Wednesday may 24 edition

The

racle

The Oracle SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

WEDNESDAY MAY 24, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

3

Today Today

VOL.2 No. 22. N200

South-East protests intimidating security • They treat us like conquered territory –Nwodo • End excessive, aggressive, policing in S/E –Agbakoba • It’s necessary to check criminalities –Sagir

NNDC to promote agric projects in Niger Delta – Page 41

Police go tough on bag snatchers in Onitsha • Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu shortly after the Supreme Court confirmed him as Abia State governor ... last Friday.

By THEO RAYS and CHUKS EZE

A

LTHOUGH it is not exactly new, the recent highlight, in the media, of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba’s suit against the Federal Government of Nigeria over ‘marginalisation of the South East Region’ of the country has rekindled outcries over a ‘worrisome’ aspect of such marginalisation: security siege.

Those who spoke with The Oracle Today described it as “nothing less than a provocative military encircle-

–Page 39

Presidency to spend N5b on wildlife, Villa

ment of the old East, with intent to push the people to their limits and bait them to react in a manner that would attract high-handed military response.”

A random survey conducted by From TONY AILEMEN and this newspaper revealed an overTITUS AGBO, Abuja whelming presence of soldiers and naval officers on major highways HE Federal Government is to and even city centres in South spend a princely N5b to feed East geopolitical zone and parts of wildlife within the PresidenSouth South in peacetime Nigeria. tial Villa, maintain the residence In the Fundamental Rights Class and beautify its environment, snipAction suit, Agbakoba is seeking an pets of information gleaned by The Oracle Today from the 2017 budget •Continued on Page 4 recently passed by the National As-

T

sembly, has shown.

As details of the N7tr budget passed by the National Assembly but which is yet to be accented to by the President emerge, there are fears that unless something drastic is done, much of the gains recorded so far may be lost to unstable inflationary trend.

This trend is already visible in the just approved budget as provisions

The Papal Nuncio to Ireland is Black and Nigerian ...

for various sub-heads including food for Acting President have shut up by as much as 356 per cent, same for diesel to power generators at the State House which is up by over 50 per cent.

Feeding for the President and his family is pegged at N114.967m in the 2017 budget, while traveling

•Continued on Page 4

Pages 8

2

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

Congratulates Our Governor

Abia ALGON

The Oracle SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

T

Victor Okezie Ikpeazu

he Association of Local Government s of Nigeria, ALGON, Abia State, rejoices with our Governor Okezie Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD, on his victory at the Supreme Court in the Abia State gubernatorial election.

Together we would work with our Governor as we take development to our various communities.

Signed Hon. Amaechi Sunday Hanson Chairman, Obingwa LG Chairman of Chairmen ALGON, Abia State Chapter

Hon. Prince Sunday Ogbonna

Hon. Engineer John Eze

Hon. Emmanuel Emereuwa

Hon. Ikeyinna Mgbeahuru

Hon. Kalu Kalu James

Eze Sam Nwanguma

Hon. Gabriel Elendu

Hon. Obianya Lewis Chinemere

Hon. Ezinne Ngozi Orji Hon. Ginger Onwusibe

Hon. Goodluck Nwaobiwe Chairman Ukwa West Hon. Nwachukwu Chidiebere

Hon. Ifeanyi Isikaku

Hon. Obioma Ezegbulafor

Hon. Udueze Nnadi Mike

Hon. Barrister Philip Okey Igwe

Chairman Aba North LG

Chairman Aba South LG

Chairman Arochukwu LG Chairman Bende LG

Chairperson Ikwuano LG

Chairman Isiala Ngwa North LG

Chairman Isiala Ngwa South LG Chairman Isuikwuato LG

Chairman Ohafia LG

Chairman Osisioma LG

Chairman Ugwunagbo LG Chairman Ukwa East

Chairman North Umuahia LG

Umuahia South LG Chairman Chairman Umunneochi LG

10

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION C/River assembly passes 40 bills, initiates 30 motions –Speaker

C

ross River House of Assembly has passed 40 bills and initiated over 30 motions from June 2015 to date.

Speaker of the House, Mr John Gaul-Lebo, who disclosed this in Calabar, the state capital, also explained that the assembly had proposed 76 bills, adding that 40 have been passed while 36 were currently at various stages in the floor of the house.

He listed some of the bills to include Cross River Infrastructure Development Fund bill; Greater Calabar City Development bill; Water Front Infrastructure Agency bill; Kidnapping Prohibition Bill and Social Housing Scheme bill among others.

“During the period under review, from June 2015 that we assume office till date, the Cross River House of Assembly has proposed a total of 76 bills.

“40 of these bills have been passed into law while 36 are still being considered. We are looking at passing 50 bills into law before June 11, 2017 that will make us two years in office.

“The Cross River House of Assembly was rated the best in terms of legislative work by the Legislative Institute of Nigeria for the 2015/ 2016 legislative year.

“If you check the Institute of Legislative Studies in Nigeria, I think we are the only house of assembly with the highest number of bills passed so far,“ he said.

The speaker maintained that most of the bills were people-oriented and meant to provide safety social services for the citizenry.

He said that the 2017/2018 legislative year would support the reconstruction of the state’s economy through provision of legislations to attract internally generated revenues.

Xenophobic attacks: Nigeria to deploy cultural diplomacy

By VICTOR NZE, Lagos

M

inister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said Nigeria will deploy ‘cultural diplomacy’ as an effective tool to put an end to the incessant xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

“Nigeria is keen to work with South Africa to put an end to these attacks, deploying the soft power of ‘cultural diplomacy’, which is widely regarded as an effective tool in this regard,” the Minister said in Abuja on Friday when

he received the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lulu Mnguni, on a courtesy visit to his office.

He said relevant parastatals, including the National Council for Arts and Culture, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and the Nigerian Film Corporation, will soon embark on a series of activities in South Africa to further strengthen the understanding between Nigerians and South Africans.

These activities, Alhaji Mohammed, include joint musical concerts,

•L-R: Mr. Ike Chioke, graduation speaker, Mr. Ike Chioke, Founder American University of Nigeria, Yola (AUN) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Atiku Abubakar, Akin Kekere-Ekun and President, the American University of Nigeria, Prof. LeGene Queensbery, at the 9th Graduation Ceremony of the AUN, which held at the Lamido Aliyu Musdafa Commencement Hall, Yola, Adamawa, last weekend.

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co-production in the area of films, visit of popular Nollywood actors and actresses to South Africa as part of a Nigerian delegation going on a confidence-building trip, exhibitions featuring Nigerian delicacies to be entitled ‘’A Taste of Nigeria’’ and a Town Hall Meeting for Nigerians resident in South Africa, with a view to encouraging dialogue on the way forward, especially in their relationship with their hosts.

“These activities, and many more, which we are working on as I speak, will kick off in the weeks ahead, and

will not be a one-off event. While the diplomats do their own thing to continue to strengthen bilateral relations between our two countries, we at the Ministry of Information and Cultural will deploy, and ensure the sustenance of Cultural Diplomacy in order to make it more effective in bringing our peoples together,” he said.

The Minister stressed the need to build people-to-people relations, with a view to strengthening the understanding between the peoples of the two foremost African nations and stemming the tide of xenophobia.

“Therefore, what we are kickstarting today, with the visit of Your Excellency, will have ramifications far beyond the shores of Nigeria and South Africa. For long, Nigerians have treated South Africans as their brothers and sisters. Over 120 South African companies, perhaps more than those of any other African country, are doing business in Nigeria, thousands of Nigerians regularly travel to South Africa for business and leisure, and - historically – Nigeria played a front-line role in helping to end the scourge of apartheid in South Africa.

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okoto State Government has said it recovered over N278 million paid to ghost workers on the payrolls of local governments in the past four months.

State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal disclosed this, Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Gwadabawa Local Government Area.

Tambuwal said the money was paid to the ghost workers’ bank accounts but was not claimed from the various banks.

“This was sequel to the centrali-

sation of the payment of the salaries of workers of the local governments. About two weeks ago, some banks alerted the Commissioner of Local Governments about the existence of the unclaimed money,’’ the governor said.

He said the recent verification of council staff was aimed at ascertaining genuine workers.

“The exercise was not aimed at witch hunting anyone but to ascertain the actual workforce and monthly wage bill of the local governments,’’ Tambuwal said.

No candidate will write exams outside preferred centres -- JAMB From OJOACHELE EJIGBO, Lagos

T

he Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has made it clear that no candidate was sent to an examination centre outside their places of choice.

According to a statement issued by its head of media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin said the board considered all options chosen by candidates in their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration forms and no one was posted to a venue outside their preferred towns.

“Candidates are always allowed to make a choice of examination town while we allocate centres within the examination town chosen by a candidate” he said.

He also asked candidates to be vigilant of fraudsters.

C

orps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, said speeding accounts for 60 per cent of road crashes recorded in the country.

Oyeyemi said this on Sunday at a thanksgiving service to mark the 4th United Nations Global Road Safety Week at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Gigiriing, Jos, Plateau State.

The global event has “Managing Speed” as its theme.

Oyeyemi represented by Mr Oludare Fadogba, the Zonal Commanding Officer, Jos zone, said speeding remains the most prevalent cause of road crashes in Nigeria and across the globe.

“Speeding is one of the most prevalent causes of road collision and attendant fatalities in Nigeria and even globally. The risk of crashes occurring is greater as speeding gets higher. Statistics shows that speeding and the involvement of commercial vehicles consistently account for about 60 per cent of road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

“This is why the Federal Government has to endorse the implementation of the mandatory installation of the speed limit device on commercial vehicles to curtail accidents, “he said.

He called motorists and all road users to key into the speed limit regime with a view to reducing loss of lives and properties from road accidents.

4

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS

South-East protests Continued from Pg 1 order of the Court “directing the 1st Respondent (Federal Government of Nigeria) to take immediate steps to check the excessively aggressive and nefarious, yet ineffective policing of the South-East Geopolitical Zone and putting an end to the extortion going on at the ubiquitous police check-points on the highways in the South-East Geopolitical Zone.”

In the random survey, The Oracle Today reporters counted over 200 army checkpoints in the South East and parts of South South, mounted in civilian spaces with well-kitted soldiers, guns on the ready, manning the check- points.

On the South East side, for example, the roadblocks are noticeable at the Asaba and Onitsha ends of the 52- year old Niger Bridge, Umunya on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Nnamdi Azikiwe University gate, Awka, Ugwuoba on the Enugu State side of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Oji River also on the Expressway and shortly before the 9th Mile Corner in Udi Local Council of Enugu State.

Others are located at Amansea in Awka South Local Coucnil of Anambra State on the old Enugu-Onitsha highway, a distance of less than two kilometres from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University gate.

From Amansea to Ugwuoba in Enugu State, a distance of less than 10 kilometres and from Ugwuoba to Oji River, another distance of less than 10 kilometres, there are two other roadblocks.

Between Udi and Nsukka on the 9th Mile Corner-Nsukka-Makurdi Road, there are three army roadblocks. Between Opi Junction in Nsukka Local Council, and Amala in Udenu LGA, the last town in Enugu State before Orakam in Benue State on the same 9th Mile CornerNsukka-Makurdi Road, there are at least four army roadblocks.

From Enugu, through the Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, the army has also mounted two roadblocks.

On the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, at Ihiala in Anambra, to be precise, there is another army roadblock. Others are located in Nnewi and Ekwulobia.

The situation is the same in Abia State, which has witnessed increased army roadblocks following the launch in December last year of Operation Python dance by the Nigeria Army for South East geopolitical zone.

The Oracle Today investigations in Umuahia and its environs revealed that there are at least six army roadblocks in Abia Central and Abia North senatorial districts alone with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) stationed at some of them.

Some of the roadblocks include Lokpanta Junction on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Abia Tower-Umuahia Junction of the same expressway, and Isiala-Ngwa Junction also on the double lane highway.

Others include: Michael Ok-

para University Junction on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene highway, Isingwu-Nkwoegwu Junction of the Isuikwuato- Uzuakoli Road, and the 14 Brigade Army barracks Junction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu highway.

On Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, there are also army roadblocks at Okigwe, Awgu and Ituku Ozalla, among others.

Obviously, the roadblocks in the South South region, which are being enforced by the federal government through the Joint Task Force (JTF), came in response to the restiveness in the Niger Delta.

But, The Oracle To- day can report that most of these road- blocks are located in cities and com- munities, which are far away from the trouble spots.

In Delta state, there is a military road- blocks in Owvuorie before Eku, the host community of the famous Eku Baptist Specialist Hospital, along the Warri-Agbor road.

There are others at Ekerahven in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local government area along East-West and Okwokoko near Warri. From Asaba to Warri, there are three major military roadblocks, including the one at Asaba-Ibusa Road, Ozoro Polytechnic and Iyede, near Ughelli and the one at Isiokolo junction.

Between Benin and Asa- ba, there are three military roadblocks in Agbor, Isele-Ukwu and Asaba, by the Niger Bridge.

Other locations with heavy military roadblocks in Delta State are Effurun town, Adeje town, Amukpe in Sapele, Evwreni, along Patani Road, Alele in Warri, Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Ekpan, Ife town in Warri South West Local Government Area and Oghara Town in Ethiope West Local Government Area.

On the East-West Road, there is yet another military roadblock at

Mbiama in Rivers State and the boundary town between Rivers and Bayelsa State.

After Emohua in Emohua Local Government Area, there is one at the junction leading to Buguma headquarters of Asari-Toru Local Government Area and another at Ogbakiri also in Emohua.

There is a heavy military roadblock in Choba in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area on the EastWest road.

In Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State is another military road- block on the East-West road on the way to Ogoniland.

There is yet another one at the Eagle Island from Agip in the Port Harcourt metropolis, principally because of cult activities.

Similarly, Aluu community, near the University of Port Harcourt has one gigantic one where Okada riders and their passengers are made to come down and cross the roadblock on foot before continuing on their journey.

There is one at Ibaa in Ikwerre Local Government Area also due to constant fights by rival cult gangs.

Between Aba and Port Harcourt, there is a military roadblock at Obehe, where armed robbers killed Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru not too long ago.

Last year when the hitherto skeletal military roadblocks were reinforced and news ones mounted in strategic places, Army spokesman 82 Division, Enugu, Col. Musa Sagir said the security cordon code-named ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the South East and earlier launched as ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in the South South, was aimed at checking criminalities in the regions, especially at that time of the year, in order to make the yuletide celebrations hitch-free. He

said the exercise would last from November 27 to December27.

But, although the number of military personnel manning the roadblocks has been scaled down, the roadblocks are still as many as the army started off with in December with the untoward consequences of traffic gridlocks they spawn at those roadblocks. Lamenting the ‘indignity of the situation’, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo said in a recent statement, “Now, if you drive through the South East, we are like a conquered people. In every major town you go into, there is a military checkpoint. They call it Operation Python Dance. If they screen you for arms and ammunition, I will understand that it is a national security imperative. But they collect money from you. We are forced to pay.

“Between Enugu and Onitsha, there are 17 police checkpoints that I enumerated on one trip. There are police checkpoints, some police and army combined. The commercial vehicle drivers drop the money on the ground.

“They do not care whether the Inspector-General of Police is coming in an on-coming vehicle or that they are being photographed. It does not happen anywhere else in this country. And nobody cares. I said it at the 82 Division and I was arrested. I have said that at every public fo­rum anytime I have the opportu­nity, I will keep harping on this. “For his part, Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi said the police and military roadblocks in South East are condemnable because there is no justification for them. Umeagbalasi argued that flooding the South East with police and military is as bad as waging a psychological war against the South East and thus an indictment of the Federal Government of Nigeria because the South East is crime free and has no security threat compared to the serous security challenges in other geopolit-

ical zones where there are deadly militants and terrorists.

He added: “The heavy presence of police and military men in the South East roads is uncalled for because there is no security challenge from the zone compared to what is obtained in the northeast for instance “But, unfortunately, the number of road blocks mounted by the Police and military in the South East is higher than that of the North East where terrorists are bombing everywhere. That shows you that there is a conspiracy from above and that conspiracy is to wage a psychological war against the economy and political will of the southeast, to perpetually strangle and oppress the people to the lowest ebb.

Umeagbalasi dismissed the impression in some quarters that the police and military were assigned to protect the people against nauseating herdsmen, armed robbers, kidnappers and threat from Biafra agitators particularly members Indigenous People of Biafra saying that, instead, “the check points are used to extort money from people to enrich their pocket to the detriment of the economy of the South East and also to show the people of the South East that the Federal Government is on ground and ever ready to deal with them.”

“The police and military men stationed at all the checkpoints strewn all over the place have never arrested armed robbers or kidnappers or stopped the armed herdsmen from attacking people; instead they are busy extorting money from the people. Where, for instance, went the police and military when the herdsmen attacked the people of Nimbo in Uzouwani in Enugu State?,” the Intersociety boss queried.

“We are not in war now and it is wrong to create an atmosphere of war for us, thereby reminding the Igbos that the Nigeria Biafra war has not ended,” Barr. Okwudili Uzoka said of the intimidating security presence in the South East.

Presidency to spend N5b on wildlife, Villa Continued from Pg 1 expenses, both local and international, are pegged at N978, 688 million.

From the N15.5M budgeted for feeding Nigeria’s number two citizen in 2016, the 2017 budget has pushed up feeding cost for his household to N53.4m.

The country is currently suffering from one of its worst economic crises in history since gaining political independence from British Colonial rule in 1960, a situation largely blamed on lack of foresight and wasteful spending.

The situation has not been helped by corruption, which has made the power sector remain in a state of comatose.

After spending billions of dollars in the sector, government still budgets huge sums for purchase, maintenance and fuelling

of generators, which power most government offices for a larger part of the day.

In 2017, Presidency is expected to spend N137m on purchase of diesel alone with the State House share up from N23m in 2016 to N46m in the 2017 budget, an indication that not much improvement may be recorded in the power sector in 2017.

Despite predictions of positive growth outlook of about 2 per cent in 2017, the economy is still faced with poor foreign investment inflows, high unemployment rates as well as massive job layoffs, with pervasive poverty.

The close to $23b (Seven Trillion Naira) 2017 budget implementation is predicated on current improvements in crude oil output at 2.2 million barrels per day Federal Government also plans to borrow about N2.32 trillion from the World Bank; funds, which it says, will be purely devoted to infrastructural Development in areas such as rail, roads and massive

investment in agriculture.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in December while submitting the budget said it is aimed at pulling the country out of recession.

Revenue from the oil sector is expected to contribute N1.985 trillion, non-oil revenue, N1.73 trillion, as well as other federal government’s independent revenues.

Oracle Today’s check revealed that although the 2017 Appropriation Bill is yet to be transmitted to the President for his assent, the Economic Management Team (EMT) headed by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, is however eager to hit the ground running, according to the Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande.

TAC’s excess budgeting continues The Directorate of Technical Aids Corps (TAC) has also continued to maintain heavy recurrent budget despite not having any more volunteers outside the country The

Oracle Today investigation also reveals.

As this newspaper exclusively reported in a previous edition, the agency has continued to get receive allocation for 1,500 volunteers even when there are now less than 200 volunteers posted out and most of who had completed their assignment and have since returned.

The agency, it was further gathered, has not recruited new volunteers in a long time.

In a recent exclusive report, indeed an expose, The Oracle Today had reported that only 200 volunteers were serving in various African and Caribbean countries following the continued rejection by their host countries of most of those being sent out.

However, that notwithstanding, details of the 2017 budget in the possession of The Oracle Today show that TAC was allocated N3b for its recurrent expenditure.

5

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

Victory For All

Abians Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu I join our Governor, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD, and the great people of Abia State in celebrating the victory at the Supreme Court.

The voice of the people, which is the voice of God, has got a final confirmation at our highest court.

It is time for everyone who loves Abia State to join the Governor in continuing the great work he was doing.

Congratulations our Governor.

Congratulations Abians.

Signed

Hon. Nkem-Uzoma Abonta

Chairman, House Committee on Public Petitions Representative, Ukwa East/Ukwa West Constituency

6

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

Photo Speak Friends and associates recently accompanied Chief Ejike Odumegwu, The Owelle of Nsukka, and his family to a special thanksgiving mass and church presentation of his son baby Ifemyorochi Trump Odumegwu. During the Mass, Owelle made a couple of donations including a specialist hospital, N3 million cash donation and 90 bags of cement to support various church projects; 2 residential building to 2 indigent widows, and scholarship to 4 indigent students up to tertiary school level among other things.

Owelle, his son, Trump, and his wife at the Mass.

Owelle’s mother, Mrs Gladis Odumegwu flanked by one of her daughters and grand daughters.

Owelle (Centre) explaining a point to Mr Enyinnaya Echefu (left) and family, who flew in from UK to felicitate with the host.

Amb. Fidel Ayogu performing foundation-laying ceremony.

Amb. Fidel Ayogu (centre) flanked by the PDP LG party Chair in Igbo Eze North LGA, Alex Urama and his wife, Tina.

The officiating priest blessing baby Trump and the Owelle family during the Holy Mass.

Handing over the list of all donations and awards to Fr. Jude Ugwueke.

Owelle centre, poses with his committee of friends.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

Congratulations Nigeria Congratulations Abia Congratulations Ukwa Ngwa Nation Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu

O

ur people have not had it this good that a well hatched conspiracy, treachery, intimidation against us has just been decided at the Supreme Court level on May 12, 2017.

The people’s mandate to Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD, as first Abia Governor of Ukwa Ngwa extraction was settled irrevocably. In chronicling the story of historical developments of our people, the 12th of May shall have a special mention.

On behalf of my family, Omoba Ancient Kingdom in OV/OV, the entire people of Isiala Ngwa South, I congratulate the Governor on this victory.

CHIEF PATRICK EBERE NJOKU, ksc Ala Oma Ndi Abia Managing Director, Penmet Nig Ltd, (Iron and steel, metal products merchants) Mile 13, Ikorodu Road, Owode Ajegunle, Rasco Bus Terminal, Owode Onirin, Lagos Abia Office: Asa Umunka Road, Ala Oji, Enugu/PH Exp, Aba, Abia State 08155577792 08123504318 08149066400 08037233338 08033306252 paddynjokulive@yahoo.com

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Kebbi releases N274.4m for payment of students registration fees, scholarship, others

K

ebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has approved the release of N274.4 million for the payment of the students registration fees and scholarship to students in foreign institutions. .

This is contained in a statement

by Alhaji Abubakar Dakingari, the

press secretary to the governor and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

According to the statement, the sum of N175 million would be used for the settlement of students registration fees and scholarship to students in foreign institutions.

According to the statement, the

registration fees was for students in colleges of education in Kebbi, Sokoto, Dakingari and Zaria and the universities in Kano, Sokoto, and Kaduna polytechnic as well as college of Basic Studies in Yauri.

It added that the sum of N28.4 million was for the renovation of structures in the ministry of

education, staff training and sustenance of education exchange programmes.

The government also released N56 million for the evacuation of refuse in Sakaba local government area, settlement of liabilities and construction of culverts in Maiyama council and donation to

the Alkali Hussaini foundation.

It said the sum of N15 million was released to the ministry of information and culture for the purchase of a public address Van, funding of the cultural troupe and repair of operational vehicles.

Nasarawa Assembly to pass Bill for legal backing on family planning -- Lawmaker

N

asarawa State House of Assembly will pass a bill for a law to give family planning programmes full legal backing, to effectively tackle maternal mortality in the state.

Chairman, House Committee on Health, Alhaji Mohammed Opkede (PDP-Doma North), disclosed this in Akwanga at the end of 3-day workshop on “Development of the Nasarawa State Costed Implementation plan for Family Planning.”

The workshop was organised by two NGOs-Pathfinder International Nigeria and Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government.

Opkede said that the bill,if passed and becomes a law, would also promote healthy living among the people of the state, considering the enormous benefits of family planning to the development of the development.

He commended the NGO’s and the state government for organising the workshop for and called for its sustenance.

“Nasarawa State House of Assembly belongs to the people of the state. We are going to do everything humanly possible as legislators through collaboration with the executive arm to support any programmes that would improve the health and wellbeing of our people.

“Family Planning programme is a critical area that needs attention because its importance cannot be

over-emphasised to the development of the society, as it helps in reducing maternal mortality and promote healthy living.

“It also strengthens the health of the woman directly and the man indirectly as it enables the woman rest adequately in between pregnancy and child delivery. It also enables sexually active women and girls protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies. It is in view of this that we are ready to pass a Bill that will give it full legal backing in the state to encourage our people to embrace family planning.” he said.

Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Usman Adis, said government was putting in place all necessary machinery to take full ownership and sustenance of family planning programme.

Adis, represented by Dr Madawa Absalom, Director in the agency, reinstated the state government commitment in addressing problems confronting family planning.

Earlier, Ms Aanu Rotimi, Mr Yemi Osanyin, PACFaH and Pathfinder facilitators said that the workshop was to help the state develop an implementable work plan for the success of the family planning programmes in the state.

They added that the workshop was to also help the state develop a plan that would be usable in order to encourage family planning in the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace Ltd, Chief Allen Onyema when the airline boss visited Government House, Enugu, yesterday.

Lagos hairdresser commits suicide over unpaid N150,000 loan

From OJOACHELE EJIGBO

A

Lagos-based hairdresser, Yetunde Oladipupo, popularly known as Iyabo, has committed suicide on Onabola Street, Owotutu, in the Somolu area of Lagos State.

It was learnt that Oladipupo ingested an insecticide substance, Sniper, over the weekend shortly after seeing off some friends who had visited her.

Pope Francis names Archbishop Jude Okolo new papal ambassador to Dublin From VICTOR NZE, Lagos

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ope Francis has named Archbishop Jude Okolo as his new ambassador to Ireland, a position that gives the Nigerian prelate a high level of responsibility in helping to organise next year’s papal visit to Dublin.

The archbishop is a career diplomat who speaks six languages and is due to arrive in Ireland over the summer, a year before Francis is expected in Ireland for the World Meeting of Families.

He will succeed Archbishop Charles Brown who served as the apostolic nuncio from 2011-17 before being sent to Albania. Archbishop Brown took over after relations had been strained between Ireland and the Holy See due to the child sexual scandal which resulted in Dublin withdrawing its Resident Ambassador to the Vatican,

a decision later reversed.

Archbishop Okolo takes over at a time when relations are warmer, and the prospect of a papal visit in August of 2018, which would be the first in almost 40 years. His job will be to act as the official liaison between Ireland and the Vatican, while also playing an important internal role in helping to appoint new bishops.

The 61-year-old archbishop was first posted in Sri Lanka in 1990 and after which had stints in Haiti, a number of islands in the Caribbean, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Australia.

His first ambassadorship posting was to the Central African Republic in 2008 - a conflict ridden country which the Pope visited in 2015 - and most recently has been nuncio to the Dominican Republic and Apostolic Delegate to Puerto Rico.

•Jude Okolo

The archbishop speaks Igbo (language of the Igbo ethnic group based in south east Nigeria), English, French, Italian, Czech, Spanish and German and his interests include sacred music, piano, reading and table tennis.

Although the cause of the visit could not be ascertained, it was gathered that the mother of four went to a shop afterwards and bought the insecticide.

She was alleged to have taken it and was later rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, where she died.

It was learnt that the IjebuIgbo,Ogun state indigene, had taken a loan of about N150,000 from a microfinance bank and the creditor had been pestering her to pay.

A resident, who did not want to be identified, said the victim was always depressed because she had no means of repaying the debt.

He said, “Iyabo has four children and her husband is based in Abuja.

He comes home once in a while.

She was a hairdresser and had a small shop where she sold some things.

“She borrowed N150,000 from a microfinance bank. When the pressure became too much for her and she could not pay, she became desperate, drank the insecticide and died.”

Another resident said two friends had visited her a few minutes before the incident, adding that it was after the visit that she decided to take her life.

She said, “Around 7pm, two friends visited her and she saw them off. As she was returning, she went to a shop opposite her house where they sell provisions.

“After picking the insecticide, she asked the shopkeeper for a nylon wrapper, but the shopkeeper declined her request and said she should return the insecticide. She kept it somewhere around her dress and left.”

“As she was ascending the stairs to the first floor where she lived, she drank the insecticide. Within seconds, she started feeling uncomfortable and called her five year old child to go and get help.

She was rolling on the floor and groaning with pain.

“Everybody was alarmed upon seeing the empty container of the insecticide. She was taken to a private hospital on the street, but she was rejected. She was then rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, where about five doctors struggled to save her life. She, however, died.”

A top official of the general hospital confirmed that the victim was brought to the hospital around 7pm, adding that she died in the early hours of Saturday.

He said, “The woman was brought to the hospital around 7pm on Friday and her people said she collected a loan which she could not repay. We don’t know the details. Doctors tried to save her life, but she could not make it”.

The Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer said he would call back after speaking with the Somolu Divisional Police Officer.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS

Archbishop administers sacrament of confirmation on 574 faithful, dedicates N124m church building From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

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O fewer than 574 catholic faithful of Saint Rapheal De ArchAngel Catholic Church, Anumudu Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Council of Anambra State last weekend received sacrament of confirmation from the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev (Dr.) Valerian Okeke.

The occasion also witnessed the dedication of the N124m new church building to God. In his sermon, while dedicating the building, Archbishop Okeke enjoined the faithful to abide by their oath to be soldiers of God and live Christ-like life in order to make heaven.

He commended the Parish Priest of the church, Rev Father John Ezeoruonye for the new church building, describing him as “small but mighty”.

The Archbishop recalled that the church premises was sometime ago submerged by flood and commended Fr. Ezeoruonye for surmounting all the difficulties to make the place habitable.

He reminded the faithful that dedication of a church building is an exclusive preserve of the Archbishop, stressing: “Dedication of a church is a complete

hand-over of a church building to God and it is only I that have right to dedicate a church.”

The Archbishop added that the dedication last Sunday was appropriate because”dedicating a church building takes place on Sundays when there will be a large gathering of parishioners.”

In his response, Father Ezeoruonye lamented the activities of ‘dishonest workers’ who, he said, wanted to do shoddy work by using substandard building materials to execute the project.

He said: “My greatest problem during the building of the church was tackling problems of dishonest workers. They usually buy inferior materials and I had to stop them and use the building committee members.”

Father Ezeoruonye, who added that he has sacrificed himself to the work of God, admitted that some buildings collapse as a result of use of inferior materials.

He commended the Archbishop for spending two days in his parish to conduct the church dedication ceremony, noting that His Grace did all that despite his tight schedule.

“His Grace, the Archbishop, on the previous day gave sacrament of confirmation to 574 faithful in preparation for the dedica-

tion which today (last Sunday) took place,” Fr. Ezeoruonye declared,hinting that it cost the parish a whopping N124 million to erect the new church building.

In their various remarks, younger brother to the Parish Priest who is also a Catholic Priest, Rev Father Joseph Ezeoruonye, Vice Chairman of Catholic Men Organization

(CMO), Julius Ozeh Unoenu and builder of the church, Engr Chris Obiagba all commended the Archbishop and the Parish Priest for the building and dedication of the church building.

Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Denis Isizoh, with Msgr Nathaniel Obiagba, and teachers and students cutting the cake during the 25th anniversary of the Focolare Movement, a batik and tailoring school for young girls based at 3-3, Oyolu Junctions, Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State... recently.

Photo by MODESTUS IGUDOBI.

Kanu, Uwazuruike are on their own –Biafran war veterans From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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HILE the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, continues to bask in the euphoria of a hero worship since regaining his freedom, a grand patron of Biafran War veterans, Dr. Ramas Okoye Asuzu, has described his activities as one that smacked of personal interest and self-glorification.

According to him, this was the way Chief Ralph Uwazuruike of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, started and ended up enriching himself and abandoning the struggle.

He noted that Kanu should have consulted Igbo leaders widely and sought their input before embarking on the struggle rather than taking a plunge that had not yielded any re-

Change of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egwuatu Stella Ifeyinwa now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANAEKWE STELLA IFEYINWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

sult so far.

“Late Odumegwu Ojukwu fought for the cause with his whole might, yet, the world powers deprived us that freedom.

“Nnamdi Kanu started with negative approach by abusing everybody through Biafran Radio. Before such liberation journey, I think he should have consulted the elders. I don’t know if he actually did so, but as the grand patron of war veterans, I am supposed to be on the roll,” Ramas stated.

He lamented how Ndigbo have been losing out in the country’s power play warning that the actualization of Bia-

power be at the centre but let the component zones not be weak. Let the South East be governed independently while the North West be on their own, likewise others.

“This will stop the craze of second tenure and the madness of being in power perpetually. Causing violence or abusing people on radio will not bring any solution to our problem.

