST LIVES’’.

The body said that there was the need for the collaborating groups to work towards achieving a consensus, in ensuring no life was lost in the run up to and throughout the November governorship election.

“We unequivocally condemn the criminal conduct of some people during the last general elections in Bayelsa and other states in the Niger Delta and call on all stakeholders to condemn

Page 13

violence,’’ IPA said in a statement by its President, Mr Elaye Otrofanowei.

Others partnering with the IPA are: Ijaw Nations Forum (INF), Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) and Embasara Foundation to build consensus round achieving credible elections.

“It is our expectation that the governorship election in Bayelsa will be issue-based and the candidates will provide road maps for addressing the challenges we face as a people.

“IPA recommends that the Ijaw Charter and the CELG document which has the input of all stakeholders be discussed and used to address issues which could result in conflict.

“Key stakeholders at this event include former president Goodluck Ebele Johnathan (GCFR, GCON), Gov. Seriake Dickson, former Governors and Ministers, all aspirants, office holders and newly elected political office holders.

from gas monetization.

Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, who spoke about the company’s 20 years of operations, said that NLNG has over two decades delivered economic,

environmental, commercial and social dividends to Nigerian people.

He said the company has converted over 6.37 trillion cubic feet of associated gas to Liquefied Natural Gas

(LNG) and Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) in the past 20 years, thus helping cut gas flares in the country from over 60% in 1999 to less than 20%.

Mr. Attah stated that

apart from capturing flare gas for monetization, the company has delivered immeasurable financial returns to asset holders,

Full story on page 19

APGA National Convention:

Plot to replace Oye with Obiano’s Chief of Staff thickens

•Pressure on governor not to support Oye’s second term bid •Group insists Oye must go •Party leaders

deny knowledge of any plot against APGA Chairman

•Obiano

•Oye

Buhari’s new cabinet and paradigm shift

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

NEWS

D

elta State Government has called on individuals, organizations, private sectors and well-meaning Deltans to partner with it in funding education in the State.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Festus Ovie Agas made the call in Asaba during the 2nd Delta State Award for Excellence for Pupils and Students held at the Conference Hall of Felix Ibru Secretariat, along Okpanam Road, Asaba.

Hon. Agas stated that the government alone could not carry the burden of education and therefore called on the private sector to join hands with the state government to fund education.

The SSG who expressed appreciation to Eroton Oil Exploration and Production Company for partnering with the state government in the area of education and for sponsoring the award for excellence programme stated that the state government placed premium on education, adding that Nigeria was running a knowledge base economy.

He said that the Okowa administration has education as one of its cardinal programmes and saying the education sector had received a remarkable facelift with the repositioning of technical and vocational education, construction and renovation of school infrastructure, equipping of public schools, revamping of school sports and the adoption of international best practices.

He congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue to excel in their studies.

On his part, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie said, “One critical sphere where a sustainable partnership was desired was that of rewarding learners who excel academically. This strategic area received a huge boost with the acceptance of Eroton Exploration and Production Company Limited to sponsor the Delta State Award of Excellence for Pupils and Students.”

According to Ebie, “The Award of Excellence was aimed at celebrating highly motivated students by creating a sense of pride as well as encouraging and facilitating students’ interest in acquiring skills and knowledge.”

He revealed that the Delta State government is resolute in its determination and commitment to ensure that the award of academic excellence was sustained, saying that the benefits were already manifest in learners quest for excellence in various academic endeavours.

While congratulating the awardees, Ebie also expressed appreciation to Eroton Oil Exploration and Production Company Limited for its commitment and partnership in recognizing and celebrating excellence and the future leaders.

The CEO of Eroton Oil Exploration and Production Company Limited, represented by the External and Government Relations Manager, Mrs Mercy Max-Ebibai, stated that the company would on a yearly basis expand the scope of the award in partnership with the state government.

She stated that the award programme was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the people of the State, especially to encourage excellence in the academic field.

In the 2nd edition of the Delta State Award for Excellence for

Delta Govt. rewards excelling students, pupils in WASSE, NECO, NABTEB Pupils and Students, the best three performing students of the Certificate Examinations in Cognitive/Placement Examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), West African Senior School Examination (WASSE), National Business Certificate (NBC), National Technical Certificate (NTC), and the examination conducted by the national Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) received award.

In category ‘A’, Cognitive/Placement Examination, Miss Faith Adogbeji Ogheneyevworho of Springfield Primary School, Sapele came first with a total of 351 mark followed by Miss Michele Edah Alero of Benchill School,

Warri with 349 mark and Stephanie Oseyemere Ude, who came third with 300 total score.

In 2018 NECO Examination category, Precious Agboghai of Orient Academy Group of Schools, Boji-Boji Owa came 1st with 9Bs, Ephraim Bomi-Dore Oritsemolagbemi of NEPA Staff Secondary School, Sapele came 2nd with 7Bs, 1A and 1C and Isioma Nelson Ifeanyichukwu of Federal Government College, Warri came 3rd with 7Bs and 2Cs. Under 2018 WASSE category, Isioma Nelson of Federal Government College, Warri came 1st with 7As and 2Bs, AkanyoEbipade of Federal Government College, Warri came 2nd with 6As and 3Bs and Abogbai Precious Orient Academy Group of Schools, Boji-Boji Owa

came 3rd with 6As and 3Bs. In the NABTEB 2018 category, Lucky Usiwo of Ofagbe Technical College, Ofagbe came 1st with 2As and 7Cs scoring 27 point, Kaiye Ufuoma of Ogor Technical College, Otogor came 2nd with 3As and 6Cs scoring 26 points and Gift Achie of Essi College, Warri came 3rd with 2As and 6Cs scoring 22 points.

Others who received award were Ifeanyi Paul Esenwa of St Anthony Grammar School, Esure Ijebu, Mushin, Ogun State, a Deltan who score 349 in the 2018 JAMB examination, Enameguono Ghem Erhovwesere of DSC Model Primary School Ovwian-Aladja and Ejaife Oghenebukome Jefferson of DSC Technical High School, Ovwian-Aladja came 1st

in the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) Competition, Primary School and Junior Secondary school respectively and Divine Omesiri Odjegba also received award under the UBA Foundation Essay Competition as the winner of the 2018 Essay Competition.

Present at the award ceremony were the Information Commissioner, Chief Patrick Ukah, his Women Affairs Community and Social Development counterpart, Revd. Omatsola Williams and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Samuel Dieteke among others Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of cash prizes and laptop to the winners by the SSG, and Commissioners.

•From left) Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; Governor Udom Emmanuel, wife, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Senator Bassey Albert, among others, during the official inauguration of internal roads at Obio Akpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University as part of activities marking the fourth anniversary of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel, weekend

APGA National Convention: Obiano plots

to replace Oye with Chief of Staff From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

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ith less than two weeks to the national convention of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), there are indications that Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano is plotting to sponsor his cousin and Chief Of staff, Mr Primus Odili for the post of the National Chairman of the ruling party in Anambra.

According to The Oracle Today investigation, Odili came up as option B following continued pressure from some quarters for Victor Oye, the current Chairman who wants a second term, to be dropped in order to quell tension in the party.

Sources said the governor has already set plans in motion to create an easy street for Odili to walk by giving more room for the controversy against the incumbent National Chairman to swell.

When contacted, the state

Chairman of the party in Anambra State, Mr Norbert Obi denied knowledge of any plan to replace the incumbent national chairman, Oye with Primus Odili, saying he was not aware of what he described as ‘sinister plans in journalists’ fetid imaginations’.

He retorted when accosted by the reporter: “I am not aware, I don’t know about it; I said I don’t know about it.”

However, a pressure group in the party known as APGA People’s Alliance has passed a vote of no confidence on the Chief Oye, insisting that he should not be returned for a second term in office.

The group warned Gov Willie Obiano to be mindful of the grave consequences of returning Oye as the National Chairman of the party.

A communique signed by the leaders of the group, namely Mr. Maxwell Mbanefo from Anambra State, Ugochukwu Ezeh from

Enugu State, Chief Nelson Uzoechi from Imo state, Mr Fabian Osuwa from Abia state and Paulinus Nweke from Ebonyi said: “We the members of the APGA People’s Alliance in the South East geopolitical zone after five meetings in the five state capitals in the zone having under-studied the result of the last general election and the conduct of the party primary elections here by resolved that.

“The tenure of Victor Oye as the National Chairman of the party has so far left much to be desired in view of his high-handedness and litany of anti-party activities to the detriment of the fortunes of the party.

“The high level of corruption, extortion and daylight rip-off of aspirants of party during the last election under the nose of the National Chairman has greatly deepened the crisis in our party.

“To this end, we hereby pass

a vote of no confidence on Chief Victor Oye and his entire executive members and we urge His Excellency Governor Willie Obiano to be aware of the grave consequences of returning Oye for a second term in office.”

Speaking in a similar vein, Deputy National Secretary of the party, Chief Jerry Obasi fingered the state governor in alleged plans to “impose” Oye on the party, noting that such a development would mark the end of internal democracy in APGA. He regretted that the governor appeared to have ignored the daylight robbery that was prevalent in the last primary elections and the manner loyal party members were denied of their victory in that election.

“The governor has chosen to return the same cabal that perpetrated this evil in our party”, Obasi lamented.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Aero marks 60 years of flight operations in Nigeria

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igeria’s oldest surviving indigenous carrier, Aero Contractors Ltd., on Tuesday celebrated its 60th anniversary of flight operations in the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Capt.

Ado Sanusi, Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors, said the airline which began operations in 1959 had hugely contributed to human capacity development in the aviation sector.

Sanusi said the airline had an enviable safety record with zero fatalities since it began both commercial flights and helicopter charter services.

He, however, noted that Aero had faced hard times from February 2013 to August 2016, which led to its takeover by the Federal Government through the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

According to him, the AMCON intervention was aimed at returning Aero to profitability through repositioning of its operations and expansion of its portfolio of services.

Sanusi therefore, said the management had to make tough choices to sustain and stabilise the airline’s operations and ultimately return it to an active player in the Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He said: “It is my sincere pleasure to inform you all that like a phoenix, Aero has risen from its hard times. Our individual and collective sacrifices, resilience and insistence that this airline is lifted back up is paying off and yielding visible results.”

According to him, the airline services has since December 2016, returned to full operations and grown its fixed wing operational aircraft from one to four.

“It is our expectation to grow our fixed wing aircraft to six by the close of this year. The present count of four aircraft improved our domestic flight operations to 32 daily.

“From one helicopter in 2017, we now have five operational helicopters with capacity to further grow this number to 10 helicopters by close of the year so as to deepen our services.

“In all, we began our repositioning journey growing our domestic operations from eight to 32 daily flights. From ferrying 8,000 passengers per month, to 52, 000 passengers per month into and out of the several airports on our route,” Sanusi added.

He disclosed that the Aero Aircraft Maintenance Organisation which was approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to carry out C-checks on Boeing 737

Classics had helped to turn around the fortunes of the airline.

Sanusi said Aero had successfully conducted C-checks on 737 CL Boeing aircraft and had secured approval from the Governments of Ghana and Democratic Republic of Congo to carry out C-checks on B737 aircraft registered in the countries.

Speaking on behalf of the Ibru family, Mrs Cecilia Ibru, former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank, commended the staff of the airline for putting in their best towards sustaining its operations.

Ibru also acknowledged the role played by the incumbent Aero management in repositioning the airline and restoring the confidence of the flying public in its operations.

Aero Contractors was first formed in 1959 in the Netherlands before being officially registered in Nigeria in 1960.

Oyo Govt. owns Tech-U, not me - Ajimobi

yo State Governor, Senator O Abiola Ajimobi, has put to rest the controversy surrounding the

ownership of The First Technical University, Ibadan, saying that the institution belonged to the state government wholly and not any individual, including himself.

The governor made the clarification while receiving the state’s traditional rulers in the state, led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who were on a courtesy visit to his office, on Monday.

Among the royal fathers on the entourage, drawn from the six zones of the state, were Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul-Ganiy Salawudeen; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola; and Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Ajimobi also used the occasion to avail the royal fathers of his administration’s achievements in education, agriculture, peace, security and infrastructure, among others in the last eight years.

He said the state government had not expended any fund on the establishment of the university till date, as all the structures in the institution’s premises were built by foreign donors and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ajimobi said: “Let me use this opportunity to dispel the rumour going around that I am the owner of The First Technical University, Ibadan. People are expected to talk, especially when they lack proper information, but if we fail to dispel the rumour, it may stick and become the truth.

“I want to say without any equivocation that I do not own the Technical University, Ibadan. It belongs to Oyo State Government wholly. It is easy for people to come up with such rumour because of the successful establishment of the university.

“It is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and we are happy that we succeeded in achieving this in our time. Nobody believed we could achieve it, especially during a period the country was grappling with economic challenges.

“Oyo State has had no financial input in the establishment of the university till date. All what you see there were done by lovers of the

At inception, it was wholly owned Schreiner Airways B.V. of the Netherlands. Aero later became a partly Nigerian-owned company with an initial 40 per cent Nigerian shareholding in 1973.

This grew to 60 per cent by 1976 in fulfillment of the requirements of compliance with the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1977, also known as the Indigenisation Decree.

By January 2004, Schreiner Airways was bought over by CHC Helicopter which acquired a 40 per cent holding in Aero, while the 60 per cent majority share remained within the lbru family.

By July 2010, CHC sold its interests in Aero and the airline became wholly owned by the Ibru family until it was taken over by AMCON in 2013 due to its huge indebtedness.

Police uncover plot to disrupt Ogun inauguration

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•From left: Former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank, Mrs Cecilia Ibru, Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors, Capt.

Ado Sanusi and a former Deputy Chief Pilot of the airline, Capt. Dapo Olumide, during the airline’s 60th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday in Lagos

state, indigenes living abroad, international institutions and the CBN.” He urged other well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to also support the university through construction of structures like students’ hostels, halls, block of classrooms, amphitheatre and sports complex, all of which he said could be named after the donors.

The governor expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their unflinching support for his administration in the last eight years, which he said had contributed to the success so far recorded.

The governor said: “I give gratitude to the Almighty Allah for giving me the opportunity, in spite of my natural deficiencies as a human being.

“To serve humanity through the governance of Oyo State, which is unarguably the intellectual capital of Nigeria with highly politicallysophisticated people, is a rare privilege.

“I appreciate you all our royal fathers and indeed, the entire people

of the state immensely, because you made it possible for us to govern the state with uncommon success in the last eight years.”

Speaking earlier, Oba Adeyemi said there was no institution that could correctly appraise the achievements of any administration in any state than traditional rulers.

He said the election of Ajimobi for two consecutive terms was a testimony of people’s love and support for him and their acknowledgement of his administration’s success in some critical areas like education, health and infrastructure.

Oba Adeyemi said: “I believe very much that if there is any agency that can make a correct appraisal of any government’s performance in any state, no agency is better placed than the traditional rulers in such a state.

“The reason is not far-fetched.

Among the traditional rulers, there are those who have experienced some administrations, which qualifies them to make fair assessment of all.

“In my own case, and with gratitude to God for my longevity and the good people of Oyo for their support and cooperation at all times, I have experienced many administrations, both military and civilian.

“Let me start from a noncontroversial statement of fact as far as Governor Ajimobi is concerned. It is that till date, he is the longest serving governor to occupy the Agodi Government House since the Western Region days. There can be no better empirical testimony of his acceptability by the people of the State than that.

“I doubt if anybody can deny the fact that the last eight years have been marked by peace in the state.

He is always in constant touch with all security agencies, with his ears literally on the ground for vital information.”

Oba Adeyemi wished the governor success in his future endeavous, stressing that the traditional rulers were proud of him and would continue to pray for him and his family.

gun State Police Command says it has uncovered a plot by some ‘unscrupulous elements scheming to foment trouble across the State with a view to disrupting the inauguration of the new administration scheduled for 29th May, 2019.

According to a statement issued by the state command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, for the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bashir Makama, rallies, processions and assemblies in public places are ‘being orchestrated by these enemies of peace seemingly to resolve chieftaincy and land-related matters rather than approaching the Court to seek justice,’ further declaring that ‘all of these are aimed at heating up the State before inauguration.’

“In view of this, the Command has put in place a robust security arrangement aimed at checkmating such trouble makers and other criminallyminded persons, including miscreants and disgruntled elements. The special units of the Command namely SARS, PMF, STS, Anti-Kidnapping as well as DPOS and Area Commanders have been placed on red alert with specific instruction to closely monitor these misguided elements and respond swiftly to any distress calls and disturbance of public peace.

“The Commissioner of Police, Makama, has also ordered twentyfour hourly surveillance patrols across the length and breadth of the State.

“Consequently, members of public are hereby advised, for the purpose of peace, law and order, to put on hold for now any form of public procession, rally or carnival related to chieftaincy and land matters and rather seek alternative dispute resolution methods, or approach the law court for redress.

“In furtherance to this, persons or group intending to hold public assemblies and rallies other than as stated above are advised to contact the office of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, for necessary approval and security.

“The Command will not hesitate to deal decisively with anybody or group who attempts to disrupt the peace of the State no matter how highly placed such person(s) may be, as the law is no respecter of anybody,” the statement read.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Heavy rains: Lagos assures residents of safety Lagos State Government assured residents that it Thadhetoday put in place necessary meas-

ures to address challenges posed by heavy rainfall, as we gradually approach the rainy season.

In a joint statement released in Alausa on Monday, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Fola Adeyemi and his counterpart in the Ministry of the Environment, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, urged Lagosians to remain calm as the unpredictable pattern of rainfall currently being experienced is a natural outcome of climate change.

The Government stated that it was not unusual to occasionally experience flash-floods, especially in a coastal State like Lagos, as well as during rain of high intensity, as it occurred today, but assured Lagosians that in a matter of time, they will all disappear and be contained by the drainages.

According to the statement: “Sometimes when it rains, we are likely to have flash-floods on our roads as it sometimes happens in other parts of the world, but the relief here is that the flashfloods will disappear in a couple of hours”.

The statement also assured Lagosians that relevant government agencies, like Drainage Services Department, LASEMA, LASPARK, had been put on red alert to adequately respond to any unforeseen occurrences, during rains of high intensity as well as cart away fallen trees, Electricity poles and confront any other emergencies, during the rains. Similarly, Lagos State Public Works Corporation is already on ground to clean the drainage channels, drainage set-backs and other road debris.

The Government appealed to Lagosians to desist from the act of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drains as well as erecting structures on drainages and their alignments as these acts are capable of precipitating flooding.

“The general public is urged to promptly report cases of indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and unauthorised places as well as other incidents of drainage blockage to the relevant government agencies” the statement added.

Lagos State Government also advised Lagosians and motorists to be safety conscious during this period, urging them to take some safety measures like remaining indoors during the rains except when it is absolutely necessary, and avoid over-speeding, when driving.

It also advised drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and avoid driving through flooded areas that their depths might be difficult to ascertain.

While advising Lagosians resident along flood plains and lowlands to be alert and safety conscious, the State Government assured that it will continue to intensify efforts at containing the flood, stressing that it had and will continue to painstakingly maintain all primary and secondary channels during and after the rainy season.

IGP Adamu commits community policing

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cting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has reiterated the determination of Nigeria Police Force to implement community policing in the country.

Adamu made this known, Friday, at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Human Rights groups and other critical stakeholders in Abuja.

He said that the police under his watch would operate all-inclusive policing system and that they were open to constructive criticism to deliver on their mandate.

The police chief said that no police anywhere in the world

could survive or perform its core mandate effectively without the support and cooperation of the people.

“The police alone cannot do this; we need your assistance, cooperation and support as major stakeholders in achieving these objectives. The police is not your enemy, our common enemy is lack of understanding of our common objectives and this is why this meeting is convened for us to bridge the gap,’’ he said.

On his part, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that there was always need for interaction between the three arms of government and NGOs.

He noted that quite often, there was always misunderstanding between non-governmental organisations and government.

“I believe that we are all working towards same goal – virile, strong country,“ he said.

According to Mohammed, with the meeting, we can disabuse our minds about the roles of each and every one of us.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Dr Benson Olugbuo, Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, suggested that community policing should be inclusive.

“It is a partnership between the public and the police. So we feel it should be encouraged,’’ he said.

He said that military involve-

ment in internal security in 36 states of the federation raised a lot of issue in terms of the security arrangement in the country.

“It is a lot of responsibility because security management in Nigeria lies on the shoulders of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The law is very clear that the police have the responsibility to maintain law and order and the law makes it possible that policemen should also be involved in military operations, especially in terms internal security,“ he said.

Olugbuo noted that some of the challenges confronting the police were self-inflicted while some were as a result of the legal framework currently in use.

• Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, receiving a host of traditional rulers drawn from the six zones of the state including; Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul-Ganiy Salawudeen; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola; Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and led by Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi to a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House inn Ibadan, Tuesday

Court admits Metuh’s account of N400m expenditure in evidence

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he Federal High Court, Abuja, has admitted in evidence, the final account tendered by Olisa Metuh, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Metuh tendered the document on Tuesday at the resumed hearing, detailing how the sum of the N400 million for which he is standing trial, was spent on a special national assignment.

Metuh who was led in evidence by his counsel, Mr Abel Ozioko submitted that the money was used for a special national assignment given to him by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The court also admitted in evidence, media publications where, in response to Metuh’s arrest and arraignment in 2016, the leadership of the PDP affirmed that the PDP did not in any way benefit from the fund.

…No part was spent on any PDP activity – Metuh insists This, he said was contrary to allegations that it was used for political activities of the party.

The documents were admitted and marked as exhibits 21 and 22.

Metuh had earlier tendered a document detailing disbursements, names and signatures of individuals who received funds in execution of the national assignment which was admitted and marked as exhibit 20.

Metuh told the court that no part of the N400 million was spent on any activity of the PDP, contrary to the claims of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

He said that his record of account and receipts of payments showed that the entire fund was used for the national assignment as directed by

President Jonathan.

“No part of the N400 million was spent on any activity of the PDP. The record of account and all the expenditure made, with receipts, bearing the names of those who received funds show that the entire N400 million was expended in execution of the special national assignment.

“President Jonathan had always insisted that the party must not benefit from government funding and that no government fund or asset must be used to promote or support the activities of the party,” Metuh said.

Continuing in his evidence, Metuh cleared the air on his earlier hesitation to give out the names of those who worked under him in the execution of the assignment to the EFCC

Abductors of pastor, 14 others demand N30m ransom – CAN Chairman C hairman, Kaduna State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, on Monday said the abductors of a pastor and 14 others at ECWA Church at Dankade have reached out to the families of the victims demanding for N30 million ransom.

Hayab told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that the kidnappers immediately switched off their phone after presenting their demand.

He said his CAN chapter had been in constant touch with the families since the incident.

The Kaduna CAN chapter chairman urged security agencies to take appropriate measures to rescue the victims who were abducted after a Church service on Sunday.

“When people are attacked and taken away from a place of prayers then we need to wake up,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Po-

lice Command, in a statement on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Yakubu Sabo, said it has deployed personnel to track the abductors and rescue the victims.

“On Sunday morning at about 0830hrs, we received information through DPO Dogon Dawa that some armed men in large number entered Unguwar Kuli village, a border community between Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State and Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

but preferred to tender them in court.

“Such individuals include respected professionals in various fields, including university lecturers and i will not want them to suffer the embarrassment of unnecessary negative media report and misrepresentations at the time.

“Exhibit 20 contains the names of professionals who worked with me and received funds in execution of the assignment. They accepted to participate in the assignment due to the confidence and trust they have in my integrity, I did not want them to suffer the humiliation of negative reports at the time.

“It was for this reason that I insisted that if there are any questions, repercussions, refunds or persecution to be suffered in that regard, it should be directed at me personally, Metuh said.

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang adjourned the matter until May 27, 28 and 30, 2019 for continuation of trial.

Metuh is standing trial for allegedly receiving the sum of N400 million from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, monies earmarked for the purchase of arms at the heat of the Boko Haram insurgency.

He was also accused of transacting with cash of $2 million without going through a final institution in violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 21 - 28, 2019

NEWS

Umulolo massacre: We’ll continue to remember slain MASSOB members –Uwazuruike L

By IBE NWACHUKWU

eader of Biafra Independence Movement (BIM), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has stated that he would continue to pray for the repose of the souls of about 100 members of the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who were massacred in 2003, about 16 years ago at Umulolo community, near Okigwe, Imo state precisely on March 29 and April 6, 2003.

He recalled that the MASSOB members, including his own Chief Security Officer (CSO), Ifeanyi Ihenacho were shot dead by a squadron of mobile policemen drafted from Imo state command headquarters, Owerri, who laid an ambush on a MASSOB convoy heading to Umuahia for a rally in support of the United States war against terrorism and shot sporadically at them.

In a press statement issued to newsmen yesterday, BIM’s Director of Information, Mazi Chris Anierobi Mocha quoted Uwazuruike as saying that every March 29 and April 6 must remain significant in the life of the new Biafra struggle to attain statehood, adding that it was also on the same March 29, 2003 that he (Uwazuruike) was arrested with five other MASSOB members and whisked off to Abuja.

The statement further quoted Uwazuruike as saying that while the MASSOB members were demonstrating for their quick release on April 6, three of their members were killed on the spot by a police patrol team, which was more reason the separatist group is continuously seek for a separate nation from Nigeria without violence.

Meantime, BIM/MASSOB has said that boasted that all its mapped programmes from inception have been executed to a logical end, an indication that their leader, Uwazuruike is known for his daringness For instance, the statement added, “when Uwazuruike announced that he was going to form MASSOB in 1999, he followed it up as he submitted the Biafran bill of rights to UN on November 1st of the same year to discuss new Biafra. To many especially Igbo leaders, it sounded bizarre and Uwazuruike was vis-

ited with cynicism and convulsive of derision”.

“Today, the former MASSOB now BIM-MASSOB has become a reality and nobody dismisses the Uwazuruike’s Biafra talks with the wave of hand any more. Uwazuruike is the most fearless, Intelligent, courageous, daring and most outspoken Igbo man living or dead after Ojukwu. He staked out his life because of Biafra and dared those enemies of Biafra who presided over the marginalization of Ndigbo, inspite of the dreaded legal tool of intimidation called treasonable felony”.

“When Uwazuruike who had been detained for 16 times in Nigeria, announced he was going to re-declare the New Biafra on May 27, 2000, though many people including the five Eastern governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo did not understand what he was talking about. On May 22, 2000 Uwazuruike went ahead and did his re-declaration ceremony and hoisted the New Biafra flag five days earlier before the mammoth crowd of about 20,000 youths at Aba”.

Daringness of a brave leader energized Uwazuruike’s footsteps to the summit of the African heads of state in Lome, Togo, in the year 2001 where he was arrested, detained and released after the intervention of Mr. Kofi Anan, the then United Nations Secretary-General”.

“Uwazuruike declared his good intention to inaugurate a Biafra house in Washington DC, capital of the United States of America in the year 2001 and the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Imo state Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa yelled impossible. But Uwazuruike did not only do it, he declared the Biafran house located five buildings away to the white house open with the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojuchwu, Ikemba Nnewi who was the first Head of state of the defunct Biafra holding the ceremonial tape for Uwazuruike to cut”.

“When Uwazuruike said he was also going to float a Biafra Radio Station to be known as Voice of Biafra International, VOBI in Washington DC, this he did. After

the arrest and detention of over 53 MASSOB members at Agboju, Lagos, Nigeria, Uwazuruike went to demand for their release and when the police refused, Uwazuruike requested to be allowed to join his members in the cell. Accordingly, the police granted his odd request and Uwazuruike was also detained along with them”.

“When Uwazuruike said he was going to visit the United States White House, the revered seal of the government of the United States, however, Uwazuruike visited the white house to the surprise of the enemies of the Biafra project including Achike Udenwa who once said the mere mention of Biafra was treason. Not too long ago, precisely, in 2008, MASSOB was in the news again when its leader, Uwazuruike after burying his late mother, Monica Ezinne Uwazuruike, the federal government insisted he must return to prison and after the burial, Uwazuruike had on Jan 22, 2008 submitted himself to the Imo state police command headquarters, Owerri, where he was expected to be taken into custody”.

•Governor Willie Obiano (left) MD/CEO Anambra Broadcasting Service Nze Uche Nworah (middle); Anambra Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Mr. C. Don Adinuba (right) during conferment of Certificate of Recognition for sterling performance on Nze Uche Nworah at the Exco Chambers Govt House Awka yesterday.

Photo : Ozo Ray

Ebonyi/C’River border clash: cleric acquires farmlands for 48 affected widows From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar About 48 widows who have been affected by the ongoing border skirmish between Ebonyi and Cross River States are to get free farmlands to enable them get back to productive lives.

Pastor Joseph Akpata of Prophetic Revolution Ministry disclosed this in Calabar while speaking on efforts his ministry is expending to help mitigate the plight faced by widows in Adadama Community in Abi local government area of Cross River State.

Akpata who runs an annual empowerment programme for widows said he decided this year to play the role which the late husbands would have played during this farming season by acquiring portions of lands if they had not been killed.

He said acquiring farm lands for the widows this farming season was another dimension to extend support to them since they are unable to do so without their husbands.

“In January 3018 my church transferred me to Adadama community to pastor the branch there. It was here that I discovered this affliction among the widows. Acquiring plots of farmland for 48 of them is this farming season is another dimension of extending support to them.”

Akpata said that he was moved by the plight and travail of widows, especially those who have to shoulder heavy responsibilities of raising large number of children alone, train them at schools and clothe them, to singlehandedly begin the widows empowerment programme in 2016 at Ugep in Yakurr LGA of the state.

“That year God helped me to support 147 widows. We repeated it for 200 the following year. In 2018 I had two centers: Adadama had 380, and Ugep had 198 in attendance.

“For this year, I hope to exceed more than 400 because last year, a village that was far from Adadama center was omitted. What is uppermost is the word of God that is usually shared within the 3-day gathering to console these depraved women”, he said.

He added that apart from financial empowerment, the widows are helped to learn skills like baking confectionery, decorations and cooking but that those trained are yet to be given financial support to take off on their own.

My business rival hired assassins to kill me after diverting my N75m - Bizman laments

By IBE NWACHUKWU middle-aged businessman based in Onitsha, Anambra state, Chief A Anthony Onyia has accused one of

his business rivals, Samson Ifediba. of sending some hired assassins to kill him, after allegedly diverting his N75 million.

However, in a swift reaction, legal counsel to Ifediba, Chibuike Nwabueze Esq., described the allegation as malicious and unsubstantiated, adding that it was the same Onyia that brought men of SCID, Panti, Lagos to Ifediba;s house about three weeks ago to arrest him on frivolous allegations that is again alleging assassination attempt against him.

Nwabueze noted that it was

because of this same allegation that prompted the IGP to transfer the matter to IGP’s IRT office, Abuja, adding that Onyia would eventually come to the law courts to prove this faceless and malicious defamation of character against the person of Ifediba.

But Onyia, in a strongly worded petition to Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP, Mustapha Dandaura, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Onitsha, alleged that the assassins gave him a hot chase from Amansea town along Enugu/Onitsha expressway at about 8 a.m. as he was returning to Onitsha from his village in Enugu state on Monday, May 6, this year.

In the two-page six-paragraph petition dated May 14, 2019 and enti-

tled: “Threat to lfe, kidnap attempt, ambush laying and criminal trailing of movement on me, my family members and business associates”, personally signed by himself, Onyia noted that it only took the intervention of God and some security personnel attached to Stanel Petrol Station, Awka where he ran into for safety, to scare the suspected assassins.

According to the petitioner, “I am constrained to draw your attention to to the evil plans of Messrs Samson Ifediba, Jason Nwozor, Cletus Onah, Sunday Nwozor and others to cause harm on me by all means possible and remove me and members of my family out of circulation”.

“My prominent role in protecting my business and that of my suppliers from Germany (Andreas Stihl AG &

Co.) in Nigeria in a lawful manner is not only an assignment but a duty which remains sacrosanct and the threat of kidnap and ambush laying will not intimidate me and my associates out of the issues of our interest, to pave the way for the swindlers”.

“On ednesday, May 9, this year, while I was in my office at Portharcourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha, there was this unholy movement and monitoring by unknown persons around my office block, all targeted at eliminating me by Samson Ifediba and his men of the underworld”.

“There have been uncountable numbers of phone calls with coded numbers threatening fire and brimstone on my life, that I may not live to tell my story if I did not drop my latest idea of recovering my N75

million diverted by Samson Ifediba, Jason Nwozor, Sunday Nwozor, Cletus Onah and others”. “their subsequent criminal diversion of goods worth over N2 billion of my suppliers (C. Woerman Nig. Ltd., also my effort to recover goods worth over N100 million belonging to some innocent traders at Bridgehead market collected with fake court orders and diverted by the same group are the issues at hand”.

“I therefore call on the CP to order a full scale investigations into the above complaint and bring the culprits to book and save me, my associates and some innocent traders at the Bridge-head market from being eliminated by Samson Ifediba and his gang just to cover up the traces of their atrocities”.