“Biafra can never be dead; but only when the Igbos speak with one voice, the dream shall come true.

“Nnamdi Kanu may be right in whatever he is agitating for but who can predict what the mind habours?

“Whatever they are doing, they are on their own, and that is why the South East governors have been mute over the whole deal.

“For me, if Kanu really wants to do anything, he has to properly consult the Igbo Elders Council. They sit down together to know whether Kanu should be the leader because we have seen them a lot.”

Ramas however expressed his happiness over the release of Kanu but noted that President Buhari ended up making Kanu popular by taking so long a time to grant him his freedom.”

Anambra governorship: Community assures Obiano of votes

By MEJEE MEJEE

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TAKEHOLDERS, elders and leaders of Woliwo Community, Onitsha, Anambra State, have resolved to re-elect Governor Willie Obiano for a second tenure to enable him complete his projects in the state, especially the road rehabilitation he has promised the residents of Woliwo.

The stakeholders spoke to newsmen when they visited the new Chairman of Onitsha South L.G.A., Mr.

Confirmation of Name Confirmation of Name Okpalaukomma Rapheal & Umeaso Rapheal Okpalaukoma are referring to one and same person. I want to be known and addressed as OKPALAUKOMMA RAPHAEL. UBA and general public take note.

fra was not the panacea to Igbo problem.

According to him, “I think the right of Ndigbo should have been the top priority of Kanu before the agitation for Republic of Biafra.

“I am warning that with the present position of the country, Nigeria may likely disintegrate naturally, without shooting a bullet.

“I don’t think there is need for any agitation in order to realize Biafra. The only best way for that is through the optimum implementation of the national conference report.

“This is the only way out; let the

Ossai Amaechi & Ossai Amedu/ Ameh Genesis are referring to one and same person. I want to be known and addressed as OSSAI AMAECHI. UBA and general public should please take note.

Emeka Asoanya, in his office at the local government secretariat Speaking to The Oracle Today, the leader of Woliwo Community, Mr. Thaddeus Ginikanwa Enyioha, said that the stakeholders and leaders of the community paid a visit to the Chairman to show their solidarity to his administration and to seek his assistance in realizing some of the planned projects especially roads and installation of their 500 KVA Transformer. He commended Hon. Mrs. Anthonia Tabansi Okoye as their

mentor who had been helping them in solving the problems of the community.

Also speaking, former Councilor for Fegge Ward VII, Hon. Cosmos Nwugo, expressed happiness that Gov. Obiano awarded some road projects in Woliwo such as Ihembosi Street, ASO Lane, Mbanefo Street, Urualla Street and others, pointing out that their visit to Onitsha South Chairman was to seek his cooperation towards realization of the projects in the community, including electricity. He as-

sured Obiano of the votes of Woliwo Community in the next governorship election.

Also speaking, Mr. Anene Chukwu Uba, a landlord in the community, expressed appreciation to the State Government under Gov. Obiano who he said had excelled in many areas of development in the state such as building of airport, payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, donation of vehicles to essential institutions and institution of the N20 million community development fund.

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The general public should take note.

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The general public should please take note.

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Ecobank, Access bank and general public should please take note.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

Bold n’ Blunt Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim: North should support • I have been vindicated on my position against Okorocha’s govt .

Fomer Gov. Ohakim

Gov. Okorocha

Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim can’t understand why his successor in office, Governor Rochas Okorocha does not address any public gathering without insulting him ‘for no justifiable reason’. But, But, the Okohia in Isiala Mbano-born former is happy that the high court order that six of Okorocha’s appointees be arrested in connection with the demolition of Capt Emma Ihenacho’s property in Owerri, which he had earlier warned against in his first letter to the governor last year, has vindicated him. He also said the report from Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), has equally vindicated his position that the governor has been erecting substandard projects in the state. Chief Ohakim also spoke on the leadership tussle in the PDP, saying that no matter who wins at the Supreme Court, political solution is best for the party. He called on the North to support the restructuring of the country because the North would ultimately gain more. He spoke with COLLINS UGHALAA, in Owerri. Excerpts: You are very much in the news these days, Well, in the sense that we have not started grieved and the centre will continue not to hold. are you back from your sabbatical? campaigning, or taking sides. What is going on But the efforts to find a political solution seem now is mere grandstanding, speculations and not to be working.

Sabbatical from what? nocturnal moves.

Maybe the right approach has not been applied.

From politics, as you announced sometime Before you announced your sabbatical, you last year. were a regular commentator on the rift in your So, what do you think? party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

I don’t think the real leaders of the PDP have DO not agree that I am in the news always. What’s your take on the current state of affairs? taken enough interest in the matter. I don’t think I may have made one or two contributions My take is that I feel vindicated, because I kept those who were instrumental to the formarecently to debates on important national on harping that what is needed is a political so- tion of the party have been sufficiently carried issues and I feel that’s what leaders should be lution. I said that though we should follow the along. The Governor Dickson committee report doing. I know that some people misconstrue rule of law, that in the final analysis, a political is a right step in the right direction and I also acmaking regular contributions to national issues solution is what will bring peace. Now, you can knowledge the efforts of a leader like President as seeking notice. But they fail completely in the see that the Appeal Court upheld an earlier judg- Jonathan, but I believe he has to do more. He is sense that it is the failure of leaders to speak out ment in favour of the Ali-Modu Sherrif leader- the leader of the party, no doubt, but I think he on issues at the right time that led us to where ship, based on the rule of law, but that has not needs more support from outside. we are now. As for whether I am back from sab- brought the needed peace. Each time there is a batical, my answer is that, first there is no real court judgment, one party wins and the other Why don’t you return from sabbatical and politics going on now and second, being on sab- loses. The losing faction becomes aggrieved and contribute? batical does not forbid one from making contri- the vicious cycle continues. That’s what we are By granting you this interview, I am already butions to issues of national importance. witnessing. Whatever the Supreme Court rules, making a contribution.

You think there is no politics going on now? the fact is that the losing faction will become ag-

I

Are you optimistic that the matter will be resolved?

Yes, I am quite optimistic. And it is in the interest of the nation at large that the PDP should survive.

It is believed in some quarters that the APC is fueling the crisis in the PDP. What do you think?

I do not buy that. Of course, parties do not ordinarily wish each other well, but I do not see how in this context, the APC is responsible for the recalcitrance going on in the PDP. The argument is both escapist and defeatist.

Early this year, you wrote an article advising President Buhari on some issues. Do you still believe in the arguments you raised?

Yes, of course. Nothing has changed. Recall that the main thrust of that article was that the system we are currently operating has failed and that no matter how much the President

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

Bold n’ Blunt

restructuring; it stands to benefit more from it tries, he will be unable to make much impact, whether in the realm of economics or politics. I said Nigerians do not hate him, as some people insinuate, but are disgusted with the system and are no longer ready to co-operate with whoever insists that it should remain the way it is. I still stand by those arguments.

In other words, you are aligning with the arguments for a restructuring of the polity?

Absolutely.

But how do you look at the opposition by the north to the idea of restructuring?

Well, I do not think that the north is totally against restructuring. Some of the strongest advocates of restructuring are from the north.

But beyond that, I think what we should do is to allay the fears of some elements in the north; that restructuring will put the region at a disadvantage. On the contrary, I believe the north is the biggest potential beneficiary of a politically restructured Nigeria.

Can you elaborate?

The next paradigm shift is agriculture and the north holds the joker there. It has an incredibly large expanse of arable land and labour that can be gotten cheaply. If we go for large- scale agriculture, which has become a strategic imperative for our survival as a nation, the north will be playing the role the Niger Delta is currently playing. So, they have nothing to fear.

The oil, which is the bone of contention, is fizzling out.

A recent letter you wrote to the governor of your state is causing a lot of ripples. Did you envisage such?

When you say ripples, I don’t know in what sense, other than that the governor and his handlers made a song and dance of a mere letter of advice, instead of addressing the issues I raised.

Their main grouse is that you made it an open letter and that you shouldn’t even have resorted to letter writing, since you have access to the governor.

First, I did not make it an open letter. I merely made copies available to some leaders in the state and beyond, owing to the nature of the issues I discussed. If I wanted to make it an open letter, I would have taken newspaper advertorials to publish the letter. The newspapers might have naturally stumbled on the letter and decided to publish it as part of public service. In any case, why the fuss on whether it was an open or closed letter? To say that I have access to the governor is to be economical with the truth. I do not crave to have access to Governor Okorocha, but he is an incredibly hostile fellow. This is a fellow who has remained bitter six years after an election in which he was declared winner even though he did not win. Go and ask Governor Okorocha whether he has ever invited me to any government function.

I am not the only person. The latest example was during the visit of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to Imo State to address some issues concerning the Niger Delta.

The state governor did not deem it fit to invite any of those representing the oil producing areas in the National Assembly. You may recall that the people of the oil- producing area in the state protested against the non-invitation of their representatives to the meetings with the vice president. That’s just an example. The talk about having access to Governor Okorocha is bunkum. In any case, the governor, as I said in the letter, is fond of attacking me publicly. So, why would I now start running after him, when he seizes every opportunity to denigrate and insult me openly. Governor Okorocha would not address any public gathering without mentioning how I failed. In the incident that partly led to my latest letter, he just took the microphone and started abusing me. When I read the report in the newspapers, I made inquiries to ascertain the circumstances under which he poured such invectives on me. I

Gov. Okorocha discovered it was just from the blues. He was talking about his road projects and, just from nowhere he veered off to me. Nobody asked him any question about Ikedi Ohakim. There is a gallery at the Government House where the photographs of past governors are displayed.

Up till now, mine is conspicuously missing. And you would ask, why? That’s the person they say I have access to.

Maybe he was taking that opportunity to respond to earlier comments by you either through a letter or verbally.

But he had responded to my earlier letter when he spent over N20 million on newspaper advertorials to tabulate his achievements and mine and scored me zero on all points, while scoring himself 100 per cent. Other well- meaning citizens of the state told him to respond to the issues I raised and not the comparison. Incidentally, some of the issues I raised in my previous letter are still haunting his administration.

In which areas?

In my letter last August, I pointed at the danger of destroying people’s property and homes without consultation under any guise. Recently, a Federal High Court in Owerri issued a warrant of arrest on six top functionaries of his administration, including two commissioners, for failing to appear before it over a case between the government and a prominent citizen of the state whose property was destroyed by agents of government. I also made reference to the shoddy jobs on some of the civil construction works going on in the state. And recently, the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN) raised the alarm over the safety of the two flyovers that are currently being completed by the administration. The flyovers were started by our administration, but Governor Okorocha threw away all the safety valves in the original design. Even non-professionals see that the profile of the bridge is not in alignment with the plan and profile of the dualised road design. Go there and see for yourself. The fact that somebody is uncomfortable that I make my observations public means that what I am stating are the facts. I am not impressed by the talk about making my observations privately, because Governor Okorocha does not listen to advice. Go and ask the people working with him. In fact, my next observations may be on live television.

If the governor invites you to a meeting, will you honour it?

That’s hypothetical and I do not think that

it has gotten to that. The governor does not need to invite me to be able to purge himself of some of his excesses, which are in public domain. He does not need to invite me to be able to know that he cannot threaten any citizen of the state with banishment. He does not need to hold a meeting with me to be able to respect the rule of law and court judgments. As I said in my letter, governance is like boxing. They have similar codes of conduct. You don’t punch your opponent after the whistle is blown. But His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha, is fond of punching his opponents after the match. He keeps on insulting his predecessors.

For example, the high point of his response to my latest letter is to repeat the thrash that his achievements surpass those of all past governors of the state put together. That is infantile.

It is the type of thing student unionists say to each other.

Next, he will remind me that I flogged a Catholic priest and each time he says it, the people laugh at him, because they know he is living in the past. The elections took place six years ago, but Okorocha behaves as if we are just going into one. All those who cooked up the issue of Reverend Father have all told the world that it is not true. For Governor Okorocha to always allude to that in response to my observations over his ineptitude and misgovernance shows that his thinking horizon has not gone beyond 2011. In Imo State, it is lies, lies and all lies. He lied several times that he would conduct local government elections. He lies with payment of salaries and pensions. The people of Imo are waiting for the next lie to mature, which is the delivery of five new aircraft for his Imo Airline project before the end of April 2017. April (has since ended), so this would bring the number of lies and unfulfilled promises to 183. We are documenting everything But we understand that the Airline project is part of efforts to create jobs, especially for the youths.

Which youths? Is it the youths who have been so harassed and intimidated that they do not know what to do any longer? The 10,000 youths we employed during my administration, but whom he dismissed from service upon assuming office are so economically deprived that they find it difficult to come together.

They got a court judgment that they should be reinstated, but the governor refused to obey the ruling. Their leader, one Dr. Ugonna Emereole, was callously murdered in broad daylight in front of his father’s house. Like I said, things have really gotten to a level where it is practically impossible for somebody like me to keep quiet over the perfidy going on in Imo State.

But reports have it that there is massive infrastructural development in the state now.

The state capital, Owerri, now has eight-lane roads, for example.

That is most laughable. Where in this world do they build eight-lane carriageway within the city? It is so ridiculous and makes the people of the state look backward. You don’t need such roads within a metropolis. The roads he is talking about jam the entrance to people’s homes.

There are no pedestrian walkways. There are no rooms for water pipes and electric cables to be laid in future. I can assure you that the next administration may be forced to reduce the width of those roads.

Apart from roads there are several other structures like the 27 general hospitals, the Imo Cargo Airport, which is being rebuilt by the state government and several other buildings that would enhance governance.

Will the next administration also reduce those ones?

The buildings you are talking about are of no economic value and more than 80 per cent of them are substandard structures and are not in use. Even if you want to count buildings as achievement, let the governor tell us how many buildings he has erected with the N982 billion revenue he has collected in six years,

since he is a builder. How much of that went into the building of his Eastern Palm University in his family compound in Ogboko. What did he build with the N26.6 billion I handed over to him? Since he is a builder, on which building did he spend the N13.2 billion bond money I left behind? Even the Cargo Airport you are talking about, which year’s budget captured the N7 billion Cargo Airport project? The Eastern Palm University in his family compound is said to be a private-public sector project. Can he tell the people of Imo who the private partner or partners are? I recall that that university started as a purported plan to relocate the Imo State University to Ogboko. But when the people protested, Okorocha cunningly claimed that he had dropped the plan, but continued to build the structures. Since then, the university has been known by at least three names. It was first named Imo European University. Today, he is calling it Eastern Palm University. Mark my words; the university may end up as Rochas Okorocha American University.

As a builder that he is, Governor Okorocha has built a massive private residence in Owerri, which they call Spibat. It is covering over 60 hectares of land. It raises goose pimples, because, as far as I’m concerned, that fortress is built on the graveyard of the citizens of the state. When a large number of our people have no roof over their heads, others are sleeping under the trees, the governor acquired for himself a private residence of over 22 storey buildings. That’s obscene and an affront on the good people of Imo State. The Spibat compound is bigger than the size of the Imo State University campus in Owerri and bigger than the Aso Rock Villa, the official residence of the President of Nigeria.

You talk about the non-existence of qualified medical personnel in the state health system.

But recent reports have it that the state government has been donating hospitals to the Armed Forces. If the situation was that bad, would there have been such a development?

We know why Governor Okorocha is donating the people’s structures to the armed forces and police. The hospitals are meant for the people. When was it agreed that the structures should be donated to anybody? My inquiry from members of the State House of Assembly shows that they do not know about it. In any case, I have gone through the 2016/2017 budgets of the army, police and air force; they never budgeted for hospitals in Imo State. He just wants to militarize the state, believing that that will offer him any political or electoral advantage in the future. If he likes, let him also donate the 27 local government headquarters that are now overgrown with weeds to the military. In any case, the purported donation does not obliterate the fact that the hospitals are not functional and that the health system in the state has collapsed, with no single consultant in the employ of the state government.

One of the issues you raised in your letter was that of local council elections, which the governor had promised on several occasions to hold. He has now fixed September this year as the deadline for the election. Is that not a reassuring step?

When I wrote him last year, he hurriedly scheduled the local council elections for last September, i.e. 2016. Again, on receipt of my latest letter, he has hurriedly scheduled another one for September 2017. But, I can assure you that he is doing that to escape the wrath of the people and that of the Federal Government, which has directed all the states to hold LGA elections before the end of this year. But, even at that, I’m sure that if Governor Okorocha had his way, he would avoid the election, as he has done for six years. Most States in the South East have conducted local council elections. Imo is one of the loudest exceptions.

Even with his latest announcement, I can assure you that the people are not impressed.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS

Anambra 2017: Tough screening awaits APC aspirants

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

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HEAD of the November 18, 2017 governorship election in Anambra State, there are indications that aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would face tough screening exercise prior to the primary election of the party.

A competent source close to the APC national secretariat in Abuja confided to The Oracle Today that the party would engage the aspirants in a thorough screening exercise with a view to presenting a sound and popular person as the flag bearer in the general election.

According the source “taking into consideration that the incumbent Governor Willie Obiano is formidable going to the election with major stakeholders in the state like town unions and market leaders endorsing him for second tenure, the leadership of APC has to do a thorough job to pick a candidate that has all it takes to defeat Obiano at the polls, and from all indications, based on fellers from the party headquarters, tough screening awaits aspirants under APC.” The source revealed that the party would give priority to the following issues during the screening: credentials of the aspirants, their contributions to the growth of the party in the state as well as their popularity across the length and breadth of the three senatorial zones of the state.

Asked whether the party would consider zoning at the screening, the source said, “zoning is part of the whole thing as far as democracy in Nigeria is concerned because zoning in some sense enhances the chance of winning elections for political parties, so the party may critically look into the issue of zoning in Anambra if that could enhance its chances of winning the election “So it is not wrong advice to tell the leaders of the APC to consider the issue of zoning as important in Anambra and then do investigation to know which of the zones could be more favourable to the party at the polls in terms of choosing a candidate. Good enough, the constitution of the party 2014 as amended clearly supports zoning and rotation of power.”

The source explained that article 20 (v) of the constitution of party clearly states that “all rules and regulations and guidelines shall take into consideration and uphold the principle of federal character, gender balance, geopolitical spread and rotation of offices as much as possible to ensure balance within the constituency covered.”

As at the last count, 13 politicians had indicated interest to contest the Anambra governorship election on the platform of APC. Among them were the current national auditor of the party, Chief George Moghalu; renowned industrialist and proprietor Osisioma Foundation, Dr Chike Obidigbo, and renowned oil businessman Dr Patrick Ifeanyi.

Others were Senator Andy Ubah, Senator Uche Ekwunife, one time governorship candidate of National Democratic Party (NDP) Dr Obinna Uzor, a current member of Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tony Nwoye, ex-member of the Federal House of Representatives Chief Ralph Okeke, two; Engr. Barth Nwibe and Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, among others.

People waiting to be registered in the ongoing nationwide voters’ registration exercise at the headquarters of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Onitsha, Anambra State. Photo by MODESTUS IGUDOBI.

Anambra monarch promotes girl-child education From HENRY CHIGOZIE DURU, Awka

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RADITIONAL ruler of Igbakwu in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State and Nigeria’s second professor of mass communication, HRH Igwe Prof Onuorah Nwuneli, has instituted an endowment fund in support of girl-child education research at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

The Endowment Trust Fund aimed at assisting PhD students undertaking research in girl-child education in the university became a reality following Igwe Nwuneli’s decision to channel the proceeds of the launch of a book “Doing DevCom: Engaging the New Media” to the purpose.

The book was published in honour of the distinguished scholar.

In a lecture during the public presentation of the book at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Traditional Ruler of Awka, His Royal Majesty,

Dr. Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu Awka), called on parents and communities to partner with schools in the development of curriculum and management of children’s education in Nigeria.

He said the girl-child education is essential for nation building.

Igwe Nwosu singled out a twoterm commissioner in Anambra state, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, the late Prof Dora Akunyili and a literary icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and others as women that exude intelligence because of their parents’ attention to their education.

Why highlighting the significance of girl-child education to national development, the royal father also noted that investing in the girl-child means investing in a nation even as he added that women’s education reduces child and maternal mortality, child marriage, domestic and sexual violence and improves socio-

economic growth of a nation.

In his address, Head, Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Uche Ebeze, described Igwe Nwuneli as a colossus and academic icon of international repute who has left an indelible mark on the Mass Communication Department of the institution.

He commended his resolve to use the proceeds of the book launch as an Endowment Trust Fund.

Speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, described the gathering as a celebration of loyalty and intellectualism.

He extolled Igwe Nwuneli for his decision to plough back the proceeds of the book launch to education, pointing out that such gesture was a legacy that would remain unforgettable in the annals of the institution.

The reviewer of the book, Prof Idowu Sobowale, noted that issues raised in the book is as relevant to-

day as it was six years ago when the conference that yielded the papers published in the book was organised.

Sobowale further emphasized that the book explored how traditional channels of communication and the new media could and have contributed to development in the rural communities of developing nations of Africa.

He, however, observed that the authors restricted their argument to health and human rights sector, rather than monitoring other human development areas.

The book launch was attended by over 30 high profile traditional rulers from Anambra state including the chairman of Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, was organized by the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

We’ve in Ugwuanyi the best governor in South East, says Air Peace boss …as Airline sites job-boosting hub in Enugu

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HE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Chief Allen Onyema has described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as the best governor in the South East zone.

Chief Onyema also said that Ugwuanyi is a visionary and forward thinking governor who has assembled technocrats to think about what to do for his people.

The Air Peace chief made the assertion at the Government House, Enugu when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor to deliberate on the economic development of the South East region.

He said that it is the company’s vision to use the Enugu International Airport as the economic hub of Nigeria in particular and Africa in general, to enable the nation play its leading role in Africa, saying that the decision to establish business in Enugu was based on its assess-

ment of the governor’s leadership qualities and positive impacts in governance.

“We have in Governor Ugwuanyi the best governor in the South East. He is very visionary, he has brought many technocrats togeth-

er to think about what he will do for his people. So, we want to align ourselves with his dreams and that is why we decided to choose Enugu Airport among all the Airports in Nigeria for our business investment”, Onyema said.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed delight at the decision of the Air Peace Limited to invest in Enugu State, saying that it is in line with his administration’s investment drive.

The governor also appreciated the benefits derivable from the business initiatives of the compa-

ny, which will create employment for about four thousand people in the state and beyond.

“We are excited with the good news from Air Peace Limited. The government and people of Enugu State will certainly do the needful to support Air Peace”, said Gov. Ugwuanyi.

Southeast governors set up economic think-tank From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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S calls for South Eastern and South Southern governments and their governors to create their own economic integration model appear to be reaching its crescendo, the South East Governors’ Forum has at last come up with some unifying economic initiatives.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. Dave Umahi, in their last meeting in Enugu, announced the setting up of a 10-man economic team, with two members

from each of the five constituting states of Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. While addressing newsmen after a meeting of the forum at the Enugu Government House, Gov Umahi said it would be formally inaugurated next month, June.

The team’s terms of reference, he noted, was to drive the economic integration agenda of the Forum, included power issues, commerce, industrialization, the idea of rail projects and building of seaport.

The governor revealed that the team

had been directed to carry out preliminary studies in these areas and to take submissions from consultants so as to produce a comprehensive report that would stand the test of time for presentation to the forum’s next meeting.

Though he didn’t say exactly when the next meeting would be, Gov Umahi said the forum through the team was interfacing with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) which handles the “Anchor Borrowers” programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) so as to ensure that the South East benefits from the scheme.

Umahi stated that the meeting deliberated on final moves towards proper setting up of its secretariat at Enugu with the necessary logistics and manpower for better coordination, efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the numerous socio-economic and developmental challenges of the zone.

Commending the Governors for their interest and commitment towards improving the welfare of people of South East, Umahi appealed to the people to show them solidarity, cooperation and support to enable them realize their lofty vision for the zone.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

POLITICS

BIAFRA: Youth must carry elders along to achieve success, by Odimuko Brother Ezenwa Gabriel Odimuko, one of the Founding Fathers of Abia State, is a septuagenarian. In this interview with BONIFACE OKORO, he gives a recipe for Igbo renaissance and holds that pro-Biafra agitators may not succeed because Ndigbo don’t seem to have a common ground on the matter and other matters that confront them as a Nigerian nationality.

Sir could you share some insight into your role as a leader?

was formed at the time Dr Michael Okpara came back from exile to bring the people together: the traditional rulers, the clergy, technocrats, politicians, professionals and the masses. Everything was working well under the supervision of Okpara. His presence in every of the meetings impacted positively on the people; they believed in him.

Unfortunately, when Okpara died, it appeared as if the whole idea of Ohanaeze Ndigbo died.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo doesn’t carry every Igbo along. Ohanaeze dabbles into politics and other things. When you have an organisation that cannot carry everybody along, it is no organisation, it cannot speak for the whole people.

I

WAS the representative of the National Executive of Abia State Movement in the North as I was based in Kaduna. We organized the first launch of Abia State Movement in Kaduna, covering the whole North. This attracted the presence of the late Dr M. I.Okpara and other Abia leaders.

I was once the National President of Igbo Cultural Association of Nigeria (ICAN). Mazi Ucheonye Awonor from Delta was the National Secretary and Ogbuefi Nworah Asika was the national Publicity Secretary.

The Civil War helped to disorganise Ndigbo but we tried to regroup through the association, with emphasis the Iri ji festival, for which Ndigbo are known worldwide.

Also, I was the co-coordinator of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) maiden meeting with late Dr Akanu Ibiam in his house at Enugu. The meeting attracted many prominent Christian leaders like Archbishop Stephen Ezeanya, Bishop Mark Unaegbu, Bishop Benjamin Nwankiti, Bishop Onyemelukwe, Rev (Dr). Ezeigbo, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church and Rev James Ukaegbu, Chief Jerome Udoji, Chief M.N. Ugochukwu and other prominent Christian elders.

Until then, CAN wasn’t a national movement; it only operated in the North, what they called Northern Christian Association of Nigeria. It was after their visit that the Northern Christian elders mandated the eastern leaders to call a meeting of CAN. From that meeting, CAN became a national movement. The Christian leaders that met at Enugu then agreed to have meetings in the states. Each Christian leader went and organised their denomination to sensitise them on the importance of Christian unity.

CAN is a community that united the North, West and East. Christianity is a very important vehicle for unity in the country. When you are in the same fellowship with a Yoruba man or a Northerner, they will not be afraid of you because we have only one constitution and that is the Bible; the only instrument that can break dichotomy, tribalism and unite people under God. CAN was the forum that enabled Christians to stop General Ibrahim Babangida from taking Nigeria into the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). CAN thus became the watchdog of the Christians, watching the activities of government.

By hosting a meeting of the Movement for the Creation of Abia State in Kaduna, it means you played active role in the creation of the State. What was the essence of that meeting?

That meeting was to publicise our desire for the creation of Abia to the government and people of Northern Nigeria so that they would give their support to our struggle because, as at that time, government was in the hands of the military. Before then, all the launchings that were held happened in the South-East, and in order to draw the attention of people in government who were mostly from the North and for them to understand why it was important to create Abia State, I convinced the movement to organise a launch in the North.

When Abia was eventually created, you must have felt fulfilled. Now, Abia is about 26 years.

What is your impression about the growth and

Is the Igbo Cultural Association still functional?

Yes, it is still alive in the heart. What happened is that we put it on hold for some time now. The association organised the first Iri ji Ndigbo festival at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The Military Administrator of Anambra State then, Col. Emeka Omeruah, Navy Capt.

Amadi Ikwechegh, then Military Administrator of Imo State, including their local government officials, were all involved. Most of the young people today do not know about that historical landmark. It cut across Rivers and Delta States.

People like Sonny Odogwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and Eze Bernard Enweremadu, to mention but a few, played vital roles that resulted in the resounding success of the event. General Ibrahim Babangida, the then Head of State, was represented at the occasion. development of the state?

I think we have said this before, during the 25th Abia Day Celebration. In fact, I was happy that the government considered our goodwill message during that occasion worthy of publication in their brochure.

We told the people of Abia State that there is nothing to show that Abia is 25 years, that at 25, Abia is still crawling. The governments didn’t actually follow the agreement of the Founding Fathers from Old Aba, Old Bende, Isuikwuato District and Old Afikpo Division and led by Dr M. I.Okpara. For instance, Umuahia was just to serve temporarily as take-off capital of Abia, not the seat of power. The Founding Fathers agreed that a neutral place to be called Abia City would serve as the permanent capital of the new state. Abia City was to be located between Isiala Ngwa in Old Aba Division and Ikwuano, that is Ubakala axis in Old Bende Division, that virgin land there. But to our greatest surprise, we can see that what was supposed to be at the Abia City has now been concentrated in Umuahia, as if Abia State is for Umuahia or Old Bende people.

The new Government House (under construction), Central Bank, the new State secretariat for civil servants, the new International Conference Centre; all government establishments, federal or state, should have been properly located at Abia City, the proposed capital.

I believe that if past governments had worked with the Abia Charter of Equity, things should have been done differently. The governors, actually, have not been close to the decision of Abia Founding Fathers.

Many have argued that the Abia Charter of Equity has been relegated largely because it has not been passed into law. Do you subscribe that the Charter should be passed into law by the House of Assembly?

That was the agreement of the Founding Fathers. The Charter of Equity wasn’t a law and we expected it to have been incorporated into our laws by the House of Assembly but they didn’t do it. We expected the governor on seat at that time, if they actually have respect for Abia Founding Fathers, to have honoured that gentleman agreement by making it a law. In fact, the problem we are having is because the agreement of the elders of Abia was thrown away, was ignored and those in government were doing things the way they liked. When your father had written and signed an agreement and you ignore it, it is at your own peril.

Ndigbo appear to be at a crossroads now and have no organization to direct their affairs and point to the direction the people should go.

For instance, 2019 is approaching with many agitating for Igbo Presidency while the youths are rooting for Biafra. This paints a picture of a confused people without direction. How do you feel about this development?

It is unfortunate. You are very correct. Ndigbo, one of the major tribes in the country, we are highly blessed by God. We have everything; we don’t need anybody to feed us. The education we received from the British was quite enough for us to take off from there.

The organization you call Ohanaeze Ndigbo

What do you make of the rising agitation for Biafra?

I was one of the Biafran soldiers, even though they retired us by force, without pension and gratuity. The agitation of the young people who didn’t experience Biafra, they are correct because nothing is happening. They don’t know about the past. In fact, I am in sympathy with them because those who call themselves elders are not doing anything. When elders are not doing anything, what do you want the youths to do?

They have to move on their own because if the elders saw the need for Ohanaeze or ICAN and supported them, I believe the situation in the South-East geopolitical zone would have been different today. The Igboman doesn’t support any organisation that does not promote him. In fact, one of the things that made us put off Iri Ji Ndigbo festival was lack of fund.

There was no money to empower the young people who were in the field working.

You attributed the agitation for Biafra now to the inactivity of the elders but many believe it is being fuelled by perceived marginalisation of the Igbo nation in national affairs-- appointments, provision of infrastructure and others.

Like I said, I have sympathy for the agitators.

But they can’t get Biafra that way. I agree with Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka that the youths alone cannot get Biafra. You see, when we were fighting civil war, we were united, the elders, the youths, heads of churches, traditional rulers, we were together. But now, it is an exclusive thing. Your father is at home and you are doing something without carrying him along, how can it work?

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

POLITICS

‘We’ve battled vandals to standstill in Ebonyi State’ In the past, activities of vandals were rampant in Ebonyi State. For instance, the oil pipelines that passed through Ivo Local Council of the State, among other installations, witnessed recurring incidence of vandalism.

But the situation seems to have changed since the coming of Chinwe Kanu as Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the State. In this interview with CHINEDU NWAFOR, she reveals how the vandals were tamed. Excerpts: they don’t even get to do it again these days.

So, pipeline vandalism is no longer heard of in Ebonyi State but we are still on the guard.

How is NSCDC, Ebonyi State Command collaborating with other security agencies in the fight against increasing cases of cultism in the State?

How is your new location aiding the productivity of officers and men of the Command?

This is like asking the obvious. Haven’t you been comfortable since you came here?

Haven’t you had some peace? If you are, as you answered the in affirmative, then, we are comfortable too. For one thing, cleanliness, we hear, is next to Godliness. Here is so clean, peaceful and encouraging. We can think well, talk and act well here.

This is now our own. This property belongs to Ebonyi State government and the government wholeheartedly gave the property to Ebonyi State NSCDC. Yes, NSCDC is a federal government institution but it is located in Ebonyi State. So, we have no problem here at all. Just that you will help us say, thank you to Ebonyi State government, especially the governor, His Excellency, Engr. Dave Umahi whose administration made it possible for us to move in.

So, the place is now helping us. We are not crowded again. We have so many offices now. And again, we say a ery big thank you to our own Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, who helped us furnish this place rather lavishly.

T

HE truth is that we are synergizing with other security agencies but when it comes to cultism, we are there fighting it because the governor, Engr. Dave Umahi inaugurated three prominent-God fearing people to help the government fight cultism from the roots. Now, luckily, as the good lord would have it, the governor magnanimously told them to use Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Whether he told them privately, we would not know but publicly he said it: make use of Civil Defence, to the extend that Civil Defence is highly represented in the committee he inaugurated. We were inaugurated with the three people heading the three senatorial districts in the State. So, it is being fought from the school children of secondary school age, because fighting when they are already adult does not help anybody. Yes, cultism is on the increase but since we got into the fight, I can assure you that we are fighting cultism in Ebonyi State to a standstill.

How is your Command tackling increasing cases of vandalism affecting electrical cables, especially the ones supplying power to street lights?

Yes, we are in complete control of the situation now. I agree that some eight months ago when I was posted to this state, the first three to four weeks were funny. They were funny because I saw and felt what this State must have gone through. Incidentally, it was like the miscreants were just beginning their business of stealing cables and by the time they stole the cables, the lights would go off because they will be looking for copper inside it. So we were aware of it and of course, we did not rest on oars. They were not sleeping and we were not sleeping too. Any child that says his mother will not sleep will also not sleep.

So, that was the situation here. My men and I were not sleeping. We were working 24/7. Now, we still work 24/7, but we take it in shifts. Before now, there were no shifts.

We worked 24/7 fighting them and we fought them to a corner. We told the criminals, if you will be in Ebonyi State no problem but be law abiding. If you steal anything, we must catch you. Is either you stop or we show you the way into the prison or out of Ebonyi state.

The people we caught in September 2016 were charged to court early October last year and are still remanded in prison custody.

How many vandals have been arrested since you resumed as Commandant in Ebonyi State?

We have arrested over 40 since I came. We succeeded in sending one to jail over cable vandalism and we have four now in prison custody, awaiting trial and judgment will soon be given in our favour by God’s grace because we are doing the right thing.

In the recent past, we had cases of pipeline vandalism in Ivo Local Council of the State where pipelines passed through; what is the

Now that your command’s headquarters and that of Police are very close to each other, do you think it is proper, security-wise?

Is it not even better? If you need us and it is something we would want police to help, we just reach out to them them easily. So, it will not just be one phone call but one kilometer away. So, it is safe.

How are you fighting the activities of black marketers?

Commandant Kanu

‘

They know the pipes belong to the federal government. We all know that the pipelines even if they run through your farm are not your property

‘

situation now?

They know the pipes belong to the federal government. We all know that the pipelines even if they run through your farm are not your property. When I came newly, we had cases of people scooping petroleum product from their farm and they would say it is God that gave them. We just woke up one morning and saw petroleum products but we tell the people that ignorance of the law is an excuse to break it. Federal government owns all lands just as Ebonyi State government owns all the lands in the State. So, that you saw petroleum products in your farm does not give you the right to start scooping it. If you see any of these products in your farm, report to relevant authorities and we are certainly one of them. Some of them would say ‘my rice has spoiled, my yam has spoiled and you don’t want me to use what God has given me?’

No because, to start with, that could be very hazardous to your health and part of our work is to safeguard life and properties. Once in a while, we catch people with what they cannot explain and once in a while, we catch them going to do it and we are so vigilant that

We don’t any longer but initially, yes. We went on drive rally. We said if you know you do black market, we will raid and when we want to carry, we carry all including the product and the owner and everybody we see around there and before you finish saying you are not involved, you must have suffered.

By the time we raided for about six times when I came in last year, the people knew we were there to fight it and since then, we can’t say it has stopped completely but it has drastically reduced and we have advised them to do legitimate business.

If it is petroleum you want to sell, register. So if you do the right thing, you don’t have any problem.

How are you working to end the unnecessary clashes between your men and other sister agencies especially the Police?

No more clashes. It is not necessary. The work is defined and shared to the agencies.

Every agency was given a mandate. But, sometimes we need to synergize and that’s what we are doing. The Commissioner of Police was here recently on a courtesy call. If there was anything, he would not have been here.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

POLITICS

Caught in vortex of invidious oil politics

Osinbajo

Ibe Kachikwu

COLLINS UGHALAA writes that the outright, not to say scornful, rejection by the House of Representatives of the motion seeking to compel the oil companies to relocate operational headquarters to the Niger Delta is another sour indication that in political Nigeria, the minority oil-bearing and producing communities cannot expect any fair deal any time soon from a country ruled by two self-serving majority groups.

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HEN in March this year, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo ordered the oil companies to relocate their operational headquarters to the Niger Delta region where the oil is found, many Nigerians hailed it as the right step in the right direction. At the same time, many Nigerians also took the “presidential order” with a pinch of salt, wondering whether the Acting President was not playing oil politics and massaging the ego of the Niger Delta people who had presented him with a deluge of requests during his townhall meeting with the people of the Niger Delta in Akwa Ibom State, as part of his interventions to stop the raging militancy in the area.

One of the requests the people of the Niger Delta made to the federal government was that the oil companies operating in the country should relocate their operational headquarters to the region where oil is found. The request came because most of the International Oil Companies in the country have their headquarters in Lagos, which the people claim their natural wealth is being used to develop while the oil-bearing region suffers.

Part of the grouse of the Niger Delta with the oil exploration going on in the region is that it has polluted the environment and the IOCs pay taxes and other benefits to Lagos rather than to their host States.

Nduese speaks for the Niger Delta The people of the state and the Niger Delta at large were represented when a former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon Nduese Essien spoke on behalf of the people and told the Acting President that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which is a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has no befitting office in the state.

Mr. Essien, who is also a former member

of the House of Representatives, said the DPR is operating from a rented two-bedroom apartment in Eket, adding that NNPC itself has no single office in Akwa Ibom, despite the fact that the State is the largest oil producing State in the country.

“When they (NNPC workers) come to Akwa Ibom to supervise oil production, where they are joint venture partners with oil companies, they stay in the tents provided by the oil companies. And you know what that means. None of the NNPC subsidiaries is located in Akwa Ibom State.

There’s no oil depot in the state for refined petroleum products. The communities are neither stakeholders nor shareholders in the oil business.

“Apart from the 13 per cent oil derivation money paid to the State government, the oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom have nothing to show for many years of oil exploration in the State. The federal government has shown no interest in meaningful development and presence in the areas, other than providing policemen and other security personnel in the area.

“They only provide policemen and other security agents to ensure that oil flows uninterrupted in the area. The oil services companies come from outside Akwa Ibom with their workers whose taxes are paid to their places of residence. The auxiliary benefits and the multiplier effects of operating in the oil producing area are therefore lost.”

The former Minister said that the story of oil exploration in the State is “the story of woes”, and added that the State is exceptionally peaceful in the Niger Delta region because the elders prevailed upon the youth not to bomb oil pipelines.

“We can no longer guarantee that the youth will continue to listen to us if the federal government continues to ignore us,” Mr. Essien said, pleading with the federal government to reward the State with

Essien Nduese needed projects and human development.

The former Minister said that the demand of the people is that the oil companies operating in the State should move their headquarters to the State.

“Today, all those impediments ranging from lack of airport, road network, housing, and accommodation have been conquered. They don’t have any excuse not to move their headquarters to Akwa Ibom,” he said.

Osinbajo’s Presidential Order But the Acting President while responding to the requests by the people at the Government House Banquet Hall directed the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, “to engage” with the International Oil Companies (IOCs) “on the way forward”. He assured the people that the federal government would come with “a new vision for the people of oil-producing communities.”

He said: “The majority of the people of these communities, including the oil producing communities here in this State, have heard of the wealth that oil has brought, but have hardly benefited from it.”

The Acting President also re-echoed the belief of the people of the Niger Delta that the blessings of oil discovered in their communities have sadly become a curse for the people, even as he noted that the long years of oil exploration have not brought along the expected development and happiness to the region.

National Assembly joins the fray However, Hon. Goodluck Opia, member representing Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency in Imo State, took a legal dimension to the presidential order when recently he sponsored a motion titled “Calling oil companies to establish operational/administrative offices in the Niger Delta area where they engage in exploration and exploitation”.

In the motion, the Hon member prayed the House to mandate its Committee on Petroleum Resources to liaise with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Ministries of Niger Delta Affairs and Petroleum Resources to review policies and guidelines of oil companies regarding location of their administrative and operational offices.

Opia’s motion was pursuant to presidential order by the Acting President during his town-hall meeting with the Niger Delta people, that IOCs should relocate to the state where they prospect oil.

Opia had told the House: “This policy is de-

priving the indigenes of those communities access to the companies in the event of complaints on their operational activities and is also not making the oil companies truly alive to their corporate social responsibilities to those communities.”

Opia’s motion was not allowed to scale the oil politics in the House as swift reactions by opponents of the motion sent it to its untimely death.

Responding to the motion, Hon Aminu Shagari said the motion was “ill-conceived” and “inconsiderate”. He said: “I think this motion is inconsiderate; it is ill-conceived and should be thrown out. I think the PIB should be allowed to take care of these oil companies.”

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been in the National Assembly for years without any tangible progress towards its passage.

Rather, it has been held down by oil politics.

Successive leadership of the National Assembly had promised to deliver the PIB to the people but they all failed to do so.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos), also spoke on the motion, saying that if it scaled through, it would set a bad precedence, arguing that ordering the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to relocate the operational headquarters to the Niger Delta region was not good business decision.

“We will be setting a dangerous precedence by compelling oil companies to relocate offices to the Niger Delta region. In business, people have the right to decide based on their entrepreneurial needs.

“We have to note that a business is a corporate entity and you can’t force me to operate here. You can’t change the goal post in the middle of the game. The PIB will take care of all these concerns,” he said.

However, the Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, lent support to the bill, decrying that the oil companies pay taxes to other states than the host states.

“I find it totally unacceptable that the Majority Leader is standing in this chamber and saying we do not have the right to tell these companies to relocate operational offices to the Niger Delta. These companies pay taxes to other states while they operate in the Niger Delta.”

But the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, nailed the motion when he said: “There is no need for tempers to flay. I am looking at it from the point of business.

I’m not joining the debate, but can you tell me as a businessman where to locate my office?”

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

POLITICS ‘Okowa has stabilised governance, development in Delta in past two years’

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EHIEDU ANIAGWU is Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. He spoke to JONATHAN AWANYAI on, among others, the achievements of his principal, whom he described as “humble, transparent and accountable to his people”, in the past two years. Excerpts Achievements in the past two years:

We are believing that they will not also take for granted the understanding that our people have shown over the years since this issue of hacking down farmers assumed a very worrisome dimension but we are very convinced that the effort that this government is putting in using the security agencies yielding a lot of results.

Expectations in the next two years: We will continue to transverse in the trajectory that we set for ourselves which is aimed at providing prosperity for all Deltans. A number of times people don’t understand what prosperity for all Deltans mean, they think that we are going to b e sharing g money so that people can become prosperous. Our business is to provide the enabling environment for them to become good in whatever business that they are doing.

In the next two years, the governor has made it very clear that the issue of professionalism in the civil service and in the work force is very paramount and quality programs are very dear to his heart.We are very much interested in quality projects, roads, building of our schools, and agriculture among others. I am happy to announce to you that the ship have long left the shore, sailing very smoothly and heading towards the habour.

W

E have done a lot. Generally, this administration has done well in the area of stabilizing governance and development. At lot has been achieved in the area of job creation. The kind of job we are creating is aimed at making people fishermen and not just giving them fish to eat. A number of entrepreneurs were created through the office of the job creation officer have also been able to indeed become employers of labour. Some having as much as three, four persons employed in their own establishment or enterprise whether in the agricultural sector, skill acquisition sector and other forms of businesses that we have been able to bring to bear in the lives of our people particularly the youths. We have also been able to institute programmes that assist women and widows through some of stipends that was made available to them for the purpose of doing their business and it cuts across political parties.

It is not a party defined empowerment.

Because of the rate of unemployment vis a vis the need of the people to work, it might look like a drop in the ocean but that drop in the ocean has helped to increase the volume of water in the ocean and in this case it has helped to increase the volume of persons who are working and are earned a living from the opportunities that the state government have been able to provide for our people. Beyond the issue of human capital development which is also the number one in our S.M.A.R.T agenda which is strategic wealth creation, we have also been able to bring about meaningful peace building. There is cessation of the hostilities in the creeks and the implication is that we are going to have more revenue accruing to us on account of the increase in our quantum of production. We have also been able to ensure that there is a peaceful environment for people to operate. The conducive atmosphere for industries to thrive has been engendered.

It means that much more number of investors will have confidence in our own economy in the state and then come in to invest.

Today as we speak, a number of schools in Delta State are wearing an entirely new look, most especially the technical schools. The essence is to ensure that our brothers and sisters are well motivated and trained to render services that hitherto were given to people from outside the shores of this country. We may not have gotten to where we want to be but obviously the ship has left the shore and is sailing very smoothly.

In the health sector, enough is being achieved while still holding on to the issue of free maternal and free child health care even though it is very difficult. We have also been able to upgrade and revamp a number of hospitals across the state. The other aspect of the agenda which is to transform the environment

through urban renewal, we are doing that. A number of roads have been constructed here in Asaba, we are tackling the perennial flood issue along Okpanam rood very vigorously and bring the issue of flooding to the barest minimum. We have not been able to finish it due to the issue of funding but we are making a lot of progress in that direction. Much has been done and a number of roads across the state have been constructed.

What is more gratifying is that these achievements are being recorded at a time when our revenue is yet to begin to look in the direction of the north pole, in which case in spite of the recession we are making the best out of the unfortunate situation that we find ourselves economically. We must appreciate the effort of the governor for his prudent management of these resources. A number of times you hear people say ego a lia. In Ika language it means there is no money.

Let me tell you, when you say there is no money, it does not mean that you don’t have money. Ego a lia is a euphemism for wastage. When we say ego alia it means that there is no money for you to just go and begin to drink beer and enjoy yourself at the expense of other persons in Delta State who deserve a better life.

Ego a lia is a euphemism for accountability, transparency and good governance.

When people talk about it, they must be able to understand the trajectory from

where we pushed that particular phenomenon of ego a lia and they should not feel bad when we say so because we are saying that we don’t have money to do those things that they did not elect us to do and the money we have is for us to do those things that we are supposed to do as provided for in Section 14, sub-section 2, paragraph B of the 1999 constitution which states inter alia that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people and in that regards there is money.

Herdsmen attacks: It is very unfortunate. We don’t want to bring down the effect of these attacks by the Fulani herdsmen on the altar of its national spread. We are much more concerned with the lives of our people in Delta State because that is where the governor has been elected to hold sway. As a responsible governor, he is committed to making sure that Deltans and those who reside in Delta are able to move around freely without any form of molestation. It is regrettable that we have had course to hear, see and read these incidences of attacks by herdsmen whether Fulani or whoever they are. We are very appreciative of the behavior of our people who have not taken up arms to confront these dare devils that have continued to ravage our communities.

Sanitizing the civil service: We are already succeeding. It is not a war that we are just starting. It is an ongoing war. We want to rid the civil service of those who have gone beyond the mandatory retirement age of sixty or those who have put in thirty five years and they want to still remain in office through falsification of documents. When you do that either because you failed to plan during all the years that you worked and you are not able to at least have enough and then you think that you can remain in service meanwhile people are graduating everyday and they need to be engaged and there are others who need to be promoted, it leads to inefficiency because when the worker is not motivated it brings inefficiency. How do we promote people when those who are supposed to leave the system to create a vacuum for promotion are still very much around? It is a war we are already winning.

Privatization of Delta Line Transport Services: It might not be privatization in its entirety because what is important to us is that the transport service operates profitably and efficiently. Efficiently to be able to preserve the fleet, serve the customers in which case the passengers must have value for money when they use the transport service within or outside the state. We are looking forward to bringing in a form of ingenuity where we have a mix of both the government and private sector such that we are able to achieve this twin purpose of profitability and efficiency.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

How FG incurred N200bn pension liabilities Conflicting reports have continued to trail the country’s pension liabilities over amount owed by the federal government. While the Senate said the FG should, as a matter of urgency, clear the N174bn pension liabilities, the finance minister rose from a meeting to announce that the FG has released N54bn to pay its retired workers. KINGSLEY CHRISTOPHER in this finding, reveals how the N200bn pension liabilities were accumulated between 2014 and 2015.

F

CBN EXCHANGE RATES MAY 15, 2017 Currency Buying

(NGN) US DOLLAR 304.6 Pounds Sterling 393.6346 EURO 334.4203 SWISS FRANC 305.7312 CFA 0.4859 YEN 2.6889 WAUA 415.2537 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.1696 RIYAL 81.218 DANISH KRONA 44.9475 SDR 417.3934

Central Selling (NGN) (NGN) 305.1 305.6 394.2807 394.9269 334.9693 335.5182 306.2331 306.7349 0.4959 0.5059 2.6933 2.6977 415.9354 416.617 44.2426 44.3155 81.3513 81.4846 45.0212 45.095 418.0785 418.7637

Energy IOCs see 1.3mbd, 1.5bcf/d in new deepwater developments P16

e-Platform National Broadband Plan: The rhetoric continues four years after P17

It would be recalled that the immediate past PenCom’s Director General, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu in the first quarter of 2016 had said that the Commission needed a total of N94billion to be able to clear pension backlog between September 2015 and end of 2016.

The Commission had also disclosed that N50billion was appropriated in that year’s budget leaving aver N40billion pension deficit unattended to.

Speaking to our correspondent exclusively, a top pension expert who did not want his name in print explained that the Federal government supposes to be funding the redemption account from the budget on the regular basis. He said 5per cent of its current wage bill is what is required to be contributed by the government into that account so that every month as salaries are paid, 5per cent of the figure would be put into that account.

According to him, the money is controlled by the CBN on an accruing interest at the Treasury bill rates and nobody touches that money.

“It is only touched when PenCom gives instruction then CBN pays,” he said. The RSA holders of the Pension Redemption bond Account are the beneficiaries but they can only benefit when they retire. As an employee retires PenCom checks his record to confirm that he has been verified and this is what is due to him, this is his RSA number and PenCom now instruct CBN to issue the money to any PFC involve to a PFA. “The monthly contribution is the monthly deduction and that is when one is in service and the other is when the person retires. With the monthly contribution, a balance in his account may be the contribution the person has been making from the time he was employed. That is if he was employed before 2004, probably be about N2million, N10million or anything.

Aviation

•Kemi Adeosun “When he retires he cannot have access to the money accrued to him until his Accrued Right from before the commencement of the contribution is paid into his account. And that will only be paid from the Redemption Fund Account and if there is no money paid that account it means that he cannot be paid”.

According to him, the redemption account is supposed to have money at all times because the law says the federal government should be funding the account every month but this did not be because in 2014 there was no funding of that account, in 2015 a substantial part of money in that account was taken out and diverted. So by the time payment was due to be made the account was exhausted.

He continued that it was when

the new administration came in that PenCom officials went on courtesy call and made a case to the president and he instructed that the account should be funded. He said that the account was, however, funded but certain months were kept for 2014, noting that because government also has its own challenges competing for the same money it wasn’t possible to remit what would have paid everybody.

Our source added that the government later made additional funding of that account and further payment was made, he disclosed that everybody who retired up to the end of 2015 has been paid.

“For 2016, from what you have quoted the minister that payments

ederal Government may indeed have incurred the N200 billion pension arrears as alleged by the Senate recently as independent sources exclusively revealed that the Pension Bond Redemption Account statutorily domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was not funded by the FG in 2014 while in 2015 a substantial part of the money in that account was taken out and diverted.

It was also revealed that by the time payment for retirees were due the account had been exhausted.

Pension Bond Redemption Account (PBRA) is an accumulation of a five percent first-line charge of total monthly wage bill of civil service funded by the federal government for payment of Accrued Right and Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of federal government employees.

While the RSA holders are the beneficiaries from the funding, they can access the fund when only they retire. As an employee retires PenCom checks his record to confirm that he has been verified and what is due to him computed, his RSA number confirmed then PenCom would instruct CBN to issue the money to any PFC involve and then to a PFA to effect payment of the Accrued Right to a beneficiary.

However, the conflicting figures quoted from various quarters have been viewed by analysts as inconsistency on the sides of the two arms of government. While the Senate quoted N174billion pension arrears, the executive arm in the other hand quoted N54billion backlog which it claimed has been disbursed through the pension industry regulator, the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

They have queried the source where the said N54billion was raised whether from the 2015 Appropriation or from that of 2016 or from that of 2017 yet to be passed budget by the National Assembly.

•Tourism

Continues P14

FG should streamline taxes to save airlines – Air Peace CEO, Onyema P20

Insurance FG set to pay acrued benefits for Federal retirees P22

Stock Market Highlights As At 15 May, 2017

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP Most Traded S/N Coy (By Volume) Volume 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

27,513.69 4,034.00 670,964,548.00 7,912,070,489.46 9,510,891,376,376.66 Value

5 Top Gainers Company Last Close Current Change DANGCEM 156.5 163.01 6.51 PRESCO 47 49 2 STANBIC 26 26.5 0.5 UACN 15.14 15.6 0.46 UCAP 2.94 2.99 0.05

Top Losers Company Last Close Current Change ZENITHBANK 225,346,038 4,059,124,798.30 NESTLE 835 798 -37 ACCESS 173,341,186 1,211,668,542.75 SEPLAT 400 380 -20 ETI 77,503,841 747,975,581.90 NB 149 141.67 -7.33 FBNH 44,595,108 174,670,152.03 FO 50.41 47.89 -2.52 18.13 17.1 -1.03 GUARANTY 27,569,755 794,108,691.69 ZENITHBANK

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

BUSINESS

Onyeama calls for private investment in ICT infrastructure

M

inister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, has stressed the need for Public Private Partnership (PPP) in driving Information Communication Technology (ICT) and development of smart cities in Nigeria.

Onyeama who disclosed this during the Transform Africa Summit 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda, posited that unless the huge infrastructure deficit in Nigeria was addressed, achieving the

Smart Africa Initiative would be difficult.

A smart city is an urban development vision to integrate in ICT and Internet of Things (IoT), technology in a secure fashion to manage a city’s assets.

The minister, who said that Nigeria was engaged in the process of building smart cities, called for private sector investment in the sector to address the infrastructure challenge and

achieve the goal.

He said there was need for collaboration between private and public sectors to develop ICT in Nigeria.

“As it was said, there is no one technology that will overcome the challenge of infrastructure. What it just requires and I think this is what came out clearly, is partnership among government, the private sector and the academia. And together, the three can begin to put in place the building

blocks to have smart cities, including in Nigeria.”

Onyeama said Nigeria succeeded in the communication sector because of Public Private Partnership.

He explained that in the past 20 years, Nigeria was able to engage the private sector to provide phone lines to about 100 million people as against the 400,000 telephone lines that were there to serve 150 million people.

“The coming together of govern-

ment, the political will and the private sector created the framework for private sector to come with the investment and the difference that was made. You had the NCC that had the auction that invited private telecommunication sectors and the result of that today was the over 100 million Nigerians connected on mobile phones. So my last word is that Public Private Partnership is really essential in driving ICT in Nigeria.”

Reps direct NNPC to disclose cost of imported petrol H

by the command in the corresponding period in 2016.

He described the revenue figure as `very impressive` in view of the general low import activities at the ports.

Giving a breakdown, he said N834.67million was generated in January, N919.68million in February and N649.11million in March, adding that the command generated N781.18million in April.

Andishu who attributed the feat

to the various reforms being implemented by the Area Controller, Alhaji Abdulkadir Dalhatu, since he assumed leadership of the command, said the reforms include training and retraining of officers, provision of ICT facilities at the command and constant engagement of stakeholders on how the command can serve them better.

The spokesman said the Controller was also taking steps to block revenue leakages

ouse of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Review of Pump Price of Petrol has directed the NNPC and its subsidiaries to make public the true cost of imported petrol.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Raphael Igbokwe, spoke on the side lines of the committee’s visit to Lagos depots of some private operators involved in transportation and distribution of petrol from the ports to the consumers, last weekend.

The depots visited by the committee are Folawiyo Energy Limited, WOSBAB Energy Solutions, First Royal and Stallionaire Oil & Gas Limited.

According to him, NNPC and its subsidiaries sourced 90 per cent of petrol while private marketers sourced only 10 per cent of the product into the country.

“The reason for our curiosity and unannounced visit to some depots is that our investigation shows that importation of petrol is no longer profitable to the private marketers and dealers.

“The issue is how come that only the government agencies are engaging in the importation and supply of petrol. This will make us to compel them to open their (NNPC and subsidiaries) books for Nigerians to know the true cost of importation of petrol,’’ Igbokwe said.

The chairman said that the committee would find out from neighbouring countries and refineries the cost of petrol per litre.

He said that the committee got authentic information from a reliable

of the legacy fund has caused the retirees an untold hardship whereby putting the integrity of the Contributory Pension Scheme under threat.

“The accumulated Accrual Pension Right is a headache. Delay in attending to this does not help matters especially for the beneficiaries of the fund.

And this’ constituting a threat to the success of the Contributory Pension Scheme”. She lamented.

On the N174billion the Senate mentioned in its resolution, the managing director said that the lawmakers might have their own figure, noting what the Senate committee was saying was that the Accrued Right that are due to be paid should be paid (pension liabilities and the accrued right). For him the Accrued right due to be paid are not the only issue, it may have to do with other pension liabilities which in the sense means that there are other pension issues that have not been talked about and all are in respect of retirees of the federal government.

“I assume that is the part of pension being managed by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD) which includes the Custom Services, Immigration, the Police and the Civil Service. It is assumed that their arrears have not been paid. The

Committee is adding that to the Accrued Right of those who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS”, our source noted.

On which year budget the N54billion released by the FG for pension accrued right recently announced by the finance minister was drawn, the chief executive explained thus; “An appropriation was made; in the first instance the amount appropriated was not enough to cover the pension liabilities. The liability PenCom said was in excess of N90billion; of course they have the figures and numbers. The government appropriated about N50billion which means already there was a shortfall.

On Tuesday, April 4, the Nigerian Senate woke up to its responsibilities, beaming its search light into what has become the plight of pensioners in the country.

The development was informed by the untold hardship of pensioners occasioned by federal government’s failure to contribute its statutory share of five per cent to the Pension Redemption Fund.

By a simple resolution the Senate gave a marching order to the federal government to ensure that all pension liabilities amounting to N174billion voted in the 2016 budget for payment

of pension arrears is released by the FG and made payable to the beneficiaries.

The Senate noted that “if the Federal Government could release bailout funds to pay outstanding workers ‘salaries in the states, similar gesture should be used for the payment of pension arrears, which is its direct primary responsibility”.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion entitled, “The untold hardship of pensioners occasioned by federal government’s failure to contribute its statutory share of five per cent to the Pension Redemption Fund” sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Paulker, In a similar development, the House of Representatives, on Thursday, April 6 warned the executive arm of the government to ensure that backlog of pensions were paid promptly, stressing that excuses would not be accepted.

Dogara was reacting to briefing by Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and her Budget and National Planning counterpart, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, on efforts to offset arrears owed Nigerian pensioners.

On Wednesday, April 5 the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun also announced that it has cleared the in-

•Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (right), with the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lulu Louis Mnguni, during a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja, Friday

Tin Can Island 2 Customs Command records N3.18b in 4 months

T

he Tin-Can Island 2 Customs Command, Ijora, Sunday said it generated the sum of N3.18billion between January and April 2017.

The command, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Godwin Andishu, said the revenue exceeded the N2.6billion target for the period.

The spokesman said that the figure was also N1.5billion or 119per cent better than the N1.6billion recorded

source that the price of petrol was around N230 to N250 per litre in neighbouring countries.

Igbokwe noted that the official landing cost of petrol was about N130 to N135, adding that the committee, however, received information that the landing cost of petrol was higher than the N145 official rate fixed by government.

Nigeria’s port concession, a role model to other countries – Terminal Operators

C

herited arrears of accrued pension benefit for the year 2014, 2015 and 2016 by releasing N41.5 billion to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for onward payment to the retirees, A statement released by the ministry’s Director (Information), Salisu Na’inna Dambatta said the sum of N12.5 billion being outstanding for January, February and March 2017 has been settled based on 2016 appropriation, bringing the tally to over N54 billion.

“Despite conflicting demands for available cash, President Buhari has always expressed concern about the plight of workers and pensioners. It was stated.

Consistent with this, we have released N41.5 billion which clears the arrears inherited from the previous administration relating to the period 201315 and underpayments in 2016. This will bring relief to thousands of our elders who have served and deserve to be paid their entitlements promptly and fully,” Adeosun emphasised.

The N41, 566, 565, 184 released to PenCom was the outstanding appropriated for the year 2014 and 2016 by the National Assembly for the settlement of the retirement benefits of Federal Government employees.

hairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Mrs Vicky Haastrup, says the successful concession of Nigerian ports made it a model to other countries.

Haastrup said in a statement that other countries were using Nigeria’s model to concession their public infrastructure and urged Federal Government to extend the model to other sectors of the economy.

In the statement signed by STOAN spokesman, Bolaji Akinola, Haastrup commended the government for its foresight in the concession of terminal operations at the seaports in 2006.

“After Nigeria’s port concession, we now have countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Ghana and even Greece, adopting our model. The Liberians and Ghanaians sent delegations to understudy our port concession model to develop theirs,’’ the STOAN chairman said.

... FG incurred N174bn pension liabilities Continued from P13

have been made for 2014, 2015 and 2016, it’s true to the best of our knowledge, but for 2016 may be the payment has just commenced. We understand that the minister said payment has been made but PenCom has not yet communicated to us”, “For instance in my office here we have some retirees for 2016 but funding of their accounts has not been made. There are federal government employees who have registered with us who retired in 2016 have not been paid, may be recently those who retired January, February and Confirming from his company’s operations department, he was told that one of the retirees’ verification who retired in 2016 has been completed and has been paid, while that of three others are being processed for payment.

Speaking to our correspondent in an exclusive chat in Lagos recently, another top executive in the pension industry who also accepted to speak on the condition of anonymity said the delayed payment of accrual right has sent a by the FG has sent a wrong signal to the publics on the credibility of the scheme and cause an untold hardship to the beneficiaries of the fund.

According to her, the non-payment

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

BUSINESS

Africa’s candidates lose UNWTO Secretary General election

By VICTOR NZE, Lagos

T

•(L-R): Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer, Med-View Airline, Engr. Lookman O, Animashaun, CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole,Non-Executive Director, Alhaji Bode Oyedeleand Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Isiaq Na’Allah during a Pre- AGM of the airline held at the Welcome Center, Airport Road, Ikeja recently.

LCCI flays FIRS plans to use property value for assessment

L

agos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has flayed recent moves by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to use property value as a basis for Company Income Tax assessment, describing it as ‘another form of property tax.’

LCCI Director-General, Mr Muda Yusuf, said in Lagos that the move by the FIRS would hurt the economy by undermining investors’ confidence, just as he stressed that adoption of the new model of assessment by FIRS would not only undermine investors’ confidence but also roll back the recent gains of recovery in the economy.

He said adoption of this assessment model by the FIRS was difficult to justify, inconsistent with the law and not harmonious with the best practice principle in taxation.

“The Company Income Tax Act [CITA] is very clear on the basis and methodology for the assessment of company income tax. The introduction of property valuation as a basis for assessment is at variance with CITA. “Besides, there is no theoretical or empirical basis to establish a correlation between the value of a business premises and the profitability of the business. Already, corporate organisations in Lagos State are paying the Land Use Charge, which is essentially property tax to the Lagos State Government.

“What is being introduced by the FIRS is for all practical purposes another form of property tax,” he said.

He said that reports reaching the LCCI indicated that many corporate organisations had been

served with notices of property inspection and valuation by the FIRS in furtherance of this method of assessment.

The LCCI chief said that the new assessment model was apparently a bid by the FIRS to boost tax revenue.

“LCCI is concerned about this development coming at a time when investors’ confidence is gradually being restored and the economic recovery drive is only just beginning to gather steam,” he said.

Yusuf urged the Federal Government to intervene in the matter, saying that the economic recovery was just gathering momentum and investors’ confidence was just beginning to be restored.

He stressed that any policy measure that could roll back this progress should be avoided.