6

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

NEWS Imo Govt. postpones Buhari’s visit I

mo Government has announced a postponement of the planned working visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state.

The postponement was contained in a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday by Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Rochas Okorocha.

Onwuemeodo said that the visit earlier slated for Tuesday was postponed because of the president’s holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

President Buhari was scheduled to visit Imo to commission some key projects executed by Okorocha’s administration.

Onwuemeodo, who pleaded for people’s understanding over the postponement, said, “we regret the inconvenience that this development might have caused.”

He said that a new date would be announced upon the president’s return to Nigeria.

CSOs decry low involvement in Abia budgeting process From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia ivil Society Organizations C (CSOs) in Abia State have decried the low level participation

or the non-involvement of their members in the state’ budgeting process, particularly in the implementation of the 2019 budget, by the state government.

The CSOs comprising non-governmental organization, zonal chairment of town unions, the media, among others, made their feelings known during a one-day forum on assessment of Participatory Budgeting (PB) practice in the 2019 budget process across the South East states held in Umuahia last week.

The participants said they were neither involved in the making of the budget nor being carried along in its implementation.

Responding to specific questions posed by consultants of Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), organizers of the meeting, the participants claimed that they have no access to the Abia State Development Plan; did not receive the call circulars for the 2019 budget preparation and have not seen the medium-term development framework of the state or any manual on citizens’ engagement in the budget process.

They equally said that they had no access to the draft of the 2019 budget even when they demanded for it, invoking the Freedom of Information Act and have neither seen the quarterly budget report nor the state’s budget calendar.

They also disclosed that there was no town hall meeting during the 2019 budget preparation, adding that the state does not have the culture of involving traditional rulers in budget implementation.

The participants, however, admitted that government conducted needs assessment in 21 of the 739 autonomous communities of the state where three priority needs of each of the affected communities were identified and included in the budget. But many of the NGOs claimed that they were not included in the pilot phase.

Trespassing: Court fixes June 5 for hearing on N60m land suit

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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n Ogidi High Court in Anambra State, presided over by Justice Arinze Akabua is expected to commence a Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) on June 5, this year on a N60 million land suit instituted by an Onitsha-based importer, Chief Gilbert Ebelechukwu Obi against 14 persons for allegedly trespassing into his large expanse of lands at Ire village, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The court is also expected to commence hearing in a motion for amendment of the statement of claim earlier filed by the plaintiff on the same date.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday, the plaintiff, through his legal counsel, F. A. Ogbuli had filed and moved the motion for amendment of their statement of claim, saying that the action was consequent upon the joinder of 3rd set of defendants in the suit.

But while adjourning the matter to June 5, Justice Akabua ordered all the three sets of defendants/ respondents to file their counter motion within 21 days. from the last hearing date, to enable the proceedings commence in earnest on that June 5.

The plaintiff, Obi had dragged the

first set of defendants/respondents, Ebuka Obidozie, Chukwudi Ukpabi, Chinedu Okafor, Uchenna Orakpor, Obunike Obiokwu, Christian Eze (a.k.a. John White) and Chukwunwe Ibenwa to the court claiming a total sum of N60 million for both special and general damages.

The breakdown of amount showed that the plaintiff is claiming the sum of N30 million for special damages, while N20 million is for the cost of replacing the concrete survey beacons, wall fence and allied damages on the land, just as N10 million is for general damages.

The plaintiff is also seeking an order of the court that the buildings erected on his land at the instance of the defendants be demolished by the defendants, their agents, privies among others at their own cost.

He also asked the court to declare him the bonafide owner of all the large expance of lands measuring an approximate total of 130 plots having been in possession, occupation and indeed the holder of a Customary Right of Occupancy Certificate issued by the then Idemili North Local Government dated the 13th day of August, 1986 and registered as instrument No. 14 at page 14 in volume 1185 of the Deeds Registrar in the Lands Regis-

try in the office then at Enugu and now at Awka in respect of all the piece or parcel of land lying, being situate at and called “Odouzuzu and Nkputankpu Lands, Ire Village, Obosi.

Joined in the suit by the order of court of December 18, 2013 as second set of defendants/respondents are Nnamdi Onwuekwe, Onyekwelu Anyaneto and Degualle Offor for themselves and as representing the members of Umuagu family of Umudejilo kindred, Ire Village, Obosi, with third set of defendants/respondents as Chukwuma Okoloudo, Kenneth Ani, Johnson Enyi and Augustine Chibueze for themselves and representatives of the Kputankpu/ Ogbomme Landlords Association, Obosi as joined by the order of court of October 18, 2017.

According to the Motion for amendment of statement of claim brought pursuant to Order 39, Rules 1 & 2, Order 24, Rules 1 &2 and Order 30, Rule 10, High court Rules Anambra state 2006, Section 114 EA L.F.N 2011 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, in one of the parcels of the land measuring approximately 2926.499 square meters in area, the plaintiff is entitled to apply and obtain a Statutory Right of Occupancy Certificate and or apply for the conversion of the above recited Customary Right of

Occupancy Certificate to a Statutory Right of Occupancy afore-recited land the dimension, size and abuttal of which is as contained in the survey plan No. EP/AN 1377/83 used in obtaining the Customary Right of Occupancy afore-recited and in the further litigation survey plan to be filed together with the statement of claim in the suit.

In the motion No. HID/80M/2019, the plaintiff further sought a declaration of the court that the plaintiff is the bonafide owner of the land known as Nkputankpu land situate at Ire Village, Obosi, measuring approximately 12363.539 square meters in area, adding that the court should restrain the defendants, their agents, privies, servants, thugs or security personnel used by them from interfering or further interfering or tampering or do anything prejudicial and or inconsistent with the right of the plaintiff or use of the above recited pieces or parcels of land shown in survey plan Nos. EP/ AN 1377/83, EP/AN 1381/83, FALS/ MISC/AN 210/96 by the plaintiff, as well as the 69 plots of land of about 3049.201 square meters also sold to the plaintiff by the Umuagu family of Obosi which is verged D in survey plan No. AC/LD 24/2018 recently trespassed upon and purportedly partitioned by the third set of defendants.

•From left: Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and Director-General of the National Institutes of Policy a Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi flanked by his cabinet members after a valedictory State Executive Council meeting which held at the State Government House Asaba, Tuesday

Anambra Police Command nabs 75 suspected cultists From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

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our ‘one chance’ robbery syndicate members have been nabbed by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder who swooped on the gang at Upper Iweka in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State.

The suspects include, 34-yearold Chiemezie Udoye of Umuomaku, Anambra State, Chinenye Okonkwo, aged 30 years of Awowmamma in Imo State, Friday Nweze, aged 29 years of Nnenwe in Enugu State and Chijioke Oforkalu, aged 25 years, an indigene of Ihediowa Arochukwu in Abia State.

A statement by the state Police

Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Haruna Mohammed said that the suspects are members of “One chance robbery syndicate terrorizing Onitsha and environs particularly at Upper Iweka and Housing Estates gate along Onitsha -Asaba Express way.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that suspects have been in the business of one chance robbery for long using white and yellow coloured Mitsubishi L300 Bus REG No XD 364 AGL also recovered to perpetrate the crime in the area.

According to Mohammed, the suspects had robbed two ladies of their handsets and other valuables shortly before their arrest.

He said case is under investigation after which suspects would be charged to Court for prosecution.

Similarly, the Command operations Puff Adder and Special AntiCult unit (SPACS) also carried out series of Raids on Criminal hideouts at various locations within the state as follows, “On 11/05/2019 at Aguleri/Umueri axis, 06 suspected cultists arrested.

On 12/05 /19 at Nando/Nteje axis, 12 suspected cultists arrested. 0n 13/05/19 at Igbariam/Ukwulu axis, 08 suspected cultists arrested.

“On 14/05/19 at AWKA town, 11 suspected cultists arrested. On 15/05/19, at Ogidi, 08 suspected cultists arrested. On 16/05/19, at Obosi , 11 suspected cultists ar-

rested.

“On 17/05/19, at Okija , 05 suspected cultists arrested . On 18/5/19,at Okpuno, 04 suspected cultists arrested. On 19/5/10 at Osumenyi, 08 suspected cultists arrested respectively.

“From all the raids carried out, a total number of 75 suspects were arrested. 25 suspects were screened out, 22 suspects were charged to court. 11 were placed under police supervision, while 17 others are under investigation.

Exhibits recovered from suspects include, one bag containing dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, three barrettes, three improvised bunker for inhaling substances suspected to be cocaine.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

NEWS Udeachara asks tribunal to sack Onyejeocha

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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•Governor Bagudu of Kebbi State receiving the Gov-Elect Yobe State, H. E Mai Mala Buni at the Kebbi State Liaison Office in Abuja, as part of an Advocacy Tour to seek support for Sen. Ahmad Lawan in his bid to become the 9th Senate President

Handover by Friday, Okowa tells commissioners From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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head of May 29 commencement of second term in office, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuessay held valedictory executive council meeting, promising to run an all-inclusive government in his second term as such was instrumental to the success recorded so far in the delivery of policies and programmes by his administration.

The governor who thanked members of the state executive council for their collective efforts and determination which ensured the execution of government programmes and policies to the satisfaction of Deltans, urged them to handover to their Permanent Secretaries before the close of work on Friday, May 24, 2019.

“In the last four years, I have had a working team; an Exco that realized that we are together and that our success story will be told together and I am proud to say that it is the collective efforts of each and every one of us that has given us our success stories which also resulted in the resounding victory we recorded at the elections,” Governor Okowa said, adding, “God’s grace was obviously with us but I believe that if each and every one of us had our own different beliefs, working in different ways , I believe that we will not have been able to achieve what we have achieved thus far; so, I will first of all want to thank each and every one of you (members of the state executive council) for the wonderful comments that you have made this afternoon and appreciate you more for the commitment of each and every one of you in your previous offices in the last four years, because, there is no doubt that you have all been very loyal to the deputy governor and myself and that loyalty has kept the team together; i want to thank each and every one of you; I can rightfully say that none of you betrayed the confidence that I have in you.”

He continued, “in our EXCO meetings, we have had discussions and debates and I want to thank each one of you for being very frank, I have learnt a lot from individual comments, from ideas that people have which I may not have thought of and I am proud that

there was room for us to debate issues; we talk about an open-door policy and I have had at a point in time to learn that if you are well tutored as a politician, you will have no choice than to run an open-door government ; I also realized that my Commissioners never abused that opportunity and I am glad to say that you all handled your duties with integrity and decorum.”

“I must thank you all for agreeing that as an EXCO we will run a realistic budget; I thank God that we have tried to stay within the limit, so, when I looked at our papers and I saw that in the year, 2018 that our performance rate was at 98 per cent, I was very pleased, because realistic budget is important so that when we explain to the people that with this budget this is what we are expected to do and the people at the end of the day see you doing nearly all the things that you said you will do, it is better than to raise the hopes of our people and then dash their hopes at the end of the day; so, I thank you as an EXCO for not allowing our budget to go beyond what was realizable for that year,” Governor Okowa disclosed, and used the occasion to call for internal democracy within the political parties to ensure well qualified

candidates contest for elections.

“We give all the glory to God who gave us the grace to take certain steps in our administration and looking at the second tenure there is still a lot to be done and that can only come from God and we thank Him for His grace in our lives and as a government; I want to use this opportunity too to thank all Deltans for the support given to us as a government; the love they have shown to us and to urge and pray that they will continue to guarantee us the peace and the support that they gave us this first tenure and as we look forward to next week as the deputy governor and myself take the oath of office we want to reassure them that we will be there for them, we will continue to strive to improve on the things that we have done and we will looking forward to having the cooperation of the people because working together as a people will make us excel,” the governor said.

Governor Okowa’s Deputy, Barr.

Kingsley Otuaro in his comments, thanked members of the EXCO for their commendations and prayers, stating, “I am very honoured to be part of this privileged team; I am very proud of the success stories and I thank our Governor and eve-

rybody for the success stories.”

At the session, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Joyce Overah who is the Chairman of College of Commissioners thanked Governor Okowa for giving them the opportunity to serve the government and people of the state as Commissioners, stating, “working with you (Governor Okowa), working with your Deputy, we learnt a lot of lessons and we are very grateful; the crew you assembled as Commissioners are very understanding and we pray that as you enter second term, God will guide you and your Deputy to continue to do it right for our people, the people of Delta State.”

Other Commissioners who spoke at the session include, Chief Fidelis Tilije, Mrs Mary Iyasere, Barr. Newworld Safugha, Dr Mordi Ononye, and Mrs Omatsola Williams while the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Festus Agas and the Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko and Prof. Slyvester Monye also, joined the Commissioners to list their experiences working with the Governor and his Deputy and at the end, they profusely, thanked Governor Okowa for giving them the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.

By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

get there, think of our national unity and development”, Umahi said.

The Governor also urged the Gbajabiamila to adequately accommodate the people of Southeast if he eventually emerged the Speaker of the 9th Assembly.

“I am the Chairman of the Southeast Governor’s Forum and people have been asking us, in the issue of the National Assembly leadership, what do we stand to get?

“But I believe in something, if you can’t beat them, you join them. Because we don’t have the majority of the House of Representatives and even if we decide to pull out, there is little we can do. But it is important that we are remembered and carried along.

“I assure you that I am with you and I will support you.” he added.

Umahi further commended President Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly for approving the loan sought for by Ebonyi State Government for reconstruc-

tion of ring roads in the state.

“I want to thank the President and of course the House of Representative and all the National Assembly. Just few days back, part of our loan was approved finally by the Federal Executive Council, FEC. “He also has started the construction of the second Niger Bridge.

We, the people of the South-east are very grateful and we are thankful to Mr. President”.

Speaking, Gbajamiala said the term of his campaign is “Nation building, a joint task”, noting that Ebonyi is the first state he was visiting to seek support in the Southeast.

He assured that if elected Speaker, he was going to lead an all-inclusive House that would lift Nigeria and Ebonyi State in particular to the next level.

According to him, his campaign train to Ebonyi has 103 MembersElect, comprising APC, PDP and APGA.

Speakership race: Umahi throws weight Gbajabiamila C

hairman Southeast Governor’s Forum, Chief David Umahi on Tuesday backed the Speakership aspiration of the majority leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Governor Umahi made his position known in Abakaliki when he received Mr Gbajabiamila who was in the state to solicit the support of the governor and the House of Representatives members from the state.

He also urged Mr Gbajabiamila to carry every member along in the 9th Assembly irrespective of party affiliation.

“When my members in the House spoke to me about your coming, I told them that Gbajabiamila is very intelligent and he has no problem and we should work with him.

“We can do nothing but to allying with you and so, it is important that

by God’s willing and Grace, if you

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the February 23, 2019 National Assembly election, Hon. Jude Udeachara, has asked the Electitions Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia to set aside the return of his All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate opponent, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha, and order a re-run.

Udeachara is contending that the election should have been declared inconclusive since the margin of win is lower than the margin of registered voters in areas where results were cancelled or elections did not hold. He said the winner was wrongly declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Onyejeocha winner of the February 23, 2019 National Assembly poll for the federal constituency on the grounds that she scored 14,712 votes to beat Udeachara to the second position with 10,064 votes.

In his petition before the tribunal headed by Justice Cornelius Akintayo, the PDP candidate said that the mandate that Onyejeocha ran away with should be voided “by reason of corrupt practices, substantial non-compliance with the provision of the law particularly the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and the guidelines regulating the conduct of the election issued by the second respondent (INEC)”.

The petitioner also insisted that Onyejeocha, a fourth timer who is currently eyeing the position of the Speaker of House of Representatives, “was not duly elected by the majority of lawful/valid votes cast at the election as the number of registered voters in polling units where election did not hold or results cancelled was almost twice the margin of victory.

He averred that the affected polling units have a total of 7,356 registered voters in the affected polling units which are higher than the 4,648 difference of votes between the declared winner and the petitioner, hence the first respondent should not have been declared winner by INEC as the election ought to have been declared inconclusive.

In his prayers, the petitioner asked the tribunal to declare the outcome of the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency poll as inconclusive since election did not take place in the affected polling units including the ones located at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu and there was over voting in polling unit 006 Ubahu/Akawa/ Aroikpa ward.

According to him, the discarding of votes in the several polling units where election did not hold has “substantially affected the result of the election and rendered the return of the first respondent as winner of the election void.”

He therefore urged the tribunal to make an order that election be conducted at ABSU pavilion polling unit 001 and Rotary Bus Stop polling unit 004 and three other polling units located at different wards in the constituency while an order setting aside the return of Onyejeocha should also be made.

Hearing of the petition which commenced Tuesday was adjourned to Friday, May 24, 2019.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

NEWS Navy assures Anambra riverine communities of adequate security

By OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

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igerian Naval outpost, Odekpe near Onitsha has assured community dwellers in riverine areas of the state of adequate protection of their lives and property.

The commander, Nigerian Naval Outpost, Odekpe, Ogbaru near Onitsha, Captain A.I Abdu in a telephone interview told our correspondent in Onitsha that the rainy season had boosted their routine patrol on water to access various communities along the magnificent River Niger which could not ordinarily be reached on-board operational patrol during the dry season.

The naval boss, however, posited that Navy would continue to render professional assistance to other security agencies in the state to reduce violent crimes and economic sabotage.

While declining to give details on the various crimes being committed through the waterways in the state, the naval boss, however, admitted that various forms of economics sabotage which were perpetrated through the River have been eradicated and warned criminals to steer clear of the state waterways as personnel of the Nigerian Navy in the area have mapped-out new strategies along the Niger River and the adjoining creeks to forestall any form of criminality along and within communities and creeks bordering the River Niger.

Ughelli/Asaba dual carriageway to be ready in 2yrs -- Okowa From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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elta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said that the dualisation of Ughelli/Asaba road will be completed within the next two years.

Governor Okowa made the disclosure during the inspection of part of Section C (Ogwashi-Uku to Asaba) of the road.

According to him, “I am impressed with the level of job done on Section C of the road, within a month that the contractor mobilized to site, a lot of work has been

done and we are happy; work has also advanced on Section A part of the road which is from Ughellii to Isoko and as a government, we will not stop funding the project until it is completed.”

“The contractors have two years to deliver the project but, from what we can see in the Section A and the Section C, which is from Ossissa to Asaba, the work has advanced and the construction companies have shown commitments to deliver the projects in less than two years; you are aware that the Section B part of the road which

is from Ossissa to Isoko has been completed,” the governor who was accompanied by top government functionaries said, adding, “this road is very important as it serves as gateway between the Warri Port and the commercial city of Onitsha and those in the Eastern part of the country; when completed, it will facilitate ease in the movement of goods and services from Warri to Onitsha and other places.” On the secret behind the delivery of projects awarded by his administration on schedule and to specifications, Governor Okowa

FG donates housing units to Bakassi returnees

Okorocha hands over N30bn hospitals to churches for management

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overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has given authority to some religious groups to manage the 30 hospitals his administration constructed across the state which gulped a total of N30billion, which he explained was for better management and accessible health care for the people.

He informed his administration has leased out six hospitals to stakeholders with a call to the investors to partner the State Government to provide health care to the people.

Governor Okorocha made the call at the government house in Owerri, the Imo state capital, during the signing of the official lease of six General Hospital complex under a Public-Private -Partnership (PPP) arrangement to Churches, and security agencies. He said each of the hospitals gulped a billion Naira each.

The Ogwa general hospital was handed over to the Anglican diocese of Owerri in perpetuity.

While the Ehime Mbano hospital got concession to the Anglican Church, Okigwe south dioceses for 25 years; the Okigwe North diocese was engaged to manage Isiala Mbano general hospital for the same number of years. Health Commissioner, Dr Angela Uwakwem also announced that the Claretian order of the Catholic Church as the new managers of Isu hospital for 99 years.

While the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Church got the Ohaji/Egbema hospital as its University Teaching Hospital for 99 years while the State Government has 10 percent investment share. Orlu United Medical takes over Orlu General hospital for 25 years lease. All of them are to pay one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000) to the Government every month pending the agreement and upon expiration can be renewed.

disclosed that before any project is embarked on by his administration, the resources to fund such projects would have been budgeted for with anticipated revenue sources.

“We are getting it right because of actual budgeting; we did well last year with our budget that we had about 98 per cent budget performance,” he added.

Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Fred Edafioghor were among those who explained the level of work done on the road project to the Governor.

•From left: Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, Managing Director of Aero, captain Ado Sanusi, with former Managing Directors Captain Dapo Olumide and Captain Akin George and Managing director Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC, Mr. Basil Agboarumi at the 60th Anniversary of Aero Contractors at the airline’s headquarFrom ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar Muhammadu Buhari Pmentresident has again reaffirmed its committo the welfare of the needy

and vulnerable members of the society by coming to the aid of the displaced people of Bakassi as well as the needy in Akpabuyo local government area both in Cross River State.

The intervention which was through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs involved the distribution of free accommodation to the displaced people of Bakassi at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs Housing Estate in Obutong as well as farming implements, empowerment items, clothing materials among others to the people of Akpabuyo.

Speaking at Obutong while handing over the estate to the successful beneficiaries, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani said the gesture by the government demonstrates the Buhari Administration’s commitment to the people of Bakassi particularly in the area of their accommodation.

He said the estate is one of those being developed in the nine states of the Niger Delta Region and is

the first that has been completed by the ministry to underscore the commitment of the government to the welfare of the displaced people.

He explained that the housing estate is being constructed in phases and the first phase which consists of 40 units of 2/3 bungalows is being distributed free of charge to the people of the area and implored them to make proper use of the estate to reciprocate the good gesture of the Buhari administration.

He said: “This estate is one of those presently being constructed in the nine states of the Niger Delta by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Part of our key mandate is the improvement of Housing and shelter for the people of the region is critical and the estate will provide shelter for the needy, downtrodden and indigent people in the area.

“The commitment of the President Buhari Administration to the welfare of the people is irrevocable and it is important that we see it as a concrete determination of the president to improve the lives of the people of this area.

“This is the first Housing estate to

be completed and inaugurated by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in the country and it is on record that this came through during the administration of President Buhari administration”.

Also speaking while donating various items to the people of Akpabuyo, the Minister disclosed that the decision of the government to donate farming items to the people is to enhance the cardinal programme of the government, particularly in food sufficiency.

The Minister who donated items including 80 tillers, 28 wheelchairs, 96 sewing machines, 5 laptops as well as 77 wrappers for women charged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the items and always contact officials of the ministry when they have issues with the utilization of the items particularly the tillers.

Responding on behalf of the people of Bakassi, the Chairman of the Security Committee of Bakassi Local Government Area, Iyadim A. Iyadim commended the government for coming to the aid of the people of Bakassi.

He said the people are excited that the project which suffered series of delays has finally seen

the light of the day and appealed to the government to do more for the people and also site more lifechanging projects in Bakassi for the benefit of the people.

On his part, the member representing Bakassi State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey said the project is very significant for the people of Bakassi as it underscores the premium government places on the welfare of the people.

“Today is very significant because the minister has come down to see the project and provide shelter for the people. It shows that the ministry understands the importance of shelter”, the representative said.

On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, HRH Etinyin Etim Okon Edet commended the government for demonstrating its commitment to the development of the area.

He said the people did not leave Bakassi on their own volition and appealed for proper resettlement of the people.

“We thank the Federal government for contributing to the development of Bakassi . We left Bakassi not out of our volition but out of federal government decision to cede the area completely.

“I must say that the government has continued with palliatives but not the real thing promised. We are still crying out to the federal government to resettle the people whom they asked to leave their ancestral home and implore the government to redress the anomaly”, he said.

Also speaking, HRH Francis Effiong who represented the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo also expressed appreciation to the government for empowering the needy and indigent people of Akpabuyo.

He said the people are quite elated and are in full support of the government in its agricultural initiatives and appealed to government to open up agrarian communities in the area so as to enhance food sufficiency.

“The people of Akpabuyo are very happy with this gesture by the government and are fully in support of government initiatives particularly in agricultural sector. “however, we need government’s intervention in the area of infrastructure in some of our communities like Esuk Mba, no caterpillar has entered there for over 70 years and appeal to the government to intervene in this regard”, he said.

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

NEWS

Enugu Airport: EFTZ declares full certification, safety compliance SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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takeholders in the Enugu Free Trade Zone (EFTZ) have declared willingness to work with the Ministry of Aviation in addressing all concerns over the proximity of one of the units of the free zone with the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

Enugu Power Free Zone Company (Enpower FZC) which manages the facility development stated in a media release weekend that the need to work together in addressing safety concerns at the airport has become necessary to clear misconceptions over the well conceived aviation facility development and growth plans that informed location of the free trade zone close to the airport.

The statement came in reaction to media reports crediting the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, with statements that federal government was considering downgrading the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to local status and subsequently shut it down on safety concerns.

Mr. Sirika is reported to have listed major safety concerns at the airport to include bad runway, state radio mast on landing approach to the runway, location of EFTZ at the end of the runway, and threats of bird strikes from an abattoir at a nearby market.

Chairman of Enpower FZC, Mr. Emeka Ene, who stated that the reports of the minister’s comments have already triggered panic among international investors that have already staked interests in the free trade zone, said the company and Enugu State government are already working to address all concerns raised by the minister, including mast removal and market relocation.

He however clarified that the EFTZ which is the only such facility in the South East zone of the country is eminently certified compliant to Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 14 regulations for Aerodrome Safety and Height restrictions.

Independent checks showed that the Enugu Free Trade Zone was approved by the Federal Government in 2015 and the registration and operating licenses issued by Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) to operate as a free trade zone following a rigorous evaluation process spanning over 7 years.

“The EFTZ, situated on two sites at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and at the Ninth Mile Area, was established since 2015 by the Federal Government and not the State Government

as reported by the media, after rigorous engagement with NEPZA, the Ministry of Investment, and regulatory authorities under the Ministry of Aviation to ensure compliance to international Free Zone best practices and aviation regulations,” Mr. Ene said.

He said safety and quality audits conducted on the facility by federal government regulators recognized the importance of aviation safety and international compliance to proximity of the Free zone.

“As a result of this engagement, the Free zone provided for all relevant specifications of Aerodrome Approach distances, setbacks, RESA, height restrictions in compliance with NCAA and ICAO Annex 14 international aviation regulations.

Although the Enugu Airport is not a Category 2 airport, Enpower FTZ provided for setback and Aircraft inner approach distances in compliance with a more advanced Category 2 airport,” he explained.

In providing details of safety compliance considerations taken for location of the free zone, he explained that Inner Approach length provided at the Enugu airport surpassed all existing lengths at other airports in the country, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt airports.

Independent checks showed that inner approach lengths at Kaduna Airport are 817 meters and 880 meters; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has 840 meters and 880 meters; Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, has 1000 meters and 1290 meters; Port Harcourt International Airport has 969 meters and 832 meters; while the Enpower FTZ, working with FAAN and NCAA, provided for over 1000 meters on the free zone side of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

EFTZ says it has been part of a committee set by the Enugu State government to address all issues of encroachment related to the Enugu airport, adding that other members of the committee include FAAN, NCAA, Ministry of Aviation, NEPZA, and agencies of the Enugu State Government.

The company stated that it has also worked closely with the Enugu State government and FAAN to remove all obstructing masts and relocate the market on the Emene side of the runway.

Beyond domestic regulation, the Commercial Attaché to the US Embassy in Lagos, Brent Omdahl and his team had on a visit to the site of the Free zone in 2017 commended the efforts of the State and Federal Governments in approving the EFTZ and pledged to attract US companies to

invest in the Free zone.

The MD of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms Yewande Sadiku, who paid physical inspection of the facility had commended the efforts of the investors to develop industrial activity and assured EFTZ of the support of her agency to attract investors to the zone.

Following diligent drive to attract global investment funds for infrastructure

and facility development to the country as part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Recovery and Growth Programme (EGRP), EFTZ has successfully secured foreign direct investors in aviation maintenance, aviation academy and avionics from Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the US. Modeled after the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), EFTZ is conceived and has

started to attract industrial activity in aviation, exports and health care facilities to augment the efforts of the Enugu State and Federal governments in realizing full objectives and economic benefits of the Special Economic Zones Program championed by President Buhari.

Following the comments credited to the minister, the Enpower FZC and other investment stakeholders

are willing to meet with all relevant authorities to collaborate, benchmark and clarify standards in the establishment and location of the EFTZ with a view of resolving all misconceptions and differences regarding the business models that support proximate location of the facility to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and that way continue to encourage foreign direct investment into Nigeria.

Al-Makura donates office complex, tow truck to FRSC

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he Nasarawa State government on Tuesday in Lafia donated an office complex, a 30-ton towing truck, and two ambulances to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The state’s Governor, Umaru Al-Makura, said that the gesture was part of the state government’s moves to complement the laudable efforts of FRSC in safeguarding lives and property on the country’s highways.

He assured corps that the administration in the state would continue to work closely with it to reduce accidents on the roads across the state.

He also announced that the corps would benefit from the state government’s land allocation programme on strategic corridors of the state for effective operation.

Al-Makura, however, appealed to the FRSC authorities to consider the education of personnel of the State Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES) on the rudiments of road safety.

According to him, the road safety tips they will get to know will help the NAYES personnel to assist FRSC in traffic control and other activities aimed at ensuring safety on roads in the state.

In his remarks, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, praised the state government for working closely with the agency toward ensuring safety on the roads in the state.

Oyeyemi noted that the donations by the state government was in line with the corps’ partnership with stakeholders and its 2019 corporate strategic goal.

He said that Nasarawa state occupied a strategic position in the overall road safety system in the country considering its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the high population density.

“In view of this, any decision revolving around the creation of sustainable road safety system in the country must take due consideration of Nasarawa state.

“We are, therefore, gladdened by the fact that the governor openly embraced the FRSC ideals of creating safer motoring environment for all Nigerians,” Oyeyemi said.

He maintained that the commission would continue to treasure and build on the constructive partnership established with the Nasarawa

state government and stakeholder across the states of the federation.

The Corps Marshal assured the government and people of the state that the FRSC would reciprocate the gesture through improved service delivery.

Mallam Bukhari Bello, chairman of the FRSC board said the donation of the new complex was a milestone towards the realisation of FRSC vision

of having permanent office structures across the country.

Bello pointed out that the FRSC have been facing the challenge of inadequate office accommodation and poor working conditions.

He said most of the rented office accommodations were not suitable for effective service delivery to the people.

According to him, the Board and management of FRSC resolved to pragmatically pursue the policy of constructing or acquiring permanent structures for formation of the corps across the country.

Bello said that the FRSC currently has nine permanent office structures built and inaugurated across the six geo-political zones of the country, while three others were at various stages of completion.

He expressed appreciation to the state governor for the donations made, saying that the gesture was a demonstration of goodwill.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

AMAKA: I formerly known as AMAKA VIVIAN NGEJEME now wish to be known as AMAKA VIVIAN ONYIWARA. former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note

RHEMA: I formerly known as EGWU CHINEDU RHEMA. Now wish to be known as Mr. SHEDRACH CHINEDU RHEMA. My correct date of Birth is AUGUST 21st, 1983. All former documents remain valid, Banks and General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHIOMA: I formerly known as ODILI ABIGAIL. Now wish to be known as Mrs, NMADUAWU ABIGAIL CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid, Banks and General public take note.

Nwakaego: I formerly known as Miss Uzofor Chizoba Nwakaego now wish to be known as Mrs Ibe Chizoba Nwakaego.

Former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

CHINEDU: This is to certify that MMOH LUKE CHINEDU, MMO LUKE CHINEDU and MMOO LUKE CHINEDU is one and the same person now wish to be known as MMOO LUKE CHINEDU. former documents remain valid. Banks, Ministry of Education and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Nkiruka: I formerly known as Okoro Okoli Nkiruka Ifeoma now wish to be known as Mrs Maduadichie Nkiruka Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note.

PRECIOUS: I formerly known as ACHARAIKE PRECIOUS now wish to be known as ACHARAIKE PRECIOUS IJEOMA. former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note.

ONYEKACHUKWU: I formerly known as ENEMUO JULIANA ONYEKACHUKWU now wish to be known as EZEOKE JULIANA ONYEKACHUKWU. former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note.

MADUKA: This is to certify that OKEKE CATHERINE NWAMAKA and OKOYE CATHERINE MADUKA is one and the same person now wish to be known as OKOYE CATHERINE MADUKA. Born on 6th December, 1968. Former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

NEWS Food stuff dealers petition FG over extortions in Benue From Theo Rays, Onitsha

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group known as the Federated Food Stuff Dealers Association of Nigeria has asked the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe to urgently address the issue of extortion of money from their members nationwide by workers attached to Federal Quarantine Service Post located at Orokam, Makrudi and Katsina Ala both in Benue State informing Ogbe that the said Posts have become ATM machine to the workers at which they have been extorting money ranging from N3000 to N7,000 from their members on daily basis since June last year.

The Association also condemned the Quarantine Post at Orokam, as according to them, there should not be three Quarantine Posts in one State.

The call is contained in a petition addressed to Ogbe and copied to the Inspector General of Police, The Commissioner of Police in Benue State State and others with the President General of the Association Chief Christian Afiiaonwu, the Secretary, Udoka Abukanna, Operational Officer, Sabastine Ageebee and the Public Relation Officer Adamu Alidu as signatories.

The Petition which was made available to The Oracle Today in Onitsha reads in part “For Your information sir, there are three Quarantine Posts in Benue State located at Makurdi, Katsina - Ala and Orokam. These Posts came into operation in June 2018 and have in recent time been turned into ATM machine at which money ranging from N3,000 to N7,000 are extorted from our members on daily basis . These extortions are usually carried out with intimidation under the watchful eyes of security agencies mostly Police officers” The Association noted that its members are aware of the importance of Quarantine Posts which is primarily to checkmate the spread of animal diseases and unwholesome food Stuff moving from one location to another and not to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public adding that they also know that Quarantine Posts are usually located at border areas between countries.

Going further the Association wondered why the Quarantine Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is keeping quiet and apparently feeling comfortable seeing that people are extorting money from Food Stuff Dealers in three Federal Quarantine Posts located in one State stressing that it is fraudulent and unacceptable to intercept their members at Orokam after being forced to pay at Makurdi and Katsina Ala Posts.

Appealing to the Minister to wade into the matter immediately to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the Association explained that vehicle conveying their goods have had several accident cases owing to strong barriers mounted before them by the Quarantine Posts workers in a bid to force them to stop noting that such is pure act of corruption which their members have vowed to resist henceforth if nothing is done to address the issue and fund lasting solution.

FAAC: FG, States, LGs share N616.19bn as revenue for April

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he Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Ahmed Idris, on Tuesday said the Federal Government shared N616.19 billion as revenue generated in April to the three tiers of government.

The amount showed a decrease of about N1.37 billion from what was shared in March.

Idris, represented by the Director of Funds, Office of the AGF, Mr

Mohammed Usman, said this at a news conference at the end of the monthly Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja.

Giving a breakdown of the revenue accrued in April, Idris said that the mineral revenue increased by N56.8 billion, moving from N308.44 billion in March to N365.24 billion in April.

In addition, he said that the non-

mineral revenue Increased by N15.46 billion, that is from N138.2 billion in March to N153.66 billion in April.

“The gross statutory revenue of N518.91 billion recieved for the month is higher than the N446.64 billion recieved in the previous month by N72.26 billion.

“Revenues from Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), import duty and Companies Income Tax recorded

significant increases while Oil Royalty and Export duty decreased substantially.

“Value Added Tax also increased marginally from N88.49 billion in March to N92.72 billion in April,” he said.

In summary, Idris said that the Federal Government received N239.65 billion, States got N121.55 billion and local governments received N93.71 billion.

In addition, N46.25 billion, representing 13 per cent of the mineral revenue was shared to oil producing states.

Idris said that as at May 21, the money left in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was 144 million dollars.

Kogi gov sacks aides, redeploys council administrator

By VICTOR NZE overnor of Kogi State, Alhaji G Yahaya Bello has approved the immediate redeployment and re-

•From right: Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Festus Ovie Agas; and the Women Affairs Community and Social Development counterpart, Revd. Omatsola Williams commissioner, during the 2nd Delta State Award for Excellence for Pupils and Students which held at the Conference Hall of Felix Ibru Secretariat, along Okpanam Road, Asaba, Tuesday

Kano firm denies storing tramadol in warehouse From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia anagement of Kano StateM based Ugolab Production Nigerian Limited, a pharmaceutical company, has refuted claims by the Police that the some cartons of drugs they found in the company’s warehouse were tramadol.

The Production Process Manager of the company, Mr. Peter Eguabor, said during a telephone interview that there was a robbery incident at the company’s warehouse at about 3:53am last Friday, following which he sent a distress call to the Police.

And the Police was invited to

ward off the robbers who allegedly made away with four cartons of Diclofenac Sodium and Diphenhydramine HCL, among others.

He narrated that that trouble started when the Police Officer leading the response team on arrival at the crime scene, opened a carton of Diclofenac and alleged it was tramadol. According to him, the Police took away four cartons of Diclofenac Sodium and Diphenhydramine HCL, among others.

Already, the Kano State Police Command has announced that it seized over 300 cartons of drugs suspected to be tramadol.

State Commissioner of Police,

No more shuttle buses with tinted windows – Anambra police orders operators From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

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ommissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Mustapha Dandaura has ordered with immediate effect, the arrest of any commercial vehicle driver especially shuttle buses with tinted glasses in the state.

Also affected by the order are the commercial tricycle (Keke) operators operating with thick curtains that shield occupants from outside view. A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Haruna Mohammed said that such vehicles /Keke would be impounded by the Police.

The statement read in part: “Information at the disposal of Anambra State Police Command revealed

that criminals are using Commercial vehicles especially shuttle buses and KEKE NAPEP with tinted glasses and thick curtains (which shield their interiors) in Awka, Onitsha, Ekwulobia, Oko and other densely populated areas to rob unsuspecting passengers and disposses them of their valuables without being detected by law enforcement agencies.

“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police CP Mustapha Dandaura, the Command has commenced intensive stop and search Operations to enforce this order.”

The Command enjoined residents of such areas to avoid patronizing tinted buses /keke with curtains in order not to fall victim of one chance syndicates.

Wakili Mohammed, had, while briefing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Bompai, said the seizure, followed a tipoff, “prompting a Police Special Squad to rush to the scene and impounded the 303 cartons of the hard drugs at No. 157 Miller Road, Bompai in Nassarawa local government area.”

Mohammed disclosed that during the raid, the Police burst a syndicate at a drug factory owned by Ugolab Manufacturing Company located along Bompai. He said that one suspect, Chris Metuh, of No. 157, Club Road was arrested in connection with the incident.

But the management of the company is insisting that the allegation by the Police that what was taken from its warehouse were tramadol tablets as an assumption that was totally malicious.

The company said that when the Police came for inspection in the early hours of the morning of the fateful day, they took three cartons of the drugs. Later, around 11a.m, the General Manager, Chris Metuh, and the Quality Assurance Manager went to give a statement and took a carton of the medicine with them, making four cartons.

The company added that the Police later came back around 2 p.m to collect the remaining 352 cartons of the drugs even as the company’s General Manager was whisked away and detained by the police.

The company is alleging that what has befallen it might be plot to destroy its reputation.

moval of some political office Holders and appointment of others.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade explained that the moved was informed by the need to ‘to efficiently deliver the New Direction Mandate to the good people of Kogi State.’

Hon. Ibrahim Adoga currently the Special Adviser to His Excellency on Multilateral, Donor Agencies and Special projects has been removed from office with immediate effect.

“The redeployed officers are: Hon. Abdulkareem Suleiman Onyekehi currently serving as the Special Adviser to His Excellency on Job Creation and SME development to assume duty as Special Adviser to His Excellency on Multilateral, Donor Agencies and Special Projects and STATE FOCAL PERSON for the Social Investment Programmes “Also redeployed is Hon. Shiru Lawal currently the Administrator, Lokoja Local Government Area to assume duty as Special Adviser to His Excellency on Ethics and Cultural Integration; as well as Hon. Mohammed Dan-Asabe Mohammed currently the Senior Special Assistant to His Excellency on Information Services and Grass roots sensitization, to assume duty as the Administrator of Lokoja Local Government Area.

“Hon. Suleiman Baba, currently the Special Assistant to His Excellency on Grassroots connect representing Lokoja/Koto Federal Constituency, is to assume duty as Senior Special Assistant on Information Services and Grassrooots Sensitization “The new appointees include: Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye – Special Adviser to His Excellency on Job Creation and SME Development; Hon. Mikail Dan’Asabe Abdulkadir – Special Assistant to His Excellency on Grassroots Connect representing Lokoja/Koto Federal Constituency.

“The redeployments and appointments take effect from Tuesday, May 21,” the statement read.

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

NEWS

Buhari fell out with Saraki, Dogara over Islamization plot IBE NWACHUKWU

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eneral Overseer (GO) of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministry Inc., Nnewi, Anambra state, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh has observed that the real reason President Muhammadu Buhari is not happy with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara is because they did not allowed him to Islamize Nigeria as he wished.

In a press issued to newsmen, Tuesday, via SMS, Bishop Udeh commended Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state for dividing the Kano Emirates which he said is long overdue as according to him, “is it only one person that will

ruling a whole Kano state, while others are looking”.

The cleric further stated: “More so, it will bring more development to Kano as Nigerian government pays the emirs and others in the country. The division of Kano Emirates which is long overdue, will not only attract more financial allocations to the state but also give room for administrative convenience, even though it was politically motivated by the commander-in-chief because Emir Sanusi is not supporting Buhari’s Islamization agenda”.

He therefore called on the national assembly to look into the present high cost of obtaining drivers’ license in Nigeria, international passports and

electricity bill, without distributing the prepaid metres to electricity consumers, adding that Nigerians have been stiffled by estimated billing system.

According to Bishop Udeh: “We applied for prepaid meter long time ego but Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) refused to oblige us. I must say that the refusal to give us prepaid meters is pure robbery and call on President Buhari and the APCled federal government to return Nigeria to NEPA system. Can you image a situation where a flat or house is given an estimated electricity bill of N10,000 monthly without corresponding supply of electricity”.

“Let me say it loud and clear that I want government to remove the management of electricity from the hands of individuals and reverse it back to government management which is the former National Electric Power Authority”.

“I have advised Buhari several times to resign and go home with pride but African mentality would not allow him do so, even when he knows that it is the right thing to do at this moment.

“For Heaven’s sake, why is it that Buhari is not ashamed of his failed government and resign.

What is he still doing in that office, having seen that he has lost control of the governance”?

“It will be recalled that I had before the 2015 presidential

election, told the whole world that Buhari has nothing in agenda, neither is he even articulated or has the acumen to rule Nigeria but that his only agenda was to Islamize Nigeria, an agenda which he got into with General Murtala Muhammad in 1975 and which made Murtala, Buhari and other norther generals to overthrow General Yakubu Gowon”.

“That was equally why Buhari overthrew former President Shehu Shagari. I therefore want every national assembly members to be careful now that they are about to select their their leadership because Buhari and Ahmed Tinubu want to be Muslim muslim in all so they can Islamize Nigeria by revelation”.

Court strikes out suit challenging Ihedioha’s inauguration

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ustice P.A Rimgim of a Federal high court in Owerri on Tuesday struck out on a suit seeking to stop the inauguration of Imo state Governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha on May 29.

Imo State Governorship candidate of the Democratic Alternative, Clifford Eze had prayed the court to stop the inauguration of Ihedioha on May 29.

Justice Rimgim held that Eze had no legal right to approach a regular court for a post-election matter.

Counsel to Ihedioha in his reaction, Barrister Emeka Ihejirika, said that apart from

lack of jurisdiction, the court processes were also abused by the plaintiffs.

Ihejirika said no election matter is filed at the regular court even as he noted that the plaintiff sought the same prayers at the election tribunal currently sitting in Imo State.

Meanwhile, the Governorelect through his spokesman, Chibuike Onyeukwu has described the judgment as victory for Imo people.

He declared his readiness to work with everybody including the plaintiff, and other political parties to move the state forward from May 29.

Reserve youth, ICT, sports ministries for young people –Group tells FG, others

A Officials of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) led by the General Manager, Mrs. Kemi Olugbode during an aggressive inspection of products in some supermarkets across the state, Monday.

Delta Govt. approves payment of salary arrears to council workers, teachers

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elta State Government on Tuesday approved the payment of salary arrears to local government workers and primary school teachers in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah, made this known at a news briefing at the end of valedictory State Executive Council meeting in Asaba.

Ukah said that approval was given for the payment of the old minimum wage arrears owed primary school teachers from April, 2011 to June, 2012.

He said that the council also approved the award of contract for construction and furnishing of 10-unit, five-bedroom and

two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows at Okerenkoko, Warri South Local Government Area by Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

“DESOPADEC will also award contract for the construction of healthcare centre with doctors’ quarters at Utonila in Warri North.

“The council gave approval for the construction of OlobeBobi-Orubu-Orere concrete walkway using dry cast cement (phase II) in Warri South West LGA,” he said.

Ukah also said that government had approved the appointment of Ayegherese Otidi as the Odion-Ologbo of Okpolo Enhwe Kingdom in Isoko

South.

The Commissioner for Finance, Chief David Edevbie, who also briefed the newsmen, said that the state government had never violated the laws in relation with local government finances.

He disclosed that between 2011 and 2012, the government gave N348 million to local governments as grant.

“In 2015, government gave the local governments N3.26 billion as loan which was converted to grant.

“Government releases 10 per cent of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) monthly to the local governments,” Edevbie said.

political pressure group, #YouthDecide2019, has called on government at all levels to reserve ministries of Youths, Sports and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for youths.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.

Okenwa said that it had become imperative for active youths participation not only in politics but in policy making and formulation since bulk of these policies affects the youths, who are active part of the population of the nation.

“So, it is imperative that in the next dispensation, youths are appointed as ministers and commissioners both in Federal and state governments to oversee ministries especially those related to them and needed their natural endowments,’’ he said.

Okenwa also noted that the ministries should be reserved for the youths knowing that they form the bulk of the nation’s population as well as voting masses that influenced the last election and those that performed credible well in the polls.

According to him, we should not forget that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) statistic that said that over 51 per cent of the total 84.2 million registered voters fall into the active youth age bracket of between 20 and 35 years.

“We are glad that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the ``Not-Too-Young-To-Run’’ Bill into an Act; but this Act do not guarantee the youths enough political space to be part and parcel of governance and shape their own future.

“Must youths struggle to get things in the country, the answer should be no. Since we are the most populated, dynamic and energetic segment of the society; we deserve some space and acknowledgment at all levels of government.

“Bearing in mind that President Buhari as well as some governor in their second term victory statements had promised an all-inclusive government; some positions in governance should be left for youths to occupy,’’ he said.

He urged President Buhari to separate the ministry of Youths Development from Sports; as youths development is more wide and have long term reach achievements as goals.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

NEWS

Reps move to criminalise use of plastic bags

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ederal House of Representatives has adopted a report on a Bill for an Act to, among other things, prohibit the use, manufacture and importation of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging.

The report was adopted on Tuesday at the Committee of Whole presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Yussuf Lassun

(APC-Osun).

The bill seeks to address the harmful effects of plastic bags on the oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, wildlife as well as human beings when passed into law.

The bill which has been passed by the Senate was presented to the house by Rep. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) The report recommended that retailers

of goods shall offer paper bags to customers at the point of sale in place of plastic bags or be guilty of an offence when the bill is passed into law.

It stated that a person who manufactures plastic bags for the purpose of selling would be guilty of an offence.

The report also stated that a person who imports plastic bag for sale or

carryout bag is equally guilty of an offence.

“Anybody person found guilty shall be liable upon conviction to a fine of not exceeding N500,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years or both,” it recommended.

The report says that any organisation found guilty shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not more than N5 million.

Presenting the report,

Monguno said that the bill seeks to relieve pressure on landfills and waste management.

He said that the use of plastic bags is rampant and that the bags are not bio degradable.

Monguno said that the bags stay in the environment for hundreds of years and affect arable land, water bodies and wildlife.

Lassun who presided over

the meeting observed that the bill should create room for recycling of plastic bags.

He said that the bill as it stands, when passed would mean that plastic bags would not be seen again in the country.

The bill would now be listed for third reading on a later date after which it would be sent to the President for assent.

‘Use our facilities for characterisation research’ –Alex Ekwueme varsity tells institutions, others

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lex Ekwueme Federal Univeristy, NdufuAlike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI) in Ebonyi State has urged tertiary institutions, scientists and researchers to use its facility for characterisation research.

The institution’s Dean of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Onuegbu Ugwu, made the call on Tuesday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Characterisation refers to the broad and general process by which a material’s structure and properties are probed and measured.

It is a fundamental process in the field of materials science, without which no scientific understanding of engineering materials can be ascertained.

Ugwu recalled that the school acquired the characterisation equipment in February through the intervention of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, in collaboration with PZ and supported by Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

The equipment included Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy and Ultra Violet Visible Spectroscopy.

He said “just like most tertiary institutions in some

countries and in Nigeria in particular, most times we lack critical infrastructure needed for research and it affects universities in performing state-of-the-art research.

“At the moment, such equipment exists only in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State and that means researchers from other parts of the country must travel to Kaduna State to conduct research.

“With this intervention however, it places us in good position to conduct research and to make it available to our colleagues in other institutions around us because it has universal application.

“The facilities are major equipment that will boost capacity building and compete with any of such equipment from any part of the world.”

The dean commended NOTAP and PZ for the support, saying the institution needed more collaboration from industry operators and the academia to bridge the gap between them.

“Research collaboration between universities and the academia is to make sure that universities provide relevant findings to industrial needs and also for the industry to support the university system in that process,” he added.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (right) welcoming selected clergymen of Ikwerre Origin who paid a solidarity visit to him at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Thursday

Police kill mastermind of UBEC Chairman’s kidnapping

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kidnapping kingpin and notorious armed robber, who recently masterminded the kidnap of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Chairman along Abuja- Kaduna road is dead.

The suspect, one Sumaila Sule, alias Shaho, male (estimated to be in his mid-thirties), a native of Rijana village in Kachia local government area of Kaduna state is one of the most vicious and most wanted kidnappers that has been terrorizing citizens in Kaduna and its

environs.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Frank Mba, the suspect died in the early hours of 18th May, 2019 following multiple bullet wounds he sustained during a deadly shootout with police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder.

The shootout took place in the evening of 17th May 2019, at the outskirts of Rijana village. The police operatives, in line with the mandate of Operation Puff

MTN pays 275bn NCC’s SIM infraction fine

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i g e r i a n Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday said that MTN has paid N275 billion SIM infraction fine as balance of N55 billion was due this month Prof Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, made this known in a statement in Abuja Danbatta spoke on the state of MTN fine payment at the valedictory service organised for the Minister of Communications, Mr

Adebayo Shittu in Abuja.

He said following a negotiated reduction of the N1.04 trillion fine on MTN Nigeria to N330 billion and in line with the staggered payment arrangement, MTN has, so far, paid N275 billion to the Federal Government.

Danbatta said that part of the fallout of the negotiated terms of payment of the fine is the listing of MTN on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and this is being done.

“What this means, according to the staggered arrangement, is that May 31, 2019 would be the deadline for the telecoms company to pay the sixth and final tranche of the balance of N55 billion.

“After six months of negotiation and renegotiation over the fine which led to the reduction to N330 billion, it was agreed that MTN would pay a balance of N280 billion in six tranches. “”This was in addition to

the “goodwill” payment of N50 billion earlier made by MTN to the government.

“Specifically, MTN began the payment structure with the payment of N30 billion into NCC’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 30 days from the date of the agreement dated June 10 2016.

“Subsequently, MTN paid N30 billion on March 31, 2017; N55 billion on March 31, 2018; N55 billion on

Adder, were carrying out routine surveillance and raid of suspected criminal hide-outs, when they suddenly came under gun fire attack from a heavily armed criminal gang.

The police team fought back gallantly, repelling the attack and eventually bringing Shaho down, whilst his gang members fled. SHAHO was rushed to hospital, where he eventually died the next day.

Meanwhile, acting on information elicited from the suspect before his death, police operatives,

between the 18th and 19th of May 2019, carried out sweeping follow-up operations at different target locations.

These coordinated operations led to the arrest of four other members of Shaho’s gang and the recovery of three (3) AK 47 rifles. The arrested gang members include: Musa Hassan 26yrs, Yau Umar 25yrs, Umar Musa 22yrs and Muhammad Sani 28yrs, all males and natives of Rijiana Village Kachia local government area Kaduna State.

December 31, 2018 and on March 31, it paid N55 billion.

“The balance and final tranche of the payment will be paid by May 31, 2019, in line with the staggered payments structure agreed

by MTN and Nigerian government.

It will be recalled that the NCC on October 20, 2015, imposed a fine of N1.04 trillion on MTN for infraction of the provision of the NCC Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulations 2011; For failure to disconnect 5.2 million improperlyregistered Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM)

lines within the prescribed deadline, because these lines had economic activities on them without proper registration.

He said that in the agreement reached by the parties involved in a way to avoid decision likely to cripple business interest of the operators the commission regulates.

It was also agreed that MTN shall apologise to Nigerians, subscribe to the compulsory observance of Code of Corporate Governance for Telecoms Industry; as well as undertake immediate steps to ensure its listing on the NSE.

POLITICS

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

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y this time in 2015, there were guesses as to the “size, shape and colour” of the first inaugural Muhammadu Buhari cabinet. For sure, Nigerians knew about the constitutional provision of picking at least one minister from each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

But their permutation was whether the president would choose below or above the mandatory 31 ministers, and adhere to the principle of Federal Character and geopolitical spread.

Members of the public were also concerned about the persons to be so appointed: Would they be picked based on party affiliation, primordial sentiments, or competence to perform on the job?

Soon, Nigerians were to have additional worry on their plate: When would the cabinet be formed? The Presidentelect was inaugurated on May 29, 2015, and days, weeks and months rolled by without naming his cabinet except the Service and Security Chiefs that’s labelled “lop-sided.”

And when, six months later, the Executive Council of the Federation, popularly called the Federal Executive Council (FEC), was formed, not a few Nigerians expressed “disappointment” over the make-up of the personnel.

Many people had issues with the cabinet’s non-inclusiveness as a pan-Nigerian or national government that took care of the various tendencies in the polity.

Among the nominees were known players on the political scene, some for decades; former schoolmates and professional colleagues; and others that Nigerians never heard of or knew, and couldn’t vouch for their competence and ability to deliver.

But in the midst of these stated shortcomings that didn’t satisfy the expectations of a complex society as Nigeria’s, some people, especially members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), felt shortchanged in their contributions to the emergence of the Buhari presidency.

Recall the oft-repeated complaints by the wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, that her husband’s government was peopled by “those who reaped where they did not sow.”

Most surprising, according to her, was that many of the appointees were not known to her “as a wife of the President of 27 years,” whereas those men and women she knew, and who worked for the APC successes, were not adequately compensated.

That, in the local parlance, is described as, “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.” And Mrs. Buhari said the situation would be reversed before long - a hint the watching public read as an imminent cabinet reshuffle that never materialised.

The alleged non-compensation of APC members that ensured the defeat of the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) partly led to a revolt, which resulted in the “exodus” of powerful chieftains from the APC prior to the 2019 polls.

Come May 29 - nine days away, another chance beckons on President Buhari to form a “new” cabinet, and the expectation is for him to deviate from the past, and assemble an “inclusive” government that he has, indeed, promised Nigerians.

Accepting his declaration as winner of the February 23, 2019 poll, and receiving a Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Buhari iterated his commitment to a paradigm shift in the composition and management of the new administration.

First at the APC Presidential Campaign Office on February 27, he said: “We will

‘Angola needs more oil exploration, including in marginal fields to stem decline in production’28, 1969) Pg 14

Ugwuanyi’s order halting presentation of traditional rulers ‘without due process’ in order –Chief Nwali Pg 16

Buhari’s new cabinet and paradigm shift

EHICHIOYA EZOMON writes on the possible paradigm shift in President Muhammadu Buhari’s incoming cabinet

•Buhari

strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness, so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out.”

Later in the day at the INEC office, Buhari declared: “All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future... I, therefore, want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart.

“Our Government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open. That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.”

Also on March 21, Buhari told a delegation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that, “As I look to the next four years, I will remain committed to a safe and secure nation; creating an inclusive and diversified economy; and a governance system that is free of corrupt practices.”

Will the president follow through this pledge, and offer a robust, pan-Nigerian cabinet of “square pegs in square holes” or listen to the voices of APC members for a “winner takes all” cabinet that will not substantially deviate from the subsisting order?

A particularly loud voice in the clamour for “compensation” for “hardworking and loyal” APC members is the party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. To him, there’s no room for sharing the so-called “spoils of office” with members of the opposition.

And the “opposition” equates those in other political parties, chiefly the PDP, and Nigerians, who canvassed and voted against the APC or stood aloof during the electoral process.

Truth is, Nigerians don’t begrudge the appointment of party members into the government, which, besides catering to the welfare of the citizens, is partially a reward system for those that bring it to power.

Such people, as in the 2019 election, mustn’t be denied the “fruits of their labour” they expended precious time and huge resources on to achieve, for the opposition APC, the “impossible” defeat of the ruling PDP: the first of such a feat in Nigeria’s political history.

Yet, “rewarding” party faithful shouldn’t subsume the overall interests of the people, and the ability of the appointees to discharge assigned onerous duties!

Well, talking about naming the “right”

persons into government, President Buhari may have kicked-off his second term on a commendable note by re-appointing Mr. Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

There’s no emphasising Emefiele’s competence on the job since his hiring in 2014, the most remarkable being the exit of Nigeria from recession that birthed the Buhari administration; and steering and stabilising the economy towards a trajectory of steady growth.

Mr. Emefiele and his team have their imprimatur in the several “revolutions” in the past four years to diversify the economy, make Nigeria export instead of import-driven and dependent, and be self-sufficient in food production and agribusiness.

Thus, the CBN governor’s re-affirmation for the job flows from the adage of “not changing a winning team,” a gesture President Buhari should also extend to some members of his cabinet that have “excelled” in their positions of trust, notwithstanding the negative public opinion and perception about them. * Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

AFRICA REPORT

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‘Angola needs more oil exploration, including in marginal fields to stem decline in production’ •Investment into local content development needs to be channelled and supported by strong regulations There’s so much excitement about where Angola’s energy sector is headed. SERGIO PUGLIESE, a successful entrepreneur and oil executive, is really hyped and enthused about recent developments and future direction of his country’s energy sector. Angola is ranked second largest oil producing country in Sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria and an OPEC member with an output of approximately 1.55 million barrels of oil per day and an estimated 17,904.5 million cubic feet of natural gas production.

Production levels in Angola are expected to soar by 2020 following the country’s restructuring, including the reorganisation of the state oil company Sonangol. In addition to a drastic revision of Angola’s legislation related to oil and gas, the government’s intent is to spur growth in the sector, encouraging exploration in development areas, improving operation efficiencies, reducing taxes, empowering the private sector, and attracting investors. Since the 2017 elections, Angola’s oil and gas sector has been featured in numerous conferences aimed at linking top government officials with the global energy industry.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the continent’s voice for the ongoing change and progression in the African energy industry recently named PUGLIESE as the AEC’s President for Angola. The appointment will be the first of many to follow across the continent as the AEC guides local content development that will enable African companies grow and take the lead in the development of their continent. In an official statement, PUGLIESE, said about his appointment: “It is with great sense of responsibility towards Angola and the African Energy Chamber that I am assuming this new function. Angola is reforming is very fast and the need to provide accurate information and guidance for investors doing business in Angola is growing”. Prior to being named the AEC’s President for Angola, PUGLIESE, most recently worked with BP and Statoil as top executive before founding Angola-focused oil and gas services companies Motiva LDA and Amipha LDA.” The rapid change and reform in Angola’s oil sector since the 2017 election has caught the attention of many. Will this enhance Angola’s work towards attracting more investment into local content development?

Investment into local content development needs to be channelled and supported by strong regulations. As more foreign investors get into the market, the country is currently working on a new regulatory framework to promote the development of the Angolan content and build domestic capacities. At the moment, several pieces of legislation touch on local content and there is a definitive need to make our local content framework more efficient and competitive. A draft presidential decree on local content has been in the works this year and is expected for release and public consultation this month. The oil Industry is looking forward to the Angola Oil and Gas conference organised by Africa Oil and Power in Luanda from June 2nd to 4th. The President is going to unveil the government’s oil and gas agenda. As the largest oil lobby in Afri-

•Sergio Pugliese, AEC President for Angola. ca, we will be working closely with the government and the oil industry on this. The Oil industry and Angola needs a champion and we will be that champion.

There was an announcement this year by the Angolan Government that it will create a regulatory body for the hydrocarbons sector – What do you expect this move to encourage within the Angolan Oil and Gas sector?

The creation of the new Angola National Petroleum and Gas Agency (ANPG), officially launched through Presidential Decree 49/19 in February 2019, is one of the most significant reforms since 2017. Its pioneer Chairman is non-other that experienced oil and gas executive and former Secretary of State Paulino Jeronimo, who has earned a very good reputation within the industry following an impressive track record stretching over many decades.

More importantly, it will be acting as Angola’s national concessionaire for hydrocarbon licenses and be in charge of regulating the industry and implementing government policy. The creation of the agency is part of Angola’s efforts to streamline and overhaul the governance of its hydrocarbons sector.

Up until now, state-owned Sonangol was responsible for such licensing activities. Setting up the ANPG puts Angola at par with best oil and gas industry practices, and is a positive move to promote good governance and transparency within the Angolan industry. We expect foreign investors and operators to respond very positively to this

measure.

What strategies does Angola have to further encourage the financing of expansion of SME’s in its petroleum sector?

The government of Angola currently runs a number of programs, some of them, jointly funded with multilateral organizations which offer soft loans to SMEs in all sectors of the economy. These loans are accessible via state-owned banks but have especially since the 2014 financial crisis stringent criteria for access attached to them. The Africa Energy Chamber continues to advocate for such loans to be made available to local entrepreneurs who are likely to employ more people in good-paying jobs whenever they have access to the right kind of financing.

In the near future, I will lead a delegation to Europe, America and other African countries to see what they have done right and will build more coalitions to help the Angolan sector.

Are there any specific local content projects that Angola will be highlighting?

I think the current approach by the Angolan government to encourage and strengthen local companies via tools such as offering them soft loans, rather than legislate them into projects is the best way of building local companies in a competitive manner. That is, they are more likely to be capable of competing with internationally active companies and hence ensuring their survival in the long-term.

What in your view are the common challenges in implementing strong local content policies in the Oil and Gas sector?

Some of the common challenges include the absence of capital, technology and deep industry know-how for local companies to carry out the high paying services in the industry. This eventually leads to local content being relegated to low paying and low jobs that do not in the long run help develop the kind of capacity needed to run the industry in the future with reduced dependence on foreign staff or capital.

What is the importance of working with local companies across the value chain?

Local companies are the ones that support the local economy and create the most jobs. Engaging, partnering and working with them promotes technology, skills and know-how transfers. It is also beneficial for robust national employment growth. More importantly for business perhaps, local companies are the ones with the deepest and most relevant knowledge of the local market environment, its dynamics and the way to do business. Setting up a joint venture with a local company or partnering with them has proven a very sustainable and profitable business strategy for many foreign investors. The Chamber will be pushing for more joint ventures and encourage a lot of technology and skill transfer. Local companies have to also do their best to meet the industry demands and standards.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

AFRICA REPORT

How can this strengthen capacities and transfer know-how and increase local capability?

Exposing local companies to best international practices, be it on an operational or managerial level, is very beneficial. National oil companies have grown a lot this way, by having stakes in licenses operated by international oil companies, and acquiring de facto the technology, know-how and practices that they now use to operate their own blocks. This move wouldn’t have been made possible without their prior association with major IOCs and international oilfield services providers. The same thinking applies to engineering, procurement and construction, manufacturing and the overall value chain. Equatorial Guinea’s Minister Gabriel Obiang Lima has been very vocal about this and we will work with the Angolan oil sector to ensure this happens.

Given the highly technical and technological demands of the oil and gas industry, is the Angolan workforce ready to accommodate the growth of a local E&P industry?

Yes, certainly so. Similar to Nigeria’s experience, where the government created the right kind of enabling environment to spur the growth of local E&P companies, Angolan companies can do the same if provided the same opportunities. Nigeria can now boast of names like Oando, Sahara, Aiteo, Shoreline, Atlas Oranto and Seplat amongst others which are now respected brands in the region. Angolan banks have to develop capacity in terms of understanding E&P, be willing to lend to local players at reasonable rates and the government has to encourage joint ventures between Local and international companies. The Africa Energy Chamber strongly advocates for such measures to be taken.

What, in your view, is the most pressing problem for Angola’s energy sector?

Angola desperately needs more exploration, including in marginal fields to stem the declining oil production. This is currently being addressed by the government which set up a technical committee that includes IOCs and government stakeholders to discuss existing hindrances to investment in the sector. This committee is already bearing fruit with Total announcing that it will invest hundreds of millions into Angola, including towards the increasing of production in block 17. The government also set up an independent Petroleum and Gas agency which is tasked with action as a regulator in the industry and implementing government policy in the sector. The agency has already

announced that it will carry out an auction for block licenses this year in an attempt to spur exploration in Angola.

Where do you see the greatest potential for Angola’s Oil and Gas sector in the future?

There is potential across the value chain.

In upstream, our production has been decreasing for over a decade due to a lack of investment, especially in exploration. We are seeing the trend reversing now with several investment commitments from operators in the market. More importantly, perhaps, the rest of our value chain remains under-developed. Our midstream and downstream infrastructure needs billions of investment to connect existing and future fields to consumption centres, and to build the refineries, power plants, petrochemical plants and fertilizer plans who will be processing our future output of oil and gas.

What is your thought on what is considered an urgent need to develop a gas economy in order to fuel future electricity, enable renewables and support industrial development for the benefit of Angolans?