ATI to Nigeria, others: Diversify your economies, focus on intra-continental trade

T

he African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), concluded its 17th Annual General Meeting, Friday, with a call by meeting participants to African governments to intently focus on growing intra-African trade and diversifying their economies away from commodity reliance in order to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

ATI is a multilateral investment insurer that was formed by COMESA member countries with the support of the World Bank in 2001.

With sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP growth rates expected to hit a record low of 1.5% depressed commodity rates are seen to be one of the major drivers with export producers accounting for two-thirds of the region’s growth.

Set against a backdrop of increased geopolitical uncertainties that could prove challenging for improved growth, Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin

and Henry Rotich, Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury of Kenya delivered opening addresses that pointed to ATI as a vital partner in supporting Africa’s journey toward diversification, self-reliance and more sustainable growth.

In 2016, ATI facilitated financing of trade and investments in Kenya valued at close to USD800 million which represents around 1.2% of Kenya’s GDP. Similarly, in ATI’s two newest member countries, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, the company supported USD400 million worth to trade and investment to these economies. “This is a very significant contribution to our economy. It demonstrates real benefit because these financial flows could not have been realized without the support of ATI,” noted Rotich.

During the opening ceremony, which attracted leaders from the public and private sectors across

Africa, ATI announced its 2016 results. The pan African investment and credit risk insurer posted record results for the sixth consecutive year. ATI has moved from being loss making as recently as 2011 to posting a positive net result representing a 36 percent increase over 2015.

Among other factors, ATI attributes this success to stronger partnerships with African governments, who increasingly see the value of ATI to their growth and development objectives.

During the closed meeting of the General Assembly shareholders discussed the company’s 2016 annual accounts and financial statements in addition to recovery of funds from defaulting member countries, the establishment of constituencies that will accommodate ATI’s regional expansion and election of Directors and Alternate Directors.

he Republic of Georgia’s candidate for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s vacant Secretary General position has beaten the much favoured African Union (AU)endorsed Zimbabwean, Walter Mzembi to succeed Taleb Rifai as the body’s new chief.

The election which took place in Madrid, Spain, Friday at the Melia Castilla Hotel, saw Zurab Pololikashvili become the new Secretary General of the world tourism governing body following the expiration of Jordan’s Taleb Rifai tenure.

Mzembi, who is Zimbabwe’s Tourism minister along with former minister of Tourism of Seychelles, Mr. Alain St. Ange, had vied for the position from Africa, with Mzembi getting the edge following his adoption by the AU as its preferred candidate. Going into the voting, Mzembi was clearly favourite to win by a landslide.

In the first round, Georgia had 8 votes, Walter Mzembi from Zimbabwe 11 votes. Korea was third with 8 votes.

Though many observers believe the election result may not have seen the best candidate emerge as they fear international politics and deals in return for favors may have also played a major part.

After his victory, Pololikashvili was seen celebrating with his team.

He did not attend the press conference with Taleb Rifai after the election. There was no information released by Georgia, not even a forward-looking statement or thank you.

During Mr. Pololikashvili campaign, there was no media outreach, and the candidate was absent from most international

events.

The secretary general-elect, however, related a message to all candidates after his inauguration through Taleb Rifai and offered to work with them in the future.

An option for defeated candidates would be to contest the election at the upcoming General Assembly in China? In such a case 2/3 of all member countries have to confirm the recommendation of the executive council.

Taleb Rifai said at the closing press conference on Friday he knew Zurab for many years. He called him a good man capable of doing the job. He cited his experience as the former minister of tourism for Georgia. He ended in saying democracy had spoken.

The outgoing secretary general also said there were two criteria for the vote: 1) The character, vision, and knowledge of a candidate. 2) The country this candidate represents and its standing in the world.

Rifai also explained a public campaign was not necessary for such an election.

It appears this type of “democracy” may be controlled actually by the Foreign Ministries or Heads of State and not the Tourism Ministers or Tourism Representatives in many voting countries as Bilateral deals are cut by foreign ministers or heads of state and are often unrelated to travel and tourism.

A voting executive council member actually not only has a responsibility to its own nation, but to 4 other countries. There is 1 executive member for every 5 UNWTO member countries.

A quiet and closed up UNWTO secretary general with a political agenda for his country, and little ability to speak English may be in the pipeline.

Ebola resurgence: No cause for alarm -- FAAN

By VICTOR NZE, Lagos

F

ederal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stepped up efforts the two gateways into the country; including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

It would be recalled that the World Health Organization (WHO) had last Friday, declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, saying that at least one person has been confirmed dead in that country.

FAAN, while assuring Nigerians of adequate surveillance at the nation’s airports, restated that there is no direct flight from Congo DR to Nigeria, even as the authority maintained that all preventive measures put in place at the airports were still intact.

According to FAAN’s Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, Port Health officials were at alert at all airports, adding that the authority also informed them of the need to increase surveillance.

“We don’t have direct flights from Congo, we only have from Rwanda, but I want to assure members of the public that we still have all preventive measures in place at our airports.

“There are sanitizers at our arrivals with the scanning apparatus called Thermal scanners being installed by the Port Health Services. The scanners have camera monitors that display pictures, aside the capturing of temperature, she said.

Yakubu noted that passengers still fill in forms to ensure that everybody arriving the country through the airports are not potential carriers of deadly diseases, adding that; “there is no cause for alarm.”

NNPC chief executives sign Performance Bond with Baru

T

he journey to the transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a commercially focused and profitable business organization has been taken a notch higher with the signing of a performance bond by the Chief Operating Officers (COO) of the five (5) Autonomous Business Units and two (2) Directorates with the Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru.

The performance bond, tagged: “Corporate Scorecard Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)”, consti-

tutes the key deliverables for the Upstream, Downstream, Refineries, Gas & Power, and Ventures Autonomous Business Units and the Finance & Accounts and Corporate Services Directorates for 2017, serving as key business objectives that each of the units would pursue and is expected to achieve.

The signing of the performance bond took place at the end of a 2-day Top Management Retreat and Performance Dialogue which ended today in Abuja.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

ENERGY

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

I

nternational oil companies in Nigeria are working on plans to inject cumulative 1.3 million barrels per day of crude oil and 1.5 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day to the country’s daily production.

The new volumes of crude oil and natural gas will come from new developments planned by the key multinational producers in the nation’s deepwater petroleum play where discovered fields and new exploration prospects are expected to host a new string of investments.

The Oracle Today reports that 10 offshore oil and gas discoveries await field development activities eventhough some of them are already close to production flow while others are yet to reach final investment decision (FID).

However, the prospects of driving some of the planned deepwater projects to commissioning currently raise concerns in the industry following the raging dispute between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the multinational supermajors that dominate activities in the deep offshore terrain.

The dispute which has defied appeals for arbitration has currently e3volved into a legal tussle that would seek interpretation to the provisions of the 1993 Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and associated incentives that provide basis for basis for split of the barrel between the operators and the concessionaire.

Currently, the operators gathered under the aegis of the Oil Producers Trade Section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LACCI) accuse NNPC of crude grabbing at the export terminals. They estimate the worth over NNPC overlifts to be in excess of over $10 billion.

Following the dispute a lot of deepwater projects have fallen off the table while some are being cautiously driven in parallel to a legal action seeking to compel NNPC to respect the terms of the PSCs that govern commercial operations in the affected acreages.

Resolution of the dispute, it is believed, would leverage multiple development projects capable of making the safer, high yield and less vulnerable deepwater terrain the key sources of Nigeria’s oil and gas production.

Our review of projects by operators in Nigeria showed that four multinational oil firms including Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron and Eni, are yet to sign cheques for the development of the key discoveries operated under the disputed PSCs. According to a document containing planned liquid fuels and natural gas projects in Nigeria, Chevron affiliates in the country currently sit on 130, 000 barrels per day (130 kbd) of crude oil and 215 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (215 MMscf/d).

Whereas the company is driving the 30 kbd Sonam Field Development onshore Niger Delta under existing Joint Venture with NNPC, Chevron is yet to take investment decision on 100 kbd Nsiko deepwater field operated under the disputed PSC with NNPC. Our update on existing projects also showed that whereas development activities are nearly completed on the Sonam field following the resolution of cash call crisis with NNPC and several alternative funding schemes agreed by the parties, uncertainties over deepwater fiscal terms have kept the development plan for Nsiko off the table.

Consequently, whereas the Chevron operated JV is likely to contribute additional 30 kbd of condensate from the Sonam field this year; the

IOCs see 1.3mbd, 1.5bcf/d in new deepwater developments

•Sohar Bolsters Lifting Capacity plan to produce 100 kbd of crude from Nsiko in the next three years by 2020 is unlikely to secure cash support from the company unless fiscal issues over the PSCs are resolved.

Nigeria’s offshore champion, ExxonMobil, also holds potential to pump 330 kbd from three operated deepwater concessions including Bosi, Uge and Sattelite fields.

However, the key projects fall under the operated PSCs with NNPC; and the development projects are subject to commercial arrangements in the PSCs the terms of which are currently in dispute.

Development plans from ExxonMobil include the world class Bosi field from where Nigeria expects 140 kbd under a multi-billion dollar budget field development project scheduled to deliver production from 2020.

Besides the Bosi deepwater field, ExxonMobil also operates the Uge deepwater field which when developed is expected to deliver 110 kbd by 2020.

Next from ExxonMobil is the second phase of its Satellite Field Development expected to produce crude oil at the rate of 80 kbd if the company invests in huge budget projects to bring the field on stream by 2020.

Although both Bosi and Uge deep

offshore fields are yet to achieve investment decisions from ExxonMobil, the two fields are planned to host integrated development projects for oil and gas in line with prevailing government regulation which necessarily requires operators to evolve gas development plans along oil development to curb flaring.

Thus, with the two fields, ExxonMobil is expected to produce a total of 280 MMscf/d of natural gas which is obviously associated with oil production. Bosi is expected to vent 260 MMscf/d while Uge is to pump 20 MMscf/d.

Nigeria’s biggest producer by asset and facility, Shell, also have huge dormant proven reserves of crude oil and natural gas onshore and in the deep offshore. The company has a total 345, 000 barrels per day of potential production from second phase of Gbaran-Ubie, Bonga Southwest/Aparo, and Bonga North fields.

The Gbarab-Ubie 2 is an onshore integrated gas project operated under JV with NNPC, and obviously it is progressing with the resolution of funding crisis and alternative funding schemes evolved by operators and government.

Despite being a gas development project, partners in the JV expect a

daily output of 20 kbd of condensate from Gbaran-Ubie 2 by this year. Shell had taken investment decision on the project after it evolved a creative funding arrangement that resolved the traditional NNPC’s cash call response delays.

Shell was close to investment decision on billion barrel Bonga Southwest/Aparo integrated development programme after development model and budget were resolved with NNPC. The project dropped off the table following change of government and fresh disputes over terms of PSC contracts.

The Bonga Southwest and Aparo development project which was planned to deliver 225 kbd of light sweet crude oil grade was expected to be completed by 2020 with a budget that the Country Chair, Mr. Osagie Okumbor, declared unrealistic under prevailing market situation.

After determining with NNPC that Bonga North would carry a standalone development programme, and after calling off BSWA development investment last year, Shell has been mute about the deadline for Bonga North development project delivery from which 100 kbd is expected by 2020.

Although there is no official state-

ment form Shell on the project, it is most likely that the company is weighed down by same circumstances and issues that stalled development of BSWA. Country Chair of Shell in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okumbor, told The Oracle Today, that disparities in the interpretation of the governing PSCs compounded adverse market conditions, project budget and service bills, as well as wider operating environment conditions to push the projects off immediate plans of the company in Nigeria.

On the gas side, Shell’s JV projects are solidly on course while its deepwater projects are trapped in fiscal disputes.

The company’s Forcados Yokri Integrated Project is scheduled to yield 65 MMscf/d this year; Southern Swamp Associated Gas projects is to deliver 45 MMscf/d also this year; and Gbaran-Ubie Phase 2 Project would transform the domestic gas industry supply market this year with 800 MMscf/d. Shell has already committed to investment on these projects which are close to delivery.

With no investment commitment in sight, Shell still holds potentials to pump 15 MMscf/d from BSWA and additional 60 MMscf/d from Bonga North deepwater field developments when fiscal hindrances are resolved.

Despite its rising profile as the country’s most prolific new source of new production especially from the deep-pocket high-risk deep-offshore terrains, Total has remained relentless in driving fresh developments and production additions from its PSC portfolios despite fiscal agitation by oil majors.

The company holds potential to pump over 200 kbd from its ongoing Egina deepwater field, completing its hat-trick field development programme from one deep offshore oil block in OML 130, comprising Usan, Akpo and Egina fields.

Egina is expected to be delivered next year.

However, apart from the deepwater developments by Total which are rapidly translating to output volumes, the rest of Nigeria’s new deep offshore projects are mere potentials held by key international oil companies that currently hold the key to Nigeria’s deep pocket, high risk, high reward and technology intensive deepwater terrains.

Fiscal incentives that unlocked the nation’s deepwater resource potentials were part of the terms of the PSCs that encouraged the commercial investors to stake funds and sundry resources in exploration programmes that led to world class discoveries that form the country’s new production sources.

Since 2005 when Bonga Main came live, government and commercial operators have engaged in fiscal friction over sharing of resources that accrue from deepwater assets.

The disputes had led to impasse in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), a document which the present administration has indirectly adopted.

Proposals by the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, demands more share from the deepwater production volumes, a proposition the operators argue defiles sanctity of the PSCs that govern deepwater operations.

Since the disputes over fiscal status of the deepwater PSCs arose nearly a decade ago, a lot of deepwater exploration and development programmes, save Total operated assets, have failed to get budget support from acreage holders who feel that the basis for further investments has been negated.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

e-Platform

W

hen Federal Government through the immediate past Minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson, launched what was described as Nigeria’s master plan to achieve ubiquitous broadband, the National Broadband plan (NBP) 2013-2018, it was greeted with applauds and high enthusiasm from various stakeholders, who felt that, for the first time, Nigeria had taken bold step to move forward with technology. So promising and auspicious was the broadband plan, that neighbouring African countries were said to be requesting for the same template to replicate in their country.

But four years after, when the country is supposed to be counting the gains of the implementation and looking forward to greater achievements post 2018, when the plan is expected to expire, talks in the Nigerian ICT industry and even from the government quarters are still centred on why broadband penetration is still very low in the country.

And again, these were issues already highlighted in the Broadband Plan, with practical steps to take in addressing them during implementation.

NBP Implementation still a debate Aside some unverified claims that the country now has 20.9 per cent broadband penetration, the country as at today is nowhere near broadband pervasiveness, which is why some stakeholders are beginning to worry if the NBP is being implemented at all. This has also cast serious doubt about the feasibility of the 30 per cent target by 2018, which is just few months away.

According to the President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Olusola Teniola, the NBP target can only be achieved when there are right policies in place and an enabling environment, both of which are not in place yet. For him, the issues of Right of Way and Multiple Taxation are still some of the biggest challenges, which the government has yet to tackle and which would continue to hinder broadband deployment in the country.

Teniola noted that if at all the country now has 20.9 per cent penetration as claimed, “it is evident that penetration is skewed in the trendy areas of Lagos, Abuja and piecemeal in Port Harcourt.” He added that any further increase will need to be on the back of infrastructure companies (InfraCos) and other network roll-outs outside these geographical regions to prevent a ‘have against have-not’ landscape occurring.

“This is the year 2017 when we need to have implementable programs in place to ensure we are on track to achieve the 2013 National Broadband Plan (NBP) of 30 per cent broadband penetration by end of 2018. The industry needs all government agencies in charge of and responsible for infrastructure at state level to work with and support the roll-out of much needed fibre optic metro infrastructure that supports the whole eco-system to deliver on the promises made in the NBP” Teniola said.

InfraCos stalled From Teniola’s submission, infrastructure companies will have a huge role to play in the implementation of the broadband plan, unfortunately, that has been a deadlocked issue as the Nigerian Communications Commission has been unable to license additional five InfraCos as planned, two years after licensing MainOne and IHS for Lagos and North-Central respectively. This,

National Broadband Plan: The rhetoric continues four years after Ubiquitous broadband is seen as a veritable tool for economic growth in this 21st century as attested to by United Nations. SAMSON AKINTARO in this report takes a look at Nigeria’s efforts to deliver this technology tool, which has remained elusive to the country over the years despite the existence of a National Broadband Plan. again, has been a source of worry for stakeholders, who felt the delay is drawing back implementation of the broadband plan. Chief Executive Officer of Pinnet Technologies, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, while speaking on the delay in licensing additional InfraCos despite the continued promises of NCC to do so, said the delay is affecting quick rollout of broadband services across the country, since rollout of broadband services largely depends on broadband infrastructure, which InfraCos were supposed to provide. “The move to license MainOne as InfraCo for Lagos and IHS as InfraCo for North central in 2015 was a welcomed development but industry stakeholders are worried that two years after, NCC is yet to licence additional InfraCos that would provide ubiquitous broadband infrastructure for operators to tap into and provide broadband service for the growing youth population in the country,” Ajayi said.

New broadband plan in the offing?

Incidentally, recent declarations by the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, that the government was unsatisfied with the implementation process of the National Broadband Plan, and would review it in 2018, has confirmed the fears of many that the NBP might still remain a plan waiting to be im-

plemented by 2018, with possible situation of having another plan with fresh target and extended years.

According to Shittu, a review of the NBP would be necessary in order to finetune its contents, in line with global technology trends. He also said timeframe would be considered in achieving certain parameters in the reviewed broadband plan, in order to speed up broadband penetration in the country.

“We have a broadband plan that is designed to make broadband available to all Nigerians. The broadband plan is a five year plan from 2013 to 2018, but hopefully it will be reviewed by the end of next year. By next year we will review the broadband plan and come up with new plan that will catchup with modern technology trends,” the Minister said.

And while the country is barely at 20 per cent penetration currently, the minister said the target of 30 per cent broadband penetration as enshrined in the plan was even a low target for Nigeria, considering the clamour for ubiquitous broadband access by Nigerians. According to him, “broadband is the enabler to technology development of any nation. The issue of broadband accessibility is the key to technology development. So government wants Nigerians to come together

and ensure that broadband is accessible and affordable to all Nigerians.”

Why Broadband?

The 2009, World Bank Information and Communications for Development report showed that access to broadband boosts economic growth in all countries, but most especially in developing ones. The study showed that in developing countries, for every ten-percentage points of broadband penetration, their economies grew by 1.38 per cent. The report, conducted in 120 countries between 1980 and 2006, showed that developed countries’ economies grew by 1.21 per cent.

The figures confirm that broadband access is key for economic growth and even more vital in developing countries. Many Africans are seizing the opportunity that it offers to move their economies forward. In the same way that the construction of electricity grids and transport links spurred innovation far beyond the dreams of their builders, highspeed broadband networks stimulate greater efficiency and the advancement of businesses.

The 2010 U.S. National Broadband policy document captures it even better when it states: “Broadband is the great infrastructure challenge of the early 21st century. Like electricity a century ago, broadband is

a foundation for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness and a better way of life. It is enabling entire new industries and unlocking vast new possibilities for existing ones. It is changing how we educate children, deliver health care, manage energy, ensure public safety, engage government, and access, organize and disseminate knowledge.”

Of course, with the success of telecoms revolution in Nigeria, expectations were high that the country would slide into the next stage, which is broadband revolution, effortlessly. But that has proven to be a difficult task over the years. It has always been a story of one challenge or the other preventing ready players from deploying broadband infrastructure across the country.

It is more of headache for those who had invested multi-million dollars in bringing huge capacity fibre optic cables to the country, but are getting frustrated by lack of infrastructure to take achieve last mile connectivity.

Obviously, it will take more than talking about challenges and drafting plans for Nigeria to move beyond her current poor state in broadband penetration. What the country needs is a strong political will to drive technology at all levels and the push to put actions before talks.

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

e-Platform

N377bn debt: We are still negotiating with banks, says Etisalat Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

T

wo months after a botched attempt by some banks to take over one of the leading telecommunications companies in the country, Etisalat Nigeria, over a N377 billion debt, the company has said negotiation is still ongoing to find a common ground with the banks. The company stated this in a statement debunking reports in some sections of the media that the negotiations had hit the rock.

Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the Central Bank of Nigeria had intervened in March when a consortium of banks declared their readiness to take over Etisalat due to the latter’s inability to pay its debt. The intervention of the regulators was to pave way for amicable resolution of the issue without causing any rancour in the telecommunications sector.

But with speculations that the negotiations might have hit a dead

end, Etisalat in statement signed by its Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, said discussions are still ongoing to resolve the matter and expressed hope that positive outcomes would be achieved soon.

The statement read: The attention of Etisalat Nigeria has been drawn to news reports credited to some unofficial sources claiming that the on-going discussions with our bankers “have become stalled or reached a deadlock.” “Etisalat Nigeria wishes to state without equivocation that discussions are not only ongoing with our bankers, but good progress has been made so far.

We are optimistic that an agreement will be reached shortly and this will be communicated through the appropriate channels of the involved stakeholders. We appeal to our media partners who have indeed been critical to the success of our business over the years, to await the official communication

Group plans cyber threats masterclass for journalists

T

•Ibrahim Dikko, Director Regulatory AffairsEtisalat

of the outcome of the ongoing discussions and not lend their credible platforms to speculative and presumptive analysis of the discussions.”

It added that “as a business, our immediate focus is to ensure that we not only sustain a positive performance, but that we are in a position to continue to grow

the business, deliver excellent customer service and increase value to our stakeholders which includes our bankers”. “We wish to assure our esteemed customers, service providers and other relevant stakeholders that Etisalat Nigeria has and will indeed continue to operate normally whilst these discussions are on-going” Etisalat said.

Visa opens regional HQ for West, Central African markets V …To launch new product in Nigeria isa, a global payments technology company, has the opening of its regional headquarters for the Western and Central Africa region in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

According to a statement by the company, Visa staff will work with local governments, financial institutions and merchants to bring the benefits of electronic payments, and introduce new payments technologies such as mVisa to more people in Cote D’Ivoire and the wider Western and Central Africa cluster. This came as the company announced that it would be launching its mobile money product, mVisa in lagos, Nigeria later this year.

“While Visa’s network, VisaNet, and associated products are already available across the region, this is the first time that Visa has invested in a full time presence and expertize on the ground; and it is the first global payments network to do so” the company said, adding “Visa is investing in placing resources in market in order to make its global payments expertize available to the region’s governments, financial institutions and merchants. This is critically important to pave the way for the introduction of new technologies such as mVisa, a QR code-based mobile payment solution designed to accelerate electronic payments in emerging

markets.”

According to Visa, the deployment of people, technology and expertise would also help the company accelerate its 2015 commitment to the World Bank to include more people in the formal financial system, helping to build globally connected and sustainable economic growth. Commenting on Visa’s investment, Minister of Planning and Development of Cote D’Ivoire, Mrs Kaba Nialé says: “We welcome the opening of Visa’s regional office in Abidjan. We will be pleased to work in partnership with Visa in the development of electronic payments and the acceleration of financial inclusion in Cote d’Ivoire. These topics are priorities for our country and it’s Development Plan Program.”

Minister of Finance and Economy of Cote D’Ivoire, Mr Adama Koné said, “The opening of a Visa office in Abidjan is a positive signal to Cote D’Ivoire and the region as a whole. We have common challenges, such as the financial inclusion and modernization of our economies. Having a physical presence in the region of a player such as Visa should contributes greatly to addressing these issues. We will work with Visa in this direction.”

Ismahill Diaby, Visa’s country manager for the region, said, “By investing in a physical presence in Cote D’Ivoire, we are working to fulfill Visa’s brand promise to be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere. We are looking forward to bringing payments experience from wider

Africa, and indeed globally, to accelerate the digitization of commerce in Western and Central Africa, enabling more inclusion in the formal financial system.” He continued, “We believe that access to a world class, global and secure payments network is essential for sustained economic growth. It supports retail sector growth, encourages travel and tourism, and enables us to invest in new technologies to support consumer inclusion. We are looking forward to working with all our partners to bring the benefits of globally connected commerce to this region.”

The new Abidjan office will serve 18 Francophone and Portuguese speaking countries in West and Central Africa. It is the 5th regional office opened in Sub Saharan Africa after other regional offices located in the Johannesburg, Nairobi, Rwanda and Lagos. “Its staff will be supported

by Visa’s Sub-Saharan Africa hub in Johannesburg as well as Visa’s Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa hub in Dubai, drawing on experts in security, acceptance, mobile commerce, marketing and consulting, as well as Visa’s Innovation Center in Dubai” Visa said.

he National Cyber Security Awareness Movement (NASCAM); a not for profit organisation, is organizing a Master Class programme for Nigerian journalists in order to acquaint practitioners with the provisions of the Cybercrime Act 2015, as it relates to media practice, particularly online journalism.

The Executive Director, NASCAM, Mr. Aaron Ukodie, while announcing the plan to empower media practitioners with the requisite capacities for maintaining legal decorum online said that the theme of the workshop is: The Nigerian Cybercrime Law: What Journalists Need to Know. During the workshop media practitioners shall be educated and engaged on the rudiments of the cyber law.

Mr. Ukodie said “this workshop has become necessary following the fact that numerous media practitioners are not aware of the provisions of the law, regarding their practice such that many have recently fallen foul of the law.

“Going by the tracked trends, Public officers, including the President, Vice President, Governors, legislators (State and National Assembly members), Judges and lawyers, Corporate brands, CEOs and senior officials of organisations and religious leaders are vulnerable to the dearth of knowledge on the cybercrimes Act 2015 by the ‘citizen journalists’ on the prowl in Nigeria.

He said that the damage to brands and individuals could have multifarious implications if ‘citizen journalists’ are not immediately given the knowledge backing to disinfest them of the dangers inherent in the unbridled dissemination of unvetted information online.

According to him, the workshop has been scheduled to hold by 9.am on Friday, June 23, 2017, at the Sheraton Hotels Ikeja, Lagos. This would be hosted in close collaborations with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Association of Online Journalists, the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) media and public relations officers in the private and public sector, lawyers and members of the National Assembly. He stated that the faculties would also be drawn from the key institutions including the judiciary, parliament, academia, media, public and private service institutions.

Electronic ban: Turkish Airlines offers laptops for BC passengers

F

ollowing the ban on use of information and communication technology (ICT) gadgets and other electronic devices on United Kingdom and United States-bound flights by the authorities, Turkish Airlines said it is providing an alternative way of making its passengers access stateof-the-art laptop onboard to continue with their business.

In effect, the service, which the Airline described as yet another innovation for its U.S. and U.K. bound flights, will be accessible to Nigerian passengers and other nationalities, who are business class (BC) passengers of the flights. In a statement, the airline said, as the airline that flies to the most countries of the world, it continues to develop new solutions for its passengers with respect to the electronics ban, applied on US and UK-bound flights.

23

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 23, 2017

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

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EDITORIAL

Bayelsa rampage: Impunity should be punished

P

OLICE have several duties in relation to the damage showed. Their claim was predicated on violence that erupted in Biogbolo community the fact that there had been earlier incidents in Yenagoa Local Council of Bayelsa State, in which some traders were killed, including where the youth rampaged, destroying shops Martins Agodo, owner of several businesses, and properties belonging to Igbo business peowhose home was ransacked before he was shot ple. The attacks were on Ebis Road Biogbolo. in the presence of his family. Another trader The duties off the police are clear: identified as Ugo Best was kidnapped on his way · Find the fleeing suspect accused of killing his home. His body was found near a cemetery days girlfriend later. There was another incident of an unidenti· Arrest the youth who took the law into their fied trader who was also killed, according to the hands traders. · Beef up security to ensure that there are no The youth, on the other hand, claimed they were further attacks in search of the fleeing suspect, which is akin to · Prosecute all suspects, the alleged killer and the saying that all the properties destroyed were suspected arsonists mere collateral damamges! · Arrest those behind the killing of some Igbo All of these point to lawlessness. Why couldn’t the traders before the most recent mayhem police arrest the fleeing murder suspect? And · Work with community leaders to educate all parwhy had they, hitherto, not been able to arrest ties to respect the law the killers of the traders? Why would the youth Various accounts say that the attacks that deso freely take the law into their hands? stroyed shops and other Igbo businesses were When parties in a dispute lose confidence in the a reaction to the death of an Ijaw girl whose law, they could act lawlessly. A response from boyfriend, a 26-year old Igbo boy named Tothe police that the attacks were not targeted at chukwu, allegedly hacked to death in a hotel Igbo traders begs the truth. The attackers in the room. The hysterical shouts of the girl as she chants were reportedly asking the traders to was being stabbed to death attracted people’s leave Yenegoa. The attacks were obviously not attention and caused her assailant to flee. She targeted at any other businesses than those run later died in the hospital. Subsequently, angry by the Igbo. Which further proof did the police youth from the community descended on Igbo need to see and believe that Igbo traders were interests and businesses, burning them. the target and could face further attacks as the During a protest march at the police headquaryouth had promised? The police response apters, the traders narrated their plight in the pears lax, to say the least. hands of the youth. They claimed that the Except for the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, attacks were pre-meditated and were not which condemned the attacks on Igbo traders related to the incident as the extent of the and asked the youth to stop taking the laws into their hands, no other group, especially not the state government, has condemned the attacks outright, though there are talks that it is working behind the scene to quell the riots.

In his reaction to the incident, IYC’s chairman Mr. Amiebi Turner said: “The IYC central zone wishes to condemn in totality the murder of a promising Ijaw daughter, while we also advise our youths to remain calm, peaceful and avoid acts that may disrupt the existing peace in the state.

“We understand the pains, we feel the rage, but we advise against taking laws into your hands, as we push for moves aimed at apprehending the culprit and restoring order.

“Since the incident, we have engaged security agencies to intensify hunt for the suspected murderer of our beloved daughter, which they have promised to do. On our path, we owe the duty to provide useful information.

“We condemn this dastardly and criminal act in very strong terms, but we must allow security agencies do their work to unravel the mystery behind this unjust killing. We also advise residents in the area to remain peace abiding and not see it as an ethnic or tribal issue, for crime is crime.”

The IYC position aligns with our

position that what happened was a crime. It was not important who committed it. The important thing is for the security agencies to arrest the suspect so that people would have confidence in the ability of the law to defend them. Where there are other underlying issues in the relations between the traders and their hosts, the ideal thing would have been for them to be brought to the attention of the leaders of the sides so that the matters could be resolved.

If the suspect were of another ethnic group, would it have made a difference in the fact that a crime was committed? Although the suspect is Igbo, there is proof that he was acting on behalf of the traders whose businesses have been ruined in these misguided attacks. Why did the youth take the law into their hands instead of reporting their grievances to the appropriate authorities?

What are the police doing about the reported cases of killing of some traders?

We think that there are unresolved issues that caused the youth to react in the manner that they did. The death of the young woman is painful.

The resort to violence to protest against her death, if anything, has created more problems than it was meant to solve.

The murders--of the young lady and the traders--are all criminal offences. Arson, in which the rampaging youth were involved, is also a criminal offence. It is the duty of the police to bring all the suspects in these matters to book. No excuse is adequate for not bringing the suspects to court so that the victims of these incidents can get justice. We know that it is possible.

We find the attitude of the police to cases of this nature that could cause total breakdown of law and order unacceptable. The country is undergoing many challenges. There is no point adding to those challenges skirmishes that could be resolved within the communities. It is the responsibility of security agencies, communities and the government authorities to ensure there is peace in both communities and the larger society.

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

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

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

OPINION

Senator Chris Ngige and politics of Anambra State (2)

By OLIVER OKPALA

I

N describing Governor Obiano as “Governor-do-nothing”. Dr Ngige has again shown to the world that he is an unrepentant spoiler of good works. For it has been roundly acclaimed that Governor Obiano has taken governance to another level in Anambra state with a plethora of viable and credible projects scattered across the state.

Currently, there are one hundred and eighty one projects going on in each of the one hundred and eighty one communities in the state under the do-it- yourself scheme involving N20m investment to each community. And by June this year, another N20m naira worth of projects would be awarded in each community under the second phase of the scheme.

No doubt, in the next one or two months, the Governor would be busy commissioning these one hundred and eighty one projects across the state. This is one major reason why the people are bent on re- electing Governor Obiano to the chagrin of the likes of Dr Ngige.

But the good thing is that they cannot change the reality.

Those who visit Anambra state easily see that things are working and the people are happy, workers are being paid as and when due, roads are being constructed and re-habilitated, security is being beefed up, health facilities are been provided, and bridges are being constructed.

Last December, the Anambra State government paid the workers’ salaries on the 20th of the month, all leave allowances and pensions were paid on the 20th of the same month. So

there was no liability brought forward into 2017 and every civil servant in Anambra State received a bag of rice produced in the state.

It is this local production of rice that Ngige is now trying to rubbish.

Is the controversial ex-governor Ngige blind to the fact that as at the time Governor Willie Obiano came into office, the production capacity of rice in the State was seventy eight thousand metric tons, but that today Anambra produces two hundred and thirty thousand metric tons of rice? The records are there for all to see! Is he also oblivious of the truth that in the next two to three years, Anambra will become a net- exporters of rice?

Ngige further argued that Governor Obiano’s claims on foreign investments and vegetable exports are “bogus and over exaggerated”. Good enough, his expression of bogus and over exaggerated betrays the fact that he acknowledges some progress made in that regard, but instead of giving the administration kudos he must try to attack it for puerile political reasons.

Is he not aware that Agriculture has received a major boost in Anambra State? Why is it difficult for Ngige to believe that Anambra now exports Ugwu leaf, Spinach and bitter-leaf to Europe, which are now fetching Anambra solid found Exchange?

Anambra state capital, Awka now wears a new look as three brand new flyovers have been constructed in the city and there is street lights everywhere, beautiful roads in the state capital and what used to be a local government headquarter has now become a real state capital courtesy of the wisdom, ingenuity and integrity of Governor Obiano.

Recently, the administration completed two long bridges at two different locations in the State. Despite the economic crunch, the government is still fulfilling its obligations to the people. It is also important to note that the Anambra State government has awarded contract for one hundred and eleven roads that will be ready in the next few months, before serious rain set in. These are apart from the ongoing existing roads projects across the state.

Almost all the nooks and crannies have been lighted up, all the major cities in Anambra are lighted up at night that wherever you go it’s like day break at night in Anambra state. This is courtesy of the wisdom and understanding of the Governor.

In the area of health, the state government has awarded contract for three hundred and twenty six health centres one in each ward in the state.

These are being done seamlessly as if there is no recession in the country.

The governor had promised the people that they would glide through economic recession without any serious impact on their lives, and this is coming to pass. So what is the justification for the “Governor-do-nothing” sloganeering of Ngige?

Hearing Ngige speak at that programme, the uninformed would be deceived that he loves Anambra or Igbo people in general. But is this not the same Ngige who in September 2010 openly supported then Lagos Gover-

nor Babatunde Fashola’s deportation of hapless Igbomen and women from Lagos and dumping them at Upper Iweka in Onitsha? In this regard, his membership of APC gives him out as a saboteur of Igbo interests.

Governor Obiano, out of compassion and his characteristic magnanimity, restored Ngige’s status as a former Governor; a privilege denied him by ex-governor Peter Obi. Today, Obiano magnanimously pays Ngige’s entitlements as a former Governor. But Sadly, Ngige is notorious for biting the fingers that fed him just as he did to his allies and collaborators in the 2003 electoral fraud.

We make these submissions with every sense of responsibility and at the appropriate time we shall release the audio and video clips of Ngige’s public acknowledgment of Chris Uba in his role in making him Governor through the massively rigged 2003 governorship election in Anambra state.

The video clips of the shrine where he took oath of allegiance to his co-conspirators and that of deportation of Igbo people from Lagos to Upper Iweka are also available.

We shall not hesitate to serialize them as a sordid reminder to the unsuspecting people of Anambra if he continues to denigrate an excellent gentleman and performing Governor Willie Obiano.

Indeed it is time to call a spade a spade and not a farming tool!

Ended

We must act now, lest the ‘angry gods’ be enraged

By CHIMA CHRISTIAN

I

SHALL set forth on a confessionary note today. I recall, with a copious mix of laughter and displeasure, a fable I circumstantially heard repeatedly while growing up. I can’t trace the origin of such tales but I recall coming into contact with it when a section of a major road that runs through my town failed. The road was practically cut into two by unforgiving floods which insisted it must empty itself into the nearest water body, even if it means washing away people’s houses and cutting an expressway into two to achieve that purpose.

The massive erosion site was frightening.

Hearing the sound of floods raging through the erosion site each time it rains is enough to send any six year old into panic. I don’t recall specifically interviewing people to ascertain the cause of such menace but the popular rhetoric then was that “the gods were angry and therefore plagued the people with such erosion.” The fable goes on to say that “the erosion site, and by extension, that failed section of the road, can’t be fixed and that anyone that tries to fix it will die while doing so and even if he or she succeeds in fixing it that the gods will still destroy it soon after it had been repaired.” I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I believed the fable and I did so with all my heart.

Before you jeer at my folly (for those who will find sufficient reasons to do so), please remember that I was young, naïve and innocently gullible. It is needless to argue whether I would have believed such fables if I were to be an adult at the material time but I know that adults (my uncles inclusive), local chiefs/titleholders, the religious who were calling for fervent prayers, school teachers who didn’t fail to communicate such to their hapless students and even some intellectuals people looked up to, believed the angry gods fable. It took the intervention of the Obasanjo–led Federal Government to fix the erosion site and unshackle the minds of the people. Of course, many waited for the site to sink the next day and for Obasanjo to die for daring to fix a god-induced

plague. It is two decades and counting, the drainage facility is still there and Obasanjo is still here.

David-Chyddy Eleke of Thisday Newspaper in his November 2016 report said that “there are over 960 active erosion sites in Anambra State, and these have in most communities swallowed up houses, making residents lose their places of abode.” It is safer not to imagine what fables some of these traumatized people might still tenaciously hold on to.

Not too long ago, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State and the Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum offered his thoughts on a new variant of a known infection – Type C Meningitis, which threatened the peace, security and orderliness of the state he governs. He opened his mouth, as widely reported by the media, albeit in ignorance, plain mischief, or both, to say; “What we used to know as far as meningitis is concerned is the type A virus…however, because people refused to stop their nefarious activities, God now decided to send Type C virus, which has no vaccination. People have turned away from God and he has promised that ‘if you do anyhow, you see anyhow’ that is just the cause of this outbreak as far as I am concerned. There is no way fornication will be so rampant and God will not send a disease that cannot be cured.” And when some thought he goofed and jeered him for that, Gov. Yari, in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Communication, Ibrahim Dosara, doubled down on his stance, reportedly saying that “the nation’s leaders…should be wary of the wrath of God in the event of an epidemic of unquantifiable proportions such as Type C meningitis.”

Two possible scenarios. It is either the governor was expressing what he sincerely believes in or that he resorted to telling fables because he knows his people will buy into such tales – both cases are awful representations of the kind of scientific and civic illiteracy that is ravaging our society. A little digression. Is this pontification not coming from

the same Gov. Yari who is now being accused by the EFCC of stealing (diverting, to be politically correct) a substantial part of the money that would have been deployed to combat the epidemic, pay workers’ salaries and attend to other needs of the people and allegedly used same to service his personal debts and built a $3Million hotel. Without acquiescing with Yari’s accusers, which is tantamount to striping “His Excellency” off his presumption of innocence, especially at this time one is constrained to take whatever accusation is heard from the media savvy Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with a pinch of salt, I tend to wonder what type of Meningitis the angry gods will visit the governor with if he indeed committed the alleged crimes. Type D, E or F? Who knows?

At the danger of running into philosophical or theological arguments with people that share similar views with Gov. Yari, I beg to be allowed to think aloud for a few more minutes. Had my State Government enforced total compliance with the state’s master plan and prohibited people from erecting buildings on areas mapped out for drainages, cleared clogged drainage facilities and reinforced or replaced existing ones when they showed signs of weakness, perhaps the gods wouldn’t have been so angry to strike the people with a devastating gully erosion. Had Zamfara State Government provided the people of the state with affordable well-ventilated houses and was proactive enough, perhaps the angry gods would have spared them the agony of dying by the sword of Type-c Meningitis like they spared other “sinners” who live in well ventilated and air-conditioned houses.

I have repeatedly observed that Nigeria is plagued by terrible leadership, but a lot more damage is done by gullible followership. We must, by all possible means, invest in massive civic and scientific literacy. The gullibility of our people, the exploitation of such by the political class, and the attendant consequences of such have now assumed a fright-

ening dimension. By 2050, exactly 33 years from today, popular estimates say Nigeria will be the third most populous nation, with a projected population of about 390 million people. If we do not invest massively in building well ventilated and affordable houses for our teeming population in this era of global warming, I can assure Governor Yari and his followers that the gods were just test running their anger in Type C Meningitis.

• Chima is a public policy analyst and a good governance advocate. He writes in from Nnewi, Anambra State. He can be contacted on chimachris2@gmail.com and can also be connected with on Twitter via @ChimaCChristian.

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Production Editor Henry Duru Business Dev. Manager Amaka Onumajulu Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Totti

26

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

Travel & Hospitality FG committed to growing culture sector –Runsewe Stories by VICTOR NZE

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irector General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has stated that his recent appointment into the agency was intended by the Federal Government to reposition the culture sector for more viable contribution to the national economy.

According to Runsewe, government’s policy towards leveraging on the culture sector in its quest to diversify the economy and empower its stakeholders also informs the new mantra at the agency which is ‘culture is the new oil.’

Receiving a delegation from the Association of Nigerian Writers and Journalists of Tourism (ANJET), the umbrella body of

travel and tourism writers, in his office in Abuja, Thursday, Otunba Runsewe said NCAC under his stewardship will now be refocused to ‘take control of the culture sector in the country.’

“My appointment was intended by the Federal Government as a move to reposition the culture sector of which the NCAC is the biggest agency and make the people not just here but also the private operators see it as the new oil. And as we say here, crude oil will eventually dry up but our culture will always be there. Culture will soon be our new cash cow for the Nigerian economy,” said Runsewe who had previously served as Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

Otunba Runsewe, who used

the platform provided by the visit of the ANJET delegation, said his agency will be retooled and effectively equipped to ‘take charge of the culture sector of the country’ so as to better the lives and businesses of the practitioners in terms of exploiting the sector’s business potential, even as the NCAC boss thanked the visiting journalists for their support.

“Thank you for finding time to visit my agency. You are part of my success story at my various duty posts in the course of my national call to service. I will always carry you along even in my new assignment because of my belief in the importance of the media.

“We intend to take charge of the culture industry in Nigeria. For us here, culture will be our new oil, it’s going to be the new cash cow of the national economy as

we intend to chart a new course for it. It is no longer going to be the same thing like we used to know it. We are harnessing the business of culture which will be fully exploited as an alternative to the crude oil where stakeholders will leverage on to create more wealth for themselves and for their businesses.

Earlier, head of the five-man ANJET delegation, Mr Andrew Okungbowa, had presented a five-point agency to the NCAC boss in which he tasked him on the need to bridge the yawning gap and dichotomy between tourism and culture in the country, as well as growing the Nigerian culture industry, among others.

The ANJET delegation was received by the entire Management Board of the NCAC led by Otunba Runsewe.

Director-General, National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe (m) flanked by Management Board members of the agency with members of the Association of Nigerian Writers and Journalists of Tourism (ANJET) who had paid a courtesy visit to the agency in Abuja ... recently

Group berates FG over poor treatment of Nigerians at embassies M

inister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajia Kadijah AbbaIbrahim, has tendered an apology to Nigerians who might have been treated poorly by staff of the country’s embassies abroad.

Abba-Ibrahim tendered the apology when a delegation of a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, the Igbo World Union, paid a courtesy visit to her office in Abuja.

Abba-Ibrahim noted that the embassy of every country represents its face in the international community, adding that it was unfortunate that Nigerians were complaining of treatment they received at some of the country`s embassies.

The Igbo group had earlier, described service delivery at most of the countries embassies abroad as; “disgusting and non-charlatan”.

“We have sensitise these members of staff, because this is not the

first time such complaint is coming up. If Nigerians are complaining of our embassies, then we have a very long way to go. I apologise to every of our citizens that have had course to complain about our embassies.

We will handle this issue and take it up with all seriousness,’’ she said.

She, however, said that since the Foreign Affairs Minister visited South Africa following the xenophobic attack on Nigerians, there had been less complains of molestation of our nationals in that country.

The minister assured that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the protection of Nigerians in their host countries, even as she maintained that the world was a free place for everyone to live in, adding that Nigerians were abroad to make a living like any other national.

“Nobody has the monopoly of space in the world, where you find

yourself and wherever God takes you to is where you call home,’’ she said.

She, however, stressed that Nigerians should continue to be good ambassadors wherever they find themselves in the world.

The minister commended the group and particularly the industrious nature of the Igbos and urged other tribes in the country to emulate them.

She tasked the group to use their positions abroad to attract foreign investment to Nigeria, adding that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to ensure conducive business environment.

“The environment is gradually becoming more secure; corruption is becoming less and anti-social activities that destroys our country is becoming a thing of the past. We have to believe in ourselves, our country and our Made in Nigeria goods if we want to progress,’’ she said.

Earlier, Dr Mishak Nnanta, Secretary of the group charged the ministry to ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens across the world and facilitate the airlift of those in troubled nations.

He stressed that there was need for Ndigbo to support the Buhari administration and give him maximum cooperation to enable him deliver on his campaign promises.

Nnanta expressed optimism that the ministry would be used as a platform to unite Africans and showcase Nigeria`s heritage and diversities to the world.

The Igbo World Union is a panIgbo socio-cultural organisation with branches across the world.

It is geared to building bridges with all countries of the world, while championing the socio-cultural diplomacy of Ndigbo and suing for unity, socio justice, transparency, peaceful co-existence and equity.

Marriott Int’l launches coordinated new regional Rewards promo in Nigeria, others

I

n a first of its kind coordinated Regional promotion, Marriott International has launched a unified and compelling offer at nearly 200 participating Marriott International hotels in 30 countries with a choice of 17 brands across exciting destinations in Middle East and Africa.

Under the package, city, beach, history, culture, nature, adventure, wild life or relaxation, guests can choose the experience and now enjoy up to 30 per cent off on their hotel stay and make this season a memorable one.

Just months after its unprecedented announcement that members could link their accounts to have their Elite status matched and transfer points between programs, Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), Marriott International is giving its loyal members more reasons to stay loyal and travel more. All three programs will run the same promotion, giving members more value and more reasons to explore the magic of Middle East and Africa.

“We are excited to launch such a compelling and cohesive offer under the umbrella of our powerful and award winning loyalty programs and we hope this will not only give a much needed impetus to regional travel but will also attract the global traveler into our continent,” said Neal Jones, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, adding; “Given our diverse portfolio and bandwidth of brands, we now have a brand and hotel for every traveler looking for an enriching experience and our loyal members continue to get more.”

Guests can book between 1st May and 31st August 2017 for stays between 21st May – 9th September 2017 and enjoy 20 per cent off on the best available rate and a 30 per cent off on food and soft beverages at participating restaurants, bars and lounges. What is more, Loyalty Program members enjoy 30 per cent off on the best available rate and a voucher for a 30 per cent off on their next stay, valid for stay between 10th September - 31st December 2017.

For Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards members, this promotion is applicable at participating JW Marriott®, Renaissance® Hotels, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Marriott® Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Protea Hotels®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, and The RitzCarlton®, Log on to http://Deals.Marriott.com/moretravels for a full list of participating hotels including terms and conditions and book your stay.

For SPG members, this promotion is available at participating Aloft, W Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, and Westin Hotels & Resorts that participate in the SPG programme. For a full list of participating hotels and terms and conditions, log on to www.SPG.com/moretravels and book your stay.

27

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

AVIATION

FG should streamline taxes to save airlines –Air Peace CEO, Onyema Stories by VICTOR NZE

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hairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has again decried the harsh environment airlines in the country are forced to operate in, even as he frowned at the seeming lack of unity among airlines in the country, which, according to him, is not helping the federal government.

Onyema who barred his mind during a roundtable with aviation correspondent, Tuesday, in Lagos, said the tough operating conditions domestic airlines in the country were subjected to varied from inadequate facilities, to harsh regulatory laws as well as poor insurance services by firms.

“There are so many challenges facing airlines. We have a terminal we operate from, between 6:50 in the morning to 7:30 am, Air Peace dispatches about six or five flights, having about 1000 passengers.

Do you know that this 1000 passengers queue to go through one security scanner, it is not done anywhere. So you will now see that your 6:50 flight will end up going about 8am or 7:50 even though the pilots have been there sitting down and waiting since 5am. So one hour has already been lost. Remember that the aircraft might land in Abuja to go to some other places and those places will start experiencing delays all through the day and the airlines are the ones to suffer for this.

“Passengers will not know that the airline is struggling under very harsh conditions. You might even land, NAHCO or SAHCOL might not even bring their stairs. I’m sure some of you might have experienced it, you remain on that aircraft. The airline does not control these ground handling services and we are not allowed to provide our own ground services.

“For goodness sake sake, I’m calling on government to allow any airline that can afford it to provide its own services. NAHCO hit my aircraft last month and the aircraft became AOG for over three weeks, you know the revenue being lost by the airline for not using that aircraft for over three weeks, the insurance is static, everything has been paid, this has been paid, that has been paid, you are paying your staff, you are doing all sorts of things, yet the aircraft will not be used. NAHCO hit us, they are understaffed, I’m not the only airline that has been hit. I learnt the other day that AZMAN was hit in Kaduna, I can count how many times, Arik has been hit by this people. So it is not just Air Peace, am not fighting for Air Peace alone, am fighting for Nigeria, not just the industry, am fighting for this country. Let things be properly done.

Onyema who called on government to allow airlines provide their ground handling services, said this would ease operations of carriers in the same way as it would better the convenience of passengers.

I’m calling on government to allow any airline that can afford it to

provide their own ground handling services, so that I will be able to train my staff. I will be able to take my destiny in my own hands. Look at SAHCOL running into our aircraft in Benin, the aircraft is grounded.

So what are you going to do about that, I have two other aircraft grounded, three aircraft in one day. So we must be allowed to handle these things ourselves. When they fail to do what they are supposed to do, passengers take it out on us. They steal also; they pilfer from the luggage they handle. So let airlines be allowed to run their own ground handling services. It is done elsewhere in the world, the time is now. Any airline that can do it should be allowed to do it, the monopoly should be broken, if we want to run an effective industry, that monopoly should be broken, is part of the thing militating against our efficiency.

On the high cost of aviation fuel, the Air Peace boss lamented the situation, even as he also decried the regime of multiple taxations on airlines by regulatory authorities of government which he said was crippling operations of the carriers.

“If you talk about fuel, I have said it times without number that all over the world, fuel prices have gone down but here the prices is almost four times higher. As at the time we were buying N97 to a litre, we were also complaining, now we are buying at N265. Recently it has started coming down to 215, yet it still very high. In aviation parlance, it is said that fuel cost takes your 45 percent, but in Nigeria, it takes your 75 percent, so what is left for the airline. So why wouldn’t airlines continue to fall by the way side in Nigeria.

“Apart from aviation fuel, there is also the issue of multiple taxation. We have been talking about that and nobody wants to listen.

We in Air Peace, we want to support every government. We want to support this government to succeed, the only way we can support every government to succeed is to tell the truth no matter whose ox is gored and I’m sure if the government is properly advised they will heed the call of the airlines and I have to say it here. Sometimes I said some things and a lot of people think I was playing into sycophancy, some of you who know me know that I’m very stubborn, I don’t play to any sycophancy. There was a time I was praising the minister and people thought I was being a sycophant. The government is run by human beings, if they have preponderance of wrong advice, that government will derail, but if they have preponderance of good advice, the government will succeed, so it is our duty to advise every government correctly without playing to the gallery of sycophancy, “These taxes have been there even before Hadi Sirika left high school. So it is not the problem of this government, so that people will not go to work and say Allen is criticising this government. No I’m not criticising this government, it has been there before now, these

•Allen Onyema

taxes have been there, some are also a fall out of legislation. So we need to start talking to the National Assembly to talk to the executive arm of government to change some of these legislation, it does not work, it will not help. Llet government even raise up a consulting firm to go round the country and find out why airlines have been dropping off in this country. Maybe taxation is part of it. Government should take into consideration so many things.

On the insurance of operating aircraft in the country, Onyema posited that the problem was largely the non-capacity of firms to handle the business of cover for the airlines.

“Insurance is part of the thing killing the industry in Nigeria. The amount of money airlines pay for their equipment all over the world is nothing to write home about. In Nigeria, they tell us that the country is unsafe, therefore you must pay humongous amount of money to insure every aircraft. All over the world, they don’t do the same, so a lot of odds are stacked against the industry, so government should look at some of these things we are suffering like insurance.

“The amount of money we pay for insurance, the law says that you must go through a Nigerian insurance company to insure your aircraft. Quote me, all the insurance companies put together in Nigeria cannot insure one aircraft alone on their own without foreign intervention. The airlines are not allowed to source this foreign insurance companies by legislation themselves.

So you are going through middle

class insurance companies from Nigeria. So whatever you see you take, so we are paying so much on insurance. It’s too much. Government should look at that too and see how they can help us by alleviating certain charges.

“See, Air Peace supports the payment of tax to government, we support it; no government survives without the citizens paying tax, whether individual citizens or corporate citizens, airlines must pay their taxes. But what we are asking is for these taxes to be streamlined in such a way that it will help us also to permanently help the government and the country. Commercial airlines are a catalyst for economic growth in every country; that is why every country supports its airline.

“We in Air Peace are not asking for any financial assistance from government, what we are asking for is the enabling environment to make this things work, that is all.

We are not against taxation, we support government to take taxes from airlines, but let it be streamlined in such a way that it will be a win – win both for the government, the flying public and the airlines.

“It is not very complementary for this country that all their airlines are dying, let us find out why, double taxation is part of it. NCAA or others might tell you that it is money we are collecting for them they are asking us to pay. It’s a lie because if you are telling me you are collecting 5 percent, VAT is collecting 5 percent, NAMA will still come and ask you for route charges and all forms of charges, about 37 charges in all. By the time we put all these

thing together to make ends meet for the airlines, the cost of flying in Nigeria becomes too big and the purchasing power of the people cannot afford that ticket fares and that means that when they don’t fly, that means the airline will have the same problem of not being in existence again, so is the same thing.

On his perceived lack of unity among airlines in Nigeria, Onyema said operators were not presenting a common front on issues affecting them which, he says, creates grounds for government to refuse to shift on negative policies in the industry.

“The lack of unity among airlines in Nigeria is not helping government. A situation where you from the inner recesses of your mind trying to give government of the day advice that will help that government, that will help the nation, the industry and then other competitors of your own will twist it the other way to say to the same government that you are fighting them.

“Nobody is fighting any government. So lack of unity amongst the airlines is contributing to some of the problems we are having. One thing I want to say here is that we in Air Peace we have come to stay, we are not going anywhere, no amount of challenge will make this airline go under and to the glory of God Almighty, this is God’s airline. So we are continuously going to do the right thing for Nigerians, we are going to give you the best of services. We are expanding to the glory and honour of God Almighty and we are going to continuously seeking that which is right.

On the state of airport infrastructure across the country, Onyema said: “ It’s only few airport you can fly into for 24 hours, the rest airports, 6 pm they close shops. But all over the world, airlines fly 18 hours, the aircraft is supposed to be in the air and not on ground. So that is another loss to the airlines.

So if the government can improve on the airport infrastructure, this regime will be worshipped by Nigerians yet unborn.

“The issue of lack of airfield lightings in most of the airports should be addressed and I’m sure this government will do it because we have a minister that is listening, he will do it. I pray they face those issues immediately so that airlines will have more hours at night to fly, that will increase their revenue, that will increase the number of people we are employing. Look at the massive employment airlines give out. Directly we employ about a thousand here, indirectly about 5000 to 7000 people are benefiting from Air Peace alone, so you can imagine if we are supported and others are supported, that will curb the incidence of unemployment critically. So government should be alive to this very particular civic duty of making sure that most of the airports are up to standard so that we could have safe flights.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

NDIC debunks news of financial distress in banks Stories by KINGSLEY CHRISTOPHER

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he Managing Director of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, has urged the public to ignore rumours of financial distress in some banks.

According to the NDIC, the rumours were being circulated via text messages and social media to de-market those banks and destabilise depositors’ confi-

dence in the banking system.

Signed by its spokesman, Hadi Birchi, Alhaji Ibrahim who made the call when the Alumni Association of the National Institute paid him a courtesy in Abuja, said the NDIC had over the years played critical role in ensuring that Nigerian banks were safe and sound through effective supervision and assistance to deserving financial institutions.

He maintained that the NDIC

had continued to closely monitor the challenges facing the industry in order to further safeguard depositors’ interest in the banking system.

He listed challenges affecting the banking industry to include, poor corporate governance, insider loans and non-performing loans, adding that with NDIC’s strict supervision and regulation of the banking industry in collaboration with the Central Bank of

Nigeria, depositors should have full confidence in the safety and security of their funds in licensed banks.

Ibrahim said the NDIC in collaboration with other stakeholders were proposing the establishment of a Centre for Financial and Economics Studies at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

According to the NDIC boss, the centre would train participants

in essential areas of financial and economic management.

Earlier, Bola Balogun, the Chairman, AANI, Abuja Chapter, commended the NDIC for its supervisory role, describing it as an invaluable anchor for the security and stability of the nation’s financial system.

Balogun also lauded NDIC’s efforts toward protection of depositors’ funds and consumer protection activities.

Ex-Health minister decries non-implementation of National Health Act 2014 F ormer health minister, Professor Eyitayo Lambo has decried the non-implementation of the National Health Act 2014, 10 years after it was put into a document.

“The National Health Act of 2014 which took about 10 years to prepare is yet to be implemented, he decried.

Speaking at a symposium with the theme, “Health of the Nation: The Imperative of Inter-Professional Collaboration’’, jointly organized by the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) in partnership with Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), held at the University of Lagos weekend, Lambo said that the Act which was packaged to give the nation a health policy had been abandoned on the shelf.

“It took 10 years from President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure to prepare the National Health Act which was eventually passed and signed in 2014. To date, the Act has not been implemented,’’ he said.

Lambo, a health Economist and health systems expert said the non-implementation of the Act had resulted in unresolved problems in the sector.

He listed major challenges facing the sector as constant changes in the leadership of the ministry leading to what he called “policy somersaults and corruption’’.

According to him, the misuse of consultants and highly trained professionals by the ministry taking them from their calling to administrative duties had taken its toll on healthcare system in the country.

Others challenges as he pointed out include government’s low health expenditure and disparities in the remuneration of medical and health workers, adding that low confidence of Nigerians in the services provided at home was responsible for the increasing number of peoples travelling abroad for medical attention as against patronizing the local health institutions.

“The citizens have low confidence in the services provided

locally and it one of the reasons for increasing outboard medical tourism.’’

On the National Health Insurance Scheme initiated by the Obasanjo administration, Lambo said he was unhappy that the slow pace of the programme.

“When it was launched in 2005, it was given 100 per cent support by the government and we projected that by 2015 there would have been a 100 per cent universal coverage. I am not happy about its slow pace,’’ he said, stressing the need for continuity in government policies and programmes.

The former minister said the barriers to patient-centred care and efficient and effective care delivery in the country should be removed.

The President of PSN, Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, called for effective professional communication and collaboration among health and medical workers in the country.

“A doctor married to a pharmacist enjoys peace at home, but in the office they do not agree.

There must be efficiency and collaboration across the professions.’’

In another development, the National Health Insurance Scheme 23,000 ghost workers have been detected by the agency through its Executive Secretary, Usman Yusuf.

Mr. Yusuf alleged that the enrollees who have been benefiting from the insurance scheme illegally, created disagreement between the NHIS and other health management organisations.

He said the NHIS worked with Galaxy Backbone Plc, Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited and the National Identity Management Commission to remove ghost enrollees.

In his words, “I have a crack ICT team and the members have worked with Galaxy Backbone, the NIMC and NigComSat to remove the ghost enrollees”.

He alleged that the HMOs are fighting him, but that the agency was out in ensuring that the right people get the money.

•L-R: Mrs Kolawole Adebola(Vice Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch), Edwin Igbiti (MD /CEO AIICO Insurance Plc), Engr. Mobolaji Onubudo(Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch) Mr Sunday Adeneye(Disaster Relief Co-ordinator).

FG set to pay acrued benefits for Federal retirees T

he National Pension Commission (PenCom) says employees of federal ministries, departments and agencies who retired between January and August 2016 can now commence the process of collecting their retirement benefits through their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) as their accrued benefits have been credited to their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).

A statement signed by Mr. Emeka Onuora, Head, Corporate Communications at PenCom, says the Federal Government and PenCom salutes the courage, patience and perseverance of the retirees during the period when resources were being mobilized to pay their accrued rights.

The Commission also stated that arrangements are being made to pay the next batch consisting of those that retired between September and December 2016.

“The Commission remains solidly committed to ensuring that retirement benefits are paid as and when due.”

Similarly, the Federal Government has finally, through the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun inaugurated an inter-

•Longe ministerial committee to review all outstanding pension liabilities of government and come up with ways to offset such liabilities.

According to statement released by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Finance,

Salisu Dambatta, said Adeosun would chair the committee made up of the Accountant General of the Federation, Alh Ahmed Idris, and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation Mr Ben Akabueze among others.

The composition of the committee was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and is expected to review and reconcile all pension liabilities and make recommendations as to what portion of the liabilities can be funded through budget appropriations as well as to suggest creative ways of funding the balance.

Adeosun charged the members to identify any pension assets that could be in suspense and ensure that such funds are used in offsetting the liabilities.

She further tasked them to set up mechanism that would facilitate regular payments of pensions through budgetary allocations.

She however frowned at the situation where pensioners are not paid their entitlements promptly, assuring that the committee would come up with strategies that will ensure that pensioners would be paid as and when due.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

By KINGSLEY CHRISTPHER

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remium Pension Limited has named Architect Yunusa Yakubu, its chairman. He takes over from the erstwhile Chairman of the Board, Aliyu Abdulrahman Dikko, who was recently appointed by the Federal Government, the Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom).

A statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, Premium Pension Limited, Paddy Ezeala, said Yakubu’s appointment was ratified at the recently held Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company, adding that until his appointment, he was the Chairman of the Board’s Committee on Strategic Growth.

A successful businessman and versatile consulting architect, Yakubu obtained a B.Sc. in Architecture in 1984 from Ahmadu Bello University and followed up with an M.Sc.in the same subject at the same university in 1986. He started his working career with the Ministry of Works and Housing in Bauchi State of Nigeria in 1987.

While there he worked on the designs and supervision of buildings, including the Local Government Secretariats, Political Party offices and the State’s liaison office in Abuja.

In 1993, he moved to the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory as Project Coordinator, Maintenance Department. Arc. Yunusa served on the board of Suntrust Savings and Loans Limited as a director and he was appointed by the Federal Government as a member of the Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi. He is currently a director of Micheletti Construction Limited and Niglemech Nigeria Limited.

During his illustrious career, he attended several prestigious international training programmes including the Managing Strategic Innovation in Business Programme at Harvard University, USA and the Real Estate Investment Model, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Currently, he is the Managing Director of Lubell Nigeria Limited and a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects

Yunusa Yakubu chairs Premium Pension Board (NIA).

In the same vein, the appointment of Mr. ‘Bade Adeshina into the Board was also ratified.

Adeshina brings immense wealth of experience into the company.

He holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Finance from University of Lagos and obtained a diploma in Information Science/Systems from University of Ibadan. He is an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, a Fellow of Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria, and Association of Investment Advisers & Portfolio Managers, member of the Institute of Directors and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

He started his career as a Graduate Assistant/Senior Information Officer with the University of Lagos from where he moved

to the banking sector. He has over thirty years’ experience in Financial Management services in both commercial and investment banks amongst which are Afribank Nigeria Plc (formerly Mainstreet Bank and now part of Skye Bank Group), Afribank International Bank Limited (Merchant Bankers) and Access Bank Plc. From Access Bank he resigned his appointment as a General Manager to join CDL Asset Management Limited as the pioneer Managing Director/CEO. He resigned his position with CDL Asset in August 2013 on appointment to Cabinet position as Special Adviser (Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget & Development) to the Executive Governor of State of Osun.

He is currently the Managing

Director, Goldfield Group, which comprises organizations offering financial and management consulting to High Net Worth individuals; corporate and project finance advisory services, securities brokerage and real estate investment/management as well as pension funds management. He has attended several local and international training programmes during the course of his career at renowned business schools including the prestigious Harvard Business School.

He is currently on the Board of Apricot Investments Limited as well as being the Chairman, Board of Directors, Crownhead Capital Limited and Aremott Banwill & Co. Limited, a reputable insurance brokerage firm of over thirty years operation.