The major pillar that was needed to build our gas economy was the regulatory one, which has been passed last year. Presidential Decree No. 7/18 is the first law aimed at specifically regulating the prospection, research, evaluation, development, production and sale of natural gas in Angola. To date, only the Angola LNG Project had benefited from a special legal and tax framework. Before the passing of PD 7/18, the exploration and production of natural gas in Angola was subject to very broad principles only. These notably included making associated natural gas surplus available for free to Sonangol, and the possibility for oil companies to jointly-develop non-associated natural gas with Sonangol, with terms defined on a case-by-case basis. Sonangol was free to develop the non-associated gas discoveries on its own shall no agreement be reached with the oil company. Under PD 7/18, both Sonangol and oil companies have the rights to prospect, research, evaluate, develop, produce and sell natural gas in the international and domestic markets. More importantly, the decree provides for the possibility of specific and longer periods for natural gas exploration and production as compared with crude oil. Such periods can now all be extended so as to accommodate the particularities of developing a natural gas project.

However, and as experience has shown, the success of Angola’s gas economy will now rely on the creation of gas demand centres and the development of gas-consuming

industries. These include power generation, petrochemicals and fertilizers, compressed and piped natural gas in the retail space, but also steel and cement. This is probably where the most urgent need currently lies as we want to make sure the future gas output will not be just exported internationally but used domestically to build industries and create jobs for Angolans.

With Africa been considered the last frontier, why does it seem to not have reached its full potential? What is causing this blockage in greater development? What role could Intra-Africa trade play in this regard?

Weak governance structures and lack of investment in exploration have so far prevented Africa from exploiting its full potential. This particularly applies to Angola. The crash in commodity prices in 2014 was just the ultimate blow to our industries who were, in fact, relying on weak foundations.

Tough lessons have been learned over the past few years on the need to reform our legislative frameworks, provide better clarity to investors, and diversify our economies. Intra-African energy cooperation has a major role to play in this regards as it is able to unlock massive deals and projects.

The case of Senegal and Mauritania who are developing the giant Tortue gas field, or of Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon who recently signed a unitization agreement for gas, are prime examples. There is so much to be achieved from a greater African energy dialogue in terms of transnational projects and exchange of commodities. In this regard, we believe that not only the private sector, but also and above all African national oil companies (NOCs) have a major role to play in driving that cooperation forward.

Could you introduce yourself to our international audience and the scope of your role as AEC’s President for Angola?

I moved back to Angola two decades ago after I completed my studies at Cambridge and the University of Adelaide from where I earned my MBA. This was the golden age of Angola’s oil and gas sector, so I naturally started working with major international oil companies such as Statoil and British Petroleum. This is where I got firsthand experience into the commercial, financial and technical aspects of operating producing oil blocks. I am a strong advocate of our local industry and have always been an entrepreneur at heart, so I eventually went on to set up Amipa LDA and Motiva LDA, two Angolan oil & gas services companies.

In my role at the Chamber, I intend to both facilitate the entry of new players and investors and ensure domestic capacities and

capabilities are developed and good paying local jobs are created for Angolans. The reforms led by H.E. President Joao Lourenço are profoundly transforming our oil and gas industry by improving its business environment. This is generating tremendous interest from the international energy community and the network of partners the Chamber has. With over a decade of experience in the sector globally, I am able to bring them the kind of local and sector expertise they seek when coming to Angola. Under the leadership of its Chairman NJ Ayuk, the Chamber has been at the forefront of the most important and recent deals in Africa’s hydrocarbons sector and we truly look forward to bringing these deal-making abilities to Angola. We are going to be champions for Angola. Our country needs champions.

What will be the strategic importance of African Energy Chamber to the Angolan Oil and Gas sector?

The African Energy Chamber will be channelling global interest for Angola’s oil & gas sector, providing local knowledge on the market and advisory support for investors and local companies. More importantly and in line with our mandate to build African capacities, the Chamber will act as a catalyst for training Angola’s oil & gas workforce, build domestic capacity and advocate for an enabling environment. Low taxes, limited government, fair local content, fair fiscal frameworks, market-driven policies, incentives to drill, judicial security and respect for the rule of law will get us to a fairer and balance oil sector.

What advice do you have for potential foreign investors looking at Angola as well as your own AEC members?

A major advice is to carefully choose a local partner. Investors tend to think that with enough capital and experience they can make it. While this is not entirely false, tying-up with an Angolan partner or establishing cooperation with a local entity on the ground always gives a major boost to a new business, especially in its early years.

Operating in Angola does come with a few challenges that can easily be overcome if an investor works with the right people and the credible and efficient local companies that know the market and how to get things done. We also tell investors to not just look at the upstream segment but consider opportunities across the value chain, be it in midstream, downstream, fabrication, services and supplies. A market like Angola which produces almost 1.5 million bpd offers considerable opportunities across the industry and anyone looking at Angola shouldn’t consider exploration and production as the only lucrative investment to be made here.

Where do you want to take the AEC in your tenure of President for Angola?

The AEC will become the entry door to Angola’s oil & gas sector. We want to ensure that there is an enabling environment for oil and gas investments. Oil companies must be given the incentives to invest but we are the oil industry also know we have an obligation to the Angolan people. We have to work with policymakers and implement strategies and solutions that will work in Africa. Look at Gabon’s leadership on the environment, Equatorial Guinea on Gas monetization, Ghana on building regulatory frameworks. Also, also look at Nigeria when it comes to empowering Africans. We are already receiving lots of queries from new investors wishing to enter the market, and having local representatives on the ground is positioning us as a strong advisor and facilitator for foreign investors, while being able to properly communicate what is happening on the ground to the international energy community. On the second hand, we also want to be building domestic capacity, both by training and skilling Angolans so they can take on additional responsibilities across the value chain, but also by bringing in more technology and best practices to our local companies so we contribute to boosting local content.

•Courtesy: APO News Agency

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

INTERVIEW

Ugwuanyi’s order halting presentation of traditional rulers ‘without due process’ in order –Chief Nwali

G

overnor Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has, after a meeting with Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Secretaries of the 17 local governments areas in the State, reversed the practice, in parts of the State, of installing traditional rulers of Autonomous Communities in Enugu State even before the creation of those autonomous communities.

According to a reliable source at the meeting, Governor Ugwuanyi disclosed that the criteria and guidelines for creation of Autonomous Communities would soon be released and that a community would first meet the requirements before grant of autonomy under which “traditional rulers would be elected by indigenes of the community.”

The source added that the latest directive was as a result of ugly development arising from some communities where many purported traditional ruler-elects have already started forming cabinets after selection by few hand-picked political jobbers without autonomous status’ backing.

In this interview with The Oracle Today, Chief Thomas Nwali, the Igwebuike 1 of ADOGWA N’ATO COMMUNITY, Umuida, and Chief Ngwu Nweze (Elders’ spokesperson) commended the governor for halting what they described as “the charade that has been going on” for sometime now in parts of the State, especially in Igbo-Eze North. Excerpts:

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has reportedly halted the proposed presentation of traditional ruler-elects. How do you react to this development at a time some of you are already eager to know your fates?

First and foremost, I subscribe to creation of more Autonomous Communities in Igbo-Eze North. Igbo-Eze North a very large community and deserves more autonomous communities, but I doubt if all the requests will be granted. Development cannot reach some communities in Igbo-Eze North 30 years to come, if more autonomous communities are not created. The stronger villages over-shadow weaker ones when it comes to distribution of necessary amenities and political opportunities. All animals have four legs quite alright, but some are created more powerful than others. So, the rich get richer, while the poor get poorer in our society today.

Moreover, the halt order actually is a step in the right direction. The criteria or guidelines will obviously help the Chieftaincy Office to control and properly process autonomous community requests, bridge imposition of aspirants and enable the authority install traditional rulers of the peo-

ple’s choosing.

Many communities are faced with intimidation from imported traditional rulerelects, but let them remember that only God anoints and installs kings. Igweship is not cash and carry stool. It’s all about honest service to the people in the rural areas. I do not know what those based in U.S.A, South Africa, Middle East, see in Igwe-stool. The ideological change in directive will off course strengthen the official channels. My candid advice to other aspirants to the traditional ruler positions it to play by the rules to make the job easy for those assigned to do the work. Endless presentations are not even at our own advantage in the real sense of the matter. The halt order is a magic wand for the lucky communities desirous of autonomous community.

May God strengthen our grassroots governor – Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his aides in their wisdom and efforts geared towards installing communities’ choices as traditional rulers, not only in Igbo-Eze North but also in Enugu State as a whole.

Contributing CHIEF NGWU NWEZE of Inere Odeje (Elders’ spokesperson) of one of the Communities desirous of traditional

•Governor Ugwuanyi

•Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja, Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA. ruler, in his own reaction in Igbo Langauge said: Yes ooo! The governor has now started work. They said that the governor has given them Igwe certificate before. That nothing concerns snuff-nose Elders in selection of Igwe. It’s now time to dance the music.

When will they come for Igwe election?”

Giving a little insight into his life and times, Chief Nwali said: I am Chief Thomas Nwali, Igwebuike 1 of Adogwa Nato Community. I passed through St. Thomas Primary School Umuida, St. Teresa’s College and University of Nigeria Nsukka. I graduated in Mathematics. I have served humanity in various capacities both in schools and out-

side. I retired as a Principal on Grade Level 16. I worked in different secondary schools in Obollo Afor Educational Zone.

Moreover, I have served my community Umuida at various levels. I played pivotal roles and served satisfactorily during Umuida rural electrification project, rehabilitation of roads and Umuadogwa water borehole projects. Also, in the associations I belonged to such as Community Youth Association, Electrification Committee and our Eldersin-Council, I contributed my own quota, I should say in credible ways, to making those associations realise their objectives of promoting rural development. I am a large-scale farmer and a consultant in Mathematics.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

FOCUS

Aguata celebrates cultural heritage From Awka, OZO RAY writes on the colourful celebration of cultural heritage by the people of Aguata in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

A

guata local government area is said to have been created on 11th May , 1976 . The council area is one of the oldest and foremost local government areas in Anambra State. It used to be a combination of three local government areas interwoven into one viz OrumbaNorth and South which thereafter became the old Aguata . But the creation of new local councils saw the separation of Orumba-North and South from Aguata and thereafter became two separate council areas now in existence . Be that as it may , Aguata still prides herself as the largest local government area of Anambra state with over 14 independent towns with solid economic base and Ekwulobia as the capital territory . It is therefore against this historical background , that the council headquarters of Aguata local government area hosted the 43rd anniversary of the creation of the council area which featured a display of her ancestry and cultural heritage held on 11th May , 2019 .

The epoc-making event which attracted sons and daughters of Aguata origin from far and near , saw various acrobatic displays of masquerades and other cultural groups from various towns performing to the admiration of the people . The conviviality and social intercourse provided by the event was such that the people saw the significance of having such a platform to showcase their rich cultural heritage as well as recognise the efforts of those who have in no small measure deployed their resources and technical know-how to the development of humanity in general . It was an occasion to give honour to whom honour is due ! Governor Willie Obiano who attended the cultural day by proxy said Aguata was one of the local governments that have enjoyed his magnanimity and benevolence . Obiano who was represented on the occasion by the Chairman Anambra State Local Government Service Commission Dr. Peter Egenti described the cultural exhibition by Ndi-Aguata as second to none stressing that they have

done well to uphold the culture and tradition handed down to them by their forebears .

The governor, therefore, extolled the efforts of the organizing committee in putting up such a remarkable programme and stressed that his administration will continue to support such laudable initiative . Chairman of the occasion and former Chairman of Aguata local government area Chief Titus Anagbogu fondly called Ugwumba Aguata underscored the essence of Aguata Day Celebration noting that the day was set aside to go down memory lane on the evolution of the council area as well as its vantage position in Anambra state . Anagbogu said “ we have appreciated the people who excelled in different places of endeavour from this local government and it is a very big achievement . Names of the awardees were generated not from this council . It was a joint effort between the council , the traditional institutions and the town unions . So their names were generated locally from their people . “ The former council chairman who also functioned as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2019 Aguata Day Celebration said that Aguata local government area has enjoyed the presence of Governor Willie Obiano’s administration in the area . According to him , “ Aguata is an APGA local government and the governor is doing perfectly well in the area . “ He further described Aguata as a democratic local government council where the 14 communities practised egalitarianism in all issues of common interest . On the other hand , the state commissioner for Housing Engr.Emeka Ezenwanne who hails from Isuofia described the event as a clarion call to all Anambra indigenes of Aguata extraction to come home and identify with the countryside as well as contribute their token to the development of the hinterlands . The commissioner equally took cognisance of the fact that the present state government has

•Obiano

extended its developmental strides to all the nooks and crannies of Anambra state including Aguata local government area .

The House of Assembly Member-Elect for Aguata 2 state constituency Hon.Okechukwu Okoye in his remarks maintained that Aguata Day Celebration has provided grounds for the celebration and recognition of some sons and daughters of the local government who have contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of Aguata . Okoye therefore stressed the need for youths to be incorporated into the scheme of things in subsequent editions of the event even as he advised that youths should be allowed

space to make valid contributions in the preparations and execution of the programme . Meanwhile His Royal Highness Igwe Felix Eberendu Nnayelugo of Aguluezechukwu Aguata local government area said the 2019 edition of Aguata Day Celebration indeed worth its salt because it was well attended by indigenes and friends of Aguata local government area while expressing hope that subsequent editions would be greater and historical .

The climax of the celebration were awards conferred on deserving indigenes of the council area and a host of other ceremonies which added glitz and glamour to the occasion .

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

18

19

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Air pollution: How NLNG earned N36tr from flare gas monetization •Gas company cuts gas-flares from 60% to 20% in 20 years •Delivers $17b to Fed Gov as dividend •Pays additional $16b to govt. for gas •Commits N200b to social responsibility projects SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

A

head of the 2019 World Environment Day (WED) celebration which amplifies the clamour for players in the petroleum industry to curb the rising level of global air pollution, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has declared over $100 billion or N36 trillion gross income from gas monetization.

Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, who spoke about the company’s 20 years of operations, said that NLNG has over two decades delivered economic, environmental, commercial and social dividends to Nigerian people.

He said the company has converted over 6.37 trillion cubic feet of associated gas to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) in the past 20 years, thus helping cut gas flares in the country from over 60% in 1999 to less than 20%.

Mr. Attah stated that apart from capturing flare gas for monetization, the company has delivered immeasurable financial returns to asset holders, operators and sundry stakeholders.

From the monetization of gas hitherto being flared, he said, NLNG has generated over $100 billion revenue since inception and paid over $36 billion (N12.96 trillion) to shareholders as dividends.

Mr. Attah explained that $17.64 billion (N6.35 trillion) of the total dividends went to federal government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which holds overriding 49 percent equity interest in NLNG under an incorporated joint venture with Shell, Total and Eni. He added that another $16.464 billion (N6.0 trillion) out of the $28 billion (N10.08 trillion) used in buying the feed gas from upstream oil production sites was also paid to government which holds average

• MD, NLNG, Tony Attah of 58.8 percent stake in the three joint ventures that supply feed gas to the liquefaction company.

Mr. Attah stated that NLNG stands tall as the biggest tax payer in Africa with over $40.47 billion or N14.6 trillion in revenues to the government in the past 19 years, adding that the company paid government about $864 million in incremental company income tax (CIT) alone in 2018.

Other payments declared by the company include employee income tax, state and local government taxes, as well as regulators’ levies and fees totaling over N60 billion.

Beyond dividends, taxes and gas purchase values, Mr. Attah pointed out that the company has also voluntarily committed to about N222 billion social responsibility projects in Nigeria,

CBN Exchange Rates APRIL 16th, 2019 Currency Buying(NGN) Central (NGN) Selling(NGN) US DOLLAR 305.95 306.45 306.95 Pounds Sterling 401.3146 401.9705 402.6263 EURO 346.1518 346.7175 347.2832 SWISS FRANC 305.0653 305.5639 306.0624 YEN 2.731 2.7354 2.7399 CFA 0.509 0.519 0.529 WAUA 424.7326 425.4267 426.1208 YUAN/RENMINBI 45.6075 45.6824 45.7574 RIYAL 81.5801 81.7135 81.8468 S/AFRICAN RAND 21.8806 21.9164 21.9521 DANISH KRONA 46.3673 46.4431 46.5189 SDR 425.3317 426.0268 426.7219

especially in rural communities.

In providing details of the company’s corporate social responsibility in the country, he counted NLNG has spent over N25 billion on community projects over the years; over N2.0 billion in building world-class engineering laboratories in six Nigerian Universities under its University Support Programme; and another N63 billion in counterpart funding for the construction of BonnyBodo Road in Rivers State.

The NLNG signed a N75 billion memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bonny Island community to provide N3.0 billion each year for 25 years for the overall development of the Kingdom.

Besides financial payments to government and funding contributions for development of

social and economic infrastructure and amenities, the company says it is has pulled in over $16 billion worth of foreign direct investments into the country, created 12,000 direct jobs and 18,000 indirect jobs in each phase of its construction projects.

Though the company is an export oriented business, Mr. Attah said, it has supplied over 1.5 million tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also called cooking gas to the domestic market to further curb pollution with cleaner, cheaper and available fuel for homes and businesses.

In commenting on the company’s Nigerian Content scorecard, Mr. Attah stated that NLNG has been ahead of regulation in localizing its activities where capacity exists. He added that the company does not only prioritize local goods and services, but also builds local capacity for incountry and export opportunities.

Chief Operating Officer in charge of Gas and Power at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Saidu Mohammed, who spoke on the 20 years of gas liquefaction and export in Nigeria, said NLNG has exceeded justification for policy incentives laid forward to encourage the industry players invest in natural gas monetization.

Mr. Mohammed said the policy incentives were packaged in various fiscal and legal frameworks including Associated Gas Fiscal Arrangement (AGFA), the Non-Associated Gas Fiscal Reforms Act (NAGFRA), Nigerian Gas Masterplan (NGMP), Gas Revolution, and currently the Nigerian Gas Policy.

Mr. Saidu Mohammed who spoke on the company’s seventh liquefaction plant (NLNG-7) project in Port Harcourt pointed out that part of government’s long term aspirations for the gas sector is to eliminate routine gas flares; enhance Nigerian Content of the industry; generate equal revenue from both gas and oil; catalyze domestic industrial growth with cheaper, cleaner and reliable gas fuel, and create jobs for the nation’s teeming youths.

•Tourism

Energy

Seplat drowns N284.2 bn debt with N775.7 bn P24 asset e-Platform

Porting: 9mobile gains additional 7,297 customers in March

P26

AVIATION

Poor runway: FG threatens to downgrade or shutdown Enugu airport P27 Insurance

NAICOM again reviews capital base for insurance, reinsurance companies P29 Equity & Capital Market

NSE wins Rotary’s Invaluable Award for CSR

P30

Stock Market Highlights As At 16th april, 2019

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

29,746.24 2,979.00 321,357,743.00 N4,657,186,639.16 N11,172,913,393,038.20 N10,744,459,607,350.90 N5,621,606,917.78

Top 5 Trade S/N Coy 1.

UBN 2. GUARANTY 3.

AFRINSURE 4.

CHAMS 5.

UBA

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close NESTLE N1452.2 DANGFLOUR N9.2 GUARANTY N35.1 ZENITHBANK N20.5 AFRIPRUD N3.87

Current N1500.3 N10.1 N35.6 N20.9 N4.18

Change %Change 48.1 3.31% 0.9 9.78% 0.5 1.42% 0.4 1.95% 0.31 8.01%

N23 N2.7 N4.8 N0.47 N6.8

-0.5 -0.15 -0.05 -0.05 -0.05

5 Top Losers (By Volume) Value(N) 134,139,573 N912,177,948.80 61,050,779 N2,154,815,752.10 15,000,000 N3,000,000.00 14,020,683 N4,515,536.82 11,302,494 N72,054,057.00

INTBREW MAYBAKER OANDO JOHNHOLT UBN

N23.5 N2.85 N4.85 N0.52 N6.85

-2.13% -5.26% -1.03% -9.62% -0.73%

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

ISSN: 2545-5869

The

racle www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

Today

20

VOX POPULI SACRUM

NFIU’s move to revitalise local governments T he guidelines recently released by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which aim to monitor the operations of the state/local government joint account, are coming 20 years late. Had they been in place at the inception of the Fourth Republic, perhaps Nigeria’s 774 local governments would have truly become the engines of grassroots development across the country, a far cry from what they have been since then.

The suffocation of local governments resulting in the lack of development at the grass roots has been attributed to lack of financial autonomy, corruption and undue interference. The joint state/local government account has given state governors an opportunity to steal LG funds.

And it is the reason most of them would not allow any reform aimed at recognising the local government as a distinct tier of government.

Indeed, the LG as the third tier of government in Nigeria has been a myth, since the constitutional powers to establish it, define its structure, composition and functions belong to the state governments. Apparently, many state governors have latched onto these lacunae to starve the local governments of the funds allocated to them. Had section 162 of the constitution been amended to provide for direct payment to the local governments from the federation account since 1999, the current NFIU guidelines would have been unnecessary. Yet, several editorials and opinion articles drawing attention to the gaps in this fraudulent 1999 Constitution have been ignored by those who are supposed to be representatives of the people. Those who say that Nigeria has been governed by bandits are not far off the mark.

We are, therefore, not surprised that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, this week, issued a statement condemning the NFIU’s move. The 36 state governors are, of course, uncomfortable

with the decision to monitor the operations of the controversial state/local government joint account. What makes the move “illegal”, according to them, is that same section 162 of the constitution imposed on the country in 1999, not the need for transparency and accountability in the running of government affairs. In the Governors’ Forum’s statement signed by its chairman Abudulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, it states that “nothing in the NFIU Act 2018 gives the body the powers that it seeks to exercise in the guidelines that it released and is, therefore, acting in excess of its powers and by so doing exhibits complete disregard of the constitution of Nigeria.” The NGF accused the NFIU of “stoking mischief and also deliberately seeking to cause disaffection, chaos and overheat the polity.”

The NFIU’s decision was contained in the guidelines it released after a meeting with officials of commercial banks in Abuja. As noted by the NFIU, cash withdrawals and transactions of the joint accounts produce the biggest corruption, money laundering and security threats at the grassroots levels and to the entire financial system and the country as a whole. Its conclusion: “As far as the NFIU is concerned, the responsibility of the account as a collection account is fully reinstated.”

We urge the governors to abide by the guidelines and not seek to engage in legal fights over a matter Nigerians have been lamenting about.

They should note the reason for these measures: the need for the NFIU “to respond to threats of isolating the entire Nigerian financial system by other international financial systems because of deficiencies in our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing implementation.”

NFIU’s reminder: “Therefore, it is no longer possible to allow the entire system to suffer the deliberate and expensive infractions or violations by public officials and/or private business interests.

“Henceforth, all erring individuals and companies

Culled from Asukwo blogshot.com

will be allowed to face direct international and local targeted sanctions, in order not to allow any negative consequences to fall on the entire country.

“To be precise, with effect from 1st June any bank that allows any transaction from any local government account without monies first reaching a particular local government account will be sanctioned 100%, both locally and internationally.

“In addition, a provision is also made to the effect that there shall be no cash withdrawal from any local government for a cumulative amount exceeding N500, 000 per day. Any other transaction must be done through valid cheques or electronic funds transfer.”

It seems the NFIU did its homework well before issuing the new guidelines. The move, it said, is backed by section 162 (6) (8) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which states, among others, that into the state joint local government account “shall be paid allocations to the local government councils of the state from the federation account and from the government of the state”; and, “The amount standing to the credit of local government councils of a state shall be distributed among the local government councils of that state and not for other purposes.”

NFIU, which was cut out from the EFCC, has set June 1, 2019, as the take-off date for the new order.

All well-meaning Nigerians should support it to ensure that local governments’ allocations go straight to their respective bank accounts. Any financial institution, public servant or stakeholder who violates the guidelines should be ready to be marched straight to jail.

Our Vision TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values--hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

OPINION Rebooting Nigeria’s fledgling economy

By CHIMA CHRISTIAN and OSELOKA H. OBAZE

N

igeria’s economy is stressed. Several performance indicators and ratings point to its parlous inclination. But no performance indicator is as stark as everyday realities that confront the general populace.

Beyond the gross erosion of the disposable income, many Nigerians are presently unable to afford three square meals and medical care.

Food inflation continues to worsen. The average national Jollof Rice Index, which rose from “N4,087 in July 2016 to N5,388 in February 2017” had spiraled by 8.3 per cent, from N6,040 in March 2018 to N6,545 in June 2018.

This cost of preparing a pot of Jollof rice for an average Nigerian family of six, is projected to rise further to over N7000 by June 2019.

Relatedly, with the N30,000 minimum wage just signed into law by President Buhari, the average low end worker in a single-income family can only afford four pots of Jollof rice a month, with little or nothing left in finances for other necessities of life.

Deprivation and increasing hunger, more than any other social indicators underline Nigeria’s stance within the community of world’s extreme poor. The rising number of out of school children –now over 13 million, is telling. Spawning hopelessness including massive brain drain pervades the system. Reportedly, an average of about 12 doctors emigrates from Nigeria every week. Such numbers represent a troubling diminution of the Nigeria’s middleclass.

Nigerians who do not possess the skill set and resources required to legally migrate to recipient countries are literarily voting with

By Collins Ughalaa

According to Edwin Shneidman, an American Clinical Psychologist, Suicidologist and Thanatologist (born May 13, 1918 and died on May 15, 2009), “suicide is not necessarily the desire to die but is rather a means to ending the psychological pain”. He explained the psychological pain to mean psyache, a term he said meant the “hurt of pain, anguish, soreness, and aching psychological pain of the mind”. He further said that this means “the pain of shame, or guilt, or humiliation, or loneliness, or fear, or angst, or dread of growing old”. Shneidman, together with Norman Faberow and Robert Litman founded the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center in 1958, where they researched on suicide and developed a crisis center and treatments to prevent deaths occasioned by suicide.

In 1968, Shneidman founded the American Association of Suicidology. He was also the Head of United State’s Journal for Suicide Studies called Suicide and Life Threatening Behaviour.

Since he gave his theory on suicide and threatening behavior, there have been several other layers of work on the same subject, with the researchers reinforcing what he had said. They agree that suicide is caused by certain factors, ranging from depression and mental illness schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, eating disorder, anorexia and bulimia; traumatic stress resulting from early childhood sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, or war trauma; substance abuse and impulsivity such as in drugs and alcohol abuse; loss or fear of loss as in financial loss or financial problems, losing a job or being unemployed and unable to find a sufficient source of steady income, losing social position, losing your living situation due to financial reasons or the ending of a relationship, academic failure, losing social or family acceptance due to revealing your sexual orientation, bullying, shaming, or humiliation, including cyberbullying, being arrested or imprisoned, et cetera.

When a person believes that no hope is left for him and that no action could be taken to change his situation, it could become life threatening and lead to suicide. A person who suffers from a chronic ailment might believe that no cure is available for him after all and that the best action was to save himself further pain and his family further inconveniences by taking his life.

Suicide is not a new phenomenon. The Holy

their feet. Despite well-publicized horrors migrant crisis in Libya and the Mediterranean, a sizeable number of Nigeria’s youth still make that perilous journey. Such choice is not out of liberty, but acts of desperation. Any consideration that such excursion into the unknown offers more hope than Nigeria’s current realities, should trouble Nigerian authorities deeply. Sadly, authorities seem ambivalent, with an attitude that manifestly suggests that Nigeria’s fledgling economy and its deleterious consequences is the least of their worries.

Nigerian authorities continue making discernable efforts premised on the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). Yet, the overall focus and coordination of this hybrid platform leave much to be desired by way of synergy and collectivised intervention. Many months after its implementation, the EPRG is yet to yield tangible results. The end result is that the economy is not functioning optimally. Indeed, experts contend that “the prevailing high cost of governance in Nigeria is attributable to both structural and operational factors.” Rather than tackle the challenges robustly, the administration has defaulted to a public relations overdrive and blame games expediently assigned to the “recklessness” of the past administration, the tanking price of crude oil globally, and the blasé attitude, taste and lifestyle of Nigerians.

Ordinarily, the “live within your means” mantra should suffice in prodding Nigerians into belt-tightening in response to prevailing economic realities. Lamentably, such exhortations have been distorted with a glaring malign predisposition to the beatification of poverty. Such defeatist narrative is hardly flattering. It upends Buhari administration’s pre-

dilection aimed at making government look good, regardless of whether or not it delivers on its economic promises.

A correlation exists between economic performance and governance. Often, the seeming lack of faith in the country’s ability to conduct credible elections and related uncertainties dampen investor confidence. Naturally, supersession or capital flight follows, resulting in a distorted economy. Also partisan politicking continues to impact adversely on the economy, just as personal and institutional disposition of policymakers. Hence the line between work and politics has blurred.

Similarly, prolonged or inconclusive aspects of a general election tend to prove exceedingly distractive. With the prevailing uncertainty after the 2019 elections, potential domestic and foreign investors are tiptoeing around, waiting for the final determination of election petitions. This has direct consequences on the economy. The extended wait by Nigerians in and out of government translates to the economy tanking.

Nigeria’s economic woes derive mostly from governance structures of the Nigerian state. Existent rent-seeking structures and transactional mindset does little to task creativity. The monthly gathering in Abuja to share the “national cake” has created a mind-set of redundancy and laziness of the political elite, more so at the sub-national level. This redundancy has rubbed off on the civil-service, accounting for little or no incentive to formulate and implement purposeful policies capable of growing and diversify the economy.

Likewise, Nigeria’s strong-personality style of politics and governance undermines emergence of strong institutions. This perhaps of-

Season of suicides (1) Bible tells a fascinating story about how Judas Iscariot, the disciple that eventually sold Jesus Christ to his enemies to be crucified, hung himself upon a tree. The World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that suicide is rather a global phenomenon, cutting across all social strata. According to its 2016 report, about one person in 5,000 - 15,000 dies by suicide every year, that is, 1.4% of all deaths, with a reported global rate of 10.7 per 100,000 population in 2015. Providing insight into suicide behaviours all over the world, the WHO report added that “In Western countries male and female rates of suicidal behaviors differ at a greater degree compared to those in the rest of the world. Around 20% of global suicides are due to self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries consisting in about 80% world population. Some of these pesticides are forbidden

by United Nations conventions”.

According to the report, in high-income countries consisting of the remaining 20% world population, the most common methods of suicide are the use firearms, hanging and selfpoisoning. It said that Europe has the highest suicide rate in the entire world, while the Eastern Mediterranean has the least. In 2016, WHO rated Nigeria the 56th country in its suicide rating, with 15,000 suicides per 100,000 deaths.

This put Nigeria on 17.3% globally. South Korea tops the list with 24,000 suicides per 100,000 deaths, followed by Russia with 18,000 suicides per 100,000 deaths.

In a world ravaged by persistent economic hardship, dwindling value system, etc, that people will attempt to, and actually take their lives, is not news. In Nigeria, the past few weeks have been terrible with the media space, especially the social media, inundated with heart rendering stories of people killing themselves. Shockingly, Nigerian youths have been victims of this dastardly act. Granted that suicide is not the only cause of death globally, it attracts much attention because it is a violent death. Unlike accidents that are considered violent death, suicidal acts are self-inflicted. Apart from suicides, in Nigeria sickness accounts for 26% of deaths, motor accident (16%), poverty and malnutrition (31%) while natural death is 6%.

But whenever suicide occurs it is considered

one death too many.

Suicide is not a small matter anywhere in the world. It takes more to kill oneself than to even kill another person. Anyone who thinks of killing himself is capable of committing mass murder. In traditional Igbo society, suicide is considered a taboo. Anyone who commits suicide has sinned against God his creator. He has sinned against the gods of the land, against the community and his family. He sinned against himself too. No other crime is like suicide. The Igbo people do not look at suicide cases and laugh over it. First, people are forbidden from touching the dead body of a suicide victim. If the person hanged himself, only a strong native doctor will untie and bring it down. A suicide dead body is never given a decent burial. It is not even buried in the family compound. It is buried in an evil forest and is followed by the cleansing of the land. This is usually very expensive ritual.

Many people are quick to blame the bad economy of the country for the rise in suicide cases, especially among the youths. But looking at the age brackets and lifestyle of most of the people who killed themselves recently, one might begin to raise some questions. For example, what has the economy got to do with the suicide of the 21 years old student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) who was doing well in school, not graduated yet and not looking for job? A student of English and Literary Studies in UNN, Chukwuemeka Akachi hailed from Eha Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. He was a budding poet. He took his life by consuming two bottles of “sniper” insecticide in an uncompleted building.

It would seem that the 21 years old and 400 level student gave indications he would do the unthinkable. He was reported to have called his friends on the phone shortly after he had done it and alerted them that he had done the deed.