•Mr. Ben Ujoatuonu, Managing Director/CEO, Universal Insurance Plc (L) receiving African Youth Parliament (AYP) Ward from Mr. Emmanuel Akufor in Lagos recently

Brexit: London market losses re-insurers market share - Report

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n emerging report from the London Market Group (LMG) has indicated that the global reinsurers have taken a share of the re/ insurance market from London.

Factors like a high concentration of specialist insurers and Brexit have contributed to its shrinking market presence in emerging markets and threaten a continual reduction of its global market share.

The London Market Group (LMG) and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have released figures on the City’s re/insurance industry, revealing the London market continues to lose out to competition in areas of reinsurance, emerging markets and diversity, although its overall strong market position has remained, for the time being at least.

The London market reinsurance premiums dropped from 13.4% in 2013 to 12.3% in 2015, in a continuing decline since London Matters report first estimated its share at 15% in 2010.

The LMG report is based on an investigation into London’s position in global insurance between

2013 to 2015, and although it reveals a stagnation of the market, the group said the data doesn’t reflect the last 18 months of effort to grow the London insurance space – which is expected to be felt by the industry in coming years.

The LMG said it will take steps to modernise and streamline the London insurance environment to counteract the market share losses with initiatives to boost the industry, Paul Clark, Partner at BCG said; “BCG’s analysis re-affirms London’s traditional areas of strength and unique position in the global insurance market.

“Yet London’s long-term competitiveness is under threat. To respond, the Market will need to redefine its relationships with emerging markets and work with regulators to support market needs. The upcoming Brexit process could provide an opportunity to deliver on both.”

Nicolas Aubert, Chairman of the LMG added that many of the London market challenges the group identified in 2014 have stayed the same, he said “this should give us

all cause for concern;” highlighting that in light of growing competition and Brexit losses, London “cannot afford to be complacent.”

“Now is the time to maintain our focus and, indeed review and revisit our plans, so that we can build momentum in our work to protect and enhance the pre-eminence of the London Market in an increasingly global and competitive market.”

London’s emerging market share shrunk from $10.5 billion in 2013 to $9.3 billion in 2015, with Asia being the region where London lost out the most – despite having the highest growth rate globally.

However, the report highlighted, most of the Asian market growth has been captured, not by global carriers, but by emerging market local carriers which have on average grown premiums “by 6.9% in commercial insurance and 1.6% in reinsurance between 2013 and 2015,” while “over the same period, global carriers have remained largely flat, with a slight increase in commercial insurance premiums and a slight decrease in

reinsurance premiums.”

The report also stressed London’s lack of diversity, with the market falling far behind on the gender equality dimension, owning up to a proportion of female executives directors at just 5% compared to the FTSE 100 21% average.

The overall proportion of female staff, however, is at the UK average of 41%.

Although its emerging market has shrunk, its share of insurance premiums in established markets has remained steady or grown – particularly in the areas of specialist risk classes and an estimated 74% per annum growth in cyber premiums from 2013 to 2015.

The LMG, however, added that while the market has fallen behind in some areas, overall it remains “the largest global centre for commercial and specialty risk,” making a significant contribution to UK GDP, “the Market’s direct contribution to the UK economy is estimated at 0.9% of GDP in 2015 and accounts for 26% of the contribution of ‘the City’.”

ELAN urges insurers on lease financing T

he Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria has urged the insurance industry to consider financing of their projects if the proposed synergy has anything to go by.

The charge came on the heels of advocacy by the Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc call for synergy between the two sectors of the economy last week.

The leasing association said that insurance companies can do better than its banking counterpart by galvanizing funding for the operators to fund their projects, noting that the collaboration if well harnessed could bring a relief to the sector while insurance, in other hand, would generate its income from the fastest growing industry in Nigeria.

Also in their shopping list, they also urge insurance companies to also invest in leasing companies by buying into their private equities saying they are a lot of companies in group that are viable for investment.

“You can also buy into share equities of some of our companies. This business is lucrative but requires adequate funding at all times. You will get the returns on your investments”.

At a business forum organized

by ELAN in partnership with the company weekend, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the company, Mr. Jide Orimolade called on the leasing industry to partner with insurance industry and create synergy that would be of benefit to the two sectors.

According to him, the two sectors have a lot of similarities and therefore need to forge a synergy that would be of mutual benefits for the two sectors.

Mr. Orimolade was speaking on theme paper; “Building Synergy between Insurance and Leasing Industry: Opportunities, Product Development and Key Success Factors”.

Orimolade said the two industries can collaborate in areas of product development, research, marketing, capacity building, awareness as well as network development.

To drive the initiative, the Law Union & Rock boss, opined that a committee comprising players in the two sectors should be set up to harmonise various position especially in area of product development and research.

Chairman, Board Of Directors, Equipment Leasing Association Of Nigeria (ELAN) Mr Chuka Onwuchekwa, in his opening address said the theme of the forum was part of the Association’s efforts to create “face time” for members to discuss pertinent issues in the leasing industry and a platform for business networking, while the forum would focus on funding challenges which has been the bane of the industry.

He said; “In this event we shall be focusing on the funding challenge in the industry, considering the role of insurance industry as fund provider and exploring opportunities for both the leasing and insurance industries by building stronger business relationship.

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

Love and Living Oracle Girl of the Week

... With Ireto Temofeh

LOVE NEWS Scientists identify hormone that makes us crazy in love

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Name: Jennifer Uche Tel: +234 814 395 2220 *Do you want to be our next Oracle Girl?

Send your photos to ireto007@yahoo.com and call 07031028714.

OVE really can be intoxicating. Research shows that a hormone released by new mothers, lovers and even doting dog owners has many of the same effects as alcohol.

Oxytocin, known as the ‘love hormone’, engenders trust and generosity – but, just like a drink or two, it can also fuel aggression.

The similarities between oxytocin and alcohol are ‘striking’, say British researchers. The hormone is produced by women during labour to help them bond with their baby.

It is also released during lovemaking, leading to it being nicknamed the ‘cuddle chemical’. Other loving touches, from hugging a teddy bear to patting a pet dog, also trigger its release.

But the hormone has a dark side, with some psychopaths having more than ten times the normal amount.

Birmingham University researchers reexamined previous studies and discovered that just like a glass or two of wine, oxytocin makes us feel more generous, trusting and empathic.

And by making us more relaxed, it lowers our sense of fear, which could lead to us taking risks that we otherwise wouldn’t.

But it also fuels aggression, arrogance and envy.

Writing in the journal Neuroscience and Behavioural Reviews, researcher Dr

Ian Mitchell says oxytocin – which can be bought as a nasal spray – could give the Dutch courage we need for first dates, job interviews or other nerve-racking situations. But he suggests relying on natural forms instead.

‘If you are anxious about going for an interview, a quick embrace from your partner could certainly help,’ he said.

While it might seem odd that a substance that evokes feelings of trust also causes anger, Dr Mitchell says it makes perfect sense. He believes that new mothers are programmed to become aggressive when oxytocin surges as this reaction will help protect their babies from harm.

Oxytocin’s many effects mean that scientists the world over are investigating it as a possible treatment for everything from anorexia to autism.

Birmingham University researcher Dr Steven Gillespie said: ‘I don’t think we’ll see a time when oxytocin is used socially as an alternative to alcohol. But it is a fascinating neurochemical and, away from matters of the heart, has a possible use in treatment of psychological and psychiatric conditions.

‘Understanding exactly how it suppresses certain modes of action and alters our behaviour could provide real benefits for a lot of people.

‘Hopefully this research might shed some new light on it and open up avenues we hadn’t yet considered.’

ODD NEWS

Europol says cyberattack that hit London is ‘biggest in history and unique’

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HE cyberattack that crippled the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) computer systems is the biggest of its kind and “unique” in its malicious software, security chiefs have said.

Known as WannaCrypt or WannaCry, the ransomware is widely believed to have been developed as a hacking tool by the US National Security Agency.

In its latest update on the cyberattack, Europol said it was the “largest ransomware attack observed in history”.

The EU’s law enforcement body said the unique features of the WannaCry ransomware were its two main components, a “worm functionality” and the ransomware itself.

Europol said: “This is the first ever detected malware combining these features, which makes it unique.”

Russia on Monday denied it had anything to

do with the cyberattack.

President Vladimir Putin said there was “no significant damage” to Russian institutions such as banks and hospitals, but asserted the incident was “worrisome” and warranted immediate

talks “on a serious political level”.

The NHS was among hundreds of organisations affected around the world, with 47 trusts hit.

A spokesman for NHS Digital said: “Our understanding is that if that had been acted on it would have prevented (the malware attack).”

The cyberattack, which began in London on Friday morning, has so far affected 150 countries and locked more than 200,000 computers.

As people across the globe returned to work, Japan reported 2,000 computers at 600 locations had been affected, with firms including Hitachi and Nissan reporting problems.

Chinese state media said 29,372 institutions had been affected along with hundreds of thousands of devices, and universities and universities and schools among the hardest hit.

Microsoft has hit out at governments for “stockpiling vulnerabilities”, blaming them for

the “widespread damage” caused by the latest cyberattack.

The software giant compared the severity of the attack with “the US military having some of its Tomahawk missiles stolen”.

So far only £25,000 been paid to the attackers in the requested anonymous bitcoin currency.

However, it is believed the amount will increase as victims rush to pay ransoms of £230 ($300) or more ahead of deadlines to restore access.

The full cost of the attack and associated computer outages is not yet known, but is currently being estimated in the range of hundreds of millions of dollars.

In a blog post, released by Microsoft on Sunday, they called the attack a “wake-up call” and identified “nation-state action and organised criminal action” as “the two most serious forms of cybersecurity threats in the world today”.

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

True Confession

‘I married my cousin because he gave me true love’

I feel the sunshine on my breasts and it feels just as warm as your touch.

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HEY say that once you marry, you are meant for the person that you married and no one else. There is also an inside-out argument that you didn’t marry them because you were meant for them. You are meant for them because you married them.

There is nobody else. There is no other “right” person at that point. There might have been another person seconds before you said “I do,” but not after the wedding. Something happened in that fateful moment that you exchanged vows. You changed, the earth changed, and it’s irreversible.

If we are meant for someone in particular, who’s to say you’re wrong? This is the person God Himself designed for you.

I remember reading an article in which somebody wrote that if you’re single, there are probably hundreds of options out there. None of them soul mates, but all of them possibly potential soul mates.

So you don’t have to sift around looking for that one custom made, personalized grain of sand in the desert. You’ll be alone forever if you do that, and you don’t have to be alone forever. So all you need to do is reciprocate the love of anybody who gives you all of himself. That ‘anybody’ who gives you all of himself is most likely to be the perfect person for you.

My cousin and I didn’t meet till we were in our early twenties. And it was at a wedding in Mali. The wedding was out of town. After the wedding, during the whole three hour drive home in

the bus, all I could do was think of how handsome he was. I didn’t get to see him again until three years later.

He contacted me to let me know that he would be moving to my city. I thought that would be a good idea so I encouraged him to stay with me for at least a few days when he moved to the city. I was a student in one of the country’s top universities and I lived in a cosy apartment off campus.

I was living alone and that made me feel very lonely sometimes. I didn’t even have a boyfriend at that particular time because I was tired of men breaking my heart all the time. So I was happy because my cousin was going to keep me company whenever he came.

Within the next two weeks my cousin moved to the city and came to stay with me in my off campus apartment. His place of work was not far from I lived, so he said it would be better if he stayed with me for some time and help me to pay my bills since he was employed and I was still a student.

I could deny that there was chemistry between us from the moment he moved into my apartment.

I could see it in the way he looked at me seductively and how he seemed to dress to impress me. Even the way he complimented me on my good cooking showed that my cousin was in love with me. And whenever our bodies brushed past each other, sparks literarily flew and I felt turned on instantly.

Well after about a month together in my apartment, my cousin called me late one evening and said he had a long day at work and wanted a drink but didn’t

want to drink alone.

I felt that it was cool for us to drink together, so I went over to him with a bottle of wine. I didn’t know wine made turned him on and made him bold enough to express his feelings.

After some glasses of wine, my cousin held me in his arms and told me how much he loved me. I didn’t resist him even though he was my cousin, because I felt the same way too.

After all, I was from Mali and according to Mali’s culture and tradition, we were permitted to marry, as long as we loved each other. In fact, several members of my family had also married their cousins.

My cousin told me that he wished to marry me because he had always loved me. All he wanted now was for me to love him back. “I love you so much, Aisha,” he said. “I can’t live without you.

It’s because of you that I decided to come and work in the city. Please don’t reject my love.”

I told my cousin Usman that I also have feelings for him and would like my parents to give him my hand in marriage.

On hearing me, he was so happy that he gave me a sweet kiss on the lips and squeezed me.

So I decided to slip out of the formal clothes I had worn to school and get comfortable in something in something more casual and sexy. Then I started watching TV. Usman came to where I was sitting and watching TV and told me to sit on his lap. I sat on his lap and we started kissing again. Everything was so romantic and I couldn’t believe that this was actually me and my cousin.

But still, I had to speak my mind and I told him that I wanted a man who would save me from further heartbreaks. I really needed a man who was going to love me for the rest of his life and wasn’t going to break my heart like the rest. And Usman promised to be that man. “I swear that I will never break your heart. Aisha, from now on, I will save you from having any more heartbreaks,” he said.

It didn’t even feel wrong because we saw each other as husband and wife, even though we had not yet officially got married. We didn’t talk too much.

We had sex for a significant part of the night.

My cousin eventually made good on his promise to seek my hand in marriage. My parents gladly agreed for us to marry each other and we wedded just a few months after our first night together.

I married my cousin because he was the one destined for me. I couldn’t have married any other man because no man ever made me happy like he did. All that other men ever did to me was break my heart.

Being married to my cousin is like heaven on earth. He saved me from having any more heartbreaks and makes me think I’m the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world. The experience is so sweet and I’m glad that me and my cousin were destined to be together.

Your say: Have your say about this love confession. Call 08131161840 or 07031028714.

32

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

My L0ve & Life

What to do when your partner wrongs you OUR relationship adviser IFY ARONU confirms there is a time for everything - time to war, and a time to right the wrongs of war. How do you wrangle without damaging consequences for the relationship? Follow her as she interrogates rejection of food and sex as weapons in intimate battles…

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VERY woman knows that most men reject meals when pissed off. But men also know that women usually ignore sexual advances when they are unhappy. Keeping malice is yet another way of registering displeasure and showing that something is amiss. Most women feel miserable when men reject meals on account of wrongs. Men themselves feel uneasy when women shun sex just to punish them. For many, malice is so uncomfortable and destabilising. Evidently, these systems are the most preferred and employed for conflict resolution in love relationships, marriages and courtships, in our society.

So, how do you show your partner that you are unhappy with what they have done or failed to do? Do you employ any of the systems mentioned earlier? Do they really work?

Having a relationship that’s devoid of misunderstandings and discord is not realistic; individual differences are bound to throw up issues time and again, that is perfectly normal. But what’s abnormal is the disposition to register disenchantment by hurting your partner right back.

If you find that you naturally adopt any of the systems I earlier hinted on when there’s an issue in your relationship, you just might be endangering your relationship. Yet, not every issue deserves your reaction; some are just supposed to go down as if they never happened. But if you find that you easily react to things and get you worked up now and again, you might need to re-evaluate your commitment in the relationship.

A close observation of relationships and couples’ approach to conflict resolution shows that calling attention to your pain by hurting your partner’s feelings even in the most subtle of ways only works for as long as it takes your partner to get accustomed to it.

Anywhere beyond that, it is considered as your pattern and nothing serious. In essence, skipping food, rejecting sex, keeping malice and other such measures may be sending the wrong signals and harming your relationship.

Love turns sour when partners approach conflict resolution with the intentions to hurt. Dialogue remains key to conflict resolution and it is only wise never to shut down communication. Also, planning for conflict is very important right from the outset of your relationship. At the early time when you can hardly contemplate having issues with “your love”, it is wise to consciously discuss and come

up with mutually agreeable approaches for possible conflict resolution in the future. This helps condition the process of handling conflicts and your relationship weathers the storms.

So, must you hurt your partner just so you can be heard? Absolutely not.

With a good conflict resolution plan and constant dialogue, your relationship is safe.

Please email comments, commendations, and condemnations to ifyaronu@gmail.com

33

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

Relationship and Love Advice

‘She threatens to commit suicide if I leave her’ Dear Love Doctor,

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Rosemary, 31, from Anambra based in Abuja, self employed, good looking & homely, needs an educated, godly, comfortable man from the East between 32-45 years strictly for marriage. 08161186244.

I have a new teenage girlfriend but my older married lover threatens to kill herself if I dump her.

I am 27 years old. My new girlfriend is 19 and totally gorgeous. She is everything I ever wanted in a lover. She is always ready for sex and would see me every day if she could, but I have to keep seeing my other woman or she threatens me. She is 42 and married. We met at a restaurant. She looked really beautiful and I had no knowledge that she was married. We were just friends at first and then things went further when she suggested I come to her place when her husband traveled. We had sex on the sofa that day. I’ve been seeing her for two years now.

When I met my new girlfriend, I told my married lover to go back to her husband but she threatened to kill herself if I didn’t keep seeing her. I really worry she will commit suicide if she feels I have abandoned her. I feel trapped with this married woman. What do I do?

Wunmi, works in Lagos, needs a working Yoruba man from 32-45 years who attends Cherubim & Seraphim for marriage.

09075839386.

Joy, 30, graduate, tall, light in complexion, from Kogi, living in Kaduna, wants a responsible graduate, Christian man within 35-42 years for marriage. 08127651483.

Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage. 08090925014.

Men seeking relationship/marriage Goodheart wants a tall, fair, beautiful, working class Yoruba, Akwa-Ibom, Kogi or PortHarcourt lady for marriage.

08030725296 Daniel, 25, student, needs a sugar mummy or a single mum in Minna, Abuja or Kaduna who can take care of his educational finance. 08167627446.

From Samuel, Lagos.

Love Doctor’s advice:

Gavin, 35, from Enugu, in Lagos, needs a female from 3045 years for a relationship that will take them to the future.

You can’t keep a relationship going just because of emotional blackmail. If your married lover is genuinely suicidal it will be because of issues long before she met you.

If you know the one you want is your new girlfriend, tell your married lover as kindly as you can

Uchechi, 36, a graduate, tall, fair, needs a tall, fair, graduate, Igbo evangelist, pastor or God fearing Igbo man for marriage. 08052366993.

E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com Go to foodstuffs.com.ng.

Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840 for Counseling, fertility problems & Direct Hookup.

Steven, from Anambra, in Lagos, wants a lady from 22 to 30 years for a serious relationship. 08081972446.

Dear Samuel,

Annie, 32, a graduate, christian, single mum in Lagos, wants a man between the ages of 37-55 years; literate and working, a Christian, either single, widowed or divorced for a relationship.

09026823456 or 08168485612.

09039290091.

Eric, 30, from Anambra, in Lekki, Lagos, needs a lady who needs a man to get her pregnant. 08064558484.

Frank, 27, in Enugu, needs a loving and caring sugar mummy. 08096522435.

Larry, 33, in Lagos, needs a beautiful and sweet mummy or widow for dating.

08101103008.

Ogbonna, 40, from Ebonyi, in Abuja, business man, needs a working class lady between 30-40 years for marriage.

09069054706.

Special Request: that it has been wonderful but it’s over for you.

All threats of suicide should be taken seriously but don’t be drawn back into that adulterous relationship. Don’t tell her husband. But if she threatens you about committing suicide again, one thing you can do is this: find out

Call Love Dr. 07031028714, 08131161840.

E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com

the church/mosqueshe attends and report her to her spiritual director/priest/ pastor. He will call her and talk to her. She will feel embarrassed by her priest/ pastor or spiritual director and thank God that her husband is not aware of her activities. After that, she will leave you alone.

I am a 53-year old widow, an educationist from Edo State, with grown-up children, looking for a God-fearing and honest 60-67year old widower from South-West Nigeria, preferably Catholic and living in Lagos, as a soul partner. Please call Iziegbene on 09099203751.

Note: If you have fertility problems like childlessness, inability to conceive or get pregnant, miscarriages, fibroid, low sperm count, STDs, or need a male child or female? Call 08153536405, 08122352054. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/relationship.

34

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

It happened to me:

‘I was a bad wife’ I

got married just before I turned 25 and divorced when I was 26. We separated after only 11 months of marriage. When people ask, “What happened?” I usually tell them something like, “I was too young,” or “We never should have gotten married,” or “I think there’s a chance he was gay.” All of these things are true.

But if I wanted to be completely honest, I would say “His mom got a brain tumor.”

I usually don’t say that because, admittedly, it makes me sound like a pretty horrible person. But if I had to pinpoint what actually happened during my brief marriage that led to its swift demise, it was definitely the brain tumor.

It was early December when his mom called to tell him the news.

The information was pretty hazy -- no one seemed sure what it was or how bad it was, but with brain tumors, it’s usually safe to say that it’s not good. He was, understandably, upset. And when he told me, I remember thinking, somewhat selfishly, “Please don’t let her die.” Now, I genuinely wanted her to be okay, for the normal reasons. But it was also selfish. I had been slowly realizing over the last few months that I was not happy with my life. And a large part of it was that I was not happy with who I had married. I hadn’t yet admitted out loud that I was thinking about divorce, but I was on the brink. And when I learned that his mom might have brain cancer, of all things, I saw a future flash before my eyes. I saw tragedy and grief and I saw myself unable to escape. Because you can’t ask someone for a divorce when their mother has brain cancer.

I tried my best to comfort him.

I desperately wanted to convince him that she would be fine.

And I did want her to be fine -- I needed her to be fine. For me. I called my brother, a doctor, hoping he could better explain the limited information we had. I told my distraught husband that my brother agreed with one opinion that it was probably a meningioma. And that if you’re going to have a brain tumor, that is the brain tumor you want. This was good news for me, because I really wanted to leave him.

But nothing would be certain until they operated. She wanted

to wait until after Christmas so they scheduled a surgery for late January. It was a stressful period.

And as much as I knew that if it were my mom, I’d be a wreck, his constant worry was driving me crazy. I realize that makes me sound cold and uncaring, but on top of the things that were already troubling me about my marriage, I was learning that there were new things too. I was learning that in a crisis, this was not the man I wanted by my side. He actually seemed to thrive on the drama. As genuinely concerned as I know he was, I also got the feeling that he really liked being able to utter the words “my mother’s brain tumor.” I felt embarrassed and uneasy.

I don’t think there’s any way to tell this story without sounding like a bad person. So I’ll just go ahead and say it -- I was a bad person. And a bad wife. I didn’t handle it well either. He arranged to fly home for the surgery, telling his boss that he needed to be there for his mom, and I agreed.

He needed to be there, but I didn’t. I mean, it wasn’t my mom.

For some reason, he accepted that I wouldn’t join him. I was a freelancer for a television network and I often got jobs with very short notice. I think that was my excuse. But really, I just needed a break from him. And I just couldn’t imagine being there, acting like part of the family, and consoling someone who I secretly wanted nothing to do with.

During the time that he was away, a lot of things became clear to me. I realized that I didn’t feel the way that I should about the man I had married. I realized that I didn’t want to be a part of his family. I realized that I couldn’t imagine forever with this person who I thought I knew so well.

And I realized that I was happier without him. I felt guilty. I felt bad about using this time to think about myself and to plan my escape from our marriage. But that’s what happened. And had it not been for the tumor, I don’t think I would have realized any of this. Or at least, not until much later.

In the end, his mom was fine.

They removed the tumor and it wasn’t cancer. But when I told him that February (less than a month after her surgeries) that I wanted

Picture of a woman crying used to illustrate.

to move out, he said, “So when I was gone, sitting at my mother’s bedside, you were out looking for apartments?” Yes, I told him.

I never planned it that way. It’s not as if I got married knowing that I would eventually want to get divorced, but was just waiting for one of my in-laws to develop a serious medical condition. That would be a terrible plan. I learned that while there’s never a good time to ask for a divorce, there

can always be a worse time. I didn’t want to be the woman who left her husband during a crisis, but it turns out being the woman who left her husband immediately following a crisis doesn’t sound much better. But, however it sounds, I’m glad it happened. I’m glad his mom was okay and I’m glad that I realized what I needed to do before I wasted any more of his time, or mine.

Romantic Joke Drunk man in female toilet

A

drunk man enters a female toilet by mistake. One woman sees him and screams, “This is for the ladies.” The drunk man replies holding his manhood, “This is for the ladies too.”

35

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 24, 2017

The Law and You Bailing an accused I

have continuously been called by some of our reader recently asking me questions relating to Bail. It has been made a controversial issue by some politicians and misleading or confusing some ordinary Nigerians that a particular court or Judge is “wicked” or “biased”.

But is that true? The answer is No! This, to my understanding, is because of lack of proper knowledge and understanding of what a bail is and meant for as well as what it is meant to safeguard. Do you know that refusal of certain bail by the court can save a lot of lives which could have been wasted? The refusal to grant a bail to the accused, a notorious armed robber, for instance can save the lives of the innocent whom he and his gang would have attacked.

Likewise, the refusal to grant bail to an innocent and harmless accused may lead to his been corrupted or his life being wasted because of the refusal. It is based on these facts and more as we can understand from my write-up that I decided to discuss this topic and to educate and enlighten those who do not know the truth.

What is a bail Bail is a conditional release of an accused implicated with a crime upon receiving such security to ensure that the accused will be available for his trial. This further can be said to be a process by which an accused awaiting trial or sentence or the hearing of an appeal, for one cogent reason or another is released from custody on entering with or without a surety or sureties into a bail bond for a sum of money or other conditions for his appearance at the time or place the court requires.

Section 35 of 1999 constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria is the legal frame work for bail in Nigeria as it states among others that “Every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of such liberty save in the following cases (read your constitution) and in accordance with a procedure permitted by law”. However, there are

some exceptions to these provisions and just to mention but one; that a person who has been detained in lawful custody awaiting trial shall not continue to be kept in such detention for a period longer than the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for the offence, etc.

It is also important to understand from the provision of the constitution that an accused who has been accused of a non-capital offence is not a criminal and such should not be treated as one until he is proven guilty by the prosecution, if not then he is presumed innocent and his fundamental rights are not restricted.

Types of bail Basically, three types of bail are known based on the level of criminal investigation and trial such as; 1. Police bail 2. Bail during trial 3. Bail pending Appeal Police bail: This is the combined effect of the provision in Section 35(4) & (5) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria and section 17 CPA; 131CPC and 27 of the Police to grant bail to arrested persons where it is impossible to arraign them before a court of competent Jurisdiction within a period of 24 or 48 hours as the case may be and in accordance with the provisions and requirement of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Note that a police officer may refuse bail even if the 24 and 48 hours stipulated by the Constitution is due where the committed offence is of a serious nature as classified a capital offence. For details of the list of the capital offence and more please consult with any Lawyer near to you or call me for more details.

Please note further that the law does not empower the police to demand for money before releasing on bail. Bail is free though discretionary and an accused should not be made to believe he has to furnish any money or property before he can be released on police bail.

Case 1: Can a Court revoke a bail after granting it?

With Barr. Ken Akpom (08162016410)

Bail during trial: After an accused is arrested and the necessary security investigating Authorities have concluded their investigations and taken the accused to Court, application for his bail is usually made to the magistrate, or the Judge depending on the court where he is arraigned for his bail and if worthy of grant, the Court may direct that the person be admitted to bail as in the provisions of the Law. The Lawyers, the experts in this field, know this very well. Consult any Lawyer close to you or call me for more details.​​​​​ Note also that the granting of bail by the Court depends on whether the offence is a simple offence or misdemeanor or a felony. Usually, a Court does not grant bail for an accused person in capital offences like a person charged with any offence punishable with death shall not be admitted bail except by a Judge of the High Court. Also, where a person is charged with any felony other than a felony punishable with death, the Court may, if it thinks fit, admit him to bail.

Let us examine some aspects of Law which at times some people are being deceived to see the Court as rigid or what some of my callers who fail to ask from experts or be plain in the understanding of a court’s intentions term the Court as biased or wicked. This is the section which restricts a person being admitted to bail.

Section 341 criminal procedure code states: (1) Person accused of an offence punishable with death shall not be released on bail.

(2) Person accused of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding 3 years shall not ordinarily be released on bail, but the Court may on application release on bail a person accused as aforesaid if it considers: (a) That by reason of the granting of bail the proper investigation of the offence would not be prejudicial; and (b) That no serious risk of the accused escaping from justice would be occasioned; and (c) That no ground exists for believing that the accused if released would commit an offence.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsections (1) & (2) of this section, if it appears

to the Court that there are not reasonable grounds for believing that a person accused has committed the offence, but that there are sufficient grounds for further inquiry, the person may, pending the inquiry be released on bail.

Thus, the Court would not go against the provision of section 35(4) & (5) of the Constitution in the exercise of its discretionary power. ​Bail pending appeal: The presumption of innocence of an accused ended once a Court convicts him. Although he may apply for bail pending the hearing of his appeal but such a bail is usually rarely granted except upon special circumstance being shown by the prisoner Factors that govern grant of bail Granting and the refusal to granting bail lie within the discretionary power of the Court.

The primary factor among others is to ensure that the accused stand his trial. Secondly if there is the likelihood that the accused will not commit any offence while on bail. Thirdly, the Court will consider the criminal records of the accused. If his criminal record is not bad, the Court may grant bail. Fourthly, the Court will also consider the nature of the offence, the severity of the punishment and the character of the evidence against the accused. Fifthly, if the offence is the prevalent one that can indulge ardent criminals to commit crimes, the court will not grant such bail. Sixthly, when there is the possibility of the accused interfering with the prosecution of the case, the Court will not grant a bail. Seventhly, if there is a threat to the life of the accused by certain persons, the court will try to protect the accused by not granting the bail.

Finally, where the accused is seriously ill and treatment is not affordable within his detention and he could die if care is not taken, the Court will grant an accused bail.

Note: The court must not refuse the accused bail as a punishment. *Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

Case 2: Can a judge be biased in the granting of bail to an accused person?

Dear Lawyer,

Dear Lawyer, Thanks for the oral advice given to me concerning bail issues I complained to you. Please, can a Court which grants a bail revoke it?

From Mohammed, Minna, Niger State.

From Igbokwe, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Lawyer’s Answer:

Lawyer’s Answer:

Dear Igbokwe,

Dear Mohammed, I appreciate a lot your calls and as a matter of fact you are one of those that compelled me to discuss this topic this week.

The answer to your question is simply yes.

I am a trader with standard six certificate. In most recent cases in Nigeria as I read from the press it appears to me that the Judges are biased and sentimental in the granting of bail to the accused. Please, can a Judge be biased or sentimental or even tribalistic in this aspect of Justice?

A Court may revoke a bail when the accused jumps bail or refuses to attend his trial by running away from the cause of Justice.

You did not cite any case in point to me but I can understand your problem. You are one of those who think that the Court is politicized or tribalised because you are deceived by those who don’t know and who don’t even want to learn from those who know better. Please, the

hands of these Judges are tied. Tied by the laws of this great country, Nigeria. They are even human beings like us who are bound to err at times but the superior court corrects their mistakes if at all they make mistakes. They can’t go out of the Law as I have explained in this edition. Always consult and make friends with Lawyers to get more knowledge or keep calling me.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT Secret to my youthful looks –Joke Silva A

GELESS beauty and mother of three, Joke Silva has opened up on the secrets to her youthful looks. The founder, Lufodo Acting Academy recently shared the secrets to her youthful looks with Oracle Today.

Hear her: “I think it is always keeping busy. And talking about being busy, I am working on a production we did called Heartbeat: The Musical, which is part of the Lagos @ 50 celebrations. It is happening on the 25th, 26th and 27th of May at Terra Culture.

“I am always working, whether it is putting together a show or getting Lufodo Academy of performing Arts on track. I think it helps you not to be focused on those things that may not be too right with your life.

“Maybe your account could be in the red but because you are working you don’t have time to start thinking about that so I think when you are not thinking too much about things that are not so important but focusing on the things that are right, it helps the wrinkles not appear. But you for us as black people, we don’t wrinkle easily,” the actress revealed.

How loneliness drove Banky W into marriage

I

NDEED it was with shock that Nigerians received news last week that the boss of Empire Mates Entertainment, Banky W, was set to tie the knot with his live in love, Adesua Etomi.

However, it has emerged that the loneliness hat trailed him after his business partner and co owner, Empire Mates Entertainment, Segun Demuren’s marriage to popular OAP Toolz, set the stage for his decision to take the bold step.