They found his body in the uncompleted building with a suicide note. Moreover, in his previous post on Facebook, Akachi gave the indication that he preferred to end it all, citing mental health as reason. “My mental health has been on life support for a while now. Thanks to those who call. Text. Visit. Speak to me. May we always remember. May we never forget. You may have added a few hours, months or days

fers compelling reasons why Nigerians should insist that ‘round pegs are put in round holes’.

President Buhari’s reappointment of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, seems a reassurance of continuityin-government. Such consideration, however, should not underpin the required strategic decision relative to an overhaul of the cabinet.

Anything short of empaneling a robust cabinet, and a sound economic management and advisory team may well sound a death kneel to the already troubled economy.

Understandably, there is a demand for the operational and governance structure of the country to be tweaked so that it stops being a clog to economic development. Economic progress often gets hindered in an atmosphere of insecurity. That Nigeria has such a huge number of internally displaced persons in peacetime is indicative of a deep-seated problem. Rebooting Nigeria’s economy will entail very serious and discernible efforts to curtail the myriads of existing security challenges. Moreover, Nigeria cannot fully take off economically with its crumbling and decrepit infrastructure. Access to capital, especially as it relates to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises should be prioritized. Financial inclusion for several unbanked Nigerians, especially men and women in the remotest parts of the country should stop being a matter of pity interventions but a sensible economic agenda to drive a shared economic growth.

•Chima is a Research Associate at Selonnes Consult, Awka; •Obaze is the MD/CEO, Selonnes Consult in Awka.

to my time here. But you know life support is expensive, right? Thanks for trying. Amen”, he said.

Before we lost Akachi in his own hands, there was report of a young man who took his life because of a failed relationship with a young lady. The young and handsome man was said to be a devoted Christian and a church worker, a chorister and drummer. As bad as the Nigerian economy has been, many people cannot but wonder how the bad economy could be blamed for a young girl who killed herself because her boyfriend abandoned her. How could someone blame the bad economy for a young man who was doing well for himself, a church worker, chorister or drummer, who took his life? This drummer, reports say, was about to wed his heartthrob but he lost her and he felt it was high time he ended the drama, with his life.

•Collins Ughalaa could be reached via email: ughalaacollins@gmail.com, or via telephone: 07066222944.

THE GROUP Managing Editor/COO Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Managing Editor/COO Sopuruchi Onwuka Chairman Editorial Board Igwebike Mbanefo SE/SS Editor Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Acting BDM Kelechi Nze Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

BUSINESS

MTN maintains gaining streak, as share price hits N119 • May overtake Dangote cement as most capitalized Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

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n what can be described as the biggest event in this quarter, MTN Nigeria was listed on the Premium Board of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) by way of introduction at N90 per share and gained 10percent representing N9 to close at N99 per share at the end of trading on the same day.

Specifically, a total of 20.3 billion Ordinary shares valued at N90 per share were listed by way of introduction. since then, the share price of MTN Nigeria has been rising due to massive demand, as it gained 20 percent the second day with price at N119.75kobo per share.

MTN gained N384.62 billion in two days, pushing its market value from the initial listing value of N1.83 trillion to N2.22 trillion; but it increased to N2.43 trillion last Monday. It opened trading at N108.6 kobo per share, and closed at N119.75 kobo.

On the other hand,Dangote Cement Plc, currently the most capitalized company on the NSE, opened the trading session with N176.00 kobo per share, and closed at N178.00 kobo . Result from offmarket dealings shows that nine deals were struck for 16.26 million ordinary shares of 2.0 kobo each of MTN Nigeria at N125 per share at the negotiated dealing window of the NSE. A market watcher who didn’t want his name in print said that with its current momentum, MTN Nigeria is on course to replace Dangote Cement Plc as the most capitalised company on the NSE. The telecoms company currently has a market capitalisation of N2.437 trillion while Dangote Cement has a market capitalisation of N3.016 trillion.

Although MTN Nigeria‘s share price is still behind Dangote Cement‘s share price value, the network operator’s shares are scarce because the company is yet to issue new shares.

As a result, the only way to buy them is from MTN willing shareholders. This has, therefore, placed a premium price on available shares.

Meantime, shareholders have tapped into the off-

market to sell shares at a higher price. Despite the higher price, surprisingly, investors’ are willing to buy even at the highest price above N120 per share.

The off-market transaction has nothing to do with the NSE as it is not involved. The transaction is strictly conducted between two parties on mutually agreed terms. In this case, the MTN shareholders and the investors (buyers).

This method also excludes the involvement of stock broking firms, because two shareholders can privately transfer shares between themselves. The reality is that the deals are simply sealed through the transfer portal of the Exchange after prearranged negotiation.

At the moment, investors don’t mind the price increase because MTN Nigeria‘s shares are currently the most sought after on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since it listed on the stock Exchange a week ago.

This is because the company is yet to issue new shares by way of Initial Public Offering (IPO).So, the only way to buy them is from willing shareholders. This has, therefore, placed a premium price on available shares.

Although, MTN didn’t give exact time to float an IPO, however, speaking at the listing ceremony on the floor of the NSE, the Chairman of MTN, Mr. Pascal Dozie, promised that the telecom company will plan for an IPO as it would help to deepen the capital market.

Meantime, the company is not in a hurry to raise stock which usually prompts companies on the stock exchange to issue new shares.

MTN Nigeria said the market environment and reason for raising funds will determine when the company will issue shares to the public.

For now, the only option is to find the company’s private shareholders who are willing to sell.

Interestingly, they are taking advantage of effective demand.

On the day of listing of MTN Nigeria on the Exchange, the total market capitalization rose by 18 percent to close at N12.52 trillion from N10.63 trillion the previous day.

• Chairman MTN Nigeria, Pascal Dozie

• EVC/CEO, NCC, Prof. Umar Dambatta

WASRA out with guidelines on Cross Border Issuance –Uduk

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he West African Securities Regulatory Authorities, WASRA has drawn up draft guidelines on cross border issuance of fixed incomes and a Mutual Recognition Agreement for the region.

These were some of the high points of the meeting of the body held in Sydney, Australia on the sidelines of the 44th conference/meeting of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions, IOSCO. Acting Director General Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk who spoke in an

interview, said members discussed these and others extensively at the meeting with the aim of giving a final approval in their next Executive Council meeting.

Prior to this, WASRA had also consented to the convergence of existing rules of capital market regulatory agencies within the region in a bid to ensure that cross-border listing is carried out with little or no hitches.

“This is expected to allow foreign companies carry out their businesses and assist in deepening capital markets within the West African sub-region.

The SEC DG disclosed that the body is working towards building the relationship between WASRA and ECOWAS Commission; working on the integrated supervision model needed for the establishment of crossborder transaction and issuers; the monitoring framework and recommendation of appropriate risk management framework for the supervision in the region (issuance of cross border).

Uduk therefore commended WASRA members for their

determination to build a strong and competitive regional market that would rank at par with the markets of other regions of the world, and more importantly, in the areas of transparency, disclosure, efficiency, accountability and investor protection.

Uduk also disclosed that the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee, AMERC met during the meeting and deliberated on the findings of a report on Listings as a challenge in the region; and members agreed to engage in consultation

Beware of loom money, SEC warn Nigerians

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he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has raised the alarm over the activities of some online fraudsters, who are currently running an online investment scheme tagged ‘Loom Money Nigeria’.

The commission in a statement said “Loom Money Nigeria, is taking over social media by targeting young people to participate in a pyramid scheme.”

The warning was given

by Acting Director General of the SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk during a press conference by the Minister of Finance in Abuja, recently.

Uduk who was represented by Acting Executive Commissioner, Operations of the SEC, Mr. Isyaku Tilde said the fraudsters, carry out their

illegitimate business activities via social media platforms like Facebook and whatsapp luring young Nigerians to invest as low as N1000 and N13,000 and get as much as 8 times the value of the investment in 48 hours.

Uduk said the venture had no tangible business model, describing it as a Ponzi scheme, where returns would be paid from other people’s invested funds.

“We are aware of the activities of an online investment scheme tagged ‘Loom Money Nigeria’. The platform has embarked on an aggressive online media campaign on Facebook and whatsapp to lure the investing public to participate by joining various Loom whatsapp groups to

invest as N1000 and N13,000 and get as much as 8 times the value of the investment in 48 hours.

“Unlike MMM that had a website and the promoter known, the people promoting Loom are not yet known and this pyramid scheme operates through closed groups mainly on Facebook and Whatsapp. If it were a local Ponzi scheme with known offices, it would be very easy for the Commission to seal their offices and freeze their accounts.

“We therefore wish to notify the investing public that the operation of this investment scheme has no tangible business model hence it’s a Ponzi scheme, where returns are paid from

other people’s invested sum. Also, its operation is not registered by the Commission. ” Uduk, therefore, advised the general public to distance themselves from the scheme, adding, “Please note that anyone that subscribes to this illegal activity does so at their own risk.”

She also assured that an inter-agency committee, Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC) is working on the issue, while also collaborating with security agencies to shut them down.

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors.

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

ENERGY What do you consider the main challenge for indigenous firms in deep water operations?

Nigerian oil and gas industry has come a long way. Clearly, oil industry continues to be relevant, continues to drive the economy of Nigeria, but not quite as much as we expected in terms of integration into the Nigerian economy as far as GDP contribution to the economy is concerned.

There are many structured manners that can be put in place to be able to achieve that. What is important is that available opportunities in services, whether it is in deep offshore or land or swamps, less than 20 per cent of that is touched today in terms of value. So, the opportunities are huge. That is what I can say.

OBB3 is a game changer and you are playing a key role in its delivery, how soon are we getting to the final stage and how does it feel with the impact of such strategic project that is going to change the way we deliver gas in Nigeria?

Let’s put OB3 in proper perspective. No pipeline has been built in Nigeria of that size or capacity. You may recollect that in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, we had the likes of Wilbros and others but no Nigerian players in the pipeline industry. Look at our all pipeline infrastructure today; nowhere has 48” pipelines have been built.

It is not about the pipeline, we have the Gas Treatment Plant (GTP) at Oben which is part of our scope.

This is a GTP that is handling two billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (2 Bscf/d). This has never existed anywhere in Africa. When we talk about OB3, it is not just about building a pipeline.

Our own section, don’t forget there are two lots there, we are building LOT-B that will take the gas from mid-point all the way to Oben plant plus the Oben plant itself. NOw, our pipeline was finished three years ago, but the treatment plant took a longer time because the location was changed from Oben North to the GTP location and it took us two years to go through re-engineering it and getting the approval.

But the story is clear, the pipeline and the GTP are going through precommissioning now on our own section. By September, our own lot would have been done, and I can only speak for Oilserv.

With the completion of your own lot, will it be operational without the other party completing its own section?

To some extent, no. But it depends on how the owner of the pipeline wants to use it. One thing you have to know is that the technicality is that we have a pipeline going to GTP Oben, but we have a 36’ line we built from Oben GTP to ELPS which is Oben Norh. That is by-directional pipeline, which means you can take gas from the GTP in Oben into ELPS or take from ELPS into GTP. So the answer is ‘Yes’ and ‘No”.

Yes, you can take gas from ELPS into Oben into Ajaokuta when we commission it. But the other section cannot be completed except Lot-A finishes in order to be able to evacuate gas all the way from Obiafu into Oben.

What would you consider part of the inhibiting factors to the movement of indigenous companies into deepwater terrain?

We are already operating in that terrain in reality. When you say deepwater operation, you look at it from two different points of views. Are

‘AKK pipeline to resolve unemployment, banditry in Nigeria’ you looking at Exploration and Production (E&P) ownership which is ownership or are you looking at services. I will talk from services point of view.

Nigerians have been participating in services in Bonga, Akpo, Usan.

All these have had Nigerians’ input.

There are two key issues with participation in deep-water arena. It is about technology and capital. Both will take time normally to scale up.

Nigerians are participating but we only scratching the surface, there is still more opportunity for participation.

Now, how do we increase that, we require to assemble capacity and integrate that capacity by working together in other to have synergy and be able to deal with bigger scope. But we are in the integration of FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading) vessels, which is the issue of topsides.

Nigerians are in drilling, pipelines, flowlines and risers. We are doing a lot, but it is very competitive and capital intensive; and we have to slowly build it up as soon as we can because we have proven capacity. But we need to do more because there is so much out there.

How do we ensure collaboration among indigenous players add value to the sector?

We have been adding value but not the level we desire. So the way we can achieve this is by collaborating and synergizing between entities like PETAN and all its members and be able to handle bigger scope and compete with international service providers.

Why is there no such collaboration at the moment?

It is the Nigerian factor. Everyone wants to do things in his own way; and it is not the way to go. If you go to houses with 20 flats, instead of one tenant providing energy and everyone connects to it, you will see everybody with his own generator.

It is a Nigerian factor. It is about understanding that the way to create value requires working together and not as an individual and we are going to get there.

What is your strategy in incorporating technology in your operations because as you can see, technology is taking the lead in oil and gas operations?

Managing Director of Africa’s leading petroleum pipeline company, Oilserv Limited, Emeka Okwuosa, is an eminent petroleum industry professional and investor. In this chat with reporters at the just concluded Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, USA, he declared milestones in government’s effort to deepen the domestic gas distribution infrastructure, arguing that gas would catalyze industrial activities and create jobs that would recover youths from crime. Excerpts.

We are already incorporating technology in our operations. Many years ago, you could not find any Nigerian company doing horizontal directional drilling. You would have had to go abroad for people to come and do it. We have deployed that. We have been able to cross rivers 48’ pipeline which would mean drilling and opening the line to 64’ which is a major challenge because it collapses a lot. We are encouraging technology a lot.

There have been talks about roles of robots in deep water operation.

Do you think that is possible in Nigeria?

Anything is possible but what we should be asking ourselves is that how do we put that side by side with the Nigerian initiative and benefits. If you take robotics totally the way you have seen it by displaying human capital, what happens to our economy. I won’t say it is not in our own interest to deploy that, and I won’t say you can stop that.

You can’t stop a moving train, you would have to realize that overtime, that may become the norm. But what do you do? You start to train people to develop such; you start to train people because somebody has to manage that. You will create a different skill to be able t drive that, but you cannot completely take out the

human interface.

So at what stage is the AKK project?

AKK project is a very unique project, not just what it would achieve, which is to be able to move gas to northern part of Nigeria and create availability of energy to drive industries and create job opportunities.

North does not have energy, unemployment continues, security problem continues, everybody will suffer.

Secondly, AKK is significant because it is the first time such project of that magnitude is being done as EPC and Finance. It is not like the previous projects where NNPC and other IOCs award you a project and pay for it and you go ahead and execute and collect your money.

We are providing the money and to provide such amount of money, the total value of the project for the two lots comes to $2.8billion. This is not a kind of money you raise in Nigeria. You have to go and raise that capital outside and for you to raise it, you need security. That security instrument is a process and part of it requires the federal government come in.

For instance, if you are backing up the financing with the tariff you will raise from that pipeline-don’t forget that most of that tariff for example will be in naira-a financier who is overseas doesn’t know what you are

talking about in naira. So, you have to provide an instrument of convertibility that has to come from the CBN guaranteeing that every collection in naira will be immediately converted to dollars. That’s a typical instrument.

These things take time to get through the government agencies.

So, we are going through that process and we are almost there. We have almost finalized the security and we have also started with the engineering.

As we speak, the AKK has started, that is the point I’m making.

Does the spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the north affecting the project?

We are Nigerians, if there is kidnapping, we will deal with it. You are not going to stop developing Nigeria because there is kidnapping.

In construction, we are tested and we are knowledgeable. We worked 100 per cent between 2002 and 2007 when kidnapping was the norm in the Niger Delta. Oilserv remained there. We worked in the swamps, maintained all the pipelines.

So, there are ways to do that. We are Nigerians, we work in Nigeria and we must create capacity in Nigeria. That is not going to be an impediment at all. It is a concern, but we have procedures to deal with that.

Nigerians are in drilling, pipelines, flowlines and risers.

We are doing a lot, but it is very competitive and capital intensive; and we have to slowly build it up as soon as we can because we have proven capacity. But we need to do more because there is so much out there.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

ENERGY NNPC explains management staff movements … Says No Staff was sacked

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he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has explained the recent staff movements in the Corporation, saying it was normal replacement and backfill exercise to bridge the gap occasioned by impending retirement of some management staff of the Corporation, among others.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in a release today in Abuja, explained that the exercise involved statutory retirement of 11 of its senior management staff as well as redeployment of 19 others, saying such replacements were always effected before the final exit of the concerned staff.

Mr. Ughamadu stated that in all 30 senior staff were affected by both the statutory retirements and redeployment.

He gave the list of staff on statutory retirement between 1st May and 31 July this year to include: General Manager, Chad Basin, Aniya Francis Umaru, who is from the north-eastern part of the country and retired on May 6th, 2019; Adewale Solomon Ladenegan, Managing Director, KRPC, who hails from the south-

west and retired on May 13th, 2019 and Musa Sulyman Gimba, who is the Group General Manager, NNPC Leadership Academy, who also is from the north-east and retired on May 14th, 2019.

Others include: Umma Ayuba Musa, who is the General Manager, HR & Admin Services, Duke Oil, from North-west and retired on May 19th, 2019; Emmanuel–Ate Mariagoretti Ndidi, General Manager, Support Services, NGC, from the southsouth region and retires on May 30th, 2019; Tsavnande Thaddeaus Atighir, Executive Director, Operations, from the northcentral; Okor Ovieghara, General Manager, Upstream/TA to GMD, who hails from the south-south region; Barau Mohammed Kabir, Managing Director, NGMC, who is from the north-western region; Dawaki Salihi Abubakar, the General Manager NLNG, LIMS, from the north-west; Ibrahim Aminu Bagudu, the Executive Director, ETSD, NPDC, who is from the north-west and Yusuf Shimingah Matashi, the Managing Director, NPDC, who hails from the north-western region retires on 17th July, 2019.

Eni’s wild cats grow reserves in Ghana, Angola

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ngola and Ghana are underway to becoming major regional petroleum reserves holders following a string of exploration successes by Italian exploration factor, Eni; which have resulted in new oil and gas reserves additions in both countries.

In the past three weeks Eni announced new light oil discoveries in Block 15/06 in Angola’s deep offshore and in Ghana’s offshore CTPBlock 4.

Eni which has been present in Angola since 1980 currently produces about 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the country.

The Block 15/06 joint venture comprises Eni, which has a 36.8421 percent operated interest, Sonangol P&P, which also has a 36.8421 percent interest, and SSI Fifteen Limited, which holds a 26.3158 percent stake.

The new Angolan discovery, which was made through the Ndungu-1 NFW well, is estimated to contain up to 250 million barrels of light oil in place and has “further upside”, according to Eni. The company revealed that “intensive data collection” indicates

a production capacity in excess of 10,000 barrels of oil per day.

Ndungu is the fourth discovery of commercial nature since the Block 15/06 joint venture re-launched its exploration campaign in mid-2018, Eni highlighted.

The company had last March announced a major oil discovery in the block’s Agogo exploration prospect. Earlier in December 2018, Eni had also announced a new oil discovery in the block’s Afoxe exploration prospect. Before then, in June 2018, the company had announced a new oil discovery in the block’s Kalimba exploration prospect.

The four discoveries altogether are already estimated to contain up to 1.4 billion barrels of light oil in place, according to Eni. In Ghana, Eni made a gas and condensate discovery in offshore CTP-Block 4.

Exploration well Akoma-1X, drilled on the Akoma exploration prospect, proved an estimated volume of 550-650 billion cubic feet of gas and 18-20 million barrels of condensate, according to Eni.

License renewal: Lekoil drops for settlement

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ndigenous independent exploration and production company, Lekoil, is seeking alternative resolution to license renewal disputes with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources after legal campaign to move the hands of government lingered.

The company stated in its website that it decided to withdraw legal action against the Ministry of Petroleum Resources after the court case became a major obstacle to peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Lekoil also stated that it would continue engagements with the regulator and the operator of OPL 310, Optimum Petroleum Development Company Limited, to conclude agreements and resolve all outstanding issues.

The company declared that

it has dropped its legal action against the Minister after it received a letter relating to an application for an extension (re-award) of the OPL 310 license.

It explained that the letter written on May 8 and received on May 13 notes the license expired on February 10 and ownership reverted back to the government, according to Nigeria’s Petroleum Act. The letter from the Ministry said that a re-award of the block to Lekoil would not be considered until the suit filed by the company against the Minister was withdrawn.

The letter from the Ministry said that failure to do so by Lekoil and other parties in the suit within 30 days would negate any consideration for re-award.

• L- R : Managing Director ,11Plc , Mr Adetunji Oyebanji ; Chairman 11Plc ,Mr Ramesh Kansagra ; Director ,Alhaji Abdulkadir Aminu ; Company Secretary , Mr Danladi Ochekpe ;Director , Mr Paul Obi and Director, Richi Kansagra during the company’s 41st Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

Seplat drowns N284.2 bn debt with N775.7 bn asset Sopuruchi Onwuka, and Kayode Ogunwale

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he financial report of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited strongly indicates that the company is currently surfing stable cash flow waves, carrying lighter debt liabilities on solid asset base.

Managing Director, Mr. Austin Avuru, declared at a media chat after the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos that the management has pressed down corporate debts to thresholds that now permit renewed drive for inorganic growth options through accretive asset acquisitions.

He said available cash flow levels plus stashed cash reserves affords the company the capacity to resume its dual asset growth programmes through organic processes that encourage work programmes and consequent reserves replacement and growth objectives.

Whereas the target positive reserves to production ratio builds assets by default, he explained, the company is also has a purse for driving inorganic acquisition deals through pointed search for prime assets that meets the company’s bargain standards.

No doubt the company’s debt profile remains large, according to the 2018 financial results, but considering its area of operation and financial performance of the company, one will say the debt is moderate.

The group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 shows that Seplat still maintains strong liquidity profile as its total assets stood at N775,656 billion against its total liabilities of N284,184 billion during the same period.

The ratio of its assets to liabilities stood at 2.73:1; which mean it can settle its current debts almost three folds.

The company stated that it manages its liquidity risk by ensuring that sufficient funds are available to meet commitments as

•Autin Avuru

they fall due. It deploys both long term and short term cash flow projections to monitor activity cash calls, and ensure sufficient cash to meet operational needs.

Chairman of the company, Dr. A. B. C Orjiako, said cash flow projections take into consideration the company’s debts and covenant compliance.

According to him, as part of the overall refinancing in March 2018, Seplat concluded a refinancing of the existing $300 million revolving credit facility with a new four year $300 million RCF at Libor +6 and alongside issued a debut $350 million bond priced at 9.25 percent.

“Proceeds of the refinancing were used to repay and cancel pre existing indebtedness and also to cash settle crude oil prepayments entered into during 2018 and 2017.

“The company believes that the successful refinancing really represents its final step in resetting the business following the extended period of force majeure in 2016 and 2017 that restricted distribution of oil production to market and limited oil sales during that period.

“As a consequence, the company took certain measures to ensure it maintained a liquidity

buffer and protected the core business, including the re-profiling of the debt facilities which in turn increased repayment obligations in 2018 and subsequent years.

“The refinancing has enabled Seplat to linger date its debt maturities and free up significant cash flow in 2018 and beyond that would otherwise have been consumed by servicing debt, thereby providing a greater financing resources to reinvest in the company’s organic and inorganic growth plans”, he said.

He stressed that, the bond issuance has also in particular diversified Seplat’s long term capital base and helped to lower its overall cost of borrowing.

“In August the bond was listed on the international Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange in addition to the original listing on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, further raising Seplat’s profile in the international capital markets”, he stated.

Seplat also announced N228 billion revenue in its full year 2018 financial result ended 31 December 2018. The figure represents an increase of 65 per cent from the N137 billion the company made in the 2017. Seplat, listed on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, also recorded N73 billion profit before differed tax, indicating 480 per cent increase from N13 billion which the company made over the same period in 2017.

A review of Seplat 2018 results indicates positive performance across all financial indices, confirming the company’s position as one of the well managed indigenous oil firms in Nigeria. The gross profit for the period grew by 84 percent to N120 billion from N65 billion reported in December 2017.

Operating profit stood at N95 billion, representing a growth of 177 percent over N34 billion recorded in the corresponding period of December 2017. Seplat’s net profit after tax dipped by 45 percent from N81 billion recorded as at December 2017 to N45 billion in December 2018.

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

e-Platform

Microsoft to open development centres in Nigeria, Kenya

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delegation from United States-based technology giant, Microsoft Corporation, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Friday with a promise to open a development centre in the country, as well as the East African nation of Kenya.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement, said the delegation was led by Mr Phil Spencer, Executive Vice President of Gaming at Microsoft.

Spencer discussed about the firm’s plan to set up African Development Centres in two locations on the continent, Nigeria and Kenya.

He said that the African Development Centre would be the 7th Global Development Centre for Microsoft across the world.

“Microsoft has a long-term ambition on the African continent, not only to create a market for Microsoft, but also to create a global centre for excellence and development,” he said.

Osinbajo told the delegation that the Federal Government was exploring all possibilities and opportunities to ensure that broadband connection was available to Nigerians.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration also planned to use technology to reduce some of the deficits in the healthcare and educational systems.

“The government would be looking forward to the development of the centre, as well as encouraging Microsoft to explore practically every opportunity and possibility in the country,’’ he said.

The meeting was attended by a number of Federal Government and Microsoft officials, including Ms Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

LG: Building a Sustainable Brand on Genuine Foundations

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Becoming recognised as a “sustainable” organisation can enhance brand equity, unlock opportunities to create new markets and launch sub-brands, line extensions and packaging innovations. In the electronics industry, a number of companies are reinventing themselves with fresh initiatives and brand identities with a sustainability focus.

Many have differentiated themselves by integrating sustainable thinking into the values and principles of their organisations, transforming all the functions that influence their brand and creating new opportunities in the process.

Consumers want to do business with a company they can trust.

Due to this, it is now common for a business to have a variety of external activities in place. In order to remain competitive in today’s market, one of the activities that businesses must practice is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Those that don’t will be unable to attract or retain top talent, continue to experience decreased sales, and risk going viral for all the wrong reasons on social media leading to a dam-

aged reputation.

In the area of sponsorship and social support, LG Electronics has shown that it’s a dependable brand that is committed to social support. The South Korean brand is always looking to generate a positive idea of their products in the minds of their consumers. As such, the company regularly supports events that it feels can influence consumer opinions and bring a positive change in their lives. Also, the rise of social media has put a lot of attention to external activates of each company. In other words, public activities are a very important factor that can affect businesses, and the importance cannot be overemphasized. You will see a few examples in the following slides.

According to Mr. Hari Elluru, Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West Africa Operations, “As a global company, LG Electronics wants to use its capabilities to help local communities all over the world solving some of their regional issues. For us, we believe that ‘Life’s Good’ when shared with others. We are committed to giving back to the society

because we believe doing good is good business.

“We have remained competitive while improving sustainability; we have enabled investment and innovation required to deploy new technologies and to safely and responsibly develop progressive products. LG Electronics will continue to support communities even in the future”, he said.

Over the years, LG Electronics has vigorously pursued its CSR initiatives with all sense of responsibility and commitment, placing it at the forefront of giving back to the society.

The company recently inaugurated a free laundry service for the people of Ogba, Ikeja and its environs who are facing the difficulty of water and power to efficiently carry out their washing chores.

The laundry cabin is equipped with state of the art facilities to effectively take care of laundry needs of the people at free of cost.

As a leading electronic giant, the company has also continued to create and donate some of its unique products to Nigerians. One of such innovation introduced was

•LG celebrates clients

the Mosquito Away. LG’s Mosquito Away was purpose-built to stand up to Nigeria’s stifling heat and humidity, delivering a powerful cooling performance and superior durability.

Many health care centres, hospitals, orphanages, schools among others across the country have also benefited from LG’s donations to better the lives of the people. Such donations include its visit to Kuje General FCT, Abuja where it donated some units of All New Gencool Inverter Air Conditioners, Jet Cool Air Conditioners as well as Treated Mosquito Nets to the hospital; commitment to the welfare of children at the Lagos State Motherless babies home, Lekki etc Some other sustainability projects embarked upon by the brand include: scholarship awards to best engineering UNILAG students; visit to Idi-Ayunre community in Ibadan where they donated LG anti-mosquito Air conditioners as well as treated mosquito nets to the Health Centre, award of scholarship to outstanding Engineering students of the University of Lagos, beach cleaning activity to mark world Environment Day where staff of the organization came together to clean an expansive beach in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos and many other activities like that.

The brand has received accolades from Nigerian consumers over the years, for having their interest at heart in the development of cutting edge technological products, embarked on this gesture in order to enhance health care delivery services in Nigeria.

Internationally, LG Electronics has received several recognition for its humanitarian services. Most notably, the United Nation Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Award in 2013 under the Global Compact Local Network for its global social program, the LG Hope Series.

The company has also declared an unwavering support to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on the promotion of good health and wellbeing (goal 3); quality education (goal 4); clean water and sanitation (goal 6); affordable and clean Energy (goal 7); decent work and economic growth (goal 8) etc.

Active GSM subscribers reach 173.7m in March

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igerian Communications Commission (NCC) says there is an addition of 43,807 active subscribers on the telecommunication networks in March 2019.

The telecommunications regulator disclosed this in its Monthly Subscriber/Operator Data made available on its website on Saturday.

The active subscribers on the telecommunications networks increased from 173,670,035 in February to 173,713,842 in March.

According to the data, 173,432,863 of the 173,713,863 active users subscribe to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network services.

The GSM operators’ active cus-

tomers’ figure increased by 156,335 in March, after the 173,276,528 subscribers recorded in February 2019.

The report stated that out of the GSM operators, MTN had 65,034,615 users in March, showing a decrease of 531,283 from the 66,565,878 it recorded in February 2019.

Globacom’s figure increased in March by 199,186 with 46,203,703 customers, as against 46,004,517 in February.

Airtel had 45,238,335 subscribers in the month under review, which showed an increase of 262,803 users, from the 44,975,532 recorded in February.

9mobile recorded 16,838,403 customers in March, having an in-

crease of 107,822 subscribers, against 16,730,581 in February.

Visafone, which just migrated from the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to the GSM network had 117,807 subscribers in the month of March. The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators recorded 4,460 subscribers in the month under review, indicating a decrease of 119,087 from 123,547 users in February 2019.

The only surviving CDMA operators, Multi-Links had 4,460 in the month under review, same with the record of February 2019.

The monthly subscriber/operator data showed that the Fixed Wireless network (landline) consumers re-

mained at 26,865 in March.

One of the two landline networks, Visafone had 26,437 subscribers, while Multi-Links maintained its record of 428 customers in the month under review.

It also revealed that the Fixed Wired operators (landline) subscriber base decreased by 641; reducing to 107,154 users in March, as against 107,795 recorded in February 2019.

In the Fixed Wired arena, MTN Fixed moved from 5,459 users in February 2019 to 5,449 users in March, thereby decreasing by 10 customers.

Glo Fixed had 2,789 users in March, decreasing by 95 customers from the February record of 2,884.

IpNX network moved from 2,233 subscriber base in February 2019 to 2,221 in March, hence, its customers decreased by 12.

It said that 21st Century Network had 96,695 customers in March, recording a decrease of 524 users from its February record of 97,219 subscribers.

The report also showed that the two Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) networks had 142,500 active users in March, as their customers increased by 7,200 from their February 2019 subscriber base of 135,300.

Of the VOIP networks, Smile Communication had 137,247 customers, giving an increase of 7,779 users to its February result of 129,468.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

e-Platform

Facebook secretly helped phone makers gather user data –Report

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acebook has supplied phone companies with customers’ private data without their knowledge or consent, and even helped those companies use Facebook behaviour to evaluate users’ creditworthiness, documents reportedly show.

The social network supplied data on location, interests, and friend groupings to phone carriers and manufacturers without users’ permission – data that went far beyond mere technical specs.

Users’ activity on Facebook, Instagram and even Messenger was fair game for data-mining, and the platform encouraged and even assisted over 100 global telecoms to use customers’ data for purposes including evaluating their creditworthiness, according to documents seen by the Intercept, which suggest the program is still going on.

Facebook data scientists working on its “Actionable Insights” programme developed an algorithm to exclude customers with poor credit history from future promotions by a client, determining creditworthiness through users’ online behavior, according to the document, which presented this case study as an example of what clients could achieve through the program.

Google suspends Huawei’s Android license

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he United States-China trade war has just turned very sour for Huawei, the world’s second-biggest smartphone manufacturer and key 5G network equipment provider.

Companies like Google, Intel, Broadcom, Xilinx, Qualcomm, and others, have suspended business with the Chinese maker, following an executive order by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. This means any future smartphones will come without Google services or any sort of networking hardware.

Regarding current owners of Huawei smartphones, Google confirmed on Twitter the following: “[..] services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device.”

Although Huawei already manufactures its own flagship chips like Kirin 980 with the Balong 5000 modem for 5G connectivity, the company is heavily reliant on U.S equipment for cheaper devices that are the carrier rocket of the company towards its #2 spot on the smartphone market.

According to an analyst, Huawei “is heavily dependent on U.S. semiconductor products and would be seriously crippled without supply of key U.S. components.”