“Banky W and Segun go back a long way to New York where they met many years ago. Ever since they have remained very close dating the same set of girls and hanging out together.

You know the kind of life young bachelors leave.

“It was fun and it was wild. In fact, when Segun first told Banky W he was dumping the life style for marriage, Banky felt it was

T

HE Kano State Government , in conjunction with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), has reached an agreement to train 450 youth across the 44 Local Government areas of the state in Film Production and Entrepreneurship.

According to a statement from the corporation, it is expected that at the end of the training, participants will not only be self employed but will also be employers of labour.

This was disclosed by the Director General, Kano State Film and Video Censor Board (KSFVCB), at the interactive forum between the Nigerian Film Corporation and stakeholders from Northern Nigeria during the swearing-in ceremony of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) Executive, held recently at the Tropical Hotel, Kano.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) Dr. Chidia Maduekwe disclosed that the NFC,

NFC organises special training for filmmakers through its training arm, the National Film Institute & Media Arts Studies (NAFIMAS), has developed a template based on an agreement with the Kano State government for the training.

According to him, the move

will reduce youth unemployment across the country in keeping with the present administration vision of job creation and diversify the economy by exploiting the potentials of the non- oil sector of the Nigerian economy.

the joke of the year! It eventually dawned in him that Segun was dead serious and he threw his weight behind his bosom pal.”

The source revealed that as soon as Segun got married, Banky became very lonely as he had lost his ‘partner in crime.’

“He became very lonely and he realised he just couldn’t continue living like that. You know as a celeb, many women hand around him and the temptation is much. He realised that he needed a real woman in his life and luckily, he had just starred in Kemi Adetiba’s The Wedding Party where he met Adesua. One thing led to the other and here we are today.”

The couple who acted as husband and wife in The Wedding Party had their traditional wedding ceremony last week.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesda May 24, 2017

ENTERTAINENT Gist

More trouble for Mercy Aigbe’s hubby

A

S the controversy trailing the marriage of actress, Mercy Aigbe gathers momentum, it has emerged that her husband, Mr. Gentry, might be charged to court by the Lagos State government.

According to a source who squealed to Oracle Today, his problems are far from over and women groups across the word especially Nigeria are determined to make him a scapegoat in order to deter other men from abusing their wives.

“It is sad that Mercy Aigbe had to endure all that for so many years but thank God she is out now. Many women have lost their lives because of the culture of silence and this is very sad.

“Only last week he (Mr. Gentry) was invited By the Lagos State Women Affairs Ministry where he was grilled for hours and we all know what happened there.

Obviously aware of what could befall him, Mercy AIgbe’s husband is desperate to settle the matter quietly but Mercy is not budging. Forget all the allegations of infidelity, it is just a smokescreen to divert attention from the problems he is facing,” the source added stating that he is currently on the run.

Guardian of the Galaxy Volume 2 in cinemas

H

OLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER movie, Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is now showing in cinemas across Nigeria. The sequel to the popular Guardian of the Galaxy, a major hit at the box office in 2014 made its cinema debut in Nigeria recently. It was preceded by a media screening, at the Silverbird Cinema, Ikeja City Mall.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

It continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos.

The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

Old foes become new allies and fan-favourite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Written and directed by James Gunn, it stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell.

MC Galaxy unleashes MMM

All set for the commissioning of COSON House •Tony Okoroji appointed patron of the Intellectual Property Law Club of OAU

S

ATURDAY, May 20, will be a historic day in the annals of the Nigerian creative industry as Nigeria’s glitterati gather to commission COSON House, located in Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking, Tony Okoroji, COSON Chairman said: “COSON House is the first fully owned property of its kind by any association, union, society or group in the history of the Nigerian creative industry. It is instructive that we did not get a penny from the federal government or any Nigerian government at all to finance COSON House. We did not get one dollar from any donor agency or any foreign institution to build COSON House.

It is also instructive that we did not take a loan of any type from any bank to finance COSON House.

“I am proud to say that when the ultra- modern COSON House is commissioned on May 20, we will not be owing a penny. The building and facilities within COSON House fully belong to musicians across Nigeria and other stakeholders in the music industry.”

Okoroji also revealed that COSON House is not just set up a building that will house COSON’s corporate headquarters but also assembled compact facilities for study, research, training, retraining and dissemination of information that will ensure that the concept of intellectual property takes root in Nigeria and that Nigeria becomes an important player in the new global knowledge economy.

Meanwhile, Okoroji has been appointed Patron of the Intellectual Property Law Club of Obafe-

mi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. In a letter from the institution, the President of the club, Miss Oluwatomisin Winner Apata wrote: “Words aren’t enough to express our deepest gratitude for your work of inestimable value in the field of Intellectual Property.

You’ve not only fought through thick and thin to make Intellectual Property what it is today in Nigeria but you’ve also set the pace for the coming generation.

“As part of our appreciation sir, the Intellectual Property Law Club O.A.U. has decided to appoint you as our Patron subject to your approval sir. We’re a club with a vision of educating the society on the subject of Intellectual Property and as a result resolve to be part of such struggle for the recognition of Intellectual Property Rights, its protection and enforcement.”

I

NNOCENT UDEME UDOFOT aka MC Galaxy has released his sophomore album entitled MMM, following the success of his runaway hit, Sekem.

The comedian turned musician, addressing journalists in Lagos said that his journey into music was as result of luck and God’s mercies.

The Akwa Ibom born singer said: “This is my first ever press conference. I have just released my latest album entitled MMM which means Money Making Machine.

The reason I called it Money

Making Machine is to inspire everybody that we are all are money making machines.

Everybody can make money if we all work hard enough.

All we just need is determination. Don’t underrate yourself.

“I used to do comedy and collect N2000 per show and dance for free but today, trust me, the reverse is the case. I want to thank God for his blessing upon my life and call youths to tap their talents especially at this t8ime of economic recession.”

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

‘For me, marriage has been a wonderful experience’

L

OVERS of Nigerian music videos definitely know the actress, model, mother and entrepreneur called VENITA AKPOFURE aka Veezeebaybeh. From featuring in Skales Mukulu video to Tuface Idibia’s Ihe Neme and Ice Prince Magician Remix, she has graced billboards and modelled for platforms like Martini Rose, FCMB and Mouka Foam. The star of popular comedy TV series, AY’s Crib, in this chat talks about marriage, career and why she fell for her hubby. She spoke with DOUGLAS OMOYOOMA Tell us about yourself?

My father is a half-caste but my mother is a full Nigerian but very fair. I am the first child from a family of four children. I am a graduate of Accounting from Kingston and Hertfordshire University, United Kingdom. I am model, actress, mother and CEO. When did the journey begin for you as a model?

It all began in 2005 when I took my first of pictures. I remember vividly a close pal was going for a shoot so he took my pictures along with him and before I

knew it, I was everywhere and that was where it all started. I have worked for Martini Rose, FCMB and Mouka Foam. I have featured in over a dozen videos for stars like Tuface and P Square. My background in dance made me stand out but I have stopped doing videos. The last video I did was Naeto C’s Finish Work. Right now I am fully into TV and acting.

A while ago you got married and had a baby. How are you enjoying marriage?

I am in love. I am very much in love with my man. I love him

so much and that is the much I can say. And my baby means the world to me. That is the much I can say.

What does love mean to you?

It means happiness. If you love yourself enough you will source for your happiness. Love is family. Not necessarily blood ties but people close to you and you share certain things in common.

I am very much in love with my husband. Marriage has been a wonderful experience.

What was the attraction to your husband?

My husband is a beautiful man.

Whenever I look in the mirror I see him. Sometimes, people even think that we are related. We were friends for a while before being intimate. Marriage has been a very beautiful experience.

Have you ever been embar-

rassed about what you read about yourself on social media?

No, not at all. Everybody mustn’t like me and I mustn’t like everybody. Some people post nice comments, others just say a lot of things. I just don’t mind. I can’t stop being me.

Jesse Jamesh as ‘no regrets’ about Sandra Bullock marriage: Cheating is ‘part of life’ SANDRA BULLOCK and Jesse James were all smiles at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in 2010. (Photo: AP Photo/Peter Kramer)

E

VERYONE deals with mistakes differently, and Jesse James certainly has his own way of looking at the past.

The West Coast Choppers founder, 47, split from Sandra Bullock in 2010 after five years of marriage and multiple cheating allegations.

The divorce scandal engulfed James’s life, which led him to leave Los Angeles and his Hollywood world behind. Now James — who is married to Alexis DeJoria — has revealed to the Daily Mail what his life in Texas is like.

James says lot of good came out of his marriage to Bullock and that he has “no regrets,” except for the loss of his son Louis. Bullock, 52, and James were in the process of adopting Louis when it was revealed he cheated on the Oscar-winning actress multiple times. Tattooed model Michelle “Bombshell” McGee, a stripper and a local photographer, was one of three women who came forward claiming they had affairs with James.

“Yeah, I did cheat on my wife; yeah, I stood up and took accountability for it and apologized. And that’s end of story,” James explains. “Everything else was just … [shakes his head].”

James says he is still targeted on social media — where he has made his own Bullock digs — because he stepped out on the beloved actress.

“The easy [putdown] is, like, oh well, you

cheated on Sandra Bullock. That’s the world’s easiest comeback,” James says.

He adds, “In general, both women and men cheat. It’s part of life.”

In April 2010, James checked himself into a rehab facility in Arizona to try and save his marriage, but Bullock filed for divorce in June.

“It’s like people love to see you fall. And the farther you get, the higher you get, the more they love it. I look at myself now and I look at how I was feeling then, and I think I was completely overreacting as far as letting it really get to me.” James says. “I think it was having 50 or 60 or paparazzi outside my house for five or six months. … That was not a good feeling. I’m a fighter, man, I come from the tradition of — if you do something I don’t like, I’m going to punch you.”

He continues, “There’s no lawsuits, nothing — we’re just going to fight it out. It’s hard for me to bite my cheeks and not say anything and just look down. You learn what’s important — that that whole fame thing is not really … It’s meaningless when your quality of life goes to zero.”

James decided to leave Hollywood in 2010.

“I was, like, I’m out of here [Los Angeles]. I got sick of L.A., I went through a bunch of B.S. — I thought, it’s time to go, get a better life for my kids, you know,” he reflects.

James has

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS

Police go tough on bag snatchers in Onitsha, A’Ibom vows to prosecute child arrest 4 as one escapes abusers

By IBE NWACHUKWU THE war against bag snatchers recently launched by the police in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State may have started yielding positive results with the arrest of at least four snatchers within a space of one week.

The latest of such arrests was recorded at the weekend when a combined team of Onitsha GRA vigilante operatives and the police arrested two of the bag snatchers who were identified by the police as Jideofor Madubueze of Ifeanyi Ubah Street, GRA, Onitsha, and Emeka Igwe.

According to a reliable police source, Madubueze and Igwe were arrested along the College road shortly after they allegedly snatched a Techno W6 model GSM handset valued at N45,000 from one ThankGod Obiora of New Nkisi, GRA, Onitsha.

According to the source, the two snatchers were arrested together with their operational Kymco motorcycle with Registration No. JRV 717 QL. In similarly development, a house breaker who was also identified by the police as Olisa Nwabuisi residing with his pregnant wife in a hotel at the GRA area of Onitsha was arrested by the police at No. 27 Okolo Street, Onitsha while in possession of a generator and other house-hold properties suspected to have been stolen from somebody’s house.

According to the source, the suspect who was said to be armed with a long bar which he used to break into peoples’ houses and shops at nights, was intercepted by the police on Saturday night while in possession of those items suspected to have been burgled from the house he allegedly broken into.

The police equally tracked down another bag snatcher identified as Chianumba of Jehova Jireh Street, Akpaka Forest, Onitsha for allegedly snatching a lady’s handbag in front of the Stock Exchange Building, GRA, Onitsha.

According to the source, Chianumba was operating on a Lady’s motorcycle with Registration no. AV 512

FGG with one other suspect simply identified as Junior at about 6.45 p.m. hen they allegedly snatched the handbag from the lady but as soon as the victim raised an alarm, the neighbourhood gave them a hot chase and arrested Chianumba, while Junior barely managed to escape by whisk-

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OVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, insisting that the party’s top-brass deceived Nigerians during the campaigns leading to 2015 general elections with promises that had not been fulfilled since attaining power at the centre.

He stated that after two years in office, the APC Federal Government had not executed a single meaningful project in the state, adding, “Enough is enough for the lying and deception of the APC. You can see the difference between light and darkness.”

He declared: “APC has deceived Nigerians. I challenge the APC to show one project that they have executed in Rivers State in the last two years.

They have made promises, but they have made no efforts to fulfill the promises.”

Governor Wike spoke while flag-

PPRD, for confirmation.

As at the time of filing this report yesterday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Nkiruka Nwode, ASP, told newsmen that although she was not yet aware of the arrests, she would quickly make some contacts from the authorities concerned and get back to newsmen.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Rivers State, Dr Datonye Alasia; NMA President, Professor Mike Ogirima; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry; and Vice Chairman of NMA Rivers State, Dr Obelebra Adebigi, after a courtesy visit by Prof Mike Ogirima, the National President of Nigerian Medical Association to the governor … recently.

From ESSIEN ESEMA, Uyo

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HE Akwa Ibom State government has restated its resolve to implement the Child Rights Law to the fullest, and as such would not hesitate to prosecute anybody guilty of maltreating a child.

The State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet stated this at the end of a three-day sensitization campaign against Child Abuse, Child Abandonment, Child Labour and Baby Factory.

Speaking at the campaign with the theme, “End Child Exploitation and Abuse: Promote a Violence Free Society”, Dr. Edet said the Child Rights Law is still in force in the State, and warned parents, guardians and caregivers against doing anything to hurt the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of children.

“The Child Rights Law is still effectively implemented in Akwa Ibom State. So I want to use this forum to warn parents, guardians and caregivers, who still perpetuate the evil acts of exploiting, abusing, abandoning and stigmatizing children as witches and wizards, thereby pushing them to roam the streets that they should be ready for arrest and prosecution,” the Commissioner said.

While scoring the success of the three-day campaign across the three senatorial districts of the state, the commissioner, urged all relevant stakeholders to join hands with the state government protect the rights of children in the State.

Cross River communities to benefit from UN projects From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

ROSS River State will be a beneficiary of United Nations Development projects that will be spread among 81 communities in the Niger Delta Region.

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, the leader of the United Nations management team, disclosed this in Calabar when the UN Team paid a courtesy visit to

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APC has deceived Nigerians, says Wike From NATH OMAME, Port Harcourt

ers.

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer at Central Police Station, CPS, Onitsha, Ikechukwu Egbochukwu, a Superintendent of Police, SP, declined comments on the arrests and referred newsmen to the State Police Public Relations Department,

ging off the construction of the EleleAlimini internal roads in Emohua Local Government Area. He lamented that the APC made promises and abandoned the state.

The flag off of the construction of the Elele-Alimini internal roads was part of the second year anniversary of Governor Wike.

The governor explained that construction of the roads was in fulfillment of his promise to the people of the area.

“Those people in APC stayed in government for eight years, but never fulfilled the promises they made to the people of Elele-Alimini. Today, we are here to fulfill our promises to the people of the area. Because the people of Elele-Alimini did not disappoint me when I came to them for votes, I will not disappoint them.”

He said that the people of Rivers State had no business being in the APC as the party had shown by its actions that it would not execute projects in the state.

the State Deputy Governor, Prof.

Ivara Esu. The projects, which would be located in rural communities in the State, are aimed at making life more meaningful for rural dwellers.

Dr. Adirieje who is equally the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of Afrihealth, stated that his team met with the State government to enable them unveil the package that the UN has for the State in particular and the Niger Delta Region in general.

These projects, which are mainly water and electricity, would be sponsored in full by the United Nations without any counterpart funding by benefiting communities.

The projects, he said, would be distributed in rural communities across the 27 senatorial zones of the Niger Delta region and the selected com-

munities would be those, which have already been captured and stored in the UN development map.

“This is one of the ways that the UN intends to check unnecessary rural-urban drift. We discover that often times, chairmen of local council alongside medical experts hardly stay in rural communities due to lack of water and electricity,” he said.

“The UN’s thinking is that when these basic amenities are provided in the rural areas, the doctors and several other medical personnel and council chairmen can have a rethink and relocate to the rural communities where they can become useful to people in need of their service,” he added.

The councils that would benefit from the initiative in the Northern Senatorial District include Obudu, Ogoja and Bekwarra.

Those to benefit in the Central Senatorial District are Ikom, Obubra and Yakurr while the Southern Senatorial District has Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Bakassi.

These projects would span two years. Thereafter, the UN would hand over the projects to the benefiting communities who would then become the owners of the projects.

On the criteria used in selecting the benefiting communities, Dr. Adirieje revealed that the projects were sited based on proximity to another community.

“In other words, local coucils and communities that are very close to each other were selected in a manner that if you put one structure or facility in one place, the next local council or community can benefit or assess such facility,” he explained.

Rivers gives interest-free loans to private medical practitioners From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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OVERNOR Nyesom Wike has stated that the state government has given out interestfree loans to private medical practitioners in the state to enable them equip their facilities.

Wike noted that the state government was aware that about 70 per cent of its people patronise private hospitals, stressing that the gesture was to make healthcare delivery accessible to all.

Governor Wike spoke at the flag-off of the 50th Anniversary Free Medical Programme in conjunction with the

Rivers Foundation USA in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

“For the first time in Rivers State, private medical practitioners have been given interest-free loans to upgrade and equip their facilities because government is aware that about 70 per cent its people patronise private hospitals.”

Represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, the governor said the present administration would continue to make available accessible and affordable health care one of its major policy thrusts.

He stressed that his government was poised to make healthcare de-

livery accessible to all, pointing out that his administration was not only building projects but also building human capacity especially in the health sector.

“The complete turnaround of the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital would not only deliver specialist care but also train medical man power for the Rivers State University Medical School,” he said.

The governor added that the total rebuilding of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital as well as the ongoing massive renovation of hospitals across the state were all aimed at improving health indices in the state.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS Rivers bans street trading

...Gives defaulters 24 hours ultimatum

From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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TREET traders and hawkers doing businesses along major roads, streets and on the median in Rivers State have been asked by the state government to desist from doing so.

Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Bro Felix Obuah, has issued a 24-hour deadline, beginning from Tuesday, May 16, 2017, for traders and others doing business on the median “to vacate the roads or face severe consequences.”

Obuah, in a statement, warned that any property or wares found on the Median in the affected roads AND other parts of the State, after expiration of the deadline would be confiscated.

The sole administrator particularly frowned at street traders and hawkers along Eleme Junction leading up to the Imo River Gate in Port Harcourt.

Obuah stated that the agency had already positioned its bulldozers and caterpillars in readiness to carry out the order, should the traders and those doing business in the affected areas fail to comply with the order.

The RIWAMA boss said the Agency had served abatement notices to the defaulting traders and others adding that sensitisation campaign had also been carried out in the affected areas in the past weeks.

Obuah disclosed that RIWAMA officials had already marked all the abandoned vehicles, caravans and ring culverts along the roads, adding that the agency would not hesitate to confiscate these equipments on the expiration of the deadline.

The sole administrator reiterated the state government’s appeal to business owners and traders in the state not to deface or litter public roads and their business environments and dump refuse on the roads.

Cross River defends rising number of political appointees From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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ROSS River State government has defended the rising number of political appointees in the State.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Asu Okang, stated that it is at a time like this that government ought to cater for the welfare of its people, particularly the youths.

He insisted that the number of appointees is not unwieldy but deliberately done by government to ensure that more people get involved in governance.

“The governor chooses to expand government because it is at a time of difficulty that government ought to provide shoulders for people to lean on.

“This is also done to put money in the hands of people so that the masses can have spending power. Expanding government also aims to make governance much more inclusive,”he said.

Democracy Day: Ayade to inaugurate job centre, garment factory From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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S part of plans to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day, the Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, is set to inaugurate the first ever job centre alongside the much publicized garment factory.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Asu Okang, during an interactive session with newsmen in Calabar.

The Commissioner disclosed that the aim of the job centre is to provide a central and comprehensive database of employable indigenes in the State.

“The Cross River State Job Centre is basically an innovation by the Governor to emancipate the youths in the area of unemployment,” he said.

“Government is sensitive to the plight of the youths because the governor himself understands the impact of starting early in life.

“In other climes, the unemployed finds solace in job centres. This centre intends to be a stop gap avenue whereby organizations which want personnel can acess the centre and get in touch with eligible candidates,” he said.

To give legal backing to the novel initiative, Comrade Okang revealed that a bill to this effect is currently before the State House of Assembly and has passed through the first reading.

This bill, he said, would hopefully be in place before the 2nd anniversary of the administration.

Speaking further, the Commissioner Stated that “there will be registration of unemployed persons whose data will be fed into the job centre.

This centre will also help in ensuring

that the state does not lose its quota in any recruitment processes in future”.

To ensure that this initiative is sustainable in the long run, the Commissioner said that the governor has approved the establishment of an Employment Trust Fund.

Twenty percent of the state’s revenue will subsequently be reserved for the Employment Trust Fund and those who enroll in the centre will

be paid allowances to enable them make ends meet while seeking job placement.

Other functions of the centre, according to him, would be career counseling, job placement, skills acquisition, job fairs and data collation amongst others.

On the garment factory, the Commissioner stated that the factory has since been completed and staff recruited to commence the production

of garments in the facility.

He stated that the factory has received offers across the country for production of garments including an offer to produce 50, 000 school uniforms for schools in Rivers State.

The factory, he said, is one of the signature projects that would be inaugurated.

Other projects underway include the independent power plant, Calapharm and Rice City, amongst others.

From L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Niger Delta Task Force, Mr. Albert Akpomudje (SAN), in a handshake with the Chairman, Governing Board of The Niger Delta Development Commission, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) at the commission’s headquarters in PortHarcourt, ... recently (Photo: NDDC)

Defection: C’River youth commissioner flays Enoh From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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ROSS River State Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Comrade Asu Okang, has flayed the decision of Senator John Owan Enoh, Senator representing Cross River Central District, to defect from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress saying his hegemony had overtime held the state captive.

In a statement in Calabar, Comrade Okang also said the defection would not have much impact in the district in particular and the state in general.

“Senator Enoh benefitted from a hegemony that has been holding the state captive. The governor decided in his wisdom to ignore the hegemony and expand governance in the state.

“People like Enoh felt excluded and find solace in defecting. The governor has been so magnanimous with our people particularly Etung local government which is our local government.

“As a matter of fact, over 200 political appointees have been appointed by the governor in Etung and more may be appointed. That number of youths who have benefitted from the expansive and inclusive nature of this government will stand by him.

“Enoh joined politics at a relatively young age and the governor subscribes to including young people in government. So there should be no issue with the governor’s actions thus far. The governor is absolutely free to engage whosoever he wants to and people like Enoh seem to have a prob-

lem with this”, he said.

Senator Enoh, who had served in the National Assembly for over 16 years, was the latest high profile politician in the state to ditch the People’s Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress. He recently announced his defection from the party at the floor of the

Senate.

Other notable politicians like Jedy Agba, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba (Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission) and Senator Florence Ita Giwa had all ditched the former ruling party in recent time.

Wike warns traditional rulers to stay off politics

*Says partisanship has caused crisis in many kingdoms From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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OVERNOR of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has charged traditional rulers in the State to use their position to advocate peaceful development in their various communities rather than indulge in politics Governor Wike stated this at an event to mark the 97th birthday of HRH, Eze Dr, Amb, Jobson Anyabeledike, Eze Esara (3rd), Nyerisi Mbam Oro-Esara, Kingdom in Obio Akpor LGA. The governor who was represented by the Special Adviser

on Lands, Sir, Anugbum Onuoha, regretted that rather than engender development in their communities, many traditional rulers are indulging in partisan politics thereby causing crisis in the State.

He stated: “I want to use opportunity to urge our royal fathers to desist from political activities and support the good work of the state government.

We have witnessed crisis in many kingdoms as a result of their traditional involvement in politics.”

Sir Anugbum commended the Elders of Evo Kingdom for their peaceful disposition and their continuous prayer and support

for Governor Wike’s administration.

“I am here today because of the peaceful disposition in this kingdom, the people of Elimbu and the entire Evo kingdom is very peaceful. They are peaceful because the traditional rulers are not involved in politics,” the elder statesman said.

The SA Land lauded HRH, Eze Dr, Amb, Jobson Anyabeledike, Eze Esara (3rd), Nyerisi Mbam Oro-Esara and the entire people of Evo Kingdom, charged other traditional institutions in the state to emulate his peace mantra.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

NEWS

NDDC to support agric projects in Niger Delta From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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IGER Delta Development Commission, NDDC, will support the diversification of the economy through investment in agricultural projects to create jobs and boost employment in the Niger Delta region.

“The need to diversify the nation’s economy had never been more imperative. Economic diversification is vital to Niger Delta region’s longterm economic growth and we must align ourselves with initiatives that seek to advance this very vital cause.

“For this reason, agriculture and other factor markets must be given much needed attention, in order to exploit opportunities that can create vast number of jobs and boost employment profile of the Niger Delta region,” the Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, said at the commission’s headquarters, in Port Harcourt, at the signing of separate Memoranda of Understanding, MOU, with two key development partners to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

The two MOUs were signed between the commission and Market Development Project in Niger Delta, MADE, as well as Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform in Nigeria, FOSTER. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Nsima Ekere, stated that the MOUs reflected the new management’s plan and vision to drive sustainable development in the region.

The NDDC Managing Director stated that the choice of the partners was deliberate as it showed the determination and readiness of the commission for openness in its operations.

He said: “It could not have been otherwise, since transparency and accountability are the fundamental parameters of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.”

Mr Ekere said that the NDDC Governing Board and Management at its last meeting, ratified the collaboration with technical partners.

He restated the determination of the NDDC “to restore the core mandate of the Commission, restructure the balance sheet and reaffirm the commitment to doing what is right and proper, at all times, for the benefit of the people of this great region.”

He stated: “We hope to send a strong and clear message to the people of the Niger Delta, as well as all Nigerians and international community, that the new Governing Board and Management of the NDDC is committed to ensuring that we establish in the commission and the Niger Delta region, enduring instruments and institutions vital to fulfilling both our mandate and the expectations of the people.

Mr. Ekere explained: “Under the terms of the MOU, MADE will work with NDDC to boost efforts at stimulating sustainable, pro-poor growth in selected agricultural and other input markets. We will also work to improve the position of economically active but advantaged men and women in these markets, by making them more inclusive.

“This MOU will also enable grant funding for sustainable development initiatives, as well as stimulate growth in Non-Oil Products through enhanced oil palm production, development of poultry farming, training in the production of finished leather goods, training in aquatic farming and media and ICT supported agriculture extension service of the Presidential Amnesty Program.”

Mr Henry Adigun, the leader of the FOSTER delegation, said that the main objective was to provide technical support and strengthen NDDC’s management systems for the delivery of services for development.

He said that FOSTER would support the NDDC reporting system, help to

Community leaders of Woliwo led by Honourable Thaeddius Enyioha during a courtesy visit to Onitsha South Local Government Chairman, Mr Emeka Asoanya… recently. Photo: MEJEE MEJEE boost budget implementation, as well as assist in Project monitoring and evaluation.

In his presentation, Mr. Tunde Oderinde, leader of the MADE delegation, said that the UK-funded Department for International Devel-

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CORES of mourners are spoiling for a showdown with the Nigerian Navy over the gruesome murder of two youths who were shot dead by some men of the NNS Delta, Nigerian Navy Warri.

The aggrieved mourners are embittered at the way two of their youths were killed by the gun totting naval officers at the premises of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) in Ijala, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Oracle Today learnt that the youths had gone to the company to negotiate their respective community job slots before two of them were allegedly gunned down by the kill-and-go Naval men.

One of the youths, identified as Agbolu, was from Ifie community while the other victim whose identity was yet to be known hailed from Ekpan community in Uvwie Local Council of the State.

It was further learnt that the jobless youths in large number had gone peacefully to the company for job placement and at a time there was argument among them which was immediately settled.

However, the overzealous na-

val personnel on guard left their duty post and started fighting the youths, firing shots sporadically into the air, even after the misunderstanding had been settled.

It was gathered that when the shootings were becoming unbearable, the youths took to their heels, and in the process, two of the youths were shot dead in a bizarre manner.

Besides, a lot of them were seriously injured just as some fainted

MADE was building an enduring framework to support the projects to make them sustainable.

Mr Oderinde said that the various projects would increase the incomes of at least 150,000 poor men and women in the Niger Delta.

ID party urges INEC to decentralise voter registration …Vows to produce next Anambra governor

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

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NDEPENDENT Democrats (ID) party has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to decentralize its voters’ registration

Killings: Youths vow to retaliate against navy FROM EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

opment, DFID, was a private sector initiative that collaborates with the organizations for maximum impact.

He said that the major area of interaction was in agriculture where about 10,000 people were expected to be impacted. He added that

and were revived instantly after alleged serious beating and torturing by the military personnel.

Meanwhile, embittered youths from Ifie and EKpan communities have vowed to attack the Navy, alleging that its personnel had been intimidating their host communities.

Only few months ago, an Ijaw community, located around the Navy Base, Warri, allegedly had some of its members injured during a shooting exercise.

exercise by deploying its officials to the electoral wards instead of restricting their activities at the local government headquarters.

Chairman of ID Party in Anambra State, Chief Omife I. Omife, who made this appeal in Onitsha while appraising the ongoing voters’ registration, exercise said it had become imperative to decentralize the all important exercise so that nobody would be disenfranchised in the coming Anambra State governorship election.

Describing the election as a test case for the INEC in view of the 2019 general elections, Chief Omife said the party was approaching the state election with all seriousness to ensure that ID produces the next governor of the state.

He said party members across the 21 local government areas in the state had been working tirelessly in the field sensitizing the electorate and mobilizing them for registration while also

educating them on the importance of the exercise.

He chided the “so-called big parties” for not doing enough in the sensitization and reminded those banking on committing electoral fraud to be mindful of the fact that the era of rigging elections had gone in Nigeria.

One the chances of the party, Omife said that so far three aspirants were jostling for the party’s ticket but noted that only the most credible person who would boost the acceptability status of the party would be considered.

He commended the National Chairman of the party, Chief Edozie Madu, for his efforts in repositioning the party and providing logistics which aided members so far in the exercise.

Omife said the recent two-day public holidays declared by Governor Obiano to enable workers participate in the exercise was a very good step and charged the electorate to take their destinies in their hands by getting actively involved in the electoral process.

NASS management threatens legislative aides over salaries From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

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new policy has been unveiled by the National Assembly management which aims at curtailing the activities of legislative aides employed by lawmakers to assist them in their work.

The policy, which some members of the National Association of Legislative Staff, NASSLAF, have described as “draconian” seeks to also revert to the old order which would make the salaries of all legislative aides the responsibilities of their principals.

The Oracle Today gathered that the new policy followed the adop-

tion of recommendations of the committee set up by the management of the National Assembly to look into protests over salary delays by the legislative aides.

NASS Management, which frowned at the protest over salaries, said “the DCNA, SLS, SFA and SCA shall read the riot act to the aides warning them that at the slightest untoward behaviour from them, their salaries will be turned over to their principals on whose pleasure they hold their appointments, for onward disbursement to them.”

One of the officials of the NASSLAF, who spoke to The Oracle Today on condition of ano-

nymity, has however vowed that the body would not be intimidated by the new policy.

According to the internal memo issued by the management of NASS and signed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, M. A. Sanni-Omolori, on the 3rd of May, 2017, NASS management resolved to continue the suspension of the NASSLAF until the election of a new executive for the body.

They also gave three months from the date of the memo for fresh election to be conducted.

The Oracle Today gathered that the body was suspended following protest by the NASSLAF members over nonpayment of their

salaries sometimes last year.

It would be recalled that those who had served under the 7th National Assembly were denied their severance packages running into billions of naira until after the protest of 2016 when they were settled.

Titled “National Assembly Management’s View And decision on the Recommendations of the Committee on Legislative Aides’ Forum Crises,” the memo noted that “the overall mode of operations of the Legislative Aides Forum be reviewed with a view to making the aides answerable and liable to their Principals in all aspects.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

Development

Encomiums for Odumegwu, Enugu philanthropist • Doles out hospital, houses, scholarships, cash, others to church, widows and less privileged at son’s special thanksgiving From CHUKS EZE, Enugu.

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IF God has blessed you, you can only sustain such favour and earn more divine favour by sharing it out, especially with the less privileged. It has pleased this brother to share with the church and less privileged. Let others emulate him because our life is meaningless on this earth unless we live it for God and for others”.

That was the Parish Priest of St. Pauls Catholic Church, Umuopu, Enugu Ezike, in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Fr. Jude Ugwueke, appreciating a philanthropist, lawyer, businessman and politician, Chief Ejikeme Odumegwu, the Owelle of Nsukka, after his phenomenal cash and gift donations to the church and his community.

Many associates and well-wishers had accompanied Chief Odumegwu and his family to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a station under St. Pauls Parish, Umuopu, for a special thanksgiving service for his baby boy, Ifemyorochukwu, Trump Odumegwu. The older Odumegwu had told The Oracle Today that he christened the baby, Trump, after his birth coincided with the exact period that Donald Trump won the United States Presidential election. And on how he came about the title, Owelle of Nsukka, he said that it was conferred on him at the age of 23, by the late first President of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe himself two years before Zik passed on. According to him, he had courageously visited Zik, at his Onuiyi Nsukka residence, and requested the late elder statesman to confer the title on him, which Zik obliged him after a rigorous screening.

The philanthropist, Owelle of Nsukka, is the founder and co-ordinator of National Youth Solidarity for Good Governance (NYSGG), an effective group that galvanised support for Goodluck-Sambo election bid. He is also the founder and co-ordinator of Gburu Gburu Support Group (GGSG), in Enugu State. He awed guests, priests and the faithful alike, at the church, on Easter day, when he reeled out several donations to support the church and community.

His largesse included a specialist hospital for the community, to be managed by the church, with its foundation laying ceremony already performed by Enugu State Commissioner for Environment, Amb Fidel Ayogu, immediately after church service same day. And according to him, upon completion, the facility would be named after his station – Holy Trinity Specialist Hospital, and to be run by the church, with the ratification of the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Revd. Dr. Godfrey Onah. The bishop is also expected to inaugurate the project, expectedly, in December, 2017. Owelle also announced a donation of 900 bags of cement (Truck load of Dangote brand), which was handed over to the parish priest during the service. The cement was in support of the on-going Parish church building project. Others are a truck load of yam tubers, for the church, community members and Peoples Democratic Party faithful in attendance; a residential building each for two indigent widows who have accommodation problems, with December 2017 as completion target; scholarships, from secondary school to tertiary levels, for four indigent Umuopu students (two apiece for males and females), to be determined by the Parish Priest. He said the free education is awarded under his scholarship scheme, Owelle Ejikeme Foundation (OWEF).

Odumegwu (left) and family with Rev fr. Ugwuoke at the thanksgiving mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Umuopu, Enugu-Ezike ...recently At this stage, the arena went gaga in excitement. But he was still not done yet. He went on to announce a cash donation of three million naira to support other church projects in the parish especially the All Saints Station, Umuopu; and a cow and other items that he had dropped for thanksgiving offering. He concluded by announcing that everybody should proceed to his house for a special reception, after the service and foundation-laying of the proposed hospital.

He had engaged an Enugu-based renowned catering firm, which was already on ground to provide assorted food and drinks for guests and the entire community.

At the reception, the Owelle continued his donation spree and proposed a football tournament for all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wards in Igbo-Eze North LGA. He promptly announced a financial tag of N2 Million naira, for the trophy and directed the party Chairman in the local government, Hon. Alex Urama, to liaise with the Local Government Transition Chairman and other stakeholders and work out modalities for the take-off of the competition. Urama, who was full of gratitude, hailed Owelle for his gesture, describing him as a faithful party member and extraordinary cheerful giver, stressing that he has done so much for the party and party faithful at the ward, local government and state levels respectively. “He has a large heart and I urge other well to do individuals to emulate him.

If Igbo-Eze North could have two or three people like Owelle in each ward, then our people would never suffer again,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, The Oracle Today also gathered that the politician had directed the PDP Chairman in his Ozzi Ward 9, to select 90 persons, 10 per ward, who would earn the sum of N20, 000.00 rotational no-interest loan each, to enable them process palm oil during the current palm oil boom in the area. That is also outside his on-going sponsorship of several youths who desire to go abroad in search of greener pastures to achieve their dream.

But what prompted Owelle’s uncommon

passion for charity? His wife, Lolo Odumegwu Chinwendu, who told our reporter that her husband is naturally generous, attempts to adduce reasons: “If God blesses you and you bless others in turn, He will definitely increase your favour. God has blessed us with wonderful children including Ifemyorochukwu.

As the baby’s name implies, (What I asked of God), He gave us the baby and other favours just as my husband requested in prayer; he had made commitments to God while praying. So, since God has done his part, we also have to fulfil our own part of the bargain. That was what inspired this function and the donations, and I thank God for my husband’s life” she said.

Mrs Odumegwu also described baby Ifemyorochukwu as a destiny child, a special baby and an open door to the Odumegwu family, pointing out that she develops goose bumps whenever she thought about circumstances surrounding the birth of the baby and afterwards .

“Several things make Ifemyorochukwu special, she said. His father christened him Trump because he was born just as Donald Trump clinched a shocking Presidential election win in the United States of America. And I must inform you that in addition, I also christened him Derik, after Derik the great man and philanthropist extraordinaire,” she said, while prophesying that the baby would most likely take after her father in being a lavish cheerful giver. According to her, it is a blessing to be favoured by God, but even a greater blessing to have the grace to share part of God’s blessing with the less privileged, just like her husband did.

Owelle’s mother, Mrs Gladys Odumegwu, on her part, was proud of her son and pleased to be his mother. Speaking to our reporter on the sideline, at the event, she expressed gratitude to all guests who, she said, came in their numbers to honour her son and his family, not minding that the occasion coincided with a special festive day like Easter. “I am happy for him and I am pleased to be his mother. My prayer is that God continues to bless him and protect him,” she said.

And for Owelle himself, although people refer to him as a philanthropist but he described himself as God’s messenger. He disclosed that he had been thinking of a substantial thing to do for his people when suddenly, God visited him in dream and asked him to help the needy within his environment.

“We are largely downtrodden here and we lack some basic social amenities such as hospital, pipe borne water and the rest of it. And one day, Jesus visited me in dream and directed me to alleviate the suffering of our people. I looked at myself and said why me? I am not even among the richest in or Igbo-Eze North LGA or my community for that matter. But who am I to ignore or refuse God’s call?

“So, I decided to use the opportunity of this special thanksgiving for my son, to accommodate other things that I had been nursing in mind to do for my people, from the little that I have. I do not even know how I cope with all my pledges and donations, but the Lord says that his grace is always sufficient for us. So, by the grace of God, the hospital and residential building for the widows, would be completed and inaugurated by December this year,” he said.

Speaking while performing the foundation laying ceremony of the proposed specialist hospital, Arch. Fidel Ayogu, who attended the event with his wife, described Owelle as a dear son in whom he is well pleased. Ayogu, who also hails from Umuopu, described the latter’s gesture as remarkable and timely, especially as it was done in God’s house. He urged other indigenes to emulate the man, pointing out that God never leaves a cheerful giver unrewarded. Several other people who spoke at the event hailed the Owelle for his kindness and prayed God to protect him. They rated his donations as exceptional in the history of their community.

Other dignitaries at the occasion included politicians, friends, businessmen, members of the clergy and well-wishers such including guests from the Diaspora including Enyinnia Echefu and Onochie Onwudiwe.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

PEOPLE Mama Gee: How I developed passion for traffic control

43

For Police Inspector Helen Mayogbene, aka, Mama Gee, the saying ‘follow your passion’ makes much sense. The traffic warden, Itsekiri, with the Bayelsa State police command told The Oracle Today in Yenagoa that wearing the police uniform as a member of the police force is a dream come true. CHRIS EZE reports…

Inspector General of police, Ibrahim Idris

“

Policing is something that is in me right from childhood. I had always wanted to be a policewoman, even to the extent that when I see policemen or women putting on the uniform, I would just stand looking at them, wondering when I would grow to be like them.

But, to the glory of God, I was enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force in 2002.”

Those are the inspiring words of Inspector Helen Mayogbene aka Mama Gee, who has worked in different departments of the Nigeria Police— from the Juvenile Welfare Centre, Radio Room, Beat Duties to Investigation departments. Mayogbene said she joined the traffic department in 2012 and has developed a special attachment to the department.

She enthused: “Actually, I am not a trained traffic personnel, but I will say it is a gift from God and actually I have a passion for traffic control.”

The passion she has for traffic control recently earned her a special recognition from the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who gave her

automatic promotion from Sergeant to the rank of Inspector, and personally decorated her with the new rank.

Beaming with smile, Mama Gee said about the IG’s recognition: “I was very happy because it is not easy for the IG himself to decorate somebody. So, it is a thing of joy to me. It means that hard work pays and I should continue to do what I was doing that made the IG to recognize me.”

She, however, revealed that she has a role model in the control business, a traffic warden.

“Actually when it comes to traffic control, my role model is Godstime Ufuoma Onome, that tall boy who controls traffic at A Division area. You know he is a specialist when it comes to traffic control,” she quipped.

She also explained how the sobriquet, Mama Gee took over her real name.

Her former boss, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Emmanuel Ogoegbuna, a Superintendent of Police, now retired, she said, gave her that name.

“You know, in the Juvenile Welfare Centre, Children Section, there

Mama Gee are children that are brought to the (police) station, who don’t know their destination. Good Samaritans will bring them to the station pending when their parents will come for them.

“While I was serving in that department, as a mother with motherly feelings, any child that came my way, I found myself taking care of that child as if it were my own. So, there was one time they brought five children to the station. I just went and bought provisions, flask, everything.

I was bathing one of them one day when SP Emmanuel Ogegbuna (Rtd), my former DPO saw me and said, ah you are a real mother! So, from that day, he started calling me Mama and later other people added Mama Gee. That’s how Mama Gee came about.

Since then, everybody has been calling me Mama Gee,” she said.

Mama Gee who is a widow with three children said she would like to remain in traffic section, if it pleases her superiors.

“I love being in traffic, you know our posting is normally done by our

officers. But I love to remain in traffic.

But, if they say no, you can’t remain in traffic; I have no choice because they do the posting. But since they still leave me on the road, am grateful,” she said.

The Sociology graduate from the University of Port Harcourt has a piece of advice for the young personnel in the force: “My advice to young police officers is they should emulate me. They have seen that with this promotion, hard work pays. They should be committed in whatever they are doing so that this gift that came to me will also get to them.”

She also used the occasion to appreciate her superiors.

“I will use this medium to appreciate them, thank them, my Commissioner in the person of CP Asuquo Amba and CSP Asufo, my former DPO, CSP Peter Ezebuike, my present DPO, Ekeki Police Station, SP Victor Perezi.

“I will also like to thank my DTO, my Madam, Mrs Okolo and my fans, the media and the rank and file in the force. I appreciate all.”

The

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

SPORTS

Nadal is Madrid Open winner

•Beats Dominic Thiem to lift fifth title

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afael Nadal beat Dominic Thiem 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 to win his fifth Madrid Open title and move into the world’s top four.

The Spaniard has now won three straight titles, after his Barcelona Open and Monte Carlo Masters victories, while his record on clay this year is 15-0.

Nadal edged the Austrian in the tie-break of a tense first set that lasted one hour and 18 minutes.

He broke world number seven Thiem early in the second set to set up the win.

Nadal will be confirmed as the new world No4, replacing 18-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer.

This improves his seeding for the French Open, which starts on 22 May and where Nadal is a nine-time champion.

Nadal, who beat defending champion, Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, has now won his 30th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, tying the all-time record with Serbia’s Djokovic.

The former world No1 was last inside the world’s top four in October 2016 and struggled with a wrist injury last year, which forced him to pull out of the French Open and Wimbledon and end his season early.

Nadal told Television Espanola: “The truth is I was up against an opponent who, in the next five to 10 years, will be fighting for the most important titles, so I’m very happy to have won.

“It was a very exciting game.

“It was a very important final for both of us, for him as it was the first in the Masters 1000, and for me it’s always special to play here in Madrid, in this unique tournament.

Eagles’ list not for Afcon Qualifier – Olajire •Says “No German friendly at least for now” Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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he Nigeria Football Federation image maker, Ademola Olajire, has disabused the minds of Nigerian Football fans and stakeholders on the recent 25man list of national team players billed to play friendly match against the senior team of Corsica in Ajaccio, France this month.

According to Olajire, the list released by the NFF is not for the Afcon 2019 Qualifier against South Africa in Uyo Akwa Ibom State come 13th of June.

He explained that list is for the friendly game and that some of the players listed in the current list will certainly be dropped while new players will be added to the list that will prosecute the Afcon Qualifier against South Africa next month.

Olajire’s explanation is a response to the controversy raised by the list as many football fans and stakeholders were surprised that many known names such as the captain of the team, John Obi Mikel, Brown Ideye, Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses etc.

Whereas, new names such as Ola Aina, Mikel Agu, Alhassan Ibrahim, Noah Serenren-Bazee etc. have been included in the 25man list but Olajire is saying it is not the final list for Afcon match against South Africa.

In his words: “The Super Eagles crew will be arriving Corsica on the 24th of this month and the training camp will start on the 26th. They are going to play the Corsica senior team in Ajaccio, Ajaccio is within Corsica in France,” Olajire began.

“On the 27th they are going to arrive in Paris and camp will open and they will be leaving Paris on the 1st of June for Abuja and open camping and they will from there proceed to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital or the Afcon Qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

“It is important at this point to properly inform those who are expressing fears over the list that earlier released is for the friendly in Corsica and of course for the training camp in Paris.

“A number of players will be added and a number of players will be dropped for the match against South Africa,” Olajire explained.

Speaking further he said: “Germany!

That’s a big one. You don’t play the world champion and it will be a secret.

We have a FIFA agent, an official who has been doing a good job and I know that he has been working for something for all FIFA windows.

“I know that there is no possibility of playing Germany in this particular FIFA window and not even this year.

He is working on good opposition for the Super Eagles towards the end of the year.

“We have to also know that we have a very important World Cup Qualifier which the players prefer to focus on,” Olajire explained.

The List for the friendly against Corsica Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal) Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Ekong (KAA Gent, Belgium); Uche Agbo (CF Granada, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Gijon, Spain); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal, Portugal); Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa United FC) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Stephen Odey (MFM FC); Olanrewaju Kayode (FC Austria Wien, Austria); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Noah

•Ademola Olajire Serenren-Bazee (Hannover 96, Germany); Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg FC, Germany); Sikiru Olatubosun (MFM FC) Ola Aina (Chelsea FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England)

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

SPORTS

House Committee lampoons Sports minister

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

T

he House of Representatives Committee on Sports has come hard on the Hon. Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung over his disregard for the laid down rules and regulations of the International Sports Federations in the conducts of sports Federation elections in the country.

The Sports Committee members frowned at the flagrant disregard to the International Federations rules on how elections should be conducted into the Nigerian Sports Federations who the Nigerian Sports Federations affiliate to in the conduct of elections into the Federations in the country, following the dissolution of the Board of the Federations by Dalung.

The people’s representatives made their position known last Wednesday while addressing the media on their activities saying it was unacceptable to them that Dalung should dissolve the board of the Federations without taking into cognizance the rules governing the conduct of such elections with the international federations where Nigerian sports Federations are affiliated to.

The Committee, therefore, called on Hon Dalung to as a matter of urgency, reconstitute the dissolved board of the Federations and ensure that the International Federations’ rules in the conduct of elections into the board of sports federations are strictly adhered to.

Meanwhile, The House Committee on Sports has asked Hon. Dalung to appear before it to explain the reason the federations’ subvention for 2016 were not released to them as none of the sports federations received a dime from the Sports Ministry last year despite the money being appropriated in the budget.

It is recalled that late last month, the Minister of Sports dissolved the board of Sports Federations and ensured that some sports Federations who have served two tenures are made ineligible to re-context including those who hold one position or the other in international Federations.

With the uproar that greeted the new rules for the federation elections, the Hon. Minister was alleged to have coarse the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to amend the rules to accommodate more federation presidents and the elections fixed for the end of the month.

The Oracle reliable source reveals that the main targets of the Honourable Minister were the NOC President, Habu Gumel and the President of Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) Hon Mohhamed Nur Sheriff, who is a member of the House of Representatives and a member of the House Committee on Sports.

Speaking further, our source revealed that Hon. Dalung was wrong to have declared that the life span of all the Federations have expired when he was dissolving the Federation because about 11 sports federations who

Jamaican sprinters brace for life after Bolt

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•Solomon Dalung were concessioned remains about six months to elapsed as there were inaugurated in November 2013.

Our source explained that it may not be the fault of the Minister as the ministry officials may not have educated him well and being somebody who has not been too long in sports, he may not have known the truth.

Now, with the position of the House Committee on Sports on the matter; the elections may not likely to see the light of the day by the end of the month because there are many things that should be resolved before

the said elections could take place.

It is recalled that The Oracle Today Sports was the first paper to have informed Nigerians that the last was yet to be heard in respect of the Federation elections and it has turn out to be so. Even with the guideline made public last week by the PA to the Hon. Minister wherein the elections were scheduled to take place next month, it may not still see the light of the day as the Hon. Dalung will still have to appear before the House Committee on Sports to resolve whatever problems they want to be resolved.

Udo-Obong, Onyeali, Amike battle Ogba for AFN presidency F ormer Nigerian sprint stars led by Sidney 2000 Olympic gold medalist in 4x400 metres, Eniefiok UdoObong, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi and Henry Amike have indicated their interests in contesting the presidency of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in the June 13th Federation elections in Abuja.

The former internationals said they don’t like the way things are for athletics hence there is need for them to step in and reposition the sports in the country in other to restore it to its pride of place in the scheme of things the country sports industry.

According to Udo-Obong: “Just like you said that administration is the problem of athletics and sports generally in the country at the moment, and once we get administration right, I believe every other thing will fall in place,” Udo-Obong began.

“As you can see; athletics used to be the pride of Nigerian sports but for a couple of years the sports is not giving us the desired results. Therefore, we cannot sit by and look as things go from bad to worse that is what informed my decision to step forward to contest for the presidency of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in the forthcoming federation elections next month.

“I am confident that with my experience as a former athlete and somebody who has run a privately owned enterprise successfully for 10 years, I have all it takes to make a difference in AFN if elected.

“I am qualified to administer athletics and reposition it to its past glory. I have a master degree in sports administration and as a former athlete of no mean feat; I want to plough back my wealth of experience in the administration of athletics in Nigeria.

“Some of us are not happy with the way things are that is what informed my decision to step up to context for the presidency of AFN,” Udo-Obong declared.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have expressed doubt whether the like of Udo-Obong, Mary Onyeali-Omagbemi and Henry Amike who have indicated interests in unseating Evangelist Solomon Ogba as AFN presidents will have the financial muscle to challenge the former Delta State Sports Commissioner.

The stakeholders are of the opinion that the former sprint stars have all it takes to reposition the sport in the country have seen it all but that the problem is whether they will be able to have the financial resource to compete effectively against Solomon

•Aniefiok Ud0-Obong Ogba, who over the years seems to have made AFN his personal estate.

They said their fear stems from the fact that elections in Nigeria no matter the nomenclature it take, is more or less the exhibition of financial pow-

er and not necessarily who is the best candidate. Whatever the outcome of the AFN elections would be as it relates to the presidency, only time will tell even as The Oracle Today Sports wishes our former sprint stars the best of luck.

sain Bolt’s imminent retirement is a blow for athletics, but a new generation of Jamaican sprinters is ready to try to fill his golden shoes, Olympic champions Elaine Thompson and Omar McLeod said Friday.

Thompson, the Olympic women’s 100m and 200m champion, and 110m hurdles gold medallist, McLeod will be among the marquee performers in Saturday’s Shanghai Diamond League competition, which will feature rematches of key Rio Games battles.

Bolt, the greatest sprinter in history with eight Olympic golds, 11 world titles and three world records, will retire from international competition after the world championships in August.

“It’s saddening that he’s retiring, but there is nothing we can do to change his mind,” McLeod said wistfully in Shanghai.

“But what we can do, as young emerging Jamaican athletes, is shine our own lights and try our very best to keep the flag flying high.”

Thompson added: “He’s a legend.

He’s done so much for the country.

We can’t be like him, but we can follow in his footsteps and motivate each other to continue to raise the flag higher.”

In Shanghai, Thompson will face off in the 100m with America’s Tori Bowie for the first time since they went one-two in Rio, where Thompson became the first woman since Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988 to win the 100m-200m double.

Jamaica’s new sprint queen has been in good form this year but feels there is still “room for improvement” as she gears up for the world championships in London.

“This is preparation for me to compete for the world championship. So I just have to stay focused,” she said.

The women’s 100m also will feature Olympic and world long jump champion Tianna Bartoletta of the United States, and Jamaican twotime Olympic 200m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 24, 2017

SPORTS Arsenal keep top 4 hope alive with 1-4 thrashing of Stoke City

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How rejected Batshuayi became Chelsea hero •As Moses displays class

By MADUABUCHI KALU

O

n Friday, May 12, something spectacular happened in English Premier League (EPL) when Chelsea substitute, Michy Batshuayi scored the goal that made handed Chelsea not just three points but also the EPL tittle.

Batshuayi is a Chelsea player but has not been visible because he has not featured for the Blues for up to one hour this season in all competition before the game against West Brom at Hawthorns. His case is aptly captured in the Biblical statement that God said he will bless whoever he chooses to bless.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte led the Stamford Bridge side to glory with two matches to spare - the sixth time that the Blues have been crowned English champions Chelsea have won the Premier League title after defeating West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the Hawthorns.

A late goal from substitute Michy Batshuayi gave the Blues three points, which mean they hold an unassailable 10-point advantage over Tottenham.

It is the sixth time that the Stamford Bridge side have won England’s top flight and the fourth time since 2004-05 that they have claimed the Premier League title.

Their campaign has been one of virtual unabated excellence since a sticky period in September, when they lost successive matches against Liverpool and Arsenal saw them drop as far as eighth.

Manager Antonio Conte, who arrived in the summer to guide the team after a disappointing 2015-16 season, thereafter altered his side to play with three at the back, and that proved the catalyst for a 13-match winning streak that proved to be the decisive run as they claimed the crown.

The Blues subsequently lost London derbies against Spurs and Crystal Palace, while they also went down against a Manchester United side led by Jose Mourinho, sacked 18 months earlier as they made a woeful start to their title defence.

Ironically, though, Conte’s men seemed to be aided by their lack of European football, as it left their squad free to focus on domestic matters as their chief rivals faltered.

Indeed, Chelsea can yet complete a league and cup double as they face Arsenal on May 27 at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

The history of Chelsea’s 2016/17 season cannot be complete with-

D

emand for an Anthony Joshua fight has risen to new heights following his stunning 11th-round stoppage of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last month.

Joshua (19-0, 19 knockouts) recovered from a knockdown to halt the legendary Ukrainian in a fight that sent shockwaves through the sport.

The inevitable question: When will fans see him fight again?

“November is the most likely month for a return but it’s early days all round,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn in an interview with Sky Sports in the U.K. “We are looking at potential dates and venues for Anthony Joshua’s next fight – Cardiff, Las Vegas, China and Dubai are all in play.”

The venue for a bout in Cardiff, Wales, would likely be the Principality Stadium (formerly the Millennium Stadium) which holds over 74,000 people. The last ma-

out a generous mention of Eagles’ striker, Victor Moses who became a revelation of Antonio Conte’s first season rein at the Stanford Bridge.

It is recalled that since the Nigerian International was signed

by Chelsea, all other managers of the club, including Jose Mourinho, have always considered him surplus t requirement hence he has always been of loan to other clubs including Liverpool. But with the arrival of the Italian, Moses became an important player in the Chelsea fold as the Italian effectively converted him a defender instead of the striker that he was known for.

It is believed that with the form

that Moses has been with his West London club, he will be a value addition to the Super Eagles line-up during their Afcon and World Cup qualifiers. There is no gain saying that the Super Eagles’ striker displayed good quality football on the night.

He gave good account of himself and showed why the manager will always count on him. He displayed class during the game and the manager was very appreciative of his contribution as he singled him out for praise.

It is also believed that another Chelsea player Ola Aina, who was recently included in Eagles line up will certainly bring something positive to the Super Egales.

Joshua could return before end of year

jor boxing event staged there was the super middleweight unification clash between Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler in 2007. That fight also took place in November and the stadium has the benefit of having a retractable roof to combat adverse weather conditions.

Joshua, who holds IBF and WBA

heavyweight titles, has an array of options in terms of opposition. A rematch with Klitschko appears to be the frontrunner and there are also mandatory obligations in the form of Kubrat Pulev (IBF) and Luis Ortiz (IBF).

hampions League-chasing Arsenal brightened their chances their top four finish when they defeated Stoke away for the first time in their last seven visit to the Bet365 Stadium.

Despite collecting the three points, manager Arsene Wenger, however, faced further protests from his own supporters during the game, as they flew a plane over the Bet365 Stadium and held banners inside the ground calling for him to leave the club.

But the Frenchman ended the game by receiving warm applause from the club’s travelling fans as he made his way down the tunnel at the final whistle.

The Gunners had not won on their previous six visits to the venue, but took the lead with a well-crafted move as Hector Bellerin picked out Olivier Giroud for a tap-in before Alexis Sanchez combined with Mesut Ozil, who coolly tucked home in the second period.

Until their opening goal it had been a poor spectacle, with Nacho Monreal heading against the post and Sanchez dragging an effort into the side-netting from a promising position.

Stoke controversially restored hope as Peter Crouch converted Marko Arnautovic’s cross with his hand, but Sanchez drilled in a low finish and Giroud slid in a fourth for the away side.

Arsenal were a point away from Liverpool before they pummelled West Ham United 0-4 on Sunday bring the difference to four points.

While Arsenal have two games to go, Liverpool have one games remaining. The outcome of Liverpool’s remaining game will determine whether Arsenal will make it to the Europe elite club competition next session and the determination and ability of the Gunners to win their two remaining games will determine whether there is a hope of them playing in Uefa Champions League next session.

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Why I wasn’t in Minna

BB, known enough by his moniker that he can be so addressed, is a generous man. Any debates to deny him that attribute would at best be futile. The morality, locality and complicity of his generosity may be matters for other vigorous interrogations. But, the recent gathering in Minna for Halimat, IBB’s daughter’s wedding amply testified to the power, influence and control the man still wields over people many years after he left office as Nigeria’s first military President.

Indeed, almost 24 years after he left office, many can still give an arm to be at IBB’s event. Halimat’s wedding proved that. Those who were not invited still attended. They did not do it quietly. Everyone wants to be seen around Babangida.

People would not miss the photo opportunities. Be sure that many of the pictures will make a round of the media houses in the next few weeks---I was in Minna would be no idle boast. Evidence of presence in Minna could open doors into 2019. IBB remains important to friends and foes.

Halimat, who marriage it was, is on record as the only first family child born in the State House, then in Dodan Barracks, Lagos. She got married as a third wife to an anonymous man, who may spend the rest of his life being referred to as Halimat’s husband, or IBB’s son-in-law. Many of those complaining of the seeming injustice done to the young woman ignore the importance of culture (which includes religion) in deciding intimate choices in those parts.

I suspect a tinge of jealousy. Some, if they knew that Halimat was available under those terms would have applied, pressing their closeness to IBB as reason for the marriage. They found out too late. They will also blame IBB for not starting a bazaar for the hand of the daughter. Auwal Lawal Abdullahi, a businessman from Gombe, took Halimat’s heart.

The event was a resurrection platform for many politicians. If you knew Babangida, if you were at the daughter’s wedding, if a picture of you and the principal actors made it into the media, you have drawn another breather for a long political haul.

Anyone who wonders why people trooped to Minna does not know IBB, or Nigerian politicians. IBB may not personally be as rich as many assume, but he has hundreds of billionaires falling over themselves to please him. While many of us were busy counting the number of private jets that landed at the Minna International Airport, did they also imagine the types of gifts IBB’s guests brought, and how they were delivered? In case you are still wondering about the pilgrimage to Minna, I would give you some explanations about what happened.

Since 1976, when IBB played a prominent role in foiling the coup that Burka Suka Musa Dimka, a colonel, led to oust General Muritala Mohammed, no Nigerian politician, living or dead, has been in control of Nigeria, the way IBB has. Sometimes,leader he played with the subterfuge of an infantry officer, at other times, he bared his fangs. Neither move was pleasant to

Ibrahim Babangida (middle) with second daughter Halimat Babangida and her husband Alhaji Auwal Abdullahi. his opponents. There is only one IBB. He started and scattered the transition until it deadlocked in June 12.

General Olusegun Obasanjo is frequently under the illusion that he is Nigeria. His pontifications about corruption, brutal condemnation of everyone and anyone who has played a role in Nigeria’s history, except him, tend to create impressions that without him, Nigeria would have ceased to exist. He alone so believes, which of course would weigh well in his ranking of himself as the best thing for humanity, slightly below the Almighty. Yet Obasanjo would not have amounted to much without Babangida.

The 1976 ouster of Muritala Mohammed had Obasanjo as one of the biggest beneficiaries. IBB and company allowed him.

Obasanjo’s acclaims of his braveries, stories that other accounts of the incidents have countered, deserted him during the confusion that Dimka imposed on Nigeria.

His failed attempt at being Secretary-Gen-

eral of the United Nations, his success at the Presidency in 1999, all were at the instance of IBB. He also created the two political parties that threw up the next set of political gladiators, banned those he thought would disrupt his transition to civil rule. He is probably the only leader who gave younger politicians a chance from 1990, through the ban he imposed on older politicians.

Yet we cannot forget the mess the younger politicians have made of Nigeria, for which many blame IBB. One blame that he does not share with anyone is the cancellation of the June 12 presidential election that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, his friend, won.

The ruckus of June 12 resulted in Obasanjo being President in 1999, in a move to appease the South West, Abiola’s origins. Some may have forgotten that out of prison, without any chances of being anything again, except a grateful rescued being, Obasanjo was to play host

to a delegation of seven sent by IBB and led by Atiku Abukakar. The group included Prof Iya Abubakar, Ken Emechebe and Obasanjo’s brother-in-law, Kenny Martins.

Their mission was to convince Obasanjo to run for President n 1999. Obasanjo, the self-anointed messiah, chased them away.

Days after, when IBB visited Ota and spoke to Obasanjo, the Owu-Egba Chief dusted up his messiah toga, became President for eight years and wanted more, until the National Assembly stopped him. I regard this as IBB’s second mistake, maybe worse than June 12.

Obasanjo has since bragged that his creator (we are left wondering who) would have extended his tenure if he asked. We further wonder the special relationship Obasanjo had with the Almighty, whom we assume he was referring to, for him to grant his more years of strutting all over Nigeria, mouthing speeches to glorify himself.

Efforts to make Obasanjo see himself as human and, therefore fallible, failed. Did Obasanjo make Nigeria better? How have the more than 1,000 VIPs who stormed Minna, beneficiaries of IBB’s generosities, improved Nigeria? Why has Nigeria stuck to mistakes IBB made 24 years ago, almost a generation?

Minna was about our politics, self aggrandisement, indifference to other Nigerians, poor leadership judgments, askance at where Nigeria is, defiance to public feelings, exclusion of others’ views, display of successes at living off Nigerians, rewards of injustices, promotion of sophistry, gathering of Neros – the wedding was a platform to announce the guests’ arrival to relevance. Such smallness.

How many private jets were there 24 years ago? Were Nigerians this poor then?

The Minna display reflects our poverty (where our national resources have gone) and a national culture suffused in thinking of individual’s wellbeing rather than society’s. Minna is Nigeria’s one party system, where people of means stand in brotherhood, shunning regions, religions, and tongues.

Minna again reminds us that words cannot treat the ills of Nigeria. We are two years into an administration that warned that if it did not kill corruption, corruption would kill Nigeria. In Minna, corruption announced itself as hale and hearty. Minna has become the benchmark for taunting Nigerians. I do not think IBB told his guests how to arrive. Each chose his way, each told millions of Nigerians ‘our country is different from yours.’

I was not in Minna because I was not invited. I was not in Minna because I had no private jet. I was not in Minna because unlike most of those who attended, I was not a beneficiary of the mistakes that IBB made on June 12. While I was not in Minna I kept wondering the comfort those who attended felt at their displays when millions of Nigerians can live on their few hours’ dreamland trip for years.

PS: More private toys would have been in Minna, but the airport had no space.

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited, 116 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenewsngr. Facebook: oraclenewsngr@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.