Porting: 9mobile gains additional 7,297 customers in March

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igerian Communications Commission (NCC) said that telecommunications operators carried out 21,440 Mobile Number Portability activities in March 2019.

The regulatory body made this known in its ”Incoming and Outgoing Porting Activities of Mobile Network Operators Report” on its website.

The commission said in the report that 14,639 subscribers ported within the networks in February, hence an increase of 6,801 activities in March.

It said that out of the 21,440 porting activities recorded in March, 10,945 were ”Incoming Porting Activities”, while 10,495 were ”Outgoing Porting Activities”.

The regulatory body said that in the outgoing table, 4,515 subscribers moved from Airtel Nigeria to other networks

t h r o u g h Mobile Number Portability in March.

According to NCC, those who left Airtel increased by 3,336, as against 1,179 customers who deserted the network in February.

It said that in the month of March, 3,176 customers moved from Globacom Nigeria, showing an increase of 895 subscribers against 2,281 that left the service provider in February.

NCC said that 1,583 subscribers moved from 9mobile in the month under review, representing a decrease of 218 customers as against 1,801 who left the network in February.

It said that 1,221 customers of MTN Nigeria ported to other networks within the same

period, showing a decrease of 422, when compared with 1,643 users who left in February.

In the incoming table, 9mobile led with an additional 7,297 customers joining its network in the month of March.

MTN Nigeria came second on the gainers’ list with 1,502 subscribers; 1,444 subscribers moved to Airtel Nigeria, while Globacom Nigeria got 702 customers.

The exercise was launched on April 22, 2013 by NCC, with the aim of deepening competition in the industry.

Ministry of Communications mulls ICT Development Bank –Shittu

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inister of Communications, Dr Adebayo Shittu on Monday said that the Ministry was pushing for the establishment of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Development Bank to provide funding for broadband and data infrastructure development.

Shittu disclosed this during a valedictory press conference organised for him in Abuja.

According to the minister, the proposed bank would serve as a special purpose vehicle to propel the growth of ICT sector under Private Public Partnership (PPP).

He added that the bank would support stakeholders and technology start-ups at low interest rates.

While highlighting some achievements of the ministry under his leadership since November 2015, Shittu said that the country had recorded increased deployment of technology through significant investments.

He said “technologies like blockchain, internet of things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, 3D printing and big data are being adopted by government agencies.

“There are over 50, 000 base transmitter stations and over 150, 000 kilometers fibre broadband infrastructure.

“Five mobile radio frequency monitoring equipment and national spectrum management systems have been launched for effective monitoring of frequency bands.

“The first mobile radio

frequency monitory equipment, a national spectrum system, a Denial of Service (DOS) equipment, and a national control centre in Abuja have also been launched.’’

Shittu, however, emphasised the need to expand investments in ICT infrastructure to extend connectivity to unserved and underserved areas.

He also said that the ministry showed great concern for the plight of service providers.

“The national Economic Council has approved a policy to harmonise rights of way charges payable by telecom companies and related public utility infrastructure on local governments, states and federal highways.

“This is a policy to minimise the spaces occupied, the burden on the roads and reduce taxes payable by

telecom operators,’’ Shittu said.

He further called for the review of the 2012 National ICT Policy as well as the Nigerian Communications Act crucial in the development of the sector.

Shittu said that total foreign direct investments to the telecommunications and information technology sector stands at 1.73 billion dollars.

He added that while internet penetration rose from 45 per cent in 2015 to 53 per cent in 2018, telephony subscribers increased from 151 million in 2015 to 173 million in 2018.

“Broadband penetration rate as at March 2019 was 33 per cent, while tele-density grew 123 percent in 2018 and mobile penetration rate increased from 83 percent in 2015 to 84 per cent in 2018,’’ Shittu said.

•The newlyunveiled 13.3” OLED display Lenovo ThinkPad X1, the world’s first foldable PC.

Airtel 4G Network to accelerate economic activities –Ogunsanya

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anaging Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, says the launch of Airtel 4G in Imo with innovative offerings was to empower and offer value to the people of the state.

He said the launch was for the total modernization of the Airtel Network Infrastructure and would also accelerate economic and commercial activities in the state.

Ogunsanya, who was represented by Mr Emeka Opara, Head, Corporate Communications and Sales of Airtel made this known at the launch of Airtel 4G Service in Owerri on Friday.

He said the launch of 4G LTE (Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution) was just a formal notification as Airtel 4G had been in existence.

He said launch first done in Ibadan, was a glowing testimony of the company’s commitment to partner and empower the people of the state.

“4G comes with tons of benefits: it will accelerate economic and commercial activities and it will boost personal and professional productivity.

“It will help in creating more entrepreneurs; it will offer the youth a big leverage to express their creativity and talent. It will improve the overall quality of life and connect more people to their dreams.

“With 4G, Airtel will also power people, businesses and aid governance through technology.

Ours is a 4G service that is not only fast and reliable but a 4G service that works,” he said.

Ogunsanya noted that to make use of the service, one must ensure that he had a device that was 4G enabled, as well as upgrade his current SIM card to an Airtel 4G SIM through a SIM SWAP. Ogunsanya, who doubles as the Airtel Chief Executive Officer, said the company was passionate about enriching lives and creating value for all stakeholders, adding that they also believe that delivering a superior 4G experience is a major step in actualising the objective of making life simple and better for Nigerians.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

AVIATION Poor runway: FG threatens to downgrade or shutdown Enugu airport Stories by VICTOR NZE

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inister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has again decried the poor state of the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as he warned that the Federal Government may consider either downgrading it or outrightly shutting down the facility to avoid any major incident.

Speaking during the 2019 Stakeholders’ Forum held Friday, Sirika disclosed further that entreaties made to the Enugu State Government to aid his Ministry carry out renovations on the runway were all to no avail.

According to Sirika, the state government was supposed to remove its state radio station mast at the runway, relocate its market which has an abattoir that attract birds and some a free trade zone at the edge of the runway that would aid repairs. ”We may downgrade Enugu Airport in terms of international airport. The runway is terrible. I have been there three times, seen the governor of the state and told them what to do but nothing has happened. ”There is a market and an abattoir there at the side of the runway.

And this attracts birds. Of recent Air Peace suffered a bird strike and

this affected the airline, thank God no major incident. ”At the end of the Enugu runway, you have the government establishing a free trade zone at the Centre. Enugu is to the East what Kaduna is to the North. When government wanted to expand the runway to 60m long and 71m wide there were few houses there and we were promised that they would be demolished and the owners compensated so we can have the improvement but now they have built more houses. ”Enugu airport would have to be closed down, that is the honest truth. I’ve told the governor, please let’s face Enugu; expand it and ex-

tend the runway. We can push the market two or three kilometers away. We spent US$100 million dollars to do the terminal but who is going to go there? Even domestic airlines we will stop,” Sirika said.

However, following the minister’s warning, the Enugu state Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe, issued the government’s directive to comply with the Ministry of Aviation.

“Following safety concerns raised by Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) on potential air hazards in and around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu as well as the near tragic air mishap that occurred on 6th May, 2019, the

Sirika inaugurates remodeled Ibadan airport terminal building

A From right: Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Commissioner, Engr. Akin Olateru and the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile (BEA) Paris, France, Director Remi Jouty shortly after signing the agreement on technical cooperation.

projects that would uplift the standard of the aviation industry.

Ibadan Airport Manager, Mr Victor Akinyelure, said that the airport was under utilised, adding that the renovation would enhance its growth. ”Ibadan has a lot of potentials and upgrading the airport will make us to operate actively. ”When I came on board with my management team, we did our survey and we discovered that more than 3,000 people travel from Ibadan to the South East, including Enugu, Port Harcourt, Imo and so on.

”We also discovered that more than 2,000 people travel from Ibadan to all these West African countries. ”What we are now looking at is how this airport can capture about 50 per cent of those people and it will be good for us,” Akinyelure said.

The manager, who also disclosed that the airport runway was 2,400 by 60 meters, said it needed to be extended to be able to accommodate larger aircrafts. ”Apart from that, we also believe that they will get us the Instrument Landing System (ILS)

which is very critical to safe landing and so many other things,” he stated.

In his remarks, Sen. Olusoji Akanbi representing Oyo South Senatorial District, said efforts were being made to ensure that Ibadan Airport functioned at full capacity like those in Lagos and other cities.

Akanbi, who commended the ministry for the rehabilitation work, urged government to do more to enable pilgrims fly directly from Ibadan.

He also noted that upgrading the airport would decongest Lagos Airport.

AIB signs agreement with French agency on technical cooperation

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he Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Nigeria has signed Executive Technical Cooperation Programme (ETCP) agreement with the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile (BEA) Paris, France Commissioner/CEO of AIB, Engr. Akin Olateru, while signing the Executive Technical Cooperation Programme (ETCP) in Paris, Monday, remarked that the pact is aimed at strengthening the relationship

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resident Muhammad Buhari has approved the appointment of Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu as the new Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Yadudu is to take over from the erstwhile Managing Director, Engr.

Saleh Dunoma.

Yadudu an ICAO /ACI accredited International Airport Professional, was until his new appointment, the Director of Airport Operations of the authority.

A statement issued by the Deputy Director Press & Public Affairs , Ministry of Transportation (Aviation), James Odaudu also said that the new Managing Director holds professional certifications in Avionics, Airport Safety Management Systems , Airport Security Management, Air Transport Systems Management, amongst others.

His appointment takes immediate effect.

Upgrade of landing facilities at Benin airport good for FG, airlines –Air Peace

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inister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, on Saturday inaugurated the rehabilitated multi million naira Ibadan Airport building.

Sirika said at the inauguration that the airport was vital to the socio economic activities of the South West Zone, adding that the Federal Government was aware of its critical importance. ”This city of Ibadan is indeed a pillar city in West Africa, just like Kano and the importance of Ibadan as a city, its environs and the rich history, culture, tradition, trade, commerce and the size of the population are too important to be ignored. ”Against this background, the Ministry of Transportation and Aviation decided to rehabilitate the Ibadan terminal building and some other associated works, including the perimeter fence of the airport so as to recreate the activities around the airport and return it to its past glory, ” he stated. ”We have achieved this feat as part of the 157 projects that we undertook during this administration and we completed 134 of them with this as one of them,” he added.

He promised that government would continue to embark on

Yadudu replaces Dunoma as new FAAN MD

with its counterpart in France; with intentions of tapping into, and benefiting from its wealth of experience, expertise and technical know-how in aviation accident investigation, for the common good of AIB and other African countries that may be happy to draw assistance from AIB’s resources.

Impressed by the quality of work coming out of AIB Nigeria, relative to aviation accident investigation and the effectiveness of its service

delivery exemplified by its role in undertaking air accident investigation for Republic of Sao Tome and Principe in 2018 and the several others within Nigeria, France through BEA, came up with the ETCP to assist and support AIB through capacity building, information sharing and knowledge transfer.

Olateru stressed that “what we just did today is to help both countries fulfill our obligations as regards the International Civil Aviation Organization

(ICAO) convention on accident investigation and walk the talk with the theme ‘No Country Left Behind’” BEA Director Remi Jouty, commended the strategic direction and performance of AIB-N particularly in the last two years.

In his remarks, Jouty expressed joy at the sealing of the pact: and added that ‘Akin you are doing a great job here establishing a solid structure that will survive your administration’.

ir Peace has commended the Federal Government for upgrading the navigational facilities at the Benin Airport.

It said that this would help airlines and aircraft owners to perform flights at night and periods when there would be low visibility.

Corporate Communications Manager of the airline, Mr Chris Iwarah, who gave the commendation, Monday in Lagos, said that it was a welcome development and Benin would join the Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano airports where airlines could operate into and from at night in the country.

The newly installed Precision Approach Lighting System and Instrument Landing System Category II at the airport were inaugurated by the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika on May 18.

“Before now, you could fly into four airports late and this had created a lot of implications for both the airlines and passengers.

“If there is any disruption or delay into those airports that are called `sunset airports’ that you can’t fly into once it is 6.30p.m., it is always a huge problem because the passengers will be angry and agitated. But, once the airport can operate at any time, the passengers may be angry but they will get to their destinations though it may be late,” said Iwarah.

He said that the upgrading of the facilities at Benin Airport would help to reduce the visibility challenges usually faced in the past by airline operators.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

Travel & Hospitality Air Peace forces unruly passenger off Owerri-Lagos flight …Over Igbo translation argument Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ir Peace has said it forced a passenger identified as Mr. Christopher Aniagboso off from its Lagos-Owerri flight to guarantee the safety of its crew and customers.

The passenger had insisted that safety procedures and requirements for passengers sitting by the exit door of the plane be translated to him in Igbo language.

A statement issued by Air Peace Corporate communications manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah, said the airline insisted that conducts with the potential of jeopardising the safety of its passengers and crew were not welcome on any of its flights.

“Mr. Christopher Aniagboso had missed his morning LagosOwerri flight on May 12, 2019.

He later showed up for the afternoon flight in good time and was issued an over-wing exit seat on request.

“After boarding, he was approached by a crew member for the normal safety briefing for passengers in the over-wing exit seats, but he suddenly claimed he could not understand English.

Other passengers around him offered to translate to him, but he insisted that the crew must brief him in Igbo.

“When all efforts to have Mr. Aniagboso cooperate with the crew failed, the crew advised him to change his seat as the flight was already running late. He declined the advice to change his seat. The captain of the flight, who was eventually briefed on the development, also did everything to secure Mr. Aniagboso’s cooperation to no avail. At this point, our crew members were left with no other alternative than to advise Mr. Aniagboso to disembark to enable the flight depart.

“It is important to state that only those who are able to clearly understand and express their willingness to perform their safety responsibility are allowed by aviation regulations to sit in the exit row. It is also clearly stated in the safety cards that only those who can speak English are allowed to sit in the exit row.

“Also, all through his interaction with our ground staff, Mr. Aniagboso communicated in fluent English. His claim of not being able to communicate in English at the point of the safety

From Left: General Manager, Lagos Aviation Academy, Chinasa Mbene; best graduating student in ‘IATA managing the travel business course’, for March 2019 set, Adeola Alade; and Managing Director of the Academy as well as President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr Bankole Bernard, at the presentation of certificate to Alade recently in Lagos.

briefing was, therefore, only meant to disrupt and delay the flight.

“Air Peace takes pride in promoting the use of all local languages on board our flights without discrimination.

We encourage our crew to speak the local language whenever it is possible to do so. But we do not allow passengers with ill motive to disrupt our flights and endanger the safety of our esteemed customers and crew.

“Conducts with the potential of jeopardising the safety of our esteemed customers and crew are not welcome on any of our flights.”

Oriental Hotel Lekki up for sale as core investor divests

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estern Metal Products Company (WEMPCO) says it is pulling out its investment in the popular Lagos Oriental Hotel to focus on its core manufacturing mandate.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the company said it has no plans of exiting Nigeria despite the challenging business environment.

It said WEMPCO Group of Companies was founded by businessman and entrepreneur, K.F. Tung, over 50 years ago.

Tung passed away on March 27, 20l9, aged 97.

“While K.F.’s presence and guidance will be missed, both the Tung family and everyone at the WEMPCO Group of Companies remains fully committed to contributing to the ongoing growth and development of Nigeria,” it said.

“The Lagos Oriental Hotel is a flagship in the Nigerian hospitality business but is not a flagship of the WEMPCO Group. It is an investment

made by the Group in 2008, but not part of our core manufacturing business.

“Although the recent spate of advertisement of the Hotel was not initiated or authorised by our Group, to divest in the asset would simply be a commercial decision based on the merits of a reasonable transaction.”

The hotel, which is located at 3, Lekki – Epe Expressway, Victoria Island, was listed for sale at N94 billion ($250 million).

THIC 2019 set to shape future of hospitality in Nigeria

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he Hospitality Industry Conference (THIC) 2019 is set to shape the future of the industry in Nigeria.

The global trend of positive impacts of hospitality and tourism with the space evolved gave birth to THIC as the access key of unlocking the opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria.

This exciting and informative platform is championed by 2wenty2 Hospitality, an allied servicing company.

The second edition of this one-

day content packed event will hold on the 15th of June, 2019 at The Civic Centre Lagos State, Nigeria with the theme: Shaping the future of Hospitality in Nigeria.

The Hospitality Industry Conference (THIC) is an educational and networking platform which focuses on the Hospitality and tourism industries in Nigeria.

The knowledge based conference provides a unique global forum for academics, chefs, Industry leaders and key hospitality practitioners to deliberate on critical issues that will affect the future direction of tour-

ism and the Hospitality industry in Nigeria.

The event will feature keynote speeches, panel sessions, industry round table, high level networking and creative presentations, cocktail and luncheon.

According to the convener, Yvonne Mordi, THIC 2018 was exhilarating and impactful.

“THIC 2019 will be more promising. It will be a window of gaining from expert information, comprehensive understanding of opportunities in the industry and accessing industry players.

SAHCO secures ISAGO re-certification

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kyway Aviation Handling Company Plc’s (SAHCO) Corporate Headquarters in Lagos and the Abuja station have been recertified by International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The recertification was issued to SAHCO after it passed the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) standards audit conducted on the company after the expiration of the previous certification.

By this recertification, it means that SAHCO PLC has continued to model its operations in Lagos and Abuja to ISAGO standards, as a result making a commitment to continue to operate to globally accepted industry best practices.

The Audits cuts across Load control, Passenger and Baggage Handling, Aircraft Handling and Loading, Aircraft Ground Movement, Cargo and Mail Handling.

As already pledged to its clients (current and prospective), it is SAHCO’s resolve to continually provide quality and efficient Passenger, Ramp and Cargo Handling Services in line with best practices and the highest International Standards to the delight of its customers and benefit of all stakeholders, utilizing State-of-the-art equipment, skills, procedures and facilities, and employing a dedicated workforce.

The revalidation was issued to SAHCO after an onsite confirmation of the implementation of the ISAGO Audit which was certified to be in compliance with internationally recognized quality auditing principles.

ISAGO audit is essential to promote safe ground operations and

understanding of high-risk areas within ground operations, the audit also eliminates redundant audits from airlines thereby promoting a uniform audit process and harmonized standards that improve quality standards in Aviation Ground Handling.

SAHCO Plc is a publicly quoted company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. It is incorporated as an Aviation Ground Handling services provider under the Nigerian Company & Allied Matters Act of 1990.

SAHCO, which was formerly known as Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited before it was privatized and handed over to the SIFAX Group on December 23, 2009, was carved out of the defunct Nigeria Airways as part of the Nigerian government’s Ministry of Aviation reform of 1996. On the 23rd of April, 2019 the company got listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s Main Board.

The company is the only surviving subsidiary of the defunct Nigerian Airways and is the first government privatized company to be successfully listed under the guidance of the Bureau of Public Enterprises.

In SAHCO, the business model is geared towards delivering premium services and this has necessitated massive investment in personnel development, fleet replacement and infrastructure development over the years, with a spread to twenty-one (21) commercially operated airports, as a result making SAHCO a one-stop shop for Passenger Handling, Cargo & Ramp Handling services in the Nigerian Aviation Ground Handling services.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION

NAICOM again reviews capital base for insurance, reinsurance companies VICTOR NZE

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resh from a failed bid to restructure and rebase capital of insurance firms operating in the country, last October 1, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) last Monday, again announced the recapitalisation of insurance and reinsurance companies in the country.

This is contained in a circular dated 20th May 2019, with reference No. NAICOM/DPR/CIR/25/2019 signed by the Director, Policy And Regulation Directorate, NAICOM, Mr Pius Agboola.

The circular reads: “In the exercise of the powers conferred on the commission by the enabling laws,

the minimum paid up share capital requirement of insurance and reinsurance companies in Nigeria is hereby reviewed. ”NAICOM has revised minimum paid-up capital in life, general, composite and Reinsurance from N2 billion, N3 billion, N5 billion and N10 billion to N8 billion, N10 billion, N18 billion and N20 billion respectively.

“In 2015/7, the insurance industry witnessed its last recaptilization and despite the astronomical increase in value of insured assets, consequent exposure to higher level of insured liabilities and operating cost of insurers, same capital continued to rule in the insurance industry.”

It further noted that the revised minimum paid-up capital shall apply to all insurance and reinsurance

except Takaful operators and Microinsurance companies.

“The new minimum paid-up share capital requirements shall take effect from the commencement date of this circular for new applications while existing insurance and reinsurance companies shall be required to fully comply not later than June 30, 2020,” read the circular.

Explaining further the new directive, announced Monday, NAICOM’s Head, Commissioners Directorate, Mr Salami Rasaaq, in a statement in Abuja, said the minimum capital base for life insurance companies has now been increased from N2 billion to N8 billion while General Insurance was increased from N3 billion to N10

billion.

He said Composite insurance was increased from N5 billion to N18 billion while reinsurance capital base was increased to N20 billion from N10 billion capital base.

Rasaaq said: “The circular shall apply to all insurance and reinsurance companies other than takaful operators and micro insurance companies.

“The new minimum paid-up share capital requirement shall take effect from the commencement date of the circular for new applications which is May 20, 2019.

“Existing insurance and reinsurance companies shall be required to fully comply not later than June 30, 2020.

“The provision in respect of

requirement of statutory deposit as stipulated in part three, Section 10 of the Insurance Act 2003 shall apply on the effective date of commencement.

“And all insurance and reinsurance companies are required to ensure strict compliance with the circular.’’

According to Rassaq, the insurance industry witnessed its last recapitalisation in 2005/2007.

He said in spite of the astronomical increase in value of insured assets, consequent exposure to higher level of insured liabilities and operating cost of insurers, the same capital continued to rule in the insurance industry.

He said the commission exercised the power conferred on it by law to review the minimum capital base for the companies in the country.

It would be recalled that the regulatory agency of government for insurance had sought to introduce a Tier-Based Solvency Capital (TBMSC) policy for operators in the sector.

AXA’s GWP hits N33.9bn in 2018

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From left: Independent Director, FBNInsurance, Mr. Caleb Yaro; Non-Executive Director, FBNInsurance, Mr. Aderemi Ogunmefun; Non-Executive Director, FBNInsurance, Margaret Dawes (SA); Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FBNInsurance, Mr. Val Ojumah; Chairperson, FBNInsurance, Mrs. Adenrele Kehinde; Company Secretary, FBNInsurance, Mrs. Anne Edeogu; Non-Executive Director, FBNInsurance, Mr. Oyewale Ariyibi; Company Secretary, FBNHoldings, Mr. Seye Kosoko during the FBNInsurance Annual General Meeting which held in Lagos recently.

Anambra health insurance agency enrolls over 34,000

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xecutive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, says the body has enrolled more than 34,000 persons within six months of its inception in 2018.

Onyemaechi who disclosed this, Monday in Awka, said that 260 private and public hospitals are currently providing healthcare services to enrolees across the 21 local government areas of the state, further adding that he was impressed with the response of

the residents to the scheme.

“On assumption of this agency in November 2018, our projection was to have 1,000,000 persons enrolled into our scheme within only one year, but presently we have more than 34,000 persons,” he said.

“Our services is open to every resident of the state include; promotion, prevention, curative and rehabilitation.

“We treat common infection and infestation like malaria, typhoid, pneumonia,

gastroenteritis and almost all childhood illness for under-fives.

“The agency equally offer antenatal services, labour and delivery for pregnant mother’s including delivery by caesarean section and cover common surgeries like appendectomy, among others,” he said.

Onyemaechi said the services of the agency could be accessed by people in formal and informal sectors.

“Formal sector are public and civil servants, while the informal

are people in privately owned ventures,” he said.

Onyemaechi who listed scores of advantages of enrolment into the scheme, added that embracing the scheme could reduce maternal and childhood related deaths.

He called on the wealth to do in the state to help pay N12, 500 annual premiums for the less privileged persons in their communities, adding that such gesture could reduce pressure on them.

FBNInsurance rewards Ember Championship winners

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s part of its corporate strategy to motivate outstanding staff and increase performance in terms of policy uptake, sales persistency and new businesses, FBNInsurance Limited, an FBNHoldings Company associated with the Sanlam Group SA, recently rewarded winners of her annual MD/CEO Ember Championship Award.

At the 2018 award presentation which held recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,

Odinakachi Umekwe, Head, Retail Distribution, in his statement, reiterated that the MD/CEO Ember Championship was designed to push new premiums and increase persistency between September and December every year. “We know how hard it is to get people to buy insurance, especially as the year ends. To encourage sales and get new businesses, this competition was set up to reward the Sales Area that meets certain sales criteria during this

period,” he said.

For ease of administration of the award, the country was divided into Areas. Port Harcourt Area won the best performing Area while Benin and Enugu came second and third respectively for the period under review.

While presenting the winning Area with a cash reward for its effort and exceptional performance, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FBNInsurance Ltd., Valentine Ojumah, commended the area

and charged them to do more for a greater reward and to retain the trophy next year.

He also promised to continue to adequately support them to ensure they meet their sales target just as he enjoined other areas to step up their performance in order to join the league of the winners.

FBNInsurance operates a robust retail structure of over 2,000 retail agents operating out of 42 sales outlets nationwide.

XA Mansard Insurance Plc has declared gross written premium (GWP) of N33.9 billion in its 2018 financial year, up by 26 per cent from the N26.8 billion in 2017.

The company’s net premium income grew by 43 per cent to N19.7 billion from N13.8 billion in 2017, while profit before tax rose by five per cent to N3.4 billion in 2018, from N3.2 billion in 2017.

However, profit after tax was impacted by significant one-off tax provisions during the year, resulting in a seven per cent dip to N2.5 billion from N2.7 billion in 2017.

The company put its total assets at N73.8 billion, representing 11 per cent growth from N66.5 billion recorded in 2017, while shareholders’ funds grew by three per cent to N20.9 billion from N20.3 billion in the same period under review, remaining well in excess of regulatory requirements.

Chairman, Olusola Adeeyo, who made this known at the company’s 27th Yearly General Meeting in Lagos, said the growth witnessed in gross written premium was supported by continued growth in their health business, making the company the health insurance industry leader, while maintaining their position in other segments.

On dividend, he explained that due to the guidelines on Tier-Based Minimum Solvency Capital (TBMSC) Policy, the company took strategic decisions to optimise their balance sheet to align with the guidelines in readiness for the implementation of the policy.

He stated that although, the policy was later withdrawn by the regulator, they had already taken the necessary actions on it, adding that while the step taken had a significant impact on their working capital, they are confident that the benefits in terms of readiness to secure future business opportunities and ensure the continued profitability of the company far outweighs any short term discomfort.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

EQUITY & Capital Market NSE wins Rotary’s Invaluable Award for CSR

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Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

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otary International District 9110, Nigeria has bestowed on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) an ‘Outstanding Invaluable Company Award’ for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in the areas of Education, Health, Economic and Youth Empowerment, Environment, amongst others.

The Rotary District Governor, Mr. Kola Sodipo in a notification letter said The NSE is chosen for the award based on its “impactful Corporate Social Responsibility projects in the areas of Education, Health, Economic and Youth Empowerment, and Environment, amongst others, which Rotary considers invaluable in the service to humanity.

Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria is one of the 535 Districts that make up Rotary International worldwide and is comprised of over 100 Rotary Clubs with over 3000 professional men and women as members.

The award was presented to The NSE at the 2019 edition of the Rotary Friendship Night/Governor’s Magazine Launch and Awards which hosted the Consular General of Germany in Nigeria, Dr. Stefan Traumann, as the Guest Speaker.

Commenting on the award,Head of Corporate Communications, NSE, Mr. Olumide Orojimi, expressed his appreciation to Rotary for the recognition and noted that the Exchange is committed to strengthening its engagements and deepening its impact through social interventions across Nigeria.

Orojimi said, “NSE is changing the educational outcomes of children in the North-East through the donation of Maisandari Alamderi Model Nursery and Primary School in Borno State.

•NSE CEO, Oscar Onyema

Through our community interventions in health, education and financial literacy across the country, we will continue to play our part towards realising the Sustainable Development Goals, thereby increasing the chances of achieving a better and more sustainable future for all”.

In another development, he also solicited support for the forthcoming 2019 edition of the

NSE Corporate Challenge, an annual, highly competitive and fun-filled 5-kilometre walk, run and jog competition designed to raise awareness and funds to support cancer causes.

“For five years now, the Corporate Challenge has been focused on cancer awareness and advocacy as well as raising funds to support the fight against cancer.

The event, which is now in its 6th

31 journalists receive CIS scholarship awards

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total of 31 Financial Journalists were awarded scholarships by The Chartered Institute of Stock brokers (CIS) to undergo the institute’s Diploma Progamme in Securities and Investment Market geared towards strengthening information dissemination.

This was announced at a ceremony last Thursday where the awards were conferred on them in Lagos, the institute said the scholarships further demonstrated its determination to invest in human capital for overall development of the market, especially in information dissemination.

According to the institute, the programme will not only deepen the beneficiaries’ knowledge of the market, but pave the way for them to aspire to become professional securities dealers.

CIS President, Adedapo Adekoje said the awards were part of the corporate social responsibilities (CSR) of the institute aimed at improving the skills of those who cover the capital market for professional reportage.

He noted the propensity for market information by stakeholders in the capital market ecosystem and the roles of financial journalists in the process.

“It is hardly contestable to say that investors, especially in Nigeria, form their opinion of the capital market from what they read in the mass media. In recent years, this has been further amplified by the social media. It is, therefore, critical that financial journalists are well- informed about the market such that they can give enlightened and balanced reporting,” Adekoje

said.

According to him, in recognition of the very important role of journalists in the securities and investment industry, the CIS council approved a scholarship scheme that will enable outstanding financial journalists undertake the CIS Diploma in Securities and Investment (DSI) programme at no cost. The scholarship will cover registration fees, examination enrolment fees and study materials.

He pointed out that the CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment will give participants immense opportunities to understand the capital market better and position them just one step away from becoming chartered stockbrokers.

“Domestic investors need education and enlightenment.

year, has been highly successful, recording more than 2,035 runners from over 306 companies, as well as top government officials and celebrities in past editions”. He added Meanwhile, the NSE was found worthy of the award following the outcome of a committee of evaluators set up by Rotary District 9110, to look into Corporate Social Responsibility projects

and programmes of companies and their impacts that are in consonance with Rotary ideals of service, especially in Rotary’s six areas of focus.

These include peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development.

They need to know the facts behind the numbers that are unleashed on them every day.

They need to appreciate that, over the long term investors in properly constructed stock portfolios will be net winners, as consistently reported by researchers. The youths must be educated , market operators must be assisted to continually upgrade their skills, and most importantly, investors must be given the right and adequate information to protect them from losing their hard earned money. In all this, financial journalists, play a major role,” Adekoje said.

He explained that the CIS now offers students the choice of becoming a full-fledged omnibus broker or specialist in any of five stand- alone professional areas, including fixed income dealing, investment advisory services, equity dealing and commodity trading among others.

Guest Speaker and BusinessDay Publisher, Frank Aigbogun, who spoke on the “Roles of Financial Journalism in Fostering Capital Market Literacy “, urged the awardees to uphold the highest

tenet of professionalism in order to contribute immensely to the growth and development of the market.

He advised them to be on top of the global developments in the financial market and leverage their professional and technical knowledge to drive debates on topical economic issues in order to influence public policy positively.

CIS Registrar, Adedeji Ajadi explained that the scholarship had a life span of one year within which the beneficiaries would write examination twice. According to him, the examination is June and September.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications, Sola Oni, urged the beneficiaries to develop interest in the entire sectors of the economy.

According to him, the capital market is the closest to academics and requires a lot of research. Oni noted that quoted companies cut across the entire sectors and modern investors demand for analytical information that enhances investment decision.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

MONEY Market

Nigeria’s GDP growth slows by 0.12% Q1, 2019 STORIES By KAYODE OGUNWALE

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he National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday that Nigeria’s economic growth slowed as it recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.01 percent in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the 2.38 percent recorded in the previous quarter (Q4 2018).

Nominal GDP, in the period, stood at N31.794 trillion which was higher than the N28.438 trillion reported in the 2018Q1, representing a Year-on-Year growth rate of 11.8 percent; even as it was lower than the N35.23 trillion of 2018Q4 by 9.75 percent. The 2019Q1 nominal GDP growth rate, NBS added, was higher than the 2.54 percent recorded in 2018Q1.

Real GDP during the period, was N16.42tr.

Although, the slow growth was not expected, given the hints provided by supporting data like the CBN’s Purchasing Managers’ Index, inflation and the lull in the Nigerian capital market during the period under review.

The GDP rate came even weaker than the CBN’s 3.0 percent growth rate target for 2019, hampered by the oil sector.

Even then, the bureau noted that the 2019Q1 remains the strongest since 2015, a situation it linked to the general elections that were held within the period.

The period witnessed significant liquidity in the system as shown by the CBN published currency in circulation during the period. The period witnessed a huge cache of cash in the hands of Nigerians due to the spending spree by politicians seeking to swing votes in their favour.

The services, industries, and agriculture, respectively, accounted for 54.6 percent, 23.5 percent, and 21.9 percent of overall output growth in the review period.

Oil sector GDP rose by 2.40 percent (compared to -1.62 percent

in the previous quarter), with the NBS estimating Nigeria’s crude oil production during the three-month period at 1.96mb/d, marginally lower than the 1.98mb/d reported in 2018Q1, but 0.05mb/d higher than the 1.91mb/d recorded in 2018Q4.

The oil sector contributed 9.14 percent of total GDP, compared to 7.06 percent and 9.55 percent in 2018Q4 and the corresponding quarter of 2018 respectively) during the review period.

The non-oil sector however expanded by 2.47 percent year on year in 2019Q1, down from 2.70 percent recorded in the final quarter of 2018, down when compared to the robust 14.02 percent growth achieved a year ago.

The non-oil sector contributed 90.86 percent to total GDP, (as against 92.94 percent and 90.45 percent in the three months

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dofin, Lagos, have continued to throng sewage treatment plant to partake of Ecobank Nigeria’s campaign aimed at ridding the environment of nonbiodegradable materials.

The campaign code-named “Get cash for plastic bottles” is part of a deliberate policy of the bank to support environmental sustainability for all by removing at least four million used plastic bottles from Lagos drains and streets within one week.

Flagging off the week which runs from Friday, May 17 to 24, 2019, at the Lagos sewage treatment plant on Friday, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, said: “our sustainability activities are part of the universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.”

The idea for sustainability week, for which Ecobank is

collaborating with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Alkem Nigeria Limited, a waste recycling firm he continued, “is to support the removal of non-biodegradable materials from the environment to support healthy and safe living.

“Plastic waste is seriously affecting our food, oceans, harming marine life and threatening our food chain. As a responsible corporate organization, we will do all it takes to check the trend to ensure a safer living environment. This is an opportunity for Lagosians to make money by taking used plastics to any of our collection centres in exchange for cash,” he added.

As part of events to mark the week, Ecobank Nigeria had asked residents of the state to submit used plastic materials like soft drinks and water bottles to designated collection points.

These locations are Ecobank branches in Ikorodu, Ojuelegba, Ketu, Allen, Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island and the Lagos sewage treatment plant in Amuwo Odofin have witnessed high traffic in the campaign which runs between Friday, May 17 through Friday, May 24, 2019.

Commending Ecobank, Assistant Director, Ministry of Environment, Lagos State, Lasisi Adedoyin, observed that the initiative would go a long way to improving the environment.

FG Spent N1.799tr Servicing Debt In 2018, Says CBN

T From left: Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria (2nd left), cutting the tape to flag-off the “Get cash for bottles” campaign on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the Lagos State Sewage Treatment Plant, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos. He is flanked by Comrade Jola Ogunlusi, Chairman, Amuwo Odofin CDC (left); Piyush Mishra, General Manager, Alkem Nigeria Ltd (middle); Mrs. Bose Millan-Jack, National President, Soroptimist International of Nigeria; and Lasisi Adedoyin, Assistant Director, Ministry of Environment, Lagos State.

UBA partners Mastercard, rewards customers with trip to Champions League finals

nited Bank for Africa (UBA) PLC in partnership with leading global payments and technology company, Mastercard, have announced they are giving away all-expenses paid trips to the Semi-Finals and Finals of the 2019 UEFA Champions League to 12 lucky UBA Mastercard holders and their plus ones.

Open to all existing and new UBA Platinum Mastercard holders, this amazing giveaway is an opportunity to pamper customers and give them a unique, unforgettable and priceless experience including flights, visas, 5-star accommodation, tickets to either watch the semi-finals or final matches of the UEFA Champions League and so much more with their MasterCard Platinum Access.

A total of 12 UBA Platinum Mastercard holders from Nigeria and 11 other African countries will share the enthralling experience of watching the finals live with a loved one as well as enjoy the

to December 2018 and Q1-18 respectively).

A breakdown of three of the biggest components of the GDP shows that Services grew by 2.41 percent year-on-year, down from 2.90 percent in the preceding quarter and -0.47 percent year on year while Agriculture grew by 3.17 percent year on year, 72 bps and 17 bps higher than growth rates recorded in Q4-18 and Q1-18 respectively.

Manufacturing (Industries) grew at 0.81 percent in Q1 2019; compared to 2.35 percent in Q4 2018; 1.92 percent in Q3 2018; 0.68 percent in Q2 2018 & 3.39 percent in Q1 2018.

Motor vehicles and Assembly GDP under manufacturing, however, jumped by 13.32 percent in Q1 2019; compared to -5.70 percent in Q4 2018 and 2.29 percent in the corresponding quarter of 2018.

Ecobank woos Lagos residents in ‘Plastic for Cash’ campaign Residents of Amuwo

great ambiance of the host city of the Semi-Finals or Finals (Madrid).

The participating countries are Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.

“As we celebrate our 70 years of Banking and excellence, this is our way of rewarding customers for their continued patronage to the UBA brand. There will be many more this year as we want to continue to appreciate all our customers … for now.

Customers who qualify should get a UBA Platinum Mastercard and spend a minimum of $10,000 or its equivalent in his or her local currency to stand a chance to win the all-expense paid package. To get your UBA Platinum Mastercard at any UBA Branch, a customer simply needs to contact his or her relationship manager at any UBA branch office” the Group Head, Marketing, UBA Plc, Mrs. Dupe Olusola said.

FG disbursed outstanding Paris Club refunds to states –Finance Minister

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he Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed has said that the last tranche of the Paris Club refunds of N691.560 billion has already been disbursed to states since March 2019 by the Central Bank of Nigeria after verification.

The clarification followed some media reports last weekend that the federal government was set to release N691.560 billion as outstanding and final payment of the Paris Club refunds to the states.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja last Thursday, Ahmed had stated: “For the final phase of the Paris Club debt refunds, the total sum of N649.434 billion was verified by the ministry as the outstanding balance to be refunded to the state governments.

“The payments made by the CBN as at March 2019, is N691.560 billion. The increase in CBN payments partly arose from

exchange rate differential at the point of payment. Although, some States still have outstanding balances, which will be refunded, in due course,” she said.

However, in a statement issued in Abuja, Monday by her media aide, Paul Ella Abechi, the minister noted that there was no more tranche of Paris Club refunds to be disbursed to states, “because the money has already been disbursed in March 2019.”

According to the statement, Ahmed’s clarification became necessary “following the news making the rounds in the media that soon states will receive disbursement of outstanding balance of the Paris Club debts on verification made amounting to a total sum of N691.560 billion by the ministry due to exchange rate differential at the point of payment instead of the total sum of N649.434 billion that was verified.”

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says the Federal Government’s total domestic debt outstanding at end-December 2018 stood at N12.443 trillion, dropping by N146.35 billion or 1.16 percent, from N12.589 trillion in 2017, a situation it said was due to the preference for foreign borrowing to finance its fiscal deficit at attractive rates.

According to the 2018 Annual Activity Report, prepared by its Financial Markets Department, the government spent N1.799 trillion on debt servicing in the period, up by 23.65 percent, compared to N1.455 trillion at the end of 2017.

The rise in the cost of debt servicing in the period under review “was attributable to the coupon payments of new instruments (such as FGN Sukuk, Green bonds and FGN Savings bonds) that were issued late in 2017.”

A breakdown of the debt stock showed that total FGN Bonds stood at N9.134trillion, or 73.41 percent; followed by NTBs or N2.735 trillion or 21.99 percent; FGN Sukuk, N200 billion or 1.61 percent; FGN Special Bonds, N200.54 billion or 1.61 percent; FGN Saving Bonds, N10.75 billion or 0.09 percent; and FGN Green Bonds, N10.69 billion or 0.09 percent. The outstanding Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) Treasury Bonds worth N150.99 billion accounted for the remaining 1.21 percent.

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Notes for the period stood at N3.8 trillion, with an interest rate of 6 percent issued in December 2014 remained outstanding at end-December 2018, same as in 2017.

The bonds which were taken up solely by the CBN, were issued in a restructuring exercise matures in 2023, the report recalled.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

NEWS Extra

Reps move to criminalise use of plastic bags

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ederal House of Representatives has adopted a report on a Bill for an Act to, among other things, prohibit the use, manufacture and importation of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging.

The report was adopted on Tuesday at the Committee of Whole presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Yussuf Lassun

(APC-Osun).

The bill seeks to address the harmful effects of plastic bags on the oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, wildlife as well as human beings when passed into law.

The bill which has been passed by the Senate was presented to the house by Rep. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) The report recommended that retailers

of goods shall offer paper bags to customers at the point of sale in place of plastic bags or be guilty of an offence when the bill is passed into law.

It stated that a person who manufactures plastic bags for the purpose of selling would be guilty of an offence.

The report also stated that a person who imports plastic bag for sale or

carryout bag is equally guilty of an offence.

“Anybody person found guilty shall be liable upon conviction to a fine of not exceeding N500,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years or both,” it recommended.

The report says that any organisation found guilty shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not more than N5 million.

Presenting the report,

Monguno said that the bill seeks to relieve pressure on landfills and waste management.

He said that the use of plastic bags is rampant and that the bags are not bio degradable.

Monguno said that the bags stay in the environment for hundreds of years and affect arable land, water bodies and wildlife.

Lassun who presided over

the meeting observed that the bill should create room for recycling of plastic bags.

He said that the bill as it stands, when passed would mean that plastic bags would not be seen again in the country.

The bill would now be listed for third reading on a later date after which it would be sent to the President for assent.

‘Use our facilities for characterisation research’ –Alex Ekwueme varsity tells institutions, others

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lex Ekwueme Federal Univeristy, NdufuAlike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI) in Ebonyi State has urged tertiary institutions, scientists and researchers to use its facility for characterisation research.

The institution’s Dean of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Onuegbu Ugwu, made the call on Tuesday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Characterisation refers to the broad and general process by which a material’s structure and properties are probed and measured.

It is a fundamental process in the field of materials science, without which no scientific understanding of engineering materials can be ascertained.

Ugwu recalled that the school acquired the characterisation equipment in February through the intervention of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, in collaboration with PZ and supported by Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

The equipment included Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy and Ultra Violet Visible Spectroscopy.

He said “just like most tertiary institutions in some

countries and in Nigeria in particular, most times we lack critical infrastructure needed for research and it affects universities in performing state-of-the-art research.

“At the moment, such equipment exists only in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State and that means researchers from other parts of the country must travel to Kaduna State to conduct research.

“With this intervention however, it places us in good position to conduct research and to make it available to our colleagues in other institutions around us because it has universal application.

“The facilities are major equipment that will boost capacity building and compete with any of such equipment from any part of the world.”

The dean commended NOTAP and PZ for the support, saying the institution needed more collaboration from industry operators and the academia to bridge the gap between them.

“Research collaboration between universities and the academia is to make sure that universities provide relevant findings to industrial needs and also for the industry to support the university system in that process,” he added.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (right) welcoming selected clergymen of Ikwerre Origin who paid a solidarity visit to him at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Thursday

Police kill mastermind of UBEC Chairman’s kidnapping

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kidnapping kingpin and notorious armed robber, who recently masterminded the kidnap of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Chairman along Abuja- Kaduna road is dead.

The suspect, one Sumaila Sule, alias Shaho, male (estimated to be in his mid-thirties), a native of Rijana village in Kachia local government area of Kaduna state is one of the most vicious and most wanted kidnappers that has been terrorizing citizens in Kaduna and its

environs.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Frank Mba, the suspect died in the early hours of 18th May, 2019 following multiple bullet wounds he sustained during a deadly shootout with police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder.

The shootout took place in the evening of 17th May 2019, at the outskirts of Rijana village. The police operatives, in line with the mandate of Operation Puff

MTN pays 275bn NCC’s SIM infraction fine

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i g e r i a n Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday said that MTN has paid N275 billion SIM infraction fine as balance of N55 billion was due this month Prof Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, made this known in a statement in Abuja Danbatta spoke on the state of MTN fine payment at the valedictory service organised for the Minister of Communications, Mr

Adebayo Shittu in Abuja.

He said following a negotiated reduction of the N1.04 trillion fine on MTN Nigeria to N330 billion and in line with the staggered payment arrangement, MTN has, so far, paid N275 billion to the Federal Government.

Danbatta said that part of the fallout of the negotiated terms of payment of the fine is the listing of MTN on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and this is being done.

“What this means, according to the staggered arrangement, is that May 31, 2019 would be the deadline for the telecoms company to pay the sixth and final tranche of the balance of N55 billion.

“After six months of negotiation and renegotiation over the fine which led to the reduction to N330 billion, it was agreed that MTN would pay a balance of N280 billion in six tranches. “”This was in addition to

the “goodwill” payment of N50 billion earlier made by MTN to the government.

“Specifically, MTN began the payment structure with the payment of N30 billion into NCC’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 30 days from the date of the agreement dated June 10 2016.

“Subsequently, MTN paid N30 billion on March 31, 2017; N55 billion on March 31, 2018; N55 billion on

Adder, were carrying out routine surveillance and raid of suspected criminal hide-outs, when they suddenly came under gun fire attack from a heavily armed criminal gang.

The police team fought back gallantly, repelling the attack and eventually bringing Shaho down, whilst his gang members fled. SHAHO was rushed to hospital, where he eventually died the next day.

Meanwhile, acting on information elicited from the suspect before his death, police operatives,

between the 18th and 19th of May 2019, carried out sweeping follow-up operations at different target locations.

These coordinated operations led to the arrest of four other members of Shaho’s gang and the recovery of three (3) AK 47 rifles. The arrested gang members include: Musa Hassan 26yrs, Yau Umar 25yrs, Umar Musa 22yrs and Muhammad Sani 28yrs, all males and natives of Rijiana Village Kachia local government area Kaduna State.

December 31, 2018 and on March 31, it paid N55 billion.

“The balance and final tranche of the payment will be paid by May 31, 2019, in line with the staggered payments structure agreed

by MTN and Nigerian government.

It will be recalled that the NCC on October 20, 2015, imposed a fine of N1.04 trillion on MTN for infraction of the provision of the NCC Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulations 2011; For failure to disconnect 5.2 million improperlyregistered Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM)

lines within the prescribed deadline, because these lines had economic activities on them without proper registration.

He said that in the agreement reached by the parties involved in a way to avoid decision likely to cripple business interest of the operators the commission regulates.

It was also agreed that MTN shall apologise to Nigerians, subscribe to the compulsory observance of Code of Corporate Governance for Telecoms Industry; as well as undertake immediate steps to ensure its listing on the NSE.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

NEWS Extra

Enugu Govt connects 300 communities to national grid in 4yrs

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he administration of Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has connected 300 of the 447 communities in the state to national grid within the first four years in office.

General Manager of the Enugu State Rural Electrification Board, Mr. Onyema Odo disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Tuesday.

Odo said that since Ugwuanyi came on board as the governor of the state in 2015, it had been massive transformation in the electricity sector adding that he had not seen that type of development since the creation of the board.

He said that when the governor came on board, he made it clear that he was interested in human and infrastructural development.

The GM said that he had approved for the purchase of a lot of transformers to the rural communities, installed high tension lines in several communities, electrified and energized 13 communities that never had electricity.

“Some of the communities that had electricity needed extension due to population increase and increase in gadgets, so we have to change the 300kVA transformers in those areas to 500KVA to accommodate the increase in load.

“We have extended electricity to different communities across the state.

“Apart from our traditional rural electrification projects, we have intervention programmes here and there, and the governor has intervened in terms of security, donated transformers to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and others.

“The street lights in the 82 division have been installed; we equally extended electricity in the Garrison Command, Diagnostic Centre, Zoo Estate and Diamond Estate.

“We also have interventions in most of the key nongovernmental areas like in Cathedral, Nchatancha Nike, and Geoffrey Okoye University,

all these are under interventions not in our key mandate.

“The governor in his magnanimity re-installed transformer in Juhel Filling station that was razed down by fire,” he said.

Odo said that the board was also in charge of streetlight maintenance all over the state adding that it had 43 functional generating sets for street lights.

According to him, from our last survey, we had 183Kms road length of underground armored cable and over 6,000 streetlights scattered only in Enugu city.

He said that in Nsukka, they had 15 functional generators and 3,405 street lights expanded in over 73kms adding that the governor had made it to be a first line charge because of the security implications.

The GM said that people see Enugu as a safe haven where they could come, relax and go about their normal business adding that the cost of maintaining the street lights was very expensive.

Odo said that the main challenge facing the board

was street light vandalism and destruction.

“Every now and then, some reckless drivers knock down the poles while hoodlums vandalize armored cables in Milken Hill, Gariki, Coal Camp, New Haven and other places in the city.

“We have about 13 men standing trials because they were caught in the act, they are creating darkness here and there so we are working with vigilance groups, the police, civil defence to see if they can police some of these projects.

“It is the same problem we have in rural communities where we install our transformers, you find out that every now and then the armored cables are being vandalized.

“I appeal to communities in the state to ensure that the projects in their areas are being sustained.

The situation is pathetic where government will spend millions of naira in developmental project and the hoodlums who supposed to benefit from it are the ones vandalizing it.

Buhari fell out with Saraki, Dogara over Islamization plot –Bishop Udeh IBE NWACHUKWU

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eneral Overseer (GO) of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministry Inc., Nnewi, Anambra state, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh has observed that the real reason President Muhammadu Buhari is not happy with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara is because they did not allowed him to Islamize Nigeria as he wished.

In a press issued to newsmen, Tuesday, via SMS, Bishop Udeh commended Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state for dividing the Kano Emirates which he said is long overdue as according to him, “is it only one person that will ruling a whole Kano state, while others are looking”.

The cleric further stated: “More so, it will bring more development to Kano as Nigerian government pays the emirs and others in the country. The division of Kano Emirates which is long overdue, will not only attract more financial allocations to

the state but also give room for administrative convenience, even though it was politically motivated by the commander-inchief because Emir Sanusi is not supporting Buhari’s Islamization agenda”.

He therefore called on the national assembly to look into the present high cost of obtaining drivers’ license in Nigeria, international passports and electricity bill, without distributing the prepaid metres to electricity consumers, adding that Nigerians have been stiffled by estimated billing system.

According to Bishop Udeh: “We applied for prepaid meter long time ego but Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) refused to oblige us. I must say that the refusal to give us prepaid meters is pure robbery and call on President Buhari and the APC-led federal government to return Nigeria to NEPA system. Can you image a situation where a flat or house is given an estimated electricity bill of N10,000 monthly without corresponding supply of electricity”.

INEC receives over 200 fresh applications for party registration the 17 Southern states participated in the forum

BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

T Vice President Yemi Osinbajo meet with representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Skodak Agro Industry Project Ltd, and other farmers, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Monday.

AMEDI will boost food security in Nigeria –Onu

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he Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has expressed optimism that the Agriculture and Machinery Development Institute (AMEDI) in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise local government area in Imo State, will go a long way to enhance food security in the country when completed.

AMEDI is a project of the National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure, (NASENI).

Onu who spoke when he inspected the project said when completed, it will boost productivity in Agriculture, adding that

AMEDI will encourage research and encourage Nigerians to design machines locally.

The Minister said the Institute will help in commercializing Agriculture in partnership with the private sector.

Onu said through the Institute’s machinery, agriculture production will receive a boost through mechanization, carry out design and research, and allow the private sector to commercialize the products.

The Minister lamented that Nigeria was at one time rated as the world’s highest importer of rice,

even as he said the situation is unacceptable adding that the project when completed will encourage local production through the use of locally made machinery Onu said: “This Institute will help us achieve the task of boosting food production. It will promote food security. It will carry out research and design.

There is need to mechanize our Agriculture. Good enough the machines are on ground and they are locally made and once the project is completed, it will be beneficial”.

In her remarks, the

representative of the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyeji, who is the Director of Policy Planning, Policy analysis in the Agency, said the Agriculture and Machinery Development Institute, AMEDI, will aid in boosting agricultural production through effective use of locally made machines.

Onyeji disclosed that the project which started in December 2012, has been hampered by lack of funds until it was included in the 2018 budget, stating that the project will soon near completion.

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has received over 200 applications from associations wishing to be registered as political parties.

To make the job of the electoral umpire easier, the commission has therefore called for a national discourse on the issue to be able to arrive at a manageable number of political parties that should be registered in the country.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Barr.

Festus Okoye, who tabled the matter, noted that the law regulating registration of political parties was weak and needed to be reworked.

Okoye spoke at a one-day Forum on Media Coverage of 2019 General Elections held in Enugu last Monday and organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in conjunction with INEC. Practicing journalists from

which reviewed the 2019 general elections Said Okoye, “We have over 200 applications from associations wishing to be registered as political parties. Associations are required by law to have offices in Abuja. The law does not specify areas where the offices should be located or the number of staff to be engaged by the intending associations.

So, many of them go the outskirts of Abuja to hire offices.

“An association that is rejected today for not fulfilling some conditions, can reapply tomorrow. So, we have decided to have a national conversation on registration of political parties.”

He said that the 91 political parties that contested in the 2019 general elections made the exercise cumbersome, saying that adding more parties would amount to an over kill.

“On elections days, people spend over 10 minutes at polling units trying to locate the logo of their parties. The law says you should enter zero for any party that scores nothing.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

NEWS Extra NJC wades into rape case in Bayelsa as judge recuses self from trial Clem Onyemaechi, Yenagoa

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he National Judicial Council, (NJC) has waded into a rape case involving the former Security Adviser to the former Bayelsa Governor, Chief Richard Kpodo.

Kpodo is standing trial for alleged rape of a 26-year old female cashier who was a staff in his hotel.

The suspect had been detained at Okaka Prison in Yenagoa and denied bail by the presiding judge, Justice Iniekadi Eradiri.

The defense counsel, Julius Iyekoroghe alleged that the judge showed bias

in the case by refusing to grant bail to the defendant.

Iyekoroghe therefore on December 21, 2018, approached Eradiri with a motion on notice, urging him to disqualify himself and Eradiri referred the application to Chief Judge of Bayelsa.

However, Justice Kate Abiri, Chief Judge of Bayelsa declined the application to hand over the rape trial to another judge.

The defense counsel consequently petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) accusing the judge of bias.

At the resumed hearing of the matter at the State

High Court on Monday, Justice Eradiri disqualified himself from the trial of the suspect.

Ruling on the petition on Monday, Eradiri, said that he was constrained to hands off the case to pave way for the investigation by the NJC. “I feel strongly that I should no longer continue with the case, since the petition against me before the National Judicial Council is being investigated.

“I will therefore hand over the case file to the Honourable Chief Judge,” Eradiri said.

It will be recalled that, Kpodo who was earlier

denied bail by Eradiri appealed the decision at the Appeal Court and was released from prison custody at Okaka Prisons Yenagoa, where he was held from July 2018 till April 2019 having met the bail conditions.

Restructure DESOPADEC into ethnic agency –Mulade urges Okowa JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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omrade Sheriff Mulade, a human rights activist, has uurged the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to expedite action in the creation of a Coastal Area Development Agency (CADA).

He posited that such agency will enhance the development of Riverine communities in Delta State.

Mulade who spoke with The Oracle Today in Warri disclosed that Delta coastal communities are the engine room of Delta State and Nigeria’s revenue earnings despite the sorrowful state of development due to agelong neglect.

Igbo traders in Yenagoa protest attacks by hoodlums Clem Onyemaechi, Yenagoa

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raders of Igbo extraction at Swali market in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, under the aegis of Igbo Traders Union (ITU) on Monday closed down their shops and took to the streets over what they referred to as incessant burglary attacks on their shops.

In an interview with our correspondent, the Secretary of Igbo Traders Union, Mr. Jude Osigwe, condemned the frame up and arrest of the association chairman, Mr. Paul Odurukwe and some of their leaders, even when they are victims of burglary attacks.

He disclosed that the Union Chairman and some other leaders were arrested last Saturday May 18, 2019 over trumped up charges and accused of sponsoring criminality in the market.

Osigwe said that almost

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa receiving in audience stakeholders in the health sector under the aegis of the National Malaria Programme led by Dr. Evelyn Ngige, at the Government House in Asaba, recently every night, hoodlums with arms always invade their shops at Swali Ultra Modern Market to extort money and valuables from them.

He said: “This has been happening for over seven months now, cultists, bad boys, armed robbers will invade our various shops in the market to extort money from us, most times, they come in the day time, and

our customers are not even spared.

“We have reported the matter to the Police, but they said they can’t do anything about it, and when we reported to our Chairman, he assured us that he would do something about it.

“The most painful thing is that, when we lock our shops after the day’s business, the next morning

our shops will be broken and our goods carted away.

“Most funny thing is that the security men in the market will always tell us that they don’t know who broke them, that it maybe spirit in the market,” he said.

He said that they had already sent petition through their lawyers to various security commands in the State notifying them

about the incident.

In his reaction, the South South Coordinator of Ohaneze Youth wing, Chief Chinedu Author Ugwa, urged the Police to do the needful by granting the arrested Igbo traders bail, or charge them to court as the law demands.

He said persecution of Igbo traders in Bayelsa state is fast becoming

Navy reaffirms commitment to end rice smuggling

ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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he Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to end the scourge of rice smuggling in the country.

The commitment was made in Calabar by the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory Commodore Vincent Okeke while parading three suspects who allegedly brought in about 455 bags of smuggled rice from Cameroon.

The Commander who said the value of the impounded rice is about 8 million naira added that the

suspects alongside the bags of rice has been handed over to officials of the Nigerian Customs Service for further investigation and prosecution.

According to Okeke: “We are here to hand over yet another set of 455 bags of rice smuggled from Cameroon.

“The arrest was made on Sunday 19th of May. We are here with three suspects with Cotonou boats to hand them over to the Customs for investigations and prosecution.

“The the street value of the rice is about N8m. But like I said during the previous

hand over, the value is not so significant. Put side by side the impact of smuggling on our economy, you will know that we should not focus on the value of rice. We should focus on the impact of smuggling on our economy, impact on unemployment, impact on the revenue that is supposed to accrue to the Federal Government.”

On the fight against smuggling and other maritime crimes, he said “we remain unrelenting.

The Chief of Naval Staff, I. E. Ibas has directed that we should strengthen our antismuggling efforts. That is what we are doing now.

“The message to the smugglers is that we won’t give up. We will get them arrested, hand them over to customs and they will most likely end up in prison custody.

“Since my resumption there has not been any challenge. The Chief of Naval Staff has provided us with enabling logistics for our operations. The motivation for the smugglers is pecuniary gains. It can’t be more than that. They bring it at reduced cost and make profit.

“The arrest we have made has been traced to a particular name, one Mr.

Emmanuel, a hotelier at Uyo. I want to believe that the customs will track and apprehend him. We are making efforts not only to ensure reduction of crime in the maritime domain but also total elimination of crime.”

Speaking while receiving the suspects and goods, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Eastern Marine Command, Johnson Gabriel, said “I am here to take over 455 bags of rice, three suspects and a wooden boat. As usual, after taking over we will do our own investigations, prepare their case files and take the suspects to court.”

While wondering why oil producing communities in the coastal communities were not benefiting from the immense revenue being generated to fund the State from their land, he stressed the need for the creation of a special agency that would address the developmental deficits in the coastal area of the State.

Mulade alleged that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), which was set up to address developmental challenges and neglect of the oil producing area, has drifted off its purpose, while it is now serving as a source of political compensation for politicians who hold public offices in the State.

He called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State to urgently restructure the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) into ethnic development agencies.

Mulade alleged that DESOPADEC has drifted from the original purpose for which it was established, that is, to develop oil producing communities of the state.

He opined that the commission had been serving the political party in power and other interest groups to the detriment of the host communities.

He bemoaned the sorry state of DESOPADEC, claiming it had metamorphosed from the concept it was created as a beacon of hope, but now a centre for propaganda by politicians who enjoy and feed on the agency. unbearable, pleading with security agencies to wade in.

The Police spokesman in the state, SP Asinim Butswat said that police is aware of the complain about burglary in the market, adding that as part of their investigations, they had to invite some people to help in their investigation in order to put a stop to criminality in the market.

“As I speak to you now, all the suspects handed over to us by the Nigerian Navy are already in court. They are now in prison custody and their prosecution has started.

Some were arraigned two weeks ago at the Federal High Court, Calabar.

“Our investigations indicated that the three people that came in that boat are not the real owners. The real owners or consignees are Cameroonians. They went to Cameroon and collected these items, some of them on credit with the hope of coming to sell in Nigeria and returning the proceeds to the owners in Cameroon.”

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

SPORTS

AFCON 2019 Preparation

NFF explain indebtedness to coaches

Manu Garba lauds CAF on Guinea sanction

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Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), have explained the reason for their inability to offset national team coaches as at when due.

The countrys football governing body through their 2nd vice President, Shehu Dikko explained that their inability to pay coaches salaries was as a result of the seeming unwillingness by sponsors to commit resources to the federation because of the negative reports and interference by the government.

According to Dikko, coaches salaries are delayed because funds are no longer forthcoming from sponsors.

In his words: “As we speak all our coaches have not received their salaries on time, but Coach Gernot Rohr has been paid up to March, Dikko told BBC Sports.

“It’s only a short time issue because our sponsors (AITEO) that we source to pay the coach always fulfill their contractual obligation,” Dikko began.

“Since 2017 when we signed this deal, there has not been any issue or delay and sometime he (Rohr) was paid upfront by this sponsors.

“Unfortunately, the sponsors are not happy about negative happenings and its takes its toll on NFF financial inflow.

“We had written to the coach to explain all these challenges leading to salary delays and he understands,” Dikko added.

Speaking further, the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) who oversees the dayto-day running of the country Professional Football League also explained that ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Egypt will be hosting next month, the Federation are hopeful of mutual understanding by the Super Eagles players on the situation on ground.

•Shehu Dikko “When it comes to bonuses and dues, there is a mutual trust and understanding between the players and the NFF, the Federation 2nd vice president said.

“They received their 2018 World Cup money upfront and already the Nations Cup is being handled by the government, and they know that payment will be made once government releases its funding.

“We continue to work hard on this and luckily we have a relationship with the players.”

It is recalled that just penultimate week, the Federal Government through its agency the public property recovery commission led by Obla Obla accused the NFF of embezzling huge sums of money. Though the officials of the Federation denied any wrong doing in the allegation but the government body announced that they had already filed a case against about five of the executive board member including the Federation President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

This is just one of the negative reports that are scaring sponsors away from committing resource to the federation.

Nigeria, it is noted will play in Group B at next months Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt alongside Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi.

•Super Falcons

Kompany quits Man City on high

Saraki lauds Super Falcons

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... Secures Player Manager contract with Anderlecht

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elgium Pro League club, Anderlecht Football Club Sunday announced the appointment of Manchester City legend, Vincent Kompany as player manager moments after Manchester City disclosed that the Belgium International has called it quit at the England champions.

Manchester City announced Sunday that Kompany who had spent 11 good years with the Manchester City club will be leaving the Premier League champions, a club he helped to retain the trophy they won last year with Pep Guardiola.

It was based on the announcement that Anderlecht catch on to announce his appointment as player/manager.

Kompany played a critical row in ensuring that Manchester City retained the trophy they won the previous season.

It is recalled that Kompany started his football career with the Belgium giant as he signed a three-year contract with Anderlecht before moving to Manchester City. So, Kompany is just returning home as Anderlecht gave him his first professional football contract.

Kompany is a Manchester City legend no matter from which angle one is looking at it from as remains one of those who helped in transforming the moderate English Premier League club to an enviable height that they are now considered as one of the leading clubs in Europe, credit to Arab money.

olden Eaglets coach, Manu Garba has hailed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on the disqualification of Guinea for fielding over aged players during the just concluded Under-17 AFCON in Tanzania.

It is recalled that Guinea eliminated Nigeria in the semifinal of the competition through penalty shootout and •Manu Garba the Golden Eaglets coach who is still bitter that his side was eliminated through fraud said the action of the continental football governing body will serve as a deterrent, to other countries who would want to toe the fraudulent path.

Guinea it is noted eliminated Nigeria at the semifinal stage of the competition thereby stopping them from playing in the final of the Under-17 AFCON championship.

Speaking further, Garba explained that his team lost to an over aged side that should have been penalized earlier than now.

“Nigeria could have played in the final against Cameroon if CAF had acted during the competition, Garba lamented.

“This is a great lesson for every country to properly check players data. For Guinea, they deserve it because the two players have their international passports that have age discrepancies, Garba said.

He further explained that the two players had used passports with the date of birth reading 2001 to play in international tournament in japan and changed the date to 2002 to be eligible to play in the U-17 tournament.

•Kompany

igeria President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, Monday commended the Super Falcons for lifting the 2019 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Cup. In his words: “Following their soul lifting display in the final of the game on Saturday in Abidjan.

The 2019 FIFA Women World Cup will be eight of the competition.

The competition is for the women national teams of member associations of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and it will hold from June 7 to July in France.

According to Saraki in a statement released by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, said the country cannot but be proud about the patriotism and resilience of it female national team.

He stated that even though the victory came after a hard fight, the Super Falcons have once again re-enacted their dominance in the sub-region.

“Your courage, discipline, team spirit and above all patriotism have brought joy and fulfillment to all football lovers across the country.

You have done us proud by remaining a source of inspiration to the younger generation.

“You have amply demonstrated once again that any worthy goal is achievable if pursued with focus, zeal, commitment and organization.

“Your success is our success. Congratulations! He said.

Continuing, Dr Saraki also commended the coaches, players and the backroom staff for the exceptional feat. He expressed hope that the WAFU would spur the female national team, once again to another dazzling performance during the forthcoming FIFA Women World Cup Championship in France.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

SPORTS Giroud to remain at Chelsea next season MADUABUCHI KALU with Agency Report

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Dalung meets AFN board over $135,000 IAAF Tuesday MADUABUCHI KALU

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he Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, Tuesday met with the officials of Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to resolve the issue regarding the missing $135,000 before the deadline given by the International Associations Athletics Federation (IAAF).

It is recalled that IAAF has given Nigeria a deadline of tomorrow (Thursday, May 23) to return the $135,000 mistakenly paid to the AFN as grant or face sanctions from competing in major competitions across the

globe.

The IAAF had in 2017 mistakenly disbursed $150,000 instead of the $15,000 grant to AFN, which it remits annually to affiliated federations.

When the overpayment was discovered, the IAAF wrote the AFN to refund the excess of $135,000 but up till the time of filing this report, the money is yet to be refunded and the ire of IAAF became glaring with the manner Nigerian contingent was treated at the just-concluded IAAF World Relays in Yokohama, Japan.

However, the money was paid to AFN during the transition period before the present board

of the AFN assumed office on July 2017.

With the two weeks expiration given to Nigeria ending on Thursday May 23, there has not been any statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports about the allegation as any ban may deny Nigerian athletes the chance to compete at this year’s World Championships in Doha, Qatar and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan.

This, our correspondent scooped, necessitated the need for today’s meeting at the office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, to resolve the matter before he steps aside.

MADUABUCHI KALU with Agency Report

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a giants, Villarreal have declared that their prized Nigerian jewel, Samuel Chukwueze is not for sale. They asked possible suitors to forget about seeking for Chukwueze service as he is not for sale in whatever amount.

Chukwueze following his impressive display in La Liga has had several clubs in Europe showing interest in his services have had several interests but the parent club is saying in clear terms that they should keep off as they are not ready nd willing to do business with anybody as far as the issue of acquisition of Chukwueze is concerned.

The Oracle Today Sports can reliably report that Chukwueze is said to be among the players Liverpool are looking at to bolster their squad next season and some reports in Spain also linked him with a move to Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Betis.

Rated as one of the best teenagers in the Spanish league last season and with his buy out clause in the region of £60million, Villarreal have however, played down any chance of the 20 yearold leaving the club in the summer.

His representatives have been told in clear terms that he won’t be

Chukwueze not for sale,Villarreal tell suitors allowed to leave in the summer with the club keen on having him around for another season to aid his development after his breakthrough last season.

The plan is for him to be a first team player next season with the club hoping to have a better season than the one they had last time out where they battled relegation, no thanks to a poor start to the season.

Meanwhile, Chukwueze has been handed a befitting rest

by Spanish side Villarreal as he sat out the Yellow Submarines’ final league clash away at

Getafe, AOIFootball.com can authoritatively report.

Chukwueze was given a rare rest by Coach Javier Callejas as the club now wants the sought after winger to fully focus on representing Nigeria at the AFCON following an impressive breakthrough first season in Spain.

The 19-year-old did, however, finish as the club’s fourth highest league goals scorer with five strikes from 26 games and also recorded two assists to wrap up a decent first season as a full professional.

ormer Arsenal striker, Olivier Giroud is not leaving Stamford Bridge at the summer as he just extended his stay at West London club that will see him till next year.

The centre-forward joined the club during the January transfer window in 2018 and has so far made 62 appearances and scored 17 goals.

Granovskaia added: “We are Giroud as a Chelsea player won the World Cup with France very pleased that Olivier will be a and has contributed a great deal Chelsea player for another season. in Chelsea’s run on the European Since joining us 18 months ago, stage at club level, scoring 10 times he has at times had to be patient in the Europa League this season and wait for opportunities but has while helping the team through to still been able to make a positive the final against his previous club contribution to the team.

“Whether it is his unselfish linkArsenal.

Speaking to the Club’s website up play or his 10 Europa League after signing the extension, Giroud goals this season, he has been a said: ‘I am very happy to sign a new crucial member of the squad and contract. I really wanted to stay at we hope he will be able to pick least one more year – I have felt a up a second Chelsea winner’s part of the team, the family, since medal in Baku later this month to the beginning and hopefully, there accompany last season’s FA Cup win.’ will be more trophies to come.’

Enyimba sued over alleged N3.4m debt MADUABUCHI KALU

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his may not be the best of time for two time African champions, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba following the dragging of the club to the National Industrial Court by their former coach, Samson Unuanel, over N3.4 million indebt.

Unuanel, who is the current Coach of Osun United, is also seeking an order of the court for payment of N100 million as general damages and another N10 million for the cost of prosecuting the suit.

When the matter came up for mention before Justice Kiyersohot Damulak on Tuesday, the claimant’s counsel, Mr. Ayodele Justice informed the court that the defendant had been served with processes.

The defence counsel, Mr. Chidike Iheukwumere in response

affirmed that they had been served and they had, in turn, served the claimant’s counsel with Memorandum of appearance and Statement of defence.

The judge said that the defendant in the statement raised an issue bordering on lack of jurisdiction of the court.

Damulak, however, objected to a point also raised by the defence demanding the transfer of the case to Owerri Division of the Industrial Court.

The judge informed the court that he lacked the power to transfer a case assigned to him by the president of the court to another division.

He further said that he would address the issue of whether or not the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case at the right time.

He also adjourned the matter until June 6 for hearing.

ECOWAS Region II high jump gold medallist dreams qualification

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yprian Oyedele, a high jump gold medallist at the 2018 ECOWAS Region II Championships, on Tuesday said that he hoped to surpass the 2.12m entry standard for the African Games.

Oyedele, said his target was to jump at least 2.15m.

“All things being equal, my target is higher than the standard set by the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) for the African Games.

“At least, I want to make a 2.15m to qualify for the Games, but hoping for a 2.20m, nothing is impossible through hard work and God’s grace,” he said.

Oyedele won the gold medal by jumping a height of 2.04m at the championships held in Ghana last June.

The athlete, who had recently graduated from the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, said that though he didn’t start his season on a good note, he was still optimistic of improving.

“Even though I messed up my season opener, I am not disturbed or discouraged. I am standing tall, ready to face the challenges required and overcome.

“I just need to perfect what I have learnt because consistency is key in high jump.

“Now that I have finished with my exams and project, I have been training day in, day out,” he said.

The 12th African Games will hold from Aug. 19 to Aug. 31 in Rabat, Morocco.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

SPORTS Murray optimistic on return to tennis

F Rangers beat Rivers Utd to extend unbeaten record MADUABUCHI KALU

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nugu Rangers on Monday continued their unbeaten run of form as they defeated visiting Rivers United of Port Harcourt 1- 0 to wrap up their unbeaten home record in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match-day 21.

It was Chidera Eze who came to the rescue of the Enugu-based side in the 85th minute from Michael Uchebo’s assist in the tension-soaked encounter played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, otherwise known and called the Cathedral by their teeming fans.

Speaking in a post-match interview with journalists, Coach Olugbenga Ogunbote said that Rangers had no option than to professionally finish the league.

Ogunbote said: “We lost to them in their home, so we are condemned to beat them and Rangers are a professional club.”

He expressed joy over the victory, saying that the players were made to have two things in mind.

“The players knew that we do not need to lose or even draw but to win and it’s better we leave it late

when they cannot fight back,” he said.

Ogunbote further said that their attention was still focused on the Super Six in order to be able to pick a ticket to the continental.

He thanked the fans and the media for their objective and constructive criticisms, which he said spurred him up to the challenge.

“It is the criticisms from the supporters and the media that made us seat up, especially when it seemed that we were backsliding.

“This is a victory for all of us, especially the supporters, who always stood solidly behind us and I wish they will be there for us at the Super Six,” Ogunbote said.

Also, Rangers captain, Godwin Aguda, expressed joy over the victory, saying that he had a sleepless night when they lost 3-0 to Rivers United in the first leg.

“I am happy that we took our own a pound of flesh from them and now, all attention shifts to super six.

“We must finish a good job we started in the super six because Rangers deserve continental competitions next year.”

Ghana International, Asamoah Gyan quits international football ahead of 2019 AFCON

MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

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hanaian international striker, Asamoah Gyan, has announced his retirement from international football, barely weeks to the start of the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

Gyan announced his international retirement on his verified Twitter handle. Gyan, who has been with the Black Stars for 16 years shared his retirement in a statement a titled, “Decision to recuse myself from AFCON 2019, Egypt and retire from the national team”.

Part of his statement read, “I cannot pretend to be happy. I would rather hurt myself emotionally and psychologically, over the years I served with an open heart and have given my all to the best of my ability in my quest to serving our great nation, Ghana. I have represented the proud colours of our country in 10 major tournaments from the Olympics, World Cups and in African Nations Cups with different coaches.

“In all, I would say the last years have been the

proudest moments in my career as a captain under the managerial leadership of Coach Akwasi Appiah. I stood solidly behind my coach during the difficult times in Brazil and in some cases supported the endeavours of the team financially when the need arose to make sure his tenure and my captaincy would not suffer challenges and to ride with the assertion, ” A Ghanaian coach can do it.

“My team, my family and fans have had reasons to whisper the trend of reportage and articles either to substantiate my exclusion or inclusion and again rumoured roles I am to play at the AFCON in Egypt. In all, my answers have been, “respect the decision of the coach because the records under the year per game minutes and goals for all attackers are evidence to guide his decision”.

“Upon consultation with my family and team, and as an active footballer and captain of the national team, if the decision of the coach is to give captaincy of the tournament to another player while I am named in the team of the tournament.”

Support Rohr to succeed at AFCON, MADUABUCHI KALU ormer Super national team coach, Johannes Bonfrere charges Nigerians Bonfrere has called on Nigerians to support Super

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Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr to enable him deliver the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria in the wake of suggestions that certain players in the provisional squad for the tournament do not merit their places in the team.

It is recalled that Rohr had last week unveiled his 25 man squad including six others on standby as the three-time African champions get set to appear at the tournament first time since 2013 when the team won in South Africa.

“It’s the coach that takes the decisions in his team.

He decides what to do with the 25 players and what his best will be for this Nations Cup,” the Dutchman who guided Nigeria to win the football event of the 1996 Olympics told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“We have to support him. I don’t know much about this current team. When I was the coach of the Eagles you (media) asked me how the team could approach any tournament and I always answered.

“I worked with my team for four to six years so I knew my squad, what they could do with and without the ball.

You must know the quality of your players, their psyche, that helps you as a coach to give better assessments.

ormer World No1, Sir Andy Murray is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great, Bob Bryan’s return from hip surgery.

The two-time Wimbledon champion, 32, in January, announced plans to retire after this year’s Wimbledon due to injury, expressing doubt as to whether he would even make it to the All England Club.

The Scot has all but ruled out an appearance in the singles draw, nearly four months after surgery on a career-threatening hip problem, but he could return by playing in the men’s doubles.

The former world No1 told Tuesday Times there was “very little chance” he would play singles during the grass-court season.

“Potentially doubles, but I’m not trying to get ready for singles just now,” he said.

“The thing I said before was that, if I wasn’t feeling good, there was more chance that I would play and then stop after Wimbledon.

“Whereas if it’s feeling good, it makes a bit more sense to give it time to make sure that it’s as good as possible before I try to play singles on it.”

Murray, whose ranking has plummeted to 218 due to his time away from the court, said he was pain-free as he spoke about the example set by Bryan.

“I know from seeing what Bob Bryan has done (he had similar surgery last year) that for doubles it will be absolutely fine. I will need to see from there how it would work singles-wise.

“It has been really good so far. I’m playing lots of golf. I don’t have any pain walking around the course and swinging clubs. When I’m on the court hitting, it has been perfect.

“If I continue to feel good, then I will obviously give it a shot in singles and see what happens.

Whereas in doubles I am pretty certain I will be able to play, just based on having an example to look at.

“I can look at Bob Bryan and say, this is what he has done, he is playing top three or four in the worldlevel doubles. He’s also nine years older than me, so why would I not be able to do the same and hopefully a bit more?”

Wilder vs Joshua bout not happening soon –Hearn MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

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he much publicized unification bout between World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder and Nigerian-born British three heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua may not happen very soon if the declaration by Joshua promoter, Eddie Hearn is anything to go by.

This declaration is coming after Deontay Wilder declared right after defeating Brazilian boxer Dominic Breazeale in New York and securing his WBC title that he is going to fight the undefeated heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua but it appears like Eddie Hearn is not very optimistic of the bout.

According to Hearns, he called Luis Ortiz’ camp and has confirmed that Ortiz is scheduled to fight Deontay Wilder for a rematch in Fall.

Hearn admitted that he was impressed with Deontay Wilder’s performance and boxing skills. The promoter also said that delaying the fight could increase the money available for the two boxing champions like it did to Manny Pacquaio and Floyd Mayweather.

Additionally, Eddie Hearn revealed that he was willing to sit down and negotiate with the camp of Deontay Wilder, however, all current negotiations are one-sided for now.

While the much-awaited fight is not yet going to happen, a possible Wilder-Fury rematch is set to happen next year. It can be recalled that the two heavyweight boxers were engaged in a thrilling draw last December 2018. Tyson Fury survived a couple of knockdowns during the fight. After the fight, the parties could not agree with the terms so Fury took Tom Schwarz while Deontay Wilder fought and abolished Breazeale.

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22 - 28, 2019

Crime

RRS arrests fake soldier, robber O

•A rocket launcher, 35 AK-47 rifles, 10 locally-made AK-47 rifles and 500 live ammunition, as well as 8 locally-made revolver pistols, 10 pairs of military camouflage uniform, 2 operational vehicles, and other incriminating items recovered from 93 kidnap suspects arrested from different parts of the North-Central, North-Western and North-Eastern parts of the country by operatives of the Operation Puff Adder police unit on display at the Abuja Force Headquarters, Friday

Policearrest93kidnapsuspects …Recover rocket launcher, 35 AK-47 rifles, others

Stories by VICTOR NZE

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he unrelenting and aggressive counter kidnapping strategies of the Police in the fight against kidnapping and other heinous crimes in the country have continued to yield positive results as Police A total of 93 kidnap suspects were arrested from different parts of the North-Central, North-Western and NorthEastern parts of the country as operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder recorded yet another harvest of criminal elements.

In addition, the unit recovered one rocket launcher, 35 AK-47 rifles, 10 locallymade AK-47 rifles and 500 rounds of live ammunition.

Also recovered from the hoodlums are 8 locally-made revolver pistols, 10 pairs of military camouflage uniform, two operational vehicles, and other incriminating items.

The operations leading to these arrests and recoveries were carried out by joint team of Police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, North-Central sector.

The team consists of detectives from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Force Intelligence Unit, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS). Other operatives in the Joint Mission include personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU) and the Special Forces.

Meanwhile, Police investigators backed by their counterparts in the Forensic and Technical Intelligence Units have commenced comprehensive investigation of all the 93 suspects arrested in these operations.

The investigations among other things are aimed at tracking, uncovering and disrupting the sources of arms supply to the criminal groups, as well as identifying their collaborators, and bringing all involved in these heinous crimes to justice.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu while commending the Operation Puff Adder operatives

for their sacrifice and resilience, reiterated the commitment of the force to restoring sanity on our highways and inner cities, even as he expressed his gratitude to the

general public for providing credible intelligence that has helped the Police in achieving the successes recorded so far. ​

Kidnapping: LNSA urges more information from Epe residents L

agos Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) Chairman, DIG Israel Ajao(rtd) has enjoined residents of Epe to give more information to operatives of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps to address the spate of kidnapping in the community.

Ajao made the request while delivering a keynote address at a one-day seminar for stakeholders in Epe Division held at Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCOPED) Noforija, with the theme: “Neighbourhood Safety as a Strategy for Effective Crime Control in Lagos State”.

He stated that security as an important element in the development of a society must be the concern of everyone, saying that security operatives the world over operate based on information received from the public, hence the need for the residents to be prepared to help stem the spate of kidnapping by giving prompt and adequate information.

He disclosed that there have been several reports of kidnapping in Epe community but expressed optimism that the security challenge can be tackled if information about kidnappers is given to the Neighbourhood Safety Corps.

In his words, “we have a challenge of kidnapping in Agboyi-Ketu in this division (Epe Division). If there is information, it will not be hard to process the information and give to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) so that the kidnappers can be apprehended.”

In his contribution during the pro-

gramme, the traditional ruler of Noforija Kingdom, Oba Dominic Ogunlaja advised residents of Epe and its environs to cooperate with operatives of Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) to solve the security challenges in the area.

Oba Ogunlana appealed to residents to give adequate information to the security outfit and cautioned LNSC operatives to see themselves as the servants of the people and not as bosses.

“LNSC operatives are like managers and should not see themselves as bosses so that they can get information from the people”, the Oba advised.

According to him, if LNSC members cultivate a cordial relationship with members of the public, they will get adequate information needed to function effectively.

Representatives of Community Development Associations present at the event pledged their support for the LNSA, noting that cooperation with the agency will engender continuous protection of lives and property of residents in the area.

In his closing remarks, Executive Secretary of LNSA, Barrister Adegboyega Bajulaiye expressed his appreciation to the State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for making LNSC a reality and implored stakeholders to maintain the harmony that existed between all parties.

Present at the event were Oba Ayodele Kolawole (Uraka of Poka), Oba Mufutau Ogunukan (Adegbawojo of Odogbawojo) and Board Members as well as management staff of LNSA

peratives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a unit of the Lagos State Police Command, Wednesday arrested a fake soldier along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way near Muritala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja while a robber was caught at Oshodi dispossessing commuters of their goods.

The fake soldier, Yusuf Quadri, 22, from Ogun State, was arrested riding a commercial tricycle during a stop and search operation by RRS officers to apprehend riders violating the road restriction imposed on motorcycles along Airport Road.

Quadri had posed as a military officer but further inquiry revealed he was an impostor who had stolen one of the military uniforms of a newly promoted officer.

Investigation also revealed that the suspect, thereafter, took a photograph wearing the uniform and subsequently converted it to an identity card.

He admitted using the military identity card and outfit to by-pass security operatives, local government and LASTMA officials whenever he was on the wrong side of the law.

In a similar vein, the robbery suspect, Emeka Ohiaeri, was arrested after snatching a mobile phone from a youth corps member in Oshodi.

Unknown to Ohiaeri, RRS operatives spotted him, trailed him and subsequently recovered the mobile phone, then handed it to the owner at the RRS Headquarters, Ikeja, the following day.

The suspect confessed to the police that he had snatched several phones, purses and handbags in traffic in Oshodi area.

Meanwhile, the two suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning while the RRS has reinforced its presence in Oshodi to curb traffic robbery.

Police kill mastermind of UBEC Chairman’s kidnapping

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kidnapping kingpin and notorious armed robber, who recently masterminded the kidnap of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Chairman along Abuja- Kaduna road is dead.

The suspect, one Sumaila Sule, alias Shaho, male (estimated to be in his mid-thirties), a native of Rijana village in Kachia local government area of Kaduna state is one of the most vicious and most wanted kidnappers that has been terrorizing citizens in Kaduna and its environs.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Frank Mba, the suspect died in the early hours of 18th May, 2019 following multiple bullet wounds he sustained during a deadly shootout with police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder.

The shootout took place in the evening of 17th May 2019, at the outskirts of Rijana village. The police operatives, in line with the mandate of Operation Puff Adder, were carrying out routine surveillance and raid of suspected criminal hide-outs, when they suddenly came under gun fire attack from a heavily armed criminal gang. The police team fought back gallantly, repelling the attack and eventually bringing Shaho down, whilst his gang members fled. SHAHO was rushed to hospital, where he eventually died the next day.

Meanwhile, acting on information elicited from the suspect before his death, police operatives, between the 18th and 19th of May 2019, carried out sweeping follow-up operations at different target locations.

These coordinated operations led to the arrest of four other members of Shaho’s gang and the recovery of three (3) AK 47 rifles.

The arrested gang members include: Musa Hassan 26yrs, Yau Umar 25yrs, Umar Musa 22yrs and Muhammad Sani 28yrs, all males and natives of Rijiana Village Kachia local government area Kaduna State.

Shaho and his gang members have been on the radar of the intelligence community for a while, as they have been implicated in several high level kidnappings and other heinous crimes along Kaduna-Abuja road and beyond.

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 22-28, 2019

NEWS Extra Wike sacks traditional ruler for harbouring cultists

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ivers State Government withdraws Certificate of Recognition from HRM Monday Frank Noryaa, Gbenemene Baabe Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has approved the withdrawal of the Certificate of Recognition from His Royal Majesty, Chief Monday Frank Noryaa, Gbenemene Baabe.

The withdrawal takes immediate effect.

The withdrawal of Government Recognition from HRM Chief Monday Frank Noryaa followed his indictment on cult related activities within his kingdom.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor (Electronic Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, Monday, explained

that traditional ruler was also indicted for harbouring cultists, leading to insecurity in the area.

Governor Wike reiterated that his administration remains committed to the promotion of peace and security across the state, stating that any Traditional Ruler or Government Functionary indicted for promoting insecurity will face the full weight of the law.

DELSU graduates 4, 252 students JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged graduates of Nigerian universities to apply the knowledge gained to create a better and fulfilling future for themselves, their families and the society.

The governor made the call weekend in an address he delivered at the 13th convocation ceremony of the Delta State University, Abraka where four thousand, two hundred and fifty two graduands for the 2017/2018 academics session received different academic certificates.

“Hard work, commitment and perseverance are the hallmarks and defining features of any citizen who is prepared for the challenges of our modern but, fast-changing society and it is expected that graduates of our universities have

to apply the same virtue as they move into the wider society where they will use the knowledge gained to create a better and fulfilling future for themselves, families and society in general,” Governor Okowa said.

He continued, “let me use this ceremony to draw the attention of everyone to the inarguably importance of education not only in the life of every individual, particularly, the youths, but also in nation building; though capital intensive, education undoubtedly, remains the bedrock for progress and sustainable development in any society; as we are aware, the global labour market is becoming more competitive and it calls for the need for universities to reinvent their curricula in line with the dictates of the times as graduates should not be seekers of employment but, employers of labour.”

Delta Transition Committee submits report JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

D Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel (m) flanked on his left by Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr) Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke as he presides over the 2-day pre-induction workshop for members-elect of the 7th Akwa Ibom Assembly, at the venue in Uyo, Tuesday

Delta APC crisis: A’Court ruling will return normalcy to party –Erue EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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hairman, Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC), Jones Erue, has said that the recent judgment by the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City confirming him as the authentic APC chairman would usher the return of normalcy to the party.

Erue, said Sunday, that it would enable the APC in Delta to forge ahead for a healthy political party that could perform its primary assignment of winning elections.

It would be recalled that the

Appeal Court had on Friday in a unanimous judgment delivered

by Justice Mohammed Shaibu held that the Federal High Court in Asabs lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit because it was an intra-party issue.

The Asaba Federal High Court had on March 18 declared Ogodo-led faction as the elected state executive of the party, a decision that prompted the Erueled faction to seek legal redress at the appellate court.

“This press conference is acting as an anchor of hope to beckon on those who have the interest of the party to come together after the judgement

that confirmed me as the authentic APC chairman in Delta.

“I am passionately appealing to those who were in court with me to forget the past now that the leadership of the party has been confirmed by the Appeal Court.

“We are saying that there is no victor, there is no vanquish, it is a victory for all the people.

I am stretching my hands of fellowship to all who were in Court with me to come, this is the time to rebuild, rebuilding is a necessity that takes a group of people forward,” he said.

Erue called on the Ogodo-led faction not waste their resources

Okowa signs 6 bills into law JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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elta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has signed six bills into law, stating that with the cooperation of all arms of government a stronger state would be built.

The governor who spoke after signing the six bills into law, observed that it was a collective responsibility for all Deltans to contribute towards building a virile state that will be the pride of all.

Speaker of the Delta State

House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who was accompanied by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi and other principal officers of the legislature, presented the bills to the governor.

One of the bills which has now become law is the Warri/ Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency bill.

According to the Governor, “The Warri/Uvie and environs development agency law was initiated following the successes recorded with the Delta State

Capital Territory Development Agency. The law was borne out of the positive impact we have made in the development of the state capital using the Capital Territory Development Agency; in 2015, we saw the need for a special agency to handle the development of the capital territory, three years after, we have seen the positive impact this has made in Asaba and its environs”.

He continued, “I believe that from the beginning of my second tenure, we will pay special attention to the

elta State Transition Committee has presented its committee to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who assured the committee that his next tenure will be more fruitful to the people of the state.

Receiving the report of the 20-man committee which was presented in volumes by its Chairman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire in the presence of all the members of the committee and some members of the state executive council in Asaba, the governor thanked members of the committee for their commitment to the affairs of the state which led to the speedy delivery of the report.

According to the governor, “on behalf of the government, the people of Delta State, I want to thank the Chairman of the committee and its members for on things that would further divide the party. The money spent to seek legal redress without looking at the internal mechanism of the party could have been used in developing our party.

“Everybody has right to seek legal redress but there is always an end to litigation, so what we are asking is put an end to litigation and move the party forward. If Supreme Court

development of Warri, Uvwie and environs as I promised the people; this agency will ensure the maintenance of existing infrastructure and improvement of general infrastructure in the area,” he stated.

Other bills that were signed into law includes Bill to provide for the establishment of the Delta State Urban Water Corporation, Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, The State Water Sector Regulatory Commission; Bill to Regulate the Registration, Establishment, Operations, Conduct,

putting up this report within six weeks of inaugurating this committee; I believe that most of the things we did in the first tenure were as a result of the implementation of the report of the transition committee which we acted on and as such, the report of this committee will be very useful to us as we work for a stronger Delta in the next four years.”

“Some persons have asked me why we are setting up transition committee bearing in mind that I am continuing as Governor till 2023 and I have told them that the committee need to assess what we did in the first tenure independently and advise us on what to do in the areas we need to improve on and also, applaud us in the areas we need to sustain because, I will like to be remembered at the end of my tenure as a Governor who has done very well,” Governor Okowa stated. reaffirmed me as the chairman, we will still come to a roundtable and find a political solution to our problem.

“So those threatening to go to the Supreme Court, my passionate appeal is that, why not we make good use of our time and resources. Rather than wasting it on things that will not bring good result to us as a party,” Erue said

Monitoring and Inspection of Private Health Care Facilities in Delta State and other matters incidental thereto; Bill to Amend Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency; Bill to provide for the Audit of Public Accounts of the state Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Local Governments and other Matters Connected therewith; and the Bill to Establish the Customary Courts and to provide for the Composition and Appointment of Chairman and Members, Structure and Administration, Jurisdiction and other Matters Connected thereto.

WEDNESDAY May 22 - 28, 2019

The

www.oraclenews.ng

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ame-sex marriage will, effective this Friday, be legalised in Taiwan, the first Asian nation to do so. President Tsai Ing-wen will assent to the bill passed by the country’s parliament last Friday. The news has delighted gay rights activists in Asia and other parts of the world.

My reaction was to post on Facebook: “Gays and lesbians are lower than beasts.

Shame, expose and isolate anyone who admits they’re one.” Comments are still pouring below the post. I published another on my wall: “Aliens are already here. They are LGBT and ‘geniuses’ adored by the whites.”

From the discussions on social media, you could identify gay activists who are Nigerians, though many of them live in Europe and America. Someone said I was gay, too, because “scientific studies” showed that homosexuals are the ones who speak against their kind most. I asked him to send me his unmarried sister to find out my sexual orientation!

The world, it seems, is coming to an end.

More nations in Asia are expected to follow in Taiwan’s footsteps: countries like China, Vietnam and Singapore do not yet have strict laws against homosexuality, and their laws are becoming more tolerant to the activities of LGBT people.

Lest I forget, “LGBT” stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. A lesbian is a woman who is sexually and emotionally attracted to fellow women. A gay is a man similarly attracted to fellow men. A bisexual person is attracted to both sexes. Transgender is used to describe people who change their sex – from male to female or from female to male – because they feel differently from their birth sex internally.

Europe and America harbour the largest numbers of these strange people. As of today, more than 25 countries, all but one (South Africa) in Europe and America, have enacted laws allowing gays and lesbians to marry. They include the United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, England & Wales, Scotland, Belgium, Norway, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Argentina, Portugal, Iceland, New Zealand, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia, Luxembourg, Finland, Ireland, Greenland, Malta, Australia and Austria. Mexico has limited jurisdictions that allow same-sex couples to marry.

When I first wrote about these depraved beings, I admitted I was still naïve in matters of sexuality. Until the turn of this century, I didn’t really believe that gays existed in real life. I thought it was one of those fairy tales children were told. And I hardly read stories about them in foreign media; once I saw photographs or headlines announcing a marriage between people of the same sex I would flip through the pages, or turn away if it’s television. Nothing could be more obscene.

A friend made me grow up, when he referred me to verses in the Bible, and I soon learned that the evil practice had existed from prehistoric times. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of gays. My friend said something else when we were living in Lagos in the 1990s. He said he suspected another friend was gay because he lacked interest in women. Luckily for that friend of ours, he didn’t see him making advances to men.

My interest in the subject developed with the demand for gay rights in Nigeria also. Having not met anyone who confessed he/she was gay or lesbian, I sought to read a first-hand account of a gay Nigerian. I’ve not succeeded up until now. I see them only on foreign TV channels.

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racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

On the rights of depraved people Aniebo

Nwamu

•Arican gay marriage in South Africa

Those who are less naïve than me say that 1--15% of Nigerians is gay. In other words, 20-25 million Nigerians are not real human beings. I hear there are clubs in Lagos and Abuja that are exclusive for gays. I have no reason to believe what I hear, but I have no reason not to believe it either.

But why do we refer to America and Europe as “developed” and to Africa as “undeveloped”? I think development shouldn’t be limited to just infrastructure or advancements in technology. What about social or spiritual development? What does it mean for people to be civilised?

When President Jonathan signed the anti-gay law in 2013, there were uproars and threats from the West. They said they would impose sanctions on the nation. And, indeed, it is suspected that Obama’s America ensured that Jonathan lost the 2015 election

because of that legislation he refused to reverse.

But I have a piece of advice for our “civilised” friends abroad and the gays among us: They need not impose sanctions on the country because everybody, gays and nongays, will suffer. To help the “persecuted” ones who are being denied their rights in Nigeria, they should encourage them to float a political party and seek power. Once one of them is elected president of Nigeria, he would easily reverse the law on same-sex marriage.

They are numerous enough to support a political party. And an opportunity beckons: with the two major political parties now wobbling and confused, a third party that is strong would have ample chance to win a presidential election. Gays should therefore organise themselves. I don’t know whether

they have an association already; one like the “Association of Gay Nigerians” (AGN) could be transformed to “Gay Nigerians’ Party (GNP)”.

Rather than pillory Nigeria, the international community should appreciate our benevolence. In the early days of the debate on gay rights, some were of the view that all gays should be executed. The question being asked was whether they were human beings as to deserve human rights. Reason has prevailed, however.

The gays say they were created by God in his own image. Maybe God created them; so let them live. But anyone caught having sex with, or getting married to, a member of the same sex should be prepared to spend 14 years in jail. If they can’t divorce their sexual orientation, they should remain celibate for life.

The debate continues. Do gays deserve all the human rights that normal people enjoy? I don’t think they do: in fact, granting them animal rights would be an honour, for they are lower than animals. At least, animals of the same sex do not mate. I don’t see any civilisation in a man who thrusts his male organ into the anus of another man.

Marriage as we know it is between a man and a woman.

If they say they’re human beings and therefore deserve human rights, well, I would wish to join activists in a crusade for the abolishment of the killing of innocent animals. Let’s grow above savagery then. No more eating of meat or fish – the shedding of any blood should become a crime. Fishes, chickens, goats, cows and other animals have the right to life. Why do we kill them for food? I wonder why the United Nations forgot to include this in the Universal Declaration of Rights.

All rights activists should go to work before LGBT rights activists start nursing the declaration of other rights. Incest and rape may disappear from the English dictionary: it would be all right for a man to sleep with or remarry his mother. An unmarried woman would be justified to sleep with or marry her father. And how about the right to satisfy a sexual urge? Everyone would be free to enjoy his/her rights and nobody should question the sexual orientation of another.

Siblings would be free to have sex. Abomination Inc.!

Unless this madness called Western “civilisation” is cured, the world may one day witness marriages between a man and a horse, between a woman and a he-goat, and between a dog and a water mermaid. Yes, there may be no limits to human rights, animal rights and LGBT rights.

•Nwamu, an entrepreneur, is the CEO of Eyeway.ng. +234-8054100220 (SMS/ WhatsApp only)

